Kook Jin Moon concludes Eight-City “Freedom Society” Tour

| August 10 2012

After visiting delivering his “Freedom Society” speech in Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, and Seattle, WA (see article here), Chairman of the Tongil Foundation Kook Jin Moon traveled from the West Coast to Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, Washington D.C., and finally Tarrytown, NY, where he concluded his eight-city tour that shared his philosophy of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth with Lovin’ Life Ministries (LLM) communities nationwide. The following is a report on the Freedom Society events in the final four cities.

Chairman of the Tongil Foundation Kook Jin Moon, pictured here at the Washington Times, completed his eight-city tour in a little more than a week's time.

Kook Jin Moon Visits Dallas, TX

For the fifth stop on his tour, Chairman Moon arrived in Dallas, Texas on July 30, 2012 and met with local LLM pastors, Ambassadors For Peace (AFP), and the following individuals during a luncheon at Sura Korean Bistro before the evening program: Mike Ghouse from Americans Together, Foundation for Pluralism, the Huntington Post and the Dallas Morning News; Tricia Harris, the project coordinator for Thanks-Giving Square’s Interfaith Council, a member of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and a prominent interfaith activist; Laura Hornbeck, former WFWP regional chairwoman; and Unificationist leaders Jun Orikasa of Oklahoma and Ken Morgan of Texas.

Pastor of District 9 Rev. Mark Hernandez said, “We discussed the realistic structure intrinsic to the ideal world in contrast to our modern social welfare state and its devastating consequences for the family and social structure. Ms. Harris immediately offered many thoughts supportive of Kook Jin Moon’s vision; however Mr. Ghouse seemed to have reservations. The dialogue was enlightening, and understanding blossomed through the course of the meal. Kook Jin Moon thanked Mike Ghouse for his work to stop the Japanese faith-breaking travesty, as Mr. Ghouse directs attention to this issue through his blog, standingupforothers.blogspot.com.”

Approximately 250 people, some of whom traveled for twelve hours to hear the Freedom Society speech, gathered in the LLM church in Dallas that evening to welcome Chairman Moon. American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) ministers and AFP present included Rev. David Thibodeaux and his wife Dr. Karen Hollie-Thibodeaux, the president and founder of Grace International Seminary, senior pastor of Lifeway Church, and Texas ACLC Co-chair; Dr. Roderick McLean, a Methodist UTS Professor; Imam Marzuq Jaami, a prominent Islamic Leader and activist dedicated to interfaith dialogue; and Dr. Donald Peavy from Disciples of Christ, who is a professor, lawyer, novelist, and journalist for the Fort Worth Ecumenical Examiner, as well as Texas ACLC Co-chair.

Local LLM youth performers offered congregational songs and enlivened the atmosphere. Hiro Hernandez, former president of Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP), introduced Rev. Joshua Cotter, vice president of the Unification Church USA, who reported about the advancements in media relations due to the transparency and accessibility of both Chairman Moon and his brother, the International President of the Unification Church Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, to the press. In solidarity with the Freedom-Society program that was followed on the West Coast, the Al Jazeera documentary on the Unification Church was played for the audience, and Timothy Elder, assistant to Chairman Moon, reported about Chairman Moon’s efforts towards restructuring the Tongil Foundation in Korea and Japan.

“Kook Jin Moon then delivered his Freedom Society speech to an audience that greeted him with a long, roaring, standing ovation and responded to his words with moments of laughter and sobering reflection,” said Rev. Hernandez. He continued: “As soon as Kook Jin Moon concluded his presentation, there was thundering applause and everyone rose to their feet. The Q&A session that followed was interesting and helpful; the questions indicated that our church family and guests were sincerely trying to digest its implications.

“Also, because we had heard that Kook Jin Moon’s birthday was around the corner, we sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him and presented him with a cake and a card. The atmosphere was very joyful and intimate – a touching flow of heart was felt between us and Kook Jin Moon. He beamed and upon leaving, said to me, ‘You must be doing something right!’ and commented that he had never felt such a spirited group. Later, many attendees stayed to offer their thoughts for the videographers.”

