I wonder how our Church is doing - Letter from Sun Myung Moon to Hak Ja Han

March 6, 1965
Little Rock, Arkansas

Photo date and location unknown

Dear Hyo-jin's Omma:

I am wondering how our church is doing. I hope you and the children are safe and sound. I would like to hear about the results of the revival team. Whenever I think of you doing your very best to fulfill your responsibility as a young woman with a delicate frame, I believe that heaven will look upon you tenderly. Now my thoughts move across the Pacific Ocean to Korea, where I miss the people and the land that I love. It is natural for people who are separated by distance to yearn for the ones we love.

Because I am the type of person who adapts well to foreign countries, I do not feel uncomfortable here at all as I travel around the American continent. It is already March 6, 1:05 a.m., and I am writing to you after having traveled hundreds of miles, arriving at the Rose Motel in Little Rock, the state capital of Arkansas. Just a few hours ago in another state, at 8:00 p.m., I selected a holy ground. This is the tenth state in which I have made a holy ground since coming to America. During this tour, I find myself thinking about the tours I did in Korea before 1960. Oh, America, when will you bend your big body and bow in service to heaven?

In order to accomplish this mission I am leading heavenly programs, and my only desire is to bring victory and build a foundation for the restoration of the world. I came here saying that I would not write letters, but I felt sorry when it occurred to me that you might be expecting them, so I am quickly writing to you. Our mission is becoming greater and greater. Our members at home and abroad are the same. I feel their profound sense of duty from the way they treat me.

I cannot help but worry about your heavy responsibilities. Please study hard. Keep your body healthy and pray a lot. I feel sorry that you have such a burden despite being so young and delicate and I am grateful to you for following me so well. Please take good care of your health, as I am thinking of bringing you here to America. I entreat you to stand large and victorious before heaven. May you be at peace at all times. In case I cannot write a letter to the church president, please convey this to him. I will stop here.

The Master Speaks On the Blessing and Witnessing

The Master Speaks On the Restoration and Judgment

I think about the mountains and rivers of Korea - Letter from Sun Myung Moon to Hak Ja Han

February 25, 1965
Las Vegas, Nevada

Photo date and location unknown

Omma, the days are flying by. It has already been a month. As I think about the mountains and rivers of Korea, I feel as if it is a foreign country far, far away. As it says on the stationery, I am in Las Vegas. This place is famous worldwide for its casinos. I left Los Angeles this morning and created one holy ground on Mt. Whitney, a high mountain, and another in Death Valley, the lowest elevation in the western hemisphere. After establishing these holy grounds, I traveled for three hours and am just now settling into my hotel room.

I will be departing at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, so please know that I will be keeping up with my tour schedule. I do not think I will have time to write a letter tomorrow. Even if you do not hear from me, please do not worry about how things are going. I ask that you fulfill your mission, studying English according to your set schedule and trying to resolve ah problems with prayer.

I received the letter you sent to Los Angeles the other day in answer to my letter from San Francisco. I was so happy to hear about Hyo-jin and Ye-jin! It is definitely true that nothing can stop me from thinking about them no matter how far away I am from them. Please be careful in the middle of your pregnancy and take care of your health. I am following my course, and my sense of duty is directing me to fulfill my responsibility in America.

I am keeping to my itinerary today and tomorrow and heading toward the southern part of the United States. I am working sincerely to accomplish this great heavenly mission. I felt very close to the American members that I met in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I am well, with hardly any discomfort. Since they are all family members, I hardly feel any distance, so please know that I was at ease. From now on, America's fate depends upon their efforts.

I only pray with hope that this large American continent will be set ablaze with heaven's fire. The people who are traveling with me are Young Oon and Bong-chun, and two young Americans, making a total of five people. We will travel throughout March until we arrive in Washington DC. I am keeping my mind strong, since I was told we have to cross through desert for a week because several states in addition to Nevada are in desert regions.

I deeply realized that the future destiny of the Unification Church is to fight here in America. I am astounded by its widespread modern facilities and advanced transportation system. That is why I realized that the full-scale development of our movement cannot ignore America. I feel that Korea is such a small country. Nevertheless, when I consider our devastated homeland from a providential viewpoint, I feel the greatness of our mission and pray for its success.

