A Light in Dark Times: Peace Starts With Me Virtual Rally a Counter Message of Hope

A Message of Hope and Unity Resonates Across Social Platforms: Peace Starts With Me Virtual Rally

On August 1, a powerful message of hope and unity filled social media as thousands joined the Peace Starts With Me: The Reconciliation of All People Virtual Rally. This inspiring two-hour event, hosted by Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA President Rev. Demian Dunkley, featured uplifting performances by renowned musical artists and moving messages from faith leaders. Among the keynote speakers were Bishop Noel Jones, pastor of City of Refuge megachurch; civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump; and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the FFWPU and Mother of Peace.

Bishop Noel Jones emphasized the urgent need for peace in today's world, stating, "God challenges us at this time to bring universal peace to all humanity. ‘Peace Starts With Me’ is a powerful message needed at this time." He reflected on the divine legacy of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, whose mission for world peace was born from a deep, enduring faith.

A Global Movement for Peace

Since its inception in 2017, Peace Starts With Me has grown into a global movement, uniting people from all walks of life. Led by Dr. Moon, the movement aims to break down barriers of race, religion, and nationality, fostering reconciliation and unity. During the virtual rally, Bishop Jones urged everyone to follow God's call for oneness, stating, "Humanity has drifted farther from God, and peace cannot be realized through human effort alone. It starts with each of us."

Bishop Jones shared biblical passages and reminded attendees that peace is not only a personal responsibility but a divine mission. He encouraged faith leaders to come together and embrace spiritual freedom, offering wisdom and solutions to the world's problems through open dialogue and cooperation.

High-Energy Performances and Personal Stories of Peace

The virtual rally also showcased energizing musical performances from past Peace Starts With Me events. Notable artists included gospel singer Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Christian rock band Citizen Way, and Wess Morgan, who performed from his home. Eliana Rapada, a young participant from New Jersey, shared her enthusiasm for the movement: "I’m ready to feel that experience again. We can unite, forgive, love, and treat each other with respect."

A Call to Unity in Challenging Times

During the rally, Rev. Dunkley highlighted the importance of unity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised Dr. Moon as a powerful leader who continues to bring people together in the pursuit of peace. "The Mother of Peace is reminding us that we have the blessing and responsibility to create a heavenly peaceful world," he said.

Footage from Dr. Moon's 2018 speech at the Peace Starts With Me: Healing America event in New York was also shared. In her message, Dr. Moon spoke of reconciliation as the path to world peace, urging us to overcome the walls of religion, race, and ideology. "For more than 6,000 years, God’s dream and humanity’s hope has been heaven on earth," she said. "Let us build it with our own hands!"

A Shared Responsibility for Peace

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, also spoke during the rally, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of division. "We have to find a way to stay united, and that requires God," he said, underscoring the importance of faith in achieving peace.

The rally concluded with a panel of faith leaders discussing spirituality, black health, and reconciliation. Donations were encouraged to support communities affected by COVID-19. Bishop Noel Jones closed with a powerful call to action, saying, "We were born for this season, raised for this season, and anointed for this season. Let us go forth in the spirit of peace and love."

Join the Peace Starts With Me movement today and watch the full virtual rally here. Together, we can make a difference and build a peaceful world for all.