The first time I met Father was in Los Angeles in 1969. I was introduced by Ms. Young Oon Kim to Father as being Jewish.
At the 1800 couples blessing in 1975 American members were asked to volunteer to pioneer new countries. I volunteered to go to Egypt, Syria, or Iraq but was chosen to be the American messenger to Somalia. I began learning to speak Somali and studied the history and the customs of Somalia.
Because I was the IOWC Commander of Alabama, I attended leader’s meetings with Father. At a leader’s meeting in the Belvedere main house USA Church President Neil Salonen asked Father if some of the American leaders who had been appointed to work overseas could stay and continue to work in the USA. He asked Father if I could continue working in the USA.
Father asked me if I wanted to stay.
I quickly stood up and said, "No, Father. I want to go to Somalia!"
Father looked at me and said, "You are Jewish; aren't you?"
"Yes, Father."
Father instructed, "You go to Israel." I went to Israel.
With all the things going on in our Church and in Father's life between 1969 and 1975, how could he remember that I was Jewish? I am amazed at Father's fantastic memory.
From Tribute, p. 114-115.