Dr. Timothy Evans
One cold day in December with snow on the ground I was forced to park my car and walk the streets of Mason, Michigan trying to sell insurance from door to door. There was no more money for gas and I had no money for my rent or groceries. A Godly pastor and family took me in until I could once again get on my feet. They shared their lives with me and it was a worthy investment.
I had grown up in Brazil since I was six years old, loved that magnificent land, the friendly people, and the fun language of Portuguese. My parents had gone to Brazil when I was six year old to plant churches with a passion to evangelize the Brazilian people. But, now I was lost in a country I knew little of with no direction, barely surviving. However, God was teaching me how to pray and to depend on him! I grew close to Him as he became my provider, my sustainer, and my rock! I spend long hours in my car learning to pray and depend on Him for my sustenance, “Lord help me to sell enough today to pay my rent.” I was only 21 years old. It was 1982.
I did make it through the winter and it now it was spring. The new grass was a mint green and the air fresh. I was driving up the lovely highway to St. Johns where I would try selling insurance for the day. I turned off the expressway and headed up a country road. I passed a little church where the pastor had gotten out of his car and was walking into the front door. The image warmed my heart. I was praying for God’s blessing over my day and contemplating the pastor I had passed minutes ago. At that moment, I sensed God in a powerful way! I had to pull over to the side of the road, ceased with uncontrollable weeping. The insecurities, uncertainties, and loneliness all came bubbling out as I told the Lord that I would do whatever He wanted with my life! I wanted to impact this world. My heart for the first time was totally surrendered to whatever He desired. I understood what was going on. God was saying, give your life to ME and prepare to return to Brazil, the land of your upbringing!”