Posted by ">Medicine Man on January 16, 2005 at 17:11:30
"I'm Eternally Grateful to The Family!" An Open Letter to the Editor San Francisco Chronicle Dear Editor, I was a member of The Family International (formerly The Children of God, The Family of Love) for 18 years before retired due to poor health. I'm still an association of the Family for 15 years. I lived in eight countries, including five years in Latin America as a missionary, living and working with The Family in many different situations (languages, customs and religions) around the world. I returned to Community College and then on to San Jose State University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science 1990, my Master of Arts in Counselor Education, 1996, and completed my P.P.S creditial in 1998. I received 4 academic scholarships and one Graduate Fellowship in 1995. I want to state that after reading your article,"Rage turns to vengeance against 'Family'Anguished ex-cult member decried years of abuse before killing 'molester,' himself",I was taken back by your outright lies and your misconstrued representation of The Family, as well as by the false testimonies by ex-members, and other "officials". In my opinion, this ranks with the worst in "yellow journalism". My grandfather, Phil Hindley, was the city editor for the San Francisco Examiner, would roll in his grave. The allegation of sex with children, for example, was extremely disturbing. In the 18 years as a member of The Family, I never witnessed this. I find this accusation deplorable. I also find it nearly unbelievable that some detractors will stoop to such low levels to blame Karen Zerby for what happened.And at the sad time like this, we should be prayed for her. I can personally affirm that The Family is sincerely dedicated to helping others. I was taking drugs when I first met The Family and they helped me to overcome that vice. In 1975 I was involved in a head-on collision in Dallas, Texas, and was in a coma for ten days. The doctors told my parents that, if I did come out of the coma, I would be a vegetable. But through answered prayer and the help of The Family, I recovered. Family members sacrificed their time to lovingly care for me. For nine months, I was virtually helpless. The Family not only cared for my physical needs, but they worked with me to help me regain all communication and mobility skills, for which I'm eternally grateful. I have been a supporter of The Family for 15 years now, and I will continue to defend their rights, as I have seen them work.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20).
