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Peace Tour Builds UPF in Papua New Guinea
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon, her son Hyun Jin and daughter-in-law Jun Sook arrived in Port Moresby and were welcomed by Ambassadors for Peace and local leaders of UPF.
Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Mr. and Mrs. Giorgio Boin, and Mr. Ernie Ijsenbruk visited the Governor General, Sir Paulias Matane, the leading representative and acting head of state of behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. He received the group warmly and graciously. He knew a great deal about Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon already. He had been his nation’s first Ambassador to the USA, the UN, Mexico and Canada, back in the mid-1970s. He praised UPF and its work and paid honor to Father and Mother Moon.
The first part of the program, emceed by Rev. Enrique Ledesma, featured wonderful performance by local, traditional singers and dancers.
At 5:00 PM, the Governor General was introduced and delivered his welcoming remarks. He sincerely and warmly welcomed the speakers to Papua New Guinea and spoke of the need for interreligious cooperation, especially among Jews, Christians and Muslims. He praised UPF’s work to promote unity, harmony and peace, and for its efforts to bring peace in the Middle East. He also recognized UPF’s emphasis on the family. [The Governor General and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.] He encouraged the 600 members of the audience to commit themselves to the ideals of UPF and to spread those ideals throughout the nation. His remarks were very well received and added great dignity to the main event.
Prior to presenting his message, Hyun Jin Moon paid his respects to the Governor General and explained that the speech he was about to give represented the core of his Father’s teachings. He went on to present the Founder’s Address. The presentation unfolded easily, clearly and smoothly. As he concluded, the Governor General, who had sat attentively throughout, came to the stage to present Hyun Jin with a special necklace made of the tusks of wild pig, an important animal in Papua New Guinea.
The audience remained attentive and respectful during Mother Moon's presentation. Once again, as her speech concluded, the Governor General came to the stage and presented Mother Moon with a special gift, the latest of the 37 books he has written. The prayer for blessing of marriage was celebrated with a high and warm and respectful spirit.
Following the main event, there was a reception for about 40 Ambassadors for Peace hosted by Dr. Yong, Rev. Ledesma and Mr. and Mrs. Boin. Several of the Ambassadors for Peace shared their experiences, quite a few of whom were meeting Mother Moon for the first time or learning about UPF for the first time.
To read a message delivered during the UPF peace tours click here.