God directed them to the town of Caraguatatuba where they helped a national pastor in his work, then joined another American minister and his family in opening another church where they served for several years. They then stepped out with God to open Caragua Baptist Church. As they worked establishing this church, they ministered to men in prison, lower income families, Indians, and other pastors.

In 2017 while visiting the States, AJ was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This diagnosis changed their focus entirely. Knowing they would have to return to the States for treatments, they accelerated the work they had started: a seminary for Brazilian pastors.

Baptist Faith Missions has allowed them to continue serving the Brazilian pastors with this seminary. At the request of the Brazilian government, they had to change the name—it is now called Bluegrass Baptist Seminary. What an AWESOME result God is producing there! As of 2020, they have completed 32 classes with 9 courses in 6 cities with an enrollment of 277 students, including pastors, missionaries, and church leaders. They are constantly being asked by pastors to come to their city to begin the seminary in their area. God is increasing their territory day by day.

AJ and Barbara are both Kentucky natives. They have been blessed with two children and three granddaughters.