Wishing You a Very Blessed Christmas from The Hope of Survivors!

Let me begin by saying that I’m aware that some of you are not Christian and do not believe in Jesus as we do, so I plead with you to just bear with me or skip over this email if you feel you must. I just want to share the joy that is in my heart because of Christ and what he has done for many of you through The Hope of Survivors.

This world is becoming spiritually darker and more dangerous with each passing day. 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us that “...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” Wouldn’t you agree that we see this in the headlines each day? There are continual stories now about clergy sexual abuse–abuse of children as well as adults–by trusted spiritual leaders. Leaders who should have been safe–who should have been bringing light, joy, protection and love to those whom they serve.

The good news is that God has not left us to fend for ourselves in this often dark, depressing world. In John 8:12 we read, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Jesus is our Light and He will not leave us alone in the darkness! It is possible to have the light of Christ in our hearts as we walk in this world and to share that light, love, joy and hope with others. Yes, God can even take away your pain and heal you from the devastation of clergy sexual abuse. He is willing and able to do so and that, my friends, is good news!

If you are one of our many subscribers to this newsletter who have not been abused by a spiritual leader, we want you to know that your support helps us provide a lifeline to victims of clergy sexual abuse. Here are just a few examples of how The Hope of Survivors has impacted lives:

“The Hope of Survivors has been a safe place for me that provided the support needed after being deeply hurt by my pastor. Having experienced clergy sexual abuse, I did not find help or healing from my church. There was nowhere to turn for answers until I found The Hope of Survivors. It is a community of survivors working to regain a relationship with God in a safe environment; people who understand the damage caused by clergy abuse. It is a lifeline and a bridge to help victims become survivors.“–Survivor

“Clergy sexual abuse is one of the most misunderstood types of abuses, and unfortunately, victims are horribly blamed and shamed. The Hope of Survivors is the one place where victims can go for real answers and genuine, compassionate support! I don’t know what I would have done without them!“– Survivor

“Your organisation has been a huge lifeline and education for me. …I am so grateful for the work you do and the support and information on clergy sexual abuse that you provide through the Internet.“–Survivor

“This is a very effective and compassionate organization whose work deserves recognition and support. I have donated to them every year since 2009.“–Donor

I close with this wonderful message of hope–“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) Thank you for walking with all of us at The Hope of Survivors and with those whom we serve through another year!

Thank you for your prayers and support. And, if you want to be part of helping us serve more victims, bring greater awareness to this issue and train more clergy and congregations on prevention in 2020, please prayerfully consider making a one-time donation or signing up for monthly contributions. Thank you!

From me (Samantha), Steve and all of us at The Hope of Survivors, have a blessed Christmas and a joyous, peace-filled New Year!