New Leadership: ‘They Have the Deepest Heart’
A year ago, Rev. Luke Higuchi was filming events and choreographing dances at Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA headquarters in New York City, where he was part of the media department for more than a decade. But the Covid-19 pandemic changed all that.
Disrupting everything from daily life to global economies, the pandemic charted a new course for many, including Unificationist leadership in the Southeast U.S. where Rev. Luke is now the District 5 Pastor. He joins a new secretary general for the region, Irion Hoffman Jenkins, as part of a dynamic team succeeding Pastor Jongsook Moon who served in both roles.
“I’m used to doing events and making people happy in the moment with entertainment,” says Rev. Luke. “I prepared so much for each event and I felt accomplishment when making people happy, but I really wanted to have a more personal touch to change people’s hearts one by one and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
At headquarters, Rev. Luke led the effort to raise awareness of Japanese kidnapping and deprogramming human rights issues happening abroad. He also helped organize national programs, entertainment, and significant events in South Korea for FFWPU co-founders, the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. But now as pastor, Rev. Luke, who joined the Unification movement in 1985, feels prepared for a new chapter and calling as he graduates from the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) in June.
“The pandemic gave me time to think about the next stage in my life,” says Rev. Luke, “and I had a vision to create an online tribe and holy community. I began studying life coaching and developed a YouTube ministry, as well as one-on-one coaching online with people in Korea and Japan. I felt this was valuable and part of my mission.”
Rev. Luke now coaches more than 40 people virtually as he seeks to empower his new community by “connecting locally and impacting globally.”
“I know how to edit videos and I know the power of media,” says Rev. Luke. “I feel a calling at this time that God wants me to take responsibility for this new district. I have been learning and doing my best to become a filial person and couple for God.”
A proud father of two daughters, Rev. Luke received the Marriage Blessing in 1988 and plans to relocate to Georgia from New Jersey, where his family will continue to reside.
Jenkins, a native of South Korea who grew up in Germany, moved to the Southeast after receiving the Marriage Blessing in 2007. With an education in family science, the mother of two is currently a Sunday School teacher with the children’s ministry team and manages a local medical spa.
“We are delighted to have two young, capable, and loving leaders joining us,” says Rev. Ernest Patton, FFWPU-USA Southeastern regional director. “They both are wonderful, committed, humble and serving family members that we can depend on.”
Beloved Pastor Jongsook, who served the community for three years, also believes the pair will bring great leadership and success.
“The blessings I have received from my experience are priceless, [but] what impressed me was the actual daily practice of faith that was embodied in each and every person I have worked with,” says Pastor Jongsook. “I am grateful and congratulate Rev. Luke and Irion… for I know this will be a tremendous opportunity… and they have the deepest hearts.”
Have a story you’d like to share from your community? You can submit it to info@unification.org.
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.
Daniela Greenall
| #
Congratulations Rev Luke, amazing times!!! Much success in your new role.
Reply