The doctor predicts that today, May 19, will be the hardest day yet for Evan Moon, since his brain surgery on May 16, 2016. We want to reverse the doctor’s estimation and make the day easy for Evan.
Below is a compilation from friends and family of thoughts, prayers, poems, lyrics, stories, etc. to encourage Evan and one another when the days aren’t easy.
Please no visitors yet.
But those prayers, keep them going!!
“We continue to stand in faith and in joyful expectation for Evan’s full recovery. Not only for that, but we also can’t wait for the multitude that will come to know the Father through the testimony of Evan’s journey. I cannot believe how many lives Evan has already changed and influenced with the overflowing love of Jesus. Praise God for this brother, we love him so very much!!” – Sarah Richards
“Ev – oh. my. stars. (yes… MY stars) 😉 Brother, I am so thankful for you and blessed by you. You have helped me see the anchor in my stormy seas while all the while fighting against waves of your own.
You have been a faithful friend – truly. You stepped up when others stepped out… and you’re still doing it! Christ in you amazes me – the light is bright and undimmed, even in the midst of uncertainty and sorrow.
Seeing you in the ER a week ago made me think of Jesus in Gethsemane when he’s pleading with the Father to take this cup from him, yet ends the prayer with: “nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” This is you… this is Jesus in you, that no matter the fight, the frustration, the set-back, you’re arms stay open and your hands empty and ready to receive that which the Father ordains for you in this life. And you do it with joy. The eternal joy that only the Father can give and only his children experience. So thank you for being a brother to look up to, a friend to laugh with, and a co-heir of the Kingdom. Always serving, always caring, always thoughtful, identified always in the spirit of Christ.” – Ali Bartlemay
“Evan,
Over this week that I’ve been in so much prayer over you, one thing God has blessed me with is the reminders of the memories we share. Man, I’ve been reminded of the time you joined me for frisbee last July, the conversations we had painting in the basement of the community house, the random nights you’d show up at my apartment and watch basketball games with me, that time we hung out at the landfill, the Walmart runs, and the time you helped me repair my headlight at that autoshop where you boldly spoke into the life of Gracious, the man who was standing right beside us repairing his car. God has used you in so many ways in my life. Every time I pass by a stranger in need, it’s become habit of mine to think, “How would Evan speak Jesus into that person?” You have inspired me to love on strangers, which has been an area I have needed to grow in for quite a while. I really appreciate that, and I also appreciate how you loved on me. I was at taco night tonight, and I was thinking, if you were there you would probably be tapping me on the shoulder, telling me about the Golden State OKC basketball game, and whispering, asking my thoughts. I love how you pay attention to those small details and interests in people’s lives, including mine, and enjoy what they enjoy with them.
Dude, God is using you right now in mighty ways, even in recovery. Missionaries at World Reach are praying for you, unreached people are hearing your story, and even my Grandma called tonight telling me she is “praying for Shaggy.” You are in my prayers every day and every night. At the Kwathu yard sale, I bought something to remind me of you on the trip, I attached an image, it’s an airplane pillow in the shape of arms. I was expecting on the trip for you to be laying all over me all the time like you usually do when we’re at taco night, so this arm pillow will be a good reminder of you while I’m there.
The chapter of the Bible I have been praying over you this week is Psalm 103. I won’t quote the entire chapter, but one section that sticks out to me in my prayer is verses 1-5: “Bless the Lord,O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquities, and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is restored like the eagle’s.” Evan, may your youth be restored like the eagle’s.
Prayers and Blessings from your Brother in Christ.” – Michael Kline
“Evan, Karen Mcpheeters was upset when she heard about your brainz, and assured that she’s praying for you and affirmed how much a great guy you are. Also this is a poem I wrote back in Jan and felt led to send to you. Love you
Caught
One dirt smear and
father’s hands catch my face
before he restraps my helmet,
sans-training-wheels round
two. Every fall remembers
he has a lap with my name on it.” – Tony
“Evan,
I finished that book I was telling you about the other day, “The Way of the Wild Heart”. There is a part that talks about how every boy needs to be the “beloved son” at some point in his life to know what it is like to be loved, cherished, and qualified as a man. As I read and pondered on this I began to ask myself if I had ever been the beloved son to someone, if I have ever been loved or cherished. It was a hard moment of begging God for that experience. In a season where I am so hungry to see and experience the love of God in a very real way, I asked Him how I could be that beloved son at this stage in life. I don’t live with my parents, I’m grown, how can I go back and experience the love of my parents while I’m awakened to it?
