Source Ministries began with a vision for missions. It was launched with the help of a brother from India. The Lord led us to begin Source Ministries International in November 1982. We sought advice and prayer from Wayne Belt, a friend in Murfreesboro, TN, where we lived at the time.
When we arrived at his house, Brother M.A. Thomas, the Director of Emmanuel Ministries in India, was with him. I had met Brother Thomas earlier that year when he came to Bible Pathway Ministries in Murfreesboro, TN, where I was on staff. We both had spoken at the annual Pathway Bible Conference earlier that year. During our time together, it became evident that we were compatible. Brother Thomas had a heartfelt passion for God and a genuine compassion for people.
Dr. M. A. Thomas, Director Emmanuel Ministries Kota, India
Brother Thomas sat with us as we shared with our friend about God’s calling for Source Ministries International. Brother Thomas became very excited when he heard that we felt led to start Source Ministries in order to go to other countries and teach leaders about their true identity in Christ. He stated that he believed pastors needed such help, especially in India. Brother Thomas said that the ministers had very little training. However, it was rare for anyone to come teach them. So, our ministry was an answer to prayer.
His comments were truly challenging. We all prayed together about this new ministry. His prayer for us was most inspirational. However, the greatest encouragement came when Brother Thomas pulled out a twenty-dollar bill, handed it to me, and said, “Here’s a donation to help you start this ministry.” It was our first donation!
Wow, that touched my heart deeply! I was reminded of the time when we were in Seminary. The Lord led my wife, Lue, and me to give up eating meat so we would have enough money to provide monthly support for a local minister in India. He even led us to buy him a bicycle so he wouldn’t have to walk to do his ministry. Then, ten years later, a fellow minister from India was used of God to help us begin Source Ministries! Praise God for His great faithfulness!
The Apostle Paul experienced God’s faithfulness throughout his missionary journeys. Therefore, Paul could say with confidence, “Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). God’s calling is always accompanied by His faithful provision! When you follow God’s calling, you will see His provision. Furthermore, God informs us that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). We have found this to be true in our own lives and ministry during the past 55 years. I have been blessed to minister to leaders in 30 states and 45 foreign countries. As a result, we are reaping a fruitful harvest of thousands of changed lives throughout the world.
