In my life, I have experienced good times and tough times. I have lived in extreme poverty and with extraordinary wealth. I have seen some ugly parts of life and some beautiful parts too. I have lived through the horrors of war and the tragedies of death. I have suffered pain and loss, as well as healing and gain. I have experienced heartache and heartbreak, as well as joy and rejoicing that are beyond words. Some wonderful people have influenced me, and I have been able to influence others as well. I have started businesses and closed businesses. And the list could go on and on. The point is this: in spite of the difficulties, I consider myself to have lived a rich and full life!

My desire in authoring this story is to share with my family--kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids--some of the events of my life that I believe have some relevance for them, particularly events about God's work in my life. Some of what I have to tell them now will be comforting or more precious to them later. The first section, "Grandpa Saw the Light," is about my conversion to Jesus Christ and the circumstances surrounding it. The second section, "Grandpa Shined the Light," is about my personal growth as a believer. And the third section, "Grandpa Shared the Light," is about my ministry and service for God.

I also hope this book will be a source of encouragement to many, so they share their own story with others, particularly their loved ones. Everyone's life is a unique story, and it is meant to be shared with others. Some stories are more dramatic or sensational than others, but all are important.

Your story is about God's work in your life and your response to Him. I hope this book is a source of blessing for you.