The Renewal of Faith Through “Peace Starts With Me”

On July 15, “Peace Starts With Me” moved people from all around the nation in various ways. In the following testimonies, two Unificationists describe how they were changed by the Madison Square Garden event. 

KENKO TAMURA (SPRING LAKE, NC)

My name is Kenko Tamura and I am a second generation Unificationist who was Blessed in marriage in Korea in 2014. I am still happily Blessed to my better half, Hyeshim Soto.

Being in the army, I am unable to attend church events and gatherings, especially because there is not a church center nearby my residence. Prior to attending True Mother’s speech at Madison Square Garden, the last time I attended church was in North Carolina 2 years ago. I had drifted away from the church and its principles and I struggled in my personal life and work life.

Attending this event, hearing and seeing True Mother, attending church service the next morning at Belvedere, and spending time with my mother in New York rekindled my faith in the church, God, and True Parents. I’d even go as far as saying my faith has been restored twice as strong as before.

Just being in the presence of True Mother, as well as thousands of fellow brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, made me realize what being a second generation Unifcationist is really about.

I began to realize just how much sacrifice was made in order for everyone to be at Madison Square Garden that day. I also realized that I want to understand the Divine Principle to a deeper extent and dedicate my life to live for the sake of others and to serve True Parents and God.

I want to thank True Mother for restoring my faith and helping me realize just how precious life is–to cherish all those around me by spreading God’s seeds of love to those people.

KEIKO BRELAND (BRIDGEPORT, CT)

I felt so much of True Mother’s heart. She is really embracing and taking care of all humankind, not just by words but with entire heart. It is not something only I felt, as other people felt it, too.

My husband and I had lunch with a University of Bridgeport employee who attended the event with his wife. The employee said that he felt True Mother’s sincere heart so much. He was even more excited than we were talking about the 21-Day Peace Challenge. He wants True Mother to continue and expand her influence to the world.

The whole program was so inspirational. I am sure that everybody felt God’s loving presence in that place. The 2,000 Voice Choir, Apple Heaven United, and Grammy Award winner, Yolanda Adams, electrified the arena.

So many young people filled the stadium and danced to “Mujogeon (Unconditionally).” From a professional standpoint, the performances, video, and lighting were perfect.

My husband and I brought eight guests to the event. They all had a wonderful experience and were very impressed by the program.

I had just come back from Japan a week prior to the event, so I was surprised to meet so many people from Japan at Madison Square Garden. I had been on tour with the Unificationists from the Los Angeles chapter of the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP). I also met various Unificationist leaders and followers in Japan and Korea. They all, without fail, came to this important event. We will remember it forever.

Read more inspirational testimonies on “Peace Starts With Me” here!