My name is Stephen McNair. I’m 17 years old, and I live in Japan with my family.

There’s not much more to be said about Ricky and Angela. I freaked out when I heard the news. After hearing about the video he made, it’s plain to see he was psychotic. What made him that way? The Family? Abuse? Or the “anti-cultist” ex-Family-member detractor friends he made after he left the family (On good terms, I might add)?

OK. Murder is wrong, period. If what Ricky did is justified, the message you send to everyone else in the world is, It’s OK to kill people if you feel that they harmed you in your past. It’s even OK to kill that person’s friend, and not the person who harmed you, just to get back at them. Or, if you’re angry at your parents because of some of the mistakes they made raising you, just go ahead and kill them; that’s fine. After all, they made you into the person you are, the person which wants to kill them. In fact, how about we punish the parents of all criminals, because the parents raised the criminals, it’s the parents’ fault. And we can let the criminals go free, because it’s not their fault. That’s the end result of some apostate’s “wise” thinking. (more…)

First of all I’d like to say I’m proud to be a part of this Family.

Every article that I read on this site has reconfirmed in my mind how privileged I am to be a part of this revolutionary movement. When I heard about the situation with Ricky and Angela I was shocked and deeply saddened. I had the opportunity to meet Angela a couple of months ago and the first thing that impressed me about her was her smile; gorgeous, sweet and friendly and the way that she was always going out of her way to help others. It was hard for me to believe that this wonderful person, had been so brutally murdered by someone who had known her so well. And then to hear her, as well as Mama and Peter, so blatantly slandered by the ex-members was almost more than I could believe. I also had the privilege to meet Mama and Peter recently and I was able to spend some time talking with Mama and getting to know her. The main thing I can say about Mama is that I have never met anyone who lived and breathed the Word as much as she did. She was always stopping to chat with us or say something sweet or give us a hug. And to hear the way the apostates talk about her is just so maddening to me. (more…)

From Peter, 20 yrs. old

In the Family, love is our driving force. Our love for Jesus compels us to love mankind and do our best to spread that love. I believe in making a difference in this world. There is so much hatred in the world. Hate and greed are driving man to destruction. I feel called to spread the truth of Jesus and His love. It’s so simple, so beautiful and so powerful. Why shouldn’t anyone want to give his or her life to make this world a heavenly place where all is fair and good.

Only when this earth fully belongs to God again and people see the benefit of living His way will we have that paradise. Man can’t save himself. He’s been trying all through history and it just hasn’t worked. It’s only ruined him. I want to show people that by giving their lives to Jesus, He’ll save them. It’s the only way. I know He’s saved me. Some people will listen to us, and that’s what matters. We’ll never win popularity in this world. Too many have already chosen the darkness rather than light. But many will listen to us and will treasure the Words of Jesus like we do and then those people can have Heaven in their hearts like we do. God’s kingdom is not on this world yet, but while we wait for it to come we can have peace in our hearts and happiness in our lives by accepting His kingdom into our lives personally. (more…)

My name is Paula Braaten, I am 24 years old, am married, have a 2 yr old and live in San Diego where I am a full-time member of The Family International!

I have one thing to say to you Daniel Roiselle, James Penn and all you others who have banded together to put an end to the Family International…it is not going to happen! And we are not afraid of you!

As St. Augustine said “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church!” Angela’s death and your subsequent religious persecution is only making us stronger. Our faith in what we believe in is growing stronger not weaker through every newspaper article and TV show.

I am upset, horrified, mad and downright pissed off. To say that my generation in The Family is abused and brainwashed and raising our kids in an unsafe environment where abuse is rampant is disgusting. You want to see abuse? Go help the 896,000 kids in the States who were abused in
2002 alone not to mention the 1,400 who died that same year because of abuse and neglect. Start a foundation for them, do some good in your life and LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!!

Paula Braaten is a second-generation member of The Family International

Dawn, 26 years old, married with 2 children (2 years old & 2 weeks old)

Someone once said to me that they feel sorry for my son because he’s being raised in The Family. It hurt a great deal to hear this from a person that I care about & whose opinion is important to me. But no matter who said it, I have to disagree. Yes, he’s growing up in a different environment from what most kids have, but that sure doesn’t make it wrong! To be honest, I feel sorry for those who can’t be proud of their upbringing within The Family. I’m proud of the fact that my life is vastly different from most. I’m proud that I grew up in 7 countries, have traveled to 12 others, learned to speak 3 languages proficiently & have a life that’s actually interesting to talk about. I’ve seen some feel embarrassed & ashamed of their “odd” life, but personally, I think it’s cool & I pray that one day my kids will think so too. But if not, they will still have had a great opportunity to learn many things that will help them to get good jobs, advanced schooling & all that they need to be a success in or out of our Family communities.

