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…)

“…And I will smite thee down with great vengeance & furious anger, & you will know that I am the Lord!”

By: Richard Alphonso
Age: 18 (till I die!)
Residence: India

Hello! My name is Richard. I’m a completely normal, 18 year old guy who loves loud music, fashionable clothes, & cute girls! To be honest … I am as handicapped at writing as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking competition.

In case anyone is wondering why my article is only appearing two months after the tragic incident…I’ve always lived by a quote that says, “Never do anything on time, or you will be stamped a beginner.”

A little about who I am (I’m a little too busy to include underwear size!): I am a voluntary worker with the Family in New Delhi, India. My ministries have been, witnessing, follow up, performing, care with children, computer work, etc…

Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat anything that I say here, as this is my completely honest opinion! (That means if you don’t believe me, we can have a fistfight over it!) What I state here are all facts, as if it were fictitious, it would give you room for argumentative statements.

First & foremost, I love the Lord with all my heart. I would say that—being in the Family for eighteen years—I am entitled to make my own judgments. I am not the type, which is easily persuaded, so brainwashing me would be a task to advanced for anyone to undertake.

I make my own choices, as most of us do. I choose my own clothes, my own hairstyle, and my own food … hell … why can’t I choose my own life??? Why is it that some people can’t get a decent life of their own??? Have they got nothing better to do … so they try to destroy The Family … is that it???

That seems to be the problem here. (more…)

By 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 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…)

Name: Paula Regina Marraudino
Age: 17
Country: Japan
Second-generation member of the Family International

I must say that the events that took place, concerning Angela and Ricky, were quite shocking. I did not know Angela, nor have I heard of her until now, but from growing up in the Family, I am sure she was all that others who did know her made her out to be—loving, caring, a help and encouragement to those she encountered. It saddens me to hear of the death of someone with such good qualities. She surely did not deserve such treatment. But I know that now she is in a better place away from all the suffering and confusion of this world. (more…)

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

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

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…)

My Name is Yamashita Miho Ryan. I have experienced a perfect 18 years 6 months and 7 days of love, friendship, shepherding, and LIFE here in the Family, in Japan.
My life:

I wake up every morning at 7:30.
(more…)

By Elisabeth Jayla S.

My name is Liz (Elisabeth) and I am 17 years old. The second eldest of nine children, I was born and raised in the Family, living first in Japan and later Taiwan.

I don’t think I need to reiterate the cruelty of what happened or refute the ridiculous rationale put forth by our detractors, because many others have already done so quite satisfactorily.

But I am sick of those who are trying to throw mud at our upbringing, to demean our chosen lifestyle, and to insult our intelligence by insinuating that we of the second generation remain in the group because we are bereft and ignorant of any other lifestyle.

That is baseless, and I have the experiences to prove it. (more…)

My name is Cherish Rider, I’m 15 (just turned in January) and I live in Japan.

I am (like all my friends in the Family) un-abused, unhurt, un-brainwashed, and quite un-in need of being rescued from my wonderful, loving, and caring family by unfulfilled, unforgiving, un-"moving on", bitter, pro-suicidal pro-murderers like those to whom most of this site is addressed.
(more…)

Hi! My name is James J. Knoke. I am 17 years old and like many others here I was born and raised in the family and didn’t come from an abusive childhood; nor have I known (heard) of anyone in the family who has.

So, to be honest, I find the thousands are methodically abused and raped statement to be a little perverse, but at the same time kind of funny. It’s like saying –very seriously- that two-hundred pound weightlifters are physically unfit and malnourished. Honestly, we have so many posts here already saying what I have to say that I’m a little reluctant to write this as I’d rather use my time for other purposes. But for the sake of “adding another unabused life to the list,” I’m writing this. (more…)

From Nat Woerter
Age: 21
Location: India

Have you ever been hated or discriminated against… Yeah, I HAVE…
No Eminem was definitely not the first person to speak those words.

