Fairfax, VA – Throughout the Christian world, “Good Friday” is observed as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifice Christ made for the freedom of mankind. Yet, juxtaposed to this is the reality of the harsh conditions under which the majority of the women of South Asia and other parts of the world exist. To learn more about these UPF Virginia in partnership with Pure Style, Inc. hosted on forum on “Planet 50-50 by 2030: STEP IT UP For Gender Equality” at the Learning Center from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
Some of these atrocities were explained by Ambassador For Peace (AFP) Mrs. Fawzia Etemadi, who recalled the drastic changes in Afghanistan when Russia invaded. Hundreds of people were buried alive including many members of her own family. The perpetrators said bullets were too valuable to waste on the people so they buried them alive The ground moved continuously because the people were still alive. When she left Afghanistan en route to Germany she was traveling with her infant child and baby. Except for the clothes they wore the authorities stripped them of all their personal possessions at the airport. One of the airport officials grudgingly tossed a blanket at her. What should have been a short stay in Germany, to await her husband’s arrival, lasted for several months. When she recalled what her countrymen did to their own people she could not understand why she and others, having committed no crime, had to suffer in this way. As a result she had a nervous breakdown. When they arrived in America she was so relieved she immediately decided that America is her country. She will no longer hold on to the pain of the past. She will move on in freedom.
Mrs. Etemadi has held various positions at different governmental and non-governmental organizations with the US Department of State, US Department of Justice, US Department of Homeland Security, US House of Representatives, Ambassador for Peace, Founding Member and Executive Director of the Afghanistan Foundation; Afghan-American Electoral College Member, and Provisional President of the Rotary International 1985-Present.
In another presentation, AFP Mrs. Man Kumari Thapa, showed the geographical location and the countries that comprise South Asia. She then provided statistics to show the discrepancy between literate and the illiterate women in Nepal, her native land, as well as the other countries in South Asia. The caste system is an impediment to the country because, “the women in the upper classes do nothing to help the majority of women because they are in the lower class” she said.
“Step It Up for Gender Equality” is a good idea, however practical systems need to be implemented, she encouraged. One vital step is educating young girls beginning from the lower grades. This will enable them to become catalysts for change in their own families when their mothers are being mistreated by their fathers. Neelab Yousefzai, from Afghanistan, who received her AFP appointment during the program, added that the mothers also should be educated because the changes in the school will have the support of the mothers at home. Mariam Rusta and Malal Nezam, also from Afghanistan, and also new AFPs, offered an example of the cycle of violence toward these women. Not only are the women in lower classes kept illiterate but large dowries are required for their wedding. After the wedding they are then sent to live with their in-laws where they become the servant to the family. When the husband returns home after work, even though he may have no intention of harming his wife, his mother instigates domestic violence by saying the wife is no good and is lazy. Unfortunately, this repeats the cycle which she, his mother, experienced when she was younger.
Mrs. Thapa reiterated that education should be implemented at the middle school level which would teach the girls their value. She concluded by saying that the boys should also be educated, thereby preventing the continuation of the cycle of violence perpetuated by their predecessors.
Soppi, a princess from Cameroon and a broadcast journalist of AMA TV-USA commented that there are places in Africa where women suffer the same fate and reminded us that women in America also suffer domestic violence.
A call to action was issued by the Executive Director Barbara Moseley-Marks to which everyone agreed. A meeting of AFPs will be convened at a later date for this purpose.
A special thank you to Mr. Yoshiyuki Iwaki of the Sekai Nippo for donating his time to Photograph the event.
Contributed by: Barbara Moseley-Marks, Executive Director, UPF VA
Seattle, WA – Sixteen Ambassadors for Peace and friends of Universal Peace Federation Washington State held a Peace Forum on March 24, 2016 in celebration of the United Nation’s International Day of Women at the Windermere House, Seattle Washington.
The forum with the theme “Building a World of Peace through Reconciliation” was facilitated by Ambassafor for Peace Emma Herron assisted by Mrs. Yuko Faris, Assistant AFP Program Coordinator.
During dinner, UPF WA Executive Director Raymond McCready shared on the importance of women in building a world of peace. Based on the words from the Seattle Director of Women’s Federation for World Peace, Mrs. Sarah Nishioka, McCready pointed out the importance of strong couples and families working together to lift up the role of women in peace-building.
