About Our Founder: Lee Rust

Lee Rust, Founder

Lee grew up with four brothers and sisters in rural Michigan during the decline of the automotive industry boom. The fourth child of a hardworking, blue collar family, Lee grew up without Christ in her home. She experienced God through friends at church services and AWANA programs. At the young age of 12, Lee was called by God –At the age of 15, Lee lost her father and her family fell apart. By the age of 17 she was living on her own.

Lee came to Western Kentucky to find work. It was here, at the age of 21, God called upon her again – this time urging her for an outward expression of faith. Lee felt the call and was baptized and grew to seek God in more significant ways. Lee married at 23 and started a family. In time, she found herself in an abusive marriage, and through prayer found the strength to end the relationship. As a single mother, Lee sought God often and began attending bible studies.

Through God’s grace, Lee met and married a very compassionate man whose love reaffirmed her worth and purpose. God continued to grow Lee in preparation for her future ministry. She enrolled in Paducah Community College and attended bible studies continuously.

In December of 2000, Lee was asked to teach life skills to the female inmates at her local jail. And the rest is history. Lee developed a survey and determined that 90% of the women had experienced some sort of abuse in their lives. She also found that their lives were overcome with addictions. Under God’s direction, Lee began Freedom Forever Ministries.

“God has allowed me a window into these women’s souls. I am very humbled that God uses me and allows me this opportunity. My life is truly Amazing Grace.” — Lee Rust

In her spare time, Lee enjoys gardening, reading, fishing, camping and cooking. Lee and her family reside in Kentucky.