Transforming Lives Through Outreach

Whether it involves education, discussion or simply reaching out to a friend, outreach is an intimate way to bring God into other people’s lives, and Unificationists around the nation have been experiencing its many forms. In Baltimore, Unificationists have discovered more about themselves through sharing with others, and the community in Kissimmee, Florida had the opportunity to explore deep questions with their guests. Read the latest local outreach stories below.

Baltimore Unificationists Team Up For Outreach

Rain or shine, the power of outreach has swept across the Baltimore community. Unificationists from around the district recently hit the streets in small groups, encouraging one another to approach strangers to share about True Parents.

“I forgot what it was like to battle my fear” said one participant, James. “I forgot what it was like to face rejection and what it was like to face myself.” He spoke of the courage often needed to talk to people about faith, and how it can be difficult to go beyond our comfort zone. But working as a group helped him push past any hesitation. “I looked and saw brothers and sisters reaching out and talking to people, and in that moment, I could find some kind of faith and start to reach out.”

Over the course of a few days, local Unificationists set out to talk to as many people as possible. Many people were receptive to hearing about the Unification Movement, and some wanted to learn more. “Yesterday, five people came to our outreach cafe to hear an introduction to our movement and Divine Principle” said James. “Today brothers and sisters brought a total of 17 people to hear an introduction and for our evening program.” 

Inspired and dedicated to transforming lives, James said he could “see the face of God and feel the heart of True parents” among the group gathered, which also included his wife, Tilly. They plan to continue with group outreach and have arranged follow-up activities, including workshops. “Three people have signed up for our one-day workshop on Saturday” said James. He hopes other church communities will be inspired by their example and do the same. 

Local Outreach in Kissimmee Florida

Unificationists Reverends Jeddie and Elma King have been busy with outreach in Kissimmee Florida.  They recently held a four hour Divine Principle workshop on April 18, 2015. Reverends Emmanuel and Victorine Souck, other local Unificationists, brought their friends and guests for the workshop.

There were several presentations given with one on the Fall of Man and on God as our Heavenly Parent, which Pastor Leslie, one of the guests, was inspired to learn about and promised to return to hear more. The workshops with the Kings are always a family affair. Participants were delighted to be serenaded by some of the children present during lunch with a rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.”

Just before the workshop, the Kings met with a woman who they have been in contact with for a long time. After spending a couple of hours with her, they encouraged her to ask God who True Parents are. The next day, they visited the woman again, and she said she had been up very late the night before reading her Bible and praying to God. They are hopeful that she will attend the next workshop.  

The Kings are always looking for ways to connect with others in the community. Towards the end of the workshop, the Kings invited their lawn caretaker to come in and join them. He enthusiastically answered a question presented on the screen, “Why didn’t God interfere in the fall of Adam and Eve?” with a talk about free will.

Later on, another guest who was introduced to True Parents in 2012, invited the group to his new home to celebrate his wife’s citizenship and a recent cancer free diagnosis. The Kings look forward to bringing him and his family to a similar workshop in the future.

Do you have a story about outreach efforts and transformative experiences in your community? Share it here!