My name is Mercy Robb. I am nearly 24. I have lived in the Family International all my life. I have lived a life filled with love, care, stability, superior schooling, superior training in service to mankind–a life free from violence and any and all forms of abuse.

I’m sitting here listening to the children I live with, love, care for and teach, (who happen to be my own nieces and nephews) laughing as they play in the garden with their “auntie” (one of the members of our home), as she is affectionately called. I see them run to their parents’ arms as they walk in the door telling them the events of their day. My 4-year-old nephew excitedly “reminds” his mom that he just started 1st grade. This is just another normal evening in this wonderful place I call home.

I have somewhat to say about my feelings triggered by the tragic deaths of Ricky and Angela. It was an unexpected event that had me in shock and dazed for a couple days. An act such as this goes against everything I’ve ever known in my missionary life. To even imagine such an act of violence is difficult and disturbing for me. What breaks my heart more is the way the media is taking the distortions, exaggerations, half-truths and outright lies—words from our apostates who are verbally degrading the life I live and love—and putting it out before the public as though it were well-rounded and unbiased facts and information. The reason this particularly disturbs me, which is also the reason I am compelled to write this, is because it brings back memories of a time when, as a child, I was a victim of such media slander and lies.

I was living in Argentina in 1993 when many of the same accusations and lies that are being told about us now were fed to the media by some of our antagonistic and bitter former members. They were broadcasted and the repercussions were that the authorities and police raided my home—our Family community. They entered my house at 3 a.m. on the 10th of September, and broke up my home, my family and my life. Amidst the confusion of those pre-dawn hours, they told me they just needed to take my friends and me (the other children in our community) in for questioning and we would come home that night where my parents would be waiting to receive us. (The first of many lies I was told by the police and government workers!) (more…)

By Érica Rocha de Lemos (27 years old, Brazil)

My name is Érica; I first met the Family in 1997 and have been living as a full time missionary for the Family International since 2002.

After hearing about the news of the recent happenings with Angela and Ricky, and seeing how things are being approached I felt in my heart that I should say a bit about my life in the Family International and how it has been one of the best moments in my life, and all that is being said in relation to how Angela’s murder and Ricky’s suicide is connected to what certain ex-members of the Family International are saying about Ricky’s previous life in the Family.

Unlike many of the young people in the Family International I was not born in the group. I came to know Jesus and His love through faithful missionaries, who began working at the university I studied architecture in, 8 years ago, through one of their musical shows. I felt the love of Jesus in them, and thus began what I would come to call my journey to find the “real vocation I was called to”. Five years went by from the time I met the group, until the moment I decided to follow the call to be a missionary, and dedicate my life to others. During those five years I was able to see clearly what it meant to live for love and others and not for yourself, through the sample which I saw in the missionaries I was in contact with from the Family International. It also became increasingly obvious to me that in the world I was living in there was more and more of a “look out for number one” spirit, with each one only looking out for themselves. (more…)

My name is Lilia P.,

After learning of the tragic events and responses in the media I felt the need to offer my sympathy and prayers to the loved ones and friends affected by this situation., I would also like to lend a say in response to the hype and assumptions surrounding our ‘abusive childhood’ in hopes others (as in those who want to hear all the angles) can REALLY hear all the angles.

I’m 20 years old , born and raised in “The Family”. I’m now happily married, contently settled outside of the Family, busily working in childcare and enrolled in a local college (strangely sounds like moving on.) I have studied and earned a diploma in Early Childhood Education and from what I know and have experienced is that myself, my 10 younger siblings, and every classmate I’ve grown up with in the Family has had and continues to have, every single basic need met, not to mention the most love and proper care any child in the world could hope for. (more…)

Written by: Anthony Michael Roys, (24)

I would say, if you asked me, that my life has been pretty normal for a young person in The Family International. I was born in “The Family” in Lisbon, Portugal 1980, and as most other Family children, we moved quite often; starting with India where we stayed for 10 years, then moved on to Thailand where our family helped the ever-growing work (and where my Mom still is, now helping the tsunami victims [2005]). Then from there being a youth and wanting to “stretch my wings” I moved back to India by myself and stayed there for 3 more years where I met my wife. I am now in Brazil.

