Amidst Threat of Hurricane Irma, Charlotte Holds Hyojeong Cosmic Blessing

A few days before the local Hyojeong Cosmic Blessing Ceremony scheduled for Sept 10, the weather reports warned all in Charlotte, North Carolina to prepare for Hurricane Irma. Despite this warning, we kept our promise to Heavenly Parent and True Parents moved forward with the Holy Marriage Blessing Ceremony.

Our Charlotte community stepped up to create the environment for spiritual rebirth for Cherry and Jeannie Esetok. Klaus Schick created a personalized program for the couple, bought and decorated the chapel with the help of Rolmii Otei, Jeannie’s mother. Elise Tape, who was Blessed in marriage in 1989, made the pink shawls for the attendants. Elizabeth Dussek offered to do the flowers as her offering from her business. Many other Unificationists of the Charlotte community contributed to creating the wonderful event.

We had 27 people in attendance. Cherry, the groom who comes from a Pentecostal background has been a Youth Pastor for his community in Seattle and here in Charlotte. Jeannie, his wife, comes from a non-denominational church background and finds Divine Principle refreshing as it incorporates both spiritual and scientific unity. They have been studying in the last 7 months and were excited to be part of the Cosmic Blessing.

Prior to the Blessing we held the Holy Wine Ceremony in our prayer room. The attendants, family and congregation welcomed the couple. As the four vows were delivered, they both emphatically gave their affirmations. They received True Father’s benediction and True Mother’s Proclamation in video clips. The bride’s brother Bernard Junior sang a congratulatory song.

Rev. Margaret Sisserson gave a message to the couple, remarking that Jesus is happy that True Parents have fulfilled their calling. They became the True Parents and began the Holy Marriage Blessing Ministry. Our community congratulated the couple and will support them in their new commitment to becoming a couple of true love.

Rev. Sisserson concluded with True Parents’ words: “Love can be exchanged only for something true. Therefore, both men and women search for true love and when they move, it should only be to pursue true love.” She also quoted the Chambumo Gyeong: “True love is the cardinal point to happiness.”

Everyone in attendance concluded the celebration with three great cheers. Before the couple joined all for a celebratory lunch, they had their Chastening Ceremony again in the prayer room and received the following guidance.