This workshop was significant in that it was one of the first times the brand-new Level 2 Blessing Curriculum package was used on a local level in New York City, which comes complete with presentation slides, a small group discussions guide, and a user manual. Christian Nseka, local BFM Coordinator and presenter for the workshop, commented on the usability of the Education Curriculum:
“The Level 2 Blessing Workshop curriculum developed and sold by the National BFM is very easy to use and follow. It is better, however, that one has the knowledge of the new matching process. Not only to teach the presentation on matching process, but in order to be able to answer any question that arises anytime during the workshop. I say this because, after all, this workshop prepares participants for the matching process.”
A total of 14 people participated in the education. One came from Montreal, Canada, one from Atlanta, Georgia, and the rest from the New York area. Christian Nseka gave the presentations; Ayako Heller, staff of the National BFM, coordinated the workshop; and Monica, Marina Falconi, and John Arias took turns translating from English to Spanish.
Rather than providing participants with collective meals, Christian asked each of the participants what they would like to eat during the workshop. The choices ranged from oatmeal to pancake for breakfast, and from sandwiches to steak for lunch. “One reason I offered choices of meals,” he explained, “was to draw a parallel to the new matching process. That is, the final decision is with the candidates.” “Participants need to know what they want based on their relationship with God, True Parents, and the ideal of the Marriage Blessing,” he added.
Overall, based on workshop evaluations, most participants found the quality of the sessions and group discussions very helpful, inspiring, insightful, and well done.
