I was born (1951) and baptized Lutheran. After confirmation I left the Lutheran church, but God never left me. After returning from Vietnam in 1972 (USMC) I was feeling a “hunger” for spiritual things. I started reading and studying the Bible. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to attend a Bible study and my pocket New Testament (Thank You Gideons International) was with me at all times. I had a desire to serve God with all of my heart. I went back to the Lutheran church. Liberalism had invaded the church at that time and I saw nothing of the Christian spirit that was exemplified by Martin Luther. I thought that perhaps I would feel at home in another denomination. After many years of moving all around the “Christian map” and being disappointed by each denomination’s “pet doctrine” or as I call it “doctrine du jour” I gravitated back to the Lutheran church. Being apprehensive and not content to take only the word of a pastor, I searched my Lutheran roots going back to Martin Luther’s writings. I also met a Lutheran pastor who loved God and had the highest respect for Martin Luther and the conservative Lutheran traditions. As time passed I once again realized the depths and richness of our brother Martin Luther’s contribution to Christians of his day and even to us today. That is why I use the phrase “Christian By God’s Grace… Lutheran By Choice.” Each day I desire to grow in God’s wonderful grace and love. I will do so with the help of God.