READY TO TAKE OFF IN 2014

As another year drew to a close, WFWP Pennsylvania concluded the year by inviting members and guests to an event on December 14, 2013 to present highlights of the activities accomplished throughout the year by the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Chapters. In spite of snowy weather conditions in Philadelphia, 44 people came to participate in what proved to be a warm and touching holiday event.

The program was directed by Mrs. Jizly Dohou, and hosted by Ms Eli Izumi, the leader of the chapter's young women's component. Eli skillfully brought a bright atmosphere into the room. And, through the choral performance of the young women, the audience felt welcomed and refreshed.

Three inspiring guest speakers had been lined up for the program. Mrs. Fumiko Balcomb, a recent WFWP board member, and wife of the Family Federation for World Peace National Director, Dr. Michael Balcomb, spoke about inheriting the heart of a parent through practicing the spirit of filial piety and loyalty to our parents. She encouraged the young women leaders of tomorrow to develop a supportive heart in whatever they do. She also touched and embraced their hearts when she gave the gifts she had brought for them.The evening was opened in prayer by Rev. Sukhont Convery, and followed by Ms. Vanya Trotman, WFWP New York Assistant Chairwoman, who read greetings and an opening message from WFWP USA President Angelika Selle.

Rev. Margarite Charles, an international organizer and social work coordinator of an organization that helps the elderly in Haiti, the Philippines, Costa Rica and other poor countries, gave a moving speech. The audience was boosted and empowered as she explained her paradigm of service. Her visionary work demonstrated how her heart has transcended national barriers in a practical way and the audience responded enthusiastically.

Lady Linda Sutton, who works together with her husband, Rev. Richard Sutton, as life coach and inspirational speaker, emphasized that the secret of the great women in history is that they have a global mind, and they work together with their God. She advised the audience that to be great we must put our loving Creator in the midst of our hearts and in that way we will find peace and success.

After the presentations, Rev. Madelyn Wright, a Gospel Singer, led the entertainment, and was followed by an astonishing performance by Mrs. Insook Pearman, our young woman concert performer.

Finally, Mrs. Alice Kaady presented an overview of the activities of the Pennsylvania Chapter to remind the audience of what was accomplished in 2013. Then she challenged the audience with the activities and goals that are planned in 2014.

The program was designed to spiritually uplift the Pennsylvania Chapters by showing how far we have come, and where we are going in 2014. Having a dynamic and vital young women's component is a wonderful way for WFWP Chapters to take off in 2014.

MESSAGE FROM MRS. ANGELIKA SELLE, PRESIDENT WFWP USA

Dear beloved members of WFWP, friends, and guests,

I wish I could be with you today to celebrate Christmas, to celebrate this year 2013, and to uplift and celebrate one another. I would like to share some thoughts with you as we conclude this year and get ready for 2014.

2013 has truly been a year of many challenges and upheavals worldwide; but also a year of many positive changes and new beginnings - especially for WFWP USA. After our beloved co-founder's sudden passing last year, his wife and the co-founder of WFWP, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, immediately stepped into his shoes to lead the worldwide movement. She introduced us all to Vision 2020. Vision 2020 basically means that by 2020 we all are challenged to substantialize in a significant way the world where goodness, morals, principles, and selfless love become the standard in human relationships, with God as our reference point.

There is no doubt that women, both mothers and daughters, have a significant role to play to facilitate individual self-transformation, healing, and reconciliation to make that happen.

WFWP was founded in 1992 to proclaim the era of women because women and mothers have the innate characteristics of caring, nurturing, and loving others. Our motto therefore is "Living by the Logic of Love" and "Living for the Sake of Others." To be clear, we are not a feminist group since we value men as the masculine image of God, equal in value to women as the feminine aspect of God. It is important, especially for young women, to see their tremendous God-given value as divine beings that have a lot to offer in terms of intelligence, creativity, ingenuity, and the list goes on. Women also have a very unique style of leading others that is infused with compassion, understanding, and seeking a win-win outcome, as well as creating harmony. And those qualities are needed now more than ever before.

We can see that more and more women, especially young women, are rising to positions of leadership in society. Last year at the United Nations CSW event, I saw many beautiful young professional, respectful and kind women leaders from around the world. We need young women to work together with us, as you bring new and fresh ideas to the table to help to solve problems. Therefore WFWP USA has decided to launch a young women's component next year, and I would like to invite you to be a part of the creation process!

I congratulate Pennsylvania's chairwoman Mrs. Jizly Dohou for her great passion, determination, and hard work to create this active chapter in such a short time. Please work together with her and share your ideas and your vision as to how we can make Vision 2020 successful.

Have a wonderful celebration today, and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and awesome New Year 2014!