Interview of Hak Ja Han for Soviet Za Rubezhom Magazine

Vladimir Iordansky
March 1989
10th World Media Conference
Washington, DC
Editor of Za Rubezhom (Abroad circulation of 900,000 Soviet intellectuals and elite)
Published in Za Rubezhom no. 24, 1989
pg. 16, of the Religion and Society section
Translated into English by Andrew Kessler

Interview article as it's appeared in Za Rubezhom.

In this era of perestroika, phenomena and people are coming into our social field of vision which before we tried not to see or rejected. Often we were repaid in kind. The Reverend Sun Myung Moon is a complex and contradictory figure. A native of Korea, he currently lives in the United States. He is a great religious leader and a most wealthy industrialist. In his brief biography it is told that in 1936, on Easter morning, Jesus Christ appeared to him and prompted him to religious work. After dramatic, vivid experiences, Sun Myung Moon founded and headed a new Christian movement, whose organizational name became the Unification Church.

Religious revelations occur quite frequently in a certain social and cultural medium. In 19th century Russia, among the old-ritists, there was a small sect whose religious teachers proclaimed themselves to be the earthly incarnation of the spirit of Christ. In the character of Reverend Moon what is most striking is the combination of deep religiosity and business enterprise. At present he stands at the head of an enormous fortune which is used to propagate his ideals. He finances numerous international cultural and scientific associations. He stands behind a flourishing newspaper-magazine conglomerate with publications not only in the United States, but in South Korea, Cyprus, and Argentina as well.

Nevertheless, in the United States, Sun Myung Moon has been treated with a well-known guardedness, both as a religious leader and as a businessman. At one time from religious circles in the United States, there seemed to come a steady stream of defamation of him and his followers. Likewise, on accusation of violating tax laws he was sentenced to prison.

For many years Sun Myung Moon did not hide his animosity towards communism, towards the Soviet Union. He was the founder of the famous Anti-Communist League, a product of the "cold war." He explained his position, apparently sincerely, in that communism is atheistic by its very nature. But both perestroika in the Soviet Union and the important transformations in China compelled him to reconsider his previous views. Addressing an international conference of journalists in Washington, DC in April in the presence of Soviet and Chinese delegations he said: "The communist world is rapidly changing. I approve of the new policy of glasnost and perestroika in the Soviet Union and the reforms carried out in China. The media in both countries are playing the leading role in these changes."

Reverend Moon doesn't give interviews. But his wife and comrade-in-arms, Hak Ja Han Moon, amiably agreed to answer several of my questions. We publish her answers with minor abbreviations. I think they shed light on what is one of the most unique and influential of the new religious movements, not only in the United States, and on the approach of its spiritual leader to an entire host of important problems for all of humanity.

Question: The Unification Church is active in many countries of the world, and numbers hundreds of thousands of followers. Their concerns and dreams apparently find expression in the teachings of Reverend Moon. What goals does he advance?

When my husband approaches God in prayer, he doesn't ask God for help, but asks what His Will is. And he pledges to fulfill it. According to my observation, when my husband sets out to work in this spirit, God helps him even without his asking.

I want to emphasize that racism, religious intolerance, the desecration of nature, and other misfortunes of our world are the result of serious problems in the human heart. That's where we should approach the solution of world problems. The hatred in the heart of man must be replaced with love.

It is well known that my husband was a long-time opponent of communism. This is no secret. But I want to emphasize that he didn't hold this position out of malice. He held it because Marxism doesn't recognize the existence of God. But my husband always believed in the grandeur of the Soviet Union. Today the West is falling into decline because of its callousness in relation to God, and its abuse of human freedom. When the nation of the Soviet Union carries out the reform of its system, and religious freedoms will be firmly restored, prosperity will undoubtedly come. With God's help the future of the Soviet Union will be bright. You should strongly believe in your country. My husband asked me to say to you, may God bless you and your families, may God bless the people of the Soviet Union.

Question: In the present day there is a growing concern throughout the world with ecological problems. In the opinion of the Soviet Union, international cooperation is essential to save the world from ecological catastrophe. What is your opinion, the opinion of Reverend Moon concerning these problems?

Originally, nature itself maintained its own balance, but when human beings are included in the equation, they destroy the balance of nature. In this century, mankind has achieved astonishing technical and scientific successes. The USSR created the Sputnik, and was proud to call Yuri Gagarin its son. Just think also about the surprising break-throughs accomplished in recent years in medicine, such as the polio vaccines of Salk and Sabin.

I believe that God is working through science as well, so that we could understand the importance of having the greatest concern about the environment. Today we understand that many household items such as aerosol sprays can cause lasting damage to nature if they are not used with the necessary caution. We also understand that we are going to have to cope with the consequences of the fact that we continue to produce an enormous quantity of wastes that are unrecyclable and which are not biodegradable. The consequences of poor management in agriculture such as the destruction of huge rain forests are becoming more and more obvious. And what's more, from such catastrophes such as "Three Mile Island" in the United States and Chernobyl, we see the absolute necessity of a more cautious approach to the peaceful development of nuclear energy.

I attended the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Two of our children were on the South Korean Olympic equestrian teams. What really moved me about this event was the growing awareness of the importance of international cooperation. It is becoming more and more clear that no nation is an isolated island.

As international cooperation grows, it becomes possible in the sphere of ecology to accomplish worldwide agreement of the steps we must take for the defense of the conditions of life on our planet. The USSR is correct in opening up international cooperation in this vitally important area. All world leaders are obligated to recognize their responsibility before the future generation of the human family.

In this regard it might interest you to know that for the past seventeen years my husband has sponsored the International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences. Every year we gather scientists from all over the world, including many Nobel laureates. These conferences research the moral aspect of science and technology. The conference proceedings have been published, and many of the papers dealt with how to better defend our environment.

Mr. Vladimir Iordansky and Dr. Bo Hi Pak at the Tenth World Media Conference

Question: There are many people in the world in need of compassion and help. In the Soviet Union today there are emerging numerous charitable organizations and movements. An enormous work is being conducted in giving support to those who are being treated for alcoholism and drug addiction. Could you tell us what you are doing in this area? In your opinion, is cooperation between Soviet charitable organizations and the Unification Church possible, and if so in what ways?

We would very much want to study the possibilities of joint work with the Soviet Union on projects in these areas. My husband's thought always transcends the limits of nations, religions, and political beliefs. There are three key problems we need to address. These are the problems of hunger, disease, and illiteracy.

For us it would be very valuable to study the ways in which we could work together with the Soviet agencies which deal with these problems. We would be more than happy to cooperate in an approach to these problems, be it inside or outside the Soviet Union.

Let me give you an example of how we are approaching some of the problems which you mentioned. Above all, problems such as alcoholism and drug addiction, as well as immorality and family breakdown, stem from spiritual confusion and lack of self-control. If medicine and psychology are capable of only partially curing these problems, then we believe the churches must play an important role.

On an international scale, one of the most severe problems which our world faces is the scientific-technological gap between nations. Some of the most developed nations in the world are not sharing their scientific-technological knowledge with the countries of the so-called "third world." This is an incorrect position. It is our duty to work together towards the creation of an international sphere of cooperation and co-prosperity.

As long as the gap between poor and rich countries is maintained, the soil for conflict and war remains.

We have a permanent team of doctors and nurses who work on projects of medical assistance. In addition we have assisted in the construction of schools and orphanages in the "third world." We are also helping the victims of natural disasters, and in particular, we assisted in the collection, of aid for the victims of the tragic Armenian earthquake.

However, there are needy in the United States as well. In 1984 my husband acquired 250 ten-ton trucks and assigned five to be used in each of the 50 states. They are used mainly to deliver food products to the needy.

The businesses founded by members of the Unification Church are helping to hasten technical progress in the developing countries. Perhaps you know that we have businesses in Africa, China, and other regions. In keeping with our policy, we don't take out the profits from those countries where our enterprises are functioning, but rather we reinvest them.

Question: In conclusion, could you describe to us how Reverend Moon's working day is structured: and perhaps a few words about your family?

My husband's activity has attracted wide interest, but also onslaughts of hysteria in certain circles. The reason has been the distorted presentation about my husband in the media. Often when people meet Reverend Moon they expect to see a monster, and are amazed to see what a loving and attentive person he is. Surely you were also surprised, having met him personally.

My husband is, all in one person, a fisherman and a businessman, a newspaper publisher and a thinker, as well as many other things. But above all he is a religious leader. If you would spend even a day with him, you would immediately become convinced of this yourself.

When my husband was in prison for thirteen months in the United States, the other prisoners expected that he would try to get an easy life, but they discovered a completely different person. Every day he woke up and prayed from three to five o'clock in the morning. One day the prison chaplain came to him and said, "Reverend Moon, you are a minister and every Sunday you are welcome to use the chapel. Which time would suit you: seven, nine, or even eleven o'clock a.m.? My husband asked, "Is the chapel open at three o'clock?" The chaplain replied, "No problem. I'll call you at three o'clock in the afternoon." My husband said, "No, I want to use it at three o'clock in the morning, if it is possible." The chaplain thought perhaps there was some sort of misunderstanding, but my husband made it clear that he meant the morning. He joked, "I doubt that in America there are many people who pray at three in the morning, so therefore it will be easier for me to get a direct line to God."

