Ambassadors for Peace in Los Angeles
by Rev. Michael Jenkins
MWJenk@FAMILYFED.ORG
November 4, 2002
Dear Leaders and Blessed Central Families,
Another advanced education for the Ambassadors for Peace was convened
today in Los Angeles. Led by Rev. Ku, Billie Ann, Rev. Tim Henning and
Ms. Sheri Reuter and incredible cross section of the high level leaders
from a broad array of professions assembled to further their understanding
of their appointment as Ambassadors for Peace.
Over 120 Ambassadors for Peace assembled at the Sheraton Gateway
Airport Hotel. The Ambassadors were appointed by True Parents through
True Mother's 2001 tour, the International Leadership Seminar of December
2001 or the recent tour of True Mother in September. They are composed
of elected officials, professors, clergy, business leaders and social
and community leaders.
Truly an international gathering the program began with Mr. Keith
McCarthy former Mayor of Downey, Ca and current City Council member.
Keith highlighted the theme of Ambassadors for Peace being a cooperative
between all people of conscience. Rev. Tim Henning opened with a review
of the United Nations and the quotation from the Bible outside of the
UN "Let us beat our swords into ploughshares, and spears into pruning
hooks." How will we bring peace? Through the Ambassadors for Peace. The
International choir of Japanese Missionaries gave a beautiful presentation
of song that touched everyone.
The Ambassadors for Peace as a mission has enormous importance due to
the fact that the whole world is on the brink of war due to the terrorism
threat. These Ambassadors represent heaven and many have felt upon their
appointment that their "calling" is even greater than that of Ambassadors
of a nation.
Mr. Antonio Betancourt, Secretary General of the IIFWP for North
America, opened with a powerpoint presentation on the fundamentals of
the IIFWP and the Ambassador for Peace appointment. He highlighted the
theme that the there are many cultural spheres throughout the world
and now the culture of peace is emerging that is calling all of them
to become one. It is based on the values of faith and family. Just as
with the New York conference recently, something very powerful is going
on when these seminars are held.
Deep within the hearts of the leaders assembled is an incredible
yearning to end the culture of war and realize the culture of
peace. Antonio had an amazing spirit as he called upon them to stand
courageously for the values of faith and love for all religions and
belief in the sacred nature of the family. The ambassadors gave a
standing ovation. Then Rev. Jenkins and Mr. Betancourt, along with
Bishop G. Augustus Stallings gave the certificates to 12 new appointees
to the Ambassador for Peace honor. A Jewish leader, Christian, Muslim
Imam, Chinese gentleman, Korean, Buddhist all came forward for the
appointment. Everyone could feel that something was going on that was
substantive and hopeful. The walls are coming down.
Then we began the next phase of the program with the Dawning of the
Culture of Peace - Testimonies from Jesus and the saints.
Rev. Jenkins introduced WFWP national Vice President Mrs. Sheri
Reuter to read the
Cloud of Witnesses. The Japanese choir sang in the background as
she read the testimonies from the spirit world. I have to admit, that
when this portion of the program is held, it is not easy. There is a
bit of apprehension as the reading begins because it is so unusual and
unique. Yet with each reading, as I witnessed in 12 cities on Mother's
tour, the Ocean City workshop for Clergy, the Ambassadors For Peace
Seminars, just as Father said, when the testimonies from heaven are
confirmed by their counterparts on earth there is an outpouring of
spirit that cannot be described in words. That's why it says in the
book of Acts, "In the Last Days I will pour out my spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." It really is a pouring
out of the holy spirit. In these readings I've seen people completely
reject the proclamation, only to have a 180 degree turn around just a
short time after.
Rev. Jenkins gave the fundamentals concerning Father's direction
that peace cannot come unless we know the reality of the spirit
world. Why can't there be peace between the races? The reality is
that if we don't untangle the pain and frustration found in the spirit
world we will not be able to bring harmony among peoples. That's why
Hebrews 11:39-40 indicates that those saints in the spirit world who
were promised perfection by God cannot achieve it without us. Therefore
Ambassadors for Peace must realize that we are not just dealing
with enmity or conflict only between contemporaries but we represent
history and must realize that the conflicts we see now are rooted in our
ancestors. Therefore we must reconcile by loving all races and religions
and sacrificing for our enemies. He then called upon a Christian leader, a
Buddhist, an American Indian, a Jewish leader, a Chinese leader and Imam,
and finally a representative of a Communist country to come forward. They
all embraced and pledged that they will love all races and peoples.
Jesus' love is so great that it knows no boundaries. Therefore America
as the second Israel should take the lead in loving all religions and
races. America was founded with this spirit and planted within this soil
is the maxim, "We hold these truths to be self evident that all
men are created equal." Because of that Christian spirit America could
become the foundation for the Kingdom of God. Rev. Jenkins also emphasized
that the essence of peace must be found in the family, that man and woman
are meant to come together as the image of God. Therefore there can be no
betrayal or adultery or the family is destroyed. Ambassadors for Peace
must stand against adultery and must teach purity to the children. That
is why Father Moon is anointing all religious leaders to bless their
congregations and followers. The communion of husband and wife to drink of
the same cup allows them to be grafted into God's blood lineage breaking
the yoke or curse that occurred at the fall of man. He then called on
all to find the spouse that God has prepared for them.
Then Bishop Stallings came forward to proclaim the Messiah. He took
the ambassadors on a careful journey through history. Calling upon them
to realize that though many would say "preposterous" when they hear
Jesus revealing that he chose Father Moon as the Messiah, we should
proceed with prayer and patience. He reminded us of the time of Jesus,
that virtually none of the religious leaders were open to the idea that he
was the Messiah. Why? Because they had very strong opinions about how the
Messiah would come. They were wrong and they missed him. Bishop Stallings
concluded, "How about you. Are sure you know how Jesus will manifest
the Second Coming?" The audience was truly stunned. The clergy were
shouting and calling on the name of the Lord. The Chinese were clapping
and smiling. The American Indians were shaking their heads in agreement.
Then Rev. Jenkins led a "Signing" of the Resolution from heaven. The
Imam Budakji, the Christian pastor,( Rev. and Mrs. Waller), the American
Indians (Guyokla and Rev. Alambra ), Judaism represented by Andy Weiss,
Norma Foster represented the United Nations and many others came forward
and signed the resolution confirming what had already been proclaimed
in heaven.
Los Angeles was a total victory. One pastor said afterwards, "Now I
understand, Father Moon was chosen, I can accept it now." Another woman
Ambassador For Peace came and said, "For the first time I now feel ready
to marry. I realize that it is the purpose of life." Another, a principal
of a Los Angeles public school, said, "This was so exciting. I can feel
that we are going to succeed. We will be ambassadors for a new world."
Thank You Los Angeles Family.
Sincerely,
MWJ
|