Kristen Smeltzer
Kristen Smeltzer, in her own words, is “an ordinary girl with an extravagant God.” She holds a B.A. from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Her college nickname was “Cruise Director,” because of her great passion. If she believes in something, she tends to be contagious. She wants everyone to come along for the ride, and many often do.
In years past, Kristen served on short-term missions with YWAM and also once served as a youth pastor. She met and married her husband, Richard, in 1990. Before having children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. While raising her three sons as a stay-at-home mom, she had 3,000 women under her in a successful direct sales company and was chosen to train the company’s top 50 leaders at their yearly convention.
Kristen has walked with the Lord over 47 years. Throughout her journey, and especially during a painfully dark season involving one of her sons, God gave her beautiful insights into His Word and character. Out of that season, her award-winning book was birthed: DON’T CHEAT THE BUTTERFLY: A Battle, A Strategy, and A Mind Transformed.
Today Kristen is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author who continuously steps out of her comfort zone and jumps headlong into unknown territories—to bring hope to the hopeless and God-given identity to His people. She has led Bible studies and conducted seminars. She has spoken at churches, retreat centers, conferences, ministry fundraisers, and book club events.
Kristen’s messages will open eyes to the true nature of God and inspire hearers to engage afresh with the Lover of their souls.
Quick BIO & Fun Facts
Grew Up: Michigan
College: Spring Arbor University, Elementary Education & Youth Ministry
Work History: Elementary School Teacher, National Director of a Direct Sales Company
Other Early Jobs: Youth Pastor, Protective Services Preschool Assistant Teacher, College Admissions Intern
Favorite Things:
My Beautiful Family
Deep Friendships
Quality Time with Family & Friends
Meaningful Conversations
Desserts
What I call, “God Adventures!”
Places I’ve Lived:
Michigan
Honolulu, Hawaii (5 months)
Philippines (2 months)
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Hobbies:
Writing
Continually trying my hand at new things…i.e. Baking, Watercolor, Greet Card Making, Embroidery, Homemade Sourdough Bread, etc.
10 Random Facts and/or Favorite Memories:
I took 9 years of tap & ballet and went on to be on my college basketball halftime dance team.
Right out of college, I spent 6 months in Honolulu and the Philippines as a missionary with YWAM. Some of the most incredible people, (who became life-long friends), and I ministered in places like the Balut Garbage dump, where 10,000 people lived in coverings made of scrap wood and cardboard. Kids with scraps of paper in hand swarmed me, thinking I was Amy Grant, to beg for my autograph. Our group also served in a 3rd-degree malnourished Day Care, that broke my heart. While there, I contracted lice and amebic dysentery. Three local Filipino girls took care of me. They are a beautiful people!
I’ve floated the Mendenhall River in Alaska and have taken helicopter rides both in Hawaii and over the Grand Canyon.
I had a son and 13 months later had premature identical twin boys!
My sister and I once had a conversation with Jay Leno about Michigan. Seemed like a nice guy!
My husband and I helped with the planting of a church in San Diego.
My husband and I hosted weekly homegroups in our home for a combined 10 years. At our peak, we had 50 people, representing 9 different churches in our home.
My husband and I have had the joy and honor of hosting numerous people in our home. It has been one of the joys of my life to offer hospitality to those in ministry and those who are often in the limelight, without much down time to simply be loved and ministered to, themselves.
AND…I’ve been witness to—and the recipient of—miracles.
