WestRock Family News for December 8, 2013

December 8, Era of the Victory, Liberation, and Completion of the 2013 True Parents of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind

Weekly Greeting Table of Contents Dear Brothers and Sisters, . Weekly greeting and Greetings! Testimonies . Sermon Notes We are getting close to the end of 2013 – just 21 days are left. If you checked your email . Light Thought you will know that a 21-day national prayer condition has started (see below for the points). for the day This was our first full year without True Father’s physical presence. From my perspective, . Testimony True Mother, in taking on and continuing True Father’s legacy, has shown herself to be an . Providential amazing champion for our Heavenly Parent. Let’s continue to pray for her, asking each day News how we can be a better support and inspiration for her. . Quote for the Justin Okamoto gave a wonderful sermon on absolute faith. If you missed it you can listen Week to it at the link below (under Sermons). I am very inspired to see the shift that is actually . taking place from the first to the second generation. Let’s all practice absolute faith, in the Announcements goodness that is within each of us and within each other.

Winter time is when it gets cold and hard to work outside – so it’s a great time of the year to reflect on our personal lives. I hope you can find some time when you can be alone, to sit with a pen and paper, and write down what your situation is; in your family, at work, with friends and with True Parents and our Heavenly Parent. Based on our reflections we can offer the best of ourselves to heaven – and make realistic plans for improving those parts ourselves that have fallen short.

If you have teenage kids – check your emails for the upcoming Winter Workshop at UTS

Let’s do all we can to help our youth connect with True Parents heart and their incredible vision for this world.

And let’s make this a great week! God Bless You Andrew Compton

This week’s sermon at Belvedere was given by Justin Okamoto, he is responsible for our young adult ministry “Absolute Faith” You can listen to it if you go to: soundcloud.com/pastor-andrew/sermon-by-justin- okamoto

Light Thought for the Day:

Doctor’s Advice

A middle-aged man wasn’t feeling well, so he went to the doctor for a check-up.

After a thorough examination, the doctor said, “Well, based on my examination, the best thing for you is to cut out all sweets and fatty foods, give up alcohol, and stop smoking.”

The man said, “Well, to be honest with you, Doc, I don’t deserve the best. What’s the second best?”

Testimonies/reports

This past Sunday, WFWP Westrock held it’s annual Schools of Africa Fundraiser with it’s signature silent auction at the Royal Buffet (Indian buffet) in Greenburgh. It seems with every passing year the event becomes more successful. This year our silent auction was better than ever with wonderful donations from many of our members - Mrs. Kobyashi, Kanae Holt, Yutaka Sato, to name a few, and, of course, generous and fabulous donations of hand-made jewelry and accessories from Charmaine Singer’s vendors. We were able to raise over $4500.00 to support our WFWP schools of Africa, significantly more than at any time in the past.

Our very competent MC, Susan Bouachri, seamlessly guided the event so everything flowed well, a big plus, although we did miss our usual lively Kristi Mas. (She was very busy this year with her work and other responsibilities). Her sister, Kascia Graham, sang beautifully for us despite her oncoming cold. Everyone really enjoyed her lovely clear voice accompanied by Rumiko Isaksen, our professional pianist. The combination was a real treat!

Alexa Ward gave an introduction to the WFWP work and Lara Sawamukai gave a moving presentation of our schools of Africa with photos and a powerpoint. Many people were moved after their talks to donate more.

We had a very distinguished keynote speaker, Madame Dr. Amalle Keita Daou, wife of UN Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mali and former president of UNICEF. Her cousin is the current president of Mali. Dr. Daou said she was “impressed with WFWP and enjoyed every second of the event.” She has been connected with UPF but this was her first experience with WFWP.

Also at the head table were Alexa Ward, Mrs. Sugiyama, Genie Kagawa and two more guests, Rev. Wesley Shand, a United Methodist Minister who pastored the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Dobbs Ferry and Mame Kani Diop, a doctoral student from Montclair State college from Senegal and is also working to support women’s rights in Africa.

Actually many of our members brought guests who all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, especially the silent auction. It really was the guests that brought in the money. One guest bought $500 worth of gifts from the silent auction alone!

We are very very grateful for everyone’s support, without which we could never have achieved this much success.

Cynthia Shibuya

If you have a testimony or report to share please send it to me.

Providential News

 The 20-20 Providence has begun! WestRock and Upstate have been paired with the Solomon Islands and Italy. Metro NY and Long Is have been paired with Nepal and Israel.

Quote for the Week:

Sleeping, waking up, going, coming, giving and receiving: do all these with

God without reservation and with a peaceful mind.

Sun Myung Moon

Announcements Announcements Outreach  Dec. Open Door Event: Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 pm, “Christmas Around the World” party at the White House. There will be no fee, but everyone is asked to bring a Christmas snack or dessert. There will be singing, games, and an introduction to TP’s vision.

 WFWP 10th. Annual Benefit for the Schools of Africa Project is today! from 1:00pm to 3:00pm , at the Royal Palace in White Plains. Ticket Prices: $ 65.- individual, $ 120 .- Couples, $ 35.- Students, Great Food, Silent Auction, Entertainment & lots of fun

 ACLC Prayer Breakfast; Sat. Dec 14 in Queens. For more information contact Julia Okamoto

 DP Study & Discussion at the White House: Monday Dec 9, 7 PM, Nov 25. Topic: Life Beyond Death

 Bible Study for the 21st Century: at the White House, Friday 7PM, Dec. 13 Topic: “Understanding the Responsibility God Placed in Our Hands”

Community  Special Christmas Service, Dec 22. Music, songs, video, readings, decorations, games, prizes, and more! Invite your friends and neighbors.

 Looking for Homes to Welcome Students for Overnight Stay, Christmas Eve: (Still need 4 more). Can you volunteer to welcome 2 students into your home (can be male or female) for Christmas Eve and part of Christmas Day. If you can be such a family, please contact Rev Compton. THANK YOU!

 Scholarships for UPA: True Mother is offering scholarships for graduate students, under the age of 30 – to attend the Universal Peace Academy: 1 year Korean Study, 2 years graduate school study, and 2 years of ministry. Please contact Rev Compton

 Share Your Testimony: If you would like to share your testimony at Sunday service please visit our website at www.westrockfamily.com/sermons to find out more. If you are interested contact Rev Compton. Prayer

 Angela Shimizaki was in a work accident and is now at home recovering. Please pray for her recovery (and if you can – give her a visit!)

 Please pray for Laura Nabetani – she continues to fight pneumonia and other health challenges.

Next Ahn Shi Il: Monday, December 16, 2013

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!