October 11, 1986
(September 8, 1986, lunar calendar)
Congratulations to In Jin Nim and Jin Sung Nim on the birth of their Heavenly Son Shin Myung ("Faith and Light") Preston.
12. God's Rainbow Coalition -- Rally and March for Religious Freedom - In Jin Moon (Eugene Curtin - August 28, 1984)
Eugene Curtin
August 28, 1984
New York,
Thousands gather In Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to listen to speakers on the religious liberty issue, August 28, 1984.
About 4,000 demonstrators from a wide variety of faiths gathered at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan on Aug. 28 to protest the jailings of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the Rev. Everett Sileven of Nebraska.
The rally -- which featured jazz great Dizzy Gillespie; the Rev. Joseph Lowery, leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; the Rev. Greg Dixon, president of the American Coalition of Unregistered Churches; and In Jin Moon, Father's second daughter (19- year-old)--was organized by several groups concerned with religious freedom that have sponsored similar events throughout the country.
Rev. Lowery said it is easy to persecute "that which is unpopular." He cited the imprisonment of Father and Rev. Sileven as examples.
Sileven was imprisoned because the state of Nebraska refused to accept his contention that his Baptist Church School was exempt from state teacher- certification rules. Rev. Moon currently is serving an 18-month prison sentence for evading taxes on funds he continues to insist belonged to his church and were therefore non-taxable.
"Make no mistake about it," Lowery said. "Sun Myung Moon is in jail because he was unpopular, not because he was unfaithful."
Lowery told reporters that the IRS never was given authority "to decide what is a bona fide church." He also said it was "very unfortunate that the Supreme Court chickened out" by refusing to hear Rev. Moon's appeal.
In Jin Moon told the crowd that the day her father entered prison on July 20 seemed "as if the end of the world had come to my family."
"I never imagined in a million years this would happen to my father, particularly in America," Miss Moon said. "The nation my father so dearly loves has imprisoned him."
She said, "God needs America to save the world," and urged the protesters to "turn our anger and grief into powerful action to make this country free again."
Popular New York City radio talk-show host Barry Farber, who served as master of ceremonies, told the protesters he had received criticism from some for attending a rally organized by a "Moonie front group."
"I've got news for you," Farber said. "This is not a Moonie front. This is God's front."
Farber, a Jew, said the "rainbow coalition" was a political term made popular recently by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, but that standing before him in the rally he saw a number of Protestant denominations, some Catholic friends and Muslim representatives.
"This is God's rainbow coalition," he said.
Rev. Dixon said he saw parallels between the treatment of Rev. Moon and Rev. Sileven and persecution of Christians in the USSR.
"When you read the transcripts of the Rev. Sileven case and the Rev. Moon case, it sounds like what's happening in the Soviet Union," he said.
"Rev. Moon had a mock trial and so did Rev. Sileven. But so did Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago," he said. "We must have no more mock trials in America."
Rally organizers said the series of nationwide rallies is "just the beginning" and that the religious-freedom movement was growing in strength "every day." Rev. Lowery announced plans to mail information on their goals to more than "300,000 priests, rabbis and pastors throughout the United States.'"
10. I Am So Grateful I Have Such a Beautiful Family (August 14, 1984)
In Jin Moon
August 14, 1984
East Garden
I would like to thank you all for coming to my birthday. I know that at this moment Father is in Danbury thinking about my birthday. I want to thank my parents from the bottom of my heart for raising me.
I am 19 this year but I feel that throughout my lifetime I haven't given True Parents enough of my effort or enough of my love in return for all they have given to me. They have truly stood by me and supported me in every way possible. I respect them, I admire them, and I love my parents very, very much.
You all know what my birthday wish is: that during these 40 days a miracle could happen and somehow we could hasten the day when we can welcome Father back to East Garden. I know all my brothers and sisters, including all the wives and husbands and all my nephews and nieces, are trying very hard to unite, serve and support our True Mother here, and to pray constantly for our Father's freedom.
What I mostly want to say today is that I am so grateful that my oldest sister and my oldest brother have stood by my side so strongly during this time of difficulty. They have truly led the younger brothers and sisters, and they have supported us and taught us. Ye Jin has shown us an example through her faith and through her prayers, and Hyo Jin through his deep, deep speeches and all these prayer vigils. I am very inspired, and I am truly grateful to have such a great, true brother and sister.
