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Seung Hwa Ceremony for Dr. John Didsbury Rick McInerheney National Director, FFWPU Australia
Some 300 attended the church for the service which included many moving testimonies, including John's 2 brothers, who recounted stories of John growing up, highlighting his love of life, mischievous ways and a boyhood full of adventure. We heard how, when John met the movement and didn't come back to New Zealand from the USA, the family had a hard time dealing with it. Then, after John and Leona came back years later with their beautiful family, the Didsburys began to open their hearts to the movement and now realize how good it has been for John. John's younger brother Peter, a doctor himself who took care of John till the end, tearfully testified how moved he has been by John's children, who have been caring so deeply for him in the last 8 months since he was diagnosed with cancer. Others to offer tributes to John's exemplary life included Sir Peter Tapsell, former Speaker of the House of Parliament in NZ, Ambassador of Peace Rev. Iosefa, treasured friends Steve Osborne and Rev. Palu, and Geoff Prentice who did a masterful job as MC. The children sang songs, offered bows to their father, Leona joining them for a rousing Bob Marley tune (John is a big fan). It was very emotional, very beautiful spirit, a celebration of a life truly dedicated to God and living for others. As one speaker said "John walked the talk." Dr. Kwak and Dr. Yong sent lovely words of recognition of John's achievements as well as support for the family, Dr Yong sending a plaque proclaiming John an "Ambassador of Peace" in the Spirit World. After the burial, we went to a church hall, had tea and coffee, and had fellowship together. The atmosphere was very high and very beautiful.
That night I was grateful to be able to spend time with the family, whom I have had a privilege to become close to over many years. The closeness and love in their family is the greatest achievement of this great couple. The guitar came out and we sang into the night. John was there with us, everything was peaceful, even joyous, everyone comforted knowing life will go on and we will all be closer through this experience of losing John from this earth. There is a knowing that he is at peace and will carry on working for the Providence in Oceania to bring glory to God and our True Parents. Rev. Tanaka came with me. He has made a nice photo attachment. I will share more photos with you all later on. It was a day I will never forget, truly John's life and his family is a victory of love and a testimony to the validity of our way of life. |
It was my great privilege to represent the Australian
Blessed Family community at the Seung Hwa Ceremony for Dr. John Didsbury
(1950-2005)
held in Auckland on Monday 18th April.