Touching Hearts, One Person at a Time

From New Jersey to Puerto Rico, Unificationists around the world have been focused on connecting with people of all faiths and walks of life to share the heart and teachings of True Parents and the Divine Principle. The following stories from near and far show that even if we have touched the heart of one person, we have planted a seed to spread the Divine Principle around the world.

Pastor Outreach in Kissimmee Florida

Rev. Jeddie and Elma King of Kissimmee, Florida have been working hard to reach out to religious leaders in their community. Every third Saturday, their Home Church Gathering holds a three-hour Divine Principle Workshop. For their most recent workshop, the Kings made a special effort to reach out to pastors. More than a week before the workshop, the Kings hand-delivered 20 letters and sent out many more, inviting and encouraging religious leaders to attend. The letter stated, “Please know that the battle for peace is not fought on the battlefield with weapons, but is fought in every church, every Mass, every synagogue, every Temple and home across America and the world. The weapon of True Love is stronger than any bomb that man can make.” The letter also introduced Rev. Sun Myung Moon, and invited pastors to come to the workshop to learn more about his life and mission.

Pastor Alvin Wolliston attended the workshop and stayed for the three-hour lecture on the Principle of Creation. He took many notes and asked insightful questions. He was excited to bring other pastors to hear the lecture in the future as well. “I feel your heart,” he said. Even though he was the only pastor out of more than 40 invited, the Kings continue to plant seeds and make themselves available to spread the vision of True Parents to whoever will listen.

New Unificationist Takes Initiative in Atlanta

The Atlanta Family Church held a successful two-hour Divine Principle Seminar on Saturday, February 14, 2015. The event was mostly significant because a new guest organized and coordinated it, after feeling inspired by studying the Divine Principle. She took it upon herself to invite relatives and friends, and was able to welcome five guests to the seminar. She even contributed by cooking lunch for everyone in attendance. It was inspiring and uplifting to see her enthusiasm and the community looks forward to doing more together in the future.

Interfaith Marriage Blessing in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The Elizabeth (New Jersey) Family Church celebrated an interfaith Holy Marriage Blessing on February 7, 2015. This was their second such event held to support True Mother’s vision for 2020.

The event, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the town of Elizabeth, New Jersey, had a joyful spirit that extended from the couple who received the Blessing to the entire crowd gathered in support. The first half of the program consisted of a lecture for the Blessing participants, given by Mrs. Esther Faith Batino.

Rev. Greg and Yuka Agulan officiated the ceremony in which the couple recited their vows before God and True Parents. Mr. Ricardo de Sena, President of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA, and Denneze Nelson, New Jersey Family Church Coordinator, offered congratulatory remarks to the couple and spoke about the importance of marriage and family values.

Mr. Rene Ballenas offered a beautiful congratulatory song, and the whole group erupted in cheers to conclude the afternoon. It was a truly wonderful experience to offer the Blessing to a wonderful couple and witness it as a community.

A Taste of Island Life – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Unificationists in Puerto Rico gathered on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the local Holy Ground. Three families and eight guests arrived at the park in downtown San Juan right next to the original governor’s palace. Rev. Gary Chidester, District 5 Pastor, joined them on the island and took the time to visit with the local families.

The following day, everyone gathered to hear testimonies. The local families shared about the history of Unificationism in the Caribbean, and how the Puerto Rican community helped take care of over 400 Japanese missionaries during a time when they were being kicked out of many other Caribbean countries.

The families celebrated the Lunar New Year and True Heavenly Parent’s Day together at the home of local Unificationists, the Morales family. The next morning, they woke up for prayer and a beautiful offering table at the Morales house. The Morales family lives across the street from the University of Puerto Rico, so several Unificationists, including some of the older children, took the opportunity to organize outreach activities on campus. All of the young people were friendly and spent time talking and sharing. The Morales house has become a sort of “outreach center” with events being held there for students. On Thursday, February 29, they held a Japanese Culture night and a celebration for True Heavenly Parent’s Day.

Eight guests were able to hear an introductory Divine Principle lecture and enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. A performance of Okinawa drum folk dance was an exciting and entertaining addition to the evening.

After another trip to the Holy Ground the next morning, Rev. Chidester said goodbye to the local families and headed back to catch his plane home. “It was my first time to this small island but it left a strong impression of a great new world to blossom,” he said.