Generation Peace Academy Newsletter

Above: First-year GPA member Aaron Roppoli stretches with his group during morning exercises.

Contents 4 BUILDING A GENERATION OF PEACE 22 KICK-OFF WORKSHOP 2011 Excerpts from In Jin Nim’s Sermon

6 AInterview NEW VISION with GPA Director; Roland Platt Front cover Photo by Joe Giampaoli. Inside cover By Chistopher Stair. Photos throughout the newslet- ter taken by Christopher Stair and Joe Giampaoli. Spread Design by Christopher Stair. Articles con- tributed by Familyfed.org, Eika Davis and Roland

10 Meet STAFF BIOS the GPA Staff for the 2011-2012 Platt.

2 3 Unification theological Seminary, Barrytown, New York

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Building a Generation of Peace In Jin Nim Excerpts from the Sunday sermon given on September 18th, 2011

B Brothers and sisters, this is an astonishing time as our True Parents are single-handedly taking the horns of providence, guiding and leading us to the new millennium of peace, love and harmony. I find it ex- tremely exciting to know that on this very Sunday we of incredible people who understand their value and purpose and that we belong to one family of God.

The Generation of Peace needs to be a genera- tion that understands the meaning of compassionate are welcoming 120 new members of our Generation living, truly caring for others more than ourselves – Peace Academy to New York City. not just through lip service or because we’re going to get a reward at the end of the day, but by being a com- It is so exciting for me as the Senior Pastor to passionate Buddha-like, True Parents-like, Jesus-like think about getting to know these beautiful young men people who are living and breathing for the sake of and women of God and doing whatever we can to help, others. This is not about dying for the sake of others, inspire, and propel them to be members of what I call a but about continuing to prosper, doing well in life, and Generation of Peace, so that we can rebrand our world being inspired, as we continue a life of compassion. by changing the culture. When we think about the Generation of Peace, That’s what it’s all about, if you think about it. we want to raise up young men and women who are Our True Parents have come to teach us the Divine excellent not only internally but externally as well, so Principle, to teach us how to understand and inherit that whatever they feel called upon in terms of their true love, true life, and true lineage in our lives. In es- passion in life – in terms of being the best doctor, sence, we can think of our lives as an opportunity to teacher, nurse, minister, or whatever they feel called create something beautiful, to create the next genera- to do – they will try their best to be not only good tion, the new Generation of Peace—young men and professionals, but also good people. women who first and foremost know our Heavenly Parent to be our eternal parent. This is what I’m thinking about when I talk about creating the Generation of Peace. The Genera- In understanding that we belong to a com- tion of Peace is going to contribute to our humanity a

“ mon parent, we understand that we actually belong whole new culture. In terms of our mission work, in to one family of God; we realize that with God as our terms of trying our best to live a good and compas- The Generation of Peace Heavenly Parent, we are the children of God, His and sionate life, while also being an internally and exter- Her eternal sons and daughters, with a divine purpose nally excellent human being, what we are doing is is going to contribute to in life. Through the teachings of Reverend and Mrs. building a new culture of true love. We are rebranding our humanity a whole Moon we have been encouraged to live a life of altru- who we are. We are rebranding what our movement is

” ism, living for the sake of others – the philosophy of by changing the culture that permeates our lives. new culture. thinking about others, wanting others to be better than ourselves, and wanting to raise up a humanity

“ GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 The vision statement of GPA is to be a premier education and leadership training program for

” young unificationists graduating from high school,

R Roland Platt, Director of Generation Peace Academy, or GPA (formerly known as Special Task Force or STF), says business is booming at the premier character-education program of the Unification move- ment.

“It’s obvious that the program right now is real- ly appealing and fitting to what the second-generation need and want, which is why we’re getting such a large “The name is the most obvious change. I think the number of applicants and unparalleled interest in the name is awesome, and feel that one day it will become program. We’re also reaching out to the older Blessed as prestigious as the names of West Point Academy, Children, and now there’s a growing number of partici- or Princeton. The name “Special Task Force” is kind pants who’ve already finished one, two, or three years of limited – it doesn’t convey who we actually are. of college who decide to do one year of our program to “Generation Peace Academy” is a name we can be explore their faith before getting back into school.” really proud of. Right now we’re catering to Blessed Children mainly, but I can see in the future that GPA “This year has by far a record number of ap- will become the training program for all the young plicants. We actually anticipated a few years back that people who want to learn about the Unification Move- the number of applicants would decrease, based on ment and change their lives. When anything has been

