As president of Love’s Bridge, allow me to present the facts about our organization:
Love’s Bridge was registered as a public charity in Oregon in October 2003. At the time of registration not one Love’s Bridge member or employee was a member of the religious sect known as “the Family” or “the Children of God”. Only two of our five board members used to be members of “the Family” (TF), and none of our Russian staff were ever associated with TF. Of 26 individuals working with or for Love’s Bridge, 3 used to be members of TF. Five of the managers were never members, so former members don’t even have a majority vote. A majority of non-Russian volunteers who have worked with Love’s Bridge over the years have also never had contact with TF.
Love’s Bridge as a Family Care Foundation project:
Love’s Bridge became a FCF project in 1997. It was begun by young people who were born in TF, in cooperation with several Russians who had no ties with TF and were not “potential disciples” or “live-out members” as TF likes to call associates. There was no deception involved: the Russians we began this project with were fully aware that they were working with foreigners from a religious group. Contrary to assertions made on this site the Love’s Bridge street children project was never a front for TF, it was a charitable project founded jointly by members and non-members. From the onset the project’s founders ([Christina], [JM] and Maria Gozdetska) decided to separate the charity project from TF’s religious activities, and consequently the sect’s beliefs never played a role in activities conducted with Perm’s street children.
Concerning Love’s Bridge association with the FCF, it was clearly the easiest way to receive funding for this project. As you may know it is difficult if not impossible to find sufficient funding for a project like this in Russia, and potential foreign donors would be reluctant to put money in a Russian bank account. It takes time, money and a physical presence to set up an organization in another country.
In 2002 a lawyer in the States (not associated with TF) offered to register Love’s Bridge in Oregon. Receiving 501 c (3) status is a rather lengthy procedure and until an organization is pre-approved donors can’t claim tax breaks on their donations. For this reason we had to continue using FCF’s service. We finally received pre-approval for 501 c (3) status in June 2003, and we informed donors that they can start giving directly to Love’s Bridge now. We are planning to close our account with FCF on January 1st, 2004. I would like to add, however, that I have no reason to suspect the FCF of criminal behavior and I have no information that leads me to believe any of their projects are causing harm. We appreciate the services FCF has provided us.
Regarding Sam’s allegations:
Allegation: Love’s Bridge (LB) in Perm is a front or pseudonym for the Family
Reality: I’ve already established that LB is not a pseudonym for TF, since the majority of LB personnel are (and were) never members of TF. In this case I understand a “front” to mean: “A person or group used to cover or obscure the activity or objectives of another, controlling person or group” (Webster’s)
Though members of TF played a big role in founding LB, LB in Perm was never controlled by TF. The “Family home” in Perm was called the “NUT home”. Members of this home were always careful to not mix their religion into the work they did for LB. Those of you who remember David Berg’s writings might remember that in “Consider the Poor” he said something to the effect of “of course our people won’t be opening orphanages or old folks homes” (excuse me for not quoting him verbatim, I no longer have access to his writings). The first thing LB did was open a shelter for street children, which is an obvious divergence from David Berg’s stated goals. Members of the “NUT home” did not proselytize while working for LB, and were constantly getting in trouble with TF’s leadership for spending “too much time doing charity work and not enough time witnessing”.
Allegation: Former members of TF are being deceptive and trying to hide past connections with TF
Reality: Speaking of the three former members who are involved with LB, all of our personal acquaintances know about our history in the cult. We often joke about the cult’s crazy beliefs and practices with them. We are not hiding our past or present identity from anyone. I would have no problem telling Perm’s mayor or any other government official that I grew up in a religious sect. I can imagine, however, what would happen if I called a meeting with the city’s mayor just to “come clean”, as Sam suggests. If I would tell him “I used to be part of a sect”, he would probably answer “What do you think I am, a psychologist? Please tell me you arranged a meeting with me for something more important than that.” One of the LB board members who has never been a cult member is currently writing Sam. As you’ll see by his letter, Sam, he knows all about our former connection with TF.
Allegation: Street children in Perm would be better off if they were cared for by a different organization
Reality: LB has successfully rehabilitated children and teenagers who government institutions gave up on as “hopeless”. Successful rehabilitation means: they are regularly attending or have graduated from school (high school, college, etc.). They are no longer regularly sniffing toxic substances. They are no longer sleeping on the street (in gutters, sewers, basements, etc). If they are finished their studies, they are currently employed. LB has achieved these successes with the same children government institutions were not able to rehabilitate. There are no other charity organizations dealing with this problem in Perm or any nearby city. Consider also LB’s cost effectiveness: Our projected budget for 2004 is US $110,000. This money will sustain three shelters for an entire year and includes all administrational costs. I challenge anyone to find an organization that can accomplish as much for less.
Allegation: LB’s work is based on TF’s teachings, and Perm’s street children are taught erroneous cult doctrines
Reality: LB’s methods for working with street children are based on a combination of the World Health Organization’s manual for working with street children, the university education of some staff members, and things we’ve learned along the way. TF’s teachings play absolutely no role in the methods employed by LB for working with street children. Not one of the street children who have been helped by LB have even seen a publication produced by TF, much less read one.
Allegation: Former street children lived in a “Family home” (cult commune)
Reality: Can any of you imagine a “Family home” taking street children in? You’ve really outdone yourself on this one, Sam! LB builds shelters for street children where qualified personnel (who have never been in TF) care for them, LB staff members do not invite street children to their residence! When the “NUT home” existed in Perm, several of its inhabitants had small children of their own, there’s no way they would’ve allowed street children to live there!
I hope this clarifies some of these issues. If you have any questions please contact me at
JM, Love’s Bridge President
P.S. to Sam A.: In our work with street children we face problems every day, ranging from broken pipes to theft. Your threats are among the least of our worries. However, if you continue to publish false information about our organization, don’t be surprised if you find yourself being sued for libel. Our organization could certainly use the income!