Report on STF Family Workshop 8/22 – 8/24/08

Ken Bates
August 24, 2008

To conclude the month long Kickoff Workshop for new STF participants, STF held its’ Family Workshop over the weekend of August 22nd to 24th. Sixty two families were registered, with between one and six family members each, for a total of over 100 parents and siblings in attendance; in addition to the 180 STF members and staff already present.

The STF members were already in extremely high spirits, having had the opportunity to see Hyun Jin Nim four times during their workshop (including their attendance and active role in the GPF in Washington DC). They were especially blessed with a visit from In Jin Nim and Jin Sung Nim one day before the parents arrived, when she talked specifically about how to be successful in life after STF, and concluded with a massive and energetic Yute game. Also the Continental Directors and President had visited and inspired STF.

This weekend, besides the moving testimonies and opportunities to bond over families’ games or entertainment, STF core staff presented details on the new ‘One Year STF Program’, with the theme of “Gain Conviction in My Identity and Ownership over God's Dream”. There are many changes happening as the new program develops, and many new opportunities for young people to get involved in. For example Tomeo Wise has taken responsibility as the first Second Gen to be in the core staff and from this year on all team leaders are from the 2nd Generation.

The current program includes both fundraising and witnessing during the year, as well as 70 days of workshops (including 7 days DP workshop, adventure training and a certified Blessing workshop), and an overseas service project in a developing country. Those who aspire for further leadership training can sign on for a second year and be trained to become the team leaders for next year.

Many developments have taken place over the past few years to make the foundation for this change. As a result the number of STF graduates of 2006 and 2007 who are active in missions and leadership roles around the country has averaged almost 60% of the 2nd year graduates, which attests to the life changing, meaningful education that occurs on STF.

There were outstanding presentations from Kenshu Aoki and Naokimi Ushiroda about the recent developments in programs for kids younger than STF age, and those who have recently graduated. Kenshu’s talk explained about the greatest lessons he learned on STF. These included learning how to relate to others without pre-concepts or fear, building a habit of internal discipline, and understanding the process required to create miracles in everyday life. Naokimi explained about the big developments in Jr. STF, which is now active in 15 cities around the country.

As the conclusion, Rev. Jenkins gave the Sunday Sermon (‘God has prepared the Leaders’) at the UTS chapel, inspiring and urging young leaders to rise up -- this was followed immediately with the Inauguration of Kenshu Aoki as the first 2nd Gen President of CARP USA. All of the parents and young people at the workshop agreed that this is a very exciting time to be active and to be young!