July 15, 2003
FSM 368 CM/FM
Copyright © 2001 by The Family
These stories speak for themselves, so dive in and see through the eyes of people of diverse nationalities and ages, what it was like to be at Summit 2001 and to meet Mama for the first time! We all know Mama and Peter aren’t trying to promote a personality cult—they point us to our wonderful Husband Jesus too much for that—but we also believe you’ll appreciate the fact that these Summit attendees took the time to share their impressions of both Mama and Peter on this unique occasion. Love, your FSM Editors
By Adam (FGA), Thailand
The Summit had been in progress for a few days before my arrival. After sitting down in the meeting room in preparation for the afternoon meeting, I experienced probably the biggest surprise of my entire life. I saw the most beautiful woman enter the meeting room, warmly and personally greeting everyone as she walked towards the front of the room. Although I had never met her before, I knew this must be Mama. Standing there in awe with my mouth hanging open, Peter tapped me on the shoulder and gave a warm greeting and said, That’s Mom! The only word I could utter was, Wow!
After the meeting Mama lovingly hugged and kissed and encouraged each one there. And when my turn came, I had my first touch and hug and kiss from Mama, as well as my first opportunity to look deep into her beautiful eyes. I don’t think I could even begin to express the wonderful flow of the Lord’s Spirit of healing and renewing and strengthening and encouragement that I felt. I don’t remember exactly what Mama said to me, but I will never forget the feeling and the experience that it was.
That was just one of many of Mama’s warm hugs and greetings and words of encouragement that I encountered during my time at the meetings, as Mama was always hugging and touching and encouraging each one that she encountered.
By Josef Provisioner (FGA), Thailand
For me, a full-time provisioner, it seemed like an ordinary Friday, with the exception of the exciting prospect of meeting our dear King Peter. I didn’t expect to spend much time with him, as I was only coming to help with the check-in at the hotel I’d provisioned for them. I’d arrived a few minutes before them at the hotel and checked with the reception that everything was okay. I then proceeded to the entrance where I was to greet Peter.
He stepped out of the van and greeted me with a warm hug, but there was a lovely woman stepping out of the van as well. A companion for Peter probably, but it wasn’t Rebecca. No one that I had ever met but, I had hardly met anyone from WS. I don’t remember clearly, but I think someone whispered to me, Would you like to meet Mama?
Mama? I think a question mark was written all over my face.
The lovely woman kept looking towards me and then she moved forward and embraced me. The impossible had become possible and the incredible happened. I’d met Mama. Here she was, with the warmest smile on her face and giving the most affectionate hug. I was too dazed to respond much. It seemed like I was a frozen lump in her arms, till her warm embrace finally brought me back to life.
Her warmth and friendliness took all my nervousness away. She just bubbled over with sincere questions about the state of my well-being, as well as that of my family. A torrent of thanks proceeded out of her mouth—for what I’m still trying to figure out. I’ve done so little for them to deserve such heartfelt thanks from our queen and then from our king. But that’s just how they are, so very grateful for what we do for them, so appreciative that it makes you want to do your best—not only for them but for the Lord.
By Marie Claire (SGA), Japan
Mama has shared so much of herself and her life with us in the Letters, but to be honest I often thought that if I actually met her or lived with her I would be disappointed, because I thought that she would be really spiritual, or queenly, and not very easy to relate to or get close to. I had also read about how she likes to get involved in everyone’s life and the details of what’s going on around her, and I thought that would be a bit bothersome, and that she just wanted to be in control of everything. But I was so wrong.
The first talk time I had with sweet Mama was going to be during a walk on the beach. She was getting ready for her walk and she was putting on her hat and wrap (as it was quite hot and sunny out and she didn’t want to get burned). I wasn’t sure at that point how much I should just be myself, or how much I should just be quiet and be careful about what I said and did. Anyway, she was standing in front of the mirror to put her hat on, when she realized she had done her hair in a bun and so the hat wouldn’t fit. She started laughing, and said that she tried to be ready ahead of time, done her hair and all, and now she had to do it all over again.
I couldn’t help but marvel at how much like me she was, in that she kept forgetting all kinds of little things, and how she had to put down all her things and redo her hair so that her hat would fit. She went on to tell me how the day before she absent-mindedly put bug repellant on instead of sunscreen, and how she put it all over herself before realizing it was the wrong stuff! Ha! Well, you can imagine that I decided I could just be myself with her, as she was just so sweet and real.
At the same time, she was so in tune with the Lord, and stayed in prayer the whole time we walked and talked together. Then she’d praise the Lord for every little thing that came up. When she’d marvel at how beautiful the place was, she’d turn it into a praise prayer. When we passed some of the other CROs talking with each other, she’d pray for them that they’d have a sweet time and be able to learn from each other. When we passed people on the beach, she would smile and wave at them and then pray for them that the Lord would help them find Him. What stood out to me was that she was so human, and yet she really did rise above it all because of her beautiful relationship with the Lord. I realized that what makes Mama so wonderful and the queen that she is is not her personality, or her great talents, or royal manner, but her incredible link with the Lord.
By Ginny (FGA), USA
It just so happened that I was dripping wet when I first met Mama. I had just come out of the pool when she came up to me. I was very excited to meet her and I could see that she was very happy to meet me, too, but of course I did not expect her to hug me right at that moment, especially when I could see that she was feeling cold, as she was wrapped in a few layers of clothing. I even said something like, I’d better not hug you until I’m dry, but she just ignored the fact that I was soaking wet and gave me a big hug and greeting. In fact, she hugged me twice! I felt so loved! I would have felt good that anyone would do that to me—be so glad to see me that they wouldn’t mind getting wet because they wanted to hug me so much—but coming from the queen it meant even more!
By Emmy (SGA), Mideast
I was waiting just a few blocks down the road from where she was when someone came to get me and told me that I was in for a surprise. At that point, I really didn’t have any idea. I knew some folks from WS were there and figured there might be someone there that I knew from before, so I wasn’t prepared to meet her—although I almost wish I had been!
On my way there I started eating a dry cheese sandwich, so by the time I actually got there and recognized who was there and what was going on, it was too late!—One bite was stuck in my throat and the other was still in my mouth. I was wondering what I should say and how I could say it, but it seemed that I was the only one that was so uptight because Mama came over and gave me a big hug and started talking to me very excitedly, lovingly, bubbly, laughing, smiling, etc. Maybe she wondered why I wasn’t saying anything and why instead I just seemed to be clearing my throat and hitting my chest regularly, but she said to me, Don’t worry, I’m real shy too! and I realized that she wasn’t expecting me to say or do or be anything.
Not long before coming to the Summit, we were given a list of questions to ask the Lord and get personal shepherding on and then send them in to Mama and Peter. So when first meeting her she said, You’re not worried about the prophecies you sent in, are you? GBY, honey, you really have a clear channel. Thank you for taking the time to do that.
By Stephen (FGA), Japan
Knock-knock. It was 6:30 p.m.—the day after I arrived at the beautiful Summit site. The actual meeting wouldn’t start till afternoon the next day, so I was in my room, typing something.
I’ll get the door. It’s my roommate, Abner. As he opened the door, Peter walked in with a warm, friendly smile on his face.
Wow, GBH! It’s so sweet and thoughtful of him to come to our room to greet us! I stood up and walked towards the door as Abner and Peter gave each other a hug and exchanged GBYs.
Then came in a sister whose face I couldn’t see because she was behind Peter. Peter introduced her to Abner, This is Amana, or so I heard. As I gave Peter a hug, I thought to myself. Hmmm, I never heard of Amana in WS before. Well, she must be one of the secretaries. Then she came to me with such a friendly spirit beaming from her whole being.
Hi! Did you know that I was coming?
