Growing up I was raised as a member of the Russian Orthodox Church. My great-grandfather joined that church, and he and his friend built a church in Shirakawa City, my hometown, which still stands as one of the city's treasures.
In August 1971, I had a chance to visit Korea with other Japanese members for two weeks just to be loved and cared for by True Parents. As a Christian, I felt that I could not die without meeting the Messiah, so I was overjoyed to have this opportunity. I decided to do a second seven-day fast to prepare for it. I had an important personal purpose for meeting Father. I needed to confirm my original mind and my own true standard of right and wrong. I thought I could only confirm this by meeting with the Messiah.
When I met True Father in Korea, I realized chat he was more than any ideal father I ever imagined in my heart. He sometimes came to speak to us from early morning because he saw spiritually that we were longing to see him. He took us to the mountain, and we sang and danced together centered on True Father. There was one crippled girl in our group. He always came to her to make sure she was doing fine. I became so brave and even asked him if I could drink from his glass. True Father treated us like his children; he even took us to his house where he lived and showed us all the rooms including the bedroom.
When I was listening to Father intently, I experienced literally waves of love coming to me. My body became warm and even hot while I was listening to him. I later realized it was a spiritual experience called "receiving the fire." I was able to confirm my original mind by being with him, and that has been the standard of my heart ever since.
From Tribute, pp. 45-46.