wfn.org | DISCIPLES REMEMBER JACK HENSLEY, AMERICAN KILLED IN IRAQ

["Wilma Shuffitt" <wshuffitt@cm.disciples.org>]

Date: Sept. 30, 2004
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills
Phone: 317-713-2492
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org 
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org 

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) mourns the loss of Jack
Hensley, a lifelong Disciples. Hensley was abducted and killed by
terrorists while working construction in Iraq. He was tragically
executed on his 49th birthday.

Hensley was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in
Marietta, Ga. His pastor, the Rev. Jerry Gladson, described Hensley as,
"a very likeable, caring person who was known for his sense of humor. He
was very quiet and very caring and very funny." 

Hensley had been working three jobs after a 2001 layoff from his job as
a computer executive. He accepted a construction job with Gulf Supplies
and Commercial Services, based in the United Arab Emirates. He was
contracted to work for one year. 

"Jack was a person who enjoyed going into other cultures. He had
previously worked in South America and Saudi Arabia and knew some
Arabic," said Gladson. "He was aware of the dangers of going there, but
he felt that he would be ok. He took all the precautions that I guess
that you could take." 

Hensley and two co-workers were kidnapped on September 16th. American
Eugene Armstrong was also killed. Kenneth Bigley of Britain is still in
captivity.

Friends and family remembered Jack Hensley Saturday during a memorial
service at a church in Marietta, Ga. Over 800 people were in attendance.

"(Memories of) his sense of humor even came out in the memorial
service," said Gladson, who officiated. "There were stories of the
pranks he pulled. He tended to find humor even in the most serious
situations."

Hensley is survived by his wife, Pati and daughter, Sara. A trust fund
has been set up in her name to ensure that she receives a college
education. 

A candlelight vigil in memory of Hensley will be held on Sunday in Tega
Cay, S.C., his boyhood hometown. 

Donations can be made by sending a check to the following address:

Sara Hensley Trust
C/O First Citizens Bank
2880 Hwy 160 West
Fort Mill, SC 29708

For further information or to learn how to donate by using Pay Pal,
wire transfers or credit card, please visit:	

http://www.jackhensley.org 

							       ###

Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills
317-713-2492
news@cm.disciples.org 

wfn