Los Angeles, CA – On December 6th, American Leadership Conference (ALC) presented God’s Hope for America to community leaders from across Southern California. The event included a series of presentations and interactive “World Cafe” round table discussions focusing on the theme “Thinking Globally, Taking Action Locally in our Families and in our Communities”.
A total of 70 participants attended the event at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Los Angeles.
Kona, HI – Fifteen Malaysian parliamentarians attended an International Leadership Conference hosted by UPF-North America and UPF-International in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 2014.
From September 25th through October 2nd, 2014, UPF North America and UPF International hosted an Internatinal Leadership Conference for Malaysian Parliamentarians in Kona, Hawaii and Honolulu, who were invited to by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon to learn more about the vision and activities of the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon, Founder of the Universal Peace Federation.
The parliamentarians were invited to Hawaii by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon to learn more about the vision and activities of the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, founder of UPF, and eight of them were accompanied by their spouse. They were accompanied by Mr. Yutaka Yamada, leader of UPF-Malaysia; Dr. Chong Young Yoo, senior adviser of the Parliamentarians’ Federation for World Peace-Malaysia; his wife, Mrs. Kang Chong Cha; and KuiChin Tan, special assistant to Dr. Yoo.
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, chairman of UPF-North America, with his wife, Tamme, hosted the welcome dinner at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Speakers included the Hon. Dan Burton, a former U.S. congressman, and Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, director of public affairs of UPF International in Washington DC. Congressman Burton expressed his condolences for the downing in July of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine. In response, the Hon. Dr. Marcus Makin Mojigoh, representing the Malaysian group, expressed his gratitude to the congressman for his thoughtful remarks as well as to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for her generous invitation.
At the Opening Session the next day, Mrs. Duggan introduced UPF and gave a PowerPoint presentation about its core values, mission and activities in more than 80 locations around the world. Then Dr. Michael Jenkins, chairman of Operations Holdings Inc., talked about the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI), which brought thousands of religious leaders from the United States to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. He shared deeply about the life and activities of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon in the United States. Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general of UPF-North America, presented three lectures: “The Principles of Creation,” “The Root Cause of Conflict” and “The Principles of Restoration and Reconciliation.” His lively presentations were well received and provided an insightful understanding about the principles for building world peace.
Most of the participants were Muslims and agreed that the principles that bring peace, freedom and love are universal, offering comments such as “We all are the children of the Creator, and people have a right to enjoy their lives, live in freedom and have happy lives. Selfishness, hate and greed are the cause of the conflict and ultimately of war.”
Mr. Farley Jones, director of the Pacific Rim Education Foundation, and his wife, Betsy, spoke at Session III on “The Significance of Marriage, Family and the Blessing.” They are early followers of Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s movement in the United States. In their remarks they emphasized the profound prayerful life and devotion of Rev. and Mrs. Moon to the United States and their heartfelt desire to bring this nation back to its religious roots.
On the afternoon of the second day, the participants went to the Hawaii Queen Coffee Garden. Dr. Kim talked about various educational projects of Rev. and Mrs. Moon in Hawaii and their vision of God’s providence centered on the Pacific Rim. He referred to their many prayerful hours “in quiet communion with our Heavenly Parent.” Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island, is the highest point on the earth when measured from the bottom of the seabed to the top of the summit, and Rev. Moon sometimes referred to it as the “closest point to Heaven.”
The lecture room with its panoramic windows overlooking a pool and a tropical garden was an ideal location for the group. The participants enjoyed drinking the delicious Hawaii Queen coffee, which took first place in the 2013 Kona Coffee Cupping Competition, Crown division. Afterward, they visited the 168-acre farm in the heart of the Kona coffee belt.
Dr. Thomas Walsh, president of UPF International, arrived on the evening of Sept. 28. Due to his many commitments in New York, he was unable to join from the beginning of the program. Three of the participants had met him before, but for the others, it was their first occasion to meet the UPF president. He spoke about UPF’s World Summit and its peace initiatives, including programs such as the UN International Day of Peace celebrations held each year in Malaysia. The Malaysians were especially interested in the presentation on “Renewal of the UN and UPF Initiatives and Support for the Work of the UN.” Dr. Walsh, spending nearly one hour on questions and answers, impressed the parliamentarians with his knowledge of current affairs and vast experience. They expressed a unanimous desire for continued cooperation with UPF.
