Atlanta Family Church Celebrates Il Shim Graduation

For the past several months, the Atlanta Family Church has been conducting its Il Shim program, the transition program for Unificationist children to learn about the value of maintaining their purity for their future husband or wife.

The Il Shim closing workshop began on the morning of Saturday, March 16 with a gathering into groups for the young people to discuss their experience during the program. The day included community service at the Atlanta Family Church Community Garden, team challenges, testimonies, prayer and a celebration banquet.

The Il Shim program brought the young adults from the Korean Evangelical Association (KEA) and Atlanta Family Church together to work jointly as the leadership for this awesome program. On this foundation of unity, a regular gathering of high school and young adults to study Divine Principle as well as doing some fun activities developed.  Following the closing workshop, an additional spring break retreat was held, completely planned by the study group.  

Sunday, March 27 was the culmination of eight weeks of dedication, service, scripture reading and prayer for all of the Il Shim participants and staff. During their Easter Service the Atlanta Family Church held the official Il Shim graduation. Several participants shared about the impact that the experience had on their own life of faith and each participant received a ring bearing the words, “True Love Waits” from their parents. During the graduation, the whole community watched these young people share their pledges to become contributing members of the community and to prepare themselves well for the Marriage Blessing someday. It was significant on this Easter Sunday, a time of rebirth and renewal.