Usually my husband gets up very early, beginning his day with long prayer. After that, he plan s his day and greets the children. Breakfast starts exactly at 7:30. It's also a working session. In the United States alone, my husband created more than three hundred organizations and businesses. You see, that's enough to occupy him for a long time. The morning meetings continue into the afternoon. At lunch the working sessions don't stop.

After midday my husband usually visits one of the organizations founded by him. There he chats with its members, and answers their questions. He returns home for dinner. At dinner the meetings continue, finishing up about one o'clock in the morning. My husband is almost 70 years old. He leads a very disciplined way of life. If you're by his side for a few days you discover that he is constantly loading himself down with work.

We have twelve children: six daughters and six sons. Already more than half of our children have their own families. Our oldest child, a daughter, is 28, and our youngest, also a girl, will soon be seven. It's not simple to be the mother of so many children. And now there are grandchildren. Seven of them already!

We believe that the family is the only institution created by God Himself.

Sometimes we speak of it as a school of love, a place where we learn to relate to all human beings. We also believe that the family is the building block of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

The interview is over. Entirely new, often foreign and unusual notions.... But our time is a time of tolerance, a time of respect for another person, moreover of religious views -- this is a deeply personal question of his conscience. Such tolerance, personal and social, opens up possibilities today for cooperation in concrete and practical affairs. This is important. Surely conceptions of new thought propose the joint action of all the forces of humanity which strive to rid the world of its old ashes of hunger, economic backwardness, epidemics, and from the newer dangers which loom over it -- ecological, military, nuclear.

Matthew and Beth Morrison with the leader of the Soviet delegation, Yuri Romantsov, receiving a gift for Father and Mother.

Soviet Journalists' recent visit to the United States
Matthew Morrison

I served as staff taking care of the participants during the World Media Conference this year. It was a very deep and special experience to see Father and Mother relating to media people from around the world. Father remarked that it was significant to see media people, who are rarely religious or notably heartistic, become melted together with one heart by the end of the conference -- really like a family. I could see that numerous people have grown to deeply appreciate Father's work.

An important aspect of this conference was the participation of 12 delegates from the Soviet Union and six representatives from the People's Republic of China. At one point we had a special reception for them, during which time pictures were taken of Father and Mother with the Soviet group and then with the Chinese group. Neither nation, however, was quite ready to have their picture taken with the other! But they were honored and happy to pose with Father and Mother.

Father really stood as a parent to this conference. Some of the speakers were very harsh in their comments about the Soviet Union and communism. But when Father got up to speak, he embraced them like a parent. He said to the Chinese delegation: "I'm so grateful to have you as our guests, and I hope that I can go to your country soon and walk with you on the Great Wall, now that all the other walls between us are crumbling." I sensed Father felt tremendous love toward the people of China and he viewed these journalists as representatives of that vast and providential nation. I was amazed to see how much love he expressed to people who were once his adversaries.

Touring America

After the media conference, Larry Moffitt and John Robbins flew with the 12 Soviet journalists to Missoula, Montana, where they met with a number of local community leaders and stayed in different homes of private citizens. In the evening they visited several Indian tribes and got on an old-fashioned American train that took them over the Cascades. They arrived in Seattle, all wearing ten gallon cowboy hats from Montana. They were certainly an unusual sight.

The first day we visited the former governor of Washington State, Dixy Lee Ray. They had a wonderful afternoon of food and sharing with this remarkable woman, a top nuclear physicist, who had been the head of the Atomic Energy Commission and then governor. They were astounded that a woman who was a scientist could be so successful in politics. They pointed out that this would not happen in the Soviet Union.

On the second day, we visited numerous sites around the Seattle area, including our movement's crab processing factory and fish plant. They were extremely interested to see how we made crab meat out of cod fish. One Russian requested a joint venture with our fishing fleet in the Bering Straits off Alaska. Astounded that from a spiritual insight so many diverse projects were going on, they remarked, "How could Rev. Moon be a minister and have such a practical vision as well?"

One from Moscow had been stationed in India and had seen several spiritual healings. He was very interested in religion, and asked for a Russian language Bible and for a Divine Principle book. From his own experiences he was convinced that there really must be a God and was very curious to understand how we saw the nature of God.

Two of the Soviets had been stationed in Havana, Cuba and one of them was a TV journalist from Beirut, who spoke fluent Arabic. (He had a very lengthy discussion with Jahan Shahi of our International Middle East Alliance and was fascinated to hear Rev. Moon's ideas about unity in the Middle East.)

Singing "God Bless America' at the home of Matthew Morrison. Left to right John Robbins, Vitaly Kobysh, Amy Morrison, Yevgeny Bugaenko, Claire Brossman and Janet Arnold

An Enchanting Evening

The second evening we invited other blessed couples to have dinner with the visitors at my home. After dinner, we all gathered and started singing songs. What began as a very simple evening became like an evening program. It was so stunning to me that we were singing family songs and dancing with communist leaders from the Soviet Union. Each nationality took turns singing: There was a Lithuanian song, then a Georgian song, an Armenian song, an American song, a French song, and so on. We did the Virginia Reel, and then they stood up and sang "America the Beautiful" with us. They even wanted us to sing several holy songs. Finally we joined hands, sang "Tong.il," and concluded with a prayer. It was a very remarkable evening. There was a tremendous spirit of true heartistic unity. The leader of their delegation mentioned to me that he felt this evening was a high point of their trip. Several remarked that they could feel something "very human." I think it was more that they felt God's love in the beauty and harmony that had been created.

Our blessed children had finger-painted placemats depicting Russian and American families together. My children handed each Russian visitor a gift from the blessed children that they could take back to their own families.

They were very moved, and in turn, gave my children little toys. They seemed to always have something in their pockets to give out to everyone they met -- some little trinket or toy. They also gave us a Russian doll teapot-warmer to give to Father and Mother.

I sensed how much the Soviet Union is desperate for the truth and ripe for spiritual harvest. I could imagine our True Parents going to Moscow and speaking to the people. The people know that Father is special They've heard as much about him in the Soviet Union as we have in America. In the Soviet Union, when they say someone is the foremost anti-communist, I believe then everyone knows he must be a good man.

I was with the Soviets when they said they had to have a World Media Conference in Moscow. They asked Larry, "If we invite Rev. Moon, do you think he would come?" Larry answered, "I'm sure he'd be very pleased." One of them laughed and said, "That would cause such a sensation!" I think God could use this in an amazing way to bring the truth to the Soviet Union.

Embraced by True Parents

What was remarkable was how powerful our brothers and sisters are. These men were traveling together, but they had never really known each other before. They were very moved by the warmth and heart of our international family. We had people from Germany, Iran, Japan, Korea, and America. They found it hard to believe that we were all friends and all part of the same movement.

In their individual conversations with us it was very clear that they were checking us out. They wanted to know all about Rev. Moon: What are his real goals and what motivated us to join the church? At one point they remarked they could tell that Rev. Moon was not a politician because they view politicians as people who never tell the truth and are always scheming. Whereas they felt sincerity from Father and our members.

Wherever we went, on radio shows and at newspaper interviews, they were very proud to say, "We're being sponsored by Rev. Moon." It definitely stimulated a lot of interesting comment because everyone knew of our strong stand against communism. It proved to the people of Seattle that we're not dogmatic anti-communists, but are desperate to serve and reach the people of the Soviet Union in any way possible, though of course we still disagree with the atheistic principles of communism.

After they left, I had a deep prayer and cried about the incredible depth of Father's commitment. He had almost been killed several times by communists, but now he was embracing the same people who had been his torturers. I thought about our own members who risked their lives to witness to those behind the Iron Curtain. This is really the fruit of their incredible loneliness and sacrifice. The world is changing so quickly because of Father's sacrifice. I have so much hope for the future. I can see that people can respond to the Principle and the heart of True Parents in places we never imagined.

I think this is just the beginning. They invited all of us to come to the Soviet Union, and they are planning to return to Seattle next year for the Goodwill Games. It's so exciting that both Russia and China are competing to host the World Media Conference. What was once an impossible dream is finally becoming a reality. 

My Life with True Mother -- Interview of Miho Panzer

Angelika Selle
September 1989

True Mother, Miho, and her son Rimida, by the new conference center.

Question: When and how did you come into the position of serving True Parents?

It was in 1978. I came to this country after the Washington Monument rally in 1976. I was a dancer in the Korean Folk Ballet but then I worked for 10 months at Belvedere before coming to East Garden in 1978. I was so happy. For the first five months I did the laundry for True Parents; then I started serving True Parents directly. I was the youngest sister to serve True Parents, so I made extra effort.

Question: How did you know what to do when you served True Parents?

