Coming of Age

3/21/96--9/30/96

The Principle is insightful in many ways. One of them is its emphasis on "growth periods." The vast galaxies, life on Earth, humankind, and individual people were not created in an instant. All of these require time to develop.

Several of the scientists amongst Unificationism's wide membership are now engaged in a friendly debate about the exact mechanism of this development. This is not simple to explain, but here is a brief summary. (Apologies in advance if this author has botched it too badly.)

One camp posits a version of the Strong Anthropic Principle, a new cosmological theory based on the extreme improbability of the universe ending up as hospitable to intelligent life as it is. Just how improbable? It is as if a gambler, in order to "win" the cosmos as it is, had to win the State Lottery; one win per each "necessary condition." Then he'd have to win it again, dozens of times-without losing even once.

Thus, even before the universe-birthing Big Bang, God had to have planned the correct, "winning" laws of Physics and Chemistry; pre- designed them so precisely that stars, planets, life, and finally intelligence would develop naturally. In this way, God could watch it all unfold, until humanity itself was nearly developed, physically speaking.

The other camp supports a variation of Theistic Evolution, a well- known Creationist theory. This side posits that the development of the cosmos occurred under ongoing guidance. Asserting that God, by means of a "finely tuned" Universal Prime Force, directed the material, and later the genetic, evolution of the physical world. Thus, God's hand brought about each new world, and living species, finally leading to humanity.

Only further scientific discoveries will show us which, if either of these theories, is correct. Research is currently in progress!

Human Development

A more pressing concern is the development of individual humans. The Principle states that in this respect humans are unique, that our spiritual maturity is ultimately the responsibility of each individual. To be achieved . . . or not.

There are serious concerns regarding an individual's "automatic" physical development. Recently, researchers announced that they've learned how to inflate the lungs of severely premature babies with a special, oxygen-enriched liquid, dramatically increasing their chances of survival.

Conversely, and at nearly the same time, the Federal government failed to ban the grisly "partial birth" abortion method. Its supporters claim that "the mother's health needs protection." In practice it's a very broad definition of "health." If the mother-to-be is even the slightest bit uneasy about her advancing pregnancy, it is enough to justify the procedure.

Another big step in individual development is puberty. Both internal and external maturity begins at this time. American culture regards it as a massive eruption from within, accompanied by a burst of rebelliousness, and a certain descent into personal chaos. Some doctors even assert that the "flood of hormones" disrupts the very tissues of the brain. Never mind that most folks, even without informed, much less Principled guidance, do make it through this time okay.

However, the manifestations of yesterday's pubescent rebellion-a purloined cigarette or some "making out" behind the barn-have now given way to the perils of AIDS and crack cocaine.

It is important to note that this picture has changed dramatically, and in historical times. Women used to reach puberty at a later age; sixteen or even older. And they used to marry at an earlier age-also around sixteen. Modern nutrition has brought the average age of female puberty down to eleven. Yet, to prepare for life in our complex society, young people usually stay in school, and remain single, until at least age eighteen. This widening disparity has provided fertile soil (no pun intended) for a host of troubles.

Some societies have simply accommodated this trend. In Tokyo, and several other places, the "legal age of consent" for sex is twelve years old. Only recently has this become widely controversial.

In America there is a renewed discussion of "family values," but the various parties define these quite differently. Christians can offer several reasons to remain virgin until marriage, but powerful Humanists are pushing to adopt Tokyo's preferences here. Our Principle-based True Family Values lessons are desperately needed.

Initiations

All traditional societies had special ways of initiating their youth into adulthood. In primitive times, close-knit clans led their young though a whole series of sacred rituals. In those days, the girl's time of menarche was a clear demarcation, while with boys it depended on their increasing practical abilities. Such rituals are detailed in Jean Auel's best-selling Cave Bear novels, which are well researched, if a bit overheated. In every past society, some variation of these Rites of Passage formed a landmark in each young life.

Those few societies which have maintained a link with "the old ways," also uphold some form of these special rituals. For example, the Jewish people practice the Bar Mitzvah.

There is a widespread movement, originated by New Age thinkers, to revive some of the ancient rituals. Seekers can avail themselves of various (often rather expensive) seminars, usually involving trips to the wilderness, and lonely "vision quests." Some people have had profound experiences, though without the support of a clear, abiding truth, these often fade with time.

Men have always been the aggressors of our species, and when they "go wrong" they generate virtually all of the mayhem that plagues society. Thus, most of the old traditions had to do with "properly orienting" men. Girls mature, emotionally and intellectually, sooner than boys, and their role is very important here. Scientific research has at last confirmed what most people would deem obvious-that marriage tames a man.

Of course, fallen nature, with its potent sexual aspect, has always dogged humanity. In recent centuries, as girls became fertile at an ever younger age, there was always the ultimate option: the "shotgun wedding." To the detriment of women, today's Popular Culture has nearly eliminated that powerful constraint.

Second Generation

In the lives of religious people, initiations into salvation and church membership have taken on the role of the ancient rites. Religions which are growing often emphasize adult baptism and other rituals of conversion. The more established Faiths tend to emphasize rituals of sacred community, such as the holy communion.

One Unificationist, learned in religious history, has written in these pages (?? issue UNews) about a challenge faced by the early Puritans. It concerned how they ought to regard their own "second generation." The adults were mostly converts, and they'd increased their separation from Europe's sinful society by crossing the ocean to America. Each was a signatory-a pledged part-of their new society's "sacred covenant." But what about their children? Were they automatically included?

In many nations, children are born a member of their State Church, be it Catholic or Protestant. Stricter Christians preach that each individual must seek, and accept salvation, by and for themselves. Those Puritans made many compromises, and found various solutions. Their rich tale is recounted in The Light and the Glory and other Christian books.

The similarities with Unificationism are clear. This is, frankly, a rather difficult subject. However, due to several published articles and news reports, the matter is already open to public discussion. Scholars, and our many other friends, may provide us with some valuable input here. Unfortunately, the professional critics ("negos") have already attempted to debase the entire matter.

Unificationists worldwide, from the eldest member to the newest convert, are currently being asked to reassess their own standing within the True Parent's "covenant." Our Second Generation (and very soon, the emerging Third one) is coming of age. They're reaching the point where they too must decide where they stand. Principle simply does not allow for much compromise, especially in the areas of love and marriage.

