2020 Cheonbo Festival: ‘We Are Eternally Grateful’
Photo credit FFWPU-USA
From across the U.S. and Canada, hundreds of Unificationist families virtually joined Mother of Peace Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon during the 2020 Cheonbo Festival on October 9 celebrating the centenary and 60th Holy Wedding Anniversary of her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon. The festival, broadcasted through iPeaceTV, also honored 308 extraordinary couples who were inducted into the Cheonbo Won Hall of Honor for their achievements in public outreach.
The festival featured a profusion of lovely Korean performances; distinguished guest speakers, including a special message from the Mother of Peace herself; and a beautiful video montage commemorating Rev. Moon as well as honoring Cheonbo Won inductees.
Multiple communities hosted local ceremonies coinciding with the festival, while other families celebrated from their homes.
Here is a snapshot of reflections from couples who were recently honored as well as other festival participants:
“Knowing that we could be a part of this beautiful celebration with Mother Moon deeply inspires us to do more. During the ceremony we felt that we wanted to share this great blessing with our ancestors and our descendants. We also feel that from this time on we want to continue to share the incredible, historical blessings we have received with the rest of God’s children so that we may firmly stand together as God’s filial son and daughter. We are eternally grateful.” — Richard & Keiko Van Loon, California
“Our hearts were deeply moved as we took part in the Cheonbo induction ceremony and observed the beautiful program in our home with our family. We were truly blessed to hear Mother Moon’s precious words along with our worldwide brothers and sisters. As we donned the beautiful Cheonbo holy robes we thought of the painful course so many have gone before us. First and foremost, we thought of our beloved True Parents. We will continue on and do our best for Heaven.” — Edwin & Marie Ang, New Jersey
“It was such a humbling experience to be in the Cheonbo ceremony. I looked at the holy robes everyone wore and thought I can’t wear this; my standard has to be much higher to wear this. So I am determined to work on that. Father Moon advised pastors to ‘be like Jesus’ and have his depth of heart. Now for me to wear this robe I realize I have to ‘be like Jesus’ as well. Thank you Mother Moon for continuing to push us to be better, to grow and fulfill our potential as God’s children.” — David & Shigeko Kasbow, Michigan
“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our local Cheonbo couples. We were proud to create an environment of honor and respect for 10 couples, many of them seniors who have served God’s providence for the greater part of their lives. You are wonderful, Mother Mother, in honoring these first fruits of victors and accomplishers. Please forgive our shortcomings and continue in good health as you guide God’s providence to its full completion.” — Revs. Edner & Juanita Pierre-Louis, New York
“The beautiful Korean attire, the indescribably attractive Cheonbo award plaque, and the atmosphere of the entire ceremony certainly captured the essence and importance of the entrance into the Cheonbo Won. And yet, the light of this grace emanating from the heart of Mother Moon outshines all external details and illuminates the heavenly treasure we so gratefully receive. Thank you Mother Moon, we love you.” — Richard & Kazuyo Wiltermood, Nevada
“My wife and I are extremely grateful, humble, and honored to have participated in this long-awaited historical ceremony. We knew from the early part of the ceremony that this was not the last stop, but a giant leap to continue building the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. We will continue attending God and our True Parents for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much Mother Moon for your loving, parental heart.” — Ken & Meeyung Owens, New Jersey
“I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for the amazing Cheonbo festival. Mother Moon shared in her speech that she had waited for this day for a long time. The program inspired me to do as much as I can for God’s providence. I made a celebration cake for the families participating in the Cheonbo event in Honolulu because I wanted to do something for the sake of others. God’s wish is for unity and for families to become one under God. Thank you so much Mother Moon for your incredible heart.” — Akiko Kwak, Hawaii
“I was deeply touched by God’s love while experiencing the blessing of the Cheonbo Festival and Mother Moon’s grace and generosity. The Cheonbo ceremony program was beautifully planned and carried out from beginning to end – through visual images, music, entertainment, testimonies, Mother Moon’s words, and congratulatory remarks from world leaders. Mother Moon’s love, grace, and tears assured me that we can liberate God’s heart. I am grateful for True Parents and their gracious love and encouragement and absolute shining example. This is just the beginning of a whole new era!” — Christine Froehlich, California
In case you missed it, you can watch the full recording of the 2020 Cheonbo Festival here.