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…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By 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…)

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…)

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…)

My name is Clare Costello, I’m 22 years old and have been a full-time member of the Family International my whole life. Basically everything I wanted to say has been said (many times over) on this site, so this is just to add my name to the list of second generation members who are happy doing what they love most, and that is serving the Lord in this wonderful Family. I am so proud to be counted with this jolly group of Jesus freaks–to hell with what the rest of the world thinks!! I love you all. Keep the faith! (more…)

By Sho, 15, Japan.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

I really think the Family is the best place that I’ve ever been. Although I’ve only been here for 15 years (and am kind of stupid), I know that the Family is the place for me.

I read that Davidito message and was disgusted at what lengths people could go to try to get us. But like the song goes “THEY’RE NOT GONNA GET US!!!” They can’t stop our rain. After reading that message I was motivated even more to reach the world before the times of troubles. (more…)

By Rosie Paone-Bruni, 17, USA.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

I heard the news a little while ago. How are you? I hope you’re doing okay and are happy where you are now. I’m praying for you, I hope you know.

I feel the need to write you a personal note and express to you my sentiments on the recent course of events. First I want to tell you how much I love you. How much I always looked up to you and appreciated all the good in you. For so long you were an example to me of what I wanted to be. Thank you for that. I know you’re in a good place now where you’ll be in good Hands, but I still do pray for you. No matter what you’ve done in the past, you’ll never lose the love of at least one Person. The Lord will never forsake you. But I wanted you to know that none of us have forsaken you either. We will always still love you and care about you. You’ll never stop being a part of us. (more…)

Name: Davida Maria Martel Dias.
Age: 20
Location: Gambia-West Africa
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I’ve come here today to take a stand alongside my fellow brothers and sisters. Reading what each one had to say is very encouraging and uplifting, and I’d like to say “thank you” to all you apostates—yes, thank you! All this stir up that you have caused will only serve to strengthen our cause. It unites us and it forces us to once again take a stand and be strengthened. You know that! I’m sure you remember…or have you also forgotten that, along with how you’ve forgotten what a wonderful place you grew up in, the amazing upbringing you’ve had, and the great, caring people whom surrounded you?

I stopped to think about the accusations you are bringing up against ME. One in particular stood out to me, how you’ve said I’m brainwashed and controlled, that I’m being told what to do and what to say. At first that was an insult and a bit offensive, but then I stopped and thought about it a little more and realized…actually, in a way, yes, I’m being told what to do!! I follow Jesus (Love) and He tells me what to do! I’m His servant, I love Him, I chose to be His follower and to do all He tells me to do…and guess what?? I’m happy with the results! I’m happy with where I’m heading and what I’m doing with my life. Are you? (more…)

Maya Stone, 29, Texas.
Second-generation Family member.

To paraphrase a song by Toby Keith, “Proud to be an American” which expresses my feelings about the Family…

“I am proud to be, to be a member in this Family. I am proud to be in this Family where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget those who gave that right to me.”

My name is Maya Stone and I am 29 years old. I am a second generation Family Missionary who lives in Texas. I am happily married to Tim Stone (also a second generation Family member). We have been married for 8 years now, we have 4 lovely daughters, whom we love dearly and want to give the best of lives.

To give you a brief background, I am the 2nd child in a family of seven. I was born and raised in this Family. My beliefs are that of a Christian. My parents joined the Children of God in the 1970’s (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…)

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…)

My name is Jeffrey Lykins. I am 11 years old, and I have a couple of questions to ask of those people who are persecuting us, the Family.

My brother was Josh, his death being one they are using against the Family. [A Family] which I am blessed to be part of.

(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…)

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…)

By Mariana Buhring, 24, Senegal.
Second-generation Family member.

A friend of mine recently wrote me in “concern” that I am still in the Family International, a Christian missionary group dedicated to serving one sole purpose—that of doing the best we can, in whatever way we can, to show the world a little sample of God’s love. A love that made Him give us His Son, a man called Jesus, who came to Earth 2,000 years ago to live with us and show us that love, a love so pure and so powerful that there were those who could not handle it and tried to get rid of it by brutally torturing, beating and killing the One who was the embodiment of this Love!

