Traumas and Tragedies, A Fateful Decision and a God Who Saves: the Life and Ministry of Kristen Anderson

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen’s world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn't seem to have an end. Then, on a cold January night at the age of 17, Kristen attempted suicide by laying down on a set of railroad tracks near her parents home. She was run over by 33 freight train cars at 50 mph, and both of her legs were severed, but miraculously, she survived!  -- from Kristen Anderson's website, Reaching You Ministries

Video above:  Kristen Jane Anderson's testimony on The Billy Graham telecast 

along with Casting Crowns singing "Who Am I?" 

“When I first met Kristen, I was overwhelmed with her smile, and then I saw her wheelchair. It was a defining moment for me. I had not heard her story or why she’d ended up at Moody. But it was her smile—and it is still her smile—that dismantles me. Kristen has something. It is something otherworldly. She had every reason to die, but now she has every reason to live. I hope you’ll read her story, see her smile, and know why she lives.” —Michael Easley, former president, Moody Bible Institute 

CNN Story from 09/2012:  Surviving Attempted Suicide


Kristen's book:
Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
“Life, In Spite of Me is a remarkable story of life beyond despair and hope that triumphs over tragedy.”
   —Louie Giglio, pastor, Passion City Church/The Passion Movement


A word from Kristen and her ministry, Reaching You Ministries:
Are you struggling?

Depression can happen to anyone, anytime of year.
Common causes are the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one, or personal failures, but freedom from the stress and pain is possible. God wants to help you.

If you are struggling and need a friend to talk, please e-mail us. We would love to help you find the hope and joy that God wants for you. Our confidential E-mail support team understands what you're going through and they're waiting to talk with you. E-mail us now.  

Kristen Jane Anderson and Reaching You Ministries on Facebook (place this link in your browser)

Kristen on Focus on the Family (from 2011) and part two of the same program entitled Finding Hope After My Darkest Day

“Suicide is a liar and a thief. It promises peace to those who are escaping but delivers unimaginable pain and rejection to those left behind. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”
—Dr. Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife Ministries

Have You Ever Contemplated Suicide? with Kristen Anderson


"God has used the loss of my legs to bring me into a personal relationship with Him."  -- Kristen

Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio
Teen Suicide
Air Date December 13, 2012
Summary

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers, and for every teen suicide death, experts estimate there are ten other teen suicide attempts. On this Midday Connection Sissy Goff and David Thomas join us to talk about the many emotional, psychological and social changes that can cause teens to commit suicide. Find out how to best support teenagers through this dark season, on this Midday Connection.

Thank you, Becky Pete for finding this video segment from InTouch Ministries.