Our ACLC prayer breakfast this month was held at the Friends House Chapel in Youngstown, Ohio. The host pastor was Rev. Lillie North, who is the pastor of this church. Our keynote speaker was Rev. Lonnie Kwajo-Asim Simon. He is the Pastor Emeritus of New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown. Breakfast started with the welcoming messages by Reverend North and Reverend Biddle, and Evangelist Anita Wilkins gave a beautiful and strong invocation prayer. The delicious meal prepared by Reverend North was served and about 30 people were there altogether. Reverend North as emcee began the service. The musical offerings by the second generation and Sister Linda Sutton created a beautiful atmosphere. The scripture reading was from John 17: 17 -- 23, and the Peace Message selection was from the UPF Inaugural speech.

Reverend North introduced the keynote speaker, Reverend Simon. He is a well-known minister in Youngstown area who has received many awards in nationally and locally. He is a longtime supporter of our movement since the 1980s, when he first met the Unification Church sisters who were pioneering in this area. One of them, Hiromi Kanazawa, attended the prayer breakfast, and he was very, very happy to see her after many years. He repeated many times the Japanese word "Konnichiwa" that he learned from her long ago.

Reverend Simon has special notoriety because he has 12 spiritual daughters whom he ordained in his life of 82 years. (Reverend North is one of them).He showed great respect and paid firm tribute to Father Moon and the members of the Unification Church. His speech was about "building the Kingdom on Earth," emphasizing the motto of ACLC and explaining the importance of working together as one human race. The Holy Blessing was held for Reverend and Mrs. Simon, along with everyone in attendance. It was an amazing moment because six years ago, in early September 2001, they were ready to go to New York for the Blessing ceremony. However, it was cancelled because of 9/11. So this month, almost exactly six years, later this precious couple, married since 1949, received the Blessing.

Bold and beautiful closing remarks were given by Rev. Dorothy Burton, ACLC Ohio co-convener. Four Family Church of Peace Flags were presented. Reverend Simon gave the benediction and his words became a wonderful gospel song the song filled this beautiful church.

Thank you very much, everyone who invested the time and heart in this prayer breakfast. A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Kanazawa, who drove three hours from Columbus to attend this event. In honor of the upcoming UN International Day of Peace we took a group photo of our rainbow of friends and families with a beautiful banner proclaiming, "One Global Family Under God." Aju!

Bruce and Keiko Biddle