As I anticipated, the American members who joined us for the Principle are the same as church members in Korea. When it comes to the Will, we are no different. Other than that, I feel responsible for the close family members whom you have been working hard to raise. Please take good care of them. They are in a position of a sacrificial offering for the sake of the Will. I am truly grateful to you, Omma, that even though you bear responsibility for such an enormous mission, you are able to relate to them with a steadfast heart and treat them all in the same way. For this I am truly grateful to heaven. Please maximize your talent for doing that, make good progress and bear good fruit during this period.

This is the chance for us to experience the preciousness of our relationship with heaven. Please tell our children that I am doing well. Please give my best wishes to all the members. I am using this time while I am traveling to briefly write you. Please take care of your health and fulfill your responsibility. That's all for now.

I vividly remember you members waving goodbye - Letter to Korean Members

Sun Myung Moon
February 15, 1965
San Francisco, California

Photo date and location unknown

To president Eu Hyo-won and all members:

How have you all been doing? I have started to miss all of you. It has already been 20 days since we parted. On the day I departed from Gimpo Airport, we said our goodbyes, and my heart was deeply moved as I thought about the past, present and future. I was grateful to heaven for the gathering of almost 1,000 young people who came out to send their Teacher off with such a sincere farewell. I felt sorry that I would be leaving them behind, but I offered that feeling in my heart for heaven's glory. The resolutions I made as I was saying my farewells and waving goodbye are still resonating in my heart. While I was circling the plaza and heading toward the deck I vividly remember you members waving goodbye with your hearts full of hope that I would fight hard, just as you also pledged to fulfill the Will. I finally entered the boarding platform, and later, as I looked at the ground of my homeland below, I thought, "Land that has been with me for more than 40 years, take care," and was so filled with gratitude I could not say anything else. In that moment as I departed for my first world tour, I prayed and pledged my heart to heaven, saying, "My homeland, please nurture and raise our members well."

As the members were cheering, I prayed in my heart as I boarded the plane. I wanted to stay a bit longer to look at the members, but the crew advised me to just go inside. I took my seat and was looking out the small circular window, hoping that everyone would remain well for two months, when the plane started to move and I could not see anyone anymore. Several minutes later, we started heading toward the runway and finally took off. The airplane rose slowly above Gimpo Airport and reached more than 10,000 meters before turning east. When the land of Korea disappeared and Japan started coming into view, the landing lights turned on, and we landed.

As I prepared to receive the Japanese members' greetings, I saw that it was late in the day and starting to get dark. At that moment, the Japanese members recognized me and received me with enthusiastic cheers, crowding in front of the control tower. When I tried to exit through customs, I was completely overwhelmed by the members' cheers. After that, we rode on the expressway for 40 minutes to get to the church headquarters. The area near the highway has been developed so much in 20 years; it is completely different from the image I have of it from before.

All the members participated in a welcome rally where I spoke about my thoughts and impressions and gave a lecture in Japanese. I stayed there for 12 hours and then went to Tokyo. After that, I toured Japan for 15 days before departing for America on the 12th, where we arrived at 5:00 a.m., also on the 12th.

I felt a new sense of dignity as I met the American members who came out to welcome me with happiness. After that, we drove to the church and I gave a message of greeting. Continuing my life in America, I have visited many scenic spots and the prominent features of each city. It was not until several days had passed that I thought of Korea and picked up a pen as I called out our members' names. Although I know you will have a lot of work to do and will have to make a great effort with a complicated schedule, I will not worry and only wish for heaven's protection upon you.

On the 19th, I am going to leave San Francisco and embark on my tour of the entire American nation. I am planning to arrive in Washington, DC on either March 24 or 25, so almost 40 days will be spent touring America. I will be sending the schedule from here in San Francisco, so you will have to send letters to those addresses as well to make sure I get them. I will send you the next part of the schedule later on, so just be aware of that, and please work hard to sincerely fulfill your responsibilities. Goodbye everyone.

