I have had mixed emotions about this whole situation, ranging from total shock and total sadness and somewhere in between there has also been, (due to my human nature) a fair bit of anger. Not anger directed at any one individual, but at the course of events, uncontrolled rhetoric and negative attitudes that have led up to this terrible tragedy. I have also had my times of questioning why and how something this terrible can happen. It just goes to show how your thoughts are real things and as the old saying goes “you are what you read” well– you are also what you think and say. “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” and “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”. (Matthew 12:34b) All of you who had anything to do with fueling Ricky’s bitterness, condoning his attitudes and sympathizing with him, have taken part in his crime and had a grip on his knife.
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I was a young age when we left “The Family”—my parents myself and two brothers. I can’t quite recall all the details of why we left but we did. We continued to live in a similar manner as we did when we were members of “The Family”. We continued to live communally by faith and held many large gatherings (fellowships) which consisted of Family members and former Family members. These times of fellowship seemed to be pretty positive with everyone sharing a mutual faith and enjoying the company of one another. It was a time where those that were former members could enjoy the same fellowships and unity in worshiping God they had missed and most of them had done without ever since they had left “The Family”.

My parents decided to create a website which was initially designed to be a place where the users, both favorable and unfavorable to “The Family”, could express their views and thoughts towards “The Family”. My parents had become quite popular amongst almost anyone who was associated or formerly associated with “The Family” because of the active part they played with their fellowships, newsletter and website which was created to reach a broader number than had their newsletter. My parents assumed the neutral role towards both sides which caused a number of people from both circles to feel comfortable in their presence which in turn resulted in many visitors, as my parents had always been an open home and well liked by many.

It was about this era when I had started to experience the influence of those who were antagonistic towards “The Family”. As time elapsed and my association with the people of this nature continued, I too found myself growing more antagonistic until I found myself joining in on their conversations and attacking the belief system of “The Family” as well. A neutral could have asked me back then why I felt the negativity toward “The Family” and I would’ve given him/her a run down of reasons, none of which I had experienced first hand or had been shown proof that it had actually taken place, but rather had only been uttered by a convincing presenter.
(more…)

I’ve been thinking a lot over the last couple weeks about life and the meaning of it, trying to find some semblance of surety that my existence has counted for something. Because I could have been the innocent woman killed that night, and as things stand now I would have been awfully unprepared. Life isn’t something we can make bets on. It’s a privilege not a guarantee, here today and gone tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes I don’t plan on being ashamed with how I spent my life. I might have wasted the first half floating in lukewarm uncertainty, but I won’t take this attack on my faith and family any longer, enough of hiding my head in the sand and letting others take the rap for their convictions, if it’s the last thing I do, I will speak out.

This isn’t about Angela Smith, the victim, who I did not know, nor is it about Ricky Rodriguez who I met only once several years ago. I don’t feel it’s my place to try to make sense of what happened and why. This is about me and who I am.
(more…)

–Teri (25)
– Married, mother of one

Born and raised in the Family–and so NOT ashamed of it!

No, I mean it! While I’m extremely saddened about everything that’s happened of late–my close friend being murdered for no good reason, Ricky brutally taking someone’s life and then taking his own, so many people taking this situation and using it to their own advantage, the media twisting and contorting the truth—this whole situation has strengthened my faith and belief in the Word and has made me so thankful for my upbringing in the Family like never before. And I think I can say the same for many Family members worldwide.

It baffles me that some of you who are attacking us so vehemently do not get the point or have completely forgotten what the scriptures have to say about persecution, not to speak of the numerous times we’ve come out on top and that the Lord has delivered us from attacks such as these. But then again, when I think about it, you are helping to fulfill scripture.

It increases my faith when verses I’ve memorized come to mind, such as: “Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2Tim.3:12)” Wait! Did that say “live godly"? –Hmmm … Interesting! We must be doing something right! (more…)

From Tim, second-generation member of The Family International

This whole situation really saddens me. It’s really hard to think about what has happened, as I knew both Ricky and Angela very well. I lived with Ricky for quite a while in WS, and worked with him. I considered him my friend. He was the type of person who valued his friends, and had something good to say about everyone. If you were having a bad day, and someone seriously bugged you, and he heard you say something about them, he would always interject something positive about the person. That’s just the way he was.

Ricky liked challenges. He was always learning new things, and was especially gifted in fixing electronic equipment. I admired his talents, since they were ones that I didn’t have. I had different talents and abilities, but whenever I didn’t know how to do something, he would help me out, and vise versa.

