John grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa, where his family attended Lakeside Presbyterian Church. Not going to church was never an option.  My parents were very committed to their faith.  When I was nine my dad died.  My mom carried on their encouragement of my church involvement.  Her dedication to missions – especially Native Americans in the west – always had her sewing  clothes to be sent away.  Her example of living will always remain with me. His fondest memories

Mike grew up in north central Iowa and attended a small Baptist church. The Old Rugged Cross is a special hymn for me. Growing up, this was a hymn that my great aunt sang at many funerals and church services. Each time I hear it, it takes me back. It wasn’t until I turned 20 that I was baptized, and I remember the happy look on my Grandfather Hoff’s face that day. Mike has lived in Rockford, with his wife

Sue and I met while attending college at Concordia in Moorhead, MN, back in 1968. We must have had the right amount of similarities and differences to get married and this year we celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary. We are blessed with two daughters, six granddaughters, one grandson, and rumors of an arrival of a “great” next spring. A shared similarity for Sue and me was our upbringing in the Lutheran faith along with its strong choral traditions. With missionary

Jim and I have been married for 33 years. His sister was a high school friend, and Jim was in my sister’s class, so we have known each other for a long time. I have been an English teacher since 1982, so technically yes, I am licensed to correct your grammar. Jim is currently a contractor and handyman. We have 3 adult (more or less) children. I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith. There was a time when everyone