By Kerenina Ong, Southeast Asia.

Have I ever been abused though in my entire 20 years as a living, earth-walking human being?? Judge for yourself! I have experienced life both in the Family community as well as a short life outside of the Family. Before anyone starts accusing and even just adopting the mentality that all children born, raised and living in the Family are abused, both psychologically and physically, read on and judge for yourself instead of just listening to what someone else has told you, or what you read about.

Was I abused in……..
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There aren’t really words to express the sadness and shock when hearing of this news. Fortunately I’ve not personally read any postings from the sites of those who’ve condoned Ricky’s actions, and who’ve supported him. I’ve only heard of them, and quite frankly it abhors me! I leave them—and him—in God’s capable hands.

I met Angela about 6 years ago when she visited our center, and she was, in my opinion, a wonderful, caring, fun-loving, personable woman. I didn’t know her well, but in the times I was able to talk to her, I felt comfortable and at ease, despite the age gap of at least 25 years.

I was born and raised in “The Family” all 23 years of my life. I am amazed at how some certain individuals claim to speak with such “knowledge” and in broad, negative sweeping statements of “the abusive upbringing those in the second generation have experienced”. There are 2 sides to every story, many different perspectives and angles to view from, so I only think it’s fair to say mine. I was not abused! I was not and am not brain-washed!
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(From Natacha, 30, mother of 4, second-generation member of the Family International)

I don’t have much to say but what I have to say I say it with all my heart for it is my life and what I know to be the truth.

I was born and raised in The Family and now I’m raising my own 4 children in the Family because I believe without a shadow of a doubt that this is the best place to raise them.

You may say that the reason for this is because I don’t know any other lifestyle since I’ve never ‘left’ The Family, but I don’t believe you have to ‘leave’ in order to know that you’re in the right place doing the right thing for a good cause.

I have plenty of friends and even relatives who are not in The Family, who have left for their own reasons and I’ve taken a good look at their lives and I know it’s not for me.

I can’t say that I haven’t been tempted at times to ‘throw in the towel’ for want of an ‘easier’ life, but for me I know the truth and I can’t deny what I know is right.
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“Time is short, redeem the time”–an oft repeated phrase which softly echoes around my head as it conjures up images of times gone by, of life in a different time and era. You see, I grew up in The Family, where we were taught to “press in” “redeem the time”, and “save the lost”, seemingly outdated and outmoded concepts, quaint in their inception, and stranger still in their realization, hopelessly archaic in our modern world of ego centric existence.

I was taught to “love one another”, to “be kind to your enemy”, and to “love them that hate you”, personal belief systems that stand diametrically opposed to current popular theories about the easiest and sweetest way to “self actualization”, not to mention landing that 10 K paycheck at any cost.

As difficult as it might be for some people to imagine, I still hold those theories very near and very dear to my heart, so much so, that if it weren’t for the commandment to love your enemies, and to do good to those that despitefully use you and persecute you, I would have liked to do something about those who concentrate their efforts on the destruction and demise of the Family with all the dogged perseverance of a rabid dog barking at the moon.
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I am just a few weeks shy of my 25th birthday. My name is Chloe Simone O’Connor and I was born in the Family. I’m almost a quarter of a century and so far I’ve lived a full and happy life. As the tragic events of Saturday the 8th of January unfolded, a mixture of emotions, confusion, and pain hit me as I contemplated the loss, sadness, and hurt that this will be to so many people. There are those who think these events are a cause to stand up and fight and attack our beliefs and there are those who quietly watch and hold their own opinions inside and chose rather to move on with life—to those who chose this path I thank you.

For me growing up in the Family, being raised as a missionary and having chosen to continue on as one, I find the antagonism that has been expressed by some of my former friends and fellow Family members deeply saddening. For all the wide range of opinions, statements and “facts” that are out there, all I can judge by is what I know—my life, my experiences and what I personally have seen and heard living in a number of Family communities in over ten countries.
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People have no right to stick their noses into others’ lives they have no involvement in. I have lived most of my life outside communal Family Homes, and by secular standards, have been ‘properly’ educated. In school I was an honor roll student and won many awards. However, by 16, I was sick of the whole scene. School was just another boring routine, friends were fickle,and home life was becoming unbearable.