The next morning, Chairman Moon breakfasted with local youth leaders and continued on to Atlanta, GA.

Feedback from Participants in Dallas, TX

Mike Ghouse from Americans Together, Foundation for Pluralism, the Huntington Post and the Dallas Morning News:“Kook Jin Moon, a Harvardian heading his father’s business, an inventor and a powerful speaker, shared some powerful views about freedom, less government, less regulations and let the freedom determine the outcomes. Ideologically, it sounds good and almost like the concept of ‘freedom wins’ at last. I shared the concept of freedom expressed in Quran 2:256, that ‘there is no compulsion in religion,’ but his talk on freedom was incredible. I do see his point.”

Ms. Sawa Suina, young Unificationist: “Out of all the speeches I have heard through this movement, Kook Jin Moon’s brought a different and realistic perspective. His speech was inspirational and wonderful. I am so grateful to him for coming to Dallas to pour out his ideals to us personally. I’m thankful to God and True Parents for this opportunity.”

Ms. Jinsook Sakai, young Unificationist: “I’m truly so grateful for Kook Jin Moon’s visit; it was an amazing experience for me personally because it was the first time I saw him in person. His speech about freedom was revolutionary and blew my mind. His deep love for True Parents and desperate heart showed itself throughout his speech. I’m so grateful for his heart and efforts to mobilize and inspire everyone to move God’s providence forward. Thank you, Kook Jin Moon! We love you!”

Marina Stana, young Unificationist: “I am really grateful that Kook Jin Moon took time to visit Dallas on his tour. From the moment he walked in the door, I felt a very genuine and warm heart from him. I feel that he’s helping us see more ways that we can substantially make a difference and support True Parents more. Kook Jin Moon woke up our community with hope and even if it’s a small step, I want to unite with True Parents in college, keeping Kook Jin Moon’s words in mind and keeping God as the center of my studies.”

Laura Lea, Unificationist: “Kook Jin Moon’s presentation is just as amazing as everyone claims it to be. His insights are so fresh and uplifting. His mind is crystal clear, but he speaks on such a high level that it’s impossible to fully appreciate even this simple introduction in one sitting. It’s not that it’s complicated. It’s just that it’s unexpected, like discovering that water can catch on fire. It’s hard to grasp because it’s truly heavenly, and so far, we haven experienced a heavenly society. His presentation gives us a glimpse into God’s view of people and what He expects from us and hopes for us. It’s very empowering, refreshing and truly revolutionary.”

Kook Jin Moon Visits Atlanta, GA

Upon arriving at the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport on July 31, 2012, Chairman Moon met with the following church leaders at the Governor’s Suite at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel: Rev. Cotter; Heather Thalheimer, director of Education at LLM; Juanita Pierre-Louis, vice president of WFWP; Rev. Gary Chidester, LLM pastor in Florida; Clifton Gaines, LLM pastor in Atlanta; and Rev. Tom Cutts, pastor of District 5.

In the evening, Chairman Moon dined in the Candler Room of the hotel with a dozen ACLC ministers and AFP, as well as Pastor Samuel Mosteller, the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Georgia; Rev. Dr. Gloria Wright, chaplain of the Concerned Black Clergy; Minister Steven Muhammad and Mrs. Margaret Muhammad of the Nation of Islam; and senior chaplain Jonathan Grigsby, who has a marriage-strengthening ministry.

“Pastor Mosteller is a retired Major from the U.S. Army and served two terms of duty in Korea,” said Rev. Cutts. “He appreciated Kook Jin Moon’s concern about China’s threat and the possibility of World War III, should America continue to reduce military spending and lose her resolve to protect other nations. They also had a lively discussion about the role of welfare in the destruction of the family.”

The evening Freedom-Society program began after the dinner in the Atlanta Family Church, where more than 350 people had gathered from Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina. After a musical offering by local Unificationist youth, Pastor Gaines introduced Rev. Cotter, who introduced the Al Jazeera documentary. Following a prayer by Rev. Cutts, five couples from Atlanta LLM Ballroom Ministry performed a dance routine, and, following the usual order of events, Timothy Elder reported about Chairman Moon’s accomplishments in Japan and Korea before Chairman Moon, wholeheartedly welcomed by his audience, delivered his Freedom Society speech and held a Q&A session.

