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Intercultural Mosaics Fall 2024 Schedule

Discover the Intercultural Mosaics for Fall 2024! Join us from September 7th to December 14th for a vibrant selection of classes and activities.

Zoom meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at https://zoom.us/j/589676463. Here’s the schedule:

Zoom Meetings on the 2nd and the 4th Fridays

• 4 pm: Advanced Korean with Stephen

• 5 pm: Intermediate Conversational Chinese with Sam

• 6 pm: Intermediate Conversational Japanese with Mutsumi

• 7 pm: Beginning Chinese with Jane

• 8 pm: Bible Study and Meditation with Stephen

For in-person gatherings, meet us every Saturday on the 2nd floor of Phoenix Hall, Davis Community Church:

• 3 pm: Tai Chi with Daniel (North Room)

• 3 pm: Beginning Korean with Stephen (Youth Room)

• 4 pm: Intermediate Korean with Stephen (Youth Room)

• 4 pm: Beginning Spanish with Viviana (North Room)

• 4 pm: Acoustic Guitar with Chad (Library)

• 5 pm: Beginning French with Seth (North Room)

• 5 pm: Spanish Singing with Phillip (Library)

• 5 pm: Beginning Japanese with Norio (Youth Room)

• 6 pm: Mosaics Dinner Fellowship (2nd Floor)

• 7 pm: Watercolor & Acrylic Painting Art Group with Zhannur (Youth Room)

• 7 pm: English Learners Group with Linda & Chad (Library)

• 7 pm: Bible Study and Meditation Group with Stephen (Youth Room)

• 8 pm: Mosaics Activities (2nd Floor)

For more details about Mosaics Intercultural Classes and Activities, visit www.nextg.org or contact Dr. Stephen Moon at 916-217-5470 (cell) or email catalyst@nextg.org. Thank you for your interest!

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Mosaics Intercultural Event: Japanese Sushi Night

Mosaics Intercultural Event: Japanese Sushi Night

Join us for an evening of cultural immersion and culinary delight on August 17, 2024. Experience and enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes prepared by Chéf Grace and her kitchen crew.

  • Date: August 17, 2024, 6 pm
  • Place: 2nd Floor, Phoenix Hall, DCC

Schedule:

• 6:00 PM: Dinner Fellowship
Enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes prepared by Chéf Grace.

• 7:00 PM: Karaoke Time

Details:

• Dinner Menu: Chéf Grace will prepare Japanese soba noodles, mixed tempuras, salads, miso soups, and various Japanese side dishes and desserts.

Suggested Donation: $10+ to cover the cost of sashimi.

For more information and to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1223866461995916

Contact Information:
Dr. Stephen Moon
Phone: 916-217-5470
Email: catalyst@nextg.org

Thank you!

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Mosaics Annual Report

Mosaics Annual Report

Intercultural Mosaics (www.nextg.org) is a New Worshiping Community sponsored by Davis Community Church. Led by the Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon and supported by the hospitality gifts of Grace Moon, Mosaics is moved by a love of Christ and aims to bring new, fresh expressions of the Body of Christ to meet the spiritual needs of Millennials and Gen Zers. The goal is to transform these individuals for Christ’s ministries of justice, peace, healing, and environmental stewardship.

Shift in Focus: Over time, and especially during the pandemic, the Spirit has shifted and expanded our focus. Initially centered on Millennials and Gen Zers, our ministry now embraces a multi-ethnic and cross-cultural approach. While we remain intentional about addressing the spiritual needs of Millennials and Gen Zers, our primary focus has evolved to intercultural ministry. This shift has also brought a geographic widening, allowing us to connect with participants from other states and countries.

Mosaics’ Influence and Success: At Mosaics, we define a thriving church by its impact and influence rather than mere numerical growth. We believe true influence originates from personal transformation within individuals, which then radiates outward to impact others. As a vibrant missional hub, Mosaics has the potential to evolve into a movement, fostering a spiritual ecosystem for struggling churches.

