National Tour of World CARP Vice-Presidents Jin Hun Park Moon and Sung Am Moon

May 26 - June 12, 1994
by Robert S. Kittel NYC

Within a week after the inauguration of Jin Hun Nim and Sung Am Moon as World CARP Vice-Presidents on Sunday, May 22nd [see June UNEWS] they began a national tour of American. Father wanted them to evaluate the situation of our church and its related organizations as well as to give a new spirit to our movement. The newly installed Vice- Presidents mapped out a itinerary to visit all 11 regional centers in the United States.

Staff members at our headquarters office began contacting travel agents to arrange their flight schedules, but quickly realized our efforts were in vain; Jin Hun Nim didn't want to fly but drive the length and breath of America to meet the leaders and members on their own home ground. Some close friends tried to detour him, putting up excuses such as it would take too much time or that it might be too exhausting, but Jin Hun Nim was unyielding he wanted to drive throughout the entire continental United States. Why?

When Jin Hun Nim graduated from UTS last year and Father assigned the Class of 1993 to work in the former Soviet Union, he first traveled by train throughout the 11 times zones of the world's largest nation personally meeting leaders, missionaries and members. There was no better way to get a accurate understanding of the situation of our movement there as well as a feel for the CIS than by first-hand experience.

Jin Hun Nim and Mr. Moon would need this type of hands-on understanding of both America and the American movement. (Although a UTS graduate and in this sense qualified to be called "Reverend," Sung Am Shi prefers the title Mr. Moon. To have two Rev. Moons would be confusing and anyway the name "Rev. Moon" will have to be retired with Father.)

Another reason to travel by land, was to follow Father's tradition. When Father first began his work in America he took the difficult course of driving throughout America to establish 40 holy grounds. Certainly this was an important consideration influencing their decision to travel by road. A third reason for going by car was purely financial. They literally saved thousands of dollars over the costs of airline tickets by renting a car with unlimited mileage from Hertz.

The purpose of the nationwide tour was, in essence, to have give- and- take. In giving, Jin Hun Nim and Mr. Moon would primarily meet the leaders of our American movement UC state leaders, CARP leaders, UTS graduates, as well as those in charge of AFC/ACC and the WFWP and share with them Father's hope that to revive our movement we need to get back to the basics: witnessing and education.

In each meeting Jin Hun Nim spoke first, between 2 to 4.5 hours. In most regions, before getting into his speech he asked about the activities in that region. He then spoke strongly, challenging the members on many fundamentals concepts, asking them questions like: Why did they join this church? What have they benefited by being in this movement? Did you personally gain more or loose more by being in our church? Why haven't we been able to bring new members? Why does Father work so hard?

Collective leadership and collective responsibility were stressed. He said we needed to help each other and used the analogy of a large family, saying, many of the children may be doing quite well, but still parents suffer as long as even one child is not okay. How, then, do True Parents feel with then look at the situation of the UC in America?, he would asked.

Continually, Jin Hun Nim asked members to think about Father's situation and asked, "What was the most painful experience Father has had?" He answered his own question, saying, "It was the betrayal of his closest disciples; it was like stabbing Father in the back." He went on to construe that if we don't share with others the gifts and benefits that we have received from being part of this church, then our words of gratitude are only hollow utterances. At times, member were so angered they stood up in the middle of his speech, interrupting him to defend themselves and our movement. Jin Hun Nim liked that, saying, "Good! Now we are having serious dialogue."

Over and over again he explained that the purpose of the 3,000 campus tour in America this autumn will be as a catalyst for precisely this purpose of getting us back into the witnessing and educational modes. "However," he added, "we're not running after numbers, but want to do substantial work on college campuses here in America."

Following Jin Hun Nim's address, lunch was served and it was during this time that lecturers prepared their 7-minute presentation. Jin Hun Nim and Mr. Moon then listened to hours and hours of lectures. In the combined New York City-New Jersey meeting it took nearly 7.5 hours for the more than 40 members to lecture (this included a 2-hour presentation by Dr. James Baughman regarding strategies on how to develop a speakers bureau to help fulfill the speaking tour of 3,000 campuses). In smaller regional centers they spend 3-4 hours listening to lectures, while in larger regions it was 5-6 hours. Throughout their national tour they listened to 322 Divine Principle lectures. Through this the World CARP Vice-Presidents could get a snapshot of some of the potentials as well as the problems in leadership within each region.

Although Jin Hun Nim's opening speech was strong and challenging, when the hours and hours of lecture practice were finished, he spoke again, very briefly. His heart was compassionate and I heard him ask many times, "Was I too strong when I spoke earlier?" I think he was trying to tell the members, "Look, I don't like to speak so strongly, but there are some fundamental problems in our movement and we've got to honestly examine ourselves and redirect our life of faith back to basics no matter how difficult this may be." But at the end he again reminded us that our new focus singular "Witnessing, witnessing, witnessing to young people." After this we literally threw our bags in the car and headed off to the next regional center.

In Boston, the last region we visited, Mr. Moon for the first time shared his heart. He said that to be ignorant of God's will is a bad thing, but worse still is to know God's will and not to do it. Many young people are going to die and only we know how to save them, he said. True Parents gave us the secret to save them, but we have to share it with them. In anguish he asked, "We know the Principle and we can all lecture, then why don't we?" True Father always repeats the words, "True Love, True Love, True Love," why asked Mr. Moon? Because we don't practice True Love in our church. "Please wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" he pleaded.

What were the results of their nationwide tour? In summary their travels gave them an opportunity to begin to understand the situation of our movement in America. They met many leaders and could evaluate their ability to present and defend the basic teachings of our movement. In addition:

- This might be seen as the beginning of a spiritual awakening for our movement. It does not so much depend on the tour itself, but the consequences derived from the tour. But definitely the spirit in the regional centers changed, even though we were less than a day in most centers.

- Having the Vice-Presidents of World CARP visit the members, showed their willingness to come down to the members' level and meet them where they are at. There were no fancy hotels; they stayed in the church centers. Driving day and night, going the more difficult journey, demonstrated a willingness to take on the course of personal hardship.

- Jin Hun Nim's message was clear; we are to refocus our efforts towards witnessing and teachings. He challenged the members to examine themselves, to observe the benefits they received by being in the movement, not to look back to complain or justify their situations but to look forward, and to take collective responsibility for the situation of our church today both the good and bad.

- For a number of people, it was their first chance at lecturing. New members as well as older leaders were rooted back into the Divine Principle as they studied, prepared, and actually lectured in front of a member of the True Family.

- There was also substantial inter-regional interaction. Surprisingly, but several times members of the same region didn't know each other. Everyone, of course knew the Regional Director, but sometimes they didn't know each other. These meetings provided not only the opportunity to cross state barriers, but organizational barriers too (i.e. CARP, UC, AFC/ACC, WFWP, etc.)

- Most importantly, this tour was not an end or a quick solution to serious problems. No one would be so foolish to think that. Instead, it was a beginning a desperately needed new beginning.

Originally we planned 21 days of traveling time to visit all 11 regions (assuming our first travel day was May 27th, the day we went to Washington D.C.) But Jin Hun Nim and Mr. Moon pushed themselves hard. Several times we ended up driving all night long. I was invited to travel with them and be a co-driver so, while one person drove the other two rested. Through this grueling travel schedule we completed our 21-day tour in 17 days. No only had we saved four days, we also added one meeting in San Francisco that was not originally scheduled. You can imagine the expression on the face of the Hertz agent when the lease agreement was concluded and in 17 days we had driven 8,357 miles.

Letter to a Friend: From the Realm of God's Desecrated Shimjung

by Carlton Johnson

Thank you for trusting me enough to share your heart the other day at Camp. Please forge your way deeper into the realm of God's heart. Not only are you suffering, but these are desperate times for God. Before Father leaves this earth, he must raise up 144,000 solid messiahs: people who have the ability not to commit sin; people who realize that the bottom line is: "I cannot afford the luxury to die (spiritually, not physically). Only `I' can finish the task left undone by Jesus and True Parents." No matter how many times we are knocked off of our horse, we must be ready to get back on and proclaim, for even the hundredth time: "Satan! I am still the child of God and True Parents! I am still alive! No matter how many times you grab me and tempt me, my ultimate heart is to serve God and True Parents. I will always return, so you may as well give up! Even if I die, ten will rise up in my place, ten stronger and better than myself, and I will fight through them from the spiritual world. So you had better just let me do my job, here and now."

When we are under Satan's foot, we must accept his accusation and judge ourselves accordingly, then quickly confess, repent and pay indemnity. Recently, in Japan, I researched the etymology of the Chinese character for Tang-Gam (indemnity-in Japanese: Token-Joken). I found that the Chinese characters actually, literally translate "reduce squander." Because of the fall of man, our very existence is one of squandering our divine inheritance. There is a leak in our vacuum pump. By making indemnity conditions, we patch up the hole in our cup of fortune until, little by little, we no longer are a cause of squander, and we ourselves lead others and eventually all of humankind to this state of no squander.

We must accomplish this task, in our lifetime, on the earth. Because of the merit of the age, because of where we are in the providence, there is enough truth on the earth, in the incarnation of True Parents and True Family, for us to actualize this mandate, to fulfill our very design (and accomplish the Three Blessings). When temptation comes, we must be able to think not only of the potential gratification of that desire, but we must take our minds further into the future, to the ultimate consequences of the act. If our minds only reach and frolic in the expectation of sensual gratification, we have no power to resist temptation. But if we can find our way to a point just a little further beyond the fulfillment of evil desire, where lies the fruit of that action, in the realm of God's desecrated Shimjung, we can draw upon that repugnance as a weapon, as a lever, to shut down that window of vain, suicidal desire. Imagine your own little kids viewing your mind's videotapes, or even the live performance of your current thoughts and actions. Carry some of the blessed children you know around in your mind with you. Perch them up on your shoulder, in your mind, when temptation comes to call.

Repentance is, in effect, finding out what God actually thinks and feels about what it is you have done (or even thought of doing). If you can truly come to experience such an emotional impact, earnestly, then the next time such a situation comes to you, you can play back the impact of God's anguished, frustrated, betrayed feeling. Ask Satan, sometimes, why he wants to do such things. Tell him: "I am learning to do what you cannot do. I am learning to be humble and learning to go the way of sacrifice and self-denial. Gradually, I am entering realms where you cannot come, because you cannot follow my lead." Ask him to try to come with you and do God's will. And what is that will? To make man in His (God's) own image (male and female made He them). Recently, I heard in a sermon by the Reverend James Bevel that lust is the function of re-defining someone as less than what they were created and designed to be. Each person was created to stand as the image of God and exercise messianic stewardship and loving dominion over all of the earth. When we look at someone with lust, we re-define them as simple objects of our own selfish desire. We therein reduce them from being divine vessels, temples of God, to being disposable receptacles for our momentary flings.

Let us return to the task at hand: being co-workers with God to Make man and woman in the image of God. The Purpose of the Messiah is to make and raise up messiahs. Therefore, our purpose is, likewise, to make messiahs. No matter where we are in our sojourn, no matter where we have come from, we must-from now, this moment-pursue the straightest possible course to that consummation (and inspire others to do the same). So we have no time to yield to temptation. One setback in our own spiritual schedule today may result in the loss of millions of lives (spiritually and physically) in the near future. Redeem yourself. Pray that you can become one who can more faithfully and more worthily intercede for others. Let Grace continue to fill you with the Golden Light of Wisdom. Disperse measureless blessing divine. Reflect constantly on what God has been (and still is) giving to you. Then rejoice and be glad, rejoice perfectly.

International Student Seminar on Science and Peace, Beijing, China

by Robert S. Kittel-Beijing

The largest number of North and South Korean students brought together in a harmonious setting since the Korean War was a substantial achievement of this recently-concluded seminar; there were 20 North Korean and 28 South Korean students present. The theme for this meeting was "The Role of the Youth in a Time of Global Change," but clearly the unique aspect of this 5-day gathering of 155 students was the opportunity for direct dialogue between North and South Koreans.

In all, 18 nations were represented at The Second International Student Seminar on Science and Peace. Other former enemy countries also had student representatives from both blocs. China and Taiwan had 20 and 6 delegates respectively (originally 10 Taiwan students planned to come to Beijing but because of final exams this number was reduced by half). There were 12 representatives from the United States while the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former Soviet Union) had 7 delegates. Japan, with 23 representatives, had the second largest delegation while other nations represented at the seminar included: Great Britain (6), Germany (7), Canada (6), Italy (6), France (3), Australia (3), and Brazil (2). Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Paraguay, and Costa Rica each had a single representative.

The venue for the Opening Ceremony was the prestigious Great Hall of the People. This building is where the highest level Chinese government meetings take place and was build in only 10 months in 1959 with cooperation from the Soviet Union thus reflecting more Soviet architectural styles than Chinese.

The overall spirit of the speeches at the Opening Ceremony given mostly by Chinese academics from the Chinese Society of Science and Technology for Social Development (CSSTSD), the seminar co-sponsors, was that science and technology will be the saviors of China. It was as if the Chinese are running into an uncharted future seeking economic prosperity at almost any cost. Only one speaker, Mr. Liao Gen-Sheng the Executive Director of the State Student Union of China, mentioned anything about trying to preserve their great cultural heritage.

The North Korean paper given by Prof. Chol Soon Kim, from the Philosophy Department of Kim Il Sung University, was read in Korean with an English translation provided. It opened with general greetings to the sponsors and to "brothers and sisters from the south [who represent] 1 million fellow students." The conciliatory spirit towards South Korea remained throughout the paper, but western imperialism was castigated.

The fall of the communist Eastern bloc, according to Prof. Kim, is an unhealthy development because it allowed the bipolar world to become unipolar. The West now has a monopoly on nuclear power and is only interested in non-proliferation (not in the reduction of nuclear weapons) in order to maintain their superior position, according to North Korean thinking.

At the end of his 10-page address Prof. Kim called for youth and students to rise up in a joint effort against the old world and specifically names South Korean students as a "brilliant symbol of the world's progressive youth and students who are fighting for justice and truth."

After a short intermission, students from 5 countries presented papers. Their idealism and youthful enthusiasm was contagious. In Chul Shin of South Korea warned the delegates that "as long as man bases his values only on humanism and his material surroundings, he can never find dignity."

Kim Augustad, a guest of American CARP, represented her country by encouraging people to search for a central or mainstream tradition. She explained that today's youth cannot adopt one or another of the various historical legacies, either traditionalism or liberal secularism. "The role of youth," she said, "is to find the original root out of which all traditions emerged and [then] to chart a course into the future."

In addition to bringing together the largest number North and South Korean students to this date, this was also the first CARP-sponsored event held in the People Republic of China. Officially "World CARP" (but actually Korean CARP) co-sponsored the seminar along with the CSSTSD.

Even from the first day, the Koreans were united in a heartistic oneness unprecedented among the other seminar delegates. But this common bonding of heart, failed to bridge any ideological obstacles.

One South Korean staff member said that it was easy for the Koreans from North and South to be united in heart but, he added, their minds were still far apart. The North Korean are so proud and unyielding in their idealism for Kim Il Sung and the philosophy he propagates.

Interestingly, the clothes of North Koreans seemed to reflect of their unanimity of mind. The 18 North Korean men all had identical western suits, obviously they were recently purchased for this conference.

At the reception dinner on the first day of international student seminary Mr. Sung Am Moon, World CARP Vice-President, spoke of why people always put so much hope in young people. It is because they possess two outstanding qualities: they are open-minded and have a positive mental outlook on life. Young people dream of traveling around the world and want to overcome divisive forces like racism and nationalism. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Moon said that the mind of young people doesn't look at obstacles as impediments, but opportunities; opportunities to test themselves and challenge their unconquerable spirit.

During the second day delegates were divided into 4 sub-sessions. In the morning meetings, lively discussions followed the presentation of papers in 4 different groups: The Environment and Survival of Mankind in the 21st Century, The Role of Youth in Science, Technology and Peace in the 21st Century, The Family Ethic in Modern, Scientific and Technological Society, and World Peace and Sustainable Development in Northeast Asia.

Following lunch a plenary session was held so reports from the sub- sessions could be given to all delegates. This was followed by a period of questions and answers from the floor.

There were only 2 days where academic dialogue took place (out of the 5-day conference). Sightseeing was an important part of this seminar mainly because the conference schedule was organized primarily by the Chinese hosts.

This was good because it allowed for plenty of free give-and-take between delegates. The places we visited were: The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Palace Museum, a tomb from Ming Dynasty, Beijing University Campus, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and we even took in a magnificent Chinese Acrobatic Show. North and South Koreans added 2 days at the end of the seminar to visit Mt. Changboi (Mt. Peak Tu) which is a beautiful mountain on the Chinese-North Korean boarder. Not surprisingly, the media found this conference very news-worthy. The Chosen Ilbo, the largest newspaper in South Korea, scooped all other electronic and print media, and gave this conference front-page coverage.

The Closing Banquet was an unbelievably intense, emotional experience for both the North and South Koreans. Arm-in-arm they stood on stage singing slightly different variation of Tongil, but there was not a dry eye among them. When the singing stopped, small groups of North and South Koreans intensely embraced each other wiping each others tears. Several of the students were sobbing uncontrollably while the rest of the delegates stood spell-bound in silence.

In the Power and Authority of True Parents

by Dr. David S.C. Kim

These are excerpts from Congratulatory Remarks to the UTS Graduating Class of 1994. Dr. Kim was first president of UTS (1975-1994).

I would like to comment on Ephesians 5:20-21, which contains a message by Paul that is still very relevant to our times. Paul says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." I will give a brief interpretations of the important principles contained in these verses, as a way to encourage you new graduates, as you complete your course of studies in Barrytown.

In the recently established Completed Testament Age, we could adjust these Pauline verses in the following way: "Giving thanks always for all things until Heavenly Father in the name of True Parents; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

I. Giving Thanks To God Always

This Pauline message is filled with wisdom and can be divided in three parts. First, it contains the proper standard of conduct for our vertical relationship to Heavenly Father-namely, giving thanks always and in all things. Thanks must be given not just for the good things, but for all things, under any circumstances, even when the situation seems terrible or difficult. Instead of responding with power-for- power or force-for-force, you must face difficult situations with a humble attitude and a thankful heart; by doing so, you will receive spiritual benefit.

For what must we be thankful to God? For creating the universe and all things, and for creating man and woman, including you and me. If you live your life like that, you will receive vertical power to overcome any kind of difficult circumstance. That way you will bring joy and harmony to your surroundings, will generate happiness, and will begin the ideal home, ideal work place, ideal school, ideal society, and ideal world. Father has achieved success by living his life by this principle. This is the secret to conquer the evil power and to control the principalities in the air. It will minimize any damage that Satan may want to inflict upon the dispensational work centering on True Parents and will bring success in the battle between God's dispensation and the power of the devil.

II. In The Power And Authority Of True Parents

The second principle of Paul's message has to do with the proper power and authority to offer thanks to God. In the Completed Testament Age, our prayers and thanks to Heavenly Father must be offered "in the name of True Parents," which means "in the power and authority of True Parents." Unless you do that, you will not be successful and will not achieve total victory over the evil power. When you offer thanks to God in the power and authority of True Parents, Satan retreats, and you are able to conquer any kind of evil power.

III. Submitting Yourselves to One Another

The third principle illustrated in Ephesians 5:20-21 shows us the proper conduct for horizontal relationships. We are urged to submit ourselves to one another in the fear of God. In Unificationist terms, we must keep an "object mind," or "object consciousness," especially toward those in responsible positions.

An attitude of love and respect is the proper way for brothers and sisters to behave toward one another. The expression "in the fear of God" refers to the principle that our horizontal relationships must be a reflection of our vertical relationship to God.

In practice, I encourage you to live by the three C's of successful God-centered living: The first C is Commitment to Kingdom building; the second C is Communication skills; and the third C is Control over yourself. The third C is particularly important, because before you can control the universe, you must first control yourself.

Huntsville Apostolic Church Hosts DP Presentation

Wayne Despres-Spartanburg, SC

Unification Church representatives from Regions Three and Four joined forces with a prominent Christian leader in the Southeast to co- sponsor a first-time presentation of the Divine Principle to more than one hundred members of his congregation on June 20 and 21 in Huntsville, Alabama.

Reverend Enzo LaRocca, State Leader in South Carolina, organized the "Regional Youth Leadership Seminar" at the request of Bishop John W. Barber, founder of the Born Again Church of Christ, Apostolic, headquartered in Dillon, South Carolina. Deeply troubled over the burgeoning moral crisis among American youth, and recognizing Reverend Moon's striking success in separating Unification Church members from these destructive influences, Bishop Barber urged Reverend LaRocca to arrange for Reverend Kevin McCarthy to deliver this special presentation.

"I'm constantly trying to get my young people to understand more about the fall, and about resurrection," said Bishop Barber, who has four sons of his own, as well as an adopted son and daughter, and 14 grandchildren. "And this was good-very good. I definitely enjoyed it. And the young people themselves are constantly talking about it, too, especially the first day, when he talked about the fall." Bishop Barber, who presides over more than 90 churches in America and abroad, is a 1988 graduate of the Interdenominational Conferences for Clergy.

Although this initial gathering was composed of Bible students of all ages, the specific long-term goal is to prepare qualified youth leaders to guide other young people during this time of relentless attack on morality in society.

Participants arrived from as far away as coastal North Carolina-almost a thousand miles, and 12 grueling hours by bus. Some got there Sunday evening, June 19; others traveled day and night Sunday, arriving tired and hungry on Monday. Nevertheless, obedient to Bishop Barber's direction, they all took their places without hesitation and prepared to hear something new.

Reverend McCarthy, as expected, was a most informative and inspiring instructor, sharing insights that had new students and Unificationists alike scribbling frantically in their notebooks. Significant points came through loud and clear, stimulating special interest among the faithful long-time Bible students. There was, they realized, more to the Bible than they had previously thought.

The congregation was divided into eleven sub-groups, which gathered at mealtime to discuss the lectures. Supervision of each group was shared by one Unificationist and one leader from the Bishop's group. Unificationists did what Unificationists love most-answering questions and talking freely about The Principle.

Good entertainment always helps the atmosphere, but we had no idea what kind of treat was in store. Many workshop students were also members of Bishop Barber's choir, and between lectures they poured forth some truly excellent compositions. Judging by the high degree of precision and harmony, these young people had obviously invested a lot of their heart in perfecting their offerings. Joshua Cotter, ACC coordinator for Alabama, sang a few songs of his own, bringing the whole congregation to their feet several times, clapping and singing along to wonderful songs they never heard before, but loved right away. Bishop Barber's group even brought their own food-and the cooks to prepare it! Food for the spirit, and food for the body. We dined on some of the finest Southern cooking one could hope for.

