In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, we are joined by Stuart Litwiller, who shares his profound journey from being deeply involved in Church of God in Christ Mennonite to building a new life in Kenya. Stuart starts by recounting his early years in Carson City, Michigan, and his move to Murray, Kentucky, where he took on significant leadership roles within the church. Stuart's story takes a pivotal turn as he describes his baptism at age 13, which left him feeling unchanged and disconnected from the spiritual transformation he had expected. By age 16, Stuart was ready to leave the church altogether, feeling a strong desire to break away from the faith that no longer resonated with him. He candidly shares the moment when a fellow youth member's genuine concern led him to reconsider his decision and ultimately resulted in his excommunication. Stuart's path back to the church was fraught with uncertainty, yet he persisted in his search for spiritual fulfillment. His interactions with a man who would later become a minister, Tim Buck, were instrumental in his journey back to the church, where he was eventually reaccepted. Despite this, Stuart's spiritual journey continued to evolve, leading him to significant life changes. Stuart recounts a cycle of excommunications and reacceptances, reflecting a continuous struggle with his faith. He shares how, at age 18, he enjoyed attending classes but found it difficult to return home, leading to another excommunication. This pattern repeated, with Stuart being reaccepted and then excommunicated again at age 22, shortly after his marriage. Despite managing to stay in the church until age 49, Stuart reveals that he never truly felt assured of his salvation or experienced the grace he sought. His final departure from the church was catalyzed by a disagreement with his wife over refinancing their debt, which escalated and involved church deacons. During a revival, Stuart was confronted by church leaders who suggested he was born again but never truly converted, leading to his excommunication. Feeling disillusioned, Stuart attempted to rejoin the church but ultimately decided to pursue a different path. He relocated to Katali, Kenya, seeking a fresh start. Stuart delves into the challenges and rewards of adapting to a new culture and building a new community. His resilience and determination shine through as he reflects on his journey from excommunication to establishing a fulfilling life in Kenya. Listeners will be inspired by Stuart's story of leaving behind a restrictive religious environment, overcoming personal and spiritual struggles, and finding a new sense of purpose and community in Kenya. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of new beginnings. Join us for an insightful and moving conversation with Stuart Litwiller as he shares his remarkable journey of faith, loss, and renewal. 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