Mrs. Laura Conner spoke of the work of the Genesis Project, a registered non-profit which exists to offer hope of a new life to girls and women caught in a life of sexual exploitation, through a three-phase approach of immediate shelter, job skills training and relocation assistance, all with generous spiritual and emotional support. Her presentation culminated with question and answer
After questions on the Genesis Project, Mr McCready gave a presentation about “Reconciliation”, the third topic of the Principles of Peace, which underpin and guide UPF activities. The contents were well-received and then followed a stimulating discussion on the methods and process to bring forth reconciliation between estranged parties.
The group agreed to come together again in April for another productive discussion contributing to the work of peace.
Reported by: Raymond McCready, UPF WA Executive Director
New York, NY – The Universal Peace Federation hosted the 1st Introductory Leadership Seminar on March 19, 2016 at the FFWPU Learning Center, 4 West 43rd St. New York, NY. The seminar was geared on empowering Ambassadors for Peace to be effective peace-loving leaders in America.
Twenty-six (26) participants spent four hours together studying and sharing on three significant topics: 1) Vision for Peace: Universal Principles of Creation; 2) The Root Cause of Conflict; and 3) The Principles of Reconciliation. Bishop Irene Wilder of the Faith Restoration Center from Brooklyn NY gave a moving invocation followed by a video presentation on UPF’s core values and areas of work.
For the first time, UPF USA introduces a new approach to sharing the Principles. Instead of just the presenter giving the talk, participants were asked to discourse and reflect on a question given to each group. Three groups were organized and each were given different questions to discuss. Each participant can share their personal reflections and experiences which added more value and more real-life perspective on the topics presented.
Here are sample questions given during group discussions provided by the members of UPF USA Peace Education Committee:
“Do you agree that humankind, not God, is responsible for the problems we see in today’s world? Do you think that humankind has the ability to overcome the problems? What would it take?”
“Does it really matter what a leader does in his or her personal life, as long as the leader is working to help others?”
“How can Ambassadors for Peace bridge the gaps between people of differing racial, religious or ethnic backgrounds? How can they help bring enemies together?”
Most of the participants were deeply engaged on the conversations that they even pass their break time. Every discussion brought powerful reflections and display of human emotions. Ambassador for Peace Rae Beth Maye quipped “This is the most interesting and invigorating seminar that I have attended after so many years. I feel very inspired and hopeful”. Ambassador for Peace Margarita Cabral encouraged everyone to act on what have been learned from the seminar by forming small groups and sharing it to our communities and neighborhoods. Further she said, “We have to go out to the community and we have to teach, we have to educate, we have to promote, and we have to facilitate not just for ourselves but for others. Most importantly, we have to evaluate and get feedbacks”. Finally, Rev. John Arias who facilitated one group gave a brief summary report on their group’s discussion which generally reflected everyone.
But the most inspiring reflection was that of Ms. Eve Harrison, a singer. She confessed “Thank you for inviting me and sharing the Principles of Peace, this is the answer to my prayers. I am definitely interested to become part of UPF”. Rev. Desmond Green, the UPF Executive Director of Caribbean Affairs led the group in singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” to conclude the seminar and each participant received a certificate of attendance.
Everyone was so excited to come together again next April to discuss how to contribute to the different areas of work of UPF USA such as Interfaith Peacebuilding, Marriage and Families, Peace Council and Youth and Service.
Seattle, WA – The Ambassadors for Peace (AFP) of Washington State held a dinner meeting on February 25, 2015 at the Windermere House overlooking Lake Washington. Twenty-five (25) AFPs and friends attended the event to celebrate the birthdays of Rev Sun Myung Moon and his wife Dr Hak Jan Han Moon. Their birthdays are both on January 6th (lunar calendar). Also it is a celebration commencing the 2nd decade of UPF in Washington State, hence, the title “Honoring the UPF Founders as we begin the Second Decade of UPF Peace-building”.
After the dinner, a video was shown reviewing the life and works of Rev. Moon. In 1999, he inaugurated the program to appoint Ambassadors for Peace to lead peace-building efforts locally and worldwide. In September of 2005 this was incorporated into the Universal Peace Federation. Following the video was a discussion on the Five UPF Core Principles, including God, spirituality, family, service and unity.
The AFPs of UPF Washington outlined their most important goal for 2016 in line with the goals presented by UPF USA President Richard De Sena during the National Leader’s Meeting on December 20-21, 2015 at IPEC Las Vegas Nevada which is to bring at least new person to a meeting or event. That means to double the number of AFPs within the year.
Furthermore, in 2016, they committed to achieve the following goals:
To prepare presenters for the Principles of Peace presentations;
To establish a local Peace Council in the Seattle area, to foster unity and prevent corrosive polarization in our communities; and
To educate at least 2 state Congressmen/women and/or state Senators in the Principles of Peace, inspiring them with the “vision for peace centered on God as our Parent”.
