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When Grace Showed Up: One Couple's Story of Hope and Healing among the Poor

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Tich was a South African sports star who lost it all to alcohol. Joan had recently lost her husband. Their lives were at rock bottom when grace showed up and inspired these two middle class South Africans to move past the racial prejudices of the Apartheid era and launch a ministry together.

The result was Lungisisa Indlela village (LIV), the legendary residential facility that rescues children, restores lives, and raises young leaders in South Africa. This is the story of transformed lives—both theirs and the orphans—as a country begins to embrace grace and love others as Christ loves the church.

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2016

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Tich Smith

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Kidwell.
Author 36 books85 followers
June 22, 2016

When Grace Showed Up

One Couple's Story of Hope and Healing among the Poor
by Tich Smith, Joan Smith, Liza Hoeksma

David C Cook



David C. Cook
Christian

Pub Date 01 Aug 2016

I was given a copy of When Grace Showed Up through the publisher and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:

This is the Story of Tich and Joan Smith and how God used them broken Vessels to help a broken people.

Tich and Joan Smith were raised in South Africa but during the Aparteid they had left.

Tich talks about a friends murder and dealing with the diagnosis of a three year olds girl life threatening illness.

They talk about getting married and God given them a vision to build a village in Africa for the Sick and Orphans. A village that would give these people a place to belong.

Tich and Joan Smith go from well known Sports stars in South Africa to advocating for the Orphans and the sick in Amaroti they set up scholarships for kids who have a desire to receive a better education and healthcare for those who need that.

Soon they build a village named Liv that offer food and shelter and more importantly they teach them about Christ.

I give When Grace Showed Up five out of five stars.

Happy Reading...
Profile Image for Phil.
255 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2022
As a parent of one of the first group of Liv4Change gap year students I have read this amazing story with a deep well of gratitude in my heart. Gratitude to God for pouring out grace and compassion through Tich and Joan to fulfil the vision he gave them and to honour their obedience of faith. Gratitude to Tich & Joan for sharing their story with deep honesty and integrity, and for pressing on through all the difficulties and heartaches to establish LIV as a vibrant ministry. Gratitude that the same grace remains evident in the lives of gap year students who were nurtured and grounded at LIV in faith, hope and love in action 6 yrs ago. This is truly inspirational.
Profile Image for Kendra.
308 reviews
December 28, 2017
An inspiring story of how God has used Joan and Tich in South Africa to make an impact on hundreds of orphans and countless others. It is especially meaningful to me because my first project after moving to South Africa will be to design a similar children’s village for a ministry that is based largely on LIV village but serving disabled children. I can’t wait to get started!
1 review
January 19, 2021
Amazing Story of Faith in Action.

The life changing power of God is the thread woven through this true story. When we hit the wall and feel there is no value to our life-- God takes the mess and turns it into a ministry. This book inspires and instructs as the authors relate their restoration which gave birth to their mission to orphans and vulnerable children.
Profile Image for candice smith.
1 review
March 9, 2025
Awe inspiring and life changing shift of perspective

A book that confirmed the call to action to make a change - to be of significance to even one other person. A must read by anyone who feels there is more to this world than self indulgence and success. Just be prepared for a totally new mind that may take you to a totally new life. God’s will be done. Amen
524 reviews
January 27, 2018
Wow what a wonderful story of redemption and Gods amazing plans for those he cares for. I do love reading about how god uses his people and his power to make the impossible possible. As with all of these types of books, there is a challenge for All Christians not to sit but act.
55 reviews
October 26, 2021
Powerful

What a powerful account of what God can do with willing people! I was inspired, particularly when I went to the website and saw how far LUV has reached.
Profile Image for Grace.
141 reviews10 followers
December 13, 2023
Such an inspiring story!
Definitely worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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