Ricky and I had a friendship that I considered strong. Even though we had different lives and friends, we enjoyed many of the same things. We both enjoyed sports. We were a great volleyball team together. We sometimes enjoyed biking and running on the beach. We did many things together that I was sad to lose when he left our home. But I was happy for him, that he was going on to do what he felt led to do on the mission field. I still remember the day he left. He was positive and happy.

I’m sharing this here, not just to honor Ricky’s memory, but also to explain how surprised I was to begin hearing later some of the things that he was saying, and that he didn’t even want to have contact with anyone from the Family, including those of us he used to live with, people who never did anything to hurt or harm him or anyone else, people who really loved him and Elixir a lot. It was hard to understand how people he had previously had many good times and wonderful memories with were now considered enemies, and that those experiences which were formerly good experiences were now being retold as being bad and abusive. I mean, come on! How does that happen?! One day you’re friends, and the next you’re enemies?! (more…)

We want to take the opportunity to express our love & thanks to the vast majority of over 32,000 former members of the Family International who are friends & family and who continue to love & support our worldwide work. We are truly proud of you, of your successful lives, your beautiful families and the positive impact that you have on the world. Please know that you have the love, support & prayers of our international Family as well.

From James Olinger, Age 19

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do,”

Those words are perhaps the most defining statement of ultimate Christianity and sacrifice. But sadly my Christian morals were not there when I heard this tragic news. Sure I could use the excuse that it’s only perfectly human to feel those emotions of anger and desire for retribution when you hear a member of your family was murdered brutally. Then seeing her name slandered across the national media as being the cause of the crime. Or when blatant lies from embittered individuals fill the national media regarding the nature of the crime, but enough that is not why I write.

I’m not writing this out of a nature to promote how excellent my Christian values are that I can forgive, or how I overcame the hate, yes hate, at how biased and depraved this world has become. No, to give in to such anger and hate would make me party to the same spirit that permeates the air whenever a crime such as this is committed. But I cannot be silent, true I never met Angela nor knew her but she was still a member of my family, our family. A family that is a haven of peace and love that is being so brutally attacked and maligned. True it is made of humans that are not beings of perfection but the very notion that this loving family is being compared to the scum of all beliefs that we humans hold dear defies reason itself. (more…)

Linda - Argentina.

Just wanted to say “my conclusion” on all of the recent issues that came up concerning Ricky and Angela. This mostly goes to all of u guys out there who so viciously fight against us and which, in spite of everything Mama and us have tried to do, you still don’t seem to “get the point".

Remember the days when they were hunting down the Christians, persecuting and killing them in all sort of wicked and violent ways? Many died like martyrs those days. But, remember how they said that the more Christians they’d kill, the more there seemed to get converted? Well, that’s exactly what you’re helping to do here. The more you try to stop this work-you’re only helping us begin to take over this world! The more you try to tear us apart-you’re only bringing us closer together! Hearing about all the attacks we have been receiving lately from all our “dear” apostates, only makes us pull up our socks more and hurry and get the job done quicker and more effectively! Having recently read the other posts from this site and hearing all of our other Family young people stand up for the Family and Mama - just makes me love this Family all the more, and count it an honor to be fighting side by side with all of our other Family young people around the world!

It’s that fire in our eyes people see and can’t explain what it is. It’s like it just popped up all of a sudden and people are asking where it comes from and how they can have it too. Just the other day while out witnessing a ton of people were stopping us from right of the street and asking me what did the key I wore around my neck mean. “It’s different, it means something, it’s like it shines, what is it?” It’s the Fire of Revolution, baby, that you’re only helping get hotter and brighter all the time, and it’s only burning more and more people around the world! It’s our conviction and dedication that you’re only helping get strengthened and stronger! You’re doing us a favor here, now we don’t even need to ask people, they come up themselves and ask us- cuz they want what we have! This whole mess will die down in a while, but we will continue to get out the message like never before-we have only begun! Were winning new disciples here, and soon people will know us again like “The Children of God", and we will be winning HUNDREDS! We will rock the nations, and the whole world will hear of us! (more…)

Name: Sharon Paige
Age: 24
Nationality: Italian American.
Current location: Italy
Status: Married, mother of 4

There’s only one life t’will soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last!