Pandemic and Current Engagement: Before the pandemic, our outreach efforts connected with over 1,500 attendees, welcoming 3-7 new visitors each week. During the pandemic, we swiftly adapted, engaging with over 1,000 individuals through Zoom, with 75-100 dedicated participants attending Mosaics Zoom classes weekly from February 2020 to February 2024. Our engagement is richly diverse, with 200 active members representing 25 different ethnicities across multiple generations.

Intercultural Growth and Connection: As of June 30, 2024, Mosaics has facilitated dynamic meetups, attracting 2,879 registered participants and orchestrating an impressive 5,595 events to date. Our online presence flourishes, with a website boasting 48,884 subscribers and a vibrant Facebook Group with 300 active members. As we pursue expansion, we anticipate welcoming over 150 new participants in 2024-2025, embracing both virtual and in-person avenues of connection.

Gratitude to Davis Community Church: Mosaics is deeply grateful for all that Davis Community Church provides to Intercultural Mosaics: facilities, staff support, pastoral support, financial resources, and abundant prayer and encouragement.

By celebrating the past year’s achievements and looking forward to the future, Mosaics continues to thrive as a beacon of intercultural and cross-generational spiritual growth.

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A Decade of Journey: Intercultural Mosaics Statistics Update

A Decade of Journey: Intercultural Mosaics Statistics Update as of April 30, 2024

Mosaics Influence and Success:

• Our definition of a thriving church extends beyond mere numerical growth; it prioritizes impact and influence.

• We believe that true influence originates from personal transformation within individuals before it radiates outward to impact others.

• Mosaics, serving as a vibrant missional hub, has the potential to evolve into a movement by fostering a spiritual ecosystem for struggling churches.

Pandemic and Current Engagement:

• Pre-pandemic, our outreach efforts connected with over 1,500 attendees and warmly received 3-7 new visitors each week.

• Amid the pandemic, we swiftly adapted, engaging with over 1,000 individuals through Zoom, with 75-100 dedicated participants attending Mosaics Zoom classes weekly (February 2020 – February 2024).

• Our engagement is richly diverse, boasting 200 active members representing 25 different ethnicities across multiple generations.

Intercultural Growth and Connection:

• We’ve facilitated dynamic meetups, attracting 2,827 registered participants and orchestrating an impressive 5,451 events to date.

• Our online presence flourishes, with a website boasting 47,060 subscribers and a vibrant Facebook Group with 300 active members.

• As we pursue expansion, we anticipate welcoming over 150 new participants in 2024, embracing both virtual and in-person avenues of connection.

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Mosaics 2024 Spring-Summer Classes

Explore the Intercultural Mosaics for Spring-Summer 2024! Join us from May 10th to August 24th for a diverse array of classes and activities. Zoom meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at https://zoom.us/j/589676463. Here’s the schedule:

Zoom Meetings on the 2nd and the 4th Fridays

• 4 pm: Advanced Korean with Stephen

• 5 pm: Intermediate Conversational Chinese with Sam

• 6 pm: Intermediate Conversational Japanese with Mutsumi & Norio

• 7 pm: Beginning Chinese with Yuhan

• 8 pm: Beginning Vietnamese with Katrina

Additionally, online German Language & Culture (with Honna) Zoom meetings will take place on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 2 pm at the same link.

For in-person gatherings, meet us every Saturday on the 2nd floor of Phoenix Hall, Davis Community Church:

• 3 pm: Tai Chi with Daniel (North Room)

• 3 pm: Beginning Korean with Stephen (Youth Room)

• 4 pm: Intermediate Korean with Stephen (Youth Room)

• 4 pm: Beginning Spanish with Viviana (North Room)

• 4 pm: Acoustic Guitar with Chad (Library)

• 5 pm: Beginning French with Seth (North Room)

• 5 pm: Spanish Singing with Phillip (Library)

• 5 pm: Beginning Japanese with Norio (Youth Room)

• 6 pm: Mosaics Dinner Fellowship (2nd Floor)

• 7 pm: Watercolor & Acrylic Painting Art Group with Zhannur (Youth Room)

• 7 pm: English Learners Group with Linda & Chad (Library)

• 7 pm: Bible Study and Meditation Group with Stephen (Youth Room)

• 8 pm: Mosaics Activities (2nd Floor)

For more details about Mosaics Intercultural Classes and Activities, visit www.nextg.org or contact Dr. Stephen Moon at 916-217-5470 (cell) or email catalyst@nextg.org. Thank you for your interest!

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How to Support Intercultural Mosaics?

How To Support Mosaics?

Sustaining Intercultural Mosaics: Join Us in Making a Difference!

As we navigate the post-pandemic landscape, your assistance is crucial in ensuring the continued success of our ministry. In 2024, we aim to raise $25,000 to sustain and expand our impactful initiatives.

If you share our vision and wish to contribute to the growth of our ministries throughout 2024, consider making a tax-deductible love-offering. Simply write your check(s) payable to “Davis Community Church” with a note specifying “Intercultural Mosaics.” Mail your donation to:

Brett Kersten, Minister of Finance, Davis Community Church (c/o Intercultural Mosaics), 412 C Street, Davis, CA 95616

Please click following “Give Now” button or scan QR Code to give your love-offerings instantly.

Your prayers and financial support mean the world to us.

Thank you for being a crucial part of our journey!

Dr. Stephen Moon #mosaics

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Exciting Opportunity: Join Us in Leading the Digital Media Work Group!

Digital Media Work Group (DMWG), NCCP

Vision Statement: “To pioneer a dynamic digital landscape within the Presbytery, uniting generations through innovative media, fostering deep connections, and nurturing a thriving community where every voice is heard and valued.”

Mission Statement: “The Digital Media Work Group (DMWG) is committed to creating compelling social media content, including group pages and video channels, to support and enhance the worshiping communities and intercultural ministries of NCCP. Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary generations, fostering a more connected, engaged, and spiritually enriched Presbytery community.”

Are you passionate about leveraging digital media to foster community engagement and bridge generational divides? If so, we invite you to be a part of the groundbreaking Digital Media Work Group (DMWG) at the North Central California Presbytery (NCCP). Under the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, the DMWG is poised to revolutionize how we connect with the MZ and Alpha generations, strengthen our Presbytery community, and create meaningful connections through innovative digital media.

The DMWG is an open-ended group dedicated to creating compelling social media content, managing group pages, video channels, and providing vital support to all worshiping communities and intercultural ministries within NCCP. Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary generations, fostering a more connected, engaged, and spiritually enriched Presbytery community.

If you’re ready to dedicate 6 months to 1 year to this exciting initiative, we want to hear from you! Contact Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon at catalyst@nextg.org or 916-217-5470 to learn more and join the movement. Let’s pioneer a dynamic digital landscape together!

For those who are interested in, please connect with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nextgencatalyst and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nextgencatalyst to be a part of DMWG.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact!

Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, Intercultural Mosaics

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How to Cultivating Connections: Building a Thriving Third Culture Community

Intercultural Mosaics is a thriving Third Culture Community.


Creating a third-culture community involves bringing together individuals who share experiences of living in a culture different from their own.

Here are steps you could take to initiate and foster such a community:

1. Identify Potential Members: Reach out to people who have lived or are currently living in a culture different from their own. This could include expatriates, immigrants, international students, or individuals from multicultural backgrounds.

        “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7

        2. Start a Platform: Create an online platform or social media group where individuals can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Platforms like Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or specialized forums can serve as spaces for interaction.

        “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

        3. Organize Events: Host events such as meetups, cultural exchanges, language exchanges, or discussion groups where members can come together in person or virtually. These events provide opportunities for networking, learning, and building relationships.

        “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

        4. Provide Resources: Offer resources and information relevant to the experiences of third-culture individuals, such as tips for adjusting to new cultures, dealing with homesickness, or maintaining connections with multiple cultures.

        “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:26

        5. Encourage Sharing: Create a culture of sharing within the community, where members feel comfortable expressing their experiences, challenges, and successes. This could include storytelling sessions, blog posts, or video testimonials.

        “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29

        6. Facilitate Support Networks: Facilitate connections between members who may share similar backgrounds or experiences, allowing them to support each other through shared challenges and provide advice and encouragement.

        “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

        7. Promote Cultural Exchange: Encourage members to share aspects of their culture with the community through food, music, art, language, or other cultural expressions. This fosters appreciation and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds.

        “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.” – Revelation 7:9

        8. Be Inclusive: Ensure that the community is inclusive and welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. Emphasize the shared experiences that unite members rather than differences that may exist.

        “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” – Colossians 3:11

        9. Seek Collaborations: Explore partnerships with organizations, cultural centers, educational institutions, or businesses that support multiculturalism and may be interested in collaborating on events or initiatives.

        “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

        10. Continuously Engage: Keep the community active and engaged by regularly posting updates, organizing events, and encouraging participation. Actively seek feedback from members to understand their needs and preferences and adapt accordingly.

        “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

          By following these steps and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, you can cultivate a thriving third-culture community where individuals can connect, learn, and find a sense of belonging amidst the complexities of living between cultures.

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          Embracing Third Culture: Lessons from Joseph and Paul

          “Embracing Third Culture: Lessons from Joseph and Paul”

          by Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon

          Scriptures: Genesis 39:1-5; Genesis 50:19-21 | Romans 12:1-2 & Galatians 3:26-28

          Dear Brothers and Sisters,

          Today, let’s talk about two amazing people from the Bible: Joseph and Paul. They can teach us a lot about staying strong, knowing who we are, and sharing God’s love with everyone, no matter where they come from. Their stories offer profound lessons on resilience, identity, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission in the context of Third Culture.

          First, let’s understand what “Third Culture” is. The Third Culture, originally coined by sociologist Ruth Hill Useem in the 1950s, refers to individuals who grow up in a culture different from that of their parents, often due to their parents’ work or migration. These individuals develop a hybrid cultural identity, blending elements from both their parents’ culture and the culture of their upbringing.

          The term emphasizes the unique experiences and perspectives of those who navigate between multiple cultural worlds, often feeling a sense of belonging to neither their parents’ culture nor the culture of their current environment.

          Third Culture individuals could be like someone born to Mexican immigrant parents in a neighborhood mostly populated by Asian families, attending local American schools. This person would have a mix of Mexican, Asian, and American influences, making them a Third Culture person.

          To learn more about Third Culture, let’s look at Joseph’s story in the Bible. Joseph went through some really tough times, but his story shows us how being a mix of different cultures can be a good thing.

          Early Life: Joseph was favored by his father, Jacob, which led to jealousy among his brothers.

          Joseph says to his brothers, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” – Genesis 37:9

          Joseph’s older brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt.

          However, In Genesis 39:2-3, we see that “Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand.”

          Servanthood in Egypt: Joseph ended up in Potiphar’s household, where he excelled, but was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned.

          (Potiphar was an Egyptian official and captain of the guard, serving under Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.)

          This illustrates the importance of having a strong vision supported by faith in our God. Joseph didn’t just have a plan for his life, but he also believed strongly that God would be there for him no matter what.

          Interpretation of Dreams: While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, which later proved accurate.

          Rise to Power: Pharaoh had troubling dreams, and the cupbearer remembered Joseph’s gift. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed, Pharaoh made Joseph second in command over Egypt.

          Reconciliation with Brothers: During the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. They did not recognize him, but Joseph eventually revealed his identity and forgave them.

          Reunion with Family: Joseph orchestrated his family’s relocation to Egypt to survive the famine, ensuring their well-being.

          Legacy: Joseph’s descendants became the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.

          Throughout these events, Joseph’s faith, wisdom, and forgiveness played crucial roles in shaping his life and the destiny of his family.

          Even though Joseph faced many tough times, he never gave up on the dream God had given him. He kept on believing and walking with faith. Living as a Third Culture missionary, he learned to thrive in new places by embracing different cultures. Joseph’s story shows us how powerful it can be to accept and appreciate cultural differences while holding onto our faith.

          In Genesis 50:20, Joseph declares to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.”

          This verse shows how Joseph always trusted that God was in control, and he could see beyond his troubles to achieve something bigger.

          Just like Joseph, there’s a guy named Paul, who used to be called Saul. He was really into following Jewish rules and didn’t like Christians at all. He even agreed to hurt them, like when they stoned Stephen, one of Jesus’ friends and one of 7 deacons of the early church.

          But then, something big happened. While Saul was on his way to persecute more Christians, he met risen Jesus and fell on the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4)

          Following his conversion, Paul took several missionary journeys, spreading the teachings of Jesus throughout the Roman Empire. He established many Christian communities and churches, facing opposition, imprisonment, and persecution along the way.

          This totally changed Saul. He became blind temporarily and received a commission from Jesus to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

          Apostle Paul wrote numerous letters, or epistles, to the early Christian communities he founded or supported. These letters, found in the New Testament, provide theological teachings, guidance, and encouragement to believers.

          Apostle Paul truly embraced his identity as a Third Culture missionary spreading the message of salvation to people of all cultures and backgrounds.

          Like Joseph, Paul endured several imprisonments and faced trials for his preaching and beliefs. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to proclaim the gospel.

          Romans was written after the completing all three mission trips. Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

          In Galatians 3:28, Paul declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

          This verse highlights Paul’s vision for unity and inclusion in the body of Christ, transcending cultural barriers and divisions.

          Apostle Paul testifies, “To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” – 1 Cor. 9:22

          Both Joseph and Paul exemplify Third Culture identities, navigating the complexities of diverse cultures while remaining rooted in their faith and vision. Their lives demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love to reconcile and unite people from all walks of life.

          As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace our Third Culture identities, transcending cultural divides and embracing diversity as a reflection of God’s creativity and grace. We are called to embody Joseph’s resilience and Paul’s passion for the Gospel, boldly proclaiming the message of salvation to all nations.

          How to become a Third Culture Christian?

          In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. – Romans 12:10-13

          For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 3:20-21

          But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9

          Let’s respond to the Great Commission’s call, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore Goand make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you.”

          This is our vision: to fulfill the Great Commission by embracing our Third Culture identities and proclaiming the transformative power of Christ’s love to the ends of the earth.

          Revelation 7:9 says, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”

          May we, like Joseph and Paul, remain steadfast in our faith, resilient in the face of adversity, and passionate in our pursuit of the Great Commission. Let us go forth as ambassadors of reconciliation, bridging cultural divides and bringing the light of Christ to a world in need of hope and salvation.

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          2024 Spring Fundraiser for Mosaics

          Dear Friends and Families of Mosaics,

          Once more, we come to you with open hearts, seeking your generous support to sustain the invaluable ministries of Intercultural Mosaics, proudly sponsored by Davis Community Church.
          In these challenging times, Mosaics stands ready to not only survive but to thrive. With innovative fellowships, creative hospitality, and a renewed sense of mission, we are determined to make a difference.

          We are reaching out to you today to help us raise the necessary funds to expand our reach and impact even further. Whether you can spare $5 or $500, every contribution matters. Our semi-annual fundraiser concludes on April 21, 2024, with a modest goal of $5,000.

          FaceBook Donation Page: https://www.facebook.com/donate/384486354394615

          If you share our vision and wish to contribute to the growth of our ministries throughout 2024, consider making a tax-deductible love-offering. Simply write your check(s) payable to “Davis Community Church” with a note specifying “Intercultural Mosaics.” Mail your donation to:

          Brett Kersten, Minister of Finance, Davis Community Church (c/o Intercultural Mosaics), 412 C Street, Davis, CA 95616

          You may also click following “Give Now” button or scan QR Code to give your love-offerings instantly.

          Your donation will play a pivotal role in reshaping Mosaics for the post-pandemic era. Already, we are pioneering hybrid gatherings that bridge the gap between online and physical participation, connecting people from all corners of the globe.

          For more details, please visit www.nextg.org or reach out to us at 916-217-5470.

          With heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support and prayers,

          Dr. Stephen & Grace Moon

          Happy Easter! <3

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