This is a book to prepare the heart for suffering and trial. My purpose is not to frighten, or to alarm, or to sensationalize, or be overly dramatic. I am definitely not predicting a timeframe for the trials that precede the second coming of Christ. I do feel that we could be in the last generation, and I've made some statements with that possibility in mind; but that's not the book's purpose. The overall thrust of this book is beneficial even in times of ease. The message is one the Church needs to embrace no matter what the external circumstances-whether Jesus is about to break through the clouds or not. The glory of the message is that, if we will begin to practice the instructions written by Peter some 2000 years ago, we will develop an internal and unquenchable fire of love for God and His Church. And as that fire of love grows in our hearts, we will not be surprised by the fire kindled against us as we come to the end of the age.

Tom and his wife, Debbie, currently live in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Prior to moving to KC, Tom served more than 25 years as a pastor in the United Methodist Church in the Panhandle and South Plains of Texas. In 2002, he and Debbie joined the staff of the International House of Prayer of Kansas City. While there, Debbie was part of the healing room and pre-natal prayer ministries. Tom directed and taught in the Biblical Studies Program of The International House of Prayer University. They both hold Bachelor's Degrees from Texas Tech University. In addition, Tom holds a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.