L-R: Keishin Barrett, Yoshiko Chellew and Mariam Trubshaw

Yoshiko Chellew, Keishin Barrett and Mariam Trubshaw have joined two Swiss and five other people from the UK (Kunimasa, Kuniyoshi Hayashi, Rose Taylor, Sophie Redihough and Seijin Thomas) for a month stay in Japan. They are doing grass rooots witnessing, teaching English, and service work for one month during the summer period. Three CARP centres are supporting the initiative: Horoshima, Tsukuba and the Keisei centre in Tokyo. At the end of their stay they will will meet together in Hiroshima for three or four days for a final service project, and sight seeing.

See Yoshiko, Keishin ands Mariam’s blog here , the Hirosima blog here and Tsukuba blog here. [ed: blog links work now]

Connie Rennie and Haesul Facgang (click to enlarge)

A couple of days ago [Ed: this was written May1st] we got the announcement that because Western members didn’t have so many opportunities to see True Parents, we would be the only participants of the workshop invited to visit the Cheon Jeong Gung museum for the Wedding Anniversary celebrations. I couldn’t believe it!

But the second part of the announcement was that we might not be able to enter unless completely dressed in white; including shoes and bag. Hmmm… a problem. So after a complete fail of an attempt to fit into the clothes of the Japanese sisters, (!) I and a couple of sisters went on a shopping spree.  After about two hours, we all looked like pure white angels; as you can see in the pictures, of course.

So at 5.30 in the morning, 45 of us packed ourselves into a bus and were on our way. As our bus rolled past towns, villages and then mountains I reflected and prayed preparing myself…

Outside the museum gate (click to enlarge)

Our bus arrived. We exited and walked towards the museum. It absolutely towered over us! Never in my life had I felt so small. As we walked through the first set of gates I was brimming with excitement. Through the second set of gates, which are protected by two female figures. I felt like the time when Frodo enters the White City by boat, which is guarded by two kings… the moment was so peaceful and sombre, there was a silence that seemed to descend.

Unfortunately I couldn’t bring my camera into the museum, so I can’t show you how beautiful it is. But I couldn’t believe our movement had created a building like this. It’s in these moments, that a young member from the Western world realises just how big our movement is!

stairway to heaven ...

At first we were in a side room watching by projector, but for some reason we were shuffled out of there, and moved into the main hall where the first part of the ceremony took place!!! Best seats in the house!!!

At the forty day point of this workshop True Father was meant to visit, but after a week of stress and confusion it was announced that he wasn’t going to come. Why? I think because he was disappointed in our attitude as a workshop. Many of the leaders wanted to go home back to their personal missions, and were hoping True Father would let them, instead of extending it to a 120 day workshop. True Father didn’t want to come to a workshop where nobody had faith and desire to stay. I admit… I was one of those who had that attitude. So when I stood waiting for True Father to enter, I asked myself, so what attitude should be my attitude when I meet the messiah? One question came to mind; ‘How do I become like you?’

True Father entered, supported by True Mother, and followed by True Children and True Grandchildren. Seeing the three generations together, the young Grandchildren offering presents, some of the youngest finding it hard to concentrate! It was such a beautiful sight! I am moved to tears just remembering it! And I prayed that the Grandchildren could be cared for much more than the True Children were. I regretted that the whole family wasn’t there. Even though I could not fully understand the meaning of the ceremony, it moved me deeply. And I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was sooooo incredibly lucky to be there, in that room, with that family…

I feel so happy to be here in Korea. I am experiencing many things that I know I never would have been able to had I continued university. Maybe in 2013 all of this will not be possible anymore. Thank you everyone! I miss England a lot!!!!!

* Cheon Jeong Gung: Museum, conference and banqueting rooms dedicated to exhibiting memorabilia from Unification Movement’s history. Inaugurated in June 2006.

I was genuinely impressed by the community participation in your website and blog. Your site really gives off the warm glow of a well connected family with many generations participating and contributing articles, comment and content. That kind of interactivity and participation has always been my ideal goal for BAFC.org. What a great use of the Internet and a good example to communities worldwide.

From Charles.

