As the festive mood in the beginning of the 3rd year of Cheon-Il-Guk carried on, the Unification Family in New Zealand gathered on the 24th of February to celebrate the birthday of their founder, Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon and Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, or more intimately referred to as Father and Mother Moon. It was a modest commemoration at the backyard of Parnell Peace Embassy in Auckland, but was nonetheless rich with jubilation and deep appreciation of what they had done for the sake of humanity as a whole. We were honored by the presence of our Ambassadors For Peace, who willingly came to take part in the celebration and give respect to the revered True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind.
The event started off with a simple pre-program inside the Embassy, hosted by Sahbumnim Robert Shelley and opened in prayer by one of our Ambassador For Peace, Imam Zahoor Ur Rahman. It was followed by Rev Julius Gicole giving a short explanation of the day’s celebration and a video presentation of Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon’s life as a Peace-Loving Global Citizen, which invoked tears of empathy and gratitude among the audience. Rev Adel Jamati, long-time disciple of Father Moon, closed the pre-program with a short presentation of Father Moon’s dedication in the circle of science and education, especially through the founding of International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences (ICUS) and its eventual role in directing science to find its root values.
After the pre-program, Tong-il Moo Do (TIMD) practitioners showcased a remarkable martial arts performance for everyone to enjoy. Then, the celebration truly began with a barbecue dinner together at the beautifully-decorated backyard. It was without a doubt, a special time and place prepared for everyone under the bosom of the gracious nature that allows perfect weather condition to prevail for the evening. Family members and guests, young and old alike, were able to experience a global family dinner with participants coming from various races, nationalities and background which is exceptionally fitting in honoring the birthday of our True Parents.
The stage was open for anyone who would like to present any congratulatory words or performances to further reinforce the joyous ambience of the evening. Some of our Ambassadors For Peace took their time to entertain everyone present, which includes Sandika Naidu who gave an amusing anecdote and our ever-present ‘Elvis Presley’ in the form of Jeffery Nathan who sparked the atmosphere once again, flawlessly bringing everyone dancing to their feet together under the starry sky.
In all, the event was an unforgettable evening that aptly celebrated the unique and important birthday of Father and Mother Moon. Through the event, we were allowed to take a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God on Earth could truly look like when people from all races, nationalities and backgrounds unite centering upon the embodiment of heavenly parental figures; our True Parents of Heaven, Earth and Humankind.
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel; Written by Andrew Halim