Page 12 - Florida Sentinel 1-25-19

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The Courage And Creativity Of Francisco A. Rodriguez
All About You!
Happy 29th Birthday Tradia!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The name Francisco A. Rodriguez may not be known to the younger, mil- lennial generation. But, the ‘Old Guard’ of Tampa-Hills- borough County is very fa- miliar with this name.
There’s an opportunity to learn more about his “Courage and Creativity” on Monday, January 28, 2019, 6 p. m. at the Robert W. Saun- ders Branch Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave.
His legacy lives on in his daughters who will share their knowledge and experi- ence of their legendary father at this event.
In addition to informa- tion about Atty. Rodriguez, on display will be the art and
creative work of his daugh- ter, Deborah Rodriguez.
This event is co-spon- sored by the Ada T. Payne Friends of the Urban Li- braries.
ATTY. FRANCISCO A. RODRIGUEZ
TRADIA CLARKE
Be blessed and highly favored!
MONIQ
This week, MoniQ will carry us into the weekend as our Spotlight feature. This energetic young lady has set her sights on a future that will keep her in front of the cameras. Monica is constantly looking for opportunities and excels at conquering all chal- lenges. She knows when to exert her strength, and when it’s time to be gentle and compassionate. Con- gratulations to MoniQ as this week’s Spotlight.
Sanctuary Of Hope To Break Ground Sunday For New Building
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
It has been more than 90 years since a church has been built in Bealsville
It has been at least 90 years since the African Amer- ican community of Bealsville has had a church built in its community. It is believe the last church built in the com- munity was Mt. Moriah Bap- tist. Bealsville sits between Plant City and Litha.
The pastor and congrega- tion at Sanctuary of Hope is excited about its upcoming ground breaking.
According to Colette Samuel, the ground break- ing ceremony will immedi- ately follow the 10:30 a. m. worship service on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Sanctuary of Hope is located at 5209 Smith Ryals Rd., Plant City, 33567. Dinner on the grounds will follow the ceremony.
Pastor Terriss Steven- son expects representatives from the construction com- pany, Williams Construction, of Winter Haven, as well as community dignitaries to at- tend the ground breaking.
In 2000, Wintley In- gram opened the doors to his home for worship services for Hope Outreach Christian Ministries. After a short time, the minister and congregants were able to secure a trailer, where they started holding services.
By 2005, Hope Outreach
REV. TERRISS AND MRS. SYLVIA STEVENSON
had become an independent entity. The trailer had been upgraded, painted, and the land it sat on had been pur- chased.
By 2012, Rev. Ingram’s work had been done on earth as he passed away.
The ministry was without a pastor for more than 3 years. Rev. Terriss Steven- son had been invited as a guest minister. However, after a few more visits, the congregants asked him to stay on as interim pastor. At that time, he had his own min- istry, Sanctuary of Praise, founded in 2014, in Bartow. The interim period lasted 6 months. On May 1, 2016, he became pastor of Hope Out- reach Christian Ministries. At the same time, the two min- istries merged and became Sanctuary of Hope.
“The congregation out- grew the trailer and I, all of
us, prayed and asked the Lord to show us, lead where we needed to go.
“He showed us the land next to where the trailer sat. We talked with the owner who turned us down a few times, but after speaking with the son of the owner, we pur- chased the land within 30 days. We had to be patient, and the prayers moved.”
Destined To Preach
Pastor Stevenson says he was destined to preach by his aunt, Viola Kennon and mother, Freddie Mae Law. After birth, he spent an addi- tional 6 weeks in the hospital. “My aunt said I wasn’t going to die because the Lord in- tended for me to preach.”
Although he grew up in the church, it was actually 1997 when he became saved while in prison. In 1998, he accepted his call into the min- istry. He was released from prison Sept. 17, 2000, and 4 days later married his wife, Sylvia.
For 12 years he was under the leadership of Rev. Nathaniel B. Hill at Jerusalem M. B. Church, Mulberry, who told him it was time for him to go out. “I was so close to him, like a son,” Rev. Stevenson, 47, said. “I didn’t want to leave him.”
He was led to Bartow, where he worshipped under Pastor Andre Camp at Acts Praise and Worship Cen- ter. He was there 2 years be- fore being called to Hope Outreach.
PAGE 12-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019