You might be wondering why I am giving you my whole life’s background, but I want to say here that I was never in that whole time ever neglected, abused, or ill treated at any time. I spent a lot of those years in what we called a “combo” home, and where many of our detractors say that a lot of their “abuses” happened. Well I am not sure if I can say this enough, but I never went thru any of those things that they say, and let me state something more here, I know some of those people that are posting things where they say that they were mistreated etc. – but it is all trumped up lies. I wish that I could just talk to them face to face and I would like to see if they will be able to say the same things about the same time and place, I know that they would back down. (more…)

My name is Michele G. Roys, I am 22 years old, married to an adorably sweet guy, who is 24. I was born in the Family, raised part of my childhood in the Family, but I was unfortunate to live for about 5 years out of the Family. I am back and EXTREMELY happy for that!!! I love all there is about the Family International and I will not sit around while there are those that are trying to put an end to all I believe, desire and live for.
(more…)

My name is Daniel Yoder. I am 22 years old and have spent every one of those years in some level of membership in The Family International. I’ve been to 22 countries as a missionary, assisted in countless humanitarian aid projects, and four months ago I got married to my girlfriend of three and a half years.

There’s a lot I could say in response to all the recent accusations and slander that has been so prolifically written and played in the media over the past couple weeks. Although let’s face it, the media gives the people what they want, and they want sex, they want cult members, they want salacious allegations of abuse. Let’s face it; it’s exciting, it’s better than a Hollywood script. So why bother and pay the writers when you can find it for free, in the mouths of a small group of vocal and antagonistic ex-members of a group called the Family. Who wants the truth anyway? The truth is boring, the truth doesn’t sell. Who wants to watch a show that gives a fair and objective viewpoint from the other side? Fair and objective aren’t exciting, they are boring, and we all know what boring doesn’t do (if you forgot see above).

Here’s an idea though. Let’s stop, consider the facts, and see if we can’t bore ourselves for at least a little while. That is until the next big story hits. I can only speak for myself so in my own words here is my response. (more…)

My name is Marie Clair Giustini. I was born and raised in Japan, I am 17 years old. I just wanted to share some things. Although I am in the Family International, I went to public school for 9 years. So I know more about “out there” than people who lived in the Family all of their lives.

I must say that public school wasn’t that pleasant. Actually it made me quite sick. But I did feel sorry for the kids there. People the same age as me were always having problems with their lives, with their parents, with their friends, with themselves. They would usually come and ask me for help. Well not like I knew any better, but I had my Christian parents that taught me about the Bible and the word of God. And I would just give the answers from there, and my friends in school would thank me for giving them the answers they needed. And I always thought I never wanted to have the same problems as them. (more…)

My name is Daniel Meacham. I’m a second generation member. I was born/raised in the Family, left for a few years, and returned whole heartedly.

Age: 26 .
Location: Europe.
Status: Married, with one daughter and the other arriving anytime.

“It is an old and ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way“– Rollo May

I’ve been reading article after article, email after email where former members, some of which my friends, or people I grew up with, along with the mass media try to justify the murder of a woman while canonizing a murderer!?

I would prefer rather to leave the subject alone as I have better stuff to waste my time on, such as helping people that are in need, instead of trying to defend the lifestyle I chose in which I can best help others who need me. But certain extremely vocal persons have left me no choice.

I knew Ricky, didn’t know Angela. Nice guy, very open. We had a lot in common. Talked a lot, and he never did mention anything negative of his mother, grandfather or his upbringing to me until two years ago. I will hold off speculation on how I feel this happened in respect for both the families involved. I personally believe this situation very complex and highly-emotional. I don’t believe that this should be exploited by ‘yellow journalism’. I also feel that this situation shouldn’t be exploited by persons wishing to use it to their own ends. (more…)

By Sharon Fox (22, Australian), currently in Bosnia

I had a typical Family upbringing. I grew up in Family homes in Australia where my physical and emotional needs were met consistently and generously.
I had a truly joyous childhood, full of memories of fun and learning and being surrounded by friends, along with the comfort and security of one giant, extended Family that loved me and was tuned in to my needs and wellbeing. What an absolute blessing and miracle! Some complain about what we did and didn’t receive growing up in the Family, but I found myself amply prepared for what has so far been a life of such fulfillment and excitement that I have no need to look any further! (more…)

Harmful & abusive? When you hear those words what do you think of? I think of the world at large. I think of those big cities where you don’t feel safe to even walk down the street in broad daylight. I think of horror films, alcohol abuse, & drugs.

My name is Sara Hansen D’Souza. I was born & raised in The Family International. I lived in Denmark till the age of two when we moved to India where I have chosen to remain. I am happily married & have two beautiful children.

I have been helping care for & teach children from the time I was twelve years old. When I finished my studies I chose to become a professional teacher in TFI.

