By Stephanie Pridgen
I don’t know exactly what we expected walking into his home, but I know that it wasn’t what we found.
The tent seemed to exhale as we opened its door, and it expelled a torrent of heat. I could not begin to imagine staying inside these tarpaulin walls all day as sweat instantly formed against my skin; yet, this is Evansbord’s life everyday.
Evansbord was taken to a witch doctor at two months old. Before me was the result of this choice by his parents. He was lying on the tent floor, knees to his chest, feet crossed flat against himself; he has spent 15 years in this same position.
Aside from moving his arms, his head and a few grunts, Evansbord was immobile and mute. Little did he know how his life was about to change. Little did we know how our lives were about to change.
Evansbord’s home was destroyed in the earthquake; yet, he survived. He was discovered 24 hours later, surrounded by rubble but virtually unharmed.
This week, as we visited him and his family in the tent community, our hearts were burdened to see God move in his life. So the team prayed.
Daily, team members visited and spent time interceding for Evansbord. One participant, a physical therapist, examined him and said that physically there was no reason for him to be in such a condition. Diagnosis: It had to be spiritual.
Thursday, the team gathered and prayed… and prayed… and prayed. After hours of seeking God on behalf of this child and his family, the team retrieved a tarp, used water from their water bottles, and created a baptismal on the spot.
Result: Evansbord was smiling, laughing, uttering his first words.
Friday morning, Evansbord was crawling. Friday afternoon, he was playing and throwing a ball.
He is a transformed boy, joyous and responsive. The entire community has witnessed this and been astounded.
Evansbord’s life is changed.
His family is changed.
His community is changed.
The team members are changed.
I am changed.
Below is a clip, taken by one of the participants, of Evansbord being baptized.
Stephanie is working with Adventures In Missions as part of support staff in Haiti.