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.

I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to an American father and Norwegian mother, who themselves were, and still are, missionaries in our group. I am the second oldest of six and have lived my entire life in Brazil.

My childhood took place in many types of Family homes. Small “pioneer” type homes, large “combo” style homes, field homes (homes working directly with outreach), service homes (homes designed to provide service to field homes) and school homes (somewhat of a Christian boarding school). I say in all honesty that I lived a perfectly peaceful and innocent childhood. My parents took excellent, excellent care of me, physically, emotionally, scholastically and spiritually. Not meaning to be presumptuous, but I believe this is more than the average modern-day child can say for themselves.

We didn’t live a life of luxury. Most toys we had were donated toys without that “brand new” luster. Clothes and shoes were, in many cases, hand-me-downs either from my older brother or from other children in the community. But we were happy. I was happy. I felt so accepted, so cared for, appreciated—even with such a simple life style. We were taught to look beyond the material to the real values in life, which were love, unselfishness, and kindness. Lessons which a great many youth in our advanced and “enlightened” society could stand to learn.

The first time I can remember hearing about the accusations of child abuse was when I was ten—around the time when the Argentine government persecuted the Family. I must say that I couldn’t really understand what it was all about. I had a vague idea but my life had been so sheltered that concepts such as “child-abuse” were entirely foreign to me. It was many years later when I understood their absurd accusations from studying news clippings and Family statements written in response to those accusations. It was funny, because I had had such a beautiful childhood that my mind couldn’t even register these horrible things being said against us—of course I thought they were absurd, but my own painfully innocent mind was a witness to their falsehood.

I am now 21 and am involved most of the time in Christian Outreach. I talk with dozens of people every day, from many different religions, ethic groups, and walks of life, and I have found that because, in great part, of my sound and wholesome upbringing I am able to relate to them—and better than that, offer spiritual help and comfort to those who are going through bad times. It is an amazing experience, to see one’s life changed, to see their eyes light up with hope once again, to see them encouraged to keep on living. It’s an experience I have lived many times and continue to live. It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. It has become my purpose for living. That is why I am still in the Family. That is why I believe in our message, in our methods and in our way of life.

In closing, I would like to state that I am very aware of the failings, shortcomings and mistakes of our movement, but in spite of all those, what prevails in the Family is love. That is our religion and whole basis of thought and belief: true, sincere, unselfish love. I would like to echo the words of two great instruments of God, who I admire greatly.

“Love never fails, but whether there be prophecies they will fail, whether there be tongues they will cease, whether there be knowledge it will vanish away.” (The Apostle Paul, leader of a controversial religious movement of the first century AD, which came to be known as Christianity, commenting on love.)

“The Family has always been a spiritual entity that thrives in the hearts of real, live people. It’s not made up of words, rules, regulations and procedures. It’s not the result of publications, boards, initiatives and [meetings]. But rather it’s the result of the truth that has become alive in individuals which has burst into a flame of passionate dedication to a living Savior.” (Maria Fontaine, leader of a controversial religious movement of the twentieth century AD, which came to be known as The Family, commenting on what the Family is really all about.)

Sincerely yours,

Christopher A. Thomas

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.”

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

“Let’s revolt!” the cry is heard,
“Of rulers whose morals are essentially absurd.”

I don’t mind if on this path they leave us
In the meantime, I’m walking along with my Jesus

I think it no small coincidence that one day in Hialeah, Florida (arguably the dumpiest neighborhood of Miami) a small team of missionaries from The Family had need of some new tires and decided to stop by my father’s tire factory; no small coincidence that that day my father decided to donate tires to them; no small coincidence that of the billons of people in this world yet to hear about The Family, my dad and our little family happened to be touched by their loving sample that day.

I was a wee lad of eight years at the time and I enjoyed the wonders of the average suburban American lifestyle. Watching cartoons all Sunday, an Honor Roll student in Miami Springs Elementary, and Daddy works all week long (maybe I’ll see him a little bit on Sunday afternoon).

These are the things I think of whenever I allow my mind to time travel. Where would I be without Jesus and The Family? Back in my 20 sq. mile world, watching cable TV, accumulating material gain for myself, and watching the whole world spin me by? NO WAY! I have a life of adventure, of purpose, and knowing the answer to things I would’ve had to mull over in my mind every time I would dare to question the way things were.

And now I see the importance of listening to the Lord’s still, small voice that speaks in my heart. Because if someone didn’t heed that voice in 1994, my life would’ve become that exact 20 sq. mile life that I oft time travel to.

