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November 12, 2008

Star journalist lost with Evan’s death

A tribute to Evan Silverstein, PNS reporter dead at 42

by Shane Whisler
Synod of the Sun Communications Director
Reprinted from Presbyterian Neighbor News

DALLAS — The shocking news that Evan Silverstein died over the weekend leaves many of us Presbyterian communicators speechless. As the news story describes, Evan served the PC(USA) for 10 years as senior reporter for the Presbyterian News Service (PNS). 

Evan Silverstein in March 2008, covering the National Stewardship Conference in Texas. Photo by Shane Whisler

He, with PNS Coordinator Jerry Van Marter, and other past writers provided a reliable and credible conduit of news for the Presbyterian population. Evan was a professional journalist with compassion. Real journalists are difficult to spot in some media, but not with PNS. We can be proud.

Thus, we can be equally grief-stricken. Evan's dedication is archived in the hundreds of news stories and photos he produced. Gold stars of recognition honor his writing among peers across the country.

When covering an event or helping lead it for the last nine years, I stopped sweating anytime I saw Evan. "Ah, Evan is here," I'd think. "We can be sure the story will be told." 

I'm sad that we have to tell Evan's story now. Evan Silverstein's kindness and professionalism touched many whom he never met. His journalistic integrity informed hundreds of thousands who didn't even know the PNS operates by a code of ethics and independence. Here is an example of his service to you.

Take action for more good news in Evan's honor.

Please help preserve and further some of the good news he covered by making a donation in his honor to the Presbyterian Hunger Program. We will add a link when it becomes possible to make an online contribution.

In the meantime, please make a check or money order payable to the "Evan Silverstein Memorial Fund" with the memo: Acct. H-000004. The fund is for a PC(USA)-supported organization of farm workers. Evan chronicled their journey toward fair treatment.

Mail to: 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)  
Individual Remittance Processing
P. O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Whether you give $12 or $100, you honor a man who served communications ministry with his whole heart, mind and body.