Ocean Providence Rolls Out Plans for 2015 at Las Vegas Summit

Ocean Providence USA celebrated its second Ocean Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 13 to 15, 2015, one year after the city became the official site of its national headquarters. In a place where True Father spent a large amount of time fishing, pole in hand, at Lake Mead or praying at the Hoover Dam, participants gathered to hear plans for the coming year of the Ocean Providence.

The summit was the most comprehensive and best attended yet. Rev. Ken Doo, on behalf of the local Las Vegas community, truly embraced the group as he visited the summit and also received the participants at the local Sunday service. Many local Unificationists were eager to hear more about the vision for this ministry going forward.

The theme of this year’s summit was “Taking Ownership of the Big Picture—Let Us Secure the Ocean Providence as True Parents’ Family.” As part of America’s role as a leader among its family of nations, attending leaders worked together to understand and articulate the vast hopes that True Father had from his countless years of investment in this organization. In describing Ocean Providence’s long-term goals, one organizer said, “One might imagine that the big picture, the things that humanity truly needs us to lead on, would take 40 years to bring about; it is that big. Then again, True Father always loves a big mind and a big heart; we can feel his presence often.”  Participants were encouraged to think on this big scale, but also to come up with executable solutions for short-term goals. Leaders and participants made realistic plans for 2015, keeping in mind the desire to add value to the organization and partner organizations, as an affiliate of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU).

During the weekend, Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Continental Chair of FFWPU North America, visited twice to share his heart and thoughts about the work of Ocean Providence. He expressed great appreciation for the spirit and determination of all those present. Another highlight was a wonderful short video contributed by Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of FFWPU USA, along with some meaningful strategic input.

Perhaps one of the most significant steps taken during the summit was the introduction of the newly formed (September 18, 2014) Ocean Providence International Inc. (OPIINC). Anyone interested in finding out more about this organization is encouraged to read about it in detail on its website, which provides a feel for where things are headed and a chance to capture the vision, mission and values that contain True Mother’s three main criteria for FFWPU’s affiliate organizations: sustainability, outreach and youth development.

The group also discussed the upcoming Peace King Cup Fishing Tournament, to be held in the New Jersey/New York area, and its significance as the designated event to herald the Holy Marriage Blessing of True Parents. This year marks True Parents’ 55th wedding anniversary and the tournament, as always, is an opportunity to experience True Father’s love for fishing while attending True Parents in a unique and wonderful way. For more information about the annual tournament, visit the website.

One conclusion of the summit was that every young Unificationist should have the opportunity to apply for the 2015 National Ocean Challenge Program. The website has applications open, and scholarships available thanks to Ocean Peace Inc. and other contributing families and businesses. In addition, there is a bonus fee reduction for early applicants; however, once the program is full, the application process will close. Ocean Providence is excited to offer these young people the opportunity to experience the Emerald Isle of Kodiak, Alaska, a place True Parents loved so much over the years. Be sure to check out the videos and photos to catch the spirit of what many young Unificationists have heralded as one of the finest community programs in America.

All of the participants of the summit are excited to present these opportunities and to continue to provide incredible programs that True Father encouraged the future leadership to experience and learn from. For more information and to learn how to donate and support these ongoing programs and further improvements, please follow the link below.

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