The Hope of Survivors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of pastoral sexual abuse and misconduct, as well as providing educational and informational materials and seminars to pastors and churches of every denomination, worldwide. The Hope of Survivors is a registered California nonprofit corporation and has been authorized to operate in the states of Illinois and Ohio as a foreign corporation under the same name. To view a list of our services and conference outlines, click here. Professional memberships include: Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI), American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and Outpost Centers International (OCI). The Hope of Survivors is also a member of GuideStar.

The current Board of Directors consists of the following individuals (click on their names for more information):

Steve Nelson (since 12/02)—President, Pastor, Board Certified Biblical Counselor (BCBC) & Certified Belief Therapist (CBT)

Samantha Nelson (since 12/02)—Vice President, CEO, Board Certified Biblical Counselor (BCBC) & Certified Belief Therapist (CBT)

Martin Weber, D.Min. (since 4/08)—Chairman of the Board (as of 9/09) ; V.P. Pastoral Education Division, Communications Director for the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists & Editor of Outlook magazine

Steven Grabiner (since 2/07)—Director; Vice President of Outpost Centers International

Jennifer Jill Schwirzer, LPC (since 9/07)—Director; Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder of Michael Ministries

James L. Marcum, M.D. (since 9/07)—Director; Cardiologist, Speaker & Director of Heartwise Ministries

Ray Hartwell (since 4/08)—Director; President of the Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Herb Douglass, Th.D. (since 9/08)—Director; Theologian, Author, Consultant

Ardis D. Stenbakken (since 8/10)—Director; Former Women’s Ministries Leader for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Author

We greatly appreciate the services and support of our current Directors. We are also thankful to those who have served on the Board in the past. Thank you Tom Lemon—Board Chairman Emeritus (2004-2009), Robert Withrow (2004-2007), Curtis Hartman (2004-2005), Marvin Wray (2004-2007), Mable Dunbar (2004-2005), Shelley & J.D. Quinn (2005-2007),Ralph Robertson (2005-2007), Neil Biloff (2005-2007), Doug Kilcher (2005-2008), C.A. & Irma Murray (2006-2010), Rena Majors (2007-2008) and Charles Burkeen (2008-2010) for all you’ve done, and for your ongoing prayers, encouragement and support of The Hope of Survivors. God bless you all!

The Hope of Survivors Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (March 2008)

The current Volunteer Staff consists of the following individuals:

Tom Lemon (since 2/04)—Board Chairman Emeritus (2007-2009); Member Advisory Panel

Robert & Debbie Withrow (since 2/04)—Accounting

Peggy & Dave Mahrt (since 5/05)—PR/Marketing

Coralie Roll (since 1/06)—Australia Division/Victim Support Services

Sandy Kirkham (since 8/06)—Member Advisory Panel/Victim Support Services

Alina & Gabriel Ciur (since 10/06)—Scandinavia & Romania Divisions/ Victim Support Services

Arlagene Groves (since 4/07)—Australia Division/Victim Support Services

Shyleene Rosado (since 4/07)—Latino Division Vice President/Victim Support Services

Karen Danka (since 9/07)—Graphic Design Assistant

Buffy Halvorsen (since 5/08)—Victim Support Services

Josephine Mweu (since 3/09)—Victim Support Services, UK

Heather & Brad Brown (since 9/09)—Victim Support Services

Heather Brockett (since 12/09)—Executive Assistant

Wendy Schwitzer (since 6/10)—Victim Support Services

Kashae Ferguson (since 7/10)—Victim Support Services

Gail W. Jenkins (since 8/10)—Victim Support Services

Annette Anderson (since 8/10)—PR/Marketing

We also thank past volunteers who have served in various capacities: Jill Morikone (Executive Assistant, 2006-2009); Hephzibah Akunga (Kenya Division, 2007-2010); Josephine Mweu (2009-2010), Phenessa Jones, Hope Bencho and Sherry Stockford.

You can also view our ministry brochure here. Thank you very much!