Dr. Yoo spoke about a vision for Malaysia’s contribution to the Pacific Rim culture. He pointed out the similarity of Korea and Malaysia as models for a “peninsula culture,” and referred to a calligraphy Rev. Moon had created for him on the theme of “Malaysia rising from the bottom to the top for the fulfillment of peace.”
Beside the lectures, highlights of the conference included a sightseeing tour around Hawaii’s Big Island, including a visit to Punalu’u (Black Sand) Beach, which is near an active volcano in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the city of Hilo and the Punalu’u Bake Shop. The tour guide said that Rev. and Mrs. Moon also visited these sites. A third-generation Japanese-American born in Hawaii, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Hawaii and the story of Captain James Cook, the early British explorer who died in Hawaii. He said he has been proud to serve as a guide to Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s guests in Kona.
The group was fortunate to see three Hawaiian green sea turtles on Punalu’u Beach and to enjoy the area’s exotic flowers and tropical foliage. It was windy and rainy at the volcano, but fortunately the sky brightened and the sun came out by the time lunch at a nearby hotel restaurant was finished. The group was able to see the volcanic cone with smoke coming out of the crater. It was too dangerous to go near the area where molten lava was flowing.
The guests celebrated their final day in Kona visiting the Hawaii King Garden and the Queen Garden, where Rev. and Mrs. Moon have stayed when they visit Kona. Everyone was captivated by the natural beauty of the gardens and trees such as banana and avocado. The setting sun over the ocean’s horizon was especially breathtaking.
That evening, a “Pure Love and Peace Ceremony” was an opportunity for couples to renew their marriage commitment and reaffirm their love for their spouse. Those who had come with their spouse stood together. Everyone wore a white scarf with the words “True Family” and “Peace Ambassador.” Each participant concluded the ceremony with three cheers. Then all the parliamentarians were honored with appointments as Ambassadors for Peace. During dinner the participants were inspired by the beauty of the surrounding nature and the hospitality of the staff conveying the loving spirit of Rev. and Mrs. Moon.
The group flew to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, arriving in the early morning of Oct. 1. From the airport they went directly to Pearl Harbor, headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The spirit of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his speech “Pearl Harbor—May We Never Forget” was very much felt as the group visited the memorial and paid silent respect to those whose lives were lost on the day of the Japanese air attack, Dec. 7, 1941. After about an hour the participants moved on to Pali Lookout with its panoramic views of Windward Oahu and the Ko’olau mountain range. After checking into their hotel, the participants enjoyed free time walking along the white sands of Waikīkī Beach and marveling at the beautiful view of Diamond Head, the volcanic cone across the bay, or exploring Kalakaua Avenue, with its high-end hotels, designer shops and cafes—all full of tourists.
The farewell dinner was at a Thai restaurant. Many of the dishes were similar to Malay cuisine; for example, the Massaman curry was thoroughly enjoyed by the Malaysians. One participant said: “This is so delicious. I almost feel like I’m back in Kuala Lumpur.”
Dr. Walsh accompanied the delegation to Honolulu and warmly invited suggestions for future cooperation. Mr. de Sena accompanied the group to the airport.
The parliamentarians repeatedly expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for her generosity and special love toward Malaysia.
Appreciation was also expressed to those who made this program such a success. Special thanks to UPF International staff Mrs. Genie Kagawa and Dr. Frank LaGrotteria, who corresponded with the Malaysian coordinators, to David Jung, the tour coordinator in Hawaii, and to Mr. Alberto Faccon, who designed the conference program booklet.
Aloha! In Hawaii, the word Aloha is the common word for greeting and farewell. In the Hawaiian language, it means affection, peace, compassion and mercy.
Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. – On July 2014, UPF USA hosted an event in Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., honoring parents nationwide on the 21st National Parents Day, a holiday inspired by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
Honoring parents nationwide on the 21st National Parents Day – 2014
“We cannot thank the Parents Day organizers enough for this great work. God created us male and female, and instructed us to replenish the earth. But he didn’t just send children to earth to fend for themselves. He provided families where parents take care not only of their physical needs but teach them values that they will need the rest of their lives. The world is full of smart people, but many are lacking in values. Values are the mark of good citizens. Parents teach by their example. And children need both a loving mother and a loving father. No career is more important the being a good parent.” – Elder Daniel Howard, Church of Latter Day Saints; honored with his wife as parents of the year for Virginia
At this July 30th event Master of ceremonies Dr. Michael Jenkins highlighted that Parents Day was the inspiration of Reverend Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) and Congressman Floyd Flake (D-NY) co-sponsored the bill that was signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. “This has established that Parents Day is on the fourth Sunday of July each and every year as a national holiday. Parents are recognized as the union of marriage in the image of God, male and female. Parents sacrifice for and educate their children to be faithful to God and living for the sake of others.”
