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Taking the “Moon” by Surprise

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As Evan battles cancer, we’ll continue to have surprises to encourage and love on him! Today’s surprise is from the Teen Valley Ranch family!

1929833_504801722895_7979_n


Evan,

What a light you are! I remember when I first met you – the New Years that Walker and I were dating and we were all at camp. Of course your car was parked halfway up the hill to the lower ball field and partially in the ditch (simultaneously). That’s just it – it’s all of these small things that you do over and over again, to put a smile on our faces. You are selfless and kind and your heart shines so, so brightly. You’ve shown that nothing will take that away. I hope I can keep spreading joy and love the way you do, even on your hardest days. There may be a fight going on in your body, but I know it will never overcome the heart you have. Stay strong.

Much much love,
Julie Capps


19747_682983459068_117400_nHope you are doing well despite everything that is going on. We were very shocked when we heard the news about you being in the hospital. Know that you have been apart of our prayers here at camp and we are so thankful for what the Lord is doing in you and through you. Julie and I have been following your blog, and have been so encouraged by your spirit and how God has used you to minister in the hospital. Keep up the good spirits, not because of your circumstances, but because of the Peace and Hope that you have in Christ. (It is obvious that you have a firm grasp on this concept, but I want to encourage you in your solid hope in Christ.) Come show up at any time!

Love you man!
Walker Capps


Hey Buddy,

I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and am thinking of you often. I am so thankful to know you and call you my friend. It is absolutely impossible to overstate the influence you have had on camp and all the staff. I am sure you have heard this before but you were definitely someone I looked up to. And it really all boiled down to one thing: joy. No matter what was going on, when Evan Moon walked into the room, it lit up. You have the unbelievable gift of bringing happiness and joy to those around you, whatever the circumstance. I cannot imagine how much those nurses have had their days become much more joyous!

196264_18345191376_9940_nMy favorite memory really just sums up who you are as a person perfectly. I was needing to put speakers in the back of my car before I went out of town. It was like 20 degrees outside and the shop had no heat (obviously) but when I asked you if you could help, you did not hesitate for a second. I think we spent like 3 hours down in the freezing cold shop putting those freaking speakers in my car! It was of course way more difficult than it should have been, but we stuck with it and got it done. Still to this day, I’m blessed to think that you did all that just because you cared about me. I love you bro and am lifting you up daily, always thanking God that He put you in my life.

P.S.- Cancer ain’t got nothing on taking 13 people in the Pinzgauer all over Avery county. You got this!

In Christ,
Brooks


Hey Evan!!

197992_18343276376_8923_nYour camp mom has been thinking about you so very much! I am hearing how courageous and optimistic you are, and how you are continuously praising our God! This doesn’t come as a surprise to me at all! When I reflect on our time together here at camp it makes me smile. Evan, God has blessed you with a way about you that makes everyone smile and be encouraged. What a gift from our sweet Lord! That is one of the reasons you have so many people thinking of you and praying for you. Your way and your spirit to serve people and this ministry is what comes to our minds when we think of our time together! So be encouraged in knowing that you are loved! Cling to the good things God is doing right now. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through right now, but I do know that God will get you through because He promises to in His Word. I am praying that God enables you to cling to those promises with everything you have. I love you and hope I get to see your smiling face soon!  Blessings!!!

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30

Love,
Shelia


Evan, I love you so much brother. My family and the entire Teen Valley Ranch family has and will continue to lift you up in prayer. I don’t know a more ‘Christ-like’ person I’ve had the privilege to know and serve alongside! Hang in there, brother. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get down to see you, but with summer camp, obviously it hasn’t happened yet. I’ll figure it out somehow. Please know we are with you in Spirit. I’m doing some traveling in a few weeks, after things get settled. Prayerfully, I can come see you! You are loved in Plumtree…and everywhere else!!!

Peace, Greg


5The funny thing about Evan is that I never know when he is coming. He always seems to kind of blow in. It is always a good day when I see some old car (never the same one twice for some reason: an old Honda without a floor on the passenger side, that weird old military vehicle, ext.) in the parking lot balanced in Evan’s trademark parking job or the nose in the ditch and the butt in the air. Which may be why he always has a different car.

