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…)