True Mother Awarded at the Largest Slave Market in Africa: Gorée Island, Senegal

Richard Buessing
January 19, 2018

Understanding the painful history of Africa, True Mother prayed for its ancestors and a new, heavenly Africa this morning at the Island of Gorée, the largest slave-trading center on the African coast between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Cheers from children living on the island reverberated when True Mother arrived on the island. The Mayor of Gorée, Austin Senghor, then greeted before going to the House of Slaves and its Door of No Return, a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade which memorializes the final exit point of slaves from Africa.

In her speech at the World Africa Summit the previous day, True Mother had said, “The continent that I believe has suffered the most is the African continent.” Thus, she delivered a deep prayer for the ancestors who had endured this painful history, with the belief that there will be a new, heavenly Africa free from suffering. She then announced that she will be donating the Victoria Boat (see below) to the island, so that it may be used to provide urgent care for its people, bringing them quickly to the hospital on the mainland of Senegal.

Moved by True Mother’s initiative not only to be a part of the World Africa Summit but also to sincerely care for the people of Gorée, Senegal, and all of Africa, Mayor Senghor presented the Gorée Pilgrim Award to True Mother.

Moving Toward Heavenly Africa

Hak Ja Han
January 18, 2018
Opening Plenary of Africa Summit 2018 Keynote Address
Abdou Diouf International Conference Center in Dakar, Senegal

Respected President Macky Sall, presidents of national assemblies, distinguished guests from all across Africa, religious figures, traditional chiefs, members of IAPP:

Today we have gathered here to open a new chapter in history. You have gathered here at this historic and eternal moment when Africa will be revealed to the world as heavenly Africa, which attends God at its center. You know of the pyramids that rise towering over the desert near the Nile River, where ancient civilizations arose. Even with the technological skills we have today we cannot verify how four thousand five hundred years ago they were able to bring stones greater than 140 cm. high across the desert to create this stone structure. Why did they build such a structure?

At a UPF session, (from the left) Taj Hamad, V.P. UPF International; Robert Kittel, International President YSP; Dr. Sakeena Yacoobi, Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate; Thomas Walsh, Pres. UPF International; Kim Ok-gil, New Village Movement; Dr. Michael Glantz, assoc. Member of ICUS; Prof. Oumar Ndongo, Cheikh Anta Diop Univ.; Nigerian Sen. Ibrahim Mantu

Through the ceaseless use of their original minds, human beings instinctively want to return to God. More than they did their earthly life, they pursued the future and new life through rebirth and resurrection. This also becomes proof that humankind today is not taking the normal path. God created all things in heaven and on earth and then created the man and woman who would become humankind's first ancestors. God gave them a time of growth so that through that time they would come to fulfill their responsibilities. In summary, they should have grown looking toward God, aligned with God like a sunflower toward the sun. They should have developed in this way until they could become humankind's first ancestors and receive the Blessing. However, during this period they were unable to do this. That is the cause of fallen humankind today. Yet God is an omniscient and omnipotent being. The beginning and the end must be the same. Therefore, God had no choice but to begin the bitter history of the providence of restoration through indemnity. How difficult and rough must that path have been that it took the long period of four thousand years to choose and then raise the Israelites until they had a national foundation for Heaven to send Jesus, God's only son! Yet what happened? The Israelites could not become the foundation for Jesus Christ. Jesus had no choice but to go the way of the cross. At the crucifixion, a thief was on Jesus' left and another was on his right. The thief on the left taunted Jesus. Seeing this, the thief on the left said, We have been condemned justly; we are getting what we deserve for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.

Jesus said, Today you will be with me in Paradise. Paradise! Jesus prophesied he would return. He said he would return to hold the marriage banquet of the Lamb. Why did Jesus go to Paradise? Paradise is not heaven. It is like a waiting room for going into heaven. This was why Jesus had to return. He had to return to meet God's only daughter and be in the position of True Parents. Fallen humankind cannot be directly in God's presence on their own. I am saying they must be resurrected and reborn through the True Parents. The two-thousand-year history of Christianity began with the Pentecost experience of the apostles. Rome accepted Christianity in ad 313 and it then crossed Italy and traversed Europe to the island of Britain. Thus, the Atlantic realm civilization began and people in the nations around Britain headed out to the world. They set off in the name of Christ. However, they did not know Jesus' essence. They did not know God properly.

