Victory celebration Rev. and Mrs. Michael and Wiveka Lamson

A victory celebration was held for Rev. and Mrs. Michael and Wiveka Lamson on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Unification Church. Columbus. Members from Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee, gathered to congratulate and thank the couple for eight years of service, leadership, and dedication to True Parents and members in district six.

After a BBQ and potluck lunch members young and old gathered inside. Laughter and tears were shared as members were given opportunities to tell Rev. Michael Lamson and his wife, Wiveka, stories of how “Uncle Mike” and Wiveka had were honored at a party celebrating their eight- touched their lives. The couple sat on stage while year service and contributions to the district. members young and old came up to the mic one-by- one to tell a moving or funny story about them. After some time it became clear that Michael and Wiveka had touched so many people’s lives in such intimate and profound ways that there would be no end to the story telling. From helping families relocate to intervening during a crisis or cooking at youth workshops, Uncle Mike and Wiveka had changed many lives.

Rev. and Mrs. Lamson served for eight years in District Six as the district pastor couple. During their term, the district was able to complete every providential request from national and international headquarters. Rev. Lamson turned his home into the first youth center of the district which eventually became known as the “Tree house.” It was a safe haven in the community for young Unificationists and the hot spot for movie nights, game nights, and youth ministry activities. Rev. Lamson’s laugh is legendary within the district and his positive attitude on life is contagious.

Trimon Lamson, the Columbus community youth pastor, remarked about his parents, “When I think of how many people all over the world they’ve touched, it’s just crazy. Like when I graduated college I updated my Facebook status about it and I got about 50 ‘likes’. Then my dad updates his Facebook saying his son just graduated from college and there is 500 ‘likes.’ It’s just amazing how many lives he’s influenced.”

There are countless stories of Uncle Mike giving away possessions without a second thought, driving people across the country, pulling up in his pick-up truck to help move furniture, cooking BBQs for the community, comforting people late into the night, The Lamson couple light the candles of the giving travelers a room to stay in at the drop of a celebratory cake. hat and always having a practical joke up his sleeve. The list could go on and on.

At the warm-hearted party numerous people shared their remarks and the following is a selection of quotes about Rev. and Mrs. Lamson’s contributions to the community. One person said about Rev. Lamson, “The lessons he taught me helped me not only as a pastor, but in every part of my life.” Another admirer added, “He taught me how to be happy and enjoy life. I’m a better person because he was in my life.” One other person jokingly stated, “You know, usually you have to die to hear these kinds of things said about you. I think this is just a testament to the kind of people Rev. and Mrs. Lamson are.”