(From Lorie Richards, 30, second-generation member of the Family International)

The recent tragedy involving Ricky and Angela has been on my mind a lot lately. I knew them both. He, quite well, although some time ago, when we both lived in Maria and Peter’s Home (1997-2000). She, not as well, but more recently. He was, at the time, a good man and a good friend. How he went from there to where he ended up is something very painful to think about, and which I’m struggling to understand. It’s shocking when from one day to the next someone who you know and love is not around on Earth any more. It isn’t something I had experienced before. I believe in a life beyond this one, and that those who have departed have gone to a better place—but I can’t help but feel sadness at the thought of not only the loss of life itself, but the taking of one life by another.

I’m sorry for both of their families and the difficulty this has brought to them. What takes me beyond sadness is to hear that some who have a personal vendetta against either our missionary group or individuals within it are using this tragedy as a chance to further their vendettas and to attempt to create animosity between families and friends, parents and children, at such a sad time. When there is a death in a family, I think it’s a time to share condolences and comfort with that family, and to do whatever one can to make things easier for them and help them to cope with their loss. It’s rather appalling that some would be so insensitive, thoughtless, and self-centered as to pour the proverbial salt of hostility into the wounds of loss, by taking their anger and revenge public, pouring it out on the relatives and friends of both of the deceased ones, to the media, and to whoever will listen. That’s just not right.

To attempt justification, under any motive, for an act that God and society have condemned since Cain killed Abel, is also clearly mistaken. There have been many times when I’ve sympathized with those who have left our missionary group taking hurts and resentments with them. I don’t know the truth behind every story, but if someone feels they were wronged, I feel bad for them and the sorrow their bitterness brings them, in any case. … But there are logical limits to how far anyone should take that. People who are filled with hatred are a threat to their fellowman. This incident has once again proven that.

I was born and raised within the Family International, and have dedicated my adult life so far (now pushing 30), to the cause for which we stand—loving God, loving our fellowman, and bringing the good news of Jesus’ love and salvation to as many as possible, to whoever will receive it. I’m privileged at this time to be able to dedicate my full-time and efforts in my current place of service toward creating and producing publications that our Family missionaries use to spread our message—the Activated magazine, From Jesus—with Love books, character-building stories for children, and many more. I see these as a symbol of what our Family is all about, and a representation of my personal purpose in living—to spread as much “good stuff” in the form of truth and love and light as far and wide as possible—to do what we can, where we can, and when we can, to make this world a bit of a better place by spreading a little more love and kindness. That may sound simplistic, and I realize that the issues coming up these days are more complex than that, but when you look beyond all the smoke and mirrors of the sensationalism about what happened and why, and look at the actual facts, they really aren’t that complicated. The truth will be clear to those who are looking for it.

I wish everyone could have the opportunity I had to know and live with Maria and Peter—though for their own safety it’s rather apparent, now more than ever, that it’s better they stay out of the public eye. As serious a matter as it is, I have to laugh sometimes when I hear the absurd things that the people who despise them have to say about them. Anyone who knows them well and who has half an open mind would have to concede that they are some of the most caring, compassionate, giving, self-effacing people we’ve ever met. I know it’s easy to fear and suspect that which is unknown, and I feel pity for those who let those fears get the better of them.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate those who have left the Family and who have gone on to build a good life for yourselves and your children and families. When you’ve lived a communal missionary lifestyle since you were small, it’s a big change to adapt to living within mainstream society and I know it has its challenges—so good for you for making the change gracefully. If I ever were to decide that this life is no longer for me, I pray that I would do the same.

For now, and for as long as I possibly can, I intend to keep doing what I know and believe God has called me to do, to serve Him and others as a part of this wonderful missionary movement. A fair amount of deep reflection over the past week has made me more convinced than ever that this is the right thing for me to do. I applaud all fellow Family members who are taking the same position. God bless you all, and may He help us all to do as much good for Him as we can.

Lorie is a second generation member of the Family International, currently a member of WS.