Therefore, in conclusion, they lived their lives not for others but lived lives of taking. I know that the place that suffered most was the African continent. Those who set off in Christianity's name did not educate the nations they colonized. In the end, they put their own benefit first and because of this, in conclusion, the curtain came down on the Atlantic civilization era. Heaven has prepared for the returning Messiah through a different people. That is Korea, the Republic of Korea, in Asia. There, God's only daughter, whom God could call "my daughter," was born after six thousand years. With that foundation and with Heaven's protection, in 1960, we became the True Parents.

Yet, Christianity could not create the foundation. Just as two thousand years ago, during the time of Jesus, Christians who have been waiting for two thousand long years know neither what they must do in the Last Days nor whom they were waiting for. In Genesis, it says, ''.And there was evening and there was morning- the first day." Christians are still in the evening. They have been unable to greet the morning. Those who have been preparing for two thousand years for this moment, can you still not wake up from your sleep?

The result and problem is that they knew neither God's essence nor the Messiah Jesus Christ's essence. Christianity has made many mistakes during these two thousand years. From within the Christian realm many denominations arose and Communism emerged. This was because they did not know the center. However, now, through my revealing the truths of Heaven's providential history, Africa will become heavenly Africa that attends God, a proud nation that can stand in front of the world as a guiding lamp. Today, with the heart of a True Parent, as True Mother, I have come to eradicate Africa's past pain and begin a new history for Africa. This was why I chose this nation, Senegal. I have seen that Heaven has prepared and raised righteous people for this particular time. I pray that you can deeply feel that Heaven is with us. That is why, centered on Africa, I am opening a new era, the Pacific civilization era, which entails a revolution of the culture by the heart of filial love. I pray that together we can go forward toward creating a happy kingdom of heaven on earth where all human beings attend Heavenly Parent as their center. Therefore, I am advocating a Peace Highway, which will travel from the south of Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope, through Africa, Europe, Eurasia, and Asia, connecting all the way to Korea. Through this, humankind will communicate and realize a kingdom of heaven on earth filled with freedom, equality, peace, unification, and happiness, in which there is no need for war and there is neither high nor low. Africa has much to do. I selected Africa as the priority. Today, when we look at the pollution and destruction caused by people's ignorance, we feel there is no hope for humankind's future, which is why I want Africa to return to its healthy state when God created it. Representatives from all nations, do you agree? I pray and ask that you go forward to the day when we realize the dream of one human family under God working hand in hand together with me and with all nations as brothers and sisters in front of God.

Universal Peace Federation's Africa Summit in Senegal with Hak Ja Han

Yun Ki Choi
January 18, 2018

UPF ‘2018 Africa Summit’
[Yonhap News]

Universal Peace Federation(UPF) ‘Africa Summit’

The Universal Peace Federation announced on the 19th that it host the “2018 Africa Summit” at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD) in Dakar, Senegal, from the 18th for two days.

The opening ceremony was held on the 18th under the theme, “New Africa: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values,” with a total of about 1,200 people from 60 nations in Africa and other nations, including the founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and Senegalese President, Macky Sall, as well as former and current presidents and prime ministers from 60 different countries throughout Africa.

At the ceremony, participants announced the “Dakar Peace Declaration,” which launched a coalition of members of the African Continental International Associations for Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) and the African Continental World Peace and Religion Association, and expressed their determination to resolve peace.

Hak Ja Han Speaks at Universal Peace Federation's Africa Summit in Senegal

Yun Ki Choi
January 18, 2018

[KBS News]
UPF, "2018 Africa Summit" hosted in Senegal

UPF announced today that they held an African Summit on the topic of New Africa and Universal Values in Senegal, West Africa.

More than 1,200 people, including politicians and representatives of religious and civic groups from 60 nations, attended the summit.

The president of Senegal says Africa is the continent of the future, and through its development, it will grow by building new peace..