Two congressmen and four representatives of congressmen came to honor the Parents of the Year. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was the congressional sponsor who arranged for our room on the Hill in the Cannon House Office Building.
Honorees:
National Parents Day Parents of the Year for USA Rev. Willie and Sherion Weston, Chicago
“My wife brings balance to my life. She teaches me to perfect my messages. My motto is ‘Make the necessary adjustments’. I have the highest regard for ACLC and Father and Mother Moon’s instruction to live for the sake of others.” We are deeply honored (he broke down in tears) today. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply encouraged that the efforts we made to invest in our children as well as adopting others was truly God’s great blessing for our lives.”
National Parents Day Pastoral Parents of the Year Robert and Lola Waterman, Brooklyn, New York. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) recognizing Rev. Waterman of Antioch Baptist Church, with Congressman Witmann (R-VA) in support.
“The Pastoral Parent of the Year is exemplified by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. They have been like parents to all the members of the Universal movement. Their attitude is “Not only my children,” but all of God’s children, no matter what race, denomination or nationality. All pastors should have this mindset, that it is the only way to represent God, the Father, who is Father to all of his children. There is no other way to transcend the barriers that divide us. As pastors we have to complete the family for many children growing up without both parents. That way when they marry, they can look back on the model of parenting they you offered. That’s what Father Moon and Mother Moon are doing. They are the models of caring for ‘Not only my child’.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries’s Remarks
“Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman is my friend, and back in Brooklyn he is known as a New School Pastor with an Old Testimony emphasis. He has the wisdom of David, the courage of Joshua and the good looks of Joseph. He has not only served his church and community, but he finds time to be a tremendous family man.”
Congressman Robert Witmann (R- VA) Honoring the Howard Family, Daniel Howard, Mrs. Howard and two sons Brandon and Nick., of Fairfax, Virginia
Congressman Witmann’s remarks honoring the Howard Family
“I congratulate the Howard Family on their honor to receive the National Outstanding Parents award and recognition. I appreciate and thank the National Parents Day Committee for all that you to done make sure families are recognized and models of good parenting are upheld. It is an honor for me and my wife to be a part of this celebration. This is what makes our country special. I am honored to be a part of this great occasion and really want to see marriage and family in the traditional way with man and woman at the center protected and preserve.”
Bishop Franklin and Mrs. Larissa Fountain – Bishop Bibleway Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut honored by staffer on behalf of Congressman Himes of Connecticut
Bishop Franklin and Mrs. Larissa Fountain – Bishop Bibleway Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut honored by staffer on behalf of Congressman Himes of Connecticut.
Phil and Nicole Larsen of Apex, North Carolina; staffer presented award on behalf of Congressman George Holding (R-NC).
Phil and Nicole Larsen of Apex, North Carolina; staffer presented award on behalf of Congressman George Holding (R-NC).
Charles and Francine Neff – Parents of the Year for New Jersey (from Oakhurst)
Dr. Sylveta Gonzales and Lawrence Gonzales – founders of the New School in New
Hundreds of inner city youth have gone to higher education, including Ivy League schools, because of the training in this highly recognized special school.
Rev. Samuel Fisher, Richmond, Virginia,(shown with his grandson), honored with his wife Patricia as State Parents of the Year – award for excellence in parenting
Mr. Brian Duggan – National Legislative Director for National Organization for Marriage
Rev. Angelika Selle – Chairwoman, Women’s Federation for World Peace – USA
“You are revolutionaries, because the culture is going in the other direction.”
Mr. Ricardo de Sena – President, UPF USA
Event sponsors: Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, American Clergy Leadership Conference, The Washington Times Foundation, Women’s Federation for World Peace and Unification, Universal Peace Federation and the National Organization for Marriage were the co-sponsors.
Seattle, WA – Thirty something persons gathered at the Windermere house for the May 2014 meeting of Ambassadors for Peace in Seattle. In addition to many regulars, some seasoned members who had been away (Phillipines and elsewhere) visiting family and doing outreach work.
The Reverend Theodis Gamet, guest of Mr. and Mrs. Araki, offered the invocation and grace. Attendees followed with partaking of an excellent meal, prepared by the loving hands of Ambassador for Peace (AFP) volunteers. As usual, the main dish was their northwest favorite, salmon.