When meeting someone for the first time or when friends come over they say how friendly, outgoing, happy & smart our children are. They (our children) are only four & one & a half years old.
(more…)

Age: 20

In childhood, I would describe myself as being ordinary with an extraordinary upbringing. Being that I was rather shy and introverted with a learning disability, I credit my successes since then to the Family and the love, security and direction in life we are given. I’m extremely thankful to the Family for all the love and attention that was poured into me. It makes me sick when I hear that the lifestyle, which is not only a Godly one but is also a moral and ethically correct one, and one that many of my secular peers envy, is being attacked.

I’m now 20 and through all the input that has been given me I feel I’m more prepared for life than most people my age. Not only have I been very successful in my own life and ambitions, but I’ve also helped many people in their lives, which is my ambition and the ambitions of the Family. Many people whom I interact with as well as counsel are surprised at my age and how I’m in most cases younger than themselves yet able to help them and counsel them in their difficulties.
(more…)

From Joni Myers, 26

It makes me happy to talk about The Family International and our lifestyle. It’s like talking about someone I love—I can’t help but smile and feel warm inside. It has been my choice to be in The Family and with each year that passes I am more and more happy with that decision.

I have a dear husband and four beautiful children. You ask if The Family is a safe place to raise children? I can’t think of a safer or better place to raise children, and believe me; I love my children far too much to have them anywhere near an abusive situation. There is so much that I love about The Family—my Family. In my personal statement here, I’d like to focus on the life of the children in The Family International since I have always loved children and always knew that I wanted to be a teacher or somehow involved in the care of children and now I have my own four angels to love and raise and it is one of the greatest joys of my life. (more…)

My name is Maria. I was born in Mexico into ¨The Family International¨. I was always bright and well adjusted as a child due to my social environment and Family schooling. Aside from being in Mexico half my life, I have also lived in Australia, the States, and the Philippines. In my lifetime of almost 23 years, I have never once experienced or seen another child experience sexual abuse. I am not saying there have not been bad people in the Family at one point or another, just as there are bad people the world over. But I have heard of cases where as soon as an abuser of any kind was found out, he was automatically EXCOMMUNICATED! I am not defending the past of ¨The Children of God¨. I was not there. I am defending what I live in and have grown up in all my life, and what is now being attacked: “The Family”.

Where in the world do we teach that when someone has a legitimate ought against another, to kill them? Why are people defending and condoning a murder? Is that what our society has come to? Ricky sure didn’t learn that in The Family!
(more…)

My name is Abi Orcutt and I live in California. I am in the Family International. I’m 24 years old and a mom of three.

I’m not very gifted at putting my thoughts to paper, but I feel the need to speak up about what is taking place.

I’m the type of person that would have loved to live in “Little House on the Prairie” days, things seemed to be simpler back then. To be honest I felt like I was living in those days before this whole thing happened with Ricky. My life was simple, challenging and full of excitement, but simple. It’s got me really thinking about if what I’m doing is the best, that of raising my kids in the Family. I guess that is what these ex-members wanted us to do, so you acheived that goal. And since I owe it to you, since you got me to stop and look at my life, I feel I also owe it to you to tell you exactly how I feel about what you are accusing The Family and me of. (more…)

(From Isaac Larson, 31, second-generation member of the Family International)

Isn’t this just great? More juicy stuff to print! Sex cult , murder victim , child abuse.

All very sensational headlines I know, but are they factual and true? NO.

Does it matter if they hurt thousands of innocent families? YES!

I’m one of those thousands of families. I was born in ‘The Family’ and have been raised by it. I’m 31 yrs old and have 2 great kids! I’ve been around the world with my little family and been to lots of Family ‘homes’ and there is no abuse going on! I’ve had tons of fun with my family living in different places and seeing all kinds of cool things that most people my age will never get to see in their lifetime cause there’ stuck in their little home town with the same boring things to do every day, most will never get that chance to do what I’ve done! (more…)

I knew Angela well

During the brief time that we lived together, we often enjoyed watching girly-type movies together, and talking typical girl talk. She may have been of an older generation than me, but she was one of my closer friends. In the last conversation I had with her before she moved from my home, we talked about many personal things, and she showed such genuine concern for me. I am very offended that people who never knew her would try to paint her in an unfavorable light!

