Lester Bewley

On June 13, 1931 Les Bewley was born in Kim, Colorado to Henry Oliver and Nellie Lavina Bewley. He was their ninth child. Awaiting his arrival were five older brothers and three older sisters. After Les was born, his parents graced his childhood with two younger brothers and two younger sisters. He grew up on a farm. Having a lot of siblings made the work easier. Les had a great-great-grandfather who was a Mohawk Indian. In 1939 Les and his family moved to Corvallis, Oregon. Les has fond memories of hunting with his father and brothers when he was young, although he was more of a tag-along than a hunter. Currently Les enjoyed bowling, walking, reading, and gardening.

Les met his wife, Norma, after he got out of the Navy. He was working for the railroad in Jamestown, California where Norma worked as a cook in a boardinghouse. At that time Les was living in a boxcar of the railroad he worked for. Les ate often where Norma cooked, they began dating, and six months later they were married. After a trip home for Christmas, they were married on December 31, 1954. Les and Norma were blessed with four children: Mona, twins Mary and Don, and Dennis. All four kids were born in Oregon. In 1961 they moved to Fresno, where they’ve been ever since. They now have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchild.

Les was baptized at the age of fifteen. Les has been blessed with a Christian family heritage of two to three generations. His parents were the most instrumental in his conversion to Christ. Les was appointed an elder at the Sierra Vista Church of Christ on March 14, 1993 when Forrest Moyer was still the preacher.

What is your favorite book of the Bible to read?

Les enjoys reading the gospel account of John because of the life-like account. When reading the book he feels as if he is there, witnessing the life of Christ.

What is your favorite hymn to sing at church?

“The Garden of Prayer” is Les’ favorite song to sing in church. He would like to sing it more often.

What Bible character do you identify with the most? Why?

Les identifies with Abraham. When looking at Abraham’s life you see that he made some mistakes, but he always trusted in God and followed Him from the first time He spoke to Abraham.

What Bible character inspires you the most? Why?

The Apostle John in spires Les because of his firmness and gentleness. In the books of First, Second, and Third John you can see how firm he was when dealing with error, yet how gentle he was when dealing with his brethren. John had two sides to him, which were quite important when dealing with his brethren.