In this episode of "Our People Podcast," Sylvia Baize narrates her life's journey from Brazil to Arizona, sharing her experiences with faith, family, and adoption.

As a Holdeman Mennonite, Sylvia faced significant challenges and judgment from her religious community, particularly regarding her decision to adopt children, including a son with special needs. Her story highlights the struggle against rigid community expectations and the transformative impact of finding a more supportive community in Arizona. Sylvia discusses her spiritual growth, the journey to adopt her children against community pressures, and her eventual move to a congregation that embraced and supported her family's choices. This episode offers a profound look at resilience, the power of supportive communities, and the courage to live one's truth through faith.

Sylvia's book, It Was Meant to Be: https://a.co/d/4qXlQze

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In this episode of the Our People Podcast, Dennis Goossen tells how his life's story entered and then exited the Holdeman church, Church of God in Christ Mennonite. He begins by describing his conversion experience and joining the church. Then he tells about a faith crisis and subsequent reconsecration in his late teens. From there, he married and started a family within the church. Finally, he describes his involvement in an effort to reform the more legalistic aspects of the church which resulted in a letter called "A Plea For Revival". He was subsequently excommunicated, expelled, after church authorities demanded that he recant and retract the letter. Finally, he describes building a life after the Holdeman church and his latest project, forming a Christian school.

A Plea For Revival Letter: https://bit.ly/4bQulcG

If Dennis' story resonates with you or you have your own story to share, consider joining us as a guest to further this vital conversation. Reach out to us at ⁠OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com⁠ with your thoughts or suggestions for future interviews.
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In this deeply personal episode of "Our People Podcast," Lewis delves into his spiritual journey, exploring the shifts in his faith that have significantly impacted his personal and familial relationships. From his early days rooted in traditional Holdeman Mennonite religious teachings to his present-day embrace of a more fluid and open-minded spirituality, Lewis discusses the challenges and revelations that have marked his path. Lewis opens up about the transformative power of doubt and dialogue in his life. He shares insights from his explorations of scripture, myths, and the profound lessons he has gleaned from the complexities of theological debates. Throughout the episode, Lewis reflects on the impact of these spiritual evolutions on his family dynamics, detailing the delicate balance of maintaining bonds despite differing beliefs. This episode is not just a journey through Lewis' spiritual evolution but also a meditation on the nature of belief, the importance of inclusivity in faith communities, and the ongoing quest for personal and communal harmony. Listeners will be invited to reconsider their own beliefs, the importance of open conversation, and the value of embracing uncertainty in the spiritual journey. Join us as Lewis provides a candid look at his life's struggles and triumphs, offering up his story as a testament to the power of faith, the strength of family, and the freedom that comes from seeking truth on one's own terms. This episode contains frank discussion of childhood sexual abuse. If Lewis' story resonates with you or you have your own story to share, consider joining us as a guest to further this vital conversation. Reach out to us at ⁠OurPeoplePodcastTeam@gmail.com⁠ with your thoughts or suggestions for future interviews.

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