Mormon Stories is proud to welcome our first Mormon convert from Zimbabwe, Gerald Benzi, and his wife Makenzie Benzi to the podcast for an epic three part series of their story. In part one, we discuss Gerarld’s life being raised in Zimbabwe, what it was like moving to the US, and deciding to take religion seriously and taking the missionary discussions. Among some of the topics we cover are gender roles, racism, and whether or not missionaries target immigrants. Please join us for this three part series to also learn about Makenzie and how their faith as a couple progressed through the years.
In part 2 of Makenzie and Gerald’s Mormon Story, we dive into Makenzie’s life, what it was like with interracial parents, reconciling racist past church teachings, and studying under Mormon Egyptologist Kerry Muhlestein. Among some of the topics we cover are gender disparities in the church, dating and temple marriage, and becoming a nuanced believer. Come back for part 3 as we wrap up Gerald and Makenzie’s Mormon Story and we hope you love this amazing couple as much as we do!
Wrapping up Gerald and Makenzie’s Mormon story, we talk in-depth about how their desire to raise healthy children changed their views on Mormon teachings as well as Gerald’s possible regrets around his baptism. Thanks for joining us on this epic three-part interview with the Benzi’s!
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Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Show Notes:
- Talking with the Benzis podcast by Makenzie and Gerald
- Makenzie’s Instagram
- Makenzie’s lifecoaching and speech therapy
- The CES Letter
- The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- Brene Brown
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Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Every leader (and member) tells of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon
Yet for well over a century those of African ancestry were racially discriminated against
2 Nephi 26:33
33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.
When Spencer W. Kimball made the announcement of “every worthy male” etc. he was only announcing a change in policy