The author, oldest of four siblings, and product of a broken home, received his early religious education through his mother’s sacrifice. Both parents taught him what they knew, and he is grateful to both. The author had struggles with alcoholism, drug abuse and gambling through the years. In 1999 a gracious, merciful God sent a man into the author’s life who told him the truth about salvation’s requirements and God’s identity. The self-destructive behaviors ceased, and the author is now an ordained deacon and active in a true holiness church.