Thomas Hopson

Hi, I’m Thomas Hopson. I live in Orange County, California and lead a medical device company that makes neurosurgical products. I never finished high school, but at age 16 went straight to college. So I consider myself a college drop-in rather than a high school dropout.

There is no greater generosity than God's. God gave his son Jesus Christ to be the ultimate sacrifice so that all who believe in him receive the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16) That is supreme generosity. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my children and grandchildren and I believe God feels the same, even more so, about me and all his children.

Giving was ingrained in my worship experience very early in life. At 8 years old I would report the monthly giving and tithing to our church body. That experience taught me the significance of giving, but the joy came as an adult when I realized everything I am and everything I have belongs to God. My life is blessed because of God’s grace and mercy, so my wife Tina and I truly enjoy giving our time and our resources.

I believe God blesses us according to our capacity to handle it faithfully. My prayer is that I receive everything God has for me, but not a minute before I can handle it well. I have seen it many times during my business career that it's dangerous to receive too much wealth too soon. (Proverbs 13:11) The reward of overachievement is more wealth and we too easily attribute our success to ourselves rather than God. We base our self-worth on our success, but when that success wears off our sense of self-worth suffers. 

Growing up on a farm with 13 siblings and strong, God-fearing, Christ-following parents taught me the value of a Christ-centered life. My parents taught us to seek Christ first and his righteousness and trust all our needs would be provided for. (Matthew 6:33) There have been times in my professional career when material wealth seemed more attractive than the love and comfort I find in Christ. But I keep coming back to trusting God in all things because without him all the money and success in the world is meaningless. Jesus said it best, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Early on I gave to my church, but it was more out of obligation than out of being a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) I didn’t realize how much fun and freedom there is in giving. If I had known this at 25, I would have given with a greater spirit of gratitude.

My daily quiet time with God is especially meaningful to me. I am typically up early commuting to work and I spend my drive time praying for my family and loved ones. When I get to my office, I meditate and read God’s word before the hustle of the day starts. 

Our giving is guided by prayer and God’s spirit. We give first to our home church and then to causes we are passionate about. I am passionate about helping our youth find a firm foundation early in life so they can be God-fearing, productive citizens in society. The organizations that we typically support are involved in leading people to Christ and improving the character and lives of our youth.

When I think about the teachers, the coaches, the mentors, and everyone who took a special interest in my success, I realize how important that support network is. I have decided that my life’s work beyond employment will be giving back to young people in underserved communities where the need is great, but the provisions are so limited, where “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Luke 10:2)

Three words that I would like to be remembered by are: Serving, Faithful & Dedicated.