Thank you, everyone, for joining the Peace event. Thank you very much. We are a heavenly family of peace. Not only that. With the creator of heaven and earth, God, and the world of humankind. Brought together as one in God, leading a beautiful life would be a beautiful sight in God’s eyes. And I believe we also strive for that goal.

Allow me to briefly introduce myself. I come from a humble background As a farmer from a rural area. I was not highly educated. While farming, I joined the army and was sent to the front lines during the Korean War. At that time, South Korea was not prepared for war at all. North Korea invaded with a surprise attack, and we had no means to fight back effectively. Then the UN forces joined the war. While fighting on the front lines, I believe it was about four days that I had nothing to eat. People were surviving on grass or leaves. Why? Because the North Koreans were fully prepared for war, but the South Koreans were taken by surprise. We had nothing to eat, no resources, and no way to feed our soldiers. I was among them. After starving, I fainted on the front lines. I couldn’t move my body. I couldn’t speak. The South Korean side was fighting at the front lines, and the UN forces were supporting on the second line. On their way, the UN forces discovered me fainting on the ground. It led to my discharge from the army. After I was discharged, I realized I was meant to die there—it was just a matter of minutes, maybe ten more, before I would have died. That realization made me thank God. Once I returned home, I started praying to God. We had a farming hut in the middle of the farmland where my father and I would spend nights working. I wasn’t religious at the time, but I felt I had to thank God. So every night I prayed, thanking Him.

Then one night, it became incredibly bright in the middle of the night. I was stunned. I didn’t know what to do. Flustered, I repeated “Oh my, oh my” as I ran to the room where my father was asleep. I called him and woke him up, “Father! Father!” And my father was also very surprised to see that light. It happened three nights in a row. Every evening, that big, broad light would appear. It wasn’t just one bulb of light approaching; it was as if the entire space was lit up. Over time, later in my life, I naturally became a religious person. Living a life of faith, becoming aware of my surroundings, and understanding that the world needs peace led me to start peace activities as well. It wasn’t because I was told to start a movement. The peace work eventually led to 32 rounds of the World Peace Tour.

 

 

If you look at Mindanao, Philippines, that conflict lasted 40 years. Over those four decades, many people lost their lives, with a death toll of 120,000. So, what did we do? We brought the stakeholders together on stage, sat them down, and started a conversation. I asked them directly, “Why did you start this conflict and cause so much death? And (after causing all those deaths) why are you still alive?” I directed that question at them publicly, in front of the audience of the citizens of the country. It was a public discussion, with citizens in the audience and leaders on stage. I asked to the citizens, “Do you wish to continue this conflict, or are you going to stop fighting?” Then I asked the three gentlemen on stage, “Do you intend to stir conflict again?” I asked them rather bluntly. That discussion marked the beginning of peace efforts in the region. Now, they have turned conflict into peace activities. They have built peace monuments and schools, and they are working toward peace. However, even if we claim to serve God and do the work for peace, we can only do so much. One thing is certain: we want a peaceful world, and we do everything we can to achieve it. We also believe that when the heavens help us, everything will be accomplished. Today, on this path, we gather together and are joined by distinguished guests.

The question is: what is good and what is evil? What is good and evil? Conflict and fighting cannot be good. Making peace is good. Therefore, a good world—a world of goodness—is what we strive for. If we do not turn this era into a world of peace, we are only leaving our future generations, our children, another burden—a failed attempt at building peace. Creating a peaceful world and leaving it as a legacy for future generations is more valuable than wealth. Peace precedes any education; peace is better than any education. We must achieve this goal and pass it on to our future generations. We should not leave conflict for our children to inherit. This is the idea we had in mind, and it is what has driven our peace efforts.

 

 

Ladies and gentlemen, it is truly a pleasure to see you. This has been my consistent goal throughout the years and during this era. The path we’ve walked has involved a lot for peace. We traveled around the world on 32 trips, visiting people in the Pacific, the Polynesian islands, and meeting with presidents, prime ministers, and leaders of nations. We held a convention on a large island called Australia. While we didn’t visit every single place, we covered many countries. One time, we met with leaders from the Pacific Island countries in Australia and had discussions. Our journeys also took us to the US, down South, to the southern end of Africa, to the UK, and to a small island country up north. Throughout these 32 World Peace tours, we have consistently called for peace because we know that without it, the world of humankind will be swept away by war. We cannot afford more wars, as they impact everyone equally. We all need peace, and we firmly believe in that.

