The Words of the Field Family

Thomas Field's 40-Day Workshop in Argentina

Roswitha Guiliano
March 27, 1990


Forty-day participants have their group photo at the ocean

For the first time in several years a 40-day Divine Principle workshop was held in Argentina. On February 16 fifty members from Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina arrived in the coastal resort city of Mar del Plata where facilities were rented for the seminar.

The workshop was organized and taught by Thomas Field, leader of the southern South American region. A few months earlier Mr. Field had attended Rev. Ahn's 40-day workshop in New York, so he organized everything in a similar manner. Most of the content was taken directly from Rev. Ahn's material.

The participants were mostly blessed church members. Many of them were in leadership positions or were preparing to go out as pioneers. Centering on the theme, "Realizing our Identity as Tribal Messiahs," everyone really invested themselves fully. All throughout the 40 days, in every lecture and talk, Mr. Field focused on this theme. The German missionary in Argentina, Wolf Osterheld, and the Argentine Church leader, Ricardo Ayerza, assisted by giving some internal guidance talks. Also, Steven Boyd, American missionary in Uruguay, taught two days of Unification Thought lectures.

Each day began with a 6:15 a.m. prayer service. This was followed by Wonhwa-Do practice. Divine Principle lectures were given for eight hours throughout the day and evening. Closing prayer was held each night on the beach at around 11 p.m. Between lectures and late at night, often until 1 or 2 a.m., members continued to study in order to pass their exams, of which four were held throughout the workshop.

Praying on the beach was a wonderful experience for everyone. Sometimes everyone prayed all together, sometimes they prayed in groups of three or more, and sometimes they prayed individually. As most members work and live in the cities, it was really a special treat to be near the ocean with the night sky full of stars and the salty breeze blowing on their faces. Many had deep tearful experiences in their prayers.

One of the best experiences was the unexpected visit of Rev. Hyung Tae Kim. Rev. Kim was recently assigned as the overall leader for South and Central America and the Caribbean. He stayed for just one day, but even in that short time he truly transmitted the spirit of True Parents. Everyone was impressed with his excellent example and standard. He shared many deep insights into the meaning of Tribal Messiahship. Especially he explained what it means to restore "My Country."

On March 27, which was Parents' Day, a 7 a.m. pledge service was held. Afterwards, at 10 a.m. the graduation ceremony to end the 40-day training program was held. Beautiful diplomas signed by Rev. Kim and Mr. Field were given out to all the participants. Finally, everyone pledged to be responsible as Tribal Messiahs to restore their countries. 

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