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Peace Tour Builds UPF in France
Saturday, September 9, 2006
ParisThe UPF peace message was delivered at the Georg V Auditorium right beside the most famous sights of the city — the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Tour d’Eiffel. The hall of about 400 filled up very quickly in expectation of meeting Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. There was a mixture of all of God’s children, young, middle aged, and old, of all races, skin colors, and religious affiliations. The young musical performers added to the sense of one big family of humanity under God.
Beautiful slides illustrated Dr. Jean-Luc Berlet’s explanation of UPF’s five principles of peace. Pastor Joseph Binguimale, a leading Ambassador for Peace, testified to how Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s inspiration had transformed his life. It was a very spiritual and profound introduction. He was delighted to see the sons and daughters, and even grandchildren, of the Rev. Moon take up the task and mission of their parents and grandparents with so much heart and devotion. When Dr. Moon took the stage he was welcomed by a standing ovation. He responded with “Bonjour,” and voiced his appreciation at being in Paris. He put so much heart and depth into his father’s address that everybody was overwhelmed by his power and presence. Paris has been waiting so long for such a life-giving visit of God’s precious word and the gift of the prayer of blessing of marriage.
Ambassador for Peace Pastor Emmanuel Wanki warmly praised Father Moon's work for world peace, and there was a rousing welcome to Ms. Ji Yea Moon for the main address, which she delivered with confidence, inner strength, and warm embrace towards the audience. After the event there was an opportunity for her to do some sight-seeing in beautiful weather.
Rennes
The city of Rennes, capital of Brittany, has long been a front line of Rev. Moon's movement in France. On the one hand, it provided the three first three disciples of Father and Mother Moon in this country. On the other hand, it is also the origin of the national hostility starting in 1975. At that time, the Catholic Church, the local news media, and some families united in a front determined to destroy our movement in France.
The short campaign in Rennes to prepare for In Sup Pak’s arrival had some healing dimension. Local staff members met some local dignitaries, including the priest of the Orthodox Church and the local rabbi, who confessed to having very strong prejudice against Rev. Moon, against his teachings, and against our marriages. However, even though they did not attend the event, they expressed a sincere sympathy for our activities because we went to see them boldly and without fear. The event went well. Mr. Pak spoke with spiritual authority and was an excellent representative. Among the audience was an entire Mongolian family and another family of four generations. After the victory cake, there was dinner with in a beautiful countryside setting near Rennes.
Lyon
Mr. Shin Il Moon, 30 years old, arrived from Rome in the early morning. When he spoke unprompted about the “Olympique Lyonnais” football team, it was clear that he knew something about Lyon. Sightseeing ended at their stadium, offering him a chance to feel more directly the atmosphere of a great French club football. That day there were several good goals for world peace in Lyon! In the afternoon event, Mr. Moon delivered a lively speech with many personal experiences intermingled in the text — expressing something of the same spirit as his grandfather, who is famous for adding extemporaneous comments to his prepared speech. This dynamic way of relating created a good atmosphere.
Among the guests who made their way to the event were Dr. Ibrahim Beydoun and his wife, both of them famous and influential city figures; Mr. Eitel Moutome, who provides weekly free food to over 200 families in need; and Mr. Jimmy Ramarojohn, who supports a Madagascar charity. Once the peace tour event was successfully completed, Mr. Moon spent time with the participants, enthusiastically engaging in discussion and posing for photographs.
Orsay Les Ulis
The village of Orsay Les Ulis is the home of the University of South Paris with its world-famous science faculty. It lies some 20 kilometers outside Paris surrounded by woodland. In this beautiful area we received the World Peace Tour and the visit of the Founder's granddaughter, Ms. Shin Sook Moon. She has such a bright and joyful spirit and put her whole heart into her rendition of the core message of her grandparents. The world needs this example of true love that passes through the generations and grows in strength and righteousness. Ambassadors for Peace were pleased with the event and inspired to engage in the task of peacebuilding. It was evident that Ms. Moon felt very comfortable in the family atmosphere that was generated in Orsay Les Ulis.
Chartres
Chartres, that most famous of cathedral cities among the wheat fields of Beauce, welcomed Mr. Shin Bok Hong as guest speaker for the peace tour event, largely organized by Mr. and Mrs. Alexander and Lucia Kempf. Among the guests was Recteur Merroun of the mosque in Evry, the largest mosque in Europe. He came and shared encouraging words concerning his very positive experiences with the Universal Peace Federation. Most guests were acquaintances from school or colleagues from work. Mr. Hong's presence was a healing balm for all as he presented the speech with self-assurance, and his presence made us also realize that God's lineage is secure.