It’s hard to pick a favorite memory of Evan. Some of my favorite are the hours we spent in the shop working on cars, which usually involved more talking than working. Staying up all night trying not to freeze our butts off in the pio cabins. Or spending a long afternoon on the snack shack deck just joking around. Evan always seems to brighten the room he is in with a big, goofy, impossibly contagious, smile.

Evan, I love you man. Keep smiling.
David Seamon


Hey Evan,

We are so thankful for you. Please know Aimee and I are praying that God will heal and continue to work in and through you. We have heard so much how the healing is indeed happening. We miss you a ton. Camp isn’t the same without you popping in super randomly and parking your vehicle in the ditch. I look forward to many more conversations and catching up man. We love you and can’t wait to see you.

Love,
David & Aimee Eddy


197148_1005715098693_1634_nHey man. I know that you have been getting a lot of letters and encouragement. I was thinking about how this is my 10th year of being associated with camp and I remember that first summer and you counseling my guys. You were awesome! I have moments reflected of your impact captured in pictures. You always set the bar high and you were always so personally involved in my students.
While this is no easy road and with some uncertainties, you have continued to be an example of trusting in God and how to handle moments of trials. My prayer is that God continues to use your life to make Him famous. My hope is that He sees it within His will to fully restore you physically. You are not forgotten and you are greatly loved.

-Jonathan, Amanda, Abigail, and Ben Brantley


Hey Evan,

I just want to say stay strong brother. I’ve only known you for about 3 or 4 years now and you’ve always put a smile on my face. You are such an encouragement in how you continue to love others no matter the situation and you are continuing to do that now. Keep living for Christ! You are definitely impacting those around you and I will continue to pray for you. Love ya brother!

Relly


Evan,

Hello dear! Just wanted to send some love your way. I looked through all of our pictures together on facebook (which were plentiful, and went back over ten years!), and decided to choose just one to send you. I think this one in particular describes our relationship pretty well. It’s from my wedding day as we were about to leave the reception, and you are handing me your gift, friendship bread. I think you said that your mom made it, and it was amazing! Zach and I nibbled on it the whole week we were in the Key’s on our honeymoon. You are always so giving and selfless, whether it be margarita pizza for the staff at New Years, or personally delivering it to the hospital to our family while with our grandfather.

WeddingI also thought of another picture, which I could not find and it was so frustrating! It was of Courtney and I on the deck squeezing into your yellow slop-o-ru shirt. I swear, that is the nastiest smelling thing at camp (besides TJ’s Chaco’s). But in true Evan Moon style, you rocked that shirt for years without fail.

Anyway, just know that we are consistently thinking of you, and praying for your recovery and healing. The Lord is continuing to work through you, and I know that everyone around you is blessed by your spirit and smile.

Love you,
Sheila


A story for Evan Moon and family:

I love the heart of Evan Moon. I remember, after I had known him for a few years, one distinct memory at Teen Valley Ranch that stands out. We were in the gym in the back of an evening summer service. The gym was packed during one of those ridiculously busy weeks, and so Evan, I, and other staff were standing in the back during the music, listening and worshiping. Then “Jesus Paid It All” started playing, and I’ll never forget hearing Evan’s voice punch through the crowd as he sang “Oh praise the One Who paid my debt…” loud and strong. None of us were the best at singing, but I was overcome by how passionate Evan was, standing there with his eyes close, hands outstretched to sky, bellowing about how Jesus had “raised [his] life up from the dead.” It was remarkable and moving for me to see that, and I’ll never forget it. It was so clear to me from that moment how much Evan Moon loves Jesus. I pray God heals and protects him, guides his doctors and those taking care of him, gives peace and steadfastness to his family, and keeps his heart fixed on the Son through it all.

All the best,
Daniel Gilford


1936896_104475675558_4980130_nEvan. Shaggy. Praying.