Among the several outstanding attendees of the seminar was the Reverend Dr. Babs Phillips, former personal assistant to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mrs. Phillips was elated at the turnout and the contents of the entire program. "It was the best I've been to, and I've been to many," she said. "The teachings were very well explained. We really need to have more of these across the country. We really need to help get young people's minds on something positive." Mrs. Phillips, who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, has visited 16 states as an advisor and speaker for the Women's Federation for World Peace. Her book on her experiences with Dr. King, "The Agenda of a Sacrificial Lamb," is expected to be published by April of next year.

The seminar cultivated a strong desire for more personal Divine Principle instruction. One request that kept coming up in my group was: "Don't you have these seminars on a smaller level-like for ten or fifteen people at a time?" In fact, at least 20 of the 104 workshop guests expressed interest in following through soon with a seven-day workshop. Fully 50% said they intend to study Level 4. Several wanted audiotapes of the complete Divine Principle, and were ready to pay for them on the spot!

Unification Church members who shared group leader responsibilities at the seminar were: Rev. Helgi Hardarson, assistant to Region 4 director, Atlanta, GA; Mr. Tom Cutts, Marietta, GA; Rev. Ocie Crawford, Alabama state leader, Birmingham, AL; Mr. Joshua Cotter, Mobile, AL; Rev. Hugh Dussek, North Carolina state leader, Charlotte, NC; Mr. Howard Self, Charlotte, NC; Mr. and Mrs. Kirtley Jones, Charlotte, NC; Mr. Gerry Olson, Charlotte, NC; Rev. Enzo LaRocca, South Carolina state leader, Columbia, SC; and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Despres, Spartanburg, SC.

Unificationists themselves appeared delighted to share a project with a neighboring region. Reverend Hardarson commented: "When we have an opportunity like this, it's wonderful to pool our resources and gather together. We don't have this opportunity very often. It felt good. It was a very refreshing experience."

This initial gathering was the start of what is hoped to be an ongoing series of such cooperative study programs between the Unification Church and the Born Again Church.

When asked if he would like to do this again, Bishop Barber replied: "Definitely."

After the Youth Leadership Seminar, Bishop Barber's group remained in Huntsville for the national convention of his church. They will visit the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center on Saturday before returning home.

Formation Stage of Ending World Starvation

by Joachim Hill-Carrizo Springs, TX

Father's vision for New Hope Farms is quite a lofty one. His vision encompasses the world. Father has divided up the property of New Hope Farms so that different regions of the world are represented by the specific areas of the ranch marked by Father: Russia, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. As we set about our work on the farm, we can't help but think of the different parts of the world. Of course, in the beginning stages of New Hope Farms, everything exists on the symbolic level. It's a real pioneer experience. We truly are being given the responsibility of making Father's providence a reality-a true Completed Testament Age mission.

I was attracted to New Hope Farms because of Father's vision of ending world starvation. I worked as a foreign missionary in Africa for seven years. Three of those years were in Ethiopia when communism was just beginning to take over and I saw many people dying of starvation before my very eyes. I would approach people with desire to witness and all they could do was point to their starving children and ask for food.

The actual farming that is being done at New Hope Farms is also in the formation stage. We've built two greenhouses in which we can plant crops which will be protected from insects. We will be growing only organic foods.

We are in the process of teaching ourselves how to farm under the difficult conditions of very hot, dry weather. During this formation stage when we are not yet able to distribute our own crops to others, I thought it might be a good condition for us to do something symbolically to feed people in another nation. This way the spiritual world will see that we are united with Father's vision and help the ranch develop as Father desires. With this in mind, Mr. Kim and Mr. Han (the central figures of New Hope Farms), along with their wives, joined my family for a journey to Laredo to visit a minister, Reverend E.J. Robinson. Laredo is right on the Mexican border. Reverend Robinson's "mission from God" is to take care of the tens of thousands of refugees who are camped in Mexico, just 10 minutes from the border. He crosses the border to visit any of the five camps, some with 80,000 people, to distribute beans and rice to the people there. They are mostly women and children. In the winter he brings across blankets. I had written a letter earlier this year to members around the country asking them to send any blankets they might have, and several members responded. So, we met with Reverend Robinson, equipped with boxes of blankets, 100 pounds of beans and 25 pounds of rice.

Reverend Robinson was happy to see us. We followed Reverend Robinson into Mexico and within minutes we were in the middle of a camp of refugees. Reverend Robinson only had to beep the horn of his car and soon we were surrounded by at least one hundred women and children. We stopped our cars and began to distribute the bagged food which we brought. The women were so grateful for the pound of beans and pound of rice they received. The children all received candy. As I gazed upon the faces of these people and saw the shacks which they lived in- with dirt floors and no running water-I found it hard to believe that this scene was merely one hour and forty minutes from our house in Carrizo Springs. Mr. Han commented that this was what it was like in Korea right after the war. All of us were truly touched by the course of the day.

