New Leadership ‘An Era of Growth’
Reverend Naokimi Ushiroda, a native of Japan born to Unificationist parents, is the first of a younger generation of Unificationsts to be appointed U.S. national president of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) by co-founder and Mother of Peace Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately referred to as True Parents along with her late husband and FFWPU co-founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
Rev. Ushiroda has joined a wave of new FFWPU-USA leadership welcomed during the National Family Service on November 15.
“This is going to be an era of growth and I am truly humbled and honored to serve in this role,” said Rev. Ushiroda. “I just recently found out I was being appointed to this presidency role in a race I didn’t know I was running. It really shows a tremendous amount of trust and expectation and hope that True Mother has for our next generation and for America.”
The announcement was made on the 61st anniversary of True Children’s Day, an important holy day established by Rev. and Dr. Moon in 1959.
“True Children’s Day is indeed the most blessed day for humankind,” said Rev. Moon at the time. “On this day, we honor all of God’s children. This day is not only for Unificationists; it is a day for all people of the world to mark and celebrate forever.”
Rev. Ushiroda, who fills the position vacated by Rev. Demian Dunkley, said he feels the responsibility and significance of representing younger people, and the desire and responsibility to harmonize generations together moving forward.
“I think our previous leadership really did a great job of elevating younger generations to different levels of leadership at FFWPU-USA headquarters and even in the field,” said Rev. Ushiroda. “I will do my best to inherit from our elders, and believe I can help with the harmonizing between different elements. I really want to reach out to all of our youth and young adults wherever they are; this is a new era and a new time to reconnect and bring our national family back together.” Rev. Ushiroda also aims to unite Eastern and Western cultures.
A U.S. resident of nearly 40 years, Rev. Ushiroda said his Asian heritage allows him to embrace his Eastern roots while still appreciating Western culture. Additionally, his work as a professional life coach has also given him greater skills in connecting with and helping other people in their daily lives.
“Coaching is a great way to empower individuals, families, and tribes to be able to manifest a culture of heart,” said Rev. Ushiroda. “It’s been a challenge to express our depth of heart and our values so that society can really appreciate it, but I hope to leverage technology in more useful ways, and share our understanding of God and the teachings of True Parents in a manner that people can truly and easily digest and receive. The next seven years is really the next growth phase for our movement.”
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In early November, Dr. Chung Sik Yong was appointed regional president of FFWPU-North America, succeeding Dr. Ki Hoon Kim. Both leaders shared their delight about Rev. Ushiroda’s new role.
“True Mother’s recognition and appointment of world leaders as part of the recent restructuring of our worldwide movement are some of the biggest and boldest changes we have ever seen,” said Dr. Yong. “Let us think about the meaning of these new appointments from her point of view as we enter the second seven-year course in the era of Cheon Il Guk (Kingdom of Heaven on Earth). This is truly a special time in history and I look forward to working with Rev. Ushiroda.”
“We are a generation of righteousness centered on God—our Heavenly Parent—and True Parents,” added Dr. Kim, Cheon Eui Won chairman of North America. “When we unite together and with our new leaders we can bring America back to God.”
Leading the Unification movement in America is an incredible undertaking, but Rev. Ushiroda is up to the task with faith and confidence hand in hand.
“I think these next seven years are going to be really exciting,” said Rev. Ushiroda. “I will give my very best and ask for America’s support to really attend God and True Parents, and to serve and inspire the rest of the world.”
Revs. Kevin Thompson and Kazuo Takami were also appointed FFWPU-USA Northwest and Midwest regional directors, respectively. They are filling the positions of Revs. Larry Krishnek and David Rendel.
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Mildred bonkougou
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We love and enjoy every Sunday service. May our heavenly parents continue working through you. Aju. Happy 42nd birthday to you. Mildred (mimi)
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Stephany Reyes
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Good luck with your leadership.
I have heard your teachings and I love it just telling you, you are doing a great job
-love- Stephany Reyes
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Mildred bonkougou
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We love and enjoy every Sunday service. May our heavenly parents continue working through you. Aju
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Gunnard Z. Johnston
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May our Heavenly Parent and True Parents in Heaven and on earth be comforted and inspired by these new appointments. May these young leaders of faith and action turn this world from chaos and confusion into a clear pathway toward peace and prosperity for all. Where there is a will there is a way, especially if it is the will of God.
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Birian
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Congratulations Rev. Naokim! May God guide you to build unity and bring peace to all God’s people in the USA. And I pray for you to inherit TP’s heart in your mission to bring only God’s ways in all cultures.
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Theodore Shimmyo
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Hi Naokimi, congratulations! When you were asked to be the director of mobilization for True Mother’s 12/28 rally at Prudential Center last year, you obediently and humbly united with that request. At that time I saw a great spiritual quality within you and made a prediction about your future. God’s blessings!
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