Renewed Hope at the CIG Leaders Assembly

In the first week of March 2015, Unificationist leaders from around the world met in Korea for the Cheon Il Guk International Leaders Assembly and Foundation Day Blessing activities. All of the leaders had the opportunity to participate in programs directly with True Parents, including Hoon Dok Hwe, a Celebratory Lunch and Victory Celebration at the Cheon Jeong Gung (Peace Museum), as well as to pray at True Father’s Wonjeon (resting place). Under the banner of “Change and Unity Centered on Synergy,” the assembly’s theme, over 500 participants came from across the globe and from various ministries, organizations, academia, media and business, making this gathering the first of its kind.

Pastor Bayo Adrien from District One

Pastor Bayo Adrien from District One (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) took the time to write down some of his own inspirations from the event.  As a way to share his experiences and to convey the love and guidance of True Mother, here are some of his personal reflections:

True Mother’s Guidance

We were asked to reflect on questions like: What will your report card be like in spirit world? Do you think you can go to spirit world and be with True Father? After 40 years of the providence how deep are our roots?

True Mother noted very emphatically how too much passion leads to personal desire for position. These questions and remarks set the stage for true self-inventory and reflection on our current state of affairs. For once in a long time I felt trueness, a True Mother’s deep love to empower us to succeed, as she embraced us with truth and deep affection in wanting us to succeed in all our various missions centering on tribal messiah activities.

Tribal Messiah Activities

Tribal messiahship was one of the last commissions given by True Father to all Unificationist families. At the Cheon Il Guk International Leaders Assembly every nation was given the chance to present its activities and also reflect on some of its difficulties, in order to brainstorm solutions. It was inspiring to hear about the many successes, including things we can be proud of here in America. The Washington Times has been striving toward financial independence.

Dr. Sung Jo Hwang presents on Sun Moon University

Sun Moon University is now a well recognized school with top academic honors and a number 1 soccer team. Pastor Adrien was able to meet with FFWPU leaders from African nations and was inspired to collaborate with them in the future. Still, he said, there is much to be done:

“I personally felt we were approaching this issue very objectively with willingness to admit our shortcomings, as Dr. Michael Balcomb President of FFWPU USA, echoed True Mother’s heart on repentance and how True Father always insisted that we must first learn to conquer ourselves before we can really help the providence more effectively centered on patience with one another.”

Highlights

Cheon Il Guk International Leaders Assembly

Notable highlights of the assembly included True Mother’s speeches, especially the announcement of the appointment of Sun Jin Moon as international president of FFWPU, and her husband, In Sup Park, as vice president. True Mother also presented an award to a young Unificationist, Mr. Katsuhiro Motoyama, for his outstanding work. His moving presentation, about overcoming resentment in his youth and coming to understand the heart of God, received a standing ovation from the audience.

Katsuhiro Motoyama received a standing ovation for his presentation.

Along with the many detailed presentations and reports, there was also time for more philosophical discussion, which brought up interesting and relevant topics that many of the participants were thinking about deeply:

“It was very clear that we need change, based on clarity and transparency. Questions of our identity arose time and time again. We need to clarify this question: Are we a church or a faith-based organization? How is this reflected in our public image and expression online?”

There was so much information to digest, but Pastor Adrien shared some of his takeaways from the many presentations and conversations:

• Heaven is looking for leadership that is willing to repent, change, and unite.

• Problems are blessings in disguise and can be the impetus for real ministry-caring and sharing together, because no one is immune.

• Empowering the next generation requires synergy among organizations, with the older generation in a mentoring position.

• True Parents, with True Mother, are the center of our movement on earth.

• Tribal messiahship is for all blessed families to inherit the heart and legacy of True Parents.

• Must be a shared responsibility.

• Local pastors must seek to initiate and work in tandem/harmony with Unificationists who are willing to or who already are showing signs of success in this area.

• God’s Hope is still for America to lead in these efforts.

• Key to all these is healthy working relationships, centered on the word, daily Hoon Dok Hwe sharing and reflecting together on True Parents’ words, moving as one with one voice and one goal, for the sake of saving our more than seven billion brothers and sisters.

Unite with True Parents

Participants toured the Universal Peace Academy at the Cheongshim School of Theology and learned about the program. It was inspiring to learn how True Mother continues to demonstrate a commitment to empowering and educating future leaders. This year, she gave out scholarships totaling $10 million to youth and young adults around the world. UPA representatives were eager for more Americans to have the opportunity to attend the program.

The overall program brought renewed hope to many of the participants. Pastor Adrien said:

“I feel in my spirit and know in my soul, the victory to overcome any situation and desire to move forward lies in our God/true love motivation and constant inclination to seek heavenly ways and guidance along this amazing path we have been called to champion as tribal messianic blessed families.

I and my wife, Ayano Ishii-Adrien, are humbled, grateful and proud to stand, serve and partner in heart with True Parents and True Mother, particularly at this time in history. We want to forge bonds of loyalty and true love in order for others to inherit the love of Heavenly Parent.”

Thank You.

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