Sanctuary in Trauma was founded with a simple but powerful mission, rooted in the words of 2 Corinthians 1:4: “...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Our goal is to create safe spaces where women can connect with others who have walked through traumatic circumstances. Through practical tools and biblical truth, we offer hope for a better future. 

After a year and a half of writing and test-piloting materials, Sanctuary in Trauma officially launched its 12-week Hope Restored curriculum in 2023. These materials were shaped by our team’s own journeys through pain and reflect how, nearly 16 years after our personal trauma, we are still standing. The curriculum highlights the hope we have found in Scripture and guides participants toward recognizing and responding to the truth of God’s Word. 

Many women enter our sessions with little to no hope—burdened by devastation, robbed of joy, and often believing they have been forgotten by God. Through the ministry, they are given a safe place to process their pain while receiving practical tools and biblical encouragement. As they begin to understand that God sees them and knows their suffering, hope starts to take root and grow into a journey of restoration. 

As Hope Restored began bearing fruit locally, Sanctuary in Trauma expanded its vision beyond individual groups and into churches and communities. In 2024, we officially launched a leadership training course designed to equip women to bring gospel-centered hope to others who are hurting. More than 40 women have completed the training. 

In 2025, we began recording stories from women who have been impacted through God’s Word and the power of the gospel found within our Hope Restored curriculum.  

One woman entered the program after years in and out of prison. Familiar with prison ministries, she once joked, “Everybody in prison 'believes.’” But during her journey through Hope Restored, the Lord began to reveal areas of brokenness and a need for repentance and obedience, and the power of God began to do a new work in her. Today, she is off probation, faithfully seeking the Lord, and looking forward to how God will use her story for His glory! 

Another woman came after years of counseling related to abuse and painful life choices. The consequences of those experiences had paralyzed her for years, stealing her confidence and filling her with shame. No amount of counsel was convincing her that there was hope or purpose in her life. As she worked through the curriculum, God began to renew her heart.  

She was already a believer, but He ignited a confident hope in her that has now been transformed into a God-given purpose for life. She’s processed forgiveness that has freed her heart. She accepted God’s love, which has freed her from shame. She has grown in confidence in the Word and its impact on her life. Today, she is using the same materials that helped her healing journey to encourage and disciple others around her. She truly is living in the truth of the message of Genesis 50:20: what was meant for evil, God used for good. 

What began as a desire to use personal hardship for God’s glory has grown into a ministry reaching lives far beyond its original scope. We are now exploring opportunities to pilot our tools among missionaries and the communities they serve around the world. 

This growth has only been possible because of faithful partnership and support. Reliant’s commitment has enabled Sanctuary in Trauma to continue serving women, equipping leaders, and pointing hurting hearts toward the eternal hope found in Christ. 

We look forward to continuing to bring hope to the hurting as God expands this work, one life at a time. 

To learn more about Sanctuary in Trauma you can visit their website: sanctuaryintrauma.org