We want to take the opportunity to express our love & thanks to the vast majority of over 32,000 former members of the Family International who are friends & family and who continue to love & support our worldwide work. We are truly proud of you, of your successful lives, your beautiful families and the positive impact that you have on the world. Please know that you have the love, support & prayers of our international Family as well.

From James Olinger, Age 19

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do,”

Those words are perhaps the most defining statement of ultimate Christianity and sacrifice. But sadly my Christian morals were not there when I heard this tragic news. Sure I could use the excuse that it’s only perfectly human to feel those emotions of anger and desire for retribution when you hear a member of your family was murdered brutally. Then seeing her name slandered across the national media as being the cause of the crime. Or when blatant lies from embittered individuals fill the national media regarding the nature of the crime, but enough that is not why I write.

I’m not writing this out of a nature to promote how excellent my Christian values are that I can forgive, or how I overcame the hate, yes hate, at how biased and depraved this world has become. No, to give in to such anger and hate would make me party to the same spirit that permeates the air whenever a crime such as this is committed. But I cannot be silent, true I never met Angela nor knew her but she was still a member of my family, our family. A family that is a haven of peace and love that is being so brutally attacked and maligned. True it is made of humans that are not beings of perfection but the very notion that this loving family is being compared to the scum of all beliefs that we humans hold dear defies reason itself. (more…)

Linda - Argentina.

Just wanted to say “my conclusion” on all of the recent issues that came up concerning Ricky and Angela. This mostly goes to all of u guys out there who so viciously fight against us and which, in spite of everything Mama and us have tried to do, you still don’t seem to “get the point".

Remember the days when they were hunting down the Christians, persecuting and killing them in all sort of wicked and violent ways? Many died like martyrs those days. But, remember how they said that the more Christians they’d kill, the more there seemed to get converted? Well, that’s exactly what you’re helping to do here. The more you try to stop this work-you’re only helping us begin to take over this world! The more you try to tear us apart-you’re only bringing us closer together! Hearing about all the attacks we have been receiving lately from all our “dear” apostates, only makes us pull up our socks more and hurry and get the job done quicker and more effectively! Having recently read the other posts from this site and hearing all of our other Family young people stand up for the Family and Mama - just makes me love this Family all the more, and count it an honor to be fighting side by side with all of our other Family young people around the world!

It’s that fire in our eyes people see and can’t explain what it is. It’s like it just popped up all of a sudden and people are asking where it comes from and how they can have it too. Just the other day while out witnessing a ton of people were stopping us from right of the street and asking me what did the key I wore around my neck mean. “It’s different, it means something, it’s like it shines, what is it?” It’s the Fire of Revolution, baby, that you’re only helping get hotter and brighter all the time, and it’s only burning more and more people around the world! It’s our conviction and dedication that you’re only helping get strengthened and stronger! You’re doing us a favor here, now we don’t even need to ask people, they come up themselves and ask us- cuz they want what we have! This whole mess will die down in a while, but we will continue to get out the message like never before-we have only begun! Were winning new disciples here, and soon people will know us again like “The Children of God", and we will be winning HUNDREDS! We will rock the nations, and the whole world will hear of us! (more…)

Name: Sharon Paige
Age: 24
Nationality: Italian American.
Current location: Italy
Status: Married, mother of 4

There’s only one life t’will soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last!

That’s always been one of my favourite quotes ever, and my motivation to keep going for Jesus no matter what. I hate wasting time much less my life, so if I know that only what’s done for Jesus is what lasts, well then that’s what I’ll spend my life and time doing. And you shouldn’t waste your time and life wasting ours, when we’re trying to make the most out of our lives for the Lord, with all the hardships that come along the way.
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After hearing what happed to Ricky and Angela, I was stunned, shocked, horrified, and saddened by the news. And I must say that I was just as horrified how some of our former members try to justify Ricky’s actions toward Angela.

Some people may tell you that the Family is an abusive place to be raised, and that this caused Ricky to seek revenge. First, all I have to say is that the Family is not an abusive place to be raised. I have NEVER been abused. And when I say “never” I mean “never”. And secondly people have there own personal choice of what to do. Pete made his own choices that others had nothing to with.

Take an example of King Solomon. He was the king’s son, so he must have had the best education any one would be able to get at that time. Also his father must have taught him many things, concerning wisdom, knowledge, training in the ways of the Lord, etc. But what happened to him? He turned away from the Lord. Why? It certainly wasn’t because of his tutors or caretakers or his parents, was it? It was because of his own personal choice to do so, and because of the bad influence he got form his wives.
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My name is Anita. I’m 23 years old and have spent my entire life in the Family.

I’m writing this in remembrance of Angela Smith, as I knew her very well. I was shocked to hear of how her life ended, and spent many hours in grief over this tragedy. That some would try to exploit it and turn things around so that she is no longer viewed as the victim is beyond me. I would imagine such people have never lost someone they loved under such circumstances otherwise they wouldn’t respond in such a callous manner.