Did I know that you’re coming? Um, I guess not. She looks awfully familiar. Where did I meet her? Amana. She must have had another name, because that name doesn’t ring a bell. From the way she talks to me we must know each other quite well, but I just don’t remember who she is! Should I say, No, I didn’t know you were coming, as if I know who she is? What should I tell her?
No words came out of my mouth for a few seconds. Well, she sensed it. What?
I couldn’t just stand there with my mouth shut forever. With some hesitation I finally said, Have we met before?
Stephen, this is Mama, said Peter. Oops! So, Peter told Abner that it’s Mama, not Amana.
Oh, no!—Uh, it’s good to see you! Ha! We had a good laugh, and apparently Mama was very much amused by this.
So, I made a total fool of myself, and normally I would’ve been very embarrassed (wouldn’t you?) but I wasn’t. It’s the spirit of love and understanding she carries with her that made me feel accepted and at ease. Actually, I couldn’t think of a better way to meet her for the first time. I wasn’t embarrassed, but still it was good for my pride. It was certainly humbling. Also, if I knew in advance that she was coming to my room, I would have been very nervous. So I’m totally happy with the way I met her.
Shortly afterward I bumped into her on my way to dinner. She put her arm around my back and we walked together to the dining room, chatting, as if we knew each other for a very long time. There was no awkwardness or nervousness that you sometimes feel when you meet somebody for the first time.
By Crystal (FGA), India
When I heard Mama had come to the meetings, at first I was of course nervous about the prospect of meeting her, but when I actually did, I was amazed at how relaxed I was with her. She had already spoken to and interacted with everyone else and probably she was tired after all her travels and interactions with so many people, but when I met her, she knew me by name. (I’m a simple soul coming from India!) She took my hands in hers and I felt an overwhelming amount of peace, love and acceptance from her and no fear at all. She asked me different kinds of personal questions, like about my children, and even thanked me for coming. So sweet!
By Miguel (SGA), USA
I was sitting in the meeting room and Mama walked in. I had no idea that Mama was even at the meetings. When I first saw her my reaction was: This is the moment I have been wondering about all my life. I was waiting for the earth to tremble and for my knees to shake, and my stomach to knot up. But surprisingly enough that never happened. My first reaction was, Wow, I’m not all freaked out! In fact, I felt very much at peace. Even after the meeting when I got to talk to her a little bit, I felt no nervousness. It reminded me of those near-death-experiences where they say, I felt nothing but peace.
I remembered the story of the pottery that smelled like roses. Even when it was dried and fashioned into a pot or bowl it still smelled like roses.—The reason? The clay was taken from under the rose bushes and even though it had been baked into a pot or whatever, it still smelled like the roses—because it had been with the roses. That is what it was like to be around Mama. She was very simple in her dress and casual in her appearance but you knew that she had been with The Rose.
This was such a crucial lesson for me. Probably the most significant lesson that I learned from my time at the Summit was learned from how comfortable and peaceful I felt with Mama. I think the Lord specifically made that stand out to me so that I would search out the reason why I felt so comfortable being around her. My searching led me to that one word: humility—the kind that can only come from spending a whole lot of time every day without fail with the most wonderful and precious Rose of all.
By Stephen (SGA), Europe
I must admit that I kind of had a feeling that Mama was going to come to the Summit. I remember very clearly standing in my room, which had a view of the courtyard and pool. I was looking through the glass windows watching as the CROs arrived when I saw Peter walking with Mama holding his arm! I was still shocked, though!
The next day I was visiting one of the CRO girls’ rooms, looking at photos with Marie Claire when someone knocked on the door—and it was Peter and Mama. I jumped up and was kind of embarrassed to be in a room with four women. Mama was so sweet and hugged us all and was so happy to see us and was so happy and bubbly that she hugged us again. She made a joke about me being in the women’s room, and she was funny and natural and so easy and relaxed. No airs or false fronts. She looked so healthy, walking, laughing, and with normal glasses, even though it was bright!
By Philip (SGA), USA
The biggest WOW was being able to meet the queen and king! I had had the blessing of meeting and talking with Peter before, and he is as natural as can be. A list of words to describe him would be—funny, warm, tender (almost like a teddy bear), honest, conviction-filled, flexible, humble, and full of love. When Mama called out my name to greet me, it was like, Pinch me, I’m dreaming. She immediately made me feel loved and welcome.
By Pedro (FGA), Brazil
I always dreamed of being present when a MO Letter was given. I can now say that having Mama at the Summit has made that dream come true. After the introductory/keynote meeting that she attended, she came for another inspirational leadership meeting. It was an informal talk on different topics, but it all flowed out of her mouth so well that it was just like listening to a MO Letter. I’m sure that portions of that talk will some day be published.
Mama was a living sample of the accounts we read in the Letters by those who live with her and have known her for years. It was so beautiful to see the queen, the prophetess, and the friend.
I loved the way she stayed on the attack with hearing from the Lord about matters that came up. We were able to receive lots of extra shepherding by her not only taking as much personal time with all of us as possible, but also by her asking us to hear from the Lord individually before the meetings and during them, and now we still have plenty of questions to bring before the Lord to keep us on track.
Mama had other work that she needed to keep up with during the meetings, but we sure benefited from having her around. By saying this I don’t mean in any way to minimize the blessing of seeing Peter and seeking the Lord together with him for the important matters that we had to discuss during the Summit. In fact, I believe we were all very happy for Peter, because having Mama there relieved him of a lot of the load that he usually has to carry during the meetings.
Peter was certainly a tremendous sample of how to conduct meetings, moderate them, keep things focused, flowing and even fun. This was very beneficial because with the Board vision we’ll need to implement a lot of the things that we were able to see live as the Lord anointed Peter to conduct the Lord’s business meetings. Thank the Lord for such wonderful shepherds that love and care for the Family so much, and that love our wonderful Husband so much.
By Emmy (SGA), Mideast
Mama took personal talk time with everyone that attended the Summit, and she and Peter also had everyone come in small groups to their room for dinner. On the dance night, Mama danced with each one of the men and then danced with as many of the women as she could, as well. I think we were all astounded at how they managed to keep up with meetings and more meetings, having personal times, dinners, sometimes having meetings at night, and just giving constantly.
By Mark (SGA), India
Peter’s sample is of someone who is very open. Actually open is a pretty lame word in this case. More like desirous of other people’s help, input and thoughts. This is something he says with his actions. The way he interacts with others about certain topics and things, the way he conducts the meetings, he draws others out, making them feel like they added to the decision making. I can see there are so many benefits in that as a leader or shepherd, or just as an individual, and you really gain on every side. I see that it encourages others to be more prayerful, to regard their comments and suggestions as something that would be considered. It also encourages them to want to find solutions and answers themselves, to stir themselves up. It helps Peter understand others and get their points of view from their angles of perception. It also helps him to see why people make decisions and what’s important to them, and the list can go on and on.
Just from his sample you know that he definitely knows the state of the flock. It’s not just a sincere desire that he has but he’s got some real landing gear. He’s desperately sought to fulfill this desire and it comes through in his actions.
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
Another special event was the night that Mama and Peter invited us young people up to their living room after dinner and we sat around and had an informal time talking about the young people on our different fields. It’s really sweet to see how concerned they are and how they want to help meet the different needs of the young people and make different changes. They truly love each of us and want to see us all happy and fulfilled in His service. They really value each one of us young people.
I noticed they really enjoy hearing testimonies. I think sometimes we don’t write in more testimonies because we get so used to hearing so many and we wonder if it is worth writing ours in, but Mama and Peter just loved all the testimonies and you can tell testimonies are special to them.
By Oli (SGA), Africa
We’ve gotten to know Dad via video and tape over the years. Mama radiates very much the same spirit of loving Jesus so deeply that you see in Grandpa on the Songs of Heaven/Songs of Service tapes. The Lord is simply a part of everything she does and says.
