“…And I will smite thee down with great vengeance & furious anger, & you will know that I am the Lord!”

By: Richard Alphonso
Age: 18 (till I die!)
Residence: India

Hello! My name is Richard. I’m a completely normal, 18 year old guy who loves loud music, fashionable clothes, & cute girls! To be honest … I am as handicapped at writing as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking competition.

In case anyone is wondering why my article is only appearing two months after the tragic incident…I’ve always lived by a quote that says, “Never do anything on time, or you will be stamped a beginner.”

A little about who I am (I’m a little too busy to include underwear size!): I am a voluntary worker with the Family in New Delhi, India. My ministries have been, witnessing, follow up, performing, care with children, computer work, etc…

Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat anything that I say here, as this is my completely honest opinion! (That means if you don’t believe me, we can have a fistfight over it!) What I state here are all facts, as if it were fictitious, it would give you room for argumentative statements.

First & foremost, I love the Lord with all my heart. I would say that—being in the Family for eighteen years—I am entitled to make my own judgments. I am not the type, which is easily persuaded, so brainwashing me would be a task to advanced for anyone to undertake.

I make my own choices, as most of us do. I choose my own clothes, my own hairstyle, and my own food … hell … why can’t I choose my own life??? Why is it that some people can’t get a decent life of their own??? Have they got nothing better to do … so they try to destroy The Family … is that it???

That seems to be the problem here. (more…)

“I wouldn’t trade my upbringing for anything. Now I have my own family and I pray they can one day turn around and say the same about me and their heritage.”

—Raquel, 27, second-generation member of the Family International.

From: Raquel
Age: 27
Location: Brazil

I’m not a very good writer and in another situation I’d probably decide to not write anything, but in light of the recent happenings and the things that have been said I came to the conclusion that if our apostates have a right to express their opinion and give us a piece of their mind then I should too.

I was born and raised in The Family International and, once of age, out of my own choice, decided to continue as a missionary and raise my family in it too. I have four kids, all of which are smart, outgoing, sociable kids. All their lives I’ve done my best to raise them in a loving atmosphere, where they get their needs met and are free from abuse. Let me tell you one thing, if I had any suspicion of abuse to either them or any other child in the Family I’d be out of here in a flash.

Why do I stick around? Besides for the fact that I love what I do, and I love the Lord with all my heart and all my other personal decisions, it’s because I know that the Family is the safest place for any child to grow up in. (more…)

By Daniel Fernandez, 18, Romania
New member of the Family International

In The Meantime…

Clearer to me the meaning becomes
Why the life I live is folly to some

Somehow the cause and effect needs to start
In the meantime, men are quickly losing heart (more…)

MyConclusion is primarily designed to give a platform to current second-generation members of the Family International. However, first-generation member posts were growing in number, so we decided to move that category to another site (to be announced), in order to stay true to the original intent of the site.

Thanks for your understanding.

MyConclusion Admin

Name: Francisco Gabriel Cordoba
Age: 18.
Parents: Carlos Alberto Cordoba (Gone with Jesus) and Rosane Sousa Pereira.
Country of birth: Argentina.
I was born and raised in The Family. I couldn’t wish anything better because it doesn’t
exist. I am presently serving the Lord in Rio-Brazil. I lived out of the Family for one year, and soon realized that The Family is the most wonderful place in the world to live. I hope this article helps to encourage the faith of those who needs it.
My whole life I was cared for parents and teachers that loved, cared and concerned about me. (more…)

Alright, I’ll be short and simple, but I’ll have to use a bit of irony. You guys are too much. Guess who’s applauding this whole spectacle you’ve created? That’s right, the devil. He must be so satisfied! But wait, why do I bother, you don’t even believe what I do. But you wanna know one thing, I can’t stand the devil, much less his lies. Don’t you know the devil can’t stand to see anyone happy? I think you’re playing his role in this case.
Nowhere else in my life have I seen people as happy, satisfied and loved as in this heaven on earth. (more…)

Godfrey Thomson, 29, Mexico
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I’ve really fed off of and have enjoyed reading what everyone has written here. It’s made me think back and reminisce on my childhood and life in general. It’s cool because every night my kids ask me to tell them stories about when I was a kid. It’s been so fun to remember! I hope I can give my kids the same upbringing and experiences I had.