[MBN News]
'Peace in Africa'...UPF's Resolution and Declaration

[Anchor Ment] The Universal Peace Federation held a summit meeting in Senegal on the subject of Interdependent and Mutual Prosperity.

Leaders from more than 60 African nations have pledged for peace in Africa.

This was reporter Sang-Ju Lee.

[Reporter]

In order to resolve the conflict, the Universal Peace Federation, which connects leaders of politics, religion, academics, media, arts and sports, has turned focus toward Africa.

Africa, where the communities have been destroyed by civil war, continued to suffer from extreme drought, factionalism and sectarian conflicts.

The Founder of Family Federation Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon placed special emphasis on the "Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, Mutual Justice and Universal Values of New Africa."

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon / Founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification

"Africa is where mankind is living to build Heaven on earth by communicating with each other without high and low and free from war, with equality, peace and unity."

Senegal President Macky Sall also said that African economic movements should grow and contribute to global peace through family values and personality education.

Religious leaders and delegates visited the island of Goree, which was notorious as a transit point for slave trade and held a liberation ceremony, which added meaning.

A total of 1,200 participants from 60 nations, including 35 former and current presidents and prime ministers of Senegal, as well as the current ministers, expressed the significance of building a New Africa by signing the Dakar Peace Declaration which contains the resolution and recommendation of peace....

This is the moment when Africa will be revealed to the world as Heavenly Africa

Hak Ja Han
January 18, 2018
Africa Summit 2018: Opening Plenary, True Parents' Keynote Address
Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD), Dakar, Senegal

Respected President Macky Sall, presidents of national assemblies, distinguished guests from all across Africa, religious figures, traditional chiefs, members of IAPP:

Today we have gathered here to open a new chapter in history. You have gathered here at this historic and eternal moment when Africa will be revealed to the world as heavenly Africa, which attends God at its center. You know the pyramids that rise towering over the desert near the Nile River where the ancient civilization arose. Even with the technological skills we have today we cannot verify how 4,500 years ago [the Egyptians] were able to bring such big stones through the desert to create this stone structure. Why did they build such a structure?

Through the ceaseless use of their original minds, human beings instinctively want to return to God. More than they did their earthly life, they pursued the future and new life through rebirth and resurrection. This also becomes proof that humankind today is not taking the normal path. God created all things in heaven and on earth and then created the man and woman who would become humankind's first ancestor. God gave them a period of growth so that through that time they would come to fulfill their responsibilities. In summary, they should have grown looking toward God, aligned with God like a sunflower toward the sun. They should have developed in this way until they could become humankind's first ancestors and receive the blessing. However, during this period they were unable to do this. That is the cause of fallen humankind today. Yet God is an omniscient and omnipotent being. The beginning and the end must be the same. Therefore, God had no choice but to begin the bitter history of the providence of restoration through indemnity. How difficult and rough must that path have been that it took the long period of four thousand years to choose and then raise the Israelites until they had a national foundation for Heaven to send Jesus, God's only son! Yet what happened? The Israelites could not become the foundation for Jesus Christ. Jesus had no choice but to go the way of the cross. At the crucifixion, a thief was on Jesus' left and another was on his right. The thief on the left taunted Jesus. Seeing this, the thief on the right said, We have been condemned justly; we are getting what we deserve for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.

Jesus said, today you will be with me in Paradise. Paradise! Jesus prophesied he would return. He said he would return to hold the marriage banquet of the Lamb. Why did Jesus go to Paradise? Paradise is not heaven. It is like a waiting room for going into heaven. This was why Jesus had to return. He had to return to meet God's only daughter and be in the position of True Parents. Fallen humankind cannot be directly in God's presence on their own. I am saying they must be resurrected and reborn through the True Parents. The two thousand year history of Christianity began with the Pentecost [experience] of the apostles. Rome accepted Christianity in ad 313 and it then crossed into Italy and went across Europe to the island of Britain. Thus, the Atlantic realm civilization began and people in the nations around Britain headed out to the world. They set off in the name of Christ. However, they did not know Jesus' essence. They did not know God properly.

