It started with other leaders coming to deliver services instead of Thomas on the Sabbath.

I knew what was happening, that the main church wasn’t happy with us.

But I had forged a loving relationship with the older sisters and thought we were all in this together.

One Sabbath, a deacon came from the main church and, one by one, took each member into a private study room to question them.

I heard a rumor that they were being asked to report on Thomas and me and what our leadership was like.

No one spoke directly to Thomas and me. Just this series of interviews, then bam, we were kicked out, transferred to another church.

I felt betrayed by my sisters who acted loving to my face then gave a bad report behind my back.

There were seven baptisms in the house on the day we left. I saw it as proof that I really was cursed, and that by my leaving blessings could finally descend upon the church.