Nina Marie Sooter, 17, Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I feel compelled to write this in response to all of the accusations directed at the Family International. I consider each one of those lies a direct attack on me personally and as would be my reaction to anyone who would walk up to me and call me an abused, brainwashed zombie who is a complete idiot for choosing my current lifestyle, I will speak up in my defense.

I realize that those who are attacking and trying to destroy all that I love do so with “my best interests in mind.” But, amazingly enough, although I grew up in a “cult” I still have the ability to speak, and even read and write! So, if they don’t mind, I would much rather speak for myself from now on and not have them put their words in my mouth.

I have been in the Family International for the entire 17 years of my life and could not have wished for a more blessed life! I’ve been privileged to have the best upbringing this world could offer! Besides being in a place where many of the problems they face in society at large are non-existent, else we also have the invaluable skill of overcoming the difficulties that naturally arise in our life on Earth so that, through God’s power, all things can be turned into good (Romans 8:28).

I consider my education superior, both scholastically, vocationally, and above all spiritually! At my age I have learned many valuable skills simply as a natural part of life. Skills that people all over the world pay big bucks to learn and still don’t get the experience that I do just by living the way I do. To get a thorough education on such a wide variety of subjects is the unfulfilled dream of many the world over.

Besides that, I love everything about us! I love everything we believe and stand for! I love all of the things that I do as a fulltime missionary! I know that I’m giving my life to the most worthy cause on the face of the earth and no matter how many people decide that it’s wicked and bad and that I’m wasting my life, I’m not going to stop!

I have the conviction that comes from knowing that I’m giving my all to God and doing my best to help those around me! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my every effort is well spent. I know that in the future I will look back on my life as I do now and have no regrets. All I will have is the thrill of knowing that my time was well spent and I have done what I could.

So it doesn’t matter what happens or what people say about me. It doesn’t matter if I am hated of all men, lied about, or attacked. I count it an honor seeing that my Savior went through the same things. He was hated, mocked, lied about, considered crazy and full of devils, beaten, condemned and killed.

If anyone thinks that opposition is going to stop us they’re wrong! As it was said, “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” and anything they try to throw at us will only strengthen us. So all I can say is beware lest you find yourselves fighting against God!

As for us, we’re going on! We’re going to fight to follow God till our last breath! We’re here to stay whether you like it or not! And we’re going to do this World as much good as we possibly can, so help us God.