LEAP FORWARD INTO 2014! WFWP DELEGATION TO WORLD LEADERS’ CONVENTION IN KOREA

It was only a week and a half before leaving when the word came that there would be a World Leaders Convention on December 15, 2013 in Korea, called by our Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. This end of the year gathering was also dedicated to the Advancement of Korean Reunification and Peace in Northeast Asia.

A small delegation of 14 ladies and gentlemen from the United States representing the FFWP, WFWP, and UPF was invited to attend this special gathering along with 15,000 participants from Korea and 200 from Japan. WFWP sent 3 representatives, President Angelika Selle, Mrs. Katherine Duncan (President of Ward 5, Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas), and Mrs. Kim Dadachanji, WFWP Chairwoman of Maryland.

The team arrived safely in Seoul, welcomed by subfreezing temperatures, ice, and snow on the ground. We met up with delegates from other states and 18 American students who are currently studying Korean language at Sun Moon University.

Also two lovely lady leaders joined us, Sen. Donzella James from Georgia and Bishop Nancy Rosario of the Bronx NY. We ladies bonded together immediately and decided to take the time to get to know each other over a cup of hot coffee by visiting the nicely decorated book café of the Cheong A Camp.

As this was the first time Mrs. Katherine Duncan had visited Korea, we all enjoyed watching her discover the food, chopsticks, and different tastes of the Korean food which all of us knew so well.

A very spirit filled conversation developed as we shared about our Founder's vision for 2020 for women and about the work each of us is involved in ranging from politics to business, to ministry, education and social work. However our common bond is that we are women leaders who love God and love people, and who were able respond to this invitation on such short notice.

It was a sort of a miracle that the Cheong Shim stadium filled up with 15,000 Koreans in spite of the cold, icy roads and traffic. The American delegation was guided to the front section and seated right next to the young men in stunning blue and gold uniforms. The program began with a dramatic group of drummers that was composed of young men and women who held drumstick torches, lit with fire as they whirled them passionately to exciting rhythms, moving their bodies in ecstasy. There is no better way to end this eventful year and sound the wakeup call for the new one!

There were congratulatory remarks and later reports from representatives of the three nations of Korea, Japan and The United States. The speech that captured and moved the hearts of all was given by Ambassador Samuel Zakhem. He set the record straight on a painful issue of the past -- the unjust and shameful incarceration of Father Sun Myung Moon -- caused by the American government in 1984.

Mr. Zakhem told Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon that there are many righteous Americans who were outraged and appalled by this unjust action, and who agreed with Senator Orin Hatch who had said: "INJUSTICE RATHER THAN JUSTICE WAS SERVED."

He sincerely apologized to Father Moon on behalf of America saying: "I am sorry that this occurred." The outpouring of assent from the audience could be heard not only from those at the convention, but also from the more than one million viewers from around the world. That statement also received front page coverage in a local Seoul newspaper.

WFWP International President Dr. Lan Young Moon then presented a PowerPoint report of 2013 looking forward into 2014; followed by UPF, the Peoples Party, and FFWPU. In all areas of endeavor tangible progress has been made with the promise that this is just the beginning with more to come.

All were looking forward to hearing the main address given by our distinguished leader, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. In preparation for her appearance a musical selection, "Longing for Mount Gumgkang" was performed by 4 lovely Korean singers in long colorful dresses.

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon greeted the audience with warmth and love as she stood there in a beautiful dark Christmas-green and black outfit, looking confident and serious but hopeful. She spoke quietly, enunciating every word and syllable, extending every thought to place them all straight into the hearts of those present with much care and concern. She thanked everyone for their great effort and investment and expressed much hope for next year asking us to "Leap forward" in our activities. After that, the grand finale featured a bang of streamers and confetti that shot out over the stadium, covering us all in white and silver.

The bright sun had come out as we made our way up the steep mountain by bus to have lunch with Mother Moon and where testimonies and performances captivated the audience. Sen. Donzella James was one of the speakers who warmly, eloquently and deeply conveyed her heart to Mother Moon commending her on her excellent leadership and her accomplishments as a businesswoman. She also expressed the love and gratitude of WFWP and of women in the United States. She ended by saying: "Mother Moon, don't worry about anything, we've got your back!"

Later in the afternoon all had the opportunity to experience a nearby Korean sauna or coffee shop to chill and reflect. For dinner we met up with the young people and celebrated, shared ideas, stories and insights over a delicious Korean style beef dinner. We witnessed how much these three months in Korea had already transformed the young people in many ways.

On the last day our delegation went on a sightseeing tour through Seoul. We visited the old Imperial palace and village in the center of Seoul, which transported us back in time to the old days, as many of us had seen in Korean historic drama. Many photos were taken in the cold air as we walked the snowy grounds and learned about the old days of the kings and queens and the court officials.

After lunch all went to the Nam-dae-mung shopping district. Endless shops, vendors, stores, and goods are sold there in an open market style setting with many small side streets, nooks, and crannies where one can find items to buy.

The day concluded with a joint dinner where participants shared their reflections; thus concluded our time together with the students and local Koreans.

That night, our ladies group had a special treat. We met downstairs in the lounge where a pianist and a lady singer performed "oldies" just for us! We enjoyed each other's company. At the same time, we knew in our hearts that there is much work waiting for each of us at home, and that we need each other to do a good job, wherever God has placed us at this time.

We women realized that we had become teachers to one another and had received precious insights and guidance from one another, as we enjoyed each other's company.

We thank all who supported the WFWP team who represented the US very well and we look forward to a very productive and exciting 2014.