Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas: Recent Episodes
Hopegivers
Stories of God's work in the lives of orphans, widows, pastors, and churches through the ministry of Hopegivers International. Dr. Samuel Thomas, president of Hopegivers, shares a story each week of how Jesus is transforming lives in India and around the world.
Being a follower of Christ is costly, and sometimes we do not see the reward for our work on this side of eternity. Dr. Sam shares a story of an orphan who grew up in one of the Hopegivers orphanages and graduated from Bible college in India. This young man was willing to sacrifice and suffer, and God rewarded his ministry greatly. We serve an amazing God who can take a fragment and use it for the furtherance of the Gospel. To find out more about Hopegivers International, visit our website at hopegivers.org.
At a time when Hopegivers was caring for thousands and thousands of orphans, Dr. M.A. Thomas was asked how he could continue to take in more children and take on more than what he could seemingly handle. His reply truly reflects the heart of God who asks for us to be willing and obedient to carry out His work. To find out more about Hopegivers International, visit our website at hopegivers.org.
When we follow the Lord without ceasing, even in trials, the Lord will bless our steadfast behavior. Whether or not we get understand the blessing on this side of heaven is not up to us. In this episode, Dr. Sam tells the redemptive story that can only be explained as God’s intervention. God used Dr. Sam’s obedience to show His power and captivate an unbelieving family. To find out more about Hopegivers International, vist our website at hopegivers.org.
Do not ask the Lord why something happened or was allowed to happen. Ask the Lord how He wants you to respond to the situation. The ministry of Hopegivers never forgets the martyrs family. We make sure that their children are educated and the wife is taken care of. The blood of the martyr is the seed for new churches. For more information about Hopegivers International, visit our website at hopegivers.org.
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” -Jim Elliot. Dr. Sam tells the story of a martyr on their wedding day. This moving story is the reality for many believers around the world. Is the Lord asking you to give up what you hold on to, for something better? For more information about the ministry of Hopegivers International, visit our website at hopegivers.org.
God honors faith that honors Him. To know Him, is to love Him. To love Him, is to trust Him. To trust Him, is to obey Him. To obey Him, is to be blessed by Him. Listen to the impact that global missions has had on both the American teams that travel around the world, and the people they visit. For more information on visiting India on a mission trip, check out hopegivers.org.
M.A. Thomas once said, “You can go anywhere in the world on a mission trip, but India will change your life”. Episode three tells an amazing transformation story of an American pastor’s rebellious son who has given his life to the Lord’s service. For more information on how to visit India with Hopegivers International, visit hopegivers.org
Did you know that today, India has 4.5 Million Lepers? For many, the cost of serving the lepers is met with fear. Fear of catching leprosy or being isolated from society. This episode tells of one pastor’s calling to forsake other opportunities to serve among the lepers. For more information on the leper ministry, visit hopegivers.org
Welcome back! We are kicking off Season Seven of Stories of Hope with a great reminder of the impact of the Lord’s calling on our lives to serve Him! “What is at stake in your leaving whatever you have to leave to follow Jesus? You will not know until you take the steps of obedience". This episode of Stories of Hope is about one of the longest-standing Hope Home leaders at Hopegivers, V.S. Thomas. Hear how the Lord captured the heart of V.S. If you are interested in learning more about the ministry of Hopegivers, please visit hopegivers.org.
Hopegivers International chief operating officer, Viki Bloemker tells the story of how the Lord called her to the ministry. From a strictly military background to non-profit. This interview points to the way that God orchestrates things in our in our lives that sometimes only make sense when you look back and see what He has done. God wants to be first in our lives and calls for absolute surrender. The Lord works in mysterious ways!
Jr. Thomas is a humble servant of the Lord. He was brought to the ministry as a baby and was raised in the ministry. He serves Hopegivers International faithfully. He has many skills including photography and music. Jr.’s interview and his love for the ministry is sure to touch your heart!
