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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

John B. Jensen, 18, Croatia.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

The second generation of the Family has already written countless rebuttals in order to not only repaint the bleak picture of how Family life was depicted to the public; but also as a means to express their opinion in having their upbringing, their lives and their heritage of faith—what they stand for—maliciously attacked in such a low manner. Being that I am also a SGM [second-generation member] I see this as a marvelous opportunity to let my voice be heard as well.

(more…)

From Gabriela DeLorenzo, 27, mother of three children, Europe.
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

He was the younger, “smarter” brother, the one his father had all the hopes of the family set on. But his older brother was often beaten up by his father, shunned and treated as if he didn’t care. He felt pressure to excel, to make his father proud, to be more than his brother.

She got married at 18—against her parent’s wishes—to someone they didn’t approve of. As a result, she was disowned and although they lived as literal neighbors, didn’t speak to each other for almost 10 years.

He comes from a broken home, where his parents pit him against each other. His mother couldn’t care less what he does, and wasn’t impressed when his picture was in the newspaper for helping underprivileged families. He was brutally beaten up as a teenager by a gang, and only survived the severe head wounds by a miracle. Again, his parents weren’t too concerned.
(more…)

Name: Michael Tonazzini
Age: 18
Location: Italy
Nationality: Italian/American

Helloooo People! Peace on earth to men of good will.

Men of good will are hard to find, and I personally, as one who was born in the Family, think that it is a place where men of good will are found.

I personally was never abused in my life in the Family. Actually I think that the Family is one of the last places where you can get abused, and also one of the best places you can grow up in.
(more…)

From Timothy Francesco Tonazzini, 21, second-generation former member in the process of rejoining the Family International.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Mat.5:9”

My name is Timothy Francesco Tonazzini, currently living in Croatia. I’m 21 and I have been out of the Family for 3 years. I just wanted to speak up and give my opinion on what’s happening. I’m rejoining the Family right now and I don’t know if I’ll make it, but I know that no matter what I’ll always stick up for the good in life, even if it means making some enemies.

I’m not forced to stay in the Family. No one is forced to stay in the Family, in fact when I decided to do my own thing I just told my parents and they did their best to help me get started in a new life. I got a good job and went on my own way but I got sick of what I saw.

I saw abuse so many times out there. I saw young guys and girls who every day got and still are getting abused through drugs, horror movies, “friends,“ you name it. (more…)

Name: Aiko Cunningham

Age:19

Nationality: Japanese/American

Whereabouts: Romania, Brosov (mountain with lots of snow)

Sign: Aquarian (Sag rising and Libra moon with the cusp of Boogalo on the forthnight of Manhunted not to mention that those are all on the boutsney of GrassRoots)

Status: Jesus freak
(more…)

From a second-generation member of the Family International.

My name is Melody Lindsley. I’m 20 years old, was born in the US, and raised in the Family International. I’m currently living in Romania. I am the youngest of eight children, the majority of whom have chosen other ways of life, but I love and am happy for each of them. I can’t speak for them, but as for me, I have never in my whole life felt abused or “brainwashed” by anyone who was in the Family. (more…)

Name: Victoria Viana
Age: 13
Location: Portugal

You can´t stop the rain from falling. No matter what you do you can´t stop the rain, and neither can you stop our rain. I believe we´re as fast and strong as a tsunami, and it would be dangerous for anyone to come and put their hands in the way and simply “command” it to stop! Do you think you can get away with poking your finger in God´s eye, and not expect Him to blow you away? (more…)

My name’s Andy Stevens, I’m 14, and live in the Ukraine.

I believe the Family is an awesome place for raising kids, where they’re safe from the violent movies and computer games and comic books that those outside the group are exposed to.

I see no reason to blame the wonderful teachers and parents for this senseless loss of life, when it was just the result of wrong choices of an individual.

I just can’t help but be slightly upset at the people who are trying to blame my wonderful parents who have raised my older siblings (and done an excellent job). And then blurting out all of this abuse bull, is really just a nasty kick in the nuggets.

I mean, check out all the posts on this site. It doesn’t really look like any one of us is upset at our parents or teachers, does it? It looks like we’ve all had good childhoods, no?

Maybe you who are trying to “rescue” us should think twice before saying things that might just cause hurt instead of help.

From Marie-Ange Mignot, 19 years old

I have always loved swings. My earliest playground memories are of my Dad pushing me on a swing. This was before I discovered the fine art of pushing your legs out then tucking them back in. Once I had that down, I went higher, much higher.

