Reaching the Hurting…Ministering to those who have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy.
Calling the Faithful…Providing resources, counsel and support to church leadership to help them remain true to their high calling.
Bridging the Gap…Leading the hurting to hope through a healing relationship with Christ.
The Hope of Survivors was born one evening in December 2002 as Steve and Samantha reflected on their own experience of pastoral sexual abuse and the lack of resources that were available to help them understand and heal at that time. They felt compelled to develop a web site that would provide information and encouragement to anyone who may be searching for answers. Steve and Samantha felt that if “just one person” could be helped by the web site, then it would be well worth the effort and pain they had gone through.
While Steve and Samantha’s vision was limited in thinking “just one,” the Lord knew how many hurting people there were—suffering all alone and living without hope. There are many “ones” out there who have been touched and blessed by the ministry of The Hope of Survivors. Truly, God does work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The Hope of Survivors has grown rapidly in its services since it began. It has an active and growing Board of Directors, officers and volunteer staff. It often serves as the only available, unbiased liaison between victims and appropriate civil, public or religious assistance. Its documents, including a series of informational brochures (in Spanish and English) and DVDs, are circulated worldwide.
The Hope of Survivors is unique. While many web sites exist on the subject, most either provide angry denunciation of various religious organizations, or are associated with a particular religious sect and require that affiliation from their clients, or they address the problem from a purely humanistic psychological approach—leaving God and His power to heal entirely out of the equation. Also, many charge for their services, yet The Hope of Survivors has determined to keep its services free of charge to victims.
The need for The Hope of Survivors’ unique services and approach is evident, as it has assisted more than 430 victims in 44 known states and 14 known countries to date (03/08). To God be the glory, what great things He has done!
“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” (Psalm 126:3-5)
Originally incorporated in California, and subsequently authorized to conduct affairs in the state of Illinois, The Hope of Survivors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of pastoral sexual abuse and misconduct, as well as providing educational and informational materials and seminars to pastors and churches of any denomination worldwide.
Other divisions include The Hope of Survivors-Australia Division located in Queensland, Australia; The Hope of Survivors-Kenya Division located in Nairobi, Kenya; and La Esperanza de los Sobrevivientes (the Latino division) located in Illinois. Other divisions under development include: Youth, Scandinavia, Romania, Tanzania, and Pastor’s Wives. Professional memberships include: Outpost Centers International (OCI), Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI), the International Board of Christian Counselors (IBCC), the Adventist Association of Family Life Professionals (AAFLP), and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
