Dr. Kim Speaks at Annual Chuseok Seonghwa Memorial

On September 8, Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Regional Chairman of the Family Federation of North America, delivered a powerful message at the Annual Chuseok Seonghwa Memorial Service in District 1 held at the National Wonjeon Shrine of America, located just a few miles from The Washington Times building. The service honored 84 Unificationists in the community who have ascended, including those who ascended this past year: Lawrence Criner, Roger Wise, Chihiro Wylie, Antonietta Mundula, Judy Skarstan, Debbie Lowe, Keith Cooperrider and Jessica Bo Yeon Graml from Arizona.

Chuseok is one of the biggest and most important holidays in Korea. Family members from near and far come together to share food and stories and give thanks to their loved ones. The District 1 community inherited this tradition to remember and honor their loved ones. During his sermon, Dr. Kim explained the value of honoring those who ascended. “They dedicated their youth and families to the fullest to see Cheon Il Guk be established,” Dr. Kim said. “We owe it to them to keep working together with True Mother toward fulfilling that goal.”

Unificationists who attended expressed their gratitude for Dr. Kim’s words of wisdom. Many were inspired by his unity with True Mother and her vision. They felt his message was “like a refresher course of inspiration.”

“[Dr. Kim’s] words at the Chuseok celebration gave comfort and guidance for everyone in attendance,” said Rev. Ernest Patton, Southeast Subregional Director. “[He] offered vision, practical guidance and exemplified the deep heart that we can embody to build a heavenly culture.”

The service was hosted by Rev. Young Chul Jang and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) Korean Evangelical Association (KEA) and was attended by more than 50 Unificationists. Rev. Randall Francis of FFWPU USA District 1 Seonghwa Committee served as emcee. Rev. Sung Do Kim, a 777 couple from Richmond, gave a tearful prayer in Korean, creating a beautiful filial spirit. Heartfelt testimonies were offered by Jim and Joanne Parrish, Diane Abendroth and Tom McDevitt. Following an offering to those who ascended, Rev. Patton gave a deep benediction prayer and Rev. Jang led three cheers of Eog Mansei (10,000 years) to close the formal service.