Planting Trees in Malaysia

Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, UPF Secretary General
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
May 30, 2006

On May 30 Mother Moon and Hyun Jin Moon arrived in Malaysia. That afternoon they visited the service project organized by World CARP and Religious Youth Service, along with the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports. More than 100 participants from eleven nations were present. This year is the 20th anniversary of RYS service projects. Hyun Jin spoke to the group about his father’s vision and the importance of the principle of living for the sake of others. Dr. Teh Su They spoke of the history of World CARP in Malaysia. After meeting with the organizers, including Rev. John Gehring and Mr. Daniel Bessell, Mr. Jin Man Kwak, Dr. Thomas Walsh, and Dr. Teh participated in tree planting.

The evening program, guided by Dr. Joachim Ng, began after the evening Islamic prayers. Entertainment, a series of multi-faith scripture readings and prayers from leaders of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism, were followed by a parade of flags.

There was a special toast to marriage and family. Dr. Christopher Kim presented the address of UPF Chairman, Rev. Dr. Chung Hwan Kwak, followed by remarks from the “grandmother” of Malaysia, a living legend known and loved throughout Malaysia.

The wife of the Deputy Prime Minister then spoke; as the de facto "First Lady" of Malaysia, she offered a most warm and enthusiastic welcome to Mother Moon and Hyun Jin, and affirmed the value of marriage and family.

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon presented the Founder’s Address followed by Keynote Address given by Hyun Jin Moon, interrupted by frequent applause. Each evening, no matter what the events, challenge and distractions of the day, they emerged on the stage looking completely fresh, warm-hearted, dignified and focused. They read the speeches with an ownership and oneness with the word inscribed deep in their hearts. The prayer of blessing for marriage was sacred, beautiful and joyful, and Dr. Theh closed the evening by leading cheers.

Each evening, Father Moon was watching the program from Korea, and immediately following, he and Mother Moon spoke on the telephone, even when the program ended after midnight Korea time.