Invite a Hopegivers Speaker

Our experienced and inspiring communicators are available to speak on relevant and life-changing topics that will move, challenge, and empower listeners to make a difference. Each of our speakers has been deeply impacted by the work of this ministry, because Hopegivers International changes lives. Through our One Million Arrows Vision, thousands are being gathered in the love of Christ, sharpened in the Word of God, and sent to impact hearts and minds in India, Haiti and Africa. To request a speaker, please complete our online Speaker Request form »

Dr. Samuel Thomas, President 

Samuel serves as President of both Hopegivers International in the U.S. and Emmanuel Ministries in India. A powerful communicator and the son of Dr. M.A. Thomas, Samuel is an internationally sought after speaker, author, and ministry leader. His articulate and anointed messages, infused with both humor and hope, leave audiences refreshed, inspired, and spiritually moved. Dr. Sam’s passion is for serving those nearest to God's heart--the fatherless and the widows, and his tireless dedication to the fulfillment of the One Million Arrows Vision, leaves every heart challenged to action. Due to high demand and divided time between India and the U.S., Dr. Sam’s availability is limited. 

 

Wesley Withers, Hope Ambassador

A professionally trained speaker with an education in Theology, Wesley has been closely tied to the ministry since 1999. A resident of Maine, Wesley actively promotes Hopegivers throughout the northeast, but with enough notice can travel anywhere in the United States to bring the story of Hopegivers to your church. His life has been touched first-hand while watching God work miracles through this ministry--mostly through the prayers of orphans. "Orphans have a hotline to God's ears, and their courage is poignant.” As far as the future of Hopegivers, Wesley is ready and willing to do his part. “The last three years have been most difficult for the ministry. I have determined in my heart to not fall asleep, but rather to ‘watch and pray’ with Hopegivers." Wesley's sense of humor combined with having Dr. Sam as a brother-in-law gives him a unique perspective that will delight and challenge every listener in his audience.

Says Wesley of the ministry President, "Dr. Sam is not just my brother-in-law; he is my brother."

 

Rex Austin, Board Member

When it comes to speaking in churches, Rex Austin is no newbie. He has represented Hopegivers as well as the Gideons in churches all over Oklahoma and the surrounding states. In fact, his relationship with Hopegivers spans three decades, beginning when he met Dr. M. A. Thomas while serving on the mission board of an Oklahoma City church. When Rex sees how many lives are changing because of the efforts of this ministry, all he wants to do is go and tell others so that they can share in the wonderful blessings. It’s similar to the verse in Luke 5:7 where discovering what God is doing is like "netting an amazing catch."

 

Darrell Cheek, Board Member

Darrell Cheek first came to know about Hopegivers after M.A. Thomas visited a church in his hometown. Dr. Thomas challenged Darrell with the idea that “you can go anywhere in the world, but India will change your life."  Upon visiting India for the first time in 1989, he was taken out of his comfort zone and then called into full time ministry as a pastor. In the years since, Darrell has returned to India, and been on mission trips to both Russia and the Ukraine. His heart beats to serve those he works with daily as well as others around the world.

 

 

David Byrd, Major Donor Relations Representative

David ByrdDavid Byrd was introduced to Hopegivers at a young age through his father, Dr. Jonathan Byrd. His father's passion for the ministry, along with his respect for its founder, M.A. Thomas, infused David with the same love and respect for both. A graduate of Wabash College, David now resides outside of Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife, Jewel, and their five children. Besides speaking for Hopegivers, David serves on the board of directors for his family's companies, pastors Pisteos International Church, and is also an associate pastor of the Academia Church of Goodyear, AZ. "My heart's desire is to assist in locating the resources to bring about the fulfillment of the One Million Arrows Vision. I am excited to play a part of investing in orphaned and at-risk children who will one day become great Christian leaders, bringing the Gospel to their own countries and beyond."

 

Julie Ferwerda, Author, Speaker, Child Advocate  

Julie is a trained professional speaker and also writes for publications such as Crosswalk.com, CBN.com, Focus on the Family, Discipleship Journal, and Christianity Today. She’s working on two books, the updated biography of M.A. Thomas, and an inspirational book for American parents based on his One Million Arrows Vision. The latter book is entitled, "One Million Arrows for God: raising your children to change the world," and has been endorsed by Josh McDowell, Franklin Graham, Ron Luce, Thelma Wells, Dr. Steve Stephens, and others. Julie and her husband, Steve, are now booking seminars for parents in 2009 to get families revved up to join the One Million Arrows Vision. “Great purpose and passion can be revived in our lives as we follow Christ, investing in The Great Commission, especially through an amazing ministry like Hopegivers.” Julie is also available for women, singles, and teen events. Learn more about Julie and check out her speaking and writing topics by visiting her website.

 

Steve Ferwerda, Child Advocate

 A previous college professor, Steve is an excellent teacher and communicator who shares the platform with his wife, Julie, addressing parents for the One Million Arrows Vision as it relates to families.  Steve and Julie have traveled to India and Haiti with Hopegivers and are passionate about their involvement in the One Million Arrows Vision.  Steve, a former missionary kid from Beirut, Lebanon, has a heart for missions with many great stories to tell. His first-hand experience while growing up on the mission field makes him the perfect speaker for a Missions’ Conference or Seminar.  Steve is also gifted in design and technology, joining the Hopegivers staff in 2007 as the Director of Technology.

 

Dwain Banner, Child Advocate  

Dwain Banner and his family are a great blessing to the ministry of Hopegivers. In 2004, Dr. M. A. Thomas visited the Banner's home in Bolivar, Missouri, and challenged their home group to build an orphanage. After only nine months, God had provided the funds to complete the project. Dwain has been inspired by the way God is moving through Hopegivers. With four sons of his own, Dwain thinks that one of the greatest benefits of being a Hopegiver is the example it sets for his sons. Their eldest, Deacon, was able to make his first India trip in 2007. Dwain's testimony will be a blessing for anyone to hear.

 

Todd Payne, Child Advocate

"I'm a simple man from the backwoods of Stony Point, North Carolina. I learned about Hopegivers while in high school and I was immediately drawn to the thought of helping orphans and their caretakers. Little did I know what an impact that India, the children, and the work of Hopegivers would have on my life..." After meeting his beautiful bride, Gracie, on one of his trips to India, the couple has spent the past ten years splitting their time between the two countries each year. During his time in the States, he raises funds by visiting various churches to share the needs of Hopegivers. He then takes the money directly to the field to meet many basic needs of the kids.  "God called me to this ministry and I will continue it until I leave this earth. I have finished my studies of theology in India and now have a BD and a BTH in ministry; but that's not my focus...doing His work is what matters."

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To request a speaker, please complete our online Speaker Request form.

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