Today is a landmark day for me. February 29 only comes around once every four years and so it is with gratitude to God that I praise Him for an extra 20 years of life.

You see, 20 years ago, I was being abused by my pastor. I wanted to end my life. I planned to die on February 29, so that it would not be a yearly reminder for my beloved husband and my family. (Yes, I do realize how faulty my thinking at the time was–I am a very different–healed–woman than I was 20 years ago.) The Lord had other plans.

Someone very dear to me called that day and she was struggling and needed me. There is nothing I would not do to help her. It was God’s Providence that she called because God knew I would not let her suffer alone. And so, that is how the Lord thwarted my suicide plans that day so long ago. And look what He has accomplished throughout my life since then (The Hope of Survivors)!

Glory be to God always! And my deepest love and gratitude to my husband who was (and is) my constant companion and best friend through everything we suffered through together. Jeremiah 29:11 is the verse that brings me joy on this day, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Indeed, God has given me hope and a future! And, He has given thousands of victims of clergy sexual abuse that same hope and future as they have found The Hope of Survivors. Friends, would you prayerfully consider making a contribution to The Hope of Survivors today so we can continue to be God’s instrument to provide compassion, help and hope to those victims who are suffering? Thank you so much!

God bless you,
Samantha Nelson
CEO