I was a young age when we left “The Family”—my parents myself and two brothers. I can’t quite recall all the details of why we left but we did. We continued to live in a similar manner as we did when we were members of “The Family”. We continued to live communally by faith and held many large gatherings (fellowships) which consisted of Family members and former Family members. These times of fellowship seemed to be pretty positive with everyone sharing a mutual faith and enjoying the company of one another. It was a time where those that were former members could enjoy the same fellowships and unity in worshiping God they had missed and most of them had done without ever since they had left “The Family”.

My parents decided to create a website which was initially designed to be a place where the users, both favorable and unfavorable to “The Family”, could express their views and thoughts towards “The Family”. My parents had become quite popular amongst almost anyone who was associated or formerly associated with “The Family” because of the active part they played with their fellowships, newsletter and website which was created to reach a broader number than had their newsletter. My parents assumed the neutral role towards both sides which caused a number of people from both circles to feel comfortable in their presence which in turn resulted in many visitors, as my parents had always been an open home and well liked by many.

It was about this era when I had started to experience the influence of those who were antagonistic towards “The Family”. As time elapsed and my association with the people of this nature continued, I too found myself growing more antagonistic until I found myself joining in on their conversations and attacking the belief system of “The Family” as well. A neutral could have asked me back then why I felt the negativity toward “The Family” and I would’ve given him/her a run down of reasons, none of which I had experienced first hand or had been shown proof that it had actually taken place, but rather had only been uttered by a convincing presenter.
(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…)

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…)

From Dee, North America
(New member of the Family International.)

Although I wasn’t brought up in the Family and joined late in my years, I find it so hard to believe that anyone can blame something on someone who is trying to do any good. I’ve been in the Family now for about 5 years now and have a family of my own since joining and am very happy serving the Lord with them in the Family. We go witnessing and give Bible classes to people who never thought they could be happier. They have hope and they’re spreading their happiness, whether by telling people about Jesus or through their acts of love.

Since joining, I haven’t seen or heard of any type of misconduct, abuse to anyone by anyone in the Family, until now. It’s unfortunate to hear that there were some folks who decided to do things of their own accord back then when there were no black-and-white guidelines regarding those offenses, and if this has already been dealt with by the Family and you feel you’re still not happy, then follow-up with a legal suit of your own against the guilty party, but come on folks: Don’t take it out on others, especially physically. (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…)

(Admin note: Please be cautioned. Not for young/sensitive readers.)

Name: Nyx Martinez
Location: Africa
Second-generation member of the Family International

I have no need or desire to discuss issues of child abuse within the Family. Too many words are wasted on what the public wants to hear. I come to walls at times trying to publish articles which must be first sliced and diced by the editors, so that their readers will digest it better.

Since you have started reading this page, countless children have been abused. (more…)

My name is Gisela Leda Barbosa (Gigi), I am 32 years old. I know the Family for 8 years. I am in the Family for 5 years of my life – which are truly the best ones ever! I am Brazilian. I am very happy that the Family is preaching the gospel in every continent – that’s why I was reached at the first place. The Family is fully obeying Jesus’ commandment to go into all the World and preach the gospel to every creature. (more…)

By Gabriel Morales, 25 years old
Currently in Colombia

Well the thing that would culminate my life, the thing that would crown my existence, would be to die for my faith. I don’t think there is a better way to prove our point, than to let our enemies prove that when you step out of God’s will, which is determined in the Bible and all the word that we have in the Family, then you leave your life open to all the negative forces that exist in this world. I was born in the Family and left for 7 years, trust me, I’ve had both sides and I have tested the way of life and the way of death. I have really clear which side I have chosen. (more…)

Name: Elly Garcia Castillo
Location: Guatemala
age: 22

I have been in the Family for like 1 year and half and I just can say that The Family is the Best place in the World if you really want to serve Jesus. Of course some times is not really easy but all is worth it because Jesus is worth it!! (like Grandpa said).

I have had some problems with my family in the flesh, they don’t want me to serve the Lord here in the Family and every time that I talk to them it’s a battle but I have learn what the Bible said about that and is that whoever that wants to live godly in Jesus Christ will suffer persecution. (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. (more…)

From Peter Story, 21 years old

My name is Peter Story. I was born in The Family in Thailand, but left with my family when I was four. Needless to say, I don’t have many memories of this time, but the ones I do have are quite good. I remember a nice house with friendly people and lots of fun.

