by Ken Walker
Ken Freeman grew
up in a fatherless home with an alcoholic mother. As a child, he knew nine different
stepfathers and attended 24 different schools. His first, impromptu driving lesson came as
an adolescent, when a night of drinking left his mother and stepfather unable to drive
home.
Eventually, a nightmarish home life drove him into the streets. He
often hung outand sleptin bars. He was familiar with that environment. His
mother had often taken him there as a young boy so she could have another drink. He tried
living with his stepfather for awhile, but his new wife's drinking habit led him to avoid
their home.
Drawn to a church revival by the offer of free pizza, Freeman accepted
Christ at the age of 16. The street-hardened teenager experienced Gods healing power
and soon felt a desire to fulfill God's will and purpose in his life. At 19, Ken joined a
traveling music ministry and at 22 he moved into full-time positions as a minister of
youth and music. His own harsh experiences and his rapport with young people ultimately
led to a God-given concern for teenagers and families. That finally led him into full-time
evangelism.
In his compelling new book, Rescued by the Cross (Howard Publishing,
240 pp., $14.99) one of America's most popular, influential, and compelling youth
evangelists reveals his own incredible story of rescue. Freemans first release
offers hope, encouragement, and insight to young Christians about how to step out of the
past, no matter how painful it is, and into Gods purpose.
No one communicates this message with more clarity and passion. God
wants to use his people in powerful and persuasive ways; however, many Christians allow
their past to impede their faith and paralyze their future impact. Freeman points the way
to the Cross and reveals the complete freedom found in Christ.
There may be no one better qualified to speak about being rescued by
the Cross and leaving behind a bitter past than Freeman. After nearly 15 years in
full-time evangelism, he has traveled the country and had the privilege of seeing more
than 80,000 people accept Christ as Lord and Savior. A motivational speaker, he has also
addressed thousands of students at more than 5,000
public school events.
Additionally, Freeman's family ministry includes leading couples retreats and
family-oriented revivals. With energy, humor and the lessons learned from his own life
experiences, he convincingly makes the case for a God-centered home. Stresses Ken: "A
strong Christian family is our best defense against satan." In contrast to his
horror-filled childhood, Freemans adult life is a miracle of God. He and his wife,
Debbie, have been married for more than 25 years. They have two sons, Josh, a stockbroker
in San Antonio, Texas; and Jeremy, who is currently completing his college studies.
Freeman continues to reach out to families and young people. His own life is patterned
after Philippians 1:6, "
being confident of this, that he who began a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." |