The Power of Youth Captivates the Global Peace Festival in Chicago
Written by GPF Staff   
Monday, 27 October 2008 00:00

The Festival began with dynamic entertainment. “The Soul Children of Chicago”, directed by Walt Whitman, is an internationally acclaimed youth choir, ranging from seven to seventeen years of age who maintain outstanding moral and academic standards in addition to their musical skills. Their performance lifted everyone from their seats in a spirit of celebration and praise

Next, the Jesse White Tumbling Team thrilled everyone with their ability to leap nearly to the ceiling and soar through the air with amazing ease. Like “The Soul Children” of Chicago, the young members must maintain high academic and moral standards to remain on the team. The Founder and Director, the Honorable Jesse White, has been Secretary of State of Illinois since 1998. The Tumblers were founded through his passion to help young people realize their potential and become role models for others. The confidence displayed through the performance proclaimed a clear message that “nothing is impossible!”

A beautiful interfaith demonstration was then led by Dr. Michael Jenkins, Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation-USA. Nine faith leaders, representing Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Native American traditions each stated a simple pledge and then poured water from a small container into a large common container to symbolize their dedication to working together for world peace. The small container of water represented the treasure of their faith tradition, whereas the larger receptacle represented “One Family Under God”. The impact was profoundly enlightening and uplifting.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation and Founder of the Global Peace Festival Initiative. Dr. Moon was introduced by Rev. Paul Murray, Executive Director of the Global Peace Festival-USA. Dr. Moon challenged the gathering to strive for the noble ideals espoused in the founding documents of America and to actually go beyond “One Nation Under God” to create One Family Under God. Dr. Moon’s stirring message brought the crowd to its feet in a prolonged and enthusiastic standing ovation.

Near the close of the program, special awards were presented to two prestigious local leaders for their exemplary service to the betterment of society. Rev. David Rendel, the District Chairman for UPF-USA and one of the central organizers for the Festival, made the presentations. The first recipient, Dr. Clay Evans, is the 83-year old founder of renowned Fellowship MB Church and patriarch of the religious broadcast industry in Chicago. His life and work have greatly influenced religious leaders throughout the world. The second recipient, Dr. Willie Wilson, is an acclaimed entrepreneur and philanthropist who rose from poverty to help thousands of organizations and individuals in their faith-based efforts through his generous financial support.

Also recognized were the honorees in the special “Banner for Peace” contest. Nineteen large banners were completed by groups of students expressing what “peace” means to them and how they would help create it. There were two age groups - 10 to 13 years old and 14 to 18 years old; a prestigious group of community leaders served as the judges. Entries were submitted by public schools, church youth groups and community organizations throughout metropolitan Chicago. The “peace banner” entries were all displayed on the wall near the entrance of the ballroom for viewing by all attendees. The sponsoring organization for each winning team was awarded a financial grant from the Global Peace Festival Committee to be used in their ongoing work with youth.

For many of the participants, the Global Peace Festival celebration was the conclusion of a special American Leadership Conference entitled, “America at a Crossroads”, which explored the foundational roots of America and its current leadership role in the world today. The conference featured insightful multimedia presentations and round table discussions where all participants could interact fully in addressing important issues. UPF-North America Secretary General, James Flynn and UPF-USA Executive Director, Howard Self presented the lectures. Many expressed that the conference helped them gain a deeper appreciation of the Festival’s theme of “One Family Under God”.

The Festival program was brought to a moving conclusion through the invocation given by Dr. Willie Weston, Pastor of the Hope Evangelistic Ministries International. While departing from the festivities, Rabbi Michael Weiser summed up his experience by saying, “Today, I learned about the power of youth! This is the generation who will change the world – there’s no doubt about it! I’m too old to make that change. But, through programs like this Global Peace Festival, I’m excited to offer whatever wisdom and guidance I can to help these young people build a better world!”
 

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The Global Peace Festival promotes and celebrates persons and programs that contribute to reconciliation, mutual respect, harmony and cooperation among the members of the whole human family, as "One Family Under God". In partnership with a variety of faith-based organizations, NGOs, government agencies, educational institutions, and members of the private sector, GPF encourages programs that strengthen God-centered marriages and families, facilitate intercultural and interreligious cooperation, and foster a culture of peace and service. Ongoing programs are carried out throughout the year, and culminate in a biennial Global Peace Festival that consists of an international leadership conference, a social impact program, and a public celebration.

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