I’m writing because I’m deeply saddened by recent events regarding Ricky and Angela. I’m writing because there are those who are trying to use this tragedy to smear the name of the Family, and those I love. There are those who are saying that all those who have been raised in the Family have been abused and live in abusive conditions. These are lies! “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” And because of this I feel compelled to express how I feel, and say it like it really is.

My name is Isamu Matsuoka, I’m 24, I will be a father next month. My wife and I were both born and raised in the Family International, and we’re proud of our upbringing. We live in Tokyo, Japan, and we’re dedicated to serving our fellow man and bringing God’s love to those we meet.

At our center I’m personally involved in a project to bring needed supplies, toys, clothing to orphanages and single mother institutes. We also perform for these children who are desperate for love and acceptance. Over Christmas we also took our performance and supplies to Niigata, which was hit by an earthquake. The earthquake victims who lost homes, and most of what they owned, were very thankful for the fun performance, and most of all our encouragement and hope that we were able to share with them.

I’m living a happy, fulfilled and complete life, surrounded by those I love and who also want to do something to make the world a better place. I love the life I live and I owe it all to the wonderful upbringing I received both from my parents and excellent teachers in the Family, who always challenged me and motivated me to reach out and help others.

My wife and I are happy and excited about our son who will be arriving in several weeks. We don’t know everything about child rearing, but we’re confident and proud that we will be able to raise him in a wonderful environment, and that we’ll be able to give him the love, support, happiness, and good education that we were given.

Our goal in life continues to be to give God’s love to others and to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. There are those who may not understand or who disagree with my beliefs and lifestyle, I can accept and understand that. But what I cannot understand is those who choose to verbally attack and threaten those who have given their lives to helping others. I ask that those of you out there with an open mind carefully consider the truth before taking sides.

Isamu Matsuoka is a second-generation member of The Family International