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…)

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…)

I’ve been thinking a lot over the last couple weeks about life and the meaning of it, trying to find some semblance of surety that my existence has counted for something. Because I could have been the innocent woman killed that night, and as things stand now I would have been awfully unprepared. Life isn’t something we can make bets on. It’s a privilege not a guarantee, here today and gone tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes I don’t plan on being ashamed with how I spent my life. I might have wasted the first half floating in lukewarm uncertainty, but I won’t take this attack on my faith and family any longer, enough of hiding my head in the sand and letting others take the rap for their convictions, if it’s the last thing I do, I will speak out.

This isn’t about Angela Smith, the victim, who I did not know, nor is it about Ricky Rodriguez who I met only once several years ago. I don’t feel it’s my place to try to make sense of what happened and why. This is about me and who I am.
(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…)

From L. K. Davidson

Dear Editor,

I met the Family in 1971, Los Angeles, California, and was amazed at the constant word references used by the then members. I did not join immediately, only later after having again spent some time with them in Montreal, PQ, Canada. Finally I joined in Europe, in 1973 and stayed with the Family until 1995, when I left to avoid some conflicts, mostly with myself. However, at no time during all these years did I ever find our top leadership corrupt, untrue or even slightly inclined to any sort of abuse, whether child abuse or otherwise. (more…)

From Alfred Yuuichirou Cloward, 15. Japan

My name is Alfred Yuuichirou Cloward, I’m 15, I’ve been born in Japan (have been here ever since) I was born and raised in the Family (or offically known as the family international) and I can proudly say that I like my life, I like the where I am, I like what I do, and I can truly say that I have never (no wait…NEVER!) been abused! (as some have assumed) (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…)

From: Raquel
Age: 27
Location: Brazil

I’m not a very good writer and in another situation I’d probably decide to not write anything, but in light of the recent happenings and the things that have been said I came to the conclusion that if our apostates have a right to express their opinion and give us a piece of their mind then I should too.

I was born and raised in The Family International and, once of age, out of my own choice, decided to continue as a missionary and raise my family in it too. I have four kids, all of which are smart, outgoing, sociable kids. All their lives I’ve done my best to raise them in a loving atmosphere, where they get their needs met and are free from abuse. Let me tell you one thing, if I had any suspicion of abuse to either them or any other child in the Family I’d be out of here in a flash.

Why do I stick around? Besides for the fact that I love what I do, and I love the Lord with all my heart and all my other personal decisions, it’s because I know that the Family is the safest place for any child to grow up in. (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…)

Alright, I’ll be short and simple, but I’ll have to use a bit of irony. You guys are too much. Guess who’s applauding this whole spectacle you’ve created? That’s right, the devil. He must be so satisfied! But wait, why do I bother, you don’t even believe what I do. But you wanna know one thing, I can’t stand the devil, much less his lies. Don’t you know the devil can’t stand to see anyone happy? I think you’re playing his role in this case.
Nowhere else in my life have I seen people as happy, satisfied and loved as in this heaven on earth. (more…)

Godfrey Thomson, 29, Mexico
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I’ve really fed off of and have enjoyed reading what everyone has written here. It’s made me think back and reminisce on my childhood and life in general. It’s cool because every night my kids ask me to tell them stories about when I was a kid. It’s been so fun to remember! I hope I can give my kids the same upbringing and experiences I had.

When I think back on my childhood it brings a smile to my face. My life for the Lord in the Family has been amazing. There’s no way I can complain. I’ve lived in the most amazing places and houses and have done things that most people only dream about while they’re stuck at their nine to five dead-end jobs. All the cool people I was able to live with under the same roof. Learning from a wide variety of people with different backgrounds and experiences. Meeting all kinds of people, ranging from presidents of countries and famous celebrities to little fisherman on the Amazon river. I’ve had the privilege of being in recording studios from the age of eight. Singing and recording in several languages and so on. (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…)

Tiffany 14, Venezuela.
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

To those who accuse us: Who’s saying we’re being brainwashed? Well, you know, you’re right, brainwashed with the Word–the Bible, in other words. And if you don’t like it, well that’s your problem not mine. I like it here and wouldn’t change it for anything. I love this life, it’s the best, the coolest, and the most outstanding of the bunch. Jesus is our center and that’s all to it. If you fight the Family, you fight Him. Ok love you all out there in and out of the Family.

