A Strong Foundation: National Tour to Revive Youth Begins

Austin, Texas

Dr. Chung Sik Yong, FFWPU regional president of North America, recently began his national tour to revive the movement’s youth community across the U.S.

“Let’s pray for this 50-state tour and its beautiful foundation,” he said during the March 11 kickoff in Anchorage, Alaska. “Everyone has a strong determination to develop a clear plan. Our whole movement, without exception, needs strong determination to revive the faith of our young people.”

As a top goal of FFWPU this year, successfully engaging more young people can be achieved by setting internal and external foundations, Dr. Yong said. This national tour, which encompasses state holy grounds, CARP centers, and university campuses, among other places, is a pivotal part of that foundation. 

Dr. Yong added that each Unificationist having three spiritual children is also an important component to the revival tour. “At least 120 people have had a breakthrough with having three spiritual children,” he said. “Our movement will have a great turning point from now on ... investing effort, jeongseong, and devotion to really break through.”

From March 11 to 13, Dr. Yong met with Pastor Eugene Harnett and several community members in Anchorage. “I shared with the local leaders about this vision of the 50-state tour, centering on the establishment of youth centers in all 50 states to revive the faith of young people through our CARP activities,” he said.

Anchorage, Alaska

Some 20 Unificationists gathered at the holy ground in Anchorage to pray. They established a new holy ground at the local University of Alaska campus as well. Dr. Yong listened to the testimonies of young people and shared guidance with them while discussing God’s vision and the purpose of life. 

“I really had a very good time with our young people and leaders and met with new brothers and sisters in Anchorage,” he said. Dr. Yong then traveled to Los Angeles, where from March 14 to 16 he met with Rev. Kevin Thompson and community members from CARP LA and Kodan.

“President Naokimi and I got to hear the campus witnessing testimonies of CARP LA members,” said Dr. Yong. “They’ve been working together with Kodan for many years to breakthrough with witnessing. There have been a lot of substantial results regarding this campus witnessing through parent-and-child unity centering on CARP.” 

Dr. Yong also stopped by Pasadena City College (PCC) and prayed with students there to further develop CARP’s presence on campus. He was thrilled to meet two professors who serve as CARP LA advisors on the PCC campus. “Most of them have already finished the Divine Principle and True Parents’ life course education,” said Dr. Yong. “We shared ideas and they expressed their intention to launch more CARP projects.”

Pasadena, California

At the Los Angeles Family Church, Dr. Yong also connected with pastors of the Young Christian Leadership Conference (YCLC). “We had great discussion and I encouraged them to study True Parents’ philosophy to bring substantial peace,” he said. “We also discussed our national goals centering on our youth ... I pray that the Los Angeles Family Church can become a driving force in the community.”

On March 17, Dr. Yong traveled to Austin, Texas, to engage local members. “There isn’t a big community in Austin,” he said, “but we still had very beautiful and heartistic sharing. We went to the Austin holy ground, which is a beautiful place with an incredible view. I really appreciate God’s beautiful nature.”

Local leaders then joined Dr. Yong for prayer at the University of Texas, Austin to successfully launch a CARP center there. CARP has played an integral role in sharing the teachings of the Unification movement on college and university campuses nationwide for more than five decades. Established by True Parents in 1966, CARP has been instrumental in developing a range of campus programs, events, and activities promoting principles of unity and peace through raising young leaders.

Dr. Yong continues his national tour in New York City on March 20. Stay tuned for more updates.