I have had mixed emotions about this whole situation, ranging from total shock and total sadness and somewhere in between there has also been, (due to my human nature) a fair bit of anger. Not anger directed at any one individual, but at the course of events, uncontrolled rhetoric and negative attitudes that have led up to this terrible tragedy. I have also had my times of questioning why and how something this terrible can happen. It just goes to show how your thoughts are real things and as the old saying goes “you are what you read” well– you are also what you think and say. “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” and “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”. (Matthew 12:34b) All of you who had anything to do with fueling Ricky’s bitterness, condoning his attitudes and sympathizing with him, have taken part in his crime and had a grip on his knife.
(more…)

From Sushant Lyall, 22, India.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

It’s difficult to understand the reasoning behind such a cold and cruel murder. I find it unbelievable that someone who had once been an active Christian and missionary could have even meditated such evil. Of course, there’s no saying that people will never change, I’ve seen radical change in people, but missionary to murderer—an Apostle Paul in reverse—has been till now the impossible dream. But it happened.

My name is Sushant Lyall. I live in India and have recently heard of the killing in Tucson, Arizona. I am much disturbed not only by this cold-blooded, heartless act of murder but also by the senseless and absurd accusations of child abuse being hurled both at me as well as at my Christian missionary fellowship. (more…)

To whom it may concern,

I am 21 year-old second-generation* member of The Family International. My name is Christopher, and this is my testament. (*Born and raised in the Family)

I don’t know what you’ve heard about our group, or for what reason you stumbled upon this site. I don’t know how you’ve chosen to form your opinions about us or which side you’ve chosen to believe in this whole controversy.

I am not writing this, however, to try to change your mind or to try to convince you of my views. What you choose to think is entirely up to you and I have no right to try to change your own personal choices.

The only reason I’m writing this is to explain to you the life of a random Family Member and state my own personal opinions about the Family International. If there is any coherence in what I say, I leave it up to you to decide by cautious, intelligent, and professional investigation. (more…)

“…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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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 Tabitha, 24 years old, Asia
(New member of the Family International)

I’m Tabitha, a national disciple of Family International from Central Asia. My dear Family, I love you all and so happy to be a part of you. It’s the best and it’s my life. God bless you in all you’re doing! Here is a little poem that I have to share with you:

Stir up in Spirit & in flesh
And give the best to God.
Fight as a soldier on the field
And don’t say you can’t!

Our Lord is Master of our hearts
He knows the best for sure,
He’ll guide your path and make it clear
And bring you safely Home. (more…)

Timm, 19, Europe
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

It doesn’t matter what the detractors say, I am here because I choose to be and no other reason.

I personally believe in brainwashing. Everyday when you go out and see an advertisement or you watch TV you grow accustomed to what that article or message is trying to get across, and if you hear or see it regularly it becomes engrained into you. So yes, in a way I am brainwashed, every day I sit down and read or hear the Word, where I am taught and reminded to be loving and put others needs above my own, to take good care of myself, to help make others’ lives better and 101 ways of how to win people to Jesus. But I do this willingly and I am not in anyway forced to do so.

If for some reason I no longer want to be here and want to live my life some other way, I can pick up my bags and move on. But I won’t, at least not in the near future. Cuz’ how can you beat living with a group of people who love you, and when you have problems will go out of their way to help you? (more…)

From Claire Martin, 18, Reunion Island
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

This is my conclusion, after hearing of the dreadful murder of Angela Smith by Ricky Rodriguez, and his consequent suicide.
I’m saddened to tears, but more determined than ever to live my life as a professional missionary and revolutionary for Jesus. I realized more than ever now that the ever-elusive “Endtime” which we’ve been preaching for decades is now fully upon us without a shadow of a doubt.

Angela ranks in Heaven’s Endtime Archives as being the very first Family Martyr of the End. She is Up There now enjoying the bigger rewards and pleasures than she’s ever dreamed of! But her death is not what speaks the most to me; what touches me most is how she lived: a selfless, sharing, caring and giving, Christ-centered soul.

