Holy Ground Pilgrims Rally at Ground Zero
After offering prayer, songs and greetings in the New York City Holy Ground, the God’s Hope for America pilgrimage made its way to the 9/11 Memorial site in Manhattan, New York on July 17, 2014. There, Manhattan Bourough Deputy President, Joe Garba addressed the assembly.
Just a little over 13 years ago on the corner of Barclay and Greenwich, the location of 7 World Trade Center, was a scene of utter desolation and despair. A dust cloud of white haze and dust was present for three weeks after the September 11 attack in 2001. One solid foot of paper and debris covered the streets, sidewalks and open space. The debris was made of mostly papers that somehow floated up as the desks were incinerated when the north and south towers collapsed. We can never forget the deep sadness felt across the nation when those papers were picked up and drawings of stick figures done in crayon by kindergarteners and first graders that sat at the desks of mothers and fathers lost in this tragedy, were found. It was all sadness and sorrow, but today there was Hope—God’s Hope for America. On that same street corner, the pilgrim travelers of the God’s Hope for America pilgrimage and local Unificationists and friends assembled on the corner of Barclay and Greenwich and led a rally of joy and hope. Clergy, Ambassadors for Peace, Women leaders and Civic officials gathered as we sang.
Rev. Bruce Grodner, National Outreach Director of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) emceed the program which began with prayer and the welcome address of Family Federation for World peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA President, Dr. Michael Balcomb. He read an excerpt from the God’s Hope for America address of Father Moon which said, “America has been known as the ‘melting pot’ where people of all colors, creeds; and nationalities are melted into one new breed. In order to melt anything, heat is required. Do you know who provided the heat for America? God was that heat. Without God, you could never have melted your people together. America could only achieve true brotherhood through the Christian spirit, but when you begin to lose this foundation, America’s moral fiber will deteriorate.” He shared that our purpose was to bring America hope from God.
Manhattan Borough Deputy President, Joe Garba, addressed the assembly. “I want you to know that I am in support of your ministry. I want to say clearly that when we uplift God our nation will be blessed. I bring greetings from our Borough President.”
Rev. Andrew Compton, pastor of the West Rock Family Church in New York, read proclamations from Congressman Jeffries declaring today “God’s Hope for America Day.” Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams gave a proclamation honoring God’s Hope for America. Unificationist born youth, Nocynthia Shibuya, gave testimony of the hope she felt because of this pilgrimage to the Holy Grounds.
Rev. Grodner introduced many clergy in attendance. He first introduced Archbishop Cecil Riley, Co Chair of ACLC New York and Bishop of Freedom Hall Churches of God in Brooklyn, Queens and the nation of Jamaica. Archbishop Riley shared that Father and Mother Moon laid the foundation upon which a great revival is occurring in America. He shared his encouragement that God is moving with this movement and inspiring the people of God in all 50 states. Bishop Henry Coaxum, Archbishop Voni Johyn, Rev. Glenda Phillips Lee, Rev. Singh and Rev. Dennis Dillon also shared remarks in support of the rally. Dr. Dennis Dillon, Publisher of The Christian Times Newspaper shared that the holy spirit is leading this movement and God sent Father Moon to allow all races and faiths to come together. When welook at those assembled here we can see all of God’s Family. Without Father and Mother Moon we couldn’t be here.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, Chairman Emeritus of ACLC shared that when 9/11 occurred Father Moon was in Alaska and he went into three days of fasting and prayer. When he came down from his room after the third day he said: “America is on the cross. However, God has given this time in which the whole world is in sympathy with America. If America turns the other cheek and goes beyond this way of destruction then this nation will rapidly be blessed.” Father and Mother Moon, our True Parents, are still leading us in spirit and on earth to realize that the use of violence, though necessary in some defense situations, however, will not bring peace. Though over 2800 lost their lives this day great hope came from New York City when the first responders, New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) were the first to arrive and were also the first to die. Though the situation was so tragic it showed the great character of the people of New York as Black, white, Hispanic and Asian came together in a spirit of sacrifice and service to go to Ground Zero to help those who lost their loved ones. The spirit of unity that came after 9/11 gave hope to all of America and the World.
The God Bless America Pilgrimage is bringing that same kind of hope; just like a doctor or firefighter is needed in emergency, the God’s Hope for America pilgrimage is bringing courageous leaders together to sacrifice and serve this great nation in the time of emergency. It is bringing God’s spirit to every corner of America.
After or prayers and rally the pilgrims visited the deeply moving 9/11 memorial to pray.
contributed by Dr. Michael Jenkins