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UK Ambassadors for Peace Enjoy Weekend Retreat
Written by Martine Masner, advisor to UPF-Europe
Seend, United Kingdom—England’s beautiful West Country was the setting for a weekend retreat in which Ambassadors for Peace studied the UPF Peace Principles.
The seminar, which was held on May 5 to 7, 2017, in the Cleeve House conference center in the county of Wiltshire, was an inspirational and harmonious weekend spent with like-minded people mainly from Birmingham and London.
The concluding testimonies were profoundly moving, as the Ambassadors for Peace expressed their desire to work with UPF and its affiliated organization Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) to bring about a peaceful world.
Raina Nazir, a professional water treatment engineer and a social leader of Kashmiri women working for human rights, peace and reconciliation: “I have never seen such loving and lovely people, so helpful and embracing, all in one place! Every section of the Peace Principles is both internal and presenting so much about our spiritual nature, about the relationship between God and humanity. I was so impressed with [lecturer] Tim Miller’s ability to be clear and yet to reach the heart! It was a joy to listen to. What really captured my heart was the life and works of [UPF founders] Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
“What amazing determination and perseverance to give one’s life for peace. How could they reconcile with the enemy? Father Moon was truly exemplary! I couldn’t hold back my tears, thinking of the suffering Father Moon went through.”
Dr. Peter Rookes, chair of the Birmingham Council of Faiths and a Scouting leader from a faith-based international development career: “I always knew about the good work of David and Patricia Earle [the local leaders of UPF and WFWP, respectively] in Birmingham. My wife always attended the monthly WFWP peace meetings. … Through this UPF weekend I found out amazing works of UPF and the life and works of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, which has left me speechless! I am so very happy and grateful that I could attend this weekend and meet all the UPF staff who are so dedicated and also all of you like-minded participants. You, Ambassadors for Peace and UPF/WFWP, give me hope of seeing a better world!
Rosa Fedinando, a peace activist and human rights campaigner from South Sudan: “Coming here was one of the best decisions of my life. I have met so many great people, and the lecturers were great. The content was so very profound. For the first time I feel there is yet hope for my suffering country of South Sudan. Rev. Moon has suffered a lot in his life for world peace, so we can also do our part.”
Hannah Lynch (age 22), a special needs assistant at a secondary school: “I have always asked, ‘What is my destiny? Can I fulfill it? Who shall I turn to for guidance?’ Through this weekend I found my purpose in the UPF family who could guide me. With their assistance and that of the Ambassadors for Peace [who were] here, I am sure I can fulfill my responsibility.”
Bakshish Mann, a retired businessman, said that he was highly inspired by UPF and by the founders’ life and works. He sees his wonderful wife, Hajinder, as a partner in this. (She is active in WFWP in Birmingham.) He wonders how he could help to push the providence forward. He feels we can succeed if we follow the UPF principles. He wants to meet and discuss strategy. He was highly inspired by UPF and by the founders’ life and works.
Brenda Hodgson: “I have been an Ambassador for Peace for many years, attending WFWP and UPF activities. This is not my first workshop, but I always come back to be refreshed. What impressed me this time was that even though I thought I knew all the basic UPF principles, I was touched to the core of my heart by Father Moon’s life and his amazing testimony of faith and courage. The whole weekend was magic. Every person brought so much into the mix. God bless UPF and bless you all!”
Ashma Ambu (age 24), an aerospace engineering student at Bristol University, said that she is so highly inspired with the work of UPF, she has volunteered to start a UPF Interfaith Society at her university with our help and the help of Ambassadors for Peace in Bristol. She feels inspired and confident to succeed.
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