Dear Friends,

I hope and pray 2021 will be a better year for all and that we will all get—and remain—healthy and safe. It’s been a tough few months for Steve and I, as we both contracted COVID-19 the beginning of November and Steve ended up with pneumonia from it and nearly died. We are praising God for saving his life, even as we address underlying health concerns that were recently discovered. If you want to read more about what God did on our behalf through COVID-19, check out “You Shall Live and Not Die!”

Even though we have all been “grounded” due to travel restrictions, there has actually been a lot happening lately, some good and some bad. I’ll start with the bad/sad news. As of the end of 2020, the board of The Hope of Survivors—Romania voted to close the association. We still plan to have a presence in Romania and to assist victims, but we will no longer have the financial burden of sustaining an organization. We have also closed down the UK division, as we simply can’t find any leadership replacement.

In other not-so-good news…Donations were down $20,000 in 2020 (not including the $10,000-$15,000 grant that we no longer receive annually). God is faithful though and, through you, The Hope of Survivors ended the year without any debt. Thank you so much for your support! When fundraising becomes difficult, I feel like the prophet Jeremiah when he exclaimed in Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV), “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”

Now for the good news….The Hope of Survivors—Australia is up and running again! Thanks to Theresa Redden who volunteered to take on the leadership of the organization there, and to Darren Tappouras who continues to keep us in line with accounting and corporate filing. Learn more about Theresa and read her introduction letter!

More good news…The Hope of Survivors—South Africa participated in a major campaign to raise awareness of and prevent sexual abuses of various kinds. Read Siyabonga’s update.

Let me close by saying how truly grateful for I am for each of our volunteers around the world. Without them, The Hope of Survivors could not possibly fulfill its mission to “heal the brokenhearted” (Luke 4:18 KJV) who have suffered horrific abuse and devastation at the hands of those who pledged to be like Jesus and lead His sheep to the fountains of Living Water but who, instead, have preyed upon the flock of God like wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Whether you are a victim in need, a volunteer, a board member, a donor or just someone who keeps tabs on what we’re doing, thank you for being a part of The Hope of Survivors’ family.

God bless you,
Samantha Nelson
Co-Founder & CEO