New Year’s Celebration with True Mother Brings Hope

Photo courtesy of Leo Patrizi

“True Mother gave us a message of hope,” said Dr. Achille Acolatse, FFWPU USA Southeast director. “That was the key word for me from the celebration: Hope. Despite the challenges we are facing, True Mother is showing us the peace we should have and not to worry — there is hope, and we’re going to see a great new year.”

For the Unification movement nationally and abroad, a special New Year’s celebration with True Mother in Korea on January 3 KST ignited a great spirit of promise and renewal. Many leaders said they felt inspired and hopeful after she delivered a resolute yet comforting message about the future during the live online program. 

“[True Mother] is calling upon us to be determined with Cheonbo, and to be proud of ourselves,” said Dr. Acolatse in his remarks during a recent meeting where FFWPU USA leaders shared their reflections. “This is the 11th year of Cheon Il Guk, so great things are about to happen.”

With True Mother’s guidance, the movement’s leaders are focused on a number of ventures this year, including “Vision 2027” and its next steps and goals; more Cheonbo activities and further expanding the Marriage Blessing movement worldwide; and the grand opening of the Cheon Won Gung and Cheon Il Sanctum this May. Nationally, a property optimization project is currently underway, as well as initiatives to increase community membership, tithing, and the revival of faith among our young people.

Leaders said overcoming the challenges of previous years has created a strong foundation for success in 2023. “[During the program,] I could see True Mother was encouraging the whole world,” shared Rev. John Jackson, FFWPU USA South director. “We’ve been going through a lot of challenges since 2020, but she said this year ... we are going to have victory. [She is] looking forward with a lot of optimism.” 

“True Mother, as a parent, doesn’t want to [focus on] any difficulties,” said Rev. Kevin Thompson, FFWPU USA West director. “2022 was not a great year in many ways,” he said, “but you would have never guessed it from True Mother’s speech. It was all positive and hopeful, [stating that] 2023 is going to be amazing and really uplifting.”

Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, FFWPU USA, President, noted that 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. The Chinese zodiac symbolizes great fortune and a year for honing our skills of perception, intuition, and forging the way of inner and outer peace.

You can start off the new year connecting with a Unificationist community near you here.