Here are my 3 favorite memories from when I used to see you face to face around our TVR-era:

  • The first time I met you in the kitchen at TVR you bit my shoulder which immediately ticked me off. By the end of the summer (okay, later that day), you had won me over. I love your humor.
  • I still listen to the CD you sent me of the Georgia Tech choir you sang in. You are truly talented.
  • Pizza in Atlanta. I think I was there for a homeschool show and we had the opportunity to grab a bit to eat.

You are inspiring quite a few people right now my friend. Don’t forget to let the people around you pour into you as well. You are loved.

Love,
Liz Corson


3Austin and I both met Evan the summer of 2005. It was the first summer working at Teen Valley Ranch for all of us. I had no idea that crazy bearded guy would become one of our closest friends. Evan was always that friend that you could count on for a good time and great memories. Whether that was camp memories, randomly going on a road trip to Chicago, riding in his pinzgauer… (Half the time not riding on the road,) Evan showing up early to hang out with the wedding party at mine and Austin’s wedding, or traveling to Atlanta to see him perform in the GA Tech. Glee club. I could honestly keep going but there are seriously too many stories and memories to share. Not only has Evan been around for a lot of fun times in my life, he was also a friend that always had my back in the bad times as well. I can name a few times that I cried on Evan’s shoulder and he always listened with such patience. He always gave godly advice to Austin and I and we are so incredibly thankful to have a friend like Evan in our lives. Evan we just really want you to know that you are loved and that your friendship means more to us then you will ever know. We will continue praying for you non-stop. We want to be here for you during this time just as you have been there for us during the good times and the bad. Whatever you need, just say the word and we will be there.

Love you Evan,
Austin & Valerie McNulty


While I never had the privilege of working at Teen Valley Ranch with Evan, I had the opportunity to meet and spend an afternoon with him during the Summer of 2013 when he came to visit. I don’t think I have laughed as much as I did that afternoon, nor do I think I have had pizza as good as the ones he brought us. Evan was so welcoming, positive, and friendly which are the things I remember most about that afternoon. He remains in my thoughts and prayers during this season of uncertainty and difficulty.

Sarah Moore


 

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Taking the “Moon” by Surprise

  • by

As Evan battles cancer we’ll continue to have surprises to encourage and love on him! Today’s surprise is from the Teen Valley Ranch family!

1929833_504801722895_7979_n


Evan,

What a light you are! I remember when I first met you – the New Years that Walker and I were dating and we were all at camp. Of course your car was parked halfway up the hill to the lower ball field and partially in the ditch (simultaneously). That’s just it – it’s all of these small things that you do over and over again, to put a smile on our faces. You are selfless and kind and your heart shines so, so brightly. You’ve shown that nothing will take that away. I hope I can keep spreading joy and love the way you do, even on your hardest days. There may be a fight going on in your body, but I know it will never overcome the heart you have. Stay strong.

Much much love,
Julie Capps


19747_682983459068_117400_nHope you are doing well despite everything that is going on. We were very shocked when we heard the news about you being in the hospital. Know that you have been apart of our prayers here at camp and we are so thankful for what the Lord is doing in you and through you. Julie and I have been following your blog, and have been so encouraged by your spirit and how God has used you to minister in the hospital. Keep up the good spirits, not because of your circumstances, but because of the Peace and Hope that you have in Christ. (It is obvious that you have a firm grasp on this concept, but I want to encourage you in your solid hope in Christ.) Come show up at any time!

Love you man!
Walker Capps


Hey Buddy,

I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and am thinking of you often. I am so thankful to know you and call you my friend. It is absolutely impossible to overstate the influence you have had on camp and all the staff. I am sure you have heard this before but you were definitely someone I looked up to. And it really all boiled down to one thing: joy. No matter what was going on, when Evan Moon walked into the room, it lit up. You have the unbelievable gift of bringing happiness and joy to those around you, whatever the circumstance. I cannot imagine how much those nurses have had their days become much more joyous!