I left behind me a lot of history - Letter from Sun Myung Moon to Hak Ja Han

February 15, 1965
San Francisco, California

Photo date and location unknown

Dear Omma:

It has already been 20 days since I left home. I left behind me a lot of history as I passed through Japan. But now I am in San Francisco, and as I gain a sense of a new cultural lifestyle and visit scenic spots, I think of you.

When I think about how you are alone, living in such complicated circumstances for the sake of the Will, I am so concerned. I am sure you have a lot of uncertainty due to your inexperience. Nonetheless, I hope that during this period you will be victorious over your circumstances through a lot of prayer.

After coming to America, and as we remain apart, I realize all the more how precious we are to each other, and what a great mission we share. The feeling that comes with that realization is something I am very grateful for.

How crucial is our lifelong duty! Our historical destiny as a couple is to take responsibility for heaven and earth. We have a mission to do what no other couple can do. We occupy the central position where our deeds, both good and bad, will influence the whole. Therefore, we must become a shining couple our whole life long, one that fulfills the duty of loyalty and filial piety toward heaven, working hard for the world, and to liberate and accomplish the historical Will.

In order to fulfill this serious responsibility, I am offering all my sincerity before the American members, the Japanese members, and heaven. When I see the earnest expressions of the members and the sight of them devoting themselves, I feel they are indeed heaven's children. The more I feel that, the greater the awe in which I hold True Parents' position.

I am slowly becoming familiar with the various problems and issues. Japanese members and Americans members are very different from each other. I will omit the details and save those for next time, but we must possess heaven in our hearts and convey the heart of heaven to others.

Please comfort the people who are close to you and develop your motherly presence. I will also work to complete this tour with strength. I focus my concern on the position of our homeland and our international mission, imagining a new tomorrow. There is so much I want to say, but I will stop here and wait for the day when I can see you again to deliver those words to you. I wish you well. Please forgive me for stopping here.

Let Us Become One by Seeking the Center

Sun Myung Moon
February 7, 1965
Sunday Sermon at Tokyo Church
Unofficial Translation

Rev. Moon's Thought and Standard of Living

Today, all sovereign rulers and leaders of this world in this age cannot avoid this destiny. Through this, the greatest victory of the great cosmic battle will be won. Then one final victor will appear on earth. This is the Lord of Second Advent, King of Kings who comes with the supreme authority.

I am waiting and longing for the Lord. But you don't need to long for him, do you? I am not demanding and forcing you to agree with me. If you have an ear to hear, then you can listen to what I say. If you don't want to hear it, then let's wait and see.

Where can we meet the Lord? Centering on the Lord, even if the world does not recognize him, the world must respond to him. Because the Lord appears to the world after gaining the final victories in the family, clan, people, nation and the world levels. In final analysis, he will appear victoriously. Even though this world rejects him, the Lord comes with such power and conviction. His victory is not limited to his own but he will share unconditionally with all people as sons and daughters of the entire humankind.

It does not stop there. He will make the realm of absolute victory. Then, He will build up the ideal realm that we have never seen in history; and corresponding the world of heart for all of us. So, we look to the left and say thank you Lord. See right, then thank you. Looking down, thank you. Looking up, thank you. Looking at anywhere, only we can say thank you. So, our Unification church must become such a church. Rev. Moon followed this standard of living. Actually, this is how I have lived my life. You may say, "Wow, this logic is good. Wonderful." Logic is logic. But, I have lived in this way. Then, what is the conclusion? I can tell you with great confidence. I have been fighting for this purpose every single day until now. But, I have not botched it. Also, I am neither hesitated nor tired. I will continue living this way with confidence.

If the entire one hundred million Japanese people come against me, I am confident that I will overcome. Even if three Billion people in the entire world oppose me, I am certain that I will go over. If the entire spirit world of tens of billions of people raise a flag to come against me. I will tell them, "You idiot! Don't you know I will never retreat just because you oppose me?" I receive tremendous persecutions in Korea while I moved forward this path that I could not deviate. But I would not be swallowed because of being beaten. Rather, despite being beaten, I swallowed people who attacked me. If this struggle takes 10 years, please hit me for 10 years. If you still have energy to fight after 10 years, let's fight for 20 years. If you still want to fight after 20 years, then let's continue for 30 years. Even though this will continue tens of thousands of years, I will continue. This is my thought and heart.