As I sit writing this first paragraph, I wonder why I’ve started out by recounting this story, one that we are all familiar with especially more recently. I have wanted to write some flaming rebuttal to all the latest accusations that have once again been flung at our small minority group, (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…)

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…)

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…)

(Admin note: Please be cautioned. Not for young/sensitive readers.)

Name: Nyx Martinez
Location: Africa
Second-generation member of the Family International

I have no need or desire to discuss issues of child abuse within the Family. Too many words are wasted on what the public wants to hear. I come to walls at times trying to publish articles which must be first sliced and diced by the editors, so that their readers will digest it better.

Since you have started reading this page, countless children have been abused. (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.

Hello, I love you, and God bless you to anyone who reads this! I’m Olivia, 15 years old and a second generation member of the Family international. I have read many amazing stories and articles posted by my fellow members of the Family on this site and it has been a truly encouraging and uplifting thing for me. I was also born and raised in the Family, but I was not able to partake of the wonderful benefits of travel and the experience that comes with it as my parents did most of their traveling before I was born and when I was only a small child. As my family grew to 8 children it became more and more difficult to travel so my parents decided to settle down in a city called New Orleans. I have lived there since my birth, a very unusual thing for a child raised in the Family. Although it was a struggle for my parents financially they gave me all that they could in the way of both physical needs and spiritual. (more…)

My name is Gina Wilson, 29 yrs.,– status (FM). I am glad to have this forum in which to comment on such a sad and shocking situation because I think it is one of those times we are forced to reflect on what life means and what our beliefs are. I didn’t know either Angela or Ricky personally, yet I am feeling the effects of these events. What I do know is that our spiritual life is the most personal thing we have. It is ourselves as an individual spirit before our Creator.

Every person is in a different stage of development spiritually, and God sees us each separately, never comparing us one with another. Our conscience is our guide; a gift given to speak to us. We know deep down of each little choice we make whether it is in line with our conscience and we have peace, or we are justifying something for our own self-satisfaction. This is true of every tiny decision we face, constant tests big and small: and only God sees and shares this process with us. This is life, and no one gets away from it. (more…)

Second-generation member of The Family International

I am writing this statement in defense of my personal beliefs which I feel has been attacked far too many times in recent years and as such I would like to set the record straight.

My name is Nicholas D. Zalevich; I am Canadian and 20 years old. I have lived for all of my life inside the religious group known as “The Family International” and have lived in more then 10 countries around the globe. I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters, some of which remain as me inside this group, while others have chosen to make a life for themselves elsewhere. I have been appalled to hear of some of the stories and accusations that some disgruntled ex-members of our group have been leveling against our group. The list of the accusations go on and on but I find the most interesting one, and when I say interesting I mean the most absurd, is that young people in our group have no free choice, and are manipulated by the older “leaders” of our group. I would find this a funny accusation if it were not such a sad pathetic one. (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…)

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…)

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…)

Dear Daniel,

Hi, my name is Bonita. I don’t know if you remember me. I was just one of the many who came through your Home hoping to rejoin the Family. I was 12 then. I’m 22 now and here’s a little background.

I grew up more or less FM (TS at the time). In most of my formative years all I knew of the Family was the Word that my Mom read with all of us each morning. (more…)

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

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

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…)

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

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

Name: Jonathan Brown
Age: 20
Location: Mexico (Mexico State)
Nationality: Canadian/Italian

First thing I want to say is to tell all of you who posted on this site to Rock on, keep the faith and keep serving Jesus Christ in spite of any who would try to stop us or deter us from our mission of changing this world as best we can. And to those who are no longer in The Family, I admire and thank you. Rock on likewise.

On the subject of abuse, I myself was never abused and neither were any of the kids that grew up with me. I lived for over 5 years in what we called a “Combo” which happened to be one of the largest in Southern Europe, so the traffic going through that community was a fair amount. (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…)