Just back from Korea. Here is a little video from the iPhone with some highlights, spent some of the flight back messing around with imovie:
Diary notes: video explanation
7.30 Saturday morning 10th July:
True Parents have just arrived by helicopter out of the blue and are talking to a few hundred of us. Father’s checking to see which of his close disciples are here. He ends up staying with us until 2.30pm. He mentions how he hasn’t slept the night before. Finding it hard to keep up with his train of thought. True Father is like a cosmic encyclopedia. And he is jumping from topic to
topic before I can deconstruct the English translation…but he must be the sweetest grandfather in the whole world: completely at ease and full of the brightest energy. It’s not easy for me to sit for so long when I don’t speak Korean. But eventually I realise that Father’s main motive for being here is to just be together with us for as long as possible. That’s when I really get it, and catch this 90 year old man’s heart for his disciples, his children.Several times he asks if we are hungry and that he should get back to Yeusu, and then he decides to stay longer, talk more, sing more, etc. You get the sense of how he has been through so much in his life that nothing phases him. At one point he said about his life (amongst the hundreds of different things he shared about) “….I couldn’t go forward as I planned to, I was a man alone, but God supported me and you supported…”
giving us his time
Here is a link to the message Father gave on the 8th July in front of several thousand up on the mountain top:
I heard from Peter Kim, who I bumped into in the new Coffee shop in Cheong Pyeong, that True Parents were very happy after hearing from Rev. Song about Europe. Especially True Mother was happy to hear about the younger generation in our community, and I think they noticed how many came as part of the European group for the event on the 8th July. She asked Peace TV to talk to Rev. Song to do an item on us, so I was called in with Geros Kunkel from the European Youth Dept. to their studios a few hours before my flight back to London.
Geros looking like a TV presenter - ready to give the GOOD news
Mr Kim Seog Byung - CEO of Pyong il Communications Ltd
I’m at the departure gate at In Cheon airport, waiting to begin my journey home after 2 nights in Korea. It’s pretty crazy to think that I invested a lot of time and effort just to be in Korea for a couple of days. I did this kind of visit only because True Parents invited us; otherwise I would have stayed at home.
I knew that coming to Cheong Pyeong, I had to be ready for anything and to expect the unexpected. This paid off, as the originally planned visit to the Cheon Bok Gung on Friday had been suddenly cancelled (according to the announcement just before the big event on Thursday morning) and True Father wanted all international visitors to participate on a 2-day Original Divine Principle workshop. It’s a good thing my flight home is tonight, after the workshop finished.
The workshop was intense. There was a lot of shim jung expressed, although not always logically conveyed. I caught myself thinking, “I don’t have to be here – I can do whatever I want, relaxing or resting somewhere else, instead of enduring the difficult environment of this workshop.” Nevertheless, I quickly rebuked such thoughts: “I’m here to attend True Parents. True Parents want me to receive this content. So I will invest to receive this content as sincerely as possible.”
As you can imagine, it wasn’t comfortable. I was sitting on my bottom almost all day, listening to English translation through my mobile phone radio. When my mobile battery died, I had to quickly find a socket to plug in my charger. It was especially hard staying focused (OK, I mean awake) when the climate was hot and humid, and especially yesterday when we had very little rest and had had a long, hard day. I had beef with some of the statements (e.g. “The argument between creation and evolution is finished!”) but nevertheless, I took things with a healthy pinch of salt and tried to digest as much as possible, without getting information indigestion. Rev. Yoo poured his heart out and made me think about who True Parents are and what they have accomplished.
If there’s anything I’m taking away from the past couple of days, it’s to take the word more seriously. Rev. Yoo explained that the ODP isn’t something to be memorised, rather something to become. Of course I should still study the word, as understanding the content will help me to embody the content. Thus I will strive to study the word more – especially the 8 designated scriptures bequeathed to us by True Parents – and pray to embody it more in my life.
And here are some pictures from some of us in Father’s event this morning, a brief personal account, and notes from Hyung Jin Moon’s talk a couple of hours ago:
Classic build up: lights went on at 3.45am (not sure why), had a nice naked wash and shave with a few others in the mens toilets, in the sink. Sat on a coach for 45 minutes, then it moved, went up the hill to the palace/museum. The time was 6am ish, the ‘convention to proclaim the word that firmly establishes the True Parents’ was due to start at 10am. Thankfully at the top of the mountain there was some breeze and the clouds were mercifully in front of the sun for some of the time.
arriving on the clouds, literally
Father was full of his usual poise and shared both deeply and humorously. He shared how he had just dyed his hair and how he always does before these occasions. I heard he had been up to 3.30am talking to his close disciples. As the sun grew stronger and I went to find the shade of a tree and take my jacket off in order to sweat less, I reminded myself that Father at 90 years old, had been standing at the podium for more than an hour in his suit.
Click on the pics to make them big.
Elisa Brann studying Father's speech as he reads and adds to it.
thirsty work
Keishin Barrett focusing on the Word
Jonathan and Alex study together on the wall.
After we had no buses so we (8000 people) had to walk down the mountain. Our calf muscles felt the gradient. And I was glad I had followed the advice of others and had not brought one of the boys with me. Not sure they would have handled the schedule and not sure how I would have managed carrying one of them down on my back….
Here are my notes from Hyung Jin Moon’s message to us this afternoon at the start of a 2 day Original Divine Principle seminar that father asked us all to join after the event today:
“True Father said today we should go back to our roots. Our unification movement tradition has a very short history of only 50 years and in that short time it has spread across the whole world, and of course as a result we have many limitations as well.
We want to go back to the core of True Parents revelation and the essence of the Divine Principle.
When I was in Brazil recently we read Father’s autobiography in our morning study and we were discussing about our faith and our fate.
Our fate is connected to the path that we take. There are a series of decisions that we make that determine our future.
If you look back at your life you can see this reality.
WE MUST KNOW where we are heading. There is a biblical verse in Proverbs where king Solomon was looking out of a window and saw a young man walking on a path, and he could see that young man’s future. On one side of the path there was a very decadent town with a big red light district, towards which the young man was heading.
King Solomon compared him to a cow that is heading to the abattoir
However the young man did not see that future as he was thinking about something else, about happy thoughts of a very beautiful woman who had invited him to the town. So the young man was having a very sweet dream, but king Solomon had seen many men walking down this path and knew what fate he would have; that he would become trapped by this town of decadence. (this is somewhere in Proverbs apparently…no ref. was given…but William Haines helped me find it, he uses it in his lecture on the Human Fall. See the link to Proverbs 7 here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+7&version=NIV )
We can see from this that the path we are taking is always connected to our future. And when there is the opportunity to look down on that path with objectivity we can see where it will lead.
The reason I am telling you this story is that this young man did not realise that this choice he was making would effect his life so significantly. There are many choices that come up in our life: these are essentially the paths that we chose to take in our life.
We have to always ask ourselves what is the path I am taking and where is it leading to. Brothers and sisters, we are seeking the eternal path. We are not seeking the transient or temporary path.
That is the path of seeking True Parents, which is eternal. That is our bright and eternal future.
We are not to centre one generation or another. We have an eternal centre which is True Parents. If you look at Christianity, there have been many saints and church leaders, but they have always focused on Jesus’ eternal love, rather than their own significance.
If we forget that we will find ourselves going on the wrong path with out noticing it…
We will always be True Parents children….
….After my elder brother past away I started to doubt whether God existed, and with that kind of mind I started studying religion, and then I started training……
When I go before True Parents I do not go as an adult, regardless of however many responsibilities and positions he has bestowed on me. When I go into the room, Father does not see an international president, but he sees his youngest son, and that is when I feel the greatest freedom and love. I don’t feel the need to have to prove anything to them and this is the most precious quality time for me.
We should get rid of thoughts we have that put us in the context of some official position when we are in front of True Parents. Of course it is important to be mature in our actions and in our words, but as Jesus said in order to go to the Kingdom of Heaven we need the heart of a child.
Through this important proclamation today there are a lot of expectations….
It is because of this 120 day workshop which has just been completed that a war could be prevented between the North and South Korea. Even the sinking of the naval ship did not bring about war. Because these leaders who went through the 120 day workshop and united with True Parents and continued through out the 120 days faithfully (from UK: Constance Rennie and Haesul Fagcang) an important condition could be set by True Parents.
We do not know what conditions are being set by this 2 day workshop that we are starting now on Father’s request, we do not know how big a condition can be made by even the offering of a pigeon.
If we can think like that we will go down one path, if we look cynically and with disinterest we will go down another path. How we take this short workshop is a decision we will make.
That young man thought he was going to be with the beautiful woman for just one night and he did not realise how that one night would have a big effect on his life course, …for us this one night , and two days workshop will also involve us making a decision that will effect our path and our future. Let has have that kind of awareness and heart.
Let us look into our hearts and either have king Solomon’s perspective , or the blissfully unaware perspective of the young man who was oblivious to the choices that he was making regarding his future.
Let us go on a path of seeking True Parents in our life.”
Thanks for taking the time to put us in the picture, Simon. Yes, we first generation certainly know what it means to make the right or wrong decisions in our lives and to some extent, so does the second generation. For those of you who are not sure, ask your original mind and heart. Deep within us, we know the way we should go and when it's the right choice, you receive energy, creativity, a peaceful mind and a heart full of love and gratitude.
Have a good trip home where your loving wife and children eagerly await you.
Patricia Hartley - 8 July 2010
We sat up all night in the UK watching this on live web link. Thought it was difficult to hear the English translation as it went on as it was very quiet. Great to see TF anytime, sorry I couldn't be there...
Chris Large - 8 July 2010
I normally have a good internet connection but when I tried to connect to the webcast I could not get any connection. "Typical" I thought -- something important and technology lets you down. I tried all sorts of things to get a connection -- even tried calling the service provider. After 40 mins and out of desperation I called my pastor, Franklin, thinking that if I cannot make a physical connection at least I can make a spiritual one. The moment Franklin answered the phone the cable modem connected. I was just in time to see Hyung Jin nim's prayer. I am sure there is a lesson in there somewhere.
Recently I have received several emails about concerns church members have regarding the disagreement and confrontation that took place in Sao Palo, Brazil, between Hyun Jin Moon and the the Continental Director for South America, Rev Shim, who is appointed by True Parents.
It is quite apparent that some members of True Parents’ family do not always see eye to eye. This is perfectly fine and normal in life, but the problem is when those differences spill out or are played out in the public arena. As in most conflicts things are rarely straight forward, so unless we are personally involved and able to help bring about a solution it is best not to start taking positions and developing theories of who is right and who is wrong.
As a Unificationist what is important is to offer our devotion to God and connect to the heart of True Parents that we can discover through studying the Principle and practising it in our day to day circumstances.