That’s always been one of my favourite quotes ever, and my motivation to keep going for Jesus no matter what. I hate wasting time much less my life, so if I know that only what’s done for Jesus is what lasts, well then that’s what I’ll spend my life and time doing. And you shouldn’t waste your time and life wasting ours, when we’re trying to make the most out of our lives for the Lord, with all the hardships that come along the way.
(more…)

After hearing what happed to Ricky and Angela, I was stunned, shocked, horrified, and saddened by the news. And I must say that I was just as horrified how some of our former members try to justify Ricky’s actions toward Angela.

Some people may tell you that the Family is an abusive place to be raised, and that this caused Ricky to seek revenge. First, all I have to say is that the Family is not an abusive place to be raised. I have NEVER been abused. And when I say “never” I mean “never”. And secondly people have there own personal choice of what to do. Pete made his own choices that others had nothing to with.

Take an example of King Solomon. He was the king’s son, so he must have had the best education any one would be able to get at that time. Also his father must have taught him many things, concerning wisdom, knowledge, training in the ways of the Lord, etc. But what happened to him? He turned away from the Lord. Why? It certainly wasn’t because of his tutors or caretakers or his parents, was it? It was because of his own personal choice to do so, and because of the bad influence he got form his wives.
(more…)

My name is Anita. I’m 23 years old and have spent my entire life in the Family.

I’m writing this in remembrance of Angela Smith, as I knew her very well. I was shocked to hear of how her life ended, and spent many hours in grief over this tragedy. That some would try to exploit it and turn things around so that she is no longer viewed as the victim is beyond me. I would imagine such people have never lost someone they loved under such circumstances otherwise they wouldn’t respond in such a callous manner.

I first met Angela when I was around eight or nine years old. One thing that clearly impressed me about her was that whenever she had to talk to me about something I had done wrong, she managed to do it in such a sweet and even funny way that I was left with a smile on my face. As a sensitive child that usually burst into tears when corrected I really appreciated that about her.
(more…)

My name is Emanuel Belanger. I’m 16 years old and currently living in Canada. I’m about certain tall, no, maybe a little shorter. I like playing basketball…Uh, ahem. Back to the subject. When I heard the news of Ricky’s death, I was naturally shocked. I’ve never met him, but from what I’ve heard he was a sweet guy. The metamorphosis he underwent is nothing short of appalling. From being sweet and friendly, he turned into a bitter murderer. And I would like to point out that that had nothing to do with his upbringing. We in The Family International believe in love. That is what governs our actions—a love for God and for our fellow man.

I was never abused in my entire life. I have wonderful, loving parents. They have showered me with their encouragement and attention. Never once have I felt seriously mistreated or unloved. My parents would give their life for me in an instant. How many families in the world can boast that genuine love?
(more…)

Name: Oli N.B.
Age: 23
Location: Southeast Asia

Truth. Simple, pure, unadulterated, unvarnished, unembellished Truth. If you knew the Truth, you would also know Freedom. (John 8:32)

But many are not willing to pay Freedom’s price. Which is why it took so long to abolish slavery. Not because the slaves did not yearn for freedom, but because their owners were too damn lazy to get off their backsides and do their own work. Instead they were content to make a living from riding on the backs of those they subjected and forced into a life of misery, suffering, poverty and shame.
(more…)

Tiago Sant’Ana, 26 anos, Brazil

I was astonished at the news of Angela’s murder followed by Ricky’s suicide and to learn that it was a premeditated crime. It’s even more horrifying and astonishing to see that there are those in the media trying to explain such barbarism, as if there were some kind of reasonable or logical excuse for such a horrendous act, blaming the Family International for what happened, with sensationalist and biased articles with no regard whatsoever for the truth. These draw their information from people whose avowed goal is to slander and destroy our way of life. I hope that greed and the quest for ratings have not grown to the point of overshadowing truth and dignity.

I am “born and raised” in The Family International, and I’m proud of it. Unfortunately, there are few in the world that have the privilege of having a childhood as happy as that which my and friends and I experienced. Few can say, without a shadow of doubt, that they grew up with the assurance that their parents, teachers and those around them loved them and did all they could to assure their well-being and happiness. We were surrounded by people willing to do anything to help us have a happy childhood. I grew up with that privileged certainty.

(more…)

By Clara Guintoni, 19, Albania

My name is Clara Giuntoni and I’m part of the “Family International". I was born and raised in the Family until the age of 9, and then later rejoned the group when I was 13. I’m writing in to let you know that through out all my time in the Family I never saw any sign of child abuse, I always had very loving teachers who loved me a lot, and gave all the attention I needed—unlike the public schools I attended during the years I wasn’t in the Family International. They always taught us to love our neighbor, to be kind and loving one to another, unlike schools I attended.

