Rev. Ernest Patton Inaugurated as Southeast Subregional Director

An overflowing crowd of more than 350 people gathered at the New Hope Family Church to attend the inauguration ceremony for the  new Southeast Subregional Director, Rev. Ernest Patton.

The President of Family Federation for a Heavenly USA, Rev. Richard Buessing led the inauguration ceremony and delivered a heartfelt Sunday sermon. In his sermon, Rev. Buessing encouraged everyone to believe in the miraculous power of unity with True Mother and the progress of the Unification movement.

The inauguration ceremony was conducted with a spirit of honor and embrace. Co-Chairman of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) Dr. Michael Jenkins offered congratulatory remarks, providing context for the recent structural changes in the American Unification movement while lauding the Pattons as loving and faithful to True Parents.  Rev. Buessing noted that True Mother was directly involved in the selection of the five new subregional directors and that the new positions convey a heightened national responsibility to fulfill Vision 2020 for True Parents.

Rev. Patton and his wife Keiko shared about their repeated prayers at the White House Holy Ground prior to being appointed as Southeast Subregional Director. Although Keiko was initially surprised that other pastors with more powerful leadership styles had not been chosen, she expressed great faith that as she, her husband, and the rest of the Unification movement unite with True Mother, we can create miracles and build a heavenly culture.

Rev. and Mrs. Patton discussed their family’s experience of community support to encourage everyone to invest in their families, communities, and tribes.  A year and a half ago, Caroline, their 13 year old daughter, received a Guardasil vaccination and went from full-time ballet student to living in a wheelchair, unable to move any of her limbs.  Local Unificationists have offered consistent prayer and material support that really comforted their hearts.  Several friends created a gofundme page that brought to help pay for natural healing expenses that were not covered by their insurance. Generous people around the world responded, donating over $28,000 for Caroline.  Fortunately, Caroline is expected to fully recover in a year or so.

Following the Pattons’ moving messages, Rev. Buessing asked everyone to create a circle of prayer to conclude the inauguration.  Many important Unificationist representatives offered a powerful unison prayer with the greater determination to bring joy to True Parents as they welcome the new changes in the Unification movement.