Southeast Witnessing Challenge Brings Success
Photos courtesy of Capital Family Church
Dr. Achille Acolatse, FFWPU-USA Southeast Senior Pastor, recently had the inspiration to hold a three-night devotion for witnessing efforts throughout his region. Connecting with True Mother’s heartfelt desire for increased public outreach across America, Dr. Acolatse and numerous Unificationists in the Southeast committed to sharing the Divine Principle with new guests from July 26 through 28 with much success.
“We were really trying to challenge every single person to focus on witnessing,” said Dr. Acolatse during an Aug. 1 FFWPU USA leaders’ meeting. “To challenge everyone ... to love one person [by sharing True Parents’ heart with them].”
“The [community] response was great,” he said. “We had about 120 members join every single night ... [as] we listened to the recent message by our [movement’s] international president. He gave very deep sermons.”
During the Southeast Witnessing Challenge, guests were able to participate in Divine Principle seminars held at the Capital Family Church in Washington, DC. Introductory content and advanced sessions were available depending on the guests’ understanding of True Parents.
For Debbie Scott, a Unificationist from Maryland, an event organized by the Leadership Institute in early July connected her with a Virginia man who she said was prepared to hear the movement’s teachings.
“It was a very patriotic [event],” recalled Scott. “I prayed that I could meet someone prepared and went with that intention.” Scott said she also met many people with strong family values.
“These people, they’re praying,” she said. “They see that there’s lots of problems in America ... [But] they’re praying, and they believe that the Messiah is going to come and bring a solution to the problem.”
Scott kept in touch with the man, who she later invited to a Divine Principle seminar as well as study sessions in her home. The teachings quickly resonated with him, leading to the revelation that John the Baptist failed Jesus. “This was huge for him,” she said.
Scott’s guest, who is eager to learn more, now wants to take True Parents’ teachings to South America. “He loves UPF,” she said, “and his biggest dream is to become an Ambassador for Peace ... He wants to teach the Divine Principle in El Salvador, where he’s done mission work before.”
The Southeast Witnessing Challenge is part of a 40-day period — from July 23 to Aug. 31 — of special activities and devotions in response to True Mother’s call for greater public outreach. Dr. Acolatse said he is touched by the community’s determination to bring strong results. “I was so moved by the attendance,” he said, “and also the widespread support [of the witnessing challenge].”
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