But she’s not the only one! I know dozens, scores, hundreds of people, young, old and in-between who are just like her! They too are 100%serious about their lives and they realize that one day, they too may be caught between a wall and a knife, threatened with death for their faith, conviction and dedication to an elite cause. (more…)

Name: Davida Maria Martel Dias.
Age: 20
Location: Gambia-West Africa
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I’ve come here today to take a stand alongside my fellow brothers and sisters. Reading what each one had to say is very encouraging and uplifting, and I’d like to say “thank you” to all you apostates—yes, thank you! All this stir up that you have caused will only serve to strengthen our cause. It unites us and it forces us to once again take a stand and be strengthened. You know that! I’m sure you remember…or have you also forgotten that, along with how you’ve forgotten what a wonderful place you grew up in, the amazing upbringing you’ve had, and the great, caring people whom surrounded you?

I stopped to think about the accusations you are bringing up against ME. One in particular stood out to me, how you’ve said I’m brainwashed and controlled, that I’m being told what to do and what to say. At first that was an insult and a bit offensive, but then I stopped and thought about it a little more and realized…actually, in a way, yes, I’m being told what to do!! I follow Jesus (Love) and He tells me what to do! I’m His servant, I love Him, I chose to be His follower and to do all He tells me to do…and guess what?? I’m happy with the results! I’m happy with where I’m heading and what I’m doing with my life. Are you? (more…)

By Mercy Rimes, 19

For whoever reads this:

This is just a reminder that “If The Family is just the work of a couple of ‘control freaks’, it will come to nothing". Another reminder: this isn’t the first time persecution’s hit them, and yet every time, persecution has only served to prove God’s with them. I have alot of friends and family serving God so faithfully in The Family. They live more like Christ than any believers in God I’ve ever known. That may scare some people today-people with no conviction to the truth. The truth is: Jesus is a freak in the world we live in today-He always was. Whoever chooses Him denies this world. People will hate you for loving Him. The Family chooses Him, and their freaks in this world. Whoose freak are you?

Mercy Rimes: FREAK for Christ

From Lara C. Purkiss, 20, Italy.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

Here, now, in this day, I would like to take a stand. I would like to take part in proclaiming the truth! I would also like to refute the lies, the slander and the discrimination that those who have been speaking against us and that the media have been saying against our life-style. In other words, our personal and precious lives! I don’t know if my testimony, my statement, will help to rectify or alter the actions you have been taking, but I would like to at least try. I can’t say I completely understand or know what makes you say the things you say, or what motivates you to make an attack on our lives the way you have, but what I do know is this:

I was born and raised into the most wonderful place in the whole world—The Family. Throughout my life I have been to a lot of places, met a lot of people and was taught to, “Love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind and to love my neighbors as myself (Mat.22:37-40).” This is what rules our life, It’s our primary principle. (more…)

John B. Jensen, 18, Croatia.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

The second generation of the Family has already written countless rebuttals in order to not only repaint the bleak picture of how Family life was depicted to the public; but also as a means to express their opinion in having their upbringing, their lives and their heritage of faith—what they stand for—maliciously attacked in such a low manner. Being that I am also a SGM [second-generation member] I see this as a marvelous opportunity to let my voice be heard as well.

(more…)

From Susana Rodrigues, 22, Brazil.
Second generation member of the Family International.

Hi! My name is Susana, I’m 22 years old, I was born in the Family and I left when I was 5 years old, with my mother and my three younger brothers. We kept serving the Lord with a lot of fight, victories and challenges: they were very special moments! Thank you Jesus! God bless my mother – ha! She was the big fighter and soul winner, and still is! She was always giving us the sample and teaching us to live by faith!

So it wasn’t till I was 14 years and a half that I rejoined the Family full time with my mother’s incentive and consent, and later my three brothers did the same!
(more…)

João C. Sooter, 19, São Paulo, Brazil.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

OH MY GOD!!! Could it really be true? It must be since so many are saying it, I mean there are tons of people (I’m not sure exactly how many, maybe only 5 or 10, but surely that must be enough) out there (on the WEB somewhere) who claim to have been “there” (please don’t ask “where” because I have no idea myself) and know what “really” happened, thus I really must’ve wasted my whole life in an abusive “sex cult.”

