Chris Schmaus: From Near-Death to New Life
God will take the ugliness that the devil uses to destroy you and God will turn that into some amazing testimony.
Imagine being just seven years old and surviving a near-fatal accident. For Chris Schmaus, a Sioux Falls native, this was just the beginning of a life filled with trials and triumphs. In this episode of 'Fortitude', Chris opens up about his journey from childhood trauma to finding purpose and joy in the most unexpected places. At age seven, Chris was hit by a drunk driver while riding his bike, an event that nearly claimed his life.
Fast forward to his 12th birthday, and he faced another blow—his parents' divorce, which plunged him into depression and suicidal thoughts. Bullied throughout his school years, Chris struggled to find his identity and place in the world. Life took a turn when he met his soulmate, Cori. They got engaged in 2003, but soon after, Chris left for a year-long tour in Iraq. Upon his return, they married and faced another challenge—infertility.
They adopted three children from Ethiopia and were later blessed with a biological daughter in 2016. Chris’s story doesn’t end with these personal victories. Today, he dedicates his life to serving others, volunteering at a local Behavioral Health Center, and sharing his story to inspire hope and resilience in youth and adults alike. He believes that even the darkest experiences can be transformed into powerful testimonies of hope and healing.
Join host Heather Kittelson as she delves into Chris’s incredible journey of overcoming life's adversities. From near-death experiences to the Iraq war, Chris's tale is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and love.