So, if we cannot accomplish this on our own, I believe we must seek God’s guidance from the heavens. We definitely need peace—absolutely. We must attain peace. Now, if you turn to the religious community, you’ll find many religions; many people live their lives of faith. But it doesn’t change the fact that you belong to which country. If you’re Korean, you’re Korean regardless of your religion. No matter what nationality you identify with, you belong to that country. And it doesn’t change the fact that you are part of this global community. So how can we bring peace to this global community or to our respective countries? Because we need to build a world of peace. Without establishing peace, we see that the world is heading toward an end.

Let’s take a look through the eyes of religion. At the beginning of this very thick book, there’s a smaller book called Genesis. In that book, Genesis, it says that man was created, and that all creation was created. It mentions creation. Creation. We are reading this record. The book speaks of a world in which everyone becomes one and lives together in harmony, leading long, prosperous lives. The shortcoming comes from man when man sins. And that sin spreads to the world. So, what do we do? With all the scientific advances, if all we do is kill each other or fight each other, what is the use? The greatest achievement we can make, the highest goal we can set for ourselves, is to achieve the cessation of all wars and build peace for all humankind, leaving it as a lasting legacy for future generations. That is what I believe.

 

 

One of the first countries I visited outside Korea was Ethiopia, in Africa. I met the President of Ethiopia at the time. He is six years older than I. We agreed that the elder would be the elder brother, and the younger would be the younger brother. So, we would be like brothers. I made brothers in every country I visited. In Ethiopia, the president came to greet me in a wheelchair. A gentleman six years older than I am, he grew old and retired as a former president. He had come all the way to greet me. Achieving a world of global peace is a goal for us. We shouldn’t postpone it or leave it to future generations. It is a goal we must accomplish in our lifetime.

Today, if you look at the records, you’ll see that God speaks of peace and harmony many times in the Bible. So, when, where, and with what will that peace come true? These are the questions we must ask, right? And by whom? It also says it shall not be done with the might of man. And it will be. It won’t be achieved just by believing. So, if God, the Creator of heaven and earth, tells us and lets us know, then we can understand it all, and things will be done according to the Creator’s will. That’s how I see it. Humans may plan and have our visions, but that does not surpass the vision and will of the Creator. Why? Because the Creator is watching His creation—broken—and trying to restore it. That heart of a Creator cannot be beaten by any man, neither by will nor by strength. Wouldn’t you agree?

However, when it comes to the work of God, no one can truly know unless God reveals it to them. Not only that, even after someone sees and hears what God provides, they should not carelessly reveal what they have learned. People may find it difficult to accept this, but it can also lead to conflict. It can divide people’s minds.

In any case, to move this world toward peace, we must do our best within our abilities. What is beyond our capabilities, hopefully God will come and fill the gap. But what people can do is up to us to do the work.

 

 

Speaking of peace, one might think about nuclear weapons. Even if you made a bomb, would nuclear techniques give life or take it away? I believe nuclear weapons could deter wars since they cause destruction on both sides. You would be killing not only the opponent but also your allies, so who could start a nuclear war? Therefore, there could be a scenario where nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent to war. But we must coordinate all efforts to prevent conflicts. Any educated person should do everything possible to avoid war. Why would you choose self-destructive actions? You must not. That is for sure.

We humans need to find peace as we live our lives, and there is no merit in fighting, killing, or blaming one another. Isn’t that so? If you ask every person in North Korea, none of them would oppose reunification. But why? Why aren’t we allowed to go to and from the North and South through this land passed down from our ancestors? Who divided us? Were they people in North Korea? Were they people in South Korea? Who is responsible for blocking the path? If you truly want reunification as much as you claim, then go ahead and allow free movement. Wouldn’t free movement effectively serve reunification? Then, what justifies blocking the pathway? Why? I would ask why they would choose to sever what was handed down by our ancestors. When we have free movement, reunification will happen naturally. People in North Korea will come to the South and see for themselves. People in South Korea will see firsthand what it is like in North Korea, won’t they? They are smart enough to decide for themselves. So, I believe that allowing free movement [between North and South Korea] is the way to reunification. That’s how I see it.

 

 

So, before we discuss religion, I believe humanity must come together and learn to love one another, and only then will we achieve peace. That is what leads to peace. Boasting, ignoring others, or quarreling won’t bring peace. Now, everyone must look beyond their differences and become one, as I often say. As I’ve shared before, my first stop on the World Peace Tour was Africa. One president was six years older than me, and we called each other brothers. Since he was older, he was my elder brother, and I was his younger. Similarly, in South Africa, the leader was younger than me. So I became like an elder brother to him, and he my younger brother. I made brothers wherever I went. This was one way of building a peaceful world. On the other hand, being obsessed with power and such only creates enemies. Why do we have to make enemies? Then, there was COVID-19 halted our journey until now. We have taken a break since. Otherwise, the peace delegation would have traveled extensively.

