By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor
Todd Lollar’s cerebral palsy and speech impediment did not keep him from earning his bachelor and master’s degrees. It did not keep him from continuing to search for a job after experiencing five years of discrimination from multiple businesses. And it did not keep him from delivering his message of encouragement and determination to students Monday night in Moody Coliseum.
Lollar (’00), a collegiate minister at the University of North Texas, spoke for about 40 minutes as part of the Alpha Scholars Program’s Disability Awareness Week this week. Sitting in his wheelchair, he shared his life story with a few hundred students.
“I encourage you to know your story,” Lollar told his audience. “Your story is just as powerful as mine. Know what God has done with your own faith, and it will help you share the Gospel with people who are lost.”
Lollar was born with cerebral palsy and nearly died shortly after his birth. His mother prayed he would become a minister if God allowed him to live – which is exactly what happened.
“God is very purposeful and sovereign,” Lollar said.
Lollar studied business management at University of Oklahoma and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. But after feeling dissatisfied for focusing on personal gain, he decided to pursue vocational ministry and enrolled at ACU to earn a master’s degree in Biblical studies.
“Life is more about who God is rather than who we are because who we are is found in him,” Lollar said. “The more we know about God, the more we know about ourselves. He made us in his own image.”
Three years later, he graduated from ACU; however, he experienced trouble obtaining a job. Because of his disabilities, few business owners would hire him. Over the next five years, Lollar only was able to attain low-wage, odd jobs.
But after meeting the regional director of The Navigators Ministry, an interdenominational, nonprofit organization that mentors people one-on-one, Lollar found his job. He now works with students on the University of North Texas’ campus in Denton.
“He’s a humble brother in Christ,” said Mark Lewis, assistant dean for Spiritual Life and Chapel Programs. “He did amazing things to love people and to encourage people.”
Lollar said he does not consider his disabilities to be hindrances.
“I just wanted to come here and encourage these students to live a life that’s beyond themselves,” Lollar said. “Weak is the new strong. God’s power can be available through your weaknesses.”
