I loved how Josh said he ran as hard as he could from the Church and the Savior, and when he turned around, Christ was right there. Beautiful!!

I have a dear friend who has her name removed from the church because she feels like she was lied to and now she doesn't believe anyone has the truth. I have been praying as to how to help without alienating her. You answered with one line. Stay at the tree. I have been watching this podcast for stories like this. I will continue to watch, but this is, indeed, an answer to prayer. Thank you.

YOU HAVE TO STAY AT THE TREE! I love that.

I left this in another comment but it was so profound when the spirit whispered it to me I want to share: So many want to feel forsaken and justified as they run away from Christ but they will find that he has been running with them the whole time, far enough to not interfere but always close enough to help.

My son was very spiritual and flipped when he turned 18. He went from prophet in training to I am sure Jesus was a nice guy. Devastating as a parent. Tried to keep lines open, he moved out and has cut off all contact. Even more devastated. I have and had to put all faith in The Lord. Waiting…..

Oh, I love this!! Thank you both so much for sharing your love for God and for the miracles He's worked in your lives. May I tell you how I returned? 40 years ago, I had a really difficult bishop and in defense of a friend went to his office late one night. His door wasn't totally latched and in rage I kicked in his door and told him I'd never be back. I stopped wearing my garments and my husband and two young sons stopped attending. Which has since caused me such sorrow. After several years I started going to a metaphysical center and attended their meditation groups. But God found me where I was. He never stopped loving me or reaching out to me, and one night during meditation, He was suddenly present with me...........or I was present with Him. I've never experienced such love, and I knew this was Him. At first I basked in the love that was beyond anything I'd known in this life, but felt familiar. Then suddenly to my horror, I realized that I had never loved Him; that I hadn't known Him. I was horrified to my core with the realization that I had perhaps made Him sad; disappointed Him, and I'd never really seriously repented. I was desperately heartsick and could only sob. I begged Him to know if there was hope for me. And I heard His voice. "Know Me", He said. He showed me a huge open book of scripture. There was an Golden Glow around it and my soul HUNGERED. I wanted to somehow wrap my arms around it and pull it into me, down deep into my soul. He was showing me how I could know Him. I poured out my heart in sorrow for the life time of wrongs and sins I'd committed and begged Him to make me clean. I wanted only to love Him with my life the way I felt His love for me. He gave me a new beginning. And I couldn't wait to find my scriptures and to KNOW Him. I sat alone on the back row at church a few days later with a smile that wouldn't let go of my face. I was back and I knew this was where He wanted me. I started joyously paying tithing and doing everything I could to be in His Holy House again. It was a delight. I loved wearing my garments. They felt so pure and protective. I still remember like it was yesterday, because in a moment of time, He changed my life. He met me where I was. He had never given up. He never fails. I'm 72 now. So much has happened. My family eventually came back to church but so much had been lost in the way of blessings upon my family for those 7 years. There has been tragedy and sorrow. There has also been the sweetest joy. I live for Him. He gave Himself for me, and I am His. And even in tragic loss He has given beauty for ashes. He can and will make my family whole again. He is my Everything.

I’m the dad that I has a prodigal son, this is very inspiring for me, I have a good open relationship with him and understanding of him and his faith crisis, still very hard, thanks

I'm grateful to Josh for sharing his story. And Ashley, I'm sure many have told you this, but you're doing a great work with this podcast. We appreciate it.

When you said people would come on and say they needed this. Bwoi, i NEEDED this. Our story is so indentical!! I am a prodigal daughter working on going back. Thank you❤

Josh! Your parents are awesome. I was your babysitter when you were 3! You have a beautiful story, even with all the hard stuff. Thank you for sharing your amazing story!

I love hearing these come back stories. I have a brother and two nieces who have left the church, and these stories help me keep hoping they'll make their way back.

I was born and raised in the church and sure enough, but I grew up in the Bible Belt and I was raised to know that really quickly , other Christian churches aka evangelicals look at “Mormons “ with automatic pessimism: you have to live your religion or make the church look bad. My parents were both returned missionaries and I was taught well in the gospel but my parents never really gave us kids the option to leave the church. Which appreciated. But either way, as soon as I got into high school and into college, I had to know whether my testimony would survive on its own. After studying all the standard works and church history , I discovered there is not a better plan of salvation out there than by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . After 40 years in the church and social media and even the pandemic, I still believe the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the best path to eternal life.

What a wonderful story. "Staying at the tree" is what matters. For me, my "tree" is the temple.

When you have strayed (personal experience), Satan takes your spiritual memories away and you think you never had a testimony. As you return, those memories come back and you realize you have many testimonies. You have received testimonies all through your church experience.

Amazing beautiful story Josh. Thanks for sharing. Having an amazing daughter who’s been away for many years. We have a great relationship I will always love and care for her even if I never see her come back in my lifetime.

You are a missionary, Josh! This is a saved video for me. I intend to keep this in my treasure chest. Loved the stay at the tree comment from your mom. Give her a big hug for that one for me, please.

Josh Iam so happy you came back. It doesn’t matter where you have been the most important thing is YOU ARE BACK AT THE TREE with all your HEART. God bless you and your sweet family.❤

I like what he said about trying to run away from Christ. After running for a while, he looks back and sees Christ right there, ready to accept him.

It always amazes me that God answers the unsaid prayers of my heart. This video has been just that. I've enjoyed every single second of this podcast.

You are right, I absolutely loved this episode! I have 3 children who have left the church, and I love the reminder to stay at the tree so they know where to find me 💕

Oh my goodness the Parents in these stories are so precious. If you ever run out of people to talk to, I’d love to hear their side of the story. And his friends, just made me want to be a better friend.

Adding my comment all the way from New Zealand: I enjoyed how you dissected your experiences and drew your own conclusions from these personal experiences.

Thank you, Josh! You’ve given me more hope for my son to return to Church. God bless! 🙏

Congratulations for being back. This episode will help many!

This is a wonderful story. I’m so happy for Josh and his family. I pray more people will return.

I had a similar situation about the stake president in my come back story - when I went back for the “last time” it was ward conference. It took everything in me to stay all three hours of church. What was unusual was that the stake president and the area 70 both came to the relief society class. Heavenly Father answered my prayer in a beautiful and powerful way.

What we have to learn is that those "big doubts" are actually "big questions" that we can start seeking answers for and that the answers will come little by little as long as we cling to what the Spirit has already taught us.

I am another prodigal striving to come back and stay at the tree or with the Love of God❤ So wonderful to hear your stories of return. God is so patient and forgiving with all His children and His ways bring so much peace and Joy. What a Miracle ❤❤

We had a sister in our mission that had her name removed from the church, had a change of heart and returned and served a mission at 25. She hadn’t been married so that is interesting. Satan can make you forget if you don’t stay strong so thanks for the reminder.

I am grateful for this podcast and the things I got from Josh's experience.

Thank you for sharing your come back story. My brother in law and his wife and 5 kids all left the church but they have not removed their names yet. We are still hope and waiting for his return

I’ve recently started back after 17 years of inactivity and as soon as I started reading the Book of Mormon the spirit started pouring back into my life. So grateful and excited to be back. I love your channel and enjoy hearing similar stories to mine!

Stay at the tree - wow! Goosebumps all over. Loved it! Thank you!

When Jesus said will you leave also and Peter said, where would we go? That's what came to me when I had doubts, where would I go? The highest form of intelligence is to be able to recognize truth and accept it. I had a philosophical discussion with one of my Masters colleges at UCLA about this. When I said what I thought intelligence was, the wheels were turning in his head while trying to find an exception to the rule, his expressions while thinking were comical. He couldn't come up with one.

Hi Josh Thankyou for your testimony and your journey back to the Church i am a convert and beena member for over fifty years and conversion is a slow progress Take care

Another amazing podcast. As full-time MLS missionaries, we are telling everyone we know to listen.

You just sent chills up my spine with your impassioned statement….You have to stay at the tree, so your loved ones know where to find you.

I am so grateful for this podcast and the hope that it gives to all of us who are still waiting by the tree❤️ I loved that analogy so much! Thank you Josh for sharing your beautiful testimony!

Thank you Josh for sharing your amazing comeback story.

That was so amazing! That was exactly what I needed to hear! :)

Thank you Josh! What an amazing history, your testimony it’s so powerful! Stay at the Tree!! Loved it!!! 🙏🤍

WOW!!! Another great podcast, though they all are, right?! I loved hearing Josh's story, it gives me great hope for my loved ones who've had their names removed from the church records. "Staying at the tree," what a great lesson! Thank you Ashley 🤗 hugs🥰

Thank you for sharing. This was incredible.

I LOVE the thought that you have to "stay at the tree" so they know where to find you when they're ready! All the while loving them. So powetful! Thanks for sharing your story.

Thank you for sharing your experience and testimony, Josh. Ashly, thank you for these videos.

Thanks for starting my Monday on such a positive note!

Loved this episode thank you so much!

Rewatched because this was such a great podcast with a wonderful message.

One thing I have noticed about my acquaintances and family that quit the church is that they immediately toss the word of wisdom and start smoking, drinking, etc. They wear it like a badge of honor. Sad. It brings me hope that those I pray for will find the same happiness that Josh and Ashly have found 😊

This channel just gets better and better!

Welcome back ya'll!!!thanks for sharing your Testimony and life story love it!!!CHEEEEEHOOOOO!!!Harah for ISRAEL!!!

So grateful for both of you.

Watching, waiting and praying! At the tree! Stay at the tree! That's a great great insight in waiting for our loved ones to COME BACK! And I feel that the majority of them will at one point. Things will get bad enough for the world that the Church of Jesus Christ and Zion (stakes of Zion all around the world) will be the ONLY safe place(s) to be in the world. Many will want to come back and not know how, but if we're waiting lovingly and patiently, it will definitely help them. Thanks for sharing your story Josh!!