Janboy is a nurse in India and has been selected to play soccer at the national level. He grew up in Manipur. When he was 13 years old, his parents traveled four days to a Hope Home. They were poor and were not able to protect him from the violence in the surrounding villages or give him schooling. Listen to Jangoi’s journey through heartache and homesickness and how the Lord has healed and filled his heart.
A story of how God called two students, Sandip and Phoebe, to His service. May we all learn from these young, brave soldiers of the Lord! Pray for the courage to take your familiar locations, faces, finances, and dreams and place them on the altar, as these students have demonstrated.
Meet Emily Holland, Jay Holland’s wife! Emily shares her heart and experiences during a home dedication. Home dedications are wonderful celebrations of the work that the Lord will do with the Hope Home, church, or well. Listen to this heart warming recollection of the dedication. For more information visit hopegivers.org.
Meet one of our Emmanuel Bible College students, Aaron. He is interested in using music and animation to share the gospel. “Faith is the greatest gift I’ve ever had”. God brought light to his darkness. Listen to this episode to hear Aaron’s story. For more information on how to support the students in the bible college, visit hopegivers.org
Pastor Emmanuel shares his story of rebellion as a pastor’s kid and how the Lord chased Emmanuel through his rebellion. His story is reflected in many homes throughout the US. Once Emmanuel submitted to Christ, he obeyed the Lord in baptism, and went to the Emmanuel Bible College. Listen to this episode to hear his story and see what he is up to now. For more information on our “Launch Campaign”, visit hopegivers.org
Susan is an amazing Hope Home leader of 35 boys. She and her eight year old son are now in charge of their Hope Home after the tragic death of her husband. Her obedience and faithfulness in the ministry is encouraging and inspiring. She uses the story of her husband and son to share the gospel. Listen to this amazing story. If you are interested in learning more about the ministry of Hopegivers, please visit hopegivers.org.
It is amazing how the Lord places a desire in the hearts of His children to serve others. Hopegiver’s Orphans are raising up future leaders who raise future leaders. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it, build in vain. May the Lord bring us more children and donors who would build them houses.
If you would like to sponsor a Hope Home, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
God uses orphans in the bible and he is still using orphans today to change nations! “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel”. The children who grow into men and decide to be pastors are the ones taking the gospel into villages that oppose the name of Jesus. Hear stories of the brave men and women who have lost their lives for the gospel. What beautiful examples of total surrender.
If you would like to donate towards pastor support, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Learn how Emmanuel Bible Institute began and the different paths students can take. Dr. Sam and Jay explain what a martyr is and what it means in the lives of the ministry’s graduates. Learn what it means to honor Christ with your feet in spreading the gospel. What is true surrender?
If you would like to donate towards the bikes that graduates receive at graduation, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
This fun, lighthearted episode is full of stories about marriage unions, arranged marriage, and marriage for love. What is the secret to a love that endures even persecution? May we learn to serve the Lord together as we surrender our desires to serve one another!
Please go to www.hopegivers.org to find out more about Hopegivers International.
Find out What happens to a Hopegiver’s child once they graduate highschool. This podcast will answer which children go to the bible college, what curriculum is used, and what happens after graduation. The Lord uses the least likely people to go on His God-sized endeavors. “Jesus never said, ‘understand me, he said, follow me’”. - Dr. Sam Thomas.
Please go to www.hopegivers.org to find out more or to support the bible college students.
This is such a fun episode! Listen to these incredible stories of celebrations in the HopeHomes. Jay Holland shares his very own experience of Christmas Day in India. Christmas caroling at its finest and generosity at its utmost. What a beautiful joyful experience and a tiny glimpse of Heaven.
Please go to www.hopegivers.org to find out more or to give for a Hope Chest.
“God’s truths are not bricks to be thrown at people, they are the bread of life to feed the people. The world is not looking for the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The world is looking for the gospel according to you.” This episode is full of examples of the transforming work of Christ. How the gospel changes people who extend their transformation to others.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
What are teenagers like in India? How do they differ from teenagers in the United States? Several stories of young adults who have grown up in HopeHomes, their determination to love and stand up for a living God is inspiring! A special story of one girl who was kidnapped from the home and her response to the government will encourage you.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Several times a day, the children pause to get on their knees and pray earnestly for our donors and struggling family members. They praise the Lord and ask Jehovah Jireh to provide. The children witness first hand the faithfulness of God because they faithfully pray. They trust deeply that the Lord provides!
