Hak Ja Han Moon and Family Launch Tour of 100 American Campuses

Impossible, is what we all thought. Even the Regional Directors called for a revision: 50 in the spring and 50 in the fall. Their plea had as much chance as a candle in a snowstorm. Reverend Moon was, as usual, absolute: his wife and family will speak on one hundred university and college campuses throughout America this spring. He said it; we believe it, and that settles it.

Rushing home from the February 16 meeting, Unificationists fanned out across America to set the wheels in motion. By March 8, by the grace of God, the first event had come to pass: Mrs. Moon spoke from the pulpit of the Harvard Divinity School (see special report to the UNews). The dye was cast; the following day her daughter Un Jin Nim spoke at Pasadena Community College and her daughter-in-law Jun Sook Nim spoke at Loyola University (New Orleans). Mrs. Moon proceeded to the University of Maryland, New York University and Cornell University before the week was out, and to Yale, Princeton and beyond after that.

What is the purpose of this surprise direction from the Unification founder?

It is obvious from east to west, north to south that the young generation of Americans are in trouble. Despite massive investment in education, despite unhindered scientific development of educational theory and technology, the status of the present generation of young people is, by all indicators, a sad one, with no hope in sight. A generation ago, the young people envisioned a coming world of peace and love, filled with ideals. The present "Generation X" is at the crossroads.

Marx perceived a pattern to history based upon economics. Unification Thought perceives a pattern too, but this one based upon spiritual dynamics. These spiritual patterns develop according to the people's unity with God and with each other. If there is unity with God's Word, then unity with each other will come and the future will unfold. Disunity with God's Word leads to disunity with each other: between races and religions, between husband and wife, and between mind and body. Then history will close up shop. The result is Generation X, with no past, no future, no present, no nothing.

This is the characteristic of the last days, the crossing point of good and evil on the world level. All the braintrusts of the best and the brilliant prove themselves bankrupt. The students know that they are responsible for the future, for solving the problems of the world. And they know that the professors, government and religious leaders do not have the answers. They know that the standard methods will not work. They are ready for a radical message, one that gets to the root. That is the message of True Parents and the Completed Testament Age.

Without parental love, this world will die; it is as simple as that. The ultimate source of parental love is God, but there must be a substantial channel of that love on earth. Jesus was not that channel; he was not a parent. No other, not Buddha, not Moses, not Mohammed, was a true son of God. The love of God must come through substantial parents, and it must begin at one point and multiply from there.

We are looking forward to reporting to you the excitement and impact of this speaking tour.

Book Review - A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands

by Sandra Lowen-Newberg, NY

A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands, by Franchezzo, transcribed by A. Farnese, 1993, AIM Publishing Company, West Grove, PA, 246 pp., $14.

In the middle of page 4, Franchezzo, a young Italian of the latter 19th century, makes a horrifying discovery: he is dead. What follows, according to A. Farnese, a late-19th century medium who received and transcribed Franchezzo's spiritual memoirs, from the hell of the spirit world, to a paradisical state. Written in a clear, first-person narrative style, the book takes the reader from Franchezzo's gravesite, to which the unfortunate young man finds his spirit body chained in a state of decay, to his liberation through his repentance and the supportive love of his earthly and spiritual friends. Not only does one follow the Wanderer's individual course of restoration, but also his views of such topics as the structure of the spirit world, the sort of spirits on earth, the formation of planets, how spirits materialize, and the gathering battle of good and evil. Of particular significance is the constant reminder of the consequences of intention and actions as the determinants of one's fate in the next world.

While some may question if the work is a factual account of a real person in the spirit world or merely the fabrication of Mr. Farnese, Wanderer is consistent with the accounts given by other spirit world chroniclers, and in many cases, more comprehensive. I would highly recommend Wanderer as an excellent introduction to the spirit world for the uninitiated and a comfort for those to whom the realities of life after death remain obscure or the source of anxiety.

