Samantha's Story

Samantha was married in the Jordan Temple in the LDS Church. Fifteen years later, while pregnant with her seventh child, her husband began making jokes about polygamy. Over time, the jokes turned into serious conversations. While pregnant with her eighth child and under increasing pressure to live plural marriage, Samantha eventually visited the ordinance building of a local polygamist group. She was re-baptized into the Allred group, also known as the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB).

Four years later, her husband took a second wife. Eleven months after that, he took a third, with the stated goal of eventually having seven wives. As time went on, the environment in the home became increasingly difficult. One of the wives began withholding food from Samantha and her children, and her husband’s behavior became more controlling.

Feeling confused and overwhelmed, Samantha began praying for guidance. She felt a clear impression that it was time to leave. When her husband found out, he lined the children up and asked them to choose between him and their mother, telling them that choosing her meant choosing a harmful path. The children chose Samantha.

She took her kids and left. After staying with different friends, she eventually connected with Holding Out HELP for support. Today, Samantha describes her life as one of freedom. She has experienced the kind of care and stability she had long hoped for, and she is continuing to grow into a strong sense of identity and empowerment. She is a devoted mother, and it has been a privilege to walk alongside her in her journey.