My name is Christina Stratton. I am 20 years old, and have been a part of the Family International since I was three years old , when my mom rejoined the group.
That was the best decision she could have made for me in my life. Believe it or not, I can remember at two years old, how sad and lonely I was going to day care. But that all changed when my mom , myself and two older brothers joined the Family. I grew up in the best place possible. I wasn’t lonely like I had been, because I was surrounded by love, from my friends, my mom and those I lived with. Unlike my mother who grew up with a mother who screamed at her, drank too much, did not respect her decisions and did not show her the love she needed. I know some people who complain about when they were in the Family how they moved around too much and how it affected them negatively. I loved it, I loved moving around. When I was young, I remember even being envious of other children who had lived in at least 4 countries by the age of ten, while I had only lived in one. I was given a chance to excel in school, and was often ahead in my class as a child. (more…)

Greetings. My name is Akira Duncan, I’m nineteen years old and am a second-generation member of the Family International. My mother is Japanese and my father is an American citizen. I was born in Japan and have lived here for the most part of my life.

I heard about the recent incident in Tuscon, Arizona and I also heard that some of our former members are trying to use this tragedy to accuse the Family of things that are greatly exaggerated & embellished, if they aren’t complete fabrications. I find the mere fact that they are using this tragedy to further their attack on our beliefs, regardless of the feelings of the victims and those involved. disgusting and inhumane.

I was greatly disappointed when I learned that most of the coverage of the incident was erroneous, biased and accepted the opinions of our vocally antagonistic ex-members as proven facts without taking our side of the matter into consideration. (more…)

“I may never be someone of authority, prestige or affluence, but if, at the end of my life, it could be said that I have done my best to help others find happiness, peace, and God’s eternal love, I will count my life a success.”

To whom it may concern,

My name is Nana Harada and I live in Japan. I have lived here for the whole of my seventeen years and am currently learning secretarial skills.
Having heard of the negative and derogative things being said against the Family, and therefore against myself, I feel compelled to share my opinion and perspective on my life in the Family.

First of all, I would like to clearly state that to say the Family International is a detrimental environment to children and their mental and physical wellbeing is both completely absurd and inaccurate. I have never been abused, deprived or mistreated in any way. I have enjoyed a happy and fulfilling childhood with many friends and have had parents and teachers who were not only interested in giving me the best education possible, but who truly loved me, cared for me, taught me godly morals, and helped me when I was going through rough times. (more…)

Hi, I’ll start Speaking Out by saying a little bit about my life. You have the right to believe what you want after this, but in my opinion making a well rounded decision or forming a well rounded opinion is; hearing BOTH SIDES of a story first and only then voicing and making my public opinion.

My name is Andrew Harder I am 22 years old born in Brazil. My dad is American and my mom is Brazilian. I was born in the group currently known as “The Family International” and I lived in it till I was 7 years old, which was when my parents decided to take a break from their full time service in The Family and move on to a place of lesser commitment currently known as the FM (Fellow Member) Family.

According to what our bitter former members allege, we young people are in the Family because we don’t know any better, that if we could “only see” what life outside the group is about, we would choose other than to dedicate our lives to such a horrendous group and cause, which believes in dedicating themselves fulltime to helping others and spreading the love of Jesus.

I have a lot of vivid memories of my childhood in the Family up until the age of 7 and can affirm with all certainty that I was not abused either physically, sexually, or emotionally, neither have I heard or seen any of my friends suffering any kind of abuses. I know several Family members and former members around my age (which according to some, is a generation of abused kids) who can all attest to the same thing. What I think of when I hear these stories and lies is, “What the hell is wrong with these people?” (more…)

By Brian F. Whyte—Uganda! Written, 24th of January, 2005

You’d never believe the shock that overtook me when I read the first notice that we received about the heinous crime that was committed by Ricky Rodriguez & the further calamity of him taking his own life afterwards.

My shock was for several reasons:

1) I had met him personally on one occasion & thought he was a rather nice sort of person. I also have several other friends & acquaintances who knew him well & also testified to the fact that he was a kind, concerned, loving individual, who was very outgoing & friendly–This seemed like the absolute last thing someone like him would do.