We had to pray hard to find out what they needed. I always asked Heavenly Father, "What shall I do?" I wanted to be Heavenly Father's hands and feet.

Of course, Heavenly Father wants to take care of the True Parents well, so I just asked Him to work through me. I was always praying for my hands to be His hands, my legs, His legs.

That's why I feel that our prayer life is most important in each moment. I didn't have time to sit in front of True Parents' picture and meditate, so even while cleaning I was praying.

For five months I did the laundry, then I cleaned the rooms, preparing many things during the holidays. I wanted to be like air. We need air -- otherwise we cannot breathe, but we can't see air. I was with them and around them, so I wanted to be invisible but needed -- to prepare something before they asked for it.

Mother with Shin Jeung Jin Nim and Jeung Jin Nim

Question: What is Mother's daily schedule? What does she do during the day?

True Mother is always busy. Of course her main position is to attend Father and as well to educate the True Children. As you know, Father is always traveling places or having meetings and Mother goes with him, so she has to be constantly ready, sometimes at a moment's notice. Even now Mother has no time to take care of their own children. She is basically in the same position as Father, with more and more responsibilities and no time for herself at all. For example, they get up very early and pray and then Father is meeting with church leaders and elders until late at night.

Question: How does she discipline the True Children? Does she scold them sometimes?

True Parents teach their children the heavenly tradition. For example, they do the kyung-bae (full bow) at five o'clock pledge, and if they are even a few minutes late, Father doesn't like it. He asks: "Why didn't you prepare the night before?" How important that ceremony is! One time one of the small children didn't do the kyung-bae and Father spanked the child. The child was young, under three years old. After the age of three True Parents don't spank anymore. Rather they teach and explain to the children very nicely and never get angry at them.

True Parents have almost no time to spend with their children. Father always eats with members and leaders, even at breakfast, and I felt so sad because the family is always separated. And now that Father is constantly going to Korea they spend even less time together. But the True Children are always so uncomplaining. They understand about Father and Mother's schedule and though they miss Parents more than we do, they don't show it so much. We should think of how lucky we are to be with our children and value True Family's sacrifice more.

Question: How does True Mother support True Father? Can you give some small examples?

Externally it's easy to see how she is preparing many things, like something to drink or eat. But internally, Mother always knows what Father wants. Mother has to be wide, deep, and aware, like a holy spirit. Sometimes Father asks Mother her opinion and Mother always gives him a wise answer.

Support means also that when Father wants to go somewhere then Mother always follows Father one hundred percent, no matter how difficult it is for her! One time Father said in public that even though Mother's body is tired, he still rushes her. That would be so difficult for us.

Mother is usually so occupied with public life that she can't even take care of her own things nor can she exchange her winter and summer clothes; she doesn't even know what is in her drawers. That's what I was doing most of the time. Many guests come and in her position as a True Mother she always wants to take care of them, even if she is more than eight months pregnant. One time she was due to deliver and still she took guests out shopping. Mother cannot take care of her own children, but she takes care of us, the members -- that's her heart.

Question: Do you think that True Mother knows what is going on in our movement?

Yes, I think she knows very well. She often gives Father her opinion on some matter. Mother is spiritually so sharp and clear that she can give very good advice to him. Father needs her input and he always appreciates her comments. Father and Mother's relationship is truly one of give and take in total harmony and oneness. Of course Father is subject, but many times their positions are reversed and he is the object. We never saw Mother and Father fight with each other and Father said also that they never argue in front of the True Children.

Question: How does True Mother sleep so little and keep u, her health and beauty? Does she eat a certain diet and do exercises for her health?

In my opinion this is a miracle. Mother has 14 children and everybody both in and outside of our movement is surprised that she still looks so young and fresh. I was with Mother while she had her last four children and she was always very healthy and alert. Mother does know many things about healthy food and she takes care of her health, but I feel that the Holy Spirit is with her because Mother has to keep up with Father's schedule. Of course, their sleeping time is so short because they are always traveling.

Sometimes Mother goes out in the early morning fresh air, but that doesn't happen too often because from early morning on they receive leaders and members and she has to be there. They are always living a public life each moment. Even when Mother is lying down she is always thinking about Father's situation, all the members and the whole world. And when Father sleeps he still prays; his mouth is moving like in prayer.

Question: Did you have any personal experience with Mother? Did she speak to you sometimes, giving you advice, guidance, and insights?

My position was not to talk to Mother and ask many things. One time Father said to our members at East Garden that he can't speak to us much because his time is spent always talking to leaders and other members. Instead, he said, we should look at True Parents' lifestyle.

With Mother it was the same way. I had questions but I felt that Father and Mother were too tired from carrying so much on their shoulders. Already they asked me continuously about my health and well-being and showed their deep concern about even small things. But since Father had told us to watch their lifestyle I didn't want to ask them anything. I learned from watching that every moment they were living for us.

Every morning we did pledge with True Parents but I never felt that it was just me doing the kyung-bae. Our members are working so hard all over the world that I always wanted to offer myself as a representative for them. I felt good in my heart because I was always thinking of the members, fighting any kind of selfish mind.

Question: How does True Mother take care of the environment even though she doesn't have much time?

Mother likes everything to be clean. Once in Japan one evening, Father didn't have a schedule to go anyplace. Three old ladies had been preparing for Father and though they had externally very little, they cleaned diligently, regarding even one piece of dust as Satan. Every night they prayed for Father to come to their center. Then out of the blue Father decided to go to that very center. Even though they didn't have anything, Father came to them.

When I heard that testimony, that even one piece of dust made them feel uncomfortable, I understood that the environment around Parents always needs to be clean. Father and Mother didn't say anything to us, but from then on I cleaned up especially thoroughly. Parents are so sensitive to everything. Folding and hanging their clothes has to be perfect.

Question: How does Mother prepare for the birth of a child?

She is always active until the last minute. Just think about when the latest one, Jeung Jin Nim, was born.

Only 21 days after the cesarean Mother conducted our Blessing ceremony [July 1, 1982] for five hours and stood giving us the Holy Water.

Normally, our sisters have a 100-day recovery period after the birth, but Mother didn't even have 40 days, she had to attend Father. She is always like this, working until she has to go to the hospital, never resting. When Father is pushing, it means that Mother is pushing also. Father's legs are always sore and his body so overtired that when he indents it at any place, the indentation stays there for a considerable time. But he never shows us how tired he really is. Even the young people are tired when they come back from Korea, but Father just keeps going.

Question: Can you share about Mother's desire for us western sisters?

During the last Sunday service at Belvedere Father spoke about western sisters and Oriental sisters. He said that the western sister is too self-centered, and suggested: "Why don't you give first and lead a more giving life, and then you can receive?" This is true not only for western sisters, but all of our lifestyles must be always first giving and then receiving.

I personally can also see a little bit of difference between eastern and western sisters; western sisters are always open, even 100% open, but the Oriental sisters usually want to keep everything inside. Even though they would like to talk, they keep things in their mind and wait. I don't know what True Mother thinks about this point.

Question: How can we come closer to True Mother and develop a deep relationship with her?

The external relationship is not so important, I think. There is a natural limit anyway. But I feel that internally and spiritually the relationship with Father and Mother is most important. True Parents know our life each moment, even though we may not see them at all. Once they close their eyes, they can feel everything spiritually. We can always be spiritually guided to do the right things even though they are not physically with us. Father said that he can even be with us in our dreams.

A person can be physically close to them, but actually very far away spiritually. If we have a strong spiritual life and feel close to them, then they are always with us. Often, the further people are away from them physically, like pioneer brothers and sisters, the closer they feel to them.

That's why I always felt a danger in my mission being physically so close to them, that I might get far away internally. I always made special effort to keep up my spiritual life. We should always think how we can become closer spiritually each moment. Now I stay in New Jersey, but I feel that Parents are always here with me.

Many times I saw pictures of True Parents that were dusty, but they should always be shiny to attract their presence. Our lifestyle should always be striving to be more like our True Parents. We have to develop that parental heart and standard. If we don't keep True Parents' picture clean, it indicates something about our heart relationship with True Parents.

When I joined the church I went to a seven-day workshop. But already before the workshop I had a dream about True Parents. I didn't know who they were, but I found out afterwards. Since then I had many experiences with True Parents in my dreams. Many times leaders asked me about what True Parents were doing and I would share with them my intuition. Afterwards we would find out that I was right.

I missed True Parents so much that I often cried. Even when I was dancing in the Korean Folk Ballet and on IOWC, I was always thinking about them. When I was doing laundry for some other central figure, for example, I would think that these are True Parents' clothes and even count the scrubs-40 times, 72, 120 -- hoping Heavenly Father could use this condition of serving. That's why I felt that Heavenly Father called me to East Garden.

One time with the Folk Ballet I had a spiritual experience with Mother. I had a painful back problem. Somehow Mother knew that and one night, God's Day Eve, she came to me spiritually and touched my back. The next morning I felt so warm there, with no pain, as if the Holy Spirit had touched me. That night, when True Parents came down on stage after our performance, Mother came over and shook my hand. I felt she knew that I had had a spiritual experience with her. Mother is so sensitive.

