WestRock Family News for January 27, 2013

January 27, 2013 Era of the Victory, Liberation, and Completion of the True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind

Weekly Greeting Table of Contents . Weekly greeting and Dear Brothers and Sisters, Testimonies . Sermon Notes Greetings! . Light Thought for the day I ran across several members, sick with the flu. I would like to hear from you - what is . Testimony your best cold/flu remedy? For me it’s Coldees (lozenges with Zinc – available at any . Providential News drug store) and home made hot ginger-lemon-honey tea. As for the Coldees - you take one . Quote for the Week as soon as you feel the beginning signs of a cold. I have been testing them on myself for 3 . Announcements years – and so far they have worked (I used to get the flu at least once or twice a year).

Thank you to Toby Gullery for the youth service! I heard from several members, including Natsue Erstling’s contact Rev Carter who was visiting, that it was “very good – and very uplifting.” Below – under “Sermons” you will find a report from Toby.

I was in Albany with Rev Sebastian Huemer and our brothers and sisters up north. My experience there helped me to better appreciate what it is like for many of our members across America who live in smaller Unificationist communities. Let’s not forget them – including those living in Syracuse, Ithica, Orange county, Long Island, and other more isolated locations.

As we get closer to Foundation Day I am receiving more and more questions.

About date and location: the Foundation Day event in our NY District will take place on Thursday, Feb 21 in 2 major locations – the Double Tree Hotel in Tarrytown and the chapel at UTS, Barrytown. If there are members who absolutely cannot make it to either of those locations – it may also be observed in a few of the local church centers.

About the Holy Wine (to be taken before Foundation Day): the key to this event is the preparation of our hearts. I want to encourage everyone to take time to reflect. Reflect on points of repentance and points of resolution – in order that we may actually experience the incredible love and forgiveness of our True Parents through the Holy Wine. On that foundation - our participation and experience on Foundation Day will be connected to the heart of God and our True Parents.

This coming Sunday at church – Feb 3, members should receive the form “Resolution Form for a New Beginning.” It can also be obtained at foundationday.unification.org This form is for our repentance and resolution for a new beginning. You do not have to put your name on it. These forms are to be handed in at the time of the Holy Wine ceremony. They will not be read by anyone – they will all be burned. The Holy Wine ceremony will be held on Sunday Feb 10 after the service. It will also be held again – please check with your local pastor on the times and dates.

If you have questions about Foundation Day and the Holy Wine – first go to foundationday.unification.org. They have a lot of information there. If you still have questions contact your local pastor, and if that does not work – send me an email.

Below – under Testimony, I have placed a testimony from one 2nd gen who went to Chungpyoeng. I know it is long, but some members found it inspirational – it may be helpful to you.

Make it a great week!

God Bless You! Andrew Compton

This past Sunday our Sunday service was led by Toby Gullery. The goal was to help show how some of our younger community members worship. Instead of singing congregational songs as normal, we enjoyed some Up-and-Coming style praise and worship, in which we sang along with videos.

The message was given by Toby, who spoke briefly on “Getting Back to Basics.” He spoke of his own experiences of first coming to know God, and how he uses those experiences to refocus when times get difficult. His main points were:

1. It is not Religion VS. Science, it’s Religion AND Science. It’s easy to over think things, but if we can live with our hearts in control, our brains can understand in a deeper way later.

2. Remembering what God truly wants from us. We often get caught up in everyday stresses, or we worry that we are not doing enough for God. But if we stop and remember that as long as we are always improving and trying to become better, than we can make God happy.

3. Family is the key! Family is where we can learn to love in any situation. If we can remember to practice our love and communication in our families, then we will be well prepared to love in any situation we encounter in life.

Light Thoughts for the Day

Candle A couple, desperate to conceive a child, went to their priest and asked him to pray for them. “I’m going on a sabbatical to Rome,” he replied, “and while I’m there, I’ll light a candle for you.”

When the priest returned three years later, he went to the couple’s house and found the wife pregnant, busily attending to two sets of twins. Elated, the priest asked her where her husband was so that he could congratulate him.

