July 15, 2003
FSM 388CM/FM
June 2002
Copyright © 2002 by The Family
—Your thoughts, reactions, and replies to The Professionals
By Ariana (22), Colombia
Dear Daniel,
I just read your letter and have to say this: It’s hard for me to believe that you really love the Family when your letter tears down the Family with exaggerated facts, trumped-up statements, twisted and negative viewpoints, and downright offending and extremely rude comments (to put it mildly). But, hey, I’ll take your word for it, though it still seems to be a pretty strange perception of love to me.
I happen to be a young person too. Yep, all my life in the Family, 20-some years as well, and I think I have just as much right as you do to share my personal feelings openly with the rest of the Family. All right, so I’ve had my ups and downs, and right now I’m in a down stage of my life, and yet with all my battles, trials, and even doubts I simply cannot, in a coherent and right mind, accept your facts and what you say is as it is. I beg to differ.
I want to ask you and any other over-16-year-olds a question: If you happen to see things as our dear fellow Daniel happens to see them, then why do you continue on in the CM Family? No one’s forcing you to be here. Forget your sad sob stories and get a life! Sorry to sound rude. I don’t usually write like this, but it upsets me to see intelligent, capable young folks who have all the right in the world to do what they want with nobody holding them back to be sitting around, or I’m sorry, keeping really, really busy, and yet complaining about all they don’t like about Family Homes, the dear FGAs, the rules we abide by, and so on. I thought that was a past chapter in the Family.
If you’re so miserable, have such horrible memories, are questioning almost every single rule in the book, and slandering the generation who started this Revolution (who I happen to totally admire!), and yet still really love the Lord, the Word and the Family, then find another place of service. Find a place where you don’t have to keep the rules, where you can leave the past behind (though this can and should be done anywhere you choose to be), and start anew. Be happy and live on your own or with your friends. Or, if being FM is not your thing, find a place among the thousands of wonderfully dedicated Christians around the world that also really love the Lord and serve Him in their way.
What bugs me terribly is that we still have people bad-mouthing and spouting off what they feel is so horrible about the Family when Mama and Peter have spent hundreds of pages explaining the need for each of the rules we have, and clearly setting the standard for CM membership. You either want it or you don’t, and, hey, the Lord still loves you either way.
I have been to several continents, visited many countries, countless Homes, talked with many Family members, young and old, have lived in the old over-100-people schools, small post-Charter pioneer Homes, have lived through your typical Timbuktu scenario, have cared for kids night and day, have washed and cleaned, swept and mopped, witnessed, provisioned, and done everything an average young person does in the Family, so I also know what I’m talking about.
Yet I happen to be one of the many young people (that I personally know and have talked with) who, in spite of tests and battles, are happy and fulfilled in the Family. I love our FTTs and listen to them every day. All right, so every song isn’t my style, but a lot of them are, and everyone has a right to their own personal tastes in music. I love our FGAs (who are anything but what you described in your letter.—Seems like you’ve based your so-called facts on one or two adults who need help, because the adults I know are wonderful, concerned folks who go out of their way to make life fun and easier for us to handle).
I love our way of life (yeah, communal living included, which means not-so-much privacy, but I chose this life and this is what I want!). I have good memories of my childhood. I’m thankful to live in Homes with FGAs who love and care for me, who take me in as their own daughter (since I don’t live with my parents), who—even when we’re not well off financially—give us money for cinema tickets with a sweet reminder to pray and hear from the Lord before watching the non-rated movies, who take care of the kids so that we can get to our youth witnessing, Bible classes, CTPs, and youth activities, who take time out of their busy schedules to give us Endtime seminars, music classes, drive us to our witnessing excursions or activities, and the long list goes on. I happen to be proud of my healthy upbringing, of the fact that I’m 22 and don’t have a single cavity, have never been ailing in a hospital, and have rarely gotten sick.
I see things from a distinctly opposite viewpoint than yours, for some reason, though we both have basically been through many of the same experiences. I guess a lot depends on the attitude you choose to have in the life you choose to lead.
I know what it is like to have best friends and family leave, and I still love them dearly and respect their decision. Actually, I admire them for having the guts to just leave if that’s what they feel they want to do, instead of staying around moping and wallowing in their misery and complaints of what they don’t like about a place they don’t feel called to stay in.
Hey, man, find your calling and abide in it! That’s what the rest of us are trying to do, and it doesn’t make it any easier to have to hear the bitter thoughts of someone who obviously doesn’t feel called to stick it out in the strict CM Family. No one’s forcing anyone, so make your choice! And as you say, we have the right to make mistakes and wrong choices sometimes, so maybe by trial and error you’ll find your place. I honestly pray and hope you do because I think that everyone should be happy and enjoy the life they choose to live.
The CM Family isn’t for everyone. You just have to sit down and pray and decide what it is that you want! At our age I think we should have learned to make our own decisions and find out what we really want to dedicate our life to. I don’t know how many people signed your letter, but all who did better get thinking about what they want from life and what they want to give their lives to. They’d better decide fast because time’s a-ticking; life is too precious to waste away pining over what you don’t like about a place that you’re not obligated to be in. The Family will always go on with our mission to win souls, help others find our Lover and Savior, and make a difference in this world. It’s our choice as to whether we’ll join with this mission or not!
I sincerely hope you’ll find personal happiness and satisfaction in some place of service to the Lord.
By Esther (19), Latin America
Hi, Daniel!
I wanted to write a response to your letter. My name is Esther. I’m a YA, and I’ve lived in Latin America all my life. I was born in the Family, and spent five years as an FM (at that time known as TS, very different than how it is now). I’ve been a full-time missionary for six years.
My story could be about the same as most young people in the Family (though very different than what you pictured in your story). I was raised on the road, traveling and witnessing. I had a wonderful childhood and I loved every second of it. This may seem like a heavy-duty revelation to you, but many of my friends also had a super happy childhood, and are very happy that they were raised in the Family, exactly the way that they were raised (including the discipline and the fewer ice creams!). I didn’t really care so much about the ice creams when I knew that there was a world out there that needed Jesus and we had to show God to the world. It’s kind of ridiculous, don’t you think?
So many people have been wronged—both in the Family and out of the Family—and I can tell you by having lived in the System for a few years that it’s just the way it goes. The Lord allows things to happen in our lives to test us and draw us closer to Him. At least we have Jesus to see us through, while the ones out there usually suffer much, much more, as they don’t have the Lord to go to.
You know something, Daniel? I think the one that is very closed-minded is you! You’re not looking any further than what you want to see and what you think is right, but it seems there isn’t much ground to your decision. Wake up! The Family is not perfect, and it will never be because it’s composed of humans—better yet—sinners like you and me! But if the Lord called you to give your life for your brethren in the Family, then you can’t escape from that and you’re not gonna be happy anywhere else. The Family is you. What are you doing for your Family? If you want the Family to change, start by changing your own heart. That’s the way it works!
You seem to be very unhappy, and I’m very sorry about that. I know that many of my friends are unhappy too and I wish there was something I could do about it, but each person has the right to decide. Living for the Lord is not an easy road, but it’s the road to true, eternal happiness. It requires a lot of sacrifices and tears, but anything in life that’s really worth something, requires something. I had to make a choice a while ago to let go of the pleasures of sin for a season and simply grab on to the Lord for dear life, because I had nothing else to grab on to. It was a test, but now I’m so happy.
I’ve lived in a Home very, very similar to the one you described in your story, and I lived with an Auntie P. It was rough, but I don’t hold anything against her. I know that she just wanted to do her best to follow the Lord and keep the standard. Her goal was not to make my life miserable.
I’ve also already been on PE, for something kind of stupid, but I know that the Lord allowed it, and it saved my life. I was in such a weak spiritual state that unless I had had that severe [Word] diet, I would’ve died spiritually for sure. I’m so thankful for that time, but don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t fun at all. It was one of the hardest phases of my life, when I made the biggest decision of my life. But those few months were vital in making me what I am today, and I thank the Lord that He allowed it to work that way.
I would have appreciated if you hadn’t generalized us young people like you did. You don’t know me, and I don’t think you even really know your own friends. Did you ever try to really reach out to them and find out exactly how they feel? You may be surprised at the response.
I, for one, am a pretty simple girl, though I’ve lived through a lot of stuff. I love my Family and I’m willing to give up something for it. I’m willing to give up everything for it, if the Lord asks that of me. I know that He won’t ask more of me than I could bear. I don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow, but I know that the future is as bright as the promises of God and they that be wise shall shine as the stars in the firmament.
Do you remember that old song: If you didn’t expect to go to war, why did you ever join the Lord’s army, my friend? I can assure you that sometimes the going gets tough, and I know that it’s not gonna get any easier because that’s part of the contract. But I want that crown. I’m willing to sell all my possessions to buy that pearl.
I’d rather die for something than live for nothing. I’ve made a choice that I’m going to go on even if I’m the only one left, and I know that there are many around the world that have also made that choice. Instead of trying to destroy (though maybe not intentionally) everything that we’re building with our sweat and tears, why don’t you give us a hand, or pray for us? At least don’t bother us. Please!
There are many places in the world where you could go if you don’t want to give your whole life or sacrifice so much. But I believe the Family is the only place for those who really want to go all the way. I believe that the Lord wants us all to be happy and have a fun time serving Him. I know that I’ve never, ever been so happy before. I know that the Lord can make you happy too. I’ll be praying for you, Daniel.
P.S.: I thought you should know that I really like Family music, and I think the musicians deserve a medal for all their hard work. You guys are great!
