Unificationists Give Back and Branch Out
Near and far, Unificationists around the world spent this year connecting to the legacy of True Parents as they commemorated the third anniversary of True Father’s ascension. From experiencing a sense of family within their own community to extending True Parents’ vision to others, the following stories express just how far-reaching and universal the hopes of God and True Parents are.
A Unified “Roar” for True Parents
Johannes Anae, affectionately known as “Junior” for being the smallest of his siblings at over six feet tall, is a young Unificationist from New Zealand. He was recently a participant at the first Global Top Gun workshop held in Korea in August. At this workshop many participants, including Junior, felt that Unificationists from around the world had truly become one global family in the short 21 days spent together.
Inspired by his new Global Top Gun family, Junior shares with our global community his experience giving an impromptu performance of the Haka—the war dance of the Maori people—during Professor Yeon Ah Moon’s visit to his hometown on September 18, 2015, and how this experience became an offering of unity for True Parents.
Our brothers and sisters here were so moved and inspired by how honest and humble they found Yeon Ah Moon to be. She embraced everyone, and it felt like she was an older sister at times. She mentioned to our national leader [of FFWPU], even before coming, that she wanted to spend some time with the young people here in New Zealand. On her last night we held a farewell dinner. At one point in the evening, she gave a speech and expressed True Mother’s and her own love for young Unificationists all around the world. She gave a donation to our youth group here for an upcoming summer workshop, including $300 in snack money.
I felt so guilty because we had nothing to give back on behalf of our community … or did we? Earlier that day, Yeon Ah Moon was scheduled to watch a famous tribal war dance commonly performed by New Zealand rugby team the All Blacks, called the Haka. But because of time constraints she missed her opportunity. Instead, some of the young men and I made our way to the stage to do our own version of the dance. At first, we stood there nervously, but soon the rest of the youth joined us on stage, followed by some of the elders.
Then, all generations banded together, and, one in mind and spirit, we gave a loud shout and were hitting our chests. We shook the heavens with a mighty “ROAR!!” In the end Yeon Ah Moon stood up and said, “True Mother doesn’t have to worry anymore; you have these brothers!”
Though she missed seeing the dance performed by a professional group, it gave the New Zealand community the opportunity to offer something back to True Parents’ family through Yeon Ah Moon.
It was truly an honor, blessing and privilege to represent this nation and offer something to True Parents! I will always cherish this memory.
Junior gave a testimony at Sunday Service before Yeon Ah Moon’s visit and described his time at the Global Top Gun workshop. He said, “The congregation was inspired by it and really see the hope for this movement!”
The Dream of Korean Reunification
Iowa Family Church Pastor Alan Jessen and one young Unificationist held a collaborated Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) event at the University of Northern Iowa campus on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. They shared the following report on their collaborative efforts.
Sam Roche, a Unificationist student at the University of Northern Iowa (left) is pictured with LiNK Nomads, Madison (of Missouri), Anka (from Romania) and Richie (Texas).
They call themselves Nomads. They travel as small teams in a large van with California license plates, zig zagging across the county raising funds and raising awareness of the plight of the people of North Korea. Much like the year of service programs for young Unificationists, these young people are filled with energy and a vision to end human suffering.
Their organization is LiNK—Liberty in North Korea—and their cause is helping refugees from communist North Korea to resettle in the west, through a 3,000 mile treacherous journey from China to Southeast Asia and further westward. In August, Unificationist pastors across the country were contacted by LiNK inquiring whether they would be able to host an event where LiNK could speak to at least 50 people.
Fortunately, Unificationists in Iowa had a natural ally in Sam Roche, a senior student at the University of Northern Iowa and president of the Korean Language and Culture Club there. Sam jumped at the chance, and together with local Unificationists hosted a public event at the Maucker Student Union on the night of October 6. Over 100 persons attended, the largest group so far for this Nomad team!
Their presentation is a moving story of the dangerous journey to freedom for persons fleeing North Korea, their struggle to settle in a new world, and the hope it brings for change to come to North Korea. With more people successfully escaping and being re-settled in South Korea and elsewhere, more information and resources are coming back into North Korea. With organizations like LiNK and others committed to this cause, freedom and hope for the North Korean people seems more to be a matter of time. As the team left Iowa, LiNK member Richie said he would like to learn more about the Unification community and faith. They happily gave him a signed copy of True Father’s autobiography.
Anyone wishing to learn more, host an event, or to pledge $5.00 per month to support LiNK’s cause may contact them at www.libertyinnorthkorea.org.