Hope of Survivors
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February 19, 2011
I attended a Christian youth conference a few years ago where I met a Minister who was giving away literature about his ministry I took what he gave me and emailed later…At When I first started emailing he sent prayer requests, information on prayer etc… things seemed fine as conversation centered around Bible topics mostly. After awhile he began to introduce questionable comments in the conversation which should have warned me there was something wrong such as calling me darling or dear and adding kisses at the end of a messages, when I tried to addressed it he would just avoid explaining what he meant by it; and since he was so old compared to myself I thought it maybe saying kisses etc just an old person thing. But he soon turn out to be a very nasty mean old person pressuring me with explicit messages to submit to things I’d rather not do and would get mad if I didn’t talk to him. The Hope for Survivors helped me no longer feel powerless and trapped but safe with a strong protector to comfort him for me when I was too scared to. This ministry taught me many things to help me learn better how to not get myself hurt. Listening is the hardest lesson because it’s up to me.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I found lots of understanding; my volunteer was really understanding and professional. I learned that I was abused as a child more then I had thought but was still valuable to God and noting done to be can reduce my value to God.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would give more money, I wish I had a job and a better way to say thank you.
February 19, 2011
My wife was abused by our pastor. We could not find anyone with the expertise to deal properly with this type of extreme betrayal. I am grateful my wife has found the website Hope For Survivors. It has helped her to see the situation of pastoral abuse properly, and to be able to forgive herself.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My wife has found hope and forgiveness.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
none.
February 18, 2011
My daughter was the victim of Pastoral Abuse (indecent assault) from the Youth Leader at our Church - he was 24 years her senior. He adamantly denied being involved with anyone else ... since she spoke out at least 17 other victims have stepped out of the woodwork .... victims over 25 years, including minors. His Church and most of his immediate family whom we trusted and loved like family refuse to accept his Pastoral Abuse and instead have turned their ire onto us who they now choose to see as his and their abusers. Hope of Surviours almost literally saved our sanity and spiritual life ... to know that we were not alone, not making more out of the issue than was really warranted, and that this man has (he is still in denial) serious mental health issues and poses a real danger to our Community was just wonderful. I thank God for the organisers of Hope of Survivors.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The wider Church Community organised education seminars and public awareness programmes about Pastor Abuse and how to keep our children and young people safer from predators.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have more field workers ... there is so much work to do in this field!
February 18, 2011
My daughter was a victim of abuse at age 16, by her youth pastor. I too found this info helpful because of my own abuse history of people in power. My daughter has not looked at this site yet but I hope she will when the time is right. It covers loads of misconceptions, lies we believe, and validates our feelings of the wrong down by those who are suppose to protect. I appreciate the info and I looked at it often to encourage myself.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Encouragement from the scriptures as well as the information which explains in detail the wrongs done by churches by not protecting future victims.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I hope to attend a seminar in Tampa, Fl.
February 17, 2011
I was a victim of clergy sexual abuse about six years ago. For many years I blamed myself for everything that occurred. I ran across The Hope of Survivors through a counselor's recommendation. THOS has been an excellent source of information and comfort to me. Not only did THOS help me understand that the abuse was not my fault, but they have helped me heal from this situation through the love and support that everyone has shown. I have found that the people are extremely supportive and always willing to help me during my struggles. The website provides lots of great information about clergy sexual abuse and I have referred nearly my entire family to the website to help them understand what I have been through because my words would not be adequate enough for them. It is sad that THOS needs to exist, but there is such a need for them. I can only hope that they will continue to provide support and comfort to the hundreds of victims that are sure to come their way in the coming years.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have personally experienced THOS' love and support because they have walked through my healing process with me. They have offered prayers on my behalf and they have offered encouragement whenever I needed it. I am able to utilize the information on their website to help others around me understand what I have been through as well.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Allow more financial support so they could continue to reach out to those who need them the most whether this be through more organizations in different countries or more conferences.
February 17, 2011
I discovered THOS many years ago while working through the aftermath of an abusive clergy. The directors were very helpful to both me and my husband. Since then, we have had the chance to attend one of their conferences and are still very grateful for the help they offer to us and to others.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
attendance at conference.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
no suggestions
February 17, 2011
Sam and Steve's story was similar to our own clergy abuse path, and just that alone was of immeasurable comfort. However, they did much more than that. Sam's wise and timely counsel offered us reassurance during desert times, and tools and language to persevere for justice in our case. This is a serious issue everywhere and in many church denominations and affiliations. Having their expertise available to countless victims/survivors is a true God-send.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do nothing. It is well done already.
February 17, 2011
I was so wounded when I first contacted Hope of Survivors. And many places, just talk. Hope was all action. They have never left me.
I am a Survivor. When I feel bad, I go to Hope.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My heart
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None at all.
February 6, 2011
During a recent search for a support group for women who were involved in a pastoral 'affair,' I found The Hope of Survivors. The information, support, and encouragement they offer brought me hope and healing. I learned the truth about the imbalance of power and although I was responsible for my actions, the greater responsibility falls on the pastor/shepherd whose role is to guide, protect, and help his flock. I was able to read numerous survivor stories that were all too familiar with my own and found hope from those who overcame the damaging effects of being abused. THOS is a safe place to communicate with other survivors in a world that does not yet understand the dynamics of pastoral abuse. THOS is a voice for those silenced by shame. THOS is a refuge of healing for the wounded soul. THOS offers hope to victims and their families who have been pursued, used, and abused by men whose responsibility is to protect.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
receiving information and support (articles, personal stories, DVD, one-on-one counsel via email) on the dynamics and truth of pastoral abuse.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to increase funding to promote to a wider audience.
February 4, 2011
The Hope of Survivors saved my life! During a frantic internet search for help concering the pain I was suffering while being abused by my 'pastor' - I came across THOS website. After thoroughly reasearching the information offered, I came to understand and accept the fact that I was in an abusive situation. I reached out for help, and was immediately contacted by Steve and Samantha Nelson. They offered to me their sincere love, support, and understanding of the abusive situation I had been suffering with for years. Through counsel, and the information offered at THOS, I was able to recover mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually from the from the damage caused by pastoral abuse and am now helping others do the same. THOS plays a vital role in the recovery process of pastoral abuse victims!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
THOS offered counseling and important information to assist in my recover of pastoral abuse.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes. THOS needs more publicity so victims of pastoral misconduct can know there is help available to them!
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