<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;width:329pt;" width="439"><tbody><tr height="300" style="height:225.0pt;"><td height="300" style="height:225.0pt;width:329pt;" width="439">The author is a retired United Methodist minister who pastored a number of small churches in northern New England. He was also a chaplain at the Veterans Hospital in Vermont for twelve years. He is board certified as a chaplain (retired) by the Association of Professional Chaplains. He had also been board certified as a chaplain by the National Association of VA Chaplains. Chaplain LaPierre holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry, master's degrees in counseling and in divinity as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. He is the author of over sixty articles and essays. He continues to lead worship and preach for pastors who are on away. He also continues to write articles concerning pastoral care and spirituality. He lives with his wife of forty three years in San Jose, CA.<br><br></td></tr></tbody></table>