In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we sit down with Barb Wedel, who takes us on a journey through her life growing up in the Fairview congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Barb, a self-proclaimed wild child, shares how she always felt like a bit of a rebel in a community that prized conformity.

Barb talks about her family's deep ties to the church, with both her parents raised within its strict confines. She recounts a touching story about her maternal grandfather, who, fearing for his soul, joined the church at the age of 90. This act underscores the intense pressure and indoctrination prevalent in their beliefs.

Throughout the episode, Barb reflects on her spirited nature and the challenges it brought her in a high-control religious environment. She candidly discusses the moments that made her question her faith and ultimately led her to leave the church. A significant part of her story is discovering that being a wild child was not just okay but something to be celebrated.

Barb shares how she saw herself in her daughter, who inherited her free spirit and zest for life. This realization helped Barb embrace her own nature, recognizing that her daughter's wonderful qualities were a reflection of her own.

Tune in to hear Barb Wedel's honest and heartfelt tale of growing up, rebelling, and finding freedom outside the Holdeman Mennonite Church. Her journey is a testament to the strength it takes to forge your own path and the joy that comes with living authentically.

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In this compelling episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we sit down with Stanley Unruh to explore his unique journey into and out of the Holdeman Mennonite Church. Stanley, originally from the Greensburg Kansas congregation of Church of God In Christ Mennonite shares his deeply personal story of growing up within the high-control religious community, the pivotal moments that led him to question his beliefs, and the challenges he faced while transitioning to life outside the church.

Listeners will be captivated by Stanley's honest and heartfelt reflections on the emotional and psychological impact of leaving a close-knit community. He discusses the struggle to find his identity and the liberation he felt upon embracing his true self. A poignant highlight of the episode is Stanley's reference to the lyric, "Be what you must. It's part of the plan," which encapsulates his journey towards authenticity and personal freedom.

Stanley also offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the positive aspects of his Holdeman upbringing, including the strong sense of community and values instilled in him. His story is one of resilience and courage, providing a relatable and inspiring narrative for anyone who has questioned their own path in life.

Join us for an episode that delves deep into the complexities of faith, identity, and belonging, as Stanley Unruh's story unfolds with candor and insight. Whether you're familiar with the Holdeman Mennonite Church or simply interested in personal stories of transformation, this episode is sure to resonate and inspire.

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In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," host Waylon sits down with Larissa, a former member of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Larissa begins by sharing her background, growing up in the Ithaca, Michigan congregation, which she considered her home despite living in a few other congregations throughout her life. She delves into her family history, mentioning that her parents owned and operated the Mennonite nursing home, Maple View, in Michigan. This setting significantly influenced her early life experiences.

Larissa discusses her upbringing within the Holdeman community, providing insights into her childhood and the cultural and religious environment she was immersed in. She reflects on the values and traditions that shaped her identity and the pivotal moments that led her to question and eventually leave the church.

Throughout the conversation, Larissa candidly shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges she faced, and the personal growth she experienced after leaving the Holdeman Mennonite faith. Her story is a compelling narrative of resilience and the search for authenticity outside the confines of her religious upbringing.

Join us for an engaging and heartfelt episode as Larissa opens up about her past, her struggles, and the path she has forged beyond the Holdeman Mennonite community. Her story is a testament to the strength and courage it takes to redefine one's beliefs and find a new sense of belonging.

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