This Boy and His Mother

Healing from Trauma as a Gay Latter-day Saint

By: Preston Jenkins

Narrated by: Preston Jenkins

Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

This Boy and His Mother tells the story of the gay missionary—mentioned in Elder Holland's "Behold Thy Mother"—who returned home early after being sexually assaulted and the hope and healing he found through Jesus Christ, fostered by the faith and testimony of his tenacious mother.

This Boy and His Mother: Healing from Trauma as a Gay Latter-day Saint chronicles Preston Jenkins' journey back to faith and activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mentioned in Elder Holland's general conference talk titled "Behold Thy Mother", Preston is the "young man who entered the mission field worthily, but by his own choice, returned home early due to same-sex attraction and some trauma he experienced in that regard... [and] often the long, dark nights of the soul were faced by just this boy and his mother".

Speaking with authenticity, Preston offers gospel insights gleaned from his experiences involving same-sex attraction, sexual and emotional abuse, an early return from an LDS mission, mental illness, and the eventual completion of a mission. Hope, faith, and never-failing charity are strikingly displayed. So, too, is the sufficient grace of Jesus Christ to holistically heal all wounds. This boy "knows he owes much to many, but he knows he owes the most to two messianic figures in his life, two who bore him and carried him, labored with him and delivered him—his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his determined, redemptive, absolutely saintly mother".

©2022 Preston Jenkins (P)2022 Preston Jenkins

A hard, unique, inspiring story

Preston’s story is amazing, and he tells it in such a uniquely inspiring way. No matter your life experience, you’ll come away from this book feeling inspired to live your faith with an unabashed vigor.

Incredibly powerful testimony.

Thank you for sharing your story and your witness, Preston. May we all build families like yours.

Wow!!

Thank you Preston for sharing your inspiring and powerful testimony of the Savior. Reading this book has forever strengthened my testimony, broadened my perspective, and renewed my faith and hope in the Lord and His promises. You are a gifted writer and share your thoughts and testimony so clearly. Loved this book so much.

Inspiring, guiding, reassuring

One of the most raw and authentic stories on faith, healing, and most importantly, Jesus Christ. Hearing this story told in Preston’s own voice brought me to emotion. To anyone facing difficulties with their faith, this is for you!!! <3

Absolutely Beautiful

One of the most touching and inspiring books I’ve ever read. Thank you to Preston and his mother for sharing such personal experiences and truth in a faith-filled way.

Pure testimony hard won

This is possibly the most beautifully expression of pure testimony in the healing power that can only be found in Christ. I am in awe of Preston’s story of beauty for ashes and the mother that fought prayerfully by his side to find healing for her son. This is a powerful book.

What a story!

I absolutely loved this book. No doubt parts of it are super heavy, but that raw honesty allowed for much deeper empathy on my part. This is a must read for all people of faith. This story will show you the matchless power of our Savior. Preston, thank you for sharing your story!

Wonderful book with great insights

This true story is heart-wrenching, faith affirming, and redemptive. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Inspiring and uplifting!

Preston’s journey is so encouraging for anyone struggling with their faith. This book left me with a renewed sense of commitment in making and keeping covenants with God. I love how Preston said, “what we want isn’t always what is best for us.” No matter who you are and what you struggle with, God will transform you into your best self if you choose to follow Him.

I've heard this story before.

This is a beautiful story if faith and belief. l know of many, including myself who have followed in these footsteps. The most important question is what will life be like 15 to 20 years from now. I lasted 27 years until I was widowed.
Foremost we must understand we cannot judge others in their life's path. Life has an interesting way of changing. My life's reality now (without religion) is amazingly blessed with great spiritual peace.