Personal Testimony and Report
In the Presence of Heart and Grace
Kona, Hawaii
October 10-14
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It was upon the invitation of our new North American Family Federation chairwoman, In Jin Nim, that I came to participate in this most historic workshop, the first of its kind. I would normally have not been invited, since this workshop was designed for all Boom Bong Wangs, national presidents, District leaders etc., but In Jin Nim wanted to give myself, Sheri Reuter and a few Second Gen leaders to have the possible chance to report directly to them, thus bringing us in closer skin-touch with them. Not really knowing the nature of this workshop, I was just extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend...

Then I found out about the title of the seminar, which was “The First Proclamation Rally for the Completion of the Realm of Liberating God’s Portion of Responsibility in Providential History,” which told me that this would NOT be your regular seminar, that something very significant would be transpiring there. So I prepared myself in spirit and heart to absorb whatever God had in store for us and to do my best to attend on behalf of all those who couldn’t be here and whom I represented.

On the way to Hawaii, I had two layovers, and thus many hours to prepare myself, and I wrote in my diary the following:
This is the year of Jubilee, in which we can still report, be forgiven for everything personal, and our lineage... I am growing, shedding the old skin and old habits, systems, thoughts and concepts about myself and others, which are no longer valid nor needed. My body is going through aches and pains in that process of rebirth and of shedding and cleansing. I am letting go of fear and replacing it with love, accepting myself and others for who I am and for who they truly are. I am getting ready for positive words (or truth), attendance to God, True Parents and others. There is no need to dwell on the past -- to go there, but only to move forward at this auspicious time of grace and miracles.”

With that heart and mindset I arrived at Kona airport on October 9 late in the afternoon.

As several participants arrived at the same time, we drove up to King Garden, our True Parents’ residence, noticing that there was a “vog” (volcanic fog) hanging over the island. We were told that one of the volcanoes was active at this time, which caused those darkish clouds to cast a shadow over the island, especially in the afternoon.

About the Workshop
I found out that the working title of the workshop was "Absolute Sex," also translated as “Absolute Fidelity” between husband and wife, and it was the kind of workshop that God Himself would have given to Adam and Eve BEFORE the Fall, kissing his son and daughter and teaching them many deep truths, especially that commandment. Father had chosen this place to hold this first Proclamation workshop because he said that “Hawaii is the place closest in character and environment to the Garden of Eden.”

It was also a workshop emphasizing the change of blood lineage and purity from the archangel to Adam's blood lineage -- to inherit the original ownership from God. (A = me, ju = owner.) The workshop signified the beginning of purity and, based on that, ownership for God's sons and daughters. It is after going through the 12-day workshop that the participants are asked to make a new start, as they would receive a certificate personally signed by the True Parents to mark that new beginning and new commitment and, together with the help of spirit world, would go forward to accomplish the work of God and True Parents in their respective areas of responsibility. It was also a seminar for the five religious founders and 120 saints, as well as the five True Children in the spirit world to attend.

From the moment I set foot on the island, I was thrilled by the environment of lush vegetation, beautiful warm weather, and the laid-back atmosphere, such as we don't know on the U.S. mainland, especially on the property of King Garden. I was overcome by a feeling of wonder, joy, lightness and peace in my heart, which was so strong and which I had never experienced before. God was present everywhere.

Present at the workshop were some 200 Boom Bong Wangs (vice-roys, or kings, of the nations, chosen by our True Parents, 16 of whom are from America representing the 16 nations that helped liberate Korea in 1945), as well as the oldest members of our early church. I knew some of them personally from years ago during my time on the Global Team, etc. I was in awe to have been invited into such a setting. In addition, I felt it was a great honor and privilege just to BE there in the presence of those elders who have walked with our True Parents and suffered with them, making the foundation for all of us to stand on. I was surrounded by the presence of deep heart (shimjung) of parents, which I wanted to just soak up and bathe myself in in order to inherit it.

There was also a small representation of the Elder Son Nation, the American team.

The workshop officially began on October 10, yet already on October 9, which I missed, our True Parents and In Jin Nim had come to greet the participants and to explain about the purpose of the workshop. In Jin Nim sang a song, "Amazing Grace," and True Parents gifted all participants with some Hawaiian shirts.