As a result of this incident in Brazil True Father has made an announcement and direction for all blessed family members. He has taken the significant step to write it by hand and sign it with his own signature. I take from this his desire that people believe and follow his guidance and understand what he wishes to clarify.
Please see below Father’s calligraphy and also an English translation:
No.1 Father's proclamation explaining from where authority begins in the organisation of the Unification Movement.
No.2 Father's perception on official international memos in the UM
Translation:
No.1 says:
God is the one King of Kings.
There is only one set of True Parents.
All families are the people who share a single lineage, and are the children of one heavenly kingdom.
Moreover, the command center of cosmic peace and unity is the absolute and unique command center.
Its representative and heir is Hyung Jin Moon.
Anybody else [who claims such a position] would be a heretic and one who brings things to destruction.
The above content is True Parents’ proclamation.
[Signed] Sun Myung Moon
(Father wrote the character for “seal” indicating where his seal could be placed)
2010.4.23 by the heavenly calendar
No.2:
Special note: I recognize only the official memos from the World Mission Headquarters of
Tongilgyo of Heaven and Earth
Tongilgyo International.
[Signed] Sun Myung Moon
2010.4.23 by the heavenly calendar
June 5, 2010
Announced at Cheon Jeong Gung, Korea
I hope this helps you to know where True Father stands on any friction that may exist amongst leaders or members of his family. I think he also wants to dispel any ideas that memos go out to our international community with out his approval. He may be 90 years old, but he is fully in charge of charting the course of the Unification Movement and guiding those who take take public roles with in all its different organisations. His mind remains sharper than any razor you may use on your face or legs, so be cautious about being ageist.
Personally I feel it is a hopeful reality that issues of unity with in our movement can be addressed by Father directly while he is still with us. In that sense all that goes on in our community (good and bad) if dealt with in a principled way can only help to secure the future.
Of course we have been taught to love the family of our True Parents and we should continue to do so, but let us remember as Father has made clear there is only one God we worship and that is the invisible one.
There are times when we all feel that the leadership we experience does not inspire great confidence. That is always a good time to reinvigorate our own life of devotion to God so that we are able to ensure that we are spiritually healthy and full of blessings to share with others.
The Divine Principle is the rock on which Father has diligently built his life and ministry. He has only been able to consistently develop and expand his mission because of that fact. It is also the foundation for all that is good and eternal in our life.
This week our regular “Wednesday’s evening prayer for healing” in 43LG will be dedicated to prayers for unity amongst our movements international leadership and also to give people a chance to express any concerns they have and ask questions. Please feel free to come along. 7.30pm – 8.30pm Wednesday 9th June.
On Thursday I am going to Korea to celebrate the upcoming Day of All True Things with True Parents and also to take part in a national leaders meeting which I am sure has partly been called to address the current friction that has just taken place.
Simon, thank you very much for posting the official translation along with your explanation. I think it is noteworthy that Father did not specifically mention Hyun Jin Nim in this proclamation. He only says that Hyung Jin Nim is the successor and all other claimants are not. Of course we all know that Hyun Jin Nim is the reason for the proclamation, but Father's heart is to embrace Hyun Jin Nim when he is ready to stop his rebellion, and so he always wants to keep that door open. Thus he stops short of slam-dunking Hyun Jin Nim in this proclamation. This is the most painful time ever in Father's life, but his love never quits.
Larry Moffitt - 8 June 2010
Did you watch the video? Mother practically dictated the whole thing and Hyung Jin was behind them. Not a single part of me believes that this was done with Father:
-Receiving proper information
-Completely deciding this on his own.
Father is a man of great character but the leaders have been giving false reports on Hyun Jin for years. Since 1998! How can Father know any better?
Sung - 8 June 2010
THERE IS NO REBELLION.
Sung - 8 June 2010
It is good to hear your viewpoint on this important matter as we try to see from God's viewpoint.
john kennedy - 8 June 2010
Sung, I think Father is entitled to discuss things with his wife of 50 years. The fact that Father allows camera's to film almost all his daily life makes him probably one of the most transparent leaders on the planet. Of course he is open to persuasion and influence - that is part of being a human being, but I believe he understands more than anyone what is going on around him in our community. Complicated circumstances and overcoming conflict has been his life.
Simon Cooper - 8 June 2010
many thanks Simon
hallo Sung I remember Hoon Mo Nim sharing how Father discusses what he writes with True Mother. For example when he was writing the chinese characters for Hyo Jin Nim at his Seung Hwa Father was so struck in heart he asked True Mother some questions about the characters. She shared this with us at Cheong Pyeong revealing True Fathers heart.
Pam Dillard - 8 June 2010
very well written Simon!
Robert Williamson - 8 June 2010
Here's my 'bare bones' argument, Sung, which I think helps us see where we can stand and be sure its in the right place on this rather sad situation. Through many battles, both spiritual and physical, our True Parents together have grown in their love for each other as they have pioneered a way for God, setting a course that we follow as we also seek to know such love. Any notion that Mother would act manipulatively is so far from the truth as to be utterly absurd and to think that way shows there is a deep lack in your understanding of who True Parents are. Also I have been following Hyung Jin Nim's work in Korea since the 'Two Rivers' ministry was first begun. Clearly he never wanted the job but did it because Father had asked him. His incite and wisdom seems to be complimentary to Fathers words but also refreshing and new. Since his slightly controversial 'Taiwan Address' where he called us all to be open in our witnessing to our True Parents, he has always shown that he would rather not take up this important mission Father has given him. Why? Because he knows with great responsibility comes huge challenges. I think he is doing well and I for one offer him my full support. It's that simple. Dont be suspicious. I am concerned for many like you, Sung who seem to think you know better than our True Parents!
Toby Warren - 8 June 2010
There is a brasilian portuguese expression appropriate to this situation,
"Deixe nas maos de Deus." (sic)
(Leave it in God's hands.)
I am struck with how much Hyun jin's expressions and mannerisms resemble a young True Father(on the YouTube video).
I appreciate his passionate zeal to attend True Parents in the way he sees fit.
I hope that Hyung jin is roaringly successful and that Korea becomes one nation under God.
I hope there is room in the Kingdom for everybody and that our hearts, like Father's, are big, bold and audacious.
"Forgive, Love, Unite!" Then, go forward as one.
Ted O'Grady - 8 June 2010
Totally agree with Simon's guidance.
Also, surely it is wonderful that True Father and Mother work together on these things.
Angus McDonald - 9 June 2010
Concerning Hyun Jin Nims actions/behavior.
It is clear that Hyunjinnims behavior is out of control and that it in no way can be justified.Now let us try to understand this whole situation from the point of view of the Divine Principle and the History of Restoration-in order to try to make some sense of it.Hyunjinnim was placed in the providential position as Cain by True Father Himself - not because Father wanted to hurt Hyunjinnim , but because it was the requirement of the Providence at this time in history.
The mission of the True Family is to restore for all the mistakes of Adanm and Eves family.Now True Parents has restored for all the problems of Adam and Eve. Then next is the restoration of the problem of Cain and Abel on the worldwide level.The fight between brothers must be restored on the worldwide level.The weight of that mission must be very heavy and therefore very difficult to shoulder.About 1 1/2 year ago Father suddenly called Hyungjinnim and Hyunjinnim together and told them, that from now on Hyungjinnim was to stand in the Abel-position.That´s how I have heard it.This then must have come as a gigantic shock for Hyunjinnim-- a shock , that he has not been abel to digest or make sense of.Instead, it seems, that a war is raging within him and he is acting accordingly.
He needs for himself - to see clearly , that he was suddenly placed in a MOST historical position in God´s Providence in order for the last big HISTORICAL problem to be solved.In a way , we can say, that he was given responsability for solving it by his own blood ,sweat and tears...and thus making a tremendeous contribution to God´s Providence of restoration.
( but he was also given the best of all Abel central figures Hyungjinnim to face in his inner battle...and it is 1000% sure , that Hyungjinnim would be there for him to help him!!!!ok-mansei for that)
Now we need to pray for Hyunjinnim , that he will be able to take Heaven´s viewpoint on this situation and that he then can be able to find a deep meaning in this mission and also be able to receive strength from Heaven to shoulder it.
Let us all pray for that.Let us pray the best we have learned....for the sake of the True Family and the succes of God´s Providence of Restoration.
J.B.Dk.
jorgen Bramsen - 12 June 2010
Where is the footage of True Father's daily life? I would like to see this supposed transparency.
All this confusion shows that the church is clearly not transparent - most church members do not know where this apparent family friction stems from.
It IS important that people KNOW the truth and what's behind it all - it is only FAIR for members to know.
These issues NEED to be transparent - look at where ignorance and abuse of power have got us in British Politics.
And as far as the whole 'Cain restoration' theory - it's easy enough to relate anything back to the DP - but it is clear to see that these events are the outcomes of abuse of power and most likely money.
I think too many people are far too happy to sit back and follow - or hope that their faith will guide them. People shouldn't be afraid to question and criticise when something is not quite right. Questioning is healthy.
Why is everyone so scared to ASK that the hell is going on? And why is no-one told?
Leaders should lead be example - and if leaders of the movement are practising what they preach, then they have nothing to worry about.
But something needs to be clarified.
It is outrageous.
Anonymous - 14 June 2010
Dear anonymous, we don't normally do anonymous comments, but I will leave yours up for bit, if you want to repost it with your name it would be better. Just a lot of regular users prefer to know who they are talking to. They just feel it is fairer. Especially since you are promoting transparency etc.
You have raised several points in a very general way making a lot of sweeping assumptions making it hard to answer properly. At least on the answering questions one:
I don't know anyone who is afraid to ask questions. A lot of people do ask. Some get their answers others feel they don't, and some people don't want to ask too many questions, and I think that is also acceptable.
About people who have faith and hope: they are not the ones who tend to sit back, they are normally the people who get involved, make a difference, and put themselves on the line.
Simon Cooper - 15 June 2010
One thing is clear. We all see the world the way we want to see it. It's important to have faith. It's more important that we are honest with ourselves and recognise the difference between what we know and what we believe. Quite frankly, I think we all know a lot less than we think we do.
Graham Simon - 15 June 2010
I agree 100 per cent.Developping theories of who is right,who is wrong can be dangerous.Remember,this matter is in our beloved and unique True Family while TP are still alive.
Thanks Simon.
Mulotwa
Mulotwa Ngama - 19 June 2010
I really believe that the end result of this particular time of struggle will be that many Brothers and Sisters re-evaluate their own faith and ernestly try to find a deeper more personal relationship with God. I know True Parents are deeply saddened by any conflict of this nature and I also feel very sad at the resentment and bitterness that is being expressed by all parties. Like Simon I think it is very dangerous to take up issues against each other. Why did we decide to follow True Parents? What is the core foundation of our own and personal faith? Perhaps we can all be born again!
Lot's of Love to you all.
