Peace Road 2020: Northeast Region Living by the Logic of Love
Mika Deshotel speaking on top of Mt. Agamenticus in Maine
After a very successful kick-off event in Plymouth, Massachusetts on July 29 (see report), the National Peace Road tour continued with a wide array of exciting programs in the Northeast region of the United States for the next few days, before moving south. This article includes some highlights shared by WFWP members who participated in Peace Road events in the states of Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
On July 30, Patsy Onatah and other members of WFWP Maine hosted the national Peace Road USA team on the top of Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine. The site was chosen both for its historical significance and its sweeping views of all that is beautiful in Maine – the ocean, the forests and the mountains in the distance.
“My first thought when asked to host was how could we embrace our team – make them feel welcome, make them feel at home,” shared Patsy. “This came from my maternal instinct, my maternal heart. I knew this would be their last stop of the day. They would be tired and hungry. What could we, as a group Living by the Logic of Love, do to address those needs? We gave them an opportunity to rest and we fed them with the bounty from Maine.” This was a picnic dinner of lobster rolls, blueberry cake and watermelon.
Jim Hewes in Maine
The program focused on the historical significance of the location and its connection to Native Americans and early European settlers. Mika Deshotel, a pastor and regional organizer of Peace Road, shared how Chief Aspinquid, a leader of the Mi’kmac tribe, converted to Christianity and shared his faith with many tribe members. Legend has it that he was killed for his beliefs and buried at the top of Mt. Agamenticus. While there are doubts that he actually existed, it is a story of remaining true to your faith, even unto death. Another participant, Jim Hewes, shared excerpts from the diary of his ancestor William Bradford, a Puritan who came to America on the Mayflower, and was able to share much insight into the life of the early settlers.
Also on July 30th, WFWP Northeast Regional Interim Director Kathryn Ross, a Vermont native, journeyed to the historical Calvin Coolidge homestead in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains, to participate in a Peace Road event outside the home of the 30th president of the United States. About 20 participants gathered in the open air and listened to the director of the museum, Bill Jenny, explain the history of the area. The entire town of Plymouth Notch is designated as a National Landmark site and has been completely preserved in the original state as it was in the early 1800s, including the Coolidge birthplace, the home, the church, general store, and the original cheese factory still operating today.
One participant shared about the accomplishments of President Coolidge, including being the first president to give a commencement address at Howard College, a historical African American school, and his support for women’s suffrage. Kathy Ross was then invited to conclude the meeting by sharing a few words on behalf of WFWP. She was grateful to share about the great goals of WFWP as an organization founded by the Mother of Peace, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
The following day, WFWP USA Senior Vice President Rev. Juanita-Pierre Louis presided over a special ceremony of repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation at Foley Square in New York City, in remembrance of the 419 souls buried there during the Civil War. These souls comprised people of the African Diaspora, who were brought to America as slaves to help build the nation against their will.
In keeping with the overall Peace Road theme of “Reconciling all People”, this tributary event served as a reminder for Americans of all races to heal the past for a brighter future, especially for future generations not to bear the burden of the past. WFWP was given a warm welcome and thanks from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, a strong leader in the city of New York. She commended the women of WFWP for coming out and making people aware of the road we must travel to bring equality and peace to all people.
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Sunday, August 2, was a very busy day, with Peace Road events in both Pennsylvania and Delaware. It began in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, where no less than 17 representatives from WFWP participated, including our beloved long-time WFWP supporter Mother Gail, according to a report by WFWP Philadelphia Chairwoman Rev. Jizly Dohou.
Mama Gail Clouden, founder of Universal Love Ministries, was invited to give a message of peace and love right in front of the Liberty Bell near Independence Hall. Independence Hall, she asserted, was a holy place with all kinds of memories pinned into the hearts of African Americans today. As she concluded her message, she stated that God, our creator, will reset the button of forgiveness so that love and healing will take place in the new age. The closing prayer was then offered by Rev. Juanita Pierre-Louis.
The WFWP team and its chairwoman Rev. Dohou signed the Peace Road Proclamation right in front of the congress hall, proclaiming and commemorating the longest religious and political historical records of American Constitutional history.
The group then walked to the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was founded in 1794 and is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal congregation in the US, and offered sincere prayers and meditation. Mama Gail prayed that the world would wake up and repent and that no mother would ever face the tyranny of seeing their family torn apart again.
In a unique and eye-catching twist, the WFWP members concluded their Peace Road experience with a guided tour via horse-drawn carriage ride through the historical neighborhoods of the city, with a Peace Road banner proudly displayed on the carriage that attracted the attention of passers-by.
Rev. Juanita Pierre-Louis in Wilmington, Delaware
Rev. Pierre-Louis continued on to Wilmington, Delaware, where another Peace Road event was held that evening at the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park. The park featured a beautiful statue of Harriet Tubman, the legendary American abolitionist, mother and freedom fighter.
“The spirit I felt in Delaware was that of a mother gathering her flock,” reported Rev. Pierre-Louis. “This is the spirit that Mother Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of Peace, carries with her wherever she goes. WFWP, founded by Mother and Father Moon, carries the spirit of unity, true love and peace wherever it goes.”
The program featured powerful speakers that addressed the desire for peace and freedom. Rev. Pierre-Louis led the participants in a soulful rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ and offered a heartfelt prayer to raise up the consciousness of the American people. The event concluded with the presentation of Mother Moon’s memoir, ‘The Mother of Peace’, and more joyful singing.
While the Peace Road may have ended in the Northeast, the tour continued without a break and headed for the Southeast region, to the heart of the US in Washington, DC on August 3 (read about it here). Continue following the Peace Road with us here in Logic of Love News and watch live video excerpts and reflections on facebook.com/peaceroadusa.
Editor’s Note: Reports by Patsy Onatah, Kathy Ross, Juanita Pierre-Louis and Jizly Dohou contributed to this article
Peace Road in Delaware