True Family’s Tour for Unity Continues in Chicago

Chicago family members with Rev. Hyung Jin Moon on September 2nd, 2009.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, Chicago had the great blessing of welcoming Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, the International President of the Unification Church, as he made the second stop on his and Rev. In Jin Moon’s four-city tour throughout America. The event took place at the Wyndam O’Hare Hotel where nearly five hundred brothers and sisters from Illinois and surrounding states gathered together.

The program began with singing led by the Chicago Worship Team and an opening prayer by Rev. David Rendel, the District Director of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Welcoming remarks were presented by Archbishop Ki Hoon Kim, the Continental Director of North America Region 1, who explained the significance of this historic tour.

Rev. Joshua Cotter, the Executive Vice President for the Unification Church in America, introduced Reverend Hyung Jin Moon. “Hyung Jin Nim graduated from Harvard Divinity School, studying and practicing religion. He is known as “Lovey” in the True Family. Hyung Jin Nim started a ministry in Seoul which was very small at first, however now God has blessed the ministry with 7 services.”

Reverend Cotter added, “Hyung Jin Nim is In Jin Nim’s younger brother, and “boss” as she calls him. They are totally united. This is truly an era of great heavenly fortune for our movement.”

A beautiful video presentation documenting Reverend Moon’s victorious 21,000-bow condition was shown. Through the video, members were able to connect deeply with his vision to open the door to our movement for 21,000 new members, and witness his great efforts and the profound expression of his heart in his bows.

Reverend Moon and his wife Yeon Ah Moon were then warmly welcomed to the stage and presented flowers before he delivered his inspiring message.

He began by sharing True Father’s heart about sending him on a tour throughout America to ask members to unite with True Parents, especially through prayer. He referred to a Biblical story from 1 Samuel comparing our movement to the life of Hannah, saying that we are destined to do great things but over the years we have been persecuted and lost hope. He strongly feels that in this current providential time, members are starting to believe once again in who they are. Evidence can be seen through recent victories in our work in Korea and in New York with Lovin’ Life Ministries.

Reverend Moon explained that he had often questioned, “What is it that is so special and different about us?” Through deep prayer, Heavenly Father revealed to him that the love of Jesus is tremendous, like that of a friend giving his life for us, but the love of True Parents is true parental love, an even greater love because it sacrifices itself not just once but over and over again. This love has been expressed to us through True Father’s six imprisonments and recent helicopter accident; a total of seven times, similar to seven deaths and resurrections.

Reverend Moon encouraged us to remember who we are and to be proud of our name, the Unification Church. The course of history for the past 2,000 years was affected by Jesus’ love, but the world’s destiny will be affected to an even greater degree through True Parents’ true parental love. Reverend Moon’s message was very deep, heartfelt, and honest. We were all truly moved by his words and his sincere, determined prayer to Heavenly Father at the end. He inspired us to be proud of who we are and to continue God’s work by uniting with True Parents, going to God in constant prayer and opening our spiritual eyes.

The program ended with Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, and his wife Yeon Ah Moon, personally greeting each participant and offering encouragement with their sincerity. Archbishop Kim concluded with three cheers of Mansei and the participants departed with a renewed spirit of hope and commitment for the future.

A first generation wife from Minnesota shared about her experience that evening. “I had heard about this meeting at 10 AM this morning and then left Minnesota at 12 PM. It was a short notice but we knew this would be a great blessing. Hyung Jin Nim talked about the power of True Love and explained how to understand it. We need to open our spiritual lives and have a prayerful life. We talk about True Love but we need to taste it.”

A female second generation teenager from Illinois also reflected, “It was good to see Hyung Jin Nim. His speech was wonderful. Hyung Jin Nim knows so much about where we go in our life; we can learn from his example.”

A first generation wife from Illinois said “I am really glad that Hyung Jin Nim reminded us that we are Unificationists. From now on, I will say ‘I am a Unification Church member!’ absolutely. Old members and new members should be proud of what we are doing.”

A first generation female adult from Illinois reflected “Rev. Hyung Jin Moon spoke about his own personal struggles how he had to battle and go beyond his limitations like Hanna. I’m so happy to hear that it’s normal to struggle. Sometimes I’m still afraid to say I’m a Moonie. I feel more confident when I heard that other people are telling us to be proud of who we are. I’m proud of being a U.C. member.”

A first generation husband from Illinois reflected “I appreciate that Hyung Jin Nim talked about True Parents’ Heart and what True Love is. Jesus said that the highest love is to die for one’s enemy. The concept of True Love which Hyung Jin Nim talked about is truly amazing.”

A second generation wife from Minnesota reflected “Hyung Jin Nim’s speech was very original and refreshing. We do not announce our church name! I agree with what he said. We should be more proud of our church. I feel that he has started to change things.”

Written by Mrs. Leena Vincenz-Gavin