For Ted

Richard Pinckney
Grand Rapids, MI
Seminary Friend

Ted was the embodiment of gentleness. He had an intensity about him that made you realize he was a person of strength and substance. I always respected Ted. I got to know him through a Crown Bible Study my wife and I led and from being in the same Formation for Ministry small group at the seminary. I envied his ability to be quiet and listen to others. He had an amazing ability to listen.

The first time I met Ted was when we took a summer Greek course at Calvin College. I sat next to him and noticed he was using old envelopes to take notes on (the kind with plastic windows which meant he had to write around the window at 90 degree angles!) I didn't know him but I thought, "Wow, that's really sad, this poor seminarian can't even afford paper to write on. He must have spent all his money on tuition." So I made a plan to go and buy him a few stacks of brand new lined paper and bring it to him saying; "Here ya go dude, enjoy! You don't have to write small any more!" But as I was thinking about it, something put the thought in my mind that maybe he was doing it on purpose. I'm so thankful I didn't give him that paper! But even if I had I'm sure he wouldn't have made me feel bad for doing it. Ted was the kind of person who faithfully lived out his convictions without making others feel condemned. He inspired others by the example of his life. I look forward to seeing him again one day in glory in the presence of our Lord and Savior!