William Benefield Memorial Service

“You Can Depend on God - No Matter What”

William Benefield

June 22, 1984 - June 6, 2022

William Benefield Memorial Service

July 17, 2022 1PM

Hillcrest AG in Hayesville, NC

*Let funeral director know how service will conclude with benediction “amen”.

*Slideshow with music start at 12:45PM

Introduction:

My name is Pastor Jason Henshaw and I am the interim pastor here at Hillcrest Assembly of God. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank all of you for coming out this afternoon to remember William Benefield. There will be a fellowship meal for the family only in the basement of the church following the graveside this morning.

Read obituary: (Pastor Moses?):

Mr. William Matthew Benefield age 37 of Tequila Heights Sylva, NC. formerly of Hayesville passed away peacefully on Monday June 6, 2022 at his home following a brief illness. Mr. Benefield was born on June 22, 1984 in Miami, FL., the son of Guillermo (gee ell mo) Mateo and the late Dianne Benefield. William loved spending time with his boys and his family. His family was his life. He was a loving and caring father, son, brother and uncle. He was a wonderful dad, son and brother and it was an honor to have him and we were lucky enough to know and learn from him in this walk of life. His favorite saying was “Immm Aaaa Baaad Man”. William was of the Pentecostal faith.

Surviving Mr. Benefield are his two children, Izaiah Matthew Benefield and Brayden James Johnson of Sylva, his father, Guillermo (gee ell mo) Mateo of Hayesville, his siblings, Janice Benefield, Christina Benefield and Raeanna Mateo all of Hayesville, Emilio Mateo of Sylva and Joshua Mateo of Hayesville, nieces and nephews include, Tatiana Benefield, Phoenix Shoopmen and Tristen McDowell, several aunts, uncles and cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Eulogy Video by family friend Melissa Peebles

Scripture Reading: The Lord’s Prayer (Pastor Jason)

Matthew 6:9–13 NKJV

9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Prayer: Pastor Moses

Special music & Family Memories shared:

Sister Raeanna:

Cousin Ray:

Cousin Richard:

Ask if there is anyone else who would like to share a few words:

William Benefield Sr.:

Message (Pastor Jason):

When someone we love dies, whether expectedly or unexpectedly, there is a certain amount of shock.

When a (husband/wife), (a father/mother), (a brother/sister), (a friend) is suddenly no longer with us, it can trigger very strong reactions, emotions, and questions.

We are here today to find comfort in the truth of Scripture, and especially to surround the friends and family of William Benefield with our love, our faith, and our prayers.

If I could summarize the purpose of this service, I believe I could do it in these few words:

“You can depend on God no matter what!”

Our world changes so fast! Nothing stays the same much anymore. There’s very little we can count on nowadays with the uncertainty of the economy to the unstable condition of the world around us. But in spite of all the uncertainty life may bring, there are some things we can count on to never change!

Body:

I. God’s love for you never changes

A. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” (NLTSB)

B. We become frustrated in relationships because people are fickle and people tend to change

C. Romans 8:37-39 says, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLTSB)

D. You will never need to doubt God’s love. God’s love never changes.

E. God loves you with an everlasting love no matter where you are or what you may have done. He is reminding you today that He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Have you accepted Him into your heart and made Him Lord of your life?

Transition: Just as God’s love for you never changes,

II. God’s Word for you never changes

A. The Bible is always fresh, relevant and up-to-date and the Truth of the Message is for all times and never changes.

B. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (NLTSB)

C. On May 5, 1961, Cmdr. Alan Shepherd was asked this question as he was preparing to board the Mercury capsule and be America’s first man in space: “What is the one thing you are counting on the most?” His answer: “I am depending on the fact that God’s laws never change.”

D. Stability comes from basing your life on God’s unchanging Word!

E. If you’re like me, you’re not a fan of change but change is a necessity in life. It’s great to know that no matter what, God’s Word will never change! In spite of everything around us changing (jobs, family, friends, etc.), God’s Word can be an anchor that we can rely on.

Transition: Not only does God’s love for you never change and His Word for you never change,

III. God’s purpose for your life never changes

A. Isaiah 14:24 teaches us that God is at work in our history and in our lives at all times.

B. Someone once said, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”

C. Our plans change all the time. We are conditioned to expect, accept and invite change.

D. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLTSB)

E. You may be here today and you are thinking, “Preacher, my life is a mess and no matter what I do it doesn’t get better. I’ve even tried going to church!” Maybe it’s time to not fix everything on our own and instead put it in God’s hands and live for Him and His purpose for your life no matter what comes your way because you know He is the anchor you can hold onto when the storms of life are raging.