Finally as part of their long-term goal (2020), they plan that the US President is an Ambassador for Peace, knowledgeable about the Principles of Peace.
The meeting was coordinated by Mrs. Toshiko McCash, AFP Program Coordinator, and supported by Mrs. Yuko Faris, Assistant Coordinator. The emcee was AFP Mrs. Emma Herron.
AFP Dinner
Ambassadors for Peace
Reported by: Raymond McCready, UPF WA Executive Director
Manassas, VA – The warmth and compassion of the heart of the community was felt in their donations of non-perishable food to the tune of 567 pounds to a Hunger Project held on February, 21 in Manassas, Va. The proceeds were donated to The Northern Virginia Family Services, a project of SERVE.
The activity was held at the Giant Food Store on Sudley Road in Manassas, Virginia. Originally slated for the day prior, we discovered, upon arrival, we could not have the project because the clerk double booked. Given the choice of dates available we chose the following day. Unfortunately, some of the people who came to help on the 20th could not participate on the 21 because of prior commitments. While I was setting up the table for the donations, my husband began handing out flyers to the shoppers as they approached the food establishment. I had called the Volunteer Coordinator at NVFS to explain that our community service for he month of February is a hunger project and would they like to be the recipient. “We never refuse food.” she replied enthusiastically. When asked to choose four items, she indicated canned soup, canned meat e.g. tuna fish or chicken and peanut butter and jelly. She explained that they often prepare emergency packages for families in which they include peanut butter and jelly for the children.
As one lady made her donation, she said she appreciated what we were doing because she remembers when she had to get food from the shelter and therefore was happy to contribute. Another person who came out with several bags in a shopping cart said, “This is all yours.” As I thanked her, she responded, “I am truly blessed that is why I want to give a blessing.” Another lady explained that she could not understand why she passed the Giant store where she normally shops. While she was making her donation I explained a little about UPF-USA, she responded. “I am retired from the Federal Reserve Board and have a lot of time on my hands.” I promised to contact her. One man, who is a veteran said, “I bought a house in the area and have been looking for an organization like this.” He showed me photos of containers of toys he and his wife collected throughout the year to give to children in need.
Man Kumari Thapa, AFP, originally from Nepal came on the 20th to help with the hunger project. However, because of a prior family commitment on the 21st, was not sure if she could support us on that day. During that time, however, she heard a voice which said, “cCall Barbara.” Her husband told her you made a commitment so you should go. It was a tremendous blessing because we could not manage the items collected with just our car. Her vehicle was used to transport the 21 boxes of food to our basement since the NVFS was closed on Sunday.
The purpose of this project was not only to serve another organization but rather, to communicate the existence of UPF-USA to the public through free advertising and for later collaborating with other organizations. Consequently we now have five new contacts and are grateful for a rather inspiring day.
Contributed by: Barbara Moseley-Marks, UPF VA Executive Director
Chicago, IL – The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Chicago Chapter celebrated what would have been Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s 96th birthday and his wife coincidental 73rd birthday in Chicago on Tuesday, February 9th, the second day of the Lunar New Year. The event was hosted by the chairman of a local Think Tank at their February monthly meeting. Although, it was a small intimate breakfast gathering, two of Illinois’ most active Ambassadors for Peace commuted in to downtown Chicago for this special occasion. Olfat El Mallakh, a Professor of World Religions and Arabic and Mr. Lee Walker, Founder and President of the New Coalition were in attendance.
UPF Illinois Executive Director Rev. Bruce Sutchar had little else to do other than inviting the guests and bringing in the catered breakfast. Our host was a former Undersecretary of State and he immediately began sharing some deeply personal stories about his experiences with Rev. Moon. He attended Rev. Moon’s very first speech in Chicago at the Arie Crown Theatre at McCormick Place. He described in detail his experience hearing Rev Moon’s robust voice in Korean while Col. Pak translated as an exact replica of Rev Moon’s body language, intonation and volume.
Ambassador for Peace Lee Walker then shared about his experiences with the Unification Movement in Harlem NY. As an African-American, he had never quite seen anything like the scene of caucasian young men and women, dressed in white jump suits cleaning the streets of his neighborhood. Later he would follow all of their activities leading up to Yankee Stadium and eventually was able to connect with the movement after he moved to Chicago. He then began to team with Chicago ACLC President Dr. Willie Weston and travel to several of Rev. Moon’s speeches in the Midwest. Eventually he would attend an International Leadership Conference in Korea and were room mates with Archbishop Stallings which was one of the highlights of his life.
