Nearly 400 people filled Greater Hope Baptist Church on a Sunday
afternoon for the 35th state of the national "We Will Stand"
tour.
The Tennessee volunteers were out in force as they reached out
to churches all across the state in this historic campaign to break
down walls among races and church denominations.
"Let us work together to rebuild the family, restore the community
and renew the nation", proclaimed Reverend Michael Jenkins,
president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
at a press conference immediately preceding the event
Among the ministers joining him for the press conference were Reverend
B. C. Brooks, pastor of Praise of Zion Baptist Church, Reverend
William Duke Allen, Praise of Zion's associate pastor, Reverend
Carolyn Bibbs, founder of Creative Life Inc., Reverend James Bingham
of James Bingham Ministries, Bishop R. L. Fidler, and Minister Anthony
Muhammad of the Nation of Islam.
Asked if the ministers were followers or supporters of Father Sun
Myung Moon, Reverend Allen responded,
"We're not all followers of Reverend Moon, but rather supporters
of his call for unity and building stronger families and communities."
Among the press conference speakers was state Rep. John DeBerry
(D-Memphis).
He thought he was asked to come because of his support for family
legislation this year that establishes a Fatherhood Commission.
The panel will study the state's role in making more men be responsible
fathers.
Later in the press it was revealed that he had been uncomfortable
with the program and had therefore left abruptly, citing some kind
of "miscommunication".
The event began with a lunch of fried chicken, fruit, punch, cookies
and cakes in the church gym. Children played on an inflated moon
walk. Outside, the Christian rock band Proto played.
Bishop Johnson of Kentucky preached:
We just don't know what God has prepared for this great march to
build His kingdom. Reverend Moon has an anointing to build families
and unite the churches. Now we can see a Pentecost coming, bringing
a revolution to the Christian world. We see tonight the dream of
Jesus being realized, as we become one body in Christ. Thank God
for Father and Mother Moon."
Father Moon's sermon was warmly received by the diverse yet unified
congregation.
"Which is the most important or has the highest value out
of love, life, and lineage?
"Love is the usual response.
Actually, "lineage is most important" corrected the preacher
from Korea.
It was a day to remember and build upon.
|