Lima, Peru - In the week ending January 25, 2009, Lima, the capital city of Peru, witnessed a variety of activities all centered on a single theme — One Family under God. Members of various peace promoting organizations held meetings, visit the Peruvian Congress, work on improving the environment, clean the streets and enrich the lives of people in the poorest districts of Lima.
The Ambassadors for Peace of Peru organized a meeting in the auditorium of one of the leading Peruvian universities — Ricardo Palma. The rector of the university, who is himself an Ambassador for Peace, kindly gave the organizers free use of the auditorium. With the cooperation of the Andean Institute "El Quinto Sol," a capacity audience of 300 people gathered on Wednesday, January 21 in the Ccori Ocllo Auditorium to hear various distinguished speakers talk about peace and ancestral relationships that show how the human family is closely tied together through links that go back thousands of years.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Peru was present in the meeting, and special prayers and a minute of silence were observed for the situation in Gaza. Maestro Tahuiro Waman Kanki, the founder of the Wilka Wasi Institute, an organization that keeps alive the Inca traditions, spoke about the historical significance of the Inca Civilization. Architect Luis Huarcaya presented his new book — Inca Wisdom: 1000 Years Travelling through the Ancient World. The meeting concluded with a presentation of music and dance by Pachacamac, a well-known, traditional Peruvian group.
A team of young students from the USA worked throughout the week with different local organizations. Through their youthful enthusiasm they were able to mobilize many people in the different communities they visited to help clean streets, repair roads and redecorate sports arenas, at the same time experiencing local hospitality and taking part in sports events with local children.
The week-long activities concluded with a meeting in the headquarters of the Family Federation where leaders of different faiths gathered together for a Blessing event. Couples representing all areas of society joined together with the President of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in Peru, Architect Luis Huarcaya and his wife Isabel, who presided over the ceremony of renewing marriage vows and determining to work together, following the vision of Rev. Moon, as well as building strong families dedicated to bringing peace.
Following this exciting week of activities, the Peruvian Minister of Defense, a senior Congressman, and an Evangelical leader are now heading for the UPF International Leadership Conference in New York.