When I came to the juncture where I recognized that something wasn't right with the LDS church that I had been a member of for 30 + years, I was not sure what to do. At that point I was reading the Bible, and the Bible came to life; eventually leading me out of the deception of Mormonism.

However, at the time, I was in a very vulnerable place because I did not trust Christians due to my lifelong training. I had a skewed view that Christians were somehow 'Anti-Mormons'...I had much to learn.

I wore out two Bibles and needed another one, so I went to a Christian book store to get a really durable Bible. In the store I passed a book section labeled CULTS. I looked down and saw a book with a picture of the Nauvoo Temple (Cracked) on the shelf called, Mormonism - A Way That Seemeth Right by Lowell A. Gard. I was shocked. I kept moving and found a Bible that would last me a long time (It now has pages falling out and is ready to retire). But as I went back to the sales counter I picked up that book and hid it under my new Bible. I felt like a teen trying to buy beer at 7-11. I felt like everyone was watching me...of course no one was.

This would be my first 'Anti- Mormon' book. Of course it is not anti-Mormon at all. Lowell, through this book, was reaching out to his friends and family pleading for them to examine the truth in Christ. Lowell was a Christian who desired to minister to the LDS. In his book Lowell referenced many, many sources of which a large part were discovered and made available to the public by the work of the Tanners.

I called Lowell (as I have contacted the authors of a majority of the books I read) and shared the emotional impact that book had on me. He suggested that I get in contact with Jim Spencer. Well, before I called Jim I acquired his books and read them....I followed source documentation and often found it leading to the behind-the-scenes research of the Tanners.

Eventually I was destined to get in contact with Jerald and Sandra. I called Sandra and shared my gladness for the work that they had done to help those like me who knew that something was wrong but could not quite pin it down. The work of Jerald and Sandra helped to bring crystal clear facts which explained the reality of the problem of Mormonism. They rejoiced with me at the beginning of my Christian walk as I was beginning to see that Christians were not monsters, but were love filled.

Sandra Tanner helped me locate a copy of the Journal of Discourses and played a part in getting me hooked up with a ministry in Canada who eventually shared their lifetime research and ministry information with me.

Leaving Mormonism for Jesus Christ came at a great cost for me. The process of that brought me to a place where I have a heart for the LDS people who just want to do what is right but have been taken advantage of by a system of deception...

I saw the powerful impact of Jerald and Sandra's selfless ministry and believe that it should be expanded. I contacted Sandra and suggested that we bring their resource materials to our area. This idea is currently in motion.

I suggest that others in various places find ways to make their resource material readily available to the public in their towns.

I believe that Jerald was a moderator on the UTLM message board. While it was running I appreciated the grounded, rock solid stand for the truth without compromise.

Their love and commitment to the Lord is unparalled. That love was an example for me that has given me strength to carry on. Not only to carry on, but to serve. I am now leading a transitioning class that is designed to help those who are in the 'awkward spot' of transitioning out of Mormonism into Christianity. The price is high because some of the most difficult decisions often stand in the way....Family, Tradition, Friends, Investment, Social security (Not the government type), Doctrine, etc.

Understanding the areas of difficulty some may experience, I believe that I am able to help make that transition a little smoother for them than it was for me.

I would not be doing such if it were not for the foundational work of Jerald and Sandra Tanner.

Blessings,

Eric