Therefore, in conclusion, they lived their lives not for others but lived lives of taking. I know that the place that suffered most was the African continent. Those who set off in Christianity's name did not educate the nations they colonized. In the end, they put their own benefit first and because of this, in conclusion, the curtain came down on the Atlantic civilization era. Heaven has prepared for the returning Messiah through a different people. That is Korea, the Republic of Korea, in Asia. There, God's only daughter whom God could call "my daughter" was born after six thousand years. With that foundation and with Heaven's protection, in 1960, we became the True Parents.

Yet, Christianity could not create the foundation. Just like two thousand years ago, during the time of Jesus, Christians who have been waiting for two thousand longs years know neither what they must do in the Last Days nor whom they were waiting for. In Genesis, it says, "And there was evening and there was morning -- the first day!" Christians are still in the evening. They have been unable to greet the morning. Those who have been preparing for two thousand years for this moment, can you still not wake up from your sleep?

The result and problem is that they did not know the Gods' nor the Messiah Jesus Christ's essence. Christianity has made many mistakes during these two thousand years. From within the Christian realm many denominations arose and Communism emerged. This was because they did not know the center. However, now, through my revealing the truths of Heaven's providential history, Africa will become heavenly Africa that attends God, a proud nation that can stand in front of the world as a guiding lamp. Today, with the heart of a true parent, as True Mother, I have come to eradicate Africa's past pain and begin a new history for Africa. This was why I chose this nation, Senegal. I have seen that Heaven has prepared and raised righteous people for this particular time. I pray that you can deeply feel that Heaven is with us. That is why, centered on Africa, I am opening a new era, the Pacific Civilization Era, which is a revolution of the culture by the heart of filial love. I pray that together we can go forward toward creating a happy kingdom of heaven on earth where all human beings attend Heavenly Parent as their center. Therefore, I am advocating a Peace Highway, which will travel from the south of Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope, through Africa, Europe, Eurasia, and Asia, connecting all the way to Korea. Through this, humankind will communicate and realize a kingdom of heaven on earth filled with freedom, equality, peace, unification, and happiness, in which there is no need for war and there is neither high nor low. Africa has much to do. I selected Africa as the priority. Today, when we look at the pollution and destruction caused by people's ignorance, we feel there is no hope for humankind's future, which is why I want Africa to return to the healthy state it had been in at the time God created it. Representatives from all nations, do you agree? I pray and ask that you can go forward to the day when we realize the dream of one human family under God working hand in hand together with me and with all nations as brothers and sisters in front of God.

True Mother at Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values Summit

Julian Gray
January 18, 2018
Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD)
Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

[This report is compiled quickly based on notes, and while it strives to convey the spirit and

quality of the occasion, some of the accounts of speeches are truncated; the reader is advised to

watch the video recording of the opening plenary session if possible.]

Many years from now, January 18, 2018 may be remembered as a turning point in the fortune and power of the continent of Africa, where today, January 18, True Mother was the keynote speaker at an African summit -- whose inception and form she herself had inspired. The summit drew a significant number of heads of state, speakers of houses of government, and ministerial representatives from all over Africa. Convened under the theme "Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values" the spirit of the opening plenary was that Africa would rise to fulfill its undoubted potential. Mother herself spoke of Africa as the world's "first continent."

MC Mr. Adama Doumbia, UPF secretary general for Africa, began by welcoming to the stage both our True Mother and the President of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, who entered to a standing ovation from the 1,200 or so assembled government officials, religious leaders, other dignitaries and guests.

The event began – as would be traditional in many countries – with the singing of the national anthem. The difference on this occasion was that the Senegalese anthem (entitled "The Red Lion") was sung for everyone by the Little Angels of Korea, a gesture that was clearly appreciated by all present.

The MC then welcomed religious leaders for their prayers "in order to place this ceremony under divine protection."

Two prayers were offered, by a Christian Bishop and a Muslim Imam.

In his prayer Zimbabwean Bishop Johannes Ndanga thanked God for His original plan for creation and expressed gratitude that God had raised up Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han Moon to work to bring this plan to fruition. He asked Heavenly Parent for the grace to both seek and give forgiveness, and for His guidance for leaders in politics and society.

