First Presbyterian Church of Fresno is one of 80 churches that support Evangel Home. It is special to us because of its faithfulness and many ways of support. It is special to me personally because it has been my church home and family for more than 20 years. So the recent death of Jamie Evans, our pastor and friend for almost 10 years, is a loss that I feel deeply.
Jamie battled depression and its effects for years. When he couldn't battle anymore, he took his life on February 25, 2010. The pain we feel now is miniscule in comparison to what he must have felt. The battle we now wage with our emotions and the questions we ask are dim shadows compared to the sharp and blinding emotions and questions he battled with increasing frequency.
His family did everything possible. His church did everything possible. Jamie did everything possible. Yet he is gone, and we are left with pain and questions. David Abdo, associate pastor at First Pres, addressed this in his sermon February 28. David said he wanted to mention just 5 simple things, yet they add up to one great truth: "And We Worship."
1. Life is sometimes difficult, and we worship.
2. Life has questions, and we worship.
3. God is gracious, and we worship.
4. God is generous, and we worship.
5. God is in control, and we worship.
One young woman said Jamie pointed us to Jesus. We know that recovery and healing for First Pres will be a long steep climb. However, we also know that Jesus will lead the way and He will use Jamie's tragedy for His triumph.
And we will worship.
About Us: Telling our stories. Sharing our lives.
- Gerre Brenneman, Evangel Home Executive Director
- This blog is about the Evangel Home--a Christian ministry to homeless women and childen. It is called "Inside Out" because we want to give you a glimpse into our home--to share the joys of being part of redeemed lives as well as the hard landings that are the reality of being in the trenches. And sometimes there's just an opinion or thought we want to share.
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