My name is Gisela Leda Barbosa (Gigi), I am 32 years old. I know the Family for 8 years. I am in the Family for 5 years of my life – which are truly the best ones ever! I am Brazilian. I am very happy that the Family is preaching the gospel in every continent – that’s why I was reached at the first place. The Family is fully obeying Jesus’ commandment to go into all the World and preach the gospel to every creature.

I used to be a lawyer. I was born into a wealthy middle-class family, lived in Ipanema – Rio de Janeiro - all my life (one of the most expensive places in Brazil) and had been well “educated” in a system’s” point of view. I went to good colleges and to one of the best universities around (and expensive one also). I had a nice family; I had a nice relationship with them, (& still do). I didn’t join the Family because I was a loser, or because I couldn’t get along well with my parents or because I didn’t have friends. I had all that. I had a good life in the “system’s” eyes. I had a job in a nice lawyer’s office. I was starting, but it was good. But for some reason I wasn’t happy, I felt that something was missing, and then I met the Family.

It changed my life. It took me some time to have the courage to give up my life in the system and join. I joined because I saw something that I didn’t have and I wanted so much. I joined because I saw truth and love in the eyes of those who reached out for me. I joined because I felt Jesus’ love like never before. I joined because that was my calling in life and I had finally discovered that. What a relief! To finally know what was my true calling in life and what would make me happy and fulfilled for the rest of my days! Oh boy! That saved me. When I stop to think about what could have happened to my life if I didn’t have this chance to meet the Family… I don’t know exactly what could have happened but one thing I know for sure, I would be unhappy.

Now I have two wonderful little munchkins, who fill my life with such joy and happiness! They’re such lovely kids! You know what? One thing that called my attention when I met the Family was the kids! They are awesome kids, so loving and sweet and intelligent and shining with God’s love. It’s so obvious! My God, who could ever think they are abused children? Come on! When I was only an Active Member someone sent me and my family a dossier about the Family – you can imagine the horrible things that were written in there. That was my first test of faith. But the thing that held me was the living testimonies of those that I had met. I went to their homes, I saw their children, I felt the Spirit! I had to make my choice also… Believe in the detractors or believe in what I saw and felt? How could I doubt? You see, there are a lot of things that I don’t fully understand, or some stuff about the past of the Family that’s a little difficult for me, but I’m sure that David Berg didn’t do anything to harm anyone, that he was a sincere and godly man and that he was doing his best to follow God. I have the same sentiment toward Peter and Mama. Though they are not perfect, I’m convinced that they are doing their best to serve Jesus. I love them very much and I appreciate all that they did for me, even though they do not know me personally. I’m sure that one reason why God allowed the Family to be so different and have so many radical doctrines is to maintain us separate from the churches and the system in general. So, even if it’s hard for me, I am glad for that and I’m willing to suffer for that also.
Oh, I cannot forget! I have this incredible husband – the best father for my kids. He was born and raised in this wonderful Family. He is intelligent, smart, full of life, handsome, he loves the Lord. He was home schooled all his life. Do you want to know something? He knows way more than me. It’s true! He knows history, math, geography, and on and on the list goes so much better than I do. In the system you are forced to swallow all this tons of information all your life. What for? To confuse you and make you forget half of it. What a waste of time! I’m so glad that my kids can be home schooled. It’s the best education for them. I’m totally convinced of that. By the way, my husband’s name is Ezra and he sent his testimony to this site also.

Now I have a life! Now I can see! I thought I had a good life before I met this wonderful Family. Now I know what good is all about. It’s being here! I know also that this is not the calling for everyone. But I’m happy that it’s mine and I’m going to fight to be here and to keep my children here, being raised in the best environment I’ve ever known. It’s healthy for them. I can see the fruit in their little souls, in their beautiful hearts full of joy, in their innocent smiles and in their bright eyes. They love the Lord, they love life, they love me. I’m so blessed to be here! It’s an honor. I thank every one of you who makes the Family what it is. Please never give up! I love you!

Gisela Barbosa is a fulltime member of The Family International