GPA Graduates Explore ‘Next Steps’ During Workshop on Faith

A recent workshop for GPA graduates in the Northeast guided them in intentionally continuing to grow their lives of faith while getting more involved in their communities. For those returning to GPA another year, the workshop also prepared them in developing more spiritual growth before their next mission.

“I received so much from our short time together,” said one participant. “To be honest, it was more than what I was expecting to walk away with ... I’m grateful for and encouraged by our leaders. You can be sure that during my third year [of GPA], I’ll come back ready to run!”

The workshop, held July 9 in New York, aimed to help participants understand the core aspects of life of faith and how to personally develop this foundation in their own lives. “The hope is to help them assimilate to a life of faith back home and develop a clear infrastructure in their lives so that they can maintain their faith,” said Resfred Arthur in a report during a leaders’ meeting on July 11. Resfred was one of the workshop’s four main organizers and the secretary general of FFWPU USA Northeast.

The program outlined various avenues of spiritual support for young Unificationists and featured multiple leaders of the movement’s different initiatives, who all shared their insights and advice on how to connect to the providence and True Parents’ vision. “Every GPA graduate can connect and continue to be nurtured through YAYAM or CARP, so there was an emphasis on that,” said Resfred. “There are also subsidiaries for them to channel their passion, including our social media network, Ocean Tribe, Ocean Providence, and YCLC. It’s through our passion that we can contribute to the providence.”

The workshop also featured True Mother’s message to America, delivered in April from Las Vegas, where a session led by YCLC National Director Joshua Holmes addressed aligning with the providence and direction of the movement. “We need to be in tune with what True Mother’s direction is for the youth,” said Resfred. “This [session at the workshop] was very well received by everyone.”

Another session, led by Resfred, discussed cultivating good habits in our life of faith, such as daily attendance to God and prayer, tithing, as well as connecting with friends, mentors, and role models of faith. “These are habits that I believe can secure your life of faith,” he said. “We need a heart of gratitude, to humble ourselves before God, and ask Him for guidance in our lives.”

Presenters Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, FFWPU USA president, discussed planning an intentional year and finding clarity in deciding next action steps, while Shogo Nakaza of YCLC emphasized the importance of Christianity at this time and how people can contribute to reconciling and uniting denominations. Other speakers like Terry Hasegawa of Ocean Providence, LLC, urged young people to get involved and trained as the next generation of executives who can scale the movement’s businesses sustainably. 

Participants explored different options in small group discussions before identifying and sharing their plan going forward. Dr. Chung Sik Yong, FFWPU regional president of North America, addressed the group with an inspiring message to seek God’s guidance. “He really encouraged everyone to have life of faith habits, especially hoon dok hae and prayer,” said Resfred. “This was a great workshop, and I’m very grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

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