By Evye (22), WS
The Professionals was such a good, thorough GN, with clear and true-to-life answers! I know that the answers given in the Word can work if people will follow the counsel given in the GNs. I know that because in our Home we do our best to put the Word into practice, and despite our being young and working with FGAs pretty closely, we not only do okay, but we really have a lot of fun and freedom on the whole. It can work!
I don’t think the reason for that is because we young people in WS are any more saintly than young people on the field. We’re not! It makes me laugh when people think that you have to be so spiritual and somber for these things to work, or even to be a part of WS. I’m not spiritual and somber. I never have been, nor have I been required to be anything but a disciple, which I am proud to be. Obviously those who think that just haven’t gone about stuff in a manner that involves enough of the Lord’s personal counsel or they’d be having fun too! In many ways, we have less personal freedoms than young people on the field, but we’re sure happy chickens, and I think a part of it is just deciding what your priority is. The Family is not a summer camp, but a religious movement. I am so glad Peter stated something to that effect in this Letter.
I’m sorry that Mama and Peter get letters like these. It must be so irritating and hurtful to hear some of these things, when they have spelled out answers and explanations to some of these same things many times before.
I am personally so thankful that whoever Daniel is wrote in, because I’ve heard many of those things expressed before by many of my friends—many who left eventually ‘cause they’d rile themselves up so much about it, instead of doing their part to make a difference. I’m so glad to see it all in black and white, with such a good exposé of the Enemy’s lies, ‘cause when you hear these things from your friends, it’s easy to tend to side with them, as they sound like such experts. The Lord really anointed Peter in his answers. They make me proud to be a part of this Family and WS.
By Samuel (of Crystal), Brazil
I’ve just finished reading The Professionals. God bless you, Peter, for your humility, love, patience, and frankness. One thing that caught my attention in particular was about FFing. I find that not only our second generation, but those that have joined the Family in the last 10 to 15 years, lack a clear understanding of what the FFing Revolution was all about.
I was recently telling a new disciple some testimonies of my first years in the Family and I mentioned about B., a dear man we witnessed to. The year was 1977, and he was my wife’s first fish, and my first experience as a fisherman (she was 18 and I was 17). B. worked as a diplomat and was constantly traveling. If I’m not mistaken, he met the Family in the States and then had to go to Lima, where he got followed up on and then came to Brasilia, where we lived.
As the Family in Peru had given him our phone number, he called. We invited him for dinner and he asked if he could bring some wine. When he showed up and my wife opened the door to greet him, he gave her the wine bottle and said: I bring this and my heart. He was a very sweet man—a real gentleman. We ministered to B. for about two years and then we moved on, and we lost contact.
When I was telling this new disciple about it, I felt an incredible urge to pray for B. (which I did), and the Lord gave me a check to look for him on the Internet. Lo and behold, I got his phone number. He was back in Brazil.
I called him, and after 22 years, we talked. It was so beautiful. We were moved to tears.
He asked me: My friend, how did you find me?
I said, I was praying for you and the Lord told me to look your name up on the Internet. And you were there.
What have you been doing? he asked.
Serving God, came my answer.
He laughed and said, Of course you have!
I got his e-mail address and sent him the following message:
Now, this is amazing! I can only conclude God must have something up His sleeve. This is just to establish electronic contact; after all, you have always been in our hearts. The Lord has been good to us and blessed us in many different ways. We’ve been living here since 1991 (a record for Gypsy missionaries). As I told you, we have eight kids (and two grandchildren) and we’re still in His service, trying to help others to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly.
We also have a social work through which we help 80 families to rewrite their own history. If you want to take a look at it, I’ll include our Web site address.
So, my friend, let us not lose contact again. We always pray for you. You have a special place in our hearts.
I received the following answer:
Miracles do happen! I was greatly touched by your call and the amazing coincidence of you finding me. Amazing also, since my contract with this job ended last December, and I am not supposed to be here any longer or my e-mail address functioning.
Many times I have thought of you. Once in a while I still listen to a tape with music I recorded at your apartment in Brasilia when I first met you. There are also times when I recall that poem I Will Not Doubt: I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea come home with tattered masts and sail, I will not doubt.
Of course, all these years I have doubted, but in the depths of my heart, I have not changed. I am still a Gypsy who deeply believes and understands that only unconditional love can change the world, and that love must begin with each of us.
I am very excited about your work. What a wonderful testimony to MO’s legacy and the work of God in the heart of people who have been genuinely transformed by a recognition of His great love for us!
Congratulations on your work and your home page! I printed most of the pages and will read them more carefully this afternoon.
Let’s keep in touch. And thanks a million again for following your heart and calling me. I am deeply moved.
The new disciple I told this testimony to was moved to tears. She saw lasting fruit of FFing in someone’s life despite a time lapse of 22 years. However, that same day I shared the same testimony with a dear FGA brother who has been in the Family for 13 years. His comment was, But tell him that the wine trick won’t do this time. And later on he added, FFing was a nice concept.
I don’t doubt this brother’s loyalty to the Word or the Family; much to the contrary, but I think his spiritual or doctrinal education is somewhat lacking in that aspect. Since we’re not FFing anymore, it seems some people see the FFing era as something to be ashamed of or a mistake that we could have avoided. It was not the first time I perceived this kind of reaction about FFing or the way sharing was done in the past. Yes, there were mistakes, errors, and excesses. This was the case with our bands, different leadership structures, other approaches, etc. We were pioneering the application of some strange truths and, although we overdid pretty badly in some cases, it drove a definite wedge between us and the churches, which I think was a definite and important gain.
I had a great time reading The Professionals. I hope I can remain one until the Lord comes. It is a privilege serving the Lord with you.
By Angel (16), Japan
I recently read The Professionals, and was shocked by the negative attitude that Daniel’s letter portrayed. I have always pictured SGAs as young people who love what the Family does and are totally on fire for Christ. I guess I thought that if they stuck in the Family so long and didn’t leave, then they must like the way the Family is run.
In his letter, Daniel said Family music in its present state doesn’t appeal to young people. That is NOT true. I love the TCDs. But then maybe because I’m only 16, Daniel doesn’t consider me a young person. I just want to say that I really appreciate the effort that our musicians put into making the TCDs!
By a professional Christian, SGA, Africa
Daniel, speak for yourself! You obviously have too much time on your hands to be meddling in other people’s business, and mulling over the many battles we face in life. Stop trying to take the world on your shoulders! From the sound of your letter you haven’t taken the time to read the GNs for the last nine months! Just about every issue you raised has been addressed—recently!
I’m sure there is a more positive, effective way to go about changing heartbreaking situations such as you mentioned. Mama and Peter have been leaders of change in the Family, trying to get the rest of our sorry asses moving! If something is not going well, you can be sure that we’ll hear about it and a change is soon on the way! That’s what I love about the Family! You can now look forward to this new board vision and support it! But at the end of the day, the choices are up to us as individuals as to how close we are gonna follow!
By Maria Swiss (FGA), Middle East
Hello there, Daniel!
Just had a couple of reactions after reading some of the points you brought up, especially because the FGAs were sort of lumped together as being in charge of things all the time.
I live in a very missionary-minded Home with three FGA couples, four YAs, one SGA (all guys, only one girl), one junior teen, one JETT, one OC, one MC (all guys), and one toddler girl. As for me, I am the only one left of our original pioneer team which came here six years ago. I’ve never been in charge or on the teamwork; I’m just a normal witnesser.
When I get up in the morning, I read the schedule written by a 21-year-old; then if I cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I follow the instructions given me by a 19-year-old. Before going witnessing I get a money slip written by a 21-year-old or his 20-year-old co-worker.
If I want to watch a movie and go get one from my provisioning contact, I go through the video deacon, who is 18. The Home voted that I am not one of the eligible people who can use the printer, nor the fancy new CD player, nor the MP3, nor the mini-disk player. So I have to call on someone, usually a YA, to help me operate these machines.
At special activities, the YAs organize the whole evening and I do my share of the humble thing by wholeheartedly putting into action whatever the little paper I picked said to do, no matter how wild the thing is, and, oh yes, we even use the FTT CDs in our Home!
When we have a singing appointment, I hardly ever go without insisting the YA girl comes along with my partner and me. Our biggest profile in this whole region is the YAs’ ministry with the children’s performances. I was looking forward to recording the only loving Jesus song I ever wrote for Family tapes in English, but it was decided that an SGA should sing it instead. Recently, only two people were chosen to go for the board meetings and I missed out because of a potential move to another field, and when things changed, a YA had already filled the place I might have had.
It’s not like I’ve never had any battles about any of this, but when I think of it, the young people are doing a great job, and why should I stand in the way of progress? All the FGAs I know in my area would probably say exactly the same thing! Or should I send a letter to all of them and ask if they’d like to all rebel with me, since we’ve all been laid on the shelf after these many years (27 for me) of sacrificial service? Of course not! Why? Because it wouldn’t be so honest for a start, and it’s rather unhealthy to let things fester that long instead of getting it cleared up, and also because the Lord has been so very generous to shower us with tons of Words of explanations and is doing all He can to make and keep everyone happy. Tough job! So we just have to keep trusting the Lord and how He leads the Family, because He still does.
I admire Peter for answering this letter in such detail. I feel sorry for you and that you endured some hard moments and felt misunderstood. I have prayed for you to find a way to forgive, forget, and bury the hatchet of your past hurts, like most of us have had to do over past mistakes—and to not continue to lump us all with Uncle P. In fact, I plead so!!