The schedule was quite intense, beginning from 5 am, going all day long until 10 pm, as all participants listened to DP lectures, all conducted in Korean. Yet, thanks to our excellent translator, Tossa Cromwell, a Second Gen young leader, we Westerners were able to tune in quite deeply to what was going on.

It was very clear that sitting on the floor for so many hours was an important, yet relatively small price to pay for what God and True Parents were about to do at the Resurrection Ceremony on October 14.

The lectures, which were projected onto a big screen, were presented by Rev…… Eu, a 72 couple, who was assigned and personally prepared by our True Father to share the DP in a traditional way, but laced with insights and personal stories from Father as well as his own.

What struck me on the first day as I was listening to the Principle of Creation, was the emphasis on self-change and becoming the incarnation of God's sons and daughters, perfecting our heart, especially in our relationship with God and True Parents, to come to "feel the electric current as we think of them and act more and more like them,” as Rev. Eu said. “Everything we hear and see should be based on heart (shimjung) in our lives." It was clearly reminding us that one of our main tasks at this time in history is to perfect our personal character and live a life "without shadows," suitable and a prerequisite for becoming citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Just hearing words of truth and doing nothing but that all day was like a spiritual vacation from all the daily responsibilities, phone calls and stresses. In that beautiful setting, the words also came to me in a different way, as if I heard them for the first time.

On several occasions, the lecturer explained that the time for Cain and Abel is over. If one is holding a leadership position, he said, one should not think that others have to automatically follow him or serve him. Instead, a leader (Abel) is called and entrusted to love and serve others first until others recognize him as their leader and willingly support from their hearts.

There are a few points Rev. Eu made that especially stuck with me:

"There are no enemies in the original world. The question is, ‘How many people like us/me? And how many people have I loved?’ When we get insulted three times, we get angry, but our Father often doesn't say anything when he gets hit. He is not allowed to fight. That’s a difficult standard to live up to...Need to like yourself first!”

“What kind of people have we become after living 40 years in our church? This is the time to be careful what you say and do in your life.”

As we went into the lecture on the Fall, we were reminded that this is the area of human life that Satan has the most under control and where no government, church or institution has power to impact or make a change. It is the area of promiscuity that caused Kings Saul, Solomon and David to fail, and this is the final frontier to be challenged by all of us as we enter this new era before the Fall. (The term “absolute sex” is many times misunderstood or brings about some confusion among those who hear it. I found out later that there is another translation to the word, namely, “absolute fidelity,” which makes more sense to Westerners, since our culture is so inundated with sex, concepts, etc. Absolute fidelity has a lot to do with the realm of the heart, which was lost at the Fall and needs to be recovered.)

During the numerous breaks, we enjoyed good food, and I got to know some of my elder Korean sisters as well as those of my age, and we bonded in heart and spirit in spite of language differences. There was a spirit of family in the sisters' room, a garage transformed into sleeping quarters where, during the breaks, some would rest or share some delicious papaya or give each other massages.

On October 12 in the morning, Rev. ????? Ahn gave a PowerPoint presentation about the media in Korea, which have become more amiable toward our church due to the efforts of the Family Federation public relations department as well as the efforts of Hyung Jin Nim and Kook Jin Nim.

That day, shortly after breakfast, Parents arrived together with In Jin Nim and Kook Jin Nim. True Mother wanted to make a gift of a pearl necklace to all sisters, as well as to wives of the brothers present. Father commented that "the pearl is the most sexual element of truth" (check translation). As the lecturer said later, the necklaces are not so much to be worn as to remind us all of the significance of this workshop and the feelings and experience we had with True Parents during that time.

In Jin Nim handed the strings of pearls to True Mother, and she in turn gave them to True Father, who gave to each person present. Then Father asked Mrs. Eu to sing a song. While she was singing, her husband got up and started to dance, as a few more brothers, including Mr. Oyamada, joined in. There was pure joy and the spirit of family in the room. Things became more exciting when Mr... sang a rowing song and some brothers got up and did the rowing motions, which went on and on, as the spirit escalated and as the room filled with laughter. True Parents truly enjoyed it, and Father sang along. He had reminded us at some point that whenever we feel lonely we should sing a song of our homeland, which would invoke in us deep emotions and longing....

