I find it difficult to understand that some of our former members who have left just can’t leave the past behind and go on with life. I don’t understand why they have to bend over backwards to try and make life difficult for us, who are still serving God as full-time, professional missionaries. I want to make it clear cut that I am proud to be part of this Family, (or Family International) and I am neither forced nor pressured to stay within The Family by any means.

What happened to Pete (or Rick) and Angela was a sad tragedy but had nothing to do with Mama or Peter…period. I was really sorry to hear of both their deaths, but I hate it when our apostates feed the public a pack of lies to the point of almost justifying Pete’s cruel act. I don’t know what you people have heard about the Family, but I’ll tell you one thing; I personally would rather be in ‘The Family’ at its very Worst than to be out there at its very Best. We’re happy doing what we do, serving God and preaching what we practice, so before these haters point the finger at us and try and make life miserable for us who are still sticking it out, look at your own youth, man! Wake up and smell the concrete. Your entire environment is filled with kids (not to mention underage) shooting, killing, hooked up on drugs, prostitution and almost every conceivable crime imaginable.

To those of you viewers that are wondering what I think of out there, have you ever read that story about the boy that his father wanted to make a lawyer? Well, one day the boy asked his dad, “why do I have to study?” and he replied, “so you’ll get smart and get a good education and then get a good job as a lawyer.” Then he asked, “Then what?” Father: “Then you’ll get tons of money and get married and maybe have a few children.” Boy: “Then what?” The father starts to get huffy, “Then you’ll retire and grow old together.” he snapped impatiently. The boy then asked, “And then what…??”

So is that what you want everyone to be like? Race this vicious cycle and run this rat race?? Live for nothing and die for nothing? I would rather die for something than to live for nothing, and we are living for something man. We are going somewhere and we will go down in history for what we do. We each have a crown to get, and yes, that crown does come with some sacrifice. But in the end, it will be like what the famous missionary that went to Africa, David Livingstone said, “I have never made a sacrifice.”

I have made many sacrifices, but now as I reflect on my life, I no longer count them as sacrifices. I am as normal as any teen that’s out there, and I can think clearly and reasonably. I’ve had my ups and downs, I’ve had my moments of doubt. But why am I still here? Because I know that this is for real. I’ve seen miracles and prayers answered before my very eyes and beyond any doubt or coincidence. And I know this joint is going somewhere and somewhere far.

Those of you former members who are attacking us, I suggest that you take some time off and think your life through. I’m a Professional Missionary living for God…what’s it gonna be for you??

Koji Shimonaka is a second-generation member of the Family International.