There aren’t any girls here for fellowship and dates for the older guys in our Home. The only girl is in a relationship. They go without it for months and we admire them for holding on by faith till the right girl comes along (soon, we hope and pray!). Peter is right, and when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He comes around and gives us the desires of our hearts. I had to wait 10 years for an answer and quite despaired that there weren’t any men around in the Family, or at least in my continent, and wrote Mama a rather desperate letter. That’s how Not Enough Men in the Family came out. It was valuable counsel and the ideal solution, which helped me hold on and keep giving my best to the Lord anyway, till almost two years later, after plenty more testing when the Lord brought the one (a Family FGA) He had saved up just for me, plus his three boys. So that was a bargain—four for the price of one—worth waiting for!
The verse that often speaks to me in very tempting circumstances is: I’d rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. The Word just has to be our anchor; nothing else will do!
Well, Daniel, I’m sure there are many who will write too and cover all the other subjects. In fact, from what I hear, we might end up filling up a whole new magazine in response to your letter! I pray you’ll find a way out of your negative labyrinth!
By Shae (25), WS
Daniel, as far as the situation you commented on where the friend of yours was in a pioneer situation, and about all that she went through, believe me, brother, that is nothing. I spent years in a situation waaaay worse than that.
I was also 20 years old, lived in a room with a bunch of kids—eight, to be exact—took care of them in the day and slept with them at night. Their classroom was also in my bedroom. I was what you would have considered a maid in the Home, worked harder than I have ever worked in my life, with no guys around. There were 19 kids in this particular Home, two of us YAs, one teen, and a bunch of adults. The two of us YAs did everything—the schedule, took care of all the kids, cooked all the meals, did shows, etc. The adults were all outreachers, so they all went out every day and left us to do the work at home. Then to top it off, we didn’t get any thanks, no free time, and were accused of just about everything under the sun, including being in a System gang. (I never could figure that one out.)
The reason I am saying all this is not to complain, but to bring out the fact that a bad situation does not make one leave the Family. I stuck it out in that Home for two-and-a-half years; when I had had enough, I moved. My friend, who was with me there at the time, is still there, four years later.
What did we do to have fun, to kick back and relax? We went witnessing. We used to go out on our day off and get out posters. We’d have all our fun doing crazy things out witnessing. And when I left that Home, I missed it! I missed it because I missed the sheep, the fun witnessing times that we had, and in some ways I even missed the daily struggle because it made me a better person. It made me sacrificial and caring. It drove me closer to the Lord than I have ever been in my life.
I am not saying the situation was right. But what I am saying is that bad things happen to a lot of people, and things that happen either make you better or bitter. It is not what happens that makes a person leave the Family, but rather how you respond to it and how you deal with it.
The other thing I would like to comment on is the abuse issue. I had my personal experiences along this line—things I pray to God will never happen to my children or any children in or out of the Family. Did it bother me then? Yes. Does it bother me now? No. Did it ruin my life? No. Do I need to gripe about it years later? No. Abuse happened. It was dealt with. The people involved were excommunicated and are no longer in the Family. And I’ve moved on. The point is, though, that it happens to people both in and out of the Family. I have heard plenty of rape stories from adult women from when they were children or young women in the System; my own mother was raped when she was a young teen in the System. The Family has changed. Let’s change along with it and let go of the past.
In reading Peter’s reply to you, I thought to let you know that he means exactly what he says as far as the standard and the Word goes, and he and Mama live it too. That’s one thing that impressed me about both Mama and Peter when I had the chance to meet them—everything that is said in the Letters is true. When Peter says that you can watch un-rated movies if you pray about it and counsel with your shepherds, then it’s not only true according to the Word, but that’s how they act. I know a lot of people have interpretations of the Word or personal preferences that they impose on others, but Mama and Peter are not like this.
You probably think I’m just saying this, but it is true. I have been in situations, even very recently, where there were rules about everything. Coming to WS, though, I have to say that that does not happen here. As a young adult you are respected and trusted. Decisions are left up to you to pray about. If you want to go out on your free day, it’s up to you to pray about where to go, who to go with, what to do, and how to spend your time and money. It goes without saying that we have a schedule, some basic rules, and the Charter does apply, but for the most part, our shepherds trust that we are old enough to make our own decisions, pray about our own lives, and follow the Lord. Of course, if we were to step out of line, break a rule or go off the deep end with something, the shepherds would be there to help us get back on track, but generally, when someone has faith in you and believes that you won’t do the wrong thing, it makes you want to live up to that expectation.
I love you, and I mean that. I really hope you stick it out.
By Nyx (21), Thailand
During our JETT age, the FTTs (now TCDs) were all the music that some of us had access to. It was a new thing, and for the most part quite appreciated. As we got older, and Combo Homes became a feature of the past with the advent of the Charter, it was the Home’s standard that dictated how much worldly input we were allowed. The standard often varied from Home to Home, but generally, our parents, teachers, and shepherds tried to keep us in line. But it would be unrealistic to say that we always toed that line.
In my case, over the years, I have been—voluntarily—saturated by all kinds of System music. At ages 16 and 17, while working for a music company, my paycheck was determined by how much time I put into research of both contemporary and old school styles, artists, and every last this-isn’t-necessary-to-know-but-it’s-kinda-cool fact on who’s who in the music industry. Needless to say, I acquired a taste (that later turned into an addiction) for outside music.
Later, in a CM Home, I abided by the standard of Charter guidelines for listening to music, but it was hard to not hear or come in contact with the vibes that were everywhere. I didn’t know half the TCD songs, because I didn’t care to hear them. I’ll admit I thought they were unoriginal, comparatively speaking, and didn’t suit my taste. I’d often make comments like, Oh, they’re just trying to copy So-and-so! I certainly preferred dancing to other rhythms when given a choice, and the features of a CD player make it very easy to just skip the song if you don’t like the first few beats.
There was one thing that made me give the TCDs the benefit of the doubt, though, and that was the fact that I’d experienced how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into studio productions of any kind of audio material. I love music, I crave it, and I go whack when I don’t get it. So I thought I would die when I moved to my present Home where System music, and other avenues of worldly access, simply don’t exist. A month prior to coming here, I got partial-excommed, with the whole nine yards. Anyone who’s been through this can testify that it isn’t a walk in the park.
My whole world was transformed from one day to the next, and all of a sudden, with all these restrictions, I had basically nothing, I felt. The spiritual trauma I’m going through is a whole different aspect in itself, but the point I’d like to underline here is the fact that FAMILY MUSIC DID IT FOR ME. Or, more specifically, the words in our music. There have been days when I’ve felt like walking out the door, but when you play that CD and you hear God speaking to you and comforting your heart through the lyrics and the message, you realize that there is something worth fighting for.
It used to frustrate me when Family music wouldn’t satisfy as much as I thought worldly music did. But I realize now that I was struggling against the Spirit. When I just let go, it washed over me, and the words healed me. I’m still in the hate all and anything boy-band-sounding stage, and I still catch myself going, This song sounds so familiar. I certainly still have my music preferences and occasionally use that >> button on the CD player.
Family musicians and songwriters, producers and talents, I have to tell you guys that you have played a big part in helping me breathe again. You know what it’s like when you lose the inspiration and then something wonderful sparks it back into you? Well, that’s how I feel now about the great job you’ve been doing. I can’t dis you anymore when I know that your songs have been and will continue to be my lifesaver. I hope you never stop!
By Chandra (22), WS
One thing that stood out to me about this Letter is how we as young people can be so judgmental about issues we don’t agree with or understand. We feel at such liberty to reiterate the problems that we often forget the positive. That’s how I felt in regards to Daniel’s letter. Traditionally, it seems, we are free to point out the mistakes and errors of our parents and the FGAs, but are we as free to realize the mistakes we make—the infractions on our part that have hurt others and marred a portion of their lives? Do we hold our peers as accountable for their wrongdoings as we do the FGAs?
We tend to live so much in the past, allowing our future to be contaminated by the mistakes of the past. For the last twelve years I’ve listened to the excuses of my brothers and sisters as to why the Family let them down, and why they all ended up leaving the Family. I’ve seen the limitations they’ve placed on themselves even after they left the Family simply because they would not move forward.—They chose to live in the past. They’ve stifled their own motivation through bitterness and blame. It’s a sad process to watch!
This is not to say that I disregard their accounts and memories. I know what they went through; I saw it happening to them. But I likewise believe that there comes a time when a person must move on. However, it seems many refuse to let the past be just that—the past.
I want to say for the record that I admire my parents and all FGAs for what they’ve been through to be in the Family today, for following the Lord despite the radical and sometimes scary things He asked of them. I admire my mum for the guts it took for her to do FFing; I commend my dad for giving of her in this way, so that she could reach out to those who would not have been reached otherwise. I pray that I’d have the same measure of love for the sheep to go any distance the Lord would ask of me, as they did. I am not in the least ashamed of my parents for partaking in FFing; I am proud of them!
Having witnessed my parents’ determination to stick it out in the Family, simply because they have believed this is God’s calling in their lives, makes them my role models. It’s the resolve and fortitude I’ve observed in them throughout my life that I remember in those times when I question whether or not the Family is the life for me. Their sample gives me the courage to keep fighting for my place as a professional disciple.
And the same is to be said for many FGAs I’ve known. Regardless of the times I’ve rebelled against what I felt were limitations they placed on my attempt toward independence and freedom, I am what I am today because of them. I am happy today in the Family because they had the guts to stick it out in the Family in spite of it all, and give of what they learned to help me. So, thank you, Mum, Dad, and all you FGAs who saw potential in me, and believed I could do something for the Lord!