Ed: Check out Charles’ church here: http://bafc.org/

At the moment I am attending the 40 days (now extended) leaders workshop here in Korea along with Connie Rennie. We announced the news [Ed: of Sarah Hanna's Seung Hwa] to everyone soon after hearing it so a lot of people over here has been praying for her smooth transition from this world to the next. On behalf of everyone here, I would like to extend our condolences to her whole family back in England.

We also realised that actually, she passed away at the same time when we started the ‘Festival of Ascension’ rally wherein True Father gave a speech about the importance of Seunghwa. Across the stage, either side of the centre podium wherein True Father was speaking, were the pictures of 10 leaders who have recently passed away. Iin the first Sunday, the first time we saw Him, He talked mainly about the importance of Seunghwa as well due to the death of Alexander Haig (who was the reason why he got out of Heungnam prison). In addition, we attended the Seunghwa ceremony of Won Pil Kim himself just two days ago.We commemorated their death by presenting them flowers.

On top of this, throughout this ws, there has been a lot of announcements of members/member’s relatives who has recently passed away. Upon hearing about Sarah, one Japanese translator even mentioned, “That’s very similar to yesterday’s announcement. A Japanese sister also had cancer in her back and she went to spirit world yesterday”. Actually, I myself started this year of 2010 with the death and Seunghwa of my own grandfather. I can accept for him and the leaders who died due to their age. They had their chance but for those like Sarah who died young, with so much ahead of them, I find it hard to. It’s unfair, hearing so many lectures here about how we should live our life and the things that we should do and accomplish before passing away, the 4 great realms of heart and so forth…now she won’t get the chance to. However the spirit world is a vast complicated thing that I still don’t understand very well so I’m sure that though it may be harder, there are still ways to get around these issues. There is always hope.

It is a sad time for her, losing her life and her chances. However from the short time I know her, I reckon that she’s still positive and right now, she’s the one that would be comforting us who are sad about her death. Let us be strong for her, and for those people who have passed away recently in our own lives so that they will feel at ease to move on and do their new missions.

It reminded me of when Heung Jin Nim passed away when True Father was also involved with another rally. I believe that her passing away has an important significance, just like Heung Jin Nim’s and the other True Children. Their death will probably set conditions for greater events to take place but also I heard that they need people, preferably second generation, over there to lead the mobilisation of the spirits, especially leading to 2013. Even spiritualists, inside or outside the church, are talking about how the spirit world is becoming more organised now and they say a certain man is leading it, probably Heung Jin Nim.

In conclusion, I just wanted to say that, I believe that our sister Sarah has an important task to do there so as a Unification family, we should send her to the spirit world happily and with lots of encouragement and support!

Connie Rennie (right) Outside the Temple

(Don’t forget  – you can click pictures to enlarge them!)

Dear brothers and sisters,

On the 14^th of March I answered True Fathers call to come to Korea for the special education session for world leaders. I don’t really qualify because I’m not a leader, I’m not a graduate, but I was passionate, about the idea, I’m under 48, and I got the go ahead from President Song, so here I am! I am in the Ginseng factory surrounded by some of the top leaders of our movement!

Music Ministry in the new temple

This, believe it or not, is my first time in Korea! And I am so happy to be here. There are around 700 participants, 20 of which are European. At first translation was a real issue, but now that that has been sorted out, it is possible to understand the lectures and there is a lot to be gained from them!

Many people are unsure of the purpose of this workshop, considering the unusual way in which we were invited, and the conditions set. But as far as I can tell, True Father is really preparing us for the year 2013. In this final push of the providence Father wants to share as much as he can with us, and push as far as we can go.

Hyung Jin Nim's support of Father

brought tears to people's eyes

We wake up at 2.30 in the morning every day, in accordance with the schedule of the World President. Our morning consists of Chi Gong exercises for half an hour, meditation, 210 bows, 1 and half hours of reading Cheon Seong Gyeong, half an hour lecture… and then we can have breakfast! This is the example of the World President. Hyung Jin Nim came to realise the importance of conditions while studying the world’s major religions. He wants to set the WORLD STANDARD of conditions, and for this reason he wakes earlier than any other religious traditions! On top of that Hyung Jin Nim has three special disciples called ‘Hung-sa’s.’ I guess you could compare these guys to Jedi Masters or something because of their spiritual power! His three Hung-sa’s join Hyung Jin Nim in his devotion, and set so many conditions in order to create a foundation for the protection of Hyung Jin Nim, which was so often not there for True Father and the True Family.

