Back Home in Brazil
July 24, 2023
Dear Brethren,
Greetings from hot and dry Cruzeiro do Sul. Perfect! After 6 months in the United States, I have arrived back home. Bev was with me for the last 3 months of my “vacation”. My treatment ended at the beginning of July. Our return trip was long, tiring, but went without a hitch. My parting shot as the surgeon left the room on my last checkup was, “Doctor, you did what nobody has ever been able to do: You made time stand still. These have been the longest 6 months of my life.”
Thanks to all of you who have prayed. Please don’t stop though. At age 75 I am still not out of the woods and may never be. Special thanks to my daughter Monica who had to put up with the “homeless guy” for 6 months. What a trooper, just like her Mom.
We have been back home for 10 days now. You would not believe the number of things that can break in 6 months. I am still weak, but have gotten quite a few things repaired. Of course, there have been meetings and more meetings as I try to catch up. It has all been very pleasant though.
Attendance is on the rise at church. Yesterday morning we had a baptism and Lord’s supper service. Pastor Maicom (one of our 7 pastors) performed the baptisms. We added 10 new members. We also had 3 more requests for baptism yesterday. Three more people came back into fellowship. We also reinstated a family of 6 that had been away for a long time. We had 1,089 at church yesterday.
Yesterday was one of our oldest members birthday. Sister Eunice Sá was at church to celebrate her 90th. Many of her children and grandchildren are faithful members to this day. Her husband pastored First Baptist Church back in the fifties. He went to heaven many years ago. He was a deacon when I became pastor. Many other family members were at church last night to help her celebrate.
Our missions teams have been busy these past few days. They made visits to Ramal 7, Campinas, Gama and Paraná dos Mouras. We are having a little trouble with our missionary at Campinas, but the work is doing pretty good. Gama just continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The congregation at Ramal 7 has just finished their first building. They have moved in, but haven’t held the dedication service yet.
Well I realize that this is much news, but it is a start. It is hard to express the relief and joy of being home again. Thanks again for being patient and prayerful.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike Creiglow
CONTACT INFO
Mike & Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
69980 Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre
Brasil, SA
mdcreig@hotmail.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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Praying for Brazilian Pastors & Brothers
Friends and family,
I cannot say it has been a very busy month but I have had the privilege of getting to pray more for our Brazilian Pastors and brothers. There is one in particular and his name is Daniel. I made his acquaintance in Campinas, São Paulo in our Seminary class. He is a very active pastor and is working in three missions—quite an active pastor. He has been in the hospital with COVID for the past four weeks. He is now off the ventilator and is showing marked improvement. We have been able to follow his recovery through family and other Pastors. God is AWESOME.
Sometimes I feel a little guilty in that here in America we are getting the vaccine for COVID and other countries are so slow in gaining access to the same medicine.
We have been able to visit Virginia Beach where we have supporters. In the past we have had many visitors from the churches there. They have helped with the missions there and the ministry to the people. It still amazes the people in Brasil that people from America would use their vacation to come to work with them. What an AWESOME God we serve.
We have our tickets for our trip to Brasil for seminary classes in São Paulo. However, we are hearing that there is no improvement in the pandemic. But we all know who is in control and He will let us return at the appropriate time.
Please keep us in your prayers as we are on hold with our plans for Seminary and ministry to Brasil.
Many thanks to all who keep us in your prayers. Please continue to pray for the Seminary, the teachers, the students, and for Brasil.
Thanks to all of you who contribute to BFM and all the missionaries that are supported by those contributions.
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
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Bluegrass Baptist Seminary Spreads in Brazil
The Hensleys have spent nearly 20 years serving in Brazil. They have established a church in Caraguatatuba and mission points throughout the city. They have also recently started a seminary to train pastors.
September 21, 2019
Friends and family,
This month has been more than busy. I will start with the end of the month and reconstruct it backwards.
Pastor Derek and I were invited to a Pastor’s conference in Goiânia, Brasil, where I was able to represent Bluegrass Baptist Seminary. This was an opportunity sent from God because we were trying to incorporate a visit to this area this year to spread the word about the Seminary. As a result, we were able to talk to representatives from six different churches. They are now going to send students to the Seminary in our location in Rebeirao Preto. This will be our first classes in August of 2020. This city is projected to be one of the permanent locations for Bluegrass Baptist Seminary. This is a very large city with an airport and in a central location to many cities. Pray for these new locations we are planning for the 2020 Seminary year.