Father's visit to Japan on his the First World Tour

Yong Chon Song
March 2015

Members welcome True Father to the church in Nanpeidai, Tokyo, on January 28, 1965

On October 2, 1959 (the day Japanese members celebrate the establishment of HSA-UWC) the first official Unification Church worship service in Japan took place on the second floor of the Yoogeisha watchmaker's shop in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Only four people, including the first Korean missionary to Japan, Rev. Bong Choon [Sang Ik "Papasan"] Choi, were at that service. Through witnessing activities, by December 1962, churches had opened in nine locations throughout Japan and each district had a church leader.

On July 15, 1964, our members registered the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity as a religious corporation, with Osami Kuboki as its first president, and on November 1 of the same year, they completed building the headquarters church at Nanpeidai, Shibuya.

Fifty years ago, on January 28, 1965 -- seven years after Rev. Choi's arrival -- Father arrived in Japan, the first nation of the forty-nation First World Tour. During the world tour, Father designated Holy Grounds in 120 locations. In Japan, he designated eight–one each in the cities of Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Takamatsu, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Sendai.

The plane landed at 5:20 pm. More than two hundred members welcomed him at Haneda Airport. Father waved to the members as he walked down the ramp. He had lived in Japan in his student days, but this was his first visit to the nation as a True Parent.

Welcoming service

Japanese members of in the church in Nanpeidai, Tokyo, with Father on True Parents' birthday, February 7, 1965

That evening, after completing the entry procedures at the airport, a Japanese member drove (in his own car) Father, Ms. Won Pok Choi, Dr. Young Woon Kim and others to the headquarters church. The church's worship hall overflowed with members. More than two hundred and fifty were singing at the entrance of the building and in the hallways in preparation to welcome True Father and his entourage. The Welcoming Service began at 8:00 pm. The title of Father's sermon was "God's purpose and Our Goal." Some members at the service did not know that Father spoke Japanese. That Father knew Japanese so well moved many members that listened to him speak fluently for more than two hours. His sermon inspired members and filled them with his love. A veritable flood of tears issued from the eyes of those in the headquarters church that evening.

Reunion with Mrs. Mizuhashi

That evening, Father told Ms. Tomiko Ishii (later the wife of the sixth president of HSA-UWC Japan) that he wanted to see the place where he had lived as a student. Ms. Ishii asked Father if he remembered the name of the landlady. Father wrote the surname "Mizuhashi" on a piece of paper. The boarding house that Father had stayed at from 1941 to 1943 as a student in Japan was the house of Goto Mizuhashi and his wife Ito Mizuhashi. While in Japan Father had studied at and graduated from the Waseda High School of Engineering, which was affiliated with Waseda University. During those years, Korean students had difficulty finding a place to stay. Boarding houses often refused them for being a "Chosenjin" [Korean]. Japanese discriminated against Koreans at that time. Father recalled that despite these circumstances Mr. and Mrs. Mizuhashi treated him with respect. They often brought rice cakes flavored with mugwort (a herb) in the countryside and shared them with those staying at their boarding house.

On January 29, Father revisited Mrs. Mizuhashi's house. The neighborhood had changed much since he had lived there, but Father relied on his memory to find their house and finally reunited with Mrs. Mizuhashi Ito after twenty-one years. At 7:30 pm of that day, a ceremony to confer the Unification Church flag occurred at the Headquarters Church; entertainment took place afterward. At around 11:00 pm, Father distributed handkerchiefs with the Unification emblem imprinted on them to all participants and continued to speak to them until 4:00 in the morning.

True Father designating a Holy Ground in Nagoya on February 2, 1965

First Holy Ground

On the morning of January 31, Father visited the Meiji Shrine and designated Japan's first Holy Ground in Tokyo. On that day, he presided over Sunday service in Japan for the first time and spoke for four hours on "Jesus' Final Hours and Our Resolution."