The book was published last year, through the auspices of the Association for Inner Mastery (AIM), an organization dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge about the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds.

March 1994

WFWP Helps Earthquake Victims in Los Angeles

by Takefumi Miyagi - Los Angeles, CA

As many Christian and other organizations rush to help victims of the Jan. 17 Northridge earthquake, WFWP joined these forces in a heartistic way by delivering cooked foods and baby needs.

While the media was focusing on the victims in San Fernando Valley of the epicenter, many people in other parts of Los Angeles also suffered severely with little attention and help. Pico-Union, 30 miles south of the epicenter, is the one. This Latino-dominant area harbors many old apartments and houses. Their utilities were cut off and a few hundred people evacuated from their severely damaged apartments.

Mrs. Gloria Soto, director of Pico-Union Improvement Association, asked her friends Takefumi and Sumiko Miyagi for help that they need blankets to stay in the tents. The Japanese couple immediately responded by asking Mrs. Inose, chairwoman of WFWP Japanese chapter in Los Angeles, to collect used blankets and clothes through WFWP Japanese network.

After this initial effort, Mr. Miyagi found Gloria needs more help for her neighborhood. They cannot cook. A baby girl was born just 12 hours before the earthquake and her family lost their apartment. Many children were suffering and frustrating in despair. "We need food, baby diapers and coloring books for children. They need to express themselves to release their frustration," Gloria told him.

Then the Japanese couple turned to Mrs. Sachiko Sato, co-chairwoman of WFWP Southern California, for assistance. Sachiko offered to give some donation from the relief fund raised through WFWP members in Los Angeles. Rev. Sung San Lee agreed to use $500.

Soon food and other goods were delivered to Gloria's place with a letter from WFWP. "It takes a longer time to get aid from the government in this situation. Our community helped each other. Private network like WFWP is more effective," said Gloria with gratitude.

Their gratitude was apparent when hot cooked dinners were served. "I love lasagna," Kristy, Gloria's 14-year-old daughter, screamed with joy." In the first dinner evening more than twenty people came to the outdoor parking lot in Gloria's apartment complex. "It's so delicious," said a young mother of the baby who was born just before the earthquake.

In the second day more than thirty people came. In the third day the number reached about forty. Teriyaki chicken with special ingredients were served then. "We like to know how you can cook so deliciously,'' Gloria asked Sumiko. "We should plan to introduce our best foods to each other in our future program," they agreed.

For Sumiko it was not so easy to cook because she miscarried in the third month of her pregnancy right after the violent shock of the earthquake. "When I know a newborn baby was thrown into such a difficult situation, I could not neglect them as a mother," Sumiko expressed her motive.

In the third day spiritual food was also served. Spanish copies of the speech by Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon, the WFWP founder, were delivered. "We like to cooperate with you in future events," a Mexican lady spoke gratefully.

Gloria was already getting involved in WFWP activities. Mr. Miyagi invited her to WFWP seminar and True Children's speech event. Inspired by the speech "True Parents and the Completed Testament Age,'' she applauded enthusiastically from the beginning to the end in last year's event. She is a dedicated Christian and a community leader who volunteers to help community people. She recently completed CORO Neighborhood Leadership Training Program. CORO is a famous organization which trains future community leaders for the purpose of community improvement and self-governing. Many known leaders such as U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein are graduates of this program.

"The earthquake tested our community leadership and we made it,'' said Gloria. Community-based activities and foundation are very important to wrestle with crises like this earthquake," Sumiko added. 

WFWP Active in Wisconsin

by Marian North--Milwaukee, WI

Renee Thompson, who is doing tribal messiahship in Wisconsin with her husband Caleb and family, had an inspiration of children working for world peace. The Wisconsin branch of Women's Federation for World Peace had this as their theme when their choir sang at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Janesville on Dec. 11, 1993.

The senior citizens' home in Janesville is run by the Sisters of Charity. Sister Ann, who is the head of the home, received a handmade photograph frame. Mrs. Sakaguichi made the frame and her eldest daughter presented it to Sister Ann.

