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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

From Susana Rodrigues, 22, Brazil.
Second generation member of the Family International.

Hi! My name is Susana, I’m 22 years old, I was born in the Family and I left when I was 5 years old, with my mother and my three younger brothers. We kept serving the Lord with a lot of fight, victories and challenges: they were very special moments! Thank you Jesus! God bless my mother – ha! She was the big fighter and soul winner, and still is! She was always giving us the sample and teaching us to live by faith!

So it wasn’t till I was 14 years and a half that I rejoined the Family full time with my mother’s incentive and consent, and later my three brothers did the same!
(more…)

João C. Sooter, 19, São Paulo, Brazil.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

OH MY GOD!!! Could it really be true? It must be since so many are saying it, I mean there are tons of people (I’m not sure exactly how many, maybe only 5 or 10, but surely that must be enough) out there (on the WEB somewhere) who claim to have been “there” (please don’t ask “where” because I have no idea myself) and know what “really” happened, thus I really must’ve wasted my whole life in an abusive “sex cult.”

I must clarify here that the members of this “terrible cult” are also part of the “Men in Black” and once they’ve abused me they flash their little “neuralizer” at me and I thus forget everything. (more…)

José Pezoa, 20, Brazil.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

My name is José Pezoa, I’m 20 years old, I’m married and have a 1-year-old son. I’m currently living in Brazil where we have wonderful ministries and feel fulfilled and supported.

Well, to start, I was born and raised in “The Family.” As remembering my childhood all I can think about is my parent’s giving me the best school, friends, moral support, all the help I could have and everything I needed, they were there for me. What could I want more than a Heavenly Home?

When I was about 7 my dad and I moved to Rosario-Argentina, and not long after our home was raided by cops and authorities of the city.

They turned everything upside-down and stayed at our house 24/7 for the next week, coming and going whenever they wanted. We had reporters at our doorstep all the time, we couldn’t even go outside our house in peace without having all those reporters taking pictures, asking questions etc. We didn’t have any privacy!
(more…)

Elizabeth Richardson, 15, Brazil.
Second-generation member of the Family International

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Richardson, I am 15 (soon to be 16 in April). I was born in the Family International and have spent all my life in it serving the Lord and trying to do my best for Him.

I don’t have half or even a quarter of nice inspiring stories to tell about when I was “young”, because I hardly even remember. I was born in Argentina, and lived in 2 different countries, now I live in Sao Paolo, Brazil and I am a missionary here.

But I do remember one thing about when I was smaller, I stayed the biggest period of my “younger years” with “nannies” and teachers who really loved children and the Family, (more…)

Nina Marie Sooter, 17, Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I feel compelled to write this in response to all of the accusations directed at the Family International. I consider each one of those lies a direct attack on me personally and as would be my reaction to anyone who would walk up to me and call me an abused, brainwashed zombie who is a complete idiot for choosing my current lifestyle, I will speak up in my defense.

I realize that those who are attacking and trying to destroy all that I love do so with “my best interests in mind.” But, amazingly enough, although I grew up in a “cult” I still have the ability to speak, and even read and write! So, if they don’t mind, I would much rather speak for myself from now on and not have them put their words in my mouth. (more…)

From Melissa Johnson, 21, Mexico.
Second generation member of the Family International

To all you who are trying to defeat our work and the Family: The Lord is using you for His purpose, whether you like it or not!! As a result, we are as a “city set on a hill, which cannot be hid”, and you’d better bet your britches that we’re gonna use the opportunity to “let our lights so shine before men” that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven! Because He deserves all the credit for anything good that we have accomplished individually, and as a group!! So chew on that!!!!!! The Lord can still use you! Ha!

My name is Melissa Johnson. I am 21 years old. I have a wonderful little family with just one daughter so far (my pride and joy), but she is such a handful, and such a darling that even with just one we still have our work cut out. We are fulltime volunteer missionaries in Mexico, (more…)

From Pamela, 13, Brazil.
Second generation member of the Family International.

Hi I’m Pamela I’m 13 years old, born in Argentina, and this is what I have to say :

I was born and raised with kind and loving parents!! When I was just a little baby my dad made the decision to leave the Family. (more…)

Name: Allison Farmer
Age: 23
Profession: Christian Missionary in the Family International
Location: Mexico

I was born and raised in the Family and have made my own decision to remain. I wanted to add my name to the list of young people who have taken a stand. I won’t stand idly by while you tear down everything I believe in.

I believe in love. That’s what helps me through the day. That’s what everyone needs more of.

I believe in helping others, in making a difference. That’s the only thing that truly brings satisfaction.

I believe in living for tomorrow, not living just to please myself.

I don’t want to be remembered for nothing. I want to go down in history as someone who lived what she believed. (more…)

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

This is my second contribution to Myconclusion.

I consider myself extremely privileged to have a life like this. All my life I lived in the Family International. I am 16. And it is my right to talk and to speak out. I have a nice, close friend that was born and grew up all his life in a “normal” environment. And he’s a great guy but, I’d still choose this life. (more…)

Ana Jessica Robillard - 16 years old

Hello everyone,

This is Jessica. I’ve been living in Brazil for the past 10 years. And I’m in it with all of you to win this world with love. Recently I went to visit my brothers (which are all out the Family) and they brought out the subject about Ricky. And there, they started accusing the Family and coming up with the negative side of the situation and saying that they agreed with most of it. For me, that was it! That was exactly what I needed to hear to get me started & make me think of my place in the Family and why I was in it. (more…)

From Tamar Villalobos, 25 years old
Location: Brazil

To all of you who are intent on saving us “abused Family children.” I really didn’t know what to write about, at first I thought I should write about the difference in our lives, and then I thought I’d write and tell you off and now I am just going to write about the facts and you decide which side to believe in. I was born and raised in the Family; I am 25 years old and the 3rd of a family of six. I am from Venezuela and my name is Tamar Villalobos. (more…)

My name is Gisela Leda Barbosa (Gigi), I am 32 years old. I know the Family for 8 years. I am in the Family for 5 years of my life – which are truly the best ones ever! I am Brazilian. I am very happy that the Family is preaching the gospel in every continent – that’s why I was reached at the first place. The Family is fully obeying Jesus’ commandment to go into all the World and preach the gospel to every creature. (more…)

By Gabriel Morales, 25 years old
Currently in Colombia

Well the thing that would culminate my life, the thing that would crown my existence, would be to die for my faith. I don’t think there is a better way to prove our point, than to let our enemies prove that when you step out of God’s will, which is determined in the Bible and all the word that we have in the Family, then you leave your life open to all the negative forces that exist in this world. I was born in the Family and left for 7 years, trust me, I’ve had both sides and I have tested the way of life and the way of death. I have really clear which side I have chosen. (more…)

(From Vas, 32, second-generation member of the Family International)

Hey Daniel Roselle. Remember me? Vas.

We had a lot of fun together at “Sizzlers” in California, in 93 & 94.

I seem to be remembering a certain song that we recorded together & that you wrote a rap break to. It was just a rough & not an official Family production. And you technically still own the rights to the following lyrics:

Judge Marquevich is gonna get killed
And when he goes to hell he’s gonna get billed
All the wrong he’s done all the bad he’s said
Will not be forgotten when he’s up & dead
God up in heaven is gonna look down below
Saying Marquevich I told you so
When you’re walkin down the street you better watch your back
Cuz I’m the Almighty & I take no flak
You’d better be careful cuz you’re gonna die
Cuz you’re sticking your finger in My eye
You think it’s fun to screw around with God
Well I’m telling you man you’re gonna feel His rod.

(more…)

My name is Jonathan Michael Zalevich, I’m 17 and I’m a family-born Missionary Member of The Family International in Rio, Brazil.

I don’t have a long witty speech, being a man of few words; I’ll try to make this as short as I can.

First of all, I firmly believe in everything the Family International stands for; I am a fulltime disciple on my own accord, as well as writing this on my own accord. Second off, in all my years of life I have never been abused nor had anything that people say has happened to the second-generation of the Family International happen to me. (more…)

Name: Elly Garcia Castillo
Location: Guatemala
age: 22

I have been in the Family for like 1 year and half and I just can say that The Family is the Best place in the World if you really want to serve Jesus. Of course some times is not really easy but all is worth it because Jesus is worth it!! (like Grandpa said).

I have had some problems with my family in the flesh, they don’t want me to serve the Lord here in the Family and every time that I talk to them it’s a battle but I have learn what the Bible said about that and is that whoever that wants to live godly in Jesus Christ will suffer persecution. (more…)

From Peter Story, 21 years old

My name is Peter Story. I was born in The Family in Thailand, but left with my family when I was four. Needless to say, I don’t have many memories of this time, but the ones I do have are quite good. I remember a nice house with friendly people and lots of fun.

Since I can’t tell you what life was like from memory, I can at least tell you what the fruits of those years were. I know that I was given an incredible education in those first few years in The Family. In fact, I received such a good education, that when I started public school at the age of six, I was way ahead of everyone else in my grade. My teachers were astonished. (more…)

My Name is Michael Sooter, I’m 22 years old. I live in Brazil. I was born and raised in the Family.

For me it’s pretty pitiful how some of you (Apostates) can make up such atrocious lies about something that is so cool. The Family is the best place to be. I grew up with the nicest parents you could ever imagine, who only set me on the right path and I can honestly say that I was never abused or harmed emotionally, spiritually or physically.

I mean get a life! Chill for a minute and look at society today and the way kids are brought up in the system. I know for a fact. I left The Family myself for about 2 years only to realize those were the worst ones of my life, and that I would not trade my place in The Family for anything. (more…)

My name is Joana D’arc, I’m 20, I Live in Brazil and I’ve been born and raised in the Family International and I sincerely can’t think of a better place to be, live and die.

I’m the type of person who loves quotes and true phrases and there’s one in particular that I’ve adopted as my slogan “You will find, as you look back upon your life that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others.” (more…)

Hi! My name is Gabriela Bianchini Teixeira and I’m 21, born and always lived in Brazil, in different parts of the country.

My parents joined The Family when I was one year old so it’s like I was practically born in The Family. They had five more kids and when I was around 7 my dad decided to leave (not because he was against The Family, but just thought the life style was a little too hard for him) so we all left together. The whole time we were out I always wanted to come back as I really loved the life we had then. My parents always told us that we could go back when we were old enough. So, I waited anxiously till I turned 16 to finally be able to come back. Now my parents are happy I did. (more…)

From Maria van Rheenen
Location: Brazil

I am 21, Dutch/Brazilian by nationality and born and raised in The Family International. After hearing so much slander and filth hurled against what I know and love, I have decided to speak up. Yes, this “uninformed mindless robot” has got something to say.

What is this world coming to? Since when do we let our emotions and hate take us to such extremes? We choose to. And why, may I ask, do the thousands of others who have chosen another path than mine seem to be happy and fulfilled, even highly successful and without the need to blame their inability to get a life on their past. See for yourself. This sad small but vocal minority is again trying to defame us.

Well, guess what, I have had hard times in my life in the Family, though nothing close to what many children here in Rio de Janeiro’s slums go through to survive. (more…)

From Sharon Farrell, 15 years old, Guatemala

I would like to take the chance to express myself about some of the bitter accusations made against us by our apostates and detractors. Personally, I don’t even know how they find time to constantly be slandering the Family and everything else, in my opinion they should live their lives, and let us live ours. Even if they were abused or brainwashed or molested or whatever else they claim happened to them.

I have personally NEVER been abused, brainwashed or molested or whatever else they claim happened to them. Do they really think that we would want to keep on being in the Family if those kinds of things were really happening to us?
(more…)

My name is Cristina, I’m 16 years old, born and raised in Colombia. My parents have both lived in The Family for over 25 years now, and have raised my brothers, sisters and me as true missionaries, for which I’m not ashamed!

When I heard the news about what happened with Ricky and Angela, I thought: How can somebody whom, throughout his whole life in The Family, received attention, unconditional love, and all that they imparted to him, end his life like that, killing someone and then taking his own life too? And the worst of it all is that they want to make us believe that he was the victim? (more…)

My name is David Van Nynatten. I’m 27 years old and I was born in the Family. I am a musician and artist. I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I have grown weary of hearing people speak evil of things I know to be pure, therefore I am compelled to write in response.

Many of my friends and fellow missionaries have written in response to the accusations made by, I’d say, somewhat unhappy, former members of The Family. Some of these admit to have gone through some rough times in the past as do the previously mentioned former members. In their writings many state similar views on how they were not adversely affected by past unjust treatment, but instead consider that they’d been strengthened and have had their character positively built by it all, and consequently hold no grudges.

I guess I can start by asking, what about all the others, literally hundreds, who can honestly say that nothing of the sort really ever happened to them? (more…)

Name: Sara Radicchi Aslund
Age: 20
Location: Brazil

The truth is that I don’t know where to start, but with everything that has happened, I feel compelled to defend what I believe in and try to help you see the other side of the “story”.

I could, of course, reiterate the horror of what has happened and how appalled I am, but hopefully we all know that, its common sense! Murder is not and will never be justifiable. I’ve heard the most atrocious comments made from some former members about what has happened and seeing the way that they are trying to defend murder and justify it is just unbelievable!! How blind can people get?

What puzzles me the most is how people can blindly be accusing Maria who they most probably don’t even know!! Imagine if your son, who you haven’t seen for years and who hasn’t contacted you either, kills someone you love and then takes his own life. And then you get people who didn’t know either of you deciding to blame you for the tragedy. I don’t think there is another soul on earth who would have the ability to handle this situation as bravely as she has. My heart goes out to her and I pray God will give her the strength to bear it. (more…)

As I reflect on the recent tragic events involving the murder of Angela Smith at the hands of Ricky Rodriguez (and Ricky’s own suicide) I can’t help but wonder how long the public can continue to ignore the ironic contradiction, which lies within the purported purpose and existence of the anti-cult movement?

Let’s take a look, for instance, at the classic image of the “dangerous sect” that the anti-cult movement has drummed into us; a movement of abusive, potentially harmful and blindly convinced brainwashed, demented fanatics who will use any and all means toward the furthering of their cause, including abduction, “brainwashing,