A the demographics. The number of Blessed Children around a long time and then changes, it takes people graduating from high school for the last three years has time to adjust, so I’m sure there were many graduates been declining, and so we thought this program would of STF who struggled with the name change. But for get smaller and smaller. But despite this, last year we the first-years coming in now, the name is quite natural had a record number of applicants for its time – 111 for them.” first-years – and this year set an even higher record at

New 122. In addition to the first-years, we have 31 second- years, 8 third-years and 12 Core Staff, both full-time The Tripartite Module System and part-time. “In terms of how the program is structured, we thought of having “modules” last year. It’s a brilliant An Overview of Generation Peace Academy

Vision idea to divide the program into three completely dif- ferent sections. First of all, before this system, STF was “The vision statement of GPA is to be a premier edu- basically a whole year of fundraising, then a whole year cation and leadership training program for Blessed of witnessing, and a year is a long time to maintain Children graduating from high school,” said Platt in an focus and inspiration. When we broke the program interview Sept. 23, 2011. “The most important thing down into modules, the level of spirit and focus stayed for us organizers to do is to provide an environment with the participants all throughout the year. We’ve through which second-generation Unificationists can seen great results. Interview with Roland Platt, connect to God and True Parents through the True Director of GPA. Children. “So now the year is divided into three. There’s 6 7

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

“ GPA prepares them for the Blessing and academic success and provides them with a strong spiritual foundation. module. Those are really exciting and there’s a high level of energy there, because you have people coming in from all around the world – from Lovin’ Life Minis- tries, from fundraising in the Rocky Mountains, from ” The Investment of Rev. In Jin Moon “I’ve been involved in STF since August of 2001, so doing service work in Honduras, Guatemala, Peru, or I’m now going into my 11th year. Ten years of STF, other places, and there’s a lot of sharing of testimonies. and now the first year of GPA. I joined the Mobile Then there’s the conclusion workshop at the end of the Fundraising Team (MFT) in 1993, and was involved program, where they reflect upon the whole year, wrap for eight years. In STF I’ve been a team leader, a group up, celebrate at the Commencement Gala, and pre- leader, director, and pioneered Latin STF back in 2005. pare for the next step in their lives. At workshops, the participants bond through activities, attend lectures “I feel that it is a tremendous privilege to do what I’m from guest speakers such as Rev. Phillip Schanker or doing. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing, Rev. Andrew Compton, and some time in the year we even though my job is often challenging and some- have a Blessing Workshop at which they learn about times overwhelming, it’s an honor to be able to work relationships.” closely with so many Blessed Children, to help them find purpose and direction in their lives, and to serve Above: First-year GPA member, Matthew Rogers and GPA Director, Roland Platt chat after Lovin’ Life’s Sunday Service Comparing GPA to STF the True Family.

“The biggest change I see is that STF used to be an “I’ve always felt STF, now GPA, is True Family’s pro- the fundraising-training module, which develops time. We try to make every team balanced – there are intense training course focused on challenging young gram. STF was launched in 1994, and then in 2001, character and on a deeper level allows the participants leader types, supporter types, stronger types, milder people to push themselves physically, spiritually, men- Hyun Jin Nim took leadership and re-vamped it, ex- to experience God’s and True Parents’ heart by going types. So instead of making three big groups, we have tally, and we had a lot of powerful transformations. But actly seven years after the program was created. Then out into the world. Then there’s the leadership module, nine smaller groups that rotate in different directions the program now as GPA is a lot more suited to pre- exactly seven years later, in 2008, In Jin Nim came which takes place at the Lovin’ Life Learning Center, – some rotate clockwise, others counter-clockwise, pare young people for life in a more holistic way. GPA and embraced the program, speaking at the Unifica- during which the main purpose is to connect to Lovin’ others in a sort of triangle direction, so there’s the prepares them for the Blessing and academic success tion Theological Seminary (UTS) almost the exact day Life Ministries and all its programs, as well as get a maximum amount of interaction between all of the and provides them with a strong spiritual foundation. Hyun Jin Nim had seven years earlier, in the very same taste of what it’s like to witness and share our faith different participants throughout the course of the I’m confident that the program now prepares them room. I had an incredibly experience that day when I with others. This module in particular is a special op- year. Otherwise you’d only get to know one-third of the better for daily life and also to be integrated into the realized this. portunity because it’s in this module that participants participants of GPA. community after the program is over. STF before was can personally interact with the True Family and share a bit separate – you went through this intense boot- “To In Jin Nim, I would like to say thank you. I’m fellowship through the Ballroom Dance Ministry. The “Workshops are interspersed throughout the camp experience for a year, then once you graduated, extremely grateful for the personal love and care and third module consists of international service for three program, and are an opportunity for all the partici- it was very hard for you to transition and apply what investment I received from her. Her heart towards the weeks, which I think provides a powerful experience pants of GPA to gather together and share their dif- you learned, what you gained, into daily life, despite Second-Generation is really amazing, and she’s raised because many Blessed Children have never been out ferent experiences. The kick-off workshop lasts for a the powerful experiences you may have had on the up this program. She’s the one who transformed STF to of America, in developing countries. When you live in few weeks – it’s happening right now – and it’s a time program. what it is now, she’s the reason we have so many appli- America, you take a lot of things for granted, so when during which everyone comes together to start off the cants now, and that the numbers are only going to go you go overseas, your heart and mind can expand year on the same page, grasp the vision and goals of “Also, Lovin’ Life Ministries has had a huge impact on up. She’s transformed STF, and given it so much love. I greatly when you see how other people are living and GPA, and clarify their own motivation and goals for STF. I would say that STF is really a part of Lovin’ Life. wouldn’t be surprised if the number next year reaches how blessed we are to be in this country. the year. Then everyone is split into three modules. Because of Lovin’ Life, it’s easier for graduates of STF, 200, and after that 300, because of how In Jin Nim has We have two inter-module workshops where everyone now GPA, to go back into their communities and find transformed the program into GPA.” “This year we have nine group leaders and nine comes together again, between the transition from the ways that they can support and be active and engaged groups. Three groups will go through a module at a first and second module and then the second and third in them.” - Courtesy of Familyfed.org 8 9

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Meet The Staff Kenzo tanaka Group Leader

This year, with a record number of participants in the GPA program, we have a re- Kenzo was born in Japan and joined cord number of staff onboard to help make it successful. So now, without any further ado the UC movement in New York while visit- we would like to introduce to you this year’s 2011-2012 GPA Staff! ing America in 1994. He was Blessed in 1997 to his wife Anisa from Kyrgyzstan. They now have two daughters, Unja (5) and Yoshiko (3), and currently live in Colorado.

From 1994 to 1995 Kenzo served in of the UC movement and the hope of the

Roland Platt CARP MFT, and from 1995 to 2000 in IEF world. He feels privileged that he can support MFT as a fundraiser and as a team captain. them in this important moment of their life. From August 2001 until now he has been director of GPA on STF Staff also as a team leader and group leader. He is very happy working with the 2nd Generation because he sees them as the hope Roland Platt was born in the English Channel Islands. Unfulfilled with his life he set off on his spiritual journey at 18 years old. He spent two and a half years travel- ling throughout India and Nepal, hiking the

Anatoli Kazak Himalayas and visiting holy sites and holy people. In 2001 Roland’s team was called to support the STF program. According to Ro- Another two and a half years of land, the last 10 years have been like a dream, Group Leader traveling lead him through Asia, to Oceania being able to work closely with the True where he sailed from New Zealand to Fiji. On Family and hundreds of Blessed Children and a 24-hour layover in San Francisco he found their families. He feels immensely blessed Anatoli Kazak is 34 years old. He was what he was really looking for and that’s and privileged to have this mission. Roland Blessed with his wife at The RFK stadium in where his new life began! (Dec’ 92) has served STF as a team leader, as a group Washington DC in 1997. He has two lovely leader, and helped pioneer Latin STF in South daughters. He was born in a very small town Highly inspired, Roland completed America from 2004-2005. Now in his 5th in a small country called Belarus. After fin- eight years of MFT as a fundraiser and as a year as Director, Roland is always grateful to ishing high school, Anatoli was unsure about team leader under Dr. Seuk and Mr. Aoki his team of core staff, without which nothing what he wanted to do afterwards. He took himself in supporting God’s Providence who financially and spiritually supported would have been possible. martial arts and had wanted to continue in through different missions. For eleven years the Providence in the Northeast Continent. His passions include: traveling to that direction, but eventually decided to study he has been a part of STF now GPA, and he During that time he was Blessed in ’95 to his remote places in developing countries, hik- philisophy at a very prestigious university in has participated in the education of the 2nd wonderful wife Jina from Far East Russia. ing / cycling / horseback riding / kayaking / the capital city. He entered the university at Generation which, Anatoli reflects, became They now have four awesome kids: Mi-hye, running in the great outdoors, and trying to the age of 17 and studied there for almost a his own education as well. ”I grew a lot by be- Hyo-il, Julia and Keila and live in Upstate, make a difference in the lives of others. year. That year he met his spiritual mother ing on GPA Staff. I came to understand God NY. and joined the church. Anatoli came to the and True Parents more deeply.” Anatoli feels United States six months later and invested immense pride in being a part of GPA.

