The Words of the Davies Family
|
|
The Words of the Davies Family |
Hyo
Jin Nim and Nan Sook Nim, the parents of World CARP, follow the Games
from the bleachers.
This morning I had to put Taiwan on hold because Suriname was calling!" Belinda Paul of USA CARP (Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles) had the world at her fingertips as frantic last-minute calls came in to the CARP headquarters from people all over the globe planning to come to New York to attend the third annual student convention sponsored by World CARP.
World CARP was founded by Father on June 18, 1984, the day he was to go to Danbury according to the original court sentence. At that time he told Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, the president of USA CARP, that this was the beginning of a new age for CARP, an age of determination to rise up and lead the young people of the world -- the second generation -- into Canaan. To help launch that new era the first World CARP Convention was held in Seoul, Korea, in November of that year, and Hyo Jin Nim was officially installed as World CARP president. In July 1985 the second World CARP Convention was held in Tokyo, Japan. This year the annual convention, since it was held in America, reached a world-level audience.
Guest
speakers and international CARP delegates on stage for the opening of
the Main Convention at the Jacob Javits Center.
On the streets and campuses of New York hundreds of CARP members sold $10 dollar tickets to the Main Convention Festival scheduled for October 11. For Joe Dispenza, who had joined CARP just five months earlier, the streets of New York provided many severe challenges:
I experienced every kind of persecution -- from the gay rights people who tore down my posters, from the communists who convinced some good people I was selling tickets to that this was just religious, and from possessed people who just screamed obscenities about Father. I tried to keep giving and keep a grateful heart. After so much negativity I began to street preach and even cry tears for the people there. I so much wanted the people to be able to come and hear Hyo Jin Nim. After many days of persecution I was able to sell 16 tickets in one day. New York is very challenging, but just being here for True Parents gives me hope.
Below:
At the closing banquet Hyo Jin Nim is presented with a stunning
crystal globe by Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, president of USA CARP.
On the campuses, CARP members spoke to club leaders, student body presidents, professors -- and anybody else prepared to listen -- about the need to ignite a new spirit of global awareness and responsible morality among young people. CARP's constant, high-profile presence soon became a source of controversy, and the convention became front-page news on several campus newspapers.
Meanwhile, the preparation of fliers, brochures, press releases, signs, banners, medals, and flags during the weeks before the convention involved many sleepless nights for the entire headquarters staff. Dr. Seuk was a constant presence, shaking hands and offering encouragement wherever he went. No mistake, not even a spelling error, could get past his eagle eyes, and so the standard of quality, as well as the intensity of everyone's effort, was kept at the highest level.
The
opening ceremony of the Han Ma Dang Games. The Han Ma Dang flag is
carried around the track horizontally, followed by the national flags
of the competing countries.
By October 8, hundreds of CARP members from 70 countries had gathered in New York to take part in seven days of exciting events to stir young, idealistic hearts and minds. Judging by the thousands of area college students who either attended the events or were made aware of CARP through the media, and by the warm messages of support received from prominent leaders throughout the world, the convention was a great success. By the week's end, CARP emerged more clearly as a major student movement, and the wealth of experience the members gained in organizing the convention will prove to be a great asset in their work and influence on campuses all over the world.
Tears
stream down Hyo Jin Nim's face during one of his impassioned talks.
Probably the most important internal measure of the success of the convention was the degree to which the international CARP members united with Hyo Jin Nim. In one week Hyo Jin Nim gained a personal victory by completely winning the heart of World CARP, thus strengthening the unity of the second generation. Hyo jin Nim's readiness to freely and intimately share the pains, the joys, and the desires of his heart captured the imagination and the love of all the brothers and sisters.
At almost every event of the convention Hyo Jin Nim spoke to the members with passion. In one talk he spoke warmly of his elder sister Ye Jin Nim, who sometimes when they were young tried to give him advice but never allowed his youthful rebelliousness to dissuade her. "Eventually" he said, "I realized she was right" He used her example to describe the love we should express toward young people by constantly offering a deeper vision and never giving up.
Hyo Jin Nim's recurring theme was the need to reach out to students and revitalize life on the campuses. CARP members realized that this call to wake up the youth was being given to them by the greatest example of youthful vitality, strength, and enthusiasm they had ever seen. When his own English words were not enough to convey what he really felt, Hyo Jin Nim's unbridled energy and compassion were conveyed in the songs he sang, in which he invested every ounce of his being. For many of the younger CARP members, it was the first time they had seen any of the True Family, and so especially for them a deep connection was established with Hyo Jin Nim and Nan Sook Nim as the parents of World CARP.
At the Opening Ceremony in the World Mission Center's Grand Ballroom on October 9, the atmosphere was already electric. Foreign dele- gates to the convention, by far the greatest number Japanese, were cheered and applauded. Everyone was all ears as Hyo Jin Nim was introduced and began his speech, which he delivered in a sincere, sensitive voice, trembling with emotion. As he spoke about our need to project love energy into the hearts of the young, he was doing just that, tangibly piercing the heart and the conscience of each brother and sister. These were not empty words of idealism, for they were backed up by an emotion that came from the gut. Everyone who listened knew that he had suffered and prayed hard to discover every insight that he shared.
The
opening plenary session of the International Student Symposium, held
at New York University's Loeb Student Union.
On October 10 the presidents of CARP of 70 nations met together in the Tiffany Building to receive more inspiration and guidance from Hyo Jin Nim as well as insight into the goals of World CARP. In his address, Dr. Seuk spoke about the physical and spiritual suffering Hyo Jin Nim has been going through and that CARP needs to inherit that noble tradition of suffering for the sake of others. He went on to explain that CARP is vitally needed because a cultural revolution has to be ignited in the place where the most idealistic and conscientious young people are to be found -- on the campuses. He urged the CARP presidents to organize concrete projects at their colleges, such as clubs, sports and musical events, debates, and service projects. A campus will change, however, only through an internal change in a person's heart, he said. When you go back to your nations, "inspire your national leader about these ideas, not from a CARP-centered viewpoint, but from Father's perspective' He announced that Father recently asked 10 eider Korean leaders to be World CARP IWs. "The age of national CARP is ending and the age of World CARP is at hand:'
Dr.
David Rodier, professor of religion and philosophy at American
University, speaks at the committee session on drug abuse.
That same day the International Student Symposium was held at New York University, for the purpose of examining some of the pressing issues facing students today. The symposium, consisting of plenary speakers and four committee sessions, was well attended and drew enthusiastic responses from the audience and from the professors of sociology, religion, and philosophy who were among the guest speakers.
Throughout the discussions one recurring theme emerged -- the need for a clear standard of values.
A committee session entitled "Peace through Service" examined the urgent need for a worldwide, non-governmental World Student Service Corps, where students can volunteer to help developing countries. A Peace Corps representative, as well as CARP members who had worked on service projects in the Philippines and Zambia, shared insights about the feasibility of this project, one of the major thrusts of this convention.
Over
7,000 guests fill the Jacob Javits Center to capacity on October 11
for the Main Convention and Festival.
Saturday, October 11, 1986, will be remembered as a historically significant day in the history of CARP and the Unification movement. Just as Father stepped onto the world stage at the Washington Monument Rally in 1976, so 10 years later his eldest son, Hyo Jin Nim, as the president of World CARP, took the same step at the Main Convention and Entertainment Festival, making his first public speech in America. CARP wanted to provide a substantial foundation upon which Hyo Jin Nim could take his position as CARP's world leader and the central point of unity of the second generation, and the overflow crowd of 7,000 students at the Jacob Javits Center definitely created the audience support that he needed.
It was also providentially important that the convention be supported on the national and world levels. This could be seen in the congratulatory messages from the mayor of New York City, the governors of New York and New Jersey, 17 members of Congress, 8 senators, 10 foreign ambassadors from 5 countries, and 23 university presidents. All of these were in addition to the 85 international professors who served on the Convention Advisory Board.
