New Jersey Community Embraces Dr. Yong On Tour
Photo courtesy of Graeme Carmichael
Dr. Chung Sik Yong, FFWPU regional president of North America, returned to familiar stomping grounds on the East Coast during his national tour to revive the faith of young members across the country.
On April 1, Dr. Yong visited Clifton, New Jersey — the largest Unificationist community in the U.S. with some 400 families in the area. At Jin-A Child Care Center, Dr. Yong met with Executive Director Lincoln LaGrotteria and his staff.
“I’m so impressed by the team at Jin-A and how Lincoln has been running the center so well during the pandemic,” said Dr. Yong. “Meeting the young staff there was a beautiful experience.”
Dr. Yong connected with youth leaders at the Clifton Family Church, where he also met with Pastor Crescentia DeGoede and the ministry team.
“I emphasized the importance of all of us having at least three spiritual children,” said Dr. Yong. “This is important for all Unificationists to revive the spirituality of America.” The group was then joined by local CARP members as they prayed and established holy grounds at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark and Montclair State University.
The following day, Dr. Yong held a roundtable discussion with young professionals in the community. “They shared their excitement and concerns with me honestly,” said Dr. Yong. “And I shared with them the importance of educating their own children in taking ownership and responsibility of their faith.”
At the Clifton Family Church, Dr. Yong was later joined by more than 70 people for a special meeting among Japanese members. “Everyone gathered and introduced themselves, sharing one by one,” he said. “Some came from Pennsylvania; it was incredible. I was delighted to hear from each one of them.”
On April 3, Dr. Yong attended Sunday service in Clifton, where FFWPU USA President Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda shared about the movement’s 2022 national goals. Public outreach and reviving the faith of young people are key parts of this year’s plan.
“Clifton is a beautiful community,” said Dr. Yong. “The atmosphere is so warm that it feels like a small Kingdom of Heaven is already here.”
Dr. Yong concluded his time in New Jersey with a trip to the local CARP center. “I met with the community’s ministry team leaders and blessed the CARP center as a youth center,” he said. “I loved meeting a new person who just joined our movement [at the CARP center] ... This outreach is important to bring substantial victory in America.”
Dr. Yong’s tour, which began March 11 in Anchorage, Alaska, will continue in New York City before a two-week hiatus in Korea to celebrate True Parents’ Holy Wedding Anniversary.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dr. Yong’s national tour.