Feedback from Participants in Atlanta, Georgia

Ms. Yuri Saito, young Unificationist: “I am so grateful to have received the opportunity to listen to Kook Jin Moon’s speech before summer break ended. He provided numerous examples from history to show us clearly that today’s society is not according to God’s will for humanity. I definitely think it was worth the five-hour drive from my home to Atlanta, and I hope many other people will have the opportunity to hear this speech because the information presented provides a fresh perspective of the modern government and society based on the Divine Principle.”

Ms. Minyoung Moon, young Unificationist student at Vanderbilt University:“I thank Kook Jin Moon for his visit and wonderful speech. I truly believe that True Children are the hope for our movement, and yesterday he confirmed my belief once again. Before his speech, I did not have a clear idea about what message he was trying to convey by his ‘Strong Korea’ agenda. Yesterday’s presentation was very helpful for me to understand how his Strong Korea- and Freedom Society speeches are connected to Father’s teachings and the Divine Principle.

“I totally agree with Kook Jin Moon and Rev. Hyung Jin Moon that until now, we did not have sociological, political, economic visions about how to solve so many social problems in the world or how to govern the world by God's will. Kook Jin Moon tried to provide those visions and perspectives based on the Divine Principle to our members, and the message he delivered yesterday sounded all true and perfectly correct to my ears. I am always impressed by his insights of applying the Divine Principle to the real world. As a student studying social science, I hope I can have such insights to interpret the world based on the Divine Principle.

“Kook Jin Moon also showed us how much work one person can do to transform our community. I really appreciate him for being such a great example for us, and I hope he can continue to build the concrete vision of Cheon Il Guk and share it with us.”

Rev. Dr. Gloria Wright, ACLC pastor and Chaplain of Concerned Black Clergy in Atlanta: “I appreciated having dinner with Chairman Moon before his lecture and felt honored to be invited. It gave me a chance to see him up close. I found him very personable and reachable. People will gravitate to him. He is a fascinating person, someone people like to hang around.

“I was pleased that he had his own credentials, and was not simply ‘son of Rev. Moon.’ Kook Jin Moon is wise beyond his years and has a pleasant sense of humor. I found him to be adorable. He looks like his mother, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and acts like his father, Father Moon.

“I would like to hear more about the Freedom Society. The lecture appealed to both young and old alike. The content had a good mix of facts and wit. I found the ideas refreshing and thought-provoking. I am uncomfortable about guns and weapons, though. I don’t mind guns being used for hunting, but not sure about personal handguns. I think that the jury is still out on that issue.

“In regards to the program, the forty-minute presentation by Kook Jin Moon’s assistant took away from the keynote address. Several people sitting around me were getting tired and weary even before the man of the hour got up to speak. The point could have been made in a much briefer introduction. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the evening and thank all those who made it possible. I thank Chairman Moon for coming to Atlanta to share his vision.”

Atsuhito Saito, young Unificationist student at Memphis University:“This idea of a Freedom Society is just so mind blowing that it is hard to imagine that kind of a country existing because of the current conditions of the world. Especially in the U.S., the government is very controlling of the people and the people are starting to lose faith in the government.

“In this country, as Kook Jin Moon said, the ideal nation that the founding fathers desired to see went in a direction that they never imagined. Of course, there is freedom of religion, but this freedom isn’t a true freedom. Through court cases and laws being passed, God and the church have been cast out by the government and made as a scapegoat to blame for the bad in the society.

“My question is whether to completely redo the government since it is based on people voting, or to make it smaller and get a more laissez-faire government to create competition and enrich our society with the best possible resources. Each one covers a different aspect of the government and maybe both are needed, but it is kind of hard for me right now to see how our current society will transform over time into a society of true freedom.”

David Tranberg, Unificationist: “I am very grateful to Rev. Hyung Jin Moon and Kook Jin Moon for this eight-city tour. I have long held the conviction that we need to develop our church culture. Without a skeleton, we have nothing to flesh out. Kook Jin Moon’s paradigm of government as archangel is very helpful. We need the archangel. The proper role of the archangel is as a servant. However, we too often see the reversal of dominion and the enslavement of Adam and Eve. The archangel position is not to be eliminated but restored.

