I have known Paul Bickford since I was 11. Paul was my youth pastor and mentor. Paul provided me the opportunity to know Jesus and grow in my faith. When I was a sophomore in high school, I felt God calling me to vocational ministry, and I approached Paul about it. I remember praying with him in his office about that decision, and the next thing I knew, Paul was having me teach middle school Sunday School. Paul began shepherding me into the youth pastor I am today. I went onto college to study youth ministry and Paul remained, training me as a youth director. I would interview him for projects and papers. He would invite me to be a leader on retreats, and eventually, I began interning with Paul in Student Ministry. I have spent 11 years, so far, in vocational ministry as a youth pastor, and Paul has always been available for continued mentoring. At every opportunity, Paul has poured into my life to mold me in my development as disciple of Christ and a Youth Pastor. Paul has been a mentor of mine as a teenager, young adult, husband, and a father on the personal level. On professional level, Paul has come alongside me and has guided me on my journey as a youth pastor. We have discussed many difficult ministry obstacles, and processed through long term strategies. He has helped me with interpersonal issues with other people in ministry, and explored how to effectively make disciples of Christ. My life is forever marked by my mentorship and friendship with Paul Bickford.