Through his sermon, Father emphasized, "Japan will be saved if the Japanese people can do the impossible. If the Japanese people take the lead in doing something that the people of the world are unable to do, they will become the race that leads the world, which is why you must love Japan. You must love Japan more than you love me. You must love the world more than you love Rev. Moon. You must love our Heavenly Father."

The longest-standing reputation

On February 1, Father and his entourage boarded the 1:00 pm Hikari shinkansen (bullet train) and departed Tokyo. They arrived at Nagoya Station at 3:30 pm. The entourage visited Nagoya Castle, TV Tower and other locations. They arrived at the Nagoya church at around 4:00 pm.

During the welcoming service, Father spoke for more than three and a half hours. He explained that Tokyo is a city of the East; in other words, it refers to the Garden of Eden that God had created. Nagoya refers to a very old house, in other words, a house with the longest standing reputation in the cosmos. He mentioned that it represents Adam's house and that it reminded him of his hometown. Entertainment followed dinner. The participants continued to spend time with Father until 4:00 am. February 2 was the first day of the first month on the lunar calendar. Father presided over Pledge Service at 5 am. In the morning, Father designated a hill at the Higashiyama Park as a Holy Ground and sanctified the area. After returning to church, he began to talk to the members again from 12:00 noon and answered questions.

Everybody seems like family

After departing Nagoya, Father and his entourage arrived at the Osaka church at 7:00 pm. At the welcoming service, Father stated, "Tokyo represents the Garden of Eden; Nagoya represents a house with a long-standing reputation, and Osaka reminds me of a large hill. Osaka is the hill upon which they raised the cross, where victory or defeat is to be decided.

I hope that the restoration of this area becomes a glorious turning point for Japan and the world." He also said, "Osaka strongly reminds me of a place where everybody seems like family. If all the people connect in heart, centered on God, we will not have any problems with national borders.

If a person that truly loves Japan is a Japanese person, a person that truly loves the world and cosmos can be a global citizen and a person recognized and acknowledged by all of heaven and earth." Father then spoke for another three hours on the theme "The Course of Restoration is a Thorny Path" and had dinner after 11:30 pm. On February 3, he designated a Holy Ground on the grounds surrounding Osaka Castle.

True Father at the church in Fukuoka on February 5, 1965

Witnessing in a rural areas

Father and his entourage arrived at the Takamatsu church around 10:00 pm on February 3. As soon as he arrived Father emphasized to the members that they can pay any indemnity for issues that the people in the past were unable to resolve. He went on to speak for more than two hours on the mind-set that members should have when witnessing in rural areas. In the morning on February 4, members had breakfast with Father and had time to ask him questions. Later, Father went to Yashima Mountain and designated a Holy Ground in the woods on the summit, which commanded a splendid view of the Seto Inland Sea.

Hiroshima Castle

Father went to Hiroshima on February 4 and arrived at the church at about 8:00 pm. Members sang "Song of Victory" for Father, after which he began to speak to them. Father explained, "The three billion people of the world should understand God's historical heart, Jesus' inner heart, how Jesus felt while on the cross, and then define the standard of indemnity needed to restore that heart on earth. By doing so they should comfort God.

When God looks at you he can forget all his hardships. Therefore, you must reach a standard where you can give God new hope and courage." By the time he finished, it was well passed 3:00 in the morning. After breakfast on February 5, Father answered questions and then everyone enjoyed some entertainment. After this he visited the ruins of Hiroshima Castle and designated a Holy Ground within the castle grounds.

Become God's proud hometown

At around 8:00 pm on February 5, Father arrived at the Fukuoka church. He did not stop to rest but immediately began to speak to the members on the topic, "A Place to Go, a Person to Meet, a Place to Live." Father said, "I hope this place can become God's proud hometown. In order to become that, you will have to shed countless tears, sweat and blood. Fukuoka is a great place. It is blessed. Do not stain the reputation of this land, which played an important role in building this nation. You have to establish a tradition." On February 6, Father went to Nishi Park, where from one side you can see the entire city and from the other, you have a clear view of the Port of Hakata. There, he created a Holy Ground.

