If you've never met Beverly Stevens, then you are missing out! We'll give you a little sneak peak. This beautiful woman of God serves as the Life Group and Connections Pastor at Beltway Park, and she epitomizes a mother heart, pouring out Jesus's love from the overflow of her heart, to anyone who may pass her way.
Incidentally, Beverly never envisioned herself as a female pastor, but instead felt certain she would someday become an attorney, "battling for the rights of the underdog."
Beverly has been married to Danny for 22 years, and they have 3 sons, and 4 grandsons. One of her heart's desires is for her grandchildren to own their faith, established in the firm foundation that equips them to stand against the enemy with the whole armor of God.
They are a blended family, and Beverly relayed a wonderful "embarrassing" family moment from 11 years ago. "Our oldest son, Shane, was getting married, and he wanted me to be a part of the celebration. It was important to the Father for me to show unconditional love and acceptance for his Mom, so that nothing would tarnish the memory of this beautiful day. So, his Mom and I were to walk up together to the altar and light his candle for the unity candle lighting. Well, we didn't stop there! With both of our hands on his candle, we reached over and lit the big unity candle. Then, the light bulb went off! But, once the unity candle is lit, you can't blow it out, so we smiled at each other, turned around and walked back to our seats. As I have thought of that boo-boo in the last 11 years, I have come to see it in a very different view; the Father knew exactly what He was doing because unity is very important to Him. Shane's Mom and I walked in unity that day for the sake and love of our child. What a beautiful mistake." I love this illustration of God working all things (even the potentially embarrassing ones) together for our good!!
Beverly operates in the spiritual gifts of hospitality, service, encouragement, and mercy. She is passionate about valuing others in love and truth, in hopes that this genuine love will draw them to the Father. She passionately desires to love Jesus more today than yesterday, and to love others more today than yesterday. One of her biggest steps of faith was her own decision to embrace the truth of God's Word, and walk toward freedom, as there was a time in her life when she did not want to release hurt, pain, and anger she held toward her own biological father. But, she took that step into freedom, and she now walks it out by daily remembering to take up her cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). "It is really easy to know when I need to refocus because there is a lack of peace. I confess quickly now and have genuine relationships with other women who will hear my confession, pray God's Word over me, and hold me accountable to walk out God's truth." Beverly has a wonderful litmus test to identify if she needs to release offense or repent. "If a stressful or negative thought or incident plays around in my mind more than twice, I either need to repent of something, or forgive someone."
When she is not working, Beverly loves to read and thoroughly enjoys being outside. Perhaps she developed this love for the outdoors when she lived on a remote large ranch -- something she never anticipated experiencing in her life. "I learned to ride horses, 4-wheelers, round up cattle, help with elk hunts, and use the emergency substitute page in my cookbook because I was a long way from a grocery store." Now, whether it's playing with grandchildren, mowing the lawn, filling deer feeders, or simply walking around, she is reminded by the outdoors that "God is really big, created all things, controls all things, and, in the midst of everything He is doing, He cares for me. It reminds me of my value to Him and His great love."
And, oh how she loves to splash some of that great love onto others! What a blessing this woman is! We hope that you'll join us at "Let's Get Together" on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30pm to get to know Beverly even better!
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