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Rich in Love: When God Rescues Messy People
One Step of Obedience Led to Thousands Irene and Domingo Garcia began their married lives at sixteen, already expecting a baby. Their first ten years together included Domingo’s alcoholism and abuse, and Irene’s desperate prayers for answers. Then a miracle Domingo pleaded for forgiveness. As God healed their marriage, Irene and Domingo adopted a little girl. And a new season began for an imperfect couple who were willing to say yes to each other and to God. Over the past forty-five years, the Garcias have birthed, fostered, or adopted thirty-two children. Their story holds difficult endings as well as promising new beginnings. Above all, their story reminds us what can happen when ordinary people submit to God’s call. Rich in Love is about a family cemented in hope. About a need to love the orphan. And about a God who never, ever gives up.--Irene Garcia and her husband have fostered or raised thirty-two children, many of whom have special needs. They worked in Special Ministries at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California and started the special needs ministry at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. Lissa Halls Johnson is a best-selling author of nineteen books, including Still Growing with Kirk Cameron. She is the creator of the Brio Girls book series for teen girls.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
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238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 7, 2025
This is just the BEST. A family built one kid at a time, many from absolutely heartbreaking situations. Loved learning about the Garcia family and wish I could learn more!!
December 6, 2013
Irene and Domingo Garcia began their married lives at sixteen, already expecting a baby. Their first ten years together included Domingo’s alcoholism and abuse, and Irene’s desperate prayers for answers. Then a miracle happened: Domingo pleaded for forgiveness. As God healed their marriage, Irene and Domingo adopted a little girl. And a new season began for an imperfect couple who were willing to say yes to each other and to God. Over the past forty-five years, the Garcias have birthed, fostered, or adopted thirty-two children. Their story holds difficult endings as well as promising new beginnings. Above all, their story reminds us what can happen when ordinary people submit to God’s call. Rich in Love is about a family cemented in hope. About a need to love the orphan. And about a God who never, ever gives up.
This is a story about seeking and obeying God. I understand the book is called "Rich in Love" not because Irene and Domingo were rich in it but because they were enriched with God's love to be able to share it with so many children. Irene shares how many times she was at her wits end, how many times she was struggling and about to quit but at the last moment God heard her and helped her. If it were up to me I would call this book "On My Knees" just because Irene was on her knees praying so many times for so many situations looking for wisdom that eventually her knees became bad.
This family commands great respect for what they have been doing. Some of the stories of the kids were just so bad that they seemed unbelievable. It is hard to imagine that parents would treat their own flesh and blood like that. It is scary that eventually parents like that could either have these kids back or just have more children. Not every child that the Garcias fostered turned out to be respected citizens but at least they tried to plant some seeds there.
The book is not very clear what actually happened to their own children. It seems like they turned out great.
I liked the book in general. I wish every story was clearer on the ending and details. Perhaps the authors were protecting the dignity or privacy of the people they wrote about.
P.S. I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and unbiased review of this book.
This is a story about seeking and obeying God. I understand the book is called "Rich in Love" not because Irene and Domingo were rich in it but because they were enriched with God's love to be able to share it with so many children. Irene shares how many times she was at her wits end, how many times she was struggling and about to quit but at the last moment God heard her and helped her. If it were up to me I would call this book "On My Knees" just because Irene was on her knees praying so many times for so many situations looking for wisdom that eventually her knees became bad.
This family commands great respect for what they have been doing. Some of the stories of the kids were just so bad that they seemed unbelievable. It is hard to imagine that parents would treat their own flesh and blood like that. It is scary that eventually parents like that could either have these kids back or just have more children. Not every child that the Garcias fostered turned out to be respected citizens but at least they tried to plant some seeds there.
The book is not very clear what actually happened to their own children. It seems like they turned out great.
I liked the book in general. I wish every story was clearer on the ending and details. Perhaps the authors were protecting the dignity or privacy of the people they wrote about.
