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Visit to TV station Encourages Children's
Home Resident in his Weather Interests
Spend a
few minutes with "Evan" and you'll be amazed at his weather knowledge. "How
many counties in Alabama can you name?", asked an intern in Birmingham,
Alabama, at ABC 33/40 television station where Evan spent an afternoon with
chief meteorologist and Alabama Baptist Children's Homes trustee James
Spann. Evan quickly began naming county after county.
"One day you'll have a job sitting next to James Spann," remarked the amazed
intern as Evan gazed excitedly at the complex equipment in the station's
Weather Center. His visit was while he and his two sisters were living at
the group home operated by the Children's Homes in Oxford, Alabama.
 Spann, who
frequently interacts with students at Birmingham area schools, said he was
surprised by Evan's extensive knowledge of weather. "He explained to me hook
echoes, bow echoes, and how severe thunderstorms develop," Spann recalled of
his initial conversation with the 14-year-old. "This guy sounded like a
college professor."
How did a young teenager learn so much about the weather? One of the most
powerful tornadoes central Alabama has seen swept through Evan's
neighborhood, leaving him with severe back injuries and unable to walk. His
family's home was destroyed also.
Four days later, a miracle occurred - Evan was able to stand up and walk
with minimal support. "The grace of God helped me to overcome my injuries,"
Evan said. Though he left the hospital after only a week, he lived in a
nearby hotel for health precautions. Four months after the tornado, a back
brace was removed from Evan's body.
The energetic youth, already a Christian, said the helplessness he felt as
the tornado destroyed his house and the early days of his hospital treatment
made him more curious about God. Honored by local media and civic groups for
shielding his sisters from harm during the deadly storm, he also became
deeply inquisitive about weather patterns and their causes.
While at the Children's Homes facility in Oxford, Evan's houseparents helped
him find books and Internet resources for his weather research.
Spann commented, "I'd like to think that Evan's visit at ABC 33/40 will
encourage him to learn more and perhaps get into meteorology one day. I have
a passion for children and youth who need help. When I was seven, my dad
walked out on our family and that's why I can relate to many of these
children and youth."
Spann appreciates the abilities of the Children's Homes staff to help
children, youth, and their families on a short-term and long-term basis.
Evan's mom is also grateful for the Children's Homes help.
"Evan and his sisters struggled emotionally after the tornado, and I felt I
was losing control of them," Evan's mom said. "Since their stay at the
Children's Homes, however, they have been more cooperative, more
understanding, and more willing to participate in household functions. I am
grateful for the way the Children's Homes staff took care of Evan and his
sisters and kept them centered in the Word of God." |
