Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories

🎙️ The Purge: A 1970s Reckoning in the Holdeman ChurchIn this powerful and deeply researched episode, host Caleb sits down with historian Dennis Goossen to unpack one of the most dramatic and traumatic chapters in the history of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite—commonly known as the Holdeman Church.📜 What was “The Purge”? During the 1970s, the Holdeman Church launched a sweeping campaign of member interviews and disciplinary action, known internally as “panel work.” Ministers interrogated every member of every congregation, leading to mass excommunications, family divisions, and long-lasting emotional scars.🔍 Inside the Episode:The cultural and theological tensions that led to the purgeHow the panel interviews unfolded and what questions were askedFirsthand accounts from those who lived through it—both those who stayed and those who were cast outThe infamous Greeley, Colorado case and its lasting legacyThe emotional toll on both members and ministersHow the church eventually brought the purge to an end—and what changed (or didn’t)💔 A Story of Faith, Fear, and Fallout This episode explores not just the historical facts, but the human cost of religious control and the resilience of those who found new paths forward. Whether you're familiar with the Holdeman Church or hearing about this for the first time, this is a story that resonates far beyond one denomination.🎧 Tune in for a sobering, insightful, and empathetic look at a community in crisis—and the lessons it leaves behind.Follow us on Facebook:⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠Subscribe on Spotify:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠Subscribe on YouTube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you.Support Us On Patreon:⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

This episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories features a conversation with Janice Selby, a therapist, author, podcaster, and YouTuber specializing in religious trauma. Hosted by Amanda Esau and Wayla, the discussion explores Janice’s personal journey growing up in a Pentecostal household in Kelowna, British Columbia, and later encountering the Holdeman Mennonites in adulthood.Janice shares how her early religious experiences, which included speaking in tongues and anointing with oil, shaped her understanding of faith and obedience. However, as she began questioning her beliefs, she found herself on a path of deconstruction that ultimately led her to work in religious trauma recovery. A pivotal part of her journey was her time spent among the Holdeman Mennonites, where she gained firsthand insight into the church’s strict control over members’ lives. She discusses the psychological impact of leaving such a high-demand religious community, the pressure to conform, and the deep emotional toll of shunning and isolation.With warmth and candor, Janice reflects on the struggles of breaking free from religious indoctrination and the long road to healing. She shares her professional insights on the challenges of religious trauma, the guilt and fear that often linger, and the importance of rebuilding a sense of self outside of rigid belief systems. Whether you have personal experience with the Holdemans or are simply interested in the broader topic of religious trauma, this episode offers a compelling, compassionate, and deeply insightful perspective.Follow us on Facebook:⁠⁠⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Spotify:⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube:⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠⁠⁠Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you.Support Us On Patreon:⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠⁠

In this heartfelt episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, hosts Waylon and Carlie welcome guest Cam Isaac for an enlightening and deeply personal discussion. Cam, who previously delivered a widely resonated TED Talk, revisits some of the key lessons from his journey and expands on the life experiences that led to his transformative insights. The episode delves into Cam’s evolving relationship with faith, authority, and community. He reflects on his upbringing, the challenges of navigating rigid structures, and the profound importance of humility and apology in parenting—a concept that challenges traditional norms of parental authority. The discussion also explores the value of collective fellowship over hierarchical leadership, emphasizing authentic connection and mutual support in spiritual practices. Cam shares his emotional battle with stage-four lymphoma, highlighting the role of mindset, emotional awareness, and intuition in his recovery journey. He underscores the importance of listening to one’s body, processing emotions, and breaking generational cycles of trauma. These insights resonate as Cam talks about finding peace within himself, which he describes as the ultimate gift he treasures after years of struggle. The conversation touches on themes of love for the Holdeman Mennonite community, even amidst the complexities of leaving and navigating life outside of it. Cam's message is one of hope and encouragement for anyone walking similar paths, emphasizing that connection and mutual support are integral to the human experience. The episode concludes with a poignant reminder that life is about “walking each other home,” as the hosts and Cam express gratitude, love, and mutual respect for one another. This conversation is a moving testament to resilience, the power of shared stories, and the enduring impact of compassion and understanding. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast

In this episode, Amanda and Weylin hear from Roberta, who was abducted from her mother by Hilltop Mission, a children's home that was then operated by Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Following her kidnapping, she details years of abuse including sexual assaults and regular beatings that left major emotional scars. Mamzy, as her loved ones call her, goes on to describe how her "foster parents" turned her into a missionary, pressing her to try to convert fellow indigenous children. At one point, she recounts, she was told to hide several Indigenous children within the childcare facility so that their parents could not take them home. Eventually, police intervened, stopping the abduction. As she grew older, she left the church and built a life of her own. Mamzy pursued an education in Indigenous counseling and has a family of her own. If you would like to learn more about her story, her forthcoming book is titled The Lucky One: A Memoir of the Sixty Scoop Woman by Roberta McKinnen. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast

In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we had the pleasure of sitting down with Wes Friesen from the Barron, Wisconsin congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Wes takes us on a journey through his life, sharing intimate and heartfelt stories about his upbringing, experiences within the church, and his eventual path out of the Holdeman community. Wes begins by recounting his childhood in Barron, Wisconsin, a place where he spent the majority of his formative years. He reflects on the strong sense of community and belonging that characterized his early life, describing the close-knit nature of the Holdeman Mennonite congregation and the deep-rooted traditions that shaped his worldview. Despite the warmth and support of the community, Wes also touches on the restrictive aspects of growing up in a high-control environment, where conformity and adherence to church doctrines were paramount. As Wes delves deeper into his story, he shares poignant anecdotes about pivotal moments in his life. He speaks candidly about the internal struggles he faced as he began to question the teachings and practices of the church. These moments of doubt and introspection eventually led him to seek a life beyond the confines of the Holdeman community. One of the most compelling parts of Wes's narrative is his account of the personal and emotional challenges he encountered during his transition out of the church. He talks about the feelings of isolation and the loss of familial connections that often accompany such a significant life change. Despite these hardships, Wes's resilience and determination shine through as he describes how he rebuilt his life, forging new relationships and finding a sense of purpose outside the Holdeman Mennonite faith. Throughout the episode, Wes's storytelling is infused with a mix of humor, reflection, and raw honesty. He shares lighter moments that highlight the quirks and idiosyncrasies of life within the church, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on the Holdeman experience. At the same time, his more serious reflections offer a profound insight into the personal cost of leaving a high-control religious group. Wes's story is not just one of leaving, but also of growth and self-discovery. He talks about the newfound freedoms and opportunities he has embraced since leaving the church, and how these have allowed him to explore his own identity and beliefs. His journey is a testament to the strength and courage it takes to break away from a life that no longer aligns with one's values and to seek out a path that is true to oneself. In this episode, listeners are invited to witness Wes's transformation from a young boy in Barron, Wisconsin, to a man who has navigated the complexities of faith, community, and personal identity. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for authenticity and freedom. Join us as we listen to Wes Friesen's inspiring journey on "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories." His tale is a compelling addition to our series, offering hope and encouragement to anyone who has ever questioned their path and sought to forge a new direction in life. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, Amanda is joined by Herman Friesen, who shares his deeply personal story of growing up in a Holdeman Mennonite family and his life after leaving the church. Herman begins by recounting his early years, including his father’s role as a preacher and the significant moment when his father was "benched" from preaching when Herman was only four years old. He shares how he was converted at age 10 and baptized at 11, reflecting on the strong spiritual framework that shaped his childhood. As the conversation progresses, Herman dives into his experience of leaving the Holdeman church and navigating life beyond its strict boundaries. He talks about the struggles of breaking away from a high-control religious community, including the feelings of isolation, confusion, and loss. Herman opens up about how hard it was to reconcile the faith he was raised in with the new beliefs he was beginning to form. He shares the emotional toll of distancing himself from family and friends who remained in the church, highlighting the personal costs of leaving. Herman also discusses the sense of freedom he found after leaving, including the opportunities to explore different ways of thinking and living. He talks about building a new life, developing new friendships, and finding a different sense of purpose outside of the Holdeman church. His story is one of resilience, as he found ways to balance his respect for his roots with his desire for independence and personal growth. This episode provides an intimate, detailed look at what it’s like to grow up in and eventually leave a high-control religious environment. Herman’s honesty and vulnerability make this episode a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and the challenges of starting over. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of religious transitions and personal transformation. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, Weylin Unruh sits down with Nolan Raber to discuss his life growing up in the Church of God in Christ Mennonite community and his journey of leaving the church. Nolan starts by sharing his early years in Kidron, Ohio, where he spent the first eight years of his life. He reflects on the close-knit nature of the Holdeman community and the strong emphasis on conformity, which played a significant role in shaping his upbringing. Nolan opens up about the expectations and pressures he faced as a young member of the church, touching on the social norms that guided everyday life and the ways in which questioning or deviating from the established beliefs was often met with resistance. He describes how the church’s teachings permeated all aspects of life, from schooling to social interactions, creating an environment where adhering to the group's standards was seen as crucial for spiritual well-being. As the conversation unfolds, Nolan recounts the internal struggle he experienced when his personal beliefs began to diverge from those of the church. He discusses moments of doubt, the fear of disappointing loved ones, and the difficulties of reconciling his own questions with the teachings he was raised to accept without hesitation. These conflicts eventually led him to step away from the Holdeman faith, a decision that came with both loss and newfound freedom. Nolan also shares the challenges of adjusting to life outside the church, where navigating a world with different social norms, customs, and even dress codes was unfamiliar. He reflects on the process of building a new identity and forming relationships beyond the Holdeman community. Throughout the episode, Nolan's story is filled with moments of vulnerability, humor, and resilience, as he candidly talks about the ups and downs of transitioning from a life of rigid expectations to one of self-discovery. This episode not only provides a window into Nolan's personal journey but also explores broader themes of cultural conditioning, faith, and the search for meaning. It’s a compelling look at how leaving a tightly controlled religious environment can affect one's sense of self and worldview, and what it means to find one’s own path in life. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

