THE TURNING POINT - 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN LAS VEGAS

Distinguished women leaders and Ambassadors for Peace from various walks of life convened at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, October 25, 2012 to participate in the Opening Session of "The Turning Point," the 20th Anniversary National Assembly of Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP). Approximately 400 women attended the session in the Milan Ballroom at 7:30 p.m., and more are expected to attend the plenary sessions of the convocation on Friday and Saturday.

"Beloved sisters and friends all across the world, let's try to take this time to relax and allow God to do his magic in each of our lives," said emcee Dorothy Hill, WFWP chairwoman in New York, in her welcoming remarks. "We are going to have a wonderful weekend!" Hill then introduced President of WFWP International Dr. Lan Young Moon, a follower of Unification Church Founders Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon for 58 years who has traveled to North Korea more than 20 times during the past 20 years as a WFWP representative.

Approximately 400 women attended the Opening Session of "The Turning Point" in the Milan Ballroom.
Dr. Moon offered introductory remarks that were interjected by tears at the mention of the late Rev. Moon, and showed an extensive presentation featuring the accomplishments of WFWP since its founding in 1992. The full transcript of her speech can be read here.

"As you may know, WFWP was founded in April of 1992 in Seoul, Korea, by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, whom we fondly refer to as True Parents, Father Moon and Mother Moon," she said. "Sadly, Father Moon passed on into the eternal spirit world on September 3, 2012 at the age of 93. We are no longer able to attend him in his physical form on this earth, the thought of which makes me feel empty inside.

"Rev. Sun Myung Moon lived in this world as the savior and True Parents of humanity. Because of True Parents, wherever we go, we are able to meet our brothers and sisters, transcending race, religion and nationality. In the UN Declaration of Human Rights, it says that we are all brothers and sisters, who are equal. However, it has been difficult to realize this ideal. Whereas in our movement, centered on the founders, Father and Mother Moon, we are closer to this ideal. This is an amazing fact.

"Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has emphasized that this age we are living in is a great and revolutionary transitional period, from the viewpoint of God's Providence, and of human history. She has high expectations for all of the WFWP members around the world, and she has resolved to strengthen the activities of WFWP in the future.

"During the past twenty years, members of WFWP have developed diverse humanitarian projects throughout the world. It is based on these sustained efforts, that they have achieved wonderful results. When I think about the fact that behind such growth of WFWP lie the sacrifices of tears, sweat and blood made by all of our members, I am so grateful, and at the same time, proud of all of you."

President of WFWP USA and Vice President of WFWP International Angelika Selle followed with a speech titled "Why Are We Here?" during which she showed a six-minute video featuring major accomplishments of WFWP and recognized various members and former leaders of WFWP, including first- and second- presidents of WFWP USA Nora Spurgin and Alex Ward. The full transcript of her speech can be read here.

"What are we doing here? Why are we here?" said Selle. "We are reflecting on the past to appreciate, honor and lift those that have laid the foundation. We will also deal with the present as shown by the speakers here together with us. They want to tell us how women can make a difference in different areas from media, business, religion, to all areas where we need change desperately.

"I was attending a symposium back in New York for International Women's Day, and the conclusion was, 'The world is at its wit's end.' Who has the solutions for the world? Women and youth will have the answer. Women and youth possess the innate will to be intuitive, to love, to understand, to forgive and to protect life. So that is why they are the last trump card that God has to change the world.

"Father and Mother Moon knew this 20 years ago. They first foresaw that a time such as this was going to occur. And those women will be called not just by themselves but with the men, with their husbands.

"This era is all about self-change. We cannot usher in a new era of old way of thinking and doing things. We want to embrace the next generation and share our knowledge with them. Through the global peace network, stories can be shared. This will help us in our way towards finding solutions.

"We will go unto the next level because I know there is another level waiting for us. I hope that we can all do this together because we are creating the turning point together. Every person here has a turning point. We welcome our founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, who will be speaking here herself, sharing her heart and continuing the legacy of Father Moon. She needs all of us women here to bring this breakthrough and this turning point , the real turning point for peace.

"So fasten your seatbelts. Let us go on this journey together. I believe it will be a wonderful journey and we will come away a new person."

The Opening Session concluded at around 9:30 p.m. and attendees were allowed to mingle and network before turning in for the night.