Since I can’t tell you what life was like from memory, I can at least tell you what the fruits of those years were. I know that I was given an incredible education in those first few years in The Family. In fact, I received such a good education, that when I started public school at the age of six, I was way ahead of everyone else in my grade. My teachers were astonished. (more…)

My Name is Michael Sooter, I’m 22 years old. I live in Brazil. I was born and raised in the Family.

For me it’s pretty pitiful how some of you (Apostates) can make up such atrocious lies about something that is so cool. The Family is the best place to be. I grew up with the nicest parents you could ever imagine, who only set me on the right path and I can honestly say that I was never abused or harmed emotionally, spiritually or physically.

I mean get a life! Chill for a minute and look at society today and the way kids are brought up in the system. I know for a fact. I left The Family myself for about 2 years only to realize those were the worst ones of my life, and that I would not trade my place in The Family for anything. (more…)

Hi! My name is Gabriela Bianchini Teixeira and I’m 21, born and always lived in Brazil, in different parts of the country.

My parents joined The Family when I was one year old so it’s like I was practically born in The Family. They had five more kids and when I was around 7 my dad decided to leave (not because he was against The Family, but just thought the life style was a little too hard for him) so we all left together. The whole time we were out I always wanted to come back as I really loved the life we had then. My parents always told us that we could go back when we were old enough. So, I waited anxiously till I turned 16 to finally be able to come back. Now my parents are happy I did. (more…)

Tiago Sant’Ana, 26 anos, Brazil

I was astonished at the news of Angela’s murder followed by Ricky’s suicide and to learn that it was a premeditated crime. It’s even more horrifying and astonishing to see that there are those in the media trying to explain such barbarism, as if there were some kind of reasonable or logical excuse for such a horrendous act, blaming the Family International for what happened, with sensationalist and biased articles with no regard whatsoever for the truth. These draw their information from people whose avowed goal is to slander and destroy our way of life. I hope that greed and the quest for ratings have not grown to the point of overshadowing truth and dignity.

I am “born and raised” in The Family International, and I’m proud of it. Unfortunately, there are few in the world that have the privilege of having a childhood as happy as that which my and friends and I experienced. Few can say, without a shadow of doubt, that they grew up with the assurance that their parents, teachers and those around them loved them and did all they could to assure their well-being and happiness. We were surrounded by people willing to do anything to help us have a happy childhood. I grew up with that privileged certainty.

(more…)

By Clara Guintoni, 19, Albania

My name is Clara Giuntoni and I’m part of the “Family International". I was born and raised in the Family until the age of 9, and then later rejoned the group when I was 13. I’m writing in to let you know that through out all my time in the Family I never saw any sign of child abuse, I always had very loving teachers who loved me a lot, and gave all the attention I needed—unlike the public schools I attended during the years I wasn’t in the Family International. They always taught us to love our neighbor, to be kind and loving one to another, unlike schools I attended.

When I started attending public schools I missed my teachers from the Family International like crazy, and always asked about them. That was one of the main reasons that brought me back to the Family. They all had so much love and cared for each other. Everybody was just so loving, it was like having a little bit of heaven here on our almost cold cruel earth. Now I’m 19 and I have a very fullfilled life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. (more…)

Hi! I’m a 16 year old female from the planet Earth. I have lived most of my life in the Family International except for a short time when my mom and her three youngest (including me) were TSers. I’d like to say right now that the Family is the best place in the whole world and I would never, ever trade my place here for anyone in the world.

As a young child growing up, my siblings and I (there are 8 children in my family but I refer to only the three youngest, me, my older sister, and my younger brother) were never allowed to play with guns, swords, knives, or any other violent toys. Now, before you think “oh, poor kids, they never got a chance to enjoy those ‘harmless’ fun toys and games” I would like to point out that at the present I’m not going into my school and shooting my classmates, friends, and teachers (like the Columbine tragedy and many others that I haven’t even heard of). We were taught morals, something that today’s society has disregarded, and still abide by so called ‘old fashioned’ concepts like, obeying your parents, not killing, not stealing, being kind, helping others in need, and so on. I don’t call that a bad upbringing. (more…)

By Samuel David Smith, 25; Spanish nationality, fulltime missionary with the Family International in S. Africa

To whom it may concern:

I remember I had a nice life.