I really don't know why Father chose me to speak in public. It's not that I am the most capable one to do the work of Father in representing True Parents' family. I have been thinking about this. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I am the second daughter, maybe because I am the Abel figure in this family, just as Heung Jin was. Maybe that is why Father is pushing me to go out there and speak, but I want to tell all of you that it is not just me who is speaking when I go out there and speak in front of those ministers or the participants at the recent CARP rally.
Like Col. Pak said, it has a lot to do with Hyo Jin's prayer, with the many people gathered at the rally, and people joining hands together in live Parents' room at Col. Pak's house while he pours out his heart. Also Col. Pak takes care of me and tells me: "You'll be fine. You are the representative of the True Family, so you have to do well." The kind of support and loving embrace that he has given me, and also the fact that Ye Jin stayed at home and prayed very hard for the success of this rally, I think that has brought the success to this rally and to the Pageant.
When I went to visit Father in Danbury, he told me that I did a good job, but I truly want to say that it's not for me to receive the praise. I think the ones who truly should be rewarded and thanked by Father are my older sister and my older brother, and Mother. I am so grateful to have such a beautiful family and such a beautiful mother. 1 sincerely hope that in all the years to come we can prove that God did not make a mistake by giving us life on this earth, and that we will carry out our responsibility as the daughters and the sons of our True Parents. Thank you.
11. Happy Birthday, In Jin Nim (Robert Rattley - August 14, 1984)
Robert Rattley
August 14, 1984
Father has recently been giving his children regular homework assignments. When they visit him every other day, he commissions each of them to write a poem or essay, to concentrate all their heart and mind into expressions on paper.
From this turn of events, then, has emerged the talent of Hyo Jin Nim. Just as Father, at his most inspired, gives us virtually the words of Heavenly Father Himself, so now his eldest son has become a vehicle for a profound expressive of Father's value, often with words that read as though they could have been written by Father himself. I was a guest at In Jin Nim's birthday this month, at which Hyo Jin Nim set the atmosphere by reading four poems for which Father had suggested topics.
From the beginning, In Jin Nim's birthday wish, sure to come true within a month according to Korean tradition, defined the atmosphere. While trusting that everyone present should fully enjoy the celebration, she shared with us her deepest birthday wish: that because of all our activities during this first 40-day period since Father was sent to Danbury, some miracle will come about whereby Father may be welcomed back to East Garden.
As soon as Mother and the couples of the eldest children had come downstairs, we were all seated to begin the banquet. The mood at this breakfast was outwardly relaxed and contented. Although it certainly was not somber, everyone present must have had many things to think about -- tasks to plan, problems still to be solved.
If I'm at all representative, we who happened to be present that morning could not hope to absorb much of the full import of that gathering, and, for all our desire, we could perceive only a tiny portion of God's heart pouring out to the world. If Jin Sung Nim, the new son-in- law of True Parents, called himself a coal among jewels, what should we say in our turn?
But there we were, close to the source. It was very real. It was natural, simple, unfathomable no doubt, but not mystical. Mother and the eldest families of the second generation freely shared a moment of life with us.
In Jin Nim's birthday speech attested to the support she receives from her brothers and sisters, especially Ye Jin Nim and Hyo Jin Nim, as she strives to fulfill her role as public spokesperson for the True Family and our whole movement. Mother offered ideas that appeared to be spontaneous, but they actually conveyed to us the focus of Father's major message for this time.
Ye Jin Nim and then others, including In Jin Nim herself, sang. And Hyo Jin Nim's profound and poetic sentiments suffused the air, a powerful manifestation of the deepest relation there is, that between parent and child. Mother and the eldest of the True Children shared with all of us something of their own awareness of themselves, of their destiny, and of their role in the providential events of our time.
9. Father, We Are Going To Liberate You Soon!
In Jin Moon
July 31, 1984
Belvedere
Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. With such a wonderful older brother like Hyo Jin, and such a heartistic older sister like Ye Jin, I feel so unworthy to stand here and talk to you about what I have felt and what I have experienced during, shall we say, difficult times in our Unification Church. Right now I cannot but feel unworthy in so many ways because truly, just like Mother said, Jesus didn't have to be crucified 2000 years ago. It was because the Israelites disbelieved and disobeyed that Jesus had to take the cross. Two thousand years later we have the tremendous blessing to live in a time when the second Messiah is here with us. We can see him day to day. We can listen to his heart. We can listen to him speak. Yet still many of us disobeyed and disbelieved in Father. And that is why he is in Danbury, Connecticut, right now, serving his 18 months in prison.