While on IOWC one time, I knew Father was leaving from the airport. I wanted to be with Father so much that I went to the airport by myself just to see Father's flight leave. I feel that the heartistic relationship is the most important. Whenever I pray about them, I always cry. Even if you had a chance to be with True Parents for one year or even a day or a few hours, that kind of heartistic relationship that you feel at those times will remain with you forever. Time is nothing. So I say sometimes to our sisters when they go out on the front line to please always have some gratitude in their hearts and remember those precious moments that they had with True Parents. Then we can never have complaint at all. If you have a complaining mind then Satan breaks you.

Question: True Mother has very good taste in clothes. In fact, Father once said that she would be the number one fashion designer for the new world.

I feel so amazed when I see her consistently fresh and beautiful. Mother is always humble, but she has excellent taste, and is very meticulous. When she decorated the East Garden House and now also the new house, everything had to be perfect. When Mother goes shopping I many times feel that all things want to be with Mother, and long for her true touch. She has very sharp eyes as to what fits the person best. Usually there is not much time when she goes shopping, but it always seems like the right things for the person are catching her eye.

Question: Can you tell us about the time period when Father was in Danbury prison?

When Father went to Danbury I decided not to start my married life until he came back, because I thought how lonely Mother would be. Many brothers and sisters started their family at that time, and True Parents asked me about my age and my situation, but I didn't let them know. I decided that I didn't want to have any desire for myself; my life exists only for Father and Mother. I wanted to focus one hundred percent on assisting and serving Mother.

We knew that Father's situation was so dangerous. At that time we prayed every night with Hyo Jin Nim and the True Children and repented a lot.

When Father was visiting at home I would do his laundry. I saw that the undershirts and underwear were so old and so dirty. I was always crying about Father's clothes. Many times I also saw that Father's hands had a lot of callouses from the cleaning and dishwashing that he did at prison. But Father never showed us how difficult it was for him; he always smiled and cheered us up. I can never forget about that time when he was in Danbury and at the half-way house.

Question: Would you like to share anything else about Father's lifestyle?

If we think of their suffering lifestyle, we cannot meet our True Parents without tears. Even when they are smiling at celebrations and everything looks so happy, they can never feel truly happy until the final victory is won. That's why Father talks and prays in his sleep. Even at conferences when everybody else is exhausted, Father can go on until one o'clock in the morning. Then he goes upstairs to study and read reports for another one or two hours. He wakes up early in the morning before anybody else, which actually means that Father is only sleeping two or three hours a day. Of course Father is very, very tired because he is a human being just like us. Many times when Father is playing pool it looks like he is relaxing, but I always felt that Father is not really playing pool. For him that pool table is like the world map or like the cosmos and Father is concentrating and fighting spiritually each moment. Many times I wanted to bring him a chair, but he would not accept it. His legs are so sore but he decided a long time ago that he would never relax until he literally goes to the spirit world, and he is doing it. That means we should have the same kind of attitude.

Question: We've heard about the importance of learning Korean. Can you give any insights from your time with True Parents?

One time Father and Mother were watching the mini-series Shogun on television. At some point the Westerner who was becoming a Samurai was faced with the choice to either learn Japanese in forty days or have his companions executed. So he decided to learn Japanese. Mother asked Father: "What about our members? When can they learn the Korean language?"

Then I thought, Father has reminded us so many times to study Korean, but we didn't really decide to do so yet! I was speaking in Japanese to them, but I felt I shouldn't do that anymore. I didn't have time to study so I just tried to pick up Korean by listening. The grammar is very similar to the Japanese language but everything else is different. From then on I spoke to them in broken Korean.

Question: For many sisters it is sometimes hard to view True Mother as our role model because she seems more in the background supporting Father. What is your view on this?

I personally think that True Mother is on the foremost front line and fighting more than any of us. Of course, externally she doesn't go fundraising or witnessing, but as I mentioned before she is working day and night together with Father on the internal front line. Yes, we don't see her very often and she only seems to support Father; therefore it's so difficult to find out. But if we develop our spiritual antenna more, we can easily feel what she really is doing, how she is fighting, how hard she is working day and night and that she is actually on the foremost front line. We might be able to see her in dreams that reveal to us her true heart that literally beats for the world. Her position is the most difficult of all, more difficult than any of us can imagine. So if we develop our spiritual antenna more, then I am sure we will also be able to find out how we can follow her as our role model.

Lessons from Father's Course in Danbury

Hak Ja Han, Ye Jin Moon, In Jin Moon, Kook Jin Moon, Jin Whi Hong, and Jin Sung Pak
August 20, 1986
Excerpts
Belvedere

True Mother speaking.

Many deep meanings behind this day
Hak Ja Han Moon
Translated from Japanese by Kazuho Tokito.

I am very grateful to be able to celebrate this Day commemorating Danbury together with Father and such bright, healthy-looking young people as your- selves. According to His will, God has sent us the Lord of the Second Advent and revealed His providence centering on the True Parents to restore all human beings to His bosom. In order to accomplish this, God has been walking the course of suffering far beyond our own perception both spiritually and physically -- that is, through His words and through reality. And in order for us to accomplish our ultimate goal -- the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth -- we still have a very long way to walk.

When I reflect on Father's imprisonment, I feel that from my own point of view, I lost the head of my family; from a Unification Church point of view, we lost our leader; and from the viewpoint of God's will and the world, we lost the central figure of the providence.

As you know, I have many children in my family, but they are not a burden at all. Also, since Father has shown us the true standard and way of life, the goal of the church leaders should be clear. Furthermore, God's will and Father's desire is to unify all religious groups and the entire world and universe. In my opinion the task of establishing such unity and clarity of purpose is impossible without a central figure. I had always been afraid of losing our central figure, and through Danbury my fears became a reality.

My third daughter, Un Jin, likes horseback riding. You may assume that horseback riding is a very simple sport. However, in order to jump an obstacle, the horse and the person who rides it must be totally united; otherwise, they will fall or even hurt themselves. Even though you may become a "small Rev. Moon" according to Father's teaching, like a perfect horse, you will have no value at all unless you have a perfect master who can ride you.

Truthfully speaking, from the viewpoint of God and human history, this day should not be celebrated but completely eliminated. When I told you in the beginning of my speech that I am happy today, what I meant was that I can celebrate this day with gratitude because I know there are many deep meanings behind it.

It is very easy for us just to revere and follow Father, but it is not easy at all to substitute for him. I myself know very well how difficult it is to respect his mission and be able at the same time to replace him and satisfy all the people working under him. Especially through my own experience throughout that one year, I deeply understand how difficult it is to fulfill his role.

During Father's imprisonment, Heung Jin's ascension, and the process of establishing and celebrating the Day of Victory of Love and the Day of the Opening of Heaven [February 1, 1984], many significant events occurred on both internal and external levels. I went through experiences that you could hardly even imagine. Complicated things happened continuously which unfortunately I cannot explain to you one by one. I often thought, "I wish I could be imprisoned along with Father -- I would be much better off!" I was especially shocked when Dr. Pak, who was in charge of the court case during Father's absence, was kidnapped. Looking, back I know now that from a heavenly point of view those events were not necessarily damaging to us; rather, through them God kindly opened the way through which we can obtain His forgiveness and blessing.

Frankly, I often felt depressed instead of being able to maintain my hopes, but I could never show my struggle or true emotions to other people. Every time I experienced great internal suffering I realized what a difficult course Father has gone through. While comforting God he must untie the tangled fallen history. He has no one to turn to and take counsel with; he must do everything by himself -- showing the example, teaching, persuading, and leading others. Since people do not fully understand him or his words, he must educate and guide them time and time again. This time I really understood what excruciating pain he often feels.

Although I could share his life experience in this way for only one year, I am very appreciative and grateful to God. Also once again I want to thank you for gathering here today so that we can celebrate and show our respect to Father.

I have many other things I would like to tell you, but I am too emotional to say more. Whenever new opportunities arise in the future, I want to share more of my experiences with you. In conclusion I pray that the day on which God can glorify your sincerity, determination, and effort will come very soon.

Ye Jin Nim

A heart of faith and gratitude
Ye Jin Nim

First of all, I feel really inadequate to be standing here and addressing you, but at the same time I feel very honored and privileged. Ever since Father came to America in 1973, you and I have been with True Parents and we have shared a lot of experiences. As we commemorate this first anniversary of Father's return from Danbury, we have unforgettable memories to sustain us. Many things pass through my mind, and I would like to share some of them with you.

I am like most of you who joined in the '60s and '70s and who have been in the church ten or twenty years: We have really only read and heard about Father's life, his course to restore history, and his suffering and hardship. It's quite difficult to grasp and experience it in my own self, so as to be able to share the suffering in common. How can we connect with Father's heart? How can we learn to go the same path that Father has gone?