When I think back on my childhood it brings a smile to my face. My life for the Lord in the Family has been amazing. There’s no way I can complain. I’ve lived in the most amazing places and houses and have done things that most people only dream about while they’re stuck at their nine to five dead-end jobs. All the cool people I was able to live with under the same roof. Learning from a wide variety of people with different backgrounds and experiences. Meeting all kinds of people, ranging from presidents of countries and famous celebrities to little fisherman on the Amazon river. I’ve had the privilege of being in recording studios from the age of eight. Singing and recording in several languages and so on. (more…)

Name: David Grupp Mayo. Age 21. Location: Bolivia.

On May 29th 2003 while at the Berlin Ökumenisch Kirchentag, I attended a conference on World Conflicts and Development. Among other spokesmen, the Sudanese Foreign Minister gave a speech (at the time almost unheard of), and referring to the military conflict in southern Sudan said, “the discovery of possible petroleum resources under the soil in southern Sudan is fueling the conflict by third-parties outside of the conflict interested in the resources”.

It may sound ironic that petroleum, a much needed resource of fuel for the development of nations can become in fact the “fuel” for wars, destruction and death. In a world rampant with wars, crime and pollution it would be wise to remember the words of Mother Teresa, who when asked “What can we do to promote world peace?” replied, “Go home and love your families.”

It is more complicated, time-consuming and taxing to build than it is to destroy. It requires more of oneself to mend broken hearts than to wound them. To make someone’s day through a kind deed or a thoughtful word requires more love and concern than it does to discourage & put them down by not taking the time to show appreciation to those around you. (more…)

Tiffany 14, Venezuela.
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

To those who accuse us: Who’s saying we’re being brainwashed? Well, you know, you’re right, brainwashed with the Word–the Bible, in other words. And if you don’t like it, well that’s your problem not mine. I like it here and wouldn’t change it for anything. I love this life, it’s the best, the coolest, and the most outstanding of the bunch. Jesus is our center and that’s all to it. If you fight the Family, you fight Him. Ok love you all out there in and out of the Family.

By Melissa Rodrigues, 14

Hello to all you readers. I am a born and raised member of the Family. I just want to say right here and right now that I am proud of my heritage and upbringing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything this world can offer. I am honoured to be in this Family and I can only say that I am truly thankful to have been born in it.

I’m just an ordinary girl but I can tell you that I have had a great life here in the Family and I’m not gonna let it stop here. I’ve never been bored or unsatisfied. The only time I can remember feeling that way, was when I wanted to leave the Family. That’s what’s so cool about the Family, you spend so much time thinking about others that you don’t have time to get bored. That’s what I have found at my own personal experiences. I have tendency to get selfish and unloving. Each time that happens I get extremely bored and depressed. I remember going through a really rough stage in my life, where I wanted to just live for myself and my gain. I had my mom and others really try to get through to me. GBT. I’m only thankful now that with the lord’s help I was able to pull through. (more…)

By David Mageropoulos, 17, Brazil

“Just one life, will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last". That’s what I believe. I know I may be young, but I’ve taken a good look at life and all its options. Nothing nowhere can offer me what the Family can. This is an oportunity to give my life in service for others, and get the most in return for it. Where else would I find the love, the companionship, a purpose driven life and the chance to change other lives? You just can’t beat it!

Rather than spending my energy fueling and improving the capitalist machine, I’ll do what I can to make this world a brighter place.

And yet there are those who insist that I am deluded, that somehow I am blind to the horrors of … abuse, control, brainwashing. YOU are blind! You are deluded! To believe that my life and what I stand for is wrong, and not only wrong but dangerous, is insanity. The stories and the lies I’ve heard make my ears burn! I spend my life trying to love others, to do my best to serve them, and I’m the deluded one? I’m the one wasting my life? I’m told this by ones who have chosen to live for themselves. Not that this is wrong. But there is no need to put down, to smear, to band together and slander the one who has chosen otherwise. Just as the writer said, “strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause", so do the ferocity of those lies only repel me and others from what you’re saying. (more…)

Gracielle Ferreira Andrade, 22, Brazil
(Active Member of the Family International)

I’ve been an active member of the Christian missionary group The Family International for over 2 years. When I found out about the tragedy and specially heard the accusations being leveled against them, I was very shocked and sad. So, after thinking about all that is being said against the Family at this time, I decided to share a little bit of my vision and experience with the young people and children in the Family.