Don’t feel sorry for my kids! It’s my God-given right to raise my children the way that I feel is the very best & believe me, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I was giving them the best. I took a few months in 2004 to seriously consider the aforementioned comment to see if there was any better way to raise my kid. I thought about school, daycare, private schools—everything—& I came to the conclusion that my son has the best right here. He has the best & most loving teacher I could ever hope for & he loves her to bits, he has a head-start on schooling, is secure, has no behavioral or emotional problems & is not in contact with any children that do. If he were in a “normal” school, I know I couldn’t be certain of that. He has all he needs & more & while my daughter isn’t even 2 weeks old yet, she’s got everything she needs too. (more…)

By Amber Hawron (age 29), fulltime Family International missionary

What does everyone really want to know? Or did those who read the recent newspapers really want to know anyhow—those articles just happened to be there and now they may feel responsibility and concern. From my perspective and experience, it often doesn’t matter what’s published or how horrible it is, people just seem to take it at face value.

You can’t trust the media!! You can’t believe everything you read! Not every model is perfect, there’s airbrushing added! – And we all know that! Have you ever had your child come up to you and “tell” on the one of their brothers or sisters? Any loving, concerned parent would then go to the one “told on” and find out the other side, not make a harsh sweeping judgment solely based on what “Johnny” said about his sister “Mary.”

My personal reaction to these recent accusations is extreme annoyance at the waste of time, ink and paper. Child abuse? You’ve gotta be kidding! We’ve been through these ridiculous accusations enough before, and the outcome has told the truth, written and documented, there’s no such thing!! The media’s riding a dead horse here. Just ask any of us who are actually in the Family and even have our own children; if anyone knows, we do!!!! I was born in the Family International in 1975, and was raised by my parents in Family Homes in England, Uruguay, Brazil, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Uganda, Switzerland and Argentina, and never, never ever, ever, have I seen or experienced abuse of myself or other children! – And believe me, I knew what was going on in each place I lived…little girls have a way of making everything their business, eaves dropping and all, and I was no dumb child!
(more…)

From Nana Marchioro

There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said many times already. But I’ve been thinking I’ve got to say it once more, even if it’ll just fall on deafened ears.

I’m 16, and was born and raised in Brazil, in homes of The Family International. All throughout my childhood I remember happiness, love, a stable education, wonderful friends and teachers, countless outings and excursions, and being attentively cared for, day and night. My parents were and still are the most wonderful people I know and their loving dedication to us children and to their chosen career will always have a lasting effect on me.

Now I have discovered my wonderful life was really a deprivation.

I discovered I was deprived of being a “normal child” because, of course, “normal” twelve-year-olds in our “modern society” don’t climb trees, play sports, and enjoy studying grammar. “Normal” twelve-year-olds in our “modern society” brawl at school, smoke dope and yell at their parents.

I was not a “normal” child, because I was always loved and cared for above and beyond a “normal” child. (more…)

By Rick, 24, fulltime member of The Family

I’ve recently been shocked and saddened to hear of the murder/suicide of Angela Smith by Ricky Rodriguez. That kind of violence is unheard of in our communities. Almost more saddening and revolting are the ensuing attacks on our lifestyle, group, and past history by a small number of former members who’ve chosen to rewrite history and feel it’s their duty to spread this new “truth” about the Children of God/Family International to the world. And then to see the media publish pretty much only their side of the story, and portray us as a cult of abusers or a sect of perverts is baffling and very disappointing.

Routine child abuse? It’s sickening to see this kind of accusation leveled against God-fearing Christian missionaries who’ve given up everything in life in order to live and pass on God’s pure message of love. Abuse is what we suffer when too much of that kind of griping and ridiculously unfounded accusations make the authorities feel like they have to bust kids out of bed at 5AM with a machinegun to their head, arrest their parents and drag the children away to institutions, where they’re told they’ll never see their parents again, that their parents don’t love them and don’t want them. This is when they’re abused and mistreated. I don’t say this figuratively, this happened in the ‘90s! And in every case we’ve been exonerated and found to be free of any wrongdoing. In some cases the authorities who initially handled the case even got a dressing down from superiors or upper courts for their mishandling of affairs. (more…)

Hi there, my name is Serghei Pînzaru and I’m 26 years old. I would like to share MY SIDE on the events of January 8th. First of all I’m deeply moved and saddened by Ricky’s murder of Angela. When I first heard about it I was shocked… Even though I never knew Ricky Rodriguez personally I know from the people who knew him that he was a very intelligent young man and that he was happy when he was in the Family International. What made him change??? Contact with antagonistic and hatred filled apostates who is sunk so low that they claim Karen Zerby was the one to blame for what has happened, incredible!!!

