Hak Ja Han Celebrates the 53rd Anniversary of True Parents’ Holy Wedding

Michael Balcomb
April 25, 2013
Las Vegas NV

With the brilliant rays of sunshine shining in through the slats of the window blinds and filling the Las Vegas sanctuary with dappled light, a large group of brothers and sisters –, including members from the local community, representative leaders from around the nation, from Korea and more than a hundred from Japan – celebrated the 53rd Anniversary of True Parents’ Holy Wedding on April 25, 2013. It was a fine and most joyful occasion.

Dr. Chang Shik Yang, our emcee, shared a few words and reflections from the historic event in 1960 and introduced a short but moving video of historical photos and footage from those days, including eyewitness testimonies from the elders of our church.

Then, True Mother, who was in an upbeat mood, spoke briefly on the topic, “The New Spring Season of Providence,” and encouraged everyone to share the same heart of enthusiasm and urgency that all good farmers have in the Spring season. “This is the season to work hard, and to plant good seeds,” she said. “Then, we can be assured of having a fruitful harvest in the fall, and certainly by the time of the first anniversary of True Father’s ascension.”

“As Tribal Messiahs, each one of us has to make a plan to cultivate our own ‘farm,’” she said. “Really, who else can do it for us?” She went on to say how lucky and blessed we all are that we came to understand the Divine Principle and to know True Parents. “Have you ever thought about how different your life would be if you had not met True Parents?” she asked. “You probably would have led quite ordinary lives, and never have thought much about the world, let alone God and His Providence. But you did meet True Parents, and because of that you all have big minds and big dreams.”

Short and uplifting though her message was, by the end True Mother seemed to sense that some in the audience — including, I admit, your reporter—were beginning to cast hungry eyes on the beautiful offering table piled high with all kinds of fruits – apples, oranges, melons, bananas, and grapes –as well as rice cakes and other snacks. We were all suddenly and urgently reminded we’d already missed breakfast.

And so, before the entertainment began, Mother encouraged emcee Dr. Yang to have the offering table dismantled and distributed, leading the way herself by gently tossing a few tangerines into the hands of an increasingly enthusiastic crowd. I’ve never seen an offering table of fruit disappear so fast!

After that, the Korean and the Japanese delegations performed some traditional songs, and the Las Vegas second-generation choir sang Korean favorites Um Maya and Saranghae with delicacy and finesse. But I have to say – and I might just possibly be biased – the real hit was the American team singing “God Bless America” with great vigor and panache. Fumiko and I strongly felt True Father’s spirit in the room. Even the windows shook, and Mother and all the True Family members present sang along. It was just like old times.

We concluded with songs from Kwon Jin Nim, who has been witnessing and doing service projects in Las Vegas since Foundation Day, and who also took the opportunity to invite everyone to join the Sunday services; then from Sun Jin Nim, and of course True Mother. After the singing was over, and the three cheers of Og Mansei offered by Bishop Ki Hoon Kim, the call of the Spring morning outside was truly irresistible, and we all were invited to photos on the lawn in front of True Parents’ house.

Thanks again to all those who participated, donated and helped to support this event with your prayers and your love, to those who came from far away to honor the occasion, and to all those who worked behind the scenes to prepare everything. Let’s continue to inspire True Parents with our love, determination and commitment.

Put a Lot of Second Generation on the Front Line

Hak Ja Han
April 22, 2013
Hoon Dok Hae
Cheon Hwa Gung in in Las Vegas (3.13 HC first year of Cheon Il Guk)
Translator: Lymhwa Kim
From Tongilgyo.org

Hak Ja Han: What did you talk about yesterday [April 21, 2013] at the Sunday service?

Participant: They [the Sunday Service congregation] watched a video that mostly excerpted True Mother’s talk on Foundation Day. Then he [the Sunday service pastor] explained the main points of the Hoon Dok Hae speech that Mother gave in Las Vegas [on April 20, 2013. True Mother’s message]. True Father and True Mother devoted the last four years in Las Vegas so the preacher emphasized that we need to bring Americans and seven billion people in the world to True Parents. The preacher emphasized that we here in Las Vegas should be fired up!

Hak Ja Han: Is every member determined to do that?

Participant: Yes, every member is determined to do that.

Hak Ja Han: Then, in order to accomplish this you to need make a plan for every day, did you make a plan?

Participant: Yes.

Hak Ja Han: How many people live here [in Las Vegas]? What is the population here?

Participant: It is about 2 million.

Hak Ja Han: Don’t count the floating population. Leaders have to give specific witnessing methods.

Participant: Yes.

Hak Ja Han: I told Korea and Japan to put lot of second generation on the front line. So, I appointed three people from headquarters as pastors and they sent me a report and it said, “Thank you for the giving us the opportunity to experience the field.” Every morning these pastors conduct an inaugural meeting after Hoon Dok Hae and set a goal for the day. They appreciated that they were able to meet good people and give thanks for this opportunity. When they went to field they were able to feel True Parents’ love and kindness. Now, members here too should be determined like them.