The choir was made up of children from the Sakaguichi, Holmquist, Vetterli, Porter and Thompson families. Jeff Porter provided musical accompaniment. A beautiful atmosphere was created by the Blessed children through their singing and then presenting a flower to each of the elderly people. After the event the mothers took the children out for a special treat so they can sense the greatness of giving.

Women and Media

A Christmas tea held in the Wesley Room of Kenwood United Methodist Church in Milwaukee on Saturday, Dec. 18 provided the occasion for the final WFWP event for Milwaukee area for 1993. Those who gathered were addressed by Jeanetta Robinson, a legend in Milwaukee for her work with young people in whatever way God has called her. Together with her mother, Sister Robinson is a landmark person in Milwaukee, a beacon of hope for all young people and a strong voice for God- centeredness as the means for finding the solutions to the violence and destruction that threaten to rip the city apart.

Her topic, "Women, World Peace and the Media," was addressed in such a way that it became a matter of challenge to all present to take responsibility for the future of the city and the state. As hostess to a well-known Milwaukee TV program, Sister Robinson is well qualified to speak to the topic from the media perspective as well as being a woman of peace.

In her own life she has overcome the resentment that could engulf someone whose daughter and granddaughter were senselessly murdered and has found in all her experiences a means to bring her closer to God and to be more empowered by him. The congruency of her life - a life where word and deed are an echo and comment on each other - made her challenge to all present all the confronting. There is nothing we cannot do when we walk together with God, fight together for God and, above all, love as God loves.

Unificationists and Working in Your Local School District

by Nancy Hanna - Bronxville, NY

Because of our training by True Parents, Unificationists are in a unique position to make important contributions in their local school communities. I could write a great deal on how special and unique our virtues are as a result of this training, but let me just mention a few.

We know how to be humble to our elders and learn from them. respectful of hierarchy. We have experience working with people from all kinds of backgrounds. We are crystal clear on issues like sex education and other traditional value issues in a way others without our theology rarely are We know what it means to begin in the servant position and serve sincerely. We belong to a church that wholeheartedly supports our efforts. Perhaps most important, we have a strong prayer life that will guide and enrich every action we take

It is a truism in educational circles that the more parental involvement, the better the school. The quality of the family, church and schools will determine the quality of our society.

The schools are a logical place for us as parents to put our wholehearted efforts to restore America.

In a nutshell, to succeed, start small, learn from the elders in the community, always be ready to take the serving position, network with Christian activist groups, and educate yourself.

Start Small

Class Mothers - In many communities, class mothers are the key to understanding the school. Let them answer your questions and what she doesn't know she will find a PTA person who does. Your PTA is the place where parents relate to the school. Volunteering as class mother is also a ideal place for a mother to begin to serve and get to know the school, parents and community.

For example, a father could call up a class mother and say he would like to get involved in school activities and committees and ask her to find out what things there are for him to do.

You don't have to sharp on the issues to make an important contribution to a school. People can go all the way to the school board by just be willing to serve in whatever way they can ( Fundraising for the school, making those cupcakes, setting up for meetings etc.)

Learn from your elders

In every school there are parents that have been volunteering for years and know all the ropes. Don't be shy to ask for advice from them as you go. There may also be ex-school board members who are concerned about what is presently happening in the school and would be happy to advice you.

In you are working in a controversial area, get their advice on how to proceed. Since they have a good feel for the community, they will know what is effective and what isn't. In working in a controversial area like sex education or outcome based education, try to build a coalition of parents If you work alone, you may be dismissed as a fanatical religious right person.

Work with the activist local Christian Community

The local Christian churches in general, are no longer the real hub of Christian activity in local communities. The Christians seriously working for the restoration of American are now to be found in the nationwide activist groups like Concerned Women for America, Focus on Family, the Christian Coalition, the Eagle Forum etc.

