I was born in The Family. I’ve chosen to raise my children in The Family not simply because of the opportunities it offers but because I wholeheartedly believe this is where they will receive the most love, attention and care not only from me but a network of supportive parents and co-workers. This is my choice, when they are of age they can then make their choices.

I am Joanna Daniels, I’m 25 and married with two beautiful sons. I currently live in Sydney, Australia. I grew up in Australia minus 3 years when my parents were missionaries in India and have been home-schooled most of my life. At 16 years of age I dropped out of school and started traveling and spent a total of 1 year in Japan, 3 years in Russia, where I met my husband and I’ve just finished 3 unforgettable years in South Africa and Zimbabwe. I’ve been involved in Humanitarian Aid distribution, soup kitchens, performing shows and making inspirational visits to orphanages, schools and prisons across two continents. I’ve since completed my education and obtained a number of certificates in different areas of expertise. I don’t feel like the smartest cookie in the barrel but I have confidence that I can do whatever I want to do with my life and have the advantage to go as far as I want to in whatever area I choose. I’ve never felt held back because of growing up in The Family but rather at an advantage.

I believe that whatever my sons choose to do in life, with a solid foundation in God and a love and respect for their fellow man and the opportunities growing up in The Family affords, they can have the world at their fingertips.

Joanna Daniels is a second generation member of the Family International.

Name: Ruth Wescombe
Age: 24
Location: Sydney, Australia

Okay, so I was born and raised in the Family … but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know a thing or two about life and how to live it. And one thing I’ve learned is that holding on to bitterness and resentment can be pretty suffocating! I mean I should know! I let it take hold of my life for months and I did things that I regret; said words I didn’t mean and lost close friends. And while I can apologize and go on … it’s just not the same. All because of anger!

Those thoughts that used to rage through my head left me senseless. It goes on and on, the things you think of get worse and worse, and before you know it you could murder someone. You exaggerate. The scenario gets repeated in your mind so many times, each time embellished a bit more, until finally you don’t know the truth from the lies. It’s all one big blob of anger! Sound familiar?
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I never liked knowing about the actions or feelings of those who decided to speak out against the Family after they left, because they are a waste of time—not to mention pathetic—and I mean that in the nicest possible way. I myself have several friends who have left the Family altogether and I am still proud to know them. I‘d like to say that none of them are in any way involved with those “ever nose growing” apostates, who foolishly consider themselves “seekers of justice,” but in truth are directly or indirectly responsible for this murder-suicide tragedy that clearly shows us the danger of the hatred these ogres hold against the beliefs and life we have chosen to live for.

I’ve had a wonderful life in the Family, and despite the ups and downs—which is a common occurrence for anyone—there is nothing I can truly complain about. Life goes on for everyone. And for those apostates who continue to dwell in the past I only feel disgust. My life has been spent mostly in Australia, but I’ve lived overseas. I’m 19 and have lived my whole life in the Family, and have never wanted to live out my life anywhere else. For me to serve full time in the Lord’s service is a privilege and quite often a lot of fun. In my opinion nothing beats it. The fellowship, the sense of fulfilment, and the joy of serving Jesus and helping others is the ultimate high. And I would gladly defend what I have said with any person that says otherwise.

Michael Aerlic is a second generation member of the Family International, currently residing in Australia.

I have recently been informed of the heinous crime that was committed against Angela. I do not know her personally, but no human being should every have to end their life on Earth in such odious manner.

I resent the fact that these apostates are now turning this dreadful event into some kind of campaign to further their cause against an organisation that is only assisting others. Why don’t they channel their energy into offering condolences to the families of the victims instead of slandering the names and lives of hundreds of people in the full-time volunteer organisation? You wonder why I use the plural “victims”? They were both victims of hate. Angela was victim of Ricky’s anger and hatred. Ricky was the victim and tool of the apostates’ malevolent repugnant opinions. He was influenced by these people and allowed them to turn him into a fiend—[one] that didn’t even shadow his former self. He in turn became a victim to that hate and killed himself. And damned well they know it!
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To whom this may concern,

Firstly, I was not a personal friend of Angela, in fact I never even met her. When I first heard what happened, however, I felt as though I had been punched in the stomach. I honestly couldn’t breathe and felt physically sick. Why. … No. … How could someone, anyone, do a thing like this?

My name is Heidi Hartingdon. I was born in India but I’ve grown up in Australia—where I live now. Though I have been overseas I’ve spent most of my life here.
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