Moving around with my parents as a child, being missionaries in the Family. It was fun. I was a bright child, alert and aware of my surroundings. Having being born and raised till an early age of 4 in the WS Family, I was taught to read when I was two years of age. By the time I was 3, I knew 200 verses from the Bible. Now, when I go to get my dental checkups, I can smile at the doctor who tells me I had some very considerate parents that took such good care of me and didn’t give me junk food or sweets that would rot my teeth. Indeed I was blessed. When I was older and moved out of WS, I went around singing to make people happy, songs about Jesus and how much he loved them. I remember they’d cry and ask for more. Then we’d sing them more songs and they’d smile. It felt so nice to make people happy.

Then it happened. We found out that we couldn’t be missionaries any more. We didn’t get told why, just that we were not going to be missionaries anymore. I couldn’t believe it. My mom couldn’t believe it. My dad couldn’t believe it. They couldn’t understand it. We went to visit my grandparents and didn’t unpack our suitcases in one whole year, waiting for a letter, telling us we could be in the Family again. That happened when I was 11 years old.

Time went by. I stopped being home schooled. I went to a public school where the teachers didn’t know what to do with me because I was too young to be in the equivalent grade for my education, and just dropped me into grade 6, instead of 8. The home schooling that my mom gave me in the Family was excellent. More time went by. I eventually grew into a young adult, and continued with my life. I was 21. I had two professions: I was a cook, and I was finishing my degree in Industrial electronics. I was happy. I had friends, I had a car, and I was a famous dancer. (more…)

By David, 25, England.

It’s hard to find the words to write in a moment such as the one we are living together now. In a time when our emotions, lives, and values seem to have been attacked and soiled, not by Ricky, but by those who are trying to use the tragedy surrounding his end to accomplish their purpose, I was thinking to myself today, “what exactly are they after?” “they do not seem to be satisfied by apology over the hurt (if any) caused, etc…, and why do they not want in any way, shape or form to discuss things, but rather seem set on causing as much pain, suffering, abuse, (yes, that word) to anyone who seems to have found happiness in something that they could not find?” As a Christian, many verses come to mind, and many an example of things that I’m sure others have already formulated in better ways than I could. In a way, I feel anger towards these who could cause so much pain to so many innocent lives, but then almost instantly, it is replaced by sadness. I pray that somehow, all will come to terms with God and themselves, and hence, end this unnecessary agony, both in their lives and ours.

Though I was born in the Family, I spent many a year as a TSer, and lived alone with my mother, brother and sister. We were home schooled, and, to be honest, lonely. I missed the other children I used to live with. I missed doing school with them, I missed the baseball games, I missed exploring the forest, I missed always having “auntie so-and-so” or “uncle so-and-so” there in case I hurt myself, always including me in everything they did. I missed the trips into the Alps (I lived in France), the “uncle” who taught us how to fill our Bibles with cross references, and I missed going out with my friends for cake on my birthday. Living alone in a flat, I would often think back and wonder why we were no longer with those that I to this day consider my brothers and sisters. (more…)

From Anna (33) joined the Family in Eastern Europe:

Since 1992 I have had the privilege to actively serve Jesus as a full-time member of the Family, but I my first contact with the Family was in 1988. When I met members of the Family and started attending Bible classes held by them, I slowly learned how to get over the terrible negativity and bitterness I had in my heart toward my own parents, myself and toward life in general. From studying the Bible and other Christian literature published by the Family, I’ve learned about how to show love, how to forgive, how to care for others and be the best friend, sister, wife, mother, missionary and even daughter that I can possibly be.

Six years ago I got married to one of the second generation young men who was born and raised in the Family. It is the most wonderful thing for me to have such a loving caring and sweet husband.

