Religion feature: Life re-evaluation led to study group

Before leading a local weekly Bible study group, Dominic Chavez said he ran the streets of Clovis drinking, using drugs and fighting.

CNJ staff photo: Benna Sayyed

Dominic Chavez, middle left, studies Bible scripture during a Spiritual Woods meeting Aug. 9 at the Masters Centre. Chavez' woodwork can be seen in the background.

"I've probably done it all, anything bad that's out there on the street that ain't worth living for," Chavez said. "I knew that I was on the wrong road and knew that I wasn't going to get anywhere fast."

Chavez, 37, said one day he stepped back and evaluated his life and was unhappy with what he saw. After deciding to make the change, Chavez started the Gospel Street Beat Bible study group with other members of Faith Christian Family Church.

Chavez said the group has met for three years. He said meetings usually include at least 10 members.

During meetings, group members dissect Bible scripture and find a topic the group can research and discuss the following week. Family issues such as marriage and raising children are addressed from a biblical standpoint.

"I think some people in Clovis are dealing with issues in their life that our group has gone through," Chavez said. "Our group is a group of friends who have lived life kind of the same and we may have answers."

Timothy Bodine said he was looking for a deeper relationship with God when Chavez invited him to join the group. Bodine said he has attended Gospel Street Beat meetings every Thursday shortly after the group started.

CNJ staff photo: Benna Sayyed

Spiritual woodworks of Dominic Chavez are on display at the Masters Centre.

"I've read my Bible a lot," said Bodine, who attended grade school with Chavez. "This group has taught me to dig deeper. I know my Bible but I want to be dangerous with the words like Jesus was every time he spoke."

Chavez' spiritual service doesn't stop there. He also creates spiritual sculptures such as crosses and Bibles from wood he collects from river banks and forests. Chavez and his sons Dominique and Tiger work from their backyard shop smoothing and engraving scripture in wood. A coating of lacquer and polyurethane completes the job.

"We do woodwork to glorify the lord so we can reach people who otherwise wouldn't be reached," said Chavez, of his family woodwork group Spiritual Woods. "We use whatever kind of wood piques our interest. I look at a piece of wood and see what it has to offer. We pray when we work."

The Chavezes show their woodwork at spiritual rallies, car shows and other gatherings. Their work is also sold.

What: Gospel Street Beat Bible study

Where: Java Loft

When: 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays

Who can attend: Anyone

Contact: [email protected]