3rd Place Essay by Deanna Cooper

This extraordinarily well-written Holy Scripture Chambumo Gyeong is a detailed window into the life of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Hak Ja Han. The testimonies give a valuable account of their humble beginnings in what is now North Korea, offer a rare look into what life was like during the Korean War and a look into the very early stages of the Unification Church, also known as the True Family movement. The pages of this book portray a man who persevered through untold struggles and hardships with his only goal to fulfill the Will of God and to remain alive despite precarious circumstances so that he could accomplish this. He cheated death many times because in his earnest quest to do God’s Will, he was blessed with the inexplicable protection of God Himself, as was Hak Ja Han. Rev. Moon shares the development of his intimate relationship with God, calling Him the True Parent of parents, the True Teacher of teachers and the True King of kings. He speaks of God’s heart—a heart of sorrow for us, His children, lost to Him so long ago, and His desperate heart to bring us back. Rev. Moon emphasizes that a close relationship with God is a relationship everyone can cultivate.

Chambumo Gyeong has brought daily inspiration to my husband and myself. My life generally has been without major challenges regarding physical needs. Upon reading this testimony of such an extraordinary man, I am humbled. Several times throughout his course in those early days, Rev. Moon had no room to sleep in because of the vast number of refugees. During the winter he worked on the docks at night to keep warm and found a place in the sun to sleep in the afternoon. He wore thin clothes and a military jacket and describes himself as looking like a poverty-stricken vagrant. Yet throughout it all he kept his dignity as the son of God, never complained, maintained hope and never wavered in his fierce determination. The hardships seemed to strengthen his relationship with God and his resolve to end God’s suffering.

Although there are great differences between Rev. Moon’s life and mine, I feel inspired and motivated by his example to try harder and accomplish more. With this insight into his arduous course, it becomes harder for me—in fact, shameful—to complain about trivial things or express pessimism. While we all may not walk the same course as Rev. Moon, reading the Chambumo Gyeong reveals invaluable lessons that can be applied to our daily lives.