Announcing the 4th Pathways to a Sustainable Future on July 1 - July 16, 2017

The Universal Peace Federation is proud to announce that the 4th Annual Pathways to a Sustainable Future Project will take place in Paraguay on July 1 - July 16, 2018. This program offers unique opportunities for participants to encounter life in the extraordinarily beautiful Pantanal wilderness while offering service in traditional and indigenous communities. One highlight of this program will be the time spent at the Leda Settlement which is a sustainable community that was founded through the inspiration of Dr. Sun Myung Moon and the nearly two decades of dedicated efforts of a team of Japanese pioneers. At the Leda Settlement, developments made in aquaculture, agriculture and animal husbandry are making an impact on how the region develops and are providing a model of sustainable development for the nation and world.

This project will begin on July 1, 2018 in Asuncion the beautiful capital of Paraguay. Following an orientation in the city participants will travel to the sparsely settled region of the Chaco where 2 % of the nation’s population live on 60% of the land. After a visit to the thriving Mennonite community of Loma Plata a place where in 1927, 1,600 settlers journeyed with the hope of creating a community and lifestyle where they could raise their families according to their religious principles. Participants will see how despite great initial hardship the settlement has become a shining example to the people of the nation.

The work service begins for participants when they arrive at the regional capital of Olimpo where they will engage with the community and help set up a Peace Park which can be used as an outdoor meeting place for community members, a place to hold community events and on yet another level, it will be an artistic expression of the united efforts of South and North, as brothers united.

During their stay in Olimpo, participants will take part in a variety of activities including cultural sharing, sports outings, and creative work. Following a community send off the teams will take boats up the Paraguay River and enter the Leda Settlement. At Leda they will learn the history of its founding and gain a deep understanding of the Founder’s vision for creating settlements in the Pantanal region that can contribute to the eradication of world hunger.

Leda’s natural environment presents many opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and horseback riding, as well as quiet time to watch a wide variety of birds and breathtaking sunsets over the Paraguay River. For a better understanding of the project and the breakthrough work being done at the Leda Settlement, please look at our website: www,ledaproject,com.

The 4th Pathways to a Sustainable Development Project application can be found on the website and can be sent to Rev. John Gehring at johngehring2@ gmail,com. Participants are responsible for their international travel expenses. We recommend that participants work with their local church community in soliciting monetary support to help cover a part of their trip expenses.

Rev. John W. Gehring International Project Director