When I started attending public schools I missed my teachers from the Family International like crazy, and always asked about them. That was one of the main reasons that brought me back to the Family. They all had so much love and cared for each other. Everybody was just so loving, it was like having a little bit of heaven here on our almost cold cruel earth. Now I’m 19 and I have a very fullfilled life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. (more…)

Name: Serena Aslund
Age: 23
Nationality: Swedish
Location: Brazil
Profession: Disciple and follower of Christ

I don’t personally know Angela, but I do know that she gave her life to serve others like so many of us have and do. She would have never wished something as atrocious as what was done to her to befall any of those who so freely place the blame on her for her death and go as far as to say she deserved it.

Are they sane? What was her crime? To live a life dedicated to helping those in need? To forsake her own desires and wishes for the sake of bringing joy into the life of someone else? To pour her energy and time to love and pray even for those who wish to do her harm? Do they have what it takes to live a life like that? Do they have the guts to love even when not loved in return?

(more…)

To the reader:

I thought I understood the importance of decisions and the value God places on them through granting us free choice, but recent events have brought it shockingly to life. What can move one person to choose a life of service, happiness and love, and another to fear, torment and selfishness? Is it so much a matter of their upbringing? I am sure it is not. It responds directly to their choices.

I’m deeply saddened by Ricky and Angela’s death. I never met Ricky personally but considered him a brother. I know for a fact somewhere along the line he lost his sense of reality. I live the Family life daily and have never witnessed or experienced any of the abuses cited. As for Angela, if she was anything like the thousands of Family members I have known, she was a loving, devoted, and God fearing individual.

I treasure the Family, am happy in it, and thankful for every decision, however challenging, that has kept me here. I count myself among the minority that will really find the life that fulfils the deepest yearnings of their heart, which is what The Family is to me. Were I ever to leave, I pray to God that I will find the grace to deal with my decision maturely, remaining true to myself, strong in mind and with a firm grip on reality.

(more…)

My name is Fiorella Giordano Mackinnon. I’m 24 yrs old, almost born into The Family (my Mom joined The Family when I was 2 ½ yrs old). I’m married and have a 1 yr old son.

Being raised in The Family was the best thing that could have happened to me and I thank God every day of my life that I’m having the opportunity to raise my son in it too.

As most kids in The Family, I learned to read and write at an early age, had a wonderful upbringing in loving environments that we call “Homes”, with loving people and teachers who gave me the best training they could, I loved moving and traveling, and by the age of 14 had lived in four different countries and was fluent in three languages.

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My name is Knight. My parents are Arthur and Becky of ‘King Arthur’s nights’ notoriety. Born in London, UK, in 1975, I am one of many ‘fruits’ of the Family and our controversial FFing practice. I am 29 years old.

I’ve lived in 10 countries throughout my life, and traveled to over 40. I speak some Russian, Spanish, English and pieces of other languages. I have six brothers and sisters who have also been raised in the Family. My two brothers are no longer members of the Family, but have moved on and have found their niche in secular life. I love them dearly, respect their decisions and wish them luck. They are my brothers in flesh and spirit and always will be! My parents, sisters and I remain in the Family. Two are in India, one is in the US and one in the Middle East. They are angels and saints working, living and toiling in their lives for the Lord on the mission field. Some have families of their own. I have the utmost respect and admiration for them.

My parents raised our gang on the road, after living and working closely with Dad and Maria for a couple years in the 70s. During and after the RNR, they served the Family in a ‘Visiting Shepherd’ capacity. During that time we traveled Europe for approximately three years, and then transferred to Peru for two years or so. We moved again to India where I lived for six years, then to Argentina for three years. I then moved to the US for three years, Russia for about one year and have been working behind the scenes since 1997. I’m currently working in an administrational Home as a Handyman. I have an awesome girlfriend. I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled.

(more…)

I’m a father of three wonderful kids, ages 5, 3 and 4 months respectively. I love and care about my children intensely. I’m also a member of The Family. I was raised in The Family, and enjoyed my upbringing, and I feel I have a right to do the same for my children until they’re old enough to make their own decisions about life.

I feel I have provided for my personal family. They have healthy food, a good environment, good education, lots of toys, a stable financial situation, and parents who care for them and are looking out for their wellbeing.

I have the right, given to me by God and society, to make decisions regarding my children’s needs, and I exercise those rights as a parent regularly in the lifestyle I have chosen.
(more…)

Life in the family is more than I could have ever hoped for. There was never once in my life where I felt forgotten, unloved or uncared for. I feel so privaledged to be part of the Lord’s army & I know that this is where I belong & I would never be happy anywhere else. I’ve seen friends who have left & they are miserable even though they have everything they want. This is a place for fighters & I want to be a part.