The missionary conference in Goiânia, São Paulo.
Also this month we have put Manaus, Amazonas on our projected schedule for seminary classes. The invitation to Manaus came from the classes we are having in São Paulo, as some of the students had contacts in Manaus and spread the word about our classes. I have many friends there from language classes and work that I had done there for Pastor Paul and Wanda Hatcher.
This coming year promises to be a busy and productive one for the Seminary. Our plans are for being in Ribeiro Preto, São Paulo and Manaus, Amazonas as the new cities, and Campinas, São Paulo and São Paulo, São Paulo as the ongoing classes. With these four cities we will have eight different classes. Pray for all our professors and helpers. As you know our professors are Pastors here in the United States with their Dr’s and PhD’s and they are doing an AWESOME job. Because of their qualifications, they will help with our pursuit of accreditation for the Seminary. This is an AWESOME blessing.
My health issues continue to improve and I have an appointment in the coming weeks. Be in prayer for the latest results. I know that, as in all things, God is in control.
As you know, when you are trying to serve God, there are road blocks. My roadblock this month was on the road. Not literally, but I had an accident and totaled my car. The AWESOME news is that I escaped injury. Just a few bruises and minor scratches. Our God is an AWESOME God.
Just following up with Mary’s oldest daughter Chelsea, she went for a check-up last week and the Dr said that her spina bifida is getting better and she will not have to wear a brace. Prayer works!!! Continue to keep them in your prayers.
Please pray for Barb and I as we are going to be in Brasil for the month of October. Barb will go first to visit the grandchildren then to Garça with me for the first of three Seminary classes. Then I will finish the month in São Paulo and Campinas.
Thank you for your continued prayers for this endeavor for the Kingdom.
In His service,
Aj and Barb Hensley
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
Like them on Facebook.
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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Four Seminary Classes in Three Weeks
The Hensleys have spent nearly 20 years serving in Brazil. They have established a church in Caraguatatuba and mission points throughout the city. They have also recently started a seminary to train pastors.
May 14, 2019
Dear friends and family,
In March and April, I was in Brazil taking Caragua Baptist Seminary to the Brazilian pastors and church workers. This is our concept of how to reach more Brazilian pastors and, through that, spread the gospel throughout Brazil.
In these three weeks four classes were taught: Systematic Theology, Survey of the Old Testament, Greek and Hebrew. Then the students have two months of work to be done for each class over the internet. This constitutes two semesters for those who complete all four classes. For these four classes, two pastors from the United States, Pastor Derek Coleman and Pastor Raymond Edge, gave two weeks of their time to go to Brazil and teach. Each pastor taught one course in Campinas, São Paulo and one in São Paulo, São Paulo.
Class in São Paulo
The class in Campinas was our first one in this location and we never know how many students we will have. We were told to expect 20-21 students, but we ended up with 17 students. These pastors have problems that we don’t even think about here in the States. There were some pastors that could not afford the gasoline to come to class, others could not get off in time to get to class, but the 17 that were able to come were very pleased with what they learned. I made many new pastor friends in this class and I expect to make many more.
Each time we go we have many students interested in the courses and this time was no different in that respect, but there was some hesitance or fear with the two language classes. One of the students said that he had taken two semesters of Hebrew and had not learned anything. After some assurance from me that these courses would be taught in a different manner and with a different approach, we had 33 students sign up for the classes. After the classes were taught, that same student told me that he was grateful to have had the opportunity to sit under our professors and that he had learned his Hebrew alphabet and how to do basic translations. AWESOME!!
Pastor Thomas, Pastor Edge, and AJ with the Bibles
The retired pastor, Pastor Thomas, of our host church in São Paulo is the President of the Trinitarian Bible Society of Brazil. He called the Trinitarian Bible Society of England and told them about our classes in Hebrew and Trinitarian Bible Society of England wanted to be a part of the classes. So, they decided to send us Hebrew Bibles without cost. However, Satan saw an opportunity to interfere. When the Bibles arrived in Brazil, the customs charged 2,700.00 Reals to get them out of customs. So, Pastor Thomas and I talked it over and decided that we would pay the cost to liberate the Bibles, but God in His great wisdom had another plan. Pastor Thomas called his friends in England to thank them for the gift and in the conversation, he told them about the cost to liberate the Bibles. And wouldn’t you know that they would not let us pay anything. They also paid the customs charge. They wanted to bless the Brazilian students with a free Bible. Isn’t our God AWESOME!!!!!
