Dear Friends,

Thank you for your prayers and support of the Hope & Healing Conference in Hebron, KY. God blessed in wonderful ways to speak through our presenters and to bring words of hope, healing and encouragement to victims. It was an incredible time, as relayed to me by those present. Please, take a moment and read their words for yourself:

“What a day of inspiration with courageous victims of clergy sexual abuse–two of them with their husbands. Before lunchtime they all seemed completely comfortable and shared confidingly and substantively. My role as clergy presenter was to explain how predatory pastors groom potential targets–and because of the inherent clergy/church member power imbalance (along with other factors), what happened was spiritual/sexual/emotional abuse–not an affair. At end of day we stood in a circle together and thanked God for the healing and direction He provided.“–Martin Weber, Board Member

“As a victim of clergy sexual abuse, I understand the power one victim has to help another. As I began my journey of healing 14 years ago, The Hope of Survivors was so instrumental in my own healing . It was my privilege and honor to give back and to help in some small way, to provide comfort and encouragement to these victims/survivors, to know they are not alone. I was inspired by their openness to share their stories of sadness and triumphs. Thankful for each of one of them and to God for this ministry.”–Sandy Kirkham, Victim Support Services

“What an amazing day of SHARING at The Hope of Survivors’ Hope & Healing conference. Everyone who attended opened up their hearts and lives with such transparency. The day was so encouraging, as each person shared their pain and suffering along with how God was working through it all. Several shared how The Hope of Survivors had been a lifeline for them. It was a beautiful experience be a part of and behold. We all felt deeply connected and strengthened as we shared our similar stories of clergy sexual abuse. Delicious and delightful cookies were shared with the words of “Hope” and Psalms 34:18 delicately written on them. We also shared with one another as we ate lunch together. And at the close of the conference, we all joined hands and shared a powerful prayer together. Yet, we longed to be together even more. So we went out to eat at a local Italian restaurant and continued to share our life stories! What an amazing and inspiring day of sharing and healing!“–Tammy Landry, Victim Support Services

“I was greatly privileged to attend The Hope of Survivors’ Hope & Healing Conference in Kentucky on August 12. My first impressions, walking into the meeting room on the prior evening, were of how professional, and yet how cherishing, was the ambiance of the room. In addition to The Hope of Survivors billboards and nicely-stocked Conference folders; special touches, such as elegantly-inscribed, gift-wrapped, fondant cookies, mints in stemware on each white-clothed table, THOS buttons, key fobs, pens, and wristbands all combined in beautifully reflecting God’s esteem and caring compassion for our valued guests. The primary presenters spoke powerfully and were engaging, each one broadening the picture of clergy sexual abuse and the path which God offers to recovery and restoration through Jesus our Savior. I was humbled to be in the presence of such courageous and persevering friends. And I feel I can say friends, because of the easy camaraderie we shared by the end of the Conference day, and even into the next morning, for those of us who stayed over. What an awesome experience!“–Jackie Jeldwyn, Pastors’ Wives’ Division

“This was my first time helping with the Hope & Healing Conference and I myself have learned a lot from the participants and the presenters. The victims and their spouses were inspiring, asking good questions and making valuable input and comments throughout the day. It is my prayer that there will be a spouse’s division in the future. At the end of the conference we all held hands together to pray. Dr. Weber’s proclamation of Christus Victor over the participants were powerful. There were no dry eyes among us. May God fight the battle for the participants each and every day. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:57)“–Kyoko Sears, PR/Fundraising

“I was so blessed by the conference, it is so refreshing and inspiring to be around people who understand clergy sexual abuse and are willing to confront it and call it what it is, evil.“–Attendee, WY

Steve and I are so grateful for all the volunteers and board members who serve The Hope of Survivors. We could not carry on this important work without each of you! A special thanks to Martin Weber, Sandy Kirkham, Tammy Landry, Kyoko Sears and Jackie Jeldwyn for conducting this conference on our behalf, and to Beth Swift who made the beautiful and delicious cookies for the group, and to Qdoba for catering the lunch for everyone.

Hope and healing…that is what The Hope of Survivors is all about! Please keep this ministry and those who serve–and those we serve–in your thoughts and prayers. The need is so great, for the number of victims is beyond comprehension. And, please consider making a donation to enable us to continue this very important work of ministering to those who have been betrayed at the deepest level possible by clergy sexual abuse. Thank you!

God bless you,
Samantha Nelson
CEO