Minnesota helps North & South Dakota ACLC's spirit grow

           

 

Report from ND & SD ACLC Prayer Meeting:

We gathered for an ACLC meeting in Sioux falls,on June 05 at Rev.Hakim's Family Church.  It was just weeks after our last meeting, because Rev. Hakim's wife Izumi-san will soon deliver their 3rd baby. Their family wanted to make a good condition by having this meeting, to honor God and place others before themselves. 

Even under the storms and  heavy rains, guest arrived one by one.  We were so blessed to have our District Director, Rev. Carl Swearson, and Mrs Keiko Takahashi, the district's Japanese Missionary living in MPLS center drive 225 miles to participate. Keiko is a magnificent musician and music teacher. Her beautiful Bach arrangement invited the Holy Spirit into our gathering.

Rev. Mayuri Hoffman opened the program and introduce Mrs. Foss from North Dakota.  Mrs. Foss explained purpose of ACLC, which is to rebuild the family and renew the Community.  Our mission is to restore the nation & world through unifying the body of Christ centering Christianity and embrace all the world's religions.   We must take down all walls & barriers among all races and cultures.  "Let's begin this with peace in our minds. From this moment on, let's stop all war with this everlasting True Love.

Rev. Swearson shared about the up-coming event " Global Peace Festival" scheduled to be held in Washington DC from August 9 -11. He would like to every family to participate or send one representative. He personally would like to use this opportunity for his family vacation to the east coast.

Rev. Hakim shared about the progress at Khartoum, where 6 Muslims and 6 Christian's attended a 7 day "True Family Values" workshop and received certificates of completion. His daughter was among them. He was so happy.

Our main reading was presented by Rev. Dennis Hoffman, "Inter-Cultural marriage Blessing and World Peace.  Abiaza passed around Love Offering basket, and collected $80 for ACLC work. Thanks to Everyone!!!

Our shared lunch dishes are always big hits.  Izumi-san made Sudanese food and Mayuri-san brought her home-made potato salad.  Everyone was treated with some Oriental with Green Tea. Our Guests from Sudan, Ethiopia, Korea, and Japan were so happy to find others to share with about the present situation in their countries.

It was another very nice meeting.  We want to make sure God is happy, by living in unity & harmony among all families & guests.

May the Ideal world begin on this earth and may it's Peace be with everyone.

Report by Keiko Foss

 

North & South Dakota ACLC meets in prayer for Sudan & the World

ACLC Prayer Meeting was held at Sioux Falls , South Dakota on Friday, May 23.  North & South Dakota joined together to pray for unity among the Religions, Nations and the World centering  on Christianity.  Our program was lead by State Leader Rev. Mayuri Hoffman.  She introduced Rev. & Mrs. Foss as the North Dakota Coordinators.

Rev. John Foss began the meeting by reading from the New Testament, Revelations 22, announcing the coming of the New Heaven and New Earth.  Rev. Dennis Huffman read "The Ideal Family and True Love" from the Mother Moon's last speaking Tour  Peace Message.

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Rev. Hakim Kane Spoke of his recent trip to Sudan.  His Hometown has suffered war for decades with his family and tribe shattered and scattered.  With "tentative" peace, his tribe is returning.  He is now desperate to build a "Family Church" in South Sudan.  His daughter and he attended the Family Church in Khartoum, North Sudan.  The Family Church in Khartoum is successfully bringing unity to it's Christian and Muslim associates by teaching True Family Values.  The Sudanese children of all ages eagerly thirst for knowledge, as they gather together "singing" their lessons in unison.  Rev. Hakim is now formulating a plan to help his people in South Sudan, returning the blessings he has received from God to them.

 

    

An "Ambassador for Peace" Certificate was given to Mr. Christopher Yuyad for outstanding parenting. We also appointed our youngest recipient of "Ambassador for Peace Jr.", Abiaza Hakim Kane.  He is a 4 year old preschooler. He is the son of Pastor Hakim Kane & Japanese Missionary Izumi Ai Kane.  He is a amazing son, loyal to his parents, always taking good care of sister (2 years old).
His beaming big smile just melts anyone's heart (see his picture below).  He wants to be President of United State of America in the future. We have to give him diplomatic education.

Pastor Julias Badigo stands firmly and faithfully with True Parents vision and respect Pastor Kane.  He received 30 hours one-to-one Divine Principle lecture from Rev. Seo. He miss him very much. A beautiful sister from Ethiopia Melesech Ayele enjoyed our meeting. she is good Christian.  She shared some of her culture and family.

