Real Stories – “Beaver”featured

What is your name? (pseudonyms are acceptable)

Beaver

1. How old were you when you lost your membership?

22

2. How long were you out of the Church, and how long have you been back?

Out 3 years. Back in 19 years

3. What were your feelings in the days after losing your membership?

Lots of feelings. Bitter, Hurt, Alone.

4. How did losing your membership affect your relationships with your family and friends?

Strengthened it.

5. What was your relationship with Church leadership like during the time your membership was withdrawn?

Not great at first, then incredible.

6. As you went through this, what was your relationship with the Godhead like?

Distant. Hard.

8. What experiences do you appreciate and maybe even treasure from your experience?

Understand the atonement better. Won’t ever give it up.

10. What callings have you had since being re-baptized?

All kinds. EQ Pres currently, bishopric, primary Chorister.

12. What do you think is misunderstood by others about this process of losing your membership?

Dunno. It’s a process I hope many don’t learn.

13. What advice do you have for people who are going through a loss of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Toughen up. Don’t try and be a victim. Get back. I’ll help.

14. What advice do you have for people wanting to minister to or help someone who has lost their Church membership?

Do it. Be a friend in any way possible

• Thanks so much Beaver. There are some very hopeful nuggets in your answers!

** If you are reading this and have also accomplished this heroic task of returning to be re-baptized after having your membership taken away, we would love to hear your story! Please click on this link to find the questionnaire: https://forms.gle/5hKAxjJ5Lkhj1w5U7