196264_18345191376_9940_nMy favorite memory really just sums up who you are as a person perfectly. I was needing to put speakers in the back of my car before I went out of town. It was like 20 degrees outside and the shop had no heat (obviously) but when I asked you if you could help, you did not hesitate for a second. I think we spent like 3 hours down in the freezing cold shop putting those freaking speakers in my car! It was of course way more difficult than it should have been, but we stuck with it and got it done. Still to this day, I’m blessed to think that you did all that just because you cared about me. I love you bro and am lifting you up daily, always thanking God that He put you in my life.

P.S.- Cancer ain’t got nothing on taking 13 people in the Pinzgauer all over Avery county. You got this!

In Christ,
Brooks


Hey Evan!!

197992_18343276376_8923_nYour camp mom has been thinking about you so very much! I am hearing how courageous and optimistic you are, and how you are continuously praising our God! This doesn’t come as a surprise to me at all! When I reflect on our time together here at camp it makes me smile. Evan, God has blessed you with a way about you that makes everyone smile and be encouraged. What a gift from our sweet Lord! That is one of the reasons you have so many people thinking of you and praying for you. Your way and your spirit to serve people and this ministry is what comes to our minds when we think of our time together! So be encouraged in knowing that you are loved! Cling to the good things God is doing right now. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through right now, but I do know that God will get you through because He promises to in His Word. I am praying that God enables you to cling to those promises with everything you have. I love you and hope I get to see your smiling face soon!  Blessings!!!

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30

Love,
Shelia


Evan, I love you so much brother. My family and the entire Teen Valley Ranch family has and will continue to lift you up in prayer. I don’t know a more ‘Christ-like’ person I’ve had the privilege to know and serve alongside! Hang in there, brother. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get down to see you, but with summer camp, obviously it hasn’t happened yet. I’ll figure it out somehow. Please know we are with you in Spirit. I’m doing some traveling in a few weeks, after things get settled. Prayerfully, I can come see you! You are loved in Plumtree…and everywhere else!!!

Peace, Greg


5The funny thing about Evan is that I never know when he is coming. He always seems to kind of blow in. It is always a good day when I see some old car (never the same one twice for some reason: an old Honda without a floor on the passenger side, that weird old military vehicle, ext.) in the parking lot balanced in Evan’s trademark parking job or the nose in the ditch and the butt in the air. Which may be why he always has a different car.

It’s hard to pick a favorite memory of Evan. Some of my favorite are the hours we spent in the shop working on cars, which usually involved more talking than working. Staying up all night trying not to freeze our butts off in the pio cabins. Or spending a long afternoon on the snack shack deck just joking around. Evan always seems to brighten the room he is in with a big, goofy, impossibly contagious, smile.

Evan, I love you man. Keep smiling.
David Seamon


Hey Evan,

We are so thankful for you. Please know Aimee and I are praying that God will heal and continue to work in and through you. We have heard so much how the healing is indeed happening. We miss you a ton. Camp isn’t the same without you popping in super randomly and parking your vehicle in the ditch. I look forward to many more conversations and catching up man. We love you and can’t wait to see you.

Love,
David & Aimee Eddy


197148_1005715098693_1634_nHey man. I know that you have been getting a lot of letters and encouragement. I was thinking about how this is my 10th year of being associated with camp and I remember that first summer and you counseling my guys. You were awesome! I have moments reflected of your impact captured in pictures. You always set the bar high and you were always so personally involved in my students.
While this is no easy road and with some uncertainties, you have continued to be an example of trusting in God and how to handle moments of trials. My prayer is that God continues to use your life to make Him famous. My hope is that He sees it within His will to fully restore you physically. You are not forgotten and you are greatly loved.

-Jonathan, Amanda, Abigail, and Ben Brantley


Hey Evan,

I just want to say stay strong brother. I’ve only known you for about 3 or 4 years now and you’ve always put a smile on my face. You are such an encouragement in how you continue to love others no matter the situation and you are continuing to do that now. Keep living for Christ! You are definitely impacting those around you and I will continue to pray for you. Love ya brother!

