June 9, 2018, was a beautiful day at the Unification Theological Seminary, as the Generation Peace Academy Class of 2018 graduated from their year of service, during which they strengthened their relationship with God and True Parents.

Teresa Ferrete, President of the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) emceed the exceptionally high-spirited and joyful event, which began with an opening invocation by Northeast Subregional Director Rev. Demian Dunkley.

Roland Platt, Director of GPA, expressed his conviction in how this program is God and True Parents’ channel to touch, transform, and train our young people. “The final week of the conclusion workshop was just filled with a wonderful spirit of gratitude, appreciation, tears, support for one another, and commitment to give more,” he said. “It is the hyojeong culture, a culture of living with a filial heart, that is manifesting in them. It’s as if it’s trickling down like rain from heaven.”  

Regional Chairman of Family Federation North America Dr. Ki Hoon Kim sent a warm congrulatory video message from Korea expressing his appreciation and confidence in the graduates. Rev. Richard Buessing, the President of Family Federation for a Heavenly USA, delivered the keynote address.  Demonstrating the great hope the GPA graduates represent for the Unification movement, Rev. Buessing read excerpts from True Father’s 1976 speech at Yankee Stadium, substituting “young people” with “GPA members”:

“For the last three years, with my entire heart and soul I have been teaching GPA members a new revelation from God. They now have a clear concept of what the God-centered family, church and nation should be like. They also know the dark reality of America. Thus they have become determined fighters to bring new life and salvation to America before it is too late. They know the critical state of the nation. They know the grieving heart of God. And they are absolutely determined to turn the tide back to God. Their enthusiasm is beautiful to behold. GPA members are champions of God crusading for the victory of God’s will. As God’s front line, they are declaring war against evil. They are courageously fighting this noble battle.”

The GPA Choir was beautiful, bringing many to tears as they poured out their hearts and spirits into their voices. Their performance was followed by testimonies from 1^st Years, Cheon Il Guk Missionaries, GPA captains, and 3^rd Years. 

All in all it was a very memorable day for the 65 graduates – 35 of them will be returning for a 2^nd or 3^rd Year which is an exceptional turnout.

Interested in joining Generation Peace Academy for 2018-19? Apply here!