Is everyone doing Hoon Dok Hae every morning?

Participant: Yes. Everyone is doing it at home. The people who live near the missionaries gather at the missionaries’ house.

Hak Ja Han: We need to help people to have goals and keep working on delivering the message to new people. What did you feel from today’s sermon? True Parents are the only hope for humankind and God. True Parents! Now there are lots of religions in this world and seven billion people, but they don’t know True Parents. We can’t just stand here idly.

In our daily lives, we shouldn’t live a life such that yesterday was so so, today is so so and tomorrow will be so so. When you say “developed,” it means you are changed. It should be plus not minus. You need to let the local level and world know that I am alive. When you volunteer in Las Vegas, you need to think about what kind of way is the best. Isn’t it?

Everything we do should be guided by Father’s words. God showed everything to us. We can’t ignore the fact that Korea is getting famous in the world. Probably Koreans and other people wouldn’t know why Korea is getting famous and why non-Koreans [are starting to] love Korea. The plan is to preach to the young generation through music and art in order to create a great fortune. So, I’m planning to build a Culture Center in Chung Pyung. For the second and third generation, we need to educate those talented children who will spread True Parents’ thoughts as future leaders. When True Father made the Little Angels, our church was very poor. We couldn’t eat three meals a day. But even during that time, we showed people that God is working and alive through the art and culture of Korea as the country that received the Lord.

During the 60th anniversary of the [start of the] Korean War, True Father expressed his appreciation to the 16 nations that participated in the Korean War and even to those who served in medical services. And he embraced war veterans who are alive. This type of appreciative work is even hard for governments of countries to do. But that is what True Parents do. We need to teach them [the world population] the words [of True Father]. Not just the name of True Parents but the True Parents that act upon God’s principles!

You need to get education from that kind of True Parents and have spiritual children; you need to know how miraculous this is. You need to repent. How much did you appreciate True Parents and feel sorry for them? Just repenting is not enough. You need to repay. You need to lead by example even if the leaders don’t tell you what you need to do. Every day, you need to be fired up and think: ‘I need to save one more person; I need to share True Parents’ love.’ All that kind of work is honorable. Those who do this will get respect from their descendants. Is it easy to be parents who are respected by your children? That’s why you need to work with your children in the field. Then you will have your future. You need to live a life with appreciation to God and True Parents and report every day sincerely. And then there will be development.

First, we have a seven year goal [the 2020 Vision]. True Parents worked almost 40 years in the United States. They invested almost a third of their lives here. You owe other countries. You need to know that. Living a comfortable life now is not everything. When are you going to pay back?

In our principle, the words ‘cancelation of debt’ is so precious. You know what cancelation of debt means? If you want to cancel the debt, what do you need to do? We shouldn’t leave debt for descendants. Do you understand?

We should make a specific goal and move. I told you earlier, we need to make a church that is alive and spiritual. Witnessing is very precious. That is why I asked Kwon Jin [True Mother’s fifth son] to help. The most precious thing is witnessing and saving lives. Power and money could go away anytime. But the lives that I saved will go with me forever. Is it that so everyone?

When you see True Parents you are absolutely obedient to them, right? Where is it coming from, those feelings that you want to give 100 percent back to True Parents? It is because you received 100 percent. The phrase, “Humans are the most intelligent creatures” means they are different from animals and know how to distinguish things. When someone accepts a favor, then that person wants to pay it back. If you ignore that feeling, then you are a bad person.

This is the era of women. In the Eastern philosophy book called The Book of Changes [I Ching] it is written, “The 5000 years of Yang period is finished. Now the 5000 years of Yin will start.” Ms. Jeong Soon Cho also said, “The thing that has to come at the end in other religions is mother. In the family, it is the mother’s role to correct and put things back to where it was when things go wrong. “

The Church is the same.

Participant: Mother! Yesterday director Mimi went to church early in the morning and later after dinner worked with other wives. So she [Mimi] shared Mother’s words and embraced the wives to work in the front. She is working so hard. She worked all day.

Hak Ja Han: That is nice. It’s the same for children right? They love friends. When you develop the same way together with others, it will make you happy. You are all happier than me, right? I’m the loneliest person.

Participant: Still, there are blessed families who stand by Mother’s side.

Hak Ja Han: We need to make wives go ahead. Wives need to do good jobs to make husbands absolutely successful. In that sense, Mr. Soo Seong Lee, former prime minister of South Korea, said at the inauguration of Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation, “Behind the Great Rev. Moon, there is his wife.”

Participant: Everyone was very impressed with that. Yesterday, I felt that the new Korean member who joined the church about three to four months ago was moved by the video that we showed.

Hak Ja Han: Of course, they are moved. It actually happened in real life what you couldn’t even imagine in a dream. In the original mind, there are those who desire and hope. These relationships are very precious, so let’s bear abundant fruits.

