More Testimonies from the Garden

After returning to Madison Square Garden, where she was married 35 years ago with 2,074 other couples, Ayako Heller reflects on preparing for “Peace Starts With Me.”

I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart for the fact that my husband and I could participate in making an offering to True Parents.

As a 2075 Blessed Central Family Blessed at Madison Square Garden in 1982, this event brought back many memories. The event reminded me that the excitement and joy that we experienced was the result of real unity centered on True Mother. For that, I am particularly grateful to Dr. Ki Hoon Kim and Dr. Michael Balcomb for allowing us to connect to True Mother’s vision throughout the mobilization time. In particular, the level of Dr. Kim’s dedication and determination moved my heart more than anything else.

What helped me very much throughout the mobilization period was participating in various conditions, including the 40-day National Prayer call, a weekly two-hour early morning prayer, hoon dok hwe, a prayer with my husband every night and my hoon dok hwe in the morning. I also read a part of the New Testament on a daily basis and participated in the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) prayer breakfast every Saturday. Offering these conditions together with brothers and sisters allowed me to feel that I am truly connected to God’s providence.

My husband, Jorg and I used this great opportunity to break through and to advance our Tribal Messiahship foundation in our community in Harlem. I made a serious effort to mobilize in unity with my husband for the sake of America, the World and Cheon Il Guk as well. Out of 35 churches which we visited during this mobilization period in Harlem, 15 churches were within walking distance area from our home.

So, God gave us the chance to renew relationships with new pastors and their congregations once again. We were able to bring 17 people from our apartment building. Through “Peace Starts With Me,” my husband and I made a very positive impact on several families centering on True Parents in our building. We are determined to bring a real harvest in the form of the Blessing in our local area.

Lastly, we want to thank True Mother for her unconditional love, patience and for continual hard work. My husband and I will do our best to become a successful Tribal Messiah Family to relieve the burden on her heart.