My solace was in our weekly visits to the local orphanage or slum where I would accompany my dad and siblings to organize activities for poor children. I felt like I was helping humanity, but that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted something more. I wanted to have friends that I could trust and not worry if they were going to turn and stab me in the back. I wanted stability in my home life. I wanted to live according to the Bible as stated in Acts 2:44, 45. I wanted to help people have better lives. I wanted to make a difference. When I joined The Family I found all that and more.

Now, to all of you who have a problem with my decision, please get a life! For goodness sake, don’t you have something better to do than meddling in other people’s business?! I am 20 and fully capable of making my personal decisions. This is my choice!

Juliana Frost (20) is a second generation member of the Family International, currently a missionary in South East Asia.

My name is Claire Bauer, I’m 20 years old, married and have the most darling 2-month-old baby ever. I grew up in Thailand and can speak, read, and write the Thai language almost fluently. I haven’t traveled to or lived in many different countries as some have, but I can still profess to having a fantastic and beautiful life that I never regret for a moment. It’s been wonderful—every moment of it—just having the knowledge that I’m helping people and making a difference day by day, doing some worthwhile with my life that not only brings happiness to others, but to myself as well.

My childhood is also a memorable one. My memories from growing up in The Family consist of happy, fun and exciting times that I will never forget. My days were filled with scholastic learning in all the academic subjects as well as other curricular activities such as baking, sewing, secretarial skills, gardening, performing, art and drama—made possible because of our home schooling and the superb teachers we had. Not to mention the many shows we did that were always enjoyable for me, performing at homes for the elderly, orphanages, hospitals, schools, hotels and much more. There was never a lonely or dull moment with plenty of friends and siblings to learn and play with and so much to keep us busy.
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By Andrew Bergstrom, 28

I have to know: What are you doing with your “freedom”?

There are those who choose to help others, and there are those who choose to help themselves. The former are in rare supply; the latter are gaining in every way. “Look out for number one” seems to be the catchphrase, and the advertising industry and the media are just fueling that craze. But doing so only makes a person egocentric, as most of their waking moments are spent in varying degrees solely on that one thought: what’s in it for me?

I just came back from a trip to the provinces that were hit—no, devastated—by the recent tsunamis. Depending on the elevation and distance to the beach, everything was wiped out and washed away. I saw some cars that looked about the same as when a recycling machine gets ahold of a tin can. I saw people’s houses completely ruined, their livelihoods gone. Of course, seeing the carnage, it’s easy to experience feelings of hopelessness and despair; it’s only natural. But wait a minute, it doesn’t have to be that way.
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As I collect my thoughts and sit to write and express what it is I think and feel in regards to the tragedy that has just taken place, I find myself amazed at the contrary perspectives which can be taken of the same incident. Some will see this as an occasion to defend and justify a crime and will try to place the blame, not on the guilty party, but on the circumstances or the upbringing that conceivably caused their actions. That the motives of an individual can somewhat mitigate actions, I can understand. But to justify murder, premeditated cold-blooded murder, by blaming the upbringing and childhood circumstances of an individual is senseless. It denies the presence of a conscience, the existence of personal choice and freedom of will. We know that there is freedom of choice. We all enjoy the right of self determination. But we also know that for every choice we make, and every decision we determine, there will be a result, an effect, and an accounting. As individuals we become the sum of our choices and experiences. I believe that there is no justification for crimes against humanity, nor do I believe that we are the judges in this matter.
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(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

Hi! My name is Zeph Fischer. I’m 31 years old and I’ve spent all of those 31 years in the Family. I married at 20, and my wife and I now have 5 beautiful children, and we live in sunny Mexico. I’ve lived in over 10 different countries and feel that I’ve experienced a great big bite of life!

As a kid I performed on TV and radio, released a hit album, traveled the globe and experienced a thrilling and different childhood.

At age 12, I became interested in moving away from my parents and trying things out on my own, so I asked my Dad if I could move to the Philippines where there was a program for young people my age and within a couple of months I was there.

Moving away from my parents at this age really helped me grow up fast and learn some big life lessons on responsibility and accountability.

Some people would argue that by moving away at that age, I lost my childhood, but I would say that life only became more exciting and the experiences I had more intense. I learned to be more responsible for my actions and interacting with my peers, who are also from all different backgrounds, which helped me develop good people handling skills.

