I had the immense privilege of knowing Evan since January when he joined my crew (small group) through VOUS Church. I just realized recently that I've only known Evan for 8 months now and it's hard for me to believe because Evan had a way of making you feel like you had been his friend for years. After his first time at crew, I vividly remember getting a text from him thanking me and the other leader for our leadership and our willingness to be used by God. I was BLOWN away by his intentionality and kindness. And then about a week later, I invited him to a singles mixer at my house (which was quite the event!) and he actually came! That was just one of the many gatherings that I had the pleasure of sharing with Evan. Every single time he came over, he brought more snacks than we could use (lol) and stayed to help us clean up after. His generosity was boundless. He always went above and beyond in accommodating others. After his first time coming over, I knew I wanted him at every social gathering from then on. Evan had the incredible ability to light up every room he walked into. His presence guaranteed a fun time. So he quickly became one of my go to friends - parties, boat days, church events, game nights, etc. I wanted Evan there! We even discussed the possibility of him being my +1 at a wedding I'm attending next month.
One of my favorite things about Evan was his sense of humor. He said the most unhinged comments that always got me and everyone else cracking up. He was dynamic and a man of depth. He was deeply introspective, never shying away from vulnerable and meaningful conversations. I would get texts from him sometimes asking me how he could pray for me or following up on a prayer request that I had shared at crew. His heart was enormous and and was a real friend.
He was a man of many talents. Definitely a comedian, entertainer, leader, prayer warrior, children's book author, voice actor, and evangelist. I'm a teacher and I recently texted Evan asking if he would ever be open to speaking at a chapel at my school. He enthusiastically agreed. We also talked about how maybe he could share about one of his children's books that he was in the process of writing. And he mentioned to me that he would love to read one of his books to my class one day. As I've been reflecting on that conversation with Evan, I realized that he was in the middle of writing a children's book on grief and how the soul outlives the flesh. What a beautiful truth to look back on, especially now. Evan knew that this life is not all that there is. And he truly lived everyday to its fullest. I still hope to read one of his books to my class one day (:
About a month ago, Evan was at a crossroads with work and was waiting to hear if his company was moving him to another region in Florida or keeping him in South Florida. I was selfishly hoping that he would stay with us in South Florida (and maybe even prayed that he would) and thank the Lord his job decided to keep him here! As soon as Evan found out the news, he texted me to let me know and asked if I could grab lunch with him so he could pick my brain about officially planting his feet at VOUS (our home church). Getting lunch with Evan that day is now one of my most cherished memories. First of all, he picked one of my favorite restaurants (without even knowing it was my favorite) and our conversation was so edifying. He also would not let me pay for my meal. Just a testament to the gentleman that he was. What an honor for me to sit down with him and to get to know his heart on an even deeper level. To hear how committed he was to Jesus, community, and wanting to take on more leadership responsibilities in church. I always joked with him that he was the unofficial leader of our crew because that's just who Evan was. Not a spectator but a participator. He did everything wholeheartedly and with intention. I am forever marked by his love for the Lord and his deliberate care for everyone he met. I recently informed a friend that had met Evan just once that he went home to be with Jesus and her response was, "I only met him once and I'm struggling." What a testament to who Evan was - one encounter with him and you were a better individual.
My heart is truly shattered knowing that Evan is no longer here on earth. God is so good because I got to see Evan so much his last month earth-side. He was quickly growing to be one of my closest friends. Whenever I'm crying because I miss him, I find myself laughing a few seconds later because I remember something funny that Evan said. He was so joyful and his spirit is unforgettable. He truly lived a devoted life to Jesus and I have so much hope and assurance that I will see him again. I may have only known him 8 months but it felt like a lifetime and I'm so much better for it. I have found myself thanking Jesus the last couple days for bringing Evan into my life and into our church community. He touched countless lives and I know that God is still using his life to impact so many.
"And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
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