Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories Our People Podcast

In this episode of "Our People Podcast," we delve into the life and experiences of Monica from the Carrot River congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Monica shares her early life on a Canadian farm and the predestined path to her baptism at age 14 into this deeply traditional Holdeman Mennonite community. As she grew older, critical events—including the tragic death of peers and a family move—spurred profound shifts in her beliefs and feelings toward her faith. Monica candidly discusses the pressures and struggles that came with conforming to church expectations, her battle with mental health, and the eventual, liberating decision to leave the church. This episode, "A Voice from Carrot River," explores Monica's journey of self-discovery, her efforts to redefine her spirituality, and the ongoing process of healing from religious trauma.


If Monica's 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.

In this episode of the Our People Podcast, titled "Cam's Story of Building an Honest Life," we delve into the life journey of Cam Isaac. Now residing in northern Alberta, Canada, Cam reflects on his life's narrative, emphasizing his evolution from adhering to external expectations to embracing a life grounded in honesty and self-acceptance.
Raised in the deeply rooted Holdeman mennonite farming congregation in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Cam shares his upbringing in a congregation with a legacy spanning nearly a century. He discusses the complexities of growing up as the eldest child in a Holdeman community, where he adopted the "good boy" persona to secure approval and avoid conflict. However, this facade led him to a cycle of dishonesty—masking his true self to fit the mold expected by the church, his community.
Cam’s turning point came with his decision to leave the Holdeman faith, a move that reshaped his relationships and his sense of self. He openly discusses the challenges and liberation that came with breaking free from the religious and social expectations that had defined much of his life. This journey of self-discovery is punctuated by his diagnosis of cancer and a heart condition, which he sees not as a setback but as an opportunity for profound personal growth and reassessment of his life’s priorities.
Throughout the episode, Cam emphasizes the power of authenticity, the peace that comes with living true to one's self, and the importance of unconditional love, even when it means standing alone. His story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of living a life aligned with one's deepest truths.

If Cam's 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.

Join us on a difficult journey with Elizabeth Hunt, originally from the Brooksville, Mississippi congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite, as she opens up about her past struggles with bullying and the deep scars left by sexual abuse, along with the painful realization of her local church's failure to support her. Yet, her story doesn't end there. Now flourishing in a new city, Emily shares how she has rebuilt her life, found strength within herself, and learned to thrive against all odds. Tune in to hear about her powerful path to healing and empowerment.


If Elizabeth's 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.

Join us as we delve into the life journey of Laverne Friesen. Born into the Holdeman Mennonite community in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Laverne shares his candid experiences of growing up within and eventually stepping away from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. This episode explores the complex tapestry of faith, personal growth, and the arduous path to healing from religious trauma.

Discover how Laverne confronted challenges from his upbringing, questioned deep-seated beliefs, and navigated through significant life changes—from moving across Canada to reassessing his spiritual and mental health. He also touches on the sensitive subject of childhood sexual violence and the subsequent coverup by church staff, offering insights into the resilience required to overcome such profound adversities.

If Laverne's 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.

This episode is not just a recount of past experiences but a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar issues, highlighting the importance of emotional health, a topic often overlooked in religious communities. Listen in for a journey of courage, controversy, and the quest for emotional liberation.

Coming soon to every podcast platform known to man, the Our People podcast will feature guests with a variety of perspectives on live in and after the Holdeman church.