Ministering to the Guarani Indians
November 20, 2021
Dear friends and family,
Since our trip to Brazil last month was a very long one, I thought I would just continue my relating about that trip. As I told you before, we met with many pastors and encouraged them and the other students, but I did not tell you how they were an encouragement to us as we traveled around. The stories that I heard this trip was one of how so many were thankful for the seminary and the training that they have received, and also how they are anticipating the next classes. You can only imagine how this has blessed our hearts to know that we are following God’s will in the continuation of this Seminary.
When we had finished the meetings with the Pastors about the new schedules, we had some extra time, so we went to visit our Pastor friend Valdival and his wife Rosa. They are the Missionaries to the Guarani Indians located near the city or Paraty, just over the state line of São Paulo into Rio de Janairo about 3 hours from Caraguatatuba (the city of our last church plant). We helped minister to this tribe with our Church in Caraguatatuba.
They are a group of Indians who have been placed on a reservation and are very much in need of all the basics: food, clothing, and other life necessities. They live in mud huts or other pieced-together houses (houses that they have gathered bits and pieces from everywhere). The mud houses are made of bamboo and mud and the process takes many different layers with time between the applications. The floors are just dirt, and many are just one room. Electric is furnished by the Government but there is no heat nor air nor running water. Many of the older Indians speak only their native language, but the younger ones also speak Portuguese.
While in our last church there in Caraguatatuba we visited this tribe with our church people and groups from the States, taking them some of those basic needs that I was talking about, and bringing the gospel to them also. We were encouraged to know that 7 of the tribe accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Here is where Barbara and I need some extra help. We want to purchase Bibles in their native language. We were able to do this a few years back, but there are none of these Bibles left. The wife of one of the women of the tribe said that she was the proud owner of three of these Bibles, but when someone from the tribe sees them, they have begged her to give them one. Needless to say, she has not refused to give two of her stash, but she says that she hides her last one now so she does not feel guilty for not giving it to those who ask. Because these Bibles have to be translated into their language and be special ordered they are expensive. Pray with us to be able to get these Bibles into the Caragua Baptist Church and then into the hands of the Guarani Indians.
After the holidays, we would like to start a fund to purchase Bibles for this tribe. If you or your church would like to help with this purchase, please donate to the Indian Bible fund. We thank you in advance for your help.
As always, we covet your prayers for us in general and for our health and safety as we minister and travel. Miracles happen because of prayers. Also pray for BFM and all who are involved everyone who contributes and all our missionaries. Remembering Philippians 4:6 says pray about everything.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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Encouraging Trip to Brazil!
October 26, 2021
Dear friends and family,
This has been an AWESOME month traveling in Brazil. We arrived and went to Caraguatatuba to see the grands and family. My first message preached here was at Caragua Baptist Church where our son-in-law Walmir Quaresma is the Pastor. Always great to be back in the home church. There we have so many sweet memories of establishing this church and all the children that we ministered to, and also all the groups that came there to help in the construction and evangelism around the community. What an AWESOME time we have had there in Caraguatatuba.
The churches of Brasil have had the same challenges as ours here have had. One of those challenges is dealing with COVID. The challenge is getting the word out and now to get the people to come back to in-person services and classes. Here, as in the States, it is predicted many will not return to Church nor Seminary.
However, our Lord is in control and with Him all things are possible.
This trip has been to encourage our students who are attending Seminary. Before COVID our enrollment was nearing 400 students counting all the locations. During the pandemic we have gone down to around 200.
I have been encouraged with the enthusiasm from the different locations where we have visited on this trip. They have demonstrated that they are ready to return to classes.
We have re-organized the classes and with the problems of COVID we have learned how to reach the students with Zoom. And now we will have some classes that are in-person four times per year, and four by Zoom. Through the Zoom classes we will able to reach many more Pastors and Church leaders with classes and instruction. What an AWESOME God we serve!!!
Even though we have had some problems in the pandemic like losing four of our pastors to COVID we know that God is in control. Good things have come out of this also. Because of the pandemic we have been given permission to have more Zoom classes than in-person classes. Because of this we are able to still maintain our quality of instruction and training, reaching more students, and expanding the Seminary.
Our first graduation for our Master’s program will be this coming year. In this Master’s program we are offering two different degrees: a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Master in Pastoral Ministries. The Master in Pastoral Ministries will only be offered to Pastors. The schedule for the upcoming year has been discussed with the students and is now on the calendar.
