The Words of the Ablong Family
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The Words of the Ablong Family |
There were 32 brothers and 12 sisters who attended the first convention of Philippine Unification Church members at the Shinobiyama Convention Center in Shizouka Ken. The convention was held in order to:
1) elect the National Executive Minister,
2) make the vision, mission and goals, and
3) construct programs and activities that our Continental Director, Rev. Dr. Chang Shik Yong, has directed us to do in order to start our church ministry in Japan.
The convention was graced by the presence of Rev. Dr. Eric Niduasa, Vice-President of the Philippine Unification Movement who represented our National Leader, Engr. Jun Basuil. Rev. Young Tae Park was also there to give a brief yet meaningful lecture about the spiritual meaning of blessing and witnessing.
The program began with a pledge, a prayer and Hoon Dok reading of True Father's speech in the book "The Way of the Spiritual Leader". After that Kuya Eric Niduasa expressed his deep heart and hope for brothers and sisters to be able to accomplish what we are tasked to do. His speech was followed by the very touching witnessing testimonies of brothers (Eddie represented by Dr. Cadano and sisters (Josie Kawanishi, Jean Arai and Jenjen Yamaguchi) including the wonderful revelation of Brother Joseph Cernardo about the meaning of the first convention and how it is related to many religious events held in Shizuoka including the historical beginning of True Parents ministry in Japan in the month of March many years ago.
All former national and regional leaders of FilJap were given recognition for their faithful years of service and historical leadership of FilJap. Those who were given awards for their years of service and loyal leadership were: former National Filjap Leaders, Mr. Jimmy Garbanzos, Ruben Rongasan, Reuben Cruz and Dante Negre; and former Regional Leaders Jun Flores, William Enriquez, Joelimar Juliano, Rey Sapinoso, Jessie Mariano.
The election of the national executive minister was done following True Father's way of selecting leaders. Kuya Eric explained the significance of holding the election. He also prayed for the top two winners of the election before asking them to draw the papers. He mentioned that the result of the election and selection of the national executive leader was just like the experience of the election in the Philippines in December of last year.
After the short speech of Edgar Nacorda, our new PUCM-J National Executive Minister, a brief power point presentation about developing a good vision, mission, and goals was given by Dr. Cadano.
After that, participants spearheaded by the moderators seriously participated in the brainstorming sessions of the two panels. The two main panels were: Panel 1 -Vision, Mission and Goals, moderated by Dr. Cadano; and Panel 2 -- Programs and Activities moderated by Mr. Edgar Nacorda and Roy Carumba. Everyone worked hard to contribute their ideas and improved the draft of the Manual for the Philippine Unification Church Ministry in Japan drafted by Mr. Rafael E. Ablong.
Before the day was over, we already had a PUCM-J Vision which says, "A church in every home, a center in every community and tribe." Everyone helped each other to create 10 mission statements from the draft of the manual bringing them down from twelve. Programs and activities became the rallying point also for those who have good experiences in Japan, Philippines and elsewhere to contribute in making a ministry that is more dynamic and creative in line with providential goals and challenges.
The convention participants were also able to create 5 standing volunteer committees for the Blessed Family Department, Second Generation, Church-Owned Businesses, Cheon Bok Gung Donation and Constitution and By-Laws. There is still plenty of work to do to make this ministry more effective in carrying out its vision and mission. The work will now go down to the regional levels and ultimately to the local levels where most of the actual and substantial work are needed.
Rev. Young Tae Park closed the day with a deep guidance about the meaning of witnessing. In that brief guidance, he showed us how present witnessing strategies are a results of the spiritual and physical nature of the fall in relation to God's plan for Adam and Eve. Finally, we ended the program with great victory cheers and picture taking.
Overall, the whole event was highlighted by deep feelings for God and True Parents and for each other. Most of the participants have not seen each other for so many years after coming to Japan. The participants who joined the movement when they were still in their 20s are now mostly in their near 50s. Each of them has their own children now. They have grown in age, wisdom, truth and goodness. They have shared their blessings to others and to their children most especially but they never seemed to have gotten tired of everything that they have encountered in Japan as foreigners. They are still burning with passion to fulfill God's and True Parents' hope for this last 3-years mobilization to establish a heavenly nation on earth.
The work has just begun and more effort is still needed to accomplish our goal. We will now shift from theory to practice as we bring the tradition of true love, true life and true lineage in living for the sake of others.
For the Greater Glory of God and True Parents: Heavenly Nation on Earth -- Cheon Il Guk! Mansei, mansei, mansei!!