Love, Life, Lineage

An impressive 173 young Unificationists from across the U.S. graduated from the national Il Shim 2020 program on December 20, pledging to lead lives of faith, love, and service to others.

“We encourage all of the graduates to shine a light out into the world and focus more on who they are giving to and serving,” said Yun-A Johnson, Blessing and Family Ministry (BFM) national director at Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA.

Il Shim, which means “one heart” in Korean, is an 8-week program that helps coming-of-age youth cultivate their lives of faith, deepen their understanding of Unificationist traditions, and discover ways to serve their local communities. The curriculum, derived from the teachings of FFWPU co-founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, also emphasizes the importance of the Marriage Blessing and developing strong family relationships.

“Everything in the world will eventually pass…love is the only thing that remains with us when we are in our graves,” Rev. Moon notably said. “It is important that we live our lives in a way that we can leave a legacy of love behind us.”

The graduation, held virtually through Zoom, highlighted the Il Shim pillars of love, life, and lineage. Graduates received certificates and special rings confirming their completion of a six-part Divine Principle study that included reading materials, quizzes, and various activities. The Divine Principle is the core teachings of the Unification movement.

“Doing Il Shim has allowed me to have a clearer vision,” said graduate Winny Kelalu. “I want to be able to use the example of our founders to grow myself and our community. Il Shim has taught me that growing my relationship with my parents and God, our Heavenly Parent, is an important part of my life.”

Dr. Chung Sik Yong, regional president of FFWPU North America, and Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, FFWPU-USA national president, shared congratulatory messages with the graduates and their families.

“Even though many of you are still in your early teens, you’ve learned about the Marriage Blessing and of God’s lineage,” said Dr. Yong. “Being one family means we are sharing God’s lineage. It means we should really love each other and care for each other as we do within our own families and see everyone as part of this large family.”

“[This graduation] means you are committed to strengthening your bond, and I know you are working on creating stronger heartistic connections, and getting closer with each other,” he said. “Please continue in this way; keep learning together, praying together, and loving each other, beyond any program or initiative. This is the Heavenly way of life.”

You can learn more about the Il Shim program here.

Comments are welcomed and encouraged on this site, but there are some instances where comments will be edited or deleted. Please see our comments policy here.