I want the Family, and I want the Lord. Yes, it means sacrifice, but I signed up for the Family. I’ve made my commitment. I’m proud to have a king and queen who will not pussyfoot around. I’m glad they’ll rally us and require more of us, because the truth is that many of us wouldn’t find that motivation ourselves. So thank you, dear Mama and Peter, for being willing to go any distance for the Lord, and compel us to follow as well. I want you to know that I will follow!
By an FGA woman, China
Mama and Peter, after reading The Professionals, I decided to write and tell you that my mate and I are happy for every single thing the Lord is doing, and for every single thing you both are trying to do to make this Family a better place, and most of all to change it into the Endtime army it’s supposed to become.
The main thing I want to convey in this letter to you is that I am happy; it’s as simple as that. I am happy that my almost 20-year-old is also here in China serving the Lord; he is happy as well. I am happy that we have the challenges the Lord gives us nonstop to train us for what’s ahead. I am happy for the boundaries we have. I am happy for everything the Lord and the Family have done for me. I am happy for the ups and downs I’ve gone through, which have been many. At times I find myself crying out of the blue, crying because I am just so happy. I could have many excuses not to be, but I have chosen to follow the Lord to the best of my abilities and I believe that this is why I am so happy.
It’s all a matter of the heart and the reasons why people are really in the Family. And not just my son, but many other genuinely happy young folks in the Family could state the same—that they are so grateful for all that the Lord is doing in their lives!
By David (of Katia), Tahiti
My wife and I met the Family in 1979 when we were in our early twenties, and though we didn’t join, the Family has been our religion for 23 years now. Through the years, the Lord led us to live a life closer to Him and the Family, and five years ago we became FMers. Though we were living quite a comfortable life in one of the most perfect places on earth (Tahiti), as soon as our two older daughters became 17 they joined as CM, and they seem very fulfilled in the Lord’s service.
Last year, after reading the Conviction vs. Compromise series, we felt led to serve the Lord full time and to apply to become CM. We just received our clearance to join a CM Home, and now we are in the process of getting rid of all our bonds with the System in order to be able to move to our new life within two months. We are so excited, though sometimes a bit stressed with so many things to solve!
While reading The Professionals GN, I felt the need to send in our testimony, because Daniel’s testimony emphasizes all the imperfections of the Family, and I wanted to say that we see things in a completely different perspective.
Daniel has been living all his life inside the Family and that’s the only universe he knows; I feel that’s why he judges the Family so harshly, because he doesn’t know that outside the Family things are even worse. He cannot see that the Family is made of imperfect people trying their best to offer a better alternative to something even more imperfect. He is making the common mistake of focusing on the hole rather than on the donut, not knowing that outside there is no donut at all! This can only lead to a feeling of frustration, discontentment, and rebellion.
Of course, we know that the Family has its share of imperfections and imperfect people, but still we believe it is much better than what the System or the other churches have to offer. So, if Daniel is interested in getting the scoop of an adult who had it all in the System and still believes the Family has something better to offer, here is what I would like to tell him:
Daniel, when I read about all the injustices that you and other young people went through, it really broke my heart. It makes me want all the more to give my life to the Lord so that He can use me to do some good that will outweigh the bad that has been done. I know that bitterness against those who hurt us only leads to more pain and that the only way to fight these dark feelings is to forget ourselves and let Jesus bring through us the love and the light that will chase away the darkness.
I am happy to see that you have a fighting spirit. You don’t seem to be the kind who lets someone walk on you or make you get in the dumps. This is good! But now you have to realize that your strong personality is probably some kind of carapace [protective shell] that you’ve built to protect yourself because you were hurt in the past, and you don’t want to let people hurt you anymore. Your harshness is not a sign of strength but of weakness—fear of being hurt. This is human and I’ve often felt that way, but there comes a time when we must realize that this defensive attitude is not the solution and that Jesus shows us another way—which is to forget ourselves and give our lives to Him, especially for the sake of people who are suffering.
Because you were hurt and you know how it feels, you can understand the people who are suffering and you can sympathize with them and you can comfort them. Don’t let your wounds bring bitterness; instead, let Jesus melt you through them and bring out His sweetness in you. Let Him bring through you the consolation He wants to bring others who were hurt in the past just like you.
I love you, dear Daniel, and I pray that you will accept the peace and the love the Lord wants to give you, and that you will find the place of service He has for you.
By an FGA woman, Taiwan
Thank you so much, Peter and Mama, for taking the time, prayer, and effort to patiently address all of this young man’s statements. His comments weren’t new or earthshaking, as I’ve heard how different young people feel about most all the subjects he mentioned. What was awesome were the Godly, wise, patient, prayerful, done-your-homework answers you gave. I laughed and cried, and several times thought of the verse: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Pro.25:11). That’s the only way to describe some of the beautiful explanations and responses the Lord gave.
I believe many FGAs are aware of young people’s feelings about all those subjects, but to be able to answer them in a way they’ll understand is a totally different thing. Take, for example, the subject of FFing (which many young people look at negatively). When I hear a thoughtless comment or joke about it, how do I explain the sacrifice, and yet the special beauty of each soul won in this way? It was one of my most treasured times in the Family, and many people in the System to whom we witnessed would comment on how much they admired anyone who could love that much (to leave our own cozy personal situation to reach out to the lost and lonely).
Of course, it was Jesus loving them through us, which anyone who’s FFed can testify. Each soul was different, but there was no mistaking when the Holy Spirit took over, and we could feel Jesus loving that person through us! I think many times we FGAs have felt at a loss for how to address these deeper subjects that the young people bring up in such a flippant or superficial matter-of-fact way. So it was wonderful how you and the Lord just took your time and carefully (and deeply) responded to these often-heard subjects.
The whole Letter was woven together so lovingly, patiently, yet with such boldness and conviction at the same time. I admire all the insight and comments given to the many sides of each of these matters.
I still consider myself quite a newcomer in learning to work with and communicate with the second generation. Before the Charter, during the Combo days, I was a teacher of younger kids, and teens were practically alien creatures from another planet to me.—I had no idea of the most basic things.
After the Charter, I suddenly had three teen boys (mine!) to shepherd, and they were the first to let me know I knew nothing about what they were going through! The next two years I had a crash course living with them, and I’ve been learning ever since. Hey, I am learning. TYL!
The way this Letter inspired me most was the sample of how to communicate with our younger folks—just taking time, patiently and lovingly, with them—both to hear them out, and to explain the answers to their questions. Just like you did with Daniel. Of course, in that situation you were pretty much forced to sit down and refute all the accusations, but look at all the good that came from it! My bet is that there’s hardly a young person in the Family who hasn’t been hit by at least one of the several things Daniel mentioned. So that letter is getting a lot of mileage! My 24-year-old son just wrote me last week about one of the things mentioned (the Internet subject), and the answer the Lord led you to give, Peter, could have been written just for him.
Thank you for that beautiful Letter. It was full of the Lord’s love and Spirit! The best part was the part about why we’re all here. It’s so easy to get entangled with the cares of this life, and seeking our own things, but if we keep the real reason we’re all here in the Family in focus, the importance of our own life and pleasure fades, and remains in the proper perspective.
By a 20-some-year-old female, Europe
Dear Peter,
I just finished reading your letter The Professionals. I think your replies and the way your letter was written was awesome! I’m very thankful that you said it like it is and didn’t try to be all sweet and loving. I felt the letter was given just the way it was needed, and I’m proud to have you as our king and leader! I had read that e-mail before and wanted to comment to Daniel personally, but as the return address was undisclosed, I was unable to.
I was touched that you stood up so vehemently for our FGA women (and men), for the sacrifices they made during the FFing days. I have been in many a discussion with other young people who totally looked down on the FGAs for FFing, sometimes going as far as calling their own mothers whores for what they did to reach the lost. At the risk of sounding self-righteous, I was horrified that so little respect was shown to what was in most cases quite the sacrifice, but was done out of obedience to Dad and the Letters, and the strongest desire to do whatever the Lord asked of them. I don’t think I’d have the guts or the unselfishness to do that, and I do admire their sacrifices.
If memory serves correctly (as being only in my early 20s I never really read through all the FF Letters, most of them being destroyed before I was old enough), Dad made it pretty clear that if they weren’t doing it in full faith, then they shouldn’t do it. Most young people don’t seem to know that, and they feel that some women were forced or at least coerced into FFing, but from what the Letters said, it was up to the individual.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing that letter. I admire your patience with people who seem to only want to stir up trouble, especially when the issues they bring up have been brought up and addressed several times already. I’m adding a little note to Daniel below:
Daniel, I’d read your email before it was published in the Letter The Professionals. A friend of mine sent it to me. I just wonder if you took into consideration how the continual bringing up of past sexual abuse affects the ones it happened to. Having something that you’ve been trying to forget being brought up again and again is not helping much. Yes, mistakes were made, but Mama and Peter have apologized for the wrongs and have done what they could to prevent it happening again.
What happened is in the past. Please let it remain there! What good does it do to keep making it an issue? I’m sure your intentions are noble, but let us keep the ghosts of our past buried instead of digging them up to haunt us. In doing so you reopen those wounds, which had been starting to heal! Please let us move on with our lives without having to let those things affect us anymore. I’ve forgiven what was done to me. Would you now please let me forget?
By Steve (20), Argentina
I can’t help but grow a bit weary of all this whining that keeps going around amongst our spoiled second generation. (I take liberty to say this as I myself am of the second born.) I wonder, when are these certain people going to realize that we’ve grown tired of hearing about these insignificant complaints and all this nauseating poor me?
