“You never get too old to do what God has called you to do,” says Marian Myers, a HopeCo partner since the organization first began.

Today is Marian’s 90th birthday - and so we want to share some of her inspiring story of faith, and her amazing legacy! And do write a note of congratulations to Marian in the “Comments” section at the bottom of the page!

Thirty-three years ago, Dr. John Chacha had a dream and vision for what God was calling him to do to reach people around the world with the Gospel message. After moving to Martinsville, VA, Dr. Chacha and his wife, Regina, began attending a Bible study and prayer group in Marian’s home. After hearing about Dr. Chacha’s dream, three couples in the Bible study felt led to help raise $20,000 to help start Teamwork Ministries (now known as HopeCo). “I never questioned that it was God’s project. It wasn’t the Dr. Chacha project, and it was God that called me to get involved. If you know that God has called you to it, then you have the assurance that he is going to guide you and provide for you,” Marian explains.

Marian was in her mid-50s when she got involved with HopeCo, and during her first trip to City of Hope, she felt the Lord say to her, “Your whole life has been a preparation for what you are about to do.” After spending years leading small groups, teaching women’s Bible studies, and serving people around her, the Lord provided her with a new way to use the skills He has equipped her with.

Through the years, Marian has played a key role in countless projects, initiatives, and events, ranging from passing out Bibles and spiritual growth books, to building classrooms, to breaking ground for the Amani Medical Clinic. Reflecting on her trips to Tanzania she says, “The first time I ever went to City of Hope we gave out books on spiritual growth to young people in the community. They were so anxious to have access to Scripture. We were teaching students in an old theatre, and they brought mats to sleep on and bowels to eat out of. They were so anxious to hear His Word that we would take turns teaching late into the night. I think we are truly teaching His Word at City of Hope, and it is grounding the children in faith.”

If you are blessed to know Marian, you know that she is fully invested in the people and ministries around her. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marian started an online prayer group and 80 people attend this time of worship and fellowship each week! “You don’t just sit down and say ‘I’m through.’ He will use you until he calls you home, and that is what makes life meaningful. You have life when you give it away,” she says.

“You never get too old to do what God has called you to do”

— marian myers

Marian has built an incredible legacy of love for the Lord, for the world, and for mission work. When asked what her birthday wish is, Marian responded, “I want to go back to the City of Hope one more time to experience the love and joy of all that I have seen the Lord do over the last 33 years. Visiting the City of Hope expands your vision and love, and the Queen of England has never received a better greeting anywhere in Africa than we all do when we go to the City of Hope!”

“It has been such a blessing and joy to get to know Marian over the past couple of years,” says HopeCo Board Member, Matt Parker. “I have been so inspired by her faith, her infectious enthusiasm to share about HopeCo’s work, and such wonderful stories that she has to share from her many years of faithful service. On behalf of everyone at HopeCo, I want to express to Marian my deep gratitude for all she does to help the children we serve and wish her a very happy ninetieth birthday!”

Marian’s dream for HopeCo is to see it expand in East Africa and touch even more lives with hope and the good news of Jesus Christ. As we are now expanding our programs into Kenya, Marian is excited to see more lives changed forever!

To honor Marian’s service, legacy, and partnership, do consider:

Making a gift in honor of her today.
Going on a mission trip to City of Hope, and experiencing the love and joy Marian shared about.
Beco ming a Hope Partner to help rescue and support women from violent situations in Kenya.

Please write a note congratulating Marian in the “Comments” section at the foot of the page!

Give in honor of Marian