My Story:

I’m Karlos Smith, a Columbus, OH native kept by God’s grace. I’m a writer, actor, and professional goofball. When I was younger, I read a lot of stories, and loved sharing them to people who would listen. I then began to create my own and share them in multiple forms, including poetry and playwriting.

So when the time came to decide what to study for a future career, the choice was pretty clear. I graduated from the Ohio State University in 2017 with a B.A. in English: Writing, Rhetoric & Literacy, having developed a love of playing with language to make people laugh and think. But after graduating, I went through a period of feeling lost and unfocused concerning just what I was assigned to do. For a long time, I searched for jobs in the secular arena, expecting the assignment to be there.

But every door I knocked on was closed/unanswered. So I did what I should have done in the first place, and looked to God:

“And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.’” (Habakkuk 2:2-3, ESV)

I believe writing and communicating ideas are key gifts that God has planted in me. I realize that my assignment is to record His vision and share it with the world. Now, I am presented with this opportunity to work for an organization focused on doing God’s work of hospitality and reconciliation. I believe this position allows me honor God with His gifts.