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…)

–Teri (25)
– Married, mother of one

Born and raised in the Family–and so NOT ashamed of it!

No, I mean it! While I’m extremely saddened about everything that’s happened of late–my close friend being murdered for no good reason, Ricky brutally taking someone’s life and then taking his own, so many people taking this situation and using it to their own advantage, the media twisting and contorting the truth—this whole situation has strengthened my faith and belief in the Word and has made me so thankful for my upbringing in the Family like never before. And I think I can say the same for many Family members worldwide.

It baffles me that some of you who are attacking us so vehemently do not get the point or have completely forgotten what the scriptures have to say about persecution, not to speak of the numerous times we’ve come out on top and that the Lord has delivered us from attacks such as these. But then again, when I think about it, you are helping to fulfill scripture.

It increases my faith when verses I’ve memorized come to mind, such as: “Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2Tim.3:12)” Wait! Did that say “live godly"? –Hmmm … Interesting! We must be doing something right! (more…)

From Tim, second-generation member of The Family International

This whole situation really saddens me. It’s really hard to think about what has happened, as I knew both Ricky and Angela very well. I lived with Ricky for quite a while in WS, and worked with him. I considered him my friend. He was the type of person who valued his friends, and had something good to say about everyone. If you were having a bad day, and someone seriously bugged you, and he heard you say something about them, he would always interject something positive about the person. That’s just the way he was.

Ricky liked challenges. He was always learning new things, and was especially gifted in fixing electronic equipment. I admired his talents, since they were ones that I didn’t have. I had different talents and abilities, but whenever I didn’t know how to do something, he would help me out, and vise versa.

Ricky and I had a friendship that I considered strong. Even though we had different lives and friends, we enjoyed many of the same things. We both enjoyed sports. We were a great volleyball team together. We sometimes enjoyed biking and running on the beach. We did many things together that I was sad to lose when he left our home. But I was happy for him, that he was going on to do what he felt led to do on the mission field. I still remember the day he left. He was positive and happy.

I’m sharing this here, not just to honor Ricky’s memory, but also to explain how surprised I was to begin hearing later some of the things that he was saying, and that he didn’t even want to have contact with anyone from the Family, including those of us he used to live with, people who never did anything to hurt or harm him or anyone else, people who really loved him and Elixir a lot. It was hard to understand how people he had previously had many good times and wonderful memories with were now considered enemies, and that those experiences which were formerly good experiences were now being retold as being bad and abusive. I mean, come on! How does that happen?! One day you’re friends, and the next you’re enemies?! (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…)

Nina Moore, 29, North America.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

I’m Nina Moore, a 29 year old mother of three and a member of the Family International. I home school my children. They have school five days a week. As a mother I am very concerned about every aspect of their lives, emotional, educational, spiritual and social. My whole life revolves around my children. I spend hours planning their school. I have almost no time to myself, as my children are my life. I have organized a Kids Club where, once a week all my friends with children get together and have Bible studies, games, activities, sports and more. My children are part of the local community soccer league. They have a lot of friends, birthday and dress up parties and do all the normal things kids enjoy doing. I am on the Childcare and Parenting board in the Family where we have board meetings to discuss how we can meet the needs of our children.

My eldest daughter, who is eight years old doesn’t even know what “sex” is. She thinks you get pregnant by getting married. (more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family)

Hi, My name is Celeste P. Schaaf, I’m 14 yrs old, and currently live in the States.

You (apostates) may say that I’m to young to know or say anything, but since I grew up in the Family my whole life I think I know what I’m talking about!

I met Angela just a few months before all this happened, and I have to say that she was one of the most loving people I have ever met! She took the time to personally talk with each of us teens, she listened to music with me while I cooked lunch, and asked me what I thought about the Family. She listened to everything I had to say, and told me what she thought as well. She was young at heart, even if she was 50-some years old. This Ricky fellow must have been extremely messed up to kill such a wonderful person!

Whether you are in the Family or not, all you ex-members have to agree with this at least, IT’S NEVER RIGHT TO KILL ANOTHER HUMAN!
(more…)

(Sister to Karen Zerby a.k.a. Maria David, aunt to Ricky Rodriguez)

I met Angela Joy about six years ago. We called her Joy. Such an appropriate name for her. She was a joy to be around. She was undoubtedly one of the most unique people I had ever met. She was a ray of sunshine in our lives. When we had little hope, Joy gave us hope. When we had little faith, Joy gave us faith. With her optimism, and her sweet spirit, anything seemed possible. When she came to visit, the whole atmosphere became charged with her love. With her hugs and “I love you” and her willingness to do whatever was in her power to help and comfort, she transformed our home into a haven of peace and goodwill. The change was so remarkable that we commented on it time and time again. When she would leave, it was like a spark had burned out and only rekindled again when she returned.

