As I have written in the past, I had a fairly “ordinary” upbringing, like many of you who read this magazine. I grew up in southwest Missouri, and for 19 years was a member of a very respectable “mainstream” church. My parents graduated from a college sponsored by this major church denomination. I was, for a year or two, president of my Sunday School class. I graduated from Joplin High School and was co-captain of the track team and the star mile runner for three consecutive years. I lettered in football, and was a two-time Golden Gloves boxing champion. I became a first lieutenant in my high school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps. Later, I attended Joplin Junior College, and was elected President of the Junior College Luncheon Club—an organization devoted to discussing civic affairs and world events.

Are you trusting in the "rapture" to spare you from end-time trials? Or does God have a more wonderful plan ahead for you?

Some know the truth but fear to preach it. Others do not even know the truth. What can you do to find out for yourself?