I have been in Danbury a few times, and I have seen my father. When I saw him the first time it just totally amazed me how calm, how poised he was, how warm his smile was for me, for my family, for my mother. I just cannot believe that at a time like this with all the suffering that he's experiencing in the prison -- and as you know he cannot speak English very fluently -- he could be receiving and almost welcoming us to where he is staying.
I felt, my gosh, even in prison he is humble and he is being sacrificial. I am amazed over and over again that I have not realized until now how precious our Father and our Mother are. I am so ashamed when I say to all of you that 1 am going to be 19 this year. Because I, as their true child, for 19 years have really not realized their value. I have right in front of me a precious jewel, and I have not realized its value until now. And I just feel so ashamed, and I feel sorry to our True Parents that I couldn't have been more of a true daughter to them.
Representing the 'True Family
And then, even in the midst of my shortcomings and my inadequacies, Father and Mother have bestowed upon me the greatest blessing, that is, representing the True Family, representing my brothers and sisters at the Constitutional Hall Pageant for Religious Freedom. When I heard Father had chosen me to speak I was stunned and I didn't know why such great blessing had come to me, to such an unworthy me. I was not sure if I could live up to Father's expectations. I was not sure if I could do my responsibility as his daughter in front of 4000 ministers, So that day, for the first time, I went on a cold shower condition.
I was terrified, to tell the truth. I mean everything that came to mind I did. I prayed, I fasted, Lord knows what else I did, and I don't know how I went through that night as I did. And I don't know how I stood there without my knees falling apart below me and was able to give Father's message to all those ministers. I believe it was not I who was speaking, I believe it was Father who was speaking through me, because even as I was reading Father's letter, I felt so much of Father's heart in it. I almost had to hold myself back from just crying out and bursting into tears and shouting: "Look, you people, here we have the Messiah imprisoned in Danbury, Connecticut! What are you doing sitting here for this pageant?"
But, because they are ministers, and because I have to respect them, and because I have to be humble, I had to hold back my aggressiveness. I am born under the sign of Leo, so sometimes I say things that offend people, or sometimes I do things too abruptly, and I know Satan was testing me with his full force, to blurt out and say sharp things to all these people But somehow I guess God helped me, and I guess Heung Jin helped me, and Father's spirit helped me to act poised, to act disciplined, like a perfect daughter should be.
Meeting Father in Prison
I want to tell you that spirit world alone couldn't have brought the success of this rally. It was really all of you and all the members who are working so hard throughout the world for our True Father, and I know that all of you here are working so hard to make people understand, to make people wake up from their sleep and realize the importance and the value of True Father. I know you are really shedding your blood, sweat and tear- tor this cause, and I just want to say at this time in front of Mother here, that I also truly pledge myself, just as all of you have done. I really want to become that true daughter Father expects all of us to be, because I love Father very much, I really do.
I am trying to put myself in True Parents' position, and especially in True Mother's position. How difficult it must be for her, and how many times she must be crying deep in the night because Father is there at Danbury in a cold room by himself, praying for the world. And when I think about my mother I cannot help but realize how great a woman she really, truly is. Knowing that her husband is in prison suffering, she has come before all of us here, has given us such a heartwarming speech, and is truly standing up to fill in the position of both Father and Mother. She is such a tremendous and beautiful woman, and I just hope that someday I will be able to measure up to my mother's tremendous standards.
(Here In Jin Nim's voice trembled with emotion.)
I really want to tell you that we must truly unite with Mother a hundred percent, and with my oldest brother, Hyo Jin, and with my older sister, Ye Jin, because only when we unite with them are we uniting with Father.
I want to tell you that even though Father is in prison, he's not feeling any grudge against the country of America that jailed him, and he's not feeling anger. Rather he is thankful to God that if by his imprisonment he can save the world, then he is glad to do that, he does it happily. When Father uttered those words to me in prison, I was moved once again, and sometimes I'm such a crybaby.
We can meet Father from eight to three. Every day we go to meet Father. When it's nearing two o'clock in the afternoon, you feel very agitated, and you feel very uncomfortable because the clock is ticking and you know that in 60 minutes you will have to leave, and you are trying to say: "What can I do in 60 minutes to somehow uplift my father, somehow comfort him or try to make him see that we, as his sons and daughters, are doing the best we can?" But every time I try to do that, it seems like I fail and it is Father who is comforting me, and telling me that it is okay, this is God's will. It is destiny, and it must be done.