My name is Marie-Ange Mignot. I was born in a dandy clinic in New Delhi, India at approximately 5:20 p.m., April 3rd, 1986. I say approximately as the Indian doctors forgot to note the time of delivery on my birth certificate. I will never get over this stigma. My name is derived from a song that reached a certain height of popularity in The Family International at the time of my birth, namely: “On wings of love, came my angel Mariangela…”
Yes, I am still traumatized by this. (more…)

But none of these things move me neither count I my life dear unto myself that I might finish my course with gladness and the mission I have received of the Lord Jesus Christ to teach and preach the gospel of the grace of God.”

Name: Mark Brown
Age: 18
Location: Croatia
Nationality: Canadian/Italian

Hey everyone, to start off I want to say that this site has been a great inspiration to me. I’m one of those people who prefer not to type out stuff if they can help it but just today I saw that the number of contributions to the “My conclusion” site has reached 360…wow so hey if I can make that 370 it’s worth the effort. I’ve lived all my life in the Family International and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was raised for 5 years in the Rome combo but that too is a part of my life that I am thankful for and wouldn’t change at all. I have always preferred to look on the small handful of vindictive ex-members as one would look upon an annoying fly that up until now I have been content to shrug off as no consequence. But they are proving to be one “sick” little fly. (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…)

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…)

Name: Sharon Paige
Age: 24
Nationality: Italian American.
Current location: Italy
Status: Married, mother of 4

There’s only one life t’will soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last!

That’s always been one of my favourite quotes ever, and my motivation to keep going for Jesus no matter what. I hate wasting time much less my life, so if I know that only what’s done for Jesus is what lasts, well then that’s what I’ll spend my life and time doing. And you shouldn’t waste your time and life wasting ours, when we’re trying to make the most out of our lives for the Lord, with all the hardships that come along the way.
(more…)

By Clara Guintoni, 19, Albania

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

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

My name is Santiago de la Torre, 18, Spanish national, Presently FM.

It wasn’t but yesterday night that I decided to raise my voice and speak out for what I believe is right, after reading the comments that some of my friends posted on this web page.

Now, you might be thinking, what does this guy have to say about the Family, he isn’t even a full time missionary, nor has he been living all his life in a home of The Family; but that same thing is what makes me write this article, because I’ve been living a system life in the world till last year, and I’ve gotten to experience a few times how the life in a home is. I know both sides of the coin, and right now even with all the fuss that the media is making around the topic of Ricky and Angela’s death, and the apostates about The Family being an abusive environment, if I had to choose between both lifestiles, I’ll choose the Family.

Our apostates say that the Family is not a good place to be raised in, but I tell you, I wish I had been born inside a Family home, for the only thing that I have received from the system is rejection. I was psychologically abused at school by my classroom mates since I was 7, till the age of 10; there even came a time when I came back home crying everyday because of the insults and humiliation I received from other kids, and I definitely was scared of going another day back to school to face the same treatment over and over again. I would be still traumatized right now if it wasn’t for the love of Jesus in my life. And I was definitely not bullied because I was weird or anything, just because of the simple fact that I wasn’t as evil-minded as them, and they saw me as an easy prey, besides the fact that I was good at school, and you know that “that kind”, are normally those who are bullied. Just recently a kid in Spain commited suicide because of that… and we are not starting a whole campaign to prevent kids from going through the same thing that I went through. (more…)

By David, 25, England.

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

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

Greetings, My name is Andy McGrath and I was recently informed that your media outlet was planning to do a program about The Family International (of which I am a fulltime member) and also about the tragic and senseless deaths of Angela Smith and Ricky Rodriguez and that you are in need of credible information and reliable facts. I know it can be difficult in this information overloaded world that we live in to be able to obtain substantial and credible information so I hope that my letter would be of invaluable help and assistance to you in your research.

Like I stated in the previous paragraph I am a fulltime member of The Family International and have been for 23 years, being that I was born in The Family I feel that I have acquired a well-rounded, thorough and comprehensive insight to what it is like living in The Family and being a Christian Missionary. (more…)

My name is Leilani J. Stevens. I was born in Bangladesh, 1988, and have been living in The Family my whole life. Since my 7th birthday I have been living in Ukraine with my parents. We established a charitable work in the Kiev area where we lived, of ministering to old folks, orphans, Chernobyl victims, bringing in humanitarian aid, etc. For as far back as I can remember, I have participated in shows and programs for these types of people, as well as special Christmas, Easter or other holiday shows for hospitals, schools and summer camps. My earliest memories are from living in a large “combo” in Belgium with about 100 residents. I remember the schedule being very organized, being in a group of children my age and having a wonderful, fun teacher who would go out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed and were well cared for. (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…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sharon Fox (22, Australian), currently in Bosnia