And 2) Having grown up in The Family International & knowing our policies against violence of any kind, I wondered what in the world would’ve possessed someone else who was raised on the same loving principals as I was to do something like this. (more…)

From Celeste Muñoz, (22, of Arthur, mother of 2 and 1 more on the way!)

If you think your lies, past or present made up stories and murmurs are quenching our faith in the Family… well, you’ve got it all wrong! In fact, when I read your complaints and articles it makes me all the more sick and upset at the world and how its gotten you all so messed up and it makes me wanna fight to remain in the Family all the more!

So quit wasting your time and do something good with your life and let me take care of my own. It’s ok if you don’t want to remain in the Family; we respect your decisions and choice in life, but then, for God’s sake, MOVE ON! Quit complaining and bringing up the past, and respect our decisions too.

It’s a new day—we’re living in the present, moving on and building our future. If you don’t want to that’s fine, rot away in your own mire and filth but don’t try to drag us there with you out of pride and self-pity. Get a life! I’m convinced of my choice in life and your lies don’t move me a bit! (more…)

I am compelled to share my thoughts in light of the recent events. I don’t know if I have anything to say that hasn’t already been said by a fellow Family member, but I will write this anyway. If no one reads it, it has been a load off my mind. I would like to cite a disclaimer here: When I refer to “apostates” or “detractors", I don’t mean the former member assembly as a WHOLE. I love you all.

My name is Florence McNair, I’m 15, turning 16 in September. My parents are both loving, talented people who raised 8 wonderful children, who I am privileged to call my brothers and sisters. I’m having a great time growing up. I see myself as one of the fortunate few who are able to enjoy life as it is happening around them. I’ve been acquiring many useful skills. I sing and write, among other things, and have put a few of my budding abilities to work doing various things like layout, childcare, songwriting, etc. I know that people will tell me I’m at an impressionable stage in my life, and that everything I feel strongly about is just a reflection of the opinions of those around me. Of course this is true to some extent. Sure. (more…)

My name is Daniel Johnston and I’ve been in the Family for the 18 years of my life. I’m sick of reading about disgruntled ex-members and people who are trying to tear the Family down. Get over it! I don’t care what past hurts and other idiocys you are hanging on to. The past is done, get on with your lifes and let us do the same with ours. We are here to stay, so help us God. I love this life and there is nothing in this world or the next that can pull me away from it.

Do you think all the lies about us are actually going to hurt us as a group? Or the slanderous newspaper articles and TV shows, or whatever you come up with next? No way! It’s only going to make us fight harder for what we believe, and you are going to rue the day that you first touched us.

Here’s a warning for you who are attacking us. Maybe you don’t believe in God anymore, but it stands just the same, because I do.

Consider yourselves warned.

“Now refrain from these men and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of man it shall come to nought, but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it LEST HAPLY YE BE FOUND EVEN TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD!” Acts 5: 38,39

Dan

Name: Kibou Terasaki
Age: 19
Location: Japan

It’s disgusting! When I first heard about the murder of Angela Smith by Richard Rodriguez I was horrified! My eyes widened to the size of golf balls, my mouth pursed closed, and my cheeks involuntarily puffed themselves out making my face glow red. It was certainly new to me as I have never heard of any family member or former member committing murder. And it didn’t help to ease my expression when our beloved former member apostates use this gruesome occasion to splatter their offensive thoughts all over their website, not to mention the news media! You know what? I’m offended!! That’s my statement. (more…)

By: Rachel Edson

What are you trying to do? Are you mad at us because were getting the job done? Are you envious of our wonderful life and deeply-rooted happiness? Are you mad because we have the truth and were going somewhere with our life? Are you jealous because you’ve left God’s highest calling in your life for husks? Because you’ve been thrown into the slime pit? You think were abused?

