Erma Evans, a widow in the Church of God, served as a perfect example of what the Apostle Paul asked of our older women (Titus 2:3). She touched the lives of many and was affectionately called “Mama Evans” by the youth of the Worldwide Church of God in Toledo, Ohio: singles from the church whom she graciously treated to a home-cooked meal each month.
Mrs. Evans knew all about southern hospitality as she was originally from Mud Creek, Kentucky. She would offer the food, after we prayed, and then she would often fall asleep on her couch, practically purring like a kitten, content as we shared and played board or card games.
The following is a letter from “Mama Evans” sent to me when I was living in Israel (August 1989), preparing to start a work-study program at Kibbutz Sdot Yam, near Caesarea. She reveals a little more about this beautiful woman that God blessed us with:
Dear David:
Just a few lines to say hello and that I miss you so much and feel a shiver of gratitude and joy when I can talk about having a child in Israel.
This must be a dream come true. All my life I have dreamed of going to all the faraway places. I think I was born a child with a passion for travel.
Anywhere, even as a child, that I read or heard about it made me want to get up and go. Even today I feel the same way.
My dad must have been the same way because his books, of which he had many, were about places all over the world.
He talked to me even when he was 5 years old. old over the farthest corners of the earth including China, but I never got beyond Toledo.
But in tomorrow’s world I hope to be able to fly from one place to another. When I looked at the image I could imagine Christ walking on the shores of Galilee.
I pray for His Coming to rescue the world. It can’t be too soon for me.
Everyone who knows you misses you. You are a special kind of guy. A bit of a rebel with a head full of dreams mixed with knowledge, There can be no other like you. I have a feeling that you are very special to God.
Take care darling and don’t forget everything you know about God’s Truth. Goodbye for now.
Love you,
mom evans
This letter shows how loving Mom was… She was always kind but firm if necessary, but you never doubted that she always had your best interests at heart. She used to say “a little love goes a long way”, “those who least deserve it need more love” and “tears purify the soul”.
I had the pleasure of writing this poem for her on a Sabbath day (on the spur of the moment, wanting to help her know how much we love and appreciate her), and gave it to her at our Church of God services before I left, receiving a big hug and a kiss in return:
mom evans
Your warmth and love are known far and wide.
His wonderful smile lights up lives
Her sweet laugh lifts many hearts.
She knows that helping both young and old is her part
Give hugs and kisses, make many meals.
True love parties of a sincere woman
GOD BLESS OUR ERMA we need her so much dear
Keep her close to your Kingdom
Help her bring you close.
Mama Evans, age 89, passed away on October 29, 1998. We know that she rests in peace and awaits the First Resurrection. Meanwhile, Mama lives and shines through the eyes of those who remember her and have stories to tell about her from their hearts.