Mother was the keynote speaker for this opening plenary, but first to speak was Sheikh Mansour Diouf, whose love for True Mother and close rapport with President Sall had made him the natural selection to be head of the Africa Summit's organizing committee.

After expressing gratitude to our leaders "here and in the next world" Sheikh Mansour explained that while human beings cannot be without peace, it is difficult to install, keep and consolidate – and that education is required for the fight against problems such as ignorance and violence that prevent peace from settling. Sheikh Mansour praised Mother, saying that "she lives for peace and only for peace, that she would like to share with all of humankind." He mentioned that Mother's daily active work in so many fields were testimony to this. Mansour mentioned that Mother was planning to visit Gorée Island, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the largest slave-trading center on the African coast. He thanked President Sall for convening the summit as an expression of his devotion to peace, and the various members of the Senegalese government, traditional chiefs and youth leaders whose contributions to its being held were significant.

The MC then asked various groups among the distinguished guests to stand up and be recognized. There were large groups of official government representatives from across Africa, including house speakers (those from Burundi and Madagascar were mentioned), 36 ministers, and members of national assemblies.

There were religious leaders from all of Africa, traditional chiefs and chieftainesses, women leaders and youth leaders "standing humbly at the back of the room." There were foreign journalists, businessmen, dignitaries from all fields.

Dr. Walsh then spoke, representing UPF, the co-sponsoring organization (together with the Senegalese government):

Addressing President Macky Sall, Dr. Walsh said, "Mr. President, it is like the UN here. And this is more modern and well equipped than the UN Headquarters!"

Dr. Walsh acknowledged (for the benefit of anyone who might have missed it) that the founding inspiration for the summit came from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon whom he praised for leading her movement with vision, clarity, and deep spiritual wisdom. "Within her," he said, "is a profound practical capacity to apply this spiritual and moral vision to solve problems humanity faces."

"We know her as True Mother. She calls us all to be true parents to the world, to all humanity as our brothers and sisters. Mother will go to Gorée island, not to sightsee, but to pray for those who suffered there."

Dr. Walsh recognized Shiekh Mansour, Kathy Rigney (more than 40 years in Africa, now Special Emissary of True Mother) and Rev. Bakary Camara, the regional group chair.

He welcomed and introduced Yeon-ah nim as WFWP chairwoman, and Hoon-sook nim as the director of the developing global foundation of the arts that plays so important a role; he introduced Wonju McDevitt and Dr. Young-ho Yoon as key leaders assisting True Mother with the global providential work. He then said a few words about UPF's broad range of work and vision for Africa.

He said that the summit "will be not our conclusion but the beginning of our work, arm in arm and hand in hand."

Then the Little Angels were back onstage, and sang a series of Senegalese songs, which the audience loved.

Former president of Mali Dioncounda Traoré spoke, outlining True Mother's life, marriage to True Father, mentioning her 14 children and more than 40 grandchildren. Of True Mother's life and work, he said, "She is known for her natural grace and charm. She fought alongside her husband to build a society of peace in the world. She still plays a real role: her generosity allows us to continue to fight for a world of peace, and she leads with conviction and determination, even launching new initiatives on the world level in the years since her husband passed away…. On behalf of all I would like to greet her with gratitude before giving her the floor."

After a brief but well-made video of True Parents' work for peace, Mother, looking tender and quite lovely, came to the podium to speak to the leaders of a continent.

True Mother's speech [this is a partial summary from notes gleaned from the interpreter – please do not use these as an official record of Mother's speech; fuller translations will be made available in due course]:

We have gathered to open a new era of history. This is the continent that will become a new heavenly Africa that will attend God. Africa is the birthplace of humanity.

Human beings seek to work based on the calling of the conscience. Deep within us our conscience calls us to work in moral way, and we seek to live a life centered on the ideal of peace.

