My name is Kristine. I grew up in small town Missouri where you either knew everyone or everyone knew of you. I am a twin and the middle child of 5. When I was six my step dad began sexually, physically, and emotionally abusing my sister and I. At thirteen my step-dad finally went to prison and at seventeen my twin brother was murdered. I ran away shortly thereafter and found alcohol, sex and prescription drugs. Eventually I found Jesus Christ. Having learned how much God loved me to look at the events of my life as just things. I also learned that "All things (even mine) work together for the good of those who love the Lord and for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. God eventually led me to restore my relationship with my real dad, speak forgiveness to and share the gospel with my step-dad, write letters of forgiveness to those involved in my brother's death and boldly proclaim what He is doing in my life. These things have been used to relieve me from the need to drown my pain and emotions in alcohol and prescription drugs, give me a fulfilling relationship with my husband and show me that the "better life" comes from Him. Matthew 11:28-30 helped me to realize that my life wasn't mine. It was His. It was a gift I had to give back to Him. And it was His gift that I had to share with others. This caused me to begin writing and in April 2008 I was given the idea of beginning my own ministry. After six months of prayer God enlightened me on the idea of Freedom Rings Ministries and the a website www.freedomringsministries.com was born.