A big change is taking place in the USA as well. Dr. Michael Balcomb has been assigned as the Regional Group Chairman of Europe. I sincerely thank him for his service as president of the American movement. We have worked closely together for the past 4.5 years and we’ve seen great development in America during that time. We are proud to send him to his new mission after a successful presidency of FFWPU-USA, and wish him success and victory in Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East.At the same time, I am pleased to announce that with True Mother’s blessing, the new president of FFWPU-USA is Rev. Richard Buessing. Richard and Marjorie Buessing have served as the Cheon Il Guk IW for the East Coast for more than two years. Rev. Buessing has held several church leadership roles before his appointment as CIG IW, such as Divine Principle workshop lecturer, State Leader, Regional Coordinator and District Pastor. Richard and Marjorie were blessed in Marriage at the 2075 Couples’ Blessing at MSG in 1982. I extend a warm welcome to Rev. Buessing in his new role and wish him every success. Below please find Rev. Buessing’s letter.Let us all support Rev. Richard Buessing in his mission as President of FFWPU-USA and march forward together to bring America back to God, fulfill our mission as Tribal Messiahs, and win victory of Vision 2020.
God Bless you and your families,
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim
VIce President, FFWPU International
Regional Group Chairman, North America
A WORD FROM REV. RICHARD BUESSING
Dear American Brothers & Sisters,
I am humbled and honored to be the new President of FFWPU in the United States of America. I cannot express in words my gratitude to True Mother, Dr. Kim., Dr. Balcomb, and Dr. Jenkins. Over the last four years, they worked together and brought our movement to a whole new level here in America. The recent gathering with True Mother at Madison Square Garden showed the power of God when we unite together. Our members, friends, and guests participated at unprecedented levels from all over the country. We can all be proud of what was accomplished and build upon it.
For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you, stay in your homes, meet your families, and attend your church services. It has been a rich and rewarding experience. You are heroes and heroines to me for the lives you have lived and offered to God and True Parents. Our Blessed Families are the heart of FFWPU and the heart of America.
Like you, I want to help our families, communities, and our nation live up to the fundamental principles that has kept America on course all these years. Now more than ever, our Blessed Families are playing a key role. Through our efforts as Tribal Messiahs we can bring the Holy Blessing to this nation.
I pray for you and look forward to working with all of you.
Sincerely,
Rev. Richard Buessing
A WORD FROM DR. MICHAEL BALCOMB
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for your tremendous effort and support for the great victory and success of the Madison Square Garden rally, centered on True Parents! True Mother spoke clearly, courageously and lovingly about God’s great hope for this nation. The music was awesome, with the 3000 Voice Choir, Gospel stars Hezekiah Walker and Yolanda Adams, and our very own Apple Heaven leading the way. I was very proud of our 700 young dancers who filled the Garden with heavenly energy. It was so exciting to see so many people from other churches and faith communities who joined us in partnership, making it such an unforgettable victory.
Soon after all the celebrations were concluded, we met for lunch with True Mother at East Garden. She again thanked our American movement for the great victory of Madison Square Garden, and then she went on to say how much she hoped that, as the elder son, America could take more care of the other nations of the world. She also shared her deep concern for Christianity, especially in Europe where it was once on the frontline of revival and reformation, but today is being assaulted by secularism and individualism. She also shed tears over the Middle East, home of three of the world’s great religions, where violence and conflict are daily news and refugees risk their lives to find a place of safety. “As the True Parent, I have to save them all,” she said.
I was deeply moved by Mother’s words, and suddenly the words of the prophet Isaiah came to my mind: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” And then just a few moments later True Mother did indeed ask me to be responsible for an expanded region that includes Europe, the Middle East, and several nations in the former communist bloc as well. It is an enormous challenge, and a great honor, and although I am humbled and far from qualified, I said “Yes!”
With True Mother’s recommendation and blessing, Rev. Richard Buessing has been confirmed by the HSA-UWC Board to be the next President. Richard and Marjorie have been doing a great job as Cheon Il Guk IWs, and are both much loved by God and True Parents, and all our members as well. Fumiko and I wish them all the very best as they lead America forward to our 2020 Goals. I have no doubt that the future will be bright!
It has been a great privilege to serve as your President for the past 4½ years. Thanks to everyone’s prayers and personal investment, we made a lot of progress and I would like to thank Dr. Kim, the members of the HSA-UWC Board, all our pastors and community leaders, our fantastic team here at Headquarters, and all our American family members for your support and encouragement. Fumiko and I would especially like to thank everyone who has generously hosted and welcomed us in their homes over the years.
God Bless you and your families, and God Bless America! Watch out for exciting news from Europe!
Sincerely,
Michael and Fumiko Balcomb