This trip has been wonderfully blessed with renewed contacts, classes scheduled, and many miles traveled. Pastor Derek and I were invited to be speakers in a Bible conference in one of the towns where we have had classes for the Seminary in Nativity da Serra with Pastor Israel. We spent Saturday and Sunday there and went back to Caraguatatuba because it was overly cold where we were. Then to end the trip, I was asked to preach back in Caragua on the Sunday before we left. Barbara and I have had a wonderful time with the grandbabies (they are no longer babies) who are 10 and 13 years of age.
Thanks to all who are our prayer warriors because without all of you we would not be able to do what we are doing. A special thanks to Durbin Memorial Baptist Church and Heritage Baptist Church for helping with this trip financially and to all the Baptist Faith Missions supporters who make each month easier by your financial support and prayers that hold us up when we are too weak to hold ourselves up.
Continue to pray for the missionaries and the work that is being done to take the word to the needy.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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Heading to Brazil to Encourage Pastors & Churches
September 23, 2021
Dear friends and family,
The tickets have been purchased and if all goes well with the COVID test that has to be taken because of international travel, we will be headed to Brazil on the 7th of October. Please be in prayer for this trip and for the churches we will be visiting.
Our trip to Brazil will be two weeks before the classes will begin so that we can visit the churches and encourage the pastors and their workers. Many of the churches have been affected by COVID and are now afraid. We just want to encourage them and help them with their fears and anxieties.
The classes will be starting on the 18th of October and will be held by Zoom. Dr. Derek and Dr. Edge will be the professors and the classes will be “Biblical Proclamation” and “Theory of Evangelism and Discipleship”.
The pastors in Brazil are facing the same problems we have here in the States. They are doing as required: social distancing (picture of the seating in Caraguatatuba Baptist Church), mask wearing, and sanitizing of the seating. And with doing all that, some are still afraid to return to church. Even with the vaccine being available and the restrictions being lifted, the people are still hesitant about returning to church. This is also affecting the seminary. FEAR! So, just to help us and them to remember Who is in control and therefore not place our faith in institutions, structures or people, but in God, we will be making this trip. He is steadfast and forever! In Him we must put our FAITH. He is an AWESOME God!!!!
However, their financial problems are much more prominent than what we are experiencing here. So, I am telling all our readers about this because we all need a little pick-me-up at times. So, we are offering scholarship assistance to help with the cost of the classes and materials that they will be needing. Many of our students in the rural areas will be gathering together to assist the Zoom classes as not all of them have a computer. So, this month while you are praying for these students and the classes maybe you would consider sending an offering designated to their class costs and their travel expenses.
We would, as always, like to thank everyone for their support of us and BFM with your prayers and financial giving. We are able to minister to the Brazilian pastors and through those pastors, to the people of Brazil. God is greatly using the Bluegrass Baptist Seminary for His honor and His good there in Brazil. What an AWESOME God we serve.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Two Seminary Classes Planned for October
August 24, 2021
Dear friends and family,
With all the things going on in the world, we all need to stay focused on the main thing: Jesus Christ our Savior, and how we can help others by teaching them about Him.
So, let’s talk about the Seminary and the progress we have been making in Brazil. We had plans made to go in October to have our first face-to-face classes in almost two years but AGAIN the COVID has interrupted our plans. But thanks to the internet and ZOOM, even though the trip has been called off, the classes are going to go on. We will be having the two classes as planned, just in a different venue. We have used the motto of the Marines: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome. Dr. Derek from Lexington and Dr. Edge from Texas will be giving their lectures online. God is so AWESOME in every circumstance. He provides a way if you are faithful to wait on Him.
Pray for these professors, the translator, and the Brazilian pastors that are participating. These Brazilian Pastors are challenged spiritually, financially, and physically. The registering will begin on the 4th of October and will last for two weeks. Pray for the class to be full of open minds and willing spirits.
I am going to include two pictures of one of our biggest classes to graduate with certificates of completion. This was the first four classes that was offered by Bluegrass Baptist Seminary. Just to show that despite all the drawbacks, God has been and still is working within the Seminary.
There is a song that has spoken to me during this time. It is called “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.” It makes me even more determined in my mission to “train Pastors and reach Brazil for Christ”. Pray for us to not lose our vision of reaching Brazil through the Bluegrass Baptist Seminary.
Thanks to Baptist Faith Missions for the support that keeps us going during these difficult times. And thanks to the prayer warriors who constantly pray for us. It is because of all of you that keeps us doing our job of reaching Brazilians for Christ.
