October 6, 2025

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, October is here, and the Bluegrass Baptist Seminary has celebrated its graduation for the Master of Arts degree program. How exciting for these graduates!

This graduation included two degrees: one for pastors (Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries) and the second (Master of Arts in Biblical Studies) for church workers and others interested in learning more about the Bible.

The ten who had pre-registered were the ones who participated in this graduation. The number may seem small, but think of the dedication of these students—the time to study, the expense, the workload at home, family time, ongoing ministries, etc. It can become overwhelming while pastoring a church.

The 2025 graduation was held in São Paulo at the Bible Baptist Church in the Indianapolis neighborhood. None of the graduating students were from São Paulo, demonstrating how the seminary—through its online class format—is reaching Brazil, Africa, and Canada with biblical education. This program has unlimited possibilities. AWESOME!

Then you ask, “How many were able to participate in person?” — only four. The other six will receive their diplomas via the post office. Of the four, three were pastors and one was a church worker—my daughter, Mary Katherine Hensley Quaresma. In total, six pastors and four non-pastors received their degrees. This reflects the economic realities of the times. Please PRAY for these students.

The graduation was AWESOME, and there were many stories from pastors about the challenges they faced to attend. One story stood out to me. As I stood in the crowd listening to these men speak, a pastor who had traveled from North Amazonas to São Paulo—a great distance—testified about how God had provided for him and his wife to make the journey. He spoke of the trip, the cost, and the pain of not having the money. I felt his sorrow.

His desire to be at the graduation was amazing. He had spent 10 years working toward his diploma and wanted to receive it in person. AWESOME! But even more amazing was his faith. He had spent nearly all his money to get there and stayed in private homes and churches to conserve travel expenses. When someone asked how he planned to get back home, his answer made me feel small (I cried inside). Simply, he replied, “With what money I have—and FAITH.”

And now, the rest of the story: You—givers and contributors to BFM—helped him with his return. Sometimes it’s AMAZING, AWESOME, what a good Kentucky handshake can do! You were part of his faith. God uses many people to show His mercy and goodness.

We do not realize the blessings that will be credited to your account in Heaven. Simply giving, simply praying, simply sponsoring the BFM missionaries and the projects they undertake—AWESOME!

I don’t have words to express my gratitude for your support, so I will just say thank you and ask for your continued support and prayers that make this ministry work.

In His service,
AJ and Barbara

P.S. Here are some photos from the trip, with more to come in future letters. We also got to spend some time with our grands on this trip.

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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.