December 5, 2007

Dear Fellow Laborers,

The Thanksgiving Holiday is past, but we continue to thank the Lord for our union with Him and all of the blessings with which He continues to shower our lives. The Thanksgiving events that we mentioned planning for in our last letter went quite well. In both dinners we had the opportunity to witness as we explained the origins of the Thanksgiving Holiday. In both cases, as soon as the guests had arrived, one of them asked, “What is the origin of Thanksgiving?” Another question that came just about simultaneously was, “Is there a connection between Halloween and Thanksgiving?” Just in case you are as mystified by that question as I was, here is the reason – Pumpkins!

Sometimes we forget how thankful we should be. Judy and I spent several hours twice in the homes of neighbors. In both cases we had been invited for a light snack. Hours of listening to their conversations about their empty and sad lives reminded Judy and I of the great need for Christ in their lives.

The Sunday services and Bible studies are being well attended. There are now five Bible studies going on at four different locations during the week, in addition to Sunday School and Worship on Sundays. We also have other activities for contacting new people taking place on a regular basis. The Lord continues to open up doors with new contacts. We will be away from the work here for two and a half months. This is the longest time that we have been away from the work in seven years. We are delighted that since that time the Lord has put in place leaders who can carry on with the Sunday school classes, Worship and Bible studies. Considering the fact that we did not have one saved person in Bible studies or Services seven years ago underscores the reality of how God has blessed. A number of families who have been touched by the ministry here are now living in other countries including America, England, Isle of Man, Germany, and China.

However, over 60 million people in France need Christ. The population of our city has increased by 4,500 inhabitants during the past seven years. There are only about 100 Baptist churches in this country of 38,000 towns and cities. The task is enormous. Your help is needed.

We will be leaving France for Brazil on December 17 and we will be in the US for about a month and a half before returning to France on February 29. We are looking forward to our visit with my parents and siblings. Mom and Dad will be celebrating 60 years of marriage. At the time I am writing this I still have openings to speak about the work in France in February. So, if you would like for us to come to your church, contact us by email or call 812-303-6315 (Judy’s sister Peggy Foster).

You can rejoice in what God has done here. You are a part of it. Thanks for praying and giving.

Prayerfully yours,

John and Judy Hatcher