I will give you a little background on myself, so you can understand why it is so important that you know why I feel as strongly as I do. (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…)

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…)

From Dan (23), second generation member of the Family.

Living in WS, and being part of the WEB team, I’ve known about this site since day one, but it’s been what though, two weeks? Two and a half now? and I’ve still not contributed. I’ve been known to write a little every now and then so all my friends have been asking me, “Why haven’t you written anything?” and “When are you going to write something?” It’s not that I haven’t wanted to, I just haven’t felt like I have had enough of a ‘conclusion’ to my thoughts to tell all of you about it. I’ve been thinking about ways to try to pull it all together into some kind of a topic, theme, or central point, but I just haven’t really gotten anywhere.

But, like Archimedes, I too had my Eureka in the bath (well, shower) tonight, and I leaped out naked and wet to write something without form, order, or outline. I’m a Virgo and this isn’t usually my style, but since I just haven’t been able to wrap my thoughts around any sort of binding theme, my great breakthrough was that I can just throw them all up here random-like and see what happens.

Here’s a good starter: I love the Family. (more…)

From Steve Martin, 26, second generation member of the Family.

I want to express my thoughts on the murder of Angela Smith and suicide of Ricky Rodriguez. I knew her, never met him. I was shocked, angry at first and sad; nothing prepares you for this type of news. We live in a society where these atrocities are way too common, still hearing it’s happened to someone you know is different, I’m glad they are both in a better place now.

I don’t usually take the time to express myself in writing as I have other hobbies I prefer. I don’t blog, participate in forums or online discussions and generally avoid personal correspondence, but these events call for an exception to my general dislike of composition. There has been too much published in newsprint, TV and online that is opposite of what I know to be true and what I live for.

Seems that the majority of those who would know best – those who have either been members of the Family International and those who have studied us have not been given a fair chance to be heard. (more…)

My name is Angelina Lloyd. I’m 27 years old, was born and raised in the Family International and am a current member. Seeing all that has transpired in the last few weeks, the deaths of Ricky Rodriguez and Angela Smith, and the way the media has chosen to report about it, has been very difficult. It’s especially been hard having to read and hear some of the absurd things being said by people I once considered my closest friends, but who are now trying to destroy everything I’ve lived and worked for my entire life.

I’ve had so many wonderful experiences in my life. I grew up in South America, as that was the mission field of choice for my parents. I’m the youngest of four children, and we were always treated with love. Just like anyone else growing up, there were some things I didn’t like, but looking back, if there were hurts or disappointments, it wasn’t because of abuse. It was just part of growing up.

My parents greatly loved and cared for us and did their very best to give us the best education possible, not only scholastically, but also in daily living, in the things that I now see are of much greater value than text book schooling. Sure, at times I had some teachers that I didn’t particularly like, and I did grow up with some children who teased me, but it was nothing compared to what most kids in secular society have to face. (more…)

From Gabriel Glaser (age 25), South Africa

I’m a second generation member of the Family, and like most people I was shocked and saddened to hear of Angela’s murder and Ricky’s subsequent suicide. Unfortunately I have to say most people, as I’ve seen articles and internet postings that not only condone this vicious murder, but go on to call for more! In my book anyone who can coldly praise a murderer and say that they wish he had managed to kill even more is about as sick as they come, and these are the same people who are now gleefully sending you their malicious slander.

I know their supposedly “true life stories” are shocking, and I realize that this is a juicy story that is just too good to miss, but I want to give you the opportunity to hear the other side as well. (more…)

My name is Anita. I’m 23 years old and have spent my entire life in the Family.

I’m writing this in remembrance of Angela Smith, as I knew her very well. I was shocked to hear of how her life ended, and spent many hours in grief over this tragedy. That some would try to exploit it and turn things around so that she is no longer viewed as the victim is beyond me. I would imagine such people have never lost someone they loved under such circumstances otherwise they wouldn’t respond in such a callous manner.

