Rev. Julius B. Malicdem
Regional Vice President & Secretary General, FFWPU Asia Pacific
Sub-Regional Director of Southeast Asia
Our Most Beloved True Mother!
I sincerely hope and pray for your continuing good health and vitality as I offer this report to you.
Beloved Wang Omma, I am writing this report in the plane traveling back to the Philippines from a 9-day visit in Malaysia. I have been pondering how these 2 nations, Philippines and Malaysia which are just 3 hours away from each other and sharing the same Malayan ethnicity but widely differentiated by its religion and culture. From a vastly Muslim nation, I am traveling back to the stronghold of Christianity especially Roman Catholicism, Philippines.
However, after meeting several of our brothers and sisters in Malaysia, I experienced the same warmth of a family who are sincerely attending our Heavenly Parent and True Parents in their lives. How beautiful truly it is to be able to live together in a holy community bonded by the common sense of mission to realize our Heavenly Parent’s dream, no matter how differentiated our realities are! Just the thought of our beloved True Mother who is tirelessly leading us in this final stage of the completion of the heavenly Providence on the earth, gives me stronger resolve to absolutely bring substantial results towards the historic Entrance Ceremony in the Cheon Il Sanctum in Cheon Won Gung which is just 172 days away.
The main purpose of this visit in Malaysia with our Regional President, Rev. Masaichi Hori who is visiting Malaysia for the 6th time since he was appointed as the Regional President of then Asia Pacific 2 region in October 2020, is to give extra push in terms of bringing victory in witnessing and substantial church growth. This visit was also a great timing to re-emphasize the importance of becoming one with True Mother and offer substantial offering for the completion of the Cheon Won Gung.
We had series of meetings with the leaders of our Malaysian Movement listening to their hopeful reports and I would like to share some highlights below:
The Power of Cheon Shim Won is Getting Stronger in Malaysia
Dearest True Mother, I have joined Cheon Shim Won in a few nations in Southeast Asia, in different churches but every time I participate in our Malaysia HQ church, I felt a much stronger feeling. I could feel the intensity of devotion and resonating prayers of our brothers and sisters joining the Cheonshimwon night vigil prayer in Malaysia HQ. Especially I noticed how intense our young second-generation members are praying. I have joined several times the Cheonshimwon vigil prayer in our Cheonbo Training Center in Korea and I would say that almost the same level of intensity in Malaysia HQ. This is probably because of the power generated by several of our young Malaysian members, both 1st Gen and 2nd Gen who have attended several 40-days Workshop in Chungpyung and also the recently conducted Hyojeongrang Workshop. Joining the Hyojeong Cheonbo Autumn Greatworks in Malaysia was indeed a great experience. Through the power of Cheonshimwon I could feel very strong spiritual support to accelerate the Providence of witnessing there especially from among our younger generation members. Aju!
Hyojeongrang Spirit is Alive!
While joining meetings like the Witnessing and Church Growth Meeting, the Sunday Worship Service and the gathering with core 2nd Generation and Youth Leaders, I felt that the seemingly invisible barrier separating our young 1st Gen leaders and 2nd Gen leaders have disappeared! For the past visits in Malaysia, I could see some kind of a separation in the activities of our youth 1st Gens and 2nd Gens. However, this time, that barrier is gone. When they reported about their recent activities like the Ajar-ajar project, the Plogging service project, Eco-Fundraising program, Hope Worship and Education workshops, I could see only one spirit that is united and powerful – the Hyojeongrang spirit envisioned by our beloved True Mother.
I would say that this is primarily the result of the 21-day Hyojeongrang Workshop for Asia Pacific Youth conducted last July and August in Korea and Thailand. Also, the 2 HTG missionaries, 2 great brothers from Korea have somehow created that avenue of stronger connection of all the youth both 1st Gens and 2nd Gens especially in Malaysia HQ church. And the direct supervision and guidance by our Regional President, Rev. Hori, who although is identified as a 2nd gen, but have the heart and the wisdom to embrace the young 1st Gens without barrier.
Towards Victory in Witnessing
One of the strengths of our Malaysian Movement as compared to other countries in Asia Pacific is their passion and foundation for Home Group system in strengthening their church community and for pastoring purpose. But this time, I sensed a shift and transformation on the focus of these Home Groups. During the Witnessing Meeting, after listening to some reports, I realized how desperate each Home Group is now to bring victory in witnessing to new guests as well as how to revive inactive members both 1st Gens and 2nd Gens.
I was touched by the initiative of our 2nd Gen leaders’ group to visit some of the “lost” and inactive 2nd gens in their homes remembering all their birthdays and bringing cake and gifts to them. Because of this heartwarming visitation, some inactive 2nd gens started to come to the center again and get involved in some programs.