Every time I have to see my father at 3:00 p.m. walk back into the prison, it hurts me so much, because if everyone was willing, if everyone had a mind like Heung Jin who was willing to die for Father, if everyone of us was willing to live such a life, then maybe this tragedy wouldn't have happened to Father. I keep on thinking: What if I had done this? What if I had done that? What if I hadn't done this? What if I hadn't done that? But then reality dawns on me that Father is in prison at this present moment, and nothing can be done to change the past.
I am sure there are millions and millions of people in spirit world -- all those famous saints, all those patriots who died for their country and for their cause -- who are so much more worthy to be in our position, to be in our shoes right now, to be serving lime Parents, than we are. What are we? We were given life, and we are living in the same time as our True Father, and still we are not doing our mission. I mean God has done ninety-five percent for us. He has given us everything, and all we have to do is such a small percent. But we struggle with it every day, and we are not really able to perfect ourselves so that we can become better heavenly soldiers for True Parents. I am saying this for myself as well as to you, that we really must humble ourselves, and we truly must unite with Father and Mother a hundred percent, because they truly are the living example of a true daughter and a true son of our Father up in heaven.
I know that during the time Father is in jail a lot of miracles will be happening, and I pray for them. Really, Christians are standing up and fighting for our Father. Especially at the rally, Dr. Joseph Lowery, Sen. Orrin Hatch, and so many, many other people were just wonderful. I have heard my father-in-law speak many times about how all these ministers, all these senators and these very influential people are supporting Father, but I thought, "Oh, no, it's one of Col. Pak's overblown stories, or it is just some 'inspiring message.'"
(The audience laughed, including Col. Pak.)
But I truly want to say that at this rally I was overwhelmed and I felt it to my bones how much they love Father. If outside people can speak out for Father like that with such conviction, why can't we, right? So, I don't have to say any more. I am sure you know also very well deep inside your hearts. I want to say to Father: We are going to liberate you soon! Thank you.
8.Testimony Of In Jin Moon At The Rally For Religious Freedom (July 25, 1984)
July 25, 1984
Constitution Hall
Washington, D.C.
In Jin Moon, the second daughter of True Parents, speaks before a full house at Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. on July 25, 1984. It was the first time that a child of True Parents has spoken to the American public.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
My name is In Jin Moon. My father is the Rev. Sun Myung Moon. I am his second daughter.
As we all gather together here tonight to rally around religious freedom, I know my father Rev. Moon sits in the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, praying for this pageant for religious freedom in America.
The day of July 20, 1984, was as if the end of the world had come to my family. This was the day my father entered into the prison. I never imagined in a million years that this could happen to my father, particularly here in America, the land of freedom, the land of God which my father dearly loves and serves.
My father suffered nearly three years in a concentration camp in North Korea. His only crime was preaching the word of God in a communist state. The average prisoner never lasted more than six months in this death camp. But because of his faith, my father survived nearly three years.
He has said, "Only by the spirit of God did I survive." In 1950, during the Korean War, he was liberated by American troops who saved his life.
My father said, "I owe my life to America. I want to do God's will and repay my gratitude to America."
In 1971 he came to this country obedient only to the voice of God. For the last twelve years he has shed his tears and sweat in service to America.
He told me over and over again, "I love America as my own country because this is the country that Heavenly Father dearly loves. God needs America to save the world."
He worked so hard. I have almost never seen my father sleep. He is always up working and praying. I have never seen anyone so dedicated to America's dream and to God.
Now America has imprisoned my father. He is not concerned with his personal suffering. His life has been filled with tears and tribulation as he tried to do God's will. What is most painful to my family is that the nation my father dearly loves has imprisoned him. The land of God that symbolizes freedom for all has imprisoned my father. The government of this God-loving nation has sent my father to jail. This is very difficult for me to bear and to understand.
My father is now 64 years old. He is guilty of no crime. Yet tonight, as we speak, he might have just finished washing dishes in the prison cafeteria or may have just finished scrubbing the floor. Last Monday when I visited him in the prison, I saw my father for the first time in prison clothes. I cried and cried.
But my father told me not to weep for him and not to be angry at the government that jailed him. He told me, as he has told his millions of followers throughout the world, to turn our anger and grief into powerful action to make this country truly free again.
For the sake of my father, for the sake of other persecuted people here in America and throughout the world, I promised my father that I would take up his fight unto my life. I am so grateful for all of you here tonight because you are fighting for religious freedom for all Americans and for all people around the world.
Religious freedom is the foundation for all freedoms. If America loses religious freedom, I know there is no other country on the face of the earth which can bring it back. For that reason I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for standing up for religious freedom.
