I'll do whatever you need."
—Doug Evans
To all those working in the mission field, a statement like Doug's is a dream come true. An unqualified sentence like that is so rarely heard, when he said it, it stopped me in my tracks. For a split second I had to pause as I considered the gift he could be to our work at UNITE INDY.Doug is retired. For more than 40 years he worked as a teacher inside prisons as an employee of the Indiana Department of Correction. With our work to help reentrants find employment, reconnect positively with family, and reduce recidivism, his experience is more valuable than gold. He knows how to relate to incarcerated people. He knows the program. He knows the possibilities and recognizes limitations, and although he loved working with these men, he always felt something important was missing…something we could provide.
In his years teaching as an employee of the State, he always felt the need to bring a faith perspective into his work. It wasn't permitted, of course, but in his heart he knew there was a vacuum in the curriculum that only faith in God and His promises could fill. Working with us, he now has not only the freedom, but a mandate to fill that vacuum.
Doug is a superconductor of hope, humor, and promise who uses his steady hand, his positive outlook, and his quiet direction to stamp out discouragement as he forges a personal connection with everyone he teaches. We are thankful for all our volunteers—our letter-writers, mentors, teachers, planners, and our donors who support it all. "I'll do whatever you need, " he said, and I still pause. I am constantly amazed at how God leads us to the people UNITE INDY needs to continue and grow His work.
Beyond measure,
Jim