In the sixty years that Father has lived he has gone to prison six times; but this time I was able to witness Father's course in Danbury myself, so it was truly unforgettable for me. I remember the day it was declared that Father had to go to Danbury. He gathered all of us children together in his room. We were so dumbfounded! It was very unexpected; we never thought we would see the day that Father would have to go. We had hoped so much that he wouldn't have to go that it came as a great shock.

Father began with a prayer. He comforted us, gave us love and strength, and told us to hold on and be tough throughout the whole year. He himself was utterly calm and composed. I know that if I had been in that position I would have lost control and might have shown some tears. But Father said that we had to remain strong for the sake of this country, and that in order to save the world he would gladly go to Danbury. He showed such conviction. He thanked God for sending him to this mission and expressed hope that he could do his best.

The first day we were able to visit Father in Danbury we were all wondering how he was feeling and how the environment was affecting him. We were worried about whether bad or negative people might be trying to harm him, but when we saw him he showed us a big smile! He was trying to cheer us up as we sat before him with our heads dawn. He really tried to make himself at home in that atmosphere and was already in the process of establishing himself there. He was friendly with the other inmates, who seemed already to be overcoming the barrier of their own concepts about him. Many of the inmates showed him respect and gave their regards to his family.

During our many visits, what Father emphasized over and over again was that under any circumstances we have to keep a grateful heart. We have to overcome any individual suffering and show God's heart to the people around us. Whatever circumstances may come our way, whatever hardships we may face, we must never lose faith. I realized just how sorrowful God must be feeling to see His dearest son sent to prison. I also have children, so I have experienced a little bit of the parent's heart. How much God must be suffering to see His own son suffering! I thought. Yet He had to sacrifice His son to go through this indemnity in order to save the world. In the beginning this was very difficult for me to grasp, because Father is my own father and I didn't want him to suffer. Yet Father said over and over again that we have to follow this path no matter what comes in our way.

Even during this most difficult period, many people came to visit Father, and he in turn gave them a lot of advice and strength. He gave support to each of the members who came with difficult problems. He always tried to cheer them up and show them parental love.

Father also showed his love to us, the True Children. It was a very precious time for us to receive guidance from our Parents. We were still immature and they had to bring us up. They gave us such incredible advice about how to go the right way in our lives. Father gave us topics to write about so that we could reflect on ourselves and put our determination into words. Week by week it was a tremendous experience to see and learn more about ourselves and determine ourselves to grow and mature.

Even though Father's imprisonment in Danbury was such a painful event, it helped us to understand his heart and learn his way of life. We experienced his determination to overcome whatever obstacles were in his way and remain grateful to God, while returning glory to Him. This is the attitude I witnessed in Father during his course in Danbury, and I hope that I will be able to follow in his footsteps. I must somehow try to become a true parent and really do what True Parents have shown us. If I can learn this precious lesson, then I can freely be grateful for all the sacrifices Father made. Thank you very much.

In Jin Nim

Restore while being stricken
In Jin Nim

I am very honored to be in a position to speak on behalf of my family and on behalf of this day, which commemorates the first anniversary of Father's release from Danbury. Yet I cannot come out here and pretend that I am very happy about this anniversary. To be honest with you, I am very sad and my heart is stricken with grief because our True Father had to suffer in prison. I believe Danbury was truly a time of testing for everyone, including my family and all of you, and I believe that all of us have matured to some extent through this experience. If there is one thing that we have learned from our True Father and True Mother, it is the meaning of restoring while being stricken.

Heung Jin's accident was a surprise to all of us, and in that time of fear and desperation we grew weak and unsure of each other. At that time Satan felt that he finally had the True Family in his grip; but through the Seunghwa ceremony Father was able to restore what Satan had tried to take away. Father restored Heung Jin's life and was able to connect the spirit world and physical world through the Blessing of Heung Jin and Hoon Sook. Then Father was able to proclaim to the world that Heung Jin was qualified to stand in the position of king of the spirit world.

When Father entered prison all of us wondered what would become of the Unification Church. Right after we accompanied Father to Danbury there was a meeting at East Garden with all the leaders and True Mother. I felt desperate and fearful of what was to come, and I am sure that all the leaders, the 36 Couples, and even True Mother felt the same. Each leader stood up and slowly and deliberately spoke about what the problems were with the church that ultimately led to Father's imprisonment. That evening I was surprised when I realized how disunited the leaders, members, and all of us actually were!

While all of this was going on, I and my brothers and sisters felt very sad. I knew that Satan was right there -- witnessing this event at East Garden. I asked myself, How could this be? When Satan strikes and tries to take some- thing from us, we should be more unified and harmonious, thinking only of True Parents. How could such disunity have arisen among us? I realized tearfully that Father and Mother had actually done everything by themselves. They were completely alone. This lovely Belvedere estate, the worldwide movement established in 127 countries -- every- thing -- has been Father's doing. Father walked the path of restoration all alone.

Now once again Father was living out his words that we must restore while being stricken. That was accomplished through the religious freedom rallies and Father's work of uniting all the Christian ministers into one. Only because Father and Mother truly love mankind and want to restore this world back to God could they sustain the course Father had to go during the year he was in Danbury.

As I stand here before you I cannot begin to tell you of all the emotions that I and my family have felt, but I really believe that whatever suffering True Father and my family have gone through, it is not in vain if we can reflect on our lives and realize once again that Father is the Messiah and that he is on the earth with us right now. I sincerely hope that each one of you can feel grateful to be sitting here in front of Father. Behind each one of you is a whole line of ancestors and before you is a whole line of future generations. Whatever you are doing for Heavenly Father and True Parents, you are not alone! All your work will help build the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

Father told us many times that if we can conceive, and if we can believe, then we can achieve. We are in a position to conceive of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth; so if we can believe in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, we can achieve the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

I pray that today can be a day to reflect and offer our gratitude to True Father once again for his time in Danbury prison. Thank you very much.

Kook Jin Nim

We must all repent
Kook Jin Nim

As Father's son, I am a proud person with a very short temper. I do not have much patience and I am quick to judge. I know that Father is like this, too, but he has lived his life forgiving everyone. My Father is truly the greatest man who ever lived on this earth!

All of us True Children have lived very quietly up until now and have not spoken about what we feel. In our family our Father and Mother have gone out to work all their lives, and we as their children have always been left behind. We could easily complain more than any of you, more than anybody. Yet now I am grateful. Father is the Son of God and has the deepest love for his own children, but he left us behind for the love of God and the love of all of you. In this way, he has actually shown me greater love.

True Father has gone such a course though there has been hardly anyone to support him. No one has been able to sacrifice his personal feelings the way our Father has. He has given everything he has and every ounce of energy. That has been his life determination. True Parents have sacrificed everything.

I myself am very sorry not to have been able to follow my True Parents as well as I could have. I am truly sorry to my True Parents that I have not been the best son I could be. How many of us are willing to sacrifice our families, our children, everything we own -- everything we take pride in -- in order to do the work of God? For many years my heart was full of anger. Yet because of the example that my True Father set, I am willing to pledge that I will sacrifice and try to follow my True Parents' course.

Our True Parents have suffered not only at the hands of the outside world -- they have also suffered from our inability to become unselfish warriors of God and give up our lives for the sake of the future and the people around us. Our brothers and sisters all around the world have suffered because of this. Our hearts are truly lacking! We have not fought hard enough for God, so we have much to repent for. Still, we must not lose our determination. Father has fought with the same strong determination all his life. He has been willing to suffer the greatest burden in Danbury because of his seriousness towards God's mission.

I can go on criticizing for the longest time, but the fact is that we all have to work harder. The fact is that none of us has understood our True Parents' heart and we are all lacking. All these years we have taken too much for granted.

We do not have enough appreciation for the Principle, which Father labored for so many years to win from the spirit world. Many of us have even been using the Principle in our own way. How can we face True Father?

All my life I have seen True Father swallow what he felt. Because he understands all of you, he has been willing to wait and to let you grow. How great that is, that the Son of God should wait for all of us! He feels so much for everybody, so he is waiting patiently -- for every single person! Many times he has said that if he had even 100 people who really followed him and fulfilled their missions, then restoring the world would be no problem.

Still, as Unification Church members we all have one God, common Parents, and one belief. Therefore we must not be quick to accuse or condemn one another. If we know the truth, how can we say we are different from each other? We cannot judge our brothers and sisters. From now on we must march as one family, one tribe, one nation, and one world. From now on we have to follow True Parents' idea and example, because they have paved the road to reach God. They have given us the formula to connect with God's suffering heart and become His true children.

In order to become true sons and daughters our hearts must be willing to endure the greatest suffering and even sustain unbearable loneliness and sorrow. Then we can rise up and go to God's heart and restore His suffering. Thank you.

Jin Whi Nim and Ambassador Han

Understanding God's Shim Jung
Jin Whi Nim

As Father's family suffered through the course of Danbury, I looked closely at everything that was occurring. My experience with True Parents is still limited, and it is virtually impossible for me to perceive their true caliber. Perhaps what I can perceive is at best the tip of the iceberg. Since my Blessing to Ye Jin Nim five years ago, I feel that I have grown and matured. However, as I look back I realize that I have done so only because of the blood and suffering of our True Parents.