I first met Angela when I was around eight or nine years old. One thing that clearly impressed me about her was that whenever she had to talk to me about something I had done wrong, she managed to do it in such a sweet and even funny way that I was left with a smile on my face. As a sensitive child that usually burst into tears when corrected I really appreciated that about her.
(more…)

My name is Maria Doehler, I am 27 years old, and very happily married to a unique and totally incoercible man. We have 2 kids and are expecting our third in July.

We are here in the Family because we are fully convinced that it is the place where both we and our children will be the happiest and have the best chance at a full and happy life.

My kids are my biggest concern and probably the greatest motivation I have. I love the Family and know so many amazing people within its fellowship, but if I felt that remaining in the Family would endanger our children I would be out of here so fast!

I have a question for Daniel and the rest of our second generation apostates, are you parents? Do you really understand the love of a parent? When our kids were born it’s hard to describe the fierce love I felt for them, and I know Sam (my husband) felt it too. We would do anything we could to help them be happy and successful in life. We are not perfect, nor will you be when you become a parent, but we sure are trying. (more…)

By Brian F. Whyte—Uganda! Written, 24th of January, 2005

You’d never believe the shock that overtook me when I read the first notice that we received about the heinous crime that was committed by Ricky Rodriguez & the further calamity of him taking his own life afterwards.

My shock was for several reasons:

1) I had met him personally on one occasion & thought he was a rather nice sort of person. I also have several other friends & acquaintances who knew him well & also testified to the fact that he was a kind, concerned, loving individual, who was very outgoing & friendly–This seemed like the absolute last thing someone like him would do.

And 2) Having grown up in The Family International & knowing our policies against violence of any kind, I wondered what in the world would’ve possessed someone else who was raised on the same loving principals as I was to do something like this. (more…)

By: Rachel Edson

What are you trying to do? Are you mad at us because were getting the job done? Are you envious of our wonderful life and deeply-rooted happiness? Are you mad because we have the truth and were going somewhere with our life? Are you jealous because you’ve left God’s highest calling in your life for husks? Because you’ve been thrown into the slime pit? You think were abused?

I’ve lived my whole life in the Family. I was born and raised here and I can’t recall one moment when I was “abused". We’re here for the Lord and we have convictions, we believe in what we do. Why else would we be here? We’re getting the job done. It does say after all that, “All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution". So all you all are doing is simply fulfilling prophecy. I haven’t been abused. I had a great childhood. And life! Sure I’ve had my tough moments but what brought me through was the Lord and the Word. And that is part of our upbringing. And it is what continues to help me through. I don’t understand what you all out there are attacking the Family for. You want to know about life in the Family? Here’s a background of my life: (more…)

Name: Jon-A
Age: 28 years old, born and raised in The Family
Parents: Peter Amsterdam and Abi

I have been greatly disturbed by this pointless loss of life. I knew both Angela and Ricky, and still cannot quite comprehend the needless death that took place. It’s not every day someone you knew well was murdered, and rarer still, someone you knew who just four years earlier seemed like a normal individual, change to the point where he’d be willing to take the life of someone as sweet and harmless as Angela. I’m telling you, everyone reading this has done more harm to others through unloving acts than Angela, she was truly an angel.

Writing is not something that comes easy for me or that I enjoy doing, but the wish to have my voice heard overrides that difficulty. I’ve been hearing far too long about the “many” vocal former members, and have seen some of their threatening website postings, so I was thrilled that someone put up a site like this, and even more so by the 200+ young people who have stepped forward so far to contribute with their views and condolences.

I wanted to add my personal story and views on growing up in the Family, “abuse” in the past, and some thoughts on current claims from our detractors.
(more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

A few words of introduction: I’m 35 years old and have been in the Family since the age of three when my parents joined the Children of God. I’ve lived through pretty much every part of the Children of God/The Family International’s history, and lived in Homes on almost every continent.

I’ve been saddened and appalled by the recent events involving the brutal murder of Angela Smith by Ricky Rodriguez, but I’m even more appalled by the rewriting of history that is being perpetrated both by Ricky before his death, and bitter former members who are using this tragedy as a platform for avowed goal of harming and destroying the Family. As someone who for years lived with both Ricky and Angela, I can’t just stand by and watch the news media make a mockery of the memory of such a saint as Angela was by the twisting of the truth, whether intentionally, or unwittingly playing into the hands of those intent on causing us harm to justify their own choices in life.
(more…)

From Techi, (sister of Ricky Rodriguez)

I think that now, after nearly two weeks, the horror of what Ricky did has finally sunk in.—But I still don’t understand how he could have done it, or why. I guess it’s almost harder for me to believe that Angela is really gone. It’s just not something that should have happened to her, of all people. I just can’t imagine how any human being could do what Ricky did to Angela, someone who was completely innocent, and so full of love. Much less someone who knew her so well, knew her for his whole life, as did I. He knew exactly the kind of person she was, knew all the countless instances that she went out of her way to love and help those around her.