My relatives always worried about me after I joined the Family, because it is such an unconventional lifestyle. They’ve seen the positive change in my attitude toward life, toward them and they’ve seen me be happy. Yet, because living a missionary life is such a different profession than any secular job one can get, they were still worried a bit. They just wanted to be sure that I was happy. However, when they met my husband and later my children and they saw the way we care for others, for each other and for our children, they told me that finally their worries are over and that they are so happy that I chose to joined the Family. They love my husband dearly and say that the Family must be a wonderful place, because my husband was born and raised in it. (more…)

Hi there, my name is Serghei Pînzaru and I’m 26 years old. I would like to share MY SIDE on the events of January 8th. First of all I’m deeply moved and saddened by Ricky’s murder of Angela. When I first heard about it I was shocked… Even though I never knew Ricky Rodriguez personally I know from the people who knew him that he was a very intelligent young man and that he was happy when he was in the Family International. What made him change??? Contact with antagonistic and hatred filled apostates who is sunk so low that they claim Karen Zerby was the one to blame for what has happened, incredible!!!

My sincere prayers are with the families of those who been involved. The scripture which comes to my mind is this: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. (2 Tim 3:12)

I’m a member of the Family International for the past 8 years, and previous to that I was a professional ballroom dancer in the Ukraine. What made me change my chosen career and join the Family International? It’s very simple, really, after I’ve met the Family I heard God’s call to: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. (Mark 16:15) Jesus also sad:” If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.” (Luk.9:32-24). This and other things moved me to give up my life of pleasure, riches, fame and comfort for going to those who needed help, encouragement and the love of Jesus. (more…)

From Isaac, 22, missionary in Mexico

MI NOMBRE ES ISAAC MI EDAD ES 22 SOY MISIONERO EN MEXICO SOY CASADO Y TENGO UNA HIJA MARAVILLOSA Y FORMO PARTE DE LA FAMILIA INTERNACIONAL. YO NACI EN EL GRUPO LA FAMILIA INTERNACIONAL Y NO ME ARREPIENTO DE ESO, ESTOY ORGULLOSO DE SER PARTE DE ESTA FAMILIA Y QUE MI HIJA SEA EDUCADA EN ELLA COMO YO LO FUI CUANDO ERA NINO. YO ESTUVE FUERA DEL GRUPO POR UN TIEMPO Y POR LO QUE HE VISTO Y VIVIDO NO TENGO LA MENOR DUDA QUE LA FAMILIA ES EL MEJOR LUGAR PARA CRIAR A MIS HIJOS, NO SOLO POR LA ESCUELA QUE SE LE ENSENA SI NO POR EL AMOR Y LOS BUENOS VALORES QUE SE LES INCULCA. (more…)

From Ana Tabita Bianchini, 19 years old

In light of the recent tragedy, and how much coverage the Family International is being given, I would like to tell you a bit about myself and upbringing. Firstly, my condolences go out to the Family and friends of both Angela Smith and Ricky Rodriguez. The shock and sadness I felt upon hearing of this tragedy soon turned to feelings of revolt as I watched ex members of The Family influence the media and press with their distorted, untrue and murder-favoring stories, in their attempts to malign and destroy the Family which is the lifestyle I have chosen.

While to me there is no connection between the acts of a disturbed murderer and my early years, some who grew up in the Family and later left seem to believe that there is a very close connection with the way children are raised and educated in the Family, believing all Family-born youths to be the products of “abuses,” and therefore unstable.

My name is Ana Tabita Bianchini, I am 19 and was born in the Family International, and spent the first six years of my life in a Family community in Brazil. I have many happy memories of those years, from early learning experiences, performing, playing with friends, and just general happy childhood memories. At that time, after dedicating themselves to being missionaries for 9 years my parents decided to pursue another lifestyle, so I spent the rest of my childhood years living a “normal” life. (more…)

From: Yoko Kamiyama (a.k.a. Sunny)

I’m living in Japan. I met the Family International in April 1999 and started to work with these wonderful people since 2000. I officially joined this Family as a full-time missionary almost two years ago. As you see, I’m not second generation. I don’t have a long history in this Family, but I can still say that I’ve found the best place to live my life fully as a Christian with the most loving people. Now I’m 25 years old and I’ve been happy to serve the Lord as a member of this organization. Although the shocking news about Ricky and Angela brought me sorrow, it hasn’t shaken my conviction.

