The Words of the Fujiwara Family
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The Words of the Fujiwara Family |
July 19th was proclaimed now and for always “Agape Family Peace Day” in Houston by Mayor Bill White. And for good reason. Sixty adults and more than 30 teens and 20 children from around the metropolitan area representing eight church congregations, a Buddhist sect, and a child care center gathered at the Will of God Family Church to celebrate the first annual Agape Family Festival.
The event was a Mini GFP sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation, FFWPU, Will of God Family Church pastored by the Local ACLC Co-Chair and Ambassador for Peace Pastor Charles and Essie Keys, Gloryland Missionary Baptist Church pastored by National ACLC Executive Committee members Pastor Bennit and Mrs. Ethel Hayes, the Family Outreach Foundation, and Houston's Women's Federation for World Peace led by Rev. Joy Theriot. Several new projects were launched on this occasion, including the Joyful Voices Interfaith Choir led by Mrs. Taeko White and the Agape Fishing Club for religious leaders led by Galveston PD Detective Jason Chide. Also Helen Kashiwa and Laura Lea, our precious American sisters, were instrumental in the development of the event.
The Festival was intended as a means to bring together the “body of Christ” to substantially demonstrate the love of God to our community, and as a kick off for the August 9th Global Peace Festival. The Festival consisted of a service project, an entertainment program, presentations on ACLC and GPF, an Ambassadors' for Peace Awards Ceremony, a “Toast for Peace”, a Unity Candle Ceremony “Call to Action,” and a Victory Dinner hosted by the Reverend and Mrs. Keys.
In conjunction with the Global Peace Festival U.S.A.'s million acts of kindness, a service project was performed on Saturday, July 12th at the Will of God Family Church. A one and one half acre of land behind the sanctuary was cleared of undergrowth to prepare for the construction of a learning center for inner city youth, which will focus on technical and character education. The chain link fence along the front was extended and a flower garden was lovingly landscaped underneath the church signboard. It was a hot and humid summer day, but the young people didn't complain. They just kept that hose running and used it to cool off! The Keys kept a huge cooler well stocked with juice, soda and water on the front porch of the church and they stoked up the grill to keep those hot dogs and hamburgers coming!
The July 19th Agape Family Festival was free and open to all. It is notable that no special budget was created for this event. The monthly outreach budget from the Houston Family Church was supplemented by donations of supplies and services by individuals and local businesses. During the festival there was also a bake sale, a silent auction and the collection of a love offering.
The festivities began outdoors on the grounds of the Will of God Family Church where two “Moon Walk” bounce houses, three tents, two BBQ grills and lots of chairs and tables were set up. Some of the teenagers who were involved in the Houston Family Church Il Shim program fulfilled their service requirement by doing volunteer work preparing the grounds the previous Saturday and also organizing a balloon toss and ice-cream eating contest for the younger kids who came for the festival. Co-pastor Essie Keys personally served hot dogs and hamburgers to every comer as people arrived for an afternoon of family fun and inspiration.
After lunch the indoor program began with entertainment, which included three songs from the newly formed Joyful Voices Interfaith Choir followed by a Filipino ceremonial candle dance, which was performed with the lights off. The performances created a very wonderful spirit and was punctuated by an invocation and welcoming remarks from Pastor and Co-pastor Keys.
Robert Exler, the Houston A.C.L.C. Coordinator, gave an impassioned, Holy Spirit filled speech connecting our hearts and prayers for True Parents’ recovery and emphasizing that now is the time for the unity of believers to bring about “One family under God, Aju!” This was followed by the showing of the introductory video about the Global Peace Festival and an invitation by John and Joy Theriot to come to Washington, D.C.. on August 9th. Pastor Keys then introduced his fellow Co-convener of the Houston chapter of the American Clergy Leadership Conference, Rev. Bennit Hayes, who gave the keynote address titled “Open Your Eyes.” His key point was that any barriers between us are not of God because God is love.
Eight new Ambassadors for Peace received their certificates of appointment and seven Service for Peace certificates of commendation were also awarded by Joy Theriot and the Keys. Then a “Toast for Peace” was shared by married couples and all others present. The program concluded with a “Unity Candle Ceremony” and a Call to Action by Rev. and Mrs. Hayes for everyone to support and participate in the Global Peace Festival.
Everyone who could stay longer was invited for a dinner in the church dining room with the Keys and Hayes couples. The fellowship over that meal was full of hope and excitement for the future of interfaith cooperation and service in Houston. Heavenly Father, Mansei! True Parents, Mansie! Global Peace Festival, Mansei!