GPA Regroups and Recharges at Kansas Workshop

Amid hugs, tears and joy, the young participants of the Generation Peace Academy (GPA) leadership training program finally reunited at the beginning of November after a month and a half of frontline fundraising.

From November 1 to 6 the three “nations” of Generation Peace Academy regrouped for a Divine Principle training workshop at Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, Kansas.

This was the first time for them to be all in one place since the GPA kickoff workshop in September at the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS), and they found that their appreciation and longing to see each other had grown deeper. 

The first evening was spent on an orientation on the purpose of the workshop, and then closing the day together early enough to allow for everyone to have a good rest.

The first full day of the workshop was centered on reflecting on the fundraising experience, breathing, recharging and reconnecting as a group. After guidance and reflection time, the afternoon was spent playing in a volleyball tournament, competing against teams from the other nations. They were blessed with wonderful weather and there was a lot of joy and excitement.

They also gave moving testimonies about how they cultivated a deeper heart toward Heavenly Parent and True Parents through fundraising. The testimonies were very genuine and sincere.

That night each participant received their own well-earned Study Volume, with over 400 pages of selected milestone speeches of True Father and True Mother. This collection of words is specifically geared toward young people and cultivating a life of faith. Many GPA alumni testify about how this book has been their saving grace and source of inspiration throughout their college years.

The core of the workshop was spent on exploring the Divine Principle. There were two full days of lectures on the Principles of Restoration and how God worked through the three providential families of Adam, Noah and Abraham. It was not just about receiving, but more about practicing giving the lectures. Participants worked in pairs studying and giving lectures to each other before lecturing to a larger audience. Through this process each person gained a greater understanding and insight into the Principle.

To set the tone for the upcoming fundraising competition, the participants watched the classic movie “Miracle,” based on the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. A group of college-aged young men rose to the challenge and defeated the seemingly invincible Soviet team, giving hope to the United States, which was going through a crisis of confidence. The competition spirit for GPA is centered on encouraging others to do better, to feel joy in one’s accomplishments, and with that to strive for continuous improvement in order to benefit others.

The final day was spent in groups, building up the spirit for the upcoming competition through activities and goal declarations around a bonfire. Overall there was tremendous love and energy and participants ended the workshop in high spirits.

In a few weeks all the nations will have their own Thanksgiving celebrations and a brief workshop in order to touch base and recharge before going into the final stage of the year leading up to Christmas break.