The History of The Hope of Survivors

The year 2022 marks the 20-year anniversary of The Hope of Survivors, which was born one evening in December 2002, as Steve and Samantha were reflecting upon their own experience of clergy sexual abuse and the lack of resources that were available to help them understand and heal at that time. They felt compelled to develop a website that would provide information and encouragement to anyone who may be searching for answers. Steve and Samantha felt if “just one person” could be helped by the website, then it would be well worth the effort and pain they had gone through. While Steve and Samantha’s vision was initially limited in thinking “just one,” the Lord knew how many hurting people there were—suffering all alone and living without hope. There are many—thousands of—“ones” out there who have been touched and blessed by the ministry of The Hope of Survivors. Truly, God does work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Due to Samantha’s medical complications, she and Steve retired from The Hope of Survivors December 2021. They feel confident that the new leadership—comprised of long-term volunteers and board members—will continue the good thing the Lord has started.

Call It Anything But Love! is the true story of Steve & Samantha’s struggles and challenges as they overcame their painful pasts to find themselves in a spider’s web of lies, deceit, adultery and abuse—at the hands of their pastor. Watch the video here.