He’s a sweet little boy who loves his mother. But just below the surface is an intensity that lets you know there’s so much more to eight year-old Evan-Zane Green, who is already inspiring others with his strong Christian conviction and positive energy.

He first grabbed headlines last month when he gave the Child’s Day message at Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist Church during its Child Month celebration.

Using a specially built stand so he could be seen by the congregation, Evan-Zane impressed with his composure and words of wisdom, encouraging children to be “a light and a blessing” to those around them. He told his audience of the importance of making time for prayer, even while encouraging others to give their lives to Jesus.

He smiles as he relates his experience at the pulpit on the same day he was baptised.

“It was really a blessing to me and I liked it. I was excited, and it was good,” he says.

This is one little boy who actually enjoys church, and will often sit by himself with his Bible, reading and learning.

“I like going to church and I like Sabbath School,” he explains. “I like studying my lessons and doing the activities. It’s fun. And the stories are very interesting.”

His Sabbath School teacher, Winsome Davis, says he’s so curious and eager to learn, she has to be on her toes to keep up with him.

“He comes prepared at all times,” she tells the Sunday Observer. “He’s going to ask all the questions, so if you’re not careful, he will control the class. He comes with a freshness and enthusiasm that is just so wonderful.”

As Children’s Ministry co-ordinator, it was Davis who selected Evan-Zane for the presentation, saying he was chosen as he is a model child, godly, disciplined and a believer in the love of Jesus.

He’s also very involved in church groups, such as the children’s choir, junior Bible quiz team and is a member of Pathfinders, a uniformed group akin to the Boy Scouts that fosters total social, physical and spiritual development. He already shows signs of leadership as president of the Kiwanis-linked K Kids Club at Queen’s Preparatory School.

His Grade Three teacher at Queen’s, Avis Allen, also says he’s a sharp student. “He’s very quick with answers and good answers too. Very sharp,” says Allen. “He’s one of our top flyers.”

She says he gets along well with his fellow students, and is very well-mannered. He’s also always ready to help other students, especially in Bible Studies, his pet subject, which earned him the nickname ‘Evangelist’.

“He participates well, especially when we do Bible stories, because he’s very knowledgeable on the Bible,” says Allen. “He’s always ready to help explain or clarify to other students in the class. He also likes to take daily devotions in class.”

On the walls and tables of the Norbrook townhouse where Evan-Zane lives with his family, is evidence of the academic and sporting achievements of his older sisters, who have set a high standard. Candice, 19, and Lori-Ann, 17, were star students at Immaculate Conception High School, with Lori-Ann also doing well in hockey.

Evan-Zane’s mother, Olive, a critical care nurse at the University Hospital of the West Indies, says her ‘wash-belly’ son is a delight.

I think he’s quite a disciplined, multi-faceted boy. And quite fun. He’s very observant and I think he’s a very nice son,” she says, as Evan-Zane climbs up beside her for a hug.

She says her young son showed an enthusiasm for the church from a very early age.

“Evan has always been going to church. He grew up in church and has always been involved in the activities for his age group,” she tells the Sunday Observer.

“We also have morning and evening worship at home. And sometimes when we have Sabbath vespers, he will lead out. So from early I knew he was capable of doing something like this.”

She’s naturally pleased with this development so far, and says the family will continue to encourage him in what she hopes will be a life path.

“I’m trying my hand at this,” she says. “I feel blessed and every day I pray some more and thank God some more. It would be good if he stays in the church. But after a while, it’s just him and God. I’m laying the launching pad.

Because when children are raised in a household with godly qualities, even if they leave the church when they are older, it sticks with them. And they are better people and good citizens.”

Evan-Zane says children should be loving and obedient, and seek to follow Jesus. “They can do this by reading their Bibles and seeking to know more about God,” he advises. “It’s important for children, because if you don’t do that, you can end up in a very bad place.”

Like any eight year-old boy, he likes to watch television, ride his bicycle, go to visit his friends, play video games and draw. He likes cartoons mostly, but will also watch The Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. That almost counts as research, given what he says he wants to be when he grows up.

“I want to be an archaeologist,” he says, with not even the slightest hesitation on the word many adults stumble over. “It’s interesting. Archaeologists go and find bones of animals and people that used to live and I think I’ll get a lot of money for it.”

His mother says as the only son, he’s very concerned about looking out for his mother, and makes sure she feels appreciated by writing lots of love letters, all of which she keeps. Her wish for her son is no different from any other mother.

“I want him to be a responsible citizen. A good husband, father, brother, son, neighbour, CEO – whatever. Men are so marginalised, so I’m trying to raise this one to be a gentleman,” she says. “But if he grows up with this sort of positive attitude towards responsibility and life in general, I don’t think anyone will have to tell him what he needs to do.”

His teachers are also optimistic about the future of this bright spark.

“I think this child is going to go places,” says Queen’s Prep’s Allen. “Given the correct encouragement, he could be a leader. He has the academic ability, personality and attitude. I really think he practises what he preaches.”

Sabbath School teacher Davis says Evan-Zane embodies the future, and it looks very good.

“He brings a sense of joy when you look at what Christ can do in the life of a child,” she says, adding that the youngster, who shows respect for self and others, is the kind of person the world should be happy to have.

“My prayer is that he remains committed, so his whole life will be controlled by God. But with that attitude, and with God, all things are possible.”