GPA Competition Workshop in Kansas

GPA just completed our first workshop all together since Kick-Off finished in September! From November 9th to November 13th, all GPA participants, team leaders, and staff eagerly gathered at the Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, Kansas to reflect and share upon their previous fundraising condition, and recharge to prepare for Christmas Competition leading into winter break.

Upon arrival on November 9th evening, all the teams enthusiastically greeted each other and spent time to quickly catch up on how everyone was doing. We also received a wonderful, although brief, visit from family members and GPA alumni of the nearby communities in Kansas and Nebraska. The first evening was spent on an orientation as to the purpose of the workshop, and then closing the day together early enough to allow for everyone to catch up on some sleep.

The first full day of the workshop was centered on reflection of the fundraising experience, and spending time together as a group. We received guidance from Nadya Kamiyama on reflection, and an ample amount of reflection time so as to properly process all the experiences Heavenly Parent and True Parents have given to us during the past few weeks. The afternoon was spent playing in a volleyball tournament, competing against teams from the various nations! It was a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, while the weather was still good, and to cheer each other on in good fun.

The evening was truly eventful. After hearing beautiful testimonies from the members on some of their deepest fundraising experiences, we heard about the countries GPA will be serving during our International Service portion of the year. Each member was able to submit a form indicating their choices between the 4 countries of Peru, Panama, Dominican Republic, and the Philippines after hearing presentations on what projects would be done in which countries. After which, we had a veritable early Christmas party with a lot of gift giving! T-shirts were given to each member of the Blue Nation for winning the competition during the Kick-Off workshop, and cheesecake was the prize for the 3 top teams of the volleyball tournament. And then the highlight was receiving the official GPA hoodies!

After an eventful yet relaxing and reflective first full day, the second full day of the workshop was dedicated towards education. We heard from the GPA Director, Roland Platt, who gave a presentation entitled the “Cultural War”, which addresses the serious issues America faces today, and how being aware of the root cause can better prepare us to fight it. We also heard from our IW Aunt Christine Froehlich on how to build and develop our own personal foundation of faith and foundation of substance through our

effort on GPA and our daily actions. Through the building of our foundation of faith and substance, we can truly enjoy a relationship with True Parents.

That evening, to set the tone for the Competition, we watched the classic movie “Miracle”, based on the true story of the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey team. A group of college aged young men rose to the challenge and defeated the seemingly invincible Soviet team, giving hope to America that was going through a crisis of confidence.

The next day was centered on preparation for the fundraising competition. We heard first about the current GPA financial situation and the difference competition can make from our CFO Thanh Le, and then about the competition itself and what the healthy spirit of heavenly competition should be by our Director. Roland Platt stated how usually competition is proving yourself better than others, and is self- centered, geared towards personal gain. The competition spirit for GPA is centered on encouraging others to do better, to feel joy in their accomplishments, and with that to strive for continuous improvement so that you may benefit others.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to each Nation/ Group to spend time with each other to establish goals for the competition, for themselves and for their nation. In this way, the members could receive more personal guidance and education, and a more focused environment to clarify their individual goals. From this time, each nation also created their nation’s competition goal. They are as follows:

Green Nation: Let us be God’s hope for America!

Blue Nation: Let us love God and True Parents by offering everything!

Red Nation: Leaving a Legacy

That evening, all members received another gift: Hoon Dok Hae books! Every year, GPA has made the tradition of creating 400 page Hoon Dok Hae books that include milestone speeches from True Parents and they teach about the fundamental pillars of our faith. It is our hope that such Hoon Dok Hae will benefit the members during this important time of their life and afterwards! Many alumni in college testify about how precious these books are to them.

After receiving the books, preparations were made to head off the next morning for the fundraising areas, where they will fundraise until their departure for Winter Break. The next workshop will be at Thanksgiving when all the Nations will have their own Thanksgiving celebrations, and a brief workshop to touch base and recoup.

We wish each and every one of the GPA members success and many beautiful experiences during this time! Mansei!

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