Day of Hope - 21 City Tour

by Marie Ang (all photos credited to Marie Ang)

Father Moon had initiated a second Day of Hope public speaking tour to 21 cities across America, Boston included.  Edwin was able to book the iconic John Hancock Hall for three nights, October 16-18, 1973, where Father Moon was to speak on the theme “Christianity in Crisis.”  Everyone was feverishly working to prepare for this second tour, which was widely publicized, and included reaching out to political, religious and civic leaders in the city, inviting them to an elegant banquet to be held at the Copley Plaza Hotel during the evening before the talks.  

My role was to care for and serve the Moon’s during their stay. From this time, I have two unforgettable memories.  One afternoon, as I was coming into the Center, I saw this young lady with long hair speaking excitedly on the phone.  I wondered who it was until she turned her head and I was surprised to see it was Mother Moon.  (Until then ,we had only seen her long hair pulled back in an elegant large bun.) She was using the downstairs phone to receive a call from her children in Korea while Father was on the phone in their room upstairs.  It was a special moment for me, seeing the reality of the sacrifice their family was making.    

The other vivid memory I have is of Father Moon.  One afternoon the ladies in the kitchen had prepared some drinks and snacks for him.  I took the tray up the stairs and knocked quietly on the door.  I didn’t hear any answer and wondered what I should do.  I had been told that he needed the drinks, so I slowly and quietly opened the door and there sat Father Moon on the floor with his head down.  He looked up at me with tear-filled eyes.  I felt so badly I had interrupted him. I quickly apologized, sat the tray next to him and left as quietly as I could.  He was preparing for his speech that evening.  I was so embarrassed to have invaded his prayer time.

Reverend Moon teaches that the suffering of humanity has caused deep grief in the heart of God.  Seeing him sitting on the floor made me realize how sensitive he was to God's suffering heart and also the suffering of humanity.  How serious he was to share that with our country and the world!

Mrs. Ang serving Father at UTS