I first met Angela when I was around eight or nine years old. One thing that clearly impressed me about her was that whenever she had to talk to me about something I had done wrong, she managed to do it in such a sweet and even funny way that I was left with a smile on my face. As a sensitive child that usually burst into tears when corrected I really appreciated that about her.
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My name is Emanuel Belanger. I’m 16 years old and currently living in Canada. I’m about certain tall, no, maybe a little shorter. I like playing basketball…Uh, ahem. Back to the subject. When I heard the news of Ricky’s death, I was naturally shocked. I’ve never met him, but from what I’ve heard he was a sweet guy. The metamorphosis he underwent is nothing short of appalling. From being sweet and friendly, he turned into a bitter murderer. And I would like to point out that that had nothing to do with his upbringing. We in The Family International believe in love. That is what governs our actions—a love for God and for our fellow man.

I was never abused in my entire life. I have wonderful, loving parents. They have showered me with their encouragement and attention. Never once have I felt seriously mistreated or unloved. My parents would give their life for me in an instant. How many families in the world can boast that genuine love?
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Name: Oli N.B.
Age: 23
Location: Southeast Asia

Truth. Simple, pure, unadulterated, unvarnished, unembellished Truth. If you knew the Truth, you would also know Freedom. (John 8:32)

But many are not willing to pay Freedom’s price. Which is why it took so long to abolish slavery. Not because the slaves did not yearn for freedom, but because their owners were too damn lazy to get off their backsides and do their own work. Instead they were content to make a living from riding on the backs of those they subjected and forced into a life of misery, suffering, poverty and shame.
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Tiago Sant’Ana, 26 anos, Brazil

I was astonished at the news of Angela’s murder followed by Ricky’s suicide and to learn that it was a premeditated crime. It’s even more horrifying and astonishing to see that there are those in the media trying to explain such barbarism, as if there were some kind of reasonable or logical excuse for such a horrendous act, blaming the Family International for what happened, with sensationalist and biased articles with no regard whatsoever for the truth. These draw their information from people whose avowed goal is to slander and destroy our way of life. I hope that greed and the quest for ratings have not grown to the point of overshadowing truth and dignity.

I am “born and raised” in The Family International, and I’m proud of it. Unfortunately, there are few in the world that have the privilege of having a childhood as happy as that which my and friends and I experienced. Few can say, without a shadow of doubt, that they grew up with the assurance that their parents, teachers and those around them loved them and did all they could to assure their well-being and happiness. We were surrounded by people willing to do anything to help us have a happy childhood. I grew up with that privileged certainty.

(more…)

By Clara Guintoni, 19, Albania

My name is Clara Giuntoni and I’m part of the “Family International". I was born and raised in the Family until the age of 9, and then later rejoned the group when I was 13. I’m writing in to let you know that through out all my time in the Family I never saw any sign of child abuse, I always had very loving teachers who loved me a lot, and gave all the attention I needed—unlike the public schools I attended during the years I wasn’t in the Family International. They always taught us to love our neighbor, to be kind and loving one to another, unlike schools I attended.

When I started attending public schools I missed my teachers from the Family International like crazy, and always asked about them. That was one of the main reasons that brought me back to the Family. They all had so much love and cared for each other. Everybody was just so loving, it was like having a little bit of heaven here on our almost cold cruel earth. Now I’m 19 and I have a very fullfilled life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. (more…)

Name: Serena Aslund
Age: 23
Nationality: Swedish
Location: Brazil
Profession: Disciple and follower of Christ

I don’t personally know Angela, but I do know that she gave her life to serve others like so many of us have and do. She would have never wished something as atrocious as what was done to her to befall any of those who so freely place the blame on her for her death and go as far as to say she deserved it.

Are they sane? What was her crime? To live a life dedicated to helping those in need? To forsake her own desires and wishes for the sake of bringing joy into the life of someone else? To pour her energy and time to love and pray even for those who wish to do her harm? Do they have what it takes to live a life like that? Do they have the guts to love even when not loved in return?

(more…)

To the reader:

I thought I understood the importance of decisions and the value God places on them through granting us free choice, but recent events have brought it shockingly to life. What can move one person to choose a life of service, happiness and love, and another to fear, torment and selfishness? Is it so much a matter of their upbringing? I am sure it is not. It responds directly to their choices.

I’m deeply saddened by Ricky and Angela’s death. I never met Ricky personally but considered him a brother. I know for a fact somewhere along the line he lost his sense of reality. I live the Family life daily and have never witnessed or experienced any of the abuses cited. As for Angela, if she was anything like the thousands of Family members I have known, she was a loving, devoted, and God fearing individual.

I treasure the Family, am happy in it, and thankful for every decision, however challenging, that has kept me here. I count myself among the minority that will really find the life that fulfils the deepest yearnings of their heart, which is what The Family is to me. Were I ever to leave, I pray to God that I will find the grace to deal with my decision maturely, remaining true to myself, strong in mind and with a firm grip on reality.

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My name is Fiorella Giordano Mackinnon. I’m 24 yrs old, almost born into The Family (my Mom joined The Family when I was 2 ½ yrs old). I’m married and have a 1 yr old son.

