Khabarovsk: A Spiritual Treasure In Far East Russia

by Carmela Lim-Khabarovsk

As this year comes to an end and the new year is soon to begin, we families and missionaries of Khabarovsk, Far East Russia wish to extend our warmest holiday greetings and heartfelt prayers to our worldwide unification community. We especially want to express our appreciation to those who have generously and prayerfully supported our mission throughout this year, helping to make it possible for us to go forward in God's providence.

Since the blessing of August l995, we have been working to further develop our unification foundation in Khabarovsk which also serves as the regional headquarters of six other cities in Far East Russia. In preparation of the recent blessings, many seminars, lecture training sessions and blessing workshops followed by a satellite blessing have been held in Khabarovsk in spite of rigid regulations regarding public events.

In the International Blessing of l995, historical frictions between the borders of Russia and China were transcended as Khabarovsk's first Russian-Chinese blessed couple pledged to realize a God-centered family of true love.

Working in Khabarovsk is very much of a challenge. First, the harsh winds and below zero temperatures during the freezing winters and the very hot humid summers take a while to adapt to. Then there are the rigorous regulations , restrictions and requirements placed upon all religious and cultural organizations other than the Russian Orthodox Church keeping us always on the alert and to work with courage and wisdom. Just before the presidential elections held earlier this year, there was uncertainty as to whether foreign religious and cultural organizations, including ours, would even be allowed to remain in Russia.

These internal and external circumstances motivated us to deepen our commitment to God and True Parents. Someone once said, "Khabarovsk is a hidden treasure in Far East Russia." If this is so perhaps it is because our brothers and sisters who are working there are absolutely determined to bring a victory for God and True Parents.

Khabarovsk, a port city on the banks of the Amur River, is known as the stepping stone from Russia to Asia being located close to Japan, China and North Korea. Because of this strategic position it is so vital to establish a lasting and invincible foundation for the greater providence. The missionary families and members work with this awareness in mind and heart.

When the Chungpyung providence began to call the missionary families from Khabarovsk and the Far East region, our regional director, Mr. Nate Windman, his wife Mieko and the two Japanese missionary sisters, Mikako Miyazaki and Hisami Umeno were both happy and deeply concerned. Communications from Chungpyung stated that the missionaries were to prepare for new mission countries after the forty day workshops in Chungpyung. What would now happen to the missions in Far East Russia?

Renewing their strength through prayer, indemnity conditions and loving service to the members and families, a new plan of action was soon devised. Efforts were consolidated by calling some responsible members from neighboring cities to work together in Khabarovsk. As the missionaries left for Chungpyung , the Russian brothers and sisters united closely with the regional director and missionary sisters from Japan. A small and bright-spirited IOWC team arrived from Moscow to join them and the summer witnessing program began with eager anticipation.

Thanks to their concerted dedication and efforts and to all of you who responded to our special request made earlier this year, Khabarovsk mission has been able to maintain the witnessing center near two important universities, a teachers college and a medical university. Another timely opportunity arrived to acquire an actionizing center located in the heart of the city near the famous Lenin Square.

Once the actionizing center was freshly painted and the witnessing programs set up, spirit world could be mobilized. Many new quests came daily to hear the lectures. Those who completed the initial 2l day study program graduated to a second 2l day seminar of deeper education and actionizing experiences of a life of faith.

By the end of the summer and early fall the Khabarovsk mission grew threefold in numbers. The new members gleamed with bright enthusiasm and the older ones were reborn as they took on greater responsibilities upon themselves.

It had always been the desire of the previous missionaries to serve the community in substantial ways. The first missionary couple, Ronald and Friederike Buzyck laid an impressive foundation with the "My World and I" curriculum working with hundreds of professors and students on moral and ethical issues.

The following missionary family decided to expand the community outreach through IRFF related projects. In autumn of this year with the encouragement and able support of Kathy Winings, executive director of IRFF, children's clothing were collected in N.Y. for orphanages in Khabarovsk. For a population of 560,000 the city has 8 main orphanages and about 20 more children centers with many basic needs.

On October 25th IRFF representatives presented the donation of clothing to the president of the Russian Peace Fund. A visit to one of the city's orphanages was arranged. On October 28th IRFF representatives and Mrs. Galina Potava, president of the Russian Peace Fund presented the clothing to more than l30 beautiful children at the Northern Regional Orphanage in Khabarovsk.

The children smiled with joy as they tried on their new outfits. A new friendship was born as well as a commitment to deepen our relationship through future visits and continuous service with love.

October was also the month of the C.I.S leader's meeting in Moscow with the continental leader, Dr. Seuk. Mr. Windman was happily surprised when it was announced that Khabarovsk won first place as the top city for the "Summer Witnessing Campaign" in the C.I.S., and second place as the region with the best results. Mikako Miyazaki also was recognized for her outstanding dedication and witnessing efforts .

There have been and there will be many more challenges, hardships and difficulties to face and overcome in Khabarovsk and the far east but now there is an unwavering bright light as God's and True Parents victorious foundation is here to stay!

Thank you all for sharing together with us Khabarovsk's important year in God's providence. Have a Happy True God's Day and may God bless you and your families!

Join By Inspiration

by Carl Redmond-Tasmania, Australia

What I would Like to itemize is: What is it that makes people join our church: or any church for that matter. People join through education? Not necessarily so. We educated 'thousands': they're out there who knows it may be in the 'hundreds of thousands 'by now in Australia at least. That means all those people are walking around with the Principle in their heads. As Father said : when they 'hear it' : that's the moment they are responsible for it. So what are those people going to do with the truth that they heard: in what way are they going to be 'responsible' for it. In my understanding from that moment if they don't use it right, their fortune will decline. And how about you, my dear reader: since accepting the Principle and joining the 'Unification Church' : did your fortune increase?

The point I am trying to make is that people join by inspiration. Somehow, in some dramatic way, God comes down and starts to work with the person, showing him or her His dramatic power, energy , wisdom and love. Its;' not something you can put your finger on: but it is real nevertheless. You cannot order God to manifest some way in the same way as you can perform a chemistry experiment and expect some specified result: 'spiritual things' don't work that way.

When I consider those who joined the 'Unification Church' then I am reminded that in each case they did it through God's' divine presence being manifested in some way. How that is brought about, I mean to say how we brought about the right foundation for 'God to work'; is still uncharted territory: we prayed, fasted, studied, worked hard or in some cases : 'did nothing'.

Well I remember the sister who, at 4am would pray one hour each day for her supposed or would-be spiritual son. He joined! As a matter of fact, he's still here! But when I observed her rigorous condition, as a relatively young member I thought to myself : 'No way". I was wrong, was I not. Perhaps you, watching the valiant effort of a brother or sister next to you, begin to doubt that any substantial result will 'come to pass' : like I did. I was wrong, wasn't I!

I baked a cake,. Now these days, I don't do that so often. If I do, it would be from a packet of 'instant mix'. Even then, I'm not sure if it wasn't one of those 'instant cakes' All I remember it was fairly substantial, with icing on top. As our guests left the center, I walked up and said : 'Here, take this'. They walked out (bosom pals) as if they had won the jackpot.

Another time I baked as cake for some guest's birthday. As I got fed up with her not making up her mind as to what she wanted to do with her life, I refused to give it to her. As a matter of fact, I hid it. After she left, I pulled out the candles. I told her as she left :" Be resolved to make up your mind before you come back'. It was a fairly hard thing to say, but I wanted to push her to make a 'decision for God'. Perhaps I would not do that these days, in fact I am fairly sure I would not. But as it happened in that time, it had some good result.

The next day, I woke up and remembered Marta. Let's go and visit her: I said to Tracy (her spiritual mom) and give her the cake.' On went the candles: it was on again. We arrived at her doorstep in pouring rain. She opened the door (I was in the van up on the street) and saw Tracy standing there with the birthday cake, in pouring rain. 'Oh Tracy': she said, and flung her arms around her. I am sure in that moment her heart melted. Of course we also had our fair share of 'divine interventions' on the way home (or otherwise): a concrete storm water outlet rose up in the road due to the volume of water, and broke our tire and bent the wheel. No easy job! Somehow we made it home with the help of some fairly heavy-duty road service.

I had tried hard with one sister. I had prayed, persuaded, pleaded, done everything. Late that night I was at my usual place of prayer at the local football field. It was summer, a misty night. I called out to God: 'I had enough' I said 'I can't do anymore. I give up on this person, Heavenly God'. One or two days later, she devoted herself to God. What more could you ask for?

It had been a long workshop. Or so it seemed! We were in the lounge room chatting agreeably together. Suddenly from the dining room came a cry like a baby: Loud peals of crying filled the air. We seemingly had done nothing to facilitate this, it just happened : when we least expected it. A soul had given his life to God!

