Guest speakers in IYF World Camp

Life is full of learning. 

If there’s something we have to do continuously in our lives, it should be “learning.” And there’s no place to do it than IYF World Camp where there are full of opportunities to learn something. Leadership Symposium is a time for participants to listen to prominent figures’ life stories: failures, challenges, and conquests.

 

Sam Morgante, Former White House chef, Cherise Fisher, Chief Editor of Penguin Group, Susan Barr, Dean of Students of Five Town College gave their speeches to the World Camp participants.  

There was a reception for the guest speakers with the Founder Pastor Ock Soo Park. He gave appreciation plaques to them and suggested to Mr. Morgante if he can be an advisor for IYF students. He also explained how students’ hearts change and told him that he can gain new hearts by uniting his heart together with God as well. That day Mr. Morgante accepted everything that Founder Pastor Ock Soo Park told him and said he wants to spread this joy together with IYF. Ms. Fisher also said that she was so impressed by IYF students who welcomed her with all their hearts and was sure that future leaders will be produced from the IYF.

The effects of the World Camp are much stronger than Hurricane “Irene”. Even though it was difficult when the World Camp was about to start; it is clear that God is really working inside of this World Camp.

 

God faithfully keeps his promise, “’You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17

Let’s have some fun at the IYF Academy!

What do people in the White House eat? If you come to IYF Academy in the World Camp you will see…

Former chief chef Sam Morgante who was in charge of President Obama’s table, teaches World Camp participants in how to make Western Chicken, a favorite dish of former President George Bush.

Finally IYF Academy started! There was already a long line of participants waiting for the cooking academy to open. Former chef Morgante explains the recipe step by step and students discuss how to cook chicken and make sauce.

Now it’s time for the evaluation! The selected team by the chef received “Obama Chocolate” as a present. After the evaluation, students eat the dishes they made and enjoyed.

Another academy to introduce is Starbucks Academy. American’s favorite coffee brand Starbucks’ barista was invited to IYF Academy and explained how to brew coffee. Students learned the origin of coffee and how to make good coffee from the Starbucks baristas.

At car maintenance academy students ask questions on how to maintain one’s car and learn basic car maintenance with a Mercedes car

On the grassy field of the Mahanaim Campus, the Tae Kwon Do academy had opened. Students attended the Tae Kwon Do academy with a serious attitude and learned Tae Kwon Do movements.

Andrea, one of volunteers said, “I became more interested in Korea’s culture as I volunteered with overseas volunteers from Korea. That is why I chose Tae Kwon Do academy to come and the more I learn the more fun it is.”

Moreover, there was Home Improvement, How to Buy a Car, Nutrition, Journalism, Finance, Korean Language, Ddobyul, Emergency Response, etc which were taught by professionals accordingly.   

Scavanger Hunt at the Heckscher Park

Second day of New York World Camp started. Today we had an opportunity to practice “Cohesion” which is one of our three mottos by scavenger hunt.

After eating delicious lunch, students departed to Heckscher Park which is located near the Mahanaim campus. The students were informed with few rules, and then the race began. Teachers started to dash into the woods to find the first clue. A group of students welcome their teacher with a smile who brought the first clue as a first place. Each class was assigned to different stations.

The team which has succeeded the task; they received a sticker and advanced to “Dance together” station. At first it was embarrassing and awkward. After learning one righteous dance, however, the students get tested. During the test, what manager values the most is a smile! Although, they had to dance for the teams that they don’t like, they were able to taste the joy when they bend their heart and unify their heart with the others.

The other activities also contributed to elevate the team work. The students ran here and there to find a clue. At last, Faith 3 won the race by finding the last clue at the Second floor of Mahanaim auditorium.  

Misconception of individualism and freedom insidiously eroded the opportunity for young American students experience such joy. However, those American students who at first didn’t want xto participate in scavenger hunt, they were able to discover a new joy of being together to pursue a same goal. Today’s scavenger hunt were not just a entertainment, rather, it was a life lesson that educate the students to be familiar with “Cohesion”. Furthermore, it will guide the students to become a prestigious leader in the future.

2011 IYF World Camp Kicks Off in New York!

Even though hurricane “Irene” caused the whole East Coast of America to trembled, it didn’t stopped us holding the IYF World Camp in NY! Through hurricane “Irene”, God allowed us to learn that He was really with us and watching over us. The IYF World Camp finally had begun on August 29, and it started with a cool breeze and clear skies. All participants were so happy when they arrived, and were so joyful that the World Camp still went on regardless of Hurricane “Irene.” Founder pastor Ock Soo Park and the Gracias Choir’s flights got canceled but they were still able to make the Opening Ceremony by flying from other airports in Philadelphia and Washington DC. 