P.S. I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and unbiased review of this book.
February 5, 2014
***Compelling account of God showing up when all seems lost***
Irene Garcia's inspirational memoir, co-written with Lissa Halls Johnson, releases February 1st with an account of foster parenting, faith and trust that began so differently the narrative reads like two stories in one. It's also a compelling tale of teen pregnancy, early marriage, abuse, addiction and a DUI arrest as well.
A normal reaction after ten years of alcohol-fueled abuse would be divorce, an action Irene seriously considered when her husband was sentenced to five days in jail for drunk driving. Even though she didn't want a divorce she no longer believed in his promise to change. Was change even possible after all these years.
Although not likely, Domingo's time in jail with time think was life-changing. The first day he was filled with self-pity. The second day he blamed the police. The third day he blamed his brother, uncle and family. The fourth day he realized alcohol and beer helped him forget "horrible childhood" memories. By the fifth day he knew he only had himself to blame. Even worse was realizing he treated his sons like his father had treated him.
Domingo's prayer-fueled remorse…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/rich-lov...
Irene Garcia's inspirational memoir, co-written with Lissa Halls Johnson, releases February 1st with an account of foster parenting, faith and trust that began so differently the narrative reads like two stories in one. It's also a compelling tale of teen pregnancy, early marriage, abuse, addiction and a DUI arrest as well.
A normal reaction after ten years of alcohol-fueled abuse would be divorce, an action Irene seriously considered when her husband was sentenced to five days in jail for drunk driving. Even though she didn't want a divorce she no longer believed in his promise to change. Was change even possible after all these years.
Although not likely, Domingo's time in jail with time think was life-changing. The first day he was filled with self-pity. The second day he blamed the police. The third day he blamed his brother, uncle and family. The fourth day he realized alcohol and beer helped him forget "horrible childhood" memories. By the fifth day he knew he only had himself to blame. Even worse was realizing he treated his sons like his father had treated him.
Domingo's prayer-fueled remorse…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/rich-lov...
November 4, 2015
Four and a half stars because it is a compelling and inspiring read written in such a way that I want to run down to California and have Irene do my hair and then go have lunch and TALK. I am tempted to go whole hog with the fifth star because of the timeliness and applicability to my own life. And I love, love, love her honesty. I have done a boat load of reading and studying on adoption, fostering, parenting and all their attendant issues over the last 8 months or so and this was just such a breath of fresh air I can hardly describe what it meant to me. The story of the Garcia's early struggles and the tales of their fostering and adopting adventures is filled with faith, forgiveness, hope and love, the verb and action kind of love that trumps the emotion in my book. The feeling of love is wonderful, no doubt, but the kind of love that keeps on going when the feeling has faded or is just plain absent, sealed off in a corner of your soul, that's where the rubber hits the road and God is found. Sometimes I can't feel the love enough but He always can and committing to love as He does gives me access to His love, for myself, for others.
March 10, 2015
Written in a very simple, easy reading style, Rich in Love is the story of Domingo and Irene Garcia. Married at just sixteen their early years together were marred by violence and conflict, and despite their outward veneer of success and happiness they were unable to overcome their issues and find peace. After 10 years of marriage, and on the verge of divorce, they found Christ and began a new life together. Over time God drew them into the ministry of fostering and adopting disabled and mistreated children, giving them love and hope when no one else could.
While I found their story to be confronting and unsettling at times (given the severity of the abuse some of these children survived), it was also one of the most encouraging autobiographies I have ever read. Irene and Domingo are just ordinary people, and yet, with their lives in the hands of God, they have achieved simply extraordinary things.
I thoroughly recommend Rich in Love, particularly to those concerned about children who suffer abuse and neglect.
While I found their story to be confronting and unsettling at times (given the severity of the abuse some of these children survived), it was also one of the most encouraging autobiographies I have ever read. Irene and Domingo are just ordinary people, and yet, with their lives in the hands of God, they have achieved simply extraordinary things.
