Peace in Action: Los Angeles Hosts Inspiring UPF Dinner
Los Angeles has a strong tradition of hosting UPF dinners, which help maintain ongoing relationships with Ambassadors for Peace while welcoming new participants. These gatherings are consistently joyful occasions, and guests are often eager to return and bring friends, despite busy schedules and the challenge of Los Angeles traffic. Although confirmations came in slowly at first, attendance increased significantly as the event approached. The evening before, the organizing team met to finalize strategy and prepare a schedule, which required some adjustments during the program. While we had hoped to provide time for several guests to share about their activities, time constraints limited us to brief introductions.
During the program, six new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed: Mr. Avinder Chawla, a Sikh leader from Orange County; Dr. Hossein Farrokhi, film director and artist; Ms. Jennifer Zhu, Miss Asia runner-up; Mr. Asghar Eftekhari, longtime public servant; Mr. Franciscus Huijbregts, veteran and public servant; and Mr. Amir (Alex) Alaghemand, assistant professor and teacher. In addition, 19 current Ambassadors for Peace and five KEA ambassadors attended, creating a warm atmosphere of fellowship and lively interaction, as many participants already knew one another or came with guests. Dinner followed the appointments.
After dinner, guests viewed a video highlighting UPF’s international activities, followed by Pastor Joshua Holmes’ presentation using the new PowerPoint program. The main action step focused on National Parents Day, encouraging attendees to support events in Pasadena on July 25, 2026, Monterey Park on August 1, 2026, or to organize related celebrations within their own communities. This message was warmly received. A time of questions, answers, and comments followed. Participants were especially moved when Ambassador Dr. Kridikel TruthBey spoke in support of True Mother and requested prayers. Another first-time guest asked Pastor Holmes for guidance regarding personal family challenges. Two Scientology leaders also attended, setting aside other commitments to join the event and deepen their connection with Pastor Holmes.
Several meaningful connections emerged throughout the evening. Pastor Martin Wilson, a National Parents Day alumnus who leads a church in Beverly Hills, expressed great enthusiasm, donated $40, and invited UPF representatives to speak to his congregation. Former Upland Mayor Ray Musser and his wife, both Ambassadors for Peace and former national-level Parents of the Year honorees, made the drive to attend despite their advanced age. Mr. Ron Weightman, an Ambassador for Peace and Family Federation member, contributed a generous $500 donation. Interestingly, he attends Pastor Wilson’s church and was surprised to learn that Pastor Wilson had independently been invited to the UPF dinner by another Ambassador for Peace, Dr. Shahnaz Ghazali.
Jeremy McNally, Aiden McNally, and their guest Sweta Gupta, all visiting from Florida, participated fully in the event and attended Sunday Service the following day. They shared plans to organize a Fundraising/Ambassador for Peace event at the Governor’s Mansion in Florida, as well as a National Parents Day celebration in Fort Lauderdale on August 1, 2026.
Overall, the event generated strong inspiration for continued follow-up with many promising guests who are active and influential in their respective fields. Numerous participants expressed gratitude for the gathering and enthusiasm for future cooperation.