DISCOVER THE PEACE LEADER: WITHIN 25TH ANNIVERSARY MINI-CONVENTION AND BRIDGE OF PEACE CEREMONY

To help the more than 50 attendees celebrate WFWP’s 25th Anniversary in Los Angeles, Mrs. Angelika Selle, President WFWP USA, attended and brought us new insight on the direction WFWP is taking. During the first session, Angelika introduced WFWP’s founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and Rev. Sun Myung Moon and spoke about their vision for WFWP. She gave a brief history of WFWP’s accomplishments. Many guests were surprised to hear about the 1600 ladies that were sent from Japan to 172 countries soon after its founding, to establish service projects around the world. Many of those projects still exist today, including seven WFWP schools in Africa.

Angelika thanked all the Japanese guests in the room, one of whom had gone out with those ladies. She also honored Mrs. Sheri Rueter for her 25 years of dedication to WFWP. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon coined the phrase "Living by the Logic of Love" which will remain our motto for all time, and we got a taste of what that really means.

After the break we were treated to a beautiful rap which Tene Kishan specifically wrote for this occasion. Tene is a rising star, who also has a mentoring program in the schools of Los Angeles. Following her moving performance, the second session, "The Qualities of a Peace Leader" commenced. Angelika pointed out that we already have the qualities required to be a leader for positive change inside of us. We need to bring them to the forefront. To this end, WFWP is developing programs that focus on individual development as a leader -- leadership in relationships and leadership in society and organizations, impacting from the local to the global.

The information was very thought-provoking and several participants requested a transcript of this talk. The next portion of the event took place in the garden. We had a delicious lunch catered by the Kazakos Gourmet Team. We were entertained by David Longoria, the world renowned trumpeter, songwriter, and producer.

Sheri Rueter introduced the Bridge of Peace. She told us its history and mused about having to build and break down the bridge sometimes twice a day for the hundreds of events WFWP produced over the years. Many of the participants were new to this special ceremony. Sheri encouraged all to participate with an open heart and to commit to building a lasting friendship with their new partner in peace building. It was heartwarming to see the couples cross the bridge, bow to each other, exchange a flower, and then embrace in friendship. Some requested to cross with a particular individual, but most pairs formed seemingly at random.

The afternoon closed slowly, as many participants got to know each other and made arrangements for future contact. Several guests were so inspired by the work of WFWP that they became members.