Isn't our Heavenly Parent's creation simply profound and mysterious?

Hak Ja Han
April 3, 2013
To Church Leaders
Cheon Jeong Peace Palace, HC 2.23

April 25, 2013

Tt's great seeing you all. Are you happy? [Yes.]

Spring has come, and I am grateful to heaven for enabling us to celebrate this fortieth day after the Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day and for providing the opportunity to have this 2020 inaugural meeting for projecting your firm determination.

Spring brings into mind the Earth blooming after being frozen throughout winter and the hearts of people cheering up after that gloomy season. People busy themselves in preparation for spring. You can feel the arrival of spring in reality when you see these spring preparations, the great activities being carried out, and videos covering the hard work of leaders and members on the front line. Can't you feel that? [Yes.]

The hardened land will receive water in spring and soften for new sprouts and to receive new seeds.

Let your imagination wander. Isn't our Heavenly Parent's creation simply profound and mysterious? Spring is just the right time to feel and experience these wonders.

A new spring has also started for us, the new spring of Cheon Il Guk. A whole new history has begun and a fresh start. We have all eagerly waited throughout providential history for this culminating event to take place.

We must be grateful and joyful for having the opportunity to welcome this new era while we are still on earth and remember that we have the responsibility to live a life of practice. Are you all aware of that? Can you feel it? [Yes.]

Now is the time to move forward through actions instead of words.

For farmers, spring means energetically and painstakingly plowing their fields and planting seeds in order to harvest enough crops by autumn.

A farmer must take good care of his or her land in the process. Some farmers convey their love by conversing with the land within their hearts, protecting the land and fertilizing it well enough for the seeds to grow well and to produce a great yield.

All of you here today are pastors and leaders in your respective areas. What do you think must be done for the seed of life to yield abundant crops?

You must bear in mind how important your missions are.

Therefore, you cannot rest. You must raise every single life with a parent's heart day and night. The question now is how can we do that?

I heard you have just participated in a four-day workshop. Is that right? I believe you heard various best practices and received all the necessary materials to fulfill your responsibilities.

It is important that you set up substantial goals every day. We have three meals a day, but a person's life is more important and urgent than food is. We must be able to reveal to the world that this nation is God's homeland by 2020. However, do you think we can achieve it in this present manner? It wouldn't be possible. Do you agree? [Yes.]

We must be able to reveal to the world that this country is God's homeland by 2020, but this goal cannot be achieved using our old or current methods.

Therefore, we must dedicate ourselves day and night, investing tenfold, twentyfold or a hundredfold more effort than we do now.

Rev. Young Hwi Kim, former national leader of Korea, mentioned during the inaugural ceremony of Mr. No Hi Pak as the chairman of the Tongil Foundation that our three group -- referring to the FFWPU headquarters, the Tongil Foundation and Chung Pyung -- should unite and move together. That's completely right.

The church and businesses can be perceived as the mind and body. Chung Pyung is like the head because it attends Father at the Bonhyangwon and therefore represents heaven. When these three groups unite and advance with one heart and one will, success will certainly follow.

I would like to ask everyone here to cherish their time and achieve what Father last willed as he ascended to heaven -- the tribal messiah mission. Father had actually been talking about this for a long time. It was his sincere final request to all of you as he ascended.

You have all probably seen it on video several times. How did you all feel every single time you watched it?

How many Korean surnames do you think we have here today? I think that people with all the different Korean surnames can be found here today. Right? [Yes.]

Then, if all of you were to completely dedicate yourselves, would any problem exist in restoring this nation in front of Heaven? [No.]

What do you say to this? Is there any problem? Is it possible? Can we do it? Will we achieve it no matter what? What is your answer? [We will achieve it at all costs.]

We must achieve it no matter what. [Yes.]

Church leaders and other members must completely unite. In the manner that the regional director prayed, I would like you to think about how the Israelites destroyed the wall around Jericho by marching around it seven times. What significance does that hold? We must continue testifying about True Parents to the world, educate the world and proclaim the truth to the world. Then, the creation as well as people's hearts will soften just as the ground does in spring. That's the difference between those who understand the word and those who don't.

Therefore, do your utmost to reach every single person with the word; think of good ways to convey the word and Heaven's will. We are all chosen people. Imagine the heavy hearts of people later when they realize they could not attend True Parents while on earth. The path to liberate these people is in your hands. Imagine how grateful they would be if they understood this providence.

If there's anyone you recollect or remember during your prayers, do your best to reach that person. What is there to be scared of when Heaven is with us?

I just came back from Japan. I told those in charge to appoint many second-generation members and guide them to take the lead. Japanese families are still relatively young, but I found mature second-generation members among them. Three were appointed to the position of church leader, to work in the field. Members welcomed the changes. When a plan to increase the number of second-generation leaders was reported to me, I encouraged them to do that.