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Akira Watanabe Klein Gauthier Group Leader Group Leader

Akira Watanabe grew up in the Klein Gauthier was born on October countryside of Japan in the Aichi prefecture. 3rd, 1990 in Sudbury, Ontario. Raised in a Since he was young he has dreamt of becom- small town in Canada, he spent most of his ing a Super Hero, standing up for the weak. childhood exploring the outdoors and the However, he became inspired to search for a beauties of life. Similar to Justin Bieber; he deeper meaning in life when a friend shared has a great voice and beautiful hair. Actually, her dream of becoming a Catholic nun to Klein was known as the class clown through- relationship with God and True Parents, so that he joined. follow in Mother Teresa’s foot steps. So in July out school. He had always enjoyed life. Since that everyone can see more and more the He has participated in the 36,000 of 1990 he set out for the United States. Upon he began this spiritual journey in his relation- amazing love in their lives. Blessing in Moscow 1995, and later in 1999 being approached by an American Sister on ship with God and True Parents, he started Every day Klein wakes up in the he was re-blessed with an incredible Japanese Broadway Avenue in New York in January to become more serious in what life is truly morning with two things in mind: to find a sister who has contributed so much to build 1991, Akira responded with great enthusi- all about. Still though, he cracks a joke here more fulfilling life in supporting True Parents up STF from 2001 to 2007 as an IW. He has asm. and there, and there and here, and again and and In Jin Nim, and food. His goals in life are received three “wild” sons from Heaven. He was well known in NY CARP as again. Klein is here to support God and True to be the world’s greatest husband, father, and Currently Akira is a group leader in a struggling member because he could not Parents in the best way he can: to love his plumber. Simply, he loves life, loves God and GPA. His greatest hope for this year is that receive a lot of result, but somehow he was brothers and sisters, to help them in their True Parents, and wants the same fulfilling he can be somebody who believes that God inspired by witnessing and was able to raise own personal, spiritual journey, and in their and beautiful life for others as well. is always present with us, so that he can give two spiritual children both in the same year better guidance to the Second Generation.

Hana Villafana Yastaka Ishida Group Leader Group Leader

Hana is a Mexican, American, and Yastaka Ishida is from Miami, FL and Japanese blessed child who has lived in both is 22 years old. He is the oldest of two. He had America and Mexico. She is 21 years old and an immense passion for music while growing is blessed to YoungBok Gomez, who is a team up which started with taking violin lessons at leader on GPA this year. She is a stubborn, the age of six, teaching himself guitar when outspoken, passionate person who loves he was in middle school, and doing other sports, dancing, cooking and taking care of performing arts activities inside the com- of gratitude towards the UC movement for she had received. Each year as she grows in people. Initially, she came to the program munity. Yastaka is currently in his third year what it has given him in his life - his family, her faith, Hana also deepens her purpose for as a participant giving the church one last of GPA, and he feels grateful for the amount friends, and more than anything, God and being here - to lead people back to God with try. After finding herself and finding God, of love and investment the staff, brothers True Parents. These past two years have been love and raise them to be people who can love she ultimately found new life. After being so and sisters, and most importantly In Jin Nim a journey to help him build a strong founda- and support True Parents and True Family blessed, she decided to stay longer hoping to and True Family have given him for the past tion for his life of faith and build something even better than she can. be able to give back to others more than what two years. He is offering his third year out that he can offer to support others.

