The Words of the Yang Family

Latest Memo on the Blessing

Chang Shik Yang
December 13, 2005

Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
North American Headquarters
Second Generation & Blessed Family Departments
4 W 43rd St. New York, NY 10036
TEL: (212) 997-0050, ext.123 FAX: (212) 768-0791 E-mail: BC2ndGen@familyfed.org
Dr. Chang Shik Yang, Continental Director - Rev. Michael Jenkins, USA President

Memorandum - Gyocha Blessing IV
Memo: BFD 2005-12-12

TO: Regional Directors, Vice Regional Directors, State and Church Leaders, Blessed Central Families
FROM: Dr. Chang Shik Yang and Rev. Michael Jenkins
DATE: December 13, 2005
RE: CRUCIAL UPDATES Regarding the December 29, 2005 Blessing

As all leaders and families do our best to support the "Gyocha" (Cross-cultural) Blessing in Korea, we are challenged to achieve the goal for North American participation while making sure that prospective participants are more than a number… but internally prepared to dedicate to the Blessing, embrace True Parents’ guidance absolutely and be responsible to their partner for eternity. We are called to trust that God has prepared those who should represent North America, and yet exercise our portion of responsibility in screening and preparing candidates appropriately.

The following new directions and practical information should be of great help in accomplishing these two purposes. For basic information refer to Memoranda II (BFD 2005-12-03), and III (BFD 2005-12-07) which are posted online with applications and updated information at: <http://www.familyfed.org/bfd/gyocha/gyocha.htmlhttp://www.familyfed.org/bfd/gyocha/gyocha.html. International memos are there as well

I. Title, Location and Schedule for Matching and Blessing

A. The official name of the Blessing Ceremony is the "International Cross-cultural Blessing Ceremony for World Peace"

B. The matching and blessing ceremony will both be held at the Chung Pyung Heaven and Earth Training Center.

C. The dates for matching & Blessing are not finalized. The matching ceremony is scheduled to be held between Dec. 25 to 27. The Blessing ceremony is scheduled to be held between Dec. 28 to 30. We know that any change creates difficulties for you, so we are lobbying to keep the matching date on the 26th or later. Please arrive as early as possible.

II. URGENT: First Generation Candidates for Blessing or Re-Blessing:

PRE- MATCHED FIRST GENERATION COUPLES MAY PARTICIPATE

For First Generation candidates, the following developments have taken place:

A. As we know, single candidates who meet the minimum age and have a foundation of faith are welcome. A special invitation is extended from True Parents as well to Ambassadors for Peace, ACLC members and their children, and all who participated in the world tour inaugurating the Universal Peace Federation.

B. In addition, the gate of matching and Blessing is open for those whose previous Blessed Marriage was broken:

- The candidate must remain faithful to True Parents and the Blessing ideal

- Both the "breaker" and "breakee" are eligible for matching provided the candidate’s condition of faith and repentance is there (sp. parents and responsible leaders should assist)

- Those with children may participate… however these and issues of custody, visitation, employment, age, health and trust in the process are important concerns that complicate the matching and total acceptance, and must be considered carefully.

C. Therefore, it is important for all leaders and prospective candidates to know that PRE-MATCHED FIRST GENERATION COUPLES ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BLESSING. This of course opens the opportunity for counseling and then pre-arranged matches for re-Blessing candidates with more complicated situations. Indeed, we should work to address these rather than expect True Parents to be able to address the many details and individual concerns.

D. NOTE: more complex situations (e.g. previously married couples) have not been called to this Blessing. But you may wish to report individual situations to regional & national leadership for consideration.

III. Coordinating and networking for First generation Candidates

Local, regional and national church leadership should assist candidates who are not planning to attend the matching in their efforts to find a suitable match. Debbie Scott will be the national contact person and central point of coordination for candidates seeking counseling and guidance in finding a match. Debbie takes care of the BFD-supported ministry for Divorced Adult Singles under Jim and Hiromi Stephens. Other points of contact as well should be your Regional Directors, Mrs. Erikawa’s office, and other international headquarters. Debbie can be reached at: 202-257-5492 More information will follow soon.

