My brother went to bethel as a teenager and was disfellowshipped and sent home. He tried to toe the line and after 6 months the local congregation recommended reinstatement. Bethel didn't like that idea. The said it hadn't been long enough. He gave up after that and my father pretty much disowned him. He disappeared shortly thereafter. We received a birth announcement about a year later and that was the last I'd heard of him.
My sister just started working for a lawyers office and they use a very good Private Investigating firm. I gave her what information I still had in my head and in a few minutes we had a phone number and address in Michigan. I called and got an answering machine. I didn't leave a message. What would I say? I called a few minutes ago and talked to his son. I could barely speak and I didn't know what to say. I left my number and told him that I was his father's brother and I'd been looking for him for a long time. He promised to give him the message.
I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'm not sure what reaction I'm going to get. I did although know that I would get some valuable input from my friends here and I consider you all my friends.
TimB