I’ve lived my whole life in the Family. I was born and raised here and I can’t recall one moment when I was “abused". We’re here for the Lord and we have convictions, we believe in what we do. Why else would we be here? We’re getting the job done. It does say after all that, “All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution". So all you all are doing is simply fulfilling prophecy. I haven’t been abused. I had a great childhood. And life! Sure I’ve had my tough moments but what brought me through was the Lord and the Word. And that is part of our upbringing. And it is what continues to help me through. I don’t understand what you all out there are attacking the Family for. You want to know about life in the Family? Here’s a background of my life: (more…)

My name is Ana Maria Robb. I am 18 years old.

I never personally met Ricky Rodriguez and I never even heard about Angela Smith until recent events took place. I don’t have much to say in respect of this unpleasant incident except that I am appalled, just like every time I hear about such similar happenings that seem such a common occurrence in this world of today. I do sympathize with their loved ones though, and they are in my prayers.

The fact that the media and some unfavorable former members are attempting to involve us without even soliciting our side makes me seriously question just how fraudulent has the world media become. I am not going to sit around without protest while my Family, and those around me that I respect, be held responsible for other people’s crimes, and their name defamed. To the contrary, I am going to stand alongside all those, in or out of the Family, that believe as I do. (more…)

Tim Raveney
Age: 16
Location: Full-time missionary in South America.

I’m sick of the lies that the system brainwashes people with through the media. Nowadays you can barely read or watch anything without getting brainwashed somehow. Even through movies you get brainwashed on to whose side is the right one, or not.

When the Family was persecuted in Argentina, some of the lies that came up were ingenious; that the Family was selling organs/body parts for profit. Innovative, right? Well at least some newspapers and TV shows loved it, because you know what? It sells wonderfully! Every one wants to know about something like this, becauuuse? It’s interesting! Like a new novel or creepy movie. Of course it wasn’t very long until that idea was wiped away, for being completely ludicrous.
Well here’s the truth. Yes, there probably were accounts of abuse being done in the Family. But here’s a little reality check for some of “You”. There’s so much more done out there nowadays, than what was done in the Family. And those “mistakes” that were done, were almost nonexistent and like almost twenty years ago, things do change! Personally in my life time, I have never seen nor heard of any such thing. Even though bad things may have happened in the Family, there is sooo much good that was done too. (more…)

Name: Jon-A
Age: 28 years old, born and raised in The Family
Parents: Peter Amsterdam and Abi

I have been greatly disturbed by this pointless loss of life. I knew both Angela and Ricky, and still cannot quite comprehend the needless death that took place. It’s not every day someone you knew well was murdered, and rarer still, someone you knew who just four years earlier seemed like a normal individual, change to the point where he’d be willing to take the life of someone as sweet and harmless as Angela. I’m telling you, everyone reading this has done more harm to others through unloving acts than Angela, she was truly an angel.

Writing is not something that comes easy for me or that I enjoy doing, but the wish to have my voice heard overrides that difficulty. I’ve been hearing far too long about the “many” vocal former members, and have seen some of their threatening website postings, so I was thrilled that someone put up a site like this, and even more so by the 200+ young people who have stepped forward so far to contribute with their views and condolences.

I wanted to add my personal story and views on growing up in the Family, “abuse” in the past, and some thoughts on current claims from our detractors.
(more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

By Jude Osborn (a.k.a Kevin Kanwayte)

Apparently my son Kevin Junior is an evil, menacing 4-year-old villain. Why? Because from what I’ve heard, somewhere out there are maybe two or three dozen brave hostile ex-member men and women who will stop at nothing to foil his sinister plans for world domination through playing with cars and running around with Spiderman underwear on his head.

If he were old enough I imagine Kevin would have a thin, curly, evil mustache. If his head was large enough I guess he’d sport a tall, black, evil top hat. And most importantly, he might regularly let loose a long, evil cackle, except that he’s too busy moisturizing the air with car noises. What a chilling picture of pure evil.

