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.

Abused? I don’t think so. I couldn’t imagine a better lifestyle, and when I have children of my own, there is no other place that I would raise them.

You can try to attack my way. You can try to attack my lifestyle. You can try to attack this Family. But, “If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God!”

James Péloquin is a second generation member of the Family International.