ACLC Women in Ministry Launches in Chicago

On March 28, 2015, ACLC’s Women in Ministry (WIM) convened in Chicago for the first of four women’s seminars nationwide, focusing on the theme: “Women United in Heart for the Family.”

The goal of WIM is to reflect the heart of God by ministering to rebuild the family, restore the community and renew the nation and the world.  Women of all faiths united will teach the heart of God and the true values of marriage and family to the family, the community, the nation and the world.

Three more programs are planned for Los Angeles (July 11), New York – New Jersey (July 25) and Oklahoma (September 5), inspired by National ACLC Co- Chairs Dr. Ki Hoon Kim and Archbishop George Augustus Stallings and ACLC leadership.

The event in Chicago was held from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Greater Harvest MB Church, starting with the reading of the mission of ACLC Women in Ministry, and the congratulatory letter from Archbishop Stallings, which really lit up the atmosphere and set the tone for the event.

Nearly 80 guests—mostly women and some men in clergy, husbands, and civic leaders of diverse communities—attended.  Sister Claudette Muhammad of the Nation of Islam served as a hostess and greeter and invited the beautiful sisters of NOI. Representative also came from Michigan, Wisconsin and NY.

Min. Fannie May Smith, director of School of Africa of Women’s Federation for World Peace, acted as emcee.  ACLC, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) all collaborated together for this event.

Evang. Greta Myers, who started Love Train Women’s Ministry one year ago, inspired by ACLC Women in Ministry, gave a warm welcome.  She is co-coordinator of ACLC Women in Ministry of Chicago along with Sister Carry Tonkumoh. Many women came from Love Train Ministry.

In the morning session, the ACLC True Family Values Ministry’s Bible-based Divine Principle seminar was launched. Rev. Nena Bell gave presentations on God’s Original Ideal and The Ideal of Marriage and Family. After the presentation, each table had a group discussion on one or two questions that they picked from five questions that were provided.  Each table then reported about their discussions.

“The speakers were fantastic and I found the entire program very uplifting,” commented Rev. Rosemary Bookstein. “I just enjoyed the seminar very much. Rev. Nena Bell’s PowerPoint presentation of God’s purpose and ideal for the family was very informative, providing much to think about. I was also moved by and especially appreciated the performance by Black Pearl (the singer). Her message is so appropriate. Greta Myers did a great job, as usual, as a hostess. I am looking forward to the next event.”

The atmosphere was very lively and warm and many women wanted to give remarks. Responding to the question, “How do you show your love to enemies?” one minister gave a testimony that her mother had been murdered, but her family kept praying for her killer. It was a profound testimony of how to live faith, not just talk about it.

Evang. Belinda Martin, wife of Rev. Martin (ACLC Leader) focused on the topic of rebuilding the family, and gave a beautiful testimony of marrying her husband even though her body was paralyzed and she couldn’t walk, not even knowing if she could have a normal married life. After her speech, Rev. Martin and his associate minister strongly spoke about the importance of the marriage of man and woman.

Keynote speaker Elder Barbara Holmes gave a moving speech for this occasion, and said, “This is a historic day to launch ACLC Women in Ministry!”

The next speaker was Rev. Joy Sigur Ramza, a community leader in Chicago, who spoke so powerfully with an urgent message for rebuilding the community.

Lastly, Apostle Glenda Phillips Lee spoke about Renewing the Nation and World, testifying that she felt that True Father healed her spiritually, and speaking prophetically about each woman’s mission for the nation and the world.

Rev. Nena Bell  said: “I truly enjoyed teaching and engaging the women. I feel I have made a positive difference in their lives. It was a pleasure and honor to kick off ACLC Women In Ministry for ACLC True Family Values.”

Entertainment was provided by the Japanese choir of the Family Church, Artist Black Pearl, and Evangelist Rita Pritchett, each to warm applause.

Rev. Marilyn Kotulek of Oklahoma, ACLC Co-Chairman of Oklahoma and ACLC Women in Ministry’s Co- Chair, congratulated the Chicago ACLC Women in Ministry and prayed over all the congregation.  “This historic national event gathered the ‘Body of Christ’ in a united effort to proclaim to the nation we stand as one in heart and in spirit and in one accord. The true heart of God’s love was reflected and the light of God’s power went forth to the nation. The river of living water is flowing and America will fulfill her destiny as a beacon of light to the world. God’s prophetic word to the nation will continue to stand for love, faith in our God to lead this great movement to stand for family, and marriage between a man and a woman, and the light of His glory will continue to shine on this world through His people.”

Min. Reiko Jenkins of Washington DC, ACLC Women in Ministry’s Co-Chair, shared appreciation for Chicago being the first city to host the WIM event and for the beautiful success and teamwork of women coming together.

Rev. Kazuo Takami, Family Federation District Pastor congratulated the Women in Ministry, saying he was so proud of them for their faith and commitment to initiate this event in such a short time, given less than a month to organize it.

The entire day was so blessed with such a beautiful spirit and love. WIM looks forward to the four-city seminars of ACLC Women In Ministry 2015.