December 2, 2002 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

We've been thinking about how God has abundantly blessed us during the past year. You are a blessing to us. As you pray and give God enables us to be light in this part of the world. We pray that this letter be a blessing you. 

Thanksgiving 2001 was a time for much gratitude in our home. Judy had just received her first "No Cancer" check-up since surgery and therapy earlier in the year. This past spring we received similar good news. In November 2001, the Lord opened the door for Judy to begin donating her time to teach in English in the local public school. This opened up a number of doors of opportunities and enabled us to become better recognized and accepted in the community. 

Thanksgiving 2002 finds us rejoicing more than ever in the Lord. The Evangelistic Bible Study on Thursdays has now been going for 18 months. There are a number of regular attendees and others that come from time to time. Ursula, the lady with whom we began this Bible study, has faithfully participated and recruited many others to the Bible study. From her testimony, it appears that she has trusted the Lord. Boldly, she tells others how her relationship with God has changed because of the Bible study. 

A year ago, the Lord brought Yolande and Guillaume into our lives. Judy began having Bible Studies with Yolande in the Gospel of Mark while I tutored Guillaume, her son, in English. Neither of them has any religious background. This weekly Bible study on Saturdays continues. 

In February of 2002, Ruth, a participant in the Thursday Bible Study introduced us to Amelia. God had worked through Ruth's witness and recent events in this proud and selfish lady's life (her words) to bring her to the deep conviction that she was a sinner and needed the Lord. Because of her job with Air France she could not come to the other Bible studies, so we began one in her home in the town of Leguevin. On March 3, 2002, she trusted the Lord in the privacy of her room and made a public profession at the following Bible study. She immediately began telling others what had happened to her and we started yet another Bible study to which she invited her friends. 

Up to this time we had been worshiping on Sundays with a church in the city of Toulouse. It became obvious that the time had come to start Sunday worship in our town with those who had trusted the Lord but were not participating in congregational worship anywhere. We polled the participants in the Bible studies concerning the best time and began at 11:00 am the first Sunday of June with a room full. We also began Sunday School for the children. We have just added another class for older children. Because some of the participants speak only French and some only English, the worship and classes are in French and English. We speak in French and translate to English. We sing the songs in French and English. As we pray, God leads and things have gone quite smoothly. Most Sundays there are first time visitors. Yesterday, 28 adults and children were present. Pray especially for Judy. She typically has 10 or 11 children from toddlers to age 9 along with a couple of mothers in a room that is about 7 by 10 feet. All of this is just a result of blessed people bringing friends. 

We are delighted to be working with Philip and Amanda, our son and daughter in law. We could not do what we are doing alone. They, as we, are missionaries sent by Emmanuel Baptist Church of Evansville. They determined it to be God's will to support themselves through work here. God made this possible by providing the job along with the work permit. It is difficult for foreigners to get jobs in France. But God, years earlier, provided for Philip to prepare for this job as a Software Engineer. This is one of the few professions for which work permits are readily given. 

Hardly a week goes by that the Lord does not open for us new doors of opportunity. Just today, we have already had a couple of opportunities. With difficulty I refrain from writing more concerned that some may find me verbose! (You can laugh.) Thanksgiving 2002 found our heart overflowing more than ever with gratitude and praise to our heavenly Father. So, we invited a couple of believers and a family of unbelievers for Thanksgiving dinner. We normally begin Thanksgiving dinner by allowing everyone at the table to express gratitude for blessings received since the previous Thanksgiving. The evening was a great time to tell the Pilgrim Story and talk about the goodness of our God. 

We invite you to join us in Thanksgiving especially for the Son who was given. We thank God for each of you. May you enjoy blessings from the Lord during this holiday season and during the coming year. 

With Thanksgiving in France, 

John and Judy Hatcher