“He’s gone to Rome, to blow that candle out” came the harried reply.

The following is a testimony from Austrian second-generation Unificationist Daniela Zoehrer, who underwent a life-changing experience during her 120 days in Cheongpyeong, South Korea. She has three older brothers. Her father, Peter Zoehrer, is the national leader of the Family Federation for World Peace in Austria, a member of the National Journalist Association and the secretary general and founder of Forum for Religious Freedom (FOREF) Europe, a Vienna-based human rights organization. Her mother, Gaby Zoehrer, leads the Austrian Blessed Family Department.

Hello, everyone. My name is Daniela Zoehrer. I live in Vienna, Austria. I would like to talk about my life and my summer in 2012 when I was in

Korea. Cheongpyeong was good for me, externally and internally, and now I feel much better and happier than before. I’d like to share my great experiences with you.

My past was not the best. I was a daughter of a national leader, and it was not easy to spend much time with my father. I lost faith in True Parents. Only after many bad experiences and disappointments in the fallen world have I finally found my faith again. I found my last hope in the church. Some Blessed Children with whom I could have good, deep talks have helped me a lot. I could feel God’s sadness and the sorrow of my family.

Difficult situations in my family led to stronger unity when we overcame them together. I decided to come back and fight after I understood that I, as a second-generation Unificationist, have a destiny I cannot ignore. It’s like how I can’t decide whether I come from a rich or poor family. Spiritually, we are very rich and precious.

“I Knew I Had To Go to Cheongpyeong”

I studied to become a nursing assistant and was planning to help in a service project in Africa. Going to Africa has always been my dream and I had saved money for this purpose. I tried to find a suitable project that would allow me to go there, and I asked many people for help, but I had no success.

Then one night, I had a dream about Cheongpyeong. After I woke up, I knew that I had to go to Cheongpyeong. I called my elder brother Dominic and told him: “I shouldn’t go to Africa – I should go to Cheongpyeong this summer!” He was surprised and said, “Wow, my sister has been enlightened by God!” So, I spent my saved money for a trip to Korea. I still needed money for the flight and the workshop fee, and I found a job for two months to earn the necessary amount I needed. I learned that everything fits together perfectly if it’s for a good reason. That was a very spiritual experience.

During the beginning of my time in Cheongpyeong, all my fallen nature came out, and I was really negative. I just wanted to go home. It was very hard for me, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I prayed a lot to overcome this difficult time and that God helped me. God loves to listen to us when we talk to him. I realized that we can easily be influenced when we don’t do Hoon Dok Hwe and pray. Satan can attack us and let us drift away. The time in Korea was very intense. I was there when True Father offered his last public prayer and when he was admitted to hospital. I also belonged to the prayer team that prayed for True Father’s recovery.

One night, when I was sleeping extremely well (which is unusual because of snoring roommates and the hard floor that was my bed) one sister woke us all up saying, “True Father is coming!” She pointed with her finger up. We thought he had recovered and were so happy. But then we have come to know that True Father had gone to sprit world that night.

Most people cried and the atmosphere was very sad. The weather was rainy and cloudy that time. I was crying as well, but then I thought to myself, “If it’s God’s will, everything is fine. True Father has survived torture in different prisons and has suffered so much. All the suffering has finished. True Father has fulfilled his mission and now he will feel better in Heaven, without pain. Then I realized that without him, neither I nor all second-generation Unificationists would exist without him. That is clear, and I’m so thankful for my life to him!