I had a typical Family upbringing. I grew up in Family homes in Australia where my physical and emotional needs were met consistently and generously.
I had a truly joyous childhood, full of memories of fun and learning and being surrounded by friends, along with the comfort and security of one giant, extended Family that loved me and was tuned in to my needs and wellbeing. What an absolute blessing and miracle! Some complain about what we did and didn’t receive growing up in the Family, but I found myself amply prepared for what has so far been a life of such fulfillment and excitement that I have no need to look any further! (more…)

Written by: Angelina Brooke (23, – Second Generation of The Family)

Currently residing: Former CIS

I’m 23 years old and have lived every year of my life in the Family. I love it and would have wished for no other way in the world to be brought up. Since I was a child I cherished my missionary upbringing and when I have kids I want nothing more for them than to also be brought up in the same loving lifestyle I was brought up in.

Thus, stating that, it is beyond me how people can concoct such ridiculous fabricated lies about the way kids are abused and un-loved as they are raised in the Family, especially Ricky Rodriguez who never mentioned anything negative about his growing up in the Family until he got into contact with vicious enemies of the Family who contorted, brainwashed and filled his mind with delusions. In all my years I was never abused, I never witnessed anyone being abused and never have heard of any of my friends being abused. I’ve enjoyed a wonderful, loving and most of all emotionally stable life in the Family to this day.
(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…)

My name is Luca Vitali, I am 23, Italian/American, and live in Italy. I was born, raised, and still am in The Family International. A few people have asked me to write something up here because we are getting so much negative coverage that we have to stand up and defend ourselves.

What I want to say to all those journalists, former members, and people that don’t like us is: GET A LIFE! Why can’t you just leave us alone to live the life we like? Come see for yourselves! Do we look miserable? Do we look unhappy? Do we look like we don’t want to be here? No one is forced to be in The Family, to the contrary, there have been countless publications saying that if you don’t like it, it would be better if you leave and go and live a “normal life” like everyone else.
(more…)

My name is Angie S. Butler, I am 27 years old and grew up all my life in the Family. I am married to a wonderful man, who also grew up all his life in the Family. I have 3, almost 4 kids and I hope that they will also spend all their lives in the Family in the best place anyone can live and doing the best job anyone on earth can do. Helping others, lifting a neighbor in need, giving when there is not much to give, sacrificing personal gain to help mankind. That is a life worth living and one I am proud to say has been mine since I was born. Well, I have had my moments of selfishness and wanting to do my own thing, but I do try.

I have many friends who left the Family, and the ones I am still in touch with are living pretty good lives. They’ve moved on and I am happy for them, we are still friends and they have chosen to let me live how I want to, just as I let them live their new life the way they wish.

There is another bunch, who have also left the Family, that as far as I know, don’t know me, never met me and probably never met the majority of members in the Family around the world, yet they seem to know exactly what has been happening to each of us all of our lives. Well, you have no idea what’s been up with me and my life so I want to make it clear that I have never been abused sexually or otherwise by my parents, or any other adults in the family that I, in all 27 years of my life, have lived with. And I can say the same for my 8 brothers and sisters. We have the best and most loving parents who gave a lot so we could have a good life, education and standard of living. And I have never seen any forms of abuse happen to any of the 100’s of kids I’ve lived with throughout my life. (more…)

My name is Felicia Moore. I am 21 years old and proud to say that I was been born and raised in The Family International my entire life. I am currently a dedicated, sold-out missionary in Eastern Europe. I am writing this in regards to the current tragedy and murder of my friend, Angela Smith, as well as the outright lying, accusing and slander from those who were once a part of our organization but who now apparently have nothing better to do with their lives than attack mine.

You see, I’m your traditional Family kid. I grew up overseas most of my life in large Family centers with many others my age. I received the best care, training, education and practical life skills anyone could desire. I never once left the group nor did I ever attend public schooling at any time. Among the usual schooling by excellent, top notch Family teachers, we also were taught that which would further us and give us the best chance at success in any field once we were older. We grew up in many different cultures with many different traditions, customs and ways of operating. In each new country we learned fairly quickly how to adapt, how to understand and relate to the people, and in most cases we learned their language and became one with them. We learned straight from the Bible, how to get along with others our own age, how to “prefer the happiness of others to our own”, to “do unto others as we would have done unto us”, to “preach the gospel to every creature”, that “honesty pays”, to love others and to love the Lord most of all. I was a very stubborn child, willful and rebellious however not once did I feel my teachers were giving up on me, not once did I feel them apply discipline too harshly. The opposite is the case. They had genuine love and concern for each child; they knew that “we were the future” and they treated us as such. In what public school can you get that kind of attention and individual care? Yup, they’re right, I lived a charmed life.
(more…)

Name: Simon Peter Maghanoy Wilson
Age: 22

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

I have some fond memories of Japan, I saw my first snow there, I remember playing in the big castles & parks all over Japan & visiting some of the beautiful temples & gardens kept by the Shinto priests. Japan was where I first really learned to witness I learned a little Japanese & was on the streets with my dad & brothers passing out posters & winning souls. When I was 6 we moved back to the Philippines for several months before moving to the states. We spent the first few years in Texas where we lived in McKinney, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, & El Paso.
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(Venezuelan Missionary to Romania of The Family)

I wanted to do something with my life. I knew I could make a difference. I saw selfishness, hate, and greed. I wanted to make the world a better place. But they told me I couldn’t. They told me I was a fool! That if I didn’t listen to their cajolery to give up the path I’d chosen that I was brainwashed, over sheltered, narrow & close-minded. I never thought of myself as such. All I wanted was to serve my God in peace. I’ve been down the seekers road. I’ve searched high and low for fulfillment, for purpose, for meaning. I knew there had to be more to this life than living for oneself.

Is it close-minded to find what you’ve been seeking, finding meaning and purpose… a goal; then focusing your all on achieving it, while ignoring all that would sidetrack you? To put everything into fulfilling your dreams, even if it means dismissing those who say it cannot be done, who say that “their way” is better, though you’ve tried “their way” and know where it leads. If closed mindedness means closing my mind off from the ravings of those who say I’m a fool for trying, that I should give up my philanthropic quest to share the happiness I know with those in need of cheer, of talking about my God of Love to those who don’t know Him, and living & working with likeminded individuals, giving up everything which ties me to the selfish world I’ve been liberated from, then Yes, I am closed minded! I believe… I know that I can make this world a better place. Even if all I’m able to help is the small part of the world I live in, with a kind word or deed!
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My name is Manuel Schot, 21 years old. I’ve had the honor & privilege of being a missionary with ‘The Family” my whole life. I’ve been to over 30 countries in 4 continents as a missionary, presently I’m living in Romania investing whatever skills I have and doing whatever I can to further the cause of Christ. As a missionary with “The Family”, I’m not forced or coerced in any way, nor do I feel subjected by condemnation to be here.

Throughout my life with ‘The Family” I’ve been involved in many ministries, worked with people on all levels of society. I have many friends and also members of my personal immediate family that have left “The Family”. Some have moved on in their lives and they haven’t gone on to being disgruntled, stooping to lying and speaking profanity about their former friends and caretakers and people who raised them in love and care. Instead they have made the most out of their lives and are very successful each in their own new profession giving credit to “The Family” for giving them insight into many spheres of life that most younger people of society at large simply haven’t had, and for individuals of “The Family’ who have raised them with integrity and taught them moral values which have helped them tremendously. I am still very much friends with many of my old friends who have chosen a different life.
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Shock is an adequate word to describe the feelings that ran through me as I pondered the recent developments. There were moments of silence and grief for both people who lost their lives, but the time has now come to speak up.

Have I had a perfect life? No. Have I had a great life? Yes.

As any good Christian should, we have been taught to turn the other cheek. For a long time I have smiled at our detractors, and those with bitterness toward the Family, as they ranted and raved at what they see as its faults and shortcomings, evils and the skeletons in our closet.

I have read through apology after apology that we as the Family have given for those incidents that have caused trauma and grief. No one denies that things have happened, and no one denies that rules have since been put into place to protect all minors from things happening again. Most of us have been fortunate to be raised in a society where any sort of abuses were the rare exception, not the norm.
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(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

To the reader:

My name is Bernadine Wolford. I’m an American citizen, thirty-two years of age, born and raised in The Family International, a Christian organization that has been recently highlighted in the media.

I have recently read about the deaths of both Angela Smith and Ricky Rodriguez via the Internet. To say the least, I am furious to hear that someone I met on several occasions (while he visited in Moscow, the second and third times when he lived in Hungary) and regarded as a decent young man could be so enraged with hate to actually stoop to such a low level and kill someone who was his friend in the past. The fact that Ricky put on a pretense and wanted to meet Angela supposedly on a “friendship outing” with the intent of later on stabbing her is absolutely horrific—I can not imagine why any person in their right mind could justify this horrible crime! Now over a week later to hear the twisted, distorted version of the so-called “truth”, calling it a “crime of passion”? It just doesn’t settle well and is even more reason for my writing this. Certain individuals (namely detractors of our Christian group) are bent on destroying our group, saying that Ricky did it because he was abused by Angela Smith, concocting lies that “she was Ricky’s nanny” is so far from the actual truth about his past.
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Arnhem 20 January 2005,

Dear Mama, Peter and Family,

The devastating news about the tragic dead of Angela and Davidito the 9th of this month has reached us too and in this wr