‘A Defining Moment:’ Newark ACLC Prayer Breakfast Inspires Action
Photo credit FFWPU-USA
A transformative impact often stems from smaller elements of a bigger vision. In just five short weeks, a momentous Peace Starts With Me rally is happening in Newark, New Jersey, where 30,000 clergy are anticipated to gather for peace at the Prudential Center with keynote speaker Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). However, behind-the-scenes efforts are already well underway, including consecutive prayer breakfasts over the next four Saturdays leading up to the rally on December 28.
“The church must be God’s life-saving community,” said FFWPU Regional Chairman of North America Dr. Ki Hoon Kim. The prayer breakfasts, co-sponsored by FFWPU and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), serve as a platform for interfaith unity and exchange. Hundreds of guests convened at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark on Saturday, November 23 to hear a message of hope, inspiration, and the importance of this time, where God seeks harmony among the religious community and around the world.
“Each one of us has a time and an opportunity to do something for God,” said Rev. Dr. Cynthia Jackson, pastor of Allen AME Church in Newark, as she gave her keynote address. “This is a defining moment and we cannot be silent, or we perish. Put your trust in God and let Him use you.” Guests listened to her heartfelt message while enjoying a breakfast buffet and the opportunity to network with each other. The event also featured a scripture reading by pastor Yasu Ozawa, national youth ministry coordinator of FFWPU, and musical entertainment including praise dancers and the Peace Starts With Me Children’s Choir of the Elizabeth Family Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Since 2017, the Peace Starts With Me movement has launched numerous rallies nationally and worldwide, bringing together thousands of people spanning various cultures and backgrounds. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, also known as the Mother of Peace, has toured countless countries to promote peace and continue the peacebuilding legacy of her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, co-founder of FFWPU. “There have been those throughout the course of history who have sacrificed and died for God’s Will,” said FFWPU President Rev. Demian Dunkley, as he offered the benediction at the prayer breakfast. “Surely God wishes for us to not only be loved, but also to love. Let us act as one family because that is how God made us to be.”
The next prayer breakfast will be at the New Yorker hotel on Saturday, November 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information on the Peace Starts With Me rally or to get involved, click here.