Chris Burkholder and his wife Shannon an Illinois licensed Radiologic Technologist live on a sprawling farm in Iowa with their three beautiful children;two daughters and a son. Single-handedly Chris set-up,organized and runs his own contracting business;Burkholder Construction. His strong work ethic and dedication to his clients is a testament to his sense of honesty,integrity and fair play. In addition to family and professional obligations,the Burkholders breed,raise and show registered quarter horses. To categorize Chris as a devoted husband and loving attentive father is merely the icing on the cake. On his own,without a standard formal education,support or parental guidance,Chris sought and gained experience as a "modern" contractor,plumber and carpenter. He worked long hard hours while acclimating himself to the cultural,religious and professional dictates of "English" society. For the young Amish "refugee" it was a world centuries apart from the Tradition and the Old Order Amish communities in which he was born and raised until the age of twenty-one. Dealing with extreme poverty,a devastating loneliness,the inner turbulence of coming to terms with his own physical and emotional maturity as well as the deep spiritual conflicts gnawing at his conscience,Chris took control of his life. An epiphanal catharsis,the turning point in his life,lifted Chris from the dark shadows into which he had been cast. Although enlightened,his journey towards the light was filled with challenges and sometimes seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The struggles were manifold but with a renewed faith in the Lord,determination,perseverance and a commitment to his own ideals and principles,Chris went forward to claim the respect,dignity and freedom given to every human being at birth. Together with his wife Shannon, Chris is involved in a religious ministry sponsored by his church. The young couple teaches children about the mercy, goodness and love of God as well as the right of every man to exercise free will regardless of race, religion or social status. However, "giving back" does not end here. Chris is determined to inspire and motivate all who feel trapped and imprisoned in situations that injure,denigrate or put scorn on innocent individuals. Knowlege is power and learning about the Lord and the rights of mankind is a step towards salvation. Chris is a deeply committed man with a mission to share the pain and anxieties of his personal journey to help other individuals overcome the demons that control their own lives, depriving them of dignity and peace of mind.