By David Mageropoulos, 17, Brazil

“Just one life, will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last". That’s what I believe. I know I may be young, but I’ve taken a good look at life and all its options. Nothing nowhere can offer me what the Family can. This is an oportunity to give my life in service for others, and get the most in return for it. Where else would I find the love, the companionship, a purpose driven life and the chance to change other lives? You just can’t beat it!

Rather than spending my energy fueling and improving the capitalist machine, I’ll do what I can to make this world a brighter place.

And yet there are those who insist that I am deluded, that somehow I am blind to the horrors of … abuse, control, brainwashing. YOU are blind! You are deluded! To believe that my life and what I stand for is wrong, and not only wrong but dangerous, is insanity. The stories and the lies I’ve heard make my ears burn! I spend my life trying to love others, to do my best to serve them, and I’m the deluded one? I’m the one wasting my life? I’m told this by ones who have chosen to live for themselves. Not that this is wrong. But there is no need to put down, to smear, to band together and slander the one who has chosen otherwise. Just as the writer said, “strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause", so do the ferocity of those lies only repel me and others from what you’re saying. (more…)

By Alexandre Lima, 29, Brazil
(Active Member of the Family International)

I’ve been an active member of the Family for almost 3 years and fellowship with the Family Home in my city, where I participate in the Word classes and social events. Whenever we can, my girlfriend and I go to the Home for fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

I was told of the very sad situation that happened in January and I was very shocked, especially after hearing that so many lies were coming from former members of the second generation.

Since I’ve met the children and young people in the Family I’ve realized how special they are and what a wonderful upbringing they’ve had. The teaching that the parents in the Homes give to their children should serve as an example to any family in the world. It’s ridiculous to imply, much less accuse the Family of subjecting their children to any type of abuse. (more…)

Emerset Farquharson, 16, Male, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I can smell brownies. Nice thick chocolate brownies. In the back of my mind I can smell them. I’m hungry for them too. I’d love to have a nice slice right now. A fat tasty chunk of it right now. You know what? There’s no brownies here. I imagine smelling them though. But I’m still hungry—hungry for brownies.

You know what I have beside my bed? Papers glued to the wall. One of them, has a list of hobbies that I’ve started, but never finished. Another paper, the one to the very left has a list of my spirit helpers. I have 19. That’s a big number. You know what? I talked to them. I got them. I made the list. I’m happy living this life, happy as hell. And you know what? I have other friends that are really happy living this life too. (more…)

By Emmanuel Thomas, 22, Brazil
(Second-generation of the Family International)

Hi, my name is Emmanuel Thomas.

Well let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am 22 years old, I have lived in the Family my whole life, just about all of which has been in Brazil being a missionary. I’m married to the most wonderful woman in the world named Rafaela, and I have a son, Calvin who will be turning 1 very soon. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Family International is where I want to live for the rest of my life. I would consider it an honor to live and work for Jesus in the Family for the rest of my life. This is where I want to bring up my son “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” I know that this is a safe place because it has been a safe place for me. I NEVER SUFFERED ABUSE OR MISTREATMENT OF ANY KIND!! This is the best place Calvin could grow up in! I am sure of that.

You might think that I don’t really know what I am talking about or that if I had “seen what you have seen” then I would think differently, or worse that I’m just being duped by my “leaders” and that soon I will come to my senses.

Let me add something else: For the past year I have been working part time at a job which allows me to “see the world” and do all the “good and fun” things that you say we don’t get in the Family. And well that’s true, most people (that I live with and know here in Brazil) haven’t had the opportunity to travel to the US three times in the last year, fly first class, go to 7 or 8 different cities, stay in the best hotels, eat in the best restaurants, drive around in limos, go to the biggest Casino in the world, be on TV, hang out with the “rich and famous” etc. Most people don’t get all that, I did and all I have to say is that it was nice but it doesn’t satisfy and the truth is that it’s all HUSKS!! It left me empty and hungry. The good thing was that I was able to witness to people and tell them about a life that is real. What I’m trying to say with this is that I have “been there and done that”. I have had the chance to live a “normal” and “successful” life by your standards. Be let me tell you that nothing compares to living for Jesus and the thrill of knowing that you are part of an organization that is changing the world for Jesus, with love. (more…)

