Alaska Spirit
Photo courtesy of NOCP
“I feel God the strongest through nature, and being completely immersed in His Creation,” said Chloe. “The National Ocean Challenge Program is a profound way of renewing my relationship with God.”
Over the summer, Chloe, a young Unificationist from Illinois, spent three weeks in the seaside town of Kodiak, Alaska, where she joined 24 other young Unificationists for the annual National Ocean Challenge Program (NOCP).
“I have a special connection with God through water,” she said. “God, like bodies of water, remains as steady, level, and serene as the horizon of the water, no matter how tumultuous the waves.”
From July 8 to 29, the group spent long days boating and fishing, learning the basics of an industry pioneered in the US by the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and his wife Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, NOCP’s founders. For Chloe and others, the program was a transformative journey and humbling experience.
“I know that the ocean is where Father Moon spent so much of his time reflecting and setting goals,” said Tatsuhiro, a participant from Nevada. “I could also reflect upon my past year as part of CARP Las Vegas, and pray about what God has in store for me going into the future.”
“Father Moon’s stories about training himself in character and faith while on the ocean and deeply experiencing God while fishing has always been inspirational to me,” added Andreas, a participant from Germany. “It’s an opportunity to challenge myself… and to make a new start in my life and a commitment to carry on a life of faith and contribution to society.”
First established in Gloucester, Mass., in 1981, Rev. Moon brought the Ocean Challenge program to Alaska in 1986. Today NOCP seeks to continue Rev. and Dr. Moon’s tradition and legacy of growing the character and faith of young people through leadership training on the sea. Through internal guidance and connecting to their words and experience, participants have the opportunity to walk in the founders’ footsteps and experience all the lessons that the ocean has to offer.
“The person with ‘Alaska Spirit’ stays out on the ocean until he catches the daily allowance,” Rev. Moon said. “One cannot become a true fisherman unless he learns how to endure this way… Once a person receives intense training to become a fisherman, he can go anywhere in the world and become a leader of people.”
As part of stewardship training, the group received safe boating certification, and spent full days on the ocean learning how to jig and troll for Pacific salmon, halibut, rockfish, and ling cod. Activities in nature and exploring Kodiak were also part of the experience.
“Since I was very young, I always enjoyed fishing,” said Francis, a participant from Maryland. “My grandfather was a big fisherman in his village in Spain and I have always had a strong connection to the ocean. I felt a calling to learn more about the ocean providence, [and] to make more connections with people and learn new fishing skills.”
Throughout the program, directed by Unificationist couple Lukas and Tasnah Bercy, participants rotated four boats while learning from Senior Captains Greg Odlin and Jorge Mendez, who spent many years with the founders. The captains shared their personal stories and lessons at sea in addition to their unique fishing styles.
For some participants, like Connor from Maryland, it was the first time visiting Alaska and fishing. “I was 10 years old when my sister did the Ocean Challenge program,” he recalls. “After hearing her experience and tasting the salmon she brought home, I knew I wanted to participate someday myself. Twelve years later and that goal became a reality!”
The group was also joined for a few days by Dr. Chung Sik Yong, regional director of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) North America, who enjoyed fishing and educational fellowship activities. And while every person’s experiences and inspirations varied, their main takeaway of ‘Alaska Spirit’ was the same.
You can learn more about the National Ocean Challenge Program here.
