I have recently heard some lies about MY life, & MY upbringing, by people who never met me, never talked to me, & weren’t there as I was growing up. Yet they feel it is their “duty” to inform the world about the “horrible, detrimental, abusive environment” that I grew up in, & to try to “rescue” me from the evil clutches of this dreadful group, called The Family International (aka: the Children of God). You have heard their voices, though they are few, but very vocal… now let mine be heard, along with hundreds of other young people who share my beliefs, opinions, & have had the same upbringing as mine!

My name is Marie Martel Dias.

I was born & raised in The Family, & have lived on 3 different continents, most of that time being in Brazil. I am 24 years old, the oldest of a family of 6. I have nothing but good memories of my childhood & upbringing. I think I have the best parents in the world, who loved me, & still do, & did their very best to ensure I had everything I needed, & was well cared for! Sure, they weren’t perfect, & my life wasn’t perfect either… but then, whose is? I think I had it a lot better than most people who have had a “normal” upbringing.

I had lots of fun as a kid. I remember traveling around a lot, meeting new people, seeing new places, learning new things. I had (& still have) lots of friends, & people who loved me. I, as well as my brothers & sisters, was home schooled by my mother, who did an excellent job of it, giving us a much better education than any public school could offer. I can speak 3 languages fluently, & all my brothers & sisters are bilingual. If I were to leave The Family today, to pursue a higher education, or a secular career, I’m sure I would do just fine, in fact, well above average, as is the case with many of my peers who have done just that. I am not saying this to boast or brag, because I know this is nothing that I did, & certainly not because I am better than others, but it’s all thanks to my parents & The Family, which encourages us to invest in all our children, & give them the utmost love, care, & attention. I am very happy that my younger brothers & sisters are growing up in The Family, because I believe it is the best place they could be, with a healthy, positive, & safe environment.

I never saw or heard firsthand from anyone who did see or experience “methodic, systematic abuse” that was supposedly so rampant when I was growing up in the Family. I know that it did happen to some people, but who’s to say it wouldn’t have happened to them had they grown up somewhere else? Bad things happen everywhere, & you deal with them. Our leadership has extensively & repeatedly apologized & taken responsibility for any mistakes that were done in that area.

Was I abused? I was, once, but NOT by someone in the Family… he was a “friend” who would visit us once in awhile, & when my parents found out what had happened, immediate action was taken, & the person was never again allowed to visit or have any contact w/ our group whatsoever. I never saw him or heard of him again. Did that experience affect me negatively in a permanent way, & am I damaged for life? No! I have put that in the past, left it behind me, & moved on with my life. I choose not to dwell on it, & I certainly don’t blame my parents or The Family for it having happened. That was a long time ago, & if I were the slightest bit worried that something similar could happen to any of my younger brothers & sisters today in the Family, believe me, I would do all I could to get them as far away as possible from harm’s reach.

I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t fully convinced that The Family is the best place for me, & where I can best accomplish my goals of living for Jesus, helping others, & reaching out in love, trying to make a difference in the world, & make this world a better place. I have seen & had a part in countless lives being changed for the better, hopes & dreams restored, & happiness & joy brought to many hearts, & to me there is nothing more rewarding & fulfilling than that. I love the feeling of knowing that I am not living for myself, but for others, & making a difference in so many people’s lives. I presently head a couple Bible study groups & teach & counsel a variety of different people, ranging from successful business men, professionals, lawyers, doctors, & people much older than me, to teens & young people. I share with them the principles I have learned from the Word of God, & help them to lead better, happier lives, by including the Lord & His love in their lives. Among many other things, I also participate in a local project headed by The Family, where we distribute food, clothing, toys, shoes, etc, to about 300 underprivileged families monthly.

I love my life, & I love this Family & everything it stands for, & I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Please… let me live my life the way I have chosen to, & I suggest you live yours without trying to hinder & destroy ours!

Marie Martel Dias is a second generation member of The Family International