In this episode, titled "Avoidance Kills: A Discussion With Mary Byler," Amanda and Billy explore the impact of avoidance, a term used within the Church of God in Christ Mennonite for shunning. Mary Byler, founder of The Misfit Amish, discusses how the practice of avoidance, or shunning, within high-control Anabaptist communities perpetuates harm by isolating individuals and suppressing important conversations about abuse, trauma, and healing. Mary shares her personal journey of leaving a plain-dressing community and the work she now does to support others through her organization. She emphasizes how avoidance not only affects those who are shunned but also creates a culture where the most vulnerable are silenced. Throughout the episode, Mary discusses her advocacy work, which includes educating professionals like child advocacy centers on how to better serve survivors of abuse from these insular communities. This conversation sheds light on the psychological and emotional toll of avoidance, illustrating how it can cause lasting damage to individuals and communities. By tackling this issue head-on, Mary provides crucial insights into why addressing, rather than avoiding, these issues is vital for healing and justice. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast

In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, hosts Weylin and Amanda sit down with Jaclyn (Jackie) Peachey to discuss her life journey, growing up within the Holdeman community and eventually finding her way out. Jackie opens up about her early life in Moundridge, Kansas, where her father left the family when she was just nine months old. She reflects on the strength of her mother, who went to nursing school and raised Jackie and her siblings on her own, becoming one of Jackie’s greatest role models. Jackie talks about her family’s move to Kidron, Ohio, when she was six years old, describing the community as somewhat closed off, rooted in an Amish-Mennonite background. However, her family ties in the area helped ease the transition, and Jackie shares her fondness for the close-knit environment, even though it could be isolating. The conversation turns more introspective as Jackie recounts her spiritual journey, including her struggles to fit in within the Holdeman church. She recalls feeling like an outsider, never quite connecting with the Holdeman way of life or understanding concepts like the Holy Spirit. This led to internal conflict, particularly after her baptism, when she initially felt a sense of joy but quickly slipped back into old behaviors, leaving her feeling guilty and disconnected. One pivotal moment in Jackie’s story came when, at the age of 15, she and a close friend began to question whether the Holdeman church was truly the "one true church" as they had been taught. Their exposure to conservative Mennonites and Amish communities sparked deeper questions about faith, belonging, and the truth of their religious upbringing. Jackie shares the challenges of navigating these doubts in a community where questioning was discouraged, and how it impacted her sense of identity. Throughout the episode, Jackie reflects on the difficulty of feeling like she had to present a false version of herself to fit in, and the relief and eventual growth that came with leaving the Holdeman church. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to question long-held beliefs in the search for personal truth. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast

In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," Weylin sits down with Chris, a former member of a Central Kansas congregation of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Chris offers a candid look into her life, from growing up in a rural farming family to navigating her way out of the Holdeman church and redefining her beliefs. Chris recounts her childhood as the youngest of four daughters in a family that thrived on hard work and connection to the land. Her days were filled with farm chores, driving trucks during wheat harvest, and helping her father care for the animals. While she describes her upbringing as largely positive, she also touches on the underlying challenges, such as her family's financial struggles when a bad water well led to the loss of cattle—a hardship that cast a shadow on her early years and taught her resilience. From an early age, Chris sensed that she was different. She was introspective and often found herself questioning the practices and teachings of the Holdeman church. This questioning nature set her apart and made her feel disconnected within the large congregation she was a part of. Chris shares her experience of being an introvert in a community that often felt overwhelming and how she found solace in her relationships with non-Holdeman relatives, which broadened her perspective and introduced her to ideas beyond the church’s doctrines. Throughout the conversation, Chris delves into her psychological journey, detailing how she turned to various authors and teachers to explore new ways of thinking. She reflects on how her personality and experiences shaped her worldview, and how, over time, she began to see religion as often mirroring the personality of its founders—a realization that prompted her to question the foundations of her faith even more deeply. Chris also speaks about the emotional and mental challenges of leaving the church, including the process of unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs and coping with the sense of loss that accompanies such a profound change. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's own path to healing and hope, sharing personal stories of growth and the small but significant steps she has taken toward reclaiming her sense of self outside the church. In this heartfelt episode, Chris opens up about her ongoing journey—a journey that is not yet complete but is filled with determination and a desire for authenticity. Her story is a powerful reminder of the complexities involved in stepping away from a high-control religious environment and the courage it takes to pursue a life aligned with one’s true values. Join Weylin and Chris as they explore the nuanced paths of questioning, leaving, and ultimately, finding peace beyond the confines of a close-knit religious community. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast

In this episode, Caleb Jesser and Dennis Goossen take listeners through the transformative decades of the 1940s to the 1960s for the Holdeman Church, officially known as the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. This episode is part of the series "Our Heritage: Holdeman Mennonite History," which explores the critical changes and developments that shaped the church during societal upheaval. The discussion opens with a reflection on the immediate post-war era. Caleb and Dennis provide context about how World War II's end brought significant changes globally and within the Holdeman community. They discuss how conscientious objectors returning from alternative service units brought back new perspectives, sometimes leading to tensions and debates within the church. These returning members had been exposed to broader societal norms and ideas, which sparked internal discussions about the community's engagement with the outside world and interpretations of core doctrines, including the church’s emphasis on non-conformity to worldly practices. Moving into the 1950s, the conversation shifts to how the Holdeman Church responded to the rise of modernity and secularism. The hosts discuss the church leaders' concerns over the growing influence of radio, television, and other forms of media, which were viewed as potential threats to spiritual purity. These new technologies were believed to be gateways to worldly influences that could erode the community's values. As a result, church leadership enforced stricter guidelines and promoted a more insular approach to protect their members from perceived moral decay. As they explore the internal dynamics of the 1960s, Caleb and Dennis highlight the social and cultural shifts that impacted the Holdeman Church. This decade saw the church grappling with external pressures to modernize, which contrasted sharply with the desire to maintain traditional values. These discussions included debates on issues such as dress codes, musical influences, and levels of community involvement. These debates often created friction within the church, as some members pushed for a more adaptive approach while others sought to hold firmly to established traditions. A significant part of the episode covers the factions that split from the church during this time of change. Caleb and Dennis discuss various groups that broke away due to disagreements over doctrinal interpretations, lifestyle practices, or the church’s stance on modern influences. These splits often came after prolonged periods of internal conflict and were marked by deep divisions within congregations, reflecting the broader struggle between maintaining doctrinal purity and adapting to a rapidly changing world. The episode also touches on the evolution of the church's governance and decision-making processes during this period. With the increasing complexities of managing a growing congregation, the church's leadership structure adapted to better address the diverse challenges faced by the community. This led to a more formalized approach to governance that continues to shape the church today. In closing, Caleb and Dennis reflect on how the post-war period up to the late 1960s was a pivotal era of change for the Holdeman Church, setting the stage for its future. The church's responses to both external and internal pressures laid the groundwork for its modern identity and practices. This episode provides a rich, detailed look at a crucial period in Holdeman Mennonite history, offering valuable insights into the community's struggles, adaptations, and steadfastness in faith. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, Weylin sits down with Doreen from the Crooked Creek congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. She tells of her childhood in the church, her path out of the organization, and her faith journey after leaving. Her story features candid discussion of childhood sexual abuse, emotional manipulation, and other traumatic events. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast

In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," Teran Rinehart shares the story of her life, focusing on her challenging experiences growing up in the Carson City, Michigan congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite and its school. Teran begins by recounting the remarkable story of her grandmother, who was born into a wealthy family in Santiago, Chile, but left it all behind to become a mail-order bride in Michigan. Yolanda's journey into the Mennonite community had a lasting impact on her family, including Teran. As Teran reflects on her upbringing, she opens up about the hardships she faced in the Holdeman church school. Teran describes how she was not well-liked and often felt miserable, struggling to make friends. The school environment was particularly difficult for her as a queer, autistic child, and she endured frequent bullying. Despite her intelligence, Teran found herself in a classroom where she was the oldest and often felt smarter than both her classmates and her teachers. She candidly discusses the inadequacies of the Mennonite teachers, many of whom only had an eighth-grade education and were more focused on finding a husband than on teaching. Teran's experiences were further compounded by the lack of support from the school staff, who failed to address the bullying she faced. She shares a particularly painful memory of a teacher dismissing her after she reported being physically abused at home, illustrating the broader issue of Mennonite teachers not complying with their legal obligations as mandatory reporters. The constant bullying and lack of support left Teran feeling like the laughingstock of the school, and these experiences had a lasting impact on her. Despite these challenges, Teran found solace in teaching Bible school, which became one of her biggest passions. She reflects on her attempts to be a "good Mennonite," actively participating in Sunday school and trying her best to fit in, even as she struggled with the rigid expectations of the church. This episode offers an honest and poignant look at the difficulties of growing up in the Holdeman Mennonite church, particularly within its educational system. Teran’s story sheds light on the emotional toll of being a child in an environment where conformity was prized over individuality, and where support was often lacking. Her experiences provide a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by those who didn’t fit the mold in a strict religious community, making this episode a powerful and eye-opening listen. Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://rb.gy/cj55td⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045⁠ Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast