from familyfed.org
On Thursday, December 1, 2016, a celebration luncheon was held in Washington, D.C. at the Arbor Ballroom of The Washington Times building in thanksgiving for True Mother’s successful visit to the nation’s capital, and in honor of the many volunteers and staff who worked to make it all possible.
More than 300 were in attendance, including 30 district pastors from Korea and 47 leaders from Japan. It was an atmosphere of joyful celebration, as True Mother appeared in the room as the guest of honor at the luncheon celebration. The guests welcomed her with rousing applause, then shared lunch all together.
Rev. Kyeong Seuk Ryu, Chairman of FFWPU Korea, gave the benediction, and FFWPU North America Chairman, Dr. Ki Hoon Kim summarized the recent International Leadership Conference (ILC) and shared some of the reactions from global leaders who participated.
Dr. Thomas Walsh, President of UPF International; Eiji Tokuno, President of FFWPU Japan; and Dr. Michael Jenkins, President of The Washington Times Foundation all shared reflections and expressed their sincere admiration for True Parents’ leadership.
True Mother then addressed the group of international leaders, speaking on the role of America in leading global efforts for peace.
“Heaven has truly blessed America,” she emphasized. “Therefore, let us live a life for the sake of others. Let us practice this true love. Let America practice this true love.”
True Mother also urged everyone to participate in taking care of this earth by becoming stewards of the environment and actively working to preserve the natural world. “We need to educate people because they do not know,” she said. “Right now, we cannot just look to the next day. All of you, look to your future generations. Think about the generations decades from now.”
True Mother and guests enjoyed beautiful musical performances by FFWPU member Matt Hill who performed a tenor solo from the Elijah Oratorio and a stirring rendition of “Danny Boy,” a great favorite of True Mother’s. Dan Fefferman performed his new favorite “She Stepped Up” before leading the large contingent of volunteers in “Generation of Righteousness.” The joyful celebration closed with three cheers led by Dr. Yong Cheon Song, Chairman of FFWPU Japan.