The ancient rituals mentioned above have no particular value, in and of themselves, yet many lessons can be gleaned from history. How might such venerable traditions apply to our Second Generation, if at all? Will there, or should there be any Unificationist rites of passage? If such transitions into adulthood were ever an ordeal, they were also a badge of honor.

There are already several excellent Unificationist schools, summer camps, and a college-level Academy. Ought every young member attend these? Are there to be any proactive requirements, or will it be enough to have avoided proscribed behavior? An appropriate course could involve a quest, or a classroom test. More likely, it will entail an extension of several projects which are already underway. An organized, all-out, "in your face" challenge to fallen society.

Your author can offer no clear-cut answers, yet these issues really should be addressed. This modern era is comfortable materially, and a good education is readily available. However, we are still in the midst of confusing times: the Last Days. Internally, things are as difficult as ever, if not more so, especially for teenagers. This has proven true for many Unificationist families, even the most senior.

The precise mechanism by which God brought the universe, and we humans into being, is not yet fully understood. However, the course of individual development has already been made clear, thanks to the Principle. Families are the bedrock of the Kingdom, and families are formed by each generation of newly-minted adults. Let's do all that we can to assist them in their passage.

Close to True Mother in New Jersey

by Christine Libon-Clifton, NJ

I volunteered to help prepare for True Mother's coming to speak in New Jersey at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Oct. 18 at 7:30pm. I was asked by Miho Panzer to be at the hotel 9am the day before. I waited for about an hour and a half in the lobby, but this was an opportune time. A young man played a short piece on the piano and sat down beside me. I asked, "Is that the end of the concert?" From this point it was as easy as pie to tell him why I was here and to invite him to the speech. Giuseppe is a law student who came with a group of Sicilians working with Lady La Roca to organize a world bank for Sicilian emigrants. While we were talking, Mr. Chirimini, also with Lady La Roca, came over to join our conversation. Mr. Chirimini is president of a bank in South Africa. He shared his ideas about Biblical truth with me. He actually has a very good principled understanding of many points. Giuseppe said he would come to the speech. I was so happy to hear later that he came the following night!

I could not attend the speech because we-Mrs. Panzer, Yukiko, Masayo and myself-needed to clean up after Mother's dinner. We had a lot of help from Korean members. Perhaps many readers have not been behind the scenes serving True Mother at such an event. Therefore, I will describe many details. The day prior to the event was filled with duties such as unpacking china, silverware and such to be used for Mother and her guests at the main table. Everything was washed, dried, organized. Bed sheets were prepared, newly purchased towels and bath mats. Only highest quality things were used, new things, fresh fruits and ripe. We pooled together all the furniture from among the rented rooms and selected the best and most appropriate pieces for the bedroom and living room-a desk for study, a chair next to which a foot massager could be placed, a blanketed space where Mother could receive a massage, extra lighting, tables for floral arrangements. Unnecessary items were removed. Mrs. Panzer had purchased small baskets of dried fruits and nuts and some candies which were beautifully gift wrapped and placed in Mother's room. A CD-cassette player as well. Everything to make Mother as comfortable as possible, all the comforts of home. Sisters were often going out on last-minute shopping trips to buy extra hosiery, foods, juices, a curtain and expandable rod to create more privacy near Mother's room, fresh red beets to make juice for Mother. Arrangements were made for sisters in the area to bake vegetable muffins for breakfast, to bring Japanese good for lunch, to hand-wash and iron Mother's bathrobe. We vacuumed the carpet in Mother's room three times before her arrival and cleaned the rooms for her and True Children ourselves, not using hotel staff. I vacuumed so much I thought my arm would fall off. I was also a communicator because I could speak English. I was on the phone to room service, housekeeping, the front desk. At one point I was given a two-way "walkie-talkie" radio to communicate to the stage area. Good, quick communication was essential.

A few additional rooms were prepared for the Moon clan, three representing Father's side and three from Mother's. Let me say here that Esmerelda, from the hotel's maid-service staff, was superb-and so warm-hearted! She's from Peru. "You don't need to tip me," she said. However, Mrs. Panzer gave us tipping money to given each time a special request was fulfilled, and the requests were many. The attitude of the hotel staff in general was quite good, no reasons needed, whatever request you bring. I never questioned when I was told to do something, but I had some questions before we began. "What shall I bring to the hotel (pants, dress, suit)?" Answer from Mrs. Panzer: "A pure mind." Rev. Thomas Baldwin commented: "Cleanliness is very important, both internally and externally." The well-known adage, "Do it!", was helpful, to which might be added, "Do it well and do it fast!" At our evening prayer meeting, Mrs. Panzer shared her thoughts on how to bring a victory based on unity: "All our efforts are united- fund raising, witnessing, details at the hotel. We pray for them; they pray for us. This kind of unity we need always." If we made some mistakes, if things were not exactly right, Mrs. Panzer and Mrs. Baldwin would comment, "It's okay. Mother will feel our heart of serving. If we are united, this is best. Mother can feel if we are united; she is very sensitive. Things are second. Mother knows we are all running."

A new feeling toward leaders and people closest to True Parents came to me. They were no longer feared; I felt so much love from the little love punch I received from Mrs. Kil Hwan Kim of Philadelphia expressing her happiness at my being there, from the warm, gentle smile of Peter Kim, the quiet seriousness of Rev. Joong Hyun Pak, Mrs. Pak so humble and so kind. Everyone there truly felt like sisters. When Mrs. Pak wanted a comfortable pair of shoes to go shopping in, I enthusiastically begged, "Please wear mine!" She smiled; it was a joy to share like sisters. Rev. Kil Hwan Kim was understandably nervous; every mistake would reflect back on him. I must admit, the welcoming bouquet was late (I'm sorry-I ran as fast as I could!); but as a result I had to enter Mother's suite and give them to her as she sat in a chair beside the sofa. I waited for Mother to look up as a cue to hand her the bouquet. But she never did. Many meanings might be inferred from her action. Perhaps this is what should be understood: when we look at something, we are thinking, "Oh, this is for me?" In other words, we are expecting to receive something. But Mother never looked up. Even being such a very special person, she never expects to receive something. So what kind of souvenirs do we get from being so close to True Parents? What things can I hand down to my descendants? Well, souvenirs are certainly precious; however, the most precious thing True Parents have already given us: Heavenly tradition. I am so grateful to know personally the living saints of the Completed Testament Age; many sacrifice to the point of death to fulfill their responsibility. Let me also take this opportunity to say that I am proud of those who defend completely the eternal family unit. I'm also proud of Rev. Wells and the work he is doing with his organization, "One Day at a Time."

