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 an ordained elder, speaks frequently on many topics, including the topic of abuse and has 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 International Board of Christian 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 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 International Board of Christian 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.

Professional Background

Steve and Samantha both have long histories of professional careers. Steve’s background in graphic design and as an international award-winning web site designer, and Samantha’s background in administration and business, led them to form their own graphic design and web site development company in 1997 called Net Surf Café. Due to the tragic incidence of pastoral abuse in their own lives, and Samantha’s failing health at the time, they were forced to sell their company in 2001. Shortly thereafter, Steve took the position of webmaster at Amazing Facts in Roseville, CA. In December 2002, Steve and Samantha felt compelled to create a web site that would provide information on pastoral sexual abuse and misconduct. They began writing and finding additional content and the web site went live April 2003. By July 2003, the first couple contacted them. Since that time, Samantha has been mentoring, encouraging, praying with and for, guiding and assisting the individuals who contact the ministry, on an ongoing basis. Samantha works full-time (currently as a volunteer) for The Hope of Survivors, which is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Steve is currently employed at Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN).

Steve and Samantha believe the highest education comes from God and knowledge of His Word, not from man, as stated in the following quotes:

“The true higher education is gained by studying and obeying the word of God. But when God’s word is laid aside for books that do not lead to God and the kingdom of heaven, the education acquired is a perversion of the name.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 107, paragraph 3, Chapter Title: Hidden Treasure

“In these days much is said concerning the nature and importance of “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him with whom “is wisdom and strength” (Job 12:13), out of whose mouth “cometh knowledge and understanding.”” Proverbs 2:6. —Education, page 14, paragraph 1, Chapter Title: Source and Aim of True Education

“We hear much of the higher education as the world regards the subject. But those who are ignorant of the higher education as it was taught and exemplified in the life of Christ, are ignorant of what constitutes the higher education. Higher education means conformity to the terms of salvation. It embraces the experience of daily looking unto Jesus, and of working together with Christ for the saving of the perishing.”—Spalding and Magan Collection, page 448, paragraph 3

Thus, Steve and Samantha move forward in faith, counting on the Lord for wisdom and knowledge.