I was raised up in an average Japanese family. I had had good parents and friends as well as a good education. (Now I prefer quality home schooling like we have though!) I was a potential college student so many people thought I would be a “successful” woman in the future. (Ha!) However, now I belong to The Family International as a simple missionary (I work as a translator & teacher/caregiver as well). I left everything behind to be a part of this Christian group. Why? NOT because someone forced me to do so, but because I saw all kinds of beautiful samples of Jesus’ genuine love among the Family members and desired to be like one of them. I was amazed and touched by their love for the Lord, their love for others, their children’s purest smiles, young members’ shining eyes, and peace of their spirits. Everything I saw among them made me understand the great love of Christ. Also many of the children and young people I met were very talented and smart and knowledgeable as well as happy and healthy, which impressed me a lot. And all the adults and parents were thoughtful and sacrificial as well as very young in heart. All of the Family members-both first & second generation- were a living miracle in my eyes and they changed my life. Today, I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me to find true happiness in Jesus. It’s such a privilege to serve the Lord in this Family International. (more…)

From Nic (26)

I would like to take some time here to express my thoughts and opinions on the recent happenings following the tragic event that has occurred. I would like to address this specifically to those who are inclined to only believe or listen to the handful of negative former members and apostates (I say “handful” because ‘believe it or not’ there is a much larger group of former members who have truly moved on with their lives and who lead productive lives in society to whom I would like to sincerely and highly commend! All I can say to those is God bless you, we are truly praying for you!) who so openly spout off their pontificated and embellished accusations regarding their; and thus mine as well, supposed “evil, perverted, and abusive upbringing”. Then they go so far as to attribute the recent acts of hatred and violence to the Family and the way we were raised.

In saying the above I am not in any way trying to imply that the Family is perfect but I do invite any of you who are to go ahead and “cast the first stone”. The Family is made up of people who are after all “only human” but their biggest desire is to give their all to the Lord and to love and serve Him, as well as love and serve others to the best of their abilities in hopes of making the world around us a better place. Does that sound so weird or perverted to you? (more…)

Hi! I’m Angela. To start with, I guess I have a little different story; I joined The Family just over 10 years ago when I was 19 years old. I had a 9 month old little boy when I joined. All things considered, there’s no telling how our lives would be now had I not made that decision. Believe it or not, Daniel Roselle was the first person in the Family that I met and what an impression he had on me, he was roughly my age so I could relate. I was intrigued with this “happiness” that this group of Christians possessed.

Before that first meeting I had been in a relationship with my now husband who had grown up in the Family but was out at the time…when he told me that he wanted to rejoin, me just a few months pregnant, I was shocked none-the-less. (more…)

My name is Silas and I am 27 years old. I grew up in Switzerland like any other kid. In 1988 when I was 10 my mom got to know the Family and shortly after we joined. It was no small change for me but this change was the best thing that could have happened to me, because my life was enriched with an extended family and with people that cared about me. I quickly came to appreciate this new life.

When I was 18 I left the Family and for 4 years I worked, had a relationship and traveled but only came to appreciate the life I had in the Family even more. I realized, what we have in the Family is what people in normal society miss. They hope for the love and the support we have and most of all, for a purpose in life.

Now that I am back in the Family for 5 years, I know without any doubt that this is the best place in the World for me. I am living a life of challenge, learning and change, but most of all I am happy to know that I live in a surrounding that is full of love and with a people of common goals and meaning. (more…)

By Érica Rocha de Lemos (27 years old, Brazil)

My name is Érica; I first met the Family in 1997 and have been living as a full time missionary for the Family International since 2002.

After hearing about the news of the recent happenings with Angela and Ricky, and seeing how things are being approached I felt in my heart that I should say a bit about my life in the Family International and how it has been one of the best moments in my life, and all that is being said in relation to how Angela’s murder and Ricky’s suicide is connected to what certain ex-members of the Family International are saying about Ricky’s previous life in the Family.

Unlike many of the young people in the Family International I was not born in the group. I came to know Jesus and His love through faithful missionaries, who began working at the university I studied architecture in, 8 years ago, through one of their musical shows. I felt the love of Jesus in them, and thus began what I would come to call my journey to find the “real vocation I was called to”. Five years went by from the time I met the group, until the moment I decided to follow the call to be a missionary, and dedicate my life to others. During those five years I was able to see clearly what it meant to live for love and others and not for yourself, through the sample which I saw in the missionaries I was in contact with from the Family International. It also became increasingly obvious to me that in the world I was living in there was more and more of a “look out for number one” spirit, with each one only looking out for themselves. (more…)

My name is Michele G. Roys, I am 22 years old, married to an adorably sweet guy, who is 24. I was born in the Family, raised part of my childhood in the Family, but I was unfortunate to live for about 5 years out of the Family. I am back and EXTREMELY happy for that!!! I love all there is about the Family International and I will not sit around while there are those that are trying to put an end to all I believe, desire and live for.
(more…)

My name is Daniel Meacham. I’m a second generation member. I was born/raised in the Family, left for a few years, and returned whole heartedly.