During my talks with her it was almost impossible to get on any subject but that she would acknowledge the Lord in some way with either a prayer or a simple praise, and all in a very natural and flowing way where you really realize that Jesus is simply a part of her life—a part of absolutely everything she does. It sure took the phrase more like Jesus to another dimension!
By Emmy (SGA), Mideast
Mama and Peter are sincerely interested in hearing what folks have to say. Peter chaired the more business-oriented meetings, and he always took the time to hear each person’s point of view and patiently weighed up the different sides. They always took time to pay attention to everyone they saw and reminded us constantly of the need to show appreciation to the staff. On two separate days, after a full day of meetings, they got together with the young people that attended to hear from them on any questions or points they wanted to bring up or just anything they wanted to hear.
By Stephen (FGA), Japan
I was also glad that the Lord healed Mama’s eyes before she came to the Summit. She still has to be careful, but it’s such a miracle that she didn’t have to wear dark sunglasses or close her eyes. It was really nice because I was able to see her beautiful eyes. Looking into her eyes was like diving into a very deep ocean, only there is light instead of darkness. If eyes are the windows of the soul, she certainly has a very deep spirit.
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
I was really impressed to see how much the Lord has fulfilled His promises of healing for Mama, and also that prophecy Dad gave about her health really improving this year. She was just glowing and using her beautiful eyes. Mama is always praising and thanking the Lord for the miracle that she can use her eyes and for her improved health, and it just makes you feel so happy for her and for Peter and for all of us too, that she is so much better. It also makes you feel like each prayer you ever prayed for her was really worth it and makes you want to pray for her all the more.
By Marie Claire (SGA), Japan
I wish everyone could have a chance to meet Mama, as I know that the Enemy comes in sometimes and tries to tell us that our shepherds don’t really understand or care about us; they’re just so busy running the Family and trying to steer the Family in their direction, that they don’t really know what’s going on in our lives.
I know some of us young people have at times questioned the way Mama does things or her motives for doing what she does, and wondered what she’s really like. I hope that these little reactions from those of us who have met sweet Mama and Peter, and have tasted and seen that they are good, will help you to feel and know that their motives are truly pure, they do really love and care, and they are concerned for every one of us. I personally believe the Lord couldn’t have chosen any more yielded, loving and concerned shepherds to help lead the Family!
By Adam (FGA), Thailand
One last thing that really stood out to me when meeting Mama, and I am not sure if I can explain this well, was not only did her loving words, smile, and touch make me feel so good and put me so at ease, but she didn’t hesitate to get right to the heart of the matter of anything that she talked about, whether it was a trial or fear or battle. However, she always did so with such faith that the Lord was in control and that the Lord was going to do it and win victories in my heart and life. It was so liberating.
By Marie Claire (SGA), Japan
We had a joke going around here, that after you went on a walk with Mama you wouldn’t have any more free time, as she would give you a long list of things to hear from the Lord on, which would take the rest of the Summit. Ha! But it wasn’t entirely a joke. Whenever you’d pour your heart out to Mama and share your battles with her, or things you felt you needed to learn or grow in, she would inevitably tell you to take it to the Lord and ask Him what He had to say on that topic. Then, after you did so and shared the prophecies with her, she would tell you to take certain points of the prophecy and bring them back to the Lord and ask Him what He meant for you to do with that counsel, or how He wanted you to apply it.
At first I was a little disappointed that she didn’t just give me the answers to these things herself, but what I realized was that what she was doing in training us to get things from the Lord ourselves was so much more valuable than anything that she could have said at the time. And then once we did our homework, she gave us things that she had asked the Lord about for us, and it was so confirming and encouraging.
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
Throughout the Summit Mama was always reminding us to do our prayer vigils. It’s really neat to see how much Mama believes in prayer. She’s always praying for others. Mama is really like an alive GN.
By Harmony (SGA), USA
I was really impressed with her yieldedness. Mama is so willing to change whatever (and that is no exaggeration) the Lord asks of her in order to be what He needs her to be. She loves the Lord and the Family so much that she is literally willing to make any personal sacrifices, even change her personal habits or ways of thinking to be what the Lord needs her to be. In some cases she even readily admits that something was a forsake-all for her or something she felt was very hard to do, but because she wants to please the Lord she does whatever it takes to do what He asks of her.
By Marie Claire (SGA), Japan
In talking with her I could see and feel that she was tempted in all things such as we are. I guess in the past I sometimes felt that Mama lived in a bit of a bubble and didn’t have the same battles as us, didn’t have to face situations we did, and therefore couldn’t really relate to us that well, or truly understand our situations. Therefore, I felt it was unfair for her to require that we all believe and practice everything just the way she does, or that we all come up to the same level she’s at. I figured her relationship with Peter was always just perfect so she’d have no battles with that; her kids were always so good, she’d have no battles with that; those in her Home were handpicked, wonderfully dedicated people, so she’d never battle with that; she was so perfect and made so few mistakes, that she couldn’t possibly relate to us in that, etc. Again, I was wrong!
Mama shared with us so many of her battles and personal things that she goes through, mistakes she made, things that she has trials about, both in private talk times with me and during our united meetings. I was just so touched to see how much she really goes through. And that the things she shares aren’t just some nebulous spiritual principles that she pulls out of thin air, but they’re things she herself has learned or is learning, and that she often learned through her mistakes, or through her battles, or through something that caused her to make changes in her life. She speaks from experience and example, and that is what makes her words so real and the things she shares so moving and deep. Most of all, it makes me want to be like her, to rise above the way I am and my human ways, and let the Lord truly live and work in me, as He does in her.
By Crystal (FGA), India
One thing which struck me from the very beginning was how concerned they were to make sure that everyone’s needs were taken care of. One of the first things they did was to cut out breakfast, or at least make it very minimal so that the cooks didn’t have to work so hard. Then they cut out freeday meals—quite radical—so that all the delegates had to fend for themselves on that day, again, giving the dear hard-working cooks time off to rest and not overdo.
By Mark (SGA), India
It’s very hard to shake Mama’s sample of being so happy, smiling and reaching out. When I look into her eyes, which I really love doing, they emanate this very positive and joyful spirit and message—pure peace and pure freedom. I have to say that I noticed the same spirit and radiance from all those that come from the king and queen’s house. Not all to the same degree; it differs with each person, depending on their mood at the time, I’m sure, but it is noticeable, bearing witness that it’s contagious. This is one of the things that the Lord has highlighted to me in my life that I need to improve on and which He wants to grow me into. The Lord showed me how I had not put it on one of my priority points for various reasons, sort of minimizing the importance of a smile. I wasn’t really looking at it in the right spirit or in the right way, because it’s saying a whole lot more than just I’m smiley.—It’s really the Lord’s Spirit dwelling in and coming through the individual, reaching out to others, and that certainly is not a small thing. In fact that’s what life is all about.
By Harmony (SGA), USA
[Mama] wholeheartedly jumps in to obey whatever it is the Lord tells her without delay, so that she doesn’t miss out on how He’s moving today. I think this is a big part of what keeps her so fresh and in tune with what’s happening now. It might be easy to think that she’s very far removed or out of touch with the way things really are. But my impression of her is that she is more in tune than most of us with how things really are, because she has that extra depth and perception through her connection with the Lord and He keeps her abreast and in tune with the times and the needs in an even greater way than if she were physically right there in the Home or situation. It’s quite amazing to see! And because of her faith to not only ask the Lord everything, but also to then implement and do what He says, He does incredible things for her!
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
When you observe Mama it’s like watching a beauty display of all the gifts of the Spirit that are available. It gives you renewed vision in striving to move forward.