When peace is truly achieved, there will be no reason for us to fight or have conflicts. It isn’t complicated—it’s about freedom. Freedom and peace—these two are vital. We absolutely need both. I don’t dwell too much on the profundity of religion. What is religion, after all? In my view, religion should not take precedence over peace. I believe peace is even more important than religion. What religion teaches is peace. Therefore, religion would not oppose peace. In the Bible, the Christian scripture, peace is mentioned over 70 times. Then, religions have no reason to reject peace. With this in mind, we must bring humanity together and unite under the banner of peace. That would be wonderful. This is true.

This thing called peace is precious. Also, when it comes to religion, it is pointless to divide between faiths, splitting my religion from yours. Those are meaningless arguments. Religions should voluntarily become one. When you have food, one dish might taste good while others don’t. Then you would enjoy what tastes good more. The same can apply to religion. For a religion to become light, that faith must become preeminent. It is as simple as that, and it should not be an issue. That is what I think.

 

 

There is something I notice in people, although I can’t tell if someone has great character from the outside. In that regard, I find that Buddhists in general are dignified and seem to have a gentle temperament in how they speak and carry themselves. That’s how I see Buddhists. Even though I am not Buddhist or worship in Buddhist temples, that is my impression of Buddhists. From a broader perspective, I believe it would be beneficial to be a good person with good deeds—beneficial for oneself and others—and this applies to everyone. Rather than cheat or steal, rather than oppress others when given power, we must choose goodness and kindness toward others. Wouldn’t you agree?

Today, we gather for peace—this very gathering. Peace is for all living beings, including God and angels. We cannot live in conflict, can we? When God is present, no one can remain in conflict. Therefore, we, living in these times, must learn the teachings of the heavens. We must act with kindness. We must do what is right. I believe that is the duty of humankind as an advanced species. So, it is about good deeds. When the whole world sees people of faith, religious individuals must be able to evoke a sense of comfort and goodness. That way, religious people can lead with goodness and become teachers through their actions. Yes, that is my belief.

This reminds us that we must usher in an era of peace in this generation. We need to create a time of peace and harmony. Why? Because, as evil diminishes and peace advances, in the larger scope of history, the era of evil must now come to an end. It must surrender and retract, making way for the true era we need. Why does this need to happen? Why do these events occur? These questions can be answered through the prophecies in Scripture, which reveal what will happen, how, when, where, and through what. Following that, everything that will be newly created is also recorded in detail. Those who have read it would understand. What is created leads to the 12 tribes. Each tribe is detailed with how many people it is made up of. And when will this happen? After the first heaven and the first earth disappear in Revelation, Chapter 6. Then, in Chapter 7, when a new creation takes place, it describes what is created and how. For us, it’s crucial to understand what will be removed and what will replace it. If we see ourselves as religious, this holds significant meaning for us.

 

 

There have been many religions so far, but in the future, only one will last. Is it the one from the past? No, it is not of the past. It will serve to build a new era. According to the Scripture, in order for a new era, a new time is created at the time of closing the old. We cannot predict if we will be part of it, but God knows. We are reminded that what is written in the Bible’s prophecy predicts what will happen in the future. It’s not just one event—hundreds or thousands of events will happen exactly as prophesied. If not, the Bible would be false. Yes, it would.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am so happy to see you that I got carried away with my speech. One thing I want to share is this: let us all become one in God, in love, and in peace. Isn’t that right? How wonderful is that? Essentially, let’s work together, help each other, and live good lives. That’s what we must do. God never meant for people to die. He wants us to live good lives. It would be great if everyone could come together, share food when we have nice food, share good words and messages with one another. Let’s create a world where that’s reality. That’s what we must do. If you have questions or want to discuss religion, we can do so anytime.

Ladies and Gentlemen, while it is our duty to understand scriptures, let us remember that God, the creator of religion, is the one who leads peace movements. So, let us strive to become people of peace according to God’s standards. What I mean is that we must believe in and follow the command to love one another. Remember the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus told us to pray, “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” It is not about whether you identify as Christian or not, where some say you don’t count if you are not Christian. That is not the case. Everyone has their time. Some are early, some later. But we all share the goal of becoming one as a bright light that shines upon many, leading people to unite as one. That is what we aspire to together. This is our shared goal.

Everyone, we know that peace comes true in love and grace. Peace will not suddenly fall from the sky out of nowhere. In creating a world of peace, let us gather all our strength, minds, and hearts together. Let’s do it. I believe it will be achieved. Thank you.