Angela wasn’t one of those alleged “horrible, horrible cultists who deserve to die for what they did” as he made her out to be on that terrible, terrible video. It’s unbelievable. I think everyone who knew her loved her to pieces. She was simply an incredible, great, wonderful person.
(more…)

From Amie O., 26, second-generation member of the Family International.

My name is Amie, I’m 26 years old, and I just wanted to say a few words about the recent Ricky and Angela murder/suicide “nightmare.”

It’s unbelievable! I knew both Ricky and Angela, so it’s pretty close to home. Ricky was always a very nice guy, and I liked him a lot. I lived in the same Home with him and his wife—and Ricky’s mother—for over two years, between June 1997 and early 2000. He was a nice, kind, friendly guy. But sometime after he left and apparently got into contact with a small group of people who seem to have a vendetta against The Family, he started speaking against his mother and against the Family, and getting into violence and all kinds of horrible things.

Here is an excerpt of a note that I sent to Ricky’s mother in 2002, after Ricky had started threatening to kill her and “take down” The Family:
(more…)

From Bethy K., 31, second-generation member of the Family International.

My viewpoints on recent happenings: The murder of Angela Smith and the suicide of Ricky Rodriguiez.

My name is Bethy. I am the daughter of Peter Amsterdam and Abi. I am 31 years old, and I have one child. The murder of Angela Smith and subsequent suicide of Ricky Rodriguez has shocked and deeply saddened me. Until now, I had never experienced losing someone I personally knew and loved through death. It has affected me deeply.

I knew both of them well. Ricky was a dear friend of mine for years, and I loved him. I knew Angela off and on over the years since I was 10 years of age. Her giving, selfless nature and concern for others made a lasting impression on me.

Ricky and I were close friends for a great deal of our teenage years. He was a loyal friend. If you were Ricky’s friend, he would never let anyone say anything bad about you or hurt you, and would in fact be very upset if someone did. He was kind. He was thoughtful. He did not speak badly of people. He was one of my best friends during my teenage years, and our friendship brought me a lot of joy and many happy experiences and memories, which I shall always cherish.
(more…)

From Marissa (former Family member)

This is what I have to say about the Ricky/ Angela situation. Although I am not in the Family anymore I was appalled, shocked, angry, and deeply saddened to hear about this tragedy. It’s so sad that dear Angela died in such a cruel way, she didn’t deserve it.

I lived for awhile with Angela a few years ago, she was a saint and a great sample of love and concern. She was so fun, outgoing, bubbly, loving, caring and understanding, and never made me feel uncomfortable. She was one of those adults that you really liked to have around and that you could easily talk to about anything. She was the kind of adult that the young people really liked.

I remember when we first met, I believe that she had heard that my first language was French, and when we met she tried to speak to me in French, I guess to make me feel comfortable with her. Although she didn’t speak it fluently, she always did the best she could as she knew that sometimes it was easier for me to speak in French. I thought it was so thoughtful and sweet of her to do that!
(more…)

First of all I’d like to say I’m proud to be a part of this Family.

Every article that I read on this site has reconfirmed in my mind how privileged I am to be a part of this revolutionary movement. When I heard about the situation with Ricky and Angela I was shocked and deeply saddened. I had the opportunity to meet Angela a couple of months ago and the first thing that impressed me about her was her smile; gorgeous, sweet and friendly and the way that she was always going out of her way to help others. It was hard for me to believe that this wonderful person, had been so brutally murdered by someone who had known her so well. And then to hear her, as well as Mama and Peter, so blatantly slandered by the ex-members was almost more than I could believe. I also had the privilege to meet Mama and Peter recently and I was able to spend some time talking with Mama and getting to know her. The main thing I can say about Mama is that I have never met anyone who lived and breathed the Word as much as she did. She was always stopping to chat with us or say something sweet or give us a hug. And to hear the way the apostates talk about her is just so maddening to me. (more…)

My first reaction upon hearing the tragic news of Angela Smith and Ricky was shock, then anger, then deep sadness. Angela was a good friend of mine, she was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. As for Ricky, I never met him, but growing up in the Family I read about him my whole life, as all kids did, I think.