I never met Ricky, but a close friend of mine had met Ricky in Eastern Europe several years ago, while he was still in the Family. He had stood out to her as a very accepting and fun person. I am convinced that if he harbored negative feelings about his life in the Family at that time, or was in any way unhappy with his lot, he wouldn’t have hesitated to let those around him know. I certainly would not stay a moment longer in a place I don’t want to be. (more…)

(From Vas Myers, 31, second-generation member of the Family International)

I’m very happy to be in The Family and have never suffered any injustice or abuse of any kind. While life for anybody in this world has its ups and downs, living the Christian lifestyle within The Family and learning about our unique beliefs has helped me to maximize the ups and minimize the downs as well as learn how to make the most out of the downs. I also am extremely fond of the superior care my children get as there is a high emphasis placed on them and their education, health, and recreation. (more…)

My name is Yuki Kubota, I’m 24, Japanese and am presently living in Japan with My wife (who is Australian) and our daughter Mia (2 and a half)
It is now half past midnight, I’ve had a long rewarding day, this afternoon the members of our center (or Home as we usually call it) got together to discuss ways in which we can help the victims of the Tsunami in the affected countries, we have received a list of needed items for the people there. Later in the evening I attended a Seminar organized by “21 seiki wo kangairu” - which translated into English literally means “Think about the 21st Century”; whose members are mostly alumni and Professors of Tokyo University. The subject was: Current Events and thoughts on the Japanese Government.

I’m tired and would very much like to crawl in bed with my wonderful wife and child but I can’t sleep knowing that there have been some allegations made about myself and others of us in the Family, stating that we are abused and underprivileged, that we don’t have a proper education and are brainwashed etc… I wish to state the truth about myself. (more…)

I’ve lived in many countries and what I have seen throughout my life is some of the nicest most loving parents bending over backwards to help their children. Involving them in decisions that most parents wouldn’t, allowing them great leeway in what hobby they pursue and what skills they choose to learn. It takes love and care to raise up a child to be a good adult and I have never seen any time or expense spared to give the opportunity for one of our children to progress in their field of choice. Even if it means the parents moving continents so their kid can find a life that suites them better, even if it takes years for the parents to re-situate their children and then years more for the mother and father to return to the place they feel called to, they will do it.

I have heard many complaints about Family parents not being able to bankroll College, or technical school for their children. Well, these kids need to wake up and smell the napalm. The vast majority of the world’s children are not born to upper class families, but from they way they see it, this is some kind of crime against humanity. Some people have to work for a living and just because you have to get a job now and fund your own way through life is not reason to consider yourself abused or mistreated. You were raised in a loving environment with people who cared about you, not just someone who stuck you in front of a TV after school. You were not shipped off to daycare at the age of 2 or 3 as many kids are, because a society existed around you that didn’t force both of your parents to work from 9 to 5 just to pay the bills. They were able to spend time with you and when they were away, other parents would step in and care for you.

Now if you don’t like the way the Family works, fine, go on a have a great life. No one holds it against you, each man must chose his own path. But please, just get on with your life!
(more…)

Hi, my name is Jesse S Pritchard, I am 23, I live in Japan. I love music and I love life. And when I heard that someone took this away from not only himself but someone else I couldn’t help but ask, why? I don’t know why he (Ricky) did this. But I do know that it was wrong. And since I have heard that people are wondering if this happening could have been the cause of his upbringing, I can only say rubbish. I have been living in the group called The Family international (also known as the Children Of God) since I was born. And never have I seen any forms of abuse or have been the receiver of such. I love this Family with all my heart, and I will do as much as I can to keep those who want to destroy it away. I could go on about how good this Family is but it will take too long. My only wish is to see those who do have a grudge against the Family to please move on with your life, you only have got so much time left to use. People make mistakes and the Family has made its share of mistakes, but who doesn’t. I am not condoning what Ricky did as right; I just want to see us all live together in harmony if we can. We can.

Jesse Pritchard is a second-generation member of The Family International

(From Marianne Mullen, 32, second-generation member of the Family International)

My name is Marianne Mullen, and I’m a second generation member of the Family International born in California, but grew up in many countries worldwide. I’ve lived on four continents, speak five languages and have spent the better part of the last ten years as a volunteer teacher of underprivileged children in various parts of Asia. Being that The Family is presently undergoing a media smear campaign, whether intentional or not, in regards to the very sad and tragic events involving the deaths of Angela Smith and Ricky Rodriguez, I feel obligated to say something.