I’m writing because like any other human on this earth I have emotions, feelings, conscious thought, and right now the thing that is running through my mind is WHY?
(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…)

Name: Oli N.B.
Age: 23
Location: Southeast Asia

Truth. Simple, pure, unadulterated, unvarnished, unembellished Truth. If you knew the Truth, you would also know Freedom. (John 8:32)

But many are not willing to pay Freedom’s price. Which is why it took so long to abolish slavery. Not because the slaves did not yearn for freedom, but because their owners were too damn lazy to get off their backsides and do their own work. Instead they were content to make a living from riding on the backs of those they subjected and forced into a life of misery, suffering, poverty and shame.
(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…)

From Peter McSimple –born and raised in the Family
Age:22
Missionary in East Asia

To Whom It May Concern:
Those who try to make us burn
You certainly sound stern,
But you’ll never make us turn
With all your fancy terms
Like Herod eaten by worms
You spew your verbal germs
Proudly the truth you spurn
You think that you have nothing to learn
But wait till God has his turn
Then suddenly you will squirm
When the judgment wheels they churn
I will pity you then
For it is you who will bend
For all the evil you did send
Upon David’s mighty men

What can I say that hasn’t already been said by my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. For the sake of the truth I’ll say what I believe even if it risks being repetitious. Because it seems you—our bitter antagonists–need to continually be reminded why some people in this world choose to live and work together and follow Jesus the way we do–because we love it and are crazy enough to believe and try to live what the Lord has shown us. It does get a bit wearisome after awhile to hear the same old things, same old bitterness’s, same old accusations, and lies. But it should occur to you that you are doing us a favor through your opposition, because every time you attack us and provoke us with your slander and misinformation, you force us to repeat yet again our beliefs and strengthen our resolve even more. I hate to break it to you blokes (Philip Sherwood, Daniel Roselle, Sam Ajemian and whoever is in the “anti-cult woodpile”) but the fact is we aren’t going to abandon our beliefs and give up our calling. Even if, get this…you don’t like us…(gasp), or don’t like what we do….(gulp, cough, wheeze), or don’t like what we believe…(oh my God has it come to that….). (more…)

Greetings. My name is Akira Duncan, I’m nineteen years old and am a second-generation member of the Family International. My mother is Japanese and my father is an American citizen. I was born in Japan and have lived here for the most part of my life.

I heard about the recent incident in Tuscon, Arizona and I also heard that some of our former members are trying to use this tragedy to accuse the Family of things that are greatly exaggerated & embellished, if they aren’t complete fabrications. I find the mere fact that they are using this tragedy to further their attack on our beliefs, regardless of the feelings of the victims and those involved. disgusting and inhumane.

I was greatly disappointed when I learned that most of the coverage of the incident was erroneous, biased and accepted the opinions of our vocally antagonistic ex-members as proven facts without taking our side of the matter into consideration. (more…)

“I may never be someone of authority, prestige or affluence, but if, at the end of my life, it could be said that I have done my best to help others find happiness, peace, and God’s eternal love, I will count my life a success.”

To whom it may concern,

My name is Nana Harada and I live in Japan. I have lived here for the whole of my seventeen years and am currently learning secretarial skills.
Having heard of the negative and derogative things being said against the Family, and therefore against myself, I feel compelled to share my opinion and perspective on my life in the Family.

First of all, I would like to clearly state that to say the Family International is a detrimental environment to children and their mental and physical wellbeing is both completely absurd and inaccurate. I have never been abused, deprived or mistreated in any way. I have enjoyed a happy and fulfilling childhood with many friends and have had parents and teachers who were not only interested in giving me the best education possible, but who truly loved me, cared for me, taught me godly morals, and helped me when I was going through rough times. (more…)

I am compelled to share my thoughts in light of the recent events. I don’t know if I have anything to say that hasn’t already been said by a fellow Family member, but I will write this anyway. If no one reads it, it has been a load off my mind. I would like to cite a disclaimer here: When I refer to “apostates” or “detractors", I don’t mean the former member assembly as a WHOLE. I love you all.

My name is Florence McNair, I’m 15, turning 16 in September. My parents are both loving, talented people who raised 8 wonderful children, who I am privileged to call my brothers and sisters. I’m having a great time growing up. I see myself as one of the fortunate few who are able to enjoy life as it is happening around them. I’ve been acquiring many useful skills. I sing and write, among other things, and have put a few of my budding abilities to work doing various things like layout, childcare, songwriting, etc. I know that people will tell me I’m at an impressionable stage in my life, and that everything I feel strongly about is just a reflection of the opinions of those around me. Of course this is true to some extent. Sure. (more…)

Name: Kibou Terasaki
Age: 19
Location: Japan

It’s disgusting! When I first heard about the murder of Angela Smith by Richard Rodriguez I was horrified! My eyes widened to the size of golf balls, my mouth pursed closed, and my cheeks involuntarily puffed themselves out making my face glow red. It was certainly new to me as I have never heard of any family member or former member committing murder. And it didn’t help to ease my expression when our beloved former member apostates use this gruesome occasion to splatter their offensive thoughts all over their website, not to mention the news media! You know what? I’m offended!! That’s my statement. (more…)

All my training and experience I owe to those committed members of both my personal and my greater Family, without whom, I would not be here today.

