Dear Friends,

Nearly 20 years ago, Samantha and I were discussing how we could help others who had been victimized by a predatory pastor. We did not know it at the time, but the decision to create a web presence to help people like us find the answers we had searched for–but couldn’t find–would forever change the course of our lives. It has been an amazing and challenging journey. One that has taken us around the globe and connected our hearts with many whom we have come to love and walk beside. But now our part in leading The Hope of Survivors ministry is coming to an end.

Due to multiple health challenges, Samantha and I will be handing over the leadership reins to another team. We have not made this decision quickly and have agonized and prayed about it for many months. So, with confidence in God’s leading, we will both be retiring from our leadership positions at The Hope of Survivors effective December 31, 2021. It has been a difficult decision to make, but the time has come. Samantha’s ill health demands a great reduction in her workload and stress in order to slow down the progression of the diseases that afflict her.

Over the past several months, we have been working hard to make sure the services and operations of The Hope of Survivors will continue after we leave. As such, Martin Weber will become the Board Chairman and President effective 1/1/22.

Shyleene Rosado and her husband Carlos Rosero, who currently lead the Latino Division, will take on the roles of CEO and Treasurer, respectively, on 1/1/22. They, along with Martin, have been with The Hope of Survivors for the past 14 years, and we are confident they will maintain the standard of excellence in victim care and in the production of resources and educational materials we have sought to provide all these years.

Our current volunteer teem has been notified and each one has agreed to remain actively involved in The Hope of Survivors’ ministry, so we are confident, by God’s grace, this transition will go smoothly.

We are trusting and praying each of you will continue to support The Hope of Survivors with your prayers and donations through this transition and beyond. The work of The Hope of Survivors must go on, and every victim of clergy sexual abuse desperately needs the support and resources The Hope of Survivors provides.

Thank you for your support and understanding. We know this is a major announcement for many of you to process. We pray for each of you and wish The Hope of Survivors all the best and all the blessings God has in store for the organization, the directors, volunteers, donors and, especially, all the victims of clergy sexual abuse we serve globally.

God bless you,
Steve & Samantha Nelson
C0-Founders