The Words of the Takami Family
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The Words of the Takami Family |
Kazuo Takami was born on February, 22, 1970 in Oita. Japan. He joined CARP at Osaka University in Japan on May 8, 1989 at age 19 as a freshman. Within three weeks he moved into the CARP center and for the next several years, witnessed, fundraised and served as the editor-in-chief of a monthly student university newspaper as part of CARP. He cites his reason for joining the church as, "the love that True Parents had shown in their life course and the care that he received from the brothers and sisters."
In June 1996 he entered UTS as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student and graduated cum laude with a Master of Religious Education degree in 2000. After graduation he was assigned as the Assistant State Director of Illinois and worked with American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) in Chicago serving as the Illinois State Director and ACLC state co-chairman. In August 2010 he was appointed as District 7 Director and in 2012, was re-elected District Pastor by the District 7 Council.
He was Blessed to Hiromi Cimino on August 25, 1992 as part of the 30,000 Couples' Blessing, and together they have two sons and three daughters. He now lives with his wife and five children in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, where they have been living for the last six years.
Note: The District 7 Council decided to establish a non-voting council to give representation to Unificationist-born youth and the state of Wisconsin
Question: What did you think about the inauguration ceremony?
Four years ago, Reverend Hyung Jin Moon said the following at his inauguration ceremony as the International President: "I believe True Parents' secret for our ministers is very simple: work in a loving manner; give Jeong Seong, and don't become arrogant in front of True Parents or our members. Also, Father Moon told me not to worry too much about the future, but march forward in the certainty that God and True Parents are guiding us. These are the secrets of a successful ministry" (April 18, 2008). This has become my personal "creed" in ministry. The ordination ceremony, the foot-washing ceremony, and the candle ceremony truly encouraged me to practice working in a loving manner and giving daily Jeong Seong. Thank you very much for such a solemn but heartfelt ceremony for a fresh start.
Question: If you had a million dollars, what would you do?
After tithing first, I would like to take all my children to Japan to meet their grandparents. We have not found a chance to introduce our last two kids to their grandparents. Since this won't cost a million dollars, I would rent a luxurious cruise ship for one month and travel around the world. I'll invite all my tribes to have fun together and educate them with the Divine Principle at the same time.
Question: What story does your family always tell about you?
My parents mention often that I was a very stubborn and determined child. If I found a favorite toy, I never left the shop and cried loudly until my parents finally yielded to my wish. Later, this kind of behavior helped my parents let me go when I confessed my Unification faith to them. They struggled with my faith in the beginning and even went to see a negative Christian pastor who was connected to faith-breakers. Fortunately, my parents trusted me more than him. They believed that I would not have taken such a wrong path as the negative pastor described. Now my parents respect my faith. They are happy, especially with my wife and children.
Question: What was a significant moment during your role as a leader in the unification church?
One of my turning points was attending the 120-day special education session for world Unification Church leaders organized by True Parents in Korea in 2010, which was also my 21 year anniversary since I joined the Unification Church. Coincidentally, this workshop started exactly on my 40th birthday (February 27). It gave me a chance to renew and grow my faith in God and True Parents. I am so grateful to have been able to fully participate in that workshop which deepened my understanding about Jeong Seong -- which means offerings of sincerity -- and ministry as well as the importance of self- training. This became the basis for my current personal ministry.
Question: If you could travel back in time, who would you meet and why?
I would want to meet my 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Mr. Ataka Saita. I was a very shy person, but thanks to his care and trust, I became very active in class and changed my character.
Question: If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do during the time you would normally spend sleeping?
Maybe I'll just clean up my house. I am poor at cleaning, so I guess that the extra time will help me improve. Also, that would make my wife happier.
Question: If you could be a superhero, which superhero would you be? How would you use those powers?
I would be a "new--type Gundam" hero from the Japanese anime Gundam Series. These "Mobile Suits" can understand each other without talking and exist in space.
Question: What is an exotic dish that you've never eaten but would like to?
Sorry, no idea. In many cases, unfamiliar foods were not tasty to me. Common but delicious foods are the best.
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