Ambassador for Peace Olfat El Mallakh is an Egyptian Coptic Christian. She met the Unification Movement when she invited Bruce Sutchar to teach in her World Religions Class. In between speeches at Oxford University and the University of Paris, she was the first female participant on the 1st Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) trip to Israel. She shared that her experience of praying at Jesus’ tomb (especially being female and being asked to pray) was one of the deepest experiences of her life. Since that time Professor El Mallakh has attended two of UPF’s international conferences in Korea, where she served as one of the panelists. After the conference, Professor El Mallakh and her engineer husband were given a tour of our power plants in Pusan.
Another attendee at the breakfast was one of the most active leaders of the Catholic Community in Chicago. A grandmother of 18 and great grandmother of 2 children, she is a staunch anti-abortionist and a leader in the Catholic right to life movement.
Our host later shared about his relationship with The Washington Times. He told us what it was like being in Washington when the Times first began publishing. He admired Rev. Moon’s commitment to take on The Washington Post, both philosophically and physically and he shared how much President Ronald Reagan loved the Times. He also talked about how much he respects Rev. Moon’s commitment to financing his movement through various businesses across America.
The participants enjoyed a delicious catered breakfast of assorted hot breakfast sandwiches, muffins, pastries and fresh orange juice at the compliments of the Universal Peace Federation.
Clifton, NJ – The Ambassadors for Peace (AFP) in New Jersey were reunited as they re-launched the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) New Jersey Chapter at a dinner banquet organized on January 31, 2016 at the Clifton Family Church with the theme: “Peace Building and Human Development: Beyond the United Nations”.
More than 100 participants including 9 newly appointed AFPs gathered over sumptuous meal of baked salmon and chicken and some flavor of latino cuisine finished with sweets and desserts. The program was opened by a beautiful interfaith prayer offered by Rev. Reuben Rodriguez representing Christianity, Guru Dileepji representing the World Yoga Community, Dr. Dawud Azad representing Islam, Grandmother Lygia De Castro representing the Native American, and Rev. Gregorio Agulan representing Unificationism.
Dr. Thomas Walsh, President of UPF International was the Keynote Speaker. He briefly introduced the work of UPF centering on its vision and mission. He narrated some key programs that are currently being organized such as the International Leadership Conference in Korea on February 12-16, 2016. And he encouraged the current and new Ambassadors for Peace to actively participate and become agents of a peaceful and harmonious world through local engagements.
The dinner was also graced by the presence of Hon. James Anzaldi, the City Mayor of Clifton NJ and Hon. Joseph Makhandal Champagne an Ambassador For Peace and Former Mayor of South Toms River NJ. On their congratulatory remarks, they both mentioned that despite the diversities and differences in our humanity, there is a powerful Being that we can depend and center our lives on.
Three amazing speakers shared topics on: the “Principles of Peace” presented by Rev Richard De Sena, President UPF USA; “Peace Building Activities in Central Africa” shared by Rev. Ralph Oppeinheimer, Adviser to UPF Central Africa; and “Principles of Peace in Action” presented by Rev. Manoj Jacob, Director UPF New Jersey.
Cultural presentations were showcased as part of entertainment such as an Indian classical dance (Bharatha Natyam) performed by Ms. Asha Kurian and line dance performed by Ms. Elena Bahian and Ms. Christine Rapada of FICA. Then a heart pumping martial arts demonstration was displayed by the practitioners of World Tongil Moo Do Federation USA and the Unified Martial Arts School of New Jersey led by Master Shota Iwasaki and Master Ryan Abenir, respectively.
In the end, each Ambassador for Peace was invited to take part and own the future development of the five areas of UPF work that includes among others: Civic Involvement; Interfaith Peacebuilding; Peace Education; Strengthening Marriage and Family; and Youth and Service. They were also encouraged to contribute by becoming paid members of the state chapter. Furthermore, a monthly Peace Forum will be organized to provide more opportunities for AFPs to interact and act upon the goal of establishing a local Peace Council.
UPF New Jersey would like to recognize and thank all those who supported and volunteered to organize the banquet especially to the members of FFWPU New Jersey, Rev. Merlyn Velasco-Loja who gave the vote of thanks and Mr. Emiljun Rapada of UPF USA who served as the emcee of the event.
Reported by: Tony Vozza, UPF NJ Executive Director & Emiljun Rapada,UPF USA
On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, a UPF Peace Forum was held at the Las Vegas City Hall, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a breakfast meeting held just prior to the Bi-Monthly City Council Meeting. A simple continental breakfast was served at around 7:30 in the morning.
