In a world were religion is used as a division we have been blessed by Keith and Beverly Evans of Pathways Church formerly Greater Gresham Baptist Church as members of our community for over twenty years. They have provided caring, Christian Leadership for their Church but more importantly, in my view, they have been at the center of leadership in our community. They have chosen to embrace a new life path that will allow them to help countless others but sadly it will not be in Gresham. So, just want to take a moment to honor all (which is impossible) they have done!
Keith joined the Chamber soon after arriving in Gresham and immediately began volunteering for a huge range of local projects and events. He was committed to being part of solutions to community challenges, inspiring others to volunteer and offering his resources (most importantly the actual church itself) to be used by literally multitudes over the years for everything from Business Excellence Awards Luncheons facilitated by the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, to Authors Events sponsored by Gresham Barlow Education Foundation…as I know it… he never said no to a good cause.
They inspired others to volunteer creating whole armies of volunteers who have made the Gresham Arts Festival a better local event. They became a “charm” location when Try Local First was doing a Charm Bracelet Program. There is not enough space to list all that has been done or inspired by the two of them…and their own humility will never allow us to know the extent of all those who have been blessed to cross their path. My words are inadequate to state how much you will be missed and how grateful we are to have been a part of this community with you! So, in as some sweet Irish ancestor once said: “May the dreams you hold dearest be those which come true, and the kindness you spread keep returning to you”. Bless you both!