Nora Mullen, 25, Africa
Second-generation member of the Family International

Words fail me when I try to describe my feelings about this whole tragedy and succeeding barrage of negative slander in the media. All I can say is please listen to those of us who are really here in the Family today and who have our heads screwed on straight—not some foul-mouthed, vindictive and violently-inclined group of bitter people. Is that too much to ask? I know that the media always tends to gleefully gobble up the dirty, dark, and juicy, and smear it in front of our faces, but don’t you ever wonder if there is another side to the story? Let me clue you in a little on my side of the story…

I was privileged to be born into the Family by wonderful parents who have loved, cared for and given me a WONDERFUL 25 years of life! I have lived in 9 countries spanning 5 continents and visited at least that many or more. I speak 3 languages, and feel I have received a well-rounded great education—and what’s better, I’m still learning all the time! I’ve lived in Africa for the past 5 years, including traveling all over the place and heading up daring missions into war-torn countries—and I love it!

I was never abused. I have never, ever seen any one abused in The Family. If anything did ever happen to any former member in the past—and in the way, way past for which things have been apologized and rectified—I am sorry for their hurt. But I am here today to testify that the Family is a wonderful place to be. It’s full of less-than perfect people, I admit—but ones who are loving and caring.

Something interesting and unique about the Family—which I’ve proven over and over by experience, is that no matter what country or continent you go to and meet Family members of all nationalities you undoubtedly always feel at home and are met with the same love, warmth and tangible camaraderie. I believe the reason for that is that in the core of every Family member there is something very beautiful: a desire to give, to serve and to help those in need because of a deep love for Jesus—not because they are following some “leader” or are brainwashed, but because they love Jesus and thus are willing to go anywhere and be anything to make Him and others happy. Now how terrible is that?

That’s why I’m in the Family, not because it’s perfect, but because I’m happy, at peace with myself, feel I’m going somewhere and making a difference—in short, living my life to the full!

But what grieves me is that some people are trying to tear down, throw mud on and destroy what I believe in and hold dear to my heart. I understand it’s not for everyone and requires commitment, sacrifice at times and a lot of hard work—but why can’t they truly move on with their lives, accepting that it wasn’t for them and let us live our lives in peace with what is for us?! Sounds pretty logical I know, but obviously some don’t want to let go and truly move on.

I have 4 brothers who have chosen to move on with their lives and though we may disagree on faith issues now, I love and respect them and their choices. They have each done exceptionally well in their academic studies obtaining scholarships and grants for entrance into prestigious Southern Californian universities such as Cal Arts and Berkeley. I’m very proud of them for their successes and continue to pray for them. Their lives are not perfect, neither were they while in the Family—‘tis life! But I’m glad to see them satisfied with what they’ve chosen to do and content to get on with their lives. My prayer is that they will continue see the good from their past and the positive experiences they gained while in the Family, and I truly hope the same for every former Family member.