But do not cower in fear, good citizens! You can sleep in peace knowing that the self-styled forces of good are at work to bring to justice the forces of apparent evil. All over the world are intrepid heroes, sitting behind computer desks, feverishly typing web site posts with titles like “Let’s #$%!@ those @#)$& retarded Family !@*(&^#$^ for making me mop floors when I was 11!” Their unforgettable name: “Team Apostate!”
(more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

A few words of introduction: I’m 35 years old and have been in the Family since the age of three when my parents joined the Children of God. I’ve lived through pretty much every part of the Children of God/The Family International’s history, and lived in Homes on almost every continent.

I’ve been saddened and appalled by the recent events involving the brutal murder of Angela Smith by Ricky Rodriguez, but I’m even more appalled by the rewriting of history that is being perpetrated both by Ricky before his death, and bitter former members who are using this tragedy as a platform for avowed goal of harming and destroying the Family. As someone who for years lived with both Ricky and Angela, I can’t just stand by and watch the news media make a mockery of the memory of such a saint as Angela was by the twisting of the truth, whether intentionally, or unwittingly playing into the hands of those intent on causing us harm to justify their own choices in life.
(more…)

From Techi, (sister of Ricky Rodriguez)

I think that now, after nearly two weeks, the horror of what Ricky did has finally sunk in.—But I still don’t understand how he could have done it, or why. I guess it’s almost harder for me to believe that Angela is really gone. It’s just not something that should have happened to her, of all people. I just can’t imagine how any human being could do what Ricky did to Angela, someone who was completely innocent, and so full of love. Much less someone who knew her so well, knew her for his whole life, as did I. He knew exactly the kind of person she was, knew all the countless instances that she went out of her way to love and help those around her.

Angela wasn’t one of those alleged “horrible, horrible cultists who deserve to die for what they did” as he made her out to be on that terrible, terrible video. It’s unbelievable. I think everyone who knew her loved her to pieces. She was simply an incredible, great, wonderful person.
(more…)

From Amie O., 26, second-generation member of the Family International.

My name is Amie, I’m 26 years old, and I just wanted to say a few words about the recent Ricky and Angela murder/suicide “nightmare.”

It’s unbelievable! I knew both Ricky and Angela, so it’s pretty close to home. Ricky was always a very nice guy, and I liked him a lot. I lived in the same Home with him and his wife—and Ricky’s mother—for over two years, between June 1997 and early 2000. He was a nice, kind, friendly guy. But sometime after he left and apparently got into contact with a small group of people who seem to have a vendetta against The Family, he started speaking against his mother and against the Family, and getting into violence and all kinds of horrible things.

Here is an excerpt of a note that I sent to Ricky’s mother in 2002, after Ricky had started threatening to kill her and “take down” The Family:
(more…)

My name is Kerenina & when I was little I used to proudly tell my friends, “I’m the same age as Davidito!”

It’s very hard for me to put into words how I felt about what happened. It is very, very sad. I want to express my condolences to the loved ones of those who passed away.

I was really hoping that Ricky would come ‘round or somehow be able to get on with his life rather than turn to hate. I’m sorry to say this to his friends, but it seems you did a very poor job with helping him to “move on"!

From 1995 till early 2003, I lived in East Africa. When you live there & work with the poor, the street children & slum people, or even if you just read the local newspaper daily, your perspective on the terms “abused” & “senseless loss of life” are very defined. These people who say they want justice & want to protect others & make things better & safer ought to take a good look at their own perspective.

I grew up in the Family & in some ways you might call my childhood sheltered. I never experienced anything bad, no sexual abuse, no extreme discipline, etc. This was while my family was travelling through a myriad of countries, working with a wide variety of people. I have no complaints about having had a “sheltered” upbringing, even though it may have made things that I faced as a young adult difficult to comprehend or come to grips with. (more…)

From Anna (33) joined the Family in Eastern Europe:

Since 1992 I have had the privilege to actively serve Jesus as a full-time member of the Family, but I my first contact with the Family was in 1988. When I met members of the Family and started attending Bible classes held by them, I slowly learned how to get over the terrible negativity and bitterness I had in my heart toward my own parents, myself and toward life in general. From studying the Bible and other Christian literature published by the Family, I’ve learned about how to show love, how to forgive, how to care for others and be the best friend, sister, wife, mother, missionary and even daughter that I can possibly be.