By Rachel Mei (FGA), Taiwan
Besides being a good sample of how to lead meetings, Peter shows a real interest for both our folks who labor on the field and for the sheep. He is a good shepherd who loves his sheep. Peter also encourages people to speak up, as does Mama. They are both so human and relatable and are always giving the Lord the glory for anything good you see in them, which reminds you to keep your eyes on the Lord.
You might think it’s easier for me not to have any doubt about Mama, Peter, and WS now that I have seen their sample with my own eyes, and yes, that’s true, but it’s also like what our dear Husband told us that more blessed are they who believe and yet have not seen. We believe because the Word says so, and the Lord’s Spirit is the same everywhere when we have faith.
By Harmony (SGA), USA
I don’t think it’s possible to accurately describe in words what Mama is like because she’s so far out! She clearly is the Lord’s anointed and I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of meeting her. She is everything you would want your queen to be and more!
By Rachel Mei (FGA), Taiwan
Her positiveness taught me that mistakes are good for me because they help me to taste the Lord’s love and mercy. He uses mistakes I made to remind me how weak I am and how much I need [Him] and that’s where I want to be—needing to stay close to Him.
By Marie Claire (SGA), Japan
[To Mama:] I realize that I’m only one of the many people you have to talk with each day, and yet somehow you make me feel as if I’m the only one, and that you enjoy being with me. You certainly are a reflection of the Lord’s love, as that’s the way He says He is with us.
By Adam (FGA), Thailand
It was so encouraging to see how greatly the Lord has strengthened Mama and healed her eyes. It is amazing to see how she was able to use her eyes almost constantly during her time here, and I must say it is such a beautiful experience to be able to gaze deeply into Mama’s eyes. She looks so young, so alive, so beautiful and just like a teenager. Mama is energetic and full of life.
By Rachel Mei (FGA), Taiwan
Mama always has a smile on her face whenever I see her either in the meetings or while she is walking around talking to others. I love her honesty and openness about herself. Her simplicity really touches me. What I mean is that seeing what the Lord is doing through her simple faith and trust in Him to lead the Family is a real education for me about spirit versus flesh. It also assures me that He simply loves me, the plain old me—without any of my accomplishments or work for Him. He loves who I am and what I am.—And that’s how Mama and Peter are with me, they love me just as I am!
By Harmony (SGA), USA
Whenever she asked me a question, I felt so at ease sharing my heart with her. It wasn’t out of fear; I wasn’t worried about saying it just right; it was just so easy to be myself with her. It was almost like she drew things out of my heart through her sincere and unconditional love. Yet she also has conviction and expects a high standard, but because of the faith that she manifests, I never felt that what she or the Lord were asking of me was out of reach. She seemed to bring it down to a level that was so simple and gave me the faith that I could make that change or reach that goal. She made it so simple by believing that it was possible.
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
God bless Mama and Peter, they really worked very hard during the Summit. From what I have seen of Mama while here, I would say that she is a real personal touch person, and is constantly reaching out to others. Both she and Peter had a lot of work to do while here and had pretty tight schedules, but I never saw them fretting or in a fretful, hurried spirit, which was really convicting for me. When things looked overscheduled, they would just bring it to the Lord and get His answer on what He wanted.
By Steven (FGA), Thailand
Mama seems so young and vibrant, and seeing her walking up and down the beaches with different people, so healthy and energized, is such an amazing testimony of her faith and the Lord’s answered prayer and promises.
By Crystal (FGA), India
When Mama asks you a question, if there’s a lesson or something to draw from it, she will pick up on it and give a talk. She never misses an opportunity to share something or give a jewel.
By Stephen (SGA), Europe
Mama was so personal and sweet when I had talk time with her. She brought up so many angles to lessons and events we discussed. I was amazed that she knew who my dad was and remembered him from way back. Mama says she has a bad memory but she remembered the content of a prophecy that she sent me five years ago, which I hardly remembered!
Mama is so natural and honest about herself and her weaknesses and lessons, but that doesn’t make her not do anything. She has spark and life and zeal—especially about hearing from the Lord. I don’t think I came away from a single time seeing Mama that she hadn’t given us something to ask the Lord about. She believes in asking the Lord everything—and practices it too!
By Philip (SGA), USA
You would never be able to tell Mama was shy in the least bit! She radiates Jesus!
By Harmony (SGA), USA
[Written to Mama after the Summit:] Reflecting on your sample of prayerfulness, hearing from the Lord, and just centering your life around the Lord has made all the difference since coming back [home] and facing the many needs, problems and work. Thank you for teaching us this wonderful key to victory, not only through your words but through your living sample. I treasure it always.
By Mike D. (SGA), Mideast
[To Mama:] Thank you for the dinner we, the staff, were able to have with you last night. That truly was special and it was so sweet to be able to talk and fellowship in this way. I know that we all are so touched, and this will be something that I will cherish for a long time.
I know that you’ve been very busy and are very tired, due to your tight schedule, constant pouring out and all that you’ve been doing, yet that hasn’t stopped you from giving so much to each one of us—not just for a day or even a week, but for the whole month that we’ve all been here.
Even though I haven’t been directly involved with all that’s happening here in the form of attending the meetings, etc., I feel it has been a special time and that the Lord has used it to work in my life. I pray that I’ve been able to make the most of my time here.
By Mary (of Adam), Thailand
[In a letter to Mama:] The roses! WOW! Mama sent me roses! Somebody pinch me quick to make sure I’m not dreaming! Is this real? Mama thought of me? She could have given them to anybody! But she gave them to me, wow! Mama sent me twenty-four beautiful roses—roses given to her on Valentine’s Day! This is pretty incredible! I’m overwhelmed!
[Note: The Summit staff presented Mama with 24 roses on Valentine’s Day, as a token of love from everyone in attendance at the Summit. Mama had them in her room, and then set them in a vase by her and Peter’s chairs during the commitment ceremony for the CROs. The following day she sent them to Mary (of Adam), in Bangkok, who didn’t attend the Summit.]
By Emmy (SGA), Mideast
One time when we sang He Was a Brave Pioneer for the last song of our inspiration, Mama started crying and praying for all of us and all of the wonderful Family pioneers, thanking and praising the Lord and pouring out her heart to Him. She never ceases to do the humble thing in every situation, loving the Lord with intimate words in public, singing in tongues and countless other things. It shows how much she loves the Lord and practices what the Lord is showing us.
By Marie Claire (SGA), Japan
During my time here I had a few talks with Mama, and each time Mama passed on some prophecies that she’d asked one of her channels to receive for me, which was so special and such an encouragement to me. In one of those prophecies the Lord was asking me to make some big changes in my life, some of which were pretty monumental. Although the Lord had been working in my life up until that point and had given me other prophecies, both personally and through Mama about the need for this change, this particular prophecy was more specific and therefore more difficult to take. Actually, although changes are difficult for me, it was wonderful news, and I was so touched by it and by the Lord and Mama and Peter’s love for me.
Sweet Mama was so concerned about me, though, that the next day she sent someone to ask me to go up to her room, as she wanted to check on me and make sure I was okay. Again the day after that, she asked me to come up to her room, and she sat with me and talked with me, encouraging me, telling me how proud she was of me, and praying for me.
Mama was very, very busy this Summit, as she was having talk time and prayer time with everyone here. And the times that she wasn’t, she was reading our reactions and letters to her, as well as all the prophecies that the Lord was giving through her channels and through us about all the changes and things that we were here to discuss. So it was just so overwhelmingly touching to me for her to take these times with me.
By Adam (FGA), Thailand
One very practical example of the Folks’ love and consideration was one free day when they were catching a tuk-tuk [local transport, an open-air three-wheeled vehicle] to town, they so considerately brought the tuk-tuk back to the camp, just in case there was anyone else who would like to go in to town at that time. And they wanted to be sure that they didn’t take a tuk-tuk that had been meant for another team or that another team could also use.
