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The Survivors of Abuse Ministry
by Bette's Barbs of The Martinsville Daily Reporter June 16, 1989 People who volunteer their services to help others often get little praise.
So they must be motivated by seeing the results of their efforts or they must just enjoy what they do. You usually see the
same people offering assistance with all good projects. They're frequently the Community Leaders. Once in a while, people
do special volunteer work that you don't hear about. Maybe they are the unsung heroes. Today I got a story from a lady who wanted to praise a
woman who helped her - perhaps saved her life. I'll share the lady's thoughts with you: "Quite a few months ago, I had
decided that I was going to end my life. I was at a neighbor's house and noticed an ad in The Reporter for an Incest Support
Group. I called Mrs. Tammie Hartsock. Mrs Hartsock dropped everything she was doing to meet with me. She was supposed
to work at the school and I know she lost wages because of me. If it hadn't been for Mrs. Hartsock, I might not
be here today ..." "You see, I am a victim of incest by my father who is a Minister. I made Mrs. Hartsock
promise she would never reveal my identity because of my father. I hate but yet love my father and I turned my anger
on God and the Church." "I was afraid of Mrs. Hartsock but she showed me another side of God I'd never
seen before. She gave me this book, "A Door of Hope" and a Bible. I had burned all my Bibles before."
"I live alone with my son and I have no job. I am also an alcoholic and drug addict." "Mrs. Hartsock
found me a Professional Counselor who got me into a hospital in-patient treatment center at no cost. She never forgot
me and constantly checked on me and my son while I was in the hospital." "We still talk together on a regular
basis as I travel on my "journey towards healing." "Mrs. Hartsock doesn't charge a penny for her
help and time." "She doesn't know I'm telling You this ..." "She is one Special Lady!" PEOPLE
WHO constantly sacrifice for the health, welfare and enjoyment of others may have their reward in sharing and caring relationships.
But if not, they will get a star in God's record book! Mrs. Tammie Hartsock is Founder, Director and Leader of the
"Survivors of Abuse Ministry" and indeed has several Stars in God's Record Book!
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"Hartsocks Reaffirming
Vows" by Members of the "Survivors of Abuse Ministry" April 2007 We have known the Hartsocks since 1987. One could not meet
a finer Christian that is definitely an example of Jesus than the Hartsocks! Les & Tammie started the "Survivors
of Abuse Ministry" in Martinsville, Indiana in 1987 dedicating their lives to serving victims of abuse & turning
us into survivors for the Lord. Many of us would not be here today if it wasn';t for the Hartsocks. They have
always been there for us when we needed them. They have served us one on one, support groups, hospital visits, emergencies,
court hearings & represented the Christian Community in Legislation for Victims of Abuse & Domestic Violence especially
on the "Zackary Bill." IN 1989-90, they were named "Citizen of the Year" by the Martinsville Rotary
Club, 1990 Certificate of Recognition for Dedicated Community Service by the Modern Woodmen of America, 1996 U. S. Department
of Justice Award for Public Service, 2002 MS University Graduates & most recent, 2007 Certificate of Excellence for having
over 290,000 Website Hits to their Family Website (www.thehartsockfamily.com). Again, no one could meet finer Christians
that is truly an example of Jesus than Les & Tammie Hartsock! Les & Tammie Hartsock even laid down their lives for all of us in 1991-92 as they
were forced to close down the "Survivors of Abuse Ministry" to safe their family, us attending the "Survivors
of Abuse Ministry", their Church Home and the Community of Martinsville just as Jesus did for all of us. Even though
the "Survivors of Abuse Ministry" is no longer in operation as it once was, Les & Tammie Hartsock still serve
all people all over the United States of America for Jesus through their Family Website. They are such an inspiration
to us all for Jesus. One of Tammie's favorite songs is "I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him" by Michael
Combs & the Hartsocks are an example of this song and more! In 1999, Tammie was told she would not live long.