I’m so incredibly thankful to work with people who genuinely love me and care about me; the deepest and most unconceivable definition of love. A love that is enough to put up with my various idiosyncrasies; that is enough to lift me when I fall and make a mistake (unafraid of how my inner pride might resist); love enough to share a few words of comfort with me whenever I’m feeling low. It’s hard for me to imagine that kind of camaraderie working at Best Buy or Pizza Hut.

All I can say is that I love Jesus. I love the message that He gave us, this new generation, through David Berg. I love following, with all my heart and soul, the one Guy who loved me so much that He died for me. If a day ever comes when I doubt Jesus’ love for me, I grant you full permission to bop me on the head. I want to be His love slave always. And to conclude this I shall say once more…

To my left and to my right
Others plague me their with spite

I don’t mind if on this path they leave us
In the meantime, I’m walking along with my Jesus

With All My Heart, Daniel Fernandez

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.

I have had the privilege of receiving an excellent high school education through a home-schooling program, which I know academically, ethically, as well as Biblically, excels the education given to the average person in a secular environment. I am privileged to have the best parents in the world. I believe my parents made the right choice in raising a family of now 10 brothers and sisters in a missionary community of The Family International.

But what is the value of a good upbringing if one does not choose to use his intellect in a productive way? Not much!

I have decided that I will use my intellect to cause a positive effect in my community and change things for the better, one life at a time, by showing concern and appreciation, and most of all giving people Eternal Salvation by receiving Jesus into their hearts as their Savior. And it is because of that decision that I came to the conclusion that The Family International is my calling and place of service to Jesus Christ, whose example I do my best to follow. I adhere to The Family International’s beliefs and doctrines because I know them, I know they are founded on the Word of God, the Bible, and they have positive results on those who practice them.

I admire and appreciate the founders and leaders of The Family International (formerly known as The Children of God). And I am proud to call myself a member of The Family, and as such ‘a full time volunteer missionary’ alongside all the wonderful and dedicated co-workers I proudly consider my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Even if I were the only one to adhere to The Family’s way of life I would still be proud to stand up for its name, founders and current leaders.

I know that The Family – as an organization or as a collective work of like-minded individuals – has a positive effect on the world and the lives we touch, of that no one can convince me otherwise, because I know the results.

Giving people the chance or bringing them to the point of making the decision of accepting Jesus as their Savior is the most important achievement anyone can make. – If it could be called an achievement, in reality it is allowing yourself to be a tool in our Master’s hand. Being a channel of His love to irrigate hearts, and in so doing once our life on earth is over, our Master Jesus Christ will tell us on arriving to our heavenly destination, “well done My good and faithful servant”…not to mention the appreciation given to you by the lives you will have helped change for the better.

A few weeks ago while walking down a street in the commercial area of town I happened to cross paths with P., a friend my age who used to be our neighbor many years ago. Right away we engaged in small-talk conversation about different things we remembered during our time in the “old neighborhood”. Then P. said, “of all our time as neighbors, the thing I remember the most took place one evening when along with another friend from the neighborhood I had been sitting at a bench in the park planning on going to a bar to have some drinks when your older brother Daniel came up to us, and among other things he asked us was, “would you like to do the most interesting and fun thing you will ever do in your life?”, we told him “sure, what is it?”. Then Daniel said, “pray this prayer with me; Dear Jesus, please come into my heart, forgive me for all my sins, I accept you as my Savior and I ask you for Your gift of Eternal Life. Help me to love You and show Your love to those around me. In Jesus name, amen’”

And just the other day while visiting a plastic surgeon specialist, he told me, “I admire young people like you who have something to teach us older people who apparently have reached our goals”.

I would like to congratulate and give a heart felt thank you to all my teachers, tutors, friends and all who had a positive effect in my upbringing, wherever you are serving the Lord whether it be in The Family International or elsewhere, or even if you are no longer serving the Lord. Your work for the Lord in The Family has had positive fruit and the Lord will surely bless you for it.

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.

I believe that I am making an educated decision in choosing what I am and what I live for and why I live for that.

I have no regrets for the way my parents raised me and if I am fortunate enough to raise my son even close to as well as my parents raised me, I know that I will have done my job and have done it well.

To close I’d like to add that my conclusion is that living for Jesus it the best thing that someone can dedicate their life to and it’s something that I want to do forever (I say forever because I plan on continuing to live for Jesus when I go to Heaven) and most importantly it will last.

Only one life t’will soon be past, only what’s done for Jesus will last.
What are you doing with your life?