A Shepherd's Heart

When we moved to the Collegedale area in 2021, we were invited by friends to attend CCC. We didn’t need to look any further for a church home. We had recently adopted two boys from Latvia, and they immediately connected with the pastoral team. Daniel would sit with Pastor Nate and often hold their new baby during church. Pastor Jerry was Andris’ favorite. Andris was very nervous to attend the junior class, but Pastor Jerry always made him feel welcome. When arriving at church each Sabbath, Andris was always on the lookout for Pastor Jerry.

When we received the tragic news that Andris had relapsed with leukemia, Pastor Jerry was immediately present to help in any way possible. We shared that due to the adoption timing, pre-existing conditions, etc., we did not have medical coverage for Andris. I clearly remember a phone call where Pastor Jerry said, “Let me work on that and I’ll get back to you.” He came back with a solution that provided Andris with 100% care. What a tremendous burden was lifted. As a pastor myself, I had never experienced this kind of pastoral care.

Andris was in and out of the hospital, and Pastor Jerry would regularly check in to see how he was doing. Andris very much enjoyed a home visit from Pastor Jerry and Pastor Nate where he was anointed.

In April of 2023, it was clear that Andris was losing the battle with leukemia. He was beginning to slip into unconsciousness. A remarkable memory for us was the last time that Andris acknowledged a visitor to his hospital room. Mara said that Pastor Jerry had come to visit. When he heard Pastor Jerry’s voice, he visibly responded and opened his eyes. Because of this response, we believe Andris heard the words of hope that Pastor Jerry shared.

Pastor Jerry provided us with all the details surrounding funeral preparations and was present to comfort and encourage us.

One time Pastor Jerry told me that I would retire before he would. I didn’t believe him but certainly hoped that he would continue much longer.

We continue to be blessed by this church family, whether it is through the weekly encouragement of the familiar benediction or the church’s support of the Child Impact Ministry and the World Day Against Human Trafficking. As we look forward to the joy of our newly adopted girls being baptized on January 24, we carry Andris’ memory and Pastor Jerry’s legacy of service in our hearts.

With gratitude,

Tom, Mara, Lukas, Andre, Daniel, Gabi, Ani, (and Andris) Evans