At 7pm, the Opening Ceremony started with the righteous stars’ exciting dances and then continued with the African dance “La bonnuvell”, Russian dance “Kkalinkka” and Korea’s fan dance and a Taekwondo performance.

The dance “I believe” prepared by American students delivered a special message of students who have same difficulties despite of their nationalities change and become bright through the World Camp to participants.

 

Glenda Jackson, Councilwoman of Huntington town, gave a welcoming message thanking founder pastor Ock Soo Park for holding the World Camp in Huntington town and it was followed by a  speech given by Donal P. Astrab, president of Nassau Community College.

Gracias Choir performed to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the World Camp with beautiful songs and bright smiles. Choir’s finale song “New York, New York” made all participants happy and joyful.

Founder pastor Ock Soo Park delivered a message of how thankful to have this World Camp in New York right after Hurricane “Irene” damaged many places and as well as stories of Mexico World Camp. He talked about the true happiness you gain when people share their hearts together and he added the reason why people cannot share their hearts together is because of the heart that they are better than others which keep them from listening to others. Also he talked about his hope in Jesus who changes whoever has darkness in their hearts like how in the Bible Jesus did to the woman who got caught in adultery.

 

After Opening Ceremony, there was a reception with about 40 VIPs. Suffolk County officials gave founder Pastor Ock Soo Park a “Thank You” plaque and said they want to work for youth with IYF. Founder Ock Soo Park talked about his experience of eating durians as an example of “taste of people”. He said, “At first one might not like the smell of durian, once you taste it you will crave for it. Just like with people, we should make an effort find people’s unique flavor as well.”

IYF World Camp NY will be the happiest camp where teaches the world of hearts and be continued to September 2^nd.

D-4! Info-Session at IYF Manhattan Center

On August 24th, with four days to go before the 2011 IYF World Camp, there was a World Camp Info-Session at IYF Manhattan Center. The citizens of New York who have heard about IYF and the World Camp – New York through World Culture Convention were invited.

 

The info-session started with an exciting 10th Good News Corps Righteous Stars dance. Amidst the softened atmosphere by the volunteers’ dance and bright smiles, the people watched the IYF Promotional video and soon after they were able to hear the purpose and clear explanation about the World Camp from a presentation by Daniel Lim, a member of the Committee of Education. Scavenger Hunt, New York City touring, and Culture etc., are some of the diverse programs that form this year’s New York World Camp.

 

Also the attendees’ interest during the Info Session heightened as they heard about the various 17 elite Academies that are going to be a part of the programs such as Presidential Cuisine, Emergency Preparedness, Tae Kwon Do, Korean Language, Starbucks Coffee and more. Afterwards, through the stories of a former Good News Corps volunteer, Minister Byung Hoon Ki explained in a simple and interesting way the importance of learning the world of the heart; he talked about the necessity of the Mind Lectures, the most important program in the World Camp.

 

 All the attendees agreed when he talked about how when a person reaches the age of 24, he or she does not grow physically, because after that age, the heart must grow; therefore, an individual’s determination has a limit. We were assured that through the IYF World Camp, one would have change and hope in their lives.

 

After the Info Session ended, 5 attendees registered on the spot. Even though the hour was late, the attendees who were filled with expectation for the World Camp later talked and shared their stories and had an enjoyable time. The registration period is scheduled to last until the Opening Ceremony of the World Camp; we hope to have a successful World Camp with the youths of New York and the world.

There are going to be last Info-Sessions at IYF Manhattan Center and IYF Bronx Center this Saturday from 2pm to 4pm.

ㅁIYF Manhattan Center :152 E 23rd (3rd Floor) New York, NY 10010

ㅁIYF Bronx Center :Bronx Location 685 Morris Park Ave (2nd Floor) Bronx, NY 10462

Now, the happiest camp in the world is going on in IRVINE, LA

On the 3rd day of the World Camp at Hyatt, Irvine, students gathered to the Grand Ballroom at 5:50 A.M. to listen to Pastor Young Kooks message. He read Acts 10:12, God told Peter “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Peter could not follow Gods words and eat because according to his knowledge they were dirty and he had never eaten them before. God then said “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” So even though God said they were cleansed but Peter still couldn’t follow God’s words, but followed his own thoughts. Today God is telling us “because of the blood of Jesus I have made you clean.”

After listening to the message the students were able to open their hearts towards God and for the first time start to see God’s heart towards them.

Today was the second day of the IYF Academy and the students were eager to try new classes. As they tried out the new classes, they gained knowledge of things they never thought of trying out before. This time the participants of each class opened up a lot and asked many questions to the teachers and made the classes very productive and engaging.