I could also feel God’s heart and how He has suffered since the fall of Adam and Eve. He wanted to be happy and created the first human beings whom He loved more than anything else. But His children disappointed Him, and they themselves could not become happy. Today,

we’re not totally happy and the world is still bad because the fall of two people. This story was similar to that of me and my parents. My parents had often have warned me about certain things, but I didn’t listen. I was selfish and did whatever I had wanted to do. I cannot change the past anymore; I can only try my best from now on. Daniela’s Advice for Unificationist Parents

To parents, I would like to say: “Never give up hope. Think of suffering as an indemnity – after you overcome it, you’ll have ever a better relationship with your family. It’s important to forgive and forget. Please always love your children and tell them, ‘No matter what you do, you’ll always be my child. I’ll always love you and you are always welcome! The doors are open for you to come back to us when you are ready – without fear.’ Please never judge, ignore or laugh at them. It’s better to accept them for who they are and to communicate freely. Please give affirmation, think positively and try to support them. Continue to love unconditionally and unselfishly. That’s what True Father did, and some of his children came back. Your children will always be your children. In difficult situations, they are looking for love, and they will find it in you if you open your heart and give them love. The parent-child relationship is now the most important thing, even more than the principles.

“If you say, ‘Don’t do this and that,’ they will not listen to you. Say rather, ‘It hurts me, and I am sad when I see you suffer. It is so painful when you don’t believe in us and what we do.’ Even if your children make mistakes, if you really love and respect them from the bottom of your heart, they will feel it. Don’t worry; your ancestors will come to support you and they will bring your children onto the right path again. If you work hard, you will get support from Heaven. Then you can build a true family.

“Because of my own experience, I see it as part of my responsibility to tell you these things. Practicing these things may help you become closer to your children, so please don’t think any situation regarding them is hopeless! Thank you for your efforts.

“For both parents and children, separation means a big burden. But as I said already, the parent-child relationship is the most important. We live in such a precious time, so let’s make a new beginning and forget the past. Don’t oppose each other, be with each other!”

Daniela’s Advice for Second-Generation Unificationists

To second-generation Unificationists, I would like to say: “We are the future and we have a destiny. We can change the world together. God needs us and we must not abandon Him. We must not allow ourselves to be misled. When you sink to rock bottom, look up and keep moving, and everything will become better. Please do your best and don’t give up! Think about your family and your future spouse. Don’t just live for the moment. Live for a better life in the future. Please take also care of your siblings and stay in contact with your family. I know it’s not easy, but try to talk about your problems and feelings to come closer to your parents and other family members. Talk with them about everything that’s important for you; they will understand you. They are worried, but you can comfort them. Simple things like hugging and saying nice words could change a lot in a positive way.

“Try to understand your parents and what they did for you just because they wanted for you a better life than they had. Parents want the best for their own children, so don’t feel irritated if they want to help you. Show them that you still love your family with a warm heart. When you are looking for love, search for it in your family – not somewhere else. You will find true love there! If you have doubts and you are still searching for God, go someplace you can be alone to reflect and pray (I prayed in a small church near my home). You will find the answer if you really want to.

“Find your true self in nature. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes as I did; I want to help you to overcome your problems. Or better yet, prevent you from ever getting into trouble! The best way to become happy is with your family. If you separate from your family and try to find happiness in unhealthy things for your soul and body, you won’t be happy at all. The church is not perfect – the idea of the church is just to come together in unity and happiness with God and True Parents. Please forgive people and think deeply. You deserve a wonderful life without bad experiences.” Preparation for Foundation Day

When I was in Korea, I missed my parents very much. I prayed that they would come to visit me. The fulfillment of this prayer seemed totally unrealistic to me because I was on the other side of the world. But then, at the time of True Father’s Seonghwa, they came to Cheongpyeong! There were thousands of people there. One time, in front of the Tree of Love, my best friend Julia said to me, ‘Maybe I’ll find my parents here.’ But I doubted that I would find my parents in this small area with so many people. Then, suddenly I discovered my mom standing near by the Tree of Love. The next day, I was in the prayer hall and I prayed to find my father somewhere because I hadn’t seen him yet. When I opened my eyes, I saw him dropping an envelope into the donation box in front of the altar. I ran to him and hugged him with great happiness. For the first time within years, we sat down in a coffee shop and talked for several hours without disturbances. Only us – father and daughter.

I spent 120 days in Cheongpyeong, and now I know why I had to spend such a long time there. I learned a lot. I came to understand that whoever is looking for God will find Him! I got to make so many good friends there of whom I can be really proud. To have spent my time with them in Korea was amazing.