My name is Gabriela Farmer (a.k.a. Joyce). I have been in the Family International all of my life. I was born on October 17, 1984 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to loving, wonderful parents. Since that day I have traveled to and lived in 14 countries where I have actively participated in missionary work and have received various training and experience in discipleship and evangelistic efforts.

Through home-schooling, I learned to read at the age of two-and-a-half, and to write at three. I continued my education within the Family up until graduating at the age of 19. I can play guitar, sing, and dance and I have experience in skits/drama and basic stage performance, for which I have received Proficiency Certificates. I have five sisters and one brother, all of whom were born, raised and home-schooled within the Family and all of whom are still members of the Family International. Two of them are now missionaries in Latin America. (more…)

Hearing about the deaths of Ricky and Angela was shocking to me, not to mention heartbreaking. But to hear apostates blaming the Family for this tragedy and attempting to use this disaster as yet another opportunity to derail and destroy us was utterly inconceivable.

It was NOT Ricky’s upbringing that caused him to murder Angela, but to the contrary, if anything, it is proof of the detrimental repercussions of his contact with negative, resentful, vindictive apostates. I have read extensively on Ricky’s childhood and never once have I found any evidence of child abuse or neglect in his upbringing. I grew up in the Family and know firsthand that we are not the horrible, abusive, manipulative cult that our detractors try to paint us as.

My name is Hikari Ito. I’m 18 years old and am living in Japan. I was born and raised in The Family, and am PROUD OF IT!! I was privileged to have had an ideal childhood with many wonderful friends and a loving family. I was not an abused child, mistreated or neglected in any way. Some of my best memories of growing up are of going out with my mom and telling others about Jesus’ love and His gift of salvation, participating in shows for the elderly and encouraging them, going on special excursions and outings, and living communally. (more…)

From Karishma Watson

To you who seek to destroy the Family,

You have never met me. Before reading this, you didn’t know I existed. I had never heard of you and really could have cared less what you do or who you are until you decided to exploit the horrendous tragedy of the murder/suicide of that happened on Jan uary 8th. I never knew the victim or murderer; this isn’t about them. I feel for their loved ones, but to blame this on the Family, or on the murderer’s mother, to use this to label all of us second and third generation of the Family as being “abused, underprivileged, brainwashed,” or other such terms is ridiculous and plain ignorant.

As I hear your accusations I have to ask you:
Have any of you have even visited a Family home in recent years?
Do any of you have young children yourselves?
Has anyone who is currently a member of the Family written you asking you to fight for their “freedom” to “save them” from this life?
If you do have kids, are you putting as much effort and time into raising them to become good citizens as you are into tearing apart the lives of me and my co-workers? (more…)

My name is Stephen McNair. I’m 17 years old, and I live in Japan with my family.

There’s not much more to be said about Ricky and Angela. I freaked out when I heard the news. After hearing about the video he made, it’s plain to see he was psychotic. What made him that way? The Family? Abuse? Or the “anti-cultist” ex-Family-member detractor friends he made after he left the family (On good terms, I might add)?

OK. Murder is wrong, period. If what Ricky did is justified, the message you send to everyone else in the world is, It’s OK to kill people if you feel that they harmed you in your past. It’s even OK to kill that person’s friend, and not the person who harmed you, just to get back at them. Or, if you’re angry at your parents because of some of the mistakes they made raising you, just go ahead and kill them; that’s fine. After all, they made you into the person you are, the person which wants to kill them. In fact, how about we punish the parents of all criminals, because the parents raised the criminals, it’s the parents’ fault. And we can let the criminals go free, because it’s not their fault. That’s the end result of some apostate’s “wise” thinking. (more…)

Name: Shunnie
15 years old. Second generation Family member in Japan.

