The Hope of Survivors, a worldwide ministry of compassion providing support, hope and encouragement to victims of pastoral (clergy) sexual abuse and misconduct, was co-founded by Steve & Samantha Nelson in December 2002. Steve is pastor of a four-church district in Southern Illinois, employed by the Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he is the President of The Hope of Survivors and an international speaker on pastoral sexual abuse, revival among God’s children, and many other topics. He has also developed a line of Bible studies in a bookmark format called StudyMarks (available through 3ABN). He is a Board Certified Biblical Counselor (BCBC) through the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors, is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), is a Certified Belief Therapist (CBT) through the Therapon Institute, and has worked on many evangelistic campaigns and outreach projects throughout the years. Steve is also a member of the Adventist Association of Family Life Professionals (AAFLP).

Samantha serves as Vice President and CEO of The Hope of Survivors and is also an international speaker on pastoral sexual abuse. She has served as personal ministries and community services director, holds North American Division certification as an Adventist Community Services caseworker, received the 2004 Woman of Distinction Award from the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). She is a Board Certified Biblical Counselor (BCBC) through the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors, holds an Associate in Ministry degree in Biblical Counseling, is a Certified Belief Therapist (CBT) through the Therapon Institute, and is the author of the book, Reaching the Hurting: A Biblical Guide for Helping Abuse Victims. Samantha is also a member of the Adventist Association of Family Life Professionals (AAFLP).

In addition to their education and ongoing training, Steve and Samantha are uniquely qualified due to their own past experience. Using this experience, the knowledge of God’s Word and other inspired sources, they have helped numerous individuals begin to heal from the devastation of pastoral sexual abuse and to renew their relationship with the Lord. They assist individuals from all denominations in their search for truth and healing through correspondence and victim retreats/conferences, and they seek to show these hurting individuals God’s love for them. They also provide educational materials and seminars for pastors, churches and the general public. Thus, Steve and Samantha move forward in faith, counting on the Lord for wisdom and knowledge.