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Q and A with the Rev. Kevin VanHook

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VanHook
  • By ERICA RODRIGUEZ - ERODRIGUEZ@VICAD.COM
  • Originally published November 6, 2009 at midnight, updated November 6, 2009 at 4:40 p.m.

  • ST. PETER'S BAPTIST CHURCH

    9 a.m., Sunday school

    10 a.m., Bible training

    11 a.m., Worship service

    Services held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 4102 N. Ben Jordan St., Victoria

The Rev. Kevin VanHook, newly installed pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, works twice as hard to be a pastor - he lives hundreds of miles from the church he pastors. VanHook is in transition to make a final move to Victoria from Waco, but until then, he makes a three-hour trip down every Friday to teach, preach and pray.

During the week, he works full-time in the medical administration department of the VA hospital in Waco.

His church is in the process of rebuilding after a fire damaged the old building beyond repair. The church has just received a loan from First Victoria Bank to begin the building process. He recently sat down to talk about a few of his thoughts on his pastorship and his church.

Q: What goals do you have for the church?

A: To be a vital part of the community and lead some of the biggest spiritual, emotional needs of the community. The goal of the entire membership is to grow spiritually.

One in particular would be a tutorial for the youth. We're already in the process of a feeding program, which we do once a month; we currently have a hospital/nursing home ministry, and we'll be continuing with those ministries. When we do make those visits, we also do prayer and vital scriptures for encouragement.

Q: How did you know you wanted to enter the ministry?

A: I've always had a desire of ministry, but I didn't know to what level. I guess the defining moment probably would've been the birth of my son. I just kind of knew. God just kind of spoke to me at that time. In preparing to make my family spiritually stronger, I found myself wanting to help everyone else, too.

Q: So, you all are in the process of building a new church. What's next in that process?

A: There are some planning stages that we're in for the new building. The main thing is to help those in need and develop Christians who are trying to develop spiritually and to share the good news.

Q: You still work full-time and make a commute down here. I'm sure all those trips are pretty tiring.

A: Especially the one returning. It can be tiring, and then have to get up to get to work on time. That's when it gets tough.

Q:So what is it that keeps you going?

A: We have a lot of Christians and members in our church who have a desire to hear God's word. That's something that I love to do: to pray with someone and be a part of intercessory prayer, and praying for someone and praying with them so they can meet their spiritual needs. When you do that with someone, and when you do that for someone, it's inspiring. It's encouraging to know that they're benefiting from your prayer or your presence. When you feel you've done something good, it inspires you to keep going forward.


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Comments

  • sandersjk54 sandersjk54 Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    The Van Hook family are an asset to the town of Victoria and St. Peters Baptist Church continue the work of the Lord and watch the congregation grow!!

    December 1, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.