27 Oct2015

777 Couples Celebrate 45th Anniversary

On Sunday, October 27, couples from the 777-Couple Holy Marriage Blessing gathered at East Garden for a banquet to celebrate their 45th anniversary. Theirs was the first truly international Marriage Blessing, presided over by True Parents on October 21, 1970. Participants of this Blessing came from 10 nations to Korea, laying the foundation for the Unification Church to work on the worldwide level.

At East Garden, 20 of these couples, their children and grandchildren shared testimonies, enjoyed food and entertainment, and toured the grounds where True Parents spent much time during their work in America. Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi were the main organizers, with support from the local Cranes Club and FFWPU National Ministry Team.

“Cranes Club was took this project on because supporting and inheriting from our elders was a key project that Cranes were interested in,” said Miilhan Stephens, FFWPU Vice President.

The program began with Sunday Service, where three couples gave moving testimonies. Mrs. Kobayashi was among them. They toured the main house at Belevedere and East Garden. Everyone was amazed by how well kept it was. Some said that they never saw it so beautiful.

Lunch was prepared by the East Garden staff with the Cranes Club members serving. Entertainment was well done with professional, multi-generational, and original performances. While it was a challenge at times to keep the grandchildren quiet, they were able to play in the designated baby room also staffed by Cranes Club members.

Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Continental Chair of FFWPU North America, gave the welcome remarks. He spoke about the True Mother’s heart and her desire as a mother to bring all the children together, much like the event held that day.

Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of FFWPU USA, shared a message congratulating the couples and sharing well wishes for their future.

More testimonies were given by elders during this program. The final testimony was given by Donso Sawamakai, a yound Unificationist. His father had ascended to the spirit world several years earlier and gave a moving sentiment to his early years and his life of faith.

The program came to a close with a final group photo with all the participants. Their were laughs from the elders and squeals from the children. Portraits of these magnificent families were taken one by one as families were on their way home in the beautiful, sunny, cool autumn afternoon.