Unificationists Christen New Boat and Launch Ocean Church
Thanks to the efforts of local Unificationists and Ocean Church USA, a beautiful 28-foot One Hope boat now resides in a marina on the Chesapeake bay in Maryland. On September 6, 2015, the community officially dedicated the new boat with a special ribbon cutting and prayer ceremony.
Maryland Family Church Pastor Andrew Love leads a prayer
For years, the community has envisioned an Ocean Church program in the region, one that would allow for programs that encourage outreach and service to the community. Through the persistence and inspired vision of local Unificationists, this is now a reality.
This is not just the celebration of a new boat, but the beginning of a brand new Ocean Church Ministry. Jim Parrish, Randy Francis, and Jim Boothby saw the potential in connecting people with the water. With a passion for the ocean and boating and the vision of how to bring people to God and True Parents, they pioneered the efforts in the local community using small donated boats. The local Boy Scout troop began to use them, helping to fix them up and explore. They were always eager for donations, but knew they could do more with a better vessel. “Reestablishing a marine based Ocean Church type program has long been something I have wished for,” said Randy Francis, “It’s about extending the heart and vision of True Parents into Maryland and all of the Chesapeake Region through outreach in so many potential and substantial ways.”
Jim Boothy expressed his hope that this is only the beginning of further growth. “Now many of us can see the potential for even three or four boats and hundreds, even thousands of students, guests, ministers, politicians and trained new captains on the boats in years to come.”
Mr. Kensaku Takahashi and Mr. Jim Boothby
Ocean Church USA Director Kensaku Takahashi recently joined the new Maryland chapter for one of their first meetings. Participants watched a video about True Father tuna fishing, and went over all the logistics of registering and learning how to operate and captain the boat. “I was inspired by the Maryland community’s happy and excited spirit,” he said.
Mr. Parrish and Mr. Takahashi aboard the boat
The Unificationist communities in Maryland and Virginia are excited for their new boat and eager to put it to good use. As Jim Boothy put it, “True Father would be happy.”
Frank Button
| #
God Bless you all. Go forward and claim your inheritance from the SEA. By your efforts, you will comfort our heavenly Parent and True Father. I say Monsei, Monsei, Monsei !!!
Reply
jim caron
| #
many congratulations and prayers for you guys …from maine
Reply
Drévici Patrick
| #
Hi,
I’m so happy for this news.
We do have 2 boats in France which will be renewed, the 28 foot was used by Galen Brooks in Gloucester. Keep in touch with sharing our experiences .
Could you sale us DVD’s about father’s fishing.
Thanks
Regards
Patrick Drévici
Reply
De
| #
A new story to share with others…..
Reply
Pierre Mutambwe Onutu Lokolonga
| #
It is our responsibility and duty to make True Parents legacy live for ever. This is the path of the children of filial piety. True Parents invested so much in Ocean Church program for us to inherit and reproduce it at our own levels, extending it to rivers and lakes in our respective living areas and environments. AJU !
Reply
Betsy Jones
| #
congratulations on your vision, spirit and new boat!! May many know the Truth and Love through your efforts. Farley and Betsy Jones
Reply
Tom Cutts
| #
Avast, ye mates. This is exciting news. Congratulations to the Maryland brothers and sisters. I love the picture of Bishop Keith Allen and Rev. James Stewart in the sailboat.
Reply