Rick Smith is a creative, bold, and high-energy communicator who passionately seeks to see students transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rick has spoken to and challenged thousands of students with the life-changing truths found in the Scriptures. His story gives him a unique perspective on life. This, combined with a love for young people, a creative communication style, and a deep appreciation for God's Word, enables Rick to connect with students in a Biblically, relevant way
Rick became a believer in Christ as a middle school student, but from that day until his early twenties, his lifestyle didn't reflect that relationship. Rick grew up in a small town, the oldest of four boys, and the son of an alcoholic. By the age of seventeen Rick had dropped out of high school, run away from home, and begun to make a new life for himself.
Alone in a large city, Rick reinvented himself. His entire life revolved around finding acceptance in people. Rick became involved in several sales jobs, and realized he had an incredible ability to connect with people. By the age of nineteen, he was earning more money than he had ever seen. But, he spent money more quickly than he earned it, trying to find acceptance in his many newfound "friends."
Rick's desire to gain approval from others would become the driving force of this life. He would do whatever it took to impress others; including spending money he didn't have. It was this desire that would eventually get him arrested. Several times.
Brokenness, although painful, is a catalyst for life change. Through God's grace, Rick began to surround himself with godly, Christian men {and an amazingly Godly girl-friend, Abbie} who would love him for who he really was, and speak truth into his life.
By God's grace, the mess he had gotten himself into began to slowly untangle. As Rick's knot of selfishness and sin began to untwist, doors for ministry opportunities began to open. God was teaching Rick that true acceptance, and love could only come through a right relationship with God through Christ.
| Rick dreamed of studying Scripture at Dallas Theological Seminary, but first went to the University of Houston to complete his undergraduate work. While in Houston, Rick became an active member at Houston's First Baptist Church. It was there that the Lord would radically transform him. As he began to walk in community with other believers, each of whom played a vital role in shaping Rick's future life and ministry, God began slowly opening doors for Rick to minister.
Eventually the Lord allowed Rick to communicate the Word on a weekly basis, and soon he was being invited to speak at other local ministries. It confirmed Rick's ability to connect with students in a real way. Rick had finally learned that finding approval and love through a right relationship with God in Jesus Christ, was what he had been missing. It was the only way to live life. In fact, it was life.
In October 2007, Rick married his best friend, Abbie, after seven years of dating. (Yes, seven years of dating - Rick had a lot of growing up to do!) He received his Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication from the University of Houston in May 2007, and was licensed into the Gospel Ministry by FBC Houston in May 2008. Rick and Abbie moved to Dallas where he is currently pursuing his Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and Abbie live in Dallas, TX, and enjoy spending their time watching movies, playing their Nintendo Wii, hanging out with their two dogs, Baxter and Gizmo, and most importantly; seeing lives RADICALLY transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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