Honoring Faith, Family, and Seminary Milestones
September 8, 2025
Dear Friends and Family,
Graduation is upon us! Notices have gone out to all who have completed their requirements for the master’s program. There are fifteen possible graduates, and with one week left, only ten have contacted us. Monday is their deadline to register for the graduation ceremony. We need their registration because of the apostille required to certify their degrees, which must be obtained from Frankfort, Kentucky.
However, for me, even ten is an AWESOME number! As of Saturday, we have four candidates for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and six for the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries!
I’ll admit I’m a little disappointed that not all have responded, but then correct myself and tell myself: “Don’t get ahead of the Lord—it’s all in His timing.” And we are in Brazil! I also need to remember the seven students in the Doctoral program. So yes, I may be hung up on numbers.
Moving on—next week is graduation, plus four conferences about the Seminary in Paraguay that could greatly benefit its future. We’re also scheduled to meet with a Bible college to discuss incorporating our Master’s program into their seminary for their advanced degree.
I had a wonderful surprise from our daughter—she’s signing up for graduation this year! She’ll be receiving her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. How AWESOME can it get?!
I’d like to ask everyone to pray for these students. Sometimes we (especially me) forget that they have families, workloads, and are taking classes to deepen their theology. AWESOME! This past semester concluded with 37 enrolled students, plus the seven in the Doctoral program—bringing the total to 44. God is good!
Please pray for us as we travel to Brazil—leaving on September 9th and staying for about four weeks. There will be lots of in-country travel as we seek more students for the Seminary. Pray for good health, and for God’s grace and mercy. A special blessing for Barbara and me is that we’ll get to spend some time with our two Brazilian grandbabies while we’re there.
We continue to pray for Dr. Raymond Edge, our Hebrew instructor and Dead Sea Scrolls authority, in the loss of his wife.
In His service,
AJ and Barbara
Contact Info:
AJ & Barbara Hensley
30524 Mimi St
Sebring, FL 33870-0530
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 the yellow “Give” button on our homepage.
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Reflections of a Foreigner in Two Lands
September 7, 2025
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ,
I think I am “out of touch.” I’m like a fish out of water.
I had the privilege of spending a month in the United States, mostly visiting my adult children who live scattered around America, my parents, and my home church in Ohio. I had a mostly good and busy time and bit of an eye opening one as well. I have known very well for the last eighteen years in Kenya that I am a foreigner in a foreign place. I know that when I sit down in a public place there will be conversations going on all around me that I cannot follow or understand. All the faces, hair, and skin are different than mine. I’m the only one wearing Levi’s. I’m the only one who doesn’t feel at home.
When I go to church, I don’t know the songs that everyone else can sing by heart. I don’t like the volume of the music. I can’t dance. We worship the same Lord, the same Savior, the same Jesus but they are noticeably on the inside, I am noticeably on the outside. They have a strong sense of community; I have no community. At the college I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring young (and some old) followers of Jesus, teaching them about the Word of God and training them to be better ministers to their people, their churches, and even the world. This has been my goal from the beginning of my ministry in Kenya (began in 2008), to work together with the Kenyan people to further expand the Kingdom of Christ here and around the world and together with the Kenyan people to bring glory to our God and Savior Jesus Christ. What a joy to know that we are able to do that and to accomplish that goal and to know that we are doing what we can to serve Jesus, to expand the Kingdom, and to help the Kenyan people do the same. But I am still an outsider – I know it and they know it and I feel it every day.
