Welcoming Caleb Smagacz as Hope Alive!’s new Executive Director

In 2001, God brought the plight of Uganda’s millions of orphans and widows to the doorstep of Catharine Coon’s heart. In 2002, she founded Hope Alive! to be a relief and development project focused on orphans and fragile families. Now, she passes the torch to Caleb Smagacz to further Hope Alive!’s mission and legacy unto Christ. Catharine shares, “I am excited and deeply thankful that Caleb Smagacz is Hope Alive!’s new Executive Director. Ten years ago, I began asking God to identify the person who would succeed me in leading the organization. I invited others to pray along with me and many have done so. It is evident that God has been preparing Caleb for a long time to be His answer to those many years of prayer.”

Catharine is still active on Hope Alive!’s behalf, forming partnerships between HA! and individuals, churches, schools, and other organizations in the United States. She also connects with sponsors and continues to represent Hope Alive! in both Uganda and the United States. 

What to know about Caleb (through Catharine’s eyes):

• He is passionate about faithfully following Jesus and deepening his relationship with his Savior.

• He loves working with children and youth.

• Discipleship is a priority for him.

• He is a team builder. He listens well and absorbs and assimilates to what he hears.

• He loves helping others succeed.

• He is willing to do difficult things.

• He knows that having fun is important!
  
  

Caleb’s perspective:

 “In 2001 and again in 2003, God used experiences at orphanages in Jamaica and Haiti to direct my life towards working with vulnerable children. I am amazed at God’s hand in preparing and aligning Catharine and I for this very season. I am deeply humbled and incredibly challenged by the opportunity to lead Hope Alive! as we serve the families of Uganda in the name and for the glory of Jesus. It's truly incredible to be at a place where calling, gifting, opportunity, and need harmonize in a way that only God can orchestrate!" 

Caleb moved his family to Uganda in 2017 to support the local church in engaging the children in their communities. Before moving to Uganda, Caleb served as the Children's Pastor at Westside Church in Omaha, Nebraska for nearly 10 years.

Please join us in praising God for His answered prayer and please pray for Caleb as he steps into his new role as Executive Director. May God continue to direct the steps of those invested in Hope Alive! for His glory and for the nourishment of His precious children.