Andy
Andy Johnson - 19 June 2010
In my many years of working with an ISO certified company, I (just like my other colleagues) have been taught, trained and often reminded to abide/respect our higher directions. This is no different from what we have been trained in our spirituality, i.e. to vertically aligned with our Central Figures. When things get really confusing with emotions, the best is always to go upwards and check with the highest Central Figures of our movement, i.e. True Parents.
Thanks to Simon for bringing up this subject with reasonable restraint on emotions and yet making reference to facts.
Hope brothers and sisters will stay united to brave many challenges ahead. Lets strive to be good children, good brothers and sisters, good parents and set good examples and be stable leaders centering on True Parents for our next generation.
Warmest regards,
Alexander Paul
Together with our True Parents we celebrated the 51st ‘True Parents’ day today which connects us to the culture of heart that they have given birth to. Today is also their 50th wedding anniversary.
sharing a life time of experiences
It has been no ordinary marriage, but an unimaginable endeavour to set a model of how a man and woman can come together as God originally intended. Not only to build a family of their own, but to bring God’s love to humanity in a new way and heal the world. They have planted the seed out of which a renewed family of mankind can grow.
Who are they for our life?
They bring us rebirth. They will take you out of this fallen world if you let them and in that context they are your saviour. If you look back at their last 50 years they gave their lives for us, because they discovered a realm of God’s heart that was virgin territory. God’s blessing for us is given through them, they are The Way.
How can we understand their tradition and heart?
By following, learning and inheriting from them:
Through reciting the Family Pledge we are put in touch with their world view and their vision. Through keeping their tradition of studying God’s word each morning we discover their humility towards God.
When we establish these two traditions in our family or personal life then we have a basis on which to understand them. Without these kinds of practice we have no real starting point, just our own changing opinions.
True Parents are not an organisation. They do not represent an institution, rather they are two human beings bound together in marriage who represent God directly on Earth at this time and for eternity in the cosmos that He created. So it’s the other way round: The hope is that people can organise their organisations in a way that can represent True Parents.
So our relationship with them is essentially a human one. We are human beings and so are they. As with all human relationships that are meaningful and genuine it needs to be a personal relationship. So just as a Christian we are firstly more interested in our personal relationship with the man, Jesus, rather than an institution or church organisation, so as Unificationists our focus is to connect to their behaviour, teaching, guidance and example.
End of day 1 of the European assembly for Unificationist community leaders. Some good presentations today.
One of my favourites was from Christian Hausmann. Don’t know him? Well he is part of the German leadership trinity, business man, involved in regional German politics, and drives a serious bike. Think it’s a BMW.
the real deal
Here in his robust and typically candid style is a proposal to do something effective for the German movement. It inspired me cuz we are planning a leaflet campaign as part of our national outreach strategy in the UK, and it made me think. It’s always good when something makes me do that.
I found him great fun and also very convincing. Check him out. And excuse the digital zoom quality on the iPhone:
Let me know in the comments section below what you think of his concept. It’s got limitations naturally like most new ideas, but I think with a bit of developing it has great potential
I was disappointed that Christian wasn't able to translate the 'truth' into practical policy so as to be able to suggest a principled approach to child policy to his fellow politicians. At the end of the day abstract truth has to be translated into practical policy proposals if we are to contribute to making the world a less bad place. We could of course take the Protestant approach and say 'faith' or believing the 'right' thing is enough or alternatively the Catholic approach that salvation comes through taking sacraments such as the Blessing. Or maybe both. But both only work if sustained by a spiritual community - we have done extensive leafleting and blessing campaigns over the decades but have little to show for it. Of course this time may be different if the Holy Spirit descends.
William Haines - 27 March 2010
Christian is such a nice guy- so honest and genuine. The idea is not really new. Father sent a beautiful booklet out to every American home in 1986 (No doubt at huge expense). I feel its missing the point at this time. There is deep need for each of us to inherit the content of what is happening in Korea. I propose that each nation send three or four people to Korea to work with CBG in Seoul, people with a genuine and humble desire to rediscover the heart of renewal occurring there. If they return as judgemental 'warriors', then count it as a fail but if they can come back and work as true apostles, then I for one will be ready to learn. There is a deeper content we all need to inherit so that we can be of help to others in their lives and it wont happen giving out leaflets!
Toby Warren - 27 March 2010
Unfortnately its taking so long for the download that I can't hear all Christians talk! I concurr with Toby's comments. My personal efforts in witnessing take so long to progress and I think its a reflection on my own quality of spiritual growth, heart and experience. ie. it needs to improve! The resurgence of witnessing efforts causes you to look inside and take stock of where you are at. Looking back at my own spiritual Dad it was his heart and spirit that caught my interest first.
Pam Dillard - 28 March 2010
I really like Christian Hausmann's passion for spreading the Truth of God to everyone in his nation. I have absolute faith in the Truth True Parent's are teaching and feel truly blessed to be continously learning and have the oppertunity to practice it every day.
I believe it is our responsibilty to develop the best ways to witness. To do that we need to use our God-given creativity and imagination. Our own spiritual standard and that of our community is a major factor. Am I a clear channel for God to speak through me and personally touch the heart of each person I encounter? As William Haines also pointed out, we need to translate the Truth into practical policy. The decisions we make and how we live each day of our lives says a lot about who we are. If we represent True Parents, and by extension God, then we have an awesome responsibility to be shining examples and a living testimony of the tremendous blessings we have received in our lives.
Natasha Huish - 28 March 2010
Hi Simon!This is a great Idea,what Christian Hausmann has in mind.It is Perfekt.....
