THANK YOU Tribute to Minister Fannie Smith

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Written By Dr. Angelika Selle, National Advisor, WFWP USA

Earlier this month, WFWP USA witnessed yet another transition and expressed our gratitude to another wonderful leader and woman we all know and love, Minister Fannie Smith, our national director of the Schools of Africa.

We so enjoyed her enthusiasm, her passion for Women’s Federation, for the Schools of Africa, the Global Women’s Peace Network and love for our Co-founders, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband the Rev Dr. Sun Myung Moon.

During her nine years of service (Jan 2014-2023) Minister Smith also held the position of a Director on the National WFWP USA Board for several years and worked closely with myself and our home office team to further the growth and development of WFWP USA.

As we looked back at Minister Smith’s substantial accomplishments during her tenure as the national director of the Schools of Africa project, we found that indeed $400,000 plus had been raised during that time! CONGRATULATIONS!

WFWP USA former President and national leaders expressed gratitude and appreciation to Minister Fannie Smith at our recent monthly national conference call in March. In my brief introduction, I recalled that when I appointed Minister Smith to this national position for the Schools of Africa, I already felt her deep heart and love for the continent of Africa, especially for the children in our schools! And whenever there was an opportunity, Minister Smith encouraged our national chapters to do a fundraiser, not only that, she would also visit with them herself, whenever possible, write speeches and letters in support of the activity. She also stayed in close communication with WFWP President of Japan, Mrs. Moriko Hori and the Japanese main office, which is overseeing all the schools and delineating the funds according to need. 

Minister Smith also took every opportunity at public gatherings, such as our annual national assemblies, chairwomen leadership retreats and other smaller gatherings to honor and thank the chapters and individuals who raised the funds, for their efforts. She created numerous plaques, certificates, and memorable trinkets, mostly from Africa, to show her love and appreciation in a tangible way!

Another great contribution of Minister Fannie Smith, which I am personally and so many others are most grateful for, was her powerful prayers she offered during our chairwomen conference calls and other meetings. And last year for our Prayers for Peace National monthly calls an eloquent and inspired prayer by Minister Smith was written down. We named it the Prayer for the Nation. Please, take a moment to read it, pray and share it with others! See below. 

During those conference calls, she always uplifted our chairwomen and the work we were doing, especially during challenging times, showing us a mirror as to who we are and how much impact we have, which is sometimes easy to forget when you are in the trenches. Thus, she gave us hope and encouragement to keep going.

Following my introduction, we also heard from Minister Smith, her own reflections, insights, and gratitude especially to certain individuals who assisted her during those years; Mrs. Irmgard Baynes WFWP, WFWP Treasurer, our Vice President, Mrs. Connery and others. Minister Smith welcomed our new President Mrs. Moffitt, and ended by saying that her greatest joy was in working together with women and sisters from all backgrounds and creating unforgettable bonds of heart.

Minister Smith truly captured and moved our hearts with her spirit, passion, commitment, friendship and love toward everyone, which is edged in our hearts forever!

Therefore, on behalf of WFWP USA, and as the President during that time, I would like to thank her for the past nine years of serving and investing into WFWP USA’s precious project, our Schools of Africa!

Congratulations, Minister Fannie Smith!

Wishing you much success in your next endeavors with WFWP and the Global Women’s Peace Network and beyond! 

Please enjoy a few recent highlights accomplished by the Schools of Africa Project under Minister Smith leadership:

Dr. Angelika Selle, National Advisor, WFWP USA
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