Rev. Anthony J. Flores at the podium

On May 27th in Columbus, Ohio there was a wonderful gathering of Ambassadors for Peace at the Clarion Hotel. Dr. William Craig, Board Member for the American Family Coalition of Ohio Inc. and Chairman of the Ambassador for Peace Association of Ohio served as moderator for the opening session of the program. Dr. Craig did a marvelous job of presenting the vision of our founder while listing a number of Rev. Moon’s accomplishments and efforts to realize a world of peace. He quickly reviewed the program agenda and carefully articulated the purpose of this event – emphasizing that this Ambassadors for Peace Summit is a part of the historic second World Tour being lead by the Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon.

With this being stated, Dr. Craig then introduced the first speaker, Rev. Dr. Thelma Johnson. Dr. Johnson is an Ambassador for Peace and American Leadership Conference (ALC) Alumni. She also serves as President of the faith based organization “What About the Children Inc.” Dr. Johnson gave a powerful testimony of her most recent trip to the Middle East. She testified of the great work being done through the Middle East Peace Initiative in bringing about a true spirit of peace and reconciliation amongst diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds, especially between Palestinians and Israelis. She took great pains to emphasize the uniqueness of this initiative with respect to other efforts launched earlier by various organizations with the purpose of bringing about peace. Dr. Craig summarized her remarks and asked that all participants consider participating in future Middle East Pilgrimages.

Dr. Craig then gave a brief report of the Ambassador for Peace activities in the state of Ohio during the past few years. He emphasized to the participants that more than an award the Ambassador for Peace certificate represents an appointment and a commission from Heaven to help bring about a world of peace. Rev. Anthony Flores asked 3 representative Ambassadors for Peace nominees to come forward to receive their certificates (beautifully framed) as representatives of all nominees who were to receive appointments that day.

A couple rededicate their marriage

The representative nominees were Ms. Lisa Wilson (health consultant and member of the Advisory Committee on Health and Nutrition – Ohio Department of Health and Human Services), Dr. Paul Hassan (Associate professor, University of Cincinnati, Ohio – certified marriage counselor) and Bishop Emma Curtis White (Pastor, Church on the Rock Ministries). Shortly afterward, Rev. Flores called the names of all the nominees to stand (34 total were appointed) to be recognized as newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace. They received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience.

Dr. Craig then lead all the Ambassadors for Peace in reciting the 5 principles for Peace and strongly requested that all newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace pledge before God and Man to uphold these principles of peace throughout their lives.

Participants’ Reflections:

“I am very honored to be receiving this very distinguished Ambassador for Peace appointment and, to be honest, somewhat overwhelmed by today’s event. I will do my best to represent the organization well and I look forward to participating in the next Middle East Peace Pilgrimage”

“Fabulous! Fabulous! what a tremendous experience! I am honored and deeply moved by the organizers of this event and I am looking forward to working with this very important initiative”.

“I wholeheartedly support Father & Mother Moon’s vision in upholding family values centered upon God. I have dedicated my life in promoting family values through my involvement with the Republican Party here in Ohio. However, this takes it to a new level. I am going to introduce this initiative to all Republicans here in Franklin County!”

“This was a blessed event and I am so happy to be working with such a fine group of people who care about the future of our youth, families and our communities. I will do my best to spread this message of peace to all of my family, friends and associates”

After lively Q & A, four new Ambassadors for Peace were formally appointed. The former Ambassador of Chad commented that he was very moved by the spirit of unity he felt as a result of our meeting being based on the common ground of shared universal principles.

Rev. Anthony Flores is the Ohio Regional Director of the Ambassadors for Peace Initiative.

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