A Promising Future: Dr. Yong's Tour Continues
Photo courtesy of Graeme Carmichael
“Whenever I see our young people, I can see a very promising future,” said Dr. Chung Sik Yong, FFWPU regional director of North America. “Everywhere I’ve met them [on this tour], the main topic is raising up spiritual children.”
Dr. Yong began a whirlwind journey in March — a national tour to revive the faith of our movement’s young people. Traveling from Alaska and California, to Texas, Illinois, and Indiana, he returned to the East Coast in early April to meet with FFWPU leaders in New Jersey, home to the largest Unificationist community in America with some 400 families in the area.
Most recently, Dr. Yong crossed the Hudson River to meet with various communities in and around New York City. From April 8 to 10, he connected with leaders and youth in Manhattan, Harlem, and Tarrytown.
“I listened to everyone’s testimonies and gave them internal guidance,” said Dr. Yong. “We discussed the importance of each having three spiritual children and having prayerful efforts toward achieving this.”
Public outreach and reviving the faith of young people are key parts of FFWPU’s national goals for 2022. Dr. Yong has emphasized these important elements throughout his tour. “At the Harlem Youth Center, we heard reports from leaders regarding campus outreach,” he said. “Everyone is putting sincere effort and heart into breaking through with this.”
In Manhattan, Dr. Yong was joined by community members who shared their experiences with him. “It was a great gathering, and I really appreciated Rev. Miilhan Stephans, who has become the leader of the Manhattan Family Church,” said Dr. Yong. “I see this wonderful environment where everyone is focused on witnessing, and this has brought a completely new atmosphere to our church center.”
The group later prayed at Columbia University as they established a holy ground on campus. “This kind of foundation will bear fruit with sincere effort,” said Dr. Yong.
On April 9, Dr. Yong attended the commitment ceremony of two young couples at the Clifton Family Church before giving a special Sunday service message at the Belvedere Family Church in Tarrytown the following day.
“So many people came out,” he marveled. “It was very crowded. I really appreciate all of our brothers and sisters who joined us, and Pastor Justin Okamoto is doing such a great job at Belvedere.”
Dr. Yong exchanged greetings with many new and familiar faces, eager to connect with each person one on one. Throughout the tour, Dr. Yong expressed the desire to deepen his relationship with members across the country.
“I met with the young leaders at Belvedere and learned more about their community,” he said. “I also met with Kodan members for a Q&A session to discuss community outreach and connected with our Il Shim participants as well. I was so happy to see so many young kids there!”
Dr. Yong concluded the first leg of his national tour, which resumes in May after he returns from Korea.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dr. Yong’s national tour.