It’s a clear summer during the end of year 2017 in New Zealand and it’s a good opportunity for the Unification Movement here to thank everyone who have supported us through the year. Hence, we gathered at Parnell Peace Embassy, Auckland in the afternoon of December 9th, celebrating each other’s presence, support and kindness as One Family Under God.
The casual family event was attended by about 50 family members, Ambassadors For Peace and guests. It was co-organized by the women of WFWP-NZ, the youths of YFWP-NZ and the Holdem family with Mrs Felicity Cairns, Chairwoman of WFWP-NZ hosting the event as the MC. There was a brief series of remarks given successively by the leaders of the Unification Movement organizations in New Zealand in order to reiterate the organizations’ principles, goals and practical steps towards the future. They are Rev Adel Jamati, Director of FFWPU-NZ and UPF-NZ; Mr Geoffrey Fyers, Secretary-General of UPF-NZ and Mr Leon Pogoni, Chairman of WSFF-NZ. They also thanked everyone for their continual help through the year and look forward to 2018.
At the end of the remarks is the start of barbecue and potluck lunch. It’s not only a beautiful mix of people from different backgrounds but also the food and gifts we shared together. Despite the strong heat warming up the decorated outdoor venue, we cherished each other’s company under the shades. The children were playing together and there was plenty of familial joy exchanged between people of different races, religions and nationalities.
After enjoying a filling lunch, next on the casual programme were some testimonies given by supporters of WFWP-NZ followed by a short gift presentation by Nita Wallis to the members of WFWP-NZ. As the thankful heart flowed and continued to resonate with each other’s feelings, we were treated further to two Tongan dances and two musical performances.
After the heartfelt segment passed, we moved on to the uplifting family games organized by Sam and Andrew. As the different games flowed from one to the other, it is evident that everyone truly enjoyed themselves with what has been prepared. Young and old took part as one family, and there was plenty of laughter and excitement.
The last segment of the day was the giving out of raffle prizes, courtesy of the ladies of WFWP-NZ, followed by the blowing of a family cake. As the time we spent together came to a close, we truly felt rejuvenated to have a great family celebration with everyone. Although the goals that we want to achieve may still be a distance away, we can never be thankful enough for the people who have been there for us through the year. May the joy and laughter we’ve shared together carry us forward to an even brighter year ahead.
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel; Written by Andrew Halim