Strangely enough, I felt the same way this time around in the United States as well. Take, for instance, all the new words that I didn’t even know about. I learned how to be “shook,” I discovered what a “tradwife” was and what a “tradwife” wasn’t and whether I had one or not. And, of course, everything was “boujee.” It took me a long time to figure out the meaning of that word and even longer to learn how to pronounce it correctly. People kept asking me what it was like to be back in the U.S. and I found it difficult to answer. I love my home country, but my answer was “everything is weird, a little off.” Explaining that answer means that everything was very familiar, and felt familiar, and yet nothing was quite the same. Different restaurants abound. There are roundabouts instead of traffic lights. Different products. My parents are older. I have a daughter living in Utah, of all places. Cell phones and AI have the answers to everything. And, of course, everything is boujee. I went to my home church and, yes, it was different. PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ AFTER I WRITE THE END OF THIS SENTENCE, but I felt like a foreigner. Now, the beloved people of my beloved home church DID NOT make me feel like an outsider. They treated me with love (agape and philo), grace, compassion, acceptance, warmth, and appreciation. I felt from the beloved people of my home church a Biblical, Christian love put into practice. So the fault is not theirs and completely mine – but I felt like a foreigner (again, read me well – this was all my own fault and a making of my own mentality). Most of the songs sung were new and thus unfamiliar to me. Many of the members were new and unfamiliar to me. I had never met the song leader or the piano player before (I am glad to have made their acquaintance now). The young people I used to know are now grown up and married. And the church now has a different pastor since the last time I visited the States and from the pastor I have known all my life. He is a good, godly man doing a good, godly work. I am glad to have finally met him and I know God will bless the good work he is doing and the church. But it all adds to the differentness of it all, to the weirdness of my home country. I guess it comes with the territory of being eighteen years on the mission field and should not be unexpected.
So, yes, I am out of touch. I am a fish out of water. I am a foreigner in both my host country and my home country even though I can operate in both and flip back and forth with relative ease. Maybe you feel like a foreigner in your place too. I encourage you with this thought: If you are a follower of Jesus then your country, your home, your place is with him. Ephesians 2:19 says that through Jesus we are no longer “strangers and foreigners.” Thank you, Jesus, for that. But the second half of the verse is important as well. It states that we are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Jesus knew that some of us have a propensity to feel like strangers and foreigners and that we need the community of His people and His followers in one of His churches. I encourage you to find your country, your home, and your place in the community of your home church as well. I, for one, miss it and didn’t recognize the importance of it until I didn’t have it.
I pray that God will continue to use this out of touch, fish out of water here in Kenya to train His future ministers, to strengthen His churches, to further expand His kingdom, and to bring glory to His Name.
Blessings to all,
Roger, Julie, & Chloe
Contact Info:
Roger & Julie Tate
Moffat Bible College
P.O. Box 70
Kijabe, Kenya 00220
rojuta@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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Still Here, Still Serving: 65 Years of Faith, Family, & Flourishing
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together since 1971 (Mike has served in Brazil since 1960). 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.
September 3, 2025
Dear Brethren,
Yes, we are still here. I know you probably thought that we were finally gone, but no, we are still here. Hoping for Christ to come and get us, but until then…..
We just got back from a month in the States. Some was the ordinary, such as a number of visits to doctors and clinics. The extraordinary was getting our last 3 grandkids naturalized as American citizens and special time with all 4 of our kids together in one place after over 11 years.
Before that though, I was able to squeeze in one more visit to our works on the Moa River. The river was already very low and perfect for my new boat and motor. This is my first ever shallow water with boat higher power tail motor – a 38HP Kawashima. We didn’t have time to do much testing, so I ended up having to fabricate a trim tab during the trip. Fortunately, I had taken the right tools and—along with some materials scrounged in one of the villages—I was able to keep the rig running. Since then, we have worked out the final kinks. It is a great piece of equipment. Our missionaries have used it for 2 more trips on the Liberdade and Boa Fé Rivers. Thanks to all who helped us build the boat and purchase the engine/materials.
Also, just before the trip to the US, our ladies held their 100th quarterly meeting. They shocked everybody, cramming 1603 ladies into our building on a Saturday afternoon. Not included in this number were the 30 plus men who performed the slave labor part. Proud of our faithful women.