Some church leaders may be dispatched to churches with existing foundations, while others may not. I heard some second-generation leaders went to pioneering areas with very few members, and despite the difficult circumstances, they have been able to unite with those members and are now actively carrying out activities with gratitude.

Therefore, I would like you all to raise our second-generation members in Korea, too, with a mind toward sending them to the field as well. I have heard stories of wonderful ministries in churches where firstgeneration members and second-generation members have united.

The bulk of second-generation members have ended up living secular lives instead of living for a public cause, because senior families failed to create the right environment. Now, it is up to us to resolve that.

If only our first and second generations had become one, it would have been so much easier to advance toward 2020 on that foundation. Do you agree? [Yes.]

All of you have children; therefore, you cannot deny how historic your responsibilities are today. Is that right? [Yes.]

Let us say your family remains loyal to the will for generations. It would be a matter of great pride to that family and its history.

Many of your future descendants will revere you and follow you as their model. How honored and happy would your family be.

During the Yi Dynasty in Korea, the differences between different social classes were extreme. What position do you think you belong to? You must remember that you all live now in an era in which you can inscribe your names in the glorious positions of a patriot, a devoted child, a divine child and a saint. [Yes.]

Both Father and I love spring. I would like to sing a song about spring as an act of encouragement for all of you. [Applause] [True Mother sings "A Spring Girl."] [Applause]

If Father were here, he would have said, "Ah! Mother's voice is truly beautiful." [Applause]

Do you also think so? [Yes.]

Prayer that youth should say

Hak Ja Han
March 26, 2013

Since Father and I have lived like a war period, I couldn’t have created an environment for my children. But now I am doing the ‘creation of environment’ for my grandchildren. A few days ago, I announced and gave to my grandchildren and all blessed children in the world the ‘Prayer of the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind.

Unificationist youth to pray the following in the morning and evening:

Heavenly Parent, I thank you and I love you. I, [one’s name], will become a devoted son (daughter) who will inherit the tradition of true love established by the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind, and perfect the duty of a devoted son (or daughter), patriot, and divine son (or daughter). I report this in my name [one’s name], a second generation member of a blessed family, Aju!

Children and youth who joined recently should end the prayer saying “I report this in my name [one’s name], Aju!”

The meaning of Hak Ja Han's receiving the Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day Heavenly Fortune Spiritual Seal

Krista Moon and Tyler Hendricks
March 6, 2013

A translation distributed by FFWPU International of the meaning of the Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day Heavenly Fortune Spiritual Seal presented to True Mother during the Foundation Day event on February 22, 2013; and an additional biblical explanation of the significance of the seals by Dr. Tyler Hendricks, of the Unification Church USA.

Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day Heavenly Fortune Spiritual Seal

Heavenly parent, now the new heaven and the earth of the kingdom of universal peace and unification which is the heavenly kingdom of peace and ideal of original creation were solemnly opened. Today, starting from this Foundation Day, the human race entered into a new era of God’s providence.

Foundation Day is a promise for the completion of the providence of salvation over the past 6000 years. Foundation Day is the day of glory and blessing, in which numerous people’s wishes will be fulfilled as a gift of True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind.

It is the day to inherit the heavenly fortune of our Heavenly Parent who is omnipresent and almighty. The ideal world of freedom, peace, unity and happiness will unfold in heaven and earth from today.

All of humankind in Heaven and on Earth will praise “Jinseongdeok Hwangje” (True Father’s title in spirit world) and attend them [True Parents] as the parents of eternity.

On this meaningful Foundation Day as a new start of providence, True Parents gifted a seal of “Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day Heavenly Fortune Spiritual Seal” to those who made efforts on the front lines to build Cheon Il Guk. This seal binds seven billion people as “One Family under the Heavenly Parent.”

Dr. Tyler Hendrick’s Interpretation of the Seal of Cheon Il Guk

We Americans face a variety of challenges in receiving True Parents’ words in momentous ceremonies. For one thing, there is the cultural gap, the divergence of social worlds and the meanings embedded in words. For another, there is the religious gap. The pageantry is foreign to low Protestant types, and American culture is low Protestant. Even the Divine Principle exalts George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, who was thrown into prison for refusing to take off his hat before a member of the aristocracy.

So, the solemn presentation of a heavily decorated box to a queen, no matter how much we personally regard and even love her, is hard for us to comprehend. We look down at the printed program and wonder what comes next?

It’s a shame, really, because True Mother is doing just what God wants, and the Bible tells us so. So, I find it therefore helpful to take a deep breath, back up, and read the Bible, before striving to fathom the meaning of what God is doing through our church. I hope a little excursus for this purpose might help you as well. In God’s history, a seal is a serious matter.

