Dec. 24,11:00am. There was a wonderful spirit enhanced by Christmas songs and a rich sampling of members including Mrs. Yasue Erikawa, former president of FFWPU Japan and now leader of the Japanese missionaries; Mr. and Mrs. Inose, Kodan leaders; as well as our elders Dr. Sonneborn, Rev. and Mrs. Wesley Samuel, and leaders and congregants from some of the local New York area Family Churches, all gathering to welcome Dr. Chang Shik Yang, the Family Federation Continental Director for North America. We were quite surprised that he was able to take a moment out of his busy schedule to share a timely report and message with the New York District Metro community. He shared his gratitude with the New York members, representing all brothers and sisters throughout America, for their faith, trust and hard work in making the most recent speaking tours and this 6th year of Cheon Il Guk a great success. In his talk, he reflected on recent historic events and significant developments in our movement.

We could sense both Dr. Yang’s honor and pride to be a filial child of True Parents and gratitude for Rev. Dr. Michael Jenkins, who is united with him and shares the same heart of attendance toward True Parents and their directives. Dr. Yang conveyed a moving story of Father’s airplane pilot, who approached him, concerned that True Mother was working too hard and worried about the amount of flying she was doing. He said, "God created people to live on the earth, not flying in the air", as True Mother concluded three world tours. Dr. Yang mentioned, "There is no one who loves Mother more than Father, yet Father’s main providential responsibility is his obedience to God as a true son." When meeting True Mother, he mentioned the concerns of the pilot, and Mother said, "It has to be done; there is no other way". Mother knew so well her role and responsibility and was so absolute in following True Father that she was willing to do whatever it took.

Reflections were shared from the 4th World Tour, the many challenges and the incredible victory won for God’s providence. He recognized the contribution of Rev. Jim Flynn, who was able to organize the tremendous logistical challenge of guiding 120 clergy throughout the world. Rev. Jorg Heller, in charge of communications, not only helped to facilitate the many local challenges on the European leg of the tour, but was also a great pinch hitter, reading the speech whenever a minister couldn’t make it to an event on time. Mr. Ken Owens, the official tour photographer, became Reverend Ken as he was called to not only photograph events but also become a great reader of God’s word.

Photos of the recent Married Priest Now (MPN) Convocation and blessing were shared. Under the leadership of Archbishops Emanuel Milingo, Archbishop George Stallings, and others, MPN has gained a great deal of respect and interest from existing networks of married priests. Bishop Dairo Ferrabolli was also especially mentioned for his efforts in helping to organize the event.

Dr. Yang concluded his report with profound words of hope

A few days remain until the end of this year, God’s Day 2007. Brothers and sisters, let us recognize the value of our life and value of this age. We are living in this modern society and this age of God’s providence, in some sense the last chapter of God’s providence in following True Parents. True Parents have been speaking many times in regard to the 12-year course from 2000 through 2012. On January 13, exactly half of that 12 year course will have passed. In our own planning for ourselves and our families, how can we adopt this value and understanding of God’s providence? First of all, the purpose of the restoration of God’s providence is finding God’s lost children, and those children should come back to God as true sons and daughters. We are not servants; we are not in the archangel position, but we are sons and daughters of God directly. You have to recognize that. If we are truly sons and daughters of God, and we open our five spiritual senses, the same as our five physical senses, then we have to know the will of God, the urgency of Father’s heart, and the value of this great work. Eventually we have to adopt, and inherit this great commission as our self-interest decreases and we receive True Parents’ blessings. Then we have to stand and act on their behalf.

Please have confidence. During the 3rd World Tour time, I accompanied True Mother to two nations. The next morning, during Hoon Dok Hae time, Mother repeated the same sentence: "We are the men and women of happiness" because we are sons and daughters of God. Mother tried again to help us recognize our value. If you are truly a son or daughter of God, when you wake up and stand in front of your mirror, you must reconfirm and triple confirm that to yourself clearly and loudly. You have to say, ‘I am the son or daughter of God.’ As the sons and daughters of God, in front of the mirror we must check ourselves, ‘Am I acting like a son or daughter of God or not?" If we feel regret for something or if we missed something in this year, let us repent in these last few days of 2006. Let’s make a strong commitment to welcome the New Year.

Saturday night I took a four-hour cruise on the World Yacht with the Il Hwa soccer team from Korea, which took first place again, the seventh time that Il Hwa has won the national championship. True Father sent them on a special tour, and they came to America. This year they defeated the very powerful Samsung team, a well-financed and very strong Christian team. Their coach seemed to be praying more than watching the game. Millions of people viewed the game, broadcast throughout Korea.

Like the team flag, which has seven stars (one for each championship), likewise each one of you has received your stars as a seal from God that He has recognized your labor as successful, and that you are beautiful sons or daughters of God. With that understanding, let us go forward to make another great year. Father is really bequeathing his authority and blessing to the American members. We have to take up the mission for America, and allow True Parents not to worry and to take a rest. American brothers and sisters, let us take Father’s blessing, Father’s hope, and Father’s vision and realize that dream.

The event concluded with song, dance, and a wonderful lunch organized by Rev. Edner and Juanita Pierre-Louis of the Manhattan Family Church.

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