Being raised in The Family was the best thing that could have happened to me and I thank God every day of my life that I’m having the opportunity to raise my son in it too.

As most kids in The Family, I learned to read and write at an early age, had a wonderful upbringing in loving environments that we call “Homes”, with loving people and teachers who gave me the best training they could, I loved moving and traveling, and by the age of 14 had lived in four different countries and was fluent in three languages.

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My name is Knight. My parents are Arthur and Becky of ‘King Arthur’s nights’ notoriety. Born in London, UK, in 1975, I am one of many ‘fruits’ of the Family and our controversial FFing practice. I am 29 years old.

I’ve lived in 10 countries throughout my life, and traveled to over 40. I speak some Russian, Spanish, English and pieces of other languages. I have six brothers and sisters who have also been raised in the Family. My two brothers are no longer members of the Family, but have moved on and have found their niche in secular life. I love them dearly, respect their decisions and wish them luck. They are my brothers in flesh and spirit and always will be! My parents, sisters and I remain in the Family. Two are in India, one is in the US and one in the Middle East. They are angels and saints working, living and toiling in their lives for the Lord on the mission field. Some have families of their own. I have the utmost respect and admiration for them.

My parents raised our gang on the road, after living and working closely with Dad and Maria for a couple years in the 70s. During and after the RNR, they served the Family in a ‘Visiting Shepherd’ capacity. During that time we traveled Europe for approximately three years, and then transferred to Peru for two years or so. We moved again to India where I lived for six years, then to Argentina for three years. I then moved to the US for three years, Russia for about one year and have been working behind the scenes since 1997. I’m currently working in an administrational Home as a Handyman. I have an awesome girlfriend. I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled.

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I’m a father of three wonderful kids, ages 5, 3 and 4 months respectively. I love and care about my children intensely. I’m also a member of The Family. I was raised in The Family, and enjoyed my upbringing, and I feel I have a right to do the same for my children until they’re old enough to make their own decisions about life.

I feel I have provided for my personal family. They have healthy food, a good environment, good education, lots of toys, a stable financial situation, and parents who care for them and are looking out for their wellbeing.

I have the right, given to me by God and society, to make decisions regarding my children’s needs, and I exercise those rights as a parent regularly in the lifestyle I have chosen.
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Life in the family is more than I could have ever hoped for. There was never once in my life where I felt forgotten, unloved or uncared for. I feel so privaledged to be part of the Lord’s army & I know that this is where I belong & I would never be happy anywhere else. I’ve seen friends who have left & they are miserable even though they have everything they want. This is a place for fighters & I want to be a part.

Priya Desruisseaux is a second-generation member of The Family International

Hi! I’m a 16 year old female from the planet Earth. I have lived most of my life in the Family International except for a short time when my mom and her three youngest (including me) were TSers. I’d like to say right now that the Family is the best place in the whole world and I would never, ever trade my place here for anyone in the world.

As a young child growing up, my siblings and I (there are 8 children in my family but I refer to only the three youngest, me, my older sister, and my younger brother) were never allowed to play with guns, swords, knives, or any other violent toys. Now, before you think “oh, poor kids, they never got a chance to enjoy those ‘harmless’ fun toys and games” I would like to point out that at the present I’m not going into my school and shooting my classmates, friends, and teachers (like the Columbine tragedy and many others that I haven’t even heard of). We were taught morals, something that today’s society has disregarded, and still abide by so called ‘old fashioned’ concepts like, obeying your parents, not killing, not stealing, being kind, helping others in need, and so on. I don’t call that a bad upbringing. (more…)

From Peter McSimple –born and raised in the Family
Age:22
Missionary in East Asia

To Whom It May Concern:
Those who try to make us burn
You certainly sound stern,
But you’ll never make us turn
With all your fancy terms
Like Herod eaten by worms
You spew your verbal germs
Proudly the truth you spurn
You think that you have nothing to learn
But wait till God has his turn
Then suddenly you will squirm
When the judgment wheels they churn
I will pity you then
For it is you who will bend
For all the evil you did send
Upon David’s mighty men

What can I say that hasn’t already been said by my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. For the sake of the truth I’ll say what I believe even if it risks being repetitious. Because it seems you—our bitter antagonists–need to continually be reminded why some people in this world choose to live and work together and follow Jesus the way we do–because we love it and are crazy enough to believe and try to live what the Lord has shown us. It does get a bit wearisome after awhile to hear the same old things, same old bitterness’s, same old accusations, and lies. But it should occur to you that you are doing us a favor through your opposition, because every time you attack us and provoke us with your slander and misinformation, you force us to repeat yet again our beliefs and strengthen our resolve even more. I hate to break it to you blokes (Philip Sherwood, Daniel Roselle, Sam Ajemian and whoever is in the “anti-cult woodpile”) but the fact is we aren’t going to abandon our beliefs and give up our calling. Even if, get this…you don’t like us…(gasp), or don’t like what we do….(gulp, cough, wheeze), or don’t like what we believe…(oh my God has it come to that….). (more…)