Meet Kristi Smith, HopeCo’s Child Sponsorship and Mission Teams Administrator! Kristi plays a vital role on the HopeCo team - and if you’re a Child Sponsor or upcoming mission team member, then you already know how incredible she is! We are thrilled to have Kristi on board and for the passion, skills, and expertise she has for serving in this role. Here is a little more about Kristi so you can get to know her better!

Can you share about your life and family?

“I’ve been married to my sweet husband, Jim, for 26 years. We have three kids - Josiah, Abby, and Gabe - whom I homeschooled. We live in a rural area of Southern California with our three dogs and two goats. As a family, we enjoy swimming, hiking, biking, going to the beach…and taking selfies wherever we go! We are extremely involved with our church, and in my free time, I love to quilt.”

Why do you feel called to serve with HopeCo, and what do you enjoy about it?

“I have been called to missions since I was young, and I absolutely love being able to use my gifts and talents to serve with HopeCo! It’s so amazing to know that I’m helping make a difference in the lives of the kids at City of Hope. I also love the vision and values of HopeCo - it’s wonderful to work for an organization that really strives for excellence in all we do!

I love communicating with HopeCo’s child sponsors and mission team members. I want them to feel as excited about our work as I am! I am very administrative by nature, and I enjoy that aspect of my job as well. Some people may not enjoy the more routine tasks, but I find these relaxing!”

What are your hopes and dreams for HopeCo and the kids we serve?

“I dream of seeing the kids we serve grow up to be emotionally and physically healthy adults with strong families and satisfying work! My hope is for them to be serving the Lord and to be self-sufficient. It would be amazing to see some of these children become leaders in their fields, so HopeCo’s impact could spread across Africa!”

Why should someone become a Child Sponsor or serve on a mission team with HopeCo?

“You will never regret investing in a child. Many of the children at City of Hope have begun their lives with disadvantages, and as a child sponsor, you can be a part of setting them on the right path in life and for eternity.

I would encourage everyone to go on a mission team with HopeCo if possible! Even if you aren’t sure it’s possible, pray about it and see what God will do. Where we are weak, He is strong. He has the ability to make a way for us to do things we never thought would be possible. Once someone visits City of Hope, they are never the same! Serving on a mission team is also a great way to see the quality of our programs and perhaps develop a lifelong passion for supporting HopeCo!”

Are you considering becoming a child sponsor or praying about serving on a mission team to East Africa? You can learn more about both programs at the links below - or contact Kristi at kristi@joinhopeco.com!