I miss my father very much. I want to have my father come home very soon. My mother and eleven brothers and sisters thank you because your fight for religious freedom will help to hasten that day.
I would like to now read my father's message from Danbury Prison.
The Reverend Sun Myung Moon's Message from Danbury Prison
My beloved brothers and sisters under God:
I regret I cannot be with you tonight in person. But know that 1 am with you in spirit. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations for coming to the nation's capital to stand up for religious freedom.
From my earliest days as a teenager in the poverty-stricken land of Korea, I was driven in my quest for truth and my search for God. From that point on I have always felt so deeply the preciousness of religious freedom.
Even when I was arrested and beaten nearly to death by the North Korean communists, and later when I was sent to die in a communist concentration camp, I had no fear. I felt deeply that God was with me. I felt so close to God and had daily communion with Him for the three years I was in the death camp. I did not pray for God to come and rescue me. Knowing that my Father in heaven already knew my suffering, I spent every minute of the day reassuring Him that I would not be defeated by this suffering.
I am now in America and I am now in an American prison. In my twelve years of living in this country, I have never felt as close to God as I do now. I love America more than ever. If his will is being served by my imprisonment, then I am here in gratitude. When I serve my fellow prisoners their food or scrape the plates after dinner or scrub the kitchen floor, I am doing it for my Heavenly Father. I am serving His children. And I am serving America and the world. I am therefore doing my chores with joy.
I came to America in 1971 at God's command. God told me that America is His final hope, His precious jewel which He prepared for the final battle against the atheistic communism in the last days. However, America needs help. America is turning away from God. God cannot afford to lose America. God told me to go to America to wake people from their spiritual sleep before atheistic communism takes over the world.
You know that with such a mandate, I did not come to this country to win a popularity contest. I spoke out and I took a stand. I gave America every ounce of my soul. In the process, I became unpopular and have been persecuted and now I have ended up in a U.S. prison. This is no surprise to me, for I almost knew such a cross would come.
I thank God that my situation and that of Pastor Sileven and many others have become rallying points for religious freedom in the United States. God works in mysterious ways. Here in prison God can use me to awaken America more powerfully than ever before. America's religious communities must be united to preserve religious freedom. Our united effort alone, like this pageant, will ensure the survival of America.
Here in prison I will do my part. I encourage you to do your part. Together, we will awaken America. I am willing to suffer any indignity, to go any distance, to do any labor and to bear any cross. I am even willing to give my life if that will ensure that America and the world will survive and do God's will.
My prayers are always with you. Prayers from prison can be powerful. Tonight we mark a new beginning, yet our job lies ahead. Let us move forward together in the spirit of Jesus Christ and claim a glorious victory for America, for the world and for God.
God bless you and God bless America.
7. Day of Glory – the Marriage of Heung Jin Nim and In Jin Nim (Angelika Selle - February 29, 1984)
Angelika Selle
February 29, 1984
On February 20, 1984, Heaven and Earth rejoiced over the Holy Weddings of two of our True Parents' children. In Jin Nim (age 18) with Jin Sung Pak (21), Col. Bo Hi Pak's second eldest son, and Heung Jin Nim (17) with Hoon Sook Nim (21), Col. Pak's daughter.
The glorious wedding ceremonies were officiated by our True Parents in the main house of Belvedere at 10 a.m. on a morning in which the grounds were cozily shrouded in a thick white fog. Over 200 guests, church leaders and representatives of blessed couples from all around the world, arrived two hours before the event. A room on the ground floor of the house was completely arrayed in white, as was the hallway through which the brides, grooms, and True Parents would enter.
A happy atmosphere filled the air. In Jin Nim and Jin Sung Nim's wedding ceremony was scheduled first. Each wedding, conducted in Western style would be followed by a traditional Korean-style wedding ceremony upstairs with only a few relatives present.
As True Parents descended from upstairs dressed in their holy wedding gowns, a four member chamber ensemble started to play Handel's "Largo," and everyone took his assigned position. It was not easy to read True Parents' minds and hearts just by looking at them. How would they feel on a day like this?
Both Western-style ceremonies, emceed by Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak, were the same, only with different speakers and soloists. The beautiful young couple entered accompanied by Mendelsohn's "Wedding March." When the bride and bridegroom exchanged rings and gifts, Mother wiped away some tears. Then True Parents gave their Holy Blessing to the recently matched and now married couple. Rev. Young Whi Kim in his congratulatory address called it a "match made in Heaven" and wished the young couple many children and great accomplishments in their lives.