My sincere prayers are with the families of those who been involved. The scripture which comes to my mind is this: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. (2 Tim 3:12)

I’m a member of the Family International for the past 8 years, and previous to that I was a professional ballroom dancer in the Ukraine. What made me change my chosen career and join the Family International? It’s very simple, really, after I’ve met the Family I heard God’s call to: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. (Mark 16:15) Jesus also sad:” If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.” (Luk.9:32-24). This and other things moved me to give up my life of pleasure, riches, fame and comfort for going to those who needed help, encouragement and the love of Jesus. (more…)

Name: Shunnie
15 years old. Second generation Family member in Japan.

First of all I would like to say that I was NEVER abused in the Family. I was shocked when I heard about Pete’s death. When I heard that he even took away someone else’s live I was even more shocked! Why would someone do that? Well, it definitely isn’t from any influence he got from the Family! I believe that the Family is a great place for children to be and has a tremendous environment for them to make use of their wonderful God given talents!

Secondly, why do you attack us with all those horrible lies? To win more people on your side to lie about us too? Listen carefully, I am exactly where I want to be! I am not brainwashed as you say we are. I have the ability to think on my own and am not a “mindless zombie”. I pray that you will wake up and realize what damage you’re causing to God’s children!

I’m Abigail Epstein, 20 years old. I was born and raised in The Family International. I grew up in Taiwan, Japan, Chile. I was living in Argentina during the raids in September, 1993, where it was proven to the court that Family children are free from abuse. I also lived in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil and learned to speak Spanish and Portuguese. When I was 16 I joined my older brother and sister in India, and got to experience the Indian lifestyle, especially during a two-week trip to help with cyclone disaster-relief work. After two years there, I got to experience a completely different culture when I moved to Switzerland. I was there for two years and got some training in teaching and secretarial skills. I am currently living in Canada.

I am in no way a writer, I don’t even like writing, nevertheless, I feel I have to share my thoughts and views on the accusations that are being thrown against me, my parents, my family and loved ones, for it is individuals like us who make up The Family International.

I did not personally know either Ricky or Angela, but here are things I do know:

* I know I had a wonderful upbringing with wonderful parents, teachers and caretakers who showed me nothing but love and concern for my well-being. I know that they gave me the best they possibly could. Now that I’m a mother myself, and am seeing more and more the challenges of raising children, I am becoming increasing grateful for all they gave me.

* I know that I never experienced or saw any sort of abuse from anyone in The Family, EVER!

* I know that my son is the most precious thing on earth to me, and I pray to God I will be able to give him the kind of exciting, love-filled life I have had so far. I know that the place I have the best chance of doing that is right here, in the Family.

* I know that I love my life and place in the Family where I actually have a purpose for life, but if any of you feel that you need to attack me and mine, you should know that I’m more than willing to fight for this life and this place, and I can’t/won’t just stand by while you so viciously attack everything I love. You just might be getting yourselves into more than you bargained for.

Abigail Epstein is a second-generation member of The Family International

From Sol, second-generation former Family member

After a long day at the office, then picking up my car from the service center, I arrived home and looked over my oldest daughter’ s school papers (she starts school next week, pre-primary) - After that I proceeded to finish some financial documents for a business I’ve recently launched. After all the evening things such as spending time with my wife and kids I went online and stumbled across a whole load of dialog on the ricky effect.

I’ve just finished reading a lot of it and honestly I could sleep for a week, it was a tiresome read and I did muse over the fact that had I got involved with the whole davidito/ricky murder and consequent suicide, I ‘d have had little time to concentrate on anything productive.

Where do you people get the time???

Till this point I honestly didn’t care what Ricky did, to himself or to another. It saddens me that 2 lives were taken under somewhat pointless circumstances however it left about as much of an impression on me as it does reading about an equivalent scenario in the daily newspaper. (more…)

Name: Jonatas Davi dos Santos
Age: 19
Location: Brazil
Children: A 1-year-old daughter

To imply that any children—second or third generation—who were/are being raised in the Family International are growing up in a harmful and abusive environment is one of the most stupid and idiotic things I’ve ever heard. Why say something you know isn’t true? There is no better place than the Family, PERIOD! That goes for first, second, third and any generation Family members. I will not get into all the benefits of being raised in the Family because more than enough has already been said on the subject. The Family and, more specifically, children in the Family have been tried and proven, they’ve been under all kinds of scrutiny and have proved that mentally, physically, scientifically, psychologically, and spiritually the Family is the best place to raise children.

