Father Moon’s 3rd Memorial Anniversary

As a lit candle lights a thousand others, the spirit of Rev Moon illuminates a million others’ to make lasting marks of peace together on this Earth. On a commemorative evening to mark his 3rd Universal Seonghwa, the last public memorial service in honoring his legacy held on the 22nd of August, the entire Unification Movement members in New Zealand gathered at Te Unga Waka Marae, Auckland to attend a formal dinner banquet; with a beautiful spirit truly deserving of his life and legacy. About 150 people in total came to pay our deepest respect to Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon, True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind.

The evening began with a delegation of welcoming party greeting every single guest inside with their sincere hearts. It was composed of Rev Julius Gicole, National Leader of the New Zealand Unification Movement and his wife Jasmin Gicole and the various providential leaders and Ambassador for Peace. Thanks to their bright spirit, the ambience of the beautifully-decorated hall was filled with cordial bliss; floating along the instrumental songs familiar to all Unification Movement members.

As everyone took their seats comfortably, Rev Geoffrey Prentice hosted the proceeding; before Rev Rob McKay gave a Karakia (Maori welcome) to the audience. Mr Geoffrey Fyers, UPF-NZ Secretary General then gave his opening remarks to focus the evening’s attention to the man whom we gathered to reminisce that evening. It was followed by a video presentation depicting Rev Moon’s life journey as a struggle in realizing global peace and harmony on Earth.

The event was then interluded by an acapella performance by the AG2, which was composed of the younger generation members of FFWPU New Zealand. They sang Arirang, a Korean folk song that Father Moon was fond of. It was immediately succeeded by a solo performance by Mr Andrew Halim, who sang Bring Him Home, as a humble tribute in recognizing Father Moon’s sacrificial heart for the younger generations.

Testimonies soon took their stage, as Rev Rob McKay, Anglican Priest and AFP started the outpouring of respect and gratitude towards a figure who had advocated peace ever since he was sixteen. He slowly testified the endless dedication Father Moon laid down in rallying humanity to a desired future, before acknowledging Father Moon as a man deserving every ounce of respect.

Mr Peter Holdem, FFWPU Trustee and UPF Coordinator Up North, continued the sharing of Father Moon’s life. He highlighted the various trials and perilous difficulties Father Moon had to endure in order to be victorious before Heaven and Earth. Father Moon had to undergo seven severe tortures during his life, but he did not give up in loving his enemies. He eventually formed a pact of brotherhood with President Kim Il-Sung, the very person who had caused him much pain and suffering ever since he was young; and brought the two Koreas from the brink of war to a path of peace and unification. Truly, Father Moon’s loving kindness will resonate for generations to come.

Mr Peter Holdem, FFWPU Trustee and UPF Coordinator Up North, continued the sharing of Father Moon’s life. He highlighted the various trials and perilous difficulties Father Moon had to endure in order to be victorious before Heaven and Earth. Father Moon had to undergo seven severe tortures during his life, but he did not give up in loving his enemies. He eventually formed a pact of brotherhood with President Kim Il-Sung, the very person who had caused him much pain and suffering ever since he was young; and brought the two Koreas from the brink of war to a path of peace and unification. Truly, Father Moon’s loving kindness will resonate for generations to come.

Mrs Felicity Cairns, Chairwoman of WFWP New Zealand closed the series of testimonies with a personal touch of Father Moon’s impact on her life. She shared the various motivational moments she had in his presence, along with the deep reverence she has towards Father Moon. She was convinced that Father Moon was a man ahead of his time, and his silence contains an endless spring of wisdom and knowledge that she greatly admires. She feels humbled to have come to know him personally and she invites everyone to join him in his cause for lasting peace and harmony on Earth.

Before the closing of the evening programme, Mrs Liukava Fuvilai and Mr David Williams paid their tribute to Father Moon as a duet, singing Hallelujah and You Raise Me Up professionally. Then, Rev Julius Gicole gave a closing remark as he emphasized not only Father Moon’s life-changing devotions that are often met with undeserving criticism and persecution, but also applauded everyone present who took their time and effort to attend Father Moon’s last public memorial service. Rev Julius was convinced that the reason we all gathered that evening was because we love Father Moon’s legacy of peace and we long to create a brighter future for ourselves and the younger generations to come; where we can all be greeted with everlasting peace and joy every time we wake up in the morning.

As a substantial effort in making this happen, he also welcomed newly appointed Junior Ambassadors For Peace which included Mr Takashi Sawada, Ms Elina Osborne, Mr Jasbir Dhillon Singh, Mr Dasham Bedi and his wife Mrs Sonia Bedi. Surely, Father Moon’s unending spirit will emanate boundlessly as we walk hand-in-hand in realizing a common ideal.

Rev Diane Winder, Interfaith Minister and AFP then officially closed the evening with a prayer that also commenced the dinner banquet, as a symbolical sharing of love and joy with one another. The evening then transitioned to a heartfelt dinner, as though we were all part of one loving family who care for one another.

It is impossible to express in words how much Father Moon has done for humanity. However, those who know him will carry his light and continue his legacy as far as we possibly could. We are thankful for this precious time and opportunity to testify our loving Father’s life to all whom we met that evening, and we are hopeful that we will all one day live truly as One World Family Under God.

 
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel;   Written by Andrew Halim