There are many problems afflicting the world today. Humanity has sought to realize an ideal world of peace but that has not been easy. God created a man and a woman and gave them responsibility. He wanted them to grow through a period of growth and fulfill that responsibility, become children who loved God. They were to be the first ancestors of humankind, but God's plan was frustrated, But God went through painful history of providence of restoration through indemnity, God raised the people of Israel over 4,000 years, and sent Jesus. But people of his time could not understand his mission, and Jesus was unable to fulfill the purpose for which he came. When he was crucified, there was a thief on the left who mocked Jesus, and a thief on the right who supported Jesus and declared him innocent. Jesus said to him, "You shall come with me to paradise."

Mother explained that paradise was where Jesus must go pending the opening of the kingdom of heaven by the True Parents who would hold the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This would require the only begotten son to meet the only begotten daughter, and then as True Parents, bring people to receive the Blessing of God and be reborn. Humanity yearns to live in communion with God.

Mother explained that Christianity was profoundly persecuted but later spread throughout Europe, and that the center of civilization reached Great Britain. Britain developed but, not understanding God properly, instead of living for others they conquered others and took things away from their colonies. Africa suffered the most. Even though these were believers who began in the name of Christianity, they failed to love the nations they colonized. In the end the accompanying Atlantic civilization ended, and Korea was selected as the nation to which the Retuning Lord and his Bride would come. Mother explained that through their marriage she and Father became the True Parents. However, though Christians have waited for the returning Lord, they have not understood. They have prepared for this time but not yet awakened.

Mother then spoke about Africa, saying: "Africa will become the light of the world. Africa is the blessed continent, the shining light. And today with the heart of a True Mother I have come to pray and eradicate the historical pain that this continent has suffered, and begin a new history."

Mother mentioned choosing Senegal as she could feel the Senegalese people were a peace-loving people, and the president a prepared person. "Centering on this continent and nation, I would like to begin an era centering on altruism, living for the sake of others, an era of peace, equality, happiness -- the kingdom of heaven on earth. Let's work together to realize this ideal." Mother went on to mention she would like to establish an international highway project from South Africa to Senegal and then on to Europe and the rest of the world.

She concluded by saying, "I believe Africa can accomplish this, and that is why Africa is the first continent in the world. Africa has the potential to become the original healthy, kingdom of God and the environment that God wanted to see. Beloved heads of states let us work hand in hand as one family, and realize one family under God. This is my hope and ardent request."

Beautiful bouquets of flowers were presented to True Mother as she concluded her speech.

Before President Sall came to the podium to speak, a short video presentation about his life's work, with an emphasis on his vision for thriving pluralistic society, and his initiatives for peace, was screened.

On behalf of the Universal Peace Federation, True Mother and Dr. Walsh then presented President Sall with a good governance award -- in the form of a framed certificate and medal -- after which President Sall came to the podium and spoke to the international delegates and guests.

President Sall expressed his gratitude that all had come to share in this vision through dialogue and in respect for diversity. "Senegal shares this vision and that is why we welcome you here and thank you for coming to the land of Teranga [the Wolof language word for hospitality, for which the Senegalese are well known]. Please stay in Senegal!"

President Sall specifically paid tribute to "Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of UPF, and to Hak Ja Han Moon for carrying on his work," and thanked True Mother for coming to Africa and speaking.

He congratulated UPF Chairman Dr. Thomas Walsh for "making peace and dialogue the basic principle of human relations." He thanked UPF for the bestowment of the honor of the good governance award: "I take this as encouragement in our shared ideal toward common good." He expressed gratitude you for the monetary gift, which he said he would devote part of to helping handicapped children. It is significant, perhaps, that one of the first projects our early missionaries undertook was one to teach skills, such as sewing, to disabled people so that they would have a chance to earn a living.

After President Sall expressed his gratitude for the Little Angels, and for their performance of Senegalese songs, he spoke about the path toward peace; how its absence is evidenced in the ruins of houses, through blood that has been shed, and through the tears of devastated people. The silence of good people is a problem: nothing is more harmful to the cause of peace than silence, apathy and resignation. That is why were are here today.

President Sall spoke about how his nation's population of mixed religions, including Islam, Christianity and traditional faiths, live together in peace. He read from various scriptures, including the Koran, 5:32 "The one who will save the life of one man will be the savior of humankind." And he gave examples from history where the people of one faith sheltered those of another from harm.

