WFWP INTRODUCTORY LUNCHEON
Linda Karim, Missionary Ayano Ishii-Adrien, and Katherine Cromwell holding the founder’s words.
On Saturday, April 2, the Richmond, Va., Unification Church community celebrated two years of Lovin’ Life Ministry with a special luncheon introducing the vision and mission of the Women’s Federation for World Peace.
The intention was to point up the importance of women’s leadership in the 21st century as a way of honoring the feminine aspect of God.
Forty people gathered at the Westover Baptist Church, which hosts worship services for the Richmond Unification community (also known as the International Family Center, or IFC), in order to participate in a family-driven program that recognizes the equality of essence between the sexes.
Despite the challenges of a busy schedule and train delays, WFWP USA President Angelika Selle appeared as the key speaker. She presented the vision of the organization’s founder, Dr. Hak Jan Han Moon, describing how the Women’s Federation strives to be like “SATIN”: Shining, Action-oriented, Transformational, Impacting on society, and Nurturing. To the delight of IFC’s Women United for Peace (the Welcoming Committee), who examined the reflections and event survey forms from the program, 17 guests expressed a desire to know more about the Unification movement, and eight women expressed interest in establishing a WFWP chapter in Richmond.
Participating sisters came from Lexington, Northern Virginia, and Norfolk, and one from West Virginia. Sister Joan Mwamlima of Norfolk noted that this was a statewide event. She attended with two young women: Sara Mwamlima and Ruth Daugherty.
Katherine Cromwell, the WFWP Northern Virginia leader, presented a gift to Ayano Ishii-Bayo, who serves as the point of communication for Richmond WFWP development. The present was a book of speeches by Dr. Moon and her daughter, Rev. In Jin Moon, who is senior pastor of Lovin’ Life Ministries and CEO of Manhattan Center Studios, on the role of women’s leadership in the world today.
Two distinguished ladies were appointed Ambassadors for Peace: Rev. Josine Osborne, associate minister at the Riverview Baptist Church, and Linda Karim, world religions researcher and meditative healing practitioner. They were acknowledged for their work with the Richmond Unification community and other religious communities. Both served on the IFC Women United for Peace.
The success of this event was mainly due to a loving, harmonious, and unified team, following the model for scheduling, planning, and implementation often emphasized by Rev. In Jin Moon. We were fortunate to have a united front of sisters and husbands working together.
The event raised a token $250 donation for WFWP Japan’s disaster relief fund. IFC’s Women United for Peace wants to start a WFWP branch in Richmond, focused on living a loving life, giving and living for the sake of others, and practicing the logic of love.
May we continue to appreciate, cherish, and celebrate women in leadership roles across the board, to the end of achieving a more caring, peaceful, and loving community.
Rev. Angelika Selle
Left to right: Mable Williams, Rev. Angelika Selle, Rev. Josine Osbourne, Linda Karim, Mihoko Johnson, Missionary Ayano and Ishii-Adrien