There are several points and things that happened that encouraged me to have the Family as my church, and one of the main ones was the dedication I’ve seen and the sincere love I’ve felt from these missionaries. I’d never met Christians so full of conviction and determined to live as Christ taught, loving God above all and their neighbor.

This love and conviction is part of the daily lives of the young people and children in the Family. Since I’ve met the Family, I’ve seen the unique opportunities their children have of getting a good education, fun and healthy socialization. I love talking to them and they can hold conversations about science, politics, economy and anything. They can discuss all kinds of subjects and are open to share their knowledge and experiences with you and to learn from whatever you might want to or be able to teach them. These children are raised in a safe and loving environment and their creativity and intelligence doesn’t cease to amaze me. (more…)

By Alexandre Lima, 29, Brazil
(Active Member of the Family International)

I’ve been an active member of the Family for almost 3 years and fellowship with the Family Home in my city, where I participate in the Word classes and social events. Whenever we can, my girlfriend and I go to the Home for fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

I was told of the very sad situation that happened in January and I was very shocked, especially after hearing that so many lies were coming from former members of the second generation.

Since I’ve met the children and young people in the Family I’ve realized how special they are and what a wonderful upbringing they’ve had. The teaching that the parents in the Homes give to their children should serve as an example to any family in the world. It’s ridiculous to imply, much less accuse the Family of subjecting their children to any type of abuse. (more…)

Emerset Farquharson, 16, Male, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I can smell brownies. Nice thick chocolate brownies. In the back of my mind I can smell them. I’m hungry for them too. I’d love to have a nice slice right now. A fat tasty chunk of it right now. You know what? There’s no brownies here. I imagine smelling them though. But I’m still hungry—hungry for brownies.

You know what I have beside my bed? Papers glued to the wall. One of them, has a list of hobbies that I’ve started, but never finished. Another paper, the one to the very left has a list of my spirit helpers. I have 19. That’s a big number. You know what? I talked to them. I got them. I made the list. I’m happy living this life, happy as hell. And you know what? I have other friends that are really happy living this life too. (more…)

By Emmanuel Thomas, 22, Brazil
(Second-generation of the Family International)

Hi, my name is Emmanuel Thomas.

Well let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am 22 years old, I have lived in the Family my whole life, just about all of which has been in Brazil being a missionary. I’m married to the most wonderful woman in the world named Rafaela, and I have a son, Calvin who will be turning 1 very soon. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Family International is where I want to live for the rest of my life. I would consider it an honor to live and work for Jesus in the Family for the rest of my life. This is where I want to bring up my son “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” I know that this is a safe place because it has been a safe place for me. I NEVER SUFFERED ABUSE OR MISTREATMENT OF ANY KIND!! This is the best place Calvin could grow up in! I am sure of that.

You might think that I don’t really know what I am talking about or that if I had “seen what you have seen” then I would think differently, or worse that I’m just being duped by my “leaders” and that soon I will come to my senses.

Let me add something else: For the past year I have been working part time at a job which allows me to “see the world” and do all the “good and fun” things that you say we don’t get in the Family. And well that’s true, most people (that I live with and know here in Brazil) haven’t had the opportunity to travel to the US three times in the last year, fly first class, go to 7 or 8 different cities, stay in the best hotels, eat in the best restaurants, drive around in limos, go to the biggest Casino in the world, be on TV, hang out with the “rich and famous” etc. Most people don’t get all that, I did and all I have to say is that it was nice but it doesn’t satisfy and the truth is that it’s all HUSKS!! It left me empty and hungry. The good thing was that I was able to witness to people and tell them about a life that is real. What I’m trying to say with this is that I have “been there and done that”. I have had the chance to live a “normal” and “successful” life by your standards. Be let me tell you that nothing compares to living for Jesus and the thrill of knowing that you are part of an organization that is changing the world for Jesus, with love. (more…)