My witnessing team just before we left with TPs car

Rev. Eu

As well as new traditions, we are receiving a new expression of the Word. We are privileged to have Reverend Eu giving ODP content and because I have never heard before, and have wanted to since I heard about it, I am so happy to be here listening! In today’s lecture I was moved to tears by the depth of understanding about God, and also because I have done so little to deserve this truth, that Father received at such a high price. I feel so unworthy.

But it’s not all theory you know! On Sundays we are forced to leave the lecture room, and go out on the street to witness! With my lack of Korean skills, deep communication was not really my goal, so I ended up handing out leaflets advertising True Father’s autobiography. After having witnessed about him all morning, the afternoon was our time to meet the man himself! We all went to the new Cheon Bok Gung Temple! It is sooo beautiful! I was just bubbling with excitement! And the moment we were waiting for, Father entered, tenderly supported by Hyung Jin Nim.

I was so moved…tears just started running down my cheeks. I looked to my right, I was not the only one! A whole row of young Japanese sisters were also pulling out the tissues! It was such a beautiful moment, where we could share common feelings, even from such different backgrounds. I was so happy to see this beautiful relationship between Father and son, but on the other hand, I was sad to think of the lack of contact we have with True Family in Europe. I was sad to think that when I go home, how far will I feel from the True Family and Providence?

"Western members"

With True Parents' car

Young peoples' sharing

Anyway it was a really beautiful day and we will be seeing Hyung Jin Nim again this Sunday! So I am really happy to be here, even though it is incredibly difficult. I cans see that it is not just us youth who are struggling. Even leaders who have been leaders for many years are once again facing themselves, having to ask the questions, How much do I love True Parents? How far can I go? How much am I willing to give? We are all fighting with these questions, and they are the questions that will guide me through out the next few weeks of my life here in Korea! Stay tuned for more reports and pictures!!!

Your sister, Connie

(left) Yeon Ah nim, wife of Hyo Jin Moon

It is already 14 years since John and I first committed ourselves to the responsibility of Abel National Messiah for and within Nepal.  I think the last testimony we wrote was for year 7 or 8 when we were blessed with our daughter Sophia.  Our early years were ones of adventure, challenge, and many tears, to help establish a spiritual and physical foundation for the U.M. in the only Hindu Kingdom in the world, a nation where True Fathers’ theme of “Absolute Sexual Ethics” carries a powerful message alongside the almost subliminal worship of a man and woman’s sexual organ (Shiva linga), images that can be seen at many neighborhood temples as well as prominent temples around and outside the capital of Kathmandu.

Little did we know that our mission would parallel the uprising of a Maoist counter-revolution that challenged the failed attempts of other political parties to establish a Democratic government, contributed to the deaths of 15,000 people and would eventually call for and realize the abolishment of the 500 year old  Monarchy.  Nor did we realize that one young college student who attended the first 7 day workshop we presided over during our 1^st year in Nepal—and who we chose to invest personal time in with encouragement, love and guidance for 6 years as he developed his life of faith before becoming national leader—would suddenly become elected to Nepal’s new Constituent Assembly as a member of government in May of 2008.

It was one month after we returned to Nepal on April 1, 2008 that the newly registered Nepal Family Party won the last seat of the new government, a true miracle in this age of ChonIlGuk.  We had spent the previous 3 ½ years in England to find some stability with our 1-year old daughter, raise money, and receive medical attention leading to John’s stomach operation in December, 2007.  Four months later, we were packing our bags once again, this time, more reluctantly, yet with the determination to follow God’s call and do our very best to ‘fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith’ as St. Paul encourages us.