I was introduced to a guest at an evening program that we frequently had. It seemed nothing special or 'out of the ordinary' : but all of a sudden he started to cry. 'What's the matter' : I asked him 'I don't know' he said : 'I just feel like crying'

I just feel like crying! This is the nature of man changing : through the miracle of Gods' Word, The 'Divine Principle'. He hadn't even heard it, he just felt the spirit and atmosphere that was present that evening. It was enough for him to cry. A change from what one professor said was the nature of 'wild beasts' to 'oh thank-you'. What kind of miracle is this! It is surely the greatest miracle of all.

Something happens: a chemistry: call it what you will. God appears and makes Himself (or Herself) known to the person: it is then that they make a decision to do something with their life: something for God.

All we can do is facilitate and look to that moment.

Is Religious Tolerance an Impossible Dream?

by Haven Bradford Gow

Best Friends by Elizabeth Reuter is a moving, touching, beautifully- written story about the friendship of two small girls, one a German, the other Jewish. Pitspopany Press, the publisher of this excellent book of enduring worth, explains: Best Friends unlocks the secret of what it was like to be a Jewish girl in Germany before anyone even heard of the word `Holocaust'. It tells, in simple, touching words and pictures, of Judith's need to belong, of her painful rejection by classmates and friends, and of her helplessness against the forces of Nazism which found even a young, innocent girl to be a threat to its survival."

The publisher continues: "Here also, for the first time, are revealed the thoughts of a German girl, Lisa, as she is being taught to hate the Jewish people. We witness her transformation from innocent spectator to active participant in the emotional destruction of her best friend."

This fine book reminded me of one movie and a TV series which have helped combat religious prejudice and bigotry, fostering religious tolerance and understanding. A Friendship in Vienna is a Walt Disney- made-for-TV movie starring Jane Alexander, Edward Asner and Jennifer Lewis, which deals with the beautiful and inspiring friendship of two young girls, one Catholic, the other Jewish. Despite harsh and unyielding opposition from their parents, the Jewish girl (played by Jennifer Lewis) and the Catholic girl (played by Kamie Harper) remain loyal friends. When a virulent and vicious anti-Semitism during the 1930s and 1940s threatens the lives of the Jewish girl and her parents in increasingly violent and turbulent Vienna, Austria, the Catholic girl courageously risks her life and enlists the help of a Catholic priest so her Jewish friends and her parents can escape certain death.

In my view, because of the noble and inspiring way the film deals with such universal and perennial qualities of the human condition as friendship, courage, loyalty, love and hate, religious faith and bigotry, A Friendship in Vienna should be considered a family classic.

The Faith and Values/Odyssey cable TV channel series, Brooklyn Bridge, also combats religious bigotry and promotes religious tolerance and understanding. Brooklyn Bridge also celebrates and affirms such traditional views as religious faith, decency and the beauty of good family life and friendship.

One of the nicest features of Brooklyn Bridge is the developing friendship of Katie, an Irish-Catholic girl, and Alan, a Jewish boy. In one episode, Katie and Alan bring their families together in a Chinese restaurant, where they help them overcome religious and ethnic bigotry and prejudice and see the positive aspects of each other's religious and ethnic identities and teach them to become friends.

Jennifer Lewis, the lovely and graceful young actress who portrays Katie Monahan, communicates-personifies-a wholesomeness and a spiritual beauty, purity and innocence. Watching Jennifer's fine acting is like watching poetry in motion-like watching a lovely ballerina dancing at her best. When Jennifer smiles, her eyes light up and she radiates an inner grace and beauty. When Jennifer appears in a scene, her eyes glow and she lights up the screen with her grace, charm, dignity, beauty and professionalism.

Jennifer Lewis, who also has performed admirably in the movies Troop Beverly Hills, Perry Mason: Case of the Defiant Daughter, Daddy and The Wizard, possesses a purity of heart and soul, and that purity is reflected in the beauty and gentleness of her eyes and in the graceful way she does and says things. Jennifer possesses the kind of beauty which causes one to think of Christmas, Easter and-ultimately-of God.

High Fashion for 2nd Gen. Designer

by UNews Staff

During this autumn, Eunjin Moon, a relative of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and daughter-in-law of Rev. Joong Hyun Pak, entered a national fashion talent search contest sponsored by Bacardi Limon and Cynthia Rawley, a renowned fashion designer working in New York City.

This national fashion talent search had a dual purpose. First, it was to raise money for AIDS research, for which the Bacardi Limon company has already donated over $1 million. Second, it was to find the next up-and-coming fashion designer in the United States.