Many students also returned to their previous classes to learn more about the arts of CPR, beauty, and Korean culture. As the time during the academy passed on, students became more interested and participated with a full and open heart. Not only did they sing and dance as they did in the Korean culture academy, but they also volunteered for demonstrations, willing and eager to learn more. Puja Patel, 23 year old student of Deanza Community College, attended the Journalism academy lead by Jackline Cacho. Listening to her story I realized it wasn’t the success or fame that was important, but after meeting God and receiving salvation became the greatest thing in her life.

  

Today’s Special Guest Lecturer was Mr. Paul Kim, who is the Assistant Dean for Stanford University School of Education. In his message to the students, he encouraged them to challenge themselves. This matched well with the motto of the IYF, which is Challenge, Change, and Cohesion. Mr. Kim also talked about the challenges that he had to overcome as a new comer to this country. He shared a story about taking a class in which he thought he couldn’t do an assignment so he told his professor that he couldn’t write well in English. After he shared this with his professor, he allowed him to write it in Korean and later on asked him to translate it to English. After going overcoming the burden of writing his first essay in English, he received an A in that class. His story amazed the students and they could see that denying himself changed him to become the successful person that he is today.

Today Gracias Choir member, Cindy Lee, performed her special solo for the students using the French horn. One of her most exquisite performances was a song called, “Moon River” which kindled the hearts of the students as they watched in awe. The Gracias choir played one of their most renowned songs, “Elijah Rock” and a special Armenian song called “Prayer”. The audience shouted encore; shouts and whistles thundered throughout the Grand Pavilion. Pastor Ock Soo Park returned to John:8 and talked about the woman who committed adultery. He stressed deeply about the importance of spiritual life and repentance. As the woman was caught “in the very act” in front of Jesus, she was ready to die for her sins, having no way and giving Jesus the opportunity to save her. Likewise, Pastor Park reiterates how important it is for us to humble our hearts and give Jesus the opportunity to save us. This word humbled the hearts of the students and they could clearly see the heart of Pastor and the heart of God.

As the camp goes on, the students are becoming closer to their classmates. This is why today’s challenge: the Scavenger Hunt was a very fun experience for them. They were able to work in teams, using everyone’s talents to complete each challenge. The most fun part about the Scavenger Hunt was working together and sharing laughs and jokes as they ran from station to station. After it was over, everyone was tired but had many things to talk and laugh about on the way back to the hotel.

 

Tonight’s performances were truly amazing for the students. The Indian dance was performed for the first time and the students cheered with smiles and happy hearts. Pastor Terry opened the floor the entire Grand Pavilion Hall, giving them the chance to learn and perform a righteous star dance in honor of the Christmas Cantata that is happening tomorrow. It was a song called “Feliz Navidad”. Also, there was a testimony given by a student from UC Riverside, Shay Simmons. As she talked about her heart and how she received Jesus into her heart, the students could see the power of God and his word. Pastor Ock Soo Park’s sermon opened the hearts of all of the students tonight. He talked about how Jesus removed the sin of all the people of the world and made it clear to the students that they too were included in this group as well. As the audience roared with laughter and excitement, shouting “Amen” and “Hallelujah”, they could understand the power of God and how their sins were washed clean in His name. Truly, the word of God is amazingly powerful and affected everyone positively at the Bible Lecture.

 

 

The 2nd World Camp in the Western Coast Started at Hyatt in Irvine,LA

 

The Opening Ceremony of the 2011 IYF World Camp took place on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine, presenting an exciting program that inspired and thrilled the more than 1,200 attendees. The ceremony was highlighted by special guest speakers, colorful cultural performances from around the world, the heavenly voices of the world-renowned Gracias Choir, and the moving message from the founder of IYF, Pastor Ock Soo Park.

The performance of the Gracias Choir amazed and surprised the entire audience, who requested an encore over and over again. The Gracias Choir played pieces that calmed the senses with their dream-like voices and melody. The American students specially loved the piece “America the Beautiful” because it evoked a sense of love towards their country.

 

The Opening Message by Pastor Ock Soo Park was an inspiring and humorous speech which motivated many students to become future global leaders. We could hear the laughs and see the wide smiles of the students throughout the whole lecture. The main theme in Pastor Ock Soo Park’s message was the World of the Heart. He encouraged the students to open their hearts to those around them, as this will make them precious people who will lead the next generation.  He explained that they would need to be clear and bright to create a beautiful world which starts from the heart

 

 

As we saw how gracefully the Opening Ceremony ended, we can see how the World Camp promises to be the turning point in hundreds of student’s lives.

Now, this is the time for Borough Hall, Brooklyn!