IV. Online Registration for Blessing Workshops

Workshops will address both 1st and 2nd Generation candidates, and counseling for Re-Blessing candidates will be available as well. The fees have been set as cheaply as possible. CANDIDATES MUST PRE-REGISTER BY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2005 AT 12:00 Noon. To register visit: <http://www.familyfed.org/bfd/gyocha/gyocha.htmlhttp://www.familyfed.org/bfd/gyocha/gyocha.html.

A. East Coast Workshop- UTS, Barrytown, NY. $90. includes food and lodging.

B. West Coast Workshop 1- Bay Area Family Church, San Leandro, CA (San Francisco-Oakland Area- near Oakland Airport). $60. includes food and lodging.

C. West Coast Workshop 2- Southern California Regional HQ, Pasadena, CA (LA area). $60. includes food and lodging.

All programs are scheduled to begin Friday, December 16, at 6:30 PM and finish Sunday, December 18, at 2:00 PM.

More detailed workshop info may follow, but be sure to pre-register now by Dec. 15th.

V. Additional Practical Points for Participants Going to Korea

A. Where to Submit Forms, Photos and Fees: see BFD Memo #III (2005-12-07)

B. First Deadline for Applications: December 17, 2005- This is the most urgent deadline, and provides opportunities for preparation and for those who wish, pre-arrangement coordination. But if you miss this date, we will accept late applications in accordance with the process outlined at our website AND in memo III, until:

C. Final deadline for Applications at US HQ: Midnight, December 20, 2005

D. Where/When to Arrive for Matching: Arrive on Sunday, December 25, 2005 at Chung Pyung Heaven and Earth Training Center. Travel time is 2 ˝ hours from Incheon Airport and 1 hour 15 minutes from downtown Seoul.

E. Lodging and Transportation Information: Not yet final, but here is what we know:

- Candidates’ food and lodging are covered until Jan. 3 by your Blessing Donation Fee

- Parents and friends of participants can obtain lodging and food for $40 per person per day. (Location, days covered and transportation info will follow)

F. Veils and Gloves- will be provided

G. Rings- Can be pre-purchased in America at the Japanese Publications Store at 4 West 43rd St. in New York City (Phone 212-302-6216) while supplies last. Cost is between $150 - $190 depending on size. Also, we expect that rings of different qualities and costs will be available at CheongPyeong.

H. Holy Robes- We recommend you purchase a Holy Robe while at Chung Pyung. They can special ordered in a few days and cost about $150. In the USA the cost is $250.

I. Contact in Korea- our advance team will be in place from December 20; names & all contact info in Korea will follow soon.

J. Health- Please obtain the required simple physical exam & AIDS test, and no matter what, report any important health issues on your application honestly.

K. BE PREPARED- Expect cold weather, lots of Korean food, bring medicine & warm clothes, and be ready for schedule "adjustments" during this holy yet hectic time.

VI. Regional Reporting System- A reporting is expected from each Continental office to Korea on each Wednesday and Saturday until the Blessing. Watch for guidelines from the HQ Field Office, or refer to Memo II for a basic outline. Regions should plan to report to Continental HQ each Tuesday and Friday by NOON. REPORTS SHOULD INCLUDE THE CANDIDATES ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION AS WELL.

For further information visit <http://www.familyfed.org/bfd/gyocha/gyocha.htmlhttp://www.familyfed.org/bfd/gyocha/gyocha.html,

or contact:

SECOND GENERATION:
Rev. Inguk Seo
Second Generation Blessing Department
Telephone: (212) 997-0050, ext. 123
Fax: (212) 391-0222

FIRST GENERATION:
Hiromi Stephens
Blessed Family Department

Most sincerely,

Dr. Chang Shik Yang
Continental Director
FFWPU of North America

Rev. Michael Jenkins
President
FFWPU- USA

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