There were going to be two stages to this contest. First, one finalist was to be selected from five cities in the United States: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Dallas. Second, the final competition among the five finalists was to be held in New York City.

Even though over 400 fashion designers and fashion students entered this contest in New York by submitting their fashion sketches, Eunjin Moon was selected to become the finalist representing New York. She received $1500 prize money and had to design three pieces of clothing for the finals.

The other four finalists were already working professional designers, and Eunjin Moon was the only student picked for the finals.

The final competition was held Nov. 20 at "Chaos", a dance club in Soho, New York. Over 400 guests were in the audience. Kaity Tong, Ch. 11's anchorwoman, and Lisa Lociero, who acts in the soap opera "The City," modeled Eunjin Moon's clothes.

The judges were Donald Trump, Today Show TV host Matt Lower, and Sue Goldstein, clothes buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue. Eunjin Moon placed second in the finals.

Eunjin Grace Moon is currently a fourth-year fashion design student at Pratt Institute and is also working as an intern for Bloomingdale's department store and for the New York fashion designer Susan Martin.

FFWP inaugurated in Kyiv, Ukraine

D. K. - Kyiv, Ukraine

The Family Federation for World Peace inaugural conference was held in Kyiv, Ukraine on Saturday, Nov. 30.

The event took place in the beautiful hall of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine, located in the heart of the city on the main square, called Maidan Nezalezhnosty (Independence Square). Among more than 300 people in attendance were VIP guests from Kiev and several other regions of Ukraine, members of Unification Movement and their parents from all over the country.

The program started with myself (the FFWP representative from Ukraine) as MC welcoming participants and introducing the first speaker. Alina Komarova, director of the "Human Problems" research institute, an academician at he International Academy of Integrating Anthropology, and participant in the WFWP convention in August, 1995 in Seoul, Korea, opened the conference with short remarks on the current situation and trends of development of human family.

She was followed by general Volodimir Mulyava, get'man (head) of Ukrainian Cossacks, deputy of Verhovna Rada (Supreme Council) of Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukrainian Cossacks historically had a strong tradition of family cult. A person who could not keep faithful to his/her spouse, might have been condemned to a death sentence. By definition a Cossack's family was extended to 'rodyna' - a broader family including members of immediate family and close relatives. Each Cossack pledged to be a son of a filial piety, protect and serve not only to his parents, but to the whole rodyna. Mr. Mulyava also shared about his good experience of attendance of the World inauguration convention of FFWP in Washington, D.C. on July, 31 - Aug., 1, 1996. He thought that the FFWP intentions for family revival corresponded to, and are deeply bound up with, the traditions and culture of Ukrainian people.

Then the participants were presented with a brief overview of FFWP's programs aimed to promote pure love and true family values based on the slide presentation "Consequences of free love: Danger of AIDS". In the response forms which all the guests were asked to fill out after the conference, it was mentioned that they can invite such presentations covering AIDS, alcohol, drugs problems to their organization/city.

The following video "The Origin of the World Peace" about life and activities of the FFWP founders was a good introduction to the keynote speeches. Address of the co-founder of FFWP Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon "True Parents and True Family" was presented by Tamara Gurevich, representative of WFWP of Ukraine. The address by the co-founder of FFWP Rev. Sun Myung Moon "In Search of the Origin of the Universe" was presented by Yuri Kramarenko, the leader of Kyiv Rerikh society 'Urusvati'.

Concluding remarks were given by Yelena Tkachenko, vice-editor of the 'World of a Woman' magazine, and Maria Piren, professor, Ph.D. in sociology, participant of the PWPA convention in August, 1995 in Seoul, Korea. Both ladies offered their gratitude to the founders of the FFWP and organizers of the conference and expressed the hope that activities of the FFWP in Ukraine will help to build a society, centered on family values.

The program lasted almost 3 hours and was followed by the victory celebration.

Despite all the difficulties we faced during preparation time, everybody felt the spirit of victory. I want to acknowledge the leadership of Rev. and Mrs. Su Won Chung and Rev. Kyoung Hyo Kim, whose guidance helped us to uphold strong faith and overcome our limitations while preparing for the conference, and also the spiritual and substantial help we were receiving from staff of the Moscow PR office, who shared with us their experience and some materials.

Endangered Minority: Christians

by Ronald J. Pappalardo-Cary, NC

Last month's selection of Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo and Jose Ramos-Horta as recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize has had the hoped- for effect of calling the world's attention to the suffering of the people of East Timor at the hands of the Indonesian government.