I would like to thank all of the brothers and sisters who sent clothes and blankets. I am planning to make this trip once a month-as a condition to end world starvation. It's very important not to forget the purpose of New Hope Farms as we labor through this formation-stage time. Anyone is welcome to come and make this trip with me. Also, $22.00 buys 50 pounds of beans. If you should get inspired to help buy some beans or rice for these brothers and sisters of ours in Mexico, you can send a check to me and I will bring it to them for you. May God bless each of you in your missions.

Don't Just Sit There-Do Something! Civic Activism in your Hometown-What's a Mother to do?

by Edy Iversen

You're sitting at home with your four kids watching the local news at night, and you hear that your legislator has just voted to pass condoms out at your school. Or you pick up the newspaper, and read that your nice little community is planning to establish a gambling casino or X-rated bookstore down the street from where you live. Or you read an article or editorial in your newspaper that supports Joycelyn Elders because she wants to allow "lesbians in the girl scouts." You scream, shout and yell and get frustrated and wonder what this world is coming to. When you finally settle down, that is the time to take action.

What can you do as a mother with children or a father with very little time to affect political change in your community, state or nation? Believe it or not, you can change things and have a tremendous influence on your hometown, city, state or nation without even stepping out of your house.

You would be surprised by what one person with a big voice can do!

There are many different approaches to becoming politically active in your community, and you have to find the one that suits your character.

Are you a great letter writer?

Are you good at organizing other people?

Is your favorite pastime talking to friends on the phone?

Do you like going door to door?

Whatever your ability, you can use it to change things for the better.

Where do I begin?

1) First of all, make sure to register and vote in all local, state and national elections. By not registering to vote, it is impossible to change things politically or to have a voice in what's going on. Your legislators must listen to you if you are a registered voter? Become aware of who your representatives are by reading the newspaper and watching television. Usually there is a section in the newspaper which will tell you how your legislators voted on particular issues.

2) Writing letters to your legislators is one of the most powerful ways to be heard. All letters are read and usually answered by an aide from their office. You are their constituent. You put them in office and keep them in office. Find out what political district you are in by calling your local registrar of voters. Write a brief letter with a specific request or especially if time is of the essence.

3) Call your legislators. If you are concerned about a particular issue, call their local office and express your concern. Ask for the aide to that legislator who is dealing with that type of problem; e.g., "May I talk to the aide in charge of family legislation, or crime bills, etc.?"

4) Express your concern to that aide (e.g.: "I am very upset that Cong. Finkelmeyer voted in support of distributing condoms in the schools") and ask that he or she relate your concern to your legislator and kindly get back to you. Be polite, specific (e.g.: "I would like him to change his final vote on H.R. 128"), brief and to the point. Get the name of the person you talk with. Legislators are inundated with requests daily. Be grateful and appreciative. The kinder and more appreciative you are of their help and time, the more they will want to cooperate with you.

5) Don't give up! Sometimes you may have to call five or six times just to talk to an aide about some point. Follow up! Persistence pays. Follow up with a letter of gratitude for any help or response you get. Very rarely do legislators or aides get a thank-you note for their hard work. In the future they will want to deal with you again and will remember you for your kindness. If you do not get a response from the local office, call or write their office in Washington, D.C.

6) If your legislator still doesn't listen, write a letter to your local newspaper encouraging others to write to your legislator about that particular point. Many civically active people who share the same feelings you have, read the newspaper and will write or call their legislators if requested to do so. Newspaper letters must usually be under 200 words but can be very effective in stirring up the community and getting support for your viewpoint. For example:

Dear Editor:

Recently Congressman Finkelmeyer voted to distribute condoms in our school by supporting House Bill 128. Condoms are not the answer to solving AIDS, and illegitimate pregnancy, but rather abstinence education in the schools and greater parental responsibility, etc., etc. All concerned citizens should write to their legislator immediately and ask that he change his final vote.

Many politically active people read these letters and it will definitely stir up controversy over the issue. It is a simple and effective way for getting your voice to be heard and putting some pressure on the legislator's to respond.

7) Contact your parents, neighbors or friends about the issue and ask them to write or call their legislator. The more people you get to call or write, the more the legislator will have to respond. Start a petition and take it door to door. Many times you will find people who feel the same way and who are willing to help.

8) If you have the time, you can even contact local organizations and get their support. Call a few pastors or the local Christian Women's Club, etc., and ask them to start calling about the issue.

Even without stepping out of your home, you can be heard by your legislator and you can push him to vote your way. This can be done with all your local (mayor, city government), county, governor, state or U.S. representatives.

