Some angels were as surprised as some people when God called young Todd into ministry. He had not been expected to live beyond a few years, so his announcement as a teenager about becoming a minister was received with misgivings. His parents, deeply touched, dismissed the notion as a dream with no chance of realization. Others reacted much the same, patronizing him. "Isn't that nice" or "good for you" were token responses, lacking conviction. Meanwhile, Todd trusted in the Lord. Determined to obey God's call, Todd learned all he could about Jesus. He sat under learned preachers, listened to their sermons and spent hours copying verses from his Bible. Whenever the church doors opened, whether Sunday service, Bible study, prayer or worship, Todd was there. If help was needed for any church event, Todd was there lending a hand. When anything occurred having to do with church or the Lord, Todd's presence was a given. Night after night, Todd's parents would find him in his room, hunched over his Bible, praying. They marveled at his fervent words of intercession for healing, comfort, and strength for family, friends and church members. Todd spent many days practicing sermons. Pacing up and down the pier by his lakeside home, arms waving, Todd addressed his "congregation", usually a flock of recalcitrant Canada geese. The name of Jesus was heard resonating off the water, booming with the passion of one who knew His grace and wanted to share it. He faithfully proclaimed the gospel to anyone who would listen. Nights of devoted prayer - days of loving service amassed into years. Todd showed "himself to God as one approved, a workman who need not be ashamed. . . " By now, one might assume Todd achieved his dream to become a minister, defying those who thought otherwise. Did he? Not as men reckon becoming one. Todd has Down syndrome. He functions well in many capacities, but he cannot read, much less earn a seminary degree. Yet, God looks on the heart, rather than outward appearances " so, did Todd become a minister? Absolutely! Todd has no worldly "minister" credentials - yet, I call him "Pastor" Todd. He knows the living Word and he lives it. Like a candle yielding tallow to show the Light of the world, Todd is aflame for Christ. His acts of service are his sermons, blessing many. At thirty-seven, "Pastor" Todd continues to minister. Each Sunday he greets church members - with a smile, his hand or a hug. He seeks out the flock's neediest " the widows, the infirm, the young, the old " asking how he can pray for them. He visits children's classes sharing his faith. He lays hands on babies and blesses them. He amazes Bible teachers by quoting scriptural principles. When asked about such knowledge, he simply says, "it's in the Bible." In love and respect, his church named him "Lifetime Deacon" but, I call him "Pastor" Todd. 2 Timothy 2:15b New International V