By Emmy (SGA), Mideast
Besides being full of life and excitement, Mama was also very concerned and caring. I was four months pregnant at the time, and she was so concerned about every little detail—that I had enough to eat and drink, that I wasn’t standing out in the rain, that I was going to wear my seatbelt in the car, that I wasn’t working too hard. She even talked with the driver and asked him to make sure that we stopped whenever I needed to use the bathroom or get snacks or water. During the Summit, whenever she would see me she would stop to ask how I was feeling, if I had enough snacks to last me through the meeting, and she shared her healthy pudding snack with me.
By Adam (FGA), Thailand
[To Mama:] Thank you for the wonderful blessing of being able to accompany you on your shopping trip. Your sample of being saving in your shopping and always giving a tract to each one we met or connected with, always remembering to pray for people or situations that came up, continually confirmed in my heart that you are everything I had always thought you to be. I am not a very touching type of person, which I’ve tried for years to do better in, but riding close to you in the taxi and the way you held my arm and my hand and the hugs I received from you made me feel so fantastic. It really makes me want to change and to be that way more with others.
By Stephen (FGA), Japan
I said that I wasn’t nervous around [Mama] but actually I was, just one time—when at the end of our personal time she handed me some prophecies regarding the areas that I need to make progress in. I was expecting to receive some prophecies and even looking forward to them, but as soon as I saw the printout I got nervous and started thinking, Here comes the coercion by prophecy, as some detractors put it! Ha!
I got discouraged a bit when I read them. But the fact is that I knew every instruction and correction in the prophecies was absolutely right, and I had no difficulty believing them as being from the Lord. There were some minor points that weren’t so clear to me, so I asked the Lord about them and He gave me clear explanations. I also knew that Mama gave me those prophecies only because she wants to help me, and yes, they were and still are very helpful! I thank God for that. All those who didn’t like to be controlled by prophecy and rejected the Lord’s counsel for them don’t know what they are missing!
Before she gave me the prophecies, she tried to help me understand that it’s good to make mistakes because they make us humble, cause us to lean on the Lord more, etc. She even read some sweet things the Lord said to me from the same prophecies before handing me the printout, at the risk of hurting her eyes. Sweet Mama! Actually I found it harder to believe the commendations from the Lord than to believe His corrections. He certainly loves me with unconditional love, and Mama shows the same love with her every word and deed!
By Emmy (SGA), Mideast
Before our trip to the site, Mama said, You know what I’d like to ask you to do, besides fellowshipping and anything else you guys want to talk about could you take some time to pray for the different aspects of the Summit and see if the Lord has anything to say? Her connection and close relationship with the Lord is so clear and obvious in the way that she communes with the Lord during her meetings, through inspiration, and in the other things I saw her do.
You can tell that she really has faith in the words the Lord gives. Every meeting we’d walk away from we’d have a new list of questions to ask the Lord. When she had talk time with me, I left with a list of ten questions to ask the Lord—and these were all questions that she got from reading over prophecies that I had received or that were received for me.
By Stephen (FGA), Japan
Towards the end of the Summit, we were called to see Mama individually, because she wanted to make sure that she saw everyone and personally said goodbye before parting. When she must have been already very busy! She is so giving.
It was raining that day, but her sweet smile was like a ray of sunshine. She prayed for me and gave me some encouraging words, then handed me a personal letter to my mate. Mama and Peter didn’t want our mates back home to feel left out, and so they wrote a personal letter to each of them. I was so touched by her love and concern that as I walked outside back to my room my eyes were as moist as the air around me.
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
During my personal time with Mama, we walked together on the beach talking and then also went and sat up in her living room. Mama has so much faith and a heavenly, godly perspective on things. It’s really supernatural! I was pouring out my heart to Mama about some personal battles, but by the time I was through talking with her, I was really thankful for these battles, because she was so positive and pointing out the blessings and things I had to gain through it.
I really like Mama’s straightforwardness. She’s just so natural about the things of the spirit and asks questions like, How do you feel you are doing with overcoming bitterness? or Have you asked the Lord about that? and so many things like that.
I sometimes try to go about talking about the spiritual aspect of my life with others in a roundabout way as I don’t want to appear too spiritual or whatever, but Mama is incredibly natural about these spiritual things and so heavenly minded.
By Crystal (FGA), India
When we are walking on the beach and we see Mama passing by having talk time with someone, we don’t want to disturb her talk time so we walk on past without looking at them. But when we pass, she calls out something like Yoo hoo, so we turn around and she’s there waving at us with a big smile and blowing a kiss. Boy, it makes me feel so cared for and loved and touched in a special way.
By Oli (SGA), Africa
It’s been incredible to see Mama so active!—She’s a real, live, walking, talking, miraculous answer to the Family’s prayers! One thing that impressed upon me how truly miraculous this has been was that during my walk and talk with Mama her eyes were hurting quite badly due to a five-minute video clip of the Family we had all watched together the evening before, and as a result she had to keep her eyes shut during most of our walk with me guiding her. I realized what a daily battle and miracle it’s been that she’s been able to be here at the Summit with us all. And not only has she been here but she’s been going non-stop, spending walk and talk time with people, counseling folks, asking the Lord for messages for situations and individuals, leading meetings, keeping so very in tune with all that’s going on, etc.
By Joy (SGA), Europe
Over the first couple of weeks at the Summit I had sent Mama a number of different prophecies the Lord had given me regarding areas in my personal life that I needed to improve in, as well as His answers to various questions I had asked Him, prophecies full of a lot of personal shepherding from Jesus. Some of these prophecies were pretty long, so with Mama being busy having personal times with each of us (sometimes till very late at night), I didn’t expect her to thoroughly listen to all the prophecies that I had sent her. In fact, I wondered if she’d have time to listen to them at all.
However, when the time came for me to have personal time with her I was surprised as we sat down together that she had a whole list in her notebook of notes she had taken from the prophecies I had sent her, solutions the Lord had given to my questions, and so on. There were times during our talk that she would ask me a question about something she had heard from one of my prophecies and I couldn’t even remember the exact counsel the Lord had given on the subject (oops!) yet she seemed to know all the details, and asked me about them, having so much faith in what the Lord had given me.
Experiencing this made me feel her great love and concern for each of us, as dear Mama knew so much about me personally. It also impressed upon me how much she believes and stands on what the Lord says. As we talked she didn’t just give her own counsel, but kept referring back to what the Lord had told me.
I also saw how I often miss the changes the Lord wants to bring about in my life through the things that He gives me due to my lack of expectancy, faith, and thoroughly studying what He gives me. I’ll often ask the Lord about something and then read through the prophecy once and then go on without making His counsel a part of my life. After spending time with Mama, I began to realize that receiving personal shepherding from the Lord is not just taking the time to hear from Him, feeling encouraged and going on, but taking His Words as clear instruction, studying them, going back to Him with further questions until those things have become part of my life and I have made the changes that the Lord wants to bring through them.
By the way, I’d like to add that I talked with Mama till about 12:30 a.m., and dear Mama never showed any sign of tiredness. She was full of faith, cheerful, very interested, and making sure that we found the Lord’s solutions to my battles or concerns. She laughed a lot and made me feel that at that moment I was truly important to her and the Lord. I left our talk time together feeling lighter, and not tired at all myself.
By Steven (FGA), Thailand
One of the things that I thought was the most amazing and moving thing that took place here was one evening during an inspiration, when Mama challenged everybody to try to sing to Jesus in tongues and she began singing in this beautiful, melodic, angelic tongue, that mesmerized me at least, and maybe most of us who were in the audience. I don’t know if I have ever actually sung in tongues, lately at least, maybe I did in the past. But I tried it and it was so effortless, taking it from her faith and the Lord’s presence in the room.
