The commissar was closing the doors as I rushed into the office block on Bay Street. He told me which floor I should go to and I breathlessly ran to the elevator. My heart sank as I entered the office, for the counter space was crowded with many people seeking application forms for their 'letter of standing'. Like me, they would have been immigrants, with qualifications in teaching, plumbing, nursing, law, etc. I could see myself being here for more than two hours!
I had in my hand the note from Professor Carlyle addressed to Don Anderson, but did not know whom to ask for him as all the counter clerks were so busy. Just then a man walked out of the washroom at my side, accidentally bumping into me as I was standing so near, apologised and then asked, "Can I help you?" I told him I was looking for Don Anderson. "You're speaking to him," he said!
I gave him the note, he read it and immediately ushered me into his private office. He introduced me to his secretary Megan, (who happened to be from Cardiff my home city in Wales!) with instructions that she should look after my application. Fifteen minutes later I was on my way home, all the necessary papers in an envelope under my arm.
The application papers were filled out, the necessary British certificates duplicated and attached and the completed package sent back to the appropriate Canadian office. Soon I received my 'letter of standing' and could begin the process of applying for a Type B teaching certificate which would qualify me to teach in any provincial school. However, my goal was to obtain a 'Type A specialist' certificate with which I could apply for senior or Head of Department positions in secondary schools.
The Ontario Education Board had only recently introduced the Type A qualification as a requisite for Heads of Department but, due to its newness, relatively few teachers had yet obtained it. Thus the University of Toronto were presenting a five-week course each summer for suitable experienced teachers, to enable them to have the Type A certificate. I wrote off for an application form.
The deadline date for the summer course applications was fast approaching, and I had my forms all ready to be posted, - with one exception. The Type B certificate had not yet arrived at my home though the ministry kept assuring me that "it's in the computer, Mr Evans." I decided to call the university education department. A young lady answered.
I asked her if I could delay my application for just a few days as the Type B certificate had not yet arrived. I had been assured it should arrive very soon and I would bring it personally to the education office as soon as possible. She was very polite but also very firm. "I'm sorry, sir, but today is the absolute deadline for applications. All forms must be in by 4pm this afternoon."
I thanked her for her courtesy and was about to put the phone down when she said, "Excuse me, sir, but is your name Mr Evans - Gareth Evans?" I was a little surprised that she knew me as I had not earlier volunteered my name. "Yes," I replied. "Oh," she said, "we've been wondering how to get in touch with you. Your name is down for the course already. Professor Carlyle gave it to us!" (see He leadeth me #3)
When the Lord had closed the door nine years earlier, he had stored away information in an office in Toronto that He was now bringing out. I had been in the 'wrong' office at the right time, to meet His appointed man who would open doors for me into the education system of Canada. "I am the Lord that closes doors which no man can open, and opens doors that no man can close" (Revelation 3:7).
So it was that in the summer of 1976 I attended the five week course at Toronto university and obtained my Type A teaching certificate in Physics. It was a wonderful five weeks and an excellent course, much enjoyed.
Now I could look around and apply for any teaching post in Ontario
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Gareth Evans ( - )
Gareth Evans is an itinerant pastor/teacher with a burden to minister to the hurting church his ministry website is Gareth Evans Ministries. Formerly a Physics teacher in the UK and Canada, he became a pastor with the Christian & Missionary Alliance in Canada in 1979. In 1991, he was invited to serve as pastor on board the M/V Anastasis, a medical, missionary ship operated by Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Since leaving that ministry four years later, Gareth has traveled to many countries, encouraging pastors and missionaries.He is married to Anne and they have three married daughters, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Gareth and Anne live in Victoria, in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Some of his main burdens is to mentor young men to see them walk in the anointing of God and soar on wings as eagles. He has also prayed for revival and moderated many revival conferences across the world.