Come Back Podcast - Ashly Stone

Matthew grew up Protestant but couldn't deny the truth of The Book of Mormon. After his own faith crisis he is working towards sealing his family in the temple. Oct 27, 2024

"Something told me to read the New Testament again under these new eyes of coming back to faith. I was prompted to start in the book of Acts because that told me how the early church was laid out. You see that the apostles have authority. You see the apostles laying on their hands to receive the Holy Ghost. You see the apostles baptizing. You even see the apostles go to the temple. While looking around, no other church fit that criteria but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I really started to want to come back to the church because I felt that it was the closest to the Bible."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Episode sponsor: Serve Clothing

https://serveclothing.com/?gad_source=1

Kelsea's dark experience with New Age theology and how turning her heart to Jesus Christ saved her marriage. Oct 20, 2024

"I think that's actually why New Age is so dangerous, because there's so much about it that are counterfeits of the restored gospel. There's so much about it that feels true and sounds true, you can convince yourself it is true because it's a bunch of truth mixed with lies. It's a counterfeit of part of the restored gospel. I think that's why a lot of LDS women seem to gravitate towards it because it's so similar to what they already know and feel. That's what makes counterfeits so dangerous is that they look like the real thing. Even meditation is not bad, I think the highest form of meditation is prayer. What is prayer if it's not meditating with God? Do you want to spend this 20 minutes meditating with yourself and just opening your mind up to whatever? Or do you want to spend that 20 minutes meditating with God in prayer, which is something you already have? And then there's energy healing, but where does the healing come from? These people don't have the priesthood they're not getting it from Christ. So where is that coming from?"

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Episode sponsor: Serve Clothing

https://serveclothing.com/?gad_source=1

Oliver Cowdery's come back story told by historian and host Casey Griffiths from the Church History Matters Podcast Oct 14, 2024

"Before Oliver passes away, he goes out of his way on several occasions to publicly and ardently bear testimony of the restoration of the Book of Mormon. One of the more well -known accounts is a guy named Jacob Gates. He's on his way to his mission and he stops in Richmond to visit Oliver Cowdery. Jacob Gates asks Oliver, 'Is it all true? Can you tell me if it's true?' Oliver Cowdery says, 'Jacob, I want you to remember what I say to you. I am a dying man. What would it profit me to tell you a lie? I know that this Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God. My eyes saw, my ears heard, and my understanding was touched. I know that whereof I testified is true. It was no dream, no vain imagination of the mind. It was real.' I think this was recorded two or three months before Oliver passed away. And he says, he doesn't have any reason to lie at this point. In fact, he wants to tell the truth because he knows he's about to meet his maker. And he still bears his testimony on the Book of Mormon."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Episode sponsor: Serve Clothing

https://serveclothing.com/?gad_source=1

Nate's spiritual experiences helped turn his life around to something beautiful and fulfilling. Sep 29, 2024

"I go and meet with my branch president. Just the nicest, goofiest, happiest person. I just felt so comfortable. I knew this guy loved me. He's not going to judge me. I went in and I confessed everything. I told him I messed up, but I wanted to go to the temple. I remember he said, 'Nate, you've confessed and you've forsaken. You are forgiven. But what's most important now is you need to forgive yourself.' That was the hardest part. I remember thinking 'God, if you could forgive me, maybe I can forgive myself' because I just felt so bad. I had missed so many opportunities to do good things. I messed up - I messed up really bad. And I didn't love myself. I remember after that meeting just thinking, 'I did it! I let it go, I let it go! I was able to do it with president Donnelly's help!' I believe that Jesus died for my sins, and if He was willing to pay the price to die for me, then I can have the courage to let it go. I can let my ego go and it's all on Him. So when I walked out of that office I remember just feeling like, yes! I felt so free, just so clean and happy and light."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Austin's faith crisis went on for 10 years. After his search for more light and truth he wrote his own response to the CES Letter. Sep 22, 2024

"There's very logical reasons to be members of the church, and very logical reasons to believe in a higher power --something beyond that's bigger than us, that has a spiritual aspect. This isn't irrational, this is rational. And so once you can get back into realizing that belief is reasonable, then you can ask the questions that will truly give you a testimony through prayer and study and pondering those primary answers we hear all the time. I talk about the heart and the head. I believe that we can, and should, have knowledge in our heart, feeling emotion, yearning for God, along with rationality and reason. For me, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints is God's true and living church on the earth. I know that in my heart and I know it in my head. I have both of those. I think critics have had their way for a long time trying to convince people that there's no reason to have a rational testimony. But the 'Light and Truth Letter,' it's showing that it is reasonable -- and rational to believe, there's a lot of space for belief. My hope is that if you're struggling and you're a believing member, but having doubts -- If that's the case for you and you're telling yourself, there's no way the church could be true. That's not you talking. That's the critic parroting. You're parroting a critic, because there's lots of reasons to believe. I try to lay it all out in the 'Light and Truth Letter.' To show all of the positive evidences that there are for the church and that it's actually really rational and reasonable to believe. There is a preponderance of evidence that is more for us than against us. And for me -- that's enough to believe. And once I made that decision, then God could do something with me."

https://www.lightandtruthletter.org/

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jason's testimony of how the Power of Christ's atonement changed him from a homeless addict to running successful rehabs. Sep 15, 2024

#latterdaysaints #mormon #comeback "I had an experience laying in my bed where I asked God to help me to know His will for me. I then had a powerful experience where I felt water rush off my body as I was coming up out of these waters. Then I see one of my very best friends' faces pulling me up and he's in white. It was that experience where I understood that God would like me to consider being rebaptized. I had a long road until that point. I hadn't even been excommunicated yet. So when I was asked in the disciplinary council, 'what do you think, Jason?' I said, I wanted a fresh start where I could finally forgive myself for all the things that I have experienced and done. Through the ordinance of baptism -- I feel like if I can go through that experience I would be able to forgive myself. Where maybe just a disciplinary counsel and a probation, being less extreme, I would have missed going through that and burying that old guy and to symbolically start fresh. And I had some beautiful, beautiful, powerful experiences."

Jason's Business:

https://brickhouserecovery.com/

Jason's book "Unhooked"

https://a.co/d/cSqfNCI

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

At a young age Colton felt his testimony couldn't get any stronger. But after years of not feeding it he found himself in a dark place. How he came back to the light he loved and needed. Sep 08, 2024

"I kept running into all of these things that for my whole life I had read and experienced something so powerfully. I felt so bad because I had forgotten everything that was in the book. It just made me really sad. I remember thinking back to when I first read the Book of Mormon -- the first time I ever cried while reading it was when Nihor slew Gideon in Alma chapter one. It seems like a silly, stupid thing, but that was a special experience on my bed early in the morning before school. Just learning these stories and the faith of all the people in it is so inspiring. There are verses that you read that are especially for you. When you read them, you just can't deny them. That's what my experience was when I reread it. The Holy Spirit is testified to me on every single page of the truthfulness of the teachings, the prophecies, and the testimony that is in there. There is no way that Joseph Smith could have just written this up."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Derek experienced addiction at a young age, how the enabling power of Jesus Christ's atonement helped turn his life around. Sep 01, 2024

"A lot of people hear my story and they're like, wow, you used heroin? Like what programs did you go through? And with my story, I'm not recommending this to people that have true addictions, but the gospel was my recovery. It really was. I'm not saying to just read your scriptures and you're fine. Seek professional help, go to AA, NA -- there's all these amazing programs. But for me, I didn't do that stuff. I went back to church. I engulfed myself in the gospel. There's a quote by Elder Packer, he says: studying the gospel will change behavior faster than a study of behavior can change behavior. I'm living proof of that. Again, not saying everybody should do that, but that was my recovery. God can change you. I'm a changed person because of God and Jesus Christ and the gospel. And I am so grateful."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Mary's experiences coming home early from her mission, getting divorced, and searching for answers. Aug 25, 2024

"As I was going through these years of inactivity and darkness, I was making this list in my phone in my notes app of all these questions and concerns and doubts that I had. It got longer and longer -- it was a long list of things that I was upset about. The first day I went back to church and went to a class, the top question on my list was about patriarchal blessings. I had this question and for hours I had thought about it and tried to come up with an answer and I just didn't. It didn't make sense to me, and it was upsetting to me. In that first class this girl spoke about patriarchal blessings, within 10 minutes she had bore her testimony and explained it in a way that I'd never thought of. It was just this clear, simple answer for me. So I crossed that question off, and it continued that way. Every week I went to church there was another question crossed off. To me, that was just this huge testament that God knew me and He knew my concerns. He was waiting for my effort. It was like, you give me effort, I'll give you answers. I'll give you clarity, and it has continued that way."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jori was adopted at birth, then she gave up her daughter for adoption. How these events brought her closer to her Heavenly Father. Aug 18, 2024

"Going through years of therapy and working through adoption trauma for myself and placing my own baby for adoption has always been a very big pain point for me because I was placed for adoption and didn't have a choice. That choice was my birth mom's choice. And then I turned around and placed my baby for adoption and she didn't have that choice. Even though I felt like that was the best thing to do for us at the time, I still struggle with that. We actually have opened the adoption up more and we have had some deep discussions about what it means to be adopted, what it means to be a birth mom and how hard it can be. It's never that the baby is not wanted. They are always wanted. I always want to reiterate that with her and with all adoptees that might feel that way. That is always a bittersweet part of my story. But there is also joy, you know, what is sorrow and pain without joy and happiness? Even though I love my biological mom dearly and my half siblings, I can't imagine my life without my adopted family, who I'm sealed to. I love the life that I've created and the relationships I have with my siblings and my nieces and nephews and my sweet parents who raised me in the gospel. Who knows if I would have had that without being adopted."