Another Home Group, which is more a 3-generational homegroup with grandparents, parents and youth as members, has successfully conducted a 2-Day workshop which resulted in several new contacts to become potential new members. They are determined to conduct this seminar continuously and contribute to witnessing to new members.
Recognizing our Members Sincerity in Contributing Towards the Cheon Won Gung providence
During the National Sunday Worship Service attended by all Malaysian members both in HQ church and online, I shared a sermon about the “Golden Era that We Should Not Miss” which re-emphasized everyone’s responsibility to help in the completion of the Cheon Won Gung and establish sincere condition to become one with the Only Begotten Daughter, our precious True Mother during the Entrance Ceremony. Pres. Masaichi Hori also ignited the spirit of all Malaysian members on the coming historic Entrance Ceremony and challenged everyone to become owners of this current providence and that everyone must offer something special to our beloved True Mother. As part of the Worship Service, we then gave certificate of recognition to each of the families who have offered their donations for the Cheon Won Gung providence. Many of them are so inspired and determined to offer more.
Dearest True Mother, with all humility, I feel so sorry that our substantial results are still not enough. However, I could feel that momentum was building up and very hopeful conditions had been laid to bring greater substantial results!
As the airplane is about to land in Manila airport, we experienced a lot of shaking and turbulence because of the strong typhoon that has just entered the Philippines. However, no amount of shaking in the Providence can deter us from focusing on what is ahead. Beloved true Mother, we will hit the ground running! Immediately tomorrow, we will have a Witnessing Meeting with all our key leaders in the Philippines and together with Pres. Hori, we shall continue to support our brothers and sisters for more victories especially in witnessing, substantial church growth, raising many Blessing candidates and support for Cheon Won Gung.
Once again, I offer my immense gratitude to our beloved True Mother!
October 21, 2024
Heavenly Asia Pacific October Youth Activity Report
Ronnie Sodusta, Vice Regional President, Heavenly Asia Pacific
Dear True Mother,
I imagine it must be a lovely time in Cheonwon Complex right now, with the crisp scent of autumn in the air and a cool breeze. I pray that your day today is filled with happiness and that your health continues to improve. I am writing to report on the latest youth activities in Heavenly Asia Pacific.
True Mother, I would first like to share about the Heavenly Top Gun missionaries. While you have received direct reports from them, I am overjoyed to hear of their activities and creativity. It reaffirms that when given the opportunity, our young members can achieve remarkable things.
The Heavenly Top Gun missionaries in Antipolo are conducting witnessing under the name of the Family Federation Youth Center. Others are using True Parents’ autobiographies in one-on-one witnessing to introduce people to True Parents and share their teachings.
I am deeply grateful to the Heavenly Top Gun missionaries sent by the Korean HQ. Much of the information and resources they share are new to me. At Antipolo Church, the blessed families are also engaged in street evangelism during the day and lecturing at weekend workshops. These small but tangible miracles are unfolding on the ground.
We once felt our past was richer than our present, but thanks to your love and attention, True Mother, our only-begotten daughter, we now see greater hope in the future. We are convinced that our future is even more promising than our past.
True Mother, we currently have 10 participants from the Heavenly Asia Pacific region applying to UPA. This is the highest number of applicants since 2013 when I attended UPA. I believe one of the main reasons for this increase is the Hyo Jung Rang workshops held in August in Korea and Thailand.
When young people naturally understand the heart of Heavenly Parent and True Parents, they choose the path of public life on their own. As a leader, I’ve realized that I cannot force change upon them. The best we can do is create a nurturing environment and provide education. I’ve come to understand deeply that this approach will be the seed for Heaven to work, our care and sincerity will be the water, and Heavenly Parent will greatly guide their conscience.
True Mother, I suppose I’m ambitious in my filial piety to you, and I believe my ability to dream big is one of my greatest strengths. Lately, I’ve been envisioning a Sunday service in the middle of a mall in the Philippines. I imagine our chants and sermon being heard by everyone as they go about their Sunday morning shopping. The thought of our family members and our young members openly singing and professing their faith fills me with excitement and joy. I believe this is possible here in Antipolo, Philippines, and it’s something I’m determined to make happen.
I’ve shared my personal feelings, but above all, I will continue to focus on my mission to lead and nurture future generations, so that I can bring you even greater joy and honor.
True Parents, may you always be healthy and happy. May your day be filled with reasons to smile. Thank you, we love you.
October Report from Oceanian Sub-region, Heavenly Asia Pacific
Yutaka Yamada, Sub-Regional President
Precious Heavenly Parent, Beloved True Parents of heaven, earth, and humankind, dearest True Mother, I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to offer this letter to you.
I would like to report the activities of the Oceanian Sub-Region and its nations.
Today I will report on Vanuatu in particular. In early October, I and the director of the sub-regional headquarters visited Vanuatu for a week. Vanuatu is a Christian country, where many Christian pastors have received Divine Principle education and accepted True Parents in the past. Peace ambassadors here have been at the forefront of protecting the Unification Church against national persecution while also proclaiming the essence of True Parents.
Centered on the missionaries, the tribal messiah activities are continuously taking place in the local areas. However, there were complications in the process of appointing the national president after the missionaries completed their service period. Also, there were other struggles as the new national president was appointed just before the pandemic. Although there were difficulties due to lack of experience, through our visit, we were able to sort out all the problems and make a new start. The leader’s difficulties were resolved, the organization was reorganized, and we had the opportunity to educate the members on True Mother’s heart and the current providence.
During our visit, we were greeted by about 30 Blessed family members, including young 2nd generations, and we could feel their longing and love for True Parents. Our meetings with peace ambassadors and Christian pastors also confirmed that they recognize True Parents as the Messiah. We also saw that the local members are eager to educate more Christian pastors, but feel sorry for being unable to do more due to the challenging situation. In the ‘Online National Leaders’ Meeting’, we were told that the local situation was positive, but during the actual visit, we observed many difficulties, especially problems caused by the national president’s inability to handle all the responsibilities, including the church, UPF, witnessing, organization management, and finances. We deeply reflected on our failure to be well aware of the situation and help in advance.
Work in the mission field was thriving through the help of the missionaries, however difficulties arise after the missionaries complete their service period. This time, we made a fresh start by restructuring the organization, appointing new leaders in each area, and directly guiding the sub-regional headquarters on overall management.
At the meeting with the peace ambassadors, I shared True Mother’s words about Christianity. And with a renewed resolve, we were able to establish PCLC (Asia-Pacific Christian Clergy Conference) Vanuatu to start Christian education and movement.
I was particularly impressed by the words of a 75-year-old pastor: “I will not retire. Heaven’s will has not been fulfilled, and when I go to the next world, it will be my last day,” and he made an earnest appeal to other Christian ministers to preach the truth and share True Parents’ words. This is proof that there are already Christians prepared by heaven, and we are determined to witness the Christian realm through building direct relationships.
The national president decided to focus solely on FFWPU witnessing as we renewed our determination with the Blessed family members. Vanuatu is one of the 14 countries in Oceania that is still small in terms of VIP foundation, Blessed families, 2nd Generation, and youth activities, but it has great potential for growth. Just like the case in Fiji, sending experienced missionaries would be a great step forward.
For the time being, the sub-regional headquarters will handle the management directly, while also educating families and peace ambassadors, training leaders, and preparing to send missionaries, so that Vanuatu can become a nation that can bring joy to True Mother.
I would like to give a report on Australia, where the Heavenly Top Gun missionaries are working enthusiastically everyday. Recently, under the direction of the World Mission Headquarters, the missionaries prepared sermons centered on True Parents Theory to present to Blessed families. Despite the fact that English is not their first language, they did an excellent job and shared great grace. The missionaries’ purity and devotion to True Parents gave hope and joy to the elderly members. Feeling True Mother’s emphasis on nurturing future youth, all Blessed family members, regardless of age, made a new determination to achieve their own victory before the heavenly providence.
In Fiji, a 2nd generation couple, who was a center leader in Japan, has been newly appointed as a missionary to Fiji after concluding work in the corporate field. Currently, this 2nd generation family is working diligently with the local youth members. Leading the providence requires a variety of factors, including a leader’s experience, attitude of faith, and ability to educate. This new missionary couple is still young, but they have missionary experience in Japan, and they have returned to the mission field with the determination to contribute again for the heavenly providence. Their effort is of great help to the local field. The local families have also been struggling to function on their own, but with a center person, the community is actively participating. Next month, we plan to send new members to Solomon for three months of training.
Each country in Oceania has its weaknesses, but as a whole, we are helping each other like one nation. We plan to use Solomon as the center for training new members. Vanuatu will also be sending two young members to Solomon for training.
Finally, the 14 nations of Oceania are predominantly Christian, and while each country is unique, they all have potential bestowed by heaven. Some countries have strong youth movements, while others have easy access to heads of state and ministers, which made them focus on educating VIPs. While many of these possibilities exist, others struggle due to the inexperience of local leaders or the lack of regular members.
Now, in the online era, it’s easier to connect even when unable to visit the mission field often. We are truly blessed to live in the era True Mother refers to as the “One-second Era.” We will continue to carry out the heavenly providence online and in person.
We deeply cherish True Parents’ words to Oceania, “A Unified World starts from the Great Pacific.” We are putting our utmost effort to make this a reality. We will do our best to fulfill True Mother’s dream and vision so that the 8-billion people of the world can accept Heavenly Parent and True Parents. We will bring joyful news from Oceania for the victory of the Cheon Won Gung Cheon Il Sanctum next year. I would like to end this report by expressing my appreciation to True Mother for always embracing us with love and Jeong Seong. True Mother, Thank you. I love you.