Illinois

September 30, 2006, was a special day for Hope Bencho. It was the day she was baptized and became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. But for Hope, it was more than just a symbol of a new birth. It was a tribute to God's work of healing in her life.

Hope had been a Christian, but a tragic event had shattered the spiritual life she had. Hope had been abused by her pastor. He had betrayed her trust, taken advantage of her vulnerability as he counseled with her, and, ultimately, was the reason she lost her husband, many of her friends, and her church family. He had betrayed her trust. She determined she’d never set foot in a church again, nor would she ever trust a pastor.

In the depths of despair, with no hope of healing, God provided a way. Hope learned of The Hope of Survivors, a supporting lay ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that addresses the painful topic of pastoral sexual misconduct and abuse.

She reached out for help and unknowingly began a journey down a path of truth and healing that God had prepared for her. As her phone and e-mail conversations increased with Samantha Nelson, co-founder of The Hope of Survivors, so did her longing for healing and her desire to live by Christ's principles. But it also seemed that the more she desired a restored faith in God, the greater her challenges. Hope became discouraged and for nearly six months had no communication with Samantha or anyone at The Hope for Survivors. Her condition worsened and she became suicidal, and made plans to end her life.

Then there was a breakthrough. Samantha and her husband Steve opened up their lives and their home to Hope and provided several days of intensive counseling and support. She left a “New Hope,” filled with peace and a desire to live. She had a new purpose—to serve God.

Hope began to drop hints that she was ready for something more. She had been surprised to learn some of the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church while at The Hope of Survivors. Later, Hope downloaded the 28 Fundamental Beliefs from an Adventist Web site and began to study. At the conclusion of her investigation, she was eager to be baptized and become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Everything seemed to fall into place, and Hope was baptized during the Three Angels Broadcasting Network's Fall Camp Meeting. Hope's baptism made history. She was the first outdoor baptism in the Thompsonville Adventist Church's history, and the first baptism through the work of The Hope of Survivors ministry. As John Lomacang, Thompsonville Adventist Church pastor, mentioned at the baptism, it is only fitting that the first one be named Hope. May there be many more baptisms in the days, months, and years to follow. Glory be to God!

For more information about The Hope of Survivors, please visit www.TheHopeOfSurvivors.com.

Samantha Nelson, The Hope of Survivors co-founder and a Thompsonville Church member