Washington, D.C. Celebrates True Parents’ Birthday with 300 Guests

On February 10, the Washington, D.C. Family Church welcomed 300 dignitaries, ministers and family members to the Arbor Ballroom at The Washington Times to celebrate True Parents’ 99th and 76th birthday. The idea for this grand celebration came from Southeast Subregional Director Rev. Ernest Patton with inspiration from Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Regional Chairman of Family Federation North America.

The celebration began with a musical prelude by the New Hope Family Church band. A powerful opening prayer by Bishop Keith Allen of the Historic Rehoboth Church of God in Christ followed a reading of True Father’s words about the value of True Parents by Tetsuya Nomura, youth pastor of Northern Virginia (NOVA) Family Church.

After a musical offering by the choir of the historic Rehoboth Church of God in Christ, Bishop Vandy Kennedy, Co-Chairman of American Clergy Leadership Conference gave a welcoming greeting. Father Bayo Adrien and Mrs. Ayano Adrien offered a toast testifying to True Parents and led the participants in the Marriage Blessing and the cutting of the birthday cake.

Powerful testimonies were given by Rev. John Davis of Mount Zion Baptist Church who fought in the Korean War and wrote a long letter for True Father’s release form Danbury Prison, Ms. Melissa Manor and Mr. Gabriel Marchitelli who testified to the love of True Parents, and finally by Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo who testified about how True Mother is leading the way to a peaceful world and that this is the time of and for Women to bring peace to the world.

The program ended with a benediction by Pastor Werner Seubert of NOVA Family Church and three cheers of Eog Mansei by Rev. Young Chul Jang of Korean Evangelical Association church.