The award has highlighted the plight of a small minority of less than a million devoutly religious people who have suffered invasion, suppression and discrimination at the hands of a nation of 190 million.

It is surprising to most Westerners to learn that the most populous Muslim nation in the world is not Iran or Saudi Arabia, but the Southeast Asian island nation of Indonesia.

It is perhaps even more surprising to learn that the religious minority being persecuted by the Indonesian government is not black, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, animist or any of the new religious movements. No, in this case the ones who are having their minority human rights violated are Christians.

It's not easy for those of us who live in the Bible Belt to conceive of Christians as a persecuted minority, but the facts are startling.

First of all, it's worth noting that out of a world population of about 5.5 billion, Christians comprise only about 1.7 billion, less than one third.

Surprisingly, in nation after nation, Christians today are suffering systematic discrimination, imprisonment, torture and even execution because of their religious faith.

This state of affairs is the subject of a recently-released report entitled "In the Lion's Den" conducted by the Puebla Program on Religious Freedom at Freedom House. The program's director, Nina Shea, said that "One of the biggest untold stories of our time is that more Christians have died in this century simply because they are Christians than in the first 19 centuries after the birth of Christ."

Until recently, the existence of militantly atheistic regimes such as those in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe provided the greatest threat to the freedom of Christians. The collapse of communism has greatly increased religious liberty in those areas, but communism still reigns in China, Vietnam, Cuba and North Korea, among others.

The Chinese government places strict controls on religion, and this year has stepped up its campaign against Christian "house churches." Dozens of Christians have been arrested, detained and fined for belonging to these independent churches, which refuse to register with the communist authorities.

In Vietnam, authorities suppress Christians out of fear of a repeat of the role Christianity played in the overthrow of communism in places like East Germany, where the Lutheran church provided a rallying point for anti-government activists.

Many human rights workers believe that the greatest threat to Christians today comes not from the remnants of communism, but from an increasingly intolerant and militant version of Islamic fundamentalism.

The suffering of Christians at the hands of Islamic radicals made international headlines on May 22 with the news that seven Trappist monks in Algeria were taken hostage and executed by having their throats slit.

Less well known is the predicament of Christians in other Muslim countries. In Sudan, for example, the Islamic government is at war with its Christians. The Puebla report says that Christians are forcibly being converted to Islam, and that as many as 25,000 of them have been sold into slavery.

In most Muslim countries it is illegal for Christians to proselytize. In several countries-Pakistan, for example-Christians have been executed for blaspheming Islam. In others, those who convert to Christianity from Islam are executed for apostasy.

Westerners sometimes forget that Christianity was first of all a Middle Eastern religion. Significant Christian communities are still to be found in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt. Christians in these and other countries are in a precarious situation. The shifting winds of political change could threaten their existence at any moment.

While it is of course essential that Americans continue the tradition of protecting the rights of our own religious minorities, we must not forget to look out for the rights of Christians who themselves occupy a minority position in many countries.

Christians in the United States need to take a leading role in increasing awareness of and making efforts to stop the persecution of Christians. Churches need to set aside denominational differences and work together for all Christians.

From the foreign policy perspective, the United States should not grant foreign aid to nations which persecute Christians. The State Department and members of Congress should take a more active role in reporting on the problem and speaking out against individuals or groups who persecute Christians. Immigration laws should be changed to include protection for Christians who are persecuted and then request "religious asylum."

Finally, the press needs to do a better job of reporting on the plight of Christians in other countries. For example, while Pope John Paul II is covered for his views on abortion, he is seldom covered as a spokesman for persecuted Christians.

It is inexcusable that the persecution of Christians is allowed to continue in the 1990s, when the rights of almost every other group are being championed. With the help of the churches, the government and the press, we can put an end to this tragedy, "one of the biggest untold stories of our time."

Ronald J. Pappalardo is executive director of the American Freedom Coalition of North Carolina.

Consolidating Your Assets Can Help You Simplify Your Finances

by Garry Barker

In today's busy world, it makes sense to organize your life and your finances as much as possible. One way you can potentially gain more control over your finances is to consolidate your assets. Consolidating your assets can assist you in evaluating how your assets are allocated and in tracking the results so that you can be sure all of your money is working to help you achieve your financial objectives. An added bonus may be that less time spent on paperwork from multiple accounts means more time to pursue other interests.

