WOMEN UNITED IN HEART TO SAVE THE FAMILY
Ladies at the "Women United in Heart to Save the Family" tour
Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) was invited by the American Clergy Leadership Conference “Women in Ministry” (ACLC WIM), to join them as peace warriors in a one-day seminar to complete a four-city tour entitled: “Women United in Heart for the Family”. As the WFWP Chicago representative, it was an honor for me to share in this occasion with ladies from Chicago. Chicago was the first city to accommodate the WIM four-city tour in March, hosted by Love Train Ministries and WFWP. (See the article in the WFWP April 2015 newsletter, entitled:" When Women Collaborate, Miracles Happen.")
On Friday September 4, upon arrival at the beautiful Wyndham Garden Hotel, we were welcomed by WIM staff for registration, and hotel assignments. That evening about 25 of us were escorted to Rev. Marilyn Kotulek’s home for dinner. Her warm hospitality prompted us to sing praise & worship and pray for peace.
On Saturday, a full program began with co-chairs Min. Reiko Jenkins and Rev. Marilyn Kotulek asking for praise & worship, prayer, welcoming remarks, and the statement of purpose delivered by Sister Cleo Barrett of the Life Center Church in Chicago.
After a brief video entitled Stand for the Family, Save the Nation, Rev. Michael Jenkins delivered the keynote address. In the absence of Arch Bishop Stallings, Rev. Paul Beartrap and Rev. Leon Postoak spoke on his behalf. In celebration of the hard work of local members of ACLC and Women in Ministry, several appointments of "Ambassadors of Peace Certificates” were awarded.
The morning session ended with a True Family Values Ministry presentation “God’s Original Ideal” by a powerful woman, Bishop Dr. Patra Kidwell. I was really inspired and impressed with the straight-forward and “speaker friendly” presentation. Her presentation was followed by table discussions and reports.
After lunch, I had the honor of speaking on behalf of Women’s Federation for World Peace. Mrs. Angelika Selle had asked me to give her love and speak on the value of reconciliation as prescribed by WFWP founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. I read our mission statement and described our active programs. I asked the ladies present to realize the power we have as women, and the responsibility we have as mothers to view all families as our own family, and to encourage peace in our homes, communities, and the world.
The second presentation: “What Went Wrong” was presented by Bishop Georgia Scott who lived and pastored a church in Chicago at one time. I was so touched by her mixture of words from Rev. Moon and from Bible scripture that brought home the message with seasoned wisdom.
The seminar and workshops ended with cake cutting, celebratory songs, and the signing of the Proclamation of the Family that will be presented to Mother Moon. A final prayer circle was led by Evangelist Greta Myers and Sister Carrie Tonkumoh of Chicago.
After the seminar the whole group attended the Nationwide Powwow of the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe hosted by Rev. George Akeen and his wife Eleanor, giving special honor to the 39 Native Tribes of Oklahoma. We received a very warm welcome from all our Native American sisters and brothers when we arrived in Colony which is about an hour and a half drive from Oklahoma City.
The beautiful native regalia worn by men, women, and children was a reflection of each tribe represented. The three-day powwow is a very serious annual event. The children, women, and men are each in contests judged for best drums, dance, and vocal chants. Many of us shared gifts of school supplies, candy, jewelry, and money for the children. We also we bought many raffle tickets to support the tribes.
Ambassador of Peace recipients
On Sunday, those with a later flight home were honored to attend services at the Central Baptist Church, where Rev. Leon Postoak is the pastor. I was really impressed when the choir sang “Amazing Grace” in English and in two other Native American languages. It was very spiritual and heart-warming.
I was one of a small group that had the opportunity to share a lunch buffet before departing for the airport. Warm hugs and tears of joy overpowered our group. “I love you” was whispered from the heart to new friends and new sisters and brothers as we left.
Sharing a meal
Table discussion