12/20/2021
Dear Friends,
This is always such a busy time of year but I pray you will be able to take some time to rest, reflect on the Reason for the season, and spend the holidays with your family and loved ones.
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 and how the news of mine and Steve's retirement affected others:
"Words fail to express how I feel about our paths having met. I reflect back on how we met—during one of those events in my life, that I look back on and say there was a before and after. Life was never quite the same. There was the ugliness, but out of the ugliness something beautiful happened. What you were able to do for my daughter in her time of need will never be forgotten, and like I said words fail to truly and adequately express my appreciation. God worked a miracle through you and I am so grateful. As a parent, I know I have failed my kids, but without a doubt God used you to bring some beauty out of the ugliness of my life, and to restore something and give me hope."—Australia
"Praise God for all the hard work you both put in for the last 20 years and that you can pass this work on to others to continue. I know the Lord is saying “well done good and faithful servants” regarding His important work. I’m so grateful to you both as I’m a direct result of your faithful work in Jesus."—Florida
"I read your email about you and Steve handing over the leadership of THOS. You have done a fantastic job in starting and leading this ministry. It is quite amazing how THOS has thrived and grown under your leadership. I'm sure that THOS will continue to thrive under the new leadership."—UK
“You both have been doing this for a long time and I appreciate you both starting this ministry and even pushing forward in difficult times. It has truly been a life saver for me and I thank you. I would like to continue to be part of the team as well. Thank you so much for your time and service.”—Raquel, Volunteer
”I still go to The Hope of Survivors page to read testimonies, etc. I also read that Samantha and Steve are retiring. That must be difficult for them and for everyone else at The Hope of Survivors. They are amazing people.”—Jill
“I'm very grateful for the work God has done through you and your husband. I know there are many more like me who have benefited from your website, though they've never reached out and are unknown to you. We are all grateful. I'm excited to see what God is going to do next, and I will keep you and your husband in prayer as you make the changes needed to take care of your physical health and all other things God leads you into. You will in no way be forgotten, that's for sure! Thank you for being open to serving God in this area. I know it's had its challenges. I also know that it's had its rewards. With much prayer and gratitude.”—Andi, Volunteer
“Dear Samantha, I’m sooo thankful that you had the courage to start The Hope of Survivors many years ago. When my cousin Tom Lemon told me about you soon after my clarity that one of my final life tasks was to, by God’s Grace, create transformation in Adventism regarding the handling of church employed pedophiles, I took HOPE. Your support since then has meant so much! May God continue to grant you huge portions of His Grace & the Hope that is found in Him! With Gratitude."—Bernadine
I praise God for what He has done through The Hope of Survivors over the past 20 years, and I know He will continue the good work He has begun. Every year, we have helped those whose lives were devastated by abuse by a spiritual leader. Lives that were in danger of being ended due to su***de, or even murder. Yet, with God, there was hope for these survivors. And through The Hope of Survivors, there was a lifeline to help facilitate healing, restore marriages and revive a relationship with God. I close with this wonderful message of hope from our Savior, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) Trust Him in all things. He will carry you through!
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. It has meant so much to me and Steve over the past two decades. This is my last Christmas message to you all and I know I'm not saying everything I want to say, but just know how much you are loved and appreciated!
From all of us at The Hope of Survivors, have a blessed Christmas and a joyous, peace-filled New Year!
God bless you,
Samantha Nelson
CEO