Another huge difference in my education in the Family compared to that of a secular education is that I constantly had practical, hands-on training in areas I was interested in, like carpentry, computers, electronics, and of course—my first love—music!
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(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

Age 30
Happily Married 11 years
Born & raised in The Family
Currently a missionary in Mexico with “Proyecto Rescate”(Project Rescue)

Children are a heritage of the Lord & the fruit of the womb is His reward. This verse sums up my feelings of the upbringing I had in The Family, and reminds me of the responsible attitude and conduct which I saw continually portrayed by my parents and caregivers throughout that upbringing. I am a second generation Family member, the oldest girl in a family of nine children. Because of my parents’ deep faith & love for the Lord I was given the privilege to be raised in what I consider the absolute best environment in the world.

I am just a little older than Ricky so we both lived through the same time periods or “phases” in The Family & all throughout my 29 years I have never personally seen nor experienced anything unloving, dangerous or damaging to myself or any other children as I grew up in Family communities all throughout Australia, India, Japan, the Philippines and New Zealand. Absolutely no form of abuse is tolerated in The Family! We were raised and still live according to the loving, Godly principles laid out in the Bible and my present lifestyle clearly reflects that for any objective inquirer who should care to hear a firsthand account from one of the allegedly “abused, deprived victims.”
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I am now 28 years old and have had well over 15 years to mill over the grievances that were caused during my life before then, whether by members in “The Family” or not. However I was able to put them all into crisp perspective when I spent over two years with my wife and child, living a life without any one from “The Family” in a radius of 1500 miles. Leading a life that to most would be considered “normal” and many in other parts of the world consider Luxury.

However as I rose to take the company vehicle to work each day, I would receive a list of clients who I was to be in contact with that day, and after two years of talking with well over 4000 “successful” people, from ages 25-60, from many races. It came clear that most people my age had many additional things to fear and look out for (especially if they had children) that I or my parents did not have to contend with in “The Family”.

They also cleared up the fact that, issues that I and any one has or had with the way they were treated in “The Family” was in no way unique. Instead there were many worse angles, which I and hundreds of peers I knew raised in “The Family” were shielded from.
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To begin with, I am James Péloquin. I am a full-time member of The Family International, and proud of it.

The situation with Ricky Rodriguez and Angela Smith disgusts me. I had the pleasure of meeting Angela, and living with her for about 5 months. I didn’t have the chance to get to know her too well; but without a doubt, she was one of the most cheerful, outgoing, loving, sacrificial people I have ever known. For someone to take a life as good as hers in such a gruesome way, appalls me. To go beyond that, for Ricky Rodriguez to slander and threaten his own mother, and the Family and lifestyle that I hold dear, is more than I can comprehend. I am 18 years old, born and raised in The Family. I lived in several countries, and in many different homes and situations. None of them were perfect, but were always filled with an atmosphere of love and care. Neither I, nor any of my friends or family were ever abused, physically, sexually or mentally. On the contrary, my life has been filled with excellent care, schooling, and opportunities to excel in such fields as Business Management, Computer Graphics, Programming and Web Design, and Music Production. But above all, it has been my privilege to have a part in changing countless lives through the love of Jesus.
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To whom it may concern,

My name is Gabriel James Yoder. I am 23 and was born and raised in The Family. My life has taken me around the world, to five continents and over ten countries, and inside countless Family homes. If you know something about the Family, chances are you’ve heard the slander and accusations of those who hate us. I wanted to take this time to give some of the other side. I realize that for those who’ve already made up their minds about us this will make little difference, this is for those who haven’t.

First of all, I was shocked by what had happened, and angry. I knew neither of them personally, but of course I had grown up knowing who Ricky was. When the media began to publish the first of the articles, I was horrified at the portrayal of the murderer as an abused ex-cult member who was driven to do what he did, and it seemed as if that justified it. Little was said about the plight and fear of an innocent woman who was brutally murdered in cold blood. Then when I read some feedback from a few rabidly hostile former members, I was sickened. Some of these people were not only advocating what he did but describing it as nothing more than “removing a splinter from his thumb”! This is a woman’s life we’re talking about not a splinter! I was horrified when I realized that what was once solely vicious and obnoxious verbatim had turned into physical violence. A line had definitely been crossed. I ask myself why, what gives some the right to attack our way of life and consider it there calling to try to destroy us? What do they want. I am sorry for the bad things that happened that they can’t let go of, but leave me alone!
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This is what I have to say about the recent events and the stance some are taking towards the malicious behavior that was manifested.

There is a story about a discourse between a university professor and his student.

The professor asked this question “Did God create everything?”

A student answered “yes He did!”

The professor answered, “If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil.”