“I also appreciated Kook Jin Moon’s answer to the question, ‘What are we going to do to get rid of racism in America?’ He answered, ‘Get over it.’ This did not sit well with many of our African-American members and guests, but I think that is really what needs to happen. President Obama could make great strides in our country if he would do what Nelson Mandela did in South Africa. Mandela said, ‘I am president now. Apartheid is done.’

“I also appreciate the timing of this tour. With the presidential elections in November, we need to wake up America to the critical importance of freedom. Otherwise, we are on the fast track for bankruptcy. I like the way Kook Jin Moon addressed the issue from a theological perspective and not from social theory or politics.”

Jonathan Grigsby, senior chaplain of a marriage-strengthening ministry: “I was delighted to meet Chairman Moon at dinner before the meeting. What a humble person. He has accomplished so much as an inventor and entrepreneur. I am amazed at what he did for the Unification Church in Korea and in Japan. And yet, when he came to the podium, he did not have any attitude of ‘look at what I did.’ And when congratulated, he said, ‘I only did what I was asked to do by my father.’ What an extraordinary person.

“His lecture was amazing. I could barely contain myself during his speech. What a strong message. He will find many uncomfortable with the idea of reducing government. But what is the alternative? We are now headed for bankruptcy and people are losing their freedom. I hope that we haven’t gone too far to make a correction.”

Juanita Pierre Louis, vice president of WFWP: “I am grateful for Kook Jin Moon’s presentation about an ideal model. He gives us a shell to fill in by living and practicing the Divine Principle. I know he only had one hour for his lecture, but I would like more clarification, and actual action steps. There are many of our own church members who are taking food stamps and receiving help from Medicare. They joined the church at an early age, dropping out of college to help God’s Providence. Now they have no retirement and few prospects for other jobs. So, government welfare allows them to support their families and get their own kids through college. In an ideal world, they might receive help from the philanthropic work of others, but not at this point.

“Several ACLC ministers thought Kook Jin Moon could benefit from having African-American advisors on his staff. The message is really tough, and we need to be a bridge from the current reality to the truth. There has been a tragic history in America. When we bring the Freedom Society message to the nation, we need to be sensitive. Black townships were burned down. Land was stolen from Blacks, and Black congressmen were removed from office.

“It seems to me that one of the problems with welfare is the way it is administered. Right now, it seems designed to keep people in the welfare trap. Welfare should help people get back on their feet, and become productive citizens.”

Alex Constantinides, high-school guest from Marietta, GA:“I really enjoyed Kook Jin Moon’s lecture. Everything fit together so well as he articulated his points. I was also intrigued by how well he responded to the questions during the question and answer period. He has really thought through this issue, and did a great job in just one hour.”

Steve Winter, Unificationist: “The lecture was very well put together with facts and slides. It was short, simple and to the point. It was a good introduction and a good first step. I want to know the next step. What’s the plan? How do we get government back into its proper role? The presentation was very relevant to the current situation in America. We can help raise the awareness of people. The theological perspectve is very good for reaching others. We are not talking about a particular political party, but a certain standard of value.”

Kook Jin Moon Visits Washington, D.C.

The seventh city of the Freedom-Society tour was Washington, D.C., where Chairman Moon delivered his speech at the Arbor Ballroom of the Washington Times on August 1, 2012 to an audience of approximately 500 Unificationists and friends of faith.

Rev. Randall Francis, pastor of District 1, said “This was a glorious day for renewing our passion for substantial world peace, human rights and true freedom in District One. We welcomed two members of True Parents’ family to the metropolitan area – Kook Jin Moon and Rev. In Jin Moon. Rev. In Jin Moon was on Capitol Hill in the US Capitol Visitors Center Briefing Room, where a congressional briefing, organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), addressed the issue of faith breaking in Japan.” (See article here).

