People Around the World Take First Steps in Tribal Messiahship

Where seeds are sown, a plentiful harvest ultimately results. When we think about our own personal ministries, it’s often the first step—the sowing of the seeds—that is the most difficult. Read the following stories from San Francisco to Nigeria, and discover how people around the world have branched out and begun projects and activities toward building their personal ministries, or tribal messiahship. Find out firsthand what it’s like to take those first steps, and gain inspiration for your own endeavors!

Family Starts Tribal Messiahship in Puerto Rico

Inspired by True Mother’s call for Unificationists to make 2015 a great year of community service and outreach, Pedro and Akemi Morales of Puerto Rico are doing just that through tribal messiahship. On Sunday, Feb. 1, they opened their home to provide personal ministry to 29 guests from around their community. 

Pedro gave a spirited lecture on the Principle of Creation and the Human Fall, much to the delight and intrigue of his guests. It was a wonderful exchange for the couple and their visitors, most of whom were young adults who came from Christian backgrounds and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about the Unification Church.

After the lectures, the Morales family hosted some social activities, including calligraphy, origami and Go, a particularly challenging Asian board game. Everyone divided into small groups of four to six persons as they tried their hand at these activities. For some, this was a very memorable first-time experience. All the guests really enjoyed the lively atmosphere and camaraderie of the group.

With such success, Pedro plans to continue his home ministry throughout the year and encourages other Unificationists in this venture. He feels it is a great approach to True Mother’s vision, and a strong outlet to connect with people in a more personal and meaningful way. He admits, though, “Taking care of the guests is the most challenging aspect.” However, it is the most rewarding part, too.

Do you have a tribal messiah event you have held in your home or community that you want to share? Share it here!

African Leaders Celebrate New Ogun Family Church

The official dedication of Ogun Family Church in Nigeria’s Ogun State took place on Saturday, Jan. 17, with several notable leaders in attendance. 

Pastor Aniekeme, state leader of Akwa Ibom State, served as the MC and welcomed a delegation sent by FFWPU-Nigeria President Rev. Olaleye Alao. The group was led by Rev. Imo Nkanta, state leader of Lagos State, and also included Pastor Dittu of Lagos Church and Pastor Kuzikisa of Ogun State Church. 

Ogun Family Church is the fruitful effort of the Tribal Messiah Mission Project, started in 2011 by Rev. Abayomi Oladipo and his wife, Mrs. Miho Oladipo of Birmingham, Alabama. Rev. Oladipo was also in attendance and told how he and his wife came to Nigeria from the United States to pioneer the church, building with nothing but dedication toward fulfilling True Parents’ vision of tribal messiahship.

The ceremony officially started with a sanctification of the entire building and surrounding church grounds. An opening prayer was given by Pastor Dittu, followed by the national church anthem. Pastor Aniekeme gave a brief history of each guest of honor as they were introduced to the congregation, followed by an uplifting Holy Song. He also thanked Rev. Oladipo for all his hard work and commitment to building the church. 

Rev. Nkanta then gave a short overview lecture of the Divine Principle, and officially announced that local blessed couple Pastor and Mrs. George and Grace Oladipo will oversee the new church. The congregation recognized the new pastors, and was asked to pray for them and keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

A dedication cake for the church was cut by the new pastors and Rev. Oladipo. Although his wife was not present, a picture of Mrs. Miho Oladipo and their children were shown to the congregation. Music and various performances followed, with a beautiful choir ministration performed by Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Choir.

The joyous occasion was marked by many supporters and church members alike celebrating both in and outside the church, as groups of attendees gleefully posed for pictures with one another as well as the official banner. Pastor Kuzikisa offered the closing prayer, which was followed by a Holy Song. 

New Pastor George Oladipo was especially thrilled with the successful arrival of Ogun Family Church and anticipates a very promising new year ahead.

Bay Area Church Receives Recognition Award from Oakland

The Bay Area Family Church recently received special recognition from the city of Oakland, California, with an award of outstanding service presented to a local Unificationist.

Oakland City Council Member Noel Gallo nominated Unificationists Markus Von Euw and Bill Richie for their excellence in volunteer work and many years of public service to the city. Markus was honored with the award. 

Both Markus and Bill, among many other Bay Area Unificationists, including Ernie Mimms and Ted A’Becket, have organized countless service projects in Oakland over the years as part of their church outreach efforts. Hundreds of Unificationist-born youth also have participated in these volunteer activities, regularly inviting other young people to serve and then hear Divine Principle lectures. 

An annual Summer of Service program quickly developed from their weekly service activity, and an annual Martin Luther King Day of Service soon followed. Markus and Bill are still coordinating this day of service.

According to Markus, last year was the most successful one yet, with more than 1,100 volunteers from 60 companies and organizations serving at sites across the city. Recruiting students from campuses across the Bay Area also brought even greater turnouts for various service projects. Council Member Gallo was particularly inspired that Markus was able to bring students from around the world to serve in Oakland, which has excited and motivated the youth of the city.

Markus feels that service projects are a natural way to engage the community and bring people together. Personal exchange occurs at these events, and from there witnessing can freely take root. The Bay Area Family Church has attracted so many volunteers by simply wanting to serve and help others. Sharing about the Unification Church has been secondary but comes about through the natural give-and-take of everyone involved. It is the Divine Principle at work, in its most basic form, and keeps the momentum going for Markus and Bill.

After each service project, an introductory lecture of Divine Principle is shared with the volunteers. Often a spirit of fellowship and open discussion results in which Unificationists and guests can impart their beliefs and experiences firsthand. True Mother often speaks of internal and external excellence, and leading by example. Markus feels that service projects exemplify this as well as the natural witnessing that True Mother has been encouraging among Unificationists. Markus and Bill and the Bay Area Family Church are looking forward to another great year of successful outreach!

Have you organized a service project in your community or volunteered to help? Share your experience with us!

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