Greg-Louis Austin | A father of all seasons – in memory of Bishop Ivan W. Evans

In a society where the value systems are challenged and family structures are strained, exemplary fathers seem to be rare. it is still debatable whether this absence is ‘cause’ or ‘effect.’ While I do not share the sentiments of many, that the majority of Jamaican households have absentee fathers, I am still indecisive regarding the impact of many of this male-folk group.

Among the faithful few, positive influence of distinguished fatherhood is the late Bishop Dr. Ivan W. Evans – the father who grew my father and so many others who are legitimate children though not ‘Evans.’ For the past 66 years, he was a devoted husband to Joyce and showed the many sons, grandsons, nephews, and those who merely listened to him on radio broadcasts, the role of men in the family, Church, and the society at large - a father for all seasons indeed.

CARING PERSON

I am compelled to start with the fatherly characteristic D Evans exuded as a first impression when you met him. He was an extremely caring person who epitomised servant leadership with great humility. This fatherhood trait of compassion, courage, and care gave rise to his humanitarian stance regarding the welfare of children, women, and the less fortunate.

This is a timely reminder even as we grapple with the unacceptably high levels of violence against our children, our women, and our vulnerable groups in society. He brought visibility as a caring father to these real-life issues and was not comfortable only talking, but doing. One such action was his involvement at the leadership level of the St Elizabeth Care Committee, ensuring a better quality of life for mentally ill/homeless persons living on the streets within the parish of St Elizabeth. Additionally, he opened the facilities of the church to provide accommodation, food, employment, not to mention hope, courage, and love to so many of his adopted sons and daughters who would not have survived any other way.

BELIEVED IN EDUCATION

This father for all seasons was a firm believer in education and led from the front in this regard. In the days when tertiary education seemed impossible, he was awarded a sugar manufacturers scholarship to the University of Technology, Jamaica, formerly College of Arts, Science and Technology, where he received formal training in chemical engineering.

Using his personal experiences, he provided sterling support and motivation for many young people to pursue tertiary education despite the challenges that exist. Being cognizant of the importance of a solid start, Bishop Evans started the Waterloo Christian Basic School, now Waterloo Christian Early Childhood Institution, in 1979. This provided a strong foundation for many who have now become religious leaders, educators at all level, lawyers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs who are playing their part in advancing the whole human race. It is equally important to mention that D Ivan Evans founded the International University of Biblical Studies to provide monotheistic-based Christian education to aspiring pastors, Bible teachers, and persons desiring to improve their knowledge of the Word of God.

GODLY

In the apostolic arena, the clergy title of Father is not used but would be fitting for Bishop Evans, who scored more than half a century in pastoral leadership. Father Evans empowered so many to become ministers, pastors, and active builders of the Kingdom of God. I am reminded of the song I grew up singing in Sunday School – “Father Abraham had many sons”. Perhaps a contemporary version could be “Father Ivan had many sons”.

Included in this number are his successor, his own nephews, and many other sons who have assumed the offices of bishops and bastors, walking in the ‘large’ footsteps of Father Ivan. From a purist theological standpoint, there is neither male nor female, and so his fatherhood extended also to the capacity building of daughters who he fathered in the gospel who have become equally proficient in ‘rightly dividing’ the Word. Father Evans trained up children in the way they should go, and they have not departed from it, and are now charged to perpetuate his rich legacy.

Faith of our fathers, we will love

Both friend and foe in all our strife,

And preach thee, too, as love knows how,

By kindly words and virtuous life.

As this season falls, another springs; We celebrate the distinguished, dignified life and legacy of this faithful and outstanding father, statesman, confidant, mediator, motivator, entrepreneur; a father for all seasons. Sleep on, papa. Your generation is working to meet you again.

- Greg-Louis Austin, PhD, is associate vice-president, quality assurance (acting) at the university of Technology, Jamaica. Send feedback to glouisaustin@gmail.com.