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…)