Relly


Evan,

Hello dear! Just wanted to send some love your way. I looked through all of our pictures together on facebook (which were plentiful, and went back over ten years!), and decided to choose just one to send you. I think this one in particular describes our relationship pretty well. It’s from my wedding day as we were about to leave the reception, and you are handing me your gift, friendship bread. I think you said that your mom made it, and it was amazing! Zach and I nibbled on it the whole week we were in the Key’s on our honeymoon. You are always so giving and selfless, whether it be margarita pizza for the staff at New Years, or personally delivering it to the hospital to our family while with our grandfather.

WeddingI also thought of another picture, which I could not find and it was so frustrating! It was of Courtney and I on the deck squeezing into your yellow slop-o-ru shirt. I swear, that is the nastiest smelling thing at camp (besides TJ’s Chaco’s). But in true Evan Moon style, you rocked that shirt for years without fail.

Anyway, just know that we are consistently thinking of you, and praying for your recovery and healing. The Lord is continuing to work through you, and I know that everyone around you is blessed by your spirit and smile.

Love you,
Sheila


A story for Evan Moon and family:

I love the heart of Evan Moon. I remember, after I had known him for a few years, one distinct memory at Teen Valley Ranch that stands out. We were in the gym in the back of an evening summer service. The gym was packed during one of those ridiculously busy weeks, and so Evan, I, and other staff were standing in the back during the music, listening and worshiping. Then “Jesus Paid It All” started playing, and I’ll never forget hearing Evan’s voice punch through the crowd as he sang “Oh praise the One Who paid my debt…” loud and strong. None of us were the best at singing, but I was overcome by how passionate Evan was, standing there with his eyes close, hands outstretched to sky, bellowing about how Jesus had “raised [his] life up from the dead.” It was remarkable and moving for me to see that, and I’ll never forget it. It was so clear to me from that moment how much Evan Moon loves Jesus. I pray God heals and protects him, guides his doctors and those taking care of him, gives peace and steadfastness to his family, and keeps his heart fixed on the Son through it all.

All the best,
Daniel Gilford


1936896_104475675558_4980130_nEvan. Shaggy. Praying.

Here are my 3 favorite memories from when I used to see you face to face around our TVR-era:

  • The first time I met you in the kitchen at TVR you bit my shoulder which immediately ticked me off. By the end of the summer (okay, later that day), you had won me over. I love your humor.
  • I still listen to the CD you sent me of the Georgia Tech choir you sang in. You are truly talented.
  • Pizza in Atlanta. I think I was there for a homeschool show and we had the opportunity to grab a bit to eat.

You are inspiring quite a few people right now my friend. Don’t forget to let the people around you pour into you as well. You are loved.

Love,
Liz Corson


3Austin and I both met Evan the summer of 2005. It was the first summer working at Teen Valley Ranch for all of us. I had no idea that crazy bearded guy would become one of our closest friends. Evan was always that friend that you could count on for a good time and great memories. Whether that was camp memories, randomly going on a road trip to Chicago, riding in his pinzgauer… (Half the time not riding on the road,) Evan showing up early to hang out with the wedding party at mine and Austin’s wedding, or traveling to Atlanta to see him perform in the GA Tech. Glee club. I could honestly keep going but there are seriously too many stories and memories to share. Not only has Evan been around for a lot of fun times in my life, he was also a friend that always had my back in the bad times as well. I can name a few times that I cried on Evan’s shoulder and he always listened with such patience. He always gave godly advice to Austin and I and we are so incredibly thankful to have a friend like Evan in our lives. Evan we just really want you to know that you are loved and that your friendship means more to us then you will ever know. We will continue praying for you non-stop. We want to be here for you during this time just as you have been there for us during the good times and the bad. Whatever you need, just say the word and we will be there.

Love you Evan,
Austin & Valerie McNulty


While I never had the privilege of working at Teen Valley Ranch with Evan, I had the opportunity to meet and spend an afternoon with him during the Summer of 2013 when he came to visit. I don’t think I have laughed as much as I did that afternoon, nor do I think I have had pizza as good as the ones he brought us. Evan was so welcoming, positive, and friendly which are the things I remember most about that afternoon. He remains in my thoughts and prayers during this season of uncertainty and difficulty.

Sarah Moore


 

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