A Celebration in Dallas Led By True Mother’s Guidance
The Unificationist community in Dallas, TX celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of their new church building, which was created in accordance with True Mother’s vision. The International Vice President of FFWPU and Continental Chairman of North America, Dr. Ki Hoon Kim and the FFWPU USA President, Rev. Richard Buessing as well as his wife, Marjorie, joined in on the celebration from August 5 to August 6, 2017.
The festivities began with the Buessings’ arrival, as Unificationists from all over Texas gathered to have a delicious lunch with the new national president of FFWPU. One woman described her elation in True Mother’s decision to appoint Rev. Buessing as President of FFWPU USA, because he had been so supportive to the woman’s family when her father was ill. Upon learning about her father’s sickness, Rev. Buessing traveled throughout the night to be there for the father, who would transition to the spirit world shortly thereafter. Even in this situation, the woman said, Rev. Buessing made her family feel so much love from the Heavenly Parent and True Parents. Overall, laughter and joy were abound at the luncheon, with Buessings reuniting with many of their old friends. In some ways, it was a little homecoming.
Later that night, the International Music Festival for Peace was held at the Dallas-Fort Worth Family Church. Many members of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) were present for the event, which was organized by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, a UPF affiliate. The choir of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star sang in acapella, moving the audience with the beauty of their voices alone.
District Pastor Rev. John Jackson shared words of encouragement, speaking about True Father’s declaration that the arts would open the heart of all peoples of the world. Rev. and Mrs. Buessing were able to enjoy the entire musical event with the Dallas Unificationist community. The choir for the Dallas Family Church, the New Hope Singers, also performed, singing “Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker, a song they had also performed at Madison Square Garden.
The stage was set for a wonderful Sunday service and celebration for the Dallas Community. Unificationists from all over the district—the hill country of Texas, Houston, Oklahoma, and Arkansas—were present to greet Dr. Kim and Rev. Buessing. Rev. Buessing delivered a heartfelt message, emphasizing the importance of serving our True Parents and the American movement. He spoke honestly about the surprise and shock he and his wife felt when True Mother appointed him as the new FFWPU USA President. Welcoming this new position and embracing True Mother’s decision, Rev. Buessing then praised his wife for never hesitating to support him, even if it meant packing her bags to go to Africa in a moment’s notice.
After the New Hope Singers instilled an atmosphere of worship into the building by singing “Every Praise,” the stage was set for Dr. Kim to deliver a message of truth. He did not disappoint, sharing his personal testimony regarding the Madison Square Garden event. Once True Mother made it known that the event will be at Madison Square Garden, Dr. Kim worked tirelessly to bring victory to God and True Parents through devotional prayer commitments and reaching out to clergy members of various faiths, among numerous other efforts. “We cannot expect great results and great change if we stay the same,” Dr. Kim told the congregation.
“This was an incredible message that moved every heart in the church,” Rev. Jackson said, touched by Dr. Kim’s message. “I felt so close to True Mother while he was sharing. I could feel her love for all humankind.”
In celebration of the one year anniversary of their church building, Rev. Jackson recapped the entire year to appreciate all of the blessings that came our way because of True Mother’s vision. Rev. Jackson proceeded to give awards to three families for their amazing investment into the church community and new church building. United in their gratitude for True Mother’s guidance, which inspired the creation of the building, the Dallas community felt once more that they are one family under God. As a family atmosphere thrived in the room, Dr. Kim, Rev. Buessing, and the elder Unificationists sent off the youth and young adults who began their journey to New York to participate in the Blessed Culture and Sports Festival.
Mrs. Marjorie Buessing’s testimony regarding her visit to Dallas can be found here.