I think the fact that Mama is so free and so natural makes it easy for everyone else to relax in the Lord’s presence and lift up our hands and praise and speak in tongues. I am sure it is something that every one of us in the Family needs to be more mindful to do often on a day-to-day basis—lift up our hands in praise, as Mama is such a good sample in doing.
By Crystal (FGA), India
How often do we meet Mama and Peter walking down the street shopping!! Today we did and it was so much fun, just seeing King Peter and Mama browsing around the shops, waving and smiling at all of us passing by.
By Steven (FGA), Thailand
The Summit team heard the news of David (of Josiah and Marianne) graduating in Africa. The day following Mama came down and was talking with everybody and was full of faith and unshakable in her belief that the Lord does all things well, and every word of prophecy was so beautiful and eloquently edifying. It was such an example of faith in the midst of adversity.
By Oli (SGA), Africa
During my talk time with Mama I shared a little something that was very difficult for me to confess to her. She not only went to great lengths to reassure me of her love but she told me how thankful and proud of me she was that I had been honest! This was very encouraging at the time, but as soon as our talk time was over the battles began. I felt under such a barrage of condemnation. The Enemy was telling me that I shouldn’t have shared it, that it wasn’t a major thing, and that I could have just told the Lord about it and He would have forgiven me, but that now I had shared it with Mama, she’d think this was a major problem in my life and would have a hard time trusting me. And on and on it went! I was under such attack that I had to take it to the Lord. He gave beautiful explanations and once again some encouragement to hold on to.
I then proceeded to write Mama a little reaction to our talk, sharing my battles and including the prophecy the Lord had given me, as well as taking the plunge and sharing a few more things that hadn’t come up in our talk together (at this stage I couldn’t make things much worse, ha!). That night was a dance night, which, especially due to these battles, I was not looking forward to so much.—You know, being around so many wonderful people when you feel so lousy! Well, Mama was at the dance and due to the air-conditioning she was in a room adjacent to the main dance room. I was immediately called in for my special dance with Mama, who just held and hugged me and completely melted away all the battles, the fears, the apprehensions. I left that dance feeling complete renewed, the battles gone, and just with a great sense of peace and reassurance.
I’ve often read about Mama’s great love and appreciation of honesty, but experiencing it firsthand was quite something!
By Adam (FGA), Thailand
Attending the Summit has truly been a life-changing experience. Such a wide variety of topics were discussed. Although I knew I wasn’t the most open-minded person in the Family by any means, having been in the Family for 28 years, and lived in many different countries and settings and situations with many different people, I thought I had at least a pretty broad perspective on things, even though my personal opinions can be somewhat narrow-minded at times. But this myth was quickly dispelled, as each meeting was truly a mind-expanding experience.
I would say on the best of days, with my most open-mindedness, I probably had what would compare to about a 90 degree view of any single subject matter, whereas the meetings and the discussions from so many different shepherds, from so many different parts of the world, covered each subject in a full 360-degree circle, and even well beyond this, if that’s possible. I was amazed as I watched Peter conduct the meetings in such a way as to encourage and draw out every single opinion and aspect to the subjects covered, so that no stone was left unturned.
For some reason I thought that most CROs probably had generally the same point of view on most subjects and topics. This proved to be a total fallacy, and as someone so rightly said, when you get forty-something CROs together, you have several hundred opinions.
By Ginny (FGA), USA
Just in general, an observation I made during the meetings where we were reviewing or adjusting Charter rules was how many angles and facets were explored regarding each point. It was fascinating to watch and listen to those representing different parts of the world, different cultures, and different age groups, debating all sides of the elephant. As one person mentioned, We looked at all sides of the elephant and then we turned it upside down and looked some more.
By Leila (SGA), Brazil
During the whole time here one of the main messages the Lord had for us was about spending time with Him and learning to be Marys and not Marthas. One of the main things I have realized while here is how the Lord is able to pour into us no matter what situation we are in. In the past, I had sometimes felt left out when I’d see others of my peers get to go to Summits or when my husband would go and I would stay behind, but coming here has helped me to fully realize how the Lord has a master plan for each of our lives and it’s not like if we don’t get to attend a certain meeting or be in a certain place, we miss out spiritually. Even here at the Summit, spiritually it’s really between each one of us and the Lord, just like at home.
By Phoenix (FGA), Japan
During these meetings, there were totally different mindsets and opinions between the first and second generation with certain issues, just because of the difference in the experiences we have gone through. When everyone was sharing their thoughts and feelings and it even got emotional one time, I did think that our younger generation needed to learn to trust the Lord more about these things. But Peter felt led to let our younger generation speak up about their own feelings and even hurts, in order for us to understand that there are folks in the Family that feel that way, and it was very important for us all to consider that.
This really opened my eyes, that I really need to be more open to what our younger generation has to say, even if I already have some mindset, and I need to hear out what they have to say before we bring it to the Lord together in prayer.
By Stephen (SGA), Europe
—There was a continual use of and dependency on prophecy—for everything.
—Quite a few young people were on every teamwork and from WS as well.
—Seeing how the Folks and the FGA CROs viewed the SGAs, there was no generation gap or feelings of intimidation or seniority. Each showed a genuine interest and respect for our opinions and ideas, as much as other FGAs. There was a unity and bond and solidarity that didn’t matter in age, maturity or title. This made me admire the FGA CROs and the Folks so much. We are younger and have so many things to learn from them, but they accept us and want us to be a part of the highest levels of leadership and decision-making in the Family.
—Each CRO showed a loving concern and interest in the needs of their fields. When making changes in policy or anything for the Family, the question was continually asked: How will this affect the single moms, the children, the young people, the nationals, the older folks, those on difficult fields?—And so on.
—Mama didn’t attend the meetings covering policy, Charter amendments, and the board structure. Peter led these meetings with all in attendance, but he led them exactly like the Letter Good Executive advises. He got us to share ideas, he helped those who had a harder time presenting their suggestions and points, and he balanced out those who gave stronger presentations by presenting other sides. I can only think of a few times in all the meetings we had where Peter even gave his personal opinion! He just let us be the speakers and helped to conduct the final voting. The Folks want what’s best for the Family, and the Folks wanted to hear how we saw things and how things would affect our fields. The love they have for each Family member comes through even in a top leadership meeting.
By Marco (SGA), Mideast
I was always a bit intimidated by the thought of being around so much leadership at one time. I thought that they would all be special people and probably really close to the Lord and consequently not super easy to relate to for an average, normal person like myself. When I met them I found out that they were all special people and they did have a good connection with the Lord. But the thing that made them really special was that they were at the same time normal Family members in their perception of themselves. They didn’t think of themselves as special and I found it very easy to connect with them because they were all very humble people.
By Mike D. (SGA), Mideast
At the time of writing it’s been about three weeks since I’ve returned home from the Summit and I’ve come out of the bubble stage. Now it’s back to reality and my normal ministry, but I think I’m still a little bit in awe about everything, and the fact that I was blessed to attend.
There was so much sweetness and affection between everyone, not just in words but in deeds. Granted, everyone was out of their typical surroundings and the bustle and pressure that they’re faced with on a day-to-day basis. But I have to give credit where credit is due, and that’s what this is for.
I’m not saying that there were never any differences; I’m sure there were. There were members of both generations converging from all corners of the globe; by my count, those who attended live in at least 13 different countries. The CROs represent the Family and the works in their areas, and of course this means that what would be best for one area might very well be the complete opposite for another, but it sure looked to me that everyone was going forward, moving and working together in the Lord’s Spirit to do what He’s asking of them and the Family.