Priya Desruisseaux is a second-generation member of The Family International

Hi! I’m a 16 year old female from the planet Earth. I have lived most of my life in the Family International except for a short time when my mom and her three youngest (including me) were TSers. I’d like to say right now that the Family is the best place in the whole world and I would never, ever trade my place here for anyone in the world.

As a young child growing up, my siblings and I (there are 8 children in my family but I refer to only the three youngest, me, my older sister, and my younger brother) were never allowed to play with guns, swords, knives, or any other violent toys. Now, before you think “oh, poor kids, they never got a chance to enjoy those ‘harmless’ fun toys and games” I would like to point out that at the present I’m not going into my school and shooting my classmates, friends, and teachers (like the Columbine tragedy and many others that I haven’t even heard of). We were taught morals, something that today’s society has disregarded, and still abide by so called ‘old fashioned’ concepts like, obeying your parents, not killing, not stealing, being kind, helping others in need, and so on. I don’t call that a bad upbringing. (more…)

From Peter McSimple –born and raised in the Family
Age:22
Missionary in East Asia

To Whom It May Concern:
Those who try to make us burn
You certainly sound stern,
But you’ll never make us turn
With all your fancy terms
Like Herod eaten by worms
You spew your verbal germs
Proudly the truth you spurn
You think that you have nothing to learn
But wait till God has his turn
Then suddenly you will squirm
When the judgment wheels they churn
I will pity you then
For it is you who will bend
For all the evil you did send
Upon David’s mighty men

What can I say that hasn’t already been said by my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. For the sake of the truth I’ll say what I believe even if it risks being repetitious. Because it seems you—our bitter antagonists–need to continually be reminded why some people in this world choose to live and work together and follow Jesus the way we do–because we love it and are crazy enough to believe and try to live what the Lord has shown us. It does get a bit wearisome after awhile to hear the same old things, same old bitterness’s, same old accusations, and lies. But it should occur to you that you are doing us a favor through your opposition, because every time you attack us and provoke us with your slander and misinformation, you force us to repeat yet again our beliefs and strengthen our resolve even more. I hate to break it to you blokes (Philip Sherwood, Daniel Roselle, Sam Ajemian and whoever is in the “anti-cult woodpile”) but the fact is we aren’t going to abandon our beliefs and give up our calling. Even if, get this…you don’t like us…(gasp), or don’t like what we do….(gulp, cough, wheeze), or don’t like what we believe…(oh my God has it come to that….). (more…)

By Benjamin Van Nynatten –Rio, Brazil

This will be brief, I promise. I wouldn’t subject anyone to my writing if there was any other way around it, but extreme circumstances require extreme measures so please bear with me, just a little, while I attempt to express my thoughts on this issue.

I will not try to impress you with my style or choice of words, as that would just not be possible even if I sat here all night. Actually, the reason I am writing this is because after reading over the many postings on this site, I can’t wait to get my name on the list as well. If someone is throwing mud at you, well, I want some thrown at me too! If we’re being slandered and lied about, they can’t forget me! And I heard something about a tidal wave that’s coming for us, well hey, I brought my swim trunks just in case. Whatever it is, I’m having a part in it! I’m here to stand by each of you to the end, I’m proud to be counted in the company of the elite.

My name is Benjamin Van Nynatten, and I am 29 years old. I guess this means I was raised at about exactly the same time and, I suppose, in similar surroundings and the environment some claim was abusive and detrimental. It’s been said a thousand times and I want it on my record that personally I was never abused or mistreated in any way during all my years in the Family– my whole life, really. Not only that, but I can say with conviction that I never saw anyone else suffer any sort of maltreatment in all the communities I’ve lived in. (more…)

From Maria Rosa

Just wanted to add my two cents here, I believe most topics have been covered, but I also want to add my support to the Family International. I am currently not in the Family, but I did grow up in it and I remember my time in the Family as being a time where I felt a lot of purpose in my life, I lived in Family homes where I always felt safe, very safe. and loved and cared for. I was never lonely as there was always plenty of people around to talk to. This was very enjoyable and something I miss.

