By FFWPU Philippines
On the afternoon of June 28, 2023, a meeting focused on Witnessing and Church Growth was held at the FFWPU Headquarters, Quezon City, Philippines with 130 Local and National Leaders attending onsite and online. The meeting was graced with the presence of President Masaichi Hori, Regional President of FFWPU Asia Pacific Region. This is his first meeting in the Philippines after his inauguration as the Regional President of the Heavenly Asia Pacific.
The meeting began with an opening prayer offered by Rev. Melki Gavaran, Regional Director of FFWPU Region 4A. The meeting proceeded with the introduction of participants and an opening message which was given by Rev. Leo Angelo T. Halog, President of FFWPU Philippines. After this, 2 selected local regions in the Philippines gave their presentation and special reports on Witnessing. Rev. Cesar Juanillo, Regional Director of Region 7 presented first which was followed by Rev. John Rhodbert Gregorio, Regional Director of the National Capital Region. They shared how their region focused and strategize on witnessing as part of True Mother’s firm direction to all members thus they presented their methods for improving witnessing and increasing membership in their different regions. Both leaders highlighted how they instilled Cheon Shim Won’s spirit in their witnesses. Every night, they do the Cheon Shim Won Prayer Vigil as an internal preparation for the next day’s witnessing. They have testified that Cheon Shim Won tremendously assisted them in exceeding their expectations and exceeding their goals as well.
Following the reports, Dr. Julius Malicdem, Director of General and Pastoral Affairs for FFWPU Asia Pacific, gave a presentation on Hyojeong Action 4040, which means 40 weeks plus 40 days of Witnessing centered on new people, inactive members, members who left the church, and current church members. This lecture focused on sharing plans and goals for the Asia Pacific area, as well as how to contribute to North and South Korean reunification. Following that, there was a question and answer session. Leaders and members of the witnessing team expressed questions, situations, and opinions, which were addressed by the leaders in charge.
In the main part of the meeting, President Masaichi Hori shared his message. He then emphasized the importance of True Mother’s desire to reach out to all people and do witnessing. He also elaborated that his main desire is for members to build a standard of lifelong commitment and that we should live in a no-retirement period. He encouraged everyone to do witnessing and make them feel happy and welcomed. Members expressed their appreciation towards the deep and profound message and guidance from President Hori and pledged their determination to fulfill the long-cherished wish of our beloved True Mother. Rev. Froilan Matbagan Jr., Regional Director of FFWPU Region 1, delivered the closing prayer, while Mr. Angelito Cainday, President of WCARP Philippines, led the Victory Cheer of Eog Mansei. The meeting concluded with a commemorative photo, and everyone in attendance shared dinner together. The assembly was presided over by Rev. Leo Angelo T. Halog.