Each of the CROs came across so meek and humble. I would look around and see everyone—each of them top Family leaders, experts in their fields, all very smart and talented—and I’d start to wonder, What in the world am I doing here? But never once did I feel that kind of reaction coming from any of the CROs. The majority of casual contact that I had with the CROs was either during mealtimes and get-outs and everyone was so natural and normal, certainly no airs or pretenses.
By Praise (FGA), Thailand
We [the staff] spent weeks planning and organizing the trips to bring all the attendees to the site of the Summit. We went over every possible scenario, trying to make sure no one was stranded at the airport. We thought every eventuality was covered. However, the particular trip that I was on somehow ended up with a couple of additional people, and there was one factor we had overlooked—luggage. After all the suitcases, laptops, winter coats, and miscellaneous bags were in the van, and piled on the roof rack, it turned out that there were not enough seats for everyone.
During the four-hour drive, with ten people squished into seven seats, and some tall CROs scrunched up with their knees to their chins in the small Asian van, I got the first impression of how sweet, precious, humble, unassuming, appreciative, and praiseful the CROs were. Mind you, this was arriving in 30-plus degrees centigrade, 90 percent humidity, after a sleepless night and spending 14 to 16 hours packed in economy class flights from the cold north—and still dressed in their winter woolies!
By Thai Anna (FGA), Thailand
When I was first asked to go and help at the Summit I had mixed feelings. I was inspired and challenged about the blessing of being a part of this monumental event, but on the other hand I was a bit nervous and apprehensive, as I’ve never been around so much leadership at one time for a long period of time. I was there to help on the staff with cooking, shopping, communicating with the hotel staff, and so on.
When the time came, I found out everyone was so sweet, simple and loving. They made it so easy for us, the staff, to be good and were so encouraging the whole time we were there. You can see that they really work hard and put in long hours, discussing and praying about what will benefit the Family, but they do know how to enjoy themselves also in simple ways, like having yummy food, dancing, playing, and so on. Sometimes you could hear peals of laughter from the dish line as they joked and had fun with each other. Just seeing how they were willing to help in any way they could to make our job easier was a real sample of true humility.
Now I’m back at my desk doing translating and my ministry, and I’m fighting to put in to practice all that I saw and learned there in my personal life.
By Mike D. (SGA), Mideast
Something that impressed me was the way that everyone put their hearts into the meal cleanups. The way the schedule worked, each [CRO] teamwork did lunch and dinner dishes once a week (NACRO split in two for this, and the staff was the seventh team), and everyone wholeheartedly did their jobs, whether it was slop wash, sweeping or whatever, even going so far as to take people’s plates from the table and wash them themselves.
Of course, despite our best intentions, there were bound to be a few screw-ups upon occasion, such as the meals being late, the laundry schedule not really flowing (sometimes there was quite a backlog or several days before people got their laundry back), network problems, the shredder overheating on the last day (you should have seen the reams of paper to be shredded!) or even the slow connections of the upcountry Thailand Internet connection being shared by so many people at the same time. I would think that there would have been frustrations for some people, and probably there were, but that never came across.
Last but not least, I want to say how our job as staff was made easy by so many people, not the least of which were Mama and Peter, who were constantly making sure that we weren’t doing too much and finding ways to cut down our workload.
Everyone was so appreciative of what we did and had no qualms about expressing it. I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t thank each one of us staff members for the job that we were doing. One night when the staff wasn’t available for our turn on dinner dishes, one of the NACRO teams did it for us. Another of the CRO areas took the ten of us out for dinner (thanks, SACRO, we all had a great time), and just in general everyone was so good to us.
By Praise (FGA), Thailand
Something that touched my heart in a very special way was how the CROs brought us into their circle of friendship, making each of us feel that there indeed was no Greek nor Jew, male or female, CRO or staff. And by the end of the Summit I felt I was close to each and every one in some way, through working on some project together, or having a little talk time on free day, a lesson shared or an interesting conversation at the dining table, a walk on the beach, get out, or from doing a fun activity together, not to mention the many hugs and inspiring interactions throughout each day.
As an FGA I was also very, very impressed by the SGA CROs—their love, dedication, simplicity, openness, honesty, and sincerity. It was easy to understand why the Lord has called them and chosen them for their big jobs. Being around them I was totally at ease, and there was no generation gap whatsoever.
By Philip (SGA), USA
Our Family leaders—both those in WS and the CROs—aren’t as wacky (emphasis on as) or out-of-touch as some might think. They have the same needs, problems and desires that the Family has as a whole. They cry, laugh, sing, have battles. And to top it off they have spirit and fight. You should see how they fight for their fields and people. They’re great folks!
By Ado (FGA), USA
Would you like to come to the Summit? read the invitation letter. Your input would be appreciated. Wow! The Summit!! Although I thought it was an honor to be asked to participate in Summit 2001, I was a little scared. I’d never attended a Summit before, and didn’t know what to expect other than what had been pubbed about them. Although I enjoy talking and giving my opinions, somehow I wasn’t exactly jumping up and down with joy at the thought of attending the Summit with WS and CRO leadership gathered from around the world for a month of meetings. Only days before departure I even contemplated calling the CRO who had sent me the invitation and canceling. But, here I am writing this as the Summit draws to a close, and thankfully, I can wholeheartedly say, I’m glad I came.
I have been thrilled to see Family government in action. I have always been fascinated about the functions of government and how laws are made. I thought that the Family at large would also be very interested in this aspect of Family government. Somebody should write something to describe to the Family all about this wonderful happening, I suggested. But rather than having busy WS do it, I will attempt to put it in my own words.
After a few days of introduction to the meeting site, the business at hand, and the various procedures of how the Summit was going to work, it all began. We were each given nearly 500 pages of devotional material to read which kept us busy in between the six hours spent daily in meetings. Monday through Saturday were considered work days. Two meetings were held each day, each meeting three hours long. Some were group meetings of all the CROs and WS personnel, and others were smaller subcommittees or CRO teamworks. Apparently, as questions or reports regarding the Charter or Family policies in general come into WS via the CRO offices, they are compiled and sent around to the CROs worldwide for their input. Here at the Summit these questions and the CRO comments are turned into proposed Charter amendments or discussion points given to subcommittees.
The subcommittees (there were six of them) consisted of one or two members from each of the five worldwide CRO teamworks. Each committee had four or five meetings to discuss and pray about the points they were given and then present their conclusions to the body of CROs and WS.
It was in these large group meetings that the action really got hot. I often sat in amazement as CROs and WS personnel first of all asked the subcommittee questions to clarify their decision. Then when the floor was open for debating, things got real exciting. The proposals were examined from top to bottom, thoroughly dissected and put under a microscope from every angle in order to see how each would impact the Family Homes worldwide.
The CROs were very faithful to represent their fields, their countries, and the Homes in their area. There were CROs from the east and the west, from the north and from the south, from rich western countries and poorer developing nations. There were young twenty-something CROs, older mid-fifties CROs, male and female, liberal and conservative, and just about everything in between. But what inspired me the most was that they each had conviction to speak up about what they felt regarding each proposal.
In these meetings some delicate and sensitive topics were discussed, like the sex guidelines, alcohol quotas, education of our children, ex-com rules, pubs, future Family expansion, and much more. Everyone had the opportunity to speak and share his or her point of view. At times some spoke with great passion, emotion, or were just funny. But the overall discussion, after all was said and done, came down to How will this proposal affect the Family? How will it affect the Homes our young people our FGAs our children? These questions were repeated over and over, after almost every proposal or discussion.