We lived well and always had our needs met, not luxuriously, but considering that we were living in a third world country, with poverty all around us, I always considered myself very lucky! And was extremely grateful for the many blessings that God saw fit to shower us with, and from a very early age I saw the fruit of the verse, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be added unto you.” I feel that I had a wonderful heritage of faith instilled in me, and one that I cherish to this day, as it has brought me through many difficult times.I can’t imagine being raised any other way, and consider myself extremely lucky. (more…)

Email received at Family email box:

I am sorry for your loss. I heard about you through the news. I don’t believe some of the things that the news said about your group. I just hope that this bit of bad P.R. does not hurt the good things that you all do around the world. I will hope to hear a reply from your group, because I would like to know more about the group.

I am sorry for your loss,
JC

Email received at Family email box:

Hi there and Praise God for your ministry. My name is RJS and I have been a Christian since ‘89. I saw the story on TV last night about the suicidal member and thought how sad. In no way did I feel like it was the ministry’s fault or anyone else’s. When we do not walk with Christ it is easy for Satan to seep in and distort things. But this is how I heard about the Family and now I am interested in learning more about your Ministry. I am 41 years old and am a motivational speaker. I also wrote a book. I would like to know if you have an outreach in my state and how can I get involved in learning more.

Thank you for sharing the Gospel with so many and I will lift your ministry up in prayer. Have a great day.

RJS

Email received at Family email box:

Just watched the Ricky spot on ABC. Believed him after watching the sound bites. But after watching the whole episode, something struck me as strange. Can’t put my finger on it, something just wasn’t right with that kid. More than met the eye. I work in a rescue mission. My life was saved by Jesus Christ through a rescue mission ministry similar to the one where I now work. I long only to serve God by reaching those who at the very end of the line. I know what it feels like to be at the very edge of the abyss, then have God pull me out. Somehow I feel that I can make a difference, despite what I think of myself. He is so wonderful-just wanted to share what my heart feels about Him-and to say that I don’t believe the lies.

Thanks. Because of Calvary,
TJ

My name is Marie and I’m 19 years old. I can’t imagine my life without the Family. I most likely would have ended up cooking in some hot kitchen or waiting tables while desperately trying to find some place safe enough to keep the baby my boyfriend left me with. If this sounds like any one you know I’m sorry. Maybe they should think about joining the Family. I’m not kidding; we can help you in any area of your life. All we ask is that you live for others and share all that you have like they did (the disciples of old).

Life is a beautiful thing, only in the Family have I been given the opportunity to live it to its full. Here I have every window open to me and the freedom to live my dreams.

I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’m never afraid of the future, and why should I be? I’ve been raised to believe that only God holds the future, and as our Father he wants what’s best for us and will never leave us comfortless. I know Jesus had a plan for our dear loved one’s death and I know she is happier now. Where in your system can you find this complete and totally satisfaction, this freedom from fear. Nothing can take away the joy I have and I thank my parents for showing me the way.
Have you nothing better to do with your time then to bash at those who have found happiness? I would never turn away from the calling the Lord has given me; I would never forsake my crown. Only heaven will tell who is free in the end, but I chose to live my heaven on earth. (more…)

I have recently heard some lies about MY life, & MY upbringing, by people who never met me, never talked to me, & weren’t there as I was growing up. Yet they feel it is their “duty” to inform the world about the “horrible, detrimental, abusive environment” that I grew up in, & to try to “rescue” me from the evil clutches of this dreadful group, called The Family International (aka: the Children of God). You have heard their voices, though they are few, but very vocal… now let mine be heard, along with hundreds of other young people who share my beliefs, opinions, & have had the same upbringing as mine!

My name is Marie Martel Dias.

I was born & raised in The Family, & have lived on 3 different continents, most of that time being in Brazil. I am 24 years old, the oldest of a family of 6. I have nothing but good memories of my childhood & upbringing. I think I have the best parents in the world, who loved me, & still do, & did their very best to ensure I had everything I needed, & was well cared for! Sure, they weren’t perfect, & my life wasn’t perfect either… but then, whose is? I think I had it a lot better than most people who have had a “normal” upbringing. (more…)

I’m a Family-born 29 yr. old, third oldest of a family of nine children and now husband to a precious wife and father of two kids, ages two and four. I’m so thankful that I can raise my family in The Family. I’m so thankful that my parents made the decision to live out their faith in The Family. It isn’t easy to raise kids, (much less nine of them!) and I know that one factor that helped my parents raise us to be happy, adjusted children, was because of the privileged environment that exists in The Family, where we can raise our kids in a healthy, safe atmosphere amid all the negative attitudes and detrimental input via the media and questionable Hollywood role models that parents the world over have to fight against if they want their kids to have values that reflect their chosen faith.