I came to America in 1982 and received this very special Blessing to Ye Jin Nim. For two years thereafter I attended Father's speech virtually every Sunday. During that time I felt closer to God than ever before. Every word Father spoke made a deep impression on me, and I was educated and nurtured in this way. I trembled with joy and excitement as Father described the creation and the love of God. When he prayed in tears I knew I was listening to the truth. Really, I was a little baby who couldn't understand what my Parents were doing for me. Then the shock of Danbury came.

True Parents consoled us without even a hint of frustration or desperation. I don't know how many times I had pledged that I would live up to the expectations of God and True Parents, but I wasn't able to practice Father's teachings fully in my own life. After Father went to Danbury I felt that I had not fulfilled my responsibility and was ashamed of myself. I knew that I had to go right to the center of Father's heart in order to understand God's Shim Jung. Such heart does not come for nothing: Only throw h suffering, tribulation, heartache -- even the betrayal of the people closest to us -- can we understand what God's Shim Jung is like -- and even then, not entirely.

I remember once when I heard Father deep in prayer, crying "Aboji!" For him the word Aboji is not just a simple word that we use in everyday life: It is a direct link to God's heart. It shows that he is indeed feeling and sharing the agony of God.

This anniversary should be a time for reflection and the appraisal of our lives; it should be a time for new maturity. I hope that we can be reborn and come closer to the heart of True Parents. I am eternally grateful for what Father has done in Danbury, for the lesson of his absolute faith, and unchanging attitude towards (,od. As long as we have life and breath we should never give up our faith and determination. That is the only way we can reach the Shim Jung of God and True Parents. I want to inherit their heart and standard and tradition. God, True Parents, thank you very much.

Jin Sung Nim

Inherit True Children's passion
Jin Sung Nim

I was asked to join the True Family about two and a half years ago. In the wintertime after Heung Jin Nim's accident, the True Children were very heavy in heart, but True Father was able to hold a special Blessing for my sister and Heung Jin Nim. This brought Heung Jin Nim to the pinnacle of the spirit world where he could stand as king.

All of this took place in the second year of Father's last providential three-year course. I realized more and more that I was entering a spiritual hurricane, a life-and-death battle. Standing next to the true sons and daughters, I was able to see how impure and unworthy I was, yet I was washed clean in a way by their incredible love as they and the True Parents embraced me with all of their heart.

Then, as you know, came the trial -- that incredible battle between God and Satan, between True Parents and Satan. At that time the True Family held a vigil every night in the cold of winter to pray for this country and the world, asking for God's forgiveness and new hope. All along I could not believe what was happening. I know that because of the lack of faith and unity among all of the leaders and on down to the very last member, True Father had to go the course of Danbury, all alone.

Later Father encouraged me to go to law school. There I realized that all of the legal scholars in this country were beginning to awaken to the fact that an incredible injustice had been perpetrated against this man of God. One professor even asked me to present a paper about Father's court case. As I studied more and more and delved deeper and deeper into the issues I realized how incredibly unjust it was. You must know clearly what has come to pass. Just as when the mob cried out for Jesus to be crucified, the court system in this land of freedom pitted twelve people against Father, even after he had asked to be tried by a judge. A jury must be composed of unbiased jurors, but forty percent of the 1,000 people surveyed in New York said they would put Rev. Moon in jail no matter what was said in court. How can we possibly say those twelve people were fair?

God raised this country up to be His champion. It was His original ideal for America to be the land of the just, where people could be free to worship God. True Father came and has struggled for the last 14 years. The American members especially must realize what their country has done to True Parents.

I truly want to inherit the passion of the true sons and daughters. As you witnessed today, Ye Jin Nim, In Jin Nim, and Kook Jin Nim have incredible heart and passion to follow True Parents no matter what. Because of the suffering of True Father and his family we have reached the turning point; but if you do not hear what he is saying and do not go in the direction he is pointing, he himself says that we may all suffer total destruction. This is a very serious time. I pledge and hope that all of you can join with me to follow our Father and Mother unto our very lives. Thank you very much.

Talk over dinner on Shin Bok Nim's birthday

Hak Ja Han
May 11, 1986
Excerpts
Tokyo, Japan

When I think of our children, I cannot help but feel compassion for them, because they have always lived apart from their parents. In normal families either the father or mother always takes care of the children. Even in the Unification Church, parents of blessed families usually have some time to spend with their children. But in the True Family, we hardly have any time to be together because we are constantly busy for the sake of our mission. We have very little time even to share a meal together, or to talk. That's why the True Children always feel so lonely.

Concerning their education, the younger brothers and sisters can learn from the older ones, as long as the older ones fulfill their position and keep the heavenly tradition. When Un Jin Nim was two years old, she once woke up when her four older brothers and sisters were at pledge service. When she found out that they had recited pledge, she later asked us, "Why didn't you wake me up so I could go to the pledge service too?" Then she cried. The younger children thus learn what they should do in a natural way, by example. That means that if the father and mother live for the sake of the public, the children will learn to do the same.

Before Heung Jin Nim went to the spirit world, he used to say, "I have to protect my father;" and he meant it. Neither Father nor I asked him to do so; it was entirely his own decision. Heung Jin Nim respected Father very much and served him devotedly. This is not only true for Heung Jin Nim, but also for his older brothers and sisters. All 13 children are very deeply bound together in love.

Jeung Jin Nim tests the waters.

We Always Keep Our Traditions

In the True Family we keep family traditions. For example at birthday celebrations, Father is always the first to take the spoon and start eating. Then the children follow in sequence according to their age. Even though we have been living in America for more than 13 years, with Father as the center, we always keep our traditions, and thus we keep heavenly law as well. That's why Heavenly Father protects the True Children and guides them.

In 1988, the Olympic Games will take place in Korea. Un Jin Nim and Hyun Jin Nim will compete in horseback riding. In order to enter such a great competition, one usually has to train for at least seven to ten years, but Hyun Jin Nim qualified after training for only three years. Last summer he participated as the only Asian representative in a worldwide junior horse-back riding competition in Florida, which even Prince Charles of England once participated in. Hyun Jin Nim took first place among all 4,000 competitors, so I believe he has a special talent in this area. Hyun Jin Nim's nickname is Rambo Moon, and his horse's name is Empire. He will also enter another competition in August. I would like to ask you to pray that he will achieve a good score in the upcoming Olympic Games.

Another aspect of Hyun Jin Nim's character is his kindness and consideration. Whenever I am tired he asks me how I am and worries about my health. He is also very humorous and likes to make jokes. Hyun Jin Nim really has a very big heart!

Kook Jin Nim is a good student, especially in mathematics. He even excels Hyung Jin Nim in it. He always thinks logically and makes very precise decisions. Once Father said, "Kook Jin, you may want to become a lawyer someday." Whenever Kook Jin Nim thinks he is right, he will find logical reasons to support his viewpoint and insist on it to the very end. He will even try to present his viewpoint to his older brothers if need be. Also, both Hyung Jin Nim and Kook Jin Nim are very interested and versed in the history of World War II. They know all about the armies, the warships, and the battles that were fought.

Kwon Jin Nim is five years younger than Kook Jin Nim. Even though he is still young, he behaves like a little British gentleman. That's why he is so loved by American brothers and sisters. When he gets into a car, for example, he says, "Hello, Mr. Driver. You are very nicely dressed today," or, "I would also like to become Father's driver someday," and in this way he lifts up the driver's spirit. Kwon Jin Nim is supremely gifted musically. Once in an opera production at school he played the character of a king and background=amoeba.gifwas highly praised for his performance.

Yeon Jin Nim, Young Jin Nim, and Sun Jin Nim supervise a delivery of watermelons.

The Parents' Example

Hyung Jin Nim is very well behaved; he follows heavenly law exactly. Before going to bed every night, he reflects on the day. Even the sisters who look after the children learn good manners from him. Sometimes they fear him because he is very strong-minded. If a sister reprimands him and he doesn't believe there was a reason for it, he will tell her, "You are wrong." He will point out and explain her mistakes, and he won't go to bed until she admits them. Father and I never taught him to do that, but children learn on their own by observing the attitude of their parents. Because Adam and Eve could communicate with God, their Parent, directly before the fall, they knew what they were supposed to do. The growth of children depends upon the behavior and example of the parents.

Today's social environment in America is bad for children. I feel very sorry about this. The moral standard in this country is extremely low. When I think about the children having to live and study in such an environment, I cannot help but worry about them. All I can do is have faith and trust in Heaven.

Young Jin Nim is the most intellectual among the children and his thinking is always very precise. Father often advised the older children to study foreign languages. This inspired Young Jin Nim to challenge Chinese, which is said to be the most difficult language. Because he comprehends quickly and easily, he is able to learn the most complicated Chinese characters by heart once he determines to do so.