I must clarify here that the members of this “terrible cult” are also part of the “Men in Black” and once they’ve abused me they flash their little “neuralizer” at me and I thus forget everything. (more…)

José Pezoa, 20, Brazil.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

My name is José Pezoa, I’m 20 years old, I’m married and have a 1-year-old son. I’m currently living in Brazil where we have wonderful ministries and feel fulfilled and supported.

Well, to start, I was born and raised in “The Family.” As remembering my childhood all I can think about is my parent’s giving me the best school, friends, moral support, all the help I could have and everything I needed, they were there for me. What could I want more than a Heavenly Home?

When I was about 7 my dad and I moved to Rosario-Argentina, and not long after our home was raided by cops and authorities of the city.

They turned everything upside-down and stayed at our house 24/7 for the next week, coming and going whenever they wanted. We had reporters at our doorstep all the time, we couldn’t even go outside our house in peace without having all those reporters taking pictures, asking questions etc. We didn’t have any privacy!
(more…)

Name: Michael Tonazzini
Age: 18
Location: Italy
Nationality: Italian/American

Helloooo People! Peace on earth to men of good will.

Men of good will are hard to find, and I personally, as one who was born in the Family, think that it is a place where men of good will are found.

I personally was never abused in my life in the Family. Actually I think that the Family is one of the last places where you can get abused, and also one of the best places you can grow up in.
(more…)

From Timothy Francesco Tonazzini, 21, second-generation former member in the process of rejoining the Family International.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Mat.5:9”

My name is Timothy Francesco Tonazzini, currently living in Croatia. I’m 21 and I have been out of the Family for 3 years. I just wanted to speak up and give my opinion on what’s happening. I’m rejoining the Family right now and I don’t know if I’ll make it, but I know that no matter what I’ll always stick up for the good in life, even if it means making some enemies.

I’m not forced to stay in the Family. No one is forced to stay in the Family, in fact when I decided to do my own thing I just told my parents and they did their best to help me get started in a new life. I got a good job and went on my own way but I got sick of what I saw.

I saw abuse so many times out there. I saw young guys and girls who every day got and still are getting abused through drugs, horror movies, “friends,“ you name it. (more…)

From Libby Wescombe, 21, fulltime Family member in the Middle East.

Okay, I’ll admit, if I was flipping through a magazine and the words “Abuse leads to Murder and Suicide” caught my eye I’d probably read that first thing. It’s more interesting to read an exaggerated, crap-filled story that deals with taboo subject matter over something taken from Business Today.

If writing fictional horror stories is what you desperately need to do for kicks, then by all means do. BUT PLEASE NOT AT OUR EXPENSE!

We’re real young people, with real lives that we live to the full and treasure deeply.
(more…)

Name: Aiko Cunningham

Age:19

Nationality: Japanese/American

Whereabouts: Romania, Brosov (mountain with lots of snow)

Sign: Aquarian (Sag rising and Libra moon with the cusp of Boogalo on the forthnight of Manhunted not to mention that those are all on the boutsney of GrassRoots)

Status: Jesus freak
(more…)

Angie Tomassini Jacques, 24, second-generation member of the Family International.

This is not a dream … this is not a dream … this is not a dream. It doesn’t get through, no matter how many times I tell myself so.

In modern-day society we have all become so familiar with the concept of murder and suicide. We see it in movies all the time hear and read it in the news everyday. When did this become the norm? Why do such thoughts even cross one’s mind? I’ll tell you why, because this is a twisted world we live in, with twisted morals, twisted teachers of twisted values. Each one looking out only for himself while trampling others down if need be to suit their agenda. (more…)

From Melissa Johnson, 21, Mexico.
Second generation member of the Family International

To all you who are trying to defeat our work and the Family: The Lord is using you for His purpose, whether you like it or not!! As a result, we are as a “city set on a hill, which cannot be hid”, and you’d better bet your britches that we’re gonna use the opportunity to “let our lights so shine before men” that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven! Because He deserves all the credit for anything good that we have accomplished individually, and as a group!! So chew on that!!!!!! The Lord can still use you! Ha!