Class in Campinas
As I look at these students in each of the four classes, I thank God—for through my cancer, He gave me another way to plant churches in Brazil, and I see in each of these pastors the opportunity for God to use them in a special way to further His kingdom.
I have a special prayer request for all of my prayer warriors out there. One of the students in our classes in São Paulo and a close friend of mine has a 19-year-old son, David, that has been in the hospital for over 120 days and there does not seem to be any improvement. So, when God brings David to mind pray for him and his parents please.
Also please pray for the students, the pastors in the seminary, and especially for the professors as they dedicate their time and money to teach these classes.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
Like them on Facebook.
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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Preparing for Seminary Classes in Campinas & SPC
The Hensleys have spent nearly 20 years serving in Brazil. They have established a church in Caraguatatuba and mission points throughout the city. They have also recently started a seminary to train pastors.
March 12, 2019
Friends and family,
What a blessed day. Sometimes we don’t realize just how blessed we are here in America. While I’m thinking of our pastors—and especially in Brazil—I appreciate just how blessed we are.
The seminary is going great. I have been talking with our Brazilian pastors and planning our next seminary classes. We will be having four classes this year in two cities. We will have two classes in Campinas, São Paulo, and two in São Paulo City. These will be our first classes in Campinas and we are very excited to meet these new pastors and church workers. These pastors seem excited about the opportunity of having these classes in their respective areas. You see, they do not have the resources to travel far to go to Seminary, so Caragua Baptist Seminary takes the classes to them.
I also have been talking to the translator for the Campinas and he is excited about translating for the classes. You see, he has the desire to become a Missionary, and translating for this class will give him the opportunity to study along with the pastors for whom he is translating. This, in my opinion, is AWESOME!!! Pray for him as this is his first time translating. His name is Michael and he has spent several years in the States, but he is anxious about this opportunity. He says that he wants to pick our brains and to know our hearts in the time we spend with him. I’m really looking forward to meeting him.
Lots of preparation has been taking place over the last few months for these classes.
I made a trip to Texas to meet with one of our professors, Dr. Raymond Edge of First Baptist Church of Bastrop, Texas. Dr. Edge and I have become personal friends over the past couple years. We have formed a close bond as pastor and missionary. He is an AWESOME teacher and makes the Old Testament come to life. He speaks 5 languages and received his education at the Jerusalem University.
Last year he and I were in São Paulo City for a class and we had the opportunity to visit the Jewish Temple. Upon introducing ourselves, he discovered that he and the Rabbi had sat under the same professor at the University in Jerusalem. Sometimes it is just amazing how small this world really is. And what an AWESOME God we serve.
All my tickets are purchased and I will be in Brazil for March and April. Please pray for this year’s professors: Dr. Terry Leap, Dr. Greg Waltermire, Dr. Raymond Edge, Dr. Derek Coleman and Pastor Russell Zik as they minister with us Brazil for the Kingdom of God.
What I think is AWESOME also is the Churches that support their pastors as they minister with us in this endeavor to better equip Brazilians to reach their people for Christ.
Thanks for all your prayers for my health. We meet with the doctor this month to hear about what God has done in my fight against cancer. Also, thanks in advance for your prayers for this mission project as we equip Pastors to better educate their people, and for those who attend preparing to open new works in Brazil.
In His service,
Aj and Barb
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
Like them on Facebook.
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
Personal Evangelism in Campinas Leads to Changed Lives
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
December 7, 2016
Hello Friends,
One of our outreach teams traveled to take the gospel to the city of Campinas in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Beyond their usual efforts to get into the public schools and city squares with evangelistic skits, testimonies and preaching, one group concentrated on personal evangelism in homes and common everyday encounters with the local residents. They purposefully initiated pleasant conversations with people in grocery lines, bank lines, and in shopping locations while asking the Lord to open a door of opportunity to share the gospel when the individuals showed interest. There were many who, after hearing the gospel, accepted Christ as their personal Savior.
