One of the Greatest Celebrations
“Chuseok is one of the greatest celebration days,” said Dr. Chung Sik Yong, the regional president of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) North America. He spent the September 21 holiday, known as “Korean Thanksgiving,” on the road accompanied by fellow Unificationist leaders as he continued his national tour to revive the spirit of America.
The 50-state tour, which began in early August, has brought Dr. Yong across the U.S. visiting numerous communities. “It’s a busy schedule, but I’m so glad to meet everyone in person,” he said.
In the past week, Dr. Yong wrapped up touring the Northeast region—including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware—and ventured Southeast to visit Washington, DC, and six states in five days: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
“With each community, we shared about the 2021 goals leading up to Mother Moon’s visit in December,” said Rev. Ernest Patton, FFWPU Southeast regional director. He and Dr. Yong, along with other key leaders and community members, also gathered to pray at local holy grounds established by FFPWU’s co-founders, the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
“We had some people come a long distance—three and four hours—to join us at these holy grounds,” said Dr. Yong. He emphasized the importance of the holy grounds and the desire for each FFWPU state leader to multiply them in counties and cities within their jurisdiction.
The national tour aims to revive the spirit of America as the nation faces a range of issues amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Yong has met with government and faith leaders as well as American Clergy Leadership (ACLC) pastors who can help revive the spirit of America’s people. The tour has also connected him with many couples and families who are the backbone of society and the nation’s future.
“In North Carolina, we had a pastors’ summit at the Triangle Family Church,” said Dr. Yong. “And in West Virginia, we met with the mayor of Martinsburg and the chief of police, as well as ACLC pastors.”
While stopping in Baltimore, Dr. Yong fondly recalled his first time in Maryland and referred to the state as his “second hometown.”
“Twenty-two years ago, I came to Maryland and stayed with 120 of our missionaries there,” he said. “I have very unforgettable, beautiful memories of that time.”
Throughout the tour, Dr. Yong and FFWPU National President Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda has shared the 2021 vision of FFWPU-USA with presentations outlining several goals in preparation for a special year-end event featuring Dr. Moon. Leaders aim to connect more people with the Marriage Blessing movement, corresponding resources, as well as increase local community activities nationwide.
“I appreciate everyone’s commitment to come out on this tour,” said Dr. Yong. “We are very grateful and want to bring about a hopeful heavenly USA.”
You can learn more about Dr. Yong’s national tour by also joining Morning Devotion here.
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