Friday, at work, it hit me. Hard. A flood of memories poured in of all the times you have put yourself aside to love me and encourage me. You grab my favorite soda, you play my favorite songs, you encourage me to play my instruments, you tell me you appreciate me, you always make sure I’m not left out, when meeting strangers you introduce me and tell our stories, you push me to go on an adventure, you encourage me in my dreams no matter how distant, you call me to tell me about a beautiful sunset because you know I love it, you hide my favorite treats around the house to be discovered, you reassure me in things I am good at. I realized that I was praying for God to show me what true love looks like as a beloved son, but all along I had missed how he had shown it to me as a beloved friend. Your friend. Thank you for loving me and showing me a thing or two about how to love others.” – Cameron Hardy
“Evan and I go way back – more than 10 years! My dad was his pastor at Lucerne Baptist Church. I was already in college at this point, so I didn’t get to attend much, but whenever I did, Evan was the first to greet me and make me feel welcome! We became fast friends. Because the Moons are just so incredible. We had lots in common: A) curly hair B) only children (with lots of “adopted” siblings) C) a tendency towards silliness. We spent holidays with the Moons (there was a super fun Thanksgiving we got to spend with them and the many people the Moons brought into their home. They are givers and encouragers. Denise Moon would send me friendship bread to my dorm in college. Truly the best people).
What is there to say about Evan? I guess I’ll start with Friday once we heard. I texted him just my outpouring of grief and respect for him. And in turn, he just writes me tons of encouraging words for ME! And sending silly brain tumor selfies. And just being generally selfless, humble, and amazing.
That sums up Evan. We worked at Pizzeria Venti together, and he would get to know every single table. He would not only serve them pizza, but a big dose of kindness (which we all know the world needs today). He would visit me at workplaces and come and show up and talk to me and encourage me. I’ve always been in awe at how “at home” Evan is in his own skin. And his childlike wonder and excitement. He’s a servant. He’s a trusting child of God. He is a mirror of Jesus, truly. I’ve been thinking about the crazy similarities between him and Jesus – he works with his hands to bring others closer to God, his current age, his community’s respect and awe of him, his living in community and koinonia, his love that is undeniable to everyone he comes in contact with – he is other-worldly.
Evan is the brother I never got to have. He is family. He is the best. He makes me better by being 1000% himself. He makes everyone better. And isn’t that what love is? Helping us all become the best versions of ourselves. Because HE is the best of the best version of himself.
I recently had surgery on my leg after badly breaking my right leg and badly spraining my left ankle. THAT surgery was so traumatic, I can’t imagine what Evan is facing right now. But I do know about 1% of the pain and frustration of being limited with my physical ability and how FRUSTRATING and testing it is. But, it develops such strength. And weird peace in “well, this is what’s happening now. Now, let’s get comfortable with that, and keep going and fighting.” (It took me months to get to that place, ps. And that’s ok.) It’s ok to be frustrated. It’s ok to be angry. It’s ok to feel doubt. That makes us human. And makes us more empathetic and compassionate and loving. Feel it all, Evan. It will only make you stronger. And make you more of a fighter. And more of a hero. (which you are! You are such a hero to so many of us. I can’t express this enough.)
I am so thankful for you, Evan. Words fail me in saying this. There is no word to express how grateful I am for you and everything you are. You are a hero. To me and so many others. You are a shooting love beam and we’re all lucky to be in its path. You are a child of God and He is so honored by you.