My name is Melissa Johnson. I am 21 years old. I have a wonderful little family with just one daughter so far (my pride and joy), but she is such a handful, and such a darling that even with just one we still have our work cut out. We are fulltime volunteer missionaries in Mexico, (more…)

From Marianne Cutting, 21, second-generation member of the Family

The ironic hug that followed, coupled with the rhetorical words, “This hurts me more than it hurts you,” had made me angry and stiff as a board. “If they expect me to believe that, they obviously have never felt the fly swatter.”

Ok, so I was naughty, I got spanked, I got silence restriction, constructive get out, K.P. [kitchen patrol], missed movies, and scribbled tedious writing assignments.

But whenever I think back on my childhood, these things are hardly memorable, and at the most something I laugh at or am proud of.

Am I weird? Possibly.

I am, after all, in a supposed sex cult. Good thing too. This way my mediocre childhood hardships will afford me extraordinary sympathy, should I eventually choose to leave the Family. (more…)

Name: Allison Farmer
Age: 23
Profession: Christian Missionary in the Family International
Location: Mexico

I was born and raised in the Family and have made my own decision to remain. I wanted to add my name to the list of young people who have taken a stand. I won’t stand idly by while you tear down everything I believe in.

I believe in love. That’s what helps me through the day. That’s what everyone needs more of.

I believe in helping others, in making a difference. That’s the only thing that truly brings satisfaction.

I believe in living for tomorrow, not living just to please myself.

I don’t want to be remembered for nothing. I want to go down in history as someone who lived what she believed. (more…)

From a second-generation member of the Family International.

My name is Melody Lindsley. I’m 20 years old, was born in the US, and raised in the Family International. I’m currently living in Romania. I am the youngest of eight children, the majority of whom have chosen other ways of life, but I love and am happy for each of them. I can’t speak for them, but as for me, I have never in my whole life felt abused or “brainwashed” by anyone who was in the Family. (more…)

Name: Chris. S
Age: 22
Location: India
Time spent in The Family International: All my life (and I’m proud of it)!

At a time like this when everyone is having a go at our organization, what we believe and what we do, I feel it is my right – no, my responsibility – to explain why I, as well as another 1800 young people, continue to remain in the Family. Yes we have a voice too, like you have seen on this website, and yes we will be heard. (more…)

From Amy Moore, 23 yrs, second generation Family member.

My name is Amy and I was born and raised in the best, most loving, caring, concerned and fun-filled environment—The Family International. Most of my life, I am proud to say, I spent overseas. I had the best of the best in every way. Teachers that loved and cared for me, as an individual kid, and taught me as if I was their own, I wasn’t just a number or nameless student in the class (how many that have grown up going to public schools can say that?).

I wouldn’t trade my upbringing, my heritage, my family for any mess of pottage or all the kingdoms of the world that you could give me. The environment that I was brought up in was one filled with love, peace and happiness, care, concern and all that you could ask for, where avenues are open to you to pursue any kind of life you could want or imagine and be given the care and treatment as if you were part of the royal family. This is what I experienced as a kid growing up…and even into my teen years, there is nothing that I would trade or wish differently. (more…)

Name: Aigo Shimonaka Age:22
Currently not a member of the Family but hope to rejoin ASAP, and still consider myself a member at heart.

This isn’t about the recent deaths of Ricky and Angela, as I think enough’s already been said on that topic to last this lifetime and most-likely the next as well. This is about yet another desperate attack to demoralize, divide and hopefully conquer.

Some of you people on the MovingOn site keep referring to Mama, Peter, their “entourage", and indirectly, the rest of us Family members and friends as the Scribes and Pharisees. (for details see disclaimer “scribes and pharisees” from Banshee. www.movingon.org) (more…)

Name: Chad Desruisseaux
Age: 23 years old
Location: Mexico

My rhetoric is neither to change the reader’s mind, nor to make an epic discourse that will be upheld as an exemplary ideology. I am here merely to lend credence to the fact that while a single voice may not change a crusade; enough, like termites undermining a house one splinter at a time, can rise into a crescendo that will be heard. (more…)

From R., a female second-generation former member.

Hi, I’m 21 and left the Family when I was 18. I’ve got 5 siblings, some in the Family and some out. Some that still believe in God and the Family, others choosing, and some that don’t.

