Contributed by John Abelseth, Director of Canada BFM
On March 11 and 12, the Albuquerque Family Church of New Mexico hosted the 5th and final Family Matching Preparation and Matching Supporter Training for spring 2017. About 15 Parents and Blessed Children as well as single First Generation members participated in various aspects of the workshops, to learn about the Family Matching Process and the path for Single First-Generation Unificationists to participate in the Cosmic Blessing Ceremony offered by True Parents. Seven new Matching Supporters joined the team so that the community now has a solid group of Members ready to work together on the already strong foundation in this remarkable community.
As the community had hosted a Level 2 Blessing Workshop the weekend prior, the FMP was a good follow up to that education, and members were very grateful to become more aware of techniques and the broad spectrum of resources available on the Blessing and Family Ministry website. The Blessing and Family Ministry and the BFM website offer support to Families in the Matching process and in many other aspects of their lives. Members are frequently surprised as they become aware of the collection of Webinar recordings, articles, and step by step guidance available to them and the help that is available when they are “stuck” or challenged.
Family Matching Preparation workshops offer suggestions for Parents and Blessed Children to help prepare for the Matching and also seek to encourage Families who have had difficult experiences or may have become discouraged. One important feature of these programs is the “Parent-Child Relationship” presentation offering suggestions to help bring unity within the Family and to improve communication between Parents and their Young Adult Children. Unity and perseverance are emphasized – and also encouragement to develop the invaluable art of listening – between the parents, and also between parents and their children – especially in discussions concerning the Matching.
The next Family Matching Preparation Workshop will be held at UTS on May 20 and 21 and this event will feature profiles of Applicants and Candidates from the USA and around the world who are in the Matching Process and are seeking a spouse. Parents will be able to look at profiles of Candidates whom their family may consider in the matching of their son or daughter. (for more information please contact bfmadmin@unification.org)
