Greetings from Columbus and the entire Ohio region! So much has been happening here recently, and unlike ever before we can feel the providence moving so quickly. Here is a report about our 2nd Gen activities for the months of April and May:

From April 6 till April 12 the WAIT (Washington Aids International Teens) team came and worked with the local BC’s here in the city of Columbus, Ohio. This visit did not just happen overnight, taking weeks of preparation by Kaeleigh Fefferman, the Tsubata family, and the entire WAIT team. The Columbus BC’s were joined by our brothers and sisters from Cincinnati, West Virginia, and even Illinois. The spirit was high as old friends met again and new friends were made.

The high school group took ownership of this visit, finding performance venues for the WAIT team. In total we performed 15 times, reaching over 2,500 people. Jason Kaplan, through many late phone calls, was able to secure four performances at our City Center mall, and every performance was a great success. We also were able to perform at several schools in the area, the last two performances coming at Westerville Central High School, where Waverly Bair bravely performed in front of all of her schoolmates.

During the week, the local BC’s were educated about the seriousness of the AIDS epidemic in our world: over 5 million people die from AIDS every year. We also learned about the heart of the WAIT team, and what it takes to get up in front of strangers and speak out for abstinence and sexual purity. It was a wonderful opportunity to break shyness barriers, as well as to grow closer to each other as 2nd Gen. By the time the WAIT team had to return to DC, everyone was in tears, as we truly all felt like one family with a single, unified heart.

Creative juices were flowing, so the Ohio community decided to take charge and begin our own team, the OH WAIT team. Using the skills we were taught by WAIT, the brothers pulled together and developed a breakdance routine, as well as refining two holy hip hop raps. The sisters are currently choreographing a dance in addition to their singing. The group, 25 BC’s in total, then comes together to act in the funny and famous WAIT skit.

On April 29th the OH WAIT team hit a milestone, having its first official all-Ohio BC performance. We performed as part of the Dia de los Ninos (Children’s Day) youth convention, sponsored by the City of Columbus. Everyone, children and parents, worked hard and made it a success, as the performances went off without a hitch. With an overwhelmingly positive response, we became even more inspired to improve our acts and to perform again.

May has seen the blossoming of flowers and of talent, as we have continued to practice hard, looking forward to future performances. After successful Mother’s Day fundraising activities, 1st and 2nd Gen here are working even closer now to keep track of funds and organize efforts. We have found that consistent meetings have kept inspiration high and constant, and this has brightened our community immensely.

None of this could have happened without the love and support of our True Parents, nor that of the DC WAIT team, nor the Ohio parents. Showing support through opening up their homes, cooking food, transporting equipment and kids, and through guidance and support, the 1st Gen here have really been wonderful. The Ohio region has been sparked, as we have been given an opportunity to come together and work towards a common goal, spreading the message of purity and of God’s love for all people.

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