I was very saddened to hear of this news, and my heart goes out to the loved ones of both Angela and Ricky, whose hearts must be feeling deep grief over their loss. It’s taken me some time to digest it all. I am finding it hard to rationalize how someone who was raised in the same loving, caring and peaceful environment of The Family as I was, one where we truly believe and try to live what the Bible teaches, “The love of Christ constrains me,” could undergo such a dramatic transformation from a nice person into someone so unstable, full of hate and bitterness with revenge enough to kill. I can only conclude that regardless of our upbringing, we are each given the freedom of choice and are fully accountable for the decisions we choose to make in our lives, and Ricky’s sad fate was the result of listening to voices of bitterness and anger, and of choosing hate and revenge over the love and truth that he’d been brought up with. (more…)

Written by: Angelina Brooke (23, – Second Generation of The Family)

Currently residing: Former CIS

I’m 23 years old and have lived every year of my life in the Family. I love it and would have wished for no other way in the world to be brought up. Since I was a child I cherished my missionary upbringing and when I have kids I want nothing more for them than to also be brought up in the same loving lifestyle I was brought up in.

Thus, stating that, it is beyond me how people can concoct such ridiculous fabricated lies about the way kids are abused and un-loved as they are raised in the Family, especially Ricky Rodriguez who never mentioned anything negative about his growing up in the Family until he got into contact with vicious enemies of the Family who contorted, brainwashed and filled his mind with delusions. In all my years I was never abused, I never witnessed anyone being abused and never have heard of any of my friends being abused. I’ve enjoyed a wonderful, loving and most of all emotionally stable life in the Family to this day.
(more…)

Hi. I’m Sonia, 27 years of age, and I was born and raised in the Family International. I have lived in Europe, South America, North America and the last 16 years of my life have been in Asia—Japan, Taiwan, and China. I don’t usually get involved in detractor-type controversies, as the truth usually speaks for itself, but right now, I feel I have to say something.

I’ve had a mixture of thoughts, feelings, and emotions since hearing about Ricky Rodriguez’s murder of Angela Smith and then taking his own life.—All of which I have trusted we will come to understand as time went on, since the Lord has promised that: “All things work together for good to them that love Him” (Romans 8:28). I was willing to move on, forgive and…maybe not forget (which is difficult to do with something of this impact), IF the story was left with its bare facts. I still believe that good will come from this, and I am still willing to forgive, but what I cannot believe is the way the media and some of our former members have taken the driver’s seat (without invitation) and like untamed horses are charging to God knows where. It may seem like a fun ride for now, but you may want to take a good look where you’re heading, or you may end up sitting in a crashed pile of lies and distortions of the truth, wishing you had considered things a little more carefully before starting in this direction in the first place.
(more…)

By Tuchi Spencer

I am a twenty-five-year-old second generation member of The Family International, born and raised as a part of this missionary organization. I knew and lived with Ricky Rodriguez and Angela Smith, both at different times throughout the years of 1999 and 2004.

Angela Smith was a dear friend of mine whom I loved and respected. Her vivaciousness, giving nature, spontaneity, and zestfulness in life lightened even the darkest of days. Her spiritedness and tender ways have left her smile as a permanent feature in my memory. I will always treasure the memory of her. Her death came as a shock, especially to know that it came at the hand of a man I had also called my friend.

It is hard for me to talk about Ricky Rodriguez in light of this recent tragedy, but for the sake of presenting my side of the story, I want it to be known that Ricky was my friend. I lived in the same community with him while he was still a part of The Family International. He had a fun-loving nature, was thoughtful, intriguing, and intelligent. During the time I lived with him, he never once suggested that he was abused—psychologically, emotionally, much less sexually.
(more…)

From: Samuel Peck, 23

It’s hard been hard for me to fathom the atrocious deed committed by Ricky Rodriguez. I can’t grasp his way of thinking; I can’t imagine how a human being could be motivated to do such a thing. My response to the news of his murder of Angela Smith and subsequent suicide has been very much the same as my response to the news that two students at Columbine High School in Colorado murdered their classmates in cold blood—utter and complete shock. Grief has its stages, the psychologists have told us, I’m still in the first stage—shock.

My brother died almost 3 years ago at the age of 16; it was a very difficult time from which my family and I are still recovering. When someone close to you dies it leaves a wound which takes time to heal. After John died I would be walking through the house, and something would remind me of him and I would start to cry. I cried because I knew I would never share another moment with him, and that another chance to share with him the love and companionship of a brother would never come again, and I cried for my parents. For years my parents had tried to no avail to come up with a solution to his complex medical condition, and now his life was over. Unexpectedly his life had been ripped from our hands. What could we do now? Could we have prevented his death? I knew they felt guilty, I knew they blamed themselves. I tried to comfort them as best I could, reassuring them they had done all they could to keep John with us. We all cried together.