While we were away our men had their camp with over 150 campers. Then the pre-teens had theirs with over 100 at Camp Salem, which is 25 miles down the TransAmazon Highway. Just before these activities we were able to finish putting up a new mess hall. This replaced the old wooden one that I had built over 40 years ago. The new one is a metal structure with concrete floor and is twice as big. We also built 2 new cabins just in time for these two retreats. Several more were saved through the evangelism that happens at camp.
Yes, I have been busy. And thanks to your prayers for me and God’s answer giving good health these several months, I have been able to keep up a brisk pace, to say the least.
Last Sunday we were back home at Primeira Igreja Batista. We had over 600 in the morning service. One of Pastor Pedro’s granddaughters made a profession of faith. 17 more were added to the church by baptism. We took a picture of the crowd out in front of our new building, which I will share with you.
Yesterday marked the 65 years since I first set foot in Brazil. It was September 2, 1960. I was 12 when my Dad moved us to another continent. I got to see my Dad several times last month while Stateside. He is now 99 and I am 77. Praise to our wonderful Lord for doing what He did with Dad and with me. All joy and no regrets.
Thanks for all 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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Equipped to Endure: A Season of Faith & Hope
September 2, 2025
Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,
We are continually grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we seek to serve the Lord in Brazil. In this letter, I would like to share a few important updates from the past months and invite you to rejoice with us in God’s faithfulness.
Family Update—A Season of Faith and Hope
Recently, we had the blessing of spending time with my parents before my father began his bone marrow transplant. As many of you know, this treatment is a very demanding process, both physically and emotionally. Yet, we are encouraged by the early reports that the graft is taking well, and the doctors are optimistic. The journey is far from over, but we see the Lord’s sustaining hand in each step. Please continue to lift up my father’s health, my mother’s strength, and our entire family as we walk through this season together.
Missions Conference at New Life Baptist Church
Another highlight of these past months was the Missions Conference hosted by New Life Baptist Church in Lexington, KY (Steve Wainright, pastor). The speaking schedule, the organization of the sessions, and the richness of the messages shared made this conference an extraordinary experience. It was a joy and privilege to be part of such a well-planned, Scripture-filled, and Spirit-led gathering.
Even more than the program itself, the conference was an exciting opportunity to reconnect with dear friends and supporters who have walked with us over the years, while also making new friendships that we trust will blossom into ongoing ministry partnerships. The fellowship, encouragement, and shared vision for the Great Commission left us deeply refreshed and inspired to press forward in the work God has called us to.
Laura at Liberty University
Another significant milestone in our family life is that our daughter Laura began her first semester at Liberty University this past August. Moving into a new rhythm of college life—classes, chapel, dorm responsibilities, and a new circle of friends—has been both exciting and stretching for her. She is thriving in this environment and adjusting well to the daily routine. As parents, it is both humbling and joyful to see her pursuing God’s calling for her life in this way. We ask that you pray for her continued growth academically, socially, and spiritually during this formative season.
Launching a New Master’s of Youth Ministry Degree
It has been an honor to serve as a liaison and contribute to the implementation of the Master’s in Youth Ministry program at the World of Life Bible Seminary in São Paulo. Working alongside Dr. Randy Smith and Dr. Dave Adams (dear friends and mentors of mine) has been both a sharpening and rewarding experience. This program is designed to equip the next generation of youth leaders with solid biblical foundations and practical ministry tools to reach young people across Brazil. Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting pastors, leaders, and students who are deeply committed to the gospel and passionate about discipling young hearts. The first cohort of 40 students will provide the next generation of qualified instructors for the master’s program in subsequent cohorts. Seeing this vision take shape fills me with gratitude for how God is raising leaders for the future of solid youth ministry in Brazil.