Maria Lehr - 28 March 2010
I think it's all shake, rattle'n roll. It's all about rattling and shaking the tree, to wake up the country, to make the citizens talk about us again. Don't forget, a younger generation has grown up in the meantime, not only on our side but on theirs too. That's why there is hope. Yes, I like Christian's idea, as I think we have to do similar as any other (big or small) company does: Advertisement, Internet, leaflets, business cards and person-to-person approach (as it is already done in UK). People should have the chance to get to know our teachings.
Peter Schroder - 29 March 2010
I am in the Toby and Pam camp. I think that it is the content of the people that matter not the content of the leaflet. Yes there were times that Father sent out large nubmers of leaflets or books or newspaper adverts but I think they could only accomplish some symbolic significance -- however crucial that might have been for the sake of the providence it was still only symbolic. I think the money would be far better spent sponsoring a highly effective and commited witnessing team. Truth is not that obvious. Many people have heard the truth but not recognised it or recognise it but not live it. It has to be demonstrated. There is nothing that success like sucess (as my dad used to say.
Nigel Barrett - 29 March 2010
First let me say how much I like this blog and website. It's one of my favorite Unificationist Web Gems (http://bafc.org/?p=1080). Brother Christian's heart is in the right place. However, in terms of outreach, it is counterproductive to attempt speak to the entire world at once. In advertisements, or flyers, it is essential to TARGET our message to a TARGET audience.
The reason for this is obvious. We cannot afford to distribute 6 billions leaflets. Even if we could, it wouldn't be effective. To use our limited resources effectively, we must identify our target audience and tailor our message directly to them.
For example, recently in District 11, Bay Area Family Church, we ran a series of ads in the local newspaper targeted to attract people interested in hearing new spiritual ideas (The Power of Positive Prayer, Angels Among Us, What Happens When We Die?) We also ran ads targeted towards people searching for deeper, more meaningful relationships (Five Love Languages, Relationship Enhancement for Couples) as well as parents seeking help raising their children (Raising G-Rated Children in an X-Rated World).
These ads attracted over 120 new people over a period of 7 weeks to an evening program at our church center. Since we knew their interests, we were able to introduce them to the Divine Principle answer to their need.
Although we made progress attracting a target audience, we are still studying how to assimilate new guests and bring them to a deeper relationship. To this end, we have identified the MOST IMPORTANT question we must answer and that is "Why should anyone join the Unification Church?" Anyone who already knows the Divine Principle knows the answer to this. The problem here is to answer this question to someone who does not know the DP. How do we describe the benefits of membership to non-members and, specifically, what are those benefits?
Try this as an exercise: If a friend or colleague asked you "Why should I join your church?" what would you tell him/her? If we want people to join us, we have to provide a good reason for them to do so. I believe that our problems attracting converts in the last 20 years is due to the fact that we have not been able to articulate a meaningful answer to this.
Blessed Families around the world are wrestling with this matter with a growing intensity in face of the fast approaching January 13, 2013 deadline. I'm confident that if we think it through, take action and learn as we go, we'll make progress.
Warmest Regards,
Charles Kamins
Napa, California
Charles Kamins, San Francisco - 31 March 2010
If the goal is generating public awareness, then of course a leafleting campaign will serve its purpose. But you also have the problem of people ignoring the leaflets, throwing them in the bin, and all the rest. But a leaflet campaign is what it is, and can achieve results if done well, for example, snappy slogans, colourful designs etc. But you can't expect it to change the world. The way of reaching out to bigger audiences though is through media coverage, TV, internet, newspapers, radio. But then you actually have to be doing something to generate that positive coverage, the GPF for example generated good media, so a leaflet campaign in concert with the next GPF could prove effective. The Jehova Witnesses are not exactly popular for bombarding people's doorsteps, and people are plain fed up when political parties litter people's entrances with campaign leaflets and propaganda. A leaflet campaign is good, if it has a specific purpose, but it shouldn't be what we become known for ...
Niall - 31 March 2010
I think the comment from Charles is very interesting. And the question needs answering. To do that many of us need to put behind us many difficult and complex memories of the past. God has led us to this point and His love extends to all of us, asking us to begin now with fresh hearts and minds. Our young senior Pastor Hyung Jin Moon has often spoken about his reasons for choosing the Unification Church out of all the others he studied. The answer we each give to the question 'Why should I join your church?' will reveal the core hope we hold close in our hearts. If we cannot answer the question, we are sleep-walking through our faith lives. Lets re-awaken and allow God into the Heart of all we do and say. I'm going to try!
