Foundation & Values

Our Values

Biblically-grounded and Gospel-Centered

Restored Hope Zambia (RHZ) is a Christian organisation. Everything that we do as an organisation is shaped by what the Bible teaches about God, humanity, and the world.

Confidential

We will ensure that survivors are able to get help and support in complete confidence. We will not share anyone’s details with any third parties without their consent unless we’re concerned for someone’s safety, or there’s a legal requirement to do so.

Impartial

Our services are open to any survivor of church sexual abuse, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or church background.

Independent

Supporting survivors will always be our main priority, and whilst the organisation seeks to help and equip the Church, RHZ will work independently and will not belong to any particular denomination. We are governed by our ‘Statement of Faith’  which affirms key doctrines of the Christian faith as we discern them from the Bible.

Foundations

We believe that every human being is made in the image of God and therefore has inherent worth, value, and dignity (Genesis 1:2). All abuse is abhorrent and wicked because it devalues and dehumanises people who are made in God’s image.
We believe that because of the value that God places on human beings, He hates it when injustices are committed against them – particularly against the vulnerable. This is rooted in his character – a Holy and Just God. In his justice, He instructs human beings to act justly, to fight injustice and defend the vulnerable. (Jeremiah 9:24; Isaiah 1:17).

We believe that as Christians, we are called to love God first and then love our neighbours in light of God’s grace. We are also called, in particular, to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a practical love which includes exhortations to weep with those who weep, and carry one another’s burdens (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Galatians 6:2). On this basis, we should not ignore the pain and sorrow of those who are hurting but should get alongside and help them as much as we can.

Though filled with imperfect and flawed people, we believe that the true church is good because it was established by Christ himself (Matthew 16:18). We believe that the church is there for the edification of believers, a means of grace for His people, and a light to the world.

Christ has delegated the shepherding of his people to Shepherds who are meant to teach and care for his sheep with self-sacrificial service and humility (Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 5:4). However, sometimes, they fail to do so, and in some cases, harm the sheep, and for that God will hold them to account (Ezekiel 34:1-10, 2 Peter 2:1-3). In these situations, we remind the church of her unique and special calling to self-sacrificial love, purity, and holiness as highlighted in Scripture (Ephesians 5:26-27, Romans 12:9-16).