“Our afternoon with Kook Jin Moon was filled with small gatherings with very passionate dialogue about the roles of government and ways to increase freedom for true growth of the individual, family and society as a whole,” Rev. Francis continued. “Over dinner, the discussions continued with our local church leadership and ACLC clergy. Kook Jin Moon welcomed all the questions that were asked and listened intently to those striving to understand the concepts of freedom. He stated that he learns from what others are thinking and somehow God teaches him what to answer. He said, ‘It’s all rooted in theology. It’s as simple as that.’”

The evening program proceeded in its usual order of events: a musical offering, an introduction by Rev. Cotter, a viewing of the Al Jazeera documentary, an opening prayer by Rev. Francis, a presentation by Timothy Elder, and finally, Chairman Moon’s Freedom Society speech, followed by a Q&A session.

“As a conclusion, we surprised Kook Jin Moon with a birthday cake, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ as a group, with all the clergy and AFP,” said Rev. Francis. “It was his 42nd birthday and our entire audience had signed a birthday card for him with personal messages of gratitude. Then we gave three cheers of Eog Mansei, proclaiming eternal victory for God, True Parents and America, and gathered for a group photo in a joyful and hopeful atmosphere.”

Feedback from Participants in Washington, D.C.

Kathleen Goto, Unificationist: “Thank you, Kook Jin Moon. You gave me so much hope with your presentation. I have been a member of the Tea Party ever since it began in response to the Health Care Vote. It has grieved me deeply that our movement has not been involved in this battle to take our country back from having been taken over by a government that I can only describe as Marxist statists. Having been taught by True Father’s Victory Over Communism ideology, it has been like watching our country moving toward a cliff with blindfolds on, except for just a few small voices trying to sound an alarm – a pitiful few. But an amazing thing has begun to happen. The real America is waking up to it. So many people are talking about the founding fathers and the danger of communism in America and the need to restore our country back to being governed by the Constitution. And now, Kook Jin Moon has brought a real tool to the table for us to use in helping these people see a way to return America to its position as the beacon for the rest of the world. The people are ready to listen to this message, now. People know we have a problem and are looking for a solution. I recommend that we work with the Tea Party. These presentations offer real solutions and could be given to their meetings right now to a welcoming audience.”

Henri Schauffler, Unificationist: “Since the Soviet fall and the end of the Sino-U.S. cold war, I and many have felt that we still need material that addresses the “God/No-God” question based on the Divine Principle and the Bible for the 21st Century. There is a lot of confusion right now in America, even among American Unificationists, with 50 percent wanting more government and free stuff, and 50 percent against the expansion of government power.

“We are at a crossroads for America right now, much as we were in 1980 when True Father mobilized our movement to help elect Reagan. With the next U.S. Presidential election only a few months away, I sincerely believe the timing of this message could not be better. We are facing a similar crucial election, but it is not about the external communism threat; it’s about what’s happening inside America. I believe this message should get out to as many American members and citizens as possible, as soon as possible.

“We thank Kook Jin Moon so much for his prayerful and humble search to find these new applications of the Original Substance of the Divine Principle to help us fight this battle for the very soul of America. And he consistently gives credit to True Parents. When we thank him, he says, ‘This is True Parents’ message!’”

Jinsoon Stephens, Unificationist youth leader: “Kook Jin Moon’s Freedom Society presentation was the first-ever logical and achievable explanation on how to build the Kingdom of Heaven that I've ever heard. I keep being worried and lately feeling a little hopeless about how we can really build this Kingdom. Our parents have been working at it all their lives and still I could not see it happening anytime soon, especially by 2013, simply because I couldn’t see any achievable plan occurring in our movement that will be able to affect the world’s seven billion people, until now. Kook Jin Moon’s plan gives me a newfound hope that maybe we can do this after all.

“Now all I ask is that we really start this 12-step plan towards transitioning this country and other countries from welfare nations to free markets, independent from the government. I think I’m starting to understand why God wanted me to study business. I will make this my new mission in my studies; to learn more about how we can make this change.”

