In yesterday's blog post here on MattChat, I shared some personal thoughts and memories of Pastor BG.
In the last 36 hours, many others have shared their thoughts on Facebook. I found 3 of these to be extremely meaningful to me and wanted to share them here. For those reading this blog that did not know Pastor BG, these 3 will provide a great deal more insight into who he was and why he meant so much to so many.
Shane Whitaker:
Lucas Patrick:
Larry Dunham:
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In the last 36 hours, many others have shared their thoughts on Facebook. I found 3 of these to be extremely meaningful to me and wanted to share them here. For those reading this blog that did not know Pastor BG, these 3 will provide a great deal more insight into who he was and why he meant so much to so many.
As I sit here now, amongst the mourning families that call GT Church their home, and B.G. Nevitt, their pastor, I reflect on the incredible work of God that has been done through the life of this one man.This man was a world changer, an earth mover, a hope restorer, a church planter, a fellowship leader, and so many other wonderful things, but most of all - he knew God and God knows him...Today, I am challenged by the towering shadow cast from the offering that this man brings to The Lord. He served his God faithfully, his family fully, his church entirely, his city relentlessly, his friends passionately, and his enemies prayerfully.There is an incredibly vast hole in our hearts today, but not for fear, or sadness, or concern for the eternity of this pastor, husband, and friend - for God knows him and called him home today for which we rejoice in our brothers promotion; but for the loss of our friend from this life, the loss of a leader amongst men, and especially the loss for a husband, father, and grandpa.My prayers today will call upon Heaven for favor and mercy for Brenda Nevitt and the surviving family, and the church body as well. Today is certainly a day for mourning. May tomorrows light bring forth the beginning of restoration and continued rejoicing in The Lord - always....Amen.
Lucas Patrick:
"Father God, I come to you, because I need you. I admit that I have sinned, and I ask you to forgive me of every sin. Lord Jesus, come into my life, be my Lord, be my Savior, be my King. I give you my all today, and I choose to live for You everyday for the rest of my life. Thank You Lord for the new life and the new beginning that I have right now through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, amen." (prayer that ended most of B.G.'s messages)This prayer changed the life of thousands! You will be missed.
Larry Dunham:
Ten things I learned from BG Nevitt:1. Don't just be "fine" when someone asks how you are -- be spectacular!2. Be who you are -- don't worry so much about what other people think. The only important thing is what God thinks.3. God wants to do so much more than most of us will allow Him to do -- the abundant life comes from us becoming part of His plan, not simply asking Him to become part of ours.4. Nothing you've ever done, and nothing you could ever do can separate you from God's love--nothing.5. There is nothing wrong with owning nice things -- but don't let nice things own you.6. A great church doesn't consist of people who think they've made it, but rather people who know none of us has made it but encourage each other to keep going along the road7. It's better to live life with enthusiasm and passion -- be a bit flamboyant!8. Never pay retail9. God can do anything, more than you could imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams10. Dream big!
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B.G. Nevitt, 55, of Decatur, moved from what is good here on
earth to the very best in the Father’s house, on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at
11:36 A.M.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 with visitation beginning 4:00 p.m. at GT Church,
500 S. 27th St., Decatur. The Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola is assisting with
the arrangements.
Pastor B.G. was born April 19, 1958 in Moline, Illinois. He
was the son of Robert & Nelda Nevitt. He married his high school
sweetheart, Brenda K. Hoover on March 12, 1977 and had 2 beautiful daughters,
Amy and Missie.
B.G. pastored in Jacksonville and Grayslake, IL. In 1991, he
and his family moved to Decatur to become the lead pastor at GT Church where he
served for 22 years. He was passionate about his GT family and reaching his
community. One of his favorite days was The Blessing of the Bikes where he got
to minister to hundreds of bikers. His life message was Ephesians 3:20 because
he knew that God could do more than he could ever imagine or think. Pastor B.G.
always taught his GT family to reach for their dreams, and to always build up
and never tear down.
A few years ago, Pastor B.G. became a chaplain for the
Decatur Police Department. He quickly grew to love, honor and respect the men
and women that faithfully serve our community. He soon became an auxiliary
officer and was later promoted to Sergeant with auxiliary officers. Working
alongside the Decatur Police was one of his greatest joys in life.
B.G. dearly loved his family. His pride and joy were his
grandchildren, Ella and Bennett. He loved to build blocks, make Mickey pancakes
and sing songs with them. They always brought a smile to Poppy’s face.
He is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Amy (Derek)
Grove, grandchildren Ella and Bennett and sister Glenda (Bill) Nevitt.