I mean, really brother, who wants to hear about how you’ve had such a drrrreadful past, and how you’re destined to such a drrrreadful future, and every single one of your actions will be conditioned negatively, because of this horrrrrible way in which you were raised? I don’t know about everyone else, but I’ve heard about as much complaining as I can possibly take.
In this world and throughout life anywhere you are going to encounter a great many obstacles; those who use these obstacles as a justification for not doing anything with their life and who choose to live in the past are commonly known to most as LOSERS. Yet those who choose to use even those same supposed obstacles in their favor and who are determined to make use of what God gave them are sooner or later bound to succeed in some aspect or other of their life. And furthermore, no one out there is going to stop and feel sorry for you (don’t be fooled), so quit taking advantage of the fact that people in the Family are so loving and concerned about your needs and are willing to hear you out.
As far as all this abuse stuff goes, I have to say that it does sound a bit exaggerated to me. I myself never saw any abuse in my childhood. (Am I the only one?) Well, regardless of the fact that there may have been some abuse, I am sure that it doesn’t even come close to a fraction of what goes on in society at large. I mean it seems that nowadays everyone’s been abused and terrorized. (OH!) Do you know of anyone in the System who hasn’t been abused by someone or other (real or imagined)?
Yes, I was spanked as a kid and yet I’m a strong believer in moderate corporal punishment, mostly because I’m willing to believe in just about anything that goes against what the world is teaching today. You see, it’s all based on very simple logic whatever they were doing back then was working better than what they’re doing now. I mean, with the brainless bullies and assassins the world’s raising today, I don’t see how there can possibly be any questions here. (Cause and effect or by their fruits ye shall know them.) If you manage to see beneath the paper-thin, utopian image they put forth and just start watching the news, you realize that this prided Western way of life is headed down the road towards decadence. (It’s evolution, baby!) How foolish of us to want to jump onto a sinking ship.
I can’t help but think that dear Mr. Daniel must be living in a first world country or in a comfortable situation. Otherwise, how would he even have time to bother himself with all of this? Having some good ol’ economic pressure on your shoulders does you a lot of good; suddenly all your little philosophies seem a bit ridiculous in the light of reality. At least that’s the effect it had on me. I began to hate the way I was and began to learn that society’s portrayal of fun was way too expensive for me and that I would have to find simpler ways of enjoying myself. Personal funds? Where I live, the kids in the System can be happy if they have enough food to eat!
Yet another problem, which I feel is partly a result of the spread of this Western/modern culture, is the destruction of the family circle resulting in the generation gap. Where I live there are surviving elements of the old tribal family circle (although they are even now fading away), where the children respect the father and know they must obey for the simple reason that they are living in his house, under his roof, eating his food, and as such are at his mercy. When they grow old enough to move out of home, they are free to go and live their life in the way they feel best, but they are conscious that when they are with Father and Mother, they must respect their desires. The parents are the bosses; they’re in control. And throughout the rest of one’s life this respect and love for the parents (the ones who gave them life) continues on in spite of differences, and this respect carries on throughout society. It is not rare, for example, to see young people discussing politics, religion or anything else with the elder. And in every youth movement (even the most extreme ones) there is always an old man at the head whom all the younger ones revere and listen to—the guru.
To be honest, I even feel kind of stupid being labeled as a young person. I mean really, what is a young person? It all has to do with your spirit! And to be honest, a lot of the young people in the Family are more conservative, frigid in spirit, and old bottle than a lot of the supposed older folk. (Starting with their refusal to accept those of the first generation, as well as their failure to comprehend the freedoms proposed in the Law of Love and One Wife visions.)
I can’t help but feel that if we stopped worrying so much about saving what we have (I’m not referring to JETTs and junior teens here, but to SGAs who have had plenty of chances) and were actually winning new recruits from outside, we’d be gaining ground. We Family young people are terribly spoiled and have been given too much leverage and far too many opportunities.
Every generation must have its own revolution, and there are plenty of little revolutionaries out there looking for a cause. If we of the second generation only had the courage to use what we have to start an explosion for this generation (instead of being so concerned about fighting for our fun), then maybe we wouldn’t have to worry so much about trying to fit square pegs into round holes. Who knows, maybe a lot of our cool half-hearts and eternally undecided would jump onto the bandwagon as well if they were to see something happening. I too have lost friends just like everyone else, but the time comes when you’ve got to do what you’re going to do and forget about everyone else.
I’ve also found that although loving the Lord is an absolute requirement, it isn’t enough to keep you in the Family. In order to survive in the Family you’ve got to have a real gut hatred for the System. You have to reach the understanding of how futile, false, and worthless it is; otherwise you will have no motivation for remaining dropped out of it. If you are truly dropped out in spirit, then this dislike you have for their great society will be ever-present in your thoughts and actions, motivating you to bring about changes in people’s lives. (After all, if the System’s doing it right, what’s the point of changing anything?)
I know of several small youth movements here who claim to fight against the negative effects of globalization. As signs of their conviction, they go to extremes of not taking on formal education, not getting legally married, not using credit cards, etc. So you see, we are not the only ones in the world who understand the fulfillment in sacrificing things which we feel are detrimental, for the good of our cause. Although conviction is not extremely appreciated in modern society (conviction breeds individuality, which breeds resistance to the cloning process that is being gradually imposed upon the masses), it is this intense conviction and idealism which leads one to the greatest experiences in life.
One line which stood out to me from this guy’s letter was: If you want a boyfriend go out and win one to the Family! Pretty simple, right? But is this notion realistic? I don’t think so. More like a rather cruel mockery of her situation.
Was this implying that we are no longer capable of winning people to the Family, and that we are forever destined to feel as if we are at an inferior level when relating to these cuties (who sometimes don’t have much in their attic anyway)? You see, I think that right there takes us straight to the root of our problem.
Anyway, it occurred to me that some of these people who go on about freedom are probably some of the same folks who then criticize the Law of Love. What an extreme contradiction. And as far as FFing goes, I am sad it is no longer practiced, because when I read the first Letters on the subject, I fell in love with the idea. It’s something wonderful we did and I’m proud of my mother for having practiced it.
Anyway, if Mr. Daniel’s generalizations on the youth of the Family are real, I’ll have to resign myself to perpetual shame. We will have become everything that we supposedly fight against. Anyway, GB King Peter for setting those of us little ruffians straight.
By Jude, Eastern Europe
Dear Mr. Anonymous, or should I say Miss?
Thanks a lot for the e-mail, a real Judas’ kiss!
I’m touched that you care for little ol’ me.
Why, an unknown admirer, and your counsel is free!
But something keeps sticking as it goes down my throat—
Why the lack of a name at the end of your note?
If you believe what you write, let’s see where you stand.
Why not take the credit for what came from your hand?
Is it the truth that you really seek?
Or to stumble the brethren and confuse the weak?
I would have thought an open-minded fellow such as you
Would want to hear back from the contrary view.
For truth is expanded in counsel, debate;
But talking with shadows is something I hate!
So stand up on your soapbox and give us full vent!
But then having done your good deed, don’t be like Clark Kent!
If you are a hero who stands up for the weak,
The voice of the people, compelled to speak.
We are touched by your love, your care for the host;
But please sign your name, before going to post!
And who’s the mystery gal in ol’ Timbuktu?
Under that wig and that dress, ain’t it just you?
The same feelings and thoughts, you share the same goals,
What a delightful coincidence, such like-minded souls!
Her plight you explain, her heart you express,
But I hae me doots, I must confess.
The missionary life, well, if you feel that you can’t—
A new profession to consider? Maybe Agony Aunt?
Is it just me, or what do you think?
Anonymous letters, don’t they just stink?
Faulty logic, full of ifs, ands, and buts,
Mystery writers—lacking in guts.
Listen to me!—Agatha Christie you’re not,
The butler didn’t do it. You did, that’s what!
So when writing a letter and lighting my lamp,
Why not sign the whodunit before buying a stamp?
You’re just an unbiased observer, a real seeker of truth.
But are you looking for facts? Are you checking for proof?
Are you a Holmes of the spirit? Do you hunger to know?
Or do you think you’re absolved by signing, John Doe?
Now I’m not one to silence the voice of dissent,
But is it well founded, honest, well meant?
You’re welcome to share your opinion, of course;
One thing to ponder, consider the source.
So next time you feel like signing, Anon,
Think twice, pray thrice, shut up, and be gone.
Your concern, at this end, is not best received.
Your counsel is tainted; it’s flawed, not believed.
The view that you share is unhindered by truth.
So whoever you are, aged or youth,
Daniella or Dan, whatever your gender—
A dedicated disciple? Or just a pretender?
Well, we’ll never know, just how could we tell?
Are you a whisper from Heaven? A doubt straight from Hell?
Do you even exist?—From whence do you hail?
Do you have wings and a halo? Or a fork and a tail?
By your fruit we shall know you, the Good Book attests,
And here is my challenge—on this, my case rests—
What is your fruit? And who really is who?
On a day-by-day basis, just what do you do?
Are you out in fields daily, swinging your scythe,
Or at home writing e-mails, spreading your lies?
Is reading the Word your favored repose?
Or downloading junk mail and shipping your prose?
It would greatly help, in considering your case,
To check out your sample, look you full in the face.
To see if you’re the kind of man I could follow,
Instead of just reading what you want me to swallow.
Does the Family have problems? Obviously stated.
Are you helping to change things? You’ve just been checkmated!
Part of the sickness? Or part of the cure?
That really depends on if your motives are pure.
One first step to change things, to help us all win this game.
Simply pick up your pen, just sign your name
On that blank sheet of paper that’s facing you square.
Sign up for Jesus! Just put your name there!