By Pawel Rogala, 16, Ukraine
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

My name is Pawel Rogala. I was born in 1989 in Wroclaw, Poland, where my parents were working in a mission home as part of the Family International. In 1993 my family moved to Russia to continue their work there. Those were wonderful years and I believe that the love I received, and the joy of bringing Jesus’ love to others is something I could have never received anywhere but in the Family. I have recently moved to the Ukraine where we continue to minister to the poor and bring God’s love to the people.

I met Ricky in our mission home in St. Petersburg, Russia, and I remember him as a kind, fun person. He would play with us children and read us stories in the evenings. The news of the brutal death of Angela Smith and the subsequent suicide of Mr. Rodriguez was a shock to me. How could a person who seemed so kind change so drastically and commit such a terrible deed? The more I thought about it, it seemed I could come to only one conclusion. Richard Rodriguez and Angela Smith were victims of hate!!! Our apostates had fed Ricky with so much negative input and hate that he scarcely knew what was right anymore, and finally this hate took control of him resulting in the death of Angela. (more…)

By Sho, 15, Japan.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

I really think the Family is the best place that I’ve ever been. Although I’ve only been here for 15 years (and am kind of stupid), I know that the Family is the place for me.

I read that Davidito message and was disgusted at what lengths people could go to try to get us. But like the song goes “THEY’RE NOT GONNA GET US!!!” They can’t stop our rain. After reading that message I was motivated even more to reach the world before the times of troubles. (more…)

By Maria Clara de Mello Connolly, 14, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

I was just listening to a song that goes something like this:

You can’t keep a good man down,
He’ll bounce back on his feet,
And just when you think you got him,
You’ll find out he can’t be beat!!

I would like to dedicate that song to all of those who believe they can stop our rain.

My name is Maria Clara de Mello Connolly. I have lived in Brazil my entire life. I have no fancy portfolio to boast, or any great accomplishments in my name, my life has been one based on simple tasks, insignificant to some but very significant to me. I study, cook, clean, help with a group of adorable children at our weekly social work, participate in a theater group, win souls and a little more. But one thing I don’t do is write, so ill keep this short!

It’s easy to keep this short because there’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said, I’d like to congratulate all my peers around the world for these great postings, they express wonderfully all that I believe in. Theirs just one thing id like to add to this website, and that is a big kiss to all of my friends in and out of the Family. Yes, that’s right, many of my friends have left the Family, but their decisions have not changed our love and friendship. (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…)

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…)

By Anaik Alcasas, 29
Mother of one adorable son, United States
Second-generation member of the Family International

A few individuals have turned their vehicles toward some goal they believe will bring them satisfaction. But rather than taking the recommended route, they’ve decided to take a shortcut through a certain residential area. They also believe that the laws of the road don’t apply to them any more, and have decided they shouldn’t have to pay heed to speed limits, stoplights, or yield signs.

This residential area is teeming with children. There are babies and toddlers, young carefree kids, and trendy teenagers. Their parents are walking with them, holding the babies, leading the kids by the hand, shadowed by their teens. They’ve always expected to be safe where they live. They have a right to be safe.

But someone has decided that, so long as the destination is “justice,” anyone who happens to be “in the way” must be volunteering for the profession of road kill. Others have even decided to treat this reckless driving like a sport, to publicize and–unbelievably–to justify the personal road-rage-style sentiments as certain people careen recklessly through what was once a quiet neighborhood. The safety of others doesn’t seem to matter any more, because “somewhere back there” in another time and place, an injustice occurred. (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…)

By: Elizabeth Amber M., 26, Chile
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

How can one defend a pre-meditated murder done in cold-blood? How can one slander a murder victim? How can someone who knows nothing about a situation write or speak about it without having done any research? How can someone who has never met me say they know how I feel or how my life is? What happened to freedom of speech where both sides of a story were printed and people were given a chance to choose what to believe instead of being told, where stories were based on evidence, not hearsay or rumor? How can a country that fought for religious freedom so easily deny that right to their own people? It’s beyond me.