Concerning the second wedding, as Father explained later in the evening at a six hour celebration in the Manhattan Center, this wedding is unique in history! From the secular point of view, he said, it would be a sad and gloomy event, yet from the point of view of Heaven it was a necessity. No one of the present had ever seen such a marriage ceremony before. Before the ceremony began, Rev. Kwak announced that through it the spirit world would be opened "to a new dimension."
Heung Jin Nim had sacrificed his life and could not be present at the ceremony in person; therefore Col. Pak carried a picture of Heung Jin Nim and escorted the bride. The emotional intensity of the spiritual atmosphere swelled while the "couple" walked toward the altar. The bride, Hoon Sook Nim seemed dignified and concentrated.
The ceremony was held in every respect as if Heung Jin Nim were physically present with Col. Bo Hi Pak taking his position in answering the wedding vows and pledge Father prayed a very 1 rig prayer of benediction. After three cheers of Mansei, the bride turned around beaming, and now carried the picture of her beloved new husband herself.
According to Col. Pak, her first response to the matching with Heung Jin Nim had been, "I feel deeply honored." What kind of life she will lead and what her role is in God's dispensation will be seen in the future.
At the celebration in the evening, around 500 guests were invited to join with the young newlyweds in a delicious dinner, and enjoy a marvelous program put together by the performing arts department and hosted by Dr. Mose Durst. After the official program, it was time for the newlyweds to introduce themselves, but just prior to that, our happy elder brother Col. Pak and his wife expressed their overwhelming gratitude and joy by making three full bows to True Parents on stage. Col. Pak then shared about the significance of the day, especially concerning Heung Jin Nim's wedding, which according to Father marks the day of Pentecost for the Unification Movement. February 20 was the 50th day after Heung Jin Nim passed away. Likewise, 50 days after Jesus had died, Father said, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and Christianity began.
Jin Sung Nim and Hoon Sook Nim both gave moving testimonies about their feelings on becoming part of the True Family. The evening concluded with True Parents coming on stage, and with heartwarming singing and dancing. It was a Day of Glory on Earth as in Heaven.
A new chapter of history has opened with these two holy weddings. Father encouraged us to have absolute confidence from now on. "There is no victory you cannot win!" he said. Amen!
6. Tasting A Bit of Heaven -- the Blessing of In Jin Moon and Jin Sung Pak and Heung Jin Moon and Hook Sook Pak (Nancy (Neiland) Barton - February 20, 1984)
Nancy (Neiland) Barton
February 20, 1984
The fog covering the still-to-be lit Manhattan sky was dense. Misty-eyed on the dawn of this momentous occasion, like many others, I felt as though this were Heaven. It was February 20, 1984, the day of the Holy Blessing of Jin Sung Pak and In Jin Moon, and Heung Jin Moon and Hoon Sook Pak. Both the spiritual and physical worlds were waiting in anticipation; we were all to witness a miracle.
Several of us started out from the World Mission Center shortly before 6:00 a.m. for Belvedere. On the way, Mr. Shunichiro Yoshida and I commented on the weather, wondering how the day would actually turn out. Mr. Chong Jik Woo mentioned that perhaps the fog would act as the bridge allowing the spirit of Heung Jin Nim to come more easily to earth. Soon enough, the fog dissipated. Heung Jin Nim must have arrived.
In less than four hours, everything would start. Peeking from the back entrance near the kitchen of Belvedere's Main House, I saw staff members scurrying between various rooms. White sheets leading in and out of the Blessing Hall were still being tacked over the usually-bright red carpet of Belvedere's main hall. The banner needed straightening. Candelabras accepted long white candles one brother bestowed upon them. Several brothers were finalizing details of the stage construction, while others were placing flower arrangements with care. A sea of white seemed to engulf the transformed library. The Blessing Hall was decorated beautifully.
As the buses arrived, the sky erased its grey and replaced it with bright blue. A table was set up in the parking lot below the steps near the side entrance in order that we could register those who attended, giving them programs and asking them to sign guest books. Shortly after their arrival, participants changed into their white robes and gathered near the registration table waiting to enter the Main House. The anticipation to witness such an event was not only in the air, but in the faces of those Korean, Japanese and Western blessed couples. Special smiles seemed to turn up on almost everyone.