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
A Visit to Caraguatatuba
July 22, 2021
Dear friends and family,
It has been totally AWESOME to have been in Brazil and then good to have come back to the States. Brazil is about where the United States was about 9 months ago with the COVID virus. Our travel was restricted, but while there, we found the enforcement was loosely applied.
The Church services were observing social distancing and using masks. It was a pleasure to get to preach in all services and to also visit other Churches to tell about the Seminary. Also was able to preach in those other Churches (while using no mask).
The COVID in Brasil is limiting the in-person classes and it is also limiting the classes financially as the Pastors are unable to work their second job and that limits their income.
While we were in Caraguatatuba, we were able to visit the widow that helped us as we began the last Church plant. It was on the very porch that this picture was taken that we had the first services. We remained there until we were able to rent a building. We were also able to talk with some more people that are interested in the Seminary classes. We are looking at holding these classes in the Hotel where we have held Pastors conferences in years past. The owner of the Hotel has always worked with us when we have asked for his help. He has also attended our classes in years past.
We have not let this COVID stop us from teaching the classes. We have used the same methods that many pastors here in the States have used: the internet. We have had 4 zoom classes but the pastors are chomping at the bit to get back to the face-to-face classes. Pray for the upcoming classes and the people who will be impacted by these classes. In everything we do, we see the AWESOME hand of God.
Thank you in advance for your continued prayers for the Pastors and others that will be continuing their learning about our Savior and how to spread the GOOD news about our returning Savior.
Continue praying for our granddaughters Chelsea and Ashley as they are going through some serious health problems. Also pray for their parents as they search for the right doctors to treat them.
Thank you for your continued support for us in prayer and financially. Thank you to Baptist Faith Missions for believing in us and for always giving us the added backing to continue the good fight.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
Read more
Finally in Brazil!
June 21, 2021
Dear friends and family,
Well we are finally in Brazil. It took a lot of doing but we made it here on the 4th of June. We have been enjoying the time with the family, especially the granddaughters as it has been almost two years since we have seen them. Our time here in Brazil has reminded me of the luxuries that we enjoy in the United States. Some of these are Wi-fi, good cell reception — all the time. Then I start thinking about driving and its difference between the States and in Brazil. I truly do not miss all the challenges.
While here in Brazil I have visited many old friends, made new acquaintances, and talked with many pastors. It looks like there are some pastors here who have an interest in the seminary. God is AWESOME!!!
Finding pastors and leaders in churches to study in the seminary is not the problem we have with the Seminary, but where we are to have the seminary is the problem.
COVID restrictions are still very strenuous. And the people not yet received their injections for COVID. The churches where I have preached are in compliance with the restrictions. But with all these problems, the people are still very active and attentive for the gospel.
For us to be able to travel internationally, we had to jump through several hoops. All that being said, God took care of all our obstacles and most before we began our journey.
This month we are completing two Zoom classes and it has been great to have been here to help with all the problems. However, most of my help has been only with administration issues, i.e., classes students have taken, what do they need to finish, etc.
If all goes well, we are looking for October to be our first graduation in our Master’s program and that will be in São Paulo City.
As of now we are having classes in two cities and three other cities are waiting to be able to participate in person—this we hope to do in October. Several students have had complications and three of our students have died from COVID. Please pray for these families. Also continue to pray for all the students as they live through these problems as we do also. We do have more resources than they do. But one thing we all have in common is that we serve the same AWESOME God.
Our prayer requests: safe travels for our return to the US, the churches and their pastors here in Brazil, our Seminary professors, Dr. Derek, Dr. Edge, Dr. Waltermire, Dr. Scherer, and others who are planning to come on board. Thank you each and every one for your continued support through prayers and donations to us through Baptist Faith Missions.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
Read more
Dedicated Students in Seminary Classes
Dear friends and family,
What an AWESOME God we serve! I have so much to tell about the problems and blessings and answered prayers it is almost impossible to tell it all in a short letter. But here goes—in April we have completed two virtual Seminary classes. There were two different locations participating: São Paulo and Campins. These cities joined together to take these classes. Normally in São Paulo we have 32 students and in Campins we have 14 students. The virtual classes for April we had 29 students combined. This is an AWESOME blessing considering the problems with COVID—lack of work and lockdowns going on there in Brasil.
We all know that when God is at work the devil will pop up his ugly head when and where he can. To begin with, one of our primary Brasilian leaders and supporters, Pastor Marco de Silva and his wife both contracted COVID. His symptoms were milder than hers, so she has been hospitalized and has been intubated. So please pray for them (more on their conditions after the classes). He, however, took the classes. How AWESOME is that type of dedication.