Sun Jin Nim and Kwon Jin Nim are almost the same age. Sun Jin Nim often imitates me, and Kwon Jin Nim often imitates Father. Sun Jin Nim has very good qualities and is spiritually very sharp. Whenever she sees a sister on the staff whose spirit is not high that day, she tells her, "You may go home today."

When Yeon Jin Nim was born, her face resembled Father's very much. Because she was a bit chubby when she was little, she was given the nickname Fatty, but now her noble appearance again reminds me of Father. She is very generous and has the nature of a princess. She is tenacious in a positive way; once she starts something, she will continue untiringly. Even though it is difficult for others to make friends with her in the beginning, once she is won over as a friend, she will keep the friendship for a long time.

Jeung Jin Nim is very similar to me when I was a child. She is much loved by everyone. A spiritualist once advised me to be careful that the spirit world doesn't take her. She is also gifted musically; once she hears a song, she can learn to sing it immediately. She is very clever and spiritually quite clear.

Each one of the True Children has a God-given gift. I have 13 children, but I never thought I had too many.

In conclusion, I would like to say that children should be educated with love and devotion. We all have to bring our families into relationship with the harmony of the universe. Love melts everything and makes unity possible. Therefore, if we educate our children with love, without worrying too much about order, their lives will automatically flow in the right direction.

A special message from Japan

Hak Ja Han
May 11, 1986

On Mother's Day, May 11, 1986, a welcoming party was held at the Tokyo church center for True Mother, who had been visiting in Japan at the time. She encouraged the church leaders to fry their best to fulfill the ideals of loyalty, filial piety, and virtue through true love. The following is an excerpt from her message.

I'm so glad to meet you. A little while ago Vice President Oyamada kindly said, "We are happy to welcome True Mother on this Mother's Day:' However, as I stand here before you, I feel very sorry to both God and you.

As a rule, the relationship between the mother and the children is closer than that between the father and the children. My heart is sorrowful because the language this Mother uses and the language her children use are different; thus we are separated from each other. This language separation was caused by mistakes perpetrated long ago. I want you to develop your language ability so that we can have direct communication with each other.

As the world moves towards the twenty-first century, Japan is a leading nation economically and industrially. In this age technological development has been accelerated, and communication has been greatly facilitated. Of course, these developments are also for the benefit of the providence, in that a speech given by Father in America or Korea can be received in Japan in just one hour. Therefore I assume that you know about God's words and I hope that you put them into practice even more than I do.

When we look back to the past we can see that God called the Israelites in hopes that He could send His son to them in the Last Days and through him restore the whole world. However, Jesus was crucified because the people who were supposed to serve him failed to do so. After that God had to continue His providence for several thousand years and guide human history in the right direction -- shedding blood, sweat, and tears in the process.

Father Started From the Lowest Point

The historical milieu in which Father began his mission was confusing; it was right after the war had ended. If the Korean people centering on Christianity had accepted him, history could have moved forward on a solid foundation. Instead, since the prepared people would not accept Father, he had to walk the sacrificial way of the cross once again. He opened the way for unification starting from the lowest position. When we look back in history we see that miserable situations had to be repeated over and over again due to the faithlessness of mankind. I wonder how many tears Father has shed in developing the Unification Church from the lowest level to its present foundation. I am awed by how much he has willingly suffered in the midst of disbelief and complaint in order to help people know God's will and guide them so they can practice it. I am certain that you cannot help but cry whenever you call him "Father!'

God always relates to mankind with love. During Father's 13 months at Danbury, he overcame ineffaceable agony, forgave and loved the people, and set an example in every aspect of life. I'm sure you have heard of the phrase, "Restore through being stricken!" Can you find anyone in all of history who practiced perfect love in such a way and became the embodiment of this love? By virtue of Father's love, God was moved and even evil people had to repent.

Five months have already passed since Father returned to Korea following the worldwide victory he won at Danbury. Recently Korea has been facing difficulties from both providential and external points of view. During this time Father held many ceremonies. I suppose you know the contents of those ceremonies very well. In these five months, Father has spoken to many professors and intellectuals. He told them that true love is the only hope of mankind. He strongly emphasized that a husband and wife can become united only by true love, and that the family, nation, and world also cannot become one without love. In both Korea and America people have been seriously considering the meaning of "True Parents!" When I was on Jeju Island I could see with my own eyes that our ideology has become well known, even among the common people. With Father's effort the love of the True Parents centered on God is now reverberating throughout the country.

Recognized as a Holy Mother

Around the time of Un Jin Nim's Holy Wedding, a Korean woman's magazine printed an article about me, using the words "holy mother" to describe me. Thus I was recognized as a mother at last. This article demonstrated that the world, which is struggling for direction, has found its True Mother, and the way that it should take has now become clear. There is a saying, "The minds of people reach to the mind of heaven:' Thus our future is magnificent and filled with hope.

We are now preparing for settlement in Canaan after completing a 40-year period of wandering in the wilderness. During this period it was important that our children were educated properly. I am so grateful to have witnessed the Blessing of the 36 Couples of the second generation, a moving and history-making event. The 36, 72, and 124 Couples could unite through this Blessing. Through the second generation the first generation could repent and the first and the second generations could become completely one.

The thinking of our second generation is very clear and I can feel their determination to walk the way of Father's tradition. Since I cannot testify to all of the new 36 Couples, I would like to share a heartwarming story about one particular bride. The bridegroom of this young woman was so poor that he had to take her to live with his father. As a consequence the bride's parents became very worried about her. However, she made them feel at ease by assuring her mother, "Don't worry about me. I'll be all right." There are many other beautiful stories besides this.

In the time of the Exodus, the first generation fell in the wilderness and only the second generation could enter Canaan. This time the first generation is going to enter the new world along with the second. I have witnessed the beautiful heart of the first generation in that they were determined to become good fertilizer for the second. What is the motto of this year? It is "Creation and Building of the Kingdom of Heaven;' isn't it? Since the Blessing of the second generation I feel that our way is now sturdy and secure.

Before I left Korea for Japan I asked Father, "Do you have any specific words of guidance you would like me to bring to the Japanese members?" Father replied, "Tell them that we have to do our best till 1988 or else we will be in danger. We have to exert ourselves to do the utmost, keeping in mind that there may even be the possibility of our destruction unless we make enough effort:'

Father is not supposed to overwork himself, but he is working very hard on the front line in spite of his old age. Even young people cannot get the better of him. Father is always making plans for the future, giving thought to all aspects of life. He never rests. He once said, "I will always keep myself busy until I pass away to the other world." Every day he is practicing this. Have you ever stopped to think what it will be like when Father is no longer with us?

Since we are the ones who have welcomed the greatest person ever since history began, we are expected to do our best. Today I offer you my heartfelt greetings. I hope that you will serve our True Parents with loyalty, filial piety, and virtue, and that you will fulfill your mission as the mother nation. 

Remarks of Mrs. Sun Myung Moon Delivered in Acceptance of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity Award to the Reverend Sun Myung Moon by Shaw Divinity School

Hak Ja Han
May 11, 1985
Convocation for the Awarding of Degrees
Shaw Divinity School
Raleigh, North Carolina

Mother is joined by Ye Jin Nim, Hyo Jin Nim, and Nan Sook Nim following the awards ceremony during which she accepted on Father's behalf an honorary doctorate from Shaw Divinity School in North Carolina.

Dr. Smith, Dr. Turner, Dr. Paige, members of the faculty of Shaw Divinity School and Shaw University, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

On behalf of my husband, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, and our family, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the honor you have bestowed upon him this day. My husband was especially moved when he read of the history of Shaw University and Shaw Divinity School, and of their founder, Dr. Henry Martin Tupper, for he found in the life of your founder two Christ-like characteristics to which he dedicated his own life: love of God and service to humanity.

I am told that on your Founder's Day you all gather around Dr. Tupper's grave in the center of the campus to pay tribute to this great man, and to read aloud the epitaph on his tombstone:

He counted not his life
Dear unto himself
That he might lift Godward
his brother.

Dr. Tupper received a great deal of persecution for his idealism and yet he persevered with courage. Rev. Moon, too, knows the meaning of being persecuted for the sake of ideals; he is in a federal prison this very day on that account. Yet the sole purpose of his life will continue to be to lift all people Godward and ease the pain of suffering humanity.

Mother addresses the audience at Shaw University upon accepting Father's honorary doctorate.

My husband has also devoted himself to the cause of unity and understanding between races. When he was asked, "Who is the greatest American leader of the twentieth century?" Rev. Moon replied, "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." At a time when many oppressed people wanted to return hate for hate, Dr. King said, "We must return love for hate." Dr. King was imprisoned over and over again, and he gave his life for what he believed, but his words continue to inspire us.

In the same tradition, my husband loves his enemies. He long ago forgave his accusers, and he loves America now more than ever. He is thanking God in prison because he has been used as an instrument to rally and inspire the American people to fight against all forms of oppression and injustice.