The first appearance of the word in the Bible is very interesting, from the Unification Church point of view. A seal plays a major role in the relationship of Tamar and Judah:

He said, “What pledge should I give you?” “Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand,” she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. (Gen 38:18)

So, a seal represents a person’s identity, and it happens to appear in the key action of a man and woman in the change of blood lineage, the purification of the womb that would, eventually, receive the Messiah. Christ is referred to as the Lion of Judah, and it was Judah who gave his seal to Tamar, whom he thought to be a prostitute. It reminds one of Esau giving his birthright to Jacob, whom he treated as a servant.

A seal also can represent a tribe’s identity. The next appearance of a seal in the Bible is when we find God giving a seal to each of the twelve tribes of Israel:

There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. (Ex 28:21)

A seal can also represent God’s identity or ownership. The seal of God was affixed on the most holy place:

Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. (Ex 28:36)

In Daniel are numerous references to the Word of God or prophecies of God being sealed up until the end times. It means that God’s identity, or his Word, is protected and identified by a seal:

But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Dan 12:4)

Jesus stated that God placed a seal on him as His Son, the living Word:

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (Jn 6:27)

Paul called himself sealed as an apostle (1 Cor 9:2) and said that all believers have the seal of the Holy Spirit; in fact, the Holy Spirit itself is the seal!

[God] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Cor 1:22)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit… (Eph 1:13)

So the seal represents human identity, God’s protection and God’s ownership, and it is the Holy Spirit itself. The seal went to Tamar, the female, and returns as a female indwelling, the Holy Spirit.

The culminating biblical providence of the seal of God is in Revelation. First is the protection of the scroll of God’s Word with its seven seals, which only the Lamb of God could open.

And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (Rev 5:2)

And finally there is the sealing of the 144,000 faithful followers of the Lamb and his Bride…

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. (Rev 7:1-4)

They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. (Rev 9:4)

In this perspective, the appearance of the Spiritual Seal of Cheon Il Guk that was presented to True Mother during the Foundation Day Ceremony is consistent with God’s Providence from its very foundation. True Mother, after all, is the living Holy Spirit.

True Parents declared that the foundation is completed for the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven. The seal represents God’s ownership of Cheon Il Guk, God’s ownership of True Parents, God’s ownership of His Word in the Divine Principle and True Parents’ words, and God’s ownership of those attending the Lord at the Second Advent.

With that in mind, Satan is pushed back to a respectful distance, and the power and glory of True Parents’ declaration begins to find its way into my heart.

How did you come to be chosen from among the world's 7 billion people?

Hak Ja Han
February 28, 2013
Cheon Jeong Gung
To Regional and National Leaders

Photo date unknown

Do you want me to speak? [Yes.] How many are here today? [Two hundred and twenty people.] Are all 220 church leaders? [Yes.]

Or church directors?

Are you aware of being happy in that you are among the chosen people? How did you come to be chosen from among the world's 7 billion people? There are many great people in the world. Many world-renowned people did not know about the larger providence but nonetheless made effort to live in goodness. That being the case, how did you come across the Unification Church and learn about True Parents? Isn't it almost like a dream, and shouldn't you be grateful for it? [Yes.]

We celebrated Foundation Day a few days ago, and you saw a new heaven and a new earth. Didn't you? [Yes.] Also, you are standing at the center of this great change. Isn't that a miracle? [Yes.] You have received this unimaginable grace and blessing. Who brought that about? Who brought you here? It was through True Parents' grace. Wasn't it? [Yes.]

That is why I told you that you should live for at least three weeks with gratitude in your hearts, gratitude from your bone marrow. For the rest of your lives, until your days on earth are over and you have passed on into the next world, you should have ardent gratitude in your hearts, thinking to yourselves that you are thankful for all that you have been given in spite of the fact that you are unworthy in many ways.

This period is one in which it is as if we are creating the universe under our Heavenly Parent. Do you understand? With our grand goal of the establishment of Cheon Il Guk, we are now creating the universe. What kind of beings do you wish to become? Do you wish to become the sun or the moon?

Based on your resolve and actions, the creation of the universe is substantially taking place through your own bodies, something that you could not possibly imagine or believe. When you consider this, you should realize that you are not in a position in which you can just sit still and only think about it…

Recently, a Korean singer became a worldwide hit with some strange dance; he became a top global star within a year. You too should be greatly excited and moved in your hearts to such an extent that you don't know what to do with yourselves and your bodies move of their own accord. In other words, you should translate your feelings into action, begrudging even the hours you sleep, you should do your best to share this excitement, gratitude and blessing with others. Do you realize this or not? [Yes.] Are you determined to do it? [Yes.]

This is truly the first and the last opportunity in your lives. You are at the center of this amazing blessing of creating the universe with our Heavenly Parent. What beings will you be made into? You are in a position where you can be praised by your future descendants for generations and generations to come. Depending on your actions, you will be made into new beings. Would you settle for becoming a lower being? Wouldn't you rather be created into a higher animal, a superior symbol of all created things? You should go down in history as a being that when seen is boasted of and praised again and again. Heaven has given you an opportunity to become such a being. However, what will happen if you cannot fulfill your responsibilities?