@thestoryofjori

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Peter left church for a gang, after grieving the loss of his mother and son he returns to Jesus Christ and is redeemed. Aug 11, 2024

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"I asked the Lord and said 'if this is your church, tell me in this general conference. I want to know if this is your church.' I had never watched general conference in my life - this was like the Super Bowl for me. So I got my popcorn. I'm over there, got my drink, and ready to watch the conference. I remember President Nelson, he says, 'as we commemorate the restoration of the gospel we revere the Prophet Joseph Smith as a prophet, but this is not his church. And this is not Mormon's church. This is the church of Jesus Christ.' Let me tell you something - that scripture in the New Testament that talks about the Pentecostal feeling of the Spirit overcoming you, man, I had never felt that before. When it came over me, when he said that, I stood up, as if we scored a touchdown. Like if my team scored a touchdown. I stood up and I said, 'hey, the prophet just said this is his church!' I heard the Lord speak to me through his prophet. He said this is his church, right? That was it for me. I got on my knees and said 'thank you Lord, thank you for answering my question. You spoke to me.' At that moment of time I told the Lord that's it - I'm all yours. I'm all yours."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Rob was raised in a polygamist group. As he got older he inquired of God what the right thing to do was, and he was led to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aug 04, 2024

"I went on a three -day fast like I did when I needed to find answers and on the third morning of the fast I woke up. It was a Sunday morning, I just told the Lord 'I'm not getting up off my knees until you give me an answer.' I asked him because my uncle Owen, he was my dad's brother, was put in charge of the group after my dad was killed. I asked Heavenly Father if he was the prophet here on the earth or if he wasn't the prophet. I was shown a vision of a field, it was dark at night and my uncle Owen was wandering through the field. He had a dark suit on and his countenance was dark and then the voice of the Lord came into my mind and He said, 'by their fruit ye shall know them.' Then I started thinking about all the things that he had done throughout his life and things that were not always the greatest or the best. He had five or six wives and he was living polygamy. He had done some things that I didn't think were very noble or right.
I kind of pondered about that for a little bit. Then I prayed again and asked if President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was the LDS church president at the time in 1997, if he was the prophet here on the earth. I was shown the same field only it was noon day, it was bright and sunny and there was wheat blowing in the wind. President Hinckley walked out into the field and he had a white suit on and a white tie and shirt and his face was just glowing and I had the same voice come into my head, 'by their fruits you shall know them.' I was shown the things that President Hinckley had done and everything that I was shown was all good fruits. I just had this burning in my bosom and was on fire from the top of my head to my feet. This was right. He was the prophet here on the earth. And the Lord was giving me that answer. I'd never felt anything so wonderful in my life."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

A tragic ski accident left Chauncy with PTSD which left him feeling forsaken. How he used the help of his Savior to overcome. Jul 28, 2024

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"I still have not seen the face of Christ. I still haven't had miraculous experiences, but I've made the choice to follow Him and it's changed my life. I've done counseling. I still sometimes will do meditation - even guided meditation. And those things have helped me so much with some of my mental health struggles. But without the Savior involved in the middle of it. I would still not be who I am or where I am - with the capacity to now utilize our story and our passion for safety to go and try to change some of the culture on the ski slopes. That's being welcomed across the industry in a really miraculous way. But none of that would happen if I didn't come back to the roots of my Savior."

snowangelfoundation.org

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Ashly and Jesse Stone share their experiences overcoming addiction by utilizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the church's 12 Step program. Jul 22, 2024

"One thing that I noticed when I started coming back to church was I put my focus on who I wanted to be - instead of trying to fix who I was. Instead of trying to stop doing all of these things, it was, okay, I want to be this person. I imagined myself being a mom and a wife. I wanted a family and I thought, 'who is the type of person that I need to be to have those things?' I envisioned that for myself. Then my focus just really shifted into the steps that I needed to take to be who that person was."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Hailey lost her faith while on her mission. As she reached out to Heavenly Father she began seeing small miracles in her life. Jul 14, 2024

"He just went on and on about all the challenges and the different things that they had to do if they could get this aircraft past Pluto. As I was watching it, it was like a stream of revelation to me. Every single word he said was a metaphor for me and what I felt like I was doing. I realized what I was doing was trying to understand this crazy pixelated picture of what I thought God was and what religion is and I was like 'I don't understand anything, there's so many problems that I'm having on this journey of trying to figure out what this means!' He finished his story and miraculously, through so many miracles, they saw Pluto and now we have beautiful pictures of Pluto. I was so rejuvenated and impressed by that. As I was leaving, the answer was like, 'Yes Hailey, just push through. There's so many questions you have and there's so many challenges on your way to figuring out your answers.' I felt deeply that Heavenly Father wanted me to push through, find the answers, and do the work required to receive the revelation that I needed in so many different areas."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

John lost everything to addiction - his family, his home and his job. After being arrested multiple times he turns his life over to the Lord. Jul 07, 2024

"There is no way, in mortality, to get through it by yourself. You can't push, you can't shove, you can't design, you can't do any of that. Even if you're not on drugs! You must turn yourself over to a loving Heavenly Father and then there is this capacity for the Savior to enable you - he kind of does internal work and changes you. You think 'This is different. I'm different than I was.' And I give them the credit. Luckily, they caught me before I passed away and helped me out."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Growing up Emily was a wild child, as she got older she noticed a pervasive darkness in her life. Learn what happens as she gets on her knees and turns her life back over to Christ. Jun 30, 2024

"I just called out to Heavenly Father and said, help. I was very aware that there were angels all around me protecting me, I knew that Heavenly Father was rescuing me. He was hearing my prayer and That black feeling immediately was replaced with warmth, and love, and total mercy. It was like, I've been waiting for you, I got you. And I just was totally honest with Him and I told Him everything that I needed to say. I told him 'I'm so insecure. I don't know how to do this. I don't know who to be. I don't know how to commit to being a good girl. I don't know what that looks like. I'm attracted to all of these things that I don't know how to reconcile.' I just didn't know what to do next, but I knew that I couldn't continue in that life that I was in. I was so honest and submissive and just like, I'm gonna give this all to you and you help me figure out what to do next. And it was beautiful, it was amazing, it was the most sacred thing that's ever happened in my life. Then I felt like I should go see a bishop."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

When Heather's marriage began to fail, her husband started showing her anti-Mormon content, which shook her testimony. How she used the strength of those around her to navigate her trials. Jun 23, 2024

"There was this amazing thing that happened at Carthage Jail. There was a guy there, a college -age guy, who was in sweats, like total travel clothing. We went up to the room where John Taylor sang the song, 'Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief ' they usually just play a recording of that song but this guys mom put him on the spot and said, 'my son is a music major. He's about to graduate and he knows this song, would it be okay if he sang the song?, He got up and sang that song so beautifully and music speaks to me. The spirit has spoken to me through music so many times. I just feel the spirit in songs so much. Something transitioned for me there. It was just so real life for me that he was standing up there singing so beautifully, he knew the words, and was put on the spot and yet did such a rockin job at it."

https://www.plantwhys.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠comeback⁠⁠⁠

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

As a young woman Jane was a closet rebel. Her story takes us through the many experiences that lead her to her Savior, Jesus Christ. Jun 16, 2024

"I still had no idea of coming back to the church. I didn't plan on it. We went to my sister's ward and we were saying the sacrament prayers, I just had this feeling in my heart. I looked at Lynn and I said, 'what do I need to do to take the sacrament? I remember Jesus.' And she beamed and she said, 'you were baptized. So I took the water and that was when the first trickle of living water started trickling back into my heart. Shortly after that, we got an email from the church saying anybody who's gluten intolerant, you can bring your own gluten-free bread. So I started doing that. And it was when I started taking the full sacrament that cracks really started opening in my heart. And not long after that, I started reading the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, the Doctrine and Covenants. I read them all in very short order and started reminding myself of what I had left behind." Memoirs of a Prodigal Daughter: Returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://amzn.to/3Vp9Tcg House of Glory: Poems for Latter-day Saints https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSF2FBF2 Faith & Doubt: Poems for Troubled Times https://books2read.com/u/mg5Qv6

https://www.plantwhys.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠comeback⁠⁠

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Kat's testimony of the strength that comes within God's church - that she couldn't find anywhere else May 26, 2024

"The thought of the temple came to my mind and to my heart so clearly that I had a homesickness for it. I also had a remembrance that I could go there and within those walls, while not everything is solved or fixed, everything is okay. You leave feeling like everything is okay. You're elevated. At that moment, I'm like, I know I have to take the steps to get back to the temple. I have to make this an active part of my life - not just a thought. I have to say that receiving the restoration of my temple blessings was the most incredibly profound experience I've had in coming to know the power - the atoning power - of my Savior, Jesus Christ." contact Kat: knelsonartist@gmail.com

https://www.plantwhys.com/⁠⁠comeback⁠

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Paula was the only black member of her family, after her first boyfriend she realized she was gay. How she has battled and overcome her trials May 19, 2024

"When I was in Young Women's, one of the themes was... I'm a daughter of Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him. You always say those things but I never really thought about what it really meant. And then I really thought about it one time, like, I'm a daughter of Heavenly Father. Which means if I have inherited things from my earthly parents, I must have inherited things from my heavenly parents. That means I have a divine potential. We all have divine potential! Which means that we can do things that we cannot even imagine. There are people doing things around us that we never thought possible until somebody does it. Just the knowledge that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father and Mother and that they really love me. They know me. They know everything about me. They know more about me than I know. Knowing that gives me so much strength. So now every day I use this as an affirmation. I say to myself, I'm a daughter of heavenly parents. I have divine potential. I have the power to overcome everything. I have Christ -like love inside of me. I receive this love from others and I give this love to other people. Doing this makes me strong, it helps me keep the commandments."

