2 Year Mission
All this hanging about had to end sometime, so it did, and Evan decided to serve a mission for his church. He was called to serve in the Illinois, Chicago Mission. So he got himself up and went.
He left April 17, 1996 for the Mission Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah where he spent 3 weeks in training. He was then shipped out May 8. 1996 to O'Hare Airport in Chicago where he started his mission singing, literally. There is a tunnel going from one of the terminals to the main terminal where all the new missionaries sang "Called to Serve." Yeah, the Mission President was cheesy, do you know one who isn't?
Not many to speak of. He assisted in the conversion of 6 souls, became somewhat knowledgeable in bike repair, gained knowledge of imestible value, and served as a District Leader.
| Area | Months | Apts | Ward | Chapel | Baptisms | CompanionsMonths |
| MTC | 1 | 1 | 36th Branch | MTC Classroom | 0 | Luck1 |
| Douglas Park | 4 | 3 | Logan Square | Logan Square | 0 | Thomason2, Valentine2 |
| Rodgers Park | 4 | 1 | Chicago 1st | Springfield | 2 | Milner1, Oh3 |
| Blommingdale | 5 | 1 | Bloomingdale | Bloomingdale | 2 | Wright3, Hamilton2 |
| Naperville 1st | 2 | 1 | Naperville 1st | Stake Center | 0 | Radden2 |
| Naperville 2nd | 2 | 1 | Naperville 2nd | 95th St | 1 | Bushman2 |
| Glendale/ Flossmore |
4 | 2 | Chicago Heights |
Chicago Heights |
2 | Andreadakis1, DeHart1, Canady2 |
| East Side | 3 | 1 | Hyde Park 1st | Hyde Park | 0 | Jensen1, Farr1 |
He started out his mission in the Douglas Park area. A large area on the West Side of Chicago between Pulaski & Western and South of Eisenhower Expressway to Garfield. He biked like crazy in that humid Chicago summer. Elder Thompson was a terrific trainer and Elder Valentine was a great friend.
He started his first Chicago winter on the North Side in Rodgers Park. This is where he had the opportunity to participate in the conversion of the Mills. A remarkable couple who were very receptive to the message he brought. He considers them the reason he was in Chicago.
He finished his first winter at the cottage in Keneyville. The cottage was the recipient of some naughty missionaries prior to Elder Davis' arrival. He made every effort to gain the wards trust with his capable companion Elder White. Unfortunately the ward still has not gained enough attendance to complete their building. He participated in the baptism of Zakia Beal and still wonders how she and her family are doing.
The summer brought Naperville. He enjoyed his work with Elder Bushman very much and still communicates with him from time to time. That Elder helped Evan to work hard.
He then moved in with the Baileys. That was an interesting experience and he has been meaning to contact Brother Bailey to find out how that lazy tongue.
He finished his mission on the East Side. So much work and so little time. He really enjoyed the months spent in the field serving his God and looks forward to a time when he can take his companion to experience the same thing.
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