Age: 26 .
Location: Europe.
Status: Married, with one daughter and the other arriving anytime.

“It is an old and ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way“– Rollo May

I’ve been reading article after article, email after email where former members, some of which my friends, or people I grew up with, along with the mass media try to justify the murder of a woman while canonizing a murderer!?

I would prefer rather to leave the subject alone as I have better stuff to waste my time on, such as helping people that are in need, instead of trying to defend the lifestyle I chose in which I can best help others who need me. But certain extremely vocal persons have left me no choice.

I knew Ricky, didn’t know Angela. Nice guy, very open. We had a lot in common. Talked a lot, and he never did mention anything negative of his mother, grandfather or his upbringing to me until two years ago. I will hold off speculation on how I feel this happened in respect for both the families involved. I personally believe this situation very complex and highly-emotional. I don’t believe that this should be exploited by ‘yellow journalism’. I also feel that this situation shouldn’t be exploited by persons wishing to use it to their own ends. (more…)

Care to know who you’re talking to? You want to put a face on it? It’s easy to criticize a group or organization, but this one has nearly 2,000 young people in it and I for one am not going to let you speak for us all. I did not choose an organization to be a part of, I chose much more then that; I chose a lifestyle, the only one worth living for, and if need be, dying for.

My name is Miguel, I’m 25 yrs. old, and I was born in The Family. But even though I was born in The Family, that’s not all I’ve known. When I was 13 my parents left the group, and I was integrated into a different kind of lifestyle. I went to school as opposed to being home schooled. Although as a home-schooler in the Family, I was always just a bit “behind”, getting put in a public school was all it took to show me that I was ahead. All my teachers were amazed at me and all that I knew and how quickly I learned.—it all came from my earlier training as a home-schooler.

But being in public school was not healthy for me; I was picked on, threatened, and abused by other students. It was a difficult time of my life and I could only wish I was back “in the good old days” with friends who liked me and thought like me, and teachers who cared for me as a person and not just a student. But I eventually became more and more like “normal” kids—calloused, crass, bullies who looked down on each other in a mad race to see who’s “cooler” or has the hotter chick. I became cynical, mean, and had my “tough guy” facade on all the time. But inside, I knew where I belonged and it was not there in the middle of all that hell.

Shortly after I turned 15 the Lord gave me the opportunity to rejoin The Family, which, after seeing what life in the system was like, I was very eager to do. I did have dreams, and possibilities of careers to follow, things I wanted to do, but I knew there was something about The Family that I couldn’t shake, it was a part of me, and I knew I wouldn’t be as happy anywhere else. Everything else just paled in comparison. (more…)

Name: Simon Peter Maghanoy Wilson
Age: 22

I was born in Naga City on the Philippine Islands. I’m the 3rd of 5 kids, 4 boys & 1 girl. (We were all born in the Philippines.) My mom is from the Manila area while my dad is from Texas. I have good memories of growing up as a kid, we were always traveling, in fact all us kids were born in a different city in the Philippines. My only regret as a young child is not speaking Tagalog, but in the near future I plan to fix that. At the age of 5 we moved to Japan due to persecution where we lived in Hiroshima mostly.

I have some fond memories of Japan, I saw my first snow there, I remember playing in the big castles & parks all over Japan & visiting some of the beautiful temples & gardens kept by the Shinto priests. Japan was where I first really learned to witness I learned a little Japanese & was on the streets with my dad & brothers passing out posters & winning souls. When I was 6 we moved back to the Philippines for several months before moving to the states. We spent the first few years in Texas where we lived in McKinney, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, & El Paso.
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I’m 21, born in the Family and have lived around 19 years of my life in the Family and would have it no other way!!

Growing up in the Family is like a dream life, a life free from the many terrors, hardships and cruelties that children through to teenagers go through while growing up in more secular surroundings. I was brought up with the nurture and love of my parents and other care-givers who did all they could to ensure that I and the other children that I grew up with had healthy mental and physical surroundings.