Link to Paula's eBook:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/paula-andriessen-and-debbie-drennan-bennett-and-heidi-gassman-yates-and-griffins/the-power-to-overcome-everything-ebook/ebook/product-w4vzkzv.html?page=1&pageSize=4

https://www.plantwhys.com/comeback

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Brett served a mission and went to BYU where he studied the sciences. He then became atheist and after years of thoughtful studying was reconciled to the gospel of Jesus Christ. May 14, 2024

"I've read a lot about history, like the founding fathers and enlightenment and tried to really get into their heads of how they thought. I feel like they had a kind of expansive view of Christ. They thought that His teachings of the golden rule applied not only to bringing brownies to your neighbor, but also in big things like how you structure the government. I feel like what's happened over time is kind of a shrinkage where if you have problems with your plumbing, you call a plumber. You're not like, oh, let me go look in the Bible. Over time, I think what's happened is if you have an economics question or if you have an ethics question, you go to the economist, or you go to the ethicist. I feel like what's happened is that the influence that Jesus has and the gospel has is kind of shrinking as it's being crowded out by these secular theories, which again, if they pointed back to gospel truths, that would be okay, but they didn't seem to, at least in my opinion. So that was one last thing that just drove me crazy. I had to figure out who was right. Either the economists are right or Jesus is right. My money's on Jesus."

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/brett_alder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brett.alder/

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Tony started to explore the New Age movement and found himself in a dark place. How the Book of Mormon brought him clarity. May 05, 2024

"There is a truth and there is a line. I did cross that line and I am back. Christ is our savior. He did do what he did. There is evil. I felt it. I felt it on a stage. I felt the coldness of being on that stage in front of an entity of evil spirits. I felt it to my core. It made me shake I felt it so much. I've also stood next to President Nelson. he came to our mission and I got to look at him and be with him. And I felt on fire. I felt calm. I felt peace. And so I knew at that moment, and this, by the way, was the week that President Monson had died and President Nelson was being put in as prophet."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After experiencing the loss of his young son, Jason quit going to church. He suffered years of hardship, eventually leading him back to the temple with his family. Apr 28, 2024

"We need to learn how to let go of those things. We can't focus on the bad things. We have to move along. We have to move forward. It is hard. It is very, very hard. It's very challenging, but it's not impossible. I can tell you that it's not impossible. For those of you that are struggling with your testimonies and are questioning things about the church, ask Heavenly Father. You've got to get it from the direct source. Don't go looking at videos and don't go talking to people that you're not sure of. Just get down and ask God, because he will tell you and he has his own ways of telling you. It may not be something huge. He may not open the heavens to you with all this dramatic stuff that some of us are looking for. Sometimes it takes that one little small, tiny, still voice to resonate in our soul."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Joanne's marriage was failing, turning back to Jesus Christ gave her strength and the enlightenment she needed to change her life. Apr 21, 2024

"I would tell my mom, it's just so enlightening. That's the only word I could think of when I would talk to her, that it's so enlightening. So I'm doing all these things, and everything at home is a big fat mess. But everything I was learning at church just all made sense. And it's funny because I had learned those things before, but now it was different because I was trying to gain my own testimony. Everything just clicked for me, the restoration made sense and I wanted to learn more. I really wanted the husband to go on this journey with me, but he just wasn't really having it. So things got pretty bad where I felt like he needed to move out. I remember every step I would take, I would pray like, 'okay, Heavenly Father, I think this is the right thing. I'm going to do it unless you tell me not to,' is usually how I would approach it. And every time I did that, it was almost right afterwards I would get some kind of confirmation blessing that told me yes."

https://www.plantwhys.com/free-1-week-meal-guide

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Despite having witnesses of God's love at a young age, Lance started struggling with his testimony as an elders quorum president. How focusing on the basics brought him clarity. Apr 14, 2024

"In the New Testament there is a story where Jesus heals a blind man and it says: Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. That's how it was for me, all the sudden it just hit me and I thought: I can't explain all these things, all I can say is I have felt God's love, I have felt Jesus's love and I have felt forgiven for my sins. I have felt the joy that comes from being able to change. I can't explain all these things, I can only know what has happened to me."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Happy Conference Weekend - A short message for our listeners Apr 07, 2024

We want to thank all of you for your love and support. We wouldn't be able to do this without you! Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/comebackpodcast?ref=comebackpodcast.org

Merch:https://come-back-merch.myshopify.com/?ref=comebackpodcast.org

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Scripture Central's Neal Rappleye tells the come back story of Martin Harris, one of three witnesses of The Book of Mormon Apr 01, 2024

"He comes back and he doesn't know everything, he doesn't know the doctrine super well. But he has a powerful testimony that he can bear and he can share with people. A little while later he and some of the brethren in Salt Lake decide to go on a carriage ride up the eastern bench of the mountains. They decide to pull the curtains on the carriage so that they can see out the window and see the view. And when that happens, Martin sees the valley lying before him, he sees everything that's been built up, and all the saints and how large of a population is out there, and he is just stunned by it. Martin's been spending all his time in this little podunk town, Kirtland, where there's hardly anyone who will take him seriously and listen to his testimony. Then he has this reaction where he says, 'who would have thought the Book of Mormon could do all this?'" https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/author/Rappleye,%20Neal https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/tags/martin-harris https://evidencecentral.org/evidence/martin-harris https://witnessesofthebookofmormon.org/three-witnesses/martin-harris/

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Scott and Melissa got married with the intent to never be active members in the LDS church - until they began drawing closer to their Savior and were led back. Mar 24, 2024

I started to get promptings and I was like, 'I'm going to go read the Bible at the temple.' I still had no inclination of going back to the church. Zero. So why did that make sense to me? I don't know. But I went to the temple and parked in the parking lot and just read my Bible at five in the morning. There was one morning when I was just reading the Bible in the temple parking lot and had words in my mind that I knew weren't mine. It just said, 'you need to go to the temple.' And I was like, 'God, I hear you, but what other churches have temples? Because that's not the one that I want to go to.' But I was like, message received. Then it took some time, and I started to feel promptings that I should open the Book of Mormon. This was all in secret because I knew that Melissa wouldn't approve or that it would upset her. So I was reading the Book of Mormon and then at some point this really strong witness came that this was the church that I needed to be going to."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rte6B5TyT0

https://www.plantwhys.com/free-1-week-meal-guide

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Shannah grew up in an unstable environment and left the church at a young age. Fifteen years later she re-enters the waters of baptism. Mar 17, 2024

"The community is really awesome and going to school is really awesome. But I'm happier now because I have a healed, happy, healthy, strong relationship with Jesus Christ and with Heavenly Father. I have peace in a way I never had before. I did a lot of healing from my traumas on my own in secular therapy but this has brought me beyond healing, it's brought me to hope and trust. That's why I'm happier, it's just been so amazing. The saying is true, you do become a new creature in Christ. I still look at the things I'm doing and am surprised."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

A mother/daughter duo - Laura and Chelsea share their journey as Laura returns to the church after watching her daughter, Chelsea, convert. Mar 10, 2024

"I just had the desire. I thought in order to be baptized, that I had to know everything about the religion. Just like I told her "you gotta know, you better know." So I wasn't planning on getting baptized so quickly until I read Alma 32:27. It says you just have to have a desire and God will do the rest. And I was like, I have a desire, I really do. I have felt so good about this. I've been going from summertime until April. I decided to start reading the Book of Mormon in January so by April I was devouring it. I was mind blown by all of the truths. I couldn't believe it. I love the Book of Mormon. It's amazing! It's so relatable, you know, to your life. You can just see yourself."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Dallyn was exposed to anti content on his mission, since then he has spent a lot of time reading everything he could find. Why he chooses to stay despite the naysayers. Mar 03, 2024

"When I compared what I heard from the antagonistic point of view to what I saw in my wife or my children or my parents or my brothers or in my bishopric or the relief society presidency. When I compared what everyone was saying on the antagonistic side of the coin to everything I saw in real life. It didn't make sense .They were saying such terrible, horrible things, but I'm like everything I'm seeing is good. I'm not seeing perfection. But everywhere I look, I look at all my brothers and they don't cast stones. They don't teach to be against any group of people or anything. They're just loving and kind with their fair share of mistakes and with their fair share of issues."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Aubrey's postpartum depression was so severe she felt she was losing everything she loved, then Christ came and lifted her back up. Feb 25, 2024

"I felt so confused. I would listen to something that was negative and then I'd listen to something that was positive for the church. And it felt like I couldn't be in the right mindset to fully grasp what they were talking about. So I needed to just turn it all off and go directly to the scriptures and Heavenly Father. That is where I found absolute truth, it was in the source. Even this conversation, this can be a beautiful spiritual conversation you and I have, but if someone is actually just questioning and none of this is helpful to hear, then turn me off, turn my voice off and go directly to Heavenly Father and talk to Him. He is our truth, He knows the truth of everything. So instead of trying to seek for truth here or there, I would just turn it off and go directly to Him."

https://www.aubreygrossen.com/

https://www.amazon.com/He-Came-Me-Stories-Modern-Day/dp/B0C6BXJ3F8

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

At a young age Julio struggled to reconcile being gay and an active member of the LDS church. After living an alternative lifestyle, he turns to Christ and his heart is transformed. Feb 18, 2024

