Coverage of Universal Seonghwa Continues

The Second Anniversary of True Father’s Seonghwa was held on August 12, 2014 in Korea with people from all around the world tuning into the live webcast. A recording of the commemorative festivities is available at live.family.org. Universal Seonghwa activities will continue on throughout the week in Korea.

The USA Team

After the commemorative events, the USA team, tired but happy, met and shared their reflections as representatives of America. “It was a good day for America” shared Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA. “We met with District Representatives and the young dance team,” he shared. “The dancers were honored to perform first and open up the ceremony today and the young district representatives were very moved by the video showing True Father in his prime, just before going to Danbury. They were not even born when that happened!”

“I am so grateful to have been able to use my passion of dance as an offering for True Father,” shared Seigen Kubota from Worcester, Massachusetts. “I personally do not have a strong relationship with True Parents but this opportunity gave me a chance to give my best offering. Thank you and I hope we were able to entertain True Parents and everyone!”

“Two years ago I was blessed with the privilege to perform a dance during the “Cheon Bok” festival in the Cheon Jung Gung,” shared Christopher Stair, a 24-year-old Unificationist college student from Los Angeles California. “We performed for True Father as well as True mother. This was actually the last time I was able to see him before he ascended, therefore it was a very precious memory. I will never forget the look in his eyes as we finished our dance and bowed.

“I was ecstatic when another opportunity to dance came up. Although I don’t always feel like I am a very good dancer I invest my whole heart in everything I do. I had an amazing experience working with the young Unificationist dancers. We made strong bonds of friendship and we have hopes to work together to do great things In the future.

“It was really amazing that this year’s ceremony highlighted True Father’s work in America. He has done so much for my country and without his hard work and dedication I would not be here today enjoying my life and working towards great things. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Much love from all the American members.”

The dance team headed to Seoul, and the representatives went up to Bonhyangwon (True Father’s resting place) to pray and greet True Father at 7am.

Other members of the USA team were present holding workshops for the Blessed Family Ministry (BFM). “The initial video presentation was so impacting,” shared Benjy Uyama, currently interning with the BFM. “I was especially moved by True Mother’s solo singing in the video. Viewing the events as an American, I never felt so good to be American.”

Essay contest

In early July, a writing contest held in memory of True Father was held. There were 32 entries in total. A panel of three judges was formed to read and assess all entries. The judges were asked to identify a first, second and third place winner as well as seven merit awards. Both writing skill and content were considered. And based on a 3-2-1 point system, the winning entries were selected. The Judges were unanimous on the top three winning entries and stated that all entries were very good and sincere expressions.

Congratulations to the winners of the essay contest in honor of the second Anniversary of the Universal Seonghwa Ceremony of True Father.

Congratulations to all essay entrants and to the USA Team! Universal Seonghwa activities will continue on throughout the week in Korea. Reflections to True Mother are still being collected.