The Words of the Burrowes Family
|
|
The Words of the Burrowes Family |
On the 26th of April Doris Walder, the leader in Italy, and I, left Rome and headed for Carpi, a town in the province of Reggio Emilia. We had heard of a man called Angelo Benedetti who had already fasted 18 days of a scheduled 40-day fast, whose intention by so doing was to draw people's attention to the world situation. He, according to reporters, thought it was time for a new era to begin and was urging young people to join him and form a city for youth where people of all races and creeds could live together in perfect harmony. We thought that this man had had a revelation concerning what we teach, but as soon as he and his collaborator, Pietro Taverno, heard the Divine Principle they could do nothing but expose their ignoble intentions, which included taking over the country politically and amassing as much wealth as possible through public donation. However, there were other people interested in what we were teaching, so Doris decided to send me there as soon as it was possible. Carpi is a small, flat town, where everyone rides a bicycle, and where there are supposed to be over l,000 knitting factories. I was alone like a baby bird left on the limb of a tree to take its first flight.
The people of this town were very curious because I remained in Carpi. Being dark-skinned, was naturally the focus of attention. For this reason it was very easy to witness, although most people listened only to satisfy their curiosity. (Over 80% of the inhabitants are Communists.) People at the small hotel where I lodged advised me to follow the example of the townspeople and hire a lecture hall and give regular lectures. I therefore hired the Sala Cervi for about $3.10 an evening, had some posters made, and informed a reporter about the lectures. The posters were soon up and the blue print on the white background stood out clearly. I used the caption "PUO ESSERE VERO?" ("Can It Be True?") which Peter Koch used on his Principle visiting cards, then I headed a series of four lectures.
So far everything seemed to be going smoothly, but, as could be imagined, old Satan was lurking in the darkness waiting for his chance to attack. It was necessary for me to report to the police station first, because I had changed City of residence and secondly because I had to lecture publicly. The police marshal thought it would be all right for me to give the lectures and accepted my application for sojourn in Carpi; this was in the morning. In the afternoon I was asked to return to the police station. On my arrival, the smiling faces of that morning were unsmiling and a new scowling face was among them. It belonged to the police commissioner. He told me in no mean terms that I would be thrown out of Italy if I dared open my mouth to inform the inhabitants about the Divine Principle; he also made it clear that even it I spoke about it privately he would see to it that I leave the country. I told him that I would obey his order and asked him it was all right for an Italian to speak. He appeared surprised to learn that there were Italians in our movement; this of course he could not refuse. I phoned home for reinforcements and Doris and Dawn arrived early Thursday afternoon.
Friday evening, nine pm and still the hall was practically empty. The communists were having a big demonstration m the square against the Americans in Vietnam, most of the inhabitants were demonstrating and the others were all ready to venture out. Luckily the Sala Cervi, which dates back to the 15th century, had stolid walls which kept out the noise of the boisterous demonstrators just a few yards away.
Finally, we. Started the meeting with about 20 people present. Angelo Benedetti and Pietro Taverno who had come in a few minutes earlier and had already threatened to break up the conference proceeded with their plans. While Doris spoke and Dawn translated the two men began shouting insults and threats, but they had to retreat because we had the advantage of a microphone. Thereafter the people listened attentively.
Father advised us to try the police again so I went and asked permission to translate for Doris. This time they gave permission after going through Doris’ papers. One of their chief complaints against me was that I entered Italy as a singer and although our movement is now recognized in Italy and the police in Rome know of my activities the Commissioner did not quite agree with my participation.
The police marshal who had heard Chapter 2 was very interested in the explanation we gave concerning the fall of man, so he asked many questions concerning this. He appeared genuinely interested in the revelation.
On Wednesday evening another communist meeting was held so again we were expecting an empty hail, out to our surprise about 60 people turned up and so did Satan in the form of Angelo Bendetti. This time Bendetti changed his tactics and met people at the door trying to bias and discourage them as best he could. The police who were again present decided that they would ask the commissioner permission for me to speak directly, so on Thursday they phoned the hotel, telling me It was all right.
On Friday 26th another political meeting was held and numbers were low again; there were perhaps about 25 people. The lecture was undisturbed and at the end many questions were asked. Doris left for Rome on Saturday and I of course remained in Carpi. On Monday evening I was present at a sort of round table where about 15 people asked several questions concerning our movement and the Divine Principles. I answered with Father's help and their interest was even more awakened.
On Wednesday the 31 of May there was no political meeting, but instead a terrible wind and rainstorm with thunder and lightning. Needless to say, only a few of the people Who were Scheduled to attend came; there were about 20 people present but the conference was a success: one because most of them were interested in Divine Principle. Many questions were asked and quite a few people, one or them a priest, asked for copies of Divine Principle. The priest fought me every step or the way, but he had to give in; he had no answers.
Who can fight against God's Completed Testament and win? No man! Let us fight the good fight and win for our Father. Let us fear not but push ahead. Our good Master has conquered through much suffering; we must follow him all the way all the way and be prepared to be persecuted in every possible way. But God never loses -- and neither will we.
Monsay! Monsay! Monsay!
In His Precious Name, Barbara.