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

This time of year is such a joyous time to reflect on the unique and life-saving gift God gave us, Jesus. I know 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. Christmas to me is about hope. It’s about reflecting on the past and setting new goals for the future. It’s a time to thank God for the blessings He bestows upon us daily, many of which we don’t recognize or may even take for granted. It’s supposed to be a joyous and peaceful season with the warmth of God’s love filling our hearts and lives as we surround ourselves with our family and loved ones.

Yet, for many who have been wounded by a spiritual leader, this time of year can be downright painful and difficult. It’s hard to celebrate one’s faith and enjoy Christmas or other holiday programs if your pastor or spiritual leader used these events as opportunities to abuse. I pray you will allow God to take away the sting and hurt of those bad memories and situations and give you renewed hope and purpose for your life.

We at The Hope of Survivors want to encourage you in your healing journey. Your pain will not last forever (even though it may seem like it to you at this moment). Your faith can become strong again. The abuse you suffered does not have to define your life for the rest of your life. With the gift of Jesus, God has made a way for healing, for hope and for salvation. No one, not even your abusive pastor, can take that from you. God is with you, and He will help you. He is your Counselor and Friend and so much more!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace..“–Isaiah 9:6

Take time to reflect this Christmas on the good things God has done in your life. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and see what great things He has already done for you, and what greater things He still has planned for your life. Exercise your faith and allow God to fill your heart with HOPE!

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.

“When I was desperately searching for help, you were the only organization that responded to me, and you did so immediately!“–AZ

“THOS has been for me, and is for so many, a lifeline of support during a very dark time. You offer hope…at a time when all feels hopeless. God knows how you reach the hurting, and we’ll just pray that He continues to provide for this ministry…“–WA

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 2019, please prayerfully consider making a one-time donation or signing up for monthly contributions. Thank you!

Have a blessed Christmas and a happy, peace-filled New Year!
From all of us at The Hope of Survivors