       

    

Mayuri & Izumi & Keiko offered one Japanese song called " HARU". It was nice harmony.
Rev. Mayouri picked the date for Thursday, June 05 for the next meeting.                    

Reported by Keiko Foss

 

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American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) March 25, 2008

A Movement of the Holy Spirit - Keynote Speaker:

Archbishop Stallings speaks with incredible passion and truth on our part in the "One Family of God, and how we make God a liar and the Church a sham by not living that reality every moment.

 

Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr.

53 min 38 sec - Mar 29, 2008

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.

 

1.    Don't miss the boat.

2.    Remember that we are all in the same boat.

3.    Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

4.    Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

5.    Don't listen to   critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

6.     Build your future on high ground.

7.    For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

8.    Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

9.    When you're stressed, float awhile.

10.  Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

11.  No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Dr. Sirisio Oromo in the news from Kenya

Dear All,
Our Ambassador for Peace from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dr. Sirisio Oromo, has traveled to Japan and Korea on the 4th World Tour in October 2006, has traveled to Africa a couple times since on peace missions.  He recently joined with other religious leaders in Kenya to participate at a rally for peace in Nairobi.

Our Ambassadors for Peace are on the front line!

Sincerely,
Rev. Swearson

Call for Peace Education

Rev. Fredrick Wakhisi, Secretary General, UPF-Kenya

 

 

 

 

Leaders of several denominations and religions in Kenya called for unity and trust among all communities at a prayer rally organized by UPF-Kenya in Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi on February 6.

They also called on UPF to offer peace education programs. A traditional site for outdoor speeches and rallies, Uhuru [Freedom] Park has been seen sealed off since the announcement of the results of the controversial Presidential elections held December 27, 2007. In order to carry out the program, organizers had to get permission from the Commissioner of Police himself. Permission was granted the day before, but the written permit was received only 30 minutes before the event began.

The atmosphere at the park was solemn and somber. At 10:00 am, the ceremony opened with lighting of candles and burning of incense. 

Rev. Mwalagho Kililo, Regional Secretary General of UPF-Africa, conducted a service that included prayers offered by Rev. Dr. Sirisio Oromo, a Lutheran bishop from Sudan; Mr. Varma, a Hindu priest; Rev. Henry Omai, General Overseer of the Restoration of Life Ministry; three Sikh priests; and Rev. Dr. Luckio Otieno Odero, an Anglican priest. 

The prayers for peace from these religious leaders were both touching and moving as people pled with Almighty God to grant forgiveness based on repentance. There was no doubt, they stated, that we have sinned before Heaven and Earth and thus are not worthy to be called God’s children. From Hinduism to Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity the content of the prayers was the same.

Members of Parliament Hon. Elias Mbau and Hon. Joseph Nkaissery spoke of the need for members of parliament to facilitate UPF seminars that can promote peace. The Ambassadors for Peace have requested that seminars be held to remind them of their calling to promote peace at this time of anarchy and mayhem. The solution to this problem lies with promoting principles of peace education.

There is no doubt that peace is a rare commodity for now. When peace prevailed, Kenyans did not seem to appreciate it until anarchy and mayhem became the order of the day.

Ambassadors for Peace recognize that the guiding principles of UPF and its founder’s vision are critical elements for making peace a reality. This is the moment for UPF and all affiliate organizations to come out clearly and fulfill their calling.

The ceremony concluded with an offering of floral wreaths in memory of the more than 1,000 Kenyans killed to date in post-election violence.

A report of the event was one of the lead stories in the Daily Nation newspaper, the leading newspaper in East Africa. This underscores the important of peace to this nation of Kenya.

The newspaper quoted former United Nations prosecutor at the Rwanda tribunal, Duncan Mwanyumba, making a proposal at the rally for the establishment of a National Council of Elders to create bridges of reconciliation among the communities. He envisions that such a council could broker unity and cohesion by summoning political leaders to work for the common good of the country. The lawyer also proposed a constitutional review to create a mechanism for handling foreseeable electoral mistakes, power arrangements, and conflict resolution programs.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 February 2008 09:22

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We are connnected.....

It is truly amazing how connected we all are.   I've heard a lot about the Mongolian connections through some PBS shows and History Channel.    Of course we all know on some level that we are all related but how cool that the science is also sorting it all out and coming the same conclusions.

In a message dated 2/9/2008 5:30:50 P.M. Central Standard Time, JohnKeiko@gmail.com writes:

Excellent Video on the importance of our families and tribes.........