Dr. Sam tells a recent story of a surprise encounter with a mystery woman. This story will encourage your faith. The Lord is sovereign indeed!
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
In this episode, Dr. Sam discusses the importance of education, not just in the academic sense. The children are learning how the Creator of the universe uses them. Your eyes will be opened to situations that make adjusting to a new lifestyle difficult.
Ask the Lord how He would like you to participate in the rescuing of His children.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
All sunshine and roses? In this episode, Dr. Sam and Jay discuss some of the difficulties of adoption. Both in the homes in India and as we are adopted into the family of God. In our flesh, it can be difficult to exchange our familiar “less-than” for the goodness God has to offer.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Welcome to Season Five of Stories of Hope! Follow the journey of the lives affected by Hopegivers International. The season begins with children on the street and walks through the adjustment, growth, calling, and Lord’s multiplication of His army. In this episode, Dr. Sam talks about the perspective of the people of India. He answers the question how children can become desolate and on the street. Listen to find out!
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org
Sometimes the pressures in our lives can feel like too much to handle. We must remember that “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8) Dr. Sam explains that A certain amount of pressure is necessary to release our faith. Don’t worry, the Lord’s grace is sufficient for us. He is making us more victorious in Christ. May the pressure we experience draw you closer to Him than ever before.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
It can be difficult to have faith when you do not see the provision you think you need. In this episode, Dr. Sam encourages you to look at the test of faith as it relates to prosperity. Do you possess your possessions or do your possessions possess you? The Lord blessed you so that you can bless the church. Do you pray that the Lord blesses you to provide possessions for you and your family or do you pray that the Lord provides so that you can provide for those you are in need? When people know you, may you be called rich in Christ, not rich in the world.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
“You may have the right to choose, but you do not have the right to choose the consequences of bad choices.” From time to time, we are faced with the challenge of making decisions. When you are faced with a difficult choice, how do you determine which way to go? In this episode, Dr. Sam shares an account from Genesis where Lot made some decisions that were made with wrong motives. For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Do difficult circumstances indicate that you are out of the will of God? Is God testing your faith?
“When we are in the midst of trials, do we try to choose things to make our lives easier or are we trying to remain in the will of God?” Are you grateful for what you learn in your trials?
Hear a story of God’s faithfulness from Dr. Sam’s childhood.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
God is not interested in your money, he is interested in your life! Believers can experience a dryness in their relationship with God that may be related to lack of obedience in being generous. Jay explains that, “you either have an Issac or an idol. You have something you are willing to lay on the altar of God or that something is your god”. God certainly does not ask for your money because He needs it, it is all His anyway. By his grace, he allows us to participate in what He is doing.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Test your definition of Joy today! Dr. Sam and Jay Holland talk about what joy is, how you can have joy, and how you can see joy in other people. Listen to an inspiring true story of a little girl's transformation through joy and community. For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Listen to a woman’s journey from lost to found. Her life’s legacy is both inspiring and serves as a challenge to believers everywhere. Hear how God’s grace and mercy set in motion the inspiration for a great cloud of witnesses.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
See how a Bible saved someone from suicide. What is your favorite type of Bible? Study Bible, men’s Bible, children’s Bible, Thompson Chain Bible? Dr. Sam says, the only Bible that works, is an open Bible. Have you replaced your scripture reading with books about scripture? Listen to this discussion about the power of the Word of God. Hear about the transforming power of God’s Word. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but the Word of God will not!
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Be encouraged by a true story of Jehovah Jireh, the Lord provides. See what one of the very first orphans at Hopegivers, Mani Thomas is up to today. The Lord has called Mani to one of the most difficult places to share the gospel. May we all have a passion to serve like this faithful man of God.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Welcome to Season Four of Stories of Hope, with Dr. Samuel Thomas! We are excited to be back and ready to dig deep.