After registration, as the participants filed into the Main House, I slipped into the basement and made my way up the back stairway to find my own white robes. I had left them in a small room not far from the kitchen. When I went in, I was astounded to see some of the blessed children who were to attend the brides and grooms in the two different ceremonies. Dressed in pale pink and ruffles, there was no way these young girls could contain their excitement. Laughter. Talking. More laughter. And after a few minutes, they broke into Korean songs. I was impressed by their beautiful harmony, definitely not simply the blending of their voices.
I had the privilege to help the General Affairs Division of the Blessing Committee before the event as well that day. Some of the most important things which that staff was responsible to provide for the Western style wedding were streamers, horns and confetti which were to be showered upon the couples as they exited the Blessing Hall. Several days after the Blessings, I talked to a few of my co-workers about their impressions. The consensus was similar. We were pleased to see how the elder couples and leaders of our worldwide family took the opportunity to truly be children of our True Parents. Usually we see them as our elder brothers and sisters, and in their positions as the leaders under True Parents. Yet surprisingly enough, that day many of them were delighted at the prospect of tossing pink and white heart- shaped confetti or throwing multicolored streamers while blowing a horn. Each of them displayed such freedom to rejoice with our Heavenly Father and True Parents at these two historic weddings and with this, surely bringing joy to the True Family as well.
I felt, as did several of my coworkers, the impact of unity among the leaders. Hearts beat in accordance with our Father's direction to hold these Blessings one week to the day after he announced them. Everyone knew the historical importance of that day and responded in obedience to our True Parents.
When it was time, some of the elder couples from the different Blessings took their places in the Blessing Hall. Space was reserved for the True Family as well as for the Pak family. Many other participants stood in the doorways of the living room and dining room, craning their necks at appropriate times for the best view possible. In addition, there were members several rows deep along the two walls of the hallway.
I was standing in the area where the quartet performed, just outside the Blessing Hall. My view to the main hallway was blocked; however, at just a few minutes before 10:00 a.m., a familiar voice floated from the second floor. Father wanted to know if everything was ready. The audience hushed quickly and immediately became reverent. A signal was given and the music started. True Parents walked down the main staircase and came into view. Father's face was steady and determined. As always, True Mother's beauty seems to increase with the years.
The first ceremony was about to begin. The familiar notes of the famous wedding marches drew the first couple past my vantage point and into the Hall. But I took my moment to look at them as they passed. In Jin Nim was a lovely bride in all senses of the word. We have enjoyed her on stage countless times, soulfully singing her songs of love to Heaven, to True Parents, and to our membership. It was not so long ago that she also gave such a tearful portrait of love through her words at the Belvedere Seunghwa Ceremony for her beloved brother, Heung Jin Nim. Certainly we cannot forget what she said, how she revealed more of her brother as well as our True Parents to all of us. But at this moment, she lifted us in ways that songs and words could never do. Her beautiful face showed us the depth of her commitment to follow the Will of our Heavenly Father, and obey her True Parents. She conducted herself with the dignity and grace that she has obviously studied from our Mother. Her handsome groom, Jin Sung Nim, walked beside her with such humility yet heavenly pride to have been the one chosen to care for this princess. They looked so beautiful together, so ready to live their lives not simply for the moment, but for history.
I could not physically see their Blessing ceremony being performed from where I was standing; however, the tone of our Father's voice as well as those who offered prayers and congratulatory messages expressed the desire all of us had in wishing them a life that is enriched with the love of God. As they left the Blessing Hall, I sensed how precious these two children were to our True Parents. The purity of their vertical love was so evident in their faces.
After our True Parents left the library and went up to the second floor to wait for the start of the second ceremony, there was a massive cleanup of the confetti and streamers. Another white runner was placed over the carpet in preparation. And people lined up again.
Several of us had previously talked among ourselves and speculated as to who would represent Heung Jin Nim, but until I saw our very dignified elder brother, Col. Pak holding the picture of his daughter's bridegroom, I could not imagine how special this scene would be. I was not alone in the experience of taking a look through my tears. I will never forget her face: beautiful... serene... calm. And ready to become a daughter of Heaven. Most of us have seen Col. Pak so many times before, but that day in one way he did not look like Col. Pak to me. I feel he brought more than simply the picture of our Heung Jin Nim into the ceremony.
The atmosphere of this Blessing ceremony seemed different somehow. One had the sense that there was virtually no "elbow room" left because of the thousands or perhaps millions of spiritual beings who had crowded themselves into every corner to witness this union. Again, I could not see our True Parents or the couple as this ceremony was performed. I only have second-hand bits of information about the tear-stained faces of the True Children, particularly Ye Jin Nim and Hyo Jin Nim. But I think that even second-hand bits of information can speak to us.
