Japanese Students Meet with National Ministry Team

On August 8, 2016, 30 university-age Japanese Unificationists visited the FFWPU USA National Ministry offices and met with the National Ministry Team, including FFWPU North America Continental Chairman, Dr. Ki Hoon Kim; FFWPU USA President, Dr. Michael Balcomb; FFWPU USA Vice Presidents, Miilhan Stephens and Mari Curry; Kodan Director, Mr. Hiroshi Inose; and others.

These young students are touring America in a three-week pilgrimage, as they visit the holy sites of True Parents’ ministry in America. The pilgrimage program, which is led by Rhode Island State Pastor Rev. Mark Beaudoin and his family, is now in its second year. Students listed as their reasons for dedicating two months of their summer to this trip: wanting to learn more about True Parents’ history in America, seeking to connect with young Unificationists in America, and improving their English.

For most of the students, this is their first ever visit to the United States. As they introduced themselves over lunch, members of the National Ministry Team were intrigued to discover their broad range of cultural backgrounds, with parents hailing from as far Ivory Coast, Australia, Korea, Congo and the Philippines. The students all live in a broad range of regions in Japan as well.

After lunch, the students performed traditional Japanese songs, as well as an American favorite, Country Roads. They were given a tour of the office; presented with gifts, including Four Years of Hope t-shirts, hats, and wristbands; and wished well on their journey by the National Ministry Team. The next day, the students went to East Garden, where they celebrated the Chil Pal Jeol Holy Day along with the Belvedere Family Church.

Students will be traveling to more holy sites throughout the nation through the end of August. Stay tuned to hear more about their trip!