Teresa Ledesma, Unificationist: “It is, indeed, profound and prophetic that the ‘Kook’ in ‘Kook Jin Moon’ stands for ‘nation.’ His name reflects his character, and this is no coincidence, I am sure. True Parents’ guidance and prayers for him, maybe even their intention, was that Kook Jin Moon grow to become a leader with the kind of business acumen that can wield influence on governments and the private sector worldwide. God, finally incarnate in our True Parents, needs such a soul to be His mouthpiece as we move towards the fulfillment of the Third Blessing on the worldwide level. He is asking us to consider the practical steps necessary to achieve this gargantuan but inevitable will of God. It was a relief, actually, to hear this kind of message coming from the True Family. I was deeply impressed with his keen awareness of the political and economic issues of the day and the parallels he drew between government and the archangel. Lastly, his humility and deference before his father and the Divine Principle cannot go without mention. Thank you, Kook Jin Moon, thank you.”

Judith Lejeune, LLM pastor of the Northern Virginia Church:“Kook Jin Moon’s vision for freedom and responsibility is indeed ‘breaking news.’ I experienced a renewal of faith and pride when LLM brought order, joy and a vision for spiritual rebirth in America. Again, through Kook Jin Moon I experienced more than a renewal; I experienced great hope for the future of our country and the world. I don’t know Kook Jin Moon’s plan for spreading the Freedom Society, but I could envision it as something like ACLC, training people from the political, business and educational fields to spread the blueprint for establishing a prosperous and free nation as an example for the world.

“I was honored to be present at breakfast and dinner with Kook Jin Moon. I was impressed with his clarity and humble response to the many questions he received at both meals. He listened to the questions and when the person didn’t understand he never became upset but simply proceeded to explain his reasoning. I was especially impressed with his honesty in clarifying when his answer was his own projection and when it was from God’s principled viewpoint. Throughout, I felt the freedom and responsibility he spoke of started right there with us and we have the freedom to cast visions and possibilities of our own in how to propagate and implement this revelation.

“I can see where there will be many obstacles both in our movement and outside when it comes to some very practical applications, such as the legal system and the economic systems he shared with us. However, when carried to its logical conclusion it all makes sense. When I saw the PowerPoint presentation that night, I was excited and stimulated to share this with so many people. I saw the clergy responding so favorably and the questions our members asked were so deep and thought provoking. It is an exciting time to be alive.”

Richard Urban, Unificationist: “The Freedom Society speech made a lot of sense regarding the reversal of dominion of the welfare state. I felt that the explanation of the Police Military could use more clarification and reconciliation with the translation that has been given in the Peace Messages in True Father’s speeches. Hopefully, efforts aiming for accountability and transparency will become standard in all Unification Churches.”

Bernard Herrera, Unificationist: “Kook Jin Moon was absolutely phenomenal. We need this type of presentation more often. I know that he is a busy bee, but he understands that True Father built this movement by denying even the True Children a regular family life with their parents. Please, Kook Jin Moon, come more often. I’ll be willing to pay to listen to your deep yet humble wisdom. I want to help bring this to all our international communities as well. Thank you for acknowledging how difficult it is to understand True Parents and for pushing us to keep studying. God Bless You.”

Rev. Zagery Oliver, LLM Pastor in Washington, D.C.:“For me, it is extremely enlightening to hear how Kook Jin Moon put the Divine Principle into action in a realistic approach to building a society that reflects the original ideal of God starting in the garden. From my original-mind perspective it makes complete sense; however, looking at the reality of the world situation it becomes very challenging to make that transition. Taking the premise from the perspective of the Garden and the original dynamic relationships that we are supposed to be in, his speech is quite ingenious and makes total sense, but needs some serious brainstorming so we can come up with the method whereby it can override this political system that is dominated by the Archangel and implement the Head Wing Freedom Society.”

Kook Jin Moon Visits New York, NY

The eighth and final stop of the Freedom Society tour took place in Tarrytown, NY in the Grand Ballroom of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, where a total of 1,000 members and guests, including senior pastor Rev. In Jin Moon and her family, gathered to welcome Chairman Moon.

LLM’s National Youth Pastor, Jaga Gavin, greeted the audience and the Junction Band led off the program with congregational songs. The Al Jazeera documentary followed, and Rev. Cotter served as the emcee of the main program with “a robust enthusiasm resulting from his genuine transformation which took place during his tour with Kook Jin Moon,” according to a report from District Leaders Rev. Bruce Grodner, Dr. Anne Iparraguirre and Rev. Richard Buessing.