Then Father asked Mr..... of South America to talk about the Happy Health Machine, which was invented by Father. He said how important it is that we are all healthy. Father felt heartbroken when he heard that several of our members went to spirit world because of cancer at a rather young age, and wants to help us stay strong. In fact, health was one of the main subjects of this workshop, and a part of the training for leaders would include learning acupuncture and moxibustion from Mr. Nam, a 94-year-old Korean gentleman whom we would hear from the next day and even meet in person...

For the next two to three hours, Mrs. Lan Moon, international leader of WFWP, was asked to read Peace Message #13, interrupted numerous times by Father's comments. Father sometimes also addressed individuals such as Mrs. Confucius and others in a very personal way. He talked a lot about how he has offered five of his children to the spirit world as a part of his life course ("no one can understand what that means unless you have lost one of your children”), and that they will be able to come down from now on to help the Providence.

He emphasized very strongly the need for absolute fidelity between husband and wife and that without that NOTHING WILL WORK. It is the final thing to accomplish.

On that morning, I walked down the driveway of the property, absorbing the tremendous beauty of the vegetation, trees, plants, etc. and took a few photos. I noticed only one or two flowers. In the middle of his talk later that morning, Father suddenly said, "I would like to see more flowers along the driveway!" I couldn't believe what I heard. This was God's heart that is listening to and caring about His children's wishes and desires and tries to do anything and everything to fulfill it to make us happy. And our True Father was sensitive to that as one who is completely in tune with God’s heart.

It was then that I realized how deeply I and we all are loved by our True Parents, with the love of God streaming through them.

Being in the presence of our True Parents, who have in actuality accomplished the realm of absolute love between God and each other, allowed me to realize once again that it is in such an atmosphere that everyone feels united – with freedom, joy and no barriers, with the feeling that "this is where it is at, here I want to be, this is the right place, etc." This was especially so being in such an intimate setting where Father talks freely and frankly with his early disciples whom he knows so well.

Father said also that from now on, especially since the helicopter accident (82nd day today) the owner of everything is God, not True Parents. "Train yourselves to love in God's position. Get rid of the fallen lineage within three years, so we can close the door to hell. True Parents are now opening all doors to go to the deep secrets of Heaven. Even the age of the Second Coming is past. God is now in charge. I want to send you out with the authority of True Parents. If you attend God and keep Him in your center, you will enter the original world... Now the realm of the HEART of the Fourth Adam can begin.”

Father also talked about going to Las Vegas, which he visited recently a lot to bring Heaven's atmosphere and clean up the realm of darkness.

On October 13 in the early morning, we all watched an impressive video of Mr. Nam, the 94year-old acupuncturist who is completely healthy. He gets up at 6 am and works throughout the day in his volunteer acupuncture center, treating patients in what he believes is the best way to cure illnesses and keep healthy. On the two videos, both tapes of a one-hour TV show, Mr. Nam explained in detail about the benefits and practices of his work, with countless demonstrations on patients before and after treatment. In one year, he has cured 7,200 people and 500,000 in his lifetime.

After breakfast, True Parents joined us again, together with In Jin Nim, Hyung Jin Nim and Yeon Ah Nim. Hyung Jin Nim reported passionately about his new assignment by True Parents to build a temple, the Palace of Heavenly Blessings (Cheon Pok Won), a megachurch of 210,000 members by the end of 2012. Full of enthusiasm, he explained his vision about accomplishing that by offering different kinds of worship services with a Catholic flavor, a Buddhist flavor, a Muslim flavor, etc. There is no greater glory than to accomplish the unification of all religions, and we Unificationists are called to make that happen, together with the spirit world (returning resurrection)....

Later in the morning, Dr. Nam personally joined our session. Father had someone read Peace Message #13, interjecting comments once again, and also read a report of the progress of our church in Korea, written by Hyung Jin Nim, who then got up again and confirmed all that was said.