9) Join something! Even if it is just one day a month, join your local political club, P.T.A., Toastmasters, Christian Women's Organizations, etc. It is important that we be involved in our communities and see the needs and problems we have in order to solve them. Even a neighborhood babysitting co-op or a coffee klatsch in your own home once a week can help you to become aware of the problems in your community. 10) When your legislators come to speak at town meetings, go and visit them. Or attend school board meetings or local political meetings. Introduce yourself to your representatives and thank them for their hard work. Tell them you want to help them and encourage them when they do something good. They will never forget you for that.

Find your niche. Even doing a small thing is better than doing nothing. Pray for your legislators that God will guide them. Prayer is powerful and changes things.

You can influence political decisions in a positive way in your hometown or you can sit and complain. "But as we all know, all that it takes for evil to succeed, is for good men to do nothing."

So the next time you sit and scream at the TV, take your pen or telephone in hand and realize: "Your voice can make a difference."

Edy Iversen is a housewife, mother and political activist now living and working in her husband's hometown of Palm Coast, Florida. She and her husband Tom have worked together in politics for the last eight years in both South Dakota and Florida. They have successfully fought to get abstinence education mandated in public schools, the passage of Martin Luther King Day in her state, fought and won against the expansion of gambling in South Dakota, and most recently lobbied successfully to get the passage of HR#236, Parents Day, recognized by the legislators in her state.

Book Reviews, "The Family Under Siege" and "Gods Of This Age Or...God Of The Ages?"

Reviewed by Haven Bradford Gow, columnist, The Christian News, Arlington Heights, Ill.

The Family Under Siege by George Grant. Minneapolis, MN :Bethany House Publishers, 1994. 287 pp.

Gods Of This Age Or...God Of The Ages? by Carl Henry. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994. 323 pp.

In 1960, violent crime happened at the rate of 16 per 10,000; today, though, the rate is 75 per 10,000. During the past three decades, median prison time for serious crimes has dropped from 22 days to 8 days.

In 1972, the teen pregnancy rate was 49 per 1,000; in 1990, though, the figure increased to 99 per 1,000. In 1960, 5% of all births were to unmarried women, but by 1990 the figure had increased to 28%.

In 1960, the teen suicide rate was 3.6 per 100,000; by 1990, the figure had jumped to 11.3 per 100,000.

According to historian George Grant, author of The Family Under Siege, such disconcerting figures reflect the breakdown of the traditional family and the systematic destruction of Judeo-Christian moral standards. Mr. Grant observes that "those institutions that have traditionally provided stability, strength, and solace to families in times of crisis-our churches, private associations, and community organizations-have been systematically undermined. Their values have been attacked, their methods have been challenged, and their reputations have been distorted.... National greatness is a function of (good) character. When a nation becomes righteous, she becomes great. When a nation begins to display biblical character traits, she begins to achieve greatness-but only then."

Dr. Carl Henry, a Protestant theologian and author of Gods of this Age or...God of the Ages?, likewise insists that our moral and spiritual disorder emanates from the widespread rejection and destruction of Judeo-Christian moral standards. Dr. Henry points out that "we must cope with the fact that the definition of proper beliefs and behavior is undergoing great change in modern society.... Traditional immoralities emerge as new moral alternatives. Confusion multiplies over what is ethically permanent and what is culturally conditioned." Dr. Henry notes that, in America today, "Crime has soared to record levels, and Washington, D.C. is now a national murder and drug capital. Fully 83% of Americans or their family members now living are likely to be victims of violent crime at some time."

Moreover, "Sex education for minors in public schools is championed as the right to informed choice. Prostitution is approved as one's right of privacy. The time has come when many of the cultural despisers of traditional religion assume a six-month fetus should have no more legal status than a wart. The case for abortion on demand keeps edging toward a case for euthanasia on demand." Dr. Henry adds: "The implications for a cohesive society are stupendous. Without obligatory beliefs and behavior, no society can long survive. Moral communities, if they are to endure, require boundaries as well as tolerances."

Certainly the United States is in a state of moral and spiritual decline and disorder. America's moral and spiritual crisis emanates not simply from the widespread transgression but also in the repudiation of extrapersonal and extralegal moral standards. It is one thing to engage in stealing, slander, racial and religious hatred and bigotry, adultery, rape and murder, but it is a wholly different matter to contend that the Decalogue should have nothing to say regarding such activities. It is one thing to abort an innocent unborn child, which in itself is alarming and immoral enough; but when there is an attempt to condone such conduct by denying that a right to life exists superior to our desire for personal and economic convenience, when we seek to justify abortion by denigrating the reverence for the sacredness of human life, then this is a wholly different matter.

Clearly, then, America is suffering from moral and spiritual bankruptcy, even as Rome suffered from its decadence. And the only way to rectify this tragic and alarming state of affairs is through a resuscitation of the human spirit that emanates from the renewal of religious faith and commitment.