The Bible says: “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” That pretty much sums it up to me because it doesn’t seem like children raised in the world have much peace. Unless you think getting shot, stabbed, robbed, murdered, blown-up, raped, beaten, abused, committing suicide, doing drugs and all kinds of other horrible things is peace! That’s why they must be taught of the Lord. And there no better place to be taught of the Lord than THE FAMILY INTERNATIONAL! (more…)

My name is Christiana Palumbo, I am a born and raised member of The Family International. What I have to say, I’m sure you’ve already heard from others who have written in but I will say it again as I want to let you know that I am willing to stand up for what I believe in and I am willing to defend The Family with everything I’ve got. I don’t know from personal experience what it’s like to be in “normal society", because I’ve been part of this group for my whole life (almost 19 years). Even then, I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on having a “normal life", I don’t feel I have an inferior education, and I have NEVER been abused physically, sexually or mentally. I have been privileged to grow up in a happy environment, with loving parents, teachers and friends. I am now old enough to make my own decisions about my life and future and do you know why I’ve decided to continue a member of The Family? Because I know it is the BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BE IN! I know it is the best investment of my time and life. I want my kids (when I have them) to have this same privilege that I’ve had. I want them to be as happy and fulfilled as I have been. My goal in life is to serve Jesus and others and to make this world a better place and I know for a fact that The Family is the best place to be if I am to do that. This is the future I’ve chosen. I am placing my bets on the Family and all it stands for. We have been persecuted before and it hasn’t stopped us so far so if God be for us, who can be against us?

Christiana Palumbo is a second-generation member of The Family International

My first reaction upon hearing the tragic news of Angela Smith and Ricky was shock, then anger, then deep sadness. Angela was a good friend of mine, she was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. As for Ricky, I never met him, but growing up in the Family I read about him my whole life, as all kids did, I think.

Hearing the comments made by ex-members and others who know basically nothing about the Family or Angela (which amounts to nothing but hearsay), and the ever growing grapevine is so abhorrent to me.—And from some of the things some of you say I almost think some of you may be capable of committing the same crime Ricky did! Angela did not deserve to die, and Ricky has enough on his plate to answer for, so what he said about “wishing he would have taken more with him,” is a sick thought … one that will probably fester and grow in your mind, if you’ll let it, till you too may get to the same spot Ricky was in. Your tongue is like a rudder it sets the course of your boat, and what actions you will take. So you’d be wise to watch what you allow to come out of your mouth. (more…)

From Isaac, 22, missionary in Mexico

MI NOMBRE ES ISAAC MI EDAD ES 22 SOY MISIONERO EN MEXICO SOY CASADO Y TENGO UNA HIJA MARAVILLOSA Y FORMO PARTE DE LA FAMILIA INTERNACIONAL. YO NACI EN EL GRUPO LA FAMILIA INTERNACIONAL Y NO ME ARREPIENTO DE ESO, ESTOY ORGULLOSO DE SER PARTE DE ESTA FAMILIA Y QUE MI HIJA SEA EDUCADA EN ELLA COMO YO LO FUI CUANDO ERA NINO. YO ESTUVE FUERA DEL GRUPO POR UN TIEMPO Y POR LO QUE HE VISTO Y VIVIDO NO TENGO LA MENOR DUDA QUE LA FAMILIA ES EL MEJOR LUGAR PARA CRIAR A MIS HIJOS, NO SOLO POR LA ESCUELA QUE SE LE ENSENA SI NO POR EL AMOR Y LOS BUENOS VALORES QUE SE LES INCULCA. (more…)

From Heidi Ong
Age: 22

I have dedicated my life to and chosen the profession of being a teacher in the Family—where I feel is the best place for anyone who really loves their child to raise them. Why? It’s not because we are perfect, but it’s because we have devoted our time, hearts, sweat and tears to giving our children not only the moral, physical and academic training and support they need but also a foundation built on moral values, love, unselfishness, time and godly principles to ensure their spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing.

I personally felt offended when I heard of the recent allegations that the Family is not the place to raise children, because I can say from the depths of my soul that not a day goes by that I do not pray with all my heart that I will have enough love, insight and understanding for the children that I help to teach and care for, whose lives I have been entrusted with helping to shape and mold. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel responsible for the lives that I am privileged to care for, and I give my very best to instilling the right moral mannerisms and foundation into their little characters.

