Have you ever felt like the very place you go for healing is where you get hurt the most? In this powerful episode of Walking with the Savior, Ava Bentley shares her raw and honest journey of serving a mission while navigating severe mental health challenges and unexpected church hurt. Her story is a beautiful reminder that even when people let us down, the Savior never does.
Ava opens up about her lifelong battle with ADHD, OCD, and depression, and how a profound experience with the Book of Mormon at age 15 gave her the hope she needed to keep going. She takes us through the highs and lows of her missionary service, from the excitement of her call to the painful reality of personality clashes and leadership struggles. Despite being sent home earlier than she anticipated, Ava discovered a deeper, more resilient relationship with Jesus Christ that changed her life forever.
Chapters 0:00 Intro and meeting Ava Bentley 3:15 Early struggles with mental health and ADHD 7:45 Finding hope through the Book of Mormon 11:30 The decision to serve a mission despite sensory issues 15:20 A miraculous interview with the Bishop 19:40 Entering the mission field and meeting her trainer 24:10 Being judged for her personality and style 28:50 The struggle to be understood by mission leaders 32:15 Feeling broken and hitting rock bottom 36:40 Dealing with hurtful comments from companions 41:00 Finding strength in Christ during lonely moments 45:30 Understanding the Atonement and forgiveness 49:15 Reaching out to past companions to heal 53:45 Navigating difficult mission leadership and returning home 58:20 Meeting her husband and processing the mission experience 1:02:10 Separating the people from the Savior 1:04:30 Final testimony on the love of Jesus
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