I’ve chosen my faith and I want to past it on to my kids; the third generation of Family members, because I’m very pleased with my parents’ attitudes and behavior, they are pleased with mine and I consider that an important part of the heritage that I want to give my own children. My wife just recently met and joined The Family, and she is also very pleased with the Family ambience where we can put our Christian beliefs into practice. It’s not news to anyone that society at large and any of its institutions offer from little to zero support when you try to live by the standards of your religious beliefs.– And anyone who’s a parent knows that support is imperative when it comes to the trying task of raising a family. I believe in the Family and that it is the best place I could choose to raise my kids. (more…)

Emerset, age 16, Male, Brazil

What I have to say about all of this, is this.

I will still hang on. I will still trust in Maria David. I will still trust in prophecy. I will still live this life with all of my heart. I will still keep on. none of these things move me, & neither do I hold my life dear unto myself. And this is what I will do. I will do this with all of my heart, and happily.

I wrote this out of my own accord, because this is what I FIRMLY believe on. there is nothing anyone could do to change that. these are my convictions, and I am writing what I want.

My older brother left the Family, & he’s a great guy, nice friendly and everything. I’m going to visit him soon. Yet I know that’s not my life. I choose this one. Im glad he respects my decision; and I respect his.

Thank you, former members, everyone, for you who went on with life. who didn’t let life pass you by. You’re worthy of respect, for not backbiting, back-stabbing, & swearing.

As for me, I will fight on. And on, and on.

Emerset Farquharson is a second-generation member of The Family International

My name is Santiago de la Torre, 18, Spanish national, Presently FM.

It wasn’t but yesterday night that I decided to raise my voice and speak out for what I believe is right, after reading the comments that some of my friends posted on this web page.

Now, you might be thinking, what does this guy have to say about the Family, he isn’t even a full time missionary, nor has he been living all his life in a home of The Family; but that same thing is what makes me write this article, because I’ve been living a system life in the world till last year, and I’ve gotten to experience a few times how the life in a home is. I know both sides of the coin, and right now even with all the fuss that the media is making around the topic of Ricky and Angela’s death, and the apostates about The Family being an abusive environment, if I had to choose between both lifestiles, I’ll choose the Family.

Our apostates say that the Family is not a good place to be raised in, but I tell you, I wish I had been born inside a Family home, for the only thing that I have received from the system is rejection. I was psychologically abused at school by my classroom mates since I was 7, till the age of 10; there even came a time when I came back home crying everyday because of the insults and humiliation I received from other kids, and I definitely was scared of going another day back to school to face the same treatment over and over again. I would be still traumatized right now if it wasn’t for the love of Jesus in my life. And I was definitely not bullied because I was weird or anything, just because of the simple fact that I wasn’t as evil-minded as them, and they saw me as an easy prey, besides the fact that I was good at school, and you know that “that kind”, are normally those who are bullied. Just recently a kid in Spain commited suicide because of that… and we are not starting a whole campaign to prevent kids from going through the same thing that I went through. (more…)

From João Paulo de Mello Connolly

I am only sixteen years old. I have no outstanding list of vocations and skills to boast. I mow the lawn, wash dishes and scrub toilets. I am still quite inexperienced, busy learning, wondering and growing. I guess everything seems so huge when you’re growing, so long, frustrating, and yet, ironically, so small, so short. You want to be understood and heard, accepted for what you are.

I am only growing up. There are no great answers I can give. No dissertations I would write. The Family International has given me something more priceless than any high education or career: love. I’m proud to see my older friends and peers standing for what they believe. They have learned to fight and sacrifice, and I can only admire them for what they’ve already given. “We cannot all be great,” it was once said, “but we can attach ourselves to a great cause.”

Jenny Fisher 22 years old presently missionary with the Family International in Mexico

Hi, I’m 22 years old and have been in the Family International all my life and I’m proud of it. I love the Family and all that it stands for. I’m super happy to be privileged to have been born into it, because when I see life outside of the Family nothing interests me and it all just seems boring and monotonous to be living life day in and day out doing the same thing. Being like everyone else and just copying everyone else because it’s the “in” thing to do at that moment. Also life outside the Family is so selfish as everyone is just looking out for themselves and has to have their own personal everything.

Life in the Family rocks because we have originality and we have a purpose for living and the best goal in the entire world to bring others to know the Lord. We have a spiritual depth that wherever we go in the world we can connect on with other Family members who are like minded. It’s not boring frivolous shallow conversations that we partake of, but we actually talk about things that dig deeper into the soul and speak from the heart. The Family International has a loving caring environment.