It show the connectedness of all mankind, and common family traditions such as care for aging parent in the family and not sending the elderly to the "old peoples house".....

It is by a friend "Kevin Pickard.....

"It brought tears to my eyes"....

jef

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5nkQ-2bp58

A Lesson on Resentment and Forgiveness by Rev. Carl Swearson

A Lesson on Resentment and Forgiveness by Rev. Carl Swearson
At the Prayer Breakfast in Omaha this past Saturday, January 19, the guest speaker was Wynema Morris, an elder of the Native American Omaha Tribe, who lives on the Walthill reservation in Northeast Nebraska.  She gave a testimony of her experience late last year when she and Rev. Beverly Thompson traveled to Jamestown, Virginia, at the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the white settlers.  Wynema shared about her emotions being flooded with feelings of pain, hurt and resentment while she was at Jamestown Colony.  She described it as going to the place of "the beginning of the end" of her culture and the lives of many of her people.

Tribal Elder, Wynema Morris Rev. Beverly Thompson

The Reconciliation Conference, she felt, did not truly address many of the things that should have been discussed.  Many of the attempts at asking for forgiveness, on the part of the descendants of the white colonists, from the Native Americans for the many offenses inflicted on them, she thought, were in many ways, clumsy (if that is the right word) and far short of what she was hoping for.  When the apologies were given, Wynema said she did not feel in her heart the strength or the desire to forgive.
When she got home, she reported all this to her mother (in her 80's and living with her) – everything she saw and experienced.  "My mother is so wise," Wynema said, "she told me that even though it was not a very adequate attempt at repentance and reconciliation, still it was genuine and it was a beginning."  Her mother’s advice was, in spite of everything, forgiveness must be given.  "If not you, Wynema, then who will do the forgiving?  And if not now, then when?"
She said those few words from her mother really liberated her heart and now she is free of her resentment.  In life, her mother suffered more than she did, but still her mother taught her about the power of forgiveness.  Resentment does not hurt the person who causes the resentment, it only hurts the person who holds it.

That really got me thinking ……
Towards the end of Dr. Sang Hun Lee's book, "Life in the Spirit World and on Earth," he talks about traveling around in spirit world, attempting to meet the World War II Criminals, and see what their fate was in spirit world.  I remember him talking about trying to find Hitler and wanting to know what became of him. 

When Dr. Lee did find Hitler, he was naked, tied to a tree, constantly being beaten and mocked by a crowd of many thousands of Jews that he had killed or destroyed.  It struck me at that time that those thousands of people were in rock bottom hell with Hitler, though not because of some sins they committed, but because they were "chained" to Hitler through the resentments that dominated their soul. They were in hell simply because could not let go of their pain and resentment.
I read a quote once that has stayed with me: "Resentment is like you drinking a poison, hoping that the person you resent will feel its effects."

One person wrote about resentment on the internet, and this is his reflection on it:

“Resentment is the great demon, the mind killer that sucks awareness out of the self, out of the soul and rivets it on some person, place, thing or event outside. On things one can not change.
To practice resentment is to feed a demon, a demon whose mantra is, feed me, help me remember and savor the evil, the injustice inflicted on me by others.
Once fed and strengthened through practice this demon will stand guard before the doors of perception.

He will, with singular fury and exuberance, strike down any hint of grace, any stream of mercy that would presume to approach the mind’s eye.
He will obsessively scan the horizon: mining memory and experience for transgressions, sins, faux pas, insensitivities, forgetfulness: the building blocks of a fortress of isolation (for isolation is), “The only safe place for a wounded heart.”

I understand this man counsels many people who are trapped by past resentments.

I believe the most incredible act of forgiveness was accomplished by Jesus on the cross, just before he died. Jesus was not only unjustly framed and murdered, he was tortured, mocked and betrayed by people who he loved more than his own life. On the cross, Jesus said, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’ That comes from Psalms 22. You should read the whole chapter, and you’ll get a unique glimpse into Jesus’ heart just before he died. At funerals, people usually read Psalms 23 (the Lord is my Shepherd), but if they want to know Jesus better, they should start with the chapter before that.

Jesus, with the last few breaths in his body, uttered, “Father, forgive them. They DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO!” Think about this - No one at the foot of the cross asked Jesus for his forgiveness (that I am aware). No one expected it. Maybe no one even wanted it at that time. But Jesus forgave anyway. Thank God he did, but Jesus also benefited from that gracious act of forgiveness as well. How?