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Ross Ward Jeffery Schmidt Group Leader Group Leader

Ross is twenty years old from Bridge- Jeffery Schmudt, aka“JJ” is 20 years port, CT. This will be Ross’ third year in the old from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, also known program. His first two years have probably as paradise. This year marks JJ’s third year been the best two years of his life. Because with GPA. He decided to offer one more year so many people have invested their time and by living a public life - supporting and cel- energy into him, for the sake of God and TP, ebrating True Parent’s life as well as guiding Ross wants to do the same for the incom- especially football. To him, football is a sport others to realize their value. JJ really wants ing group, and this is the main reason for his free time. After GPA he plans on studying that requires determination and the resilience to give all he has this year and to make it the business with a concentration in accounting. decision to return for a third year. He feels to get back up no matter how many times you best experience he can. JJ enjoys ballroom eternally grateful for the change that GPA has are knocked down. Ross seeks to encourage dancing as well as long walks on the beach. made in his life. Ross likes all kinds of sports, members to have fun and enjoy the journey. He loves watching and playing sports in his

Izak Hernandez Kyra Moyer Group Leader Counselor/IW

Izak Hernandez is from Dallas, Texas, Kyra Moyer is 20 years old. She lives his parents are Mark and Yuri Hernandez. with her parents, older sister, and younger He was born in Los Angeles, California, but brother in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. now lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas called She grew up loving the outdoors, reading, Irving. He has three older brothers and two drawing, painting, and traveling the world. younger sisters. Growing up with a big family Her travels have taken her to Russia, Germany, wasn’t easy but there’s nothing that he is more people to live and spend many hours congre- Brazil, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Gua- now will help the Second Generation better grateful for or values more than his family. gating at every Sunday. temala, and Switzerland. Her dream is to con- understand In Jin Nim’s, True Parent’s, and Izak has lived most of his life in Izak enjoys swimming and being tinue traveling the world and seeing new and God’s hope and dream for their lives. These church centers and his parents were excellent around all types of bodies of water. After GPA exciting places. After high school she decided past two years have taught her more about at never letting him forget that he is a Pastor’s he plans to study and become a marine biolo- to dedicate a year to building her relationship the world, about herself, and about God’s son. Many times it was difficult because his gist. However, aside from that, he dreams with Heavenly Father and discovering what heart than she could have learned anywhere parents were away from home doing different of one day working for NASA and going to she has to offer Him. That year turned into else. She is excited to make the most of this missions. Because they have lived such public outer space. two, and now she’s back again for a third year. new year and to do the best that she can to lives, his home has always been a place for She hopes that the work that she is involved in offer to her brothers and sisters.

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Thanh Le Keimi Kanno General Affairs Leadership Initiative Coordinator

Thanh Duy Le was born in South Bend, Indiana in 1986 after both of his par- Keimi was born to an American ents immigrated to the United States in 1985. mother, Shirley (Saltz) Kanno, and a Japanese In July of 2008 after completing an internship father, Shinichi Kanno in Maryland Decem- in Los Angeles. Thanh was approached by a ber 13th, 1983. Her parents were blessed on Japanese sister who invited him to come and July 1st, 1982 and although she was born in watch lecture videos. He became a Unifica- America she spent her first five years in Paris, tionist in August of 2008 and soon after, grad- cants from all different backgrounds will seek France. involved with HARP in Italy and collaborated uated from the University of Notre Dame in to gain leadership skills and intimate experi- with other countries and the European Second May of 2009. From May of 2009 until July of ences with the Living God. Thanh devotes She has a younger brother, Tokuwa, Gen Dept for workshops. She completed two 2011 Thanh volunteered full-time fundraising himself every day into making this kind of and a younger sister, Mika, both born in years of STF Europe from 2003-05 and then and witnessing. Since August he has been the vision a reality. France. She moved back to America after she attended a university in Italy. While studying General Affairs representative of GPA. turned five, to New Jersey, and then spent full-time, She worked part-time as an English Thanh will continue as full-time staff some months in Japan due to her father’s ill- teacher and her part-time mission was with Jr. Motivating Thanh every day is his de- but also seeks to apply part-time to the NYU ness. After his passing, she continued to live STF in Italy on a national level. sire to unite with the vision of our Senior Pas- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and in Maryland until her mother had a comfort tor, In Jin nim, and our GPA director, Roland Human Development in Fall 2012 to earn a blessing to an Italian when Keimi was sixteen. During her second year of STF she at- Platt. Thanh believes that GPA is destined Masters in Educational Leadership. They spent the next ten years in Italy. tended True Father’s matching and blessing in to be the finest post-high school character- New York and was blessed to Leonard Soaivan building program in the world where appli- During that time, she went to high from New Jersey. She is now living in New school in Italy, learned Italian, and entered Jersey and working as the GPA coordinator for the world of the European movement. She got the Leadership Module at 43rd street.

Chris Stair Media Developer Soogin Ogden Chris was born in Miami, Florida COunselor/IW but currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is 21 years old. His hobbies include reading, writing, drawing, painting, music, Soogin Ogden is from Chicago, IL. audio/video, dancing and anything creative. She has expressed deep gratitude to be back He graduated from 2 years of the STF pro- to help with the program and seeks to sup- gram in 2010 and afterwards studied at port In Jin Nim’s vision for the Second Gen- now. He loves the GPA program because it eration. The reason why she came back is California State University East Bay. He was gives the youth in the UC movement amazing called back for the 2011-2012 GPA year to to help all the Second Generation come to opportunities to find their true potential and realize and understand the value of who they work part-time in the Media Development value. When he sees signs of growth in the best she has ever tasted. Even though Ikea is department of the new GPA program. He are and what they represent. a furniture store, it has a cafeteria that serves participants, he feels inspired and it makes One of Soogin’s secret loves is Ikea. is responsible for the various visual projects him proud to be a part of this program. various Swedish dishes. such as the newsletter you are reading right She claims that the meatballs at Ikea are the

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Keishu Greene John Gehring International Service Coordinator International Service coordinator

Prior to joining GPA, Keishu worked John has spent much of the last 25 as the Marketing Coordinator for Meketa years organizing international service proj- Investment Group, an investment consulting ects with the RYS and later with STF and firm, where she focused on firm growth as a GPA. A graduate of the Unification Theo- request for proposal (RFP) writer from 2008- logical Seminary he later became an Adjunct 2010. Before that Keishu was working as a Professor at UTS from 1993-1997. John Marketing Assistant for Punter Southall, LLC, across a touching photograph of Mother served as the International Director of the a globally recognized investment consult- he has had a chance to bring to many of the Teresa caring for a sick, homeless man. That International Relief Friendship Foundation 84 nations that he has worked in. ing firm. She received her MBA from Clark photograph inspired in her a desire to serve (IRFF) and served as the International Direc- University in 2008. She received her under- humanity. She is so excited to be part of the tor of the International Peace Sports Festival graduate degree in business management also John wrote a book for the Interna- GPA family where her two passions can be (2003-2007) where he also had the role of tional Education Foundation entitled: Ser- from Clark University in 2006, where she realized and where she can help to create life- Co-Chairman. John has taught a wide range graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was twice vice Learning: Building Global Citizens and changing experiences for others. of seminars and training programs on sub- he has created training manuals including, inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Inter- Keishu is a relatively new addition to jects that include, marriage and family, sports national Honor Society. Implementing the Interfaith Ideal: A Guide to the GPA Core Staff having come onboard this for a better life, service learning and character Organizing the RYS. Currently he is working Born in the United States, she has had Summer as the International Service Project building. He has created a sports for char- a life-long passion for traveling ever since on creating a training manual for Generation Coordinator for GPA. Carrying the responsi- acter program and brought it to countries in Peace Academy. John and his wife Yoshiko her parents, Scott and Yoko Greene, moved bility for the GPA Service Module, she sets up Asia and in the Caribbean. He enjoys devel- the entire family of seven to St. Petersburg, were blessed in 1982 and they have five chil- and organizes international service projects oping creative approaches to teaching which dren. Russia for missionary work during 1992- throughout the year. 1996. When she was ten years old, she came

Elissa Allen Emily Iseda assistant Service Coordinator Counselor/IW

Elissa Allen is very excited to be join- Emily Iseda is from Rosemead, Cali- ing the GPA team. She did three years of STF fornia and is a fanatic of Mint Chocolate chip before attending college, and is grateful for ice cream. She is 20 years-old. Following the the experience she had and the skills that she trend of programs for young Unificationists, gained. She attended Binghamton University she has spent four years in South Korea on where she studied English Literature. Since the GOP program and is currently dedicating then she has been working in the private sec- support GPA, she became very excited. She her third year to GPA as a Counselor/IW. Her tor, doing writing, editing, and client man- believes that Foreign Service can be a great together this family, culture and understand- gratitude goes to In Jin Nim, to Jin Sung Nim agement for an online marketing company. way to grow and develop an understanding of ing of true love that she has experienced here. and to all the core staff on GPA for bringing When she heard about the opportunity to God’s heart as well as a chance to give back.

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Nadya Kamiyama HIroshi Suzuki COunselor/IW Safety Director

Born in Okayama, Japan. He picked Nadya was born in Yakutia, in the up guitar when he was 13 and played in a Far East of Russia. In 1995 she was fortu- rock band throughout his high school years. nate to join the Unification Movement and After graduating, he left Japan for college in was Blessed in August as part of the 360,000 Alabama in 1974. To pursue his dream to couples Blessing. She graduated from Yakutsk become a guitarist, he moved to Boston to go State University with a Masters degree in His- to Berklee College of Music where he met the tory and Archives. From 1996 through 2001 Unification Movement in 1977. she did fundraising and witnessing in Russia until January 2009. They now live in Chi- Blessed in 1982 in New York to his before coming to America. She supported cago and have a newborn child, Sean. Nadya wife Eiko, they now have five children. The In 1979, he joined the CARP rock STF as a team leader, as a Witnessing Center serves GPA as a part-time IW by visiting oldest daughter, Min Hwa graduated from band “The Sunburst” and traveled through- leader (In Maryland and Berkeley, CA), and workshops and counseling members over the two years of STF, and currently his second out the US extensively to perform on college as an IW (counselor). Her husband Satoshi phone. daughter, Hye Jin is a team leader for GPA. campuses. In 1982, he joined Hyo Jin Moon was also a long-time staff member of STF He is a graduate of UTS, class of ’92, and also Band, “YU”, attending Hyo Jin Nim and play- ing guitar. the voice actor for the Rosetta Stone Japanese In 1988, he joined “Hyo Jin Moon Program. Band,” participated in the recording of “Re- birth,” and traveled to Japan and France to This year he has been appointed as the perform concerts. Safety Director for GPA.

Nadya Kazak Eika Davis COunselor/IW Service Practicum Coordinator

Nadya Kazak was born in Saint Pe- Eika Davis is a third year GPA mem- tersburg, Russia. She was witnessed to by her ber who will be dedicating her time to the mother and joined the Unification Family at Leadership Initiative Module this year. She is the age of 15. She has an older brother, and from Hawaii where her parents and younger all of her family (parents and brother) are sister currently reside. On the side, she loves blessed. to dance and sing, and she loves listening to the university she was engaged in a variety of the stories of the people’s lives around her. She graduated Saint Petersburg State activities. She traveled to many places in Eu- Eika has completed one year at the University The main reason she has come back University with a Bachelor’s degree majoring rope and spent about eight months in Korea. of Portland in Oregon and came to what was for a third year is so that she can be as close in Russian as a foreign language. She became then STF in the Fall of 2009. This program to the providence as possible while serving an active (full-time) member in the church She was blessed in 1997 to Anatoli and In Jin Nim changed her life and the way it. She feels deeply that these last few years at the age of 18. She had a lot of witness- Kazak and could eventually come join him that she viewed religion. are years that history will never forget, and ing experience as a student and as a center in America in 2005. She Joined STF/GPA in she hopes that in the future she will be able member. She grew a heart and passion for 2006 and has been helping the program ever to look back and say, “I helped make a differ- witnessing since then. After graduating from since. ence.” 20 21

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

Kick-Off Workshop 2011 IN PHOTOS

22 22 23 23

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 First-year participants Katherine GPA Volume 1 Issue 2 Williams and Michelle Han pose for a warm-hearted picture.

KICK OFF Above: (left to right) Klein Gauthier, Katerina Morgan and Yemi Harford in the Above: Rosako Wagner paints Layla Zo- crowd enjoying a Sonic Cult performance at Lovin’ Life Ministries morod’s face during a team building exercise.