Six years ago I got married to one of the second generation young men who was born and raised in the Family. It is the most wonderful thing for me to have such a loving caring and sweet husband.

My relatives always worried about me after I joined the Family, because it is such an unconventional lifestyle. They’ve seen the positive change in my attitude toward life, toward them and they’ve seen me be happy. Yet, because living a missionary life is such a different profession than any secular job one can get, they were still worried a bit. They just wanted to be sure that I was happy. However, when they met my husband and later my children and they saw the way we care for others, for each other and for our children, they told me that finally their worries are over and that they are so happy that I chose to joined the Family. They love my husband dearly and say that the Family must be a wonderful place, because my husband was born and raised in it. (more…)

All my training and experience I owe to those committed members of both my personal and my greater Family, without whom, I would not be here today.

My name is Gabriela Farmer (a.k.a. Joyce). I have been in the Family International all of my life. I was born on October 17, 1984 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to loving, wonderful parents. Since that day I have traveled to and lived in 14 countries where I have actively participated in missionary work and have received various training and experience in discipleship and evangelistic efforts.

Through home-schooling, I learned to read at the age of two-and-a-half, and to write at three. I continued my education within the Family up until graduating at the age of 19. I can play guitar, sing, and dance and I have experience in skits/drama and basic stage performance, for which I have received Proficiency Certificates. I have five sisters and one brother, all of whom were born, raised and home-schooled within the Family and all of whom are still members of the Family International. Two of them are now missionaries in Latin America. (more…)

Greetings, My name is Andy McGrath and I was recently informed that your media outlet was planning to do a program about The Family International (of which I am a fulltime member) and also about the tragic and senseless deaths of Angela Smith and Ricky Rodriguez and that you are in need of credible information and reliable facts. I know it can be difficult in this information overloaded world that we live in to be able to obtain substantial and credible information so I hope that my letter would be of invaluable help and assistance to you in your research.

Like I stated in the previous paragraph I am a fulltime member of The Family International and have been for 23 years, being that I was born in The Family I feel that I have acquired a well-rounded, thorough and comprehensive insight to what it is like living in The Family and being a Christian Missionary. (more…)

Name: Sofia Radicchi
Age: 17
Occupation: Happy Missionary
Location: (God’s Highest Will) Brazil

Well, what can I say? I’m sure this situation can speak for itself of the insanity bitterness can drive people to do. I guess I should start of by saying that I’m your regular Family person and as someone born and raised in the Family I should know what it’s all about. What happened with Ricky and Angela was definitely a shocker for me and many other of us here in the Family, and if it doesn’t come as a shock or something strange to you, you can know for sure that the problem didn’t start in here. I’ve been around and know some of those who have left on good terms, looking for something different, another life, not all who join us choose to live the lifestyle we do.

Now those who have left and turned against us, I do not know well neither do I understand, I would think that someone would leave something in search for something better, not to destroy it. Many have tried to destroy our faith and what we believe in but it has come to naught. Will they now try to destroy our bodies? I have learned to forgive and forget, and I’m sorry to find that some people cannot move on with their lives, whether by living them or ending them, without trying to take someone along. (more…)

I found out today that I’m a member of, and I quote, “Historically, one of the most horrifically abusive and destructive cults in American history!'’ How sensational! Now this was said by an obviously Very Knowledgeable Man, most likely with a degree in something or other.

As you can very well imagine, I’m shocked and appalled! No bleeping way!! You mean to tell me that my whole life has been spent in this “destructive and abusive” environment and I and my family have somehow managed to remain unscathed and un-abused?!

Right.
No.