After the speech, I went down to join the choir of 30 members from several locations to entertain at the victory celebration. It was a whoopdedoo party! And though we sang only one selection, "Deep River," we were great! You know you're doing great when the choir director says "Wow!" and each wow gets bigger. Yes, there was an incredible spirit there. We shook the walls spiritually. The overflow room was filled. It was a celebration of Heavenly culture. The East Garden sisters brought Korean folk instruments and sang native Korean folksongs. These types of songs always inspire me, even to the point of tears. Perhaps it is because whenever you want to share in a culture, you must go back to its original roots. Won Ju Onni sang a heartfelt solo. Irene Sasao sang "Danny Boy" and I saw Grandma at the event. There were other songs. And Hyun Jin Hyung Nim delivered his rousing rendition of "Blue Suede Shoes." As I knelt tall trying to see, face and unite with Mother, I felt she was looking at me as if to say, "Come on. Join me. Let's do it together!" Looking at all the great people in this one room, I said to myself, "Surely, with all these great people we must be able to do something great. We must be able to have an impact on this world." After this tremendous celebration, Father asked us the familiar question, "So now, you can do very well in your mission?"

As we packed everything back into boxes late Saturday morning, I thanked Mrs. Panzer: "Because of you, I could have the blessing of serving." Her reply: "Well, then this is really the meaning of blessing: to give to someone else." My eternal gratitude to Mrs. Panzer! As I washed the many dishes, I kept asking myself, "Why am I so privileged?" But, actually, I don't care why. I'm just glad I could be so close to True Mother.

Rev. Kim is so inspired by the fact that the Muslim imam presented a plaque to True Mother in Philadelphia, and by the Mormon elders-the missionary sisters-who also made their special offering to Mother. This is truly a new age. He has been encouraging us to have a spirit of "hahm-kkeh" or Together-Spirit. I would like to reiterate some points from his sermon on Sunday, Oct. 20: "Mother reported to me that Father has been so happy ever since Thursday night. Whenever Father is happy, he sings one song, `Mongooboh Tahreeuh'."

Rev. Kim presented the question, "What's the motivation for my serious effort to bring victory?" He answered by reading Father's words: "The first fundamental principle you must understand is-Why do we live? How can we be fulfilled? Love and ideal are not self-generated, not fulfilled, if we are alone. Only others can stimulate, complement, reciprocate, and fulfill the ideal. The blueprint is: living for others-spouse for spouse, parents for children, individuals for family, and on up-for the nation, for the world, for God. God lives totally for you and me. This one grand circle of giving can be maintained for eternity-eternal happiness. The love you give returns both premium and interest. Those who serve the most become the center. He who invests the most in others automatically moves into the highest central position. No one likes the word `dominion" but we want to be with those who love us always, every minute, never separated. We want to get involved with God."

Rev. Kim said, "I like to be ordered to do something. I feel God's love this way. This internal happiness goes with me everywhere."

Back to my experience-I was asked to do many things I had never done before: "Christine can arrange the fruit. Let Christine help with this." I felt so chosen and so privileged, so loved, so depended upon. As in Korean class when you get one word right-the teacher is so proud of you! It seems that children understand this principle. They love to help. Well, I saw many guests at the speech. Kathy Sato said there were 30 from WFWP and a couple of VIPs who were very moved by the diversity of our members and by points in the speeches. And though some services must be paid for dearly, Manhattan Center offered their services free of charge for this event. Our members had to be inspired. Was it a success?

Ahmed's First Christmas

by Catherine Ladolcetta-Irvington, AL

This is the second in a three-part serialization.

The parts in the Christmas play were quickly distributed. Shimmy, Unja and Mee Young would be the Three Wise Men. Nathan, Daniel and Patrick would be shepherds. Mattias agreed to be the Innkeeper. Miss Caren's Kindergarten, Miss Shelley's First Grade and Mr. Wilhelmer's Second Grade would all be in the choir.

"Oh! We forgot Angel of God! Who will be Angel of God?"

Nani stood up and shouted in her high voice, "Nivena can be-she's already an angel!" The children started to laugh and all Miss Claire could do was to join in and write it down.

. . .

"Miss Claire?" Waheba sat again on a wooden bench on the porch at school. It was the first rehearsal for the play and the kids were sitting and talking as they waited to begin.

"What is it, Waheba?" The teacher turned to her curiously. Waheba rarely asked a question, but when she did, it was always interesting.

"Ahmed, Nivena and I do not know the story we are playing. Is it a true story?"

The children turned to look at Waheba, their mouths open in amazement.

"You don't know about Jesus?" asked Elizabeth, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Aren't you a Blessed child? We all know about Jesus," Jaidam stated in his strong voice.

"No, I don't think we are-what is that?"

Confusion showed on Ahmed's face, too.

"But, your mom and dad were in the Blessing-my mama told me." Daniel's voice was insistent.

"Oh, the big wedding." Waheba sighed in relief, "Yes, they are Blessed, but we were already as we are today. Are you Blessed children? What is that?" Her voice was suddenly anxious.

Mihee spoke up. "Our parents were in the Blessing before we were born, so we are Blessed children."

Waheba looked down at the floor. "Is it better to be Blessed children than not Blessed children?" Her voice showed her fear of being different from these children who were so kind and friendly. Maybe now they would not like them so much.

Mihee was watching her friend's face. "Oh, it's very good, but when you grow up, you can be Blessed and your children will be Blessed children like us."

Waheba nodded. Whatever good this Blessing brought, she and Ahmed and Nivena could share in it when they grew up. They could give it to their own children. She smiled, "Yes, we will be Blessed, too." "Children, who can tell us the story of Jesus?" Miss Claire's heart was bursting with pride over the love and hope the children were giving their new friends.

"Once upon a time..." began Patrick.

"No, not once upon a time-it starts like this," said Mihee. "Nearly two thousand years ago, the Angel of the Lord spoke to a young woman named Mary. He said she would have a baby and he would be called Jesus and he would be the son of God. Mary wasn't even married yet, so she didn't quite believe it, but it happened anyway. She became `great with child,' as the Bible says. And she and Joseph were married."

Ahmed. He had heard of the Bible-the holy book of the Christians-just as the Korean was the holy book of Islam.

Shimmy stood up and said, "When the baby was coming pretty soon, Joseph took her to his hometown-Bethlehem. They had to go there because the Romans wanted to tax all the people they ruled over. He had a little donkey and Mary sat on it sideways and rode to Bethlehem. It must have been pretty bumpy."

