The story behind the stories
About Kathryn
A word from the author
Kathryn Spurgeon writes inspirational 20th-century fiction based on true stories.
An award-winning author, Kathryn loves to analyze history to find God’s work in families and individuals. She also likes to make sushi with international students, go exploring with her grandchildren, and lounge in a hammock on the farm. A poet at heart, she writes to reveal God displayed in everyday lives.
Her home church, Henderson Hills Baptist Church, is in Edmond, Oklahoma. She and her husband are blessed with 6 children and 16 grandchildren and counting.
A life in full
Seven chapters, one calling
Long before the books, there was a life spent showing up for people — in courtrooms, classrooms, prison ministries, and living rooms half a world from home.
FAMILY
Adpotive mother
Spent time in a Korean orphanage and adopted two babies.
FAMILY
Single mom
Raised her children alone for eighteen years.
CAREER
Bachelor's degree & CPA
Earned her degree from the University of Oklahoma. Her medical billing company cared for more than 4,000 prisoners.
MINISTRY
Speaker & teacher
Taught Bible classes for twenty years.
MINISTRY
Counselor
Director of the Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministry for twelve years, holding counseling certificates.
MINISTRY
International Bible studies
Holds Bible studies for international college students.
WRITING
Author
Has published numerous stories, articles, poems, and books — all rooted in the belief that God shows up in ordinary, everyday lives.
For your church or conference
Speaker
Kathryn shares how to open your heart and see what God is doing. She has spoken to groups and conferences around the world for more than 25 years.
The Blessings of Adoption
Kathryn lived in Ilmagwon, a Korean babies’ home, and adopted two babies, bringing them to the U.S. After forty years, she and her daughters returned to visit the same orphanage — what they learned amazed them.
Relating to International Students
Kathryn lived in Ilmagwon, a Korean babies’ home, and adopted two babies, bringing them to the U.S. After forty years, she and her daughters returned to visit the same orphanage — what they learned amazed them.
The Excitement of a Multi-Racial Family
Her grandchildren are Caucasian, African American, Iranian, Native Indian, and Korean. Even through challenges, the family has been blessed.
What Prisoners Taught Me
As the owner of a medical company serving the incarcerated, Kathryn often counseled women in jail. They taught her a great deal about godliness.
Selected engagements
Andhra Prudesh, India – Keynote speaker at a 3 day Woman’s Conference, with approximately a 1,000 women attending.
Shawnee, Oklahoma – Temple Baptist Church women’s class, 12 week study, Love From the Inside Out.
Somotillo, Nicaragua – Assist and speak at one day women’s conference.
Carthage, Texas – Antioch Baptist Women’s Conference, held at the “Cabin in the Woods.”
Longview, Washington – WMU Northwest Women’s Summit Conference, keynote speaker at Columbia Heights Baptist Church.
Edmond, Oklahoma – Henderson Hills Baptist Church, Love From the Inside Out. Taught four times.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Survive n Thrive Single Women’s Conference with Arise Ministries.
Midwest City, Oklahoma – DivorceCare, Christian & Finances, Experiencing God.
Endorsments
“I have learned so much and it was just what I needed at this time.”
Toni Cooper
Mary Jane Danoe
Eunseon Lee, Korean Masters student at UCO
At home and abroad
Ministry
Kathryn and her husband, Bill, have international college students come weekly into their home for food and fellowship — a table that’s welcomed friends from around the world for twenty years.
In their words
What friends and readers say
Read the stories she's telling
Start with the Promise Series, or meet the Thomas sisters — five short stories based on true events.