My Testimony: I was born and raised as a Lutheran, attended a Lutheran parochial school, was baptized, confirmed and married as a Lutheran. I realize that for many years I had not grasped the full meaning of a relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, I feel the use of the words "full meaning" will not truly be known until we are called to our permanent home with Him. The door to a more Spirit-filled life was realized more fully through adversity. God allowed me the opportunity to exercise the use of the word "I" in "my" career pursuit. "I" decided to leave the 18 plus years of employment to seek what "I" thought to be a more lucrative position in "my" field. Well, "I" failed to truly consult the Great "I AM". By God's grace, I was allowed to skin my nose real hard, falling flat on my face, spending many nights in a small motel room away from my family in tears at 40 years of age. This proved to be a major turning point in my relationship with Him, as I had 'many' 'many' conversations with God during this time. I am so blessed to have experienced this life-changing, humbling period of time in my life. He allowed a complete tear-down of the "I" word and reconstruction to the "HIS" word. I have come to understand the meaning of God's Word being the lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Jeremiah 29:11 sums it up so well. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future". He knows - "I" do not! HE ALONE DESERVES MY GRATITUDE, HONOR AND PRAISE!!

Background: Born and raised in rural Northeast Nebraska. A farm boy! Following marriage, I moved from the farm and have been in the insurance business for 40 years, the last 20 years of which have been in the Porath Insurance Agency blessed by God and devoted to His purpose. My likes are pursuing a more meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, followed by a close relationship with my wife of nearly 40 years, 2 children and 2 grandchildren. My hobbies are few, other than singing, and a classic 1967 Chevrolet pickup purchased new by my grandfather, passed down to my father, from my father to me, and eventually to my son.