Report from Shin USA – Sunday October 13
Rev. Demian Dunkley, Regional President
New Member Testimonies
Dearest True Mother, I’m sure there is nothing that Heavenly Parent and True Parents are longing for more than our children coming home. I know we have been lacking in gathering sufficient testimonies, but we will do better.
As I reported earlier we just completed our last 21-Day Witnessing condition, and now from tomorrow, October 14 – November 3, we commence our next 21-Day Witnessing Condition. But this time leaders are even more excited because they can see substantial progress. I believe many leaders are running so fast they do not take the time to even collect or write down their experiences, but here are just a few of the testimonies that we were able to receive and translate from the last three weeks.
Testimony by Rev. Hebangja Kisile
Pastor of Indiana Family Church, Indianapolis, IN
On September 15, we held a kickoff ceremony for another 21-day witnessing condition, centered on our Strategic Communities. Our goal was ambitious: to bring 45 new members into our small community. We only have about 60 members in our church, but every member was mobilized, full of hope and determination to achieve this victory for Heaven.
However, it turned out to be extremely difficult. After 14-days, we had to face a painful reality. Despite organizing dinner programs and educational events with many guests, not a single person had committed to becoming a member. As the days passed, our hope began to waver. Members started losing faith, and participation in witnessing events dwindled. It felt like our efforts were slipping through our fingers. I was in pain.
On the evening of the 14th day, I turned to the members during a Cheon Shim Won Prayer Vigil and asked them sincerely, “Do you still have faith that we can bring 45 new members in the remaining days?” Shamefully, there was only silence. Not a single response. All these precious members who had promised Heaven to bring results, had lost all hope. My heart sank, and the weight of disappointment was heavy on my shoulders.
Then, I went home to my wife and newborn baby. I expressed everything to my wife, and then, in her quiet strength, she comforted me. She said, “I believe we can still do it.” She suggested that we commit ourselves fully to prayer at the Cheon Shim Won and then, in faith, go together to the park every evening for the remainder of the condition.
At that moment, it felt like we were facing an impossible mission. How could we bring 45 new members in just 5 remaining days? The task seemed beyond reach. But in our desperation, we turned our hearts completely to Heaven, seeking any inspiration that could guide us. And then it came—a powerful realization: “Let’s cancel all other events and focus solely on a special Sunday service, which would be the final day of the condition.
We called on every member to make one last, bold commitment: invite at least one guest to this service, and we, too, determined to speak directly to the hearts of those who came, conveying the truth of the providence as True Mother has guided us. With only the time of a Sunday Service left, we had to hope that new people would actually come, and I had one last shot to speak directly to them, without holding anything back. I would have to tell them the essence of everything and ask them publicly to commit. This was becoming clear to me.
Therefore, in those final days, we felt the power of the Cheon Shim Won prayers and the increasing determination of our members. Our usual attendance on Sunday is 60, but on this day over 100 people came, including 27 new guests filled the room. We made the service as best as we could, and I spoke directly to the audience. I concluded the message with a request for them to join us.
To become members. Incredibly, 7 of them made the courageous commitment to join our church right there. It was not the full 45, but in that moment, the joy and gratitude we felt was immeasurable. Against the odds, we had something precious to offer to Heavenly Parent and True Mother—a substantial victory in the face of adversity.
Rev. Dunkley had told us that True Mother said that we should not be afraid, and speak with Truth, and those who are prepared will join. I realize now that True Mother is guiding us directly, and all we need to do is unite 1000%.
We are now even more determined. As we begin the next 21-day condition on October 14, we will carry this experience with us, trusting that with greater desperation, deeper prayer, and unwavering faith in True Mother’s guidance, we can bring even more new members into our community and fulfill the providence that Heaven has entrusted to us.
Testimony by Rev. Kazuo Takami
Senior Pastor, Midwest Subregion and Chicago Family Church
Dearest True Mother. 10 new members joined our church during the last 21-day Witnessing condition. I would like to introduce the story of one of them. Soon after joining he attended the Cheon Sim Won Prayer Vigil and embraced the experience of the Changyang session as if it were second nature. What truly touched our hearts was seeing how seamlessly he connected with this advanced spiritual practice. It reminded us of True Mother’s profound words: “Cheon Shim Won is the last and best gift to America.”
Initially we hesitated to introduce new members to the deeper spiritual practices of Cheongpyeong, fearing they might find it overwhelming. But with True Mother’s guidance, we’ve gained the confidence to openly share our local Cheon Shim Won with all members. In Chicago, we have now made it a tradition to lead each new member into the Cheon Shim Won prayer room after completing their membership class. There, we offer them a benediction, asking for God’s grace and blessings on their new journey of faith. Seeing how he embraced this sacred space gives us great hope for the spiritual revival True Mother envisions.
A Testimony
By New Member of the Chicago Family Church (since September 22, 2024)
I’m deeply grateful for having found this church. It’s incredible how I crossed paths with my spiritual mother in the very place I walk through every day after classes. It felt like more than just coincidence—it felt like destiny! Though my life hasn’t been bad, I’ve always carried a sense of isolation because the people around me—family and friends—seemed to have different goals than mine. But now, with this community, I finally feel like I belong. I’ve connected with everything I’ve experienced so far, and being with people who share my values and aspirations has filled me with encouragement and hope.
I am especially grateful for the guidance and teachings of True Mother, who has provided a vision for how we can live in harmony with God and one another. Her leadership and love for humanity inspire me, and I feel that joining this church is part of fulfilling the path she has paved for all of us.
Joining this church is something I’m proud of, and I’ve already shared my experiences with my family and friends. My mother’s reaction has been so positive—she’s overjoyed and keeps telling me to continue down this path. Even at work, the beautiful songs we sing in church keep playing in my mind. I tried finding them online, but nothing compares to how they sound when we sing them together. These songs allow me to express my emotions and feel deeply connected to something greater.
The love and support I’ve received here have inspired me to give back. I’m excited to get more involved and attend the study sessions. I want to learn as much as I can. Looking back, I realize that after the car accident I was in, something inside me knew that my life needed a change. Now, standing here, I see that everything has led me to this moment. With True Mother’s blessing and the support of this community, I’m determined to achieve more in my life and contribute to this incredible family.