In my high school years, one man really sticks out as having invested in my spiritual development: Dan Evans. I’ve talked about this guy before.. but I thought it would be great to post a bit of an update.
It’s incredible to think that 15 years after he was my youth pastor, Dan & Barb are still working for the same organization. When I met them, they were living in Hanau, Germany and targeting their ministry towards students at Hanau American High School and Middle School. While most people don’t even know that the Defense Department runs a school district at one time it was probably the largest school district in the United States as they provided education to military dependents living overseas.
When Dan came into my life, I was lost. I mean really lost. Hurting, confused, frustrated, and bored I was living thousands of miles away from my hometown of South Bend, Indiana. More than anything… I needed someone stable and normal in my life and Dan provided that.
So where is he now? Last year, Dan left student ministry after about 20 years of working with Cadence International’s Malachi Ministries. Never fear… they didn’t leave ministry altogether, they just kind of morphed into a logical step for a growing family… running a hospitality house. Better yet (for Dan the outdoorsmen) they have moved to Alaska!
In an update we received last night, Barb tells us that they are busy with doing what they’re good at... connecting hurting people to a loving God. I wasn’t around the military very much (10 months) but I can tell you that folks who are stationed far from home crave deep relationships. For some this results in dysfunction as they fill that need for deep connections with crap. (drinking, partying, self-destructive habits) But Dan & Barb step into that void and try to fill those desires with good stuff. They are expert disciplers and I am proud to know them, pray for them, support them, and stand behind them to cheer them on.
What about you? Where are the people who had deep impacts on your life? Are you still in contact with them? Do you still pray for them?
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