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought to yourself, “Lord, how can this situation ever bring You glory”? Join Dr. Samuel Thomas and Jay Holland as they discuss some difficult scenarios that will encourage you to think more deeply about suffering.
Pray that we may be faithful to bring honor to the Lord in our suffering.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Are all of the things that happen to me part of God’s plan? No experience is wasted. Dr. Sam uses the example of Moses using his experiences to prepare him to be used by God.
Hear the story of three children of an alcoholic father and how one of them was used by God. Don’t ask God why; ask Him what you need to do?
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
What do I need to do to become a good servant? Jesus entered the world to serve, not to be served. Real servants don’t struggle, they submit. You can do small things in a great way. Hear the story of the son of a rickshaw driver and how God used him. Also learn about the humility of the founder of Hopegivers, Dr. M. A. Thomas.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Why do we have a negative view about serving? Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Jesus chose flawed apostles over obedient angels. Are you serving yourself or are you serving the Lord?
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Is it possible for me to know that I am part of God’s great plan? The answer is Yes! John 6:12 tells us that nothing is wasted. What starts as a curse can end as a blessing. Hear a story of how repentance can place you in God’s great plan.
For more information, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
What should a Christian expect to encounter on life’s journey? Run the race with endurance and learn that there are people who will help you, and those who will hurt you. Hear a story about a leper colony who worshiped in India.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Christmas is a special time for sharing the love of Jesus! While there are 33 million children on the streets of India, we have our own 6,000 that we serve and provide a Christmas Hope Chest. For only $50 you can also participate in their Christmas celebration this year. You can give in honor or memory of your loved ones, so please consider a gift that keeps on giving!
For more information about Hopegivers, and Hope Chests, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
What do we mean by surrender and commitment? Hear about when Dr. Sam met Adrian Rogers, who told him “never preach commitment; only preach surrender.” Surrender is giving it all. Commitment is choosing what to give.
For more information about Hopegivers or to donate a Hope Chest for Christmas, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
What should believers expect as we go through life? Not everyone who starts the race finishes. Hear about how Bill Bright helped the ministry and learn seven things that cause us to be disqualified in this race called life.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
How do I determine God’s will for my life? Dr. Sam asked his dad, Dr. M. A. Thomas for a shortcut in knowing God’s will. Dr. M. A. responded “Read Genesis through Revelation and if you don’t know God’s will, then re-read it.” God tells us what to do; that is the will of God. Hear the story of Dr. M.A. Thomas’ decision to follow God’s will through obedience.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
How should we, as a follower of Jesus, respond to superstitions? You are free to choose God, but you are not free from the consequences. The world may condemn you, but Jesus wants to forgive you. Hear a story about a woman Dr. Sam met in prison.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Is it possible to know if you are in God’s great plan? The answer is YES! John 6:12 tells us that nothing is wasted. What starts as a curse can end as a blessing. God is working! Hear a story of how repentance can place you in God’s great plan.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
How important is obedience in our relationship with King Jesus? Only in the Christian life does obedience come before understanding. God demands obedience. When you don’t understand the Bible, obey what you do understand.
For more information about our ministry to those with leprosy, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
If you are a Christian, why do bad things happen to you? Dr. Sam uses the example of the Apostle Paul, noting the good and bad. The Lord uses trials to strengthen our faith. Be encouraged by hearing the story of Dr. Sam’s arrest and how he was used by God. Also hear about Dr. M. A. Thomas, Founder of Hopegivers.
For more information, please go to www.hopegivers.org.
Learn about the Hope Home activities at Christmas. Hope Chests are shared with all the children and the dancing and celebrating begins. The evening ends with prayer and giving back.
For more information about Hopegivers, or to donate a $50 Hope Chest, please visit www.hopegivers,org.
With over 33 million abandoned children living on the streets of India, we have guardians that place them in our care at one of our Hope Homes. Learn about their schedules as they start their day at 5:30 a.m. with prayer and end their day at 10:00 p.m. with prayer. Thank you for investing in Hopegivers so we can save them from being abandoned, and help save them for eternity.
