Bo released the following statement on social media the night of Thursday (June 12):
I am an alcoholic
I am a sinner, but l am a believer
I believe in God’s grace, and I believe that his mercy has shown that he is consistent, even though we don’t deserve it.
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse
I’ve been sexually abused by a Camp counselor
I’ve been sexually, physically and emotionally abused by my brother And I’ve been abused by my youth pastor
I believe that God has bigger plans for me and part of those plans are telling my story because it’s so hard for anyone to tell stories like these.
Even when my faith has been crushed, I know that God still has provisions for me.
If you’re out there and you’re thinking, nothing can be done, no one can help, there’s no way out…I’m with you…but I believe in a God who always finds a way. Don’t give up and don’t lose hope.
Bo then posted an image on Instagram Stories with the words “Sexual Abuser” written across Bear’s chest.
NEEDTOBREATHE has yet to release a statement and has turned off all comments on Instagram.
ChurchLeaders has reached out NEEDTOBREATHE for comment and will update this article in the event of a response.
, who in 1998 founded NEEDTOBREATHE alongside his older brother William Stanley “Bear” Rinehart III (44), has accused Bear of “sexually, physically and emotionally” abusing him as a child.){kind=link}