Dear Readers,

My name is Michelle Lavigne, and I am 19 years old. I was born and raised in the Family International. It is my joy and privilege to still be living and working in it today! To make myself more real to you who do not know me. I worked as teacher, as well as a missionary in Africa. I also helped to teach my younger brothers and sisters in the States. I have lived in four different countries, (Canada, USA, Mexico, and Africa) as most children in the Family have had the joy of traveling and experiencing different cultures. And I am presently working as a secretary in the United States of America.

As all members of the Family, my main job is witness to everyone I can, and help all those in need (spiritual or physical), no matter color, race or wealth.

When news of Angela and Ricky’s death first came to me, I wasn’t sure how to react. So many mixed feelings hit me at once.

1. Sadness for the loss of life.
2. Anger at the hate that took it.

But most of the anger I felt, came later; when I heard the things disgruntled ex-members where saying. Ricky and Angela are gone, and that is the sad truth of it. It’s a sad loss and it pains me to think about it. Ricky is in no way a hero for what he did, and there is no excuse for it. But no one can turn back time, what’s done is done.

But what really gets me, is this small group of embittered people, who have no clue how to get on with their lives, hashing out on us (ME) and spitting on Angela, as if she deserved her death.

It just plain sickens me to think about it! And I want them all to know that they are NOT just attacking a “group” but they are maliciously attacking, slandering and hurting GOOD and GODLY people who give their lives day in and day out to serve and help others. We are here to save this world of its own destruction. And it is hate like what Ricky did to Angela, and what angry ex-members are doing to us that is bringing this same downfall.

“By their fruits yea shall know them” And the only fruits I’ve seen from them, have been that of hate, anger and madness!
It’s madness to kill an innocent woman. It’s madness to accuse Godly people, (parents, children, brothers, sisters, friends) of crime that never even existed.

I have NEVER been abused nor seen anyone abused in my life in the Family, and I have the right to be heard in my claim for the truth, I am tired of hearing lies being spoken about us….ME! And anyone who says other wise is a LIAR!!!
I take this VERY personally, for when you attack the Family you are sending a personal attack on me, and I do not take lightly to it, for you are hurting me and my own and THAT is no small matter!!

I have only met Ricky once, when he came to my sister’s wedding. I didn’t get much time talk to him. But one thing I know is that on the night of my sister’s wedding, both she and her husband spent time with him. Instead of being alone with each other, they went out and got a movie that the three of them could enjoy, he was only there for a time, and they wanted him to feel loved and cared for. THAT was the sample I saw the Family give him. I don’t know his whole life, but if it’s anything like what I received in the Family, then it was a life of love.

I have seen Family members give of their time and energy to serve and help others time and time again, and I have no doubt in my mind, we will continue to do so. I personally know Dan Roselle’s parents. And I can attest that any accusations against them are false! I was traveling with them for a time, and was away from my family. But I never felt alone, not once. They became my parents, and cared for me as any parent would. They are loving and kind people who do nothing but good. If only I could describe to you how much they and everyone else in this Family means to me. They are ALL part of my personal family, so I want everyone that is trying to hurt us to know right now that you are treading dangerous ground.

But despite everything, I want you all to know you are in my prayers. I pray that you can move on with your lives, and stop trying to keep me from mine. That is not a prosperous road to travel, and will not get you ahead in life. I know many ex-members who are happy with their lives, a few from my family as well. I don’t mind if the Family is not your “cup of tea” but it is mine, and all of us here are making our own choices to be here. I want to be here, I love being here, and there is nothing you can do to keep me from it!

Michelle Lavigne is a second-generation member of the Family International.