For more information, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Hear about Hopegivers’ ministry to Dowry Castaways. Learn the process that leads to the burning of brides. Hear the story about the woman who used her scars as a testimony for God.
For more information, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
It can be very difficult to share the gospel in a place that has never heard. Hear Dr. Sam tell the story of bringing the Good News of Jesus to a new town. Be encouraged as you hear of the boldness of the Bible College Students and the intervention of God to allow for the opportunity to share Jesus.
For more information go to www.hopegivers.org
Hope Chest gifts provide Christmas to the orphaned and abandoned children for the past 22 years. Hear the Holland family experience of celebrating Christmas in India.
For more information about Hopegivers or to donate a Hope Chest for Christmas, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
How strong is the power of forgiveness? Hear Dr. Sam tell the remarkable story of a Hopegivers pastor who endured evil at the hands of those who hated him. His act of forgiveness led to a transformation that defies human understanding.
For more information on Hopegivers please visit www.hopegivers.org
Dr. Tommy Middleton has been travelling with Hopegivers to India for twenty-eight years. Hear about the passion of the pastors in relation to the things of God, and the authority of God in their lives. Dr. Tommy feels that he takes a teaspoon of blessings to them, but they dump a five gallon bucket back on him.
Dr. Tommy is a Board Member of Hopegivers International.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Hear Dr. Sam shares the testimony of Andy Lepper and his desire to serve India alongside his wife Susan and their six year old son Micah.. We ask that you pray for an open door for the Gospel and for their non-profit organization called “No Longer Orphans.” If you are interested in giving in honor of Jay’s son Elijah as he battles with leukemia, or if you are interested in helping with the education of Micah, please go to www.nolongerorphans.org.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org
Sometimes we pray and see God miraculously intervene. Other times it seems like either nothing, or the exact opposite of what we pray for happens. How can you keep your faith when everything goes wrong? Here Dr. Sam's powerful answer to this question, forged from decades of serving the Lord in some of the most difficult circumstances one could face in life and ministry. For more information please visit www.hopegivers.org
Paul Fleming heard about Hopegivers as he attended Liberty College (now Liberty University). He heard M. A. Thomas preach in Chapel and then later met Dr Samuel Thomas. Paul visited India in 2005 where he spoke at a combined graduation ceremony for 10,000 people. Hear about his experiences with graduation and his visit to a remote village.
As a Board Member of Hopegivers, Paul encourages people to be involved in sharing the Gospel through Hopegivers by praying, being involved financially, and visiting India.
For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Leprosy is a disease that most of us think went away with the Bible times, but in India, there is still a battle to eradicate this disease. Dr. Willie Greer has been involved with Hopegivers since the first westerners have been visiting the ministry. Listen to his fascinating story of his first trip to India, witnessing Dr. M.A. Thomas share the love of Jesus with lepers and their families. Hopegivers has been serving the lepers of India for over fifty years.
For more informations, visit www.hopegivers.org
As the Covid-19 Pandemic continues worldwide, churches around the world have faced unprecedented challenges. But amidst the losses and disruptions, the pastors of Hopegivers have shared the gospel in ways that have never been possible before. Listen as Dr. Sam shares an update from the churches and Hope Homes.
For more information on Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org
Dr. Sam has invited Jay Holland, and his 12 year old son Elijah to share about Elijah's health journey and how it impacted the ministry of Hopegivers. In the midst of pain and suffering, Elijah and his family determined to turn their challenges into a positive opportunity to help others. Elijah chose to help orphaned and abandoned children in India. They collected almost $20,000 and Elijah describes his 2018 trip with his family to India and the lessons he learned through that experience. Elijah, thank you! You are amazing!
Learn about the culture in Burma and the significant challenges they have faced and are currently facing. Learn about Adoniram Judson, who was the first missionary in the 1700’s and learn about ministry that is still taking place among these people. For information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Hear about how God is working in Nepal and how American missionaries are needed to teach the national pastors how to study and share the Bible. Learn how Hopegivers raises hope in the culture of Nepal in the midst of extreme superstitions. Pray that they learn the languages of humility and love. For more information about Hopegivers, please visit www.hopegivers.org.