This scholar must have done arduous and extensive research…like maybe in the dumpsters of the National Enquirer. I almost have to laugh. Almost. But it isn’t a laughing matter any more when someone (face it, it could’ve been me) is brutally murdered to support this lie. Someone, who from every account I’ve heard was a kind, loving woman. Now, how that’s Justice escapes me. Wow. It leaves me shaking my head and blinking in wonderment. Even more baffling, is that there are those among the more “enlightened” and “intelligent” of our apostates (apostate n: a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.) and a couple media sources who have used this tragedy as a springboard for their hate, implying (I’m taking this personally) that it was somehow my fault. It’s enough to make one completely lose faith in humanity. Thankfully, I have a broader perspective, I have a higher purpose to my life, without which, in all honesty, I would most likely suffer from extreme depression and the apathy that seems to have numbed the majority of the general public. (more…)

My name is Becky Fountain. I’m 27 years old & I’ve been in the Family my whole life. I have had a happy, wonderful life, traveling around Mexico where I grew up. My parents taught me to love Jesus & serve him. Jesus himself said” Go ye into all the world & preach the Gospel to every creature.” I have given my life to Jesus & this Family by my own free will. My life means something to me. So would you bug off please! I have not been ” brainwashed” or “pushed” into this outfit. Not at all! I want to be here, this is where I belong.

I have learned so much. I have seen a lot of the world. I have had the honor to serve Him in Brazil, Romania and Africa, to name a few. You call that deprived, man you are mistaken! I have learned to abound & to abase. I have learned to” become all things to all men that I might win some.” Now that’s what I call exciting! (more…)

Hi! My name is James Michael and I am a fifteen year old teen in the Family. I just wanted to let you know that there’s NOTHING wrong with the Family at all. The people in Family are great! There always someone you can turn to if you need help. The people in the Family are also always willing to help someone in whatever way they without charging a cent. How many people do you know, who would do that??? There is also lots of love in the family. This is what really happened to my best friend. His mom was very sick with cancer, was disabled and unable to work. She was so sick that the doctors gave her about six months to live. There was another family that lived very close to them. They took my best friend’s family into their home, and made it their responsibility to take care of her kids. They treat her kids as if they were their own. These people were not related in the slightest way. Now tell how many people would just take in someone else’s kids and treat them as if they were their own??? Not many, I think……I’ll leave the rest to you to decide if it were so bad….. Before I close this message, I’ll give you a few reasons why I’m in the Family.

1. Because people in the Family treat everyone the same.
2. Because people in the family will share all they have with someone in need, even if they don’t have that much themselves.
3. Now the last reason is because there is real love for one another.

I’ll bring this letter to a close, but I hope you’ll really think before you post some article about us when you don’t even have your facts straight.

Thank you.
James Michael

Hearing about the deaths of Ricky and Angela was shocking to me, not to mention heartbreaking. But to hear apostates blaming the Family for this tragedy and attempting to use this disaster as yet another opportunity to derail and destroy us was utterly inconceivable.

It was NOT Ricky’s upbringing that caused him to murder Angela, but to the contrary, if anything, it is proof of the detrimental repercussions of his contact with negative, resentful, vindictive apostates. I have read extensively on Ricky’s childhood and never once have I found any evidence of child abuse or neglect in his upbringing. I grew up in the Family and know firsthand that we are not the horrible, abusive, manipulative cult that our detractors try to paint us as.

My name is Hikari Ito. I’m 18 years old and am living in Japan. I was born and raised in The Family, and am PROUD OF IT!! I was privileged to have had an ideal childhood with many wonderful friends and a loving family. I was not an abused child, mistreated or neglected in any way. Some of my best memories of growing up are of going out with my mom and telling others about Jesus’ love and His gift of salvation, participating in shows for the elderly and encouraging them, going on special excursions and outings, and living communally. (more…)

My name is Fiona Palumbo. I’m 22 years old and am a born and raised member of The Family International. Here are some of my thoughts pertaining to some of the insinuations and accusations which have been leveled against us recently due to unfortunate events which have once again catapulted our small group into the eye of the media.