The student was quiet while the professor boasted to the rest of the class about how he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student then raised his hand and asked, “Professor, does cold exist?”

Scoffing the professor replied “Of course it exists. Have you ever been cold?”
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Not long after the devastating, destructive Tsunami waves had washed over and destroyed much of the coasts of Asia, there were reports of looting and raping rampages in the affected areas by those who saw the devastation as an opportunity to perpetrate their own interests. I believe this situation echoes what we in the Family are now facing.

What happened to Angela and Ricky is a tragedy that has affected me and ones I love. It’s hard enough to deal with what happened on its own, but it seems there’s more that has to be dealt with, mainly because of those who intend to capitalize on this situation and use it to further their interests. Those interests being to destroy the Family and the life that I’ve grown up in and love. Frankly, it infuriates me. We are the victims of this tragedy, we are the ones who have been affected by it. Now we are accused as the guilty party and forced to deal with issues that have already been resolved but apparently not forgotten.
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By Christy G.

I am a 29-year-old second generation member of the Family International. I was born in Switzerland and raised in the Family International. I have been on five of the seven continents, and have had a full and happy life thus far. While my life hasn’t been perfect (whose is?), it has been blessed in countless ways. I am grateful to my parents for the heritage of faith that they gave me.

In the Family International I am surrounded by friends and co-workers who I know love me and I can count on to be there for me. I live in an atmosphere of love, trust, respect, and camaraderie, and we have a common goal—that of bringing God’s love and light to this darkening world. I have the deepest respect and admiration for each of the members of our organization, who lay down their lives daily to give to others, and to help make the world a better place. I have seen them in action, and have been part of the action, in Africa, Asia, and South America.
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Why do you try to convince me that life is so much better out there when you don’t even believe it yourself?

Why do you try to persuade me that it is so much easier out there, that I can be happier out there, when I can see that it’s not easy for you, that it’s not making you happy?

Why do you tell me that I am lying to myself, that I am working for something that is unattainable, too ‘fairy-tale-ish’ , when you lie to yourself, and you work for something even more ‘fairy-tale-ish’?

Why do you tell me that no one here really cares about me, that they don’t really love me, when everyday they prove to me by their actions how much they love, and care about me? Why do you tell me that it’s no use, that all my efforts are for nothing, that no matter how hard I try I won’t be able to make a difference, when I can see that it really is worth something, that I am making a difference?

Why do you say that it is ‘close-minded’ of me for not wanting to try out another–your– lifestyle, when I see what it has done to you?

You say you believe in me, and in my choices for my life, but why don’t you believe in my choice to give my life in the Family?

I love you, and pray for you, but if your life has just disillusioned you, and turned you into the liar that you now are, then I really don’t want it.

Jewel is a member of the Family International.

I was born in The Family. I’ve chosen to raise my children in The Family not simply because of the opportunities it offers but because I wholeheartedly believe this is where they will receive the most love, attention and care not only from me but a network of supportive parents and co-workers. This is my choice, when they are of age they can then make their choices.

I am Joanna Daniels, I’m 25 and married with two beautiful sons. I currently live in Sydney, Australia. I grew up in Australia minus 3 years when my parents were missionaries in India and have been home-schooled most of my life. At 16 years of age I dropped out of school and started traveling and spent a total of 1 year in Japan, 3 years in Russia, where I met my husband and I’ve just finished 3 unforgettable years in South Africa and Zimbabwe. I’ve been involved in Humanitarian Aid distribution, soup kitchens, performing shows and making inspirational visits to orphanages, schools and prisons across two continents. I’ve since completed my education and obtained a number of certificates in different areas of expertise. I don’t feel like the smartest cookie in the barrel but I have confidence that I can do whatever I want to do with my life and have the advantage to go as far as I want to in whatever area I choose. I’ve never felt held back because of growing up in The Family but rather at an advantage.

I believe that whatever my sons choose to do in life, with a solid foundation in God and a love and respect for their fellow man and the opportunities growing up in The Family affords, they can have the world at their fingertips.

Joanna Daniels is a second generation member of the Family International.

I am 22, born and raised in the Family.

I am presently living in Japan, doing what I can to reach the world with the love of Jesus. I clean, wash, and do staff work in one of our Homes.

I just wanted to say that I am proud to be in the Family! As a boy, I went to system school and engaged in witnessing a lot. All I have to say is that I am very thankful that I have become a true missionary. I have heard many false stories that people say against the Family, and I know how twisted they have become.