Hearing the comments made by ex-members and others who know basically nothing about the Family or Angela (which amounts to nothing but hearsay), and the ever growing grapevine is so abhorrent to me.—And from some of the things some of you say I almost think some of you may be capable of committing the same crime Ricky did! Angela did not deserve to die, and Ricky has enough on his plate to answer for, so what he said about “wishing he would have taken more with him,” is a sick thought … one that will probably fester and grow in your mind, if you’ll let it, till you too may get to the same spot Ricky was in. Your tongue is like a rudder it sets the course of your boat, and what actions you will take. So you’d be wise to watch what you allow to come out of your mouth. (more…)

From Veronica Love, 15 years old

My name is Veronica Love and I am 15 years old. I met Angela in 2001 when she visited our home for a week. I didn’t really get to know her in that short amount of time, but from the times we talked I thought she was a fun, bubbly adult who was cool to be around, not an abusive nanny. I’m quite disgusted with the way the media is distorting her memory, and turning her into some kind of horrid monster, when she was anything but that. But what infuriates me even more is that our apostates are trying to turn and use this for their advantage with the same old tactic. “I was abused!” “The Family International is an abusive cult, who is constantly abusing their children!” If I can remember properly this was used multiple times in the ’93 raids in Argentina, Australia, and France, where children were taken and examined by the governments. But guess what? They were released because their evidence was nothing but LIES.

I joined the Family when I was 8 years old, so I missed out on participating in these cases, but I did experience something similar in 2000. My father and an Uncle were put in jail in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, for “abuse” charges. I was questioned several times by several different individuals such as, the S.L.P. judge, two American Consuls, and two FBI agents, asking if I had ever been abused physically, emotionally, or psychologically. My response to all of them was NO, but just to make sure I was taken to a psychiatrist and given the full program. And guess what? She found that I wasn’t abused. My father and the Uncle were later released because again the evidence that was used against them was nothing but LIES. (more…)

By Rachel, 11 years old

Stop putting me in a box (and sticking the “Brainwashed and abused, handle with care” label on me!)

My name is Rachel. I am 11 years old. (I’m turning 12 in February). I was born and am being raised in the Family International. I was shocked at the news of Ricky and Angela’s deaths. I did not know Ricky personally, but I did know Angela. I remember a sweet, dedicated woman, always ready to give a helping hand. I admired her very much. It was a very sad thing that turned Ricky to killing someone he knew and loved as a child.

But tell me this; if someone that you knew absolutely nothing at all about grew up being a Catholic, or a Jew, or a Hindu, or a Muslim, became extremely bitter about their childhood, and morbidly killed a member of that organization and then took his own life, would you set out to slander, take the children away from their parents, and eventually destroy the entire group of thousands just because one member hated it? Is that right? (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…)

Written by: Anthony Michael Roys, (24)

I would say, if you asked me, that my life has been pretty normal for a young person in The Family International. I was born in “The Family” in Lisbon, Portugal 1980, and as most other Family children, we moved quite often; starting with India where we stayed for 10 years, then moved on to Thailand where our family helped the ever-growing work (and where my Mom still is, now helping the tsunami victims [2005]). Then from there being a youth and wanting to “stretch my wings” I moved back to India by myself and stayed there for 3 more years where I met my wife. I am now in Brazil.

You might be wondering why I am giving you my whole life’s background, but I want to say here that I was never in that whole time ever neglected, abused, or ill treated at any time. I spent a lot of those years in what we called a “combo” home, and where many of our detractors say that a lot of their “abuses” happened. Well I am not sure if I can say this enough, but I never went thru any of those things that they say, and let me state something more here, I know some of those people that are posting things where they say that they were mistreated etc. – but it is all trumped up lies. I wish that I could just talk to them face to face and I would like to see if they will be able to say the same things about the same time and place, I know that they would back down. (more…)

My name is Maria. I was born in Mexico into ¨The Family International¨. I was always bright and well adjusted as a child due to my social environment and Family schooling. Aside from being in Mexico half my life, I have also lived in Australia, the States, and the Philippines. In my lifetime of almost 23 years, I have never once experienced or seen another child experience sexual abuse. I am not saying there have not been bad people in the Family at one point or another, just as there are bad people the world over. But I have heard of cases where as soon as an abuser of any kind was found out, he was automatically EXCOMMUNICATED! I am not defending the past of ¨The Children of God¨. I was not there. I am defending what I live in and have grown up in all my life, and what is now being attacked: “The Family”.

