It’s funny when you look at this site and at the ex-members site and notice how different they are. Here you see obviously well educated, normal young people with a zest for their missionary life who’s postings aren’t filled with contempt and bitterness. Then on the other hand you see the ex-members’ site which is just overgrown with meaningless hatred and immature swearing (and I have a question, why is it called “Moving On” if they’re doing anything but that?).

I hate to say this for fear of it sounding like a cliché, but it’s honestly what I feel. I’ve grown up in the Family International all my life, and while I’ve had my ups and downs while in it, I know for a fact that it is the best place for me and countless others, and that there is no more secure environment for children than the one I’ve known my whole life. Why would someone want to take that away from me, or any of us for that matter? We’re happy here can you understand that?

As far as the situation regarding Angela and Ricky, I knew her personally and was–along with the rest of the Family International–deeply shocked and saddened. I had lived with her and even had the privilege of being her roommate for awhile, and I know that she is the kindest, most loving, and sharing person you could know and that any of these allegations being made against her are completely false. She was so wonderful, she had this way of making you feel great just by simply being around, and the children loved her, she was so gentle with them. I know that no one who lived with her for just a week, or even for a day could make such horrible claims against her.– She could never hurt anyone, not even accidentally, she’s too considerate of others for that.

And as for Ricky I never did know or meet him even though I’d always wanted to. And as much as I’d like to say that I forgive him and love him despite what he did….I honestly can’t. But I’m praying that the Lord will put enough love in my heart so that I can forgive and forget. I’m also praying that he can help me to be half of what Angela was while on earth, because I know that if I was like her, the far-reaching effects of the lives I could touch in a positive way would be overwhelming.

She gave her life because the love in her heart was so great, even in death she was trying to help others. I only hope that someday I can do the same. For anything less of giving my WHOLE life would be falling SHORT of the mark of the high calling of God.

Meryllee Edson is a member of the Family International.