I was born and raised in this amazing organization. I couldn’t have asked for a more exciting lifestyle than the one I received growing up traveling all over Europe, North, Central and South America. I have met and talked with people from over 100 countries. Listening to the types of lives they’ve lived has only convinced me further that I am living and working in the best group on Earth. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about so many things that many my age have never, and probably never will. I’m a well adjusted, secure, self-confident, independent individual and, thanks to the Family, I have a very wonderful, fulfilling and satisfying ministry and lifestyle that lets me explore and try out new things and opportunities. I have always felt loved by those I’ve lived with and have felt their care and concern daily in all that they’ve done to take care of me and make sure I had all I needed physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. What more could one ask for? (more…)

By Rosie Paone-Bruni, 17, USA.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

I heard the news a little while ago. How are you? I hope you’re doing okay and are happy where you are now. I’m praying for you, I hope you know.

I feel the need to write you a personal note and express to you my sentiments on the recent course of events. First I want to tell you how much I love you. How much I always looked up to you and appreciated all the good in you. For so long you were an example to me of what I wanted to be. Thank you for that. I know you’re in a good place now where you’ll be in good Hands, but I still do pray for you. No matter what you’ve done in the past, you’ll never lose the love of at least one Person. The Lord will never forsake you. But I wanted you to know that none of us have forsaken you either. We will always still love you and care about you. You’ll never stop being a part of us. (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…)

Alexandra Shpitalnaya-Levkovich, 14, Ukraine.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

Sometimes I think why do people talk about having a so called “freedom” and against “brain-washing,” while trying to pull everybody their way, putting their thoughts into their young sibling’s minds, putting people down for a choice that is different from “the norm” so called.

My name is Alexandra; I’m a Russian 14 year old. I live in Ukraine, Kiev serving the Lord with 16 other people. I’m a daughter of a single mom, living on a poor mission field, but I can tell you for sure: I’m the happiest person ever! I don’t really care if someone is saying that I’m just unfit for the norm, the radical. Yeah that’s me, I’m not ashamed of it, I’m a fool for Christ’s sake. If it comes to a choice to whose fool you are, there are only two roads: Christ’s or Devils. I’m choosing the first one! (more…)

Name: Blossom Wesseling
Age: 14
Location: Wales
Nationality: Dutch
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I have been raised in a lovely atmosphere. I like it and I think that it’s the best place for a child to grow up in. Of course I haven’t had the perfect life, but I’m still convinced that I’ve had the most wonderful childhood I could ever ask for.

My mother died when I was a girl and that wasn’t the easiest thing in the world for me, but I’m not bitter. I mean, what’s the point of staying lost in your past?
(more…)

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…)

Maya Stone, 29, Texas.
Second-generation Family member.

To paraphrase a song by Toby Keith, “Proud to be an American” which expresses my feelings about the Family…

“I am proud to be, to be a member in this Family. I am proud to be in this Family where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget those who gave that right to me.”

My name is Maya Stone and I am 29 years old. I am a second generation Family Missionary who lives in Texas. I am happily married to Tim Stone (also a second generation Family member). We have been married for 8 years now, we have 4 lovely daughters, whom we love dearly and want to give the best of lives.

To give you a brief background, I am the 2nd child in a family of seven. I was born and raised in this Family. My beliefs are that of a Christian. My parents joined the Children of God in the 1970’s (more…)

From Joana Gonçalves, 25, Brazil.

I am appalled and saddened to hear (once again) allegations with no truthful foundation whatsoever, been stated against the Family International, accusing our group of being an unsafe and unsuitable place for children and young people to live and grow in, amongst other accusations. And as such, I would like to make my voice heard as one who has grown up in the Family and has experience a wonderful and privileged life with the many benefits of living in a group that’s sole purpose is to help its fellow man and to follow Jesus command to “Go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16.15).

My name is Joana Gonçalves, I am 25 years old and Portuguese by birth. My parents joined the Family when I was a baby and since then have been part of the Family International working in Brazil and Portugal. Since I can remember my life has always been full of excitement and new experiences as we traveled to many different places telling people about God’s love and helping the lost and destitute. (more…)