Conclusion:

1. What will be your life stabilizers of choice?

2. Remember these three absolutes/the spiritual anchors for your life:

a. God will never stop loving you

b. God’s Word is always right and best for you

c. God’s purpose for your life is bigger than your biggest problem

3. Psalm 125:1 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” (NLTSB)

Altar call

For those in what seems to be a whirlwind right now in life. Nothing is going right. The more you try to fix things, the worse they get. You are feeling out of control and are about to be blown away by life’s challenges and curveballs.

There is an anchor you can hold onto. His name is Jesus Christ. He died on the cross for you over 2,000 years ago and wants to help you today.

If you are tired, worn out, depressed or (fill in the blank), Jesus is here and can help. All you have to do is ask Him to come into you heart. Romans 10:9,10 says,

Romans 10:10 NLT

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Jesus is waiting to help you. All you have to do is hand Him what you have been trying to fix and work through and He will take care of you. Not only you situation, but He will also help you enjoy life and more than you can ever imagine!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We lift up the family and friends of William today and ask for Your comfort and peace. We ask that Your peace that transcends all understanding will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

And as You state in your Word in Isaiah 26:3,

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Help them to put their trust in You especially now when we don’t know why You allow certain things to happen or understand the purpose behind it. Help them to keep their thoughts on You and who You are and how BIG You are!

And as Paul prayed in Hebrews 13, so we pray in conclusion this morning:

Benediction:

Hebrews 13:20–21 CSB

20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

*minister walks before the pallbearers down the aisle and out the door and stand at the back of the hearse until the body is placed in

*at graveside, go to the back of the hearse. After the pallbearers remove the casket, the minister walks at the head of the procession then steps to the head of the grave and waits for everyone to get assembled.

Graveside Service:

As we face this loss and the fact of death, I would hope that we would recognize that if we are to find encouragement and comfort amidst the losses and tragedies of life, we must turn to the Bible as God’s precious Word to us. This Book, God has graciously authenticated with tremendous evidence as not merely the Word of men, but as it truly is, God’s Word to man, God-breathed and accurate, and thus our means of hope. With this in mind, let me read from a couple of beautiful passages of Scripture written for just such an occasion as this:

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 CSB

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

For our consolation let us hear the word of one of the greatest Psalms written.

Scripture: (Pastor Jason in English and Pastor Moses in Spanish)

Psalm 23 NKJV

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

In accordance to God’s Word, we come now to commit Williams’ body back to the earth. In Genesis 3:19, God has said, "For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return." We therefore commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Let us pray

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the glorious hope and for the great consolation concerning those who sleep in Jesus as believers in Christ. that our Lord Jesus Christ has prepared a place for those who have placed their faith in Him, and that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And now for the family, for the loved ones and friends we ask that:

-there might be the recognition that You work all things together for good for those who love you;

-that there might be a casting of our care upon you to find comfort in the knowledge of what death means to the our dear friend and family member; and

-that you would comfort and strengthen in the days ahead. Help the family and friends to rest and draw strength from you.

These things we ask in the name of Your Son and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*minister steps down from head of the grave and goes down the line shaking hands of the deceased’s family and expressing sympathy.

*it is necessary for the minister to go to the meal for consolation purposes

Order of Service:

I. Background Music/Selected Music/Picture Slideshow/Videos with music

II. Teen Challenge Men sing Amazing Grace

III. Welcome & Reading the Obituary (Pastor Jason)

IV. Specials

A. The Lord’s Prayer reading by Pastor Jason

B. Prayer by Pastor Moses

C. Poem read by:

D. Sister Raeanna:

E. Cousin Ray:

F. Cousin Richard:

G. Ask if there is anyone else who would like to share a few words

H. William Benefield Sr.

V. Message (Pastor Jason)

VI. Teen Challenge Men singing: Goodness of God

VII. Benediction/Closing Prayer

VIII. Dismissal/Play Slideshow

Graveside:

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 (Pastor Jason and Pastor Moses)

Prayer: Pastor Jason

Dismissal