"Jesus' first miracle was to transform water into wine. It was almost a foreshadowing of what He can do. He can transform things, He can transform people. I feel like that's what He's done with my life. Not about being gay -- it's never been just about that. But going from pride and not knowing, to knowing good from evil and becoming perhaps a little bit more humble than I was back then. I just love the teachings of the church around family, without that, I would not have even tried to have a family."

https://youtu.be/i7gfejDrdn8?si=MPfYluHfW1c3DNPw

https://www.northstarsaints.org/

ACT IN DOCTRINE by Elder Bednar

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After leaving the church, Elise felt misunderstood. How God reached out, softened her heart and helped her marriage. Feb 12, 2024

"For anyone who has left and even has the smallest desire to come back, one thing that I would say to you is: I could have left my marriage and maybe I could have healed. But me healing within my marriage was like nothing else. I don't know that I could have healed another way. Sometimes people need to come back to heal within the church; maybe they feel like the church broke them and the church caused them a lot of pain. I see that, but that might be just the place that you could come back to. And if you can heal there, it's such a deep part of us, and if you can come back there to heal, it's like nothing else."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Growing up Hayden's family was in and out of the gospel. As he began experiencing difficulties in his new marriage he learned the importance of making and keeping covenants. Feb 06, 2024

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"Once I got to the celestial room I was just sitting and thought 'I am ready, 100% if you tell me to do something I will do it.' I sat there for 20-30 minutes and nothing was coming to me. At this point I was beginning to remember what the Spirit felt like and what promptings felt like because I had experienced a lot of that on my mission. After sitting there for 45 minutes all of a sudden it was like a bus and boom I heard 'You need to be in the church, I have a lot of plans for you, you need to be here.' It was like a light switch after that, I had conviction not just in school but in every part of my life. Things I had never been able to accomplish before I was now able to do."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Stephen Murphy left the church after being exposed to anti-Mormon content. After much studying and researching, he returned. Jan 28, 2024

"I remember my dad, he sent me an apologetic video -- initially I was like 'dad I don't want to listen to this pseudo scholarship, this mental gymnastics the church isn't what it claims to be, come on give it a rest.' He was like just watch it. I sort of recognized that I'm not being very open-minded, I'm not willing to listen. I'd already come to a firm conclusion so I was like fine I'll watch it. It was by a guy called Bruce Porter and it was about the connections and correspondences and parallels between our temple endowment and ancient Egyptian temple rituals. If I'm being intellectually honest and consistent, just as I couldn't deny that there are things which are similar - if not identical, between a Masonic ritual and the temple endowment, there were things which correspond quite well. So I was like, 'okay, I can understand why a true believer they might think that the temple endowment is like a restoration of an ancient temple ritual.' So that sort of sparked some curiosity and I started to explore more evidence for things like this."

Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/ @mormonismwiththemurph

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

David Alexander grew up Christian but found most faiths to be unfulfilling. After searching for 47 years he found the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized. Jan 22, 2024

"From then on, I'd listen to conference talks, I'd been studying the Bible and just trying to sort everything out. All these bombs would be going off in my heart -- where everything that I'd learned for 47 years just melted seamlessly into the restoration. It's just the most amazing thing, beyond human understanding as far as I'm concerned. It's like a class triple A miracle! I haven't even scratched the surface of the vastness of the Restoration! As soon as I really humbled myself it just began to open up to me. It still took me another two months after that before faith completely came to me and I heard powerfully and definitively in my heart that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God."

https://www.youtube.com/@davidmalvinalexander

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

What is the CES Letter and why you shouldn't let it shake your faith | Q&A with Sarah Allen Jan 14, 2024

"How I handle things when I have questions is I do my own studying and I look at things from different sides, but I always lean on Heavenly Father, I always keep Him in the loop. I always tell Him what I am questioning, what I am struggling with and He always points me to sources that help. Sometimes it takes a while, the answers don't always come right away. But He always points me to something that helps me understand things or helps me feel at peace about it even if I don't fully understand it."

PSA: The Letter For My Wife is another anti LDS document that Sarah is writing a rebuttal to on FAIR

https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Sarah_Allen_CES_Response_Posts

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Unexpected pain and loss led Susan to leave the church, after 15 years away she returned. Jan 07, 2024

"There were a lot of small steps along the way, and then one day I had a revelation. A voice came to my head, it was my first spiritual experience in 15 years and it said: "your family needs you, it's time for you to go back to the church." And I just said who are you? But I knew what I heard and I knew what had happened and it was a faith filled journey from there. I had to rethink things again. One thing I thought about was the story of Rip Van Winkle. It was like all the sudden I woke up and thought how did I get here? What am I doing on the side lines? Why am I not in the church anymore? I just felt upside down."

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/waiting-for-the-prodigal?lang=eng

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Josh's faith crisis began during law school and progressed as he began practicing law. After many years of reconstructing he shares his wisdom and powerful testimony of the Savior's church. Dec 18, 2023

"A faith journey is a long conversation. One of the things that gave me great comfort when I came back to the church was reading the story of Abraham. The father of the three western religions would sometimes go decades between spiritual manifestations. If Abraham is going decades between spiritual manifestations, you might go decades too and that's ok. Remember that it is a long process, the sooner you can get back to having the faith of a child the shorter your faith crisis is going to be because those spiritual manifestations are real."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Aaron opens up about his struggles with addiction stemming from his parents' divorce and how he used the atonement to heal. Dec 10, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"I was able to bring suppressed memories to the surface, deal with it as an adult, go back and forgive my mom and forgive myself. That was when real healing began. If you are holding a grudge against someone -- no matter how bad it was -- number one you have to forgive them, or else you will get eaten up. You aren't hurting anyone but yourself if you're not forgiving someone. Number two pray, and God will guide you on how to do that. That is where healing came, it was still a process and work but then I was able to deal with committing to someone and not running. I no longer had the desire to use women anymore because I had dealt with that."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After many years of struggling with alcohol abuse, Kayci - a single mom, returned to the church Dec 06, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"Coming back has really given me insight on where I want to be and who I want to be. Navigating my life through some of these changes is going to take some time. I can always hit my knees in prayer, it doesn't matter where I am, I find myself praying all the time."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Mark lived a picture perfect life until he fell into temptations in adulthood. After stealing from his work he surrendered to the Lord and completely changed his life. Nov 26, 2023

"Besides my family leaving me, my life couldn't get any worse. I had hit rock bottom. I met with my bishop and stake president -- in my mind I had strayed too far from the path. I just couldn't see myself becoming the person that I once was. The missionary I was, bearing testimony of Jesus, bringing people to Jesus, and being worthy to exercise the priesthood. It just seemed too distant. But they said I could be clean through the atonement of our savior, Jesus Christ and I could come back from this. I believed them and I had hope in what they said, that's all I had to go on was hope."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

With Jen's faith in Christ, her life was changed from being a homeless meth addict to helping others. Nov 19, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"There is a song by David Archuleta called Glorious and he talks about how we all have times in our life where we feel aimless and we can't see where we belong and we can't see where we fit. That life is this beautiful symphony we all have parts that we contribute to make that melody the masterpiece that it is. If you haven't figured out your part yet then just keep listening, you will figure it out. In that moment I translated that to stay on the planet a little longer, you haven't figured out what your part is yet. So I decided I would give this prayer thing a chance. I drove my truck to my storage unit that I was living in and turned off the car. I turned to God as if He was sitting in the seat next to me and I just started pouring my heart out to Him." https://turtleshelterproject.org https://instagram.com/turtleshelterproject?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA== https://www.facebook.com/turtleshelterproject

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Matt shares his struggles of overcoming rejection when he converted to the church as a young adult, as well as overcoming challenging things he since learned within church history. Nov 12, 2023

"I may be crazy, but I'm not crazy because I joined the church, it is one of the few good decisions that I have made in my life. I have investigated everything I can find about the church. I've read every negative publication that is noteworthy, I've listened to people share their exit stories. The only reason that I am here is because it is true, The reason I know it is true is because of the experiences that I have had. I hope if someone is thinking about coming back, just do it. Your life will be better, your posterity will thank you for making it through the hard times. I believe all the Church's truth claims. I am happy to be here and that I am still a member going to church."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Alayna's mission ended abruptly due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. She found healing and closure as she returned to visit two years later. Nov 05, 2023

"Remember all those miracles and the steps you had to take that you made it through to get where you are now? The same God who called me to Spain, called me home. My Heavenly Father knows me so much and so personally, He knew I wanted to go to Spain. He knew I needed to meet the people that I met. He has shown again and again throughout my life the truth that I am His daughter and that He knows me personally and that He loves me. That was this thought I held onto the most."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Justin's struggles took a toll on his growing family. After realizing what is most important, he was able to turn his heart to Jesus Christ and get his family back. Oct 31, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised. "I still remember the very day that I was with my family again for the first time when my wife decided that was ok. We went to Hogle Zoo in the dead of winter in January. It was one of the most beautiful memories I have ever had. I can still picture it so vividly. We were almost the only ones at the zoo, the snow was lightly falling, and it was such a spiritual and beautiful moment. I looked at my wife and my two boys and I was thinking I know this is what I want. I started to have that celestial mindset which shifted my whole perspective on life and how I live it now."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbrey?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app https://hearebrotherhood.app.link/J3QAubu7fDb

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Kevin opens up about his struggles with addiction and how his life journey has strengthened his testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Oct 22, 2023

"100% I have not lived the principles of this church, but I do my best where I stand now to lift where I stand. Even if the principles of this church weren't true I'm better off by observing the law of tithing, I'm better off by bettering my health, I'm better off by attending church, and I'm better off by doing things that benefit others like be kind, be human, and be respectful."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Eric's experience rebuilding his faith, beginning with the prophet Joseph Smith. Oct 15, 2023