Mr. Nam, a rather humble but lively man, commended Father on his work for the unification of Korea, which he had never thought of once, yet believed that it was needed, and that he was rather awed when he heard Father's vision. He wanted to learn more about it.

He said that his entire life he focused on helping patients, because everyone and everything wants to be healthy. Mr. Nam gave very helpful insights into the world of mugwort treatment and acupuncture, after which we all witnessed a demonstration thereof right in front of us. He treated two elder Korean brothers, among them Rev. Hwang, who had badly injured his leg in a soccer game. Father and Mother, as well as the members of the True Family, stuck around to watch. It was like family time. Father’s desire was that all present would be trained in the art of acupuncture and moxibustion for the sake of our own health and healing others...

That day we all relocated to a beautiful hotel in Kona, which gave us the opportunity to be directly on the Pacific and to get a taste of life on the island, especially for us who had come for the first time. There is nothing like the soft and healing sound of the Pacific at night!

The day finally had arrived, October 14, 2008, which marked the 55th??? year after Father’s release from Hung Nam prison, his 80th and some days after the helicopter accident, which marked True Parents’ substantial resurrection and the ninth year of Resurrection Ceremonies, which have been occurring since October 2000.

All were in attendance in the early morning. A beautiful cake had been prepared. True Parents and members of the True Family entered. Father began to speak immediately in a soft voice, explaining the profound significance of this day and the time we live in.

“Getting rid completely of the remnants of Satan’s realm, no shadow, whatsoever. The standard for that is total united sex, that kind of world has no pangs of conscience (clean up).”

“January 13 needs to be the completion as families, complete the restoration of everything from Heaven and Earth.”

“We need to live centering on the vertical and horizontal TP with no shadow, just like the sun, 24 hours a day.”

“There will be benefits in the angelic world and for the ancestors who were blessed.”

“Become like the First Adam who is born from the womb of True Parents. Now we live in the substantial settlement of noon, where internally we are connected to God, True Parents and spirit world through lineage, and externally this is centered on our own family. Based on that, the heavenly world will come. Have that confidence!”

“Pledge #4 of freedom, peace and equality will come about and you need to become the owners of that. The TC were sent to the spirit world (as angels) and, centering on the BBW and TP, they can come down now.”

“Connect everything in this age. God, in the position of TP, can be put in the position of King, and we can be divine sons and daughters who live by the heavenly law. You should become ancestors and representatives of Adam.”

“God needs to be the center of attendance. Become the ancestors of absolute sex, that is your destiny you were born with as well as your responsibility, or you will lose yourself in hell, be broken up and your cells will be floating around in the universe.”

“Get rid of your fallen nature. Deny everything in the position of freedom.”

“Within seven years from this Jubilee year, we need to establish the clear constitution of the Family Pledge and the Cheong Seong Geyong. Do HDH every day together with God and True Parents for seven years. Be owners of yourself!”

“Remember these words to become the substantial being, and God will guide you. Don’t make mistakes for the wrong history to remain. Call your ancestors for help.”

“The beat should always be right with God’s breathing; have His angle, and then there will be eternal movement. Become God’s eternal family! Pray like that from now on. Become the ancestors to the ancestors. Work together through resonance. One-quarter of yourself should be able to resonate with the spirit world.”

“I live my life according to DP, not my own vision. God is now attending the TP in the original position they are in – they are completely liberated.”

“Even if I sit down, everything in the world is reported to me. I resonate with all realms. The realm of resonance needs to be established.”

“Freedom – equality – peace – happiness should be the qualifications of the family… and the central point is true love, where the sperm and the egg meet. If it is dual, there cannot be any branches. God is a free owner in that position as we keep these laws.”

“Love God more than me.”

“Educate people about this in many ways, do demonstrations in front of the nation and become the owner like I did. This is the realm of your destiny and mission.”

True Father then concluded by saying: “Let us commence the ceremony now! As a representative of Heaven and Earth, I declare that there will be returning resurrection.”

