Steven Carleton knows what it’s like to be the victim of sexual abuse. At 16, his life was shattered by that very act. But through the help of Christian counselors, mentors and the power of Jesus Christ, he has not only found the ability to forgive his abuser, he has turned his experience and healing into his life’s work. Together with his wife, he reaches out to the many young victims of sexual abuse in the Inuit communities of northern Canada.

Steven notes that around 70% of Inuit youth have endured sexual abuse, a staggering statistic that results in many broken and hurting youth. These young people often deal with the pain of sexual abuse through suicide and self-medication (i.e. alcohol and drug abuse). Some even go on to perpetrate the same cycle of abuse in the future.

Steven is able to reach out to these young people with gentleness and understanding because he has experienced the pain of sexual abuse first hand. But because he has also experienced the healing from sexual abuse, he is in the unique position to offer real hope and healing to these teens. First, he shares the Gospel with them and invites them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He also shares with them about the work of the Holy Spirit and teaches them about the power and freedom of forgiveness. This process equals real liberty to the young men and women.

“An entire generation of Eskimos in Canada’s Arctic right now are hearing that there is hope in the midst of some real torment,” he said.

Hope through Jesus. Hope for the future. Hope to end the cycle of sexual abuse. That’s what this Kenneth Copeland Ministries’ Partner dedicates his life to sharing with Inuit teens. To hear Steven’s story first hand, watch this video.

Learn how to experience freedom from the effects of sexual abuse by visiting www.kcm.org/real-help.