"I had this amazing experience where I looked at this little stone that said "here is where Joseph Smith was born." I had the most peaceful, beautiful experience where I could feel God's love for Joseph Smith, just the love that he was a child of God and that God loved him. That was such a balm to my soul. Then I was able to go back throughout the years and build back this extremely strong testimony of how God calls prophets."

https://www.youtube.com/@themenwholovegod/featured

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Emily's battle with cancer strengthened her testimony of The Book of Mormon and her relationship with her savior, Jesus Christ. Oct 11, 2023

"After chemo so much of what I thought was my identity was gone. I needed to know who I was. I feel like there is so much power in knowing where we came from and why we are here on earth and where we are going in the next life. It means so much to me."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Tawnyas' scrupulosity impacts every aspect of her life. How she has learned to rely on her Savior for strength. Oct 02, 2023

"Everything became so muddled and I became so confused. Had it not been for the experiences I had I could not have lasted, I would not have made it. Because I knew God exists. I had taken those things out of the box and looked at them and said yes I know He is there, I know He loves me. That is one for sure I could put on display on my shelf."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Maxine, a historian and theologian, was excommunicated after publishing a book about early Mormon feminism. After years of studying other religions she was rebaptized into the LDS church. Sep 24, 2023

"I had been serving in a private chapel for 13 years and when I came back into the ward and sat there and felt the Spirit of the body of Christ in that ward I just started sobbing, I couldn't stop crying. It felt like I was immersed in an ocean of love and light because the body of Christ is so alive in Mormonism and in sacrament meeting."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Kenna grew up in the LDS church and experienced abuse from priesthood holders. This led to trauma that drew her away from the church, until she began to see God's hand guiding her back. Sep 17, 2023

"Loving people that are different from us is what it's about. We are not here to perfect anyone else. We are here to become perfected in Christ and learn of Him, and feel His love, and one of the best ways that I have felt His love and continue to feel His love is by loving other people."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Season 1 Wrap Up - We love our Come Back Family Aug 27, 2023

Hey there! This episode is going to be a bit different than what you are used to. Ashly explains the exciting things that we have coming for season 2! We have been working really hard on some new things and will be taking a short break. In the meantime head over to our Instagram page and check out the giveaway that we are doing this week. It ends Wednesday, September 6th 2023 and is a chance to win our entire book club collection plus a print of your choice from our sponsor Jesus Is The Christ Prints! Thanks for helping us build this wonderful community, we love you guys!

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Andrew left the church after feelings of rejection by fellow members. Through the Spirit of Christ he was drawn back. Aug 20, 2023

"Actively go out of your way to show your LGBTQ children that you love them, be patient with them whether they have told you about their life 10 years ago or 5 minutes ago, it is because they want you on their path. You're better off loving them and listening to them."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Hannah gradually went inactive as a young adult. After experiencing many hardships, she found herself being fellowshipped back by her friends and family. Aug 13, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised. "I am so grateful for the fact that I have a family that cared enough about me to keep in contact with me even though I didn't keep in contact with them. And the people in my life that could see I was struggling and still made the effort to be a part of my life. I am eternally grateful for them because I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have those people in my life that made an effort."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Missy lived a tumultuous life of addiction until she turned her life over to God and returned to her faith. Aug 06, 2023

"I have felt the atonement take a burden off of my shoulders and literally remove it. It is a weight I didn't even realize I had been carrying. It was a freedom and a light in my life that I had lived so long without. When you have a moment or experience like that and when you walk in darkness and then come into the light, there is no going back."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

In three months, Landon went from being an influential member of the anti-mormon community, to baptizing two of his daughters. Jul 30, 2023

"I still don't know why stuff has happened the way that it has happened. But that feeling I had when I walked out of that meeting with my bishop - it wasn't just like 'yeah maybe I will go back I haven't felt the spirit in a while.' No, I was both feet in going to Deseret Book to buy garments. It all came flooding back. Whatever he wanted me to do I was in."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Life was good for Shane and his young family, but after experiencing health issues he found himself on his knees and rediscovering his faith Jul 23, 2023

"One day I get on my knees and say, "God I'm all in, but I cannot not drink a beer again or give 10% of my money and wear garments if I don't know. I promise I will help bring people to you and be all in but I have got to know. A few weeks later I was having a hard time again and I walked into the bathroom and saw the Book of Mormon sitting there. As soon as I see it I have this thought very clear and very strong "the answers to all the problems in your life are in that book." It was super powerful and hit me hard, My feelings of sadness went away and I could tell that was God talking to me - that was personal revelation."

Come Back Team:

Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone

Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose

Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson

Editor: Michelle Berger

Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After partying through High School and College, Brooke desperately needed change. She turned toward her Savior and found the light she needed in her life Jul 17, 2023

"Even though I was by myself going to church, looking back on it, I don't even remember being alone. I didn't feel alone during this entire process of turning back to Him; I wasn't feeling alone anymore and I wasn't scared to go by myself. I got my recommend back and I went to the temple by myself and I never felt alone. I ended up being the happiest I had ever been. I was so excited to have that light come back within me. I just wanted to scream from the rooftops: 'I feel changed, I feel whole!'"
Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After returning to the faith she was brought up in, Katie shares her experience going through a divorce and being a single mom in the church Jul 09, 2023

"I will never forget my kids being dressed in all white and being brought to us at the altar. It will always be one of the most amazing moments of my life because I knew we were going to be together forever."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Wendi's experience living in a marriage with her spouse in a faith crisis. Her advice on how to navigate the complexities while still respecting boundaries. Jul 03, 2023

"Statistically everything was against us at that point. I knew that I would never leave the church because of the spiritual experiences that I had. I had no doubt in my mind I could never give up Christ, the Church, and Heavenly Father and all my knowledge and testimony. I can't give it up, I can't give Joseph Smith up."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Kyle's journey through his struggles and triumphs as he experiences tragedy at a young age. His testimony of God the Father and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jun 25, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"These miracles that I have had in my life will never lead me astray from the church again. I cannot deny these things and it is because of the strength and relationship that I have with my Heavenly Father."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

How Hannah's struggle with Scrupulosity led her to a faith crisis and how she was able to come out stronger on the other side. Jun 18, 2023

"There are going to be things that we don't know, whether it has to do with policies or church history, we may. never have the answers. But that doesn't mean we need to throw away the things that we do know." Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Trevor came back after years of struggling for a direction in life - his inspiring testimony of Jesus Christ Jun 11, 2023

"They sang this song called 'Jesus Comes to Fight For Me' and when I heard that song it was the first time I had felt the spirit in ten years. It was very emotional for me. I had not felt the spirit for a really long time and had been through many trials and tribulations. I was lost and to feel that again was rewarding and it meant there was something out there, that being sober was going to be ok, and that eventually everything would be ok."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Mandy's powerful conversion and how she found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the help of so many around her. Jun 04, 2023

"I ran track so I would go on long runs out in the country by myself. On one run I had stopped to walk for a little bit and I could feel God's presence. I just knew God was trying to say something to me. I felt that He knew me and that He loved me, and that He had a plan for me. There were going to be some scary things that He was going to ask me to do, but I just had to face my fears and if I did I would find out that He was bigger than anything I was afraid of."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jaxon struggled with many aspects of the church as a youth, but he learned the value and power of repentance from his mission, as it brought him closer to Jesus Christ. May 28, 2023

"For the first time in my life I decided to humble myself and say a sincere prayer. I just wanted to know God, are you there? What can I do, what do I need to do? Immediately after saying that I heard a voice "you need to go back on your mission." All of the feelings of anger, frustration, and confusion that I had felt from many past years were gone. I will never forget how at peace I felt and how close to God I felt at that moment. That experience has been the bedrock for everything I have done since in the church because I know that was real."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

A young woman's experience in an abusive relationship that shook her faith. Her story of healing and how it strengthened her faith in Jesus Christ when she turned to Him. May 21, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"Learn to give what you can and stick with it. There are going to be dark valleys but there is light and hope on the other side of them. We're going to have to do some work but balance that with compassion. Move forward and go back to the things that you know, that is why we are counseled to write things down."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Amber grew up in a troubled home, after finding joy reading The Book of Mormon she comes back to the church. She now volunteers with youth and loves being a foster parent. May 14, 2023

"I love watching Jesus Christ work in the hard things. I love watching Him heal others from these hard places. I can go to the temple and feel the spirit, I know I can and I should be there. In the heavy I know I can bring my 5 loaves and 2 fishes. I have so little things that I can offer. My husband and I are in no way perfect foster parents, but our heart is there. If we bring what we have to offer to God He is going to sanctify it and he's going to make it enough."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Don Bradley, a church historian that was disillusioned by Joseph Smith, removed his records. After more studying, he discovered his faith being strengthened and returned to the LDS church. May 07, 2023

"I was seeing all these things where I was like 'Wow - what is the Nauvoo endowment doing in the Book of Mormon?' I had been convinced that Joseph Smith didn't know anything about the endowment until he became a freemason in 1842, instead I was seeing it all over the Book of Mormon. I was seeing it in accounts of Joseph Smith's first vision and acquiring his seer stone. I was seeing it in the accounts of the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon. My mind was kind of blown."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

How wrestling with questions helped Lindsi strengthen her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Apr 30, 2023

