Iowa is an Indian word meaning "beautiful land." And that's where it all began for me.

I started out on a legal career and passed the Iowa bar. Long before, though, I had harbored thoughts of one day becoming a preacher. Sunday school had not been a bore as it often is for many kids. Attending summer youth conferences, then Bible classes in college - taught by Dr. Howard Legg, who looked like he belonged in the Senate rather than in a college classroom - set the stage for an invitation one August to give the sermon in my home church. I was 20. From that day on I was hooked - at least in my private thoughts - though it would be a whole war later before I would have enough confidence and courage to set those first plans aside and begin seminary.

Iowa was a good place to be born. A beautiful la…