Over the course of a person’s life the number of gifts he or she receives may be numbered in the hundreds and if you are one of the fortunate ones, that number may be in the thousands! However, you may ask just how many of those gifts will the recipient remember? For instance, I personally can barely remember any of my childhood gifts, except for a small military jeep with a driver. The point is this, like many things in life they are soon forgotten; except; for those ‘special’ gifts! In life the gifts that we never forget usually has two key components attached to it. First, it is the person giving the gift. Second, how precious the gift is to you. I must say that I have been very fortunate and blessed to have been the recipient of one of life’s precious gifts. Both the gift and the giver are very special, simply, because this is a gift and the giving is perpetual.
You may have already asked, what is this gift? Well, it is a full scholarship to attend the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS). Not only am I benefiting but everyone whom the Lord by His grace uses me to minister to and in return, their families, friends, children, grandchildren, etc. So one can see that makes this gift even more unique. All this starts with the portal and channel of the giver who is the Dr. & Mrs. Sun Myung Moon. I said earlier that two components makes a gift special, well how about a third component to make a gift ‘special’!
It is a fact that I have never personally met nor did I do anything special to deserve such a gift. However, I can truly say that because of their benevolence I am currently pursuing a Master of Divinity (MD) degree in religious studies. As the saying goes, “to whom much is given much will be required”.
Let me say this, the knowledge and training I am receiving at the UTS is truly for the advancement of Humanity! It is only when we give freely and liberally what we have been given, that we then make room for God to pour more into us! The recent events are clearly an indication that our City, State, Nation and the World are in dire need of Godly men and women to not only preach but to be an example, teach and lead! Since enrolling at the UTS and studying, there is only one more thing that this minister can say and that is, that the future has gotten brighter! A whole lot brighter!
Most of my motivation in pursuing a degree at this time stems from many early childhood experiences. As a youth living in the nation of Belize, I was nurtured by a loving family. At the same time I observed and experienced the harsh realities of poverty and being disenfranchised from basic social services and decision making as it pertained to one’s future. Upon arriving in the U.S.A. and finding similar situations serves as a driving force.
Today, there are numerous challenges facing our society. The present condition of our beloved city, state, country and the world screams for those who are ‘problem solvers’. For example, the high rates of delinquency, the explosion of adult and youth prison population, illiteracy, etc. are only a few on a long list of issues in society.
While studying, observing and reflecting on the current situations, any concerned citizen must see it as his or her duty to do whatever is humanly possible to assist those in need. It is with this mindset that helps to guide the ministry to which I have been entrusted with. It is a ministry that is centered on the Church’s creed, to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, nurtures the sick, care for the infants, protect the aged and educate the ignorant! (Matthew. 25:34-40).
Ministry, in my estimation is rightly located always outside of the Church walls. It is for this very reason that I see it as an extension of our community at large. In essence, it is serving the community in which it is located in; this includes no limit to a food pantry or distribution centers; programs that addresses the welfare of young people as well as the aged. Not only are we planning to give but also to train both young and aged alike that they may be better equipped to provide them necessary life sustenance.
This arm of our future ministry seeks to incorporate various procedures for health, housing, employment and education for ALL in need of such programs. Currently, there are plans to launch a prison ministry that involves visitation (extensively throughout the state of NY) mentoring, education and re-entry. Also, I feel the need to mention giving assistance in the form of a ‘Socio-Economic’ package. We (I) aim to be able to provide a ‘complete’ ‘ministry’ where nothing or a few if any are lacking.
Since coming into contact with and becoming a member of the ACLC a lot of new changes have and continues to occur in my personal vocational and ministerial life. The education and the nurturing environment that I have encountered at UTS, I can truly say are second to none! I am looking forward to the “Future” with all the Hopes and expectation of where, as I take a quote from Paul the Apostle, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Sincerely yours,
Rev. Raymond Dyer.