More than 172,000 people have participated in the New Life Family Walkathon. The love we showed and the heartfelt steps we took have given hope and courage to our neighbors in the global village, who are suffering from poverty and diseases. Our hearty support has helped those in pain to recuperate. I hope that happiness will increase as we walk this path together with our loving family members, and your family will always be filled with laughter like a blooming flower this year, too.
This morning, I was excited to finally meet you and to help multicultural and underprivileged families together. On my way here, however, I received many calls after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal yesterday. Many buildings collapsed, and a lot of people lost their lives. Our members in Nepal delivered the news to me vividly to the point where I felt as if I was on the disaster scene. Up until arriving here today, I was receiving many phone calls asking for help. At this current moment, it’s almost impossible to start recovery work because aftershocks are still taking place. I’ve been continuously hearing desperate cries for help. At this walkathon, we’ve gathered together to help multicultural families and vulnerable families. Let us help Nepal, too. Hundreds of people lost their lives in a single building collapse, and many buildings are still shaking. My heart ached so much when I heard one of our members say in a teary voice, “Please help!” It’s not someone else’s business. We regard whatever happens in the global village as our own business and our own family’s business. So let’s help Nepal this time. Please join us in helping the members in Nepal. Let’s extend love and encouragement to them.