2009 January Message

To Realize the Will of God in 2009
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area

　　Happy New Year! I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for your attendance and for the activities you have done last year. This year let us learn the Seicho-No-Ie teachings more deeply and propagate them enthusiastically with a cheerful and bright mind.

　　Nowadays, great changes are taking place in various ways. Since the Industrial Revolution, human beings have gotten energy by burning fossil fuels and pursued a better and more convenient life. However, as we have seen global environment deteriorating, it is high time to change our lifestyle. These days, human beings have also become conscious of the importance of "life with nature" by respecting nature and using energy that comes from nature. This life is nothing less than practicing a way of life of being reconciled with and grateful for the whole universe, as taught in the Divine Message of Grand Harmony. Fortunately, since President-elect Barack Obama has declared to deal with the environmental issue proactively as soon as possible, we can expect our country to lead the world in this field.

　　Last year, we received the sad news that Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, passed away. SNI Hawaii conducted a Memorial Service for the late Rev. Seicho Taniguchi on December 7 with approximately 60 people in attendance. It was a heartfelt solemn service and I appreciate all of you who attended and made the service so meaningful. International Headquarters officially conducted a service to memorialize the late Rev. Seicho on December 17 (JST), which was recorded on DVD with English translation to be shared with each U.S. Missionary Area. At Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii, we will view it at the 100-day service for the late Rev. Seicho on February 1 at Matlock Center. I appreciate your understanding and attendance.

　　The only way to repay the guidance we have received is to spread and propagate the SNI teachings by following the guidance from the next President, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi.

　　Since last August, we have been conducting a Japanese Mothers' Study Class aimed at young mothers. At the class, Mrs. M, who received the Japanese “White Dove” magazine from Mrs. Kusaka (a long-time Propagator in Hawaii), has been inviting her friends so we have newcomers at every class. She e-mailed me (Abe) and expressed her joy of attending the class: "I am happy to attend the Mothers' Study Class with my friends. It’s wonderful to be able to share valuable time with good friends, isn't it? I am so happy!" Don't you think this feeling should be a source of our propagation?

　　We all should have had an experience being impressed with the teachings and having a desire to share them from the bottom of our hearts. Those feelings must still exist in your heart. However, they do not bloom and bear fruit unless expressed. To express the joy of knowing the teachings and your desire to share them are what our beloved Founder Masaharu Taniguchi and President/Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie and International Headquarters, whose mission is to spread the will of Founder Taniguchi, desire.

　　I wish all of you will have a meaningful year to realize the will of God as much as possible. Thank you very much.