By a young person, Earth
This is in response to the recent slander leveled at the TCD songs and their producers, thanks to dear Daniel and his limited scope on the musical tastes of every Family member, especially young people, including myself:
I would like to state what I think about our dear Family musicians and the music they produce. I will begin with specifically thanking: Makoto, Hopie, Jeff, Angelique, David Hungarian, Francesco, Vas, Julie G., Godfrey, Mike D., Jerry Paladino, Philip (Brother Sun), Niki, John L., Chris, Michael Fogarty, Chrissy, Jono, Mike P., Christy, Angelina, Jason, Andrew V., Haley, Jun, Philly, Eman, and many others. YOUR MUSIC ROCKS!!
I hope to God that you will continue to produce your wonderful songs and let none of these things move you. I can’t thank you enough for the sacrifices you’ve made in making this music possible. Keep up the good work!
To Daniel: I’m sorry, son, but your interpretations are way off beam (ML #764:7, Son of Sam).—Mad Dad
By an 18-year-old, India
Dear Mama and Peter,
Thank you so much for addressing the different things brought up in Daniel’s e-mail. I really admire you for taking the time and having the patience to wade through it all—the extreme criticism mainly—and still trust that this person had honest questions, and doing your best to keep your Christian graces as you gave your replies.
I, for one, fully agree with all you said, and take offence to the criticism placed on the Family, and on me as an individual for choosing to remain part of the Family. I agree that we will always remain a Gideon’s band, and have heard that line frequently used in reference to those who’ve left, but never without a connotation of sorrow and extreme feeling of regret for those who’ve left. Since the Charter, my eldest brother and sister left the Family, as well as one other young person from our Home. I realize it can be disheartening and difficult for other young people, but maybe this nonchalant attitude comes from the young people themselves who leave the Family and place very little respect on our values and Christian life and heritage in the Family.
As for my personal take on Family music, although I don’t like it all, a good part of it is very nice. I know our musicians and singers put a lot into it. And because they put their whole heart into it, even if a song doesn’t appeal to me, I’m sure there is someone else out there who does like it.
By Natasha (18), Thailand
Dear Mama and Peter,
I could go on and on about all the ways the Letters have strengthened my life and walk with the Lord, and how they’ve guided and encouraged me, but I don’t want to take too much time as I know you are busy and I wouldn’t want to slow down any of the New Wine getting to me, ha!
Today I read your letter to Daniel in The Professionals. I want to say—from the rest of us teens who were unwittingly added into the general collection of Family teens—that I am sorry that you have to bother with stuff like that. I want you to know that I really do believe in the Family. I am here for the sake of living Family life to the full.
I could be put under the connotation of that poor girl Daniel refers to in his letter—well, minus a lot of the crap. My day usually starts at 6:30 a.m., when I get up for Word time till 8. At 8 I take the kids (a group of five, aged four to six), and I’m with the kids until 6:30 p.m., when I usually have to help on childcare with one of the families till about 9:30 or 10. After that I work on the schedule for the Home, which can finish around 11, depending on the day ahead.
We are strapped for personnel, and we have our rules; for example, I never go on the Internet, I don’t send my own e-mails, and I don’t ever go out by myself or without a boy—things that someone like Daniel would call restricting. That’s not to mention the fact that I end up drinking booze once every three months, (and usually just one can of beer). That’s also because I don’t enjoy booze that much. Sex is kinda scarce, and I’m not allowed to go to discos and pubs around here.
Things are stricter here in Thailand than they are in other places, and certainly a lot stricter than Daniel put it. I know that some other Family members think it’s way too strict and not worth it. When I went to Ireland to visit my relatives, we stopped by the Home there and they were like, How can you ever bother to live in a Home like that? It’s crazy! Why don’t you just move?
I told them, Well, if you look at it like that, then, yeah, it’s restrictive and hard. But at the same time, if we weren’t like that we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish half as much as we have! I’m not here in the Family to have fun, I’m in the Family because I want to witness and raise His children. I’m not here to see how much I can gain for myself, but to see how much I can do for others, the lost, and His children in the Family. That’s not to mention that I’ve been in the same Home for 13 years and have no plans of moving just yet.
Once again, thanks so much, Mama and Peter! I really appreciate all that you do. I love the Word, the Charter, the TCDs, and most of all the Lord and you. I want to continue on in the Family not because I am forced to but because I love the Family and the Lord. I want to serve Him no matter how hard it may seem.
By Julia (junior teen), USA
Dear musicians and WS,
I just thought I would write up a note about the latest Letter The Professionals. (An excellent letter, by the way!) There were many attitudes and ideas expressed by Daniel that I partially or wholeheartedly disagree with, and I just want to say thank you, Peter, for taking the time to research and answer each of his statements. One of the things that this guy stated in his letter really upset me, though—the bit about Family music. Now I don’t have a problem with him and his friends not liking it; hey, it’s their choice. But to say that it is whack, dated, less than original sounding, and does not appeal to me is so totally untrue.
Listen, studios and musicians, you guys are the best! The music that you come up with is the greatest as far as I’m concerned. I can’t thank you enough for all the time and effort that you put into each song. And I’m not just saying that because I admire the sacrifice or I’m just plain upset. I really mean it when I say that Family music is the best. I live in the U.S., and believe me, it’s very easy to get your hands on System music here. I could if I wanted to, but I choose not to for two very good reasons:
1) I believe what the Letters say about System music—it can be spiritually harmful—and if I want to stay close to the Lord (which I do) I’m going to spend my time listening to something spiritually refreshing and feeding, and I can’t say that System music is either.
And, 2) Family music actually does something for me. When I listen to Dead Duck I’m entertained; when I listen to Traditional Chains and Life of a Missionary, I’m mad at the System and thankful for the Family. When I listen to All That Glitters, I want to dance; when I listen to Pet Shop, it makes me want to go reach the lost; and when I listen to Footprints, it helps me feel close to the Lord. I can go on and on, trust me! System music just doesn’t do that for me.
In my opinion, the only thing System music has going for it are its catchy tunes. Honestly, to me, that’s it! Sure it’s fun to move to some of it.—Pop and salsa are fun music styles, I won’t deny it. But when it comes to the lyrics and even just emoting, for the most part we have the advantage on that bit, and in a lot of ways that’s the most important thing. Don’t get me wrong; I think most Family tunes are very catchy, extremely fun to dance to. In fact, one of the most fun parties I have been to was when all we played was Family music.
Dear musicians, you are not unappreciated, trust me. When a new mailing comes in, the first thing I look for are the TCDs. And I have all the songs memorized within two weeks max. I venture to say that out of every TCD there are only one, two or three songs that I dislike, and usually those end up being someone else’s favorite. Funny how it works, isn’t it? And do you know what the good news is? I’m not the only one who feels that way. Daniel, there are young people like me who like Family music—not only adults and kids as you claim. Real live young people. So it’s very incorrect to say that it’s a well-known and proven fact that Family music in its present state does not appeal to young people. (You didn’t even bother to say some young people.)
You aren’t doing us a favor when you speak for us on such a wide scale and on such a wide subject. Please, we can think for ourselves and make up our own minds. Now if you and your friends want to think the way you think about our music, fine. But I didn’t need to hear what you said in that letter about Family music, and neither did our musicians, who work very hard on both a technical and inspirational level to bring us the quality music that they do.
Honestly, I’d listen to a good Family song any day rather than hearing about how Destiny’s Child are Survivors, how U2 is Stuck in a Moment That They Can’t Get Out Of, how Britney Spears is Not That Innocent, or how Outkast is Sorry, Mrs. Jackson. Because those lyrics don’t mean anything to me, they don’t relate to me, they don’t apply to me. Family songs do.
Musicians and studios, don’t give up. You are not missing the mark. You are doing the greatest job and I hope and pray that you get enough polls on the Family Web site to keep doing it. It’s hard to imagine no more new Family music, and I hope it doesn’t come to that with all my heart.
Thank you again for all that you do. I’m a loyal fan of your music. Daniel, you don’t know what you’re missing. Keep listening to constipated babies if you like. I’m sticking with Family music.
By an 18-year-old female, on a mission field
Well, it seems we have a real communications pro here. Daniel, since you seem to know and understand every doubt, feeling, desire, and aspiration of every SGA, YA, senior teen, junior teen, JETT, etc., I would really appreciate it if you could give me some tips on how to better understand JETTs and junior teens—NOT!
On the FTT point: I have serious doubts about your unbiased views about Family music. I was highly disappointed to hear you using my YC group’s humor to express your feelings on that one. Just shows that you’ve never had the (as you put it) burden (though I consider it a blessing) of taking care of children.
And one last thing. If you were so concerned about your dear friend’s lack of male companionship (as you even said you could hardly keep from crying about it), then being the in-tune person that you profess to be, why didn’t you answer the call??
By a 15-year-old female, South America
I’m writing this letter because reading the Letter The Professionals and hearing all those things Daniel said really hurt me. He makes it quite obvious he doesn’t like many things about the Family, and thinks everything is unfair.
What hurt me most was what he said about our dear musicians! I think their music is great, and what is best of all is that you can feel the Spirit. I think they are doing a great job. Not only do I like it, but many of our Active members’ kids ask me to record all the CDs possible for them. You don’t know how much I admire our musicians and pray for them. I think it would be horrible to cut the music tapes just because some people like the System’s crappy music better. I wish I could personally tell the musicians how much I love and admire them.
