In the USA you remain innocent until proven guilty. For being a land of truth and freedom, my personal rights are quickly vanishing, having been stolen from me by media shows like these, spreading untruths about my way of life. If you’re seeking to broadcast truth regarding the group The Family, why don’t you look into all sides, including mine?

I think if you were to thoroughly investigate you would find that there are many more happy and well adjusted young people, most who are still members of the group, and some who have left to pursue other walks of life, then angry or abused ones. Maybe the “abuse” wasn’t as widespread as its being made out to be.

And I don’t think it’s fair to say that because I am still a member of the group that I am somehow unable to determine or recognize abuse, or rightly choose between right and wrong. I am responsible for my own choices and decisions in life, just as you are for yours.

The generalizations about The Family being an abusive cult are simply not true. The whole cult and everyone in it are not abusers; in fact it’s probably a safer environment over all than many other places in the world. Its almost like saying that because you were once in a car accident involving a driver from, say, Wyoming, its highly likely that anyone residing in the state of Wyoming will most likely crash into you. So what are you going to do? Have a show where you will discuss how all people from the state of Wyoming are bad drivers and how we should suspend all drivers’ licenses within that state? Or that any one hoping to be a good driver moves to another state? It’s a bit extreme when seen from that perspective.

(Note: no offense meant to anyone in Wyoming.)

I’ve been a member of this missionary group, The Family Int., since I was 3yrs old. I am now 21yrs. I have never been abused in any way. My statement is not an “excuse”, as some have claimed, it’s simply the truth. Thank you for respecting that.

My mother (my parents are divorced) gave me all the love and care I could ever want or need, and then some. I love you mom. I have a wonderful younger sister and the coolest little brother.

The people who were my teachers and caretakers gave me the very best in every aspect; the education I received is invaluable, and I know I owe them a great deal of thanks for the positive influence they were in my life.

The most valuable and treasured gift I was given was my knowledge of God and His Son Jesus. Knowing that I have my Savior forever in my heart is the most important aspect and part of my life. Being raised with the simple truth of God sending His only Son Jesus to die for my sins (Jn. 3:16) so that I could live eternally with Him in Heaven once my life on earth is done, and being given the commission of telling others who have never heard the name Jesus, of His great love for them (Mk. 16:15), has been the most wonderful part of my life.

I know everyone doesn’t believe the way I do, God created us as individuals and as such we each connect with Him in our own way, and I have a lot of respect for the beliefs and faith of others. I’m glad that our country, the USA, allows us the right and freedom to believe in God, unlike some countries that aren’t as blessed.

I’m disturbed by the fact that I’m defending my self, my life, and my belief in God as if I were on trial.

I’m sorry if Jim, Kristi, China, and John, experienced a difficult life, and I truly hope that they are able to find closure for the things they experienced. Maybe they could more directly address the individuals whom they feel they were hurt by instead of targeting a whole group of people. Because all of a sudden this becomes a direct attack against me and my way of life, which is hard for me to understand seeing as I’ve never met any of them.

But trying to tear down my life and beliefs to somehow help them feel better about theirs doesn’t seem quite right to me. I’m so sorry if to some my post seems “void of emotion” but maybe that’s due to the fact that I am not angry at anybody else. I have a happy and fulfilling life and job, I am blessed to have wonderful friends and family, and I only wish for all you who wonder about our “group” to come out and visit us for yourselves, then you would at least have a fair chance of making up your own mind as far as our “group” is concerned.