Ahmed laughed quietly, "Yes, it was very bumpy. Once, when my teacher took me to the city market place, we rode on donkeys so I could better understand the past of my people."

Waheba looked at him enviously. She had never had a trip like that at school. "Boys are so lucky," she thought to herself.

So Unja raised her hand. She spoke softly. "When they got to Bethlehem, there was no place to stay. There must have been so many people who came back to be taxed."

"But, where did they stay?" Waheba suddenly felt frightened. She could remember Nivena's birth in their beautiful, clean home with a doctor and nurses to help.

"What happened then?" Ahmed's voice was tense. All he knew about Jesus was that he had been killed while he was still a young man.

"Who can continue our story?" asked Miss Claire, looking around the group.

Mattias stood up eagerly. "I can. When they got to one inn, the innkeeper told them: `We're full, but you can sleep in the stable with the animals'."

Waheba drew in her breath and cried out, "But that is not possible-it is so unclean! If he was the son of God, he should have been born in a palace!" Her voice became angry. "What is wrong with those people? Didn't Joseph tell them it was Jesus waiting to be born?"

"Well, in those days, people didn't care about each other as we do now." Mee Young's face was sad. "I always thought it must have been fun to be with the warm, friendly animals, but you're right, Waheba, it's no place for anyone to be born. Especially not Heavenly Father's son."

The children sat silently, thinking. "If he was born now, I'd give him my little bed. Nani had tears in her eyes as she added, "I'd give him my teddy bear blanket, too."

Waheba spoke suddenly. "My father would let them sleep in our house. He always give strangers a place to sleep and food to eat."

Ahmed nodded, thinking of the many strangers who had stayed a few days at his home and then had gone on their way. Some were poor and really needed help, some were business associates from his father's work, and some were missionaries from other countries who even came back to visit. Whoever they were, his parents had always treated them with care and respect. He knew that they believed that all people are children of Allah and so they received each person with that heart.

"Yes," said Ahmed, "we would find room for them if they could just come now."

"But they did already!" Mihee looked at Ahmed. "Your parents did take them in, sort of, when they were Blessed by True Parents."

Waheba and Ahmed looked at each other. "What do you mean?" asked Waheba.

"True parents are the same as Jesus and his wife would have been. So your parents took them into their hearts when they believed True Parents came as the son and daughter of God and got Blessed."

All the children stared at Mihee.

"Then my mommy and daddy did, too!" shouted Patrick.

"Hey, we did, too!"

"Us, too!"

The children were talking and laughing happily as they realized that in their own families they had done this wonderful thing.

Ahmed and Waheba sat stunned. Did their parents really believe all these things?

"What about Allah?" Ahmed broke in. The children stopped talking and looked at him curiously.

"What about Allah?" he repeated, but more quietly than before. "My parents believe in Allah."

"Who can explain?" asked Miss Claire in a gentle voice.

"Is Allah the God of your church?" It was Brian, a second grader.

"Yes, He is God of everything."

"Then, He is God of our church, too. We call Him Heavenly Father." Brian's voice was matter-of-fact and Waheba could feel he was sincere.

"There is one God?"

"Yes, Ahmed," Miss Claire answered, "and He is the Father of all people on Earth."

A UTS Graduate at New Hope Farm, Brazil

Ted O'Grady-New Hope Farm, Brazil

I came at night, crossing a murky river in a dirty wooden boat, arriving in the surreal light of orange-shrouded bamboo houses looking like toy army barracks. I wondered, "Where are the soldiers?" Rolling in the cab of a pickup truck, strolling in across the gravel front yard, I was met by a smiling Korean, looking for all the world like a vacationing Buddha, with a rounded face, balding head, and infectious laugh. I liked him right away.

True Parents came the following day. Mother saw me and said in surprise, "Oh, you're here!" I said, "Father asked us to come quickly, so I came." Father growled, "That's true." A few days later I met True Parents again. Mother asked me in English, "How do you like it here?" I said, "It's hard work, but I like it." "Hard work?" she said.

Several thousand Brazilians (it's true) came to Nova Esperanca Fazenda (New Hope Farm) for the ambulance dedication ceremony. Father gave twenty-nine ambulances to surrounding towns within a 200 kilometer radius of the farm. A lot of money is being spent here. The local people don't know what hit them, but the smart ones are trying to get a piece of the pie. These local entrepreneurs like Rev. Moon very much.

One other church has warned that we Unificationists eat our own children. I haven't seen any evidence of that as yet. In fact, the food is quite uninteresting here; rice, beans and majoca, a potato- like root. I'm not sure a decent recipe exists for "fihho" stew!

A few days later, Ken Shafto and Oshima-san arrived just in time to accompany True Parents to the newly purchased Salobra Hotel located at the doorstep to the famous Pantanal nature preserve. There we fished for and caught piranha (it's absolutely true about their teeth, razor sharp and "muito" dangerous). At dinner one night, True Father gave us a direction. He said, "Pioneer the twenty-nine towns that received ambulances, and do everything else (all projects connected with the farm) with the same effort as I showed you. You are too young!" Father spoke briefly to the three of us in English and, of course, this is only a paraphrase. In reality, thus far, we have been working hard as "farm pioneers", physical laborers. It is the easy version of Father's Hung Nam course.

Fourteen of us had a lottery a few weeks later and received towns; mine is a tourist mecca named "Bonito" (pretty) only forty miles from the farm. It is also a nature preserve with no good roads leading into it. This fact keeps it small, to the fearful Brazilians' liking. We are paired with young Brazilian pioneers, graduates of the Brazilian version of UTS, who were sent out several months previously. They have already toured the towns and held DP seminars. In most places, there is already some foundation. All of us have visited our towns and met contacts. The Brazilians are very humble and simple people (except for the entrepreneurs); they welcome us warmly.

Deconstruction and other Cool Projects

UTS grads arrived intermittently throughout the month of August, after True Parents had left for Alaska. Moishien and his wife; Iwuk Asuamah, Bret and Annette Moss; Alan Saunders, Koji, Manami, Hidehiko and several others. At this point we had a lottery for our pioneer towns, fourteen of us in all. After the lottery, we all visited our towns for a few days to scope the lay of the land, and to taste the flavor of Brazilian hospitality. I'm happy to report that there were no evil spies in our midst; everyone came back with a positive report. The land is rich, the food is good and the people aren't all that big. We have been good "do bees" for the most part, honoring our Korean elder, President Yoon Sang Kim, and laboring on the farm, sweating like the pigs we are (providential viewpoint!)