Now, I’ve heard both current and former members talk about the Family Rules being made by Mama and Peter, as if there was some dictum sent down from on high. Well, that ain’t so. Although the subcommittee presentations began with Peter sitting with the CROs, when the debating began, it was obvious that his presence was needed up front to guide the debate and to keep things orderly. A few points took a full three hours to cover, and final decisions were not always unanimous. It was inspiring to watch as Peter tried to keep the discussions on course and the points clear.
An interesting thing that several CROs mentioned to me is that it was difficult to tell what Peter’s opinion was on the matter, because he would summarize both sides of the issue before a vote. Oftentimes Peter would present the opposite viewpoint of an issue just to see how a certain argument would stand.
The voting was interesting. Often a straw vote was taken just to see the general leading of the body. And if it was split too closely, the debating would continue until it got closer to a unanimous vote. Even then, if there were only a few dissenting votes on a matter, Peter specifically asked those individuals to give their reasons why they felt differently.
Believe me when I say that these CROs are not pushovers. They are definitely not yes men. Each had his or her opinions, thoughts, and feelings about the proposal, and they weren’t afraid to present them. Granted there were some more involved in certain aspects of Family life than others, or those who were more vocal about a topic that they were more familiar with than another, but, generally speaking, each had a great concern about each proposal or topic.
After each presentation, the proposed Charter amendments that got approved were sent back to the subcommittee to finalize the wording. Then each point of discussion or Charter amendment that was put to a vote was also passed on to several of the CROs for prayer and prophecy to ask Jesus for His vote.
I wish there was a way that all the Family members worldwide could get a glimpse of these discussions. I believe it would inspire their faith in the Family and their CROs to see how our Family nation is governed. However, like a worldly government can’t have everyone attend the law-making sessions in legislature or parliament, it is not feasible for all Family members to participate in such deliberations. Thankfully, though, all Family members and all Family Homes, no matter what countries or continents they are in, were faithfully represented by their CROs and WS personnel. It would behoove each of us to pray for our dear CROs, as they carry such a heavy load and have strong convictions and concern for their areas.
With all the prayer, discussion, and voting on these important issues, I’m sure the Lord will successfully lead and guide our Family into this era of action.
By Crystal (FGA), India
I wrote a little log of my interactions, thoughts, and impressions of my encounters with Mama and Peter.
We [the staff] spent the past six days cleaning up the kitchen, rooms, and compound getting ready for the meetings. Very hard work, but lovely surroundings, which makes it quite pleasant actually.
January 14th, 7 PM. I met Mama and Peter personally! She was so sweet; she made me feel so at ease around her. Considering she’s our queen, she was meek and humble and very personable. She talked most of the time, making it easy for me, because she probably knew I was feeling nervous. She even thanked me and said how privileged she was to be here and to meet me. So humble and unassuming, it was amazing. She held my hand the whole time and was wonderful. I didn’t feel even the tiniest bit nervous.
She said that she felt she has known me for a long time, and then she said, Of course I’ve known you for a long time. She was trying to remember if she had received a prophecy from me or not. I was amazed because I thought that they would just be thanking people generally for their prophecies, but she actually knew that she didn’t remember receiving mine.
Dear Peter also was very sweet and hugged me two times—so cuddly! What a privilege being here and not only being around the CROs but also Mama and Peter and their staff.
In talking to Michael (from WS) at the table, he mentioned to us that it would be good for us all to make the most out of this time, to be sucking in spirit and drawing from the spiritual riches, even just being around the place, so that’s my prayer right now.
January 15th. There was a meeting for everyone in the meeting hall and we were all invited. It was special because Mama came in, and when she entered she said, Well, you can all take a good look at me now, because you won’t see any bare skin for long, because I’ll have to start putting on my sweaters right away! It was an air-conditioned room. She was dressed in a small singlet [summer top] with no bra and it was quite revealing. She was bubbly and excited and talkative. You were just transfixed to see her talking and interacting with everyone. So sweet. She has such a spirit of calmness and liveliness, but also seriousness of spirit, really drawing and sucking for anything the Lord has for her at any time.
This is not to minimize the impact of dear King Peter. He’s majestic in many ways. You can see he loves Mama and is happy she’s here with him. He’s funny and direct and very sweet in his presentation.
I saw Mama again today. She was wearing a very cute wicker cap, turned up at the edges. She had dark glasses on and cute Indian-style clothing—most of her clothing is loose and free. She walked up to some of the delegates after her walk and talked for a while—very natural. She is sweet and always seeing the need.
Joy lost her wedding ring today. It flew off her hand when she was playing volleyball. Mama was nearby and noticed, as we were all searching and combing through the sand to try to find it. Mama had gone, but then someone came back and Mama had called for Joy and she sat talking with her, obviously concerned about how she felt about having lost her wedding ring. I walked by, not wanting to disturb their conversation, but Mama called out and cheerfully said hello to me by name and then she carried on talking to dear Joy.
(Praying about my day today:) Jesus, I’m just so thankful for the beautiful dance night last night, for being able to love my brothers and sisters, for interacting and taking time with them. I’m especially thankful for Mama and Peter taking time and dancing with me. They were both very precious and I felt loved inside. It was towards the end of the evening; I was sitting with Steven, as he wasn’t able to dance [he had a sprained ankle]. I saw Peter walking towards me and holding out his hand in such a gentlemanly way! Boy, was that a thrill—to go onto the dance floor with him. It was beautiful taking time dancing with Peter. I felt Your love, Jesus. I felt like a little baby nesting up in Your arms. He was touching my face and hair; it was sweet and gentle and I loved it. I know You love me, Jesus, and I thank You for that unconditional love. Peter said he was sorry he didn’t talk much during our dance, but in not saying anything, it spoke loud and it reached right into my heart—his love, tenderness and care. We danced for two dances and I was just flying high in Your and his arms. Oh, the first thing he said to me was he thought I was an SGA and he said that it might encourage me, ha!
Dancing with Mama was truly a wonderful experience for me. Misty told me I was going next into the room, so I had someone pray for me that I would be an encouragement to Mama and it would be an anointed time. She was quite delicate and I pray I wasn’t holding her too tightly. I had my face next to her neck by her hair and we hugged each other quite closely all the way through the dance. She had a very thin shirt on with nothing on underneath and I think it was see-through. There were candles in the dimly lit room and the bed had a glass piece on it, with a candle in the middle. I prayed for her and thanked the Lord for her, for healing her eyes, for her sacrifices, for staying up late, for the opportunity to be here at this time, for His love for us. She then prayed a very sweet prayer for me, thanking the Lord for me and for all I’ve been through in my life, for being willing to stay in India and I can’t remember what else.
She said that she was thankful I hadn’t cut my hair, that I had still kept it long. We were both crying together and I’m sorry if I hurt her eyes, but I couldn’t help it. At the end of the dance we both had tissues, and then she looked me in the eyes and said I had a sweet or gentle spirit or something like that.—I can’t remember now. I came out feeling like I was walking on a cloud.
On the way out, I met up with Peter again and he thanked me for the dance and wished me good night. Rebecca came and said I looked lovely, and I know it was only because I had the privilege of being there with them and every other precious Family member. What a privilege.
February 10th. I’ve just come back from being with Mama and Peter and having dinner with them. What an experience that was! It was my secret prayer that we would be able to do that, as the CROs did, but at the same time I knew how busy they had been and I didn’t want to be too greedy, but all the same it was my secret prayer! Anyway, the Lord worked it out and I’m so thankful! They took a picture of us all together, but I doubt I’ll ever get to see that, but it was nice to know that we do have one together and we can see it in Heaven, ha!
They are both so in love with each other, lifting each other up, preferring the other, being sensitive to each other’s needs and leadings of the Spirit. They are also natural and normal together, sitting at the head of the table, talking about odds and ends, thanking us and just being very human and loving! Again, they make you feel like you are a part of them and that we’re all special to them. (End of Crystal’s log)
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