Last week I cried for the families of Ricky Rodriguez and Angela Smith, having known the pain I couldn’t help but cry. Please know that my prayers and sympathies are with you.
(more…)

By Sara Smile, 29

Hi, I am not a Family born person, yet I am 29 born 1975 and this makes me the same age with Ricky, plus I had lived with him for about a year during his stay in Hungary when we both were 21-22 years old. There he met Elixir – his girlfriend, who was one of the nicest people I knew at that moment and truly all you could say then is “live happily ever after”. Well… In the light of all this I have just one question to address to his recent “friends” he’s been hanging out with before his sad and shocking death.

“Guys … what the hell have you done to him?” Last time I saw Ricky he was the guy I would feel safe to go out to dinner with and during the time we’ve been in the same home I had never seen him fight, spew out hate or ever harm anyone. We had gone out for a walk with the kids together, played volleyball, cooked or washed dishes together for quite a few occasions. During all this time I had never heard him even once mention or even hint about any kind of abuse that had happened to him in his childhood or otherwise, to me or anyone else at that matter. And guess what – BIG SURPRISE – I did personally hear him defend the Family policies, mama Maria and father David on a few occasions all done in public meeting and gosh I wish I would have recorded it then. But who would ever guess, well actually no one – because at that time he was normal, happy and helpful person. Well this was of course before he got acquainted with you. I think even at the time I knew him, it was not a secret that he was at times thinking about leaving the Family and trying out something different at least for a time, but I can practically swear on the Bible that he would never had gotten this far without your “friendly” help. Lots of people leave the Family temporarily or for good and most of them are doing fine and living happy lives, working or studying, but definitely making their lives worthwhile. So again “How come he didn’t manage?” (more…)

By Liz Etheredge

I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news about Angela. I had just met her a few months before & it seemed impossible to believe that before I really got to know her, she was gone. My disbelief was outdone by the way I heard her being represented, her name dragged through the mud, & that the Family was being blamed for the murder.

I have many friends who have left the Family to pursue careers or try other lifestyles, all of them have moved on with their lives, most are still my friends & we keep in touch. I’m happy for them & I wish them every success & happiness. (more…)

My name is Christina Bosley. I am 15 years old and have been in the Family all my life. A group of people I don’t know just told me something new. They say I was abused as a child! And they say that every person of the second generation living in the Family today was also abused! And as if that’s not enough, they say that the kids living in my community today are abused. Surprise, surprise! Of course I don’t remember the said beatings, oh no, they say that I am such a brainwashed pretzel today I could never remember such a thing of my own volition.

They say that the same thing has happened to many people, I hear, since they say they were never abused. But don’t let the brainwashed pretzels fool you, dear reader! That group of people say we have warped and destroyed minds! Don’t let those pretzels fool you with their seemingly intelligent brains, their seemingly happy children, their seemingly fulfilling jobs as full-time missionaries, convincing you that they are not pretzels! Well look at the evidence! Umm lets see… the evidence… ahhh… umm…….. well just take my word for it Ladies and Gentlemen, they were! And also, these brainwashers must be deliberately erasing my memory of the numerous beatings I have given the kids I care for in the afternoons! Not only that, but these same children are only pretending to be happily playing in the park while in reality they are being, oh horror of horrors… brainwashed! Don’t ask me how they are making a 5 year-old and a 3 year-old do such things but I just know they are! You want to know how?! Umm… (I shouldn’t have said that…) Well, don’t ask, I just know it! And do you know what I’m going to do about it?! Hmm?! I’m going to give such Stephen King sized lies a really hard smack upside the head! (more…)

I am writing this after hearing that there are those who feel that we who are members of The Family International have no actual desire to be here and are somehow being manipulated into remaining by “forces unseen”.

I, Jason David Etheredge, can personally attest that were it not for my firm belief that the vocation I’ve chosen is, in fact, bettering the lives of those I come in contact with, I wouldn’t be here. Many of my close friends, family and acquaintances have chosen other paths, and have found careers they are happy with. I congratulate them on their vision and drive in achieving those things they desire, much in the same way I have continued to be a Full-time member and have acquired linguistic skills, managerial qualities, learned business & accounting, automotive mechanics, teaching & a host of other things that although do not provide me with a degree, enable me to live harmoniously with others & “seek the happiness of others above my own.” (more…)