Speaking of sweating like pigs, our primary job here at the farm has been "deconstruction," not "destruction," because we have been called to tear down the tool shed, the chicken coop (a delayed project so far), the cow corral, the corn shed, and to rearrange the materials contained therein to various other convenient and not so convenient locations on the farm. Nothing is thrown out here; all the wire, wood and old tools are saved for usage at another time. Tools are a trip, although there is a very good (by Brazilian standards) hardware store in Jardim. We are constantly repairing the hoes and scouring the grounds for non-existent working shovels, picks and machetes. (Actually, this is a bit of an overstatement. There are several shovels, picks and machetes, but very few handles to go with them! Still, "somehow" (a favorite expression around here) it works. We seem to get the work done.)

One favorite predilection of President Kim is to "check" on the work done by the members after it is finished and then decide that it doesn't look right and has to be "deconstructed" and done again, a job he usually does by himself. This habit challenges the patience of the farm members who have been here since the beginning (May, 1995). They have found various forms of mental survival ranging from exorbitant laughter (Javier, the young Argentinean brother), nightly American- made, Portuguese-dubbed videos and, now, Solitaire played on this very computer (one of my favorite hobbies). As for our "strategic plan" to accomplish our mission, the first step is to wend our way through the Tower of Babel (Korean, Portuguese, Polish, Czech, German, Japanese and, finally, English) that is New Hope Fazenda morning and evening service (5am and 8pm respectively). We then go to work in the fields.

All this may sound a little disheartening, but please don't misunderstand. It is all part of the "New Hope Experience". Forget planning, forget logic, forget timetables, forget your wife and family, and forget the civilized world; that's the formula. If you can get by the initial hurdles, it's not so bad and a certain understanding starts to well up from within, sort of like, "Oh, now I understand why Father has sent us to this God-forsaken desert! It's so I can take off my old skin and become a new creature." And that is a true testimony. (By the way, is Richard Nixon still the President of the United States?)

Here's a rundown of my jobs here at the farm thus far: tree planting (4'x4' holes in the ground dug with pick and shovel), boat cleaning and ferrying (a couple thousand people on "Ambulance Day"), bamboo chopping and hatcheting, burning garbage, carrying 70 kilo bags of corn to the new tool shed, unbolting, unnailing and whacking boards, driving the heavy equipment (tractor) for pole moving and garbage hauling, kitchen duty (washing pots and pans), "night watch" (every team, five in all, takes turns watching at night, just like the UTS booth), fishing (not very successfully), vegetable planting and weeding, a testimony and song on the first night and a very consistent attendance of morning and evening service every day! It's all part of the project here at New Hope Farm.

Of course, I spent several days going door to door in Jardim inviting people to the "Unification World Group Exposition" (See Cornerstone June/July p.3), a good opportunity to practice my primitive but improving Portuguese (not difficult for Westerners), and two days in my gifted pioneer town of Bonito (more on this later). Impatient me has endured over six weeks at this farm, a miracle in and of itself. "All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me."

"New Wine Into Fresh Wineskins"

I'm getting excited to do this job down here in no man's land. But, there is a necessary precondition to success. In the parable of the wineskins (Luke 5:33-39), Jesus tells the people, "No one tears a piece from an new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old." As regards our own situations relative to the current providence, the new garment we are speaking of is True Parents' South American providence; the old garments are ourselves. The new garment, God's budding new providence here in Jardim, will not be torn, but will remain intact. We should not expect to tear the garment when we come here but, rather, should adjust ourselves to fit into the new wineskin.

This is the essence, I think, of the UTS students' efforts here at New Hope Farm. It is the course to take off our old skin and to emerge as reborn, new creatures in Christ, our True Parents. Without this fundamental, yet excruciatingly painful, process, everything appears as a blur, nothing makes sense, there is no balance, joy or hope. Thus, New Hope Farm can very often feel like No Hope Farm; it can be easily spurned, like the ugly duckling who later grows into a beautiful swan. However, the old skin is tough and scaly, and doesn't come off easily; it is necessary to shed blood and sweat (I've lost 15-20 pounds in the past six weeks). True Father is sending us through the narrow gate in order to pave the way for many others, and to make us remove our old skin quickly.

I am reminded of the following admonition in Hebrews 12:5-8: "`My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons."

We, then, are being treated like sons, true sons of the original blood lineage of God flowing through our True Parents. We are being disciplined, ignored, mistreated (from a secular viewpoint). What is our response in this situation? Who are we, the UTS graduates? I always like to think of the Jesuits, initiated by the Spanish military leader, Ignatius, whose "Spiritual Exercises" provided the backbone of a new religious order that ultimately penetrated the entire globe in every field of endeavor: religious, academic, economic and political. I see UTS graduates in that light; I feel the need for that degree of commitment, loyalty and sacrifice in order to establish the messiahship of True Parents worldwide.

Jesus never found this kind of disciples. We can be those disciples of, as we say, "Our True Parents" (who, in fact, can never be truly ours unless we kill our old selves and allow our new ones to emerge like a brilliant butterfly from the cocoon of death), penetrating to the ends of the earth with, not military power, not the power of authoritarian self-righteousness, but the power of incarnated true love that consumes our spirit and flesh, and makes all flesh into one within the great sphere of happiness and joy that is now budding here in Jardim.

We must make True Parents' messiahship by fulfilling our own. This is done through absolute faith, love and obedience to our inner conscience that is outwardly expressed through the flesh and blood of our True Parents. That is the task of UTS graduates, past, present and future. That is the task of all human beings. That is the specific task of this particular UTS class now working here at New Hope Farm, and of this particular individual who has authored these comments.

November 1996

Women's Federation for World Peace, Texas

by Laura Hornbeck-Van Alstyne, TX

Late at night on Thursday, August 15, a group of approximately 100 Japanese people arrived at the Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel in Houston, Texas, to attend a 2-day International Friendship Conference. Japanese women and a few men, from their early 20's to their 70's in age, came to Houston in hopes of being paired with Americans as international sisters and brothers.

Our gathering in Houston was the first such conference held in Texas. The timing was especially poignant because it coincided with the 51st anniversary of VJ Day (Victory Over Japan), which marked the end of World War II.