Workshop The highlight of the first week was certainly Lovin’ of that most classic life of faith training - a box in hand

G PA K I C K - O F F Life on Sunday September 18th, where In Jin Nim and a determination to meet God. warmly welcomed GPA and laid out her expectations On October 3rd the participants returned for the participants through her sermon. A couple days to UTS ready to finish off the workshop with a bang. later participants were blessed by Jin Sung nim’s visit Little did they know what God had in store for this and lecture at UTS. Jin Sung nim spent one unforget- already ground-breaking year of Generation Peace table morning shar- Academy. That night the ing, deeply and very 2nd and 3rd-year leaders personally, about the received direction from course of the True In Jin Nim to travel to Las On the following day, various presenters Children from a provi- Vegas in support of our

O introduced to the participants In Jin nim’s vision for dential perspective. True Parents for a very GPA, as well as the learning objectives, culture and The participants felt timely providential event. background of the program. The first week went by so moved by the fact Two incredible things hap- On September 15th Generation Peace Acad- quickly as participants, loaded with an ample sched- that In Jin nim and Jin pened. The first was the emy was launched with a full impact, high-powered ule, started their new spiritual lives. The participants Sung nim would share profound blessing that the Kick-Off Workshop, setting the tone for the year to trained every morning, focusing on identifying their such personal stories 2nd and 3rd years received come. limitation, and then trying to go beyond it. During of this beloved family by being able to attend the day, they sat in on presentations that were de- with them.Through True Parents directly by The official start was heralded as the new signed to help them clarify their motivations and to that experience, the helping to usher, to set-up participants rolled in their bags and found their set clear goals for their year. participants became for the event and to sup- names on the beds of the historic Unification Theo- intimately connected port True Family & Chil- logical Seminary (UTS) dormitories. From there The presentation of personalized notebooks to the True Family in a dren directly. The other they were introduced to their 2nd-year mentors, and which the 2nd and 3rd-year leaders had prepared, whole new way. was that while the leaders were gone, the 1st-year par- all of GPA participated in a day of fun and challeng- was the most beautiful and tearful moment of the ticipants, who only in their 4th week as GPA members, ing group activities to break the ice and to build new workshop. Accompanied with hugs and good wishes The conclusion of the first week culminated were able to step up and assume all the responsibilities bonds. To complete the day, the 2nd-year mentors for the year, 1st-year participants received carefully with internal guidances given by Core Staff in prepara- that their elders had. performed a “Welcome Skit,” with warm Disney hand-crafted notebooks. Made to reflect in, the team tion for fundraising. On September 22nd, in high spir- songs re-made to offset the nervousness that the 1st- leaders intend these blank pages to be filled with its, fundraising teams left UTS for a 12-day fundraising 1st-year participants took the initiative to lead years might still be feeling on the first day of their many incredible experiences and deep meetings with condition to introduce everyone to the fundamentals their teams, keep time, hold discussions, conduct journey. God. 24 25

GPA Volume 1 Issue 2

ABOVE: (left to Right) Josh Hunter dances on Sunday, Katerina Morgan and Emily Giampaoli put their game faces on during team building and Anthony Hagen warms up for ballroom in the Grand at the Manhattan Center.

morning running training, practice Hoon Dok Hwae team and module assignments for the year. The first and much more. The Core Staff oversaw their work 43rd module would be based around a choir that In Jin and were very moved by the heart and energy that the nim had initiated and will compete in the God’s Day 1st-years invested in their responsibilities. They felt entertainment competition for our True Parents in that this was truly a testament to True Parent’s and Korea. The 40-person choir will be taught by a mother- In Jin Nim’s incredible investment into the American daughter duo: Mrs. Kubo of the Sun Hak Choir and movement. her daughter Mitsuru Hunter of Sonic Cult.

Reverend Andrew Compton taught a full three The Kick-Off Workshop ended in high spirits days of Divine Principle workshops, during which he and everyone divided into their three modules: Lead- gave an overview of the entire Principle, effectively ership Initiative, International Service, and Fundrais- meeting one of GPA’s learning objectives “to gain a ing. We look forward to coming closer to and meeting

GPA deeper understanding of the Principle and its applica- God and True Parents during these next 10 weeks! tion.” It was well received by participants and provided a solid foundation for the year.

One of the highlights for the workshop hap- pened while the 2nd and 3rd-year leaders were in Las

2011 Vegas, the 1st-year participants put on an incredible “Entertainment Night” where many talented individu- als performed.

Upon the return from Las Vegas, Jin Sung nim invited everyone to attend a lively ballroom social where all 150 participants hit the dance floor with the Red Hook community.

The Kick-Off Workshop concluded with the GPA September-October 26