National Tour: Mrs. Yong Shares Guidance on Faith and Outreach

Photos courtesy of various local FFWPU USA communities

Throughout September, Mrs. Yoshie Yong, wife of FFWPU North America Regional President, Dr. Chung Sik Yong, has been on a national tour to share her guidance on witnessing and raising families of faith. With a background in counseling, and many years of connecting with CARP guests and doing home church, Mrs. Yong met with Unificationist communities across the country to encourage and uplift them in their faith and public outreach efforts.

“She covered ‘home church,’ which is her approach to witnessing,” said Rev. Miilhan Stephans, pastor of the Manhattan Family Church, as he detailed her visit to New York in a recent report to FFWPU USA leaders. He shared about the discussion topics of Mrs. Yong’s visit, including personal approaches to public outreach; effectively sharing about faith as a couple; supporting and inspiring other community members with outreach; encouraging young Unificationists to share openly about their faith; and strengthening the ability to share about True Parents and the Divine Principle.

“She talked about how the Word itself is more powerful when it’s embodied,” said Rev. Miilhan. “When we become the living Word, that’s when we become a natural witness ... and the more action we take, then we realize there is no problem that we can’t solve.” Mrs. Yong shared that the family is the greatest witnessing tool, and possessing love beyond societal boundaries, including race and culture, inspires people and opens the door to their hearts. “We should be able to listen very closely and carefully to each family’s situation and really try to help them,” said Rev. Miilhan. 

Mrs. Yong also recommended sharing the Divine Principle with guests when they are ready, and to do it as though we are testifying to True Parents. “It’s better to build relationships,” said Rev. Miilhan, “but when [guests] are ready, then we share everything with 100 percent sincerity and devotion.” Engaging young Unificationists one on one in an environment that is uplifting, such as a church camp or event, helps them to feel spiritually supported as well, he said.

Additionally, including children in everything — from cooking to other household activities — ensures a healthy family dynamic in fostering faith, shared Mrs. Yong. She advised keeping core traditions alive, including hoon dok hae, Sunday service, and family pledge. And when faced with challenges, Mrs. Yong said, “think before criticizing ... go beyond issues by moving with your heart.”

Mrs. Yong then traveled to the West Coast to meet with Unificationists in the Bay Area and Los Angeles from Sept. 4 to 9. She toured local holy grounds, as well as historic places like the Golden Gate Bridge. “We had a wonderful time together,” shared Rev. Kevin Thompson, FFWPU USA West director. Mrs. Yong held a Q&A session with the community, addressing inquiries about the movement and its continued growth and development. 

“She answered every question with grace and honesty, and really moved the hearts of people,” said Rev. Thompson. While sharing personal anecdotes, Mrs. Yong said Unificationists can support leaders by bringing “substantial results.” “She gave some great advice to CARP, Kodan, and our young people on how to prepare themselves for marriage and invest ourselves in faith,” said Rev. Thompson.

Mrs. Yong also visited Arizona, where she saw the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, before heading to Texas to meet with community members there. Rev. John Jackson, FFWPU USA South director, noted the inspiring example of the Yong family’s multi-generational household, stating, “It’s an incredible heart of service that Dr. and Mrs. Yong live to God and True Parents.” 

In the Midwest, Mrs. Yong connected with Unificationists in Chicago on Sept. 11, where a special Sunday service was organized to welcome her. Two Q&A sessions were held, in the morning and afternoon, that became a five-hour program, said Rev. Kazuo Takami, FFWPU USA Midwest director. “We had people come down from other states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana,” he said. Some 300 people attended the Chicago Family Church that day — the biggest turnout of the year, he said.

From Sept. 16 to 19, Mrs. Yong traveled to Washington, DC, where she met with Unificationists at the Capital Family Church for a special Q&A session and Sunday service. “[Mrs. Yong’s] depth of heart and knowledge of reading young [Unificationists] is profound,” shared one local participant. “She gave tremendous guidance to all the young families.”

Stay tuned for more updates from Mrs. Yong’s national tour.