Top 25 Highlights from Ryan Downing's First 25 Years

25. Learning an important life lesson – 6 bean burritos plus watching the movie Signs right before bed equals Night Terrors.

24. Learning the meaning of a no left turn sign from a DPS officer.

23. Taking Liberty Elementary School’s band to new heights as first chair bells player

22. Developing an appreciation for a variety of musical artists, such as Third Day, Third Day and Third Day.

21. After being coerced into tasting a tiny piece of tomato at Olive Garden, collapses into a violent fit of dry heaving.

20. Discovering multiple uses for his collapsed sternum: cup holder, chip bowl, popcorn tub.

19. Winning first place at the Taekwondo Poker Tournament. Oh wait…that hasn’t happened.

18. While watching meat ooze from his injured hand, realizes that playing Ditch Em in a dark forest is not the best idea.

17. Two Words: Altar Fall

16. Launching a worship service with the anointed song “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns and Roses

15. Unselfishly attempts to speed up ASU’s graduation ceremony by respectfully declining to appear

14. Peeing on his father when summoned for a spanking.

13. At Youth Camp, learns a lesson from nature: trees should be wrapped with bark, not Chevy Luminas.

12. Keeps Kleenex in business with frequent yet unpredictable nosebleeds.

11. Demonstrating impeccable fashion sense with his wardrobe of socks and sandals, mismatched tennis shoes and short sleeve dress shirts with clashing ties.

10. Leaving a friend 6 credits short of graduating, realizes his calling is not to be an academic advisor

9. Drenched in sweat from head to toe after an intense game of air hockey, his true competitive nature is revealed

8. Denied the opportunity to play high school sports, perseveres to become the best stat keeper Horizon High School has ever seen.

7. After 25 years, he’s finally able to control 25% of his limbs.

6. Publicly denouncing Charlie Roberts in Edi Phi Sunday

AND NOW, THE TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS OF RYAN DOWNING’S FIRST 25 YEARS…

5. A true visionary, he refuses to settle for past accomplishments and actively seeks, receives and casts new vision for Edi Phi and its role in the body of Christ.

4. A humble servant, he places the needs of others before his own, projecting the image of Jesus who led by serving rather than being served.

3. Both leader and friend, he manages to effectively lead the group as a whole while building and maintaining meaningful relationships on an individual level.

2. Never a quitter, despite past setbacks and discouragement, he perseveres in doing God’s work to the best of his ability.

1. Obedient to God’s call, he strives every day to live out God’s purpose for his life: bringing meaning to others.