Youth Voices Ignite New Jersey’s Next Generation
Elizabeth, NJ — On November 22, 2025, the Peterstown Community Center was filled with passion, conviction, and hope as young people, families, students, community leaders, and faith representatives gathered for “Youth Voices for Religious Liberty,” the second event in the Peace Starts With Me (PSWM) Alliance’s three-month Faith, Freedom, and Peace series. The program was designed to empower the next generation to speak, sing, and stand for faith, freedