The 95 voice choir immediately erupted into a joyous chorus of praise as the clock struck 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 3,2001 at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Carol City. Crowds had begun to enter when the doors opened at 5:30, filling the main sanctuary. Many who were milling around outside, and more crowding the entryway chatted excitedly, and began to surge forward to their seats. Under bright blue skies and 90 degree temperatures, hundreds had driven here by car, vans and buses from throughout the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, from West Palm Beach, from Tampa, Orlando and even Jacksonville, Florida 6 hours away. 180 ministers and pastors in colorful robes and garbs signifying religious orders filed into the first three rows, representing over 30 denominations and faiths. Although mainly African-American initially, gradually white faces and even yellow faces appeared among those who filled this famous Dade County Church who had seen many well known national dignitaries of African American culture speak. But tonight, there was an even more incredible event, the pastors of South Florida had invited the Rev. Sun Myung Moon to bring the "We Will Stand" 50-state speaking tour to the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

After Rev. Michael Jenkins preached from Ephesians and gave an introduction of the American Clergy Leadership Conference's purpose for the "We Will Stand" tour, he turned over the microphone to Minister Rasul Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam of Florida and Latin America. Being from a third-generation Baptist preaching tradition, he immediately resounded the walls with his exhortation of change needed in America with its drug culture, family breakdown, racism and moral disintegration in general. But he gave a message of hope, of messianic hope, in the person of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon. And this was followed by Lutheran Pastors Rev. Don Olson and Rev. Dr. Leo Beato, both testifying to the need for rebuilding the family, restoring the community and renewing the nation, all under the guidance of Father Moon. Professor (and Reverend) Elaine Kyle from Florida Community College spoke of her healing and life change through the words of Rev. Moon and his teaching, the Divine Principle. Amazingly enough, all kept their comments within the three minute limit. It was short and sweet, yet brought the congregation to heartfelt applause, even bringing them to their feet at times.

Pastor Arthur Jackson III said he happily offered his church for this crusade. Although attacked by many ministers by phone, letter and email (with hundreds of internet attachments), he stood strong. Tall and handsome, he has stood with many notable contemporaries of the African American Community but was struck with such warmth and conviction from this experience. He said his church was founded and built in order to accomplish what was happening today: racial harmony, rebuilding the families, and uniting the Family of God.

Proclamations were given from 9 cities, including Miami's mayor and Dade County's mayor. Governor Jeb Bush had sent a proclamation for all citizens of Florida to recognize this day for this event.

The energy never lagged as Rev. Jesse Edwards took to the podium. As a white Pentecostal, his words rang true with this audience of believers of all races, eliciting shouts of "Amen!" and Preach on Brother!" "The Holy Spirit is in the Room!" Rev Edwards exclaimed. The choir burst into hymn, and all take to their feet once more! It is now time for the video presentation , right on schedule.

The spirit is just right as Father and Mother enter the sanctuary from their waiting room behind the altar. Everyone is on their feet, clapping and shouting. Father wandered extensively from the text, drawing spontaneous shouts of "Amen!", cries and laughter from throughout the masses. From elderly deacons to young newlyweds, faces were changing from rapt in awe, to grins, to serious looks of commitments and concerns. It lasted over two hours, a Father sharing with his sons and daughters. He really did not want to go. He called as many as possible to come to the altar to get photos taken. When he had to go, there was a definite feeling of sadness and longing.

Rev. T.L. Barrett, Jr. rose to the occasion to read Hoon Dok Hae, Father Moon's words of "In Search of the Origin of the Universe." Afterwards there were lottery drawings for ministers to get watches, and congregants to win prizes. There was a thunderous finale with hugs and sharing, loud banter another hour into the night.

There were 180 ministers, with 250 total dignitaries and VIP's in the audience of 2500, a successful event by anyone's measure.