July 26, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has been less than four weeks since I last wrote you, but the many good things that have happened make it seem like much more time has passed. As the school year was closing, the Lord gave Judy the desire to have a “day camp” for the children who come to Sunday school and their friends. When she shared her thoughts with Amanda, she became excited about it. Then they talked to Angela and she was thrilled to participate. Angela was saved and baptized in a Baptist church in Germany. It was her husband, Joachim, who was recently saved and baptized. So, on the 4th of July we began our first summer Bible Club. All went very well. We had a dozen children attend and several unsaved mothers. A number of the children who regularly come on Sundays were not able to come. However, five of the children were from families that have never come to services. Four mothers, besides Amanda and Angela, came and one expressed an interest in coming to Sunday services.

We had hardly finished the Bible Club, before our next adventure started. We have mentioned in earlier letters Aude, a French young lady who was saved about a year ago and who lives about two hundred miles north of us. She suggested to some scout leaders in her area that we could teach their troupes American flag football and teach them songs. I will summarize what God brought about by saying that we got to give the gospel (and teach flag football) to troupes from seven different areas of France. One group of 28 was from Rheims in the very north of France. This happened at 3 different camps. We began the day at 10 a.m. and taught and played flag football until 6 p.m. Then with Judy leading we prepared and served taco salad for supper. This, of course, with the help of troupes assigned to the task. After supper, we taught songs, shared the gospel, and fielded questions. Not only did we get to share the gospel with the troupes, we also got to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the leaders. Most of these were in their early or mid-twenties. At one camp, the leaders kept us up long after the scouts went to bed, asking us questions.

The leaders also shared that they were quite apprehensive about having us come, wondering what our true motive was. They said that it was just so unusual for people to give expecting nothing in return. We believe that God put it together from beginning to end. And we certainly enjoyed sowing the seed (though I am beginning to understand why pro players retire a bit younger than me).

There have been other blessings as well. One man, the husband of a lady who comes regularly, has been to several services. We have been praying for him for a long time. Though he formerly claimed to be an atheist, he follows along carefully as we study God’s Word.

Thanks for your cooperation with us through prayers and gifts. God is multiplying the gift. May God bless you and meet your needs. If at anytime you would like pictures for a bulletin board or anything else that would help you promote mission work, please contact us.

Sharing the Good News in France,

John and Judy Hatcher