On Friday, August 16, the Japanese heard three American speakers lecture (in translation) on various topics. At lunch time, Dr. Roderick Paige, Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, spoke on the importance of improving family life, our schools, and the society at large if we want to raise young people with a brighter future. Later, Mrs. Helen McDonald spoke about her 12 years as curator of exhibits for the Admiral Chester Nimitz Museum, in which World War II is memorialized.

On Friday evening, Mr. A.C. Green, a well-known member of the Phoenix Suns basketball team, was the featured speaker. Mr. Green, who also has a ministry for youth, did not speak about basketball but rather about his commitment to helping young people develop self-discipline and self-esteem. He is an outspoken advocate of abstinence until marriage. After his talk, Mr. Green posed patiently for one photo after another, giving autographs, and generally enjoying the attention from the Japanese who were in awe of the 6'9" black man who towered above them.

I found out that basketball is at least as popular in Japan as America, and perhaps even more so. Mrs. Taeko White, of Houston, and I were able to spend some time with Mr. Green prior to his talk. Taeko explained to him that many Japanese get up in the middle of the night to watch American NBA playoffs. Mr. Green was very interested in the Healthy Love program developed by WFWP member, Teri Lester of Kansas. He read the materials I gave him and asked for more. He was also impressed with the WFWP Statement of Beliefs, and referred to them several times in his talk.

On Saturday, August 17, the deeply moving Sisters of Peace Ceremony was held. Houston participants included Alma Allen, member of the Houston Board of Education; Helen McDonald, curator of exhibits for the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas; Grace Saenz, assistant to Mayor Bob Lanier; and Teresa Doggett, congresswoman from the Houston area. Also, keynote speaker Mary Lou Retton crossed the bridge and greeted her Japanese sister. Congratulatory letters were read from Mayor Lanier and from Governor George W. Bush.

Mary Lou Retton, Olympic gold-medal gymnast in 1984, spoke about the importance of determination and self-discipline in achieving one's goals. She talked about how desperate she had been to recover from an emergency knee operation just six weeks prior to her gold-medal performance. She is a dynamic speaker with a captivating message and energetic style of delivery. I know that many young girls have been encouraged to pursue gymnastics and other athletics because of Mary Lou's bright, shining personality as well as her successful career.

The day ended with a gala banquet and entertainment. An authentic Kabuki dance was performed by Ms. Miyuki Saito from Houston. A perfect ending to the heart-warming day was provided by Sheila Vaughn's entertainment. For the final event, everyone in the hall was invited to circle the room and join hands to sing, "Let There Be Peace on Earth." What a sight to behold! Black, White, Oriental, Hispanic, women and men of all ages standing around a room singing a simple song about peace. "With God as our Father," we affirmed that we were all truly family and all yearning for the same peace. There weren't many dry eyes in the room at the end of that song.

Most people felt reluctant to leave the ballroom. They clustered together, holding hands and talking with their new friends. Long lines of people waited by the stage to have the opportunity to cross the Bridge of Peace themselves. As I walked through the room, I passed a woman who was holding the arm of her Japanese sister and weeping openly. She said to me, "Thank you so much for inviting me today. All my life I have felt a desire to go to Japan, but I never knew why. Now I know. It's because I have a sister there."

Deep in the heart of Texas, the spirit of God was almost tangible that day. It could only manifest itself, however, on the foundation of untold hours of hard work, prayer, and tears by our wonderful women of the WFWP. The true mother's heart of service and sacrifice, as exemplified by our founder, Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon, will be the key to bringing this world into new life.

Laura Hornbeck is the WFWP Region 8 Coordinator.

What Promises Are Necessary Today?

Reflections on Two Weekends with Christians Whom I Respected Highly from a Distance

As readers are aware from my essay last month, I recently attended the National Christian Coalition conference. The next weekend I attended a goodly part of a Promise Keepers conference, at Shea Stadium, New York. These are organizations which I have praised, which I have believed God is raising up. After my experiences of those two weekends, I still believe God is raising them up. But it is a bit harder to praise them. And a bit easier to feel God's grief and frustration with His people.

Limitations

The most obvious shortfall of both meetings had to do with racial composition. There were virtually no blacks at either event, and very minimal numbers of Asians and Hispanics. And this was with the main theme of the Promise Keepers this year being racial reconciliation, and an aggressive campaign weeks in advance to invite blacks to the conference. In fact, we at HSA HQ received our invitational materials through Rev. Daryl Clarke, our pastor in Harlem, to whom the Promise Keepers had mailed them.

As I've written elsewhere ("Voluntary Association, Intermarriage and the 'World of the Heart'," in Thompson, ed., Unity in Diversity), I do not believe the problem of race can be solved on the level of culture, society and religion. It can be solved only on the family level. The PK has not reached that level; it is clueless about the entire issue. Marriage, after all, is the world's most racist institution and is the very institution which perpetuates racial separation. This is one point recommending God's plan for arranged marriages.

Faith and Football

The Promise Keepers (far more than the Christian Coalition, but this applies to them as well) was a praise meeting which attempted to bridge denominational barriers. Admirable as that may be, it is self- defeating if it uses the name of Jesus Christ to gloss over doctrinal and theological differences and as a rallying cry. In fact, the Promise Keepers meeting struck me as a grand pep rally for Jesus. The most impressive speaker I heard there (I did not hear them all), hands down, was Bill McCartney, the founder of the Promise Keepers. His virtue was his passion for Christ; that's all. He called for fasting, for self-denial. He was an unapologetic lover of God; a medieval mystic appearing as football coach.

Millions of men attend football games in stadiums across America. It has ritualistic characteristics, and in fact I once heard of a group which applied for tax-exemption as the Church of Monday Night Football. The Promise Keepers tap that energy for Christ. There is energy there to be tapped; there is, at its best, a spirituality to football. There is for every sport, but no other sport moves a mass of American males to catharsis as does football. On the good side, there are wonderful elements: teamwork, obedience to the coach, self- sacrifice, perseverance and striving for excellence, to be champions. That was what "the coach" brought to us at Shea Stadium; he has distilled the best of football and dedicated it to Jesus. The spirit of a football game--but even better, because we are all the team, in the locker room with the coach! Culture-religion-which celebrates not the image of God but the images of the culture-at its best (which may be human beings at their worst, depending upon how you view these things).

