New Latino Ministry Launched in the Northeast

“Everyone was so inspired and on their feet through this new beginning, with many people starting and renewing their spiritual lives with our members and their families,” said Monica Vallejo, secretary general of FFWPU USA’s new Latino Ministry in the Northeast. Vallejo joined new Pastor Rafael Sanchez in launching the region’s Latino Ministry on June 26. An inaugural worship service was held at the Belvedere property after a successful Divine Principle seminar held there the day before.

“Our first service was an awesome worship,” said Vallejo, who recounted all the planning and preparation in a FFWPU USA leaders’ meeting on June 28. “Everyone was on fire [with passion],” she said, as she shared how community leaders spent more than two months working toward the one-day Divine Principle education workshop, held in Spanish on June 25, as well as their first service. 

“I was so inspired by our young people despite all the challenges we’ve had,” said Vallejo. “Our purpose of course is Divine Principle education with all of our heavenly tribal messiahs and their guests ... so we were preparing with our young people who came to volunteer, and we were also praying before our first worship service.”

Their dedication and hard work brought great success. Spanish community leaders aimed to have more than 40 Unificationists bring guests to the seminar and worship service. However, more than 90 people participated, with 28 guests from different communities including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. 

“We had a wonderful time,” said Vallejo, “and we were very pleased to have Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda and Rev. Miilhan Stephans also join us.” Vallejo said another 32 people participated on Facebook and 13 more through Zoom. The robust Divine Principle seminar included presentations from Pastor Rafael and Nancy Makowski, among others. 

“Our first session on the Principle of Creation was stunning,” said Vallejo. “Everyone was so focused on what was being shared. The second session discussing the human fall touched many people, too ... The presentation on restoration was all very interesting and everyone was so moved.”

The song “Crown of Glory” was sung in Spanish by a performer who stirred the audience with the heartfelt lyrics. Once the program concluded, some 17 people pledged to continue the Divine Principle introduction studies, while 18 Unificationists committed to helping the Latino Ministry. “We had a beautiful time at Belvedere,” said Vallejo. “It was magical.”

The Latino Ministry is currently seeking sponsors for support with expansion locally and nationally through different activities and outreach efforts. 

You can help support the Latino Ministry here.