Rev. Moon shares with Shaw Divinity School and Shaw University a commitment to international, inter-religious, and interracial harmony. Since it is his belief that Jesus would have us live, work, and study as one loving human family, he has dedicated his life and his ministry to end racism, religious bigotry, and all forms of intolerance, not because he hoped it would make him popular or famous, but because it is right and because it is the will of God.

Shaw Divinity School and Shaw University have had a great past, and Rev. Moon believes and prays that, with God's blessings, it will be used by God to establish an even greater future. He is pleased then to join in the great tradition of the Shaw Divinity School in working to love God and serve all God's children.

May God bless the Shaw Divinity School for its bold leadership and courage now as in years past, and may He use it as a living instrument to build His Kingdom.

Thank you very much.

Shaw Divinity School Awards Father Honorary Doctorate

After the May 11 ceremony, Mother is joined by (left to right) Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak, Dr. Bo Hi Pak, Ye Jin Nim, Hyo Jin Nim, Nan Sook Nim, and Dr. Mose Durst.

On May 11, Shaw Divinity School in Raleigh, North Carolina, awarded Father an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree. Mother participated in the public graduation ceremonies at the Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, accepting the honor on Father's behalf.

School trustee Rev. Oscar McLaughlin, in presenting Father's degree to Mother, remarked that Father was being recognized for his "commitment to the cause of Christianity in the world today and social and political activism, including religious freedom" as well as for "his campaign against world communism." Rev. McLaughlin called him a "fighter and champion of peace and justice" and a "champion of human rights against all forms of tyranny." Mother stood quietly by while Rev. McLaughlin spoke; then she accepted the diploma and a red and white doctoral hood in Father's place.

Mother gave a brief but moving speech [see box] to which the 3,000 people in the audience listened with great respect and sincerity. As the first American school to publicly recognize Father in this way*, she said, Shaw Divinity School demonstrated great courage, vision, and Christian commitment in the highest sense.

Mother shakes a professor's hand at the reception following the conferring of Father's honorary doctorate. Left of her is Dr. Joseph Paige, executive vice president of Shaw Divinity School. Hyo fin Nim is at right.

In addition to honoring Father, the school also gave honorary doctorates to Dr. W. Franklin Richardson, general secretary of the National Baptist Convention and senior minister of Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, New York; and to Dr. Oscar Cook, pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a member of the general board of the Baptist State Convention.

The doctoral presentations were made before the joint commencement ceremonies of Shaw Divinity School and Shaw University. More than 350 students received degrees, with 14 divinity school students graduating.

Dr. W. Franklin Richardson commented at a luncheon after the event that it was truly commendable to give the degree to Father while he was still in prison because "Jesus tells us to remember those in prison: `...1 was in prison and you came to me' (Mt 25:36)."

In announcing the awards, Dr. Stanley H. Smith, president of Shaw Divinity School and Shaw University, stated that honorary degrees are given to persons who have distinguished themselves in their profession, specialty, and communities, and to persons who have been instrumental in advancing Shaw Divinity School.

A statement released by the school said that Father "has demonstrated a deep and sacrificial concern for establishing God's kingdom through the elimination of racial and religious bigotry."

---

Note:

* On December 9, 1975, Father was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD.) degree from Ricker College in Houlton, Maine. This is the first time, however, that Father received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree from an American institution.

Mother's Talk with Older Sisters -- A Lesson from the Tree on the Hill

Hak Ja Han
December 22, 1984
East Garden
Notes: Joy Garratt

I feel sorry that I cannot spend much time with you because of the situations that arise now that Father is in prison.

Father has been directing this movement through various leaders. Usually, Father gives directions through those leaders. Until now my role has been more like that of a shadow to Father, rather than that of a leader. Today I would like to share my experiences and give some guidance to you.

Up to this point, we have all been working to build the fatherland and working very hard in our missions. In order to lay a strong foundation in America, we, the senior couples, must set a superior example. While we are doing our missions to build the fatherland, we must recognize that our mission to build the Kingdom of Heaven on earth is a huge and magnificent one. Until we hear from God and True Parents that we have finished this task, we cannot settle down anywhere, but we must maintain the pioneer spirit. Until we complete the restoration of this whole world, we must not think of resting someplace or just establishing our own individual family.

Woman and the Tradition

When it comes to laying a strong tradition in our life of faith, it usually takes the woman, not the man, to really lay the strong tradition. We all have experienced giving birth and raising children. Suppose one of your children is not as smart as the others. That doesn't mean you can be prejudiced or mistreat the child. Parental love, particularly mother's love, goes especially to the one who is not as good as the other children.

We should learn a lesson from any 100-year old tree that is standing on a hill. We did not observe the process, but that tree has endured so many conditions -- stormy and rainy weather, all sorts of things. Yet still it stands there alone on the hill. A lot of pain, struggle, and difficulty which we cannot see is behind it.

If we try to avoid difficulty and struggle rather than face it, this will not benefit us or anyone else. In Father's life it has always been that way. There have been many opportunities for Father to avoid difficult circumstances and take an easier way, but he has never avoided any troublesome situations. He always faced them in light of the Principle.

We have to learn the lesson of that old tree on the hill which sets the tradition and is never swayed. In the same way, we as senior couples must stand in place like that old tree. Even if young people do not understand what we went through, we must stand tall and set the example.

Respect for Those Who Served and Endured

When it comes to the application of our family tradition, the first couples blessed were the 36 couples. No matter how old we are spiritually, we must show respect to the 36 blessed couples. This does not mean that the 36 blessed couples have reached the perfection stage in the eyes of God and True Parents. The 36 couples have served True Parents the longest and went through persecution with them in the most difficult of times. As we work with them we will gradually learn what tradition they are setting around True Parents in serving their family.

We must realize, admit, and remember the lesson of the ancient tree. If we have ever found ourselves accusing Korean leaders or the senior Japanese leaders for their leadership or capabilities, we must understand that is not our tradition. I have felt so sad when I received such reports.

That doesn't mean the 36 blessed couples or the Japanese leaders are perfect. They are the same as all of us who are striving to create the fatherland. We are all in the same situation, working for the same goal. If we go around criticizing brothers and sisters, that is very dangerous, and eventually such behavior will damage your own spiritual life.

You must be humble to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. You must be humble in terms of embracing brothers and sisters. You should embrace them even if they have some flaw.

Live for others! That is Father's motto and that sums up everything. If you practice the principle of being humble when dealing with others, people will come to you -- in fact, they will flock to you! If you emphasize your pride and position, they will leave you and not respect you.

If there is anything you want to discuss with me or say to me, please speak with Mrs. Eu [Gil Ja Sa]. She will help, not hinder your life. She is senior in terms of her life of faith and being a blessed couple. If you open your heart and really discuss things with her, she can help a lot.

We all have much to learn. American women have a tendency to talk a lot. If you try to resemble me more, I don't think you will lose anything

Remarks at The Acceptance Ceremony of the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa awarded to the Reverend Sun Myung Moon

Hak Ja Han
November 15, 1984
The United Nations, New York

Ambassador Jose Maria Chaves, Dr. Nicolas Argentato, Honorable Deans of the Catholic University of La Plata, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of my husband, Reverend Sun Myung Moon, it is a great honor for me to accept this Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa from the distinguished Catholic University of La Plata.

As the wife of Reverend Moon, I join with my children and the members of the Unification Movement throughout the world in saluting the courageous stand which you and your university are taking in recognizing and honoring my husband at this difficult time. It deeply touches my heart. I cannot truly express the profound appreciation which I feel on this occasion.

My husband is today in the United States federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut. He is in prison because he loves God rather than his own freedom. He is in prison because he loves humanity rather than his own comfort. He is in prison because he is a man of principle rather than a man of popularity. And he is in prison because he lives for history rather than for the present moment. When we look at history, we see that men of God and men of principle have often walked the path of suffering. My husband is following that tradition.

The Catholic University of La Plata has recognized the value of his life, his vision and his work, and that is why you are honoring him today. My heart is deeply grieved that he cannot be here to receive this honor in person, but it is more meaningful in history, after all, that you have honored him in this way during his confinement.

Today I came from Danbury prison where I spent the day with my husband. On my departure, he asked me to convey his very sincere gratitude for your most kind recognition of his work. Your action clearly testifies to the world that Reverend Moon is today working for the sake of humanity and not for himself. Furthermore, this honor shows that his suffering is not in vain, and that the people of the world appreciate his life-long dedication to the, cause of God and humanity.

My husband has visited your great country of Argentina, and he has seen the tremendous future which lies ahead for the Argentine people and nation. Your university is one of the finest in the Americas, and is upholding the tradition of a great teaching institution in accord with the 2,000-year heritage of the Roman Catholic Church. Your standard, particularly your stand on behalf of true freedom under God, has won his heart. My husband feels great joy to establish this special bond with the Catholic University of La Plata. He and I are looking forward to visiting your great university in the not too distant future.

God bless you. God bless the Catholic University of La Plata. Thank you very much.