Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas

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.

The Reward of Perseverance 03/26/2025

The Reward of Perseverance 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/35776460

How Can You Take in the Wrong Orphan? 03/19/2025

How Can You Take in the Wrong Orphan? 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/35755665

The Reward of Discipleship 03/12/2025

The Reward of Discipleship 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/35381920

What Happens to the Widows of Those Who Die for Christ? 03/05/2025

What Happens to the Widows of Those Who Die for Christ? 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/35378875

Faithful Unto Death 02/26/2025

Faithful Unto Death “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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/35364790

The Global Impact of The American Church 02/05/2025

The Global Impact of The American Church 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/35150330

Going to India Can Change Your Life 01/29/2025

Going to India Can Change Your Life 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 /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/34944235

Living Among The Lepers 01/22/2025

Living Among The Lepers 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 /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/34943745

Leaving Your Career for the Call of Christ 01/15/2025

Leaving Your Career for the Call of Christ 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/34835405

Trip to India - Interview with Viki Bloemker 07/03/2024

Trip to India - Interview with Viki Bloemker 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! /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31961582

Trip to India - Interview With Jr. Thomas 06/05/2024

Trip to India - Interview With Jr. Thomas 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! /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31440187

Trip to India - Interview with Jangboi 05/29/2024

Trip to India - Interview with Jangboi 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31381607

Trip to India - Interview with Sandip and Phoebe 05/22/2024

Trip to India - Interview with Sandip and Phoebe 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31341587

Trip to India - Interview with Emily Holland 05/15/2024

Trip to India - Interview with Emily Holland 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31214492

Trip to India - Interview with Aaron 05/08/2024

Trip to India - Interview with Aaron 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 /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31050973

Trip to India - Interview With Pastor Emmanuel 05/01/2024

Trip to India - Interview With Pastor Emmanuel 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 /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/31050898

Trip to India - Interview With Susan Lepper 04/10/2024

Trip to India - Interview With Susan Lepper 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/30736843

The Orphan Launches a Hope Home 01/31/2024

The Orphan Launches a Hope Home 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/29532813

Planting a Church 01/24/2024

Planting a Church 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/29532413

Graduation and the Martyr’s Oath 01/17/2024

Graduation and the Martyr’s Oath 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/29344953

Love and Marriage 01/10/2024

Love and Marriage 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/29341083

Bible College 01/03/2024

Bible College 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/29260633

Celebrations 11/22/2023

Celebrations 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. /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28444247

Blessed to be a Blessing 11/15/2023

Blessed to be a Blessing “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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28236878

Teenagers Who are Lions for the Lord 11/08/2023

Teenagers Who are Lions for the Lord 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28236863

Living by Faith 11/01/2023

Living by Faith 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28236671

Education is a Process! 10/25/2023

Education is a Process! 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28178669

Adjusting to a Hope Home 10/18/2023

Adjusting to a Hope Home 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28236401

Lowest of the Low 10/11/2023

Lowest of the Low 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 /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/28222673

Powerful Faith Forms Through Pressure 06/21/2023

Powerful Faith Forms Through Pressure 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 . /episode/index/show/storiesofhope/id/27152799

Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas

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