Another student was still in the hospital yet he took the classes from his hospital bed. Many others have similar stories showing their determination to improve their Pastoral leadership. They are simply amazing, not only overcoming COVID problems, but many others, one of those major problems being financial with job losses and many places being shut down temporarily and others being completely closed.
Through it all God answered prayers. We reached out to various churches and individuals and many donations for these classes came in. We were able, with your help, to grant scholarships to every student in these classes. It is always AWESOME to see God work in these matters.
So let me now give you the testimony of a new student to Bluegrass Baptist Seminary: Matheus Godoy, a new student to BBS who attended the virtual courses offered April 19-23 and 26-30. Previously Matheus attended a Bible College in the town where he lived. He had only taken one course when the COVID pandemic occurred and, due to the pandemic, he lost his job and could no longer pay for any more courses at the Bible College. After several months of waiting and struggling, he was forced to move back home to live with his parents. Discouragement overtook him as he lost faith of fulfilling God’s calling until one of our students and translators, Maycon Ribeiro, shared with him about BBS. Maycon invited Matheus to attend the virtual class being offered in April. Matheus’ discouragement turned into joy, especially when he found out that he had been given a scholarship for not just one course but for BOTH courses due to the donations to support the students in the Seminary. Just when Matheus thought his calling would go unanswered, God provided a way through YOU for that calling to continue.
So let us all give thanks for the contributions given by Churches, Pastors, BFM conference and many others to sponsor these seminary students during their very trying times. AWESOME is the God we serve. Two classes completed, all passed, all received scholarships—that makes for an AWESOME month.
Pastor Marcos is recovering very well and his wife who was 6 weeks hospitalized, intubated, and later tracked, is now home recovering—PRAYER WORKS!!!
We have scheduled 2 more virtual classes in June and will need help for some more scholarships for these students. Barbara and I will be leaving for Brasil on the 3rd of June to prepare for the next in country fall classes. Please pray for us and our protection from COVID as we travel internationally.
Once again THANKS for your financial support as we continue to follow God’s calling in our lives.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
Read more
Virtual Seminary Classes Scheduled Through Second Wave of COVID
The Hensleys have served the Lord in Brazil, South America since 1996. They have worked with orphanages, started mission points, established churches, and are presently conducting a seminary to train Brazilian pastors.
April 13, 2021
Dear friends and family,
I am sitting here thinking how I sound like a broken record. We have moved our tickets from tomorrow to June because of the intensity of the COVID-19 in São Paulo. This is the city where our Seminary classes are scheduled in April.
We were supposed to travel on the 14th before the scheduled classes so that we could visit with the granddaughters and Mary and Walmir. Barb and I are really miss our grandbabies.
All for April is not lost as we are very committed to providing ministry training through our Seminary classes. The classes for April 2021 in São Paulo will be held virtually via zoom.
As this second wave of COVID has been very severe, we ask all to pray for our Brazilian Pastors and Seminary students. In São Paulo where the classes are being held, Templo Batista de Indianapolis where pastor Marcos is the main pastor, both he and his wife have COVID. Pastor Marcus is at home taking medicine but his wife is in the hospital on a ventilator. At this time, they both are showing improvement. Today they are beginning to wean her of the machine.
Brazil as a country seems to be having a problem with their COVID vaccines. Maybe it is because of the social medicine that they have in that country. This makes it so evident how blessed we are as Americans to have the easy access to the medication that we need when we need it. All I can think of is that some here want that kind of socialized medicine here. Forgive me for getting a little political but I have lived it and there is no upside to it.
As we are stuck here in the States, we have been busy contacting our students to keep them informed of the changing of the schedule and how they can participate on-line. But we sometimes forget that the pastors and other students do not have all the advantages that we have so it has been hard to get some of them access to a zoom class. But we are diligently working from here to see if we can make that happen. Each of them are anxious about continuing their studies, so keep them in your prayers as you keep Brazil also in your prayers.
We want to thank each and every one of you who stand beside us as the work in Brazil goes on even if it is long distance. None of this work could continue without the strong prayer warriors and the contributions to BFM. We are looking forward to face-to-face training but until that can happen we will continue the way we are with telephoning and zoom. Just know that we never forget that our Lord and Savior is in complete control and He is doing an AWESOME job.
In His service,
Aj and Barb
CONTACT INFO
AJ & Barbara Hensley
592 Emery Court
Lexington, KY 40505
AJ: 859-539-2302 | Barbara: 859-539-1424
ajcaragua@gmail.com
Read more