"It was as if I was sitting in this mist of darkness and it was like he lifted me up. I saw myself lifted out of this dark cloud and I was up above in the sky and could see the light. I was given a whole new view, all the sudden he was teaching me and he was showing me how he loved me. All the things that I had struggled with I was finally seeing through God's eyes."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Alan opens up about his struggles with mental health and infertility. His story of his return with his family and the miracles that ensued. Apr 23, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"It doesn't matter if it's a baby step or if we are sprinting. He just cares that we are moving forward so that He can bless us. I was standing still and allowed dark thoughts to creep in and lose faith in my Heavenly Father. But the moment I took that step I was flooded with all these blessings."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After high school Josh left the church and became very hostile towards it. After his divorce, a stake president changed his life in a moment the led him back to the waters of baptism. Apr 16, 2023

"In class we had the stake president talking. He was shorter in stature, but just a spiritual giant. I could feel it as he started talking. I was on the fence if I really wanted to investigate the church. He started going back and forth, pacing and talking about Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon and all these factual things. He is a very successful person and I was thinking "How could such a smart guy be fooled by all this, this doesn't make sense." Some of the concerns he was bringing I thought "That's a really good point, I have never thought of that." It was almost like on his piece of paper he had all of my concerns and he was just checking them off one by one. I was just sitting in the corner bawling."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Bekah's experience with family falling away, girls camp, and intimate moments that helped guide her back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Apr 09, 2023

"Be open to other people's opinions. I used to think "this church is either true or it is not." I never thought there could be any grey area. The way I saw everything was so black and white but that is something I have learned, is to be open to other possibilities. Don't just cut everything off because one thing doesn't make sense."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

In Wayne's teenage years he was convinced the church wasn't true, until reading the Book of Mormon proved him wrong. Now an ordained patriarch Wayne testifies of revelation and Christ's gospel. Apr 03, 2023

"If this is a paragraph from your book of possibilities then the only way you get to read the rest of the book is if you record the feelings that you have when you seek revelation from it. So you should start asking questions."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Bruce and Marie Hafen discuss overcoming faith challenges, Neal A. Maxwell, and their organization Faith is Not Blind - November Book Club Mar 29, 2023

"The witness more powerful than sight applies especially to the roles of actual, demanding experience and developing a witness that one knows the Savior. It's one thing to know about Him, or even to see Him, but quite another to know Him. And that higher degree of knowing usually comes after complexity - often it comes because of the complexity."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Bruce, a hippy with a career in the Air Force, finds his way back to the gospel of Jesus Christ and serves a mission with his wife for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mar 26, 2023

"I remember listening to the story "Seventeen Points of the True Church" and thinking that I believe this is all true. I don't need the proof. I knew the church was true and that I needed to come back. That was the beginning of my journey."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Brooke's family left the church when the beliefs of a fringe group appeal to their own ideas. Brooke came back and was soon faced with unresolved questions. Her enlightening story back Mar 19, 2023

"The church is alive, it is a living gospel. The way to know the difference between a live houseplant and a fake houseplant is that the real one has brown spots and dead leaves. There's going to be imperfections in anything that is alive and growing and living. It's just a fact of life. We are all human and make mistakes. The church is a living organism."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After experiencing family struggles, Mandy left the church and became a model in NYC that led her to a drug addiction. Her return to the gospel of Jesus Christ will uplift and inspire you. Mar 12, 2023

"Getting endowed was the most special day in my life. I had never felt so whole inside as a person, without needing someone else's approval. I myself did this, and I am ok with being who I am. I have God with me all the time now, and there is nothing else that you really need. That feeling alone was worth anything."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Ryan's experience with a life altering diagnosis and how it led him back to his Heavenly Father and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mar 05, 2023

"In my patriarchal blessing I was told that my health wasn't going to be an issue, that I was going to be strong and have the strength necessary to serve a mission. There were some great promises about me being able to bear my testimony in another part of the world. The spirit was so strong during that blessing and I knew what the patriarch was saying was coming from my Heavenly Father. That blessing gave me the strength and courage to keep going."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Linda's evolution of asking questions, getting answers, and increasing her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Feb 26, 2023

"One day in sacrament meeting I was worked up about some doctrinal question and the frustration of still not feeling I could get answers to prayer very well. They had announced the closing hymn was "How Firm A Foundation" which is precious to me, I had memorized all 7 verses. As soon as that was announced I had a question in my mind "Heavenly Father, I am believing and I am going, but what do I believe?" I felt the Lord bring into my memory "fear not I am with thee for be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give the aid." With that came the gift of peace right in that moment."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Karl takes us through his life lessons and his journey back to the Savior through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Feb 19, 2023

"I was playing football with my boys and my oldest said "Dad, I really want to go back to church. I miss it." And I asked "Why do you miss it?" And he says "I miss the feeling I had there." Then the other boys chimed in and said they really wanted to go back to Scouts. Then we all hugged and had that moment and they just said "Dad can you take us back to church?" And it just floored me, so I took them the next week."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jared Halverson discusses difficult questions on The Book of Mormon and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ - January Book Club Feb 16, 2023

"If I intend to make a difference in this dispensation, it's gathering together in one all things in Christ. And I need the understanding of my LGBT brothers and sisters. I need the understanding of ex latter-day saints, because they can show us our blind spots in ways no one else can. I need the experiences and perspectives of everyone, until we form one great whole of truth. Until we can say to our parents in heaven "we are all coming home" and that to me is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Drew's struggle with addiction and how he transformed his life by turning to the Savior and coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Feb 12, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"I had never really completely lost my testimony. It was always back there, I would always say I didn't want it. I didn't want my testimony, it was so inconvenient. It frustrated me so bad that I couldn't shake it! I wanted to be able to do this and that and not feel guilty or like I was doing something wrong. It just wouldn't go away! But thank goodness that it didn't, The Savior was not going to give up on me."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Dan shares the lessons he learned during his faith crisis and the spiritual experiences that strengthened his testimony in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Feb 05, 2023

"I was at a friend's house and on my way to a church activity and I had my scriptures. My friend asked me "What are those?" And I said it's my Bible, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants. These are our sacred books in my faith. And he goes "What's the Book of Mormon?" I started to describe what we believe about the Book of Mormon. I specifically said, we believe that some ancient Israelites left Israel and migrated to the Americas. As I was talking with him about this, I got my witness and felt like my whole body was on fire."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

At two years old, Ben Banks survived stage V cancer from a blood transfusion that infected him with HIV. Join us as we hear how he has used these experiences to bless the lives of so many others. Feb 01, 2023

"We all have the ability to impact one another's life. Life is full of making human connections, interacting with people, and helping one another. We all have trials and different experiences, but at the end of the day, we are here to love one another. We are here to lighten each others burdens. And when we see past ourselves that is when I think our Heavenly Parents are the happiest."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Don's sweet testimony and his sacrifices that led him back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jan 29, 2023

"I don't like things that are casual about freedom and I don't like things that are casual about the testimony of the gospel. It is real and it is true. There's no doubt in my mind."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Todd takes us through his intimate story of his struggles with same-gender attraction, addiction, self harm, and how the atonement worked in his life when turning back to The Church of Jesus Christ Jan 22, 2023

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"So I go into disobedience council and I told them my story. The love that these brethren had - how they treated this sinner, how they treated this gay man, was probably the most spiritual experience I have had, and I have had some big ones. These people loved me, this was the atonement. This is how it works. The Lord is going to bless me, He has continually blessed me and forgiven me."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Tad R. Callister answers questions on "A Case For The Book of Mormon" - December Book Club Jan 15, 2023

"The greatest doctrinal truths, to me, is the atonement of Jesus Christ. It's in the Book of Mormon we get the phrase "the Infinite Atonement" and we learn all the ways the atonement is infinite, including being retroactive in time. We can be cleansed before the purchase price ever took place. In the Bible we know that Christ redeemed us from sin and death, but The Book of Mormon teaches us that it also had enabling powers and that He could comfort and strengthen us in our weaknesses and perfect our imperfections. It was not just designed to cleanse us, but to perfect us."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Morgan's phenomenal story about family, uncertainty, and the joys she experienced coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jan 09, 2023

One time my dad called me a few days after the seizure happened and I was trying to explain this feeling to him. I said "Dad I don't know what is going on, I have so much gratitude but at the same time I just had this life altering event. I don't know what happened, if I have some scary thing going on, but I just feel so much gratitude." He answered "I really think that is the spirit telling you that He is there with you and you are on the right track." That very second I connected the dots and I realized this was meant to happen. I had just prayed for an answer, and in the weirdest way, it felt so real to me. Ever since then I knew this was my answer.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Chandler opens up about his many challenges, how he has prevailed, and made his way back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jan 02, 2023

Being an African American in the church has always been interesting, and to say I have never experienced any prejudice from any members in the church would not be true. But my mom always says "Why would I let someone stand between me and God? I just let things like that roll off my back." And I do the same thing.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Mark shares what its like struggling with Type 1 Diabetes and his miraculous journey returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dec 27, 2022

"We went to visit a kid who wanted to serve a mission so his dad comes out and says "I haven't come to church because I'm too embarrassed to come to church. I drink, and I haven't had a job for a year." I got a burning in my bosom and that was the first time I had that, ever. So I knew I needed to speak up and I told him my story. We were standing outside in 26 degree weather teaching them lessons and I couldn't have felt warmer. That family started slowly coming back over the next few months and are now really strong in the gospel."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Tess shares her intimate story of overcoming alcoholism, learning self love and returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dec 18, 2022

"I was in a room filled with other people that had been abused as children and they were talking about how worthless they were and how much they didn't deserve anything. I was looking at all these women who were the most beautiful women, that had this beautiful light to them, telling me how worthless they were. I just thought "oh my gosh these are the most beautiful and amazing women - and they have no idea!" Then the spirit spoke to me and said "that is how I feel about you." From them on, that is when I chose to love myself and chose to see myself as a daughter of God."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Alicia opens up about her struggle with same gender attraction and her reconversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dec 11, 2022

There is absolutely a place for LGBTQ+ in the church. That is because this is Jesus Christ's church and they are children of God, it is that simple. There are a lot of facets to it, but it really is that simple. My testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on my testimony of Jesus Christ being my savior. He is the savior of all mankind. Of everyone who is living, who has ever lived, and who will ever live. Anyone in LBGTQ+ community is not excluded from that. It doesn't make it easy, but I know it is possible because of Him.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Laurel's story of finding peace in coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dec 09, 2022

"One day I had this thought 'I just really want to feel love from my family!'

