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Hernando Today

New Hope Ordains New Pastor

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: May 30, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - A humble man, Pastor Oliver Bevins smiled as he referred to himself as a "fine feller."

But he wasn't bragging. Bevins was making a pun, because he fells trees, hauls logs and clears land in his family business.

Members of New Hope Baptist Church would likewise call him a "fine feller." They just ordained him two weeks ago to be their permanent pastor.

Oliver Bevins did in fact just fell a huge dead oak tree for free at Christian Contractors Association offices. "They are great Christians from local churches. They do a whole lot of free or inexpensive repairs and construction for local needy folks," the pastor said," and I just felt they should have some Christian goodwill done for them as a pay it forward gesture."

The 70-year-old snag broke into hundreds of pieces as it fell precisely between the power line and water main with only two inches to spare. "See. I am a good feller!" Bevins said as he showed photos of the tree, crew, equipment and challenging event.

When church members ordained Oliver Bevins as their pastor on May 17, it was a cause for celebration after several years of petitioning the Baptist Association. A letter of recommendation signed by the congregation includes some of the reasons why: "Oliver was called as our pastor in 2003. In those four-and-a-half years since he began pastoring here, he has overcome every difficulty that Satan has thrown at him. He has never faltered between right and wrong in his home or his church.

"Oliver has done everything humanly, spiritually and legally possible to get [problems solved] in his home, including taking on the responsibility of three young children [Tyler, 2; Georgia, 9: and Gina, 13].

"There is no doubt in our minds that Oliver has been called by God and that God's hand remains upon him….We, the church body, stand behind Oliver 100 percent….[and] ask for the ordination of Oliver Bevins…."

Due to some differences of opinions between the association and the church congregation, members felt it best to assemble an ordination committee, consisting of pastors who knew Oliver Bevins personally, who recognize the call on his life to pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Bevins said.

Two members who signed the ordination letter are especially glad for Bevins. Ronald and Roberta Dimick have bee married for 16 years. Ronald has worked for a defense plant, Union Carbide and " a host of jobs," he said. He has known Bevins for years, and attests to Bevins' "experience handling problem situations, giving good advice and example, and being a fine pastor. We're all glad for him being ordained. He knows about life and he preaches The Word."

The ordination was attended by those seven pastors of various churches, and included Rev. Tom Langley, retired director of missions for Sumter County. Members, friends and family enjoyed the ceremonies, music, food and presentation of the ordinance certificate.

Bevins said he feels called by God and has faith in God's direction through prayer, the Bible, family and member support, and his computer. "Yes, my computer!" the pastor said. "Any problem we have if I don't know the answer from God directly, I can make a few clicks and find the Bible references needed right now. I like the software systems, using the Internet, and all the ready help I can get."

The new black and silver dobro Bevins bought is challenging though. He uses a slide, and he enjoys the way it can sound. He enjoys traditional and newer Christian music featured at New Hope. He is trying to learn how to play the dobro while keeping up with the challenges of his business, church, and family. (In a sample, he sounded gooood….)

At church, the pastor just completed a nine-part series on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The series focused on Apostle Paul's teaching on each individual gift of the Spirit, encouraging the congregation to be open to the gifts as God allows.

The pastor recently instituted an extensive discipleship training class on Wednesday nights. The church airs radio broadcasts of sermons for 9 a.m. Sundays on 1450 AM.

Outrigger Island is the theme for the free annual Vacation Bible School. It will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 21 – 25. Sunday July 27 will feature the commencement ceremony. Last year there were 70 local children at VBS, staffed by member volunteers

The pastor and his children will be "rested up and refreshed with energy to go, by then," he said. "That's because we're vacationing earlier in upstate New York, where I know just the spots for camping out and enjoying the beautiful outdoors and also catching a mess of trout and other tasty fish." The pastor retold a long-ago story on himself: "One time my brother and I snuck into a no trespassing private pond there and caught us a big old trout. It was this big and bigger." … the pastor stretched out his arms… "But we got in real trouble when we got home. My great-uncle Morris Bevins could tell it wasn't from a brook like we fibbed, so we got scolded and lectured. However, we did all enjoy one fine trout dinner."

"Meantime now — anytime — you and your family are more than welcome to New Hope Baptist Church," Bevins said. "Our motto is 'A Going Church for a Coming Lord.' The church is an atmosphere of love and tenderness, all things working for the glory of God. I do not deserve any credit for the growth of the church. The people here have a lot to do with it and the Lord has allowed us to proper in so many ways.

"I feel that the congregation is together in one accord, filling each office and position. They actually run the church. We are but stewards of what rightfully belongs to God. It's all about people being saved, baptized, delivered, and fed spiritually by the Word of God."

When do they meet?

Sunday school all ages: 10 a.m.

Sunday morning worship: 11a.m.

Sunday eve worship: 6

Wednesday prayer and discipleship training: 7 p.m.

VBS Outrigger Island: July 21–25

New Hope Baptist Church is located at 15300 Wiscon Road (east of Suncoast Parkway), Brooksville. Phone: 799-1448. E-mail:newhopebaptistchurchinc@yahoo

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