From Steve Martin, 26, second generation member of the Family.

I want to express my thoughts on the murder of Angela Smith and suicide of Ricky Rodriguez. I knew her, never met him. I was shocked, angry at first and sad; nothing prepares you for this type of news. We live in a society where these atrocities are way too common, still hearing it’s happened to someone you know is different, I’m glad they are both in a better place now.

I don’t usually take the time to express myself in writing as I have other hobbies I prefer. I don’t blog, participate in forums or online discussions and generally avoid personal correspondence, but these events call for an exception to my general dislike of composition. There has been too much published in newsprint, TV and online that is opposite of what I know to be true and what I live for.

Seems that the majority of those who would know best – those who have either been members of the Family International and those who have studied us have not been given a fair chance to be heard. (more…)

My Name is Yamashita Miho Ryan. I have experienced a perfect 18 years 6 months and 7 days of love, friendship, shepherding, and LIFE here in the Family, in Japan.
My life:

I wake up every morning at 7:30.
(more…)

(From a second-generation former member)

My name is Mark Elder and I’m 32, or was it 31. Oh well, I’m getting senile before my time. I guess I wanted to put my two cents in on what happened with David [Ricky Rodrigues].

A quick history: I left the Family when I was 19 and rejoined for a year when I was 28 and then left again and ended up spending another month in Sara and Alf’s home a few months later before finally moving on for good. Most people who knew me in the Family would say that I was a nice guy as well, and would probably have good things to say about me, aside from my leaving the Family.

I used to consider myself a good person too. But in the course of my life I’ve learned a lot about human nature, from others, and a great deal from myself. I know what it’s like to go from being the Family’s most ardent supporter, to feeling hate and bitterness towards the Family to the point of wanting to take action against it. (more…)