We are a very small Home, consisting of my parents, me, my teen sister, another teen girl, and my two little brothers. We have to make many sacrifices like the ones Daniel mentioned. I either cook and clean during the week or my mom stays and I go out for the day with either one of the girls or with my dad to do provisioning, get out the tools, etc. We haven’t gone to the movies and neither of the two girls has ever had a guy, but they don’t care. I don’t care either. We have to make sacrifices in a missionary life. It is absolutely normal. It’s better that we stay home cooking, cleaning, and witnessing because that’s how we can help people and win them to Jesus. If I stay home, praise God! In a way it’s also witnessing, because we help those witnessing to get out. We should enjoy it!
We have Bible classes every day except Monday night. We go each Thursday night from 10 to sometimes early in the morning with our Active members and friends to witness to drug addicts, prostitutes, kids and teens who sniff glue to take away their cold and hunger, transvestites, and all those types of people. It’s hard, but we enjoy it because we are helping people to know Jesus, and it makes us happy. I believe a person can be happy in any situation; it just depends on how you look at it.
I owe my place in the Family to you—all of the ones working in WS, the musicians who inspire me with their music, and all those working behind the scenes—who give me the desire and the faith to keep going on.
By P. (20) and J. (16), Boondocks
Dear Daniel,
We thought we’d paraphrase a well-known verse and quote that might help clarify how we feel about your rather bold statements regarding TCDs.
Acts 19:15-16: Jesus I know, and Paul I know Jerry P., Francisco, Hopie, Mike D., Jeff, Angelique, Makoto, Brother Sun, Ezra, Thaddeus, John Listen, Michael Fogarty, Daniel Lights, Chris, Chrissy, Niki, Katrina L., Haley, Jun, Mike P., Joyful, Christy, Angelina, Jonas, Jono, Andrew V., Rachel S., Esther WW, Eman, Kat BB, Julia, Sharon, Emmanuel, Glo, Pedro, Micah Teddy Bear, Pethuel, Fisher, Philly, Vas, Joni, Godfrey, Julie G., Arrow, Tim D., Ben A., David Hungarian, Jason, Ben G., Nat, Lara, James Servant, Simon Black, Peter A., Windy, Barry, Gideon, I know, but who are ye?
Thank the Lord we know better than to enact verse 16: And the man leaped on him, and overcame him, and prevailed against them so that he fled out of that house naked and wounded. And might I add: [He] never again tried to use childish bathroom humor to describe the music we like and appreciate.
The Family has heard about: JAS, Strange Truths, Heart to Heart (Mosaic), Mexican studios (Vas and Co.), TAS, OAS, RAD, EAS, Friends, Thad, Jeff and Co., Simon Black, Jason, etc., and countless other musicians down throughout our history. But who the hell has heard of you?
—to paraphrase Dwight L. Moody (feeling extra moody over your latest load of bunk)
By Kayla (26), WS
I just wanted to say thank you, Daniel, for writing that letter. It’s another undeniable proof (for the rest of us, at least) that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. The Devil loves to do his dirty work of spreading his doubts and exaggerated half-truths in secret, because he knows that if he’s too outspoken, he’ll be blasted with the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart—that white-hot sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. But because of your letter, many questions, doubts, criticisms, and exaggerations have been brought to light—to black and white. Your words have rallied us—not in the way perhaps that you were hoping. Through this GN we have the new term professional Christian, and some wonderful Words from our greater-than-ever Husband, Jesus, as well as from our earthly king and queen.
I still hope and believe that we of the second generation will become what the Lord wants us to be, despite a few distinct disadvantages like being so oblivious to what it’s really like to live in the tough world of the System, to where we despise our blessings in the Family. It’s a big one, to take by faith that we wouldn’t be happy or make a bigger difference in the System, with our drive and initiative and all that money we’d make. (Isn’t that a common one?) We really have to trust the Lord on that one, as many of us have never known that life and have probably caught ourselves wishing we had some cool Yep, was successful in the System then dropped out of the System ‘cause I found a higher calling testimony—partly because it’d make us feel less simple, and partly because we’re just curious, I guess.
But hey, the whole time is short factor kind of makes that whole avenue a little less efficient, wouldn’t you say? I wouldn’t really relish the thought of getting my first raise one day (We’re so happy to have you in our company.—You’ve really made a difference!), only to find out the next day that to pick up that raise from the bank I just had to swipe my brand-new barcode-in-the-hand gizmo over a laser. And whether it takes ten years or fifteen to get to that barcode-in-the-hand point, I don’t want to waste that time trying to prove to myself that I can go the carnal, wide-is-the-gate route, and succeed.
I don’t doubt I could succeed. My older brother has, and that’s fine with me.—Basically he’s chosen the I’ll catch up spiritually when it really heats up route, which might make it a bit tougher for him eventually, but I don’t doubt the Lord will make that work together for good in his life too. But I know what Jesus wants me to do, and I darn well hope that I am strong enough and have enough fight in me to keep doing it.
I’m so thankful for the anointing our King Peter had in replying to Daniel’s letter for the sake of us all. Peter and Mama love Jesus so much and I’m so proud of having them at the helm of our ship. We are incredibly spoiled to have such a wonderful Christian movement, complete with the freedoms of the Spirit, the New Wine, and the wonderful non-guilt atmosphere. And for those places on the field that are a bit too rule-oriented and less Charter and hear-from-the-Lord oriented, I have the faith (and it’s my prayer) that as time goes on and Mama and Peter’s sample continues to spread, such places will become more and more rare.
I’ve made sacrifices to serve the Lord (although I’ve had a good life!). I wish I could attend dancing school. I’m a party animal and I wish I could party until dawn every single weekend. I love variety and wish I could have a new wardrobe each season. I’m a bookworm and wish I had time to read to my heart’s content, without worrying about the negative effects of too much System input. I have to admit, not getting a paycheck can be a sore trial at times. I’m pretty ambitious and have a lot of drive, and sometimes the whole going-the-prophecy-route-for-everything-I-do gets a little wearisome.
But hey, whenever those things start to get to me, it’s a sign that I’ve been entertaining Pan and Bacchus, who cheerfully forget to mention that in my present situation I don’t have to pay utility and mortgage bills, I’m not shackled by the terribly unoriginal (and expensive!!) need to wear whatever the latest fashion happens to be, I’m not working in a company of closed-minded Systemites, I don’t have to be worried whether my boyfriend truly loves me or is just using me for sex—or that he’ll dump me because I enjoy having sex with others, I don’t need to get an AIDS test annually just to make sure that you know I’m not DYING. And I haven’t even gotten to the most important things, like the fact that I have spiritual gifts that are more priceless to me than anything in the physical, including the gift of a spiritual channel with Heaven, the gift of loving Jesus as my Husband, all the wonderful new weapons, and the awesomely cool knowledge of the Endtime and the spiritual warfare where we are the good guys—ya know, the ones who triumph in the end.
Daniel’s letter and the resultant GN was one of the best things that could’ve happened this year, and I don’t doubt it was all part of the Lord’s plan.—Awesome, isn’t it, how He can even engineer our closed-minded blow-its to work toward His greater purpose. It’s comforting.—What power! It makes it so fun to imagine what He can do with us when we’re actually trying to please Him.
I pray that I will always have the conviction to put Jesus before myself, so I can hold my head up when the last page of my life has turned, knowing that regardless of the choices of others, I chose the road that I knew in my heart was the best road.
By an 18-year old female, Europe
I’ve just finished reading through The Professionals and I am compelled to write. I’m incredibly thankful, amazed, and in awe at the anointing I have witnessed our dear king and queen have. Your comments and replies to Daniel’s letter were stirring, thrilling, convicting, anointed, Spirit-filled, inspired, and sent shivers down my spine.
I would like to share my testimony, as I feel I have experienced a few similar things and scenarios that were present in Daniel’s true scenario, to show that sometimes it is attitude that makes all the difference.
I am 18. I joined a CO and his team, forsaking the deep desire I had to join a Home where they had quite a few young people who were working on developing a show troupe (something I really enjoy!). I would have preferred to have gone to the mission field instead of staying by the stuff. But the Lord showed me there were some lessons I needed to learn first, mostly to strengthen my faith and convictions.
So I joined this Service Home. I loved the Home I was joining and the team we were building. We were taken through a few difficulties, which really helped to strengthen our unity. That is not to say we have a perfectly united team. That is still our goal. But we all have that goal, and no matter what, the Lord always gets victory out of our seeming defeats when we yield and let Him melt us together.
Our Home is entirely made up of SGAs. The eldest in our Home is 30 years old, and although technically he is an FGA (national, not Family-born), I would challenge any young person to pick him out of a room full of SGAs, because I can guarantee you they wouldn’t be able to guess! He is anything but an old folk and we get along great.
When I originally joined the Home it was still a large Service Home in the process of breaking up. One half was moving to another Service Home not far away, and our little team was branching off all on our own, with the vision of joining up with another Home. One reason the Lord laid it on my heart to help this team was because they would be a small team for a while, and would probably appreciate any help they could get. We searched high and low for a new house to move into, all the while continually seeking the Lord for guidance, and He kept telling us to knock and seek. So we did—and the Lord miraculously supplied.
When we first moved into our new house, we had two young people who were in transit staying with us. Because there were fewer bedrooms in this house, there weren’t enough rooms for me to have one all to myself. We had two couples, two singles, six kids, and two young people visiting. The two singles were the 30-year-old national and me. So, where was I roomed?—In the same room as the 30-year-old FGA!
