EE-3-D1 – D-2
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Mary Tupper
To whom it may concern.
I, Mary Tupper, am living in Jonestown. I love it here. It’s like a dream come true. I never seen a place so beautiful in my whole life.
I am studying to be a respiratory therapist and am doing very well in the course. I help with our respiratory therapist here, in many of his duties. I always wanted to be in the medical field, but the educational system in the states wasn’t teaching anything. The school here in Jonestown is fantastic. There is one to one teaching and you can learn anything that you ever dream of. I can see very well where my education I got in the states left me. Over here, I have been taught everything I miss back in the states and more. I can see my younger brother, who is very lucky because he is getting the super education from the start. Even students who were in special classes in school, here they are excellent students and have total confidence in themselves. I have seen a great difference in the education I got as a child then the children here are getting.
Sign, Mary Tupper
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EE-3-E-1 – E-2
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Chris Rozynko
I have been living in Jonestown nearly a year now and I have only good things to say about this place. People are so kind. The weather is so beautiful. Aside from the deliciously warm sun, often times, a short but refreshing rain will come to break up the day.
The food is delicious also.
Since I have been here, I have been engrossed deeply in my trade and have really learned a lot about what I’m doing. In the states, I began my trade as an electrician but had little opportunity to advance in my learning, doing only house wiring. Now that I am here in Jonestown, I do all electrical engineering. I am in charge of the electrical crew including power line construction, engineering, house wiring, industrial wiring, and motors also.
This is most wonderful and fulfilling place I have ever lived in. Never have I ever felt that I could contribute as much as I have here. Now, however, I enjoy a life of more freedom of expression and easy living surrounded by a community of happy and cheerful people. But let me make something clear. My dad and my sister have made several statements about this place and they are all untrue. If they only knew the truth about this place, they would be ashamed that they said anything about our community. I can’t understand them at all. If I had any wishes to see them before, all their lies now repel me from them.
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EE-3-H
Undated declaration by Chris Rozynko
I value this community too much to leave it especially to see relatives who never cared about me before.
Chris Rozynko
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EE-3-I-1 – I-2
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Carol Kerns
My name is Carol Kerns and I am 20 years old. I have been living here in Jonestown, Guyana for the last ten months. I can honestly say from every cell of my body that these last ten months of my life are the happiest I have ever experienced in all my 20 years.
Just sitting here and looking at this beautiful land and how Jonestown is progressing makes me look back to my life and the type of life I was leading before I ever came in contact with Peoples Temple and Jim Jones. I was ten years old, already smoked half a pack of cigarettes a day. I was sniffing glue and smoking marijuana. Many of my young friends had already been sent to juvenile hall and at the rate I was going was soon to meet them. My life had no meaning or purpose and at the tender age of nine, I attempted suicide.
But then I met Jim Jones and Peoples Temple. My whole family was accepted with open arms. My alcoholic mother was rehabilitated, my brother helped out of jail, my two sisters taken off drugs and sent to school. As for myself, I was given programs to get involved in and become interested in school again. All of my personal and physical needs were all taken care of. Because of a family type atmosphere that is part of Peoples Temple, each person is love and accepted. Several years have passed and I have grown into a healthy, stable woman. I have found a reason to live. I am receiving training here in Jonestown from our excellent medical staff because I am going to major in medicine and become a pediatrician. I am also working with several of our children in their private tutoring. And of course, one of my most enjoyable functions here is working in the green and flourishing fields. To get out there and grow food that I know will be feeding my own family on our own soil is a fulfillment never met in the United States. Also, to know if we keep up our production, we will be helping all of our friends in Guyana.
This is why I can never understand why my two sisters, Ruth and Jeanette Kerns, could turn against Peoples Temple after all that was done for them with no expectations of any returns and try to tear it down. Their lies hurt me deeply but they can’t change my convictions, that what I’m doing here is more important than anything to me. And what’s more important is that what I am doing here is right.