Father said repeatedly that all leaders' meetings should be conducted in Korean. Will you not fulfill the last wish of a man who is no longer in the world? It is something you can actually do if you make up your mind to do it. If you think it is difficult to learn Korean, you could start by learning Korean songs.

I have seen many of our members succeed in this task. When they tried to learn, they did learn. In my opinion, the country that has the least aptitude for learning languages is Japan, yet many Japanese people learned to speak Korean fluently.

Won't you set yourself this challenge in this era of Cheon Il Guk? [Yes.] You can do it. Repeat after me: We can do it! [We can do it!] I will do it! [I will do it!] That's right. We have set ourselves the goal of restoring God's fatherland in seven years. In this regard, it is only right that we should speak and understand the language of God's fatherland. Is that clear? [Yes.]

Don't stop. There is no one who can stop a person in progress.

Doing something constantly and making effort to do it depends on whether you are determined to do it or not. There is one fact that you should have confidence in: You are happy people. Why? Because you have me. Do you understand that? [Yes. Applause] I am not being boastful; it is the plain truth. Isn't it? [Yes.]

If I had not been here for Foundation Day, would you have achieved it? You wouldn't have. Would you have? [No.] Therefore, I hope we can live this one month with grateful hearts. I also pray that during the time that remains for us, you will all achieve great results and become shining winners. [Mother makes a pun on a homonym that can mean either "light" or "debt."] Brightness! You need to become bright people and bright leaders.

When we think about our Heavenly Parent, our hearts ache so much that they hurt. He has waited for so long, and I am here alone for Foundation Day…. [Mother becomes tearful.] So I will establish the tradition of the Heavenly Parent and True Parents on the solid Rock of Ages. Do you understand? [Yes.]

We serve the eternally unchanging Heavenly Parent and True Parents. Don't you know that? [Yes.] As long as our Parent is with us, our traditions will be established on a solid rock, and we will most definitely be in the position to receive eternal reverent respect as sons and daughters of Cheon Il Guk and as citizens of Cheon Il Guk that have fulfilled our responsibilities. Do you understand? [Yes.]

To make this come to pass, we need to march forward. We need to begrudge every passing moment. While you are still here on earth, we need to mobilize all our wisdom and all our resources to bring, as quickly as possible, the world's 7 billion people to become citizens of Cheon Il Guk so that they can all be embraced in Heaven's bosom. Is that clear? [Yes.] [Applause] If you pledge to do that, raise both your hands and vow to do so in front of our Heavenly Parent. [Aju!] We vow to do it! [We vow to do it!] We will make it happen at all costs. [We will make it happen at all costs.] We promise. [We promise.] Thank you. [Applause]

Hak Ja Han's Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation Awards Scholarships Worth $3.7 Million

February 26, 2013
Translated by Lymhwa Kim
Edited by Ariana Moon and Krista Karjalainen

The Wonmo Pyeongae (Eternal Parent’s Love) Foundation was officially inaugurated as a non-profit foundation on February 20, 2013 (Korea Time) at the Cheon Jeong Gung in Gapyeong, Korea before an audience of approximately 1,000 people. The late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), had proposed the idea for the Foundation in 2011 yet did not survive to see his project realized.

According to Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation’s website, www.wonmo.org, Wonmo means “eternal parent” which refers to God, “the Heavenly Parent.” Pyeongae means “equal love” or “peaceful love.” The Foundation’s logo is composed of a green pigeon and a blue heart above an orange laurel wreath. The website explains that the pigeon symbolizes “peace,” the heart symbolizes “true love,” and together their formation embodies the safe arrival of a peaceful world centered on God’s peaceful love, which is eternal love. The green color symbolizes ideal peace, the blue color symbolizes true love and hopeful vision, and the orange color symbolizes future victory and glory. These colors represent Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation’s bright future towards establishing a peaceful word that transcends religions and races.

The Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation has five main functions. First, it aims to award “scholarships” for Unificationist undergraduate- and high-school students who have exemplary grades, are underprivileged or who have joined outstanding activities in their church. To receive a scholarship, candidates need to attend school in Korea. In the future, the Foundation plans to expand the scholarship eligibility to Korean citizens who plan to attend school abroad. Its second function is to create “Educational Supports.” Wonmo Pyeongae will host an educational program contest for organizations that work in the field of education. The Foundation is also developing a leadership camp. Its third function is to carry out the “Commemoration Project,” which means promoting “Sunhak Peace Awards,” to commemorate Rev. Moon’s contributions to world peace. Candidates for awards will include both individuals and organizations that have contributed annually towards a peaceful world. The fourth function is “Social Contribution.” Awards will be given to candidates or organizations which have served in areas such as counseling, serving multi-cultural families, service for the handicapped. etc. The fifth function is “Scientific Research.” The Foundation will support students who do research on peace theories. Additionally, the Foundation will host symposiums on the topic of “peace.”

In order to apply for the scholarships, candidates need to create an application account at www.wonmo.org and prepare between six to eight documents. The scholarship application will require an application form, a recommendation from a pastor, an essay about the candidate’s dream, school records, a copy of bank statements and a consent form. The candidates, who can show outstanding participation in church, need their organization’s confirmation document - Undergraduate students can get the document from CARP Korea, and high-school students can get the document from the second-generation departments of their local churches. Underprivileged candidates need to attach documents such as medical-insurance bills, sources of income, etc.

The table below reports how the scholarships will be distributed in the next year and the award amount depending on the eligibility criteria.

During the Foundation’s inauguration ceremony, Dr. Chang Shik Yang, president of FFWPU Korea, offered an opening prayer, and Dr. Bo Hi Pak, president of the Korean Cultural Foundation, gave a report on the Foundation’s proceedings. Mrs. Min Ha Kim, CEO of the Wonmo Pyeongae and the former president of Joongang University, said in her welcoming speech, “I will do my best to support the Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation to raise talented people.” Kim also said that the Foundation would promote the “Sunhak Peace” awards, which go to individuals or organizations practicing Rev. Moon’s vision of peace internationally.

Mr. Su Seong Lee, the former prime minister of Korea, then offered the following remarks: “Congratulations on the inauguration of the Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation, through which Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon inherited Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s vision of educating talented youth to spread peace. I’m certain this Foundation will become a hope in the world.”

During her “Founder’s Speech,” Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon said, “Dr. Sun Myung Moon devoted his lifetime to build a global family, and his desire is embodied through the Wonmo Pyeongae Foundation… The Foundation will focus on the role of educating talented youth, as well as contributing to society through businesses… Please become a peace-loving global citizen who inherits Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s will.”

As its first project of 2013, the Foundation awarded about four billion won ($3.7 million) worth in scholarships to 745 selected individuals and organizations during its inauguration ceremony.

Upbeat Crowds in the USA Celebrate Foundation Day with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon

Ariana Moon
February 22, 2013

A total of 194 nations tuned into the historical Foundation Day celebration at the Cheong Shim Peace World Center in Gapyeong, Korea at 10:00 a.m. on February 22, 2013 (Korea’s time). Approximately 50,000 Unificationists and non-Unificationists attended the ceremony in Korea, and a total of three million are estimated to have participated via live broadcast, according church officials in South Korea.

The Foundation Day event was supervised by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, who officially proclaimed the start of “Cheon Il Guk,” a new era of history guided by God’s Providence, and included a congratulatory message from the Hon. Dennis Hastert, the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. On this day, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) pledged to become a “life religion” through opening a new phase of Unificationist social engagement, including communicating closely with society according to the vision of the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and the vision of his widow, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the “True Parents.”

Each of the 12 Districts in the United States provided a location where local members could view the broadcast as a community, as well as attendants to distribute holy water during the Foundation Day Blessing Ceremony. The following are reports from Districts 1, 2, 3 and 12 about their respective Foundation Day celebrations.

Foundation Day in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Unificationists in District 1 celebrated Foundation Day near Washington, D.C., at the Baldensburg High School auditorium in Bladensburg, Maryland – once a site for the local Sunday Service. Co-District Pastor Loretta Schauffler facilitated the event as the MC, and the pre-broadcast entertainment included songs from the Generations Band, which is composed of Unificationists Dan Fefferman, Frank Grow, David Moffitt and Jeffrey Wentworth. All 700 attendees received a gift bag of Korean cake, water and a laminated card featuring a photo of True Parents and the Family Pledge.

“Our team worked hard to build a beautiful atmosphere with lovely decorations,” reported Pastor Schauffler to Unificationnews.com. “Many second-generation volunteered to help in so many ways, adding the spark of youth to the preparations. There was little for me to do as the MC; the program moved seamlessly and before long, True Mother was coming down the aisle in her robes and crown. Having True Father's robe and crown already placed ceremoniously on his chair was very moving.

“People remained for quite a while after the closing of the celebration. There was an atmosphere of real community and gratitude for what had been received. The grace of the Blessing seemed to be in abundance in the hearts of our brothers and sisters.

“We thank our American District Pastors, our headquarters staff, and all who traveled to Korea for this celebration of Foundation Day. We also thank President Hyung Jin Moon and Rev. Yeon Ah Moon, who spent these last six months with us and helped us deepen our spiritual lives during a challenging time for our movement. Finally and most importantly, we cannot put into words our gratitude to True Mother for how she is giving everything, body and soul, together with True Father in the spirit world, to complete the work of True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind by the year 2020. Our deepest desire is to help in this work and bring about the victory with a nation for our Heavenly Parent, and humanity becoming one family under our Heavenly Parent.”

“We saw many members who we rarely see at church,” said Douglas Burton, a resident of Bowie, Maryland. He continued: “We even saw brothers and sisters from the Global Peace Festival organization.”