Celebrating True Parents' birthday

On February 7, 1965 (1.6 on the lunar calendar) Father led a prayer meeting on the second floor of our national headquarters building at midnight.

After this prayer meeting, Pledge Service was held in the first floor worship hall where Father prayed and spoke until 3:00 am. During Sunday service that day, Father's sermon lasted four hours. He had entitled it "Let Us Find Our Center and Unite."

Entertainment began at 8:00 pm. Father cut a one-meter-high birthday cake. Members then held a talent show for Father. Afterward, Father spoke for two hours. The birthday celebration ended at 3:00 in the morning.

True Mother had sent a letter to the Japanese members that was read the day after the birthday celebration.

"Beloved members in Japan, How much have you waited for True Parents? Today is a day of joy and longing. I'm sure each of you had been imagining what it would be like to see Father in the flesh.... Your dream is now fulfilled.

Dear members, I regret that I am unable to join you on this joyous day. That is my only regret. Beloved members, how did you feel after meeting Father? Were you happy or did you feel some distance? Please do not hastily reach a conclusion.

This is about your life; heart comes from your mind which will open your eyes. As you lead a life of attendance without regrets, I hope that you are embraced in Father's heart.

No matter what he says, he is saying it out of a parental heart that wishes to save you. With all your heart, I pray that you remain with Father, make effort until the day we fulfill God's will, until the day of victory. Let us advance until we see that day longed for by heaven and earth, and all humankind.

We should not be the only ones who experience the joy of the long-awaited day. We must share this joy with all the people of the world. So please do not fall behind but continue to go forward until that day."

True Father speaking at the church in Nanpeidai, Tokyo, on January 28, 1965

In the snow at Hokkaido Shrine

Father and his entourage arrived at Chitose Airport in Hokkaido at 2:10 pm on February 8. Fifteen members from Kushiro and Obihiro had come to our church in Sapporo to greet Father.

At around 4:00 pm, Father went to the Hokkaido Shrine and in the snow, which reached his waist, he designated the Holy Ground. After dinner, Father spoke to the members saying, "We must awaken to a sense of mission for Japan. Those who are in some position on behalf of Heaven are not allowed personal peace of mind. You cannot understand God's desire without experiencing it. You must live within God's heart." The ensuing entertainment lasted until 2:00 in the morning. During this time Father shook the hands with each person.

Aoba Castle in Sendai

Father departed the church at 6:30 am on February 9 and took the 7:15 train to Sendai. He arrived in Sendai at night but then began to speak to the members from 1:40 am on February 10. He spoke for two hours on "The Place to Meet God" and went to sleep at 4 am. The next day, he visited Mount Aoba and designated the Holy Ground within the Aoba Castle grounds. Father then took a plane to Haneda.

Farewell ceremony

From 9:00 pm on February 11, a farewell party was held for Father and his entourage. Father spoke about "Becoming a Person Needed by All People" and emphasized "Unless you overcome the ordinary, God will have no need for you. All of you are Japanese but you do not need anything that is Japanese. God needs all of the world's three billion people. If a man can love Japan with deeper love than any Japanese has for Japan, his loving heart is historic, global and cosmic, and therefore he should have confidence. That person can attend God."

Departure to the United States

At 10:00 am on February 12, 1965, Father and his entourage departed Haneda Airport for San Francisco.

More than a hundred and fifty members came to the airport and sang holy songs. Members enthusiastically waved good-bye to Father as he climbed the steps from the tarmac to the cabin door of the plane.

Explosive growth via witnessing

Following Father's visit to Japan, on August 23, 1965, the headquarters church relocated from Nanpeidai to 1- 1-2 Shoto Cho, Shibuya, where it currently stands. Bong Choon Choi, who had laid the foundation for our church in Japan departed the nation on November 12 to apply his missionary efforts in the United States.

Through the grace received from Father's first visit to the Japanese members, the Unification Church in Japan experienced tremendous growth.

What was merely several hundred members before his visit multiplied to several thousands in a matter of years.

As we reflect on Father's visit to Japan fifty years ago, let us inherit the tradition of the blessed members who came before us and renew our efforts for greater growth.