Dear Friends,

Clergy sexual abuse is a heinous form of abuse. It is criminal in God’s eyes, whether all states or countries recognize it as such or not. It is the most complicated abuse and one of the most difficult types of abuse to overcome because of the spiritual component and automatic trust that so many spiritual leaders have from their parishioners, whether deserved or not. It affects entire families, congregations and communities.

Over the past 16 years, we have encountered thousands of victims and every case is unique, yet the same–devastation is the result of this abuse. For many, there is never justice on this earth. That’s why I and so many others take comfort in this verse:

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.“–Matthew 18:6

One day, God will make everything right!

I encourage you to watch this brief testimony shared by the daughter of a victim of clergy sexual abuse. It is not often the secondary victims (like children and spouses) share from their perspective, so this is a rare and unique opportunity to see through the eyes of a child who is witnessing the near utter destruction of her family. Watch The Manipulator: Life in the Chains of A Cult Leader. We need more children and spouses to share their testimonies. If you’d like to share, please let me know!

And, as always, thank you very much for your faithful and generous support of The Hope of Survivors. Your gifts enable us to continue to minister to hurting souls in need of the Savior’s healing touch. Just think of the multitude of children like in the video above–suffering with their families as the worst nightmare of their lives unfolds before them and they feel so powerless to do anything to stop it. To stop the pastor. To stop the church. To end the abuse.

At The Hope of Survivors, victims find hope, strength and courage and an opportunity to end the abuse and heal. You are a part of that miracle! I am deeply grateful for you!

God bless you,
Samantha Nelson
CEO