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LVFC 2018 Blessing Report
Las Vegas Family Community (LVFC) honored the Sixth Anniversary of True Father’s Ascension with its third annual Blessing event. Over 40 members of the LVFC community worked together as one team, with one purpose and one heart to bring a wonderful tribute to True Father. Held in the International Peace Education Center (IPEC), over 250 people, including 14 Blessing Candidate couples attended.
From the friendly welcome by the Parking Attendants and throughout the entire event, guests and participants were given a real taste of Cheon Il Guk!
In the lobby, in addition to the Registration Tables, there was a table of photos and memorabilia from past Blessings, a slide presentation of True Parents’ life course on the electronic screens and uplifting background music played lovingly on the lobby’s grand piano by a famous local entertainer.
As guests and participants walked into the huge Banquet Hall they were awed by a truly heavenly display! Rows of Banquet tables each set with a lavender tablecloth, white napkins and plates and a colorful centerpiece gave beauty and dignity to the entire Blessing experience.
Emcee Rev Andrew Compton opened the evening with a sincere welcome and explanation of the Blessing Ceremony. Then he introduced Lady Faye McDonnell (COGIC Pastor) for the Invocation and two local performers for a musical offering.
After this Akira & Makiko Watanabe conducted the Purity Pledge Ceremony. This unique element has become a highlight of the Las Vegas Blessing program. This year 40 young people---ages 10 and up-- proudly asserted their commitment to abstain from sexual relations until marriage.
The audience was deeply impressed and inspired by this. One observing father with elementary aged sons, asked “Are all of these young people really pledging to keep purity until marriage?”
At this point, a video tribute to Rev Moon was shown while the participants in the upcoming Blessing Ceremony prepared for their stately formal entrances. After their procession into the room, Rev & Mrs. Ken Doo took their place at the center of the stage where they conducted the Holy Wine Ceremony. This year this Ceremony focused on the candidates, but included everyone in the room.
Holy Water was sprinkled, and the Blessing Vows were recited. The Proclamation of Blessing was offered by the Officiators and Pastor Raymond Giddens (Baptist minister) gave Congratulatory remarks. The Blessing Program ended with “OK Mansei”, a tradition unfamiliar and a bit surprising to the guests!
After the group photos, Rev Compton introduced Mr. Gregg Smith to be Emcee for the Entertainment part of the Program. Lady Faye offered a prayer over the meal and a beautiful 5-tiered cake was ceremoniously cut by Rev & Mrs Doo and the newly Blessed Couples. The Entertainment began with a famous local artist wearing his trademark Tri-cornered hat, singing several lively operatic songs accompanied by his own accordion. His performance was followed by a traditional Korean Folk Dance. Their striking Korean dresses and graceful movements conveyed well the Korean spirit and the message of peace it was intended to give. After selections by two additional local singers, the evening entertainment ended with a folk song written by Joshua Cotter and performed by
members of the LVFC Praise Team. The last notes of their song followed the participants as they left the Blessing event with peaceful and joyful expressions on their faces and true love in their hearts.
Some comments about the experience were offered by participants, guests and members: “The Ceremony was nice, very inspiring! The building is so beautiful, and the people were so nice.” “I was about to leave (my husband) but your husband left an invitation at my house. I felt that was God telling me to stay together and come to the Blessing. Thank you very much for inviting us.” “It was the most beautiful thing I’ve experienced in my life.” “The Blessing really helped us remember what is most important –God in our lives.” “I liked it very much. The best part was the Pledge of Purity and the dinner was nice. I was surprised it was all mixed, all the races together. That’s a good thing. My son (aged 17) also liked the ceremony---it was something new to him. In our church (Latter Day Saints) we don’t have such a thing as a Blessing like that”. “(the Purity Pledge) was a beautiful ceremony….(and the video) tribute to True Father…was very moving…” “Brides and grooms together were so beautiful and happy.” “everyone enjoyed the fellowship as One Family.”
-Lydia Compton -
Dear True Mother,
Last night we enjoyed a very beautiful event at IPEC honoring True Father's 6th anniversary seunghwa and blessing ceremony.
A purity pledge was held for youth to start the evening off. Many youth participated and it was a beautiful ceremony. This was followed by a tribute to True Father which was very moving for all.
The Holy Wine Ceremony was held after True Father's tribute. Brides and grooms together were so beautiful and happy. Rev. and Mrs. Doo officiated the event and True Parents could be seen in them. My wife Yasuko had a heartfelt conversation with Rev. and Mrs. Doo's daughters. They are so well mannered with such beautiful hearts.
Afterwards, lively cultural performances lit up the stage.
This event is larger with more participants receiving the blessing, every year and is a true joy to behold.
Thank you True Parents.
-James Oberg-
I was fortunate to be able to welcome one of the Japanese missionary spiritual children (from El Salvador) to the Cosmic Marriage Blessing. He had been doing one-on-one home study of DP twice a week since last Fall. After our last weekly meeting he confirmed attendance, which I was happy to convey to the 2 sisters, now in Japan. However, just before the event he said he had surprise guests at his house. I was resigned to attend without him, when I suddenly saw him in the lobby of IPEC. We ran into my company’s Japanese bookkeeper, whose spouse was also Hispanic, and had comfortable conversation before the event. He asked questions throughout the program and enjoyed the diversity of participants. I showed him historic photos in the lobby of many of True Parents historic blessing activities. The next day I was surprised when he called me to request my cell pictures of the previous evening. I sensed how True Parents are really embracing all of humanity with a love that is without blame and that can lead people along their necessary course of restoration.
-Steve Pierce-
Photo link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0lhj5xvbo5zrcbi/2018%20Blessing%20report%20photo.zip?dl=0