Returning to Nepal at 50 and 52 years old took some adjustment internally and externally but we persevered with God’s help and some financial support from the Nepal Church which our conscience allowed due to John having established the MFT in Nepal and our continuous personal investment (including financial) for 10 years.   Within the first 40 days, John was choking from asthma during the hottest and dustiest month breathing in Kathmandu’s pollution and didn’t think he would survive it.  My spinal arthritis wouldn’t allow me to sleep on the coconut fibre mattresses we were used to.  Then I found a lump in my breast (for the third time) but decided I would pray it away and it finally disappeared after 6 months.  We  invested in a new sprung mattress and John’s asthma suddenly improved.  However, a few months later I developed a minor ear infection that was misdiagnosed by an unqualified doctor, leading to the need for an operation to drain the infection from my inner ear, an experience that I would never like to repeat and that has had after effects.  (However, don’t let that put you off visiting Nepal!  Several groups and individual 2^nd generation from USA have visited Nepal to participate in service/pure love education activities.  Nepal UM has several orphanages as well as a school that can accommodate anyone interested in a service activity combined with trekking opportunity that we can be contacted about.)

We had promised God to stay at least 5 months on a tourist visa and at the end of August (2008) had a showdown with the spirit world.  As I’m sure many missionaries have experienced, we felt unappreciated, unwanted, unsettled and questioned whether we were becoming a burden to the Nepal Church.  John was trying for a business visa and due to the new Maoist government, it looked hopeless.  The CARP center where we had been staying was closing down and although we were offered financial support to find our own flat, we hadn’t received final confirmation and needed to give 3 months rent in advance the following day.

I prayed with tears for God and spirit world to show us that we should continue to fight the spiritual battle to stay in Nepal; otherwise we would return to England.  I asked that John be given a 1 year business visa (and not only 3 months) and for HQ to confirm that we could pick up our rent money the following morning.  Shortly after my prayer, John called to say that he was suddenly given a 1 year business visa.  At the same time, the landline phone rang.  It was from HQ confirming our request for rent payment.   Although one hurdle had been overcome, there were many more to follow.

As we continue to be the only elder blessed family in Nepal to fulfil a parental role and continuously invest in the development of life of faith for young members, especially in Blessing preparation and 2^nd generation as well as Blessed family education, we find it difficult to separate from the needs of our Nepalese members,  no matter how many times we decide that enough is enough and it is time to return to Mother England.  It’s a struggle we face daily and discussed with our continental director who, naturally leaves the decision in our hands, and recently had our financial support cut in half due to difficult economic situation and yet we cannot seem to find God’s encouragement to let go.  Our love for God and True Parents have kept us from giving up, but the insecurity of our home life and future with a young child is quite a stressful challenge, despite the best part of Nepal—sunny days!  We are returning to England to try to raise money in order to return to Nepal at least until the end of 2012, that is, if our health and financial situation permits.

With sacrifice comes blessing—our highlight at the end of last year was a visit to Nepal from HyoJinim’s wife, YeonAhNim, together with a group of Korean ladies including WFWP Intntl. President Moon.  We hadn’t expected to meet YeonAhNim personally, but her group suddenly turned up at our HQ when our family happened to be there, together with other Nepalese leaders and staff.  After a brief formal welcome in the meeting room, she was outside shaking hands with everyone.  John and I slowly moved in to shake her hand when she turned toward me and almost leaped at me with a great bear hug.  Wow!  What a burst of God’s love!  She’s a beautiful woman—spiritually and physically and it will be my unforgettable experience if we’re not able to continue in Nepal. We also shared with her our love for HyoJinim and experience with him.   Likewise, for John, there was an experience which he will not forget—besides having a video recording of it!  After many years without practice, he was asked to perform at a function organized by Nepal WFWP at a fancy hotel and sitting right in front of him was YeonAhNim, together with President Moon and daughter of the former Korean President Park.   John used the backup music from  Eric Clapton’s  ‘Tears in Heaven’ and after several days of practice, sang it beautifully, moving everyone’s heart for an encore.   Even our daughter Sophia got her picture taken with two other blessed children and the students from TongIlModo, together with YeonAhNim.  It was truly a gift from God.

We plan to return to England beginning of April and are looking for a place to stay, temporarily, reasonable rent offered (preferably London).  We would be grateful for any ideas or suggestions, please let us know at jongin2uk@yahoo.com.

God bless you all and all of your efforts in the UK , John and Ginger Nicholls

Hyung Jin Moon talking about succession

The Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada)
The founder of the Unification Church celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday. Enjoying cake and ceremony with hundreds of followers, the Rev. Sun Myung Moon marked the occasion with his wife and his heir apparent son by his side.