First of all I would like to say that I was NEVER abused in the Family. I was shocked when I heard about Pete’s death. When I heard that he even took away someone else’s live I was even more shocked! Why would someone do that? Well, it definitely isn’t from any influence he got from the Family! I believe that the Family is a great place for children to be and has a tremendous environment for them to make use of their wonderful God given talents!

Secondly, why do you attack us with all those horrible lies? To win more people on your side to lie about us too? Listen carefully, I am exactly where I want to be! I am not brainwashed as you say we are. I have the ability to think on my own and am not a “mindless zombie”. I pray that you will wake up and realize what damage you’re causing to God’s children!

From Beth Jordan, Bangalore, India

Many different emotions hit me when I heard the news of Ricky and Angela’s deaths. It was not an easy thing to hear or even understand why there are people in this world who kill and hurt. Things were not meant to be this way. Good, loving and caring people are not mean to be brutally killed and then mocked and maimed by those who care not for life.

I kept asking myself “Why? How could this happen? Why are there people today who make it their goal to destroy us and end our way of life?” I have heard their “reasons,” the accusations, the “stories” that they say happened and I thought “Let me ponder this and try and get some answers to these questions straight in my mind.”

So, I took a long walk yesterday, not in a park or through the city, but down the long Memory Lane of the last 26 years of my life. “Is it possible?” I wondered, “that I was surrounded my abusers, robots, and uncaring parents and never even noticed?”

So I walked … I can see it now … my mom teaching me when I was 2 years old. Well she was mainly teaching my 2 older brothers and older sister but I was a bright kid and I can see my mom’s face as bright and as happy as can be when I read the word “blue” on a flashcard that she was showing to my older brother. She was thrilled! I was thrilled that she was thrilled and that day was the beginning of many days of being taught to read so that by the time I was 3 I was reading books on my own. There were four of us—Joe, Jean and Simon and then came me—and what a family we were. Ah such memories! ….. (more…)

Name: Deepa Marie Daniels
Age: 19
Location: India

When I first heard the tragic news, I prayed for those involved, and then a thought came to my mind. How, why, do people do bad things, hurtful things? I thought, What was Ricky like five years before he committed a brutal murder and then took his own life, do you think in his wildest imagination he presumed that he would go so far off, that he would leave Earth that way?

Memories of childhood bedtime stories came to mind with Ricky (Davidito) as one of the main characters, I remembered my Mom and I looking at a “Now it can be shown” photo book, featuring pictures of Ricky as a child with his father. He looked so cute, so happy! Being our founder’s son, I held a special respect and admiration for him.

I thought if he could do what he did, then what am I capable of. I took an honest look at my present life, one I treasure, hold dear, and make sacrifices to live. I wondered, Where will I be in five years, what will I be doing? And then it came clear, I will be where my choices take me, just as Ricky was where his choices took him, and all of us will be. God has given us the majesty of choice, the freedom to choose good or evil, love or hate. (more…)

From Mercy Langille, 26, Bangalore, India

“Yea, all that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” That is the verse that came to me when I first heard about the slander that is being thrown at The Family. (we must be doing something right, or no one would be saying anything)

I am a second generation adult who was raised in The Family. I have been through a lot, I’ve seen a lot. I’ve experienced things people my age can only dream of. I am 26 years old and have lived in 8 different countries. Aside from bring a fulltime missionary (which I know I am called to be), I have chosen as my profession to be a teacher. I’ve worked with children of all ages, from babies to 12 year olds. I’ve studied Family child training techniques and I use them daily with the children that I teach. If there is anything I know, it’s how children are raised in The Family. I see it every day! Are they abused? Not from what I have ever seen. These children are loved and cared for in every way.

Was I abused as a child raised in The Family? Certainly not! I was raised in a very loving environment. Though for several years my mom was single and had to raise 4 of us on her own, we never lacked for anything. We always had good food, warm clothes, comfortable beds, and she saw to it that we were educated properly. I’ve never attended public school a day in my life, yet I completed high school plus 3 college courses. I could read at the age of 2 and this started me on a lifelong love for books and I taught myself a lot that way. (more…)

My name is Megumi Kawaguchi. I am 18 years old and am Japanese and have been living in Japan all my life. I am a second generation of The Family International. Yes, I have been raised here and I know no other life.