I regretted deeply my inability to understand Korean. Although Father's Blessing prayer for this ceremony has been translated, we who are the recipients of a translation lose a great deal of the depth and character of the original words our Father proclaimed at this historic event. I am sure that Dr. Durst, and Rev. Young Whi Kim who offered the prayer and congratulatory hymn for the first ceremony, as well as Dr. Kuboki, Rev. Jae Suk Lee, and Mr. Kwang Yul Yoo who offered the prayer, congratulatory address and congratulatory poem for the second ceremony, prepared long and hard to bring forth the glory of this event through their words. The Master of Ceremonies, Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak, also painstakingly selected his words of introduction to each of the events of the program in order to connect them to the Principle and show us the significance of this historic Blessing.
I could not help but notice the three blessed girls who had been the attendants in Jin Sung Nim's and In Jin Nim's Blessing. During this ceremony, they stood directly outside the Hall and across from where I stood. I could see them gaze into the Hall. What a contrast to their light and lyrical singing of several hours earlier. Their eyes were filled with tears; I saw them mouth prayers.
Perhaps the greatest climax of the day for me was watching this couple exit the Hall. Again, I did not know what to expect, and in a way, at first I was rather surprised that it was Hoon Sook Nim who carried Heung Jin Nim's picture. Of course it was appropriate; for all eternity, they belong to each other. It was more than the word "beautiful" could describe. When she walked out with her groom, Hoon Sook Nim absolutely shone. Just as I will never forget her face when she walked into the ceremony, the picture of her smile as they walked out is forever etched in my mind. Her happiness and joy spilled into each of our hearts. I don't know how many people could keep their eyes dry. There was no mistaking her love for God, for True Parents and for her new husband. And she gave a piece of that joy to all of us who attended that morning ceremony.
Yet it was not just those who witnessed the Blessing who were given this gift. I feel that the Blessing Banquet was also an extraordinary way to share in both these Blessings. There are countless things one could describe about the Banquet; the decorations, the candlelight dinner, not to mention the wonderful entertainment provided by the members of Performing Arts. Yet when the couples were asked to come to the stage, everyone felt mounting excitement.
Jin Sung Nim began, and his loving tribute to True Parents, his bride, and his physical parents is contained within this issue. From his presentation we were able to see the absolute sincerity and dedication this man has to live up to the ideal of a Blessed Couple. He moved everyone with his words. And In Jin Nim graciously gave us a gift of song. She dedicated "Mother of Mine" to our True Mother; In Jin Nim's portrayal of how her heart was connected with God's work in her life touched each of us in a special way.
When Hoon Sook Nim came to the stage, she gave her testimony first in Korean and then in English. Her testimony, too, is included in this issue. As she spoke, tears came. Later she clarified that the reason she cried is that she felt so unworthy to receive such a blessing; she pledged that during her life on earth, she would strive to bring joy to the True Parents, living in the place of Heung Jin Nim, especially to wipe away Mother's tears. Col. Pak sang when it was Heung Jin Nim's turn. And for all his apologies regarding his singing voice, I thought when he sang that time, he sounded pretty good! Perhaps someone harmonized with him
Each of us who attended was mesmerized by the spirit, and felt that perhaps we tasted a bit of Heaven that day. We heard Col. Pak give testimony about the two couples, and were treated to a speech by our True Father, as well. Father clarified several points about the importance and meaning of these Blessings, educating us also about the reality of the unification of physical and spiritual worlds. He even shared with us some details of Heung Jin Nim's mission in the spiritual world.
Reading over Father's speech, I was re-inspired by the providential role that Heung Jin Nim is playing in history. Father is asking each of us to become united with both Heung Jin Nim and Hoon Sook Nim. This can be done when we heartistically respect the loyalty, filial piety and sacrificial spirit of Heung Jin Nim. Also, when we can connect our prayers for Hoon Sook Nim in her own spirit of sacrifice, Satan has no opportunity to accuse us. It is obvious to me, that although these two couples were given the Blessing on that day, each Unification Church member received the grace of God as well.
After Father and Mother sang several songs for us, and we closed the celebration with three cheers of Mansei, I again felt so strongly the presence of the spiritual world. The last cheer was dedicated to Heung Jin Nim. I believe he led those same cheers in the spiritual world, but that he, too, was on the stage with his True Parents, his bride, and his sister and new brother-in-law. His pledge has already been made before Heaven. It is up to each of us to receive the benefit of his pledge gratefully, and help him by solidifying our own.
