Blog continued from Tuesday, July 31, 2012.
On the train ride back to his family’s home, he took out his Bible and began reading James 2:14-18:
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanies by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
The next morning, Thomas prayed to be utilized in whatever manner necessary to meet the need God was trying to illuminate for him. He rented multiple large containers for cooking and began serving rice and vegetables to villagers without food. After a few days, Thomas was approached by a woman clutching two small children. The woman explained that she had AIDS and could no longer provide for her family, however, she was confident that her children would survive and prosper if she entrusted them to Thomas. Before he had a chance to respond, the woman disappeared back into the crowd.
Feelings of uncertainty began to overwhelm Thomas’ thoughts. In an instant, his life had changed dramatically; he now had two small children looking solely to him for provision, hope and guidance. Uncertain of anything else at that point, Thomas decided to take the children to the one place he was sure of; his family’s home.
Word of what had happened spread as the week continued. Similar family circumstances were described and additional children were presented for Thomas’ care. By the end of the week, Thomas’ family home had also become home for 9 children.
With each passing day, it was becoming more and more evident that Thomas’ purpose was to care for these orphaned and abandoned children in India, but housing the rapidly growing number of them in his family’s home was simply not a feasible option anymore. Thomas’ father mortgaged his house and Thomas exhausted every penny on his credit card in order to rent a new space for the children and begin stockpiling necessary supplies. The action taken by Thomas and his father could not have come at a better time; by the end of that same week, 12 more children had been surrendered.
Over the next few years, God continued to light Thomas’ path. Today, his vision has grown into what is now known as Faith in Deeds Ministry and it was all because of one simple decision: to obey God. Thomas’ experiences are clear evidence of just how miraculous God’s plans truly are. Everything we go through, whether positive or negative in our mind, He has plans to use it for good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” –John 8:28
To learn more about how to sponsor a child from Faith in Deeds please contact us at info@gracehandsofhope.org or click here to view children available to sponsor.