I can’t understand why this happening should suddenly make “us” and our lifestyle so wrong. I can’t understand why people would want to take our happy lives, and try to tell us and others otherwise.

I have grown up in The Family International and I have known the love of my parents, teachers, friends and my God for as long as I have lived. Never once have I been beaten, or abused in anyway…physically, mentally or otherwise.

We do have a lifestyle different from most people on this earth. We live to serve others and help people. That is the life I know and that I’ve grown up with.
No, I have never attended public school and I am proud to say that I have been home-schooled and have learned much that the average teenager cannot learn in a normal school. (more…)

Name: Kiyomi Ito
Age: 24
Location: Japan

To those who have heard of the recent incident, I pray that you will find the peace in your heart to respond to this sad event in the right manner, and not let any anger or prejudice hinder you from offering your support and sympathy to the loved ones of these who’ve met their untimely end. Perhaps it would also be a good time to ponder the effect each of us has on others, through our words and actions. –Whether our attitudes and the things we say reflect a positive stance in moving forward in life, or whether they reflect our seeking to place the blame and rationalize our own negativity.

How one can choose to malign the victim and instead victimize the murderer is beyond me. No justification or psychobabble can excuse the tragic events of an innocent life snuffed out before her time and the grief caused to her family. I find it hard to comprehend the perception of some individuals who adamantly maintain that their upbringing in the Family is to blame for every disappointment, misfortune and hardship in their lives. Several of my friends and members of my family have chosen a different lifestyle than the one in which we were raised, and they are secure, well-adjusted individuals, successfully working towards their personal goals in life. Why should the few who choose to live in the miseries of their past, be it real or imagined, be heard any more than those of us who are satisfied with our lives? (more…)

My name is Leika Ito. I am 21 years old and live in Japan. Never heard of me? Well, I have no claims to my name. I am just one of many who have grown up in the ‘Family International’ and have chosen to dedicate my life to this cause in which I firmly believe.

I’ve decided to write in response to those who have accused us all (which would include myself) of being “abused” and caught in a “dangerous and harmful” environment. How they can be so presumptuous as to know all about my life, I haven’t the faintest idea. However, as they feel so free to air their one-sided opinions, I feel it only fair to reply with my own. (more…)

What I think.

My name is Marina Akiyama, and living in The Family of Japan, and I just want to tell you of my life in the Family International (The Family). I was born and grew up in this Family throughout my whole 20 years of life. And so I can truly say that The Family is not what our apostates claim it to be, it fact it is the complete opposite, in my perspective. I know The Family as loving, considerate people who only want to serve Jesus and to win the world for Him and His Kingdom. And we young people have been taught since we were a lot younger about the Lord, the Word and other spiritual and physical truths.

And I’ve known my parents to be always loving in their communication and actions towards us of my family, and others and have only corrected us in a kind, loving and Godly, real Christian-like way. There has never been any abuses whatsoever that I have been a witness of in this Family. Of the first generation adults that I have met and know, they are the best shepherds, teachers and counselors I have ever known, and could trust. All of who are fully dedicated to Jesus and His work and teaching us of the younger generation to learn to do the same. And for that I am thankful. For they have certainly taught me a lot that has made me what I am and will become in the future of this Family—an elite soldier of Christ and fully dedicated to Him. (more…)

By Reuben John Ford Ambat, 18
Bangalore, India.

It’s funny how some people think they can speak for you, but I’ve got news for some of these vocal vindictive apostates….YOU CAN’T!!! I have lived all my 18 years in the Family as an FD member and I have never once been abused, or seen anyone been abused in any shape or form. I have parents and teachers that love me. So I take offence to the very vocal apostates that sweepingly state that “we in the Family” have been abused. Who are you to speak for me and for the other 1,800 young people that are still members of the Family International? Hello we have brains!!! We can think for ourselves…we don’t need you as our spokes people. Who are you to question whether we want to stay in the Family or not? If we want to do something good with our lives and if we are winning the world for Jesus, you don’t have to be jealous and start making up crap that never happened. Stop blaming people. Come on help us, we need as many people as we can to reach this messed up world. Can’t you guys grow up??? You guys are adults now, you’re not playing with toy cars and wearing diapers anymore. Can you stop squawking and whining about what happened in the past, over 20 years ago? Forget the things which are behind and look towards the things that are before. If you were to just read your Bible you would know. I feel bad for you guys that have turned your back on the Lord, I love you guys and I have nothing against you, but can you just go on with your lives, do something useful, if not for the Lord then at least for humanity? (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…)

Maria Nelson, 24, India

Hi! My name is Maria Nelson. I’m 24 yrs old, from Chile, but now live in Bombay, India, and have been living here for the last six years of my life. (Which have been great years, by the way.)