I have never been abused in my whole life in growing up in the Family neither have I seen others being abused. My parents took very good care of us kids and I’d say I have the best parents ever. I come from a large family, 12 children, and I’m thankful that my parents had the faith to have us all as I can’t imagine life without one of my brothers and sisters. What I fail to understand is why some people who have left the Family just can’t understand that I have chosen of my own free will to be here and I’m not dumb, naïve, or brainwashed. I’ve seen what the world has to offer and “No thanks”. (more…)

Francis Salva
Age 18
Second generation Family member

It saddens me that folks that where once our friends and part of our Fellowship have taken on such negative views and become so bitter and hateful towards us. I just don’t know what to think about the ones that have taken it upon themselves to attack us through their accusations and in some cases lies which seem to always be aimed at first generation Family members. I am angry that they have the nerve to even suggest that my Dad and Mom are child abusers. Listen, every one that has met or knows my Parents are impressed by their missionary work and have to admit that they are good Christians that have a strong and very real love for God. Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments,” Jn. 14:15. Those of the first generation in The Family have done the will of God and His work at great personal sacrifice. If you think of that it is easy to see that they must truly love the Lord and be his Children. That’s what being a Christian is all about, Loving God; not just with your words but by deeds of love, by doing the job He has given you to do, and loving our fellow men as ourselves. That, I believe, is the passion or every Family member, first and second generation alike.

I have two older brothers who after doing missionary work in Brazil for two year decided that they wanted to pursue something different with their lives. I would just like to say that even after being away for three years they still love The Family International. They still often talk about the fun things they did and the missionary work they where a part of while in The Family. They actually brag about it to their friends, “Oh yea, I lived in Brazil for two year I was involved in volunteer missionary work.” I am glad (but not surprised) that the majority by far of folks who where in The Family International but for different reasons decided to leave have very positive things to say and good memories of their time as a member of The Family. That should make anyone think twice before believing the accusations and stories from our apostates and the muck that they are feeding the media. Jesus said, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit:", Mat. 7:18. I challenge any one to visit our communities and see the work we do and the way we live with an open mind and heart and decide for themselves.

By Samuel David Smith, 25; Spanish nationality, fulltime missionary with the Family International in S. Africa

To whom it may concern:

I remember I had a nice life.

Moving around with my parents as a child, being missionaries in the Family. It was fun. I was a bright child, alert and aware of my surroundings. Having being born and raised till an early age of 4 in the WS Family, I was taught to read when I was two years of age. By the time I was 3, I knew 200 verses from the Bible. Now, when I go to get my dental checkups, I can smile at the doctor who tells me I had some very considerate parents that took such good care of me and didn’t give me junk food or sweets that would rot my teeth. Indeed I was blessed. When I was older and moved out of WS, I went around singing to make people happy, songs about Jesus and how much he loved them. I remember they’d cry and ask for more. Then we’d sing them more songs and they’d smile. It felt so nice to make people happy.

Then it happened. We found out that we couldn’t be missionaries any more. We didn’t get told why, just that we were not going to be missionaries anymore. I couldn’t believe it. My mom couldn’t believe it. My dad couldn’t believe it. They couldn’t understand it. We went to visit my grandparents and didn’t unpack our suitcases in one whole year, waiting for a letter, telling us we could be in the Family again. That happened when I was 11 years old.

Time went by. I stopped being home schooled. I went to a public school where the teachers didn’t know what to do with me because I was too young to be in the equivalent grade for my education, and just dropped me into grade 6, instead of 8. The home schooling that my mom gave me in the Family was excellent. More time went by. I eventually grew into a young adult, and continued with my life. I was 21. I had two professions: I was a cook, and I was finishing my degree in Industrial electronics. I was happy. I had friends, I had a car, and I was a famous dancer. (more…)

By Julia Kelly (age 17)

What I have to say is not concerning Ricky or Angela. I wrote another article on this site, it still stands as my views on the subject, and I continue to support their families and loved ones in prayer.

I have had an epiphany. I’ve had epiphanies before on a variety of subjects ranging from “What is cool?” to “Does it matter what is cool?” and have, in the past, felt the need to share them with the world. I feel that need now. I figured newspapers wouldn’t be interested and I have no web log of my own to share these things with, but I have this awesome website. So here goes.

I’ve had a rough week. It started off good: I come home from vacation and find a spiffy new website where Family/former Family young people can