Is it considered wrong to give everything to a child both physically and emotionally? Is it a crime to devote your life to creating an environment for children that is free from violence and a lack of moral values? Is it wrong to choose to teach children what it means to love God and others, to love others as you would yourself? Or, let’s take the educational aspect of things.—Are we at fault to want to give our children a head-start in their education? Isn’t that what society is all about—being the best? Have we forgotten what it means to be the best, to give things our best shot? Everyone has the right to choose what they do with what they are given. You are becoming who you are by the choices you are making today about what to do with what you were and are given, not because of what you have been given.

I’ve made my decision to give back to our children all the love and care that I was given as a child, to give them a chance to succeed as the very best. But I know that ultimately it is their choice as to what they become and what they do with their lives, as is the case with each of us.—The responsibility rests on no one but ourselves for the choices we make to give to others as we would want others to give to us.

Heidi Ong is a second-generation member of The Family International

From Emmanuel Ong (25)

The recent events that took place regarding Ricky and Angela are tragic and my condolences go out to their families. I don’t know them personally but do feel sorry for the loss of life. But something that’s very disturbing is how some people will take these actions and twist the facts to try and slander and malign those of us who have chosen to stay in the Family and serve the Lord to the best of our ability.

It all comes down to what’s been man’s God-given right since the beginning of time: choice. Murder is murder no matter what the reason or excuse, and pre-med is something a person deliberately chooses to carry out and spends time thinking, planning, taking all options into considerations. That is why we have courts of law. And if you don’t believe in or trust the impunity of them, the alternative option of everyone meting out their own justice would result in total chaos and anarchy.
There are some who say that “every child in the Family is at risk of abuse, neglect, and physical, emotional, and mental harm,” and that they need to be “rescued.” But the truth is that the real ones who are in desperate need of rescuing are ones like Ricky and his chums who are creating a downward spiral of emotional instability through lies, misinformation, self-pity, hate, a false sense of reality, and depression. These are the types of people who the Family is trying to reach out to and help put back on their feet. (more…)

From Veronica Love, 15 years old

My name is Veronica Love and I am 15 years old. I met Angela in 2001 when she visited our home for a week. I didn’t really get to know her in that short amount of time, but from the times we talked I thought she was a fun, bubbly adult who was cool to be around, not an abusive nanny. I’m quite disgusted with the way the media is distorting her memory, and turning her into some kind of horrid monster, when she was anything but that. But what infuriates me even more is that our apostates are trying to turn and use this for their advantage with the same old tactic. “I was abused!” “The Family International is an abusive cult, who is constantly abusing their children!” If I can remember properly this was used multiple times in the ’93 raids in Argentina, Australia, and France, where children were taken and examined by the governments. But guess what? They were released because their evidence was nothing but LIES.

I joined the Family when I was 8 years old, so I missed out on participating in these cases, but I did experience something similar in 2000. My father and an Uncle were put in jail in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, for “abuse” charges. I was questioned several times by several different individuals such as, the S.L.P. judge, two American Consuls, and two FBI agents, asking if I had ever been abused physically, emotionally, or psychologically. My response to all of them was NO, but just to make sure I was taken to a psychiatrist and given the full program. And guess what? She found that I wasn’t abused. My father and the Uncle were later released because again the evidence that was used against them was nothing but LIES. (more…)

Well, glory hallelujah! If there isn’t still love and care in this world. And I thought the world was filled with selfishness and a lack of sympathy for others. But look here…some folks who truly care about my well being! Not only do they care about me so much that they’re willing to go to any lengths to remove me from the current life I love, but they’re willing to slander and defame my family, friends, foundation of faith, and all that I hold dear, in order to “rescue” me.

First though, to those of my friends and family who have left the Family and are happy productive people, living your life, I take my hat off to you. I truly respect you. You made a difficult decision, I’m sure, and I imagine it was initially a tough transition. I will continue to pray that you lead happy lives and are able to pursue and realize all of your dreams. I love you guys.

But you who are full of nothing but complaints against the Family that I love, I genuinely feel for you, and pray you are able to move on. But don’t try to lump me into your problems and bring me down too. Sure, life isn’t perfect. I’ve definitely had my low times, but personally I’d rather not get together with you to cry and eat worms from the garden, and have a round of “poor mes". Certainly don’t try and lay a guilt trip on me for your current dissatisfaction with your own life. What have I ever done to you?—How have I disrupted, slandered, and ruined your life? Or pardon me, did I eat the half of the worm you wanted?
(more…)