My name is Elisabeth Mooney, or Lisa, and I’m 23 yrs old.

I am writing in response to accusations that I’ve heard about the Family International.

I was born and raised in the Family and am proud to be a member of it to this day. It is a privilege and honor for me. I feel privileged to have been raised with the love and care of my parents and others, who taught me and took care of me, the godly heritage that they gave me, the good education, the things they taught me – to love God and my neighbor as myself, to help those in need and to try to live like Jesus would. I grew up seeing my parents live as missionaries, preaching the gospel, helping others and living by faith. I have seen the Lord take excellent care of us. I’ve come to know the Lord on a personal level. I’ve had a wonderful upbringing that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

I’m happy with the life that I’ve chosen to live and want to continue to serve the Lord in the Family. I believe in it and I want this way of life. I actually wish that many more people would have had the opportunity to enjoy the life that I have. I’ve gotten to see many different countries, cultures, meet many different kinds of people and enjoy life!

Personally, it saddens me when I hear people speak badly of the Family or the upbringing that I’ve had – being raised in the Family – because I’m so thankful for it and I love it! I am richly blessed!!

I hope and pray that others can come to know the Lord as I have and find the happiness and peace that they can have. It’s real and Jesus is real. He wants to come in to your life. Just give Him a chance and try it yourself!

Lisa Mooney is a second-generation member of The Family International