Jesus went to the Father with a clean heart. Tons of atrocities were committed against him, but he dropped them at the door as he went in to meet his Father. Why can’t we learn from that?

The Bible makes it very clear that all of us, everyone, have sinned against God and against our fellow man on many occasions.

Thankfully, God does not put the condition on us that we must stop sinning before He will give us His forgiveness. He forgives even those who do not deserve His forgiveness. When we are forgiven by God, we become recipients of His Grace. In a smaller way, when you forgive someone of their trespasses against you, they become recipients of your grace.

Wow! Just think about that for a moment. I think it’s so beautiful to see a son or a daughter imitating the good things that their mother or father does. In this sense, forgiving is a profound way to imitate our Heavenly Father.

As a child, I may not be able to fill my father’s shoes, but I sure get a big kick out of trying to walk in them. And while I’m doing that, if I would happen to look back - into my father’s eyes, I know that I’d see what any child would see, my father …. smiling.

North Dakota ACLC Prayer Breakfast: Peace for Sudan

October 27, 2007

13 loving souls gathered at the Chapel of the Edgewood Vista Senior Citizen Community Center. The Center was newly opened last month and they were happy to let us use of their chapel for our event.
The Topic was "Peace in Sudan & the Role of the United Nations". Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Sirisio Louis Oromo drove to Fargo from South Dakota. He is an ordained Lutheran Minister and native of Southern Sudan. He has been working tirelessly to bring peace and stability to his homeland. His coming attracted an interested group. Fargo has been the new home of many who fled the war in Sudan. We are proud of our Sudanese friends, who despite their abuse in their homeland, are now standing up strongly and taking responsibility to rebuild Sudan. Our consciences are moved by them to understand and to do what we can to relieve their suffering.

Rev. Oromo's message began with a call to look closely inside ourselves. Don't condemn others. Religions that do so cause wars. Human beings cause war, not God. Religion means "good faith", but we made it something different. First be honest with your self, and change yourself. Selfishness creates injustice toward others. Don't seek to destroy the enemy, destroy the hate and enmity between you. God does not get rid of an enemy because he sees all of us as a parent sees.

The British who colonized Sudan gave the most attention to the Arab North, while Southern Sudan was influenced mainly by the missionaries. The more developed North began to unjustly plunder the resource- rich South when independence came in the early 1950's. Fighting has continued since that time, at first between Muslims & Christians, but as of late, mainly over natural resources.

There is a window of opportunity with the present peace agreement, in which the South is to share in about 25% of the government positions, and the oil is to be shared 50/50. Rev. Oromo has been offered a government position and is considering taking it, although he is somewhat wary because he knows the difficulty and corruption that he will need to endure. There are already violations of the peace agreement taking place.

Rev. Oromo shared the real situation of today's Sudan, its government system and life in refugee camps. For Americans who have lived a blessed life, the Sudanese situation is difficult to understand and bear. Our hearts were left heavy with the reality of life in Sudan.

God inspired the words of Mike McGregor after the Keynote address. Mike is a leader of faith at First Assembly of God in Fargo. He is also a physician's assistant and a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves (now retired). He was deployed to Iraq as "Medical Officer in Charge" in 2003. He spoke of how his strong faith was his greatest instrument of protection and strength during his 1 1/2 year deployment in Iraq. Even as shells exploded in his compound, he felt no fear because he felt the love of Christ constantly with him. He personally encouraged each of us, as we go into the dangerous arenas of conflict, to have no fear and believe that God will protect and use each of us to fulfill his will.

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We were blessed with the attendance of Fargo writer and humanitarian Deb Dawson. She is coordinating a project with "Lost Boy of Sudan" Joseph Markeer. Joseph and Deb have begun their "mission" by promoting Joseph's book called "African Soul and American Heart". They are raising funds to send Joseph and a film crew to create a documentary film about life in Sudan. They are planning a trip to Southern Sudan in December. As a mother who has adopted and raised international children from Siberia and Korea, Deb feels a deep parental love for Joseph and the other lost boys of Sudan. She is determined to aid him in fulfilling his goal to build an orphanage in Sudan.

Cindy Pfeiffer shared with us at breakfast, the importance of the Universal Peace Federation. She recently attended its convocation in New York City, where Ambassadors of Peace from 197 nations met. A major aim of the UPF is to install an Inter-religious council as a major component of the United Nations, where true religious leader can address concerns with a universal perspective rather than a nationally centered perspective. Cindy is helping Kenneth Masunga organize his efforts to make substantial improvements in Sudan.