New Baptist Conference in Manaus
In late August, a team from our church plant traveled to Manaus (a four-hour flight) to participate in a ministry conference hosted by Nova Baptist Church (my uncle David Hatcher serves as senior pastor there) held from the 20th to the 24th. It was truly an incredible experience to gather with pastors, missionaries, and friends from across Brazil. Worship, learning, and fellowship filled the time, challenging and encouraging us in our calling. The main sessions inspired us to continue the course while staying firmly grounded in Scripture. The ministry workshops were practical and sharpened our team’s skills, aligning our hearts and ways of thinking. Each day, our team gathered to pray, discuss, and plan in light of the teaching and insights we encountered during the conference. It was a great experience and allowed our team to grow together as a unit. I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to speak twice while there and to share in the fellowship of so many committed servants of Christ. The church invited all present pastors to participate in the pastoral ordination (during the conference) of 14 men who had already received approval for ordination.
We made the most of the opportunity to connect with leaders from diverse regions, exchanging insights and strengthening partnerships that will further the work of the gospel. Manaus itself is such a unique setting—standing at the heart of the Amazon—and it reminded us that the good news of Christ is reaching even the most remote places.
Upon our return to São Paulo, we continued the momentum with focused planning meetings. These sessions have already yielded practical strategies for both implementing new ideas and refining existing ministries. We are encouraged by how God is guiding us, not only to learn but also to apply and adapt what He is showing us for the sake of the gospel in Brazil.
Closing Thoughts
As we reflect on these recent months, our hearts are full of gratitude. God is at work—in our family, in the ministry here in Brazil, and in the lives of so many who are seeking to serve Him faithfully. Thank you for walking this journey with us through your prayers, encouragement, and support. We could not do this without you, and we praise the Lord for your partnership in the gospel.
With love and gratitude,
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
JUD & RAQUEL HATCHER
Contact Info:
Jud & Raquel Hatcher
São Paulo, Brazil
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
(872) 400-6522
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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Joy Uncontainable: 64 Souls Saved, Even Where Darkness Tried to Dwell
August 30, 2025
I will never tire of seeing the expression of joy on the face of someone when they realize that they have been saved by God’s grace. Charlene and I had this privilege multiple times this month as we ministered together with a team from Virginia and our evangelistic team, Projeto Vida. As we shared our own testimony, or as we translated for some American teen, we watched as God worked in the hearts and minds of many hearers. We were blessed to have 64 people profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in public schools.
Before we went to one of the schools that we ministered in, we received news that we would have to be very careful not to attempt to evangelize the students openly. There was some concern from a person in an administrative position at the school who is involved in witchcraft and demonic worship. They had raised an objection to our team being permitted to go into the school to preach. We all prayed earnestly before we went and while we ministered as well. The result was that the teachers and students loved our team’s dramatic presentation of the gospel and the personal interaction with them afterward. Although satanic forces were against us, we had the joy of seeing 4 people at that school surrender to Christ. In addition to the celebration of these new believers entering the family of God, we are also encouraged by the boldness that these teenage evangelists have developed through their experience in the public arena. It is our prayer that they will trust the Lord to use them anytime they are willing to obey Him and share the gospel, in Brazil, or with their fellow students in the USA.
We are blessed to partner with some amazingly dedicated and humble servants of the Lord. We are also very grateful and appreciative to you who prays and gives so that we can apply ourselves to this mission effort. May the Lord richly bless you.
Thank you!
In Christ’s love,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Contact Info:
Bobby & Charlene Wacaser
Currently Stateside ministering to Brazil
Phone: (813) 501-9328
E-mail: bobbymichael_1@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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Surprising Connections, Lasting Fruit: God at Work in Mazère
August 16, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is always good to have unexpected, good surprises. This was the case at the Mazère Bible study three days ago. We expected the attendance at this meeting to be low because we knew of some who were away from their homes and because a major storm hit us on the road on the way to Mazère. About the time we arrived at the home of Jean-Daniel and Jacqueline news came through another participant that Florian, the young man I mentioned getting baptized in my last letter, was going to be a bit late. However, when he arrived just a few minutes late, he was accompanied by his mother and his girlfriend.
