Defining the Divine

After a lifetime of working, many people look forward to relaxing in their retirement. Yet Paul DiLorenzo from Billings, Montana wants to retire so that he can do God’s work. Paul hopes to be an evangelist in the Unification Movement, breathing life back into the communities he visits.

This December, Paul visited his first community in Seattle and led a workshop called Define the Divine. The program began on the evening of Friday, December 8, when a handful of people gathered at Windermere Mansion for prayer and a discussion of current events in the Unification Movement.

The following morning, Paul read Hoon Dok Hwe (daily study of scripture) with young Unificationists living at Windermere. Afterward, they went hiking together and took in the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest. One young person, Hyunggil Woo, said, “From the early morning onward, Uncle Paul and Uncle John Lowen listened as each one of us explained our life of faith to him. I enjoyed spending time with Uncle Paul.”

On Saturday evening, the workshop service was held at the Seattle Family Church in Ballard. There, Paul discussed the value of the Divine Principle, and participants shared testimonies on their life of faith. “This was a space for members to communicate in ways we may not have known how to if Paul wasn’t there. Sometimes you need an outsider. He was very sincere, honest and from the heart,” said John Lowen, a member of the Seattle community.

“One can feel that Paul is enthusiastic about his faith, which brings a sense of stimulation to those who listen with their heart. Paul stated on Saturday evening that our movement in the US needs a spark. I believe that….Paul may be a good person to provide that,” said Ray McCready, another member of the community and a participant in the Saturday workshop.

Sunday morning started with Hoon Dok Hwe led by Paul. His Sunday service sermon, titled Let’s Go Somewhere, was a heartfelt message on his life of faith. Speaking for not just himself, but many Unificationists, he said, “My biological parents gave me everything they can. But, True Parents gave what my parents can’t give.”

After concluding Sunday Service, Paul headed back home to his family in Montana. Paul and his wife Kimiko received the Holy Marriage Blessing from True Parents in 1989. Together, they have four children. Paul runs a small business in Billings, which he plans to sell once his youngest child graduates from high school. In his retirement, he will travel from community to community, going wherever God needs him.