I admit. I have had a highly unusual lifestyle. Yes, it’s the truth. I not only admit to it, but I’m proud of it! I love telling people that I’m the oldest of seven children; all born and raised on the mission field of Brazil, and watch their eyes bug out. I love telling them that I’ve never attended a “normal” school and yet I’ve had visiting Americans (not members of our group) tell me that my English is far superior to those of many people my age “up there". I love the fact that although my parents are Americans and I am also a naturalized American, we’ve chosen to make our lives here, putting our love for these people and the ministry we’ve been called to above “the American dream” and any cushy comforts and financial benefits we’d be sure to have if we chose to live in a first world country, get a “higher education", and have secular jobs. My life is different, yes, but very good, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. (more…)

I’m 28, a second generation adult, who has lived in the Family those 28 years, and I am proud of it. I’m not a writer, neither one of many words, but I feel the need to “say my piece", just as all have a right to. One more voice speaking the truth creates one more opportunity for someone to see the truth.

My first feelings when hearing the news about Ricky and Angela’s deaths was sadness; not saddened to tears, but saddened to anger, if you can imagine what that means. I am not one that usually gets upset about things, but that sure did, and mostly because of the fact that some try to bring up false accusations on us once again, because of this incident.

I want to now try to paint a positive picture, of the wonderful life I have lived in the Family, compared to the “black nightmare” as some have put it. I can’t say enough how happy I am today because of the love and care that I have felt in the Family, not only that, but the training and the input I have received, which have been monumental in making me what I am today, allowing me to do what I do today. I grew up with the best parents I could have asked for, along with my 8
other brothers and sisters. I have by no means “arrived” to a perfect state, but I feel with all my heart that I am satisfied with my life, and why? Because a life lived for others, caring about others, thinking about others and living for Jesus is one that is worth more everything you could have in the world. (more…)

Okay just thinking about this has made me sick so I got to tell the truth and get it out there because I can’t stand these lies any longer so here it is … absorb it.

First things first my name is Andre Lavigne and I was born in the Family on August, 11, 1990. I am greatly disturbed by all the lies and crude comments made about the Family! I have not seen any acts of abuse while growing up neither have I heard of any! All I’ve seen are acts of love and kindness, we are taught to tell people about Jesus and if you guys out there think it’s wrong well I quote the Bible verse “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” [ Mat. 5:11 ].

Listen you guys there is nothing wrong with the Family and all the comments made by our apostates are false! I can’t see how Ricky Rodriguez could have done some thing so horrible as to murder an innocent person like Angela Smith, seeing he had such a good up bringing. We teens and kids in the Family are taught not to be violent. We don’t watch overly violent movies or play overly violent computer games, we simply tell the world about Jesus and if you don’t like it well … BRING IT ON!

Andre Lavigne (14) is a second generation member of the Family International, currently residing in the United States with his parents.

By Jason Wells, 16, North America
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I grew up in the in a large Family Home and can never remember even the slightest hint of abuse, unless you consider my parents putting restrictions on what kind of friends I had. I found out that most parents do that in every circle of life.

When I was 13, I ran away from home for 2 days. By a miracle I survived, considering the area of town I went to. When I was 14, I started hanging out with the teens in my neighborhood. Talking to them, I found out that most of them had been sexually abused in some way sometime in their life as well as they had been doing drugs and drinking alcohol with their friends at public school from an early age. I even live in a really nice neighborhood and the kids are really messed up. When they found out I was homeschooled, I even had neighborhood kids ask if my Mom would homeschool them, too. During the renewal I made a conscious decision that I wanted to be a full time missionary for the Family International, and my life has changed immensely. I’m happy serving Jesus 100%, than serving my selfish wants and desires. (more…)

From Christina, 23 years old

The information that the media is giving the masses about the reasons behind Smith’s and Rodriguez’ deaths is coming from unreliable sources. Most of the facts given are not facts at all and are taken from people who never knew, lived with or loved either Smith or Rodriguez. They are coming from a very small minority of those who have left the Family and wish to put an end to it because it does not fit their lifestyle. Their claims against us are ridiculous and have nothing to do with the tragedy that took place. To blame The Family for the murder that took place is to blame any murderer’s relatives, friends, or acquaintances for his horrendous acts, which is unheard of!