Archbishop George Augustus Stallings Jr., co-president of ACLC and senior pastor of the Imani Temple, gave an opening prayer before Timothy Elder’s presentation, and then Rev. Cotter welcomed Kook Jin Moon to the stage where he delivered his speech and answered questions. The program concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony that celebrated the conclusion of the eight-city Freedom Society tour, a benediction from Bishop Sulanch Lewis-Grant of the Little Rock Zion Deliverance Ministries, and three cheers of Eog Mansei from Reverend Ki Yeal Lee, the national director of the Korean Evangelical Association.

Feedback from Participants in New York, NY

Bishop Sulanch Lewis-Grant of the Little Rock Zion Deliverance Ministries:“It was really phenomenal to see the presentation and the direction Kook Jin Moon was going. People really need to hear what he was saying and need to stay on course using the Divine Principle. The vision and flame has been stirred up in him. I was so happy to be asked to give the benediction.

“Prior to the event, I had a vision of Father Moon traveling to many cities and I was asked to be part of it. That I was asked to give the closing prayer [to the Freedom Society program] was so special as it was a confirmation that Kook Jin Moon represented True Father and I was there to support him.

“This message is a revelation that these seeds will fall on good soil and there was much good soil there. I saw this message helping ministers, friends and family to affirm their purpose and fulfill the ideal of true freedom. It’s a new era; we are no longer in the valley but on the mountaintop. Unleashed from our chains and bondage, we must make our move to make the choice to affirm our destiny.”

Archbishop Moses de la Rosa from the Christ Family Church, Mt. Vernon, NY:“The presentation was beautiful and the clearest presentation I have heard thus far. Kook Jin Moon knew his subject matter. He is a very good orator, taking his time to explain clearly his points, unlike most preachers, who rush through the subject matter. He also patiently took his time to answer questions even though some were already answered in the presentation. His talk will help me in preparing for my future sermons. The evening left me with a broad perspective and understanding of the enemy. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Denroy Morgan, ambassador for the Ethiopian Coptic Church, Reggae musician and Rastafarian community member:“My experience was great. When I listened to his speech, it was as if I was listening to a world leader. God’s ideal kingdom is where freedom and responsibility work hand in hand. Without responsibility, freedom is not deserved. God’s freedom, without responsibility, can cause a lot of mistakes.”

Niina Jewell, young Unificationist: “In the beginning, I could sense that the atmosphere around me was scattered and not present with the speaker. People were shocked to see the documentary on our movement and were not clear about the purpose of it being shown. Then, there was the report from Korea and some long prayers and more music. Finally, Kook Jin Moon began speaking but I noticed people tune out as soon as it started out with the slide of the Three Blessings. I’m sure they thought, ‘Why are they showing this to me? We know this already.’ It wasn’t until Kook Jin Moon pulled together the diagram of ‘The Fall’ and applied it to our society today that people woke up and began to listen. All of a sudden, I was aware that everyone was listening so intently to what he had to say and the room fell silent. You could almost feel a slight tension in the atmosphere.

“I am still amazed at how Kook Jin Moon was able to see the concepts/principles in the Divine Principle in real life, right here in today’s society! When it was explained, I felt, ‘How simple is this concept, and why couldn’t we see this before?’ I really feel how crucial it is to study the Divine Principle over and over again in order not to get swayed and confused by the populist culture that dominates American society. Too many of us are becoming unclear and having a harder time distinguishing what is right and true according to God and True Parents’ will. I feel that this is the only way to ensure myself that no matter what turmoil exists around me, I will not get separated from God and True Parents.

“I am truly grateful that we have a clearer understanding of what the ideal world could look like. I know that we still have a ways to go to really figure out together what our beliefs and standpoints are in the areas of politics, sociology, psychology, etc. But I am glad that we are evolving as a movement, and that we have the True Children working together with each other. I know that they will bring about more enlightenment and guidance into our Unificationist Society.”

Contributed by Ariana Moon.