Thank you, Carol Kerns
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EE-3-J
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Bruce Oliver
My name is Bruce Oliver. I’m very happy here in Jonestown, Guyana. I grew up in one of the roughest spots in San Francisco. I was always in trouble and scared to walk the streets because they were so rough. I never had any peace of mind until I came here to Jonestown. I’m now training in running the Big Cats and I must say, I really enjoy my job. It’s so peaceful and the air is so clean. It’s hard to believe, after growing up in the big city. I must say, this is quite a change. I now have the opportunity to learn and do things I was never able to do before. All I got to say in spite of all the lies told about this place, I never been happier in my life. I am happily married and look forward to a great future for myself and my children in the coming years.
Bruce Howard Oliver Age 20
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EE-3-K-1 – K-2
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Leslie Wilson
My name is Leslie Wilson. I am a resident of Guyana, South America. I am also a member of Peoples Temple Agricultural Project. Since being here, I have never felt better in my life. My future goal is a physician in the field of gynecology/obstetrics. I am receiving training from qualified medical personnel.
Guyana and Peoples Temple has enhanced my life greatly. I’m in the best of health, my family is also in good health. The people here are kind and show a lot of friendliness, even in passing on a street. To me, that’s beauty. The weather is warm with cool tradewinds blowing softly. Rainy season is wet but not cold. Since being here, I have a great advantage. My child is in the best preschool program, which allows him to express his talents without being just another child in the class. Guyana is truly a beautiful country and I would never have the advantages or determination to better myself in America. Recently, I heard my dad, Richard Wagner, joined in a press conference called “Concerned Relatives.” This group is against their relatives who are members of Peoples Temple Church. I have since then lost all respect for my father. I don’t understand how my father could possibly be against something that is doing me and my family so much good. If he loves me truly, why not wish for my happiness? All I have left to say is I love this place and have no intentions in returning to him.
Sincerely,
Leslie Monique Wilson Wagner
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EE-3-L
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Cassandra Minor
My name is Cassandra Minor and I am happy to state my feelings about Jonestown, Guyana. I have been here for quite some time and I like it here very much. One thing I like about it is the outstanding medical care that is given here. The food service is also excellent. I am also learning to be a dietician, learning to work with people and prepare special diets for different people. I have never seen a more beautiful place. Children and seniors, as well as people of middle ages and teens are treated with the best of care. We grow lots of our own food and we cooperate like a big family. There is true peace and love and care for one another. I like it here very much and I plan to make my life here. I am sorry that some people cannot understand our way of life – Brotherhood – and have to make it look bad. This is troubling to me, but lies will not stop me from my own beliefs.
Cassandra Minor
Age 21
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EE-3-M
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Mike Rozynko
When I came to Jonestown, I had no idea what to expect, except I’ve read about Jungles.
But I found a little, thriving community opening up in the heart of the jungle, always cooled by trade winds and gentle rain. I’ve worked here building Jonestown and enjoying every bit of an experience I would never have had in the city.
My name is Mike Rozynko and I teach mathematics in Jonestown High School. Also, I repair typewriters and spend time with photography, besides doing research in tropical agriculture.
I am living a very fulfilling life with my brother, Chris and my mother, Joyce Rozynko. I only wish my sister, Sandy Rozynko, had decided to stay in Peoples Temple so she could enjoy this peaceful life, also.
I cannot understand at all why Sandy and my Dad, Dr. Rozynko, would want to hurt Peoples Temple. I just wish I could convince them that I am in the best of health and am here of my own free will, and don’t ever plan on leaving.
Mike Rozynko
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EE-3-N-1 – N-2
Undated affirmation of life in Jonestown from Wesley Breidenbach
My brother Harlan recently participated in a smear campaign and press conference. His sudden concern over my welfare is a little startling to me. He never came to see me. Last time he saw me is when I went to see him. It is a fine time to suddenly be concerned about me. I’ve been here a year now and [he] wasn’t concerned until now. I wonder what his motivation is for inquiring about me now.
Since I’ve been in Jonestown, I’ve begun heavy agricultural equipment. I’ve learned to cultivate and rotavate. Currently, I’m responsible for 200 acres. In my spare time, I’m learning ham radio and electronics, a very fascinating field.
I want to say one last thing. Where was my brother when I was stealing and becoming an alcoholic? His concern for me now is phony.
I’m very glad I’m here and do not want to be anywhere else!
Wesley Breidenbach