The speakers at the Main Convention represented a broad spectrum of society. Religious leader and civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Ralph Abernathy began the proceedings with a prayer. Representing global administration, Dr. Robert Muller, assistant secretary-general of the United Nations, emphasized the need for harmony on all levels -- individual, environmental, cosmic. He said that the young people, the leaders of tomorrow, should sit down and write a proposal of how the world should be managed. "It is in their hands whether life continues on this planet or not:'
Congressman Mark Siljander of Michigan, with his lively, youthful character, spoke from experience of how a young person with determination can make a successful career in politics. From the world of education, Dr. Richard Rubenstein, distinguished professor of religion at Florida State University, spoke with extreme forcefulness and wisdom about how to approach the new millennium and the idea of world government. He stressed that only a world government centered on God could be acceptable, and he urged the youth of today to open their minds and get busy creating the groundwork for one.
These exuberant speakers prepared a strong foundation upon which Hyo Jin Nim could take the podium. He was given a standing ovation as he got up.
In a powerful and inspiring speech Hyo Jin Nim drew a clear historical parallel between the young people of today and the generation of Israelites who were led by the young prophet Joshua into the Promised Land. "But today we cannot be satisfied with the progress of a single nation or people. Our challenge is to unite all races, nations, and religions to establish a truly peaceful world.... By practicing God's love, we can maintain true human value and bring about a prosperous, harmonious world community:' The determination on his face was as intense as Father's, and at his conclusion he again received a standing ovation.
It was significant that on that very day Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were having a grim encounter in Iceland to discuss world peace, while in this auditorium the solution to world problems was being freely offered in a spirit of love, unity, and conviction. In another amazing "coincidence,' all this was taking place just as Hyo Jin Nim's younger sister In Jin Nim was giving birth to her first child, a son.
The
reggae band Third World brought the audience to its feet with the
song "Peace Flags."
A feeling of great hope was enthusiastically expressed during the Entertainment Festival immediately following. Many bands and dance groups performed, culminating with the popular reggae band Third World, who brought the audience to its feet with the song "Peace Flags:' As the band played, the multi-national audience danced and swayed back and forth, waving small flags from all countries. It was a beautiful expression of the desire for peace and harmony that had been kindled in the hearts of all those who had come to the convention.
As the crowd began to leave, many stayed in the lobby area looking at the display of paintings and sculptures sent from all over the world as entries in the CARP World Student Arts Competition.
In
the lobby after the convention the guests lingered near the
international student arts display.
For the next two days six teams of CARP members -- representing America, Japan, Korea, Europe, Africa and Latin America, and Asia and Oceania -- competed with each other in the Han Ma Dang Sports Festival, held at two different college facilities. Father initiated the Han Ma Dang Games in 1984 to be the God-centered equivalent of the Olympics, an arena for competition based not on a spirit of nationalistic pride but on international harmony.
A
runner triumphantly breaks the tape.
The main emphasis of the contests was on more than just physical ability. At the opening ceremony Rev. C. H. Kwak and Dr. Mose Durst encouraged the athletes to focus on the qualities of determination and cooperation. As an accomplished martial artist, Hyo Jin Nim has often emphasized the importance of sports for the development of character. In his speech he said:
Although this competition will place different nations or regions of the world in competition against each other, never forget that all of us are the children of God. This is where our value lies, not in the talents and abilities we have developed. Let us compete together during these two days with a spirit of brotherhood and also with a determination to challenge personal limitations and strive for the best. Let our competition give joy to God and to one another.
Hewitt Clay, a CARP member from Texas who is ranked second in the world in the 100-meter dash, carried the Han Ma Dang torch into the stadium and handed it to Gary Meyer, winner of the CARP-sponsored Mr. and Miss University contest in 1985. Gary carried the torch once around the track and lit the Han Ma Dang flame to open the Games. The crowd was thrilled by a spectacular opening program of music and dance. Almost 100 Wonwha-do black belts performed forms, one-step sparring, and self- defense and breaking techniques in an exciting display of skill.
Six
teams line up for the awards ceremony at the close of the Han Ma Dang
Games.