Sixteen (16) participants attended, which represented 75% of those who confirmed to come. Among them are prominent people in the Las Vegas community.
Following the welcoming words by Mrs. Katherine Duncan and Mrs. Leslie Rigney, Mrs. Rigney offered a prayer then the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. James Rigney. An Introduction to UPF was given by Rev. Richard de Sena, President, UPF USA aided by a powerpoint presentation, which was very well received. Dr. Al Gourrier, a distinguished educator, spoke about Dr. King and he emphasized the need for individuals to be united within themselves and to develop a loving family. He said there is still much work to be done to make society just for all people. He gave his message with the leadership of Las Vegas in mind.
Three new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed. The program concluded with a group picture where most proceeded to the City Council Chambers to listen to the proceedings. New friendships were initiated and old acquaintances renewed.
The plan is to hold a regular monthly Peace Forum at City Hall and to connect with the City Mayor and the City Council in order to understand better how to serve Las Vegas. Moreover to establish the framework for the future planned Las Vegas Peace Council.
Durham, NC – It was snowing on the day of the event but it was so amazing to see about 60 people courageously came out and even as families with their children. The members of the Triangle Family Church made extra efforts to help host and support the event.
As part of the Dr Martin Luther King Dreamfest Celebrations, Ms. Carolyn Sampson, an Ambassador For Peace and President of Martin Luther King Task Force of Cary and Ms. Sharon Pace, Executive Director of UPF North Carolina, organized a special Sunday Service to honor Dr. Kings Legacy and Reunite North Carolina through an Ambassadors for Peace Reunion on the 17th of January.
Registration began from 9:30 in the morning and a service of inspirational readings, testimonies and musical offerings went from 10 to noon. A UPF Introductory Video was shown then later Ms. Tatiana Irvin explained the 5 Principles of Peace. Other presenters were Rev. John Pace, Pastor of Triangle Family Church, Ms. Carolyn Sampson, and Ms. Beverly Yekeson, UPF Chairwoman for North Carolina.
Mr. Willie Sherman (husband of Levonder Brinkley) received his Ambassadors for Peace appointment. He is the Founder of WHAM- An International Youth Leadership and Character Development program that incorporates music, poetry, and dance to teach leadership skills and has impacted the lives of many young people. He is also a former Baptist Pastor and was an Instructor of the American National Business College.
After the lunch break, each of the participants were asked to join one of 4 discussion tables with various topics such as: Youth and Service; Inter faith Peace building; Marriage and Family; and Peace and Education. Later, participants gave report on the answers to questions that they were asked to discuss. The program concluded with great hope and much enthusiasm as clearly seen through a smile on everybody’s face.
Seattle, WA – Unity Prayer Meeting held by Universal Peace Federation (UPF) – Ambassadors For Peace Association Washington State (AFPAWS), on Saturday, January 16, 2016, from 10-11:30am in the historic Jose Rizal Park, in Seattle, Washington state.
The meeting was the 2nd Annual Unity Prayer Meeting to start the year together with local Ambassadors For Peace (AFP) in Washington state. The local UPF Staff began organizing for the program in December of 2015. That morning AFP and members of the Seattle Bituin (Star) Lions Club arrived an hour before the meeting time to clean the park area where the meeting was to be held, which helped prepare a holy atmosphere.
Twenty-five Ambassadors for Peace and friends gathered together to share words of inspiration and prayers for our families and communities. Those attending were from diverse ethnic backgrounds and various faith communities, including Christian (Catholic and Protestant) and Unificationist.
Prayers were offered asking God our Creator for guidance in our working for and bringing about greater peace and harmony in our communities. We shared words from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s sermon entitled “Loving Your Enemies”, and then a selection from the Reverend Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s speech given at the founding of the Universal Peace Federation entitled “God’s Ideal Family: The Model for World Peace”. The UPF was co-founded by the Reverend Moon and his wife, Dr. Hakja Han Moon, on September 12, 2005.
Then we went to prayer, with 3 representative prayers, which were followed by a unison prayer, followed by a closing prayer. We then sang two songs: “Let there be peace on earth”, and “God Bless America”. We concluded by rallying with the signs made by our UPF Staff member Mrs. Yuko Faris, proclaiming that we should “Forgive, Love and Unite”, first with God and then with each other. All felt this is a great way to start off the new year.
Reported by: Ray McCready, UPF Washington State Exec. Director and President of AFPAWS.
