My name is Regina. I am 26 years old and was born in Iran where my parents were missionaries in the Family.

You may be thinking something’s not quite sitting right with you, when you hear the stories and accusations against us, but when you’re looking at it where I’m coming from it’s so clear there is not even a question in my mind as to whether or not these things are true, they are lies and I know that never in my life have I been subjected to any kind of abuse or know of any of my friends who have.

I say this from my heart, that from a very young age (and as far back as I have any memories) my parents’ care and training of me was always faithful and diligent and given with utmost care for me as an individual. As a young child I remember always knowing that other than caring for me and my brothers and sisters, leading and helping others to find Jesus and his love was what my parents lived for and what they helped me to do as well and what continues to be my goal in life.

They took us with them and poured all they knew and cared about into me and my brothers and sisters. My mom is the best mom in the world and if I can be even half of what she was for me then I count myself worthy to raise kids of my own. I should say right here and now that this lie that we as a Family physical abuse or subject children to psychological abuse of any kind is an personal insult to me, and complete crap, as from the time I became an adult my calling (other then to bring others to Jesus) has been to train and care for children.

I have poured my heart and all into teaching children how they can make a difference, helping them learn to choose to love and be there for others as much as for themselves, and helping them to see that their choices have consequences and have tried my best to always be there for them.

There are no evil intentions or actions (or whatever some may say about us) in my mind or heart just as I know and never felt any from any of my parents or teachers or any of the adults I lived or grew up around. I can’t believe that some people can sit there and think that somehow there’s a difference between me and my parents, they trained me and I will in turn do the same for each and every child that comes into my life to the best of my ability.

I have friends my age with children that tell me that not a day goes by that they don’t thank God for the Family for without the Family it would be downright freaky to raise a child in this world as it stands right now, and as for me, I count myself honored to have been given all the love and training I’ve had.

My honest prayer is for each person no matter what their background or difficulties in life can come to know Jesus as I have found him to be in the Family, and grow up as I have and that those who seek to justify their selfish lives will do so quietly without violence and leave alone those of us who want to make this world a better place.

Regina is a second generation member of the Family.