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.

A lot of good has come from the Family. I have seen lives changed for the better. I have seen the Family’s children excel in academics, and have seen well-rounded individuals who have been able to adapt to all kinds of situations and converse with people from all walks of life. I have known some missionaries who left to pursue other careers, and even those who may have had some negative experiences have gone on to excel and contribute something positive to society. Life is a journey where we are sure to sometimes encounter adversities, no matter what religious or secular organization we belong to, or what career we have chosen. In light of this certainty, I must pose this question: Instead of obsessing over the alleged negative experiences they claim to have had, have the people who hold Rodriguez up as some kind of a martyr done anything positive with their lives to make this a better world? It is deplorable to think that Richard Rodriguez could be hailed as some kind of a hero for murdering Angela Smith. It is even more ludicrous for his sympathizers to try to exonerate him by placing the blame for his murder on supposed past incidences and his mother. There is no justification for such a heinous act. We are supposed to be a civilized society that knows right from wrong. Each person is accountable for his or her own deeds and will not be able to blame anyone in the end.

There have been people from all walks of life who have suffered tragedies, but yet they went on and accomplished something in life. They reached out to others and made a difference in the world. Some people, however, use others as scapegoats on whom to blame their ills.

I am reminded of a verse in the Bible where Gamaliel, a Pharisee and doctor of the law, said to the High Priest, concerning Jesus’ apostles, “And now I say unto you, refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found to even fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39, KJV).

Instead of just embracing the stories of a few disgruntled individuals, it would behoove people to listen to the other side and even visit some of the Family centers to see the truth for themselves.

Kim Marion, M.A.
Foreign Language Teacher