My name is Clare Costello, I’m 22 years old and have been a full-time member of the Family International my whole life. Basically everything I wanted to say has been said (many times over) on this site, so this is just to add my name to the list of second generation members who are happy doing what they love most, and that is serving the Lord in this wonderful Family. I am so proud to be counted with this jolly group of Jesus freaks–to hell with what the rest of the world thinks!! I love you all. Keep the faith! (more…)

By Pawel Rogala, 16, Ukraine
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

My name is Pawel Rogala. I was born in 1989 in Wroclaw, Poland, where my parents were working in a mission home as part of the Family International. In 1993 my family moved to Russia to continue their work there. Those were wonderful years and I believe that the love I received, and the joy of bringing Jesus’ love to others is something I could have never received anywhere but in the Family. I have recently moved to the Ukraine where we continue to minister to the poor and bring God’s love to the people.

I met Ricky in our mission home in St. Petersburg, Russia, and I remember him as a kind, fun person. He would play with us children and read us stories in the evenings. The news of the brutal death of Angela Smith and the subsequent suicide of Mr. Rodriguez was a shock to me. How could a person who seemed so kind change so drastically and commit such a terrible deed? The more I thought about it, it seemed I could come to only one conclusion. Richard Rodriguez and Angela Smith were victims of hate!!! Our apostates had fed Ricky with so much negative input and hate that he scarcely knew what was right anymore, and finally this hate took control of him resulting in the death of Angela. (more…)

By E.A.L, England
(Former member of the Family International)

There was abuse in the family, that has been established. It has also been apologized for and stringent measures put in place to stop it happening again.

For the last few months I have been visiting the Moving on website. At first I was upset by what was being said about The Family on it, but over time I dismissed it as just a few bitter, angry people. I started to really get wound up about the abuse I had suffered as a child, things I thought I had already dealt with. I started to think maybe they’re right, maybe The Family is evil.

Then the news about Ricky came, and the reactions on that site scared me. How could you hold those actions up as a good thing, make him a hero, say you wish you could do the same? These people are out to destroy The Family, and are proud of it.

I cannot sit by and let that happen. Yes, there was abuse in The Family. I experienced it. But since the Charter was introduced and the guidelines set down, I have not at any time experienced or seen any cases of mental, physical or sexual abuse within The Family. Nor have I heard of any. What I have seen and been involved with is children receiving superior educations, within a wonderful supportive extended family structure. (more…)

“Granted, our way of life is not suited to all, and I’ve experienced that with my own family firsthand. However, I’m sure my brothers and sisters can attest with me that we were never abused or suffered the abuse the Family is currently being accused of by some today. To the contrary, we were loved and cared for dearly.”

—Knight, 29, second-generation member of the Family International.

“Through the slander and efforts of a minority of Family ‘haters,’ my mom and my brother and sisters were ripped out of bed in a pre-dawn raid and taken by authorities to an institution in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, they were abused, probed, fondled and literally terrorized by teams of doctors, police and psychologists off and on for a period of about two months. The trauma they endured lasted months afterward, and disturbed them psychologically for years. That’s my personal family’s experience with abuse.”

—Knight, 29, second-generation member of the Family International.

“So … if someone we love is disturbed, are we expected to buy into their pathology to prove that we care???”

—Gina Wilson, 29, second-generation member of the Family International.

“I’m not going to say that the Family is perfect, and there are things that I maybe don’t agree with or things I would have done differently, but nothing to the extreme that “Davidito” (Ricky Rodriguez) was talking about. Maybe I’m just naive and innocent but I also grew up in the Family, I’ve been here for 29 years, I’ve been in some of the “communes” these ex-members grew up in, and it seems to me that they mix a lot of fiction with a little truth.”

—Nina Moore, 29, second-generation member of the Family International.

“I respect those of my friends and peers who have decided to leave the Family, most of whom have found something productive to do with their lives, but I don’t appreciate and won’t stand by while some of you look for ways to trample our rights and lives as individuals.”

—Maya Stone, 29, second-generation member of the Family International.