Toby Warren - 31 March 2010
Well, thank you for the many, different comments on my idea. I do not know if i can respond to all, but at least to some. First of all,let me say that I do not believe that a leaflet can change the world, but I do believe that the indispensable prerequisite for the coming of CIG is to know the truth. Now, do people know about the new expression of truth in our nations or not? If not, this is not something like a fate that we could not change. The internet is a gift from God in this age that has spread so rapidly within the last 20 years and cheap leaflets can be considered too as a merit of the age. I am sure, if the internet or leaflets had existed 500 years ago Martin Luther would have used them. If we continue witnessing the way we do now or did in the past, how long will it take until people can know the truth, no matter how sincere, deep and nice people are that witness to them one by one on the street. Newspapers are not read as much as most people think. In East Stuttgart live approx. 50000 People, but only 6000 have a subscription of the larges daily newspaper. 6000 leaflets cost less than 70,-€. I agree with William, that believes have to become concrete political proposals. But being active in a political party for more than 20 years now, I know very well that to organize majoritys is hard work. But I am working on it and have of course ideas how families could be better supported by a government as it is done now. But even in the christian democratic union there does not exist a consensus on the purpose of life, the meaning of family or a life after death. The protestant part of the party does not have a clue what the right moral conduct would be regarding, sex before marriage, divorce, abortion etc. If this is the situation of the "abel" party, what can we expect from the population? How to find majorities for concrete political proposals in a situation of great anthropological ignorance or confusion. To me it is important that we do what is possible under the given circumstances. We can reach out to the population of our nations with God truth if we only have the will. God gave us the means. So, why not doing it. By the way - I like the welcoming card that you use. We have not found the form for our leaflet until today, though we want to start on April, 19th. We will have a leaflet, print only 100.000 and than improve on it for the second edition
christian hausmann - 12 April 2010
The truth needs to be argued for, preferably by means of rationally grounded arguments, if you want to get the attention of the educated people. A leaflet in a letterbox is not a serious way to spread truth. Perhaps an invitation.
A few snap shots of something very special in my life. Last Saturday (20th March) at 1.20am Chieko gave birth to a baby girl. Babies tend to look a bit odd when they first come into this world, and it’s not surprising that after having been squeezed out their faces tend to be squashed. Not having considered this properly I was a bit worried for a minute. But that was just another great example of my ignorance. She is gorgeous. Take a look:
sleeping through Sainsburys
pretty in pink
We are feeling very blessed to have another baby and especially to have a girl after having four boys. Chieko is bionic, she already came home Saturday afternoon. Am doing my best to be a helpful husband/father and do more than I usually do. She does need to rest more.
The boys are properly blessed. They needed a sister. Eddie is not the youngest any more, and seems much bigger all of a sudden.
Here are a few clips from their first moments with their little sister:
I will remember this birth. Well especially if I put something down here now. Chieko went into hospital on Thursday night, and told me what to put in the packed lunches for the boys. The contractions became less frequent but they kept her in and then on Friday evening they started to get stronger again. After having taken the boys to McDonalds for dinner…fridge was a bit bare, I left them with a a friend of ours at home, and was planning to go and see Chieko and then pop into Lancaster Gate: we were doing an evening reading of the Book of Acts, all 28 chapters. But I never got there. Chieko was saying, “why don’t you go to LG, the baby wont come for a few more hours….” Felt like that would not really be the right thing to do. I mentioned this to Dolores Read on the phone who was helping with the prayer for the baby. She said: ” Well, there are a lot of people to join in the reading at LG, but Chieko only has one husband.” Enough said.
Anyhow, I read along in the delivery room from my little Gidean, while Chieko waited. William Haines pointed out to me it’s a good chapter to read at such a time, since Acts all about the birth of the church. It felt special to think of the 21 people reading in LG while we waited for the baby to arrive. The next thing I knew it was about 1am, I was just waking up in the rocking chair (yes they had a rocking chair in the delivery room – v comfy) and Chieko was getting ready with the midwife to give birth. I called Dolores to let her know for the prayer. I was still kind of waking up and then the baby came. It all felt quite calm and peaceful, just the three of us and then well I guess it was four of us in the room. The midwife asked me if I wanted to cut the chord. I had to have two goes but managed it in the end.
Chieko was amazing all 9 months. Also, the midwife was great, looked like she could have helped deliver the baby in her sleep. After a while I held the baby for 30 minutes while Chieko had a much needed power nap. And then at about 4.45am I came home. Woke Damon up and told him he had a little sister, he smiled or said something. And then I crashed out for a few hours, bit tired.
Still thinking of a name. I think we are getting there. It’s hard after four boys to get into girls names. And I just feel like she should have a name no one else has. I guess that is why the names True Father used to give to families for their children are so special, cuz you will not find them anywhere else other than in that individual’s passport.
Having been matched with Chieko by True Parents and then receiving the marriage blessing from God through them, everything that happens in our family starts from True Parents. So, when we celebrate and experience the joy of new life, I remember and give thanks to God and True Parents because with out them this family would not exist.
Hey, Congratulations!! Whoopee! another child, blessed and loved by God is born...Amazing!! Well done Chieko too,.. obviously! I hope your new child is a fabulous addition to your family and life.
God Bless and LOL!
r. hoyte
Rosemarie Hoyte - 24 March 2010
Wow, - beautiful pictures - and great to have your iphone to capture such special moment. Sounds like perfect timing to me, and i look forward to a unique(ish) name - I guess you are working on it. Look forward to seeing her sometime.
Patrick H - 24 March 2010
Congratulations Simon and Chieko on your beautiful daughter. A very special video which im sure will be watched many times over the years!
Thomas Pritty - 24 March 2010
Really and truely beautiful! Thankyou!
Keishin - 24 March 2010
Great video! It's so amazing to see a new life come into the world, and such a big family already. The Cooper clan grows one more!
Michael - 24 March 2010
Many congratulations Simon and Chieko on the birth of your beautiful daughter. This video is very special and im sure it will be watched many times in the years to come.Thanks for sharing some of these special moments with us.
Tommy Pritty - 24 March 2010
congratulations!!!
suyang - 24 March 2010
Simon I was so moved by this video! Soooooooo lovely :D
Congratulations!!!!! :D
Rosanna - 24 March 2010
many congratulations Simon and Chieko....I reckon the boys will be so excited to have a little sister to take care of!