Hopegivers don't make arrows, they gather them, sharpen them, and launch them to spread the Good News. We gather children who are living on the streets of India to share the message of hope and salvation. Help us rescue more children to become pioneer missionaries for $35 a month by going to www.hopegivers.org.
Dr. Sam explains how we train Pioneer Missionaries in our Bible Institutes and Seminary. Prior to their graduation, the students commit to signing a Martyr’s Oath of giving their lives if needed to spread the Gospel. We have had 27 missionaries who have been martyred for their faith. To read The Martyr’s Oath, go to https://hopegivers.org/vision-and-mission and look at how our graduates are launched into ministry.
Learn about the women we serve called Dowry Castaways. We have served 980 burned women. A total of 800 of them have died, and 570 of those women accepted Christ. They were burned once, but never again. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
Jeff shares his testimony and how as a businessman, he sees the return in investment to advance the Kingdom. Dr. Samuel Thomas says “God doesn’t want your money, He wants your heart.” At Hopegivers we see that God multiplies what our donors provide. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
If you are a Christian, you are in full time ministry. Hear the story of M. A. Thomas preaches in Southern India to 5,000 empty chairs and then hears how God blessed his obedience. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
Seventy percent (70%) of the residents of India do not have clean water. The slums do not have any running water at all. When we send a Pastor to a new village, we enter by providing clean water. When we build a Hope Home, we put 4 taps inside the home for the children and we put 2 taps outside the home for the community. If we meet the needs of the people through clean water, we feel we have the right to share Christ with them. No one can come to the Father but by Him. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
Hopegivers has planted over 100,000 churches in India over the past 60 years. The blood of the martyrs are the seeds for new churches. We have had 23 martyrs give their lives to spread the Gospel.
Our graduates sign a “martyr’s oath” before we send them out to plant churches. Hear the story of one graduate who was sent out, and after being obedient, was able to plant 72 churches. Answered prayers lead to planted churches. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
Many of the Indians had a false belief or superstition regarding Covid in India and how to cure it. Over 95,000 of our Pastors dealt with lack of food and severe lockdowns, but God provided. These Pastors began meeting with their church on Zoom and many people came to Christ and were baptised. They learned that faith is believing that God is in control. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
Hear the story of how Jeff Cornelison got involved with Hopegivers and how God provided his first international mission trip to Burma (Myanmar). Jeff also shares about his first trip to India and how it created a legacy for his family. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
When Dr. Samuel Thomas was arrested for preaching the Gospel, he met a murderer who wanted him to help her daughter. Pooja was rescued, sharpened, and is currently a Home Home Leader. Hope comes in Christ, and He has a plan for all of us. Subscribe to the podcast to learn how God works to share stories of hope through Hopegivers!
India has the highest number of leprosy cases in the world. Many of these women live in deep poverty and shame, cast out of society. Hear how M.A. Thomas began a gospel work among the lepers by being the hands, feet, and embrace of Jesus in their lives. The ministry of Hopegivers among the lepers of India continues to this day, planting churches, caring for children, and providing economic opportunities for those affected with the disease.
Dr. Sam shares the story of how his father, M.A. Thomas, got the vision to gather orphans and raise them in the love of Jesus. Hear how Sam, as a teenage boy, came home from school to learn that he was now sharing his room and clothing with the first set of orphan boys. From those humble beginnings, God has used His Orphan Army to plant tens of thousands of churches across India and South Asia.
Hopegivers International is a ministry started by M.A. Thomas more than 60 years ago in India. In this introductory episode, his son Dr. Samuel Thomas shares the story of how his dad planted his first churches, as well as how his mom, dad, and a small band of partners sacrificed everything to go to North India to share the gospel. You'll hear about M.A's arrest for preaching, how the first church started from believers he shared the gospel with in jail, and about the vision and impact of Hopegivers in the last 60 years.