All love, hope, peace, comfort, life, wholeness, and joy.” – Joanna Hardy
Song Dedication: Though You Slay Me by Shane & Shane – Alison Elliott
“Just wanted to share this since Evan comes to Taco Night and keeps us laughing every time! You are always a light for Christ, Evan!! You bring joy into every room you’re in, and you always remind us of the Father’s love for us. You help us take ourselves less seriously, and that is an invaluable skill.” – Jessy Jones
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
– Galatians 6:9-10
“Alle guten Wünsche Evan. Wir senden dir ganz viel Kraft.” – Gabi Junker (German)
Translation: “All good wishes Evan. We send you lots of strength.”
“If the burden seems too much to bear, remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there.” – Let It All Out by Relient K It’s good to know God is in control. Praying for a speedy recovery! – Will Scharer
“E – evangelistic, energetic, extra
loving, exceptional Christian,
extraordinary
V – very cute, very capable,
valuable, very fun & funny,
victorious, virtuous
A – awesome, all-around great
guy, amazing, attentive,
attuned to God’s Spirit
N – never a poor witness for
Christ, nice, not a slacker,
noticeable, notable, nifty
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”
Isaiah 43:1-5a
As you can see, I love you man!! Glad you’re on the mend because it would take a village to replace you!!” – Nancy Burgess
“I have told countless people that if we had a son, we want Evan. I don’t mean we want to steal you. We want one just like you. We would not change a thing!!!
When I think of you, I think of…
The Son in the son
The son in the Son
You shine with Him and I am so thankful I am counted among those on whom you shine!!!” – Larry T. Burgess
“Evan, the Lindermans are thinking of you, praying for you, waiting with you. We love you!” – Tim, Renee, Abigail and Kathryn
“Cresent Waxing” Moon
“There’s always His example, though we struggle to soften.
There’s a deistic, divine design, yet we understand unoften.
There’s always His word, though we’re conflicted to comply.
There’s omniscient omnipresence, yet we’re quick to query, “Why?”
There’s always His forgiveness, though we’re grudging with grace.
There’s hallowed, holistic healing, so do not focus on physical space.”
– Tim Linderman
“To Mr. Evan. Every bunny loves you!! Get well soon.” – Kathryn Linderman
To Mr. Evan. This is the verse God gave me for you. Please get well soon.” – Abigail Linderman
“And they went and woke him, saying “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.”
– Luke 8:24
Song Dedications:
Miracle by Shane & Shane
Give Me Faith by Elevation Worship
The Rock Won’t Move by Vertical Church Band
– Giorgio Fareira
“Hey Evan. The song that comes to mind when I think of going through a difficult time is I’ll Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns. Specifically the following words and then the chorus.
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
My thoughts for you Friend…
I continue to Praise our Father (1 Thes 5:18) And I know you do too.
He is with you. (Joshua 23:3) And I know you feel Him.
I pray He gives you strength and pours out His supernatural healing (Jer 33:6) over your body and everything within and about you naturally responds.
Our God holds back the waves from going past the ocean shores. The sun rises and sets at His command. (Job 9:7) He fills the clouds and they bring forth rain.
So…we praise Him for He is Mighty. He is our Healer. He is our Comforter. (2 Cor 1:3,4) He is our loving Father. (John 3:16) He is God.
Much love to you Evan. Can’t wait to see you back at the office talking to your salad and chatting about the crazy name of the cheese that is about to be your lunch!” – Maria Luttrell
“He Giveth More Grace” – Annie J. Flint
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
– Lee Rainman Johnson
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Isaiah: 43:1-3
“Evan, praying for you. You are a hero to me and others in so many ways. I like how you serve and love others in humility and sincerity. You are always there to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement. The Lord is with you.
“Be strong, man, everything will be ok. Take care. Greeting from Czech Republic.” – Tomas Port
If you can give towards relief for his financial expenses, here’s how:
Mail checks to:
Grace Klein Community, Inc., 1678 Montgomery Hwy #104, Birmingham, AL 35216
Memo: Evan Moon Assistance Program
OR via our website: gracekleincommunity.com/donate
All contributions are tax-deductible.