1st Place Essay by Mi-ae Nkulu

I found the excerpt from Chambumo Gyeong to be a great look into one of our True Father’s past times. True Father had ideas for the marine industry. He started out by training people in Korea. He had many plans involving the ocean. True Father spent time fishing and building boats to peruse his plans. In 1963, he built his first boat, Cheon Seung Ho. It means “Heaven’s Victory,” and he used it in both rain and shine.

Rev. Moon said, “Whenever I had time to spare, I would always go to Jeju Island to offer devotions.” Depending on the Chinese characters used, Jeju has multiple meanings. It can mean “chief priest” or “the world that is crossed.” The syllable Ju can use the character which means “village,” but Rev. Moon interpreted Ju as another character meaning “Lord.” Rev. Moon interpreted the name of the island to mean “the Lord who passes over into another world to find Eve.”

There is a tiny islet near Jeju Island named Jiguido. True Father bought the islet because he believed it could be where restoration could begin. The Chinese characters for Jiguido mean “the island for returning to the earth.” True Father knew he had to develop the land; he wanted to turn Jiguido into a tourist destination. Jeju Island’s location is significant because it’s where the East Sea [Sea of Japan], the East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean form a passageway into Asia. The area would be perfect for developing the islands into fishing destinations.

True Parents started their projects in Yeosu and Suncheon [two cities in South Jeolla Province]. “The coastal area between Busan and Mokpo, Korea, is the only place on earth where the ocean and the land are perfectly harmonized.” The waters of Yeosu are crystal clear and ideal for fishing. True Father knew that Yeosu would become a great place. Another excellent place is Geomundo [islands near the city of Yeosu], for many great things can happen there. “Its port is excellent.”

I liked reading this section of the book because True Father shared his knowledge and experience about the flora and fauna of the locations. True Father thought of many visions and projects for the islands, and he poured his efforts into those he had started. He knew what the future held.

It’s heartbreaking that True Father left the physical world before he could enjoy the completion of his projects here. With that, it’s our responsibility to do what True Father wanted to do. I’m inspired by True Father and all that he has completed, but there’s more to fulfill, and as young people we can accomplish the task. I think that True Parents would be happy to know the effort we are putting forth to realize God’s Will. I would recommend the Chambumo Gyeong to anybody.