I thoroughly recommend Rich in Love, particularly to those concerned about children who suffer abuse and neglect.
December 1, 2014
I found this story to be amazing and inspiring. The lengths that this couple went through to make a difference in the lives of so many other people - always putting others before themselves.
The only negative I would say about this book - and it's not really a negative as much as a perspective - is that I got the feeling toward the end that perhaps the author felt that anyone who isn't taking in orphans and foster children is not fully living up to what they should be in helping further God's kingdom on earth (my personal interpretation - I could be wrong). While I stand in total awe of what they did, and it did prompt me to deeply consider what God would be having me do in my own life to serve others, I also feel that we each have different spiritual gifts to use in serving others. We need to each earnestly contemplate what God would have us do to serve Him in our own way.
This family had AMAZING faith and fortitude. I enjoyed this book a lot.
The only negative I would say about this book - and it's not really a negative as much as a perspective - is that I got the feeling toward the end that perhaps the author felt that anyone who isn't taking in orphans and foster children is not fully living up to what they should be in helping further God's kingdom on earth (my personal interpretation - I could be wrong). While I stand in total awe of what they did, and it did prompt me to deeply consider what God would be having me do in my own life to serve others, I also feel that we each have different spiritual gifts to use in serving others. We need to each earnestly contemplate what God would have us do to serve Him in our own way.
This family had AMAZING faith and fortitude. I enjoyed this book a lot.
January 22, 2017
I don't often give books a five star rating. I save it for the truly special books that have touched my heart.
I am blown away continuously in how God can turn our messed up lives into His glorious purposes. The Garcia family is incredibly inspirational and at the same time challenging. Exactly like a well done biblical sermon.
Take a moment and read this book please. I got it for free on iTunes and at the same time it was free on Amazon. It is wonderful that their Savior is obviously much more important to them than their pocket book as they know that God is faithful in meeting their needs.
I thank my gracious Savior Jesus Christ for loving me unconditionally even when I am unlovable. I also thank Him for giving His people the ability to communicate eloquently their walk in words to inspire us all on our sojourn. Read this book!
I am blown away continuously in how God can turn our messed up lives into His glorious purposes. The Garcia family is incredibly inspirational and at the same time challenging. Exactly like a well done biblical sermon.
Take a moment and read this book please. I got it for free on iTunes and at the same time it was free on Amazon. It is wonderful that their Savior is obviously much more important to them than their pocket book as they know that God is faithful in meeting their needs.
I thank my gracious Savior Jesus Christ for loving me unconditionally even when I am unlovable. I also thank Him for giving His people the ability to communicate eloquently their walk in words to inspire us all on our sojourn. Read this book!
September 10, 2016
In the past, I found it difficult to read autobiographical books. A couple years ago, I met Lissa Halls Johnson who encouraged (challenged) me to see if this would hold my attention. I bought it, then soon shelved it because school took all the energy and attention I could spare.
When I did finally crack open the cover, I found I didn't want to leave the Garcia's story until I'd read every word. Each experience was mixed with their own journey to learning to lean on and trust their God. How precious a gift they have been given in their obedience to their Heavenly Father.
I won't share the details, except to say that Irene Garcia's struggle to trust, her cries for wisdom, and her steps of faith, resonated with my heart and spoke volumes into my own life's journey.
When I did finally crack open the cover, I found I didn't want to leave the Garcia's story until I'd read every word. Each experience was mixed with their own journey to learning to lean on and trust their God. How precious a gift they have been given in their obedience to their Heavenly Father.
I won't share the details, except to say that Irene Garcia's struggle to trust, her cries for wisdom, and her steps of faith, resonated with my heart and spoke volumes into my own life's journey.
July 27, 2014
Rich In Love
When God Rescues Messy People
Irene Garcia, Lissa Halls Johnson
Copyright 2014
This is a story of how God redeems messy people. We are reminded too that just because it looks like a person has everything on the outside does not mean its true. Some people are very good at hiding how they truly feel.