His mother had come from her home in the Island of Reunion to attend his baptism and had met several members of the study. The girlfriend showed a great interest in the Bible Study. Afterwards, I asked her about her spiritual life, and she excitedly explained how she was thrilled to have understood and trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior three years ago. She expressed to another lady in the study how much she enjoyed it and then sent a message to the group indicating how wonderful she thought the meeting was and thanking everyone for the good reception she received. She is from Dunkirk (far north of us) and has only lived in our region for about a year. She met Florian on a hike with mutual friends. This is the way it works. Every day we have encounters. Often these encounters lead to spiritual life and fellowship.
The day before the above-mentioned study, one of the participants contacted me about her son coming to youth meetings at our home. He moved to our area for university several years ago. When he was just a boy, his mother brought him to children’s classes taught by Judy during the Mazère meetings. Patricia, the mother, trusted Christ several years ago as she had regular Bible studies with Douceline, the young lady who hosted the meetings for many years. Patricia met Douceline at the library and museum where she works. Patricia is relatively quiet, but passionate about her faith in Christ.
Disciples of Jesus bringing others to their Savior.
What a blessing to be a branch of the vine, Jesus!
Your brother and sister in France,
John and Judy
Contact Info:
John Mark & Judy Hatcher
2 T Impasse de la Picardie
31830 Plaisance du Touch
France
jmhatcher@aol.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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News & Reports – August 2025
The Online Edition of the August 2025 BFM News & Reports is available at the link below.
*Remember you can click on any headline to view the post/letter on our website.
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From Graduation to Greater Vision: God’s Work in Paraná and Beyond
August 7, 2025
Dear friends and family,
This has been another busy month planning for the graduation and the Pastors’ Conference we are going to be doing in Paraná, Brazil. The graduation has grown from nine to fifteen. How AWESOME is the God we serve!!!! And another blessing is there are 40 pastors already signed up to participate in the conference.
With this class that is graduating in September, there are nine Pastors receiving their Masters of Arts Degree in Pastoral Ministries and the other six will be receiving their Masters of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies.
The new program we are starting to use (experiment with) is proving to be a great addition for the Seminary. Changing times, changing methods—but the message remains the same! Our translators are, however, being used even more now as their duties are also occasionally to monitor the classes. Sometimes the Biblical terminology is difficult to translate, and since they are all live, we do not have time to lose in searching for an easier translation; there needs to be a more ready translation for them. So, this new program is that ready translation.
Speaking of speed, I think about the end times, how everything is faster (communication, travel, etc.), and that helps me to be more focused on the Seminary giving pastors more tools to help them reach the people effectively, which is needed as never before.
As we are talking about reaching more—out of the September class, we have four of the pastors who have signed up for our Doctoral program. Again, AWESOME!!!!!!! That brings it to 10 Pastors in the Doctoral program!!! That has almost doubled!!!
Now I could use a lot of prayers because I will be giving the challenge to the September graduating class. That seems like an honor, but I am a little bit ANXIOUS. So take me to the Lord in your prayers at this time please.
While on the topic of prayer, our family in Brazil needs lots of prayer. Our daughter Mary is having lots of problems with the pressure in her eyes. Our younger granddaughter Ashley—the problems she had a couple of years with intolerance of MANY foods has returned in a different twist. Our oldest granddaughter Chelsea is on heart meds and is now having eye problems like her mother. So, when it is family, it makes praying even more important. So, thanks to all for your prayer support. Keep praying for BFM, the contributors, our professor Dr. Edge in Texas as he just lost his wife to cancer, Bluegrass Baptist Seminary, our health, and our upcoming travels.
In His service,
AJ and Barbara
Contact Info:
AJ & Barbara Hensley
30524 Mimi St
Sebring, FL 33870-0530
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
