Coddi’s Baptism

One of my fondest memories with my father in law was he had asked me to go get a Diet Coke before a wedding, we sat and talked and just connected.  I’ll never forget our conversation.  

I was 7 when the Hensley’s came to Life Church and moved into the parsonage next door. Before the “new” sanctuary was built, I could see their house with the big tree and swing from mine. I’m 35 now so I don’t really remember much before the Hensley family. When I think of Pastor Paul I’m flooded with images, videos, and sounds of moments, moments that helped shaped me.  I see him standing on the stage in the old sanctuary playing his guitar, pews packed with at least 60 kids for Royal Rangers and Missionettes on a Wednesday night, no air conditioning, leading each side of the church in a competition of who could sing “Praise Ye the Lord” the loudest. I hear him singing “Father Abraham” and “Happy All the Time”. If you were lucky, Deb might let you work the overhead transparencies with the lyrics. I hear Kristen playing the piano and Stacey and Mandy singing behind him. I see him standing in our yard talking to Mom and Dad. I see him sitting at the front of my class at Waynesville Middle School as a substitute attempting to crack some jokes. I hear him tell the story of hearing Kristen play the piano for the first time not realizing she could play. I hear him talking about being a butcher and how God had worked miracles in his life. I see him running the bases at the 4th of July cookout and wearing a cowboy hat and a poncho at Western Roundup. I see him getting tickled when he sang off key or when the worship team could not get it together. I see him playing in the 35 and older basketball league with my dad as we cheered him on, “Go PP!”(Pastor Paul). I see him and Stacey in the front seat as I ride along in the back on our way to Tuscola. I hear him attempting to rap and yell from the car window, “Make good choices girls!”. I see him pray the prayer of salvation with my future husband and baptize us both. I see him standing next to my husband as I walk down the aisle. I see his hands raised, tears streaming down his face as the power and joy of the Lord overwhelmed him. I see him laying hands on more people than I can count, including myself. I see him in my living room praying over my difficult pregnancy. I see him rejoice with us as we welcomed 2 baby boys to our family. I see him wrap his arms around me when I lost 4 grandparents and a baby. I hear him singing “He’s Alive” and “Days of Elijah”. I hear his excitement as he reenacts stories from the Bible. I am forever grateful for all the moments! I’m  forever grateful for Pastor Paul’s love and guidance! 

I first met Paul when I was in undergrad in the mid / late 90s. I am the son of an assembly of God Pastor and so when I went to school at Western Carolina University, I was looking for an Assembly of God Church. His church in Waynesville was where I decided to go. It was obvious that the spirit was in the church, and in the pastor. He was very impactful in my life. Always seemed to have a smile. Always willing to help others. I cannot see a Hawaiian shirt without thinking of him. He could sport one like no other! But what I remember most about him was his spirit of worship. To watch him and pursue God with him in worship was wonderful. I often wished I could play a guitar half as good as he. He gave me opportunities to lead worship, and to be a part of his leadership. I couldn’t tell you how many worship songs remind me of him. Although my life went a different direction and I moved away, I have thought of Paul and his family often. I know, God says our days are numbered. And it would be foolish to ask God to let us know ahead of time what that number is. Our hearts may be full of sorrow. Paul is worshiping God in person. I look forward to giving him a big hug and worshiping our father with him. I love you Paul… 

I’m still having a difficult time with words to say. Though I wasn’t in attendance at Life Church for a little while, I still felt my friendship with Pastor Paul and Debbi was still intact. Daily I shake my head in disbelief that Pastor is not here. It doesn’t seem real, but it is. It is painful, but only for now. For me, for us. There will be that day when we will be with Jesus, and join all the folks gone before us, in heaven. What a glorious day that will be!  

(I will never forget that Israel trip in 2019! Pastor & Debbi, Briley Jo, Chelsea, Shirley and me)

Marti Van Eepoel

Paul the Servant, helping in opening Organic Beans Coffee — with Pastor Paul Hensley

The whole in our hearts is deep. Seventeen years of doing ministry together...Pastor, we rejoice with you, however to be here without you will certainly be a challenge.  You were truly a shepherd to our family.  Thank you for modeling JESUS so well. GOD gave us the best when HE gave us you!

Debbie,  we love you and are here for you. 

Debi and Family, Sorry to hear about your loss of Paul! I was so shocked and saddened to hear the news. It is one of those bittersweet times when you are sad and missing the person but at the same time knowing Paul is in Heaven and it is the most Joyous time for him! Paul was such a special person and man of God!! He meant so much to me and had such an impact on my life! He will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always consider him my Pastor and friend!! He was always such a blessing to be around, and we had a lot of fun times too! Remember Debi the laughter we all used to have at lunch times after church or get togethers at our house?! I will never forget those times with you both!! I will always keep the memories of how much Paul was a true Christian who walked the walk of an Awesome Sheppard and Friend!! 

Love you and remember you always Paul!

Love you Debi and Kristen,

You're in my thoughts and prayers,

Lynne

So sorry for your loss. Paul was such a great man! He stood behind me when I lost my father and may wife months apart from each other. He showed up for both funerals. When  my wife was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Paul was checking on me several times a week. He was a true friend and a true servant of God!!!

Thinking of and praying for all of you! Love, Andre Landry & Michelle Neumann Landry

Pastor Paul was a very special friend for the past 16 or 17 years.  Met him playing tennis and became friends from our very first meeting.  A genuine ambassador for Christ and gifted preacher, teacher and Bible scholar. Will miss him along with his humor and trash talking on the tennis court as well as him humming and singing Christian hymns while on the court. Truly loved this Christian brother.  I would like to convey my (and my wife’s) heartfelt condolences to Deb and their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.  May the Lord comfort you all during this time and in the coming days.  Gary and Jackie Perkins

TJ’s Christening on August 21,2022 — with Trey and Deb Peterson, Ptr. Paul Hensley and Baby TJ

I remember a cook out we had for some youth at the church in our back yard. Deb was out of town so Paul was by himself and very quiet (so unlike him). I asked him why he was quiet. He said when he was without Deb it was hard for him to be himself. He loved his family so much and it was apparent to all who knew him. He was always the one person we could count on when we needed a helping hand or a listening ear. Haywood County was so much better for having his family in our community and Paul will be forever missed among us. Our hearts are broken but we have many memories of happier times shared with such a wonderful person as Paul.

I always have good memories of Paul and the family. He named my two dogs when he first met them, Grace & Mercy! And the names fit them perfectly! Paul was a great worshipper. There are still many songs, when I hear them, I think of him! I also remember introducing him to running races back in the 90s. The first race he went to with us he won a pair of shoes. I love and miss Paul and the whole family. In my prayers…. T.J. 

My love and prayers for all