Thank you for sharing your story. ❤

Thanks Ashly and Josh, this was amazing!

I have a wayward child and it is so hard to see her choices. We still pray for her all the time. We have a very open relationship, and she knows we love her and she is always welcome in our home, no matter what. I also loved the phase "stay at the tree", we are staying at the tree and always hope someday, she will come back.

Loved this! Thanks for sharing your faith Josh!

Welcome back brother 🙏

Thank you, Josh, for sharing your story on this podcast.

Thank you , for sharing your story: there’s always a way back .

So profound!!! Stay at the Tree!!! I love it!!! It's my new motto! This is my new favorite podcast!!! Thanks for sharing!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Welcome back, brother!

Amen! How many times in the BofM did the spiritual leaders council others to Remember? It's also in the sacrament prayers.

Thank you.

Thank you Josh, you said so many things that I needed to hear to help me with being patient. Stay with the tree is the best advise ever. Thank you Ashley, I've been listening for months and it has given me more peace and hope for my daughter and all the other 1's of the 99 that we are trying to bring back into the fold. Keep up the good work, you are helping a lot of people with this podcast!

The gospel is true and life in wonderful because God and his son are always looking for the ones that need him.

I am so excited that I found this podcast 💕

That was SOOOOOO good

It's a subtle thing, but I love how you use the "broken cup" analogy! The Lord himself uses that metaphor, and it's one of my personal favorites in scripture. Jeremiah 2:13 -- "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." You're living proof that the Lord can seal up our cisterns

Brother Josh, your dad is a wonderful example of a righteous and loving father .

Wonderful story, thanks Josh.

Ashley so glad you put together these podcasts. They help strengthen so many needed spirits that need rescuing and hope. When you put religion, a marriage a job under a microscope its so easy to find faults, and if you look for a reason to leave you'll find it. Contrary if you look for the good, you will find fulfillment and reasons to stay.😊

So inspirational! Good for you Josh! Can I ask how you overcame weed?

The only part of his story that bothered me was his experience of turning away from his friend (who was always there for him when he was apostate) because his friend fell away from the church. That really bothered me. His friends were always there no matter the circumstances, but when his friend became inactive, he cut off ties with him 😞. Thwt just really sucked.

❤

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Ok now we know why anti-ism spikes during conference time. Thanks for demistifying this, Josh.

I stepped away from the church because I was unable to find a companion and was tired of being felt like I didn’t fit in. I went inactive after 18 months after being baptized. Along with one of my missionaries decided to ghost me and block me on Facebook for reasons i don’t know because they ignored me on several attempts to reach out to them.

The forgetting thing is a scary thing to watch, especially when it happens rapidly. I have seen it happen in real time, people forgetting what they experienced just a month before. They will literally have no memory that an event even happened, despite the fact that they were a big part of it. Or they will forget what they have confided to me in tears just a day or two later. It is horrifying and depressing. What probably shocked me the most though is how some of these people would seem to physically change, you may think I'm making this up, but I kid you not, I have talked to people who I could not recognize despite the fact that I had regularly interacted with them and saw them less than a week ago. Neither I nor the members around me could recognize these people, and it took about 10 to 20 minutes to figure out who they were. They looked different, moved different, and talked different. It wasn't as scary as seeing the people forget, but it was still pretty bad. They'd metamorphize and lose memories before our eyes, and we would lose a friend as they'd transform. This isn't an example an exact of this, but I believe it is a related phenomena, I knew a man whose claim to fame was how much he knew the scriptures and the fact that he was a temple worker. After he became inactive and began mildly fighting the church he quickly lost the ability to answer basic scriptural questions, despite the fact that he still prided himself in his knowledge, this wise mentor became useless. But what I want to get at is when he asked me a question that was bothering him about the Church, it was a simple an easy to answer question, but apparently the scriptures were completely silent on the issue. So I open 2 Nephi, I think, and it spells out exact what the answer was, plain as day. Then he looked at me and asked "What about... [The exact same question]… the scriptures don't say anything about that" so I told him "Well this is what the scriptures say about that specifically, it is very specifically and explicitly talking about that." he responded and assured me that the scriptures don't touch on the topic at all and that it is something we Mormons don't have an answer for.

The talk Josh Bytheway was referencing was an MTC talk by Jeffrey R Holland. It’s amazing, called “Feed My Sheep”. Go to 38:00 minutes of his address to hear the story he was talking about with the apostle Peter. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gddlmtmUnNaUgoE.htmlsi=LrEyypMeqe8KEfK4

Wait did he say he was still agnostic?

Interesting last name. Thanks for sharing. Sunday aft - April 16, 2023.

Not a Christian at all, personally. But, I’m down with Christ. 110%. It’s necessary to maintain a sane society. However… The Mormon shit rlly just feels like Christian Fan-Fic. It’s literally just the Sumerian story of Enki & Enlil.

That's my cousin

Please remove this from my sight.