Which culture is the Promise Keepers faith? We were slightly better dressed than the fans at a football game, but not much. We were a good deal more segregated than the fans at a football game, I imagine. The Promise Keepers is white, suburban culture in its apotheosis, crying out for men to behave themselves. A worthy goal, one characteristic of American evangelical Protestantism since the early nineteenth century. Domestication of the male via Christian rebirth is a wonderful accomplishment, and the opening speakers did make the point more than once of how many men were there because of the prodding ("heel marks on their behinds") from their wives.

And there was another element of American popular culture: lots of music, good music, hypnotic and throbbing, with the sound system of a rock concert. As Dr. Glen Martin told us one of his congregants said, "I want to feel God this morning: turn up the bass."

But here's the problem: at the end of the twentieth century, do we have the luxury to express Christian triumphalism? I mean, what do these guys have to feel triumphant about?

Why do I call it Christian triumphalism? I do so because they are about uniting Christians under the name of Jesus as in itself a victory. The Christian Coalition declared they are on the road to victory irrespective of the political outcome this November. There are even those who foresee the next century to be the Christian century, and may well declare it so irrespective of who controls the earth.

Well, I agree wholeheartedly, Christians should unite. But I do not believe it can possibly come about under the banner of the content of the past 2,000 years, because we will get the same results we have had for 2,000 years. There are big differences among Christians today, and there have been such from year one of the Christian dispensation. The spirit of Promise Keepers, and of the Christian Coalition to the extent that it makes religious claims its foundation, is: put those differences aside, we've got work to do and we can be brothers based on no other name than Jesus.

That phrase brings life to many Christians, and brings shivers to the bones of some non-Christians, and not because the devil is convicting them of their sin, but because of the arrogance (and implicit threat) with which the statement is imbued. For who among Christians are even worthy to speak the name of Jesus, much less claim they are all brothers (not only of each other, but supposedly of all God's children) on the basis of their closing their eyes and uttering "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus"? The problem is not Jesus, who is the rock of salvation; the problem is the huge space the appeal to his name creates for a racist, nationalistic, culture-religion to rise up and do what such creatures tend historically to do.

Yes, We All Agree

But under the emotional power of the coach, and buoyed up by throbbing gospel-rock, chanting "yes, we all agree," or "let the walls come down!" (a motto useful to everyone from Bolsheviks to beatniks, so why not Christians?), it sure can feel good to be saved. But if the saved cannot even get black Christians into the stadium, then what, for heaven's sake, are they going to say to the Muslims? and all the other religions? Well, I can hear them echo the 2,000 year strain: Jesus will settle that when he comes back.

And when will he come back? Soon, very soon. And how? That's up to you to decide, but, hey, don't worry, every knee will bow; just like the songs say, and hey, brother, don't it feel good to be a Christian?

Peter Kreeft, in his critique of liberal Christianity, turned a marvelous phrase, "the bland leading the bland." Clever, and telling.

But the original is more to the point, and more devastatingly humbling: the blind leading the blind. That's what Jesus called the Pharisees. How is the messiah to come? The first-century Jew was probably no more sure than the twentieth-century Christian, but would be sure that he would be counted worthy when he did come. It is not that the scribes and doctors of the law ignored Jesus; far from it. They examined him well, and found him lacking. Not just lacking; dangerous, deluded, false.

Christians, thus, do not know how Jesus will return, but they do know how he won't return, apparently, although this in itself is rather illogical. Namely, he will not come looking like or speaking or acting like Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Why? What disqualifies Reverend Moon, in the eyes of Christians? Apparently, here is how Jesus is NOT going to return: 1. He will not disagree with our theology (i.e., Jesus will agree with Christian traditional theology, including the traditional interpretation of the Bible); 2. He will not be accused of crimes and imprisoned (i.e., Jesus will receive the approval of governments, media and established religious institutions); 3. He will not gain a dedicated following (i.e., Jesus' followers will be lukewarm); 4. He will not be Oriental (i.e., Jesus will have blue eyes, white skin and Lady Clairol hair).

I'll offer an observation, borrowing in part from Rev. Kevin McCarthy, on the psychological aspect of the rejection of Christ 2,000 years ago. The chosen people were self-conscious of being so. They thought, if nothing else, that the Messiah would recognize them. He would acknowledge their honoring the Mosaic Law (well done, faithful servants).

Jesus didn't do that. In fact, he judged them by the fact that they claimed to be followers of Moses, but if they truly were followers of Moses they would recognize him. The Law increased their guilt, not, as Paul stated, for sin in general, but rather as Jesus stated, for the sin of rejecting the Messiah when he came. Jesus died not for sin in general, which he could forgive on earth, but for the specific sin of rejecting the Messiah (i.e. the Holy Spirit), which he could not forgive except through the cross. Jesus could not forgive them if they did not recognize him as having the authority to forgive. Therefore, the sin for which he died was only one sin: the sin of failure to recognize him. This unites religious and secular truth, doesn't it? He died because they killed him. It's not complicated.

They were not exposed as false followers of Moses; rather they at that moment became false followers, because the purpose of the Law was to lead the chosen people to the Messiah. They expected the Messiah to recognize them, when in fact the issue was not his recognizing them, but their recognizing him. They never, as McCarthy puts it, turned their faith of expectation into a faith of recognition. And similarly, Christians today surely expect Jesus will recognize them.

We long for the day when those calling on the name of Jesus, whom we might term nominal Christians, will call on Jesus himself. Especially in light of Jesus' frequent references to his "new name" in Revelation.

What was Jesus himself doing at this meeting in that stadium? The speakers practiced very well the power of positive thinking on the crowd, proclaiming from start to finish that "Jesus is here, Jesus is here with us, hallelujah!" The first time it was proclaimed, at the exact moment the speaker let us know that Jesus was there present, the closed circuit, big-screen broadcast flickered and went dead for a couple of seconds. It was the only time I saw that happen during the event.

Coincidences, in Perspective

Such coincidental occurrences must be taken in perspective. Taking them in perspective still means to take them. I spent an entire afternoon with a friend, twenty-five years ago, beside a brook. We spoke for hours, and the conversation came around to Jesus, and the instant I said the word, "Jesus," and only at that moment in the entire afternoon, a big fish leapt high out of the water. Take it in perspective, but do not ignore it. The emcee at Shea Stadium had just finished telling us, as I recall, how no one was there by accident. Well, if no one was there by accident, would the screen have gone on the fritz by accident? Okay, okay, perspective " it's no big deal.