So you want to say that being raised in the Family was like me growing up in a harmful and abusive environment? HA that’s almost funny, but I wouldn’t give up my day job to become a comedian if I were you. The sad part about it is that if you aren’t trying to be funny and you’re actually saying it seriously, well all that means to me is one of two things. Either you’re: a) suffering from major memory failure and distortion of past events, (and if you are, I would suggest you see someone about it, as opposed to making up fictional alibis to sulk in and to try to get sympathy from others. Instead why not try growing up and getting on with your life.) or: b) you don’t have a life, so you have made it your aim to cut down, accuse and abuse those who do at all cost, even if it means stooping to a level so low that you fabricate lies and fraudulent tales.
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From Celeste DiMattina

The setting of this tragic happening vaguely reminds me of a movie I once saw… I won’t get into critiquing the movie itself and the morals and message therein (seeing as I did not agree with them), but the sick feeling I had for days after watching that movie is almost as bad as the feeling I experienced at receiving news of Angela and Ricky’s deaths. – Probably because I knew the movie was fictional whereas I knew both Angela and Ricky and could not believe I had actually read that notice correctly.

It just didn’t seem right, and it still doesn’t! Angela was such a loving person! There’s no way anyone would want to kill her. And as for Ricky, though I knew he had turned sour and antagonistic over the years after leaving the Family, murder and homicide was the last thing I would have expected any young person raised in the Family to do.

My name is Celeste DiMattina, I’m 26 and was born and raised in the Family. I haven’t lived my entire life in the Family though. When I was a young teen I took a “break” for a few years. At the time I lived with my dad (who is no longer a Family member – though he is one of the thousands who are just fine moving on in life) but as soon as I realized what I was missing – the fun, excitement, happiness, contentment, enthusiasm, joy, peace, etc. (I don’t think I could do the subject justice and the list would go on and on) – from not being in a Family Home and around Family members, I realized I had to get back to the Family as soon as I could. It wasn’t easy to rejoin actually, contrary to what some might say of our recruiting techniques, but I look at it as a time in which I was able to see both sides of the fence and make a concrete decision of just what I wanted to do with my life.
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How some of you have used this incident of Angela’s murder as a platform to base your anger and judgment of the Family on, completely amazes me, even when looking at this from a non-spiritual standpoint this goes against all ethics and morals of human life. How can you use this tragedy to base your reasoning on? Does this not mark up points against what you stand for? “It is not what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out.” These words speak so true to every walk of life. You alone can choose the manner of man you will become, regardless of circumstances.

I myself left the Family a few years ago and found that whatever it was I set my mind to believe, that is what I was going to believe and become. And this is what led me down the same bitter road that many have fallen to. How foolish and biased our minds are to think we ourselves can give perfect judgment. Just look at what this kind of logic and reasoning has done to the world; can you honestly say it’s a better place now? After being in the Family for a time, I found that the only thing worth believing and living for was love for God, and love for others. I found the freedom and ability to do this in the Family.
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My name is Jonathan Larson. I am 21 years old, and I live in USA.

Since I have joined the Family I have known that it was the best decision I have ever made, and I have never been happier. I’m so blessed to be here and partake of the love and friendship that exists in Family homes. It’s easy sometimes to see the negative, the mistakes, the wrong, but compared to my life out of the Family, this is heaven!

I rejoined the Family 2 years ago out of my own volition. I joined because I wanted to give my life to Jesus and serve Him with everything I had within me. I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing because everything inside me says it is right. Also, when I was out of the Family something in my heart kept telling me that the Family is where I belong.
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(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

By Jude Osborn, 31 (a.k.a Kevin Kanwayte)

There’s no doubt that I had a good, positive upbringing as a young child. I had regular school, lots (and lots) of friends, went witnessing, sang on television utterly off key, played with toys, completely unraveled entire rolls of toilet paper with my friends. You know, just normal kid’s stuff.

Then between the age of 7 and 8 my immediate family left The Family to pursue a secular life. As ironic as it may seem to some people, I suddenly found myself surrounded by abusive situations. Having the best parents in the world, I was personally never subject to anything remotely abusive as a child, but my heart goes out to these childhood friends of mine. For example: