He Lost His Father at 12 and Grew Up on Welfare. HAL DONALDSON Now Runs One of America's Biggest Charities.

He Lost His Father at 12 and Grew Up on Welfare. HAL DONALDSON Now Runs One of America's Biggest Charities.

Author: Contagious, Inc. July 16, 2026 Duration: 33:46

When disaster strikes without warning, hope has to show up fast — and for millions around the world, it arrives on a Convoy of Hope truck. Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based, nonprofit organization that delivers emergency relief to communities devastated by disaster. Right now, their teams are on the ground in Venezuela, where on June 24 two catastrophic earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, among the strongest to hit the country in more than a century — struck, leaving more than 1,700 confirmed dead, thousands injured, and thousands more still missing. Convoy of Hope is meeting essential needs bringing help and hope to families walking through unthinkable tragedy. 

KeepTheFaith Charities has been proud to support Convoy of Hope efforts and other "boots on the ground" organizations providing life-sustaining relief over the years. In this encore episode, host David Sams goes one-on-one with Hal Donaldson, founder of Convoy of Hope and author of "What Really Matters" — from the tragedy that shattered his childhood, to a life-changing conversation with Mother Teresa, to the pickup truck loaded with $300 of groceries that sparked one of America's largest charities. Along the way, Hal reveals how to answer God's call to serve a hurting world without sacrificing your health, your family, or yourself. To donate now to Venezuela earthquake relief, go to ConvoyofHope.org. You can make a difference!


The conversations found in CIA: Contagious Influencers of America are not your typical interviews. Hosted by nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, this podcast digs into the raw, human stories behind the people shaping culture from a foundation of faith. Each episode is a deep exploration of personal history, focusing on how guests-from artists and musicians to spiritual leaders and everyday pioneers-navigated profound challenges. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of battling addiction, confronting fear, and turning perceived failures into fuel for a meaningful life. The dialogue naturally unfolds to reveal how spirituality and creativity intertwine, offering listeners more than just inspiration; it provides a blueprint for resilience. This isn't about surface-level success stories. It's about the gritty, often unseen work of moving mountains, whether that work happens on a stage, in a studio, or within the quiet corners of one's own journey. The podcast creates a space where vulnerability is strength, and where the lessons learned in overcoming obstacles resonate with anyone seeking to make a tangible difference in their own world. Tune in for authentic conversations that examine the heart of influence, where faith meets action and music underscores the message of hope.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
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