‘Devoted’ Inspires Unificationist Families

Photo credit FFWPU

Two months ago, 80 young Unificationists and their parents began a new seven-week course that changed their lives. On March 28, they completed the online Devoted program, hosted by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry (YAYAM) and Blessing and Family Ministry (BFM) of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA.

“Devoted was a good reminder that our parents are walking this path of growth with us,” said one participant.

“I feel like I have become less afraid to take ownership and pride in our Blessing culture and being more open about it with others,” said another participant.

A transformative experience, Devoted, which began in February, is a weekly course and opportunity for families to spend one-on-one time together each Sunday. Participants learned more about preparing for the Marriage Blessing while improving their relationships and personal development.

“This is really the purpose of our ministry, to create opportunities for parents and children to openly talk together,” said YAYAM National Director Kaeleigh Moffitt, who organized the program with BFM National Director Yun-A Johnson.

About 20 team leaders, composed of Blessed individuals, and matching supporters shared Blessing education materials and personal stories about their own marriage experiences.

“This is all about growth and what we are doing to become better, and what we’re doing to go to the next level and growing our capacity to love others,” said team leader Elijah Whitmore.

“Devoted is an incredible program,” added Johnson, “and what we created encouraged a lot of family discussion and how important the parent-child relationship is with this process of preparing for the Marriage Blessing.”

Different topics, like forgiveness, love and faith, were discussed each week. Families were also given “homework” exercises which included reading and activities together. Carving out such quality time had a tremendous impact.

“Devoted has been a big part in improving my relationship with my mom and in motivating me to improve myself as a person,” said one participant.

“I am grateful for having a heart-to-heart conversation with my dad,” said another participant.

The BFM department also provided guidance and support for the families.

“With building a life of faith, you don’t always see the result right away, just like with prayer you don’t always see the result right away,” said John Abelseth, a BFM matching supporter. “But just keep investing and God will use it; whatever sincere offering we make, God can use.”

Newly inspired, participants and their families felt more prepared in their next steps toward the Marriage Blessing.

“I really appreciated Devoted for letting me think about the things that I personally value in my future marriage,” said a participant.

“I understand much more about love and healthy relationships now,” said another participant.

You can watch the Devoted graduation video here.

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