After brief self-introductions by all attendees, the emcee introduced our speaker for the night, Dr. David Burgess. Dr. Burgess, who chaired the Seattle UPF and Ambassador for Peace work for eight years through 2010, including coordinating Service For Peace activities locally, spoke on the topic of Peace-making. He reported that though he had received the topic two weeks prior, it was only on his way home from work that day that he felt God gave him an answer that helped bring his topic into focus.
He began with a rhetorical question: “How does one approach effective peace-making?” His answer: “there are three elements that need to be included.” Dr. Burgess went on to cite and give examples of those three elements. The elements include: “be targeted”, “be strategic” and finally “be disruptive”.
Dr. Burgess gave examples from the history of the Montgomery (Alabama) Bus Boycott, which began centering on the locally, well-known Ms. Rosa Parks and featuring the involvement of the Reverend Martin Luther King, then a young church pastor only recently installed at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
The bus boycott was targeted in that it had a clear and reachable target, it was strategic in that it was based in the morality of fairness for all, and it occurred in a community that would unite behind it, and disruptive in that it did not allow many to remain complacent, but forced most to take a side and demonstrate their beliefs through their actions.
Following Dr. Burgess’s remarks, the Reverend Larry Krishnek, the current UPF Northwest District Chairman, gave remarks on the relationship of that which Dr. Burgess talked about to the Universal Peace Federation’s ongoing work and projects.
Following Rev. Krishnek’s remarks, five persons were awarded a certificate of appointment as an Ambassador for Peace, including Ms. Emma Heron, Vice President of the Jakcares foundation, Mr. Dennis Yamasaki, Theodis Gamet, Parshu Acharya, and Mrs. MaryAnn Wigton, who has served as secretary and bookkeeper of Ambassadors for Peace Association Washington State (AFPAWS) for 13 years.
Following the giving of the certificates to the Ambassador for Peace awardees, Mrs. Wigton remained standing and was honored for her 13 years of volunteer work for the AFPAWS.
During the Announcements section, Mr. Tito Medina spoke and requested volunteers to support the “Veteran Resource Fair” on the 21st of June, 2014. After announcements, the attendees went out to the lakeside stairs and took a group photo.
Montevideo, Uruguay – A special International Leadership Conference took place in Uruguay with theme was “Toward a New Paradigm for Peace and Human Development in Latin America”. Participants included former heads of state, parliamentarians and other government leaders, religious leaders, woman leaders and civic leaders.
We would like to thank Mrs. Hope Igarashi, UPF Chairwoman in Las Vegas, Mrs. Peggy Yujiri, UPF Chairwoman in Denver and Mr. Bruce Sutchar, UPF Chairman in the Midwest for their utmost dedication to make it possible to have an International Leadership Conference bringing together delegates of North and South America.
Here is a video with the participation of three distinguished delegates: Mrs. Katherine Duncan, Ambassador Sam Zakhem and Mr. Charles John Ford.
You can also take a look at a well-created PowerPoint presentation with a summary of this special event by clicking here.
Washington, D.C. – Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, Acting Secretary General of UPF-North America, welcomed guests at lunch on Wednesday September 25, and began by saying that during the Cold War American Leadership Conference had offered a “Headwing” ideology as a counter proposal to the struggle between Communism and Democratic nations.
It was based in a reality of a God-centered thought. She said that the source of all human problems is selfishness, and that great heroes sacrificed themselves for the greater good. “One global family under God” was the theme of the conference, which allows us to go beyond race, creed, nationality and religion. “Good governance and leadership is based in the idea of “living for the sake of others”, a UPF theme, which is the cornerstone to lasting peace,” she concluded.
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Chairman Universal Peace Federation, North America, welcomed the participants and added his agreement to Mrs. Duggan’s words. He praised this series of conferences in North America, the first in the DC area; Ottawa will hold its ALC conference October 3 & 4, Miami and Las Vegas in November and Chicago will hold its conference as part of its annual True Family Values celebration. He encouraged everyone to have a successful conference and wished them well.
Session I: Nation-Building, Good Governance and the United Nations
Dr. Thomas Walsh, President UPF International spoke about the need for both internal and external components to world peace. Now, only national interests are being served at the UN. The “Abel UN,” Rev. Moon’s vision of a religious council within the UN, has been formally proposed. He added, “More and more people are realizing that this is a necessary part of building world peace.” He noted that this idea is being studied in universities and discussed in many circles. Dr. Antonio Betancourt,Director, Office of Peace and Security, UPF-DC, spoke on North Korea. He said, “We should not demonize our enemies but find a way to work together… war should be the last resort to solve a conflict.”
