The First Church of the Illumination, headed by Rev. Raymond Dyer, was the location for New York’s November prayer breakfast meeting. Rev Dyer, a youthful energetic bilingual pastor, warmly welcomed everyone by stating that our goal is to love one another as Christ loves us, and "mi casa es tu casa"(my house is your house). Rev. Dr. Michael Whyte, assistant pastor of the Reach Out Baptist Church, was called on to give the invocation. He noted that this breakfast’s theme was reaching out and reminded us of the example set by the founders of ACLC, Rev. and Mrs. Moon.

After breakfast concluded everyone reconvened in the chapel. In his opening remarks Rev Dyer talked about two types of hunger, a spiritual hunger that creeps up on you without you realizing until you begin to ask yourself the question, "how did I get here?", and a second hunger, which is lack of nourishment for the body. He mentioned UN figures that say 800 million people in the world go hungry each day. He said these problems are like a forest fire burning all around, of which many of us are unaware; we must look beyond the U.S. borders and help resolve these problems. He said, we all know a man who has reached beyond his borders to embrace his enemies and help resolve these problems.

Mr. Alan Inman was in attendance as a representative of the American Family Coalition (AFC) and was asked to share brief remarks about the founding of UPF (Universal Peace Federation), through which 120 ministers are currently participating in a 4th world tour. He compared the development of the world tours to the story of the vineyard in Mark 12. Rev. moon, standing in the position of the owner, went out on the first world tour, then called on Mrs. Moon and their children for the second tour, his grand children for the third tour, and now the religious leaders for the fourth tour. He recognized several pastors in attendance who participated in the first phase of the tour. He concluded by stating that the UN needs the input of religious leaders in order to help solve the problems facing today’s world. Following Mr. Inman, Bishop Margie de la Rosa, the pastor of the Christ Family Church, read the goals and objectives of the ACLC with great clarity and emphasis.

Prior to the address of our keynote speaker two readings were offered; the first one often referred to as the great commission from Mathew 28: 18-20 was read by Rev Al Watson of Crossroads Baptist Church. The second reading was from Rev. Moon’s speech currently being delivered on the 4th world tour entitled God’s Ideal Family and the Kingdom of the Peaceful, Ideal World, read by evangelist Evelyn Greene, who participated in the first phase of that tour. Sister Nikita Castillo sang the beautiful song "His Eye Is on the Sparrow". Rev. Dyer introduced Bishop Cecil G. Riley, the Co-Chairman of the ACLC NY, for the Keynote address.

Bishop Riley started by saying that we should always be thankful. He referred to the story in Luke 9: 49-50 where Jesus healed ten people and only one returned to thank him. In a word of guidance to younger preachers, he said, we should always be prepared to share God’s word--don’t make excuses--if we are preachers, we should always be ready. He joyfully recalled the 25th anniversary celebration that recently took place at his church, which Rev. Green, Co-Convener of the ACLC NY and Rev. Grodner, Co-Chairman of the ACLC NY attended. He vividly described how after Rev. Green began to speak, Rev. Grodner, who is normally very reserved, began to dance and really celebrate the Lord; Bishop Reilly had everyone rolling with laughter as he illustrated Rev Grodner’s performance to celebrate the Lord. On a more serious note he quoted Mark 9: 38 – 40, in which some of the disciples complained to Jesus about a man who was not one of them, but who was healing people in Jesus’ name and that Jesus admonished them not to stop him. He said people find fault with us because we walk with Rev. Moon. He said Christians must speak with one voice. "We don’t just want to talk peace we want to live peace. We know Jesus and we know the servant he has sent. There was a time when we were afraid to say we knew Rev Moon. Thank God for Rev. Moon. I hope he will live long enough to smile and say, ‘yeah, Lord.’ There was a time when there were difficulties between black men and white men, but when the blood intermingles everything will be alright." In concluding, Bishop Riley stated, "We are not defined by nationality, color, or denomination; we are all God’s children."

Rev. Grodner guided the blessing of married couples and exhorted all to be faithful to their spouses. In quoting Rev. Moon, he stated that there should be no spare keys. The affirmation of vows was recited and the blessing was concluded with a prayer. As Sister Nikita Castillo sang The Lord’s Prayer a love offering was taken. This was followed with a song by Rev Alfred Marks entitled "In Times Like These". Bishop Riley was presented with a United Federation of Churches certificate for the Freedom Hall Church of God. In his outreach towards prospective new members of ACLC, Rev. Grodner reminded everyone that we should not focus on what’s in it for me. rather how I can benefit others by my becoming a member. Closing remarks included a profound testimony by Archbishop Moses de la Rosa, especially how his tears flowed in a church he visited in Nuremberg, Germany, during the 4th world tour. Benediction was given by Bishop Riley.

Report by Rev. Corley

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