National Revival Tour: Dr. Yong Takes On the Midwest
Unificationists in Illinois and Indiana welcomed Dr. Chong Sik Yong, FFWPU regional president of North America, during the third week of his national tour aimed at reviving the faith of young members across the country.
“While touring the Midwest region, I visited Harper Community College’s new CARP chapter and its members, as well the Heavenly USA team,” said Dr. Yong. “We gathered and prayed on campus to build our witnessing and also establish PWPA in the future.”
Dr. Yong, whose revival tour began March 11 in Alaska, has dedicated several weeks of this year to a 50-state trek across the country to visit each Unificationist community and connect with leaders, CARP members, and youth. While in Chicago from March 25 to 27, Dr. Yong met with FFWPU USA Midwest Regional Director Rev. Kazuo Takami, Rev. David Rendel, and other members while attending the YCLC introductory program at the Chicago Family Church.
“We shared the vision of YCLC, and there were powerful performances of inspiring songs by Heavenly USA,” said Dr. Yong. “I spoke about how to revive young people in America. We each need to repent and go back to the founding spirit of this country and know that God is alive.”
Dr. Yong discussed with community leaders different ideas regarding the local ministry and the role of each department. “It was a great time to share with each other and learn more about the Chicago community,” he said. “I can see a lot of hope and a promising future through our young generations here ... Even attending the community’s Sunday service was an overwhelming heartfelt experience.”
Dr. Yong also met with local Kodan leaders to address outreach efforts and hear their experiences.
“I personally connected with each of our members and heard beautiful stories,” he said. “I was so moved by their testimonies about having spiritual children through pioneering campus witnessing and other activities ... I’m so moved by their utmost devotion to heaven and that they continue witnessing in order to breakthrough with these efforts.”
Dr. Yong, who has emphasized the importance of Unificationists each having three spiritual children, shared guidance about the mindset of witnessing and encouraged members to read the Divine Principle with their guests. Outreach is a key part of the movement’s national goals.
“President Rev. Naokimi shared our 2022 goals for America,” he said. “And we officially appointed three core leaders to lead CARP Chicago, who all shared beautiful testimonies. I also shared about God’s wish to deliver the total salvation of humanity, and I encouraged making breakthroughs with witnessing by having strong determination.”
In his one-on-one meeting with the Heavenly USA team, Dr. Yong and the group further discussed witnessing on campus and outreach-related activities. “They shared about their experiences in Chicago and their goals for the future,” said Dr. Yong. “I encouraged them to think about how to personally contribute to God’s providence while using their own skills and interests. This was a very meaningful time to listen to each of their reflections and answer their questions.”
On March 29, Dr. Yong traveled to Indiana to meet with local leaders before stopping by the campus of Indiana University–Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI). “We established a holy ground on the campus and prayed to find righteous people through campus witnessing,” he said.
Later that day, Dr. Yong met with Pastor Edward and Bishop Powell at Augusta Christian Church in Indianapolis. Both clergy have completed a 40-day condition and three-day ceremony, said Dr. Yong.
“Bishop Powell and his wife recently blessed 15 couples from their congregation,” he said. “They shared how the Marriage Blessing transformed and changed their lives. They are also so inspired by the vision that True Parents have for God and all people ... We received a powerful speech from Pastor Alexander as well. Everyone had a really good time sharing how to help each other.”
Dr. Yong said he felt God is working through Bishop Powell and his wife, as he asked them to study the Divine Principle thoroughly and invite their congregation to study the text, too.
“Bishop Powell promised to educate his members, so I am very excited for that,” said Dr. Yong. “His church and our movement can really unite together ... Indiana leaders are really inspiring the young people and working together as a team. This is how we can build success with witnessing and revive the spirituality of America.”
Dr. Yong continues his national tour in New Jersey on April 1. Stay tuned for more updates.