We’d both been given the option of sleeping in the office, the living room, the dining room, the kids’ classroom, or one or both of us staying in a room with no beds, just a little fold-up bed-couch and another mattress on the floor. When the idea of me rooming with him was first presented to me, I had a cow and a whole dairy farm! Believe me, I was squirming inside. I took the time to pray about it, and the Lord gave me the grace, and I agreed. It was not a decision made by the teamworkers. Nobody forced it on me. I agreed to room with him!
I had all my privacy when he wasn’t around (and he was very considerate!) or else I did my dressing, etc., in the bathroom. I won’t say I didn’t have any battles with it, because I did! And to be honest, more than just a few. I learned (and am still learning) needed lessons on communication, honesty, and ask Me everything, as in order to keep from blowing up or losing my cool due to different things I might’ve disliked about rooming with him, I had to use all of the above. Again, not everything or everyone is perfect; I make mistakes too. But there’s something beautifully wonderful about knowing the Lord’s in control and that no matter what happens, He always has a solution.
The Lord used the time we roomed together to teach us both amazing things. We were both going through some pretty major tests, and He used us both to help and pray for each other. I know it was His engineering, totally, because there is no other explanation for the things I learned and the way He used us to be an encouragement to each other. It was special! I saw how the Law of Love is supposed to be applied in every area of our life, and in some cases it really has nothing to do with sex. I deeply love my roommate. It’s a friendship, but I think almost deeper, because having the Lord as the center point made it so much more special!
During this time I was on my second term of PE, which I had been on for six or seven months. My sentences were all attached since I broke my PE time. So I had none of the fun Daniel was expounding on. Of course, I was restricted from it for a reason, but I would like to bring out the beautiful blessings and lessons I received from my time on PE.
Obviously I have had difficulties with the rules. It’s loud and clear from the moment you hear I have gotten three PE sentences. And if you ask what my first sentence was for, you’ll see I haven’t only defied the no sex with outsiders rule, but also the smoking and no pot rules. Not only did I have a problem with the rules, but I wasn’t the angel who loved the Lord enough to forsake these things in order to have a deeper relationship and connection with Him. Thank the Lord He stopped me before I went too far and sold my birthright for a mess of pottage. From what I’ve seen, it’s so not worth it. And I’m talking from experience. I have been given grace three times in a row, and the Lord’s mercy is never ending. It’s amazing! His mercy certainly endureth forever.
I understand that Daniel’s scenario did have a few raw deals. But I too have been tempted to be bitter or leave, as although my first term was due to my rotten attitudes and I clearly needed straightening out, I personally feel that my other terms could’ve been avoided. And it’s my fault, and maybe due to not enough prayerfulness and shepherding. The Lord has given me some deep, valuable lessons on having my own convictions and keeping the fear of Him whether there are shepherds around or not. It’s a lesson I am still being drilled in, but I can say it is one of the most appreciated spankings I’ve gotten.
I too have thought maybe the Family is too harsh. But that’s just part of the sentence. Maybe the Family is too harsh if your motives are party and join the crowds, and if that’s the only fulfilling thing for you. That’s why I first broke the rules.
I’ve also thought about the forbidden fruit line; it was a good excuse for me for such a long time. It pacified my pride and temporarily numbed the way the Lord was trying to convict my heart. If your heart is truly, totally yielded to the Lord, it is so clear why the rules are in place. Not only is it clear, but I think it’s a lot easier to want to obey them out of love for the Lord and obedience to His Word.
Concerning Daniel’s comment of PE for six months being a LONG time, I wouldn’t want him to compare it to the 13 months I’ve just gone through and have him comment on it. But I would like to give my comments on it.
These 13 months have honestly been the toughest time of my life, but they have also been the most treasured. In these months, I have received countless prophecies of encouragement from the Lord, not only personally, but from so many wonderful people who have shown care and unconditional love, including a personal letter from you, my sweet Mama! I have been shown no condemnation, only forgiveness, and a sample of love that I will never forget.
I have had 13 months to basically honeymoon with the Lord. Time where He has given me one-on-one tutoring, and has used wonderful channels to help me grow. I have, and am still developing, a closer, sweeter, more intimate relationship with Him, and the more I get to know Him, the deeper in love I fall.
I have also had 13 months to feel what fighting means! I understand better what one spirit helper said, I am here to teach you to have a tender heart, but a tough spirit! I am building on my convictions. Each time I’ve fallen I have become more determined in my heart that I will not give up, that the Family is where I want to be, that serving the Lord is the only thing I want to do with my life, and all these other things I count but dung, because compared to Him they really are!
I have had 13 months in which I have found numerous Family young people with incredible convictions and a beautiful love for the Lord.—Family young people who have also had raw deals and have come through, but more amazingly have through their lessons, helped me and many others to forgive, be forgiven, and again commit our lives, our hearts, our minds, our souls to Someone Who gave more than that for us!
I have had 13 months in which I have found numerous Family older people whose stories are amazing and who have such valuable things to pass on to us, if we’ll just reach over that gap and connect with them! They have some of the best humor I’ve seen, and I think there’s something outstanding about the way they shine. I believe it’s the direct blessing from the many yieldings and breakings they have gone through.
I have received a few letters from COs and VSs, and in each one I see the Lord’s anointing, and the personal love and sample they represent of the Lord, Mama and Peter, to us! I have received a personal letter from Ashley (thank you again), from you, Mama, with the most beautiful prophecy and vision I have read, so beautiful it made me cry!
I am very thankful those rules are in place! If they weren’t, I wouldn’t be here!
By Daniel Gypsy (19), Argentina
There’s a lot I would like to say about Daniel’s letter, but I’ll try to keep this short.
Let’s talk about loneliness in the Family. Are the poor young people the only ones who face this reality? Is finding someone to love something only people in the Family have to deal with? I’m 19 and I haven’t had any sexual activity for a year or so. Is that the Family’s responsibility? No! I made the decision to be in a pioneer situation. I believe being a disciple is going to cost me more than not having music, TV, movies, bars, and all the other activities that can only satisfy the flesh for a moment (and most of the time not even that). I believe it will cost my life some day and that of the ones I love. But that’s all worth it, because I believe in what we’re fighting for and what we’re fighting against.
Living without the one I love is not something I enjoy; actually, I’m quite sick of it. It’s difficult to not have someone there at night when all you want to do is cuddle with the person that makes you feel like that happiest guy in the world.
A year ago, to me, Jesus wasn’t more than a good friend, the world’s greatest revolutionary, the Son of God, my role model, and I was His follower. After my first three months without sex I thought I would go mad. I had tried loving Jesus before but never seriously. I mean, after all, I’m a guy, right? I don’t really know how, but after some time I started trying it. At first I thought it was pretty dull, but I was sure it could become more, and after some time it did. Now I don’t feel the way you do when you go without sex for so long; in fact, I have that feeling you get when you get it all the time. I feel great! Some of the best sexual experiences I’ve ever had have been just me and Jesus or other [good] spirits. You all must think I’m crazy, but it’s the truth and I cannot deny what Jesus has done in my life.
Daniel’s letter is full of contradictions; for example, he says He loves the Family. What is the Family? Is it a Home? A certain situation? A shepherd? Mama and Peter? It may be a little bit of a lot of things, but I think the Family is the Word. So this guy goes on and on about all the Family’s problems, none of which are the Word’s fault, but the way people or Homes put the Word in practice. Then he goes on to give his solutions, all of which go completely against Jesus’ teaching, Dad’s revelations, and all the New Wine. Huh?
He says that young people leave the Family because it’s too strict. Let’s go back 30 years when the Family was 99 percent youth, was spreading like wildfire around the world, and winning hundreds of new disciples a month all over the globe. Being a disciple included: NO sex, NO TV, NO movies, NO System music, little or no privacy, etc., yet we were winning hundreds.
Yes, as a group we have many problems. As a wise old man once said to me: Don’t tell me about the problems, give me the solutions. So here’s both the problem and the solution as Dad put it, God has no grandchildren! There’s no such thing as second-generation Christians. Every new generation either has to drop out or cop-out—one or the other; bring forth new buds, or die on the vine and become dead (ML #42:5, Vol. 1).
Every generation must have its own revolution. Have we, the second born, had our own revolution? I don’t think so. That means (some) are second-generation Christians, dying on the vine, and copping out, but it doesn’t have to be that way. And what’s more, it won’t be!
There is no male nor female, much less age, in the spirit. It all boils down to either being an old bottle or a new bottle. So for God’s sake, let’s unite as one under the banner of love. Young and old, great and small, let’s go on an all-out attack till the gates of Hell tremble under our feet! We are the world’s only hope! There are people right this moment holding a gun to their head, ready to put an end to their life, while some of us are sitting on our asses wishing we could get more of what put those people in that very state.
Come on people, there’s a war to be fought, and there’s no time for sitting on the fence! I’ve got news for all you guys out there who think you can turn the Family into a cool institution, a brotherhood of the flatlander. You’re never going to beat us or change us, so you might as well join us or leave. In this era there is no time for compromisers (on both sides)! If I were you, I would choose quick before getting spit out of Someone’s mouth (or worse). You’re either for us or against us!
Let’s go people, we can and will have our revolution. The time is right, and it’s now. We need disciples who hate the System with their body, soul, heart, and mind. The Devil’s out to kill us, and if we don’t attack first, the Family we all love so much will be a revolution in decay. The future is dictated by our actions today. So let’s get out there and cause the world’s greatest explosion!
I know I could (and should) be doing a lot more. How about you? The future is now!
With much love and prayers,
Your brother
P.S.: If any of you are causing a revolution (or want to) in your little part of the world, I would love to get in contact with you. It would be great to share ideas and compare notes. My e-mail is pitulinme@yahoo.com or imatoilet@yahoo.com
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