Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas

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.