But President Sall did not omit to mention that there are those who apply an abusive interpretation of the Divine Word for other goals.

He went on to say that the continent of Africa, which has been traumatized by colonialism and slavery for centuries, must itself now stand up against racism. He looked forward, he said, to a new Africa based on the qualities of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values (quoting the Summit's theme). He further expressed his belief in an Africa able to take care of itself, that thinks and acts for herself. Despite its history, Africa is stable, active, diligent. She must affirm herself as an actor, define the dynamism of today and the future. In that light the president mentioned the remarkable resources Africa has, in terms of precious metals and minerals, but emphasized also the quality and youthfulness of its peoples. In terms of its resources, both material and human, Africa is by no means poor.

Thanking True Mother once more, President Sall then declared the first summit open.

With that, he concluded his remarks, and the MC invited President Sall and True Mother to be the first to leave the stage as lunch was prepared. As people stood and applauded, one could feel a sense of anticipation that this day was a gateway to new possibilities and that here is a continent that really could be the first in the world to fully grasp the opportunities of the present time.

True Mother spoke to 1,000 leaders from all across Africa, in Dakar, Senegal

Richard Buessing
January 18, 2018

On January 18, 2018, True Mother spoke before 1,000 leaders from all across Africa at the opening plenary of World Africa Summit in Dakar, Senegal. In her message, she highlighted the failures of human history rooted in selfishness, lamented Africa's history of suffering, and expressed her belief in Africa to begin a new blessed era and build God's kingdom.

Here is an excerpt from her message:

"I am so thankful to all of you because today we have gathered here in Dakar, Senegal to open a new era in history. This beautiful continent of Africa is one that will become the new heavenly Africa that attends God as the center and can become the most prosperous continent in the world. Africa stands in the position of being the hero of the world. Africa is the birthplace of humanity.

Africa can become the heavenly Africa that attends God, becoming the light of the world. Africa is a blessed continent. Today, with the heart of a True Mother, and a True Parent, I have come here to pray and eradicate the historical pain that this continent has endured, so that this continent can stand once again in the providence of God and begin a new history….

I would like to begin a new era, an era of peace, an era where we share the heart of true love and living for the sake of others, an era of living centering on altruism, where all of humanity can attend God as our parent. We can establish together a world of peace, equality, unity, and happiness. Together, we can realize the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. I believe in the African continent. Please work together with me to realize this beautiful ideal."

Following True Mother's speech, Macky Sall, the President of Senegal, thanked True Mother and her continued desires to see the people of Africa live in happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Reflections

True Mother testified about the only begotten daughter of human history to 1000 African leaders. They all received her warmly, respecting and honoring her, including the president. True Mother met many leaders after the speech. This is a great blessing for the people of Africa. - Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Regional Chairman of Family Federation North America

True Mother was so beautiful as she spoke to the leaders of Africa and to the world. She gave everything internally and externally to resolve the historical pain of Africa. Her speech hit right to the point about the failure of Christianity to fulfill the teaching and mission of Jesus. How Christianity failed because of selfishness. You said all this in a Muslim country. - Rev. Richard Buessing, President of Family Federation for a Heavenly USA

Her speech gave me so much hope and confidence. I'm very proud to be African and I'll continue to pray that the words of True Mothers will be substantialized. - Dr. Achille Acolatse, Washington DC Family Church Pastor

Today, Africa was reborn with new hope! True Mother you were shining with love, confidence and vision in your speech today. We could feel your love for the entire continent of Africa, a place that has been suffering for so long, giving comfort and enthusiasm to Africa for a bright future. - Demian Dunkley, Northeast Sub-Regional Director of Family Federation for a Heavenly USA

She truly represented the dignity and presence of God. Her words were not only comforting but uplifting, Hopeful and substantial. The African leaders showed great respect and honored her accordingly. We are proud that African can be the first continent to truly welcome and embrace her as the 'Only Begotten Daughter of God.' - Rev. F. George and Chiyomi Russell

The First Step to Realizing Heaven's Dream is National Restoration

Hak Ja Han
January 5, 2018
2018 True Parents' Special New Year Gathering for Cheon Il Guk Leaders
Cheon Jeong Gung

Beloved blessed families and members from around the world:

The first step to realizing Heaven's dream of one human family centered on God is national restoration. As things stand right now, I cannot have conviction about many aspects of this. How can all blessed families around the world and all the world's 7.5 billion people know Heavenly Parent and True Parents and become filial children and loyal patriots that can realize their dream?

