Gone Fishing and Witnessing

“We have many testimonies from our elders working around the country who are witnessing and teaching ministers one-on-one about our movement,” said Rev. Richard Buessing of BFM’s Senior Pastor Association (SPA). On July 19, Rev. Buessing shared a particular highlight during an FFWPU USA leaders’ meeting. He recounted an inspiring testimony from David Rogers, a Unificationist in Washington state and retired National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship deck officer, safety manager, and longtime Kodiak fishing guide.

“David Rogers had the opportunity to speak at the Seattle Yacht Club recently, and he presented his whole life in relation to Father Moon and about his own work in the Navy and Naval Academy,” said Rev. Buessing. “True Parents were known for many things, but not so well known about their work to enable youth to experience time at sea in Alaska and other global locations as they received training in ocean-based activities, such as fishing and seafood processing.”

Before an audience of some 30 people, Rogers shared about piloting True Father’s fishing boat in the waters off Kodiak, Alaska, from 1989 to 1997. He also shared True Father’s guidance on using resources from the oceans. “David had a very interesting life, going to the Naval Academy and working on a boat,” said Rev. Buessing. “When he got this speaking opportunity [at the yacht club], it was so exciting for him because it was his first major presentation since retiring from his job.”

Rogers channeled his passion for the ocean and his great faith as he talked about True Parents and the Marriage Blessing with the club’s audience. He discussed True Parents’ Ocean Challenge program, as well as the importance of the kind of boat used out on the water. “True Father said, at sea, the boat is our universe and we must respect and love it and learn everything about it,” relayed Rev. Buessing. 

True Parents taught that seamanship can develop character and confidence, bring forth the heart of stewardship, and cultivate deeper faith by experiencing God’s love through nature. From the oceans, to the production level of the fishing industry utilizing every part of the fish, True Father tapped into seamanship to help the world and feed the hungry.

“I frequently go to sea because the future economy of the world will depend on the vast resources of the sea,” True Father said. “The future will belong to the person who pays more attention to the oceans of the world.” True Parents encouraged developing our own capabilities and skills by continuously learning and taking our abilities to the next level.

“David shared pictures and stories of all the ocean work True Parents have done over the years,” said Rev. Buessing. “He was emphasizing respect for the boat and crew in becoming a competent captain as well.”

Rogers also shared the headline-making story about the “miracle on the Hudson,” where in 2009 an airplane from NYC struck a flock of birds shortly after take-off and lost all engine power, making an emergency landing in the Hudson River. A trainee of the Ocean Challenge program, who ran his own water taxi service, immediately went out to the scene to rescue passengers.

“It was the first boat there to evacuate people once the airplane landed in the river, so everyone on board was saved,” said Rev. Buessing. “David shared this story and how Rev. Moon was behind a variety of activities ... This was truly a great witnessing testimony.”

Have a story idea or witnessing testimony you’d like to share from your community? You can submit it to info@unification.org.