On August 18^th, in between bouts of rain and thunderstorms, blue tents filled Columbus Park in Brooklyn for the World Culture Convention at Cadman Plaza, exactly 10 days before the start of IYF World Camp – New York. The Convention let Brooklynites feel the value and necessity of the IYF World Camp firsthand through Good News Corps volunteer testimonials, tales about how they overcame problems and difficulties with the mindset they learned and honed at the IYF World Camp.

The Africa booth introduced the story of Hae Jin Moon, who was paralyzed from the waist down while performing construction work as a volunteer in Ghana, Africa. All her doctors stated she would not walk again. However, she disregarded it and through IYF mind lectures, was able to gain faith in her heart. She continues to live every day inside of hope and now, the nerves below her hips have revived and she waits for the day she can return to Africa.

The story of John Choi, another volunteer to Africa who was stung by a scorpion, also resonated with those in attendance. Although in fatal circumstances, he believed the Word of God that says, “…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” and recovered from the sting. His miracle displayed the strength of faith to those around him. The stories of all Good News Corps volunteers teach today’s youths the importance of having a healthy mindset.

Those who attended the World Culture Convention at Cadman Plaza gained interest in the IYF World Camp. This time, it was the cultural fashion show that caught the eyes of onlookers. People passing by the park ended up registering to attend, volunteer and/or collaborate.

It started with blue tents in an empty New York park. It ended with a showcase of world culture and a day of hope and happiness. We want to continue sharing hope with those that attend our upcoming IYF World Camp. If you haven’t done so already, please register for World Camp today at iyfworldcamp.com/ny.

The story of Volunteers in World Culture Convention!

On August 13th, Mahanaim Campus was filled with the flags of all the nations for the IYF World Culture Convention. Around 30 volunteers from Long Island, New Jersey, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, etc. gathered to help us out with the event.
 

Jingyu, who has volunteered from the first World Culture Convention, developed his hobby of taking pictures by capturing the images of the Culture Convention. Cydia found out about the IYF World Camp through a Good News Corps volunteer whom she met in front of her school. She attended the workshop and volunteered at the Africa booth to deliver the pure hearts of the African people. Two sisters from Mexico made panels and displayed various kinds of chili to introduce the land of passion.  Britney and Angie volunteered in the performance team. They came to the Mahanaim campus everyday to practice dance and share their hearts with the other team members. It is true that practicing is hard sometimes but they learn how to be together with others rather than to exalt oneself through dancing. Cassandra, who had received salvation at the Korea World Camp, traveled from New Jersey to Long Island to share the happiness that she had experienced at the World Culture Convention. Christian, who attended the Culture Convention for the first time today, chose South America booth to volunteer. We are now anticipating the World Culture Convention that will be held at the Columbus Park, Brooklyn next Thursday.

Volunteers of America, who give their youth for others even on the prime time of Saturday, will become powerful leaders of tomorrow through IYF. We are very excited to be with all the volunteers at the IYF World Camp – New York.

 Now, this is the time for Borough Hall, Brooklyn!

The World Culture Convention that captivates the citizens of New York will be held at the Borough Hall in Brooklyn.

* The World Culture Convention in Brooklyn.

– Date : Aug 18th. Thursday.

– Time : 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

– Location : Borough Hall 

World Culture Convention at Foley Square Park in Manhattan

On August 10, on a day when the forecast claimed that there would be an abundance of thunderstorms, God opened the skies, removed the clouds and gave us a truly memorable day, full of culture, fun and faith.

The World Culture Convention at Foley Square was wonderful. People from all walks of life: students, tourists, families with young children, goverment workers, businesssmen and women all gathered together to enjoy a day when the National debt and the mess that this country is in meant nothing.

August 10th was about the world, hope and faith. It was a day when we all became young again, either from watching the fashion show, the Righteous Star dances, the accappella singers accompanied by the African djembe drummers, sitting at the booths making bracelets and necklaces, or learning about volunteer work in North America, Europe or Asia.

But let’s take a step back and think about the moments that will remain etched in our minds. The Mongolian outfits received a great deal of applause, as well as the Korean outfits. The vibrant colors matched the hearts of all the participants. During the culture parade, when the fashion models walked around the Wall Street area, they were received with warmth as they waved and smiled at passerbys. Even the tourists on the tour buses waved and screamed hello as the parade of models welcomed them to New York and to the Culture Convention. Our eyes feasted on the costumes and dancing, while our ears listened to the African songs sung by the acappella singers in bright dashikis.

The commentator added his own flair, throwing in witty comments and humor, which made the audience laugh and eager to see what else was in store. As the performers performed, audience members spoke with the short term missionnaries and volunteers, about their experiences abroad and the ways in which they learned faith from each experience.

We can’t wait until the next World Culture Convention! Watch out Brooklyn…You are about to experience a life changing event. And we are nowhere near done… We’ve only just begun.