But I can't help but feel that it is not the time for Christians to congratulate themselves in front of Jesus. We should be ashamed in front of Jesus, for the state of America. Christians separate themselves from the problems of society, saying, "we, as Christians, must go in there and solve these problems by living the way Jesus taught us to live." Christians have forgotten, or are in denial of, the fact that recently this was a Christian nation, as good as they get; that this nation was once ruled by the churches through the voluntary consent of the people, by the Christian way of life, with power, prestige, finances, and intelligence unparalleled in human history, and this is the Christian culture itself, the fruit of Christianity itself, rotting from within. If Christians again gain the cultural dominion they enjoyed over the past two centuries in America, what will they do differently? Have louder bass?

It means that Christianity itself has a problem, or, may we go the next step: is the problem. The returning Christ cuts to the root. He tells Christians that they have made some fundamental errors about who he is and what he came to do. Until now he could forgive them, for they knew not what they were doing, and were babies and children, but when he comes back they will see face to face, if they care to look. Look at the world Christianity has given us! Retreating into materialism (ideological and physical). Retreating into the mythological "original autographs" of the Bible. Retreating into the golf courses.

Deaf and Dumb

I lost hope in American Christianity in four stages:

1. When I perceived my liberal Presbyterian church in Berkeley, California, to be deaf and dumb to the existence of black people (1964).

2. When I perceived my small-town Presbyterian church in Red Bluff, California, deaf and dumb to the existence of sex (1966).

3. When I perceived my Catholic friend deaf and dumb to the existence of guilt (1968).

4. When I perceived my evangelical friends deaf and dumb to the existence of fundamental intelligence (1971).

I'm sad to report that, despite the political and rhetorical power of the Christian Coalition, and the enthusiasm and righteousness of the Promise Keepers, Christianity has not gone beyond where it was twenty- five years ago or 2,000 years ago. As Kierkegaard and John Nelson Darby said, in their own unique ways, it's all been a parenthesis. All the critiques of 2,000 years are valid. The Christian Coalition and Promise Keepers are in danger of being just the same old same old, a new generation doing a good job marketing the brilliance and errors of the past. It's time to wake up, in the name of Jesus.

WFWP-Japan Programs in Malawi

by Masako Morikawa-Malawi, Africa

In 1994 Japanese WFWP sent 10 volunteers to each of 160 nations. These women have been meeting women leaders, identifying needs, organizing programs, and networking with WFWP organizations worldwide. The following report comes from Masako Morikawa, coordinator of WFWP Malawi Chapter.

Malawi is a small country in south central Africa with a population of over ten million. Like many African countries, Malawi is tormented by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is rapidly claiming the lives of its people. In countries like Malawi, women lack the social power to set the terms of sexual relationships, resulting in a large number of HIV- infected women in prime childbearing years (ages 20-29).

Deaths due to AIDS leave large numbers of orphaned children to be cared for by elderly grandparents. Unmanageable strains have been placed on the extended family system, leaving about 50% of the children under five years old in a state of chronic malnutrition. The National Statistical Office estimates that there are over 400,000 orphans in the country.

Having studied the problem of orphans, WFWP Malawi decided to help reduce the severe poverty problem. The following programs have been established by WFWP.

A. Orphan Care Programs

1) Distribution of food, clothes and blankets to street children.

2) Donation of 200 bags of maize flour to orphans in a village in Chief Kuntaja's regional area, which has many orphans in the Blantyre district.

3) Supporting existing local orphan care structures in Blantyre, such as the Samaritan and Chifundo Day Care Center.

The Samaritan is a local structure which tries to keep orphans off the streets by providing them with homes (tents) where they are given food and education, taught some technical skills, and have recreation activities.

Chifundo Day Care Center is a nutrition center run by the citizens of Ndirande township. At this center, food is distributed and preschool is run for orphans, although other children in the neighborhood are also admitted. WFWP supports these two centers with donations of academic materials, foodstuffs, clothes and blankets.

B. AIDS Prevention Program

WFWP conducts slide shows and lectures in secondary schools, using the Free Teens program. Our aim is to give children at this vulnerable age the information about HIV/AIDS so that they can make informed choices about their sexual activity. We realize that AIDS education for Malawi youth can only hope to achieve behavior changes if it specifically addresses sexual activity. Delaying their first sexual encounter, for example, is one means to reduce the risk of AIDS to youth.

WFWP would like to empower youths with knowledge for the following reasons:

1) So that they understand the extent of the AIDS epidemic in Malawi.

2) So that they recognize their level of personal risk.

3) So that they see the need to make appropriate behavioral changes.

In our AIDS prevention program, we have compiled a teacher's manual which will be used in secondary schools during extracurricular activities. In each secondary school in Malawi is an anti-AIDS club with which we will be working closely. Our manuals for the AIDS Prevention Program are now being reviewed by the Ministry of Education for possible use in already-existing curricula. Along with the manual, we also will use the Free Teens program. However, the Free Teens series needs to be adapted so that it fits well with the Malawian setting, taking into account its culture.

Time and time again, we have been asked to return to the anti-AIDS clubs. Our wish is to extend our program to all secondary schools in Malawi. We already have 10 lecturers (all students from the University of Malawi) who are beneficiaries of our scholarship program.

We need financial help so that we can met our primary goal of trying to curb the AIDS situation among the youth, the future leaders of Malawi.

C. Educational Scholarships

WFWP decided to establish scholarships for university students who are potential future leaders of Malawi. WFWP entered into a cooperative agreement with the Polytechnic Institute of Malawi, which is under the University of Malawi. The agreement is to support students in three ways: 1) with a financial contribution of $30; 2) with a book allowance of $50; and 3) with an out-of-pocket allowance of $60 per year.

WFWP Malawi realized that while the Malawi government puts much emphasis on education, some good students struggle financially and fail to buy required books because they lack money. The selection criteria to support a student are as follows:

The student must (1) be of good academic standing, (2) have good moral values, (3) be disciplined and well-behaved, and (4) not be a beneficiary of any other award.

WFWP Malawi is asking Americans to help by providing scholarship support for one hundred students. A yearly $140 donation will support one student. Those who are interested in corresponding with their "academic child" will be given the name and address of the child upon request. The support of American WFWP will be greatly appreciated by WFWP Malawi, as well as by the students in need and the country as a whole.

Donations toward any of these projects may be sent to WFWP headquarters in New York at 401-5th Ave, suite 217, New York, NY 10016. Clearly write the words Project Malawi on the check's memo line. All funds will be faithfully forwarded to Malawi. Reprinted from the WFWP National Newsletter.