Contact: Steve Ferwerda, Hopegivers International, 307-856-3384, sferwerda@hopegivers.org

COLUMBUS, Georgia, April 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Georgia-based humanitarian-aid organization Hopegivers International recently celebrated the graduation of 1,000 students from the Hopegivers Bible college program in India. Most of the graduates are former orphans who were rescued by Hopegivers, then raised and educated in a Hopegivers-sponsored Hope Home.

"I am continually in amazement and awe of the transforming work I have seen in recent days," said Dr. Samuel Thomas, president of Hopegivers. "More than 1,000 faithful graduates will go out and spread the love and peace of God, and because of this many more lives will be changed."

Upon graduation, the students took an oath pledging to work for the Lord no matter the cost, even unto death. These graduates will likely become teachers, pastors, nurses, and Hope Home leaders, striving to uplift their communities by using the life skills gained through their Hopegivers-sponsored education.

Nearly all of the graduates will embark on the next stage of their lives virtually unsupported, with only a strong desire to serve God and people in need. They receive a bicycle and a small amount of money, and are then commissioned to start ministries to the needy in their surrounding communities.

"I am confident that God will use these faithful graduates to transform and uplift a world filled with lost and needy kids, kids who were just like them," Thomas said. "This celebration is a testament to not only God's covenant, but the diligent work of our highly skilled staff, donors, and volunteers who dedicate their lives to making a difference to those who are less fortunate."

Hopegivers began its schooling efforts for orphans in India in 1967, with an Emmanuel Day School started by Dr. M.A. Thomas, founder of Hopegivers and father of Dr. Samuel Thomas. Then, in 1972, M.A. Thomas launched a leadership training institute, which was the launching point for the more than 100 Hopegivers Bible institutes operating today.

About Hopegivers International

Founded by Dr. M.A. Thomas, Hopegivers International provides help for today and hope for eternity through strategic ministry initiatives that rescue orphaned and abandoned children, assist the needy and oppressed, and empower the work of the gospel. The faith-based, 501(c) (3) nonprofit humanitarian agency is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, and supports outreaches in India, Haiti, and Malawi