We see what alcoholism can do to a relationship and we see also how God can create something new from people who seem broken to the world.
Irene talks about raising a daughter with multiple physical and mental issues as well as an adopted Son and later goes on to tell about her Sons battle with Cancer.
I give Rich In Love five out of five stars.
Happy Reading...
When God Rescues Messy People
Irene Garcia, Lissa Halls Johnson
Copyright 2014
This is a story of how God redeems messy people. We are reminded too that just because it looks like a person has everything on the outside does not mean its true. Some people are very good at hiding how they truly feel.
We see what alcoholism can do to a relationship and we see also how God can create something new from people who seem broken to the world.
Irene talks about raising a daughter with multiple physical and mental issues as well as an adopted Son and later goes on to tell about her Sons battle with Cancer.
I give Rich In Love five out of five stars.
Happy Reading...
September 27, 2014
First, I think this account of a couple's life would have been better if it had included husband, Domingo's viewpoint also. But still a good look at how God changes lives and sustains those who follow Him, even and especially in the hard times. After reading this book, I realize more fully how much foster/adoptive parents sacrifice when they bring the difficult children (the ones with problems that no one else wants to take)into their homes to care for them.
April 13, 2016
This is the true story of the Garcia family who have adopted many children in the foster care system.
Their testimony is a powerful one that will encourage you.when you step out in obedience, God shows up. It may not be all roses but God will give you the strength to go on.
The majority of their children have made wise choices. A couple of them have chosen the harder path of being involved with drugs and alcohol.
The story is written by Irene.
Their testimony is a powerful one that will encourage you.when you step out in obedience, God shows up. It may not be all roses but God will give you the strength to go on.
The majority of their children have made wise choices. A couple of them have chosen the harder path of being involved with drugs and alcohol.
The story is written by Irene.
May 20, 2014
I first watched Irene's story in the short film with Lisa Chan, True Beauty Deny Yourself. I cried as she told her story, and I wanted to know more. That's where this book came in. A messy story of God's love and faithfulness, and what happens when two Jesus-followers say YES to Jesus {as in the adoption and fostering of 33 children}.
November 6, 2015
Very simple reading style. About a couple that laid down the easy life again and again to take in children through the foster care system. They listened to God's voice again and again for direction and wisdom and he gave plentiful. I was convicted by how they gave up comfort of themselves and of the other kids in order to love and take in children that were hard to care for.
May 4, 2014
Such a compelling book! I read 90% of it in one day - couldn't put it down.
July 29, 2014
What a powerful story!!!
May 26, 2014
Amazing story of truly stepping out in faith and trusting God above all. Great read!
October 20, 2014
If you like this, read Kristen Welch's Rhinestone Jesus. Both are similar (begin w/ the author's stories) but both spur us onto Christian change.
November 21, 2014
Excellent, realistic but faith-filled, story about foster care and adoption.
January 31, 2018
The first part of the book was the most difficult to get through. It was poorly written at parts with a lot of things repeated or contradicting each other. The last part of the book was most definitely the best with the personal stories about their kids. I also appreciate the Biblical insight and spiritual lessons that Irene shares. I kept a lot of quotes that I will look back on when times get tough.
January 9, 2023
The story of Irene and Domingo Garcia is a testament to what God can do. They had everything stacked against them as teen parents. They answered God's call by fostering and adopting children in need and the story is incredible. However, some of the writing was confusing and hard to connect. But, I would recommend the book.
August 20, 2020
Oh, how I love the subtitle: when God rescues messy people. Through vulnerable beginnings and the ugly side of an abusive marriage, God reaches into their individual lives and woos them to himself. Christ's love compels this couple into action. They choose to bring home damaged foster children and show them the undeserved love they experienced. Amazing read.
December 30, 2020
Adoption story...
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews