I was a young age when we left “The Family”—my parents myself and two brothers. I can’t quite recall all the details of why we left but we did. We continued to live in a similar manner as we did when we were members of “The Family”. We continued to live communally by faith and held many large gatherings (fellowships) which consisted of Family members and former Family members. These times of fellowship seemed to be pretty positive with everyone sharing a mutual faith and enjoying the company of one another. It was a time where those that were former members could enjoy the same fellowships and unity in worshiping God they had missed and most of them had done without ever since they had left “The Family”.

My parents decided to create a website which was initially designed to be a place where the users, both favorable and unfavorable to “The Family”, could express their views and thoughts towards “The Family”. My parents had become quite popular amongst almost anyone who was associated or formerly associated with “The Family” because of the active part they played with their fellowships, newsletter and website which was created to reach a broader number than had their newsletter. My parents assumed the neutral role towards both sides which caused a number of people from both circles to feel comfortable in their presence which in turn resulted in many visitors, as my parents had always been an open home and well liked by many.

It was about this era when I had started to experience the influence of those who were antagonistic towards “The Family”. As time elapsed and my association with the people of this nature continued, I too found myself growing more antagonistic until I found myself joining in on their conversations and attacking the belief system of “The Family” as well. A neutral could have asked me back then why I felt the negativity toward “The Family” and I would’ve given him/her a run down of reasons, none of which I had experienced first hand or had been shown proof that it had actually taken place, but rather had only been uttered by a convincing presenter.
(more…)

–Teri (25)
– Married, mother of one

Born and raised in the Family–and so NOT ashamed of it!

No, I mean it! While I’m extremely saddened about everything that’s happened of late–my close friend being murdered for no good reason, Ricky brutally taking someone’s life and then taking his own, so many people taking this situation and using it to their own advantage, the media twisting and contorting the truth—this whole situation has strengthened my faith and belief in the Word and has made me so thankful for my upbringing in the Family like never before. And I think I can say the same for many Family members worldwide.

It baffles me that some of you who are attacking us so vehemently do not get the point or have completely forgotten what the scriptures have to say about persecution, not to speak of the numerous times we’ve come out on top and that the Lord has delivered us from attacks such as these. But then again, when I think about it, you are helping to fulfill scripture.

It increases my faith when verses I’ve memorized come to mind, such as: “Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2Tim.3:12)” Wait! Did that say “live godly"? –Hmmm … Interesting! We must be doing something right! (more…)

From Tim, second-generation member of The Family International

This whole situation really saddens me. It’s really hard to think about what has happened, as I knew both Ricky and Angela very well. I lived with Ricky for quite a while in WS, and worked with him. I considered him my friend. He was the type of person who valued his friends, and had something good to say about everyone. If you were having a bad day, and someone seriously bugged you, and he heard you say something about them, he would always interject something positive about the person. That’s just the way he was.

Ricky liked challenges. He was always learning new things, and was especially gifted in fixing electronic equipment. I admired his talents, since they were ones that I didn’t have. I had different talents and abilities, but whenever I didn’t know how to do something, he would help me out, and vise versa.

Ricky and I had a friendship that I considered strong. Even though we had different lives and friends, we enjoyed many of the same things. We both enjoyed sports. We were a great volleyball team together. We sometimes enjoyed biking and running on the beach. We did many things together that I was sad to lose when he left our home. But I was happy for him, that he was going on to do what he felt led to do on the mission field. I still remember the day he left. He was positive and happy.

I’m sharing this here, not just to honor Ricky’s memory, but also to explain how surprised I was to begin hearing later some of the things that he was saying, and that he didn’t even want to have contact with anyone from the Family, including those of us he used to live with, people who never did anything to hurt or harm him or anyone else, people who really loved him and Elixir a lot. It was hard to understand how people he had previously had many good times and wonderful memories with were now considered enemies, and that those experiences which were formerly good experiences were now being retold as being bad and abusive. I mean, come on! How does that happen?! One day you’re friends, and the next you’re enemies?! (more…)

By Regi Roselle, 28, second-generation member of the Family International.

A year and a half ago I sent my immediate family an email announcing the birth of our second daughter, and a photo. Most responded with the usual congratulations and well wishes. My brother’s reply however, read:

Regina,
You work for Zerby, a mentally damaged and damaging woman. I don’t consider you my sister. With future births, please leave me off your emailing list.

Daniel

* * *

It wasn’t always like this. Daniel and I were born 18 months apart and spent much of our lives as each others’ shadow–like most siblings I suppose. I looked up to him as my smart big brother with incredible imagination. He was always doing something creative: exploring, dressing up as famous characters, or building something. He seemed to make friends so easily. I wanted so much to be like him. (more…)

Veronica Giordano Mackinnon
26 years old

I’ve been in the Family since I was four. I personally consider my life a privileged one. I’ve lived in seven different countries and visited more. I’ve learned 4 languages and live a full life where I feel fulfilled and happy. I wouldn’t trade this life I have for any other.

One of the first things that came to my mind when I heard of the deaths of Ricky and Angela and the outrageous accusations our detractors are coming up with was how proud I am to be in the Family, how thankful I am to Maria and Peter and, of course, Father David, for making this Family what it is, for taking it always forward with the humility and courage to change things when they didn’t work anymore. That’s one of the things that makes us different.
(more…)

Angie Tomassini Jacques, 24, second-generation member of the Family International.

This is not a dream … this is not a dream … this is not a dream. It doesn’t get through, no matter how many times I tell myself so.

In modern-day society we have all become so familiar with the concept of murder and suicide. We see it in movies all the time hear and read it in the news everyday. When did this become the norm? Why do such thoughts even cross one’s mind? I’ll tell you why, because this is a twisted world we live in, with twisted morals, twisted teachers of twisted values. Each one looking out only for himself while trampling others down if need be to suit their agenda. (more…)

By Leila E., 28 years old, second-generation member of the Family International.

I think every parent, when they have their first child, looks back on the way they were raised, and they make decisions regarding how they will apply what they’ve gone through in their own life to how they will raise their child. You look at the happy times, the fun times, you look at the experiences you remember as pleasant, even the things that weren’t so fun, but were necessary in making you who you are today, and you want to bring those things to life in your own child. You also look at the things that hurt you, things you disliked and you swear you’ll never let those things happen to your child.

In the Family today, I would venture to say that close to 80% of the children are third generation children. They are our children, those of us who were raised in the Family, and who were the “victims” of a lot of what the Family has been accused of for the last 20 or 30 years. What I’d like to know is why our detractors are still harping on the same issues, when we’ve all grown up. We’re adults now, and so, no, we don’t need to be rescued. We have children now, and we intend on raising those children as best as we possibly can. (more…)

From Marianne Cutting, 21, second-generation member of the Family

The ironic hug that followed, coupled with the rhetorical words, “This hurts me more than it hurts you,” had made me angry and stiff as a board. “If they expect me to believe that, they obviously have never felt the fly swatter.”

Ok, so I was naughty, I got spanked, I got silence restriction, constructive get out, K.P. [kitchen patrol], missed movies, and scribbled tedious writing assignments.

But whenever I think back on my childhood, these things are hardly memorable, and at the most something I laugh at or am proud of.

Am I weird? Possibly.

I am, after all, in a supposed sex cult. Good thing too. This way my mediocre childhood hardships will afford me extraordinary sympathy, should I eventually choose to leave the Family. (more…)

From Gabe, second-generation former member.

I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Gabe, commonly known as Gabe, I am an X member of TF [The Family], why, and why am I giving a conclusion in my conclusion instead of in the moving on page, I’ll get to that also, sooner or later I think and hope.

I am an X because I have a problem with weed. Yep, that’s it folks, I do, and I guess that has stopped me from being up there with the rest of you. But I was in TF for many years living in Brazil.

I remember much in ‘86 when we lived in Curitiba with some people that nowadays are called “abusers” in TF. (more…)

From R., a female second-generation former member.

Hi, I’m 21 and left the Family when I was 18. I’ve got 5 siblings, some in the Family and some out. Some that still believe in God and the Family, others choosing, and some that don’t.

The main reason I left was that I didn’t find my place in the Family and wanted to study. (more…)

My name is Priya Desruisseaux I am 16 years old & this is my statement.

I choose of my own free will to be in The Family International.

I choose to follow Jesus & Maria because I believe they have the truth.

I choose to serve the Lord as a full time missionary because that’s what He has called me to do. It’s not easy, nor is it for everyone, but don’t you think that I should be allowed to give my life to help others & obey the Bible without the constant slandering of my faith? (more…)

I’m not a very eloquent person, and my English is not that good, as Spanish is my first language, but here I am SPEAKING UP for “The Family International” which I’m proud of being part of!

My name is Luz Stella Solano. I’m 22 years old. I was born in Colombia, and raised in The Family International.

I just wanted to let you know that I don’t regret one single thing of my entire life. (more…)

From Dan (23), second generation member of the Family.

Living in WS, and being part of the WEB team, I’ve known about this site since day one, but it’s been what though, two weeks? Two and a half now? and I’ve still not contributed. I’ve been known to write a little every now and then so all my friends have been asking me, “Why haven’t you written anything?” and “When are you going to write something?” It’s not that I haven’t wanted to, I just haven’t felt like I have had enough of a ‘conclusion’ to my thoughts to tell all of you about it. I’ve been thinking about ways to try to pull it all together into some kind of a topic, theme, or central point, but I just haven’t really gotten anywhere.

But, like Archimedes, I too had my Eureka in the bath (well, shower) tonight, and I leaped out naked and wet to write something without form, order, or outline. I’m a Virgo and this isn’t usually my style, but since I just haven’t been able to wrap my thoughts around any sort of binding theme, my great breakthrough was that I can just throw them all up here random-like and see what happens.

Here’s a good starter: I love the Family. (more…)

(From a second-generation former member)

My name is Mark Elder and I’m 32, or was it 31. Oh well, I’m getting senile before my time. I guess I wanted to put my two cents in on what happened with David [Ricky Rodrigues].

A quick history: I left the Family when I was 19 and rejoined for a year when I was 28 and then left again and ended up spending another month in Sara and Alf’s home a few months later before finally moving on for good. Most people who knew me in the Family would say that I was a nice guy as well, and would probably have good things to say about me, aside from my leaving the Family.

I used to consider myself a good person too. But in the course of my life I’ve learned a lot about human nature, from others, and a great deal from myself. I know what it’s like to go from being the Family’s most ardent supporter, to feeling hate and bitterness towards the Family to the point of wanting to take action against it. (more…)

My name is David de Gaalon. I am 13. I was born in Denmark. I’ve lived in 5 countries and visited about 3 or 4 other countries.

In my 13 years in the Family I can truly say that I have never been abused. I have been home schooled all my life and my life in the Family has been happy, fun and fulfilling! And there is no place on this earth I would rather be!

I have two loving wonderful parents, who have never, in any way abused me, so don’t be so quick to say that kids in the Family are abused. (more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

My name is Katrina Dove, daughter of Paul & Terry Theophilus. I am 36 years old & have been in the Family International since the age of 6. I consider my self a child of the Family; in fact I often say I grew up with the Family. I am the proud mother of 8 children & have been a Family teacher since the age of 21 & before that for three years an assistant teacher. I have taught Family kids in Japan, Brazil, the USA, East Europe & more… I can also cook, sew, organize children’s show troupes, & have a few other talents for which I give the fact that I grew up in the Family credit, including the gift of being able to adapt to many different types of cultures.

I feel the need to contribute to the voices that I’m sure will speak up for the Family, Mama, Peter, & all we hold dear. (I started to write this before the new site www.myconclutions.com was set up, & now I am proud to say that there are many).
(more…)

My name is Michele Dawn, I am 28 years old. I was born and raised in “The Family”. I have a wonderful, sweet daughter Anisha Ryann who is now 5 years old. I have lived in a number of countries during my years growing up in “The Family”. One of the main ministries I have been involved in has been the care of our precious Children.

The appalling Murder of Angela and the consequent suicide of Ricky Rodriguez both shocked and disturbed me. There are 2 main things that disturb me most, first of all the loss of life as I believe life is precious; second and perhaps most disturbing is what followed: That there are those who will stoop to such low levels as to try and blame a murder on the victim; and excusing the one who committed the murder. I am sorry but that is just inconceivable. Those who say these things have an agenda and only one thing on their mind and that is to try and destroy what Angela lived for and what I am still living for. Their accusations against the Family has caused me to look back at my life in “The Family” and see it for what it really is, I have reflected on my upbringing and experiences in the Family. When I looked back this is what I saw: (more…)

My name is Steven, I’m 20 years old and was born in the Family International. I’m sending this to you, as a young person having grown up in the family, expressing my feelings on the Family.

What’s most important to me is nothing more than to share the great upbringing I’ve received in the Family. The older I grow and the more I learn and look around, the more I realize how much I’ve gained.

I’m happy with who I am, even with all my imperfections and shortcomings.

The Family’s brought out the best in me.
(more…)

My name is Jewel Woerter. I have grown up in the Family; I’m 20 years old. By now, you should think someone my age old enough to “think” for themselves and make their own decisions and I am. No one has forced me or anyone else for that matter to be in the Family. In fact I have been encouraged to make my own decisions from a very early age. So yes, of my own free will I have chosen this lifestyle and I love it.

If I were to use one word to describe life in the family it would be “fantastic.” (more…)

From Gabriel Glaser (age 25), South Africa

I’m a second generation member of the Family, and like most people I was shocked and saddened to hear of Angela’s murder and Ricky’s subsequent suicide. Unfortunately I have to say most people, as I’ve seen articles and internet postings that not only condone this vicious murder, but go on to call for more! In my book anyone who can coldly praise a murderer and say that they wish he had managed to kill even more is about as sick as they come, and these are the same people who are now gleefully sending you their malicious slander.

I know their supposedly “true life stories” are shocking, and I realize that this is a juicy story that is just too good to miss, but I want to give you the opportunity to hear the other side as well. (more…)

I Just Have one little thing to say….

We are, Men and Women of Faith, and there is nothing, that anyone, be it man or woman or even the Devil himself and all his little demons, can do to stop us.
(more…)

From James Olinger, Age 19

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do,”

Those words are perhaps the most defining statement of ultimate Christianity and sacrifice. But sadly my Christian morals were not there when I heard this tragic news. Sure I could use the excuse that it’s only perfectly human to feel those emotions of anger and desire for retribution when you hear a member of your family was murdered brutally. Then seeing her name slandered across the national media as being the cause of the crime. Or when blatant lies from embittered individuals fill the national media regarding the nature of the crime, but enough that is not why I write.

I’m not writing this out of a nature to promote how excellent my Christian values are that I can forgive, or how I overcame the hate, yes hate, at how biased and depraved this world has become. No, to give in to such anger and hate would make me party to the same spirit that permeates the air whenever a crime such as this is committed. But I cannot be silent, true I never met Angela nor knew her but she was still a member of my family, our family. A family that is a haven of peace and love that is being so brutally attacked and maligned. True it is made of humans that are not beings of perfection but the very notion that this loving family is being compared to the scum of all beliefs that we humans hold dear defies reason itself. (more…)

After hearing what happed to Ricky and Angela, I was stunned, shocked, horrified, and saddened by the news. And I must say that I was just as horrified how some of our former members try to justify Ricky’s actions toward Angela.

Some people may tell you that the Family is an abusive place to be raised, and that this caused Ricky to seek revenge. First, all I have to say is that the Family is not an abusive place to be raised. I have NEVER been abused. And when I say “never” I mean “never”. And secondly people have there own personal choice of what to do. Pete made his own choices that others had nothing to with.

Take an example of King Solomon. He was the king’s son, so he must have had the best education any one would be able to get at that time. Also his father must have taught him many things, concerning wisdom, knowledge, training in the ways of the Lord, etc. But what happened to him? He turned away from the Lord. Why? It certainly wasn’t because of his tutors or caretakers or his parents, was it? It was because of his own personal choice to do so, and because of the bad influence he got form his wives.
(more…)

My name is Knight. My parents are Arthur and Becky of ‘King Arthur’s nights’ notoriety. Born in London, UK, in 1975, I am one of many ‘fruits’ of the Family and our controversial FFing practice. I am 29 years old.

I’ve lived in 10 countries throughout my life, and traveled to over 40. I speak some Russian, Spanish, English and pieces of other languages. I have six brothers and sisters who have also been raised in the Family. My two brothers are no longer members of the Family, but have moved on and have found their niche in secular life. I love them dearly, respect their decisions and wish them luck. They are my brothers in flesh and spirit and always will be! My parents, sisters and I remain in the Family. Two are in India, one is in the US and one in the Middle East. They are angels and saints working, living and toiling in their lives for the Lord on the mission field. Some have families of their own. I have the utmost respect and admiration for them.

My parents raised our gang on the road, after living and working closely with Dad and Maria for a couple years in the 70s. During and after the RNR, they served the Family in a ‘Visiting Shepherd’ capacity. During that time we traveled Europe for approximately three years, and then transferred to Peru for two years or so. We moved again to India where I lived for six years, then to Argentina for three years. I then moved to the US for three years, Russia for about one year and have been working behind the scenes since 1997. I’m currently working in an administrational Home as a Handyman. I have an awesome girlfriend. I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled.

(more…)

My name is Marie and I’m 19 years old. I can’t imagine my life without the Family. I most likely would have ended up cooking in some hot kitchen or waiting tables while desperately trying to find some place safe enough to keep the baby my boyfriend left me with. If this sounds like any one you know I’m sorry. Maybe they should think about joining the Family. I’m not kidding; we can help you in any area of your life. All we ask is that you live for others and share all that you have like they did (the disciples of old).

Life is a beautiful thing, only in the Family have I been given the opportunity to live it to its full. Here I have every window open to me and the freedom to live my dreams.

I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’m never afraid of the future, and why should I be? I’ve been raised to believe that only God holds the future, and as our Father he wants what’s best for us and will never leave us comfortless. I know Jesus had a plan for our dear loved one’s death and I know she is happier now. Where in your system can you find this complete and totally satisfaction, this freedom from fear. Nothing can take away the joy I have and I thank my parents for showing me the way.
Have you nothing better to do with your time then to bash at those who have found happiness? I would never turn away from the calling the Lord has given me; I would never forsake my crown. Only heaven will tell who is free in the end, but I chose to live my heaven on earth. (more…)

Francis Salva
Age 18
Second generation Family member

It saddens me that folks that where once our friends and part of our Fellowship have taken on such negative views and become so bitter and hateful towards us. I just don’t know what to think about the ones that have taken it upon themselves to attack us through their accusations and in some cases lies which seem to always be aimed at first generation Family members. I am angry that they have the nerve to even suggest that my Dad and Mom are child abusers. Listen, every one that has met or knows my Parents are impressed by their missionary work and have to admit that they are good Christians that have a strong and very real love for God. Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments,” Jn. 14:15. Those of the first generation in The Family have done the will of God and His work at great personal sacrifice. If you think of that it is easy to see that they must truly love the Lord and be his Children. That’s what being a Christian is all about, Loving God; not just with your words but by deeds of love, by doing the job He has given you to do, and loving our fellow men as ourselves. That, I believe, is the passion or every Family member, first and second generation alike.

I have two older brothers who after doing missionary work in Brazil for two year decided that they wanted to pursue something different with their lives. I would just like to say that even after being away for three years they still love The Family International. They still often talk about the fun things they did and the missionary work they where a part of while in The Family. They actually brag about it to their friends, “Oh yea, I lived in Brazil for two year I was involved in volunteer missionary work.” I am glad (but not surprised) that the majority by far of folks who where in The Family International but for different reasons decided to leave have very positive things to say and good memories of their time as a member of The Family. That should make anyone think twice before believing the accusations and stories from our apostates and the muck that they are feeding the media. Jesus said, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit:", Mat. 7:18. I challenge any one to visit our communities and see the work we do and the way we live with an open mind and heart and decide for themselves.

My name is Christina Stratton. I am 20 years old, and have been a part of the Family International since I was three years old , when my mom rejoined the group.
That was the best decision she could have made for me in my life. Believe it or not, I can remember at two years old, how sad and lonely I was going to day care. But that all changed when my mom , myself and two older brothers joined the Family. I grew up in the best place possible. I wasn’t lonely like I had been, because I was surrounded by love, from my friends, my mom and those I lived with. Unlike my mother who grew up with a mother who screamed at her, drank too much, did not respect her decisions and did not show her the love she needed. I know some people who complain about when they were in the Family how they moved around too much and how it affected them negatively. I loved it, I loved moving around. When I was young, I remember even being envious of other children who had lived in at least 4 countries by the age of ten, while I had only lived in one. I was given a chance to excel in school, and was often ahead in my class as a child. (more…)

Hi, I’ll start Speaking Out by saying a little bit about my life. You have the right to believe what you want after this, but in my opinion making a well rounded decision or forming a well rounded opinion is; hearing BOTH SIDES of a story first and only then voicing and making my public opinion.

My name is Andrew Harder I am 22 years old born in Brazil. My dad is American and my mom is Brazilian. I was born in the group currently known as “The Family International” and I lived in it till I was 7 years old, which was when my parents decided to take a break from their full time service in The Family and move on to a place of lesser commitment currently known as the FM (Fellow Member) Family.

According to what our bitter former members allege, we young people are in the Family because we don’t know any better, that if we could “only see” what life outside the group is about, we would choose other than to dedicate our lives to such a horrendous group and cause, which believes in dedicating themselves fulltime to helping others and spreading the love of Jesus.

I have a lot of vivid memories of my childhood in the Family up until the age of 7 and can affirm with all certainty that I was not abused either physically, sexually, or emotionally, neither have I heard or seen any of my friends suffering any kind of abuses. I know several Family members and former members around my age (which according to some, is a generation of abused kids) who can all attest to the same thing. What I think of when I hear these stories and lies is, “What the hell is wrong with these people?” (more…)

From Celeste Muñoz, (22, of Arthur, mother of 2 and 1 more on the way!)

If you think your lies, past or present made up stories and murmurs are quenching our faith in the Family… well, you’ve got it all wrong! In fact, when I read your complaints and articles it makes me all the more sick and upset at the world and how its gotten you all so messed up and it makes me wanna fight to remain in the Family all the more!

So quit wasting your time and do something good with your life and let me take care of my own. It’s ok if you don’t want to remain in the Family; we respect your decisions and choice in life, but then, for God’s sake, MOVE ON! Quit complaining and bringing up the past, and respect our decisions too.

It’s a new day—we’re living in the present, moving on and building our future. If you don’t want to that’s fine, rot away in your own mire and filth but don’t try to drag us there with you out of pride and self-pity. Get a life! I’m convinced of my choice in life and your lies don’t move me a bit! (more…)

My name is Daniel Johnston and I’ve been in the Family for the 18 years of my life. I’m sick of reading about disgruntled ex-members and people who are trying to tear the Family down. Get over it! I don’t care what past hurts and other idiocys you are hanging on to. The past is done, get on with your lifes and let us do the same with ours. We are here to stay, so help us God. I love this life and there is nothing in this world or the next that can pull me away from it.

Do you think all the lies about us are actually going to hurt us as a group? Or the slanderous newspaper articles and TV shows, or whatever you come up with next? No way! It’s only going to make us fight harder for what we believe, and you are going to rue the day that you first touched us.

Here’s a warning for you who are attacking us. Maybe you don’t believe in God anymore, but it stands just the same, because I do.

Consider yourselves warned.

“Now refrain from these men and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of man it shall come to nought, but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it LEST HAPLY YE BE FOUND EVEN TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD!” Acts 5: 38,39

Dan

Name: Jon-A
Age: 28 years old, born and raised in The Family
Parents: Peter Amsterdam and Abi

I have been greatly disturbed by this pointless loss of life. I knew both Angela and Ricky, and still cannot quite comprehend the needless death that took place. It’s not every day someone you knew well was murdered, and rarer still, someone you knew who just four years earlier seemed like a normal individual, change to the point where he’d be willing to take the life of someone as sweet and harmless as Angela. I’m telling you, everyone reading this has done more harm to others through unloving acts than Angela, she was truly an angel.

Writing is not something that comes easy for me or that I enjoy doing, but the wish to have my voice heard overrides that difficulty. I’ve been hearing far too long about the “many” vocal former members, and have seen some of their threatening website postings, so I was thrilled that someone put up a site like this, and even more so by the 200+ young people who have stepped forward so far to contribute with their views and condolences.

I wanted to add my personal story and views on growing up in the Family, “abuse” in the past, and some thoughts on current claims from our detractors.
(more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

By Jude Osborn (a.k.a Kevin Kanwayte)

Apparently my son Kevin Junior is an evil, menacing 4-year-old villain. Why? Because from what I’ve heard, somewhere out there are maybe two or three dozen brave hostile ex-member men and women who will stop at nothing to foil his sinister plans for world domination through playing with cars and running around with Spiderman underwear on his head.

If he were old enough I imagine Kevin would have a thin, curly, evil mustache. If his head was large enough I guess he’d sport a tall, black, evil top hat. And most importantly, he might regularly let loose a long, evil cackle, except that he’s too busy moisturizing the air with car noises. What a chilling picture of pure evil.

But do not cower in fear, good citizens! You can sleep in peace knowing that the self-styled forces of good are at work to bring to justice the forces of apparent evil. All over the world are intrepid heroes, sitting behind computer desks, feverishly typing web site posts with titles like “Let’s #$%!@ those @#)$& retarded Family !@*(&^#$^ for making me mop floors when I was 11!” Their unforgettable name: “Team Apostate!”
(more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family International)

A few words of introduction: I’m 35 years old and have been in the Family since the age of three when my parents joined the Children of God. I’ve lived through pretty much every part of the Children of God/The Family International’s history, and lived in Homes on almost every continent.

I’ve been saddened and appalled by the recent events involving the brutal murder of Angela Smith by Ricky Rodriguez, but I’m even more appalled by the rewriting of history that is being perpetrated both by Ricky before his death, and bitter former members who are using this tragedy as a platform for avowed goal of harming and destroying the Family. As someone who for years lived with both Ricky and Angela, I can’t just stand by and watch the news media make a mockery of the memory of such a saint as Angela was by the twisting of the truth, whether intentionally, or unwittingly playing into the hands of those intent on causing us harm to justify their own choices in life.
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From Techi, (sister of Ricky Rodriguez)

I think that now, after nearly two weeks, the horror of what Ricky did has finally sunk in.—But I still don’t understand how he could have done it, or why. I guess it’s almost harder for me to believe that Angela is really gone. It’s just not something that should have happened to her, of all people. I just can’t imagine how any human being could do what Ricky did to Angela, someone who was completely innocent, and so full of love. Much less someone who knew her so well, knew her for his whole life, as did I. He knew exactly the kind of person she was, knew all the countless instances that she went out of her way to love and help those around her.

Angela wasn’t one of those alleged “horrible, horrible cultists who deserve to die for what they did” as he made her out to be on that terrible, terrible video. It’s unbelievable. I think everyone who knew her loved her to pieces. She was simply an incredible, great, wonderful person.
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From Amie O., 26, second-generation member of the Family International.

My name is Amie, I’m 26 years old, and I just wanted to say a few words about the recent Ricky and Angela murder/suicide “nightmare.”

It’s unbelievable! I knew both Ricky and Angela, so it’s pretty close to home. Ricky was always a very nice guy, and I liked him a lot. I lived in the same Home with him and his wife—and Ricky’s mother—for over two years, between June 1997 and early 2000. He was a nice, kind, friendly guy. But sometime after he left and apparently got into contact with a small group of people who seem to have a vendetta against The Family, he started speaking against his mother and against the Family, and getting into violence and all kinds of horrible things.

Here is an excerpt of a note that I sent to Ricky’s mother in 2002, after Ricky had started threatening to kill her and “take down” The Family:
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My name is Kerenina & when I was little I used to proudly tell my friends, “I’m the same age as Davidito!”

It’s very hard for me to put into words how I felt about what happened. It is very, very sad. I want to express my condolences to the loved ones of those who passed away.

I was really hoping that Ricky would come ‘round or somehow be able to get on with his life rather than turn to hate. I’m sorry to say this to his friends, but it seems you did a very poor job with helping him to “move on"!

From 1995 till early 2003, I lived in East Africa. When you live there & work with the poor, the street children & slum people, or even if you just read the local newspaper daily, your perspective on the terms “abused” & “senseless loss of life” are very defined. These people who say they want justice & want to protect others & make things better & safer ought to take a good look at their own perspective.

I grew up in the Family & in some ways you might call my childhood sheltered. I never experienced anything bad, no sexual abuse, no extreme discipline, etc. This was while my family was travelling through a myriad of countries, working with a wide variety of people. I have no complaints about having had a “sheltered” upbringing, even though it may have made things that I faced as a young adult difficult to comprehend or come to grips with. (more…)

I found out today that I’m a member of, and I quote, “Historically, one of the most horrifically abusive and destructive cults in American history!'’ How sensational! Now this was said by an obviously Very Knowledgeable Man, most likely with a degree in something or other.

As you can very well imagine, I’m shocked and appalled! No bleeping way!! You mean to tell me that my whole life has been spent in this “destructive and abusive” environment and I and my family have somehow managed to remain unscathed and un-abused?!

Right.
No.

This scholar must have done arduous and extensive research…like maybe in the dumpsters of the National Enquirer. I almost have to laugh. Almost. But it isn’t a laughing matter any more when someone (face it, it could’ve been me) is brutally murdered to support this lie. Someone, who from every account I’ve heard was a kind, loving woman. Now, how that’s Justice escapes me. Wow. It leaves me shaking my head and blinking in wonderment. Even more baffling, is that there are those among the more “enlightened” and “intelligent” of our apostates (apostate n: a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.) and a couple media sources who have used this tragedy as a springboard for their hate, implying (I’m taking this personally) that it was somehow my fault. It’s enough to make one completely lose faith in humanity. Thankfully, I have a broader perspective, I have a higher purpose to my life, without which, in all honesty, I would most likely suffer from extreme depression and the apathy that seems to have numbed the majority of the general public. (more…)

Hi! My name is James Michael and I am a fifteen year old teen in the Family. I just wanted to let you know that there’s NOTHING wrong with the Family at all. The people in Family are great! There always someone you can turn to if you need help. The people in the Family are also always willing to help someone in whatever way they without charging a cent. How many people do you know, who would do that??? There is also lots of love in the family. This is what really happened to my best friend. His mom was very sick with cancer, was disabled and unable to work. She was so sick that the doctors gave her about six months to live. There was another family that lived very close to them. They took my best friend’s family into their