She is dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, Link to Leukemia & Parkinson's Disease. As Tammie has stated, "This
is now 2007 and I'm still here!" but we know she has good & bad days & not able to do as she
once did. We know Tammie feels she is not an example of Jesus anymore but OH, SHE IS! Just sitting down &
talking with Tammie, one can feel & see Jesus in her & also through their Family Website! When one walks through
their Home, one can feel the presence of the Lord! The Lord did not make Tammie sick but "He" is there helping
her & her family! This is obvious to us all!
It is great to hear that Les & Tammie Hartsock are reaffirming their Wedding Vows! They are a wonderful
Christian Couple & Bloomington is so bless to have them in their Community! They will always remain in our hearts
and prayers. May God richly bless them as they have truly richly bless us all!
AWARD LETTER BY CHARLOTTE FERRILL FEBRUARY 5, 2009 Les & Tammie
Hartsock are being recognized rightfully with a Plaque acknowledging 300,00 hits including 63 countries for their Christian
Family Website in Spreading the Gospel of Jesus! The numbers are mind numbling. Key points in their first sentence
are "Christian Family Website" & "300,000 hits including 63 Countries Spreading the Gospel of Jesus!"
The Hartsock's put together a Website of their Family, their Interests, Information regarding a Disease that has affected
their lives & their Love of God. They have reached more people & cultures than many ministers have reached in
their entire careers!
They have a sectionof Funnies as told with "Little Johnny." One such joke reads: "Little Johnny"
had just been to his new Sunday School Class when his Mom & Dad asked him the name of his new Sunday School Teacher?
"Little Johnny" replied, "I don't know her name but I think she must have been Jesus' Grandma!"
"Why do you think that?" asked his parents. "Well," "Little Johnny" began, "The way
she bragged & bragged so much about Jesus that she just had to be "His" Grandma!" We should all strive to have "Little
Johnny" look at us & wonder if we were Grandparents of Jesus because of the way we brag about "Him"!
The Hartsocks have taken that to heart. They allow Christ to rule in their lives & put "Him" first.
"He" is first in their Home, first in their marriage & Christ is even first through their pain. Pain is
something they know a lot about. They have had many personal pains & trials but their Faith in God stands strong.
Tammie & her family are living with Tammie's Multiple Sclerosis & the daily health battles. Their website
is one of many ways they have continued to Glorify God even through the pain & the struggles they face in life. MS affects over 2.5 million people
worldwide. MS has no cure today but their Website points out that there are things one can do to help. The symptoms
& progression varies as much as night and day from one person to another. Additionally, depression seems to go hand
in hand with MS & it's important for those diagnosed with MS & for their families to know & recognize this
symptom. One needs to embrace help first from God, know you're not alone on this journey & others are there
reaching out to you. Seek help from your Physicians, Church & even the Internet. Take comfort with others
who walk with you on this, such as Tammie & share with her through her Website: www.thehartsockfamily.com Again, I'd
like to personally congratulate Les & Tammie Hartsock for the lives they have touched around the world. They have
reached out to 63 Countries & the list is growing! All this began from the hearts of two Hoosiers. From one
small Christian Family Website to over 300,000 people, they have provided spiritual guidance, love, support, Multiple Sclerosis
Education, understanding & a true piece of their own lives through love, family & pain & welcomed us all into
their Home, Website & Hearts.
Thank You Les & Tammie for all you've done to make this World a Better Place, reaching out to Us All & connecting
individuallly to so many. You found a way to connect to over 300,000 people & you're just getting started !!!
COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS:
From Charlotte Ferrill (cmfaithbooker@sbcglobal.net) 1/12/2009 You are an inspiration. You have reached more
people and more cultures than many ministers have reached in their entire careers. We stand in awe!
From Pastor James Walker (jwalkerministries@comcast.net) 2/6/2009 Have you noticed, God uses those who will allow "Him" to! Congratulations!
Love to All, PW
CHARLOTTE FERRIL 7/16/2009 I Rejoice with You & Offer Praise to God that He has given You the Heart to Share of Yourselves thru Your Website
to All who will hear around the World !!! Congratulations on MORE Awards !!! Keep it going !!!
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