The Family exists to help people and bring peace and happiness. We try to live in the same atmosphere within our own homes and with our children. They are all happy and well-adjusted children, including my daughter, who is so happy and friendly that people ask for tips on how to raise their children to be as happy as she is. They receive top-notch education, specialized care, and protection from abuse that is so rampant in the world today. Ricky Rodriguez received the same care growing up, as many will testify to and have already. (more…)

From Rick D. (Age 18)
Former Member of The Family International

After reading the other articles on this site, I felt I needed to write one myself.

About a year ago, I left the Family International wanting a different and perhaps more normal life with more opportunities. I’m not gonna get into trying to define what is the “actual” normal life, because honestly, I’m sick of people doing that and I don’t think anyone really knows anyway.

The main reason I left was because I wanted to go to college and make something of myself, which I felt I wasn’t able to accomplish while living the Family life style. My education from growing up in the Family is far from lacking. I passed the GED with honors a year before I was actually supposed to take the test. I was surprised at how basic the questions were and also how obvious the answers are. According to a news article the average GED test taker is 23.8, and only 66.6% of them actually past the first time. I know more then enough people with a Family’s style education (CVC) that passed the first shot, with flying colors.

Funny how people call the Family’s education primitive, lacking, flawed, and not adaptive to modern life? It’s not the Family’s system of schooling that’s lacking, it’s the individual or the care taker of the individual that’s not up to par. (more…)

From Karishma Watson

To you who seek to destroy the Family,

You have never met me. Before reading this, you didn’t know I existed. I had never heard of you and really could have cared less what you do or who you are until you decided to exploit the horrendous tragedy of the murder/suicide of that happened on Jan uary 8th. I never knew the victim or murderer; this isn’t about them. I feel for their loved ones, but to blame this on the Family, or on the murderer’s mother, to use this to label all of us second and third generation of the Family as being “abused, underprivileged, brainwashed,” or other such terms is ridiculous and plain ignorant.

As I hear your accusations I have to ask you:
Have any of you have even visited a Family home in recent years?
Do any of you have young children yourselves?
Has anyone who is currently a member of the Family written you asking you to fight for their “freedom” to “save them” from this life?
If you do have kids, are you putting as much effort and time into raising them to become good citizens as you are into tearing apart the lives of me and my co-workers? (more…)

From Bethy K., 31, second-generation member of the Family International.

My viewpoints on recent happenings: The murder of Angela Smith and the suicide of Ricky Rodriguiez.

My name is Bethy. I am the daughter of Peter Amsterdam and Abi. I am 31 years old, and I have one child. The murder of Angela Smith and subsequent suicide of Ricky Rodriguez has shocked and deeply saddened me. Until now, I had never experienced losing someone I personally knew and loved through death. It has affected me deeply.

I knew both of them well. Ricky was a dear friend of mine for years, and I loved him. I knew Angela off and on over the years since I was 10 years of age. Her giving, selfless nature and concern for others made a lasting impression on me.

Ricky and I were close friends for a great deal of our teenage years. He was a loyal friend. If you were Ricky’s friend, he would never let anyone say anything bad about you or hurt you, and would in fact be very upset if someone did. He was kind. He was thoughtful. He did not speak badly of people. He was one of my best friends during my teenage years, and our friendship brought me a lot of joy and many happy experiences and memories, which I shall always cherish.
(more…)

From Marissa (former Family member)

This is what I have to say about the Ricky/ Angela situation. Although I am not in the Family anymore I was appalled, shocked, angry, and deeply saddened to hear about this tragedy. It’s so sad that dear Angela died in such a cruel way, she didn’t deserve it.

I lived for awhile with Angela a few years ago, she was a saint and a great sample of love and concern. She was so fun, outgoing, bubbly, loving, caring and understanding, and never made me feel uncomfortable. She was one of those adults that you really liked to have around and that you could easily talk to about anything. She was the kind of adult that the young people really liked.

I remember when we first met, I believe that she had heard that my first language was French, and when we met she tried to speak to me in French, I guess to make me feel comfortable with her. Although she didn’t speak it fluently, she always did the best she could as she knew that sometimes it was easier for me to speak in French. I thought it was so thoughtful and sweet of her to do that!
(more…)