Dr. Antonio Betancourt, the director of the Office of Peace and Security Affairs of the Universal Peace Federation International, said, "It was perfect – the prayer of True Mother, the wedding, the program – everything."

Foundation Day in New York and New Jersey

More than 1,000 Unificationists from District 1 convened at the Double Tree Hotel in Tarrytown, New York to participate Foundation Day festivities. As did those for all locations of Eastern Standard Time, the program began at 7:00 p.m. and concluded at around 10:00 p.m. Rev. Jesse Edwards led the audience in praise and worship songs.

“It went a lot better than expected,” said Pastor Andrew Love, who hosts Sunday Services at the Learning Center on 43rd Street in New York City. “The spirit was good, everybody lingered afterwards, and I saw nothing but smiles on people’s faces. There was a lot of hugging going on. I was running around a lot and stressed out a bit, but I noticed that people came prepared to celebrate. Sometimes, big events like these can be a bit sedate, but this one was very upbeat and warm. I absolutely saw a lot of people I usually don’t; these past couple weeks in general, more people have been coming to church at 43rd Street, especially to partake in the Holy Wine Ceremony.”

At the same time, in Teaneck, New Jersey, the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe transformed into a gathering place for more than 1,200 Unificationists.

Jana Iparraguirre, the communications director of District 3, reported: “It went so smoothly. There were a couple of concerns about the video feed during the program, but everyone was patient. There was so much love and respect from people during the event, and it was great to have the New Jersey community come together and pack the ballroom. Dave Hunter did an amazing job as the MC, Oliver Noll, our creative team director, invested so much into managing behind the scenes, and Rev. Carol Pobanz, our wellness director, gave a simple yet beautiful introduction about the meaning of Foundation Day. I saw so many people I didn’t know. Before the broadcast cast, photographer Graeme Carmichael took family portraits for people who wanted them. After the broadcast ended, a lot of people went out to different diners and restaurants to continue to spend time with each other.”

Rev. Pobanz said the following as part of her pre-program message: “Today, Foundation Day, is a very blessed day. It is the day when God’s Foundation has been completed by our True Parents. It is the day when the cornerstone has been laid with the Blessing of our victorious True Parents, and it is the day when the first stones are placed on that foundation with our own Blessing as the children of the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind and of our Heavenly Parent, God. I pray that we will become victors as part of this historic and providential revolution. May the Heavenly fortune that flows through the True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind be with us all.”

Foundation Day in District Los Angeles, California

Approximately 800 Unificationists in District 12 celebrated Foundation Day at the Hilton Hotel in Pasadena, Los Angeles, where the program started at around 5:00 p.m. and concluded at around 8:00 p.m. Second-generation Unificationist Renee Shaw, who assisted in coordinating the event, saw the following:

“I was surprised by how happy everyone was. After the conclusion of the broadcast, everyone was congratulating each other, mingling and enjoying the cake that was being passed out. A bunch of couples were getting their wedding pictures taken as well. Some of the couples had been Blessed more than 20 years ago and hadn’t seen each other since their Blessing, so this was actually the first time they were able to see each other in their wedding gowns and suits. Usually, about 300-400 people come to church on Sundays, but for this event, we saw many people we’ve never seen before, and we had around 20 guests come in as well! The event was nice and simple, and although there were technical glitches during the broadcast here and there, people laughed it off. The whole environment was happy and celebratory. I saw a lot of people who were very moved, knowing that we’ve made it to Foundation Day and that we were all preparing our hearts to move forward. Because the program ended fairly early in the evening, many friends and families gathered to catch a bite to eat together afterwards. It was actually my birthday the day before Foundation Day, and so a bunch of friends and I went out for dinner.”

“The Foundation Day ceremony had a much more powerful impact spiritually and emotionally than I expected,” said Robert Spitz of the celebration in Los Angeles. “When something is built up as much as this was, you tend to anticipate a letdown when it happens.

“While there was a lot of ceremony, pomp and circumstance, I was left with the feeling that it was all very suitable to the occasion. Even the robes, the crowns, the scepter and the seals all seemed befitting this glorious occasion in the Providence of God. This ceremony represents the start of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. This is the fulfillment of the Biblical and Divine Principle prophecy. The occasion deserves all that was present.

“The expression on True Mother's face as she entered the stadium spoke volumes to me. Her face showed the incredible suffering from the days leading up to this event. She carried the weight of many tears and heartaches with her, as she walked slowly to the podium. In the past year she has endured such disappointment and sorrow, and she must lead the movement out of its challenge of faith. It is no wonder that True Mother could not smile during what should have been a most joyful event. Nonetheless, she carried herself with great dignity and the authority of God. She reflected all of the virtues of the True Parents.

“Only time will reveal the degree to which this event has opened the doors of the spiritual world to assist in the liberation of the hearts and minds of mankind. As they say, it is darkest just before dawn. We can only hope that this is the dawning of that new day the Creation has longed to see.”