Watch the Associated Press video here

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ahn Young-joon Rev. Moon Sun-myung, left, founder of The Unification Church, with his wife Han Hak-ja blows out the candles on a cake at his birthday party in Gapyeong. The cake reads "Congratulations! Rev. Moon Sun-myung's 90th birthday."

Canada East (Brunswick News corp).
Rev. Sun Myung Moon of Unification Church turns 90 as his son assumes key responsibilities

GAPYEONG, South Korea – The Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church, celebrated his 90th birthday Friday with songs, prayers and 1,000 guests from around the world.

His wife, children and guests from Japan, the U.S., Britain and elsewhere sang, prayed and shouted “Hurrah” in a birthday ceremony at the church’s sprawling complex in Gapyeong, about 40 miles (60 kilometres) northeast of Seoul. The guests included 18 Malaysian lawmakers.  Read More…

Thank you to all who donated so generously to the HAITI disaster appeal on this website.

So far we have collected £427.00.

Today we sent £420.00 to the IRFF Disaster Services, who told me this morning that they desperately need funds to support their ongoing relief work in Haiti. Please visit their website for up to date reports www.irff.org

Also please continue to donate or encourage others to do so in order to support this desperate situation.

If you would like to donate, funds collected here will be directed to the IRFF Disaster Services. See ‘Donate more‘ on the right below to find out how the government can add your tax to your donation.

Youth Ministry Director
Job Description

The UK FFWPU (registered Charity # 267917) is seeking to employ full-time a Director of Youth Ministry who will, together with the youth ministry team, coordinate pastoral care to the 500+ youth aged 12-25 living in the 9 spiritual communities of the UK.  Essential qualifications include a sincere faith in God & True Parents and good use of the English language.  A university degree and a stable marriage are preferred.  The job will include attending & supporting the national leadership in the FFWPU HQ in London, coordinating the student chaplaincy programme, supporting and guiding the HARP committee, creating educational programmes & materials, coordinating workshops and passing on communication between the European & national HQ staff and the youth of the UK.  Salary negotiable.

The purpose of the work should be to:

• Empower UK youth to discover and fulfil their unique calling to serve God and others
• Empower them to develop a personal relationship with True Parents
• Prepare young people for the marriage blessing and for a life of public service
• Build a spiritually secure community where young people can enjoy fellowship as one family

This should be achieved by:

• Praying for and serving the youth aged from 12 years (academic year 7) to 25 years
• Coordinating the university chaplaincy programme
• Communicating with national and European leadership regarding youth issues
• Maintaining the youth contact info database & disseminating relevant information (e.g. workshop invitations, blessing announcements etc)
• Supporting the HARP committee in fulfilling their objectives related to the purposes of HARP
• Supporting the youth worship services
• Reaching out to existing FFWPU youth and reaching out beyond to youth outside our church, inviting them to join different activities of varying commitment
• Developing educational materials with the Education Department and executing workshops & programmes
• Communicating & cooperating with parents of FFWPU youth

If you are interested in applying for this job, please send an email to hq@ffwpu.org.uk.  If you don’t want to apply for this job but are interested in supporting the Youth Ministry in another way, please also contact HQ.

Haiti earthquake victims need your help

Please Help

The Unificationist-supported International Relief Friendship Foundation (IRFF) has set up an appeal for immediate help:

Richard Sapp, IRFF Director of Disaster Services, said “IRFF’s immediate goal is to raise $7,500 to ship three container loads of already-donated food and medicine to the port city of St. Marks, not far from the devastated capital of Port-au-Prince.”

“Further plans to assist in relief efforts will be implemented later based on securing additional funding,” but the immediate need of survivors is food and medical treatment, which, with your help, we can deliver right away.”

IRFF was  founded in 1979 and is a partner organization of the Global Disaster Response Network which has 12 non-profit organization members. The group already has representatives on the ground in Haiti, giving a daily assessment of the situation and the immediate needs there.

If you would like to donate, funds collected here will be directed to the IRFF Disaster Services. See ‘Donate more‘ on the right to find out how the government can add your tax to your donation.