Members of the True Family who represented the five True Children in the spirit world, kyungbaed to True Parents, followed by the wives of the religious founders and saints.
Dr. Chang Shik Yang sealed the ceremony with a stirring, deep prayer covering all the significant points of the occasion... "With this Pacific Rim Era here in Hawaii and the settlement of the Providence, we start a new course to restore the lost realm of the HEART, as our True Father has established absolute fidelity (sex) on this earth. Please give us the energy to become original restored temples..." AJU

The beautiful cake was cut and all offered to heaven with a huge “OG MANSEI!”

Father declared it to be a historic day and continued to share about its significance:

“From now on, we are totally responsible for our own actions.”

Father had someone read the speech he had given on October 14, 2000, which he asked everyone to read and study again, as it marked the beginning of the many levels of Resurrection Ceremonies. It also explains more about the era and the age of women, who, he said, are like the train (engine) to move forward the Providence in this age, where True Mother will be taking the lead.

"You need to register in the age of Boom Bong Wang. It is the same as during the time of King Herod.”

“The mother is taking the lead (locomotives).”

“Live for God and live in the place of God.”

“Don’t think you live on your own. You represent your families, tribes, nations -- and all is connected!”

That ended the Ceremony as well as Part I of the workshop in Hawaii.

True Parents and True Family left and all went to breakfast. There was a spirit of joy and happiness in the air, which seemed to permeate all conversations and sharing over the meal. A new beginning was made.

All Boom Bang Wangs were asked to go to Chung Pyung and conclude the 12-day workshop there, and before the workshop concluded, Rev. Kwak, in his kind and loving way, gave a very clear explanation as to what the role and responsibility of a Boom Bong Wang is – namely, a couple that brings all people and things together to attend God and True Parents. He also spoke about the BBWs’ responsibilities, such as doing hoon dok hae for seven years at 5 am as a foundation for their nation., just to give one example.

After that, he also reported about his experiences with the Peace Soccer Cup and other projects he is involved in....

That ended the workshop for the American team (those who were not Boom Bang Wangs), yet since several of us were able to stay another day or two, Rev. Schanker had prepared a sightseeing and activity trip. Among five brothers, First and Second Gen, I was the only woman/sister, and we all had a great time checking out and enjoying the snorkeling and swimming on one of the most beautiful beaches, traveling to the northernmost point of Hawaii, etc. The following day, we also toured the southern tip of the island toward the volcano park, where we decided only to look at the steam holes and not get too close to the active volcano.

Driving back on the east side, we stopped at a botanical gardens and the Akaka Falls, which looks like a scene in a South American jungle.

Watching another sunset at the beach, where our brothers had a great time boogie boarding, I felt God's love so much that tears came down on many occasions, tears of joy and liberation, feeling innocent like a child. As I was sitting in the sand with the gentle waves of the Pacific splashing against me , I felt like all my worries, concerns and burdens were washed away. This was part of what God was doing with me/us through this workshop.

Riding back to the hotel that night, one person remembered that Father suggested singing songs from our homelands. But what kind of songs are there for Americans, who come from states like Idaho, Pennsylvania and so on? Dave Hunter suddenly remembered that he was born in Baltimore, Md., where the American national anthem was born. So he started to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and all of us rather musically versed folks chimed in in harmony. The songs continued coming spontaneously in a free-spirited way, as we forgot about time and space, just enjoying the moment of being together. The love of God and True Parents was tangibly around us, and when we all sat around the table at Kawa Jawa's Caffee to close out the day, we all felt what Naokimi voiced: "I don't want to leave tomorrow, I would love to hang out here forever!”

Back at the hotel, looking over the dark ocean and listening to the sounds of Hawaiian singing down in the hotel courtyard, as well as the waves gently rolling against the land, I was again overcome with emotions of love, joy and inner peace. My heart had been opened up during these last few days, and I was able to feel on a deeper level. Already that night I began missing my brothers and my Korean elders whom I just had spent a few days with. The world of shimjung is very strong and very beautiful.

Leaving Hawaii the following night, was like leaving a mother's womb, a place where I had experienced God and True Parents in a whole new way as they are opening the Gates of Heaven wider and wider for all to enter.

I felt I was a witness to something profound that has affected my life since, as I seek to share and multiply what I have heard and seen in words, but most of all in action.