In HQ we have been planning and experimenting together with our community pastors over the last two weeks to develop a national outreach campaign. Our international president, Hyung Jin Moon, has been making himself visible out on the streets of Seoul witnessing, and also encouraging our world-wide membership to share the good news of True Parents and all that they bring to this world as the returning Christ.
figuring out the message
We are doing our best to plan a national campaign to allow for as many of us as possible to get involved. I want to share with you the skeleton timeline that we have come up with: 22nd March – 11th April:
• Printing and mailing leaflets
• Promoting and presenting campaign vision to congregation
• 21 days of spiritual devotion
12th – 25th April:
• 2 weeks of focused outreach with 360 leaflets per member
25th April – 16th May:
• 3 week message series with a theme for new guests in each local church
(Prepare in advance hospitality team in each church to welcome and involve guests in fellowship. Prepare people to teach.) 4th – 6th June
• Weekend Divine Principle workshop (30 new guests/30 new members)
Goal and focus:
• Join together in spirit with True Parents and Hyung Jin Nim as they make a new start with the new Cheon Il Guk calendar and the new temple.
• Bring spiritual revival to our congregation.
• Bring a new culture of celebrating and sharing our faith in True Parents and the spiritual power of the Divine Principle.
• Welcome new members to our local church communities.
as Matt Damon says in Green Zone: "get your game face on - we're going in..."
I have started going out again over the last month to witness in the street and reach out to friends inside our church community and also beyond. What has struck me is how much this work is like a living prayer. As I share what I believe everything comes into focus, and I am guided to understand more deeply what my faith is about. We all need that. It’s similar to my experience of starting to take on our Lancaster Gate HQ church. When our vision and ideas are related to something tangible they come into focus; we can evaluate and start to see more clearly. (Principle of Creation 3.2)
For me what it means to be a member of our Unification Movement is to worship God (every day and with others), tithe, teach the Principle, and bring people to True Parents so that they may experience rebirth. We need to get ourselves some tangible steps in these different areas so that being a church member becomes clearer for our life. As long as it remains vague I am wasting not only God’s time, but my own.
The other experience I had is that I need to be a witness as well as do outreach. (It’s a divine principle to be and to do.) I need to be a witness to my wife, to my children, members of our community, my wider circle of friends, and to new people I meet. But especially within my family and community it needs to happen everyday. And this is when it gets personal: we are learning how to share God’s love and True Parents’ love that we have experienced. To be a witness I have to cultivate something to share.
This is why we want to start with 3 weeks of spiritual revival. We are preparing in HQ tonight by having a reading of all 28 chapters of the Book of Acts from the New Testament. We hope to read that between 9pm – midnight. Now if you are already outreaching and feeling like a witness or want to get started straight away then go for it! I know many of you are already doing a lot to reach out, and spiritual revival of course does not exclude outreach. We just felt we need to make conditions together in our community to bring the Holy Spirit into our relationships and personal lives.
There is a lot more to say, and probably lots more questions to answer, but maybe this is enough for now.
Just to conclude: let’s make this a successful campaign where we learn from our experience, grow through our mistakes, and celebrate with each other when we bare fruit. I believe we will come out the other side in better spiritual shape, like a body with fresh blood being pumped through it.
Greetings from Australia
I was happy to see your outreach article above" Fresh Blood" We need to inspire each other with our action & thoughts. In Australia we are badly in need of a revival. Our National Leader had a heart attack so we are looking for a new leader. These things motivated me to work on a National plan with witnessing as the cornerstone & unity as the foundation. Reach 51% of the population, use modern technologies & traditional one on one methods. Top down witnessing to clergy, groups etc. Have confidence to proclaim the Messiah, give out Father's autobiography on CDs or books. There are many ways and possibilities. We are in the planning stage, any advice or more details of your plans would be much appreciated. Also your results would be inspiring & motivating to hear
Regards
Alan Smith
We have two young members from our church taking part in the workshop that True Parents called very suddenly in Korea last week: Connie Rennie, and Haesul Fagcang. Please pray that they can have a very personal and special experience, and especially that they can keep up with the schedule. They are there representing the UK.
Connie Rennie and Haesul Fagcang in Korea right now
Yesterday in the office we managed to catch up with Connie over skype: check out the little chat we had with her here:
She mentions how True Parents have not been at the workshop so much. I heard on Wednesday, that they are currently in the USA. So I guess they won’t be back at the workshop for a while.
Over the six months since True Parents have been giving the grace of the cosmic blessing from October 09 we have begun to do more again as a community to share the marrige blessing that can be received through True Parents. We made a target to reach 120 couples. We also wanted to do more to provide educational content so that people could catch a profound insight into the value of the ceremony.
We were able to be successful in this effort and ceremonies tool place across most of our communities and you may have seen the reports and testimonies in the news blog. So many people had deep experiences as they went through the program.
To make that happen took a lot of devotion, personal care, and logistical support from a wide range of church members. If you are one of the people who brought friends, helped to prepare the ceremony, taught, took pictures, filmed, organised the refreshments, supported financially, and etc, then please know that you were part of something that, brought blessing to a lot of people, brought joy to God and helped develop His providence in the UK.
A big part of bringing people to True Parents is really about having genuine friendships that give us the opportunity to share freely and deeply about the value of the marriage blessing. A lot of the women in our community who are active members of the WFWP played a big role in inviting people, and we would have been way off reaching 120 couples without them. Thank you, sisters! And especially we can learn from them the power of small groups (I guess they call them coffee mornings.)
Written by Simon Cooper in Blogs
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