More Than Bystanders: Why the Mission Can’t Belong to One Voice

Healing and protection were never meant to be left to one voice.

As the Executive Director of Trees of Hope, I’ve spent years speaking up for survivors of sexual abuse, helping churches face hard truths, and building prevention tools that equip families and ministries to protect the vulnerable. But lately, I’ve felt a deeper conviction rising—one that won’t let me stay quiet.

It came while reflecting on a familiar story: the Good Samaritan.

We often focus on the man who stopped. The one who saw, acted, bandaged, and sacrificed. But what struck me recently wasn’t what the Samaritan did—it was what the priest and Levite didn’t do.

They didn’t just pass by.

They also failed to tell anyone else.

They didn’t bother to alert the authorities. They didn’t send for help. They didn’t even take the minimal step of acknowledging the crisis. Their indifference wasn’t just quiet—it was deadly.

And it’s the same indifference I fear in the Church today.

We are surrounded by survivors. We are surrounded by children at risk. And too often, we convince ourselves that care belongs to someone else. We look to counselors, leaders, or ministries like Trees of Hope to carry the weight. But this mission—this fight for protection, for healing, for truth-telling—can’t be carried by one voice. It was never meant to be.

It requires a conspiracy of active empathy—a body of believers who won’t just pass by the wounds of abuse but will stop, see, speak, and act.

That’s why we do what we do at Trees of Hope. We build resources that empower you to be the Good Samaritan. To not just feel something—but do something.

So where do you begin?

• If you’re a survivor, we invite you to start your healing journey through one of our programs. Whether in-person or online, we’re here to walk with you.
  ➡️ Begin Healing

• If you’re a parent or ministry leader, host a prevention workshop in your community—or go through our online course to learn how to protect the children in your care.
  ➡️ Explore Prevention Resources

• If you’re a person of influence who wants to help fuel this mission, we welcome your support to expand our reach and impact.
  ➡️ Donate Now

There are Good Samaritans among us. There are Good Shepherds who reflect the heart of Jesus. I’ve met them. I’ve walked with them. I’ve seen how their willingness to lean in, instead of looking away, has brought real healing and lasting change.

If you’re reading this, you’re invited to be one of them.

This mission was never meant to be mine alone. Let’s carry it together.