Strasbourg
The grand Maison des Associations, in Strasbourg’s old town, was the venue of Mr. Hyung Jin Lee. Guests arrived from France, Germany, and Switzerland. Since Strasbourg is the home of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Parliament, it is a European enclave inside France. This diversity helped to create a family atmosphere, mingling people of all generations and nations. After a UPF presentation by City Leader Remy Vollmer, a very moving testimony was given by an Ambassador for Peace, Mr. Claude Biyoudi. He explained how Father Moon’s vision helped him to deepen his heart and how he could on this foundation build an academy for street children in his native country of Congo.
The audience received with great joy the main speech given by Mr. Lee with passion and energy. How wonderful to see a grandson embracing and embodying Father Moon’s heart to liberate God and humanity! The event ended by sharing together a buffet prepared by the local community to make this special occasion a real celebration. That evening Mr. Lee had time for some sightseeing with the young people and even celebrated a birthday.
The next morning, 12 people gathered for breakfast, and Mr. Lee joined us for morning devotions. He shared testimonies of his marriage and experiences with members of the Moon family. It was a very warm and relaxed atmosphere. He even made time to sit in the children’s room and discuss football with them!
Arpajon
On a beautiful autumn afternoon, the families of the Arpajon region and their guests came together at the Arpege Hotel to participate in the World Peace Tour. The program began with a brief cultural presentation with Juliette Martin offering a song ‘The Rose,’ followed by a traditional Laotian dance by Mrs. Mai-Cuc Moine.
The Chairman’s address was read by Mr. Didier Guignard, and Mr. Hirotaka Otsuka revealed himself to be an excellent representative of Father and Mother Moon as he read the Founder’s address and communicated the depth of the message to those present. Our guests expressed agreement with the vision of peace that the UPF is advocating. We can only hope and pray that a seed has been planted through this tour that will grow and bloom in the hearts of these participants, enabling all to gain an even deeper understanding.
Kremlin-Bicetre
Ms. Shiori Kunitoki arrived early and spent some time with local families sharing lunch before the afternoon event. City leader Jean-Luc Berlet explained something of the origins of Kremlin-Bicetre. The word Kremlin comes from Napoleon, who built a hospital for French soldiers injured in the Russian Campaign who returned to this city. Bicêtre is the French version of the name of an English nobleman of the Middle Ages associated with the town. This is one of the last communist-controlled city governments around Paris — the right place to make a meeting for peace! Certainly Ms. Kunitoki appeared at ease reading the Founder's address. We felt bathed in innocence and purity. The atmosphere was very warm like a family program.
Lille
The ancient city of Lille, founded in 640 AD and lying close to the border with Belgium, is the home of an energetic community that was excited to receive Ms. Yeon Sun Yu for the peace tour event. She was very natural, simple, and so warm-hearted. She took pictures with each guest and embraced them so warmly. Everybody was touched by her spontaneity. The hall was full as she declared the Founder's message of peace. Eight new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed on this significant day for our city. During the event UPF Lille made a donation to seven presidents of NGOs for their work for peace, one professor gave an inspiring speech and two NGO presidents contributed with their music and songs.
Massy
Massy is a town on the outskirts of Paris about 20 km from the centre of the City. It was a privilege to receive Ms. Jin Hwa Yoshida in the Comfort Hotel for the World Peace Tour. The afternoon program attracted several Ambassadors for Peace and their guests. The Emcee was a member of the Collegiate Association for the Research of the Principle in Paris. Ms. Yoshida was very gracious and clear spirited in her delivery of the Founder’s Address.
Nice
The tour event took place in the Mercure Hotel in the city of Nice, with the dedicated support of several Japanese and Korean representatives. An enthusiastic audience gathered, and people were enlightened and uplifted by the main address delivered on behalf of Father Moon by Mr. Young Jun Kim. Among the guests was a Roman Catholic priest. The audience was captivated by the high spirit generated by our speaker, who later approached each person with great warmth of heart. After the program we all shared refreshments, and later Mr. Kim could enjoy some sightseeing in the Principality of Monaco, the millionaire capital of the world.
To read a message delivered during the UPF peace tours click here.