This is our StorY
Four years ago, Krista Ritt began her journey with women's ministry by founding a group called "Circle of Friends." After two years of leading this group at Bridge Church, she started sensing God tugging at her heart to transition into something new. As she knelt praying on her knees at home one night, the Holy Spirit gave her the name "Women Ablaze". It sparked a whole new vision within her. This one would require the founding of a brand new independent ministry, one that would be open to all churches, incorporate Spirit-led worship, and help women encounter Jesus Christ at a deeper level.
Fast forward, and--after a lot of preparation--Women Ablaze was launched with its first kickoff event in October of 2021! All glory to God, who has helped every step of the way! It is by His guidance, wisdom, and favor this ministry has become firmly established.
At the close of 2022, Krista and her leadership team discovered they had outgrown their space at Bridge Church, which was their original venue. Beverly Rehfeld from World Impact Church in Pewaukee generously opened up her doors to Women Ablaze, welcoming us to use their sanctuary! They have truly been a blessing in so many ways! We are truly grateful to both her and Pastor David. Our gatherings have grown with this increased capacity, taking us from an average of thirty attendees to at times over ninety!
Jesus At The Center Of It All:
Women Ablaze events are always centered on JESUS CHRIST. Our desire is that women will come to a better understanding of His AMAZING, unconditional love, and they will be firmly rooted in Him.
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Come Expecting. You won't be disappointed!
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"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Matthew 5:6
Women Ablaze Founder and Director
Krista Ritt
Hello everyone! After meeting my husband Mike at age 16, we've been married 22 years. We have 2 teens and 2 grown children: Abby, Gavin, Natalie, & Rebekah. My hobbies include spending time with family & friends, long walks by the lake, piano and songwriting, coffee dates, gardening, & decorating. To me, Women Ablaze is ALL ABOUT JESUS--about helping women encounter Him in a life changing way. When God first called me to this ministry, my thought has always been: If we can win even one soul, it was worth it! I love Jesus. He is the reason I'm here, the reason I do what I do, the reason I'm inspired. Without Him, we are lost, we are nothing. The more we surrender, encounter and understand all that He is, the more we become ABLAZE and ignited for Him in this ever darkening world.
My favorite scripture verse is Philippians 4:16 ~ "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Meet the Team
Jamie Klohn
Welcome Team Coordinator
My name is Jamie! I am a loving wife and mother to a blended family of 6 kids. It is an honor and a blessing to serve on the Women Ablaze Welcome team! My sincere hope is for women to encounter God in a deeper way and realize just how loved and valued they are by the Father! As The Word of God tells us, “Iron sharpens Iron”, therefore it is my heart’s desire to love, support and point one another to Jesus! I pray that you feel the power of The Holy Spirit, and that you grow in your knowledge and understanding of God’s unfailing love for you…I cannot wait to see God move within Women Ablaze!
Valerie Lazcano
Barista Team Coordinator
I am a wife, mother to two young girls, and a stepmom to two young men! I cook part time at a restaurant, and in my free time I enjoy gardening, baking, and being a stay-at-home mom. I have been a believer all of my life, but for a long time I was just treading water. My faith and my relationship with Jesus have grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, and I owe a large part of that to family, fellowship, and women's ministry.
My favorite scripture is Romans. 12:1-2 ~
"I (Paul) plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind He will find acceptable. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Emily Salske
Vendor Coordinator
In my downtime, I enjoy reading, putting jigsaw puzzles together, crafting, and playing with my dog! I have been married a little over 6 months to my wonderful husband Shawn. We also have a little, fluffy white dog named Winston! I feel that Women Ablaze is such a wonderful opportunity to connect with other women and also connect with God on such a personal level. Every event is so special and I am so blessed to be a part of it. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Portia Tadesse
Media Assistant
I have been married to my hubby for 3 years and we live in Austell, GA, just outside of Atlanta. In my downtime, I enjoy skating, crafting, baking, and spending time with my loved ones! To me, Women Ablaze means women on fire for the Lord!! Ours is a community that empowers women to encourage each other, pray and grow together, and equips us to share the gospel with those around us! My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Erin Wood
Welcome Team
Hi I’m Erin. I am involved with the youth ministry as well as working with kids. I love spending time with my family as well as my forever family(my community that I have built around me). I love being outside, whether it be hiking, biking, paddle boarding or just being in God’s beautiful creation. I was led to Woman Ablaze through a friend of mine and I love what this ministry is all about. I love building community with other believers and worshiping together! My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13–“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Tracy Witt
Welcome & Barista Team
I love hanging out with friends and having coffee, going for walks, and doing puzzles. Also, love listening to worship music. Family, husband Steve married for almost 36 years this month. We have 3 boys. Adam 33 and married to Lisa. Nathan 31and married to Millie. 2 children. Liam 8 and Sienna 4. Our youngest Sam is 25 and has Down syndrome. Women Ablaze challanges me to grow deeper. Love meeting new women and welcoming them into this time to know Jesus better. My favorite verse is Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Lucinda Saenz
Welcome Team
I enjoy reading Bible Scriptures and devotions. I enjoy walking and spending time with family and friends. What Ablaze Ministry means to me is starting close to Jesus, learning and growing into the woman God wants me to be. Also it means fellowshipping with other woman on this journey together. May the Lord Bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace.
Linnea West
Prayer Team Coordinator
I am excited to be a part of Women Ablaze because I love being with women who are hungry to hear the Word of God. I also love watching them go through life on fire for what God has empowered them to do. My hobbies include gardening, painting, & walking on the beach. I have three children and four grandchildren. One of my favorite things is spending time with my 4 grand kids: having sleepovers, going to their games, and teaching them about Jesus! My Favorite scripture is Matthew 6:26~ “ Look at the birds, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable then they?”
Special Thanks:
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World Impact Church: Thank you for being an extension of this ministry by allowing us to use your church building. Your kindness and graciousness have been above and beyond anything we could ever ask for or imagine. May God pour out blessing upon you ten-fold!
Melenie Gonzalez: Website Assistant and Designer (Photographer & Graphic Designer for Sueños Studios) ----> Suenosstudios.com
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Andy Klohn: Sound and Tech Coordinator-- We know it can be complicated--Thank you for all your hard work and perseverance!
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Johnny Lazcano, Mike Ritt, and Andy Klohn: You guys have been such faithful, hard-working volunteers, setting up and tearing down the tables & chairs each Thursday and Friday. We couldn't do these events without you! Thank you!!
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Rebekah Ritt: Photographer
Daisy Klohn: Slides
