Our History

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

Hopegivers International, Inc. began in 1978 as the fund raising agent for Emmanuel Ministries International (EMI) of India. EMI was founded in 1960 by Dr. M. A. Thomas, who, during his years of ministry, received the God-given vision of raising up one million trained disciples to start one million churches to bring the Gospel to India, Asia, and the world beyond to fulfill the Great Commission. In 1978 he began rescuing orphaned and abandoned children from the streets of India and raising them to become a part of this vision.

Today Hopegivers International supports ministry efforts primarily in India, Africa and Haiti. Daily we support 10,000 children and adults by providing meals, housing, education, health care, spiritual training, and hope through the love of Christ.

HOW WE BEGAN

We trace our roots back to the Emmanuel Fellowship, founded in Kota, Rajasthan, by Dr. M.A. Thomas in 1960. Dr. Thomas felt the call of God on his life while growing up in Kerala, South India, to venture to this spiritually dark region to plant churches. So he, his wife, and a few others arrived in this area where they have endured persecution but also abundant ministry success in all the years since.

In 1978, American friends helped Dr. Thomas found Hopegivers International in order to help more children. Today, because of one man's faithfulness, there are thousands of churches, approximately 75 orphanages, a major hospital along with numerous clinics, and over 100 Bible Colleges throughout India and beyond. Hopegivers International is an independent, autonomous charity headquartered in Columbus, GA. What began in Tennessee in 1978 has now helped to spread the Gospel work of Dr. Thomas worldwide.