[Video] All Three Ohio Kidnap Victims Speak to Public for First Time: "God has a plan for all of us..."

Teresa Neumann, Aimee Herd : Jul 9, 2013
KGW.com

"We have been hurt by people, but we need to rely on God as being the Judge. God has a plan for all of us. The plan that He gave me is to help others in the same situation [in which] I have been." –Michelle Knight

Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight have broken their public silence in a short YouTube video posted Monday night in which they said the support and prayers of family, friends, and the general public, are allowing them to rebuild their lives. (Photo: Amanda Berry)

Amazingly, the video reveals three women appearing happy and upbeat, considering the horrific abuse they suffered at the hands of their captor for so many years.

In the video shared on media outlets around the world, Amanda Berry spoke first, saying, "I want everyone to know how happy I am to be home with my family, my friends… I want to thank everyone who has helped me and my family through this entire ordeal…it's been a blessing to have such an outpouring of love and kindness."

Berry added that she was getting stronger each day and that "having my privacy has helped immensely."

Gina DeJesus was grateful to those who had contributed funds to help in the healing process, "Thank you for your support," she said in the video. She was later joined by her father and mother who both reiterated her gratitude. (Photo: Gina DeJesus)

Gina's mother, Nancy Ruiz noted to those who are missing loved ones the importance of relying on your friends for support. "Count on your neighbors," she said.

Michelle Knight—the third kidnapping victim and one who had reportedly been often beaten by her captor—then shared from her apparently prepared message, about how the Lord has helped her in her recovery. (Photo: Michelle Knight)

"I may have been through hell and back," said Michelle, "but, walking hand-in-hand with my best Friend, I will not let the situation define who I am; I will define the situation.

Knight continued, "I don't want to be consumed by hatred; with that being said, we need to take a leap of faith and know that God is in control. We have been hurt by people, but we need to rely on God as being the Judge. God has a plan for all of us. The plan that He gave me is to help others in the same situation [in which] I have been…

"Thank you for all your prayers, I'm looking forward to my new life."