Advancing the Vision and Mission of Founder, Dr. John Chacha
“If you live a life that is selfish it is a life not fully lived, but helping others brings a lot of joy in life.”
– Dr. John Chacha
HopeCo’s vision began with our founder, Dr. John Chacha, and his passion for developing godly leaders. Born and raised in East Africa, Dr. John Chacha was the first in his family to become a Christian. He was no stranger to poverty and yearned for something better for his people. In 1979, he was given a scholarship to come to the US to a Bible institute and later attended college where he met his future wife, Regina Horst. After graduation, he returned to East Africa and was greatly impacted by the need for Biblical teaching.
Dr. Chacha and Regina married in 1986 and had six children: three biological and three they adopted when Dr. Chacha's sister passed away in Tanzania. Together, they founded Teamwork Ministries International to address the needs of the church in East Africa. Over the next 25 years, the ministry established hundreds of church-based Bible schools, created curricula, and empowered leaders internationally. Dr. Chacha was a dynamic preacher and authored over 20 books. He led teams of ministers to hold seminars worldwide and helped many pastors develop a global vision for their churches.
In 2007, Dr. Chacha received a call to help the people in his home village of Ntagacha, Tanzania. This neglected, forgotten area of the country was known for cattle theft and clan wars that claimed many lives and left many orphans. He met with the village elders to address their needs. His love for the children became all-consuming and he made it his mission to pour his life into giving back to the people in his community.
In 2009, the City of Hope campus in Tanzania was born with the opening of the children's home. Destiny Primary School and Amani Medical Center opened soon thereafter. Dr. Chacha’s favorite thing to do was to invite the students to his home for tea and to share with them. He was called Baba (father) by all the children.
“Dr. John Chacha was a father to many, with over a hundred children in Tanzania calling him ‘Baba’ and thousands of spiritual children worldwide. He showed me what it truly meant to be a father – one who leads, protects, and nurtures beyond just his immediate family.”
-Mwita Chacha (his son), Mwendo
Ten years ago this April, Dr. Chacha was tragically killed in a vehicle accident when the truck he was riding in plunged into the Sondu River. A student from City of Hope and Dr. Chacha passed away; his daughter and the driver survived. This was a shock to all who knew him. His influence and impact in the lives of the children at City of Hope and countless thousands worldwide will never be forgotten.
Staff member, Hudson Mahare, was chosen to lead the ministries and continues to provide oversight as East Africa Regional Director today. Dr. Chacha’s wife, Regina, directed the international leadership program for five years and opened the Dr. John Chacha Secondary School as a tribute to our founder. She also fulfilled Dr. Chacha's dream of bringing students (33 total to date) to the US to study. Twenty-two are currently pursuing advanced education in universities.
HopeCo continues to advance the original mission and vision of Dr. Chacha, creating transformed lives and flourishing communities.
In 2020, Matt Parker became the first CEO, and Regina became the Director of Programs. Teamwork Ministries International's name changed to HopeCo in 2021, and in 2024, Al Lackey became the new CEO.
Learn how you can be part of the continuing legacy of Dr. Chacha. Visit JoinHopeCo.com/donate
