"We Will Stand", the tour, swept into Portland, Oregon
and the Doubletree Hotel, Jantzen Beach overlooking the majestic
Columbia River with the power of the Holy Spirit.
"Never had this many ministers of different races and denominations
gathered in one place in harmony," was the comment of a TV
news reporter after the event.
The banquet hall was bursting at the seams.
Reverend Williams of the A.M.E. Church in Portland gave the invocation.
A humble Jesuit priest, Father Ohno gave a beautiful reading noting
the tradition in the Jesuit seminary of having readings during the
meal. When he read the Beatitudes the room was completely still.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit... blessed are the peacemakers..
blessed are those who are persecuted for my name's sake..."
During the meal there were also performances from the Unity Choir
of the Cornerstone Community(Church of God in Christ) and Kids of
the Kingdom, a youth dance group. A beautiful solo expressive worship
dance was also performed prior to the keynote address.
There was such a wonderful mix of people in this "upper"
room -- white, black, red, and yellow. So many different denominations
and faiths were represented as well -- Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran,
Assembly of God, Church of God in Christ, Baptist, Methodist, Muslim,
Buddhist, to name a few. Some participants were sent to the restaurant
for the meal because of the overflow, yet still the feeling was
like one big family.
Reverend Leroy York gave a few remarks prior to the introduction
to the main speaker for the evening.
Bishop Robinson, the Anglican Bishop gave a warm introduction to
Father Moon which included praise for his unique teaching on lineage.
Father Sun Myung Moon then presented the keynote address, "The
Path for America and Humanity in the New Millennium" from a
prepared text with Mr. Peter Kim giving fast-paced, simultaneous
translation.
Even some people who were in the hotel for a different purpose
heard talk of "God" and came into listen and observe.
The presentations after the speeches to Father and Mother Moon
were quite original. A group of Native Americans gave them a 150
year old tomahawk, beautifully framed. The Korean War veterans presented
a framed picture of the veterans' memorial that Mother Moon had
supported at the time of her tour two years ago.
Gold watches were presented to Bishop Walter Scott and Bishop WG
Hardy who had attended International Conferences of the Clergy(ICC)in
the years past, sponsored by Father Moon. The watches were given
for their exemplary service to God and Humanity. Both have children
in the ministry so the watches(and torch)will passed on.
Bishop Hardy was wounded as a soldier in the Korean war and can
never forget how he was saved by three Korean women. They dragged
his unconscious body into their house and put a mat over him. When
the Chinese kicked in the door, they sat on him pealing onions.
His encounter with Father and Mother Moon has deep meaning to him.
Gayokla, a Native American who had spoken at the Million Family
March
orchestrated a beautiful bridge ceremony with white brothers and
sisters in the audience. The Korean War veterans moved by the spirit
of reconciliation, forgiveness, and love then also came on stage.
It was truly amazing. They crossed over, hugged and walked down
the steps hand in hand. Many of the Native Americans were dressed
traditionally so it had an awesome, serious, and shocking feel to
it.
This intimate and truly wonderful ecumenical, revival meeting ended
with a great gospel group that had everyone on their feet.
No one wanted to go "home" even though the program was
indeed lengthy.
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