The Christian Coalition and Concerned Women for America and Stop Planned Parenthood may already have people in your school district who have done some work Call up the area representatives and ask them what they think about your schools and if anything is being done. Get their advice and work with them if possible. These Christian activists will feel like brothers and sisters and many are just as alarmed and concerned about America as we are.

In a natural way, be clear about your religious affiliation if the subject comes up. In most cases it will not matter since they are interdenominationally oriented and recognize the need for competent activists. Furthermore, all of their leadership and publications quote and depend on The Washington Times constantly.

The material on schools and traditional values is now pouring out of the Christian right organizations. Subscribe to Focus on the Family, James Dobson's Christian newsletter which often has articles relating to the schools. Also the Christian Coalition and Concerned Women for America have excellent regular publications that will keep you up to date with the latest in what parents with traditional values are doing in their local schools.

The Right to Read Foundation is a the source for all the information you need on the fascinating issue of phonics vs. whole language.

Concerned Women for America: 1-800-323-2200
Focus on the Family: 1-800- A FAMILY
Right to Read Foundation: 1-800-468-8911
Christian Coalition: 1-800-325-4746

Educate yourself

If you choose to work on an issue, there are now many very informative publications by traditional values activists that will help to make you a local expert. Many of these books can be ordered through your local library system.

Parent Power by James Sedlak for those working on the sex education issue and fighting Planned Parenthood.

Why Johnny Can t Tell Right From Wrong, by William Kilpatrick is a good beginning.

Public Education - An Autopsy, by Myron Lieberman, to get an overview of the public school mess.

Inside American Education, by Thomas Sowell - another helpful overview.

Concerned Women for America has an excellent manual on Outcome Based Education that you can order using their 800 number.

Good luck.

Unification Movement/World Religions Conference in Richmond, VA

by George Russell - Richmond, VA

The second phase of the World Scripture Conference (initiated at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in Richmond, on November 2, 1992) took place at VCU, on November 10th. Although the planning and lead-time was short, about 100 persons attended throughout the day. The one-day conference was sponsored by the Religious Studies Program of VCU, the Religious Studies Society of VCU, the Council for the World Religions (CWR), and the Unification Campus Ministry/CARP of Virginia.

Representatives from various religious organizations attended the meeting, they were: United Methodist, Catholic, Muslim, Bahai, Native American, Hindu, Jews, and Unification. This year's central theme was: "Harmony Amongst the World Religions: A Continuing Quest for Peace". The program was featured in two parts: 1), The Unification Movement in Perspective, and 2), Harmony Amongst the World Religions.

In the morning session, participants were able to view the videos: Unifier and Peacemaker, and portions of the 207~ International Holy Wedding, which took place at Madison Square Garden, in 1982. Dr. Andrew Wilson, professor of Old Testament Studies at Unification Theological Seminary, and chief editor of World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts, gave the keynote address in each part of the program.

Other highlights of the conference were: 1), reports on the Inter Religious Federation for World Peace meeting in New Delhi (February 1993), and the Parliament of the World's Religions (October 1993, Chicago). 2), Statements and readings from local representatives of the various faiths participating in the conference. And 3), a women's panel discussing "the role of women in the religious quest for peace".

Among the prominent religious leaders participating in the conference were: Rabbi David Gorelik, chairman of the Richmond Rabbinic Council, Mr. V. Kannan, leader of the Hindu Center of Virginia, and Dr. Marie Goldstein, director of Richmond Hill (an interfaith spiritual retreat program based in Richmond). Dr. Cliff Edwards, who is the new director of the Religious Studies Program of VCU, once again, mobilized his students to attend the program. He also encouraged other professors to make announcements about the conference in their classes.

The video showing of the 2075 couples' blessing was particularly inspiring for some participants, they wanted to know more about the tradition of marriage in the unification church. Rev. George Russell later explained, that the 'mass ceremony' was indicative of the unity of mankind and the realization of the concept of 'one family under God'. He said the view of 'one world under God' is held highly in the church. Also, that it was a very practical approach to marrying many couples at once.