Improving Your Record keeping

Monthly record keeping becomes easier when you pull scattered assets together because you don't have to watch for several statements a month. Tax preparation may be easier too, because you don't have to coordinate multiple statements at year end. Records of purchases, sales, dividends received and the current value of your holdings will all be together when you need them. Consolidation has another plus: your trades settle automatically since securities and cash required to cover transactions are held in your account.

Monitoring Your Investments

Consolidating your finances can also help you ensure that your investments are positioned to help you achieve your financial objectives. To ensure that your financial goals are being addressed, the investments you select must be constantly monitored and adjusted when necessary. This process will help you keep pace with your changing circumstances and the economic environment based on your individualized investment strategy. With your assets in one place, you and your financial adviser can more easily determine if your investments are properly diversified to meet your investment goals and risk tolerance.

An additional benefit of consolidation is that many full-service account executives offer complimentary asset allocation or lump-sum distribution analyses which, when viewed in the context of your total portfolio, can aid in your decision-making process and help to ensure that your funds are appropriately invested. As you plan for the future, consolidation also can help with estate planning. If your assets are in one place, should the need arise, it will be easier for your heirs to put your estate in order if they don't have to search for scattered investments.

The Central Asset Account-A Key Organizational Tool

To carry organizing your finances one step further, many financial institutions also offer central asset accounts. A central asset account is an all-in-one money management tool which typically combines all of your investment and savings activity, your checking and cash access card transactions, and an optional secured line of credit, into one central account.

Central asset accounts generally offer:

-Automatic investment of idle cash in a money market account.

-Composite monthly statements as well as a year-end summary statement which can save you the time and effort in compiling information from dividend and interest statements, securities receipts and checkbook records at tax time.

-Check writing privileges against the assets in the account.

-A debit card.

With so much to organize in life, consolidating your assets can help make focusing on your financial situation easier. Talk to your financial consultant about other ways you may benefit from consolidating your assets in one place.

If you would like more information, please write care of: Unification News, 4 W. 43 St., NY NY 10036.

Information and data in this report were obtained from sources considered reliable. Their accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and the giving of the same is not to be deemed a solicitation on Dean Witter's part with respect to the purchase or sale of securities or commodities.

CA Workshop: Wow, What A Weekend!

by Eunha Stein-Los Angeles, CA

Recently we held a Thanksgiving Workshop at Pasadena House here in Los Angeles. This workshop was for children in sixth to eighth grade. We had 55 participants attend from all over region 10, from Northern California, Southern California, Hawaii and Arizona. Also, our staff was from all over Region 10. We even had staff come in from Houston, Texas. Altogether we had over 70 people staying at Pasadena House. Although it was very crowded, the atmosphere was very warm and comfortable. All in all, this workshop was one of our most successful.

We had the opportunity to hear some internal guidance about tradition given by Sheri Rueter. When the reflections forms were filled out and returned, many participants had shared that they got a lot out of this because of five main points written on the board: 1) leave things better than before; 2) love the most difficult person; 3) do the hardest thing; 4) be on time; 5) no negativity. In my group, we tried to practice these five steps and it made a difference in attitude and atmosphere. We also heard a lecture on prayer given by Rick Joswick. Afterward we went out to the yard for prayer time. Through the reflections I could see what was learned, and the participants said that it was good we had prayer time after lecture because they could actually put into practice what was learned. Keith McCarthy gave a lecture emphasizing the importance of Second Generation. It was very good and could be understood well because of the diagrams he put so much effort into making. Thank you to all the lecturers. Rev. Lee also shared with us two videos about our church history and Father. It was very exciting.

Something else exciting was...bowling, fishing and a big game of yute. We bowled two games at Santa Anita Village Lanes after lunch Saturday. Teddy Hose had the winning team with a total of over 1,000 points for both games. Saturday night was a yute championship. Sarah Yasutake's team won first place prize, $200, and K-ha Kobayashi's team won second place prize, $100. The prizes made the games very exciting. After pledge Sunday we got an early start and went out to Long Beach; for a few hours we went ocean fishing. Altogether we caught more than 100 fish. We saw lots of animals, including about eight sea lions. One sea lion even snatched some of our fish. When we came back we were totally exhausted. But it was really worth it. We really got to experience Ocean Challenge and Father's vision.

Along with the participants I myself received a lot out of the workshop and was very inspired. Throughout the whole workshop I would look at the children and I could really see how pure they were-really at that stage where they notice everything their elders do. So I myself had to watch what I said and my actions.

Excerpt reprinted from The Unificationist, newsletter of the Southern California church.