Youth Conference Update 8/28/2020—Samantha Nelson & Kia Hiepler

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to announce that we now have the Hope & Healing Youth Victim’s Conference as a video resource for you to watch any time, anywhere!

Check out the following report:

“Sunday, August 23, 2020, we held our very first Virtual Hope & Healing Conference for youth victims of clergy sexual abuse. Sandy Phillips Kirkham and Kia Hiepler shared their stories of being abused as teenagers by their youth pastors. They detailed the nature of grooming, how abuse can impact victims, how the church often responds, the Biblical way to respond to abuse, scripture that is twisted and taken out of context for clergy sexual abuse, and shared what has been helpful for their healing. Our board member and fellow clergy, Martin Weber, explained why it is always the pastor’s responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries and he articulately described the power imbalances at play in clergy sexual abuse.”

“With 12 attendees and many who have been waiting for the recordings, the conference was a success and we are trusting God will use the recording to continue to reach and minister to the hurting.”—Kia Hiepler, Administrative Assistant

Below are some of the comments made by those who attended:

“Thank you for the conference. I learned a lot. You all did a wonderful job of sharing and giving very helpful information.”

“Thank you Kia Hiepler and Sandy Phillips Kirkham. I was able to join from the UK. Grateful to hear you talking about your stories and your road to recovery and the realisation of hope. I’m on the path. Decades too late I feel. Long way to go. Thank you anyway.”

“Thank you for making this available! I learned so much!”

I praise God for providing the technology to make this a reality and for the wonderful team we have here at The Hope of Survivors! If you appreciate our work, would you kindly consider making a donation or even a recurring monthly donation to keep us going strong? Thank you so much!

God bless you,
Samantha Nelson
CEO

P.S. If you’re an adult victim of clergy sexual abuse, please save the date for our next Hope & Healing conference for adult victims on Sunday, November 8, 2020. Details to be announced soon.