Mr. Kenneth Adams Masungu from Sudan spoke about his " Young Shepherd Project ". It is an effort to build a school and hospital in his home village near Juba, Sudan. Kenneth's daughter Roza came along to support Rev. Oromo and her father. Jean Albert, a strong mother in theSudanese community, spoke compassionately and offered her beautiful smile. She is always working hard to love her Sudanese family, even as she is battling cancer. Both Jean and Roza gave heartfelt testimonies of their concern for Sudan.

At the end of the program, we stood hand in hand while Rev. Oromo gave the Benediction Prayer. We are all hopeful that our Prayer Breakfast will be a building block towards the future peaceful Sudan and world.
Thanks to Toshiko Olson, Erica Trenbeath, & Michael Trenbeath for their support in helping to organize our event!

Reported by: John & Keiko Foss

One Global Family or the Clash of Civilizations?

Is a catastrophic world conflict inevitable?

Here is an interview with Dr. Antonio Betancourt, Director of the Office of Government Relations of The Universal Peace Federation, Washington, D.C.

He give us an excellent understanding of the importance of the "Ambassador's for Peace" movement in changing the course of of world politics.

Ambassadors of Peace are using the following principles to reshape their feeling, thinking and actions:

1. God is the Parent of all humankind.
2. All of us are essentially spiritual beings.
3. All families must be restored as cornerstones of the peaceful world.
4. The principle of living for the sake of others is the prime principle upon which the universe was created.
5. We live for others by respecting their religions and ideologies and by working together with them.

Please take a few minutes to see this video.........

Watch One Global Family or the Clash of Civilizations? - The Defining Moment Television Talk Show in Entertainment Videos  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

North Dakota ACLC Prayer Breakfast - September 29, 2007

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It was a sunny Saturday morning in Fargo ND at the end of September, and a perfect environment for the warming of hearts. This Month's topic was "Peace", related with the International Day of Peace established by the United Nations, September 21st 1981. North Dakota Coordinator Keiko Foss began by welcoming the guests and introducing ACLC , as she read the purpose and goal statement. She believes peace begins from the individual and expands to the family, society, nation and world with the unity mind and body. Then we embrace others, especially our enemies and those difficult to love with True Love. Keiko also inspired all with reflections from her recent trip to the Holy lands.

AFC coordinator Cindy Pfeiffer shared the "Proclamation for the Day of Peace" from the Fargo Mayor's Office. Cindy has recently returned from New York where she attended the gathering of world representatives from all 191 nations. It was an amazing "Inter-religious" symposium to encourage the United Nations to follow internal directives centering on God from a council of inter-religious leaders rather than merely national-centered, secular interests. Cindy attended our event with her sister Joan Poer who is always a great supporter of our activities, adding a spark of beauty and brightness.

Rev. John Foss introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Carl Swearson. He is a native North Dakotan, from Lutheran background, now Region 8 Director of the Family Federation for World Peace. He is from Missouri, where he lives with his family of seven.

Rev. Swearson's topic was "Living for the Sake of Others". He explain how it is an easy concept for all to agree on, but a difficult one to carry out. He cited examples from Jesus life, and his total rejection and abandonment by both his family and diciples. The Kingdom is not far from those who can Love God and Mankind with their whole hearts all the time. He was well received by all the guests.

Remarks were given by Doris Bromenschenkel, wife of the former Vice Mayor and City Commissioner. She spoke on Inner Peace. It begins from the Heart. She read a beautiful poem about peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Doris's Daughter Jill suffering from Lupus.

During breakfast, we all introduce each other. The 12 of us sat in a "U" shape and our sharing brought a feeling of closeness.

Cheryl Bergian, Executive Director from The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition shared about her program and personal life.

Hisako and Masayo from the Japanese Ladies Luncheon Group of Fargo added interesting flavor to our meeting. Along with Toshiko & Keiko, they sang "Furusato" and tearfully reflected on their home town in Japan. All sang "God Bless America" and ended in a hand-held Prayer.

Thanks to Rev. Carl Swearson who made a heroic last minute effort to support our meeting, Keiko & Toshiko for all the ACLC meeting organizing, communications & setup, Michael and Erica Trenbeath for coming early and handing greeting and registration. Thanks all for helping make our event successful!

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Reported by John Foss

Click on the Video Player below to enjoy the Breakfast: