Hope Van Acker was born and brought up in South Africa, was matriculated in 1961 and held various jobs throughout her life there. She was converted in July 1977 which she describes as a profound, sometimes hilarious, nail-biting, yet joyful experience of new life. Hope emigrated to Tasmania in 1984 and attended St Martins where the Reverend David Sharman was minister. Hope has two adult children and four grandchildren she has served Queenstown community as emergency relief services officer with the Department of Family and Community services. Hope has also assisted Anglicare with emergency and financial counseling research and has also worked in the past with the Salvo's and is often contacted through the Police for women in crisis. Hope was also an instigator of the opening of the St Martins op-shop with the help of local residents. With the help of others she has assisted to serve Christmas lunches to lonely people. Hope’s hobbies include reading and learning, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and meeting people through the op-shop. Her joy in Christ is evident to all who meet her.