There were also many physical and spiritual healings in Cheongpyeong – even for cancer patients. Those who have illness and big diseases were healed. I suffered from heavy scoliosis. Some doctors told me that only surgery could help me. However, my scoliosis improved about 70 percent in Cheongpyeong. My spine had looked like a question mark before, but now it’s almost straight again!

I didn’t know what to do before Foundation Day. When I telephoned my father, he asked me what I’d do after Cheongpyeong. He suggested that I come with him to different communities and share my experiences. I decided to do this, and I prepared myself another 40 days for this mission. This turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Until Foundation Day, I am supporting my dad fulltime. I help him in the office and travel with him around the country as he visits local communities to hold Original Substance of the Divine Principle (OSDP) seminars. I connect to the second-generation there, and I share my testimony. I want to help parents as well as the second-generation, especially those who have become distant from our church. My hope is to reach out to them and support them to be able to reconnect again.

I have been through hell. I have experienced the difference between the church and the fallen world. I found God and true love again. Therefore, I want to protect others and go with them to the light.

It seemed that something in my family had been broken. But now, we are living together in happiness, without big difficulties as before. I’ve never felt so much love as I do now. And if there is something wrong, we find a solution to the problem together with love and respect for each other. We have melted together in one family under God.

I know everyone can have the same experience without losing children or parents. I hope you can understand why I share this with you. Please stay

strong, faithful and hopeful. Try it over and over again to reach your goals – you can do it! When everyone is together again, please forgive and forget their mistakes, otherwise relapse can occur.

I pray for all families with difficult situations and I am hopeful that everything will become better. Thank you for taking time to read my testimony. I wish you good luck and all the best.

Providential News

True Mother is in Korea True God’s Day will be on Sunday Feb 10 23 Days until Foundation Day; 13th Day of the First Month of the 3rd year of the Heavenly Calendar (which will be Feb 22 on the solar calendar) – We will celebrate simultaneously on Thursday night, Feb. 21

Quote for the Week

Age considers; youth ventures. Rabindranath Tagore

Announcements Announcements

Outreach  True Father’s Autobiography- please continue to do your best to distribute True Father’s Autobiography  OSDP/Bible Study – at the White House, the next study will be tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 28

Community  God’s Day and Foundation Day: We are putting together a team to plan the events for God’s Day and Foundation Day. If you would like to be on the team please contact Rev Compton  Foundation Day Registration: All members need to register for Foundation Day – on line, http://foundationday.unification.org/ If you need help, please contact Toby Gullery (914-334-8829) or Rev Compton. We will connect you with someone who can help you.  Foundation Day Scholarship Fund: If you are not going to Korea for Foundation Day, please consider making a donation (beyond the $130) to a scholarship fund to help couples who are going.  Up and Coming Brothers Sleepover: All high school and middle school brothers are invited to a sleepover at the White House on Friday, February 1st. We are asking for a $10 donation to cover food. We will meet at 8PM.

Other  I had ordered two beautiful short white wedding dresses (the bottom is made with laces), size 16 and 18 at an incredible low price. One is $40, the other one $30. I then decided on a suit instead. I could easily return these dresses and get reimbursed. However, these dresses are so beautiful, it hurts me to return them. So if anyone is interested to look at them, please do. I can bring them to church on Sunday or you may come to Spring Valley to our home. I will keep them for another week. If nobody wants them, I will return them in one week. Macy’s in Nanuet has an amazing sale on white suits - from $200 down to $79.00. Maria Kiely Prayer  WestRock Prayer by Conference Call- Sunday 8 to 8:20 am Phone Number: 712-432-1699, Access Code: 736416# All are welcome.

 Prayer Continues for Jiau-Lan Weinstein, she is still fighting to overcome cancer.

 Let’s all pray for those who we know – who for different reasons became distant from our True Parents – that they can join us, with True Mother and our True Father in heaven, to receive the Blessing of our Heavenly Parents on Foundation Day.

Next Ahn Shi Il: Thursday, February 7, 2013

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!