September 30, 2004

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/.

World Faith News