MAKING NEW FRIENDS, STANDING UP FOR FAMILIES
On Saturday, March 19, at the Life Center Church C.O.G.I.C. in Chicago, 120 people attended the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) Women in Ministry event with the theme, "Standing in the Gap for Families." The Chicago Chapter of WFWP proudly co-sponsored this event again this year, sharing the vision of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and President Angelika Selle.
WFWP's efforts to bring this victory in Chicago included sending invitations to our friends and families and selling $30 tickets. Min. Fannie Smith, Director of WFWP USA Schools of Africa Project, graciously offered to be the Mistress of Ceremony for the event and to be responsible for decorations.
The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Betty Tatalajski who came all the way from Tucson, Arizona to attend. Ms.Carrie Tonkumoh, Co-Coordinator of the Chicago ACLC Women in Ministry, opened the program with warm welcoming remarks. Rev. Marilyn Kotulek, ACLC Women in Ministry National Co-Chair, had come from Oklahoma and read the Statement of Purpose. Congratulatory remarks were offered by Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr., ACLC National Co-Chair, and by the host Pastor Rev. T. L. Barrett, Jr.
A beautiful solo by Evangelist Rita Pritchett touched everyone's hearts and prepared the audience to receive two messages from awesome women: Rev. Mama Joy Sigur-Ramza and Rev. Rosemary Bookstein, who presented True Family Ministry PowerPoint study sessions.
After a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared by church ladies, a young lady, Ms. Jasmine Cook, performed an inspired praise dance that moved the audience with her purity and delicate movement.
Following this, Min. Cleopatra Barrett, ACLC Women in Ministry National Advisor, introduced the keynote speaker Sister Minister Donna Farrakhan Muhammad, daughter of Minister Louis and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan. Her powerful message of hope and heavenly strength lifted everyone up, and allowed us to realize how the efforts of both women and men are essential to rebuilding families, restoring the community, the nation, and the world.
Next, Chicago WFWP Chairwoman Patricia Fliginger addressed the gathering with remarks introducing WFWP's mission, vision, and service projects throughout the world. Through conducting a raffle, over $100 was raised to benefit the Schools of Africa.
The attendees of this event represented local businesses as well as community organizations, which encouraged many new friendships to develop. Min. Reiko Jenkins, National Co-Chair of ACLC Women in Ministry and former Chicago WFWP leader spoke as did her husband, Dr. Michael Jenkins. The program finale included cake-cutting and celebratory songs from the Community Youth Ensemble choir "Voices of Hope" composed of youth from the Nation of Islam, who led everyone in songs such as 'We are the World," and brought joy to all present.
The Coordinator of the Chicago ACLC Women in Ministry, Evang. Greta Myers, closed out the day with special thanks to all who had invested themselves. We then joined hands in a Prayer circle, and shared a heartfelt moment.
We look forward to interacting with these great women of God as we continue to share knowledge and skills as women of peace. WFWP's support as a co-sponsors involved not only the planning and facilitation of the event, it also opened the door for successful future events for the Chicago WFWP Chapter. In May we are hosting a "Haute Table Top Bazaar." The goal is to bring women to the table to talk about family and community in conjunction with the Schools of Africa Program. This plan has been greeted with enthusiastic support by local organizations.