Now in regards to the current events I wasn’t that surprised. Since one who receives such input from movies and all the evil input of these days, there is no stop to how much you can be influenced.

I wanted to mention that all the things they accuse us with are just lies! I am very proud of my childhood, and all that I have been through in my life in this Family!

I am happy to be here, and I am thankful to have this chance to express myself in this little note! I pray that the Lord will bring out good from this sad event that took place…

Estevao J. C. Silva is a second generation member of the Family International.

I am currently working with a unit of The Family International in New Delhi, India. I am 23 years old, married, and have 2 sons ages 3 and 1 years. At this time I am trying to raise much-needed financial and material support for the Tsunami relief work we are doing. We have a team down in Tamil Nadu – the south of India - helping those who have lost everything. To think that at a time of international calamity like this all some people have to do with their lives is slander the rest of us who are trying to make a positive difference in society makes me furious. I can hardly believe it is happening.

I extend my heartfelt condolences towards the families of those whose loved ones’ lives met such sad and untimely ends. This is a tragedy that should not have happened, and yet there seem to be people who are not that bothered by it. That is weird, man. You are weird if news of the taking of a human life does not upset or sadden you deeply. The Bible, respected by millions of Christians and non-Christians alike says: “by their fruits you will know them”. Now, translate that any way you like, but to me that means if you are making death threats and worse, carrying them out, then what the hell is wrong with you as a person? That may be a Bible-based fact, but I believe it is pretty universal, and I don’t think I would have trouble with people agreeing with me on that score. If you are saying rotten things, it shows that there is something seriously wrong with you. Blame it on who you like, but the bottom line is this: each person is responsible for his or her actions, period. How you can excuse murder I just don’t know. God help you if you do.
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Like other great Christians who have gone on before us, I feel a strong call in my heart that I feel compelled to follow. And that is to share what I have found in God’s Word to mankind, the Bible, to be the truth. Unlike many people I have met who feel bound and imprisoned by the society that they live in, and by what the system would have them believe is good or bad, truth or lie, I have experienced freedom of spirit and a liberation through this truth! (“And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”)

I have made it my life’s mission to share this truth with all who are searching for it and want it. This I feel is my destiny and I would not be happy living a life that I feel is second-best. Rather I feel determined to do all I can and to give all I can, to strive for that high calling and fulfill my destiny. The Family helps me to do just that.
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Please, define the words “abusive” and “harmful”. Perhaps some of you are just suffering from a lack of a knowledge of the definition of these words. If such is the case, I will give you the benefit of the doubt; however, please consult a dictionary. It would really help clear things up. Unless of course being loved unconditionally, being given a purpose and meaning in life, being given every opportunity to succeed, and being taught the Holy Scriptures suggests abuse. Or perhaps you think it is harmful that I have decided not to subject my children to situations that could endanger their safety or lead them to such “thrills” as substance abuse, alcoholism, violence, evolution, the occult and paganism.

We may have our differences of thought, modus operandi and don’t see eye to eye on everything. But hey, that’s what being you and being me is all about! It shouldn’t make a difference when it comes to respecting each other for who we are. I have never committed a crime, nor have I ever witnessed one. I am a law-abiding citizen and contribute positively to society.
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A friend of mine was murdered nearly 2 weeks ago, after which the man responsible took his own life. If you are reading this, then I assume you already know the details of what happened, so I will not get into them here. My first reaction was shock and horror, as I said above she was a personal friend (in my opinion one of the kindest people I’ve ever met), and someone who I had been honored to have worked closely with for several years. While I did not personally know Ricky (the young man responsible), I have heard of him and know several people who were his friends, and if the truth be known I had grown up looking up to him, and even after he left our missionary fellowship, and began to use his reputation (the son of our founder) to lend credence to the lies and hate that were being spread about us, I always felt that he had the potential to go somewhere with his life and to be whatever he determined to be. All of this brought the tragedy of the situation very close to home, and I grieved for the loss of both lives.
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1. Angela in no way deserved this. And I would say the same about anyone that was murdered in such a way.
2. I’m appalled by the comments of those who have said or in any way insinuated that Ricky was the victim and that Angela deserved it.
3. I strongly oppose the idea that taking a life, no matter what the circumstances, is ever justified.
4. I feel the media for the most part is not giving true, unbiased, full-rounded coverage of this story. (At least at the time of my writing this.)
5. I know that life in the Family is not abusive in anyway. (I say this after having lived and experienced the Family way of life for 23 years.)
6. I believe in Jesus and the Bible and have dedicated my life to being His disciple. I feel that the Family is the best place for me to do this. If at any point in time I feel that the Family is hindering me from living the life of a disciple, I will be the first to admit this. But till that day, I’m dedicated to the Family and its beliefs, which I believe are all in line with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, and I don’t say this because I have been conditioned to or because I have been told to; I say this of my own free will.
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I would like to tell you a bit about my own life & personal experiences. I was born to parents who, about four years prior, had chosen to be missionaries & spread the good news of Jesus & His love wherever possible. When I came into their lives they took me along with them & saw to it that I was cared for & given the best education & training possible. I was reading at the age of two, a grade or two higher than most kids my age and was able to speak at least two or three languages.

I grew up with purpose in my life: a driving motivation to better the lives of those around me, friends & strangers alike. My parents & teachers taught me by their personal example to show kindness & love to everyone; young and old, rich and poor, friendly and unfriendly. Not all of my peers & friends took fancy to these ideals & by the time I needed to make my own choice for the direction of my life many of them were pursuing a lifestyle that was less beneficial to society.
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Hey, I’m Angela (Maria Angela Alves Souza), I’m 16 years old and I rejoined the Family 3 years ago. I was living in Chile, but now I’m living in Brazil. I know what the ~@#%… System is. Actually, I was born in the Family, but my parents left the Family when I was 6 years old. All things work together for good for those who love God, and now I know all that we have, that they don’t (and they actually wish): I have peace, and they don’t (they supposedly find peace bothering us), I have a goal in my life, reach the lost souls in this *@#%!! world, and they don’t. I’m fighting for the Lord and dying day by day for His high work, and they aren’t (they fight against us and try to destroy – impossible job for them – God’s work) And, you know what? I cook, I take care of children, I clean the house, I witness, and I HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT!!!!!!! But I’m really thankful for the way that the FGAs that I lived/live with take care of me as their daughter, teach me with patience (actually too much patience) and they help me with a lot of love to get closer to the Lord. (God bless Esperanza and Lucas, John and Amor, my dad, Pablo and Maria, Maggie and Juanfra, Gabriela, John and Sara, Clarita and Elias, Claudia, Rebecca and Vicky, Peter, Stefan, João and Adriana, Hepsi and Jonatas, and the loving Lady – JRteen and SRteen shepherd). If you knew me before, you can tell that I’ve changed.
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Dear friends and family,

My heart goes out in deepest sympathy for the mother of Pete, and all related. Also to my dear friend, Sue! We had lovely times together.

There are no words that can really say what I want to express. I lost my son at the age of 25 in France by an accident. Later, I knew Pete very shortly. A Mother survives these things but can never really heal. My heart goes out to Maria, for the only son she had, and I hope that others will understand her pain. I have. Judge not that ye be not judged. Dont’t try to be God. God Loves you!

A mother,
Mother Eve

(Mother Eve was the first wife of The Family International’s founder, the late David Brandt Berg.)

Have you ever had somebody tell a lie about you?

It’s not so bad when you are present, hearing it for yourself, and capable of defending what you know to be the truth, able to fairly argue your side of the story

But what happens when the newspapers and television shows publish lies or twisted truths about you and your way of life, yet refuse to publish the truth because it’s just not as sensational?

The feelings of frustration, of feeling that you don’t have a voice, of feeling that others won’t listen, of feeling defenseless, your way of life unprotected from those who would wish to hurt or harm you or your family, can almost be overwhelming.
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(And yet it seems they can only offer them a life of bitterness, hate, violence and revenge.)
From Nat (Techi’s husband and Ricky’s brother-in-law)

Some would have me trade my son’s light for their darkness; his sweet and giving nature, for their lust for retribution; his contagious laugh, wonderful smile and sweet soul, for a tortured mind, calloused heart and dark deeds; his strong faith, for their confusion and uncertainty.

They would have us exchange our lives based on helping, seeking to save, and giving to others, for one of trying to hurt others, messing up happy families, spreading misconceptions, half-truths and outright venomous lies in order to bring more people into the dark world that they find themselves trapped in.

They claim, and maybe even believe, that they’re doing this for our own good, and that my son’s life will be much better for it. How can that be? Why would anyone agree to that when faced with the facts of what has happened, and the things that are still being planned and encouraged by a few? Who would do that? I certainly won’t!
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