All the team members proudly wore new, brightly-colored training suits bearing their country's or region's name. A noble atmosphere evoking the Olympic Games combined beautifully with a home-town spirit of cheering and foot-stomping. Over the next day and a half, CARP members competed seriously in distance running, shot put, high jump, long jump, soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and martial arts.
The closing ceremony was a moment of great excitement. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were placed ceremoniously around the neck of each winner amid thunderous applause. A "Shim Jung award" for excellence in sportsmanship, perseverance, and determination was given this year to the Korean team, and three special awards were given to individuals who best exemplified the heart of our True Parents. Hyo Jin Nim presented a trophy and the Han Ma Dang flag to the USA team, who achieved the best overall results. Hyo Jin Nim then spoke to the team members sincerely. "The victory is for all of us',' he said. He admired everyone's spirit of total investment, and he told them that with their energy and armed with God's love, they can win all the battles ahead. Hyo Jin Nim officially received the Han Ma Dang flag from the USA team, in order to pass the flag on to Dieter Schmidt, president of German CARP, host of next year's World CARP Convention.
Four
different bands kept the energetic CARP members dancing at the Rock
Out for World Youth, held at the Manhattan Center on October 13 after
the Games.
One of the major corrupting influences on young people today is drug abuse. This was the theme of the rally held the following day, October 14, at the United Nations building. All the international CARP delegates, marching behind their flags and carrying signs in many languages, called upon their governments to cooperate in the war against illegal drug trafficking. Mr. Don Fitzpatrick, a special assistant to the secretary-general of the United Nations, spoke excitedly about the nature and quality of the rally, especially when he was presented with a "Declaration of Independence from Drugs" Dr. Joseph Paige, vice president of Shaw Divinity School, also spoke clearly on the potential for CARP as a positive influence in the drug battle by raising young people's ideals and self-esteem.
This last public event of the convention ended in a spectacular way as thousands of colored balloons were released simultaneously, a symbol of pure, free-spirited youth soaring clear of society's corruption. As the breeze caught them, they floated above the fences into the UN compound. Brothers and sisters stared in amazement as the balloons blew directly against the walls of the towering main building and bobbed along, gently tapping at the windows and causing the people inside, representing all the nations of the globe, to look out and see what was going on. The energy of youth, in a small but touching way, had indeed awakened the world!
The
march from Bryant Park to Ralph Bunche Plaza.
That night the convention reached its official conclusion with a closing banquet and ceremony in the Grand Ballroom. The personal relationship that many CARP members had developed with Hyo Jin Nim during this one week was strengthened still more when every brother and sister had the opportunity to shake hands with Hyo Jin Nim and Nan Sook Nim. In a small gesture that spoke volumes, Hyo Jin Nim refused the plate of food served to him at his table and instead went through the buffet line with everyone else. In his speech he used his own learning experience to explain the nature of growth:
When I was doing martial arts and playing the guitar, I thought I was the best in the world. I only cared about exercising every day and going to martial arts class. But since then, I have seen something greater in myself than just that potential, that level of confidence. Those activities were part of my learning process. That was my launching pad; I could not stay where I was. I had to go beyond that. Father expects more and God expects more.
Marchers
in front of the UN Building.
He could not bring the evening to an end without a song. After a few words of explanation about its true meaning, he sang the rock classic "Born to be Wile He followed that with a soulful rendition of "Sarang Hae." In those two songs he expressed the spirit of strength and tenderness, the harmony of heaven and earth, and the unity of East and West. The final words of "Sarang Hae" were drowned in a roaring cheer that seemed to herald the beginning of a new age.
The third annual CARP Convention of World Students finally came to an end. It had been a week of a tremendous outpouring of energy, and all the CARP members knew they had received far more than they had given. Said Geoff Kingsley from George Washington University: "I really appreciated Hyo Jin Nim this week. I feel a strong desire to connect the people on my campus to him. His heart, especially in his singing, can really ignite a fire Thus the inspiration and confidence the members had received were brought back to their own countries and campuses. A common focus and determination had been planted in the hearts and minds of all the CARP members, equipping them with strength they will need to pave the road to Canaan in every nation and through every campus.