Dr. Andrew Wilson brought out three basic concepts of the Divine Principle in his first speech. He spoke about parental love, true love, and indemnity. He said that God originally wanted to realize the ideal of family based upon the four types of expression of love: children's love, sibling's love, conjugal love, and parental love. However, due to the fall of Adam and Eve, God's ideal for man was unable to be fulfilled. He then explained that the path of indemnity - which is the way of restitution, must be traveled to return to the original ideal. He then elaborated on the mission of the True Parents, and testified that in the unification church, we believe that Reverend and Mrs. Moon are the messiah". He further said: Reverend Moon is the messiah, not by great rhetoric, but by his accomplishments. In the latter conference, we were honored by the Hindus' presence. Although they were contacted at the very last moment, they were very eager to participate. Mr. Kannan did his reading in Sanskrit, then gave the English translation.

The invaluable accomplishment of the Inter-Religious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP) march, in New Delhi, was brought home to us through viewing it on video. We were also blessed by Reverend Kwak's speech at the New Delhi meeting. He spoke of the hope for harmony among the world's religions, and the exemplary act of unity that would be accomplished through marching together. A report was delivered on the march by Dr. Marie Goldstein, who participated on behalf of the Catholic Church.

The audience, which comprised mostly of students, was very pleased to hear Dr. Edwards' report on the Parliament of the World's Religions conference. He was able to communicate some of his experiences via a slides presentation.

A key aspect of the VCU program was the reading and signing of the Joint Declaration for Peace and Cooperation. The Declaration called for front-line involvement on the part of religious leaders in pursuing peace. And, to encourage respect and responsibility towards active dialogue and cooperation in joint ventures for peace.

The women's panel which consisted of Dr. Marie Goldstein, Mrs. Amal Damaj (Islamic), Dr. Lynda Weaver-Williams of VCU (moderator), and Rev. Susan Fefferman, chairwoman for the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) chapter, in Washington D.C., was a lively contribution to the program. 'Women's role in the religious quest for peace' was discussed from the standpoint of the panelists' personal experiences. All the participants on the panel, coincidentally, have had a variety of experiences with the complexity of attaining peace in the Middle East. Much hope was imparted to the audience by each panelist, that a greater involvement of women in the quest for peace would augment the process, and add the essential elements of greater compassion, love and sacrifice.

The speech of our True Father and Mother - True Parents and the Completed Testament Age, was given to all in attendance. Participants were able to hear Father's words on accomplishing peace on the individual to the world level, in the unification reading given by Mrs. Lisa Ellanson, chairperson for WFWP, in Virginia.

At the end of the conference, much optimism was expressed by the participants. Many shared the hope of having the World Religion's Conference as an annual event. Likewise, there was good response to the question of their participation in a local Council for the World's Religions, and prospects for a workshop on the Divine Principle and the Unification Church.

The Power of Grandchildren

by Peeter Saarna

I received the Blessing in 1982 at Madison Square Garden to Mieko Yamamoto from Tokyo, Japan. My mother was so very upset at me for being married in the Unification Church that she told me she didn't want to meet my wife. (I found out later that she had cut in half a picture of my wife and me which I had sent, and thrown away my wife's half, putting my half on the bookshelf.)

When my wife became pregnant in 1986 I called my mother to tell her the happy news. She said she did not want to see the baby. I was hurt but I did not give up.

When our first child Christopher was born I called my mother to share the happy news. She said she did not want to see him. This time I was ready to disown my mother but some mysterious power kept me from giving up.

I started sending pictures of Christopher. A few months later I decided to call my mother again. I just about fell out of my chair. She said, "When are you going to come and visit me with your family," as if she had never been negative.

Well, since then we have visited every year and my mother has actually been very helpful to us, sending us substantial amounts of money to help us start a house rental business and lending us money, donating some as well for a down-payment for a new church center here in Kansas. And on it goes. The power of grandchildren!