Peace Road 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand took place on the 12th of August. The event was organized by Mr Leon Pogoni, Chairman of WSFF New Zealand and Mrs Grace Jung, one of our 2nd Generation Blessed Couples in New Zealand. It was supported by most of our Unification Movement members and attended by about 50 members and guests from various walks of life. Thanks to the efforts of our own youths, we were able to invite members of other youth organizations such as NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust, The Youth Collective and St Heliers Youth Community to take part in the event. More than half of the participants were youths below 35 years old, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
The starting point was at Parnell Peace Embassy. We initiated the activity through general introduction given by Mr Andrew Halim, orientation on the event given by Mr James Prentice, and signing of the Peace Road Map. Participants then began to cycle or walk, depending on their preferences. The cycling route covered a modest 19km which ended at Achilles Point, whereas the walking route covered 12km which ended earlier at Mission Bay.
A lunch gathering after the event, truly resembling One Family under God, allowed the participants to be nourished with love and gratitude. Soon after, we had an informal reflection session led by Mrs Grace Jung who welcomed up Ms Tinmama Oo from NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust and our own 2nd Gen, Mr Amon Watanabe to give their sharing with regards to why they came to support Peace Road and their feedback on this year’s event. The rest of the participants were invited to write their feedback in order to facilitate a better Peace Road on the following years ahead.
Everyone involved were grateful for the opportunity to experience the Peace Road together. In light of the many threats to peace around the world, we are hopeful that the little things we do through this event would be helpful as part of the global effort to promote peace and to prepare for True Father’s 5th Universal Seonghwa Commemoration.
As the event comes to a close, we are reminded once again that the gathering of kindred spirits with a heart to serve and live for the sake of others has unlimited potential in creating positivity and lasting harmony. We hope that as we continue to do our part in building bridges and creating a culture of peace together, we will be able to substantialize the realm of heart that we all long to be a part of.
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel; Written by Andrew Halim