The main reason I left was that I didn’t find my place in the Family and wanted to study. (more…)

From Marie-Ange Mignot, 19 years old

I have always loved swings. My earliest playground memories are of my Dad pushing me on a swing. This was before I discovered the fine art of pushing your legs out then tucking them back in. Once I had that down, I went higher, much higher.

My name is Marie-Ange Mignot. I was born in a dandy clinic in New Delhi, India at approximately 5:20 p.m., April 3rd, 1986. I say approximately as the Indian doctors forgot to note the time of delivery on my birth certificate. I will never get over this stigma. My name is derived from a song that reached a certain height of popularity in The Family International at the time of my birth, namely: “On wings of love, came my angel Mariangela…”
Yes, I am still traumatized by this. (more…)

Second-generation member of The Family International

I am writing this statement in defense of my personal beliefs which I feel has been attacked far too many times in recent years and as such I would like to set the record straight.

My name is Nicholas D. Zalevich; I am Canadian and 20 years old. I have lived for all of my life inside the religious group known as “The Family International” and have lived in more then 10 countries around the globe. I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters, some of which remain as me inside this group, while others have chosen to make a life for themselves elsewhere. I have been appalled to hear of some of the stories and accusations that some disgruntled ex-members of our group have been leveling against our group. The list of the accusations go on and on but I find the most interesting one, and when I say interesting I mean the most absurd, is that young people in our group have no free choice, and are manipulated by the older “leaders” of our group. I would find this a funny accusation if it were not such a sad pathetic one. (more…)

But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto myself that I might finish my course with gladness and the mission I have received of the Lord Jesus Christ to teach and preach the gospel of the grace of God.”

Name: Mark Brown
Age: 18
Location: Croatia
Nationality: Canadian/Italian

Hey everyone, to start off I want to say that this site has been a great inspiration to me. I’m one of those people who prefer not to type out stuff if they can help it but just today I saw that the number of contributions to the “My conclusion” site has reached 360…wow so hey if I can make that 370 it’s worth the effort. I’ve lived all my life in the Family International and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was raised for 5 years in the Rome combo but that too is a part of my life that I am thankful for and wouldn’t change at all. I have always preferred to look on the small handful of vindictive ex-members as one would look upon an annoying fly that up until now I have been content to shrug off as no consequence. But they are proving to be one “sick” little fly. (more…)

Name: Sven Franke
Age : 20
Location: Ukraine

First off I’d like so say hats off to all of you fellow young people in the Family speaking out on this site. It’s been great reading the opinions and statements that so many of you have written concerning the recent tragic events. I am very proud to be associated with every single one of you and am also prouder than ever to be in a Family that has as much fighting spirit and resolve as I have witnessed over the past weeks.

Wash us away? Keep dreaming! (more…)

Name: Cheryl Maria Stevens
Age: 21
Location: Ukraine

Before I begin I just want to say “hear hear” to all the wonderful, dedicated & beautiful people who posted on this site. You are an inspiration to me & I love you.

Like so many others, I was entirely shocked that something like this murder/suicide was even thinkable by someone who had grown up in the most loving, caring & beautiful atmosphere that I believe exists on our war-torn, crime-wracked planet. Sure I’d seen some violence in movies or on the news, it’s nearly impossible not to in our day & age, but I’d never heard of something so close to home.

I met Ricky briefly when he was traveling around the former CIS & he passed through our home. He always seemed to be smiling & I remember him singing for us a song that he’d written about “serve one another in love.” (more…)

Hi, My name is Atlanta Harder (24) and I was born and raised in the Family. I left the Family 4 years ago and I am now married, have a beautiful baby, go to school and have a good job at H&R BLOCK. (more…)

I’m not a very eloquent person, and my English is not that good, as Spanish is my first language, but here I am SPEAKING UP for “The Family International” which I’m proud of being part of!

My name is Luz Stella Solano. I’m 22 years old. I was born in Colombia, and raised in The Family International.

I just wanted to let you know that I don’t regret one single thing of my entire life. (more…)

Dear Daniel,

Hi, my name is Bonita. I don’t know if you remember me. I was just one of the many who came through your Home hoping to rejoin the Family. I was 12 then. I’m 22 now and here’s a little background.

I grew up more or less FM (TS at the time). In most of my formative years all I knew of the Family was the Word that my Mom read with all of us each morning.