Following in Our Founders’ Footsteps
“This tour is about following in the footsteps of Rev. and Dr. Moon’s 1965 holy ground tour,” said Rev. Kazuo Takami, the Midwest regional director of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). “Father Moon went across all of America establishing holy grounds; and then 10 years later, in 1975, he sent missionaries throughout the world following the same pattern.”
Since early August, FFWPU North America Regional President Dr. Chung Sik Yong has visited numerous communities across the country to revive the spirit of America amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Takami and other Unificationist leaders joined Dr. Yong on the recent Midwest leg of his national tour — channeling the heart and resolve of FFWPU’s co-founders, the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
“We were so blessed to welcome Dr. Yong to the Midwest during such a beautiful and colorful season,” said Rev. Takami. “He traveled to 10 states over 10 days covering more than 2,800 miles by car, so this was a long journey.”
From September 29 to October 8, Dr. Yong met with local officials, clergy, interfaith leaders and community members in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, as well as Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Kentucky.
“We want to touch every person’s heart sincerely,” said Dr. Yong, as he shared his vision and ministry of creating genuine connections and promoting unity and reconciliation among communities.
“This is the most moving aspect of the tour for me personally,” said Rev. Takami.
Dr. Yong met with leaders like Apostle Clarence and Joyce Haddon in Michigan — parents of top Christian R&B singer Deitrick Haddon — as well as Bishop Bernie Wade in Kentucky, who invited him to his 2022 convention as the keynote speaker.
Throughout the tour, Dr. Yong has also shared the 2021 goals of FFWPU’s national leadership leading up to Dr. Moon’s visit to the U.S. in December. He outlined several goals which aim to connect more people with the Marriage Blessing movement, corresponding resources, as well as increase local community activities nationwide. Still, a key part of the tour has been visiting the holy grounds in each state to pray for America and the world.
“The pouring rain stopped during our prayers at the holy grounds of at least three different sites,” said Rev. Takami in amazement. “There was a great atmosphere there with our presence and heart of service.”
Dr. Yong commended FFWPU’s Midwest tour organizers for their hard work and announced his support and participation in all pastors’ summits organized by Unificationist state leaders who bring 40 couples or 70 individual participants.
“We must pray together for the spirit of America,” he said. “I see this universal principle of when you give, you receive.”
You can learn more about Dr. Yong’s national tour by joining Morning Devotion here.