When we look at the things occurring around the world today, we feel there is no hope. People have tried very hard. They dreamed of a peaceful and happy world. However, the path to that was always out of reach. This was because there was no center. We are blessed families who have been reborn through the True Parents. We are blessed. Those who receive blessings have responsibilities. Those responsibilities are not for yourself but are responsibilities toward your neighbors, your tribe, your nation and the world. The basic step for that is the responsibility as heavenly tribal messiahs. How much devotion have you offered for that?

Time is of the essence

Only two years remain to reach our goal by 2020. As nations of model blessed families and nations that have fulfilled their tribal messiah missions -- who not only know God but attend God -- you must show others that if they follow in this way, Heaven will bless them too.

In the central providential nations, Korea, Japan and America, please think about how you will show and reveal to the world a Family Federation for a Heavenly Korea, for a Heavenly America and for a Heavenly Japan whose members have been successful as heavenly tribal messiahs. That is why I made the decision that we will look at Korea as a region and will divide it into five sub-regions. If the five leaders move as one, you will be able to be five times more effective. The sub-regions will take the form of a nation.

From five years ago, I told the Family Federation that you must go forward with the spirit and the truth. After Jesus went the way of the cross, Christianity began through resurrection by the Holy Spirit. Yet even after such a long time, Christianity, which has centered on people, does not comprehend the essence and has made many mistakes and has had many failures. When Jesus died on the cross, he prophesied he would return and hold the marriage supper of the Lamb. However, Christians today, even members of the clergy, still wait for the returning Messiah to come on the clouds.

Through the Creation, God made man and woman. A man alone cannot complete the providence. The man must have a partner -- a woman! Christianity arose so that among humankind they would know this and prepare the foundation for it. However, for them it is still evening. They are unable to wake up from their slumber. The Bible says, there was evening, and there was morning -- the first day. Their evening sleep was so long that when the time came for Christians to greet a new morning, they are unable to do so.

Awaken the world

What must we do then? We must reveal the truth! We must wake them up from their sleep and in this new era, we must give them the love that will contribute to completing the providence centered on True Parents. That was why I said you should reveal the truths of history. While you were hesitating, I myself went out and proclaimed, 'I am God's only daughter." What was the result? Members of America's clergy, ACLC, welcomed me. They asked, How did we not know this truth?

What are you afraid of? The world has reached its limit. In this situation, there is no hope for humankind nor hope that we can remain living on Earth. Many scientists are concerned about what will happen to the planet in the next few years. Can humankind survive if there is no Earth? If we just watch when we are in this situation, we cannot ensure the future of our descendants or future generations.

Therefore, each of you, each of your families, must all do the work of a hundred people and be victorious. You must teach people the truth. Therefore, I also decided to do this in America. There is no doubt that America is a large nation; it has fifty states. America will be a region divided into five sub-regions. They made the determination that no matter what, they will become a nation that fulfills its responsibilities. The three central nations will unite under one system, one organization and help one another to advance toward our goal! The three nations will form a trinity, communicate with one another and share their results.

I felt we must have an organization that can be 120 percent effective during the remaining time we have. Therefore, today I am looking at Japan as a region and have divided it into five sub-regions. By doing this, I believe that Japan too will move quickly towards national restoration. By doing this, all the work I have been doing since Father's Seonghwa will be in order. Now you are heavenly [shin] tribal messiahs! You must become tribal messiahs in which the "shin" does not mean "new" but means "tribal messiahs that attend God." Therefore, we are building the Cheonbowon [Genealogy Center] so that your devotions and hard work can be reported to Heaven and you can leave behind a record of your results. I pray that all of you here today can become filial children and loyal patriots that can enter into the records there.