Howard Storm was born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1946. He was a professor of art for 20 years at Northern Kentucky University. In 1985, following his near death experience in Paris, his life was transformed. He eventually studied to become a pastor and in 1992 was ordained in the United Church of Christ. He now pastors Zion United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio. On numerous occasions he has communicated the message he received from his experience to various groups and through media, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, 48 Hours, and the Discovery Channel.