Episode Details
Back to EpisodesThe Essentialness of Intentional Stewardship: Rich and Cherry Smith, Cofounders of Casa de Gracia in Antigua, Guatemala
Description
Rich and Cherry Smith are graduates of Dayton Christian School and Cedarville University. Before entering full-time ministry, Rich spent 30 years as a business and finance executive, while Cherry worked for many years in Christian education. Their daughters, Bailey and Bradee, were raised in Christian schools and graduated from Grace College, a foundation the Smiths credit with preparing their family spiritually and emotionally for their current mission.
In 2017, the Smiths moved to Antigua, Guatemala, to serve with Global Action, where Rich currently serves as CFO. Their work focuses on training national pastors and leaders through a Biblical Foundations program. Shortly after arriving, they met their now-adopted son, Edwin, who had aged out of the local orphanage system.
Inspired by Edwin’s journey, the family founded Casa de Gracia, a ministry dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people. The organization provides a transition home and a two-to-three-year program for girls and young men aging out of orphanages, focusing on three pillars:
- Discipleship
- Life skill training and mentorship
- Educational and occupational development
The Smiths view their lifelong involvement in Christian education and local church ministry as the essential preparation for the mission God has entrusted to them in Guatemala.