Peace-Loving Global Citizen

“‘What will I be when I grow up?’ I enjoyed observing and studying nature, so I gave some thought to becoming a scientist. However, I changed my mind after I saw the tragedy of how people were plundered by the Japanese colonial authorities… I wanted to become a person who could take away the tears that flowed from people’s eyes and the sorrow that was in their hearts.” —As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen

Twelve years ago, the autobiography of the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen, was published in Seoul, South Korea, on March 9, 2009. Originally printed in the Korean language by Gimm-Young Publishers, Inc., it was translated into several languages and widely distributed—inspiring readers around the world to this day.

In captivating detail, Rev. Moon shares the harsh realities of war-torn Korea as readers get a glimpse into his childhood and young adult life, where he was jailed, beaten and tortured to the brink of death for joining the underground independence movement led by Korean students. Rev. Moon also shares about his intimate relationship with God and his family, and his unwavering faith stemming from a life-changing spiritual encounter with Jesus as a young man. 

Readers learn about the humble beginnings of Rev. Moon’s early public ministry as well, which became the worldwide Unification movement led with his wife Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Together, they dedicated their lives toward world peace and unity despite unfathomable challenges.

Below is an excerpt from the second chapter of Rev. Moon’s book, As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen:

When I was 16, we experienced the tragedy of having five of my younger siblings die in a single year. No words could describe the heartbreak of our parents of losing five of their 13 children in such a short time. Death seemed to spread… The suffering of one family seemed connected to the suffering of the nation and of the world. I was increasingly troubled to see the wretched situation of the Korean people under Japan’s tyrannical rule… I wept aloud for three days and nights. The tears kept coming, and I couldn’t make them stop…

Prayer helped me to find solace. Whenever I laid out the anguishing problems in my heart to God, all my suffering and sorrow vanished and my heart felt at ease. I began spending more and more time in prayer, to the point that, eventually, I began praying through the night all the time. As a result, I had a rare and precious experience in which God answered my prayers. That day will always remain as the most cherished memory of my life—a day I can never forget.

It was the night before Easter in the year I turned 16. I was on Mount Myodu praying all night and begging God in tears for answers… After I had spent the entire night in prayer, Jesus appeared before me… Jesus spoke clearly about the work I would have to do. His words were extraordinary, having to do with saving humanity from its suffering and bringing joy to God…

My encounter with Jesus changed my life completely. His sorrowful expression was etched into my heart as if it had been branded there, and I could not think of anything else. From that day on, I immersed myself completely in the word of God…

Anyone who follows the path of God must pursue his goal with his whole heart and total dedication. It requires a steadfastness of purpose… Whatever the time or place, love is most important. God was searching for a person who would live with a heart of love, and who, when faced with suffering, could cut off its effects with love.

Let’s honor the 12th anniversary of Rev. Moon’s extraordinary autobiography, and his legacy of peace and love.

You can get your copy of As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen here.

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