Where in the world do we teach that when someone has a legitimate ought against another, to kill them? Why are people defending and condoning a murder? Is that what our society has come to? Ricky sure didn’t learn that in The Family!
(more…)

I knew Angela well

During the brief time that we lived together, we often enjoyed watching girly-type movies together, and talking typical girl talk. She may have been of an older generation than me, but she was one of my closer friends. In the last conversation I had with her before she moved from my home, we talked about many personal things, and she showed such genuine concern for me. I am very offended that people who never knew her would try to paint her in an unfavorable light!

I never met Ricky, but a close friend of mine had met Ricky in Eastern Europe several years ago, while he was still in the Family. He had stood out to her as a very accepting and fun person. I am convinced that if he harbored negative feelings about his life in the Family at that time, or was in any way unhappy with his lot, he wouldn’t have hesitated to let those around him know. I certainly would not stay a moment longer in a place I don’t want to be. (more…)

By Tuchi Spencer

I am a twenty-five-year-old second generation member of The Family International, born and raised as a part of this missionary organization. I knew and lived with Ricky Rodriguez and Angela Smith, both at different times throughout the years of 1999 and 2004.

Angela Smith was a dear friend of mine whom I loved and respected. Her vivaciousness, giving nature, spontaneity, and zestfulness in life lightened even the darkest of days. Her spiritedness and tender ways have left her smile as a permanent feature in my memory. I will always treasure the memory of her. Her death came as a shock, especially to know that it came at the hand of a man I had also called my friend.

It is hard for me to talk about Ricky Rodriguez in light of this recent tragedy, but for the sake of presenting my side of the story, I want it to be known that Ricky was my friend. I lived in the same community with him while he was still a part of The Family International. He had a fun-loving nature, was thoughtful, intriguing, and intelligent. During the time I lived with him, he never once suggested that he was abused—psychologically, emotionally, much less sexually.
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By Liz Etheredge

I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news about Angela. I had just met her a few months before & it seemed impossible to believe that before I really got to know her, she was gone. My disbelief was outdone by the way I heard her being represented, her name dragged through the mud, & that the Family was being blamed for the murder.

I have many friends who have left the Family to pursue careers or try other lifestyles, all of them have moved on with their lives, most are still my friends & we keep in touch. I’m happy for them & I wish them every success & happiness. (more…)

I am writing this after hearing that there are those who feel that we who are members of The Family International have no actual desire to be here and are somehow being manipulated into remaining by “forces unseen”.

I, Jason David Etheredge, can personally attest that were it not for my firm belief that the vocation I’ve chosen is, in fact, bettering the lives of those I come in contact with, I wouldn’t be here. Many of my close friends, family and acquaintances have chosen other paths, and have found careers they are happy with. I congratulate them on their vision and drive in achieving those things they desire, much in the same way I have continued to be a Full-time member and have acquired linguistic skills, managerial qualities, learned business & accounting, automotive mechanics, teaching & a host of other things that although do not provide me with a degree, enable me to live harmoniously with others & “seek the happiness of others above my own.” (more…)

I knew Ricky well, we where good friends once. We lived together in Hungary where he met my sister who he later married. My heart goes out to my sister during this difficult time, she is in my daily prayers. I truly believe that no matter what mess we make of this life on this end, on the other side is Heaven, so I draw my comfort from that, I know Angela has her reward and that Ricky can now be at peace.

I knew Ricky before he hated the Family, in the happy days, the days when he was madly in love with my sister. We would all sit on my big bed and we’d laugh and just talk. He was a happy person, loving and kind, always ready to give a hand. I still have a beautiful picture of Jesus both Ricky and my sister made for me on my birthday. Those are my memories of Ricky but I write this not to talk about my feelings on the tragedy but as a reply to the different articles and news clips I have read in the days since the event. I’ve been downright baffled at some of the garbage that has been printed and that our antagonist ex-members would stoop so low during this difficult time. I am not a good writer but I will try my best to explain to anyone reading this about my life, a life I love and have chosen of my own free will. (more…)