Bratcher Introduction
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When Dr. Moody asked me to introduce the next honoree, I felt truly privileged. I had never met the recipient until today, but have been hearing his name for the past 6 years. I have become very involved in a ministry in Southern Brazil, and the “small world” connection between Mr. Bratcher and me is intriguing.
 

Harold Bratcher graduated from Georgetown College in 1950. One of his classmates was a man named John Hatcher. Mr. Bratcher’s first venture to Brazil, in 1959, was with John and his wife Alta. Many years later, when their children were teenagers, Mr. Bratcher’s son Stephen introduced John’s daughter Kathy to her future husband Odali. This is where I become connected. I owe Mr. Bratcher and his son great thanks for the introduction of Kathy and Odali Barros. They are the missionaries that I work with in Garca, Brazil, and they have had a tremendous impact on my life. Following my graduation from Georgetown this May, I plan to move to Brazil to participate in the ministry full time.

Harold Bratcher and his wife Marie have been missionaries in Manaus, Brazil for 47 years. Throughout his ministry, Mr. Bratcher has pastored three different churches, gone on river trips down the Amazon to mission points, and has baptized approximately 1,200 people. In addition to these impressive accomplishments, I hear that Mr. Bratcher is quite the refrigerator repairman. Yesterday, Odali told me the story of one time when Mrs. Bratcher was so excited because her husband had fixed the refrigerator. Someone asked what he had done, and she said he had propped up the falling shelves with books. If Mr. Bratcher every retires, I’m sure Sears is looking for a good repairman. Three years after Mr. Bratcher began his ministry in Brazil, he received the opportunity to pastor 24th of December Baptist Church, where he ministered for 30 years. Under his leadership, the congregation grew from 40 members to 250. In 1999, he accepted a pastorate at 24th of March Baptist Church, named in honor of Mr. Bratcher’s birthday, where he is still the pastor today. At the age of 80 Harold Bratcher is continuing to serve the Lord in Brazil. He has impacted thousands, and the ripple effect of that ministry has even affected me! I am privileged to present to you, Mr. Harold Bratcher.