We're so grateful for your listenership and hope that the Transforming Lives Podcast is an encouragement to you each week. Please enjoy this special edition on rest. We look forward to connecting with you again in August 2026.

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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.

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Kent Austell lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, Jenni, and their three daughters. A former collegiate track and field athlete, Kent holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Biomechanics, a master’s in Business Administration, a master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration, and is currently a PhD candidate at Columbia International University. After 16 years in education—including serving as Head of School at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—Kent recently transitioned to Harvest Church in Memphis, where he serves as Director of Adult Ministries. He is also a resilience researcher and coach, helping individuals and organizations more effectively face adversity well and grow stronger through it. Kent loves spending time with his family, traveling globally, and playing guitar and piano.

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