Dear Editor,

I met the Family in 1971, Los Angeles, California, and was amazed at the constant word references used by the then members. I did not join immediately, only later after having again spent some time with them in Montreal, PQ, Canada. Finally I joined in Europe, in 1973 and stayed with the Family until 1995, when I left to avoid some conflicts, mostly with myself. However, at no time during all these years did I ever find our top leadership corrupt, untrue or even slightly inclined to any sort of abuse, whether child abuse or otherwise.

Neither did I gather any evidence of financial irregularities, dishonesty or violent behavior. Rather meeting The Family is for me a true lifesaver and anchor on the road back home to reconcile with God. In fact, it was myself who left due to my inadequacy and somewhat less than acceptable conduct in the sight of our Lord, and surely in the eyes of some of my brethren., Peter, or Ditto (David) Rodriguez as he was also known, was not compelled to commit the crimes he did, and at no point is it realistic to point the finger at the Family as a unit to blame them for David’s confessed guilt. He blames others for his weakness and desires, just as Cain did. In fact, Eve in the Garden blames Satan’s proxy the serpent for her sin; the blame game is Old Hat.

The Enemy of Christ is anyone who is anti-Christ in orientation, and obviously they will not hesitate to bring reproach on Christ and The Family whenever the occasion arises. Our friends know the truth, our enemies don’t care about the truth, and the large group of indifferent people in the world couldn’t care less; in short, my testimony as to the genuine Holy Spirit sanctified saints of The World Services Family is now recorded for anyone’s use, and it is irrevocable before God forever.

Best Regards

L. K. Davidson
New Delhi, India

My name is Alfred Yuuichirou Cloward, I’m 15, I’ve been born in Japan (have been here ever since) I was born and raised in the Family (or offically known as the family international) and I can proudly say that I like my life, I like the where I am, I like what I do, and I can truly say that I have never (no wait…NEVER!) been abused! (as some have assumed)

I honestly feel this is where I want to be, think about it, out there I’d be slaving away for 6 days a week and at the end what would I have to show for it? hmmmmmm… well minus the bills on the car, the apartment, and everything else I’d have to purchase, probably have a bit of cash left to spend on whatever I want, and then what? well back to work in the slave line of half a million people who are doing the exact same thing that I am? which is you may ask? nothing! Honestly, this place may not be for everyone, but I have to live for something! and this place is it. It’s sorta like a quote from George Burns that I heard once “I’d much rather be a failure, at something I love, then be a success at something I hate” well that’s my heartcry too, I’d much rather spend my life doing something for others, something that will make a difference, than spend my days working like a horse to keep up with the bills! besides I’m prepping up for the greatest show the world’s ever seen, and I’m stickin here come hell or high water!

So you can flush your “assumed” version of what life is like here, down the drain because I for one am not buying it! Go find a real job instead of creating fanatasy stories that haven’t an once of truth in them! if you don’t want to live here? fine, go find yourself a life out there , where you can support yourself and do what “you” want. But I am sticking right here and if you wanna move me? you’ll drag me out in a body bag! I love this life, I love this job, I love Jesus, I love these people, and if you’re attacking the Family you’re attacking us! and if you think we’re gonna sit down and take your blow you’ve got the wrong idea! I’m staying here not because I’m forced, not because I’m brainwashed but because THIS is my life, THIS is what I want to do, and THIS is where I belong, and I am not leaving this place, and my word to you is ….. if you light the bush, get ready for the forest fire! I stand with the Family, and if you’re thinking of taking us down? you’ll have to take me down with them.

It’s difficult to understand the reasoning behind such a cold and cruel murder. I find it unbelievable that someone who had once been an active Christian and missionary could have even meditated such evil. Of course, there’s no saying that people will never change, I’ve seen radical change in people, but missionary to murderer—an Apostle Paul in reverse—has been till now the impossible dream. But it happened.

My name is Sushant Lyall. I live in India and have recently heard of the killing in Tucson, Arizona. I am much disturbed not only by this cold-blooded, heartless act of murder but also by the senseless and absurd accusations of child abuse being hurled both at me as well as at my Christian missionary fellowship.

I have grown up in the Family. I am 22 years old and am at present working as a teacher in the Family. Of course there have been mistakes—there is no such thing as the perfect parent or teacher—but growing up in a Family community, in an environment of love and outgoing concern, in a classless society such as I have seen and witnessed all my life long and continue to witness is without a doubt the best environment for raising children that exists in the planet.

This is the truth and I need not expound on it, because truth will always vindicate itself. Always.

Ricky knew this. His friends know this too. I’m sure they encountered disappointments and rough patches in life, but to go to this extreme of supporting and perpetuating a murderous evil is taking your feelings of failure or resentment or whatever it is much too far, don’t you think?

There are many others who have left the Family for one reason or the other but are taking the change well. They’re moving on and have started new lives. They’re good, law-abiding citizens. They’re adults that have learned to keep their feelings and emotions in check. They know that you don’t build a future by continuously twisting, distorting and fabricating your past.

I am so proud of them. The changes they have had to make in their lives to adjust to a secular life have not been easy, but they have risen to the challenge with dignity and respect.

Obviously, this is simply too much to ask of some.

In the end, when all is said and done, only the ones with murderous intent will ever condone a cold-blooded murder. —Because great fools rarely differ. I don’t doubt that this murder will be a springboard for more vicious and violent behavior. It won’t be surprising if those who support such an insane and criminal act are even now sharpening their knives.

But “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the Children of God.”—The Bible (Matthew 5:9)

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.

Here I’ve dedicated my life to helping others, to giving to others, to being a Christian sample, & all you can do is persecute our brothers & sisters! What passion is there in taking someone’s life?

I recently returned from the tsunami relief work. Thousands of people lost their lives, & we are trying to help their families & villages…& you just make dreadful comments about our lives!

Is this freedom?? … To take an innocent person’s life, simply because yours sucks? Is this the freedom you want? Every law’d rather bind me, if freedom were a new synonym for murder!!

To all those who encouraged the guilty one, who thought what he did was right, I’ll say this to you: What do you think this world would be like if everyone decided to take out there frustration on innocent people? If some dude gets angry & thinks he can act like a demon possessed knife-wielding psychopath out of a Tarantino movie?

I’ve said more than enough … & I’ve got better things to do! “Never argue with an idiot! They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience!”

“Wherefore come out from among them, be ye separate…touch not the unclean thing, & I will receive you.”

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.

I was never abused in my childhood like those former member say that Davidito experienced. What the? We are the most sheltered from violence then anyone in the world. Why don’t they magnify the abuses that kids in the system experience from those drunk parents and those psycho people. Stop craving to slake, for Christ’s sake. God, I wish I could send that song to every single former member that thinks that they want to ”help us out” by telling us the truth about the Family, and “opening up our eyes!” My eyes are open. I’m seeing things that those guys would only see with ganja!

You know how it is when you love the Lord, or have some spiritual experience with the Lord, you get such a high! My God, what more could I ask? So if any one of the former members see this, let me tell you, I don’t want any of your doubts about this great Family. Don’t dare try to pull me out, I wanna pull you in! God, we need you guys! You had much more experience in the Family then any of us!

Come and help us man. It’s darn fun! Free love! I thought the system had it easy with getting girlfriends and stuff. After I saw some of the former members, my whole mindset changed! It’s so much easier to get gurls in the family! They’re so sweet! The name of the game. Bring em in.

I’m serving Jesus. So with the Lord’s help and the power of the keys, I’m gonna do my best in this home. I’m in to win the world for Jesus. I love all of you flumpers. Keep fighting.

Sho, 15, Japan