“I don’t believe in violence and have never been a victim of abuse or physical violence in all my years in the Family, either as a kid, teenager or now a mother.”

—Maya Stone, 29, second-generation member of the Family international.

“The reality is, you don’t get a healthier and safer environment to raise children than the Family, and the sad but angering fact is that those who are maligning us know this. Ricky [Rodriguez] knew this.”

—Anne Boleijn, 30, second-generation member of the Family International.

“I’m sure the Bible would have a completely different tale to tell if those who wrote about the life of Jesus were those who crucified him, rather than Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.”

—Robin Suttin, 30, second-generation member of the Family International

“If I thought my son was ever in danger I’d leave the Family quicker than you can say ‘bungling apostate.’”

—Jude Osborn, 32, second-generation member of the Family International.

“I have been in many of the ‘training centers’ and programs that so many people have complained about, and I can honestly say that though they may have been tough, it was nothing compared to places like West Point, or the youth detention centers I have been involved with helping. At least for the most part, we had people who were concerned about us and had our best interests at heart.”

—Zeph Fischer, 31, second-generation member of the Family International.

“In the 30 years that I have lived within Family homes and in the Family environment I was never abused or harmed in any way by members of the Family. I have lived in several countries, dozens of cities and homes and with hundreds of Family members over the years.”

—Michelle D’Cruz, 30, second-generation member of the Family International.

“Anyway, when all is said and done, I can only speak from my own experience and speak out about my life and what I know to be true. We have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. So bring it on. Ask away.”

—Nadia Paone, 30, second-generation member of the Family International.

By Sho, 15, Japan.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

I really think the Family is the best place that I’ve ever been. Although I’ve only been here for 15 years (and am kind of stupid), I know that the Family is the place for me.

I read that Davidito message and was disgusted at what lengths people could go to try to get us. But like the song goes “THEY’RE NOT GONNA GET US!!!” They can’t stop our rain. After reading that message I was motivated even more to reach the world before the times of troubles. (more…)

By Matt, 17
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I was born in the Family International, and have been a part of it all my life. I am now 17 years old, and while some may say that is not enough time to make a definite decision about my goals in life, I feel that I can definitely say that the Family is where I want to be.

Those who oppose this choice need only think objectively to realize that they have no valid argument. One accusation that seems to be quite popular with our former members and others who seek to bring us down, is that the Family International as a group is responsible for their (the former members) inability to adapt to any other life, this however doesn’t measure up.

Say, for example, there was a family of businessmen, and their child was raised to be aware of and actively involved in business. One day when this child is grown, he decides that he wants to be a normal citizen, get a simple job, and be largely unaware and unconcerned about the higher struggles in the world of business. Unfortunately for him, he has had all these things instilled form birth, and cannot put them in the past. So he comes to the obvious conclusion that his parents, no, all businessmen are to blame for his inability to move on. He decides he must do something to fight this. So he sets about trying to find other like-minded individuals and instill in them the same anger at businessmen in general. Now suppose this story was true, would the public and authorities even give credence to the arguments of these individuals. Probably not – I say probably, as in these days one can’t be sure.

But that is not the point at hand, since the Family International is a missionary movement that is “on the fringes of society”, or might I even go so far as saying, a totally separate society, the public seems to be easily swayed against us, even though most of what we are being accused of has already been proven false. (more…)

By Aiki Kato, 16
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

All I can utter is the word, WHAT?!?!?!? What is going on with this world? Why is it that when people try to help the world, they get persecuted? Well, I assume that’s just to prove the Bible, where it says, “All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” At least that’s the only thing I can come up with, for you trying to tear down what we live for. (more…)

Re: Article on the The Family International, January 15th

I am writing this letter in response to your article, written on January 15, 2005 [article not named]. I was appalled by your bias and eagerness to print a one sided story, rather than getting a more balanced picture of the situation. This is not journalism; this is sensationalism.

I have known the Family for many years. At one time I worked with them as a full-time missionary in 12 different countries around the world. It was a wonderful experience, one I would not trade for anything. I still support the Family missionaries even though I am no longer a full time missionary. Their sacrificial, selfless endeavors have been a shining example to many in a world that is dying from violence, selfishness, and materialism. (more…)