Then I got this phone call from my mother saying 'Laurel your dad and I want to invite you and your girlfriend over for dinner and games in a couple of weeks.'

That struck a chord because that was the first time that has ever happened, and I was like 'OK awesome!'

The Lord is so in our lives and He recognizes what we want and need and He brings those miracles and tender mercies. With that kind gesture my parents offered me, my heart began to soften, my layers started peeling off, and I started to feel that love and to believe it again."

Laurel shares her story of trying her hardest to serve a mission despite health challenges.

After coming home early from her mission for the second time, she describes the struggles she experienced.

Laurel tried finding happiness outside of the church, and eventually was led back after feeling God reaching out to her.

Laurel now finds peace & joy by serving as a temple worker.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

After experimenting with partying, Chris Warnick shares his story of gaining a testimony on his mission and his passion for spreading the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dec 04, 2022

"As I was packing to go home early from my mission, I saw my Book of Mormon on my bed. I jumped on top of my bed and I clenched the Book of Mormon with both hands. I remember calling out to God "Is this book true or not? I need to know!" The next thing that happened was a wave of the spirit hit me, and then another wave, and another wave. For about two minutes the strongest spiritual wave just kept hitting and every wave was getting stronger and stronger and stronger. Right then I was told by the Spirit, you have been led here. Like D&C 112:10. That scripture is one of my favorite scriptures because I realized I had been led to that point. And that is when I knew I could never deny that experience at that time. I knew it was true and I could never deny that moment that happened in that little trailer."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Wade Brown takes us through his faith crisis and the miracles that led him back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nov 27, 2022

I dusted off my scriptures and let them fall open on a whim of 1% hope and 99% cynicism. My eyes were drawn to 14 words - no more no less - and they were "Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise." Which stunned me and struck me very powerfully. I pondered on that and let that work itself through me. That softened me and opened the door to saying, OK I will go to my family's ward.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Julie's journey, her inspiring testimony of covenants, and coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Nov 20, 2022

"I had to put all of my doubts and all of my fears and all of my anxiety and frustrations on a sacrificial table, and say these stay here and I want the blessings more. So that's what I did, and I met with the bishop and the stake president. That Thursday I went to the temple and the following week the temples were shut down. It was so significant to me how many steps had to be completed and in place in order for my heart to be ready to do that. It was a huge step and something that I never thought I would do...When things were dark and it was hard, to have those extra covenants and blessings were really important to me. There was no accident that it happened the way that it did."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

"The Crucible of Doubt" featuring Terryl Givens - October Book Club Nov 13, 2022

"When the dust settles the only question that really arises to the forefront of my mind is: Does the restoration make God present to me? Do I see God's hand in evidence in the good that the church does, in the good that the gospel accomplishes in the lives of individuals and the access that it gives me to the gifts of the spirit and to the beauties and the truths of eternity? Well, then all the rest is just secondary to that." Join us with guests Lauren Rose and Alba Lucia as we discuss October's Book Club "The Crucible of Doubt" with author Terryl Givens. Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Justin's journey of overcoming addiction and his incredible transformation after treatment and returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nov 09, 2022

"At some point in the program God started to work in my life in a way that I recognized. I was reading through the big book and I came to section 11 that talks about when we retire at night we reflect upon our day and when we wake up in the morning we think about the day ahead. Where have we been dishonest and selfish and where can we be of service to others? As we pause throughout the day when we feel doubtful we seek guidance. I started physically, mentally, and with my heart doing these things and every morning I would get on my knees and I would pray. I would read a passage and think about those things. I thought where can I be of service to others and ask God to help me be of service to others today and to be open to those suggestions. If someone was doing something where I could help I would help, if someone wanted someone to volunteer for something I would volunteer for it. The biggest thing I asked Him for, was to help me do the things I don't want to do today and He did."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jenna's beautiful testimony of the Savior and returning, with her family, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nov 06, 2022

"The thought that I was a square peg trying to fit in a round hole was a big fat lie. Our identity is children of God, and of course we are all misfits, every single one of us is, we all need Christ! No one is the same, there is no perfect member out there, it doesn't exist, it is just a narrative that we tell ourselves and becomes an excuse, it became an excuse for me. We all belong with Christ. Another thing there is a difference between guilt and shame. Guilt can be good as it encourages healthy changes in our lives. Shame is a tool used by the adversary, shame deters us and is more like an external thing, it's about what others think of us. We can shame ourselves but it usually has to do with some sort of external criteria. While guilt is like an internal, motivating process that helps us learn and grow, and that is why we are here! We aren't here for it to be easy. My last takeaway is that Christ is always there waiting for us. Always. He never gives up on us, in the dark times and the low times, especially, He is there. He is just waiting for us to turn our face towards Him. I experienced that and can testify of the deep and incredible love that He has for us, we can always turn back to Him and he can save us. His love is infinite, we don't even have the capacity to understand it right now."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Bridger's incredible story of overcoming his faith crisis and returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Oct 30, 2022

"At one point I was at the lowest of the low and I went to church. During church I just decided "OK I am going to have a reset, I am going to fight my way back." So right there I started cleaning up my social media, putting limits on my phone and getting my calendar updated, those types of things. Then after church my friend invited me to stake choir and I decided to give it a chance. We sat down and sang the song "Be Still My Soul" and that was the second time in my life I felt that burning in the bosom, just straight out of the scriptures. An undeniable feeling, I just remembered it again with the peace and the hope and the optimism, the passion. All of those emotions just came flooding, in what I believe to be the fruits of the spirit."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

A.J. shares his heartfelt journey with us about his struggles with mental health and returning to his faith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oct 26, 2022

"When I got into prison the first thing I asked my family was to send me a triple combination. I had never read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. Prior to that it was piece by piece. It is hard to put into words the amount of darkness you feel while in prison that is surrounding you. You are always reminded of how horrible your decisions are, you are beaten down left and right. I religiously started reading the Book of Mormon everyday, really studying it and trying to understand it and grow my own testimony. I started to notice it brought me so much comfort no matter what was going on around me. My scriptures became a guide and a light to me in such a dark place."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Emma's touching story on her struggle with gender dysphoria and returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Oct 23, 2022

"People ask me how I do this - well, the church is true, and Joseph Smith was a prophet. I have been out in the world and I've looked at so many different things, I have explored a very secular world and there is nothing and nowhere that brings me the kind of joy that I get from going to church."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Amanda's journey overcoming her faith crisis and returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oct 16, 2022

"I just felt an overwhelming rush, a feeling of love that I had never in my whole life felt. It was a lot, it was a lot of feelings and I just collapsed to the floor, I just felt all the weight of everything that had been going on had been lifted and I felt wrapped up in love. I knew that God was telling me that I was doing the right thing and that I needed to take President Nelson seriously and I needed to be listening to his teachings. It is one of those things I still cling to on my bad days because the only way to describe that experience was a complete feeling of God's love."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Bryan Hedin shares his story of overcoming addiction and coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oct 11, 2022

"We did this guided imagery meditation on The Savior my second day on the ranch - and man - I still get the chills and emotional whenever I talk about it. Because as much as I wanted to be mad at God and hold on to that resentment, I just started sobbing, and for me to cry - it's hard for me to get to an emotional place. But when she started that amazing imagery of The Savior, and taking my wounded heart and replacing it with His heart, that is just full of love and light - I was sobbing. And during that, I had this overwhelming feeling and what I heard with my heart was the message that 'I am still here and I have always been here, and if you meet me halfway in this thing - I got you.'"

Bryan shares his story of coming back after addiction, doubts, tough questions, and suicidal thoughts.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Matt Arvidson shares his story of alcoholism, making amends, and the spiritual experiences that led him back to The Church of Jesus Christ. Oct 02, 2022

"I felt the spirit and I knew this was true, and I went back to church. It was like putting a glove on, an old good fittin' glove that just feels so good. I remember the very first time I went back to church in a decade - I went by myself - I didn't go with my wife. And they sang my mother's favorite hymn and my deceased brother Blake's favorite song. His was the first song and my mom's was the sacrament hymn, and I just sobbed through that whole meeting. I don't remember a word anyone said, not a word. I just remember those two hymns, they were beautiful, and I felt that spirit come over me. It was so powerful and I got up after that meeting and walked up to the bishop and said 'Hi my name is Matt Arvidson and I need to get my life in order.'" - Matt

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Julie's triumphant story of coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after childhood traumas, the military, and divorce. Sep 28, 2022

Julie was raised in the church.

At a young age she was the victim of sexual abuse.

After her father and grandfather were arrested for abuse, she had to deal with the repercussions of everyone she knew treating her different because of the situation, including ward members.

She struggled finding places to live, and eventually enlisted in the army.

She met a man that became her husband, and they started taking missionary discussions together and he was baptized.

Later she found out things were not what they seemed to be in her marriage, and it ended in divorce.

Julie came back to Utah and found love and hope in new friends.

She witnessed miracles that pushed her back to the gospel.