I’ve been born and brought up in the Family, and not a day goes by where I can look back and say, “Boy, I regret that,” or “What a horrible upbringing!” —Which is something that seems to be quoted by some that have left. It’s just so sad, because the fact is, all those I have met, (that have been born and brought up in The Family and are in The Family now, as well as close friends of mine that have left), have only had good things to say about their childhood. If anything, they always seem to look back on those days as days of Heaven, ha!

One thing I’ve noticed that is a bit odd, is that some who have left all of sudden decide to switch their story to how bad their childhood was, all this abuse, (which is one thing I’ve never seen in my 24 years in The Family by the way). —Whereas before leaving, they never had anything negative to say about their upbringing. Something is wrong with the picture. My opinion is GET OFF THOSE WEBSITES! They tear your spirit down and make you into someone you DON’T want to be! Just look at the evidence. (more…)

By Elaina M. McNair, 18 years

Opinions. Everyone’s got one, and it seems that many exercise their right to broadcast them, with a vengeance.

I wouldn’t be writing this if it weren’t for the bizarre and downright alarming opinions that have been voiced recently. I generally consider myself a benign, non-confrontational person … but some of the allegations and false generalizations which are being leveled against our group, and hence my little family, and myself, make me just a little bit hopping mad. Whatever happened to good old fashioned morals? I’ve been hearing people say murder and suicide are justifiable, some even go so far as to say called for. And other people are listening to them. For obvious reasons, this frightens me beyond measure.

Here’s how I figure: If people with disturbed frames of mind such as the above are permitted to put their ideas out for the general public to mull over, perhaps I could add what I think, for whatever it’s worth. (more…)

My name is Marie Clair Giustini. I was born and raised in Japan, I am 17 years old. I just wanted to share some things. Although I am in the Family International, I went to public school for 9 years. So I know more about “out there” than people who lived in the Family all of their lives.

I must say that public school wasn’t that pleasant. Actually it made me quite sick. But I did feel sorry for the kids there. People the same age as me were always having problems with their lives, with their parents, with their friends, with themselves. They would usually come and ask me for help. Well not like I knew any better, but I had my Christian parents that taught me about the Bible and the word of God. And I would just give the answers from there, and my friends in school would thank me for giving them the answers they needed. And I always thought I never wanted to have the same problems as them. (more…)

Harmful & abusive? When you hear those words what do you think of? I think of the world at large. I think of those big cities where you don’t feel safe to even walk down the street in broad daylight. I think of horror films, alcohol abuse, & drugs.

My name is Sara Hansen D’Souza. I was born & raised in The Family International. I lived in Denmark till the age of two when we moved to India where I have chosen to remain. I am happily married & have two beautiful children.

I have been helping care for & teach children from the time I was twelve years old. When I finished my studies I chose to become a professional teacher in TFI.

When meeting someone for the first time or when friends come over they say how friendly, outgoing, happy & smart our children are. They (our children) are only four & one & a half years old.
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My name is Yuki Kubota, I’m 24, Japanese and am presently living in Japan with My wife (who is Australian) and our daughter Mia (2 and a half)
It is now half past midnight, I’ve had a long rewarding day, this afternoon the members of our center (or Home as we usually call it) got together to discuss ways in which we can help the victims of the Tsunami in the affected countries, we have received a list of needed items for the people there. Later in the evening I attended a Seminar organized by “21 seiki wo kangairu” - which translated into English literally means “Think about the 21st Century”; whose members are mostly alumni and Professors of Tokyo University. The subject was: Current Events and thoughts on the Japanese Government.

I’m tired and would very much like to crawl in bed with my wonderful wife and child but I can’t sleep knowing that there have been some allegations made about myself and others of us in the Family, stating that we are abused and underprivileged, that we don’t have a proper education and are brainwashed etc… I wish to state the truth about myself. (more…)