During one such conversation with two teenage boys, one boy whispered something into the ear of the other and then they both laughed a derisive laugh. When the missionary volunteer asked what they were talking about, the first boy responded that the team had arrived too late in their town. They said that it was hopeless there. The older brother of one of the teens had recently committed suicide and they said that many young people in their town had done the same and others were planning to. The missionary proceeded to show them from the Scriptures and from his own past that while we have breath, it is never too late. The gospel was clearly and passionately shared and the two young men surrendered their lives to Christ.
Another of our teams traveled also, but stayed in the home state of Parana. They learned from their visit that the city, Paysandú, is under heavy demonic oppression. There is a large percentage of youth who are addicted to drugs and illicit sex. There are also those who are no longer interested in religion because of all the false religions that have entered there only to take financial advantage of an already poor people. This group had only a handful of residents come to a personal relationship with Christ. We rejoice that God’s grace did reach these, but we also know that, because of their unbelief, many are still living in a state of confusion and hopelessness. Much like our own outreach efforts among family and personal friends, not everyone who hears their message of hope surrenders to the Lord. Please continue to remember Projeto Vida and its volunteers in your prayers.
Thank you,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Furlough Address:
3912 Casaba Loop
Valrico, FL 33596
Field Address:
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279-1
Sobrado 1, Bairro Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Phone: (813) 481-7007
Cell Phone: (813) 727-6405
Email: bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
Give: Click here to give.
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Missionary Update: Mike & Beverly Creiglow in Brazil [December 2013]
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together for 40 years. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
December 2, 2013
Dear Brethren,
The first higher waters of the new rainy season have arrived. The river came up a little in early November. Hudson, Manuel and I made a visit to our work at Porto Walter. This trip had been planned a couple of months in advance, but we were not sure which boat we would go in. The Lord sent enough water for me to go in my bigger boat, one with a top on it to keep us out of the sun and rain. It was smooth sailing with no sudden encounters with stumps or sandbars.
The building was packed for all 4 services. Hudson took the boat on up river for a couple of days to visit 3 other preaching points. There were 2 professions of faith at Novo Horizonte. Meanwhile, back at Porto Walter we had 4 more saved. We also had the biggest baptism service in the history of the work there. I baptized 26 on Sunday morning. Our missionaries there are Alexandre and Rejane. They are doing a great job.
Mike Creiglow baptized 26 people at Porto Walter, the biggest baptismal service in the history of the work there.
Also, in November I visited 2 of our chapels here in town. The first visit was to Cruzeirinho. This is our work on the west side of town. They are still in their wooden building, but are to start a new brick building early next year. The other visit was to Avenida São Paulo. This is on the north side of town. They, too, are doing very well. Right now they are putting in the ceiling and soon will be putting AC in the main auditorium.
Since we are packed out on Sunday night at First Baptist Church we decided to let the chapels start having Sunday evening services. We have still had mostly capacity crowds on Sunday night. It has now been 2 months that we did this change. So far we have had just 2 services with a few empty seats in the balcony of the home church. I have gotten so used to seeing the building completely full on Sunday night over the past 20 years that this new phase seems strange and a little scary to me. Gotta fill those seats!
We have works on the North, South, East and West sides of town. Not too long ago we added 2 more chapels. One is on the other side of the Juruá River and the other on the Northeast side of town in a neighborhood called Centrinho. Both of these already have property. Miritizal, across river, has already started their building. Foundation and slab are finished.
Bro. Creiglow helped build the first truss for the church at Guajará that is currently bursting at the seams in their old building.
Bev and I went to visit the congregation at Campinas. Luiz Alberto and Alcinete take care of this work. They have had some opposition from within over the past couple of months, which I have tried to help them with. We have met a number of times to walk them through the problems. Seems to be under control. One of the original members from when the work was first started is feeling threatened now that the work is finally taking off. They have outgrown their wooden building and will be starting a big brick building soon. There were over 200 present for the Sunday night service. They had almost that many in the morning.
Last week I visited the work at Guajará 5 times. Now that there is a road there I have been able to go just to work during the day. I have been helping them with the next stage of their new building. They are bursting at the seams in their old building. This week I built the first truss for them. Their carpenter will take over from here.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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