Today, Julie's love for the gospel & the peace that radiates through her life, is evident.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Leo: Coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after extensively studying anti-Mormon propaganda. Sep 26, 2022

Leo started to grapple with his faith when he started uncovering information about church history that he had never heard before. It sent him down a rabbit hole of information that caused him to question everything he had ever been taught. A series of miraculous events pushed Leo back to the church, he couldn't deny God's hand in his life. Leo is back as a fully active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He uses his experience to help others stay on the covenant path with his non-profit called Uplift Community of Faith. One of the most powerful moments of the podcast episode was when I asked Leo if he has any doubts or concerns that still bother him, to which he simply replied - no.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jasmine from Book of Mormon Central: Answering HARD Questions! Sep 22, 2022

*DISCLAIMER* This podcast goes into some of the more in depth questions that can be challenging for church members to grapple with.*

I am a huge fan of Jasmine's. Her knowledge and testimony of the gospel is incredible. I have seen several of her videos and knew that I wanted her to join the podcast and give answers to some of the tough questions that can challenge a persons testimony, and ultimately refine it to be more mature.

Questions in regards to the history of the church can ultimately lead to strength and more assurance of our testimony if we can turn to the Lord.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Nichelle Nelson shares her story of coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as her experience in a mixed faith marriage. Sep 18, 2022

Nichelle Nelson shares her amazing story of why she chose to come back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after exploring other religions, and being out of the church for a number of years.

Nichelle reconverted to the church without her husband, and she shares her experience of a mixed faith marriage.

You will love this story of faith & hope.

"I prayed so hard for the desire to want to change.

I know without a doubt I could not have done that without our savior Jesus Christ.

There was another force, another power that made it possible for me to change because I, myself, could not have done that." - Nichelle

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Alba Lucia: Coming Back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after divorce and exposure to anti-Mormon propaganda Sep 11, 2022

“I had been faithful and active all my life. I held callings, served a mission, was sealed in the temple and everything that was considered “on the path”.

Then, in the middle of a divorce at a young age (only 23), my husband shared his years of research against the church and I took in all of it in a few short months. Podcasts, videos, blogs, forums, articles, books, etc against the church, “proving” that the doctrine was completely false.

Pretty soon, not only had I announced to my family I was leaving the church, but I didn’t even believe in God at all anymore. Religion seemed silly and naive. Something made up by well-meaning people to help others navigate the difficulties of life. But the Mormon religion seemed especially repulsive. The church felt cultish and dark and I felt relief to know better and be free from it.

Then one afternoon, while thinking about my new life…the spirit led me to important questions. How would I explain to my children that our extended family was religious but we were not? If leaving the church means more money, more time on the weekends and less rules, am I taking an easier path?

Did I REALLY know for sure that God wasn’t real? Could I, with my limited understanding, so easily settle a matter that has been debated for centuries by the brightest minds in history? And then I thought, if it’s not real…then you just die and nothing matters. But what if it is? IF this is real…EVERYTHING matters. I won’t know for certain either way so maybe I need to give it a chance. I decided I needed more information so I could be certain.

So I searched MORE, asked MORE and Gods answers came. Slowly over the next two years I received line upon line and rebuilt my testimony like a convert learning these truths for the first time.

A mentor that knew of my struggles suggested that I read "The Crucible of Doubt" by the Givens. I read it all in one day and felt a flood of spiritual reassurance and power that I hadn't felt in a long time. I knew I was onto something.

So I started with the basics. If I want to know if God existed, maybe I should try praying to Him. If I want to learn about Christ, maybe I should read about Him. Read what He taught and said. I decided that I might never believe in God again fully or have a testimony like I once did but that I wanted to live my life as if it were ALL true. Just in case.

My first bishop back was a huge blessing. He assigned me to teach 4 year olds in primary. It was the ABSOLUTE perfect thing my fragile spirit needed. When I wanted to go to the temple, that bishop asked me all the questions.

In all of my answers I told him that I did not know. I was not sure about any of it, but that I wanted to learn and felt the temple could help me in some way.

He told me that there was no better place for me to learn and gave me a recommend. With each small and unsure step I took toward Him, God blessed me with just enough of the spirit's reassurance to take me onto the next step.

I studied and prayed. A lot. And I learned and learned and the spirit gave me such strong witnesses of the truths that I was slowly relearning.

I learned the pattern that we are always taught in the church but are too skeptical to take literally; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. It took two years for me to gain the conviction I had lost and much much more.”

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Dusty Smith: From anti-Mormon, to Coming Back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sep 08, 2022

Dusty Smith converted to the church, served a mission, and was pen pals with Elder Perry.

After encountering "anti-Mormons" for the first time, he started researching church topics that he had never heard before In church history.

Dusty left the church for 26 years.

He spent those years doing everything he could to tear down the church. He debated In online forums with members, trying to prove the church wasn't true.

After many miracles, including a priesthood blessing and a miraculous healing.. Dusty came back.

One of his favorite people to debate the church with, had been putting his name on the temple prayer roll for years. Dusty says his love and prayers led to his coming back.

Dusty baptized, and was sealed to his wife.

Now he does everything he can to make up for his years of attacking... including having his story of redemption told by Elder Uchtdorf In conference.

Dusty's message to you: "Remember, Heavenly Father love you as much as if you were the only person on the planet. No matter what happens In your life, Heavenly Father will always believe In you."

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Preston Dixon, owner of Renaissance Ranch Treatment Center, shares his story of coming back to God, and The Church of Jesus Christ. Sep 04, 2022

Preston shares his story of overcoming addiction, coming back to God, and going on to run a treatment center based on gospel principals.

"It starts in the quiet moments. When you are in the quiet moments and you feel like something is missing.. and you start remembering what life was like when you had the spirit with you and you had that natural joy. I think the world is really good at distracting us, and we can stay busy most of the time if we really want to. But the things that are significant, the things that really help us align with our purpose & values, and bring us fulfillment, aren’t from this world."

"I asked God if he knew who I was and if he cared about me. I got on my knees to pray and I had this overwhelming feeling of a spiritual warm blanket, hugged me. I felt God’s love. After that experience, I felt different. I had hope again. I knew God really was there. It was life changing. "

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Lauren Rose shares her experience of finding hope in returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aug 28, 2022

"When I came back to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was so humble and so broken.

I didn't go to the church just wanting it to be true.

I wanted to find the truth wherever it was, and I was willing to go anywhere to find it.

I didn't have an agenda. I wasn't searching for a church that fit with MY ideas - I had no ideas. I knew I was wrong.

I was genuinely searching for the truth and that is what made the difference for me.

I was like this sponge that was just soaking everything in.

I kept thinking about how different my family's lives would have been had we stayed in the church.

I was filled with regret.

I was also so freed, because I had so much hope.

Once I found out there was a God, everything changed and there was a light inside of me.

People could see it.

I was so genuinely happy." -Lauren

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Cheryl Hill shares her inspirational story of overcoming adversity and coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aug 21, 2022

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content that may be triggering or offensive to some audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

"Let me tell you something Ashly, one of the most painful, soul ripping things that happened to me, was the day I took off my garments. I can’t even begin to tell you… did I have a testimony? Apparently I did. Because, when I took those garments off, and I still have the picture in my head of those garments laying in a heap on the floor. When I took them off I knew I wasn’t going to put them back on."

After being sexually abused as a child, Cheryl dealt with many trials in her younger years. Eventually she left the church, and grew to hate it.

Cheryl experienced many small miracles that pushed her back to the church.

This is her story of coming back.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Portia Louder's incredible journey of Coming Back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aug 14, 2022

Portia shares her experience of growing up in a non traditional home and coming back to the church after going through teen pregnancy, drugs, adoption, getting sober, and then eventually going to prison.

Portia is an incredible person who puts her heart into sharing her story to influence for good. She helps run the "Worldwide United" page on Facebook that has over 500k members. She shares her story with missionaries at the MTC, works with recovering addicts, and many others who are trying to find their way.

Her story is one you don't want to miss.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Police officer of 16 years, SVU detective, and SWAT team member shares his story of coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aug 07, 2022

Jason Ruch, police officer of 16 years, SVU detective, SWAT team member, shares his story of coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ, after divorce, being excommunicated and battling alcohol.

He shares his experience of how losing his dad made his heart yearn for peace.

Jason is now married in them temple, has an incredible family and love for the gospel.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jr. Taimi - From Gangs & Prison, to Baptism & Temple Covenants Jul 31, 2022

Jr. Taimi's life was drugs and gangs when he was just a kid. He was incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit, lost his mom while he was in prison, and experienced many other heartbreaking tragedies.

After coming home from prison, he was at the dinner table with his family and his daughter said a prayer that would change the course of his life. He knew that wherever she learned to pray like that was somewhere he wanted to be.

Jr. met with the missionaries and debated the church's teachings with them. When he learned about eternal families, and gained the knowledge that he could see his mom again, he knew he wanted to be baptized and 3 years later, he and his wife Asia were sealed in the temple.

They now run a group home in St. George, UT, & give back to kids who struggle. They say the difference in their program, is that they treat everyone who enters like children of God.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

Jesse Stone- Baseball, Addiction, and Coming Back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jul 24, 2022

Jesse shares his story of coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after getting sent home from his mission due to addiction. Jesse shares his powerful testimony of the gospel, and the miracles that have happened in his life.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

My Story of addiction and finding love and self acceptance in Coming Back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jul 17, 2022

Ashly shares her story of coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after a heroin addiction, and multiple stays in rehab and jail. Greg, shares his experience being with Ashly during her journey, and also his experience of losing his dad in a drowning accident at 15 years old, and how he has anchored his testimony to that experience.

Come Back Team: Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson Editor: Michelle Berger Art Director: Jeremy Garcia

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