Session II: The Need for Interfaith Dialogue, Mutual Respect and Cooperation
Rev. Jesse Edwards, Vice Chair ACLC, spoke on his personal experiences of crossing the racial divide against the expectations of family and peers. Dr. Adina Friedman,Associate professor, George Mason University, showed a power point on her reconciliation trips to Morocco and Israel. She showed that when people from different backgrounds meet and exchange with ‘the other,’ doors open and the mind can experience new opportunities. Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, Acting Secretary General Universal Peace Federation-North America, reported on the Religious Youth Service project for developing young leaders. She showed an inspiring power point on the recent program for 20 young people in Washington, DC and last year’s program in Albania. Rev. Tom Cutts, National Executive Director, ACLC, moderated.
Dinner and Session III was held at the University Club in Washington, DC where co-host of the The Washington Times Foundation, Thomas McDevitt is a member.
Session III: Sustainable Peace, Prosperity and Security in Northeast Asia: Creating a Roadmapfor the Korean Peninsula. Speakers wereSecretary Christopher Hill, former Assistant Secretary of State for Asian and Pacific Affairs; Ambassador Joseph DeTrani: Senior advisor, Director of National Intelligence (DNI);, Dr. Chang Shik Yang, Chairman of the Washington Times Foundation, and Vice Chair of UPF International; and Dr. Jun Isomura, Senior Fellow and Director of the U.S.-Japan Strategic Summit Program, Hudson Institute. This session was moderated by Alexandre Y. Mansourov, Visiting Scholar at the U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Dr. Hill spoke on the challenges and victories in the initial North Korea US discussions in 2005 and the need to build on that foundation and not start efforts “from scratch.” Dr. DeTrani spoke on the need for continuation of past victories and about President Kim Jong Eun and how he has established himself as the new ruler. Both men have vast experience working with North Korea and are cautiously hopeful for the future.
Dr. Yang said, “We believe it is time for new creativity, new ideas, innovative approaches, and most of all, a will and vision to go beyond the status quo of old thinking that is insufficient for the new era of the 21st century.” He called for a permanent peace agreement or treaty with the support of Korea’s neighbors and other “catalysts” as the basis for future inter-Korean cooperation and eventual reunification. Dr. Isomura talked about the area’s tensions and disputes and Japan’s role in peace building.
Friday morning, Session IV: The Significance of Marriage and Family for a Stable and Prosperous Society. Archbishop George Stallings, Chair, ACLC, spoke on the family as an essential component for building healthy families. Dr. Michael Balcomb,President of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification presented a power point on the UPF view of the family and that the family must be supported and protected; and Rev. Angelika Selle, President, Women’s Federation for World Peace, spoke on the role of women in creating healthy families.
Session V: Best Practices and Action Steps with Ambassador for Peace appointments:
Susan Fefferman, Coordinator, Ambassador for Peace, gave a short presentation on the Five Principles espoused by the Ambassador for Peace network. Fiver new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed. The appointments of Mr. Samuel Mall, Reach Out International/Pakistan, Interfaith Christian Ministry; Pastor Justin Ragsdale, Lest We Forget Black Holocaust Slavery Museum and Traveling Exhibit; Ms. Elizabeth Pan, Mid-Atlantic Oneness Organization, which organized the International Day of Peace Global Meditation Celebration on the West Lawn of the US Capitol in September this year, Ms. Velma Ann Ruth, Founder Independent Review; and Ms. Hali Jilani, an advisor to the US military in Afghanistan facilitating communication with native peoples, were given by Dr. Thomas Walsh and Dr. Michael Balcomb.
Testimonies were offered by Mrs. Fawzia Etemadi, an AFP who has been working in her native Afghanistan, Mr. Samuel Mall; Pastor Ragsdale, who with his wife run a museum on slavery, educating youth on the need to remember the past but forge a future based on respect for the rights of others, and Mr. Matthew Redmond, a student who is inspired about the teachings of UPF and how it impacts on his future studies.
Following Rev. Krishnek’s remarks, five persons were awarded a certificate of appointment as an Ambassador for Peace, including Ms. Emma Heron, Vice President of the Jakcares foundation, Mr. Dennis Yamasaki, Theodis Gamet, Parshu Acharya, and Mrs. MaryAnn Wigton, who has served as secretary and bookkeeper of Ambassadors for Peace Association Washington State (AFPAWS) for 13 years.
