Meet the Mentors — Janis

As a member for 34 years, I served two stake missions, married a returned missionary, had three children, and sent a daughter on a full-time mission. I was teacher of the Gospel Doctrine class, Relief Society and MIA; also, Ward Clerk, Genealogical leader, and held other positions. My articles were published in the LDS Church’s Marriage Manual and The Improvement Era (now, The Ensign), excerpts of which were used in LDS radio commercials. In my 33rd year of membership, I secretly joined a Mormon Fundamentalist group, so I could experience living a United Order. There, I was caught sneaking away to a Christian church, was ordered to repent of my “sin,” and to renounce the Christian Jesus—I refused. Held prisoner in a small room for nine months, I nearly died—but with God’s help, escaped.

Upon leaving the church, my biggest struggle was giving up former beliefs, and frustration with Christians and pastors who did not understand what I was going through. This made the transition more difficult and lengthy. I had no knowledgeable mentor, which is why IRR’s mentoring program is so essential for those leaving the church.

Later, I pursued B.th and M.A. degrees in theology, in order to gain a more thorough knowledge of the Bible. I now speak on Christian radio talk shows, and at Bible colleges and churches, discussing the difficulties facing former ex-cultists in making the transition into Christianity. I have written numerous articles for Christian newspapers and magazines, many of which have been translated into Spanish and Russian, and authored two books with Kregel Publications: Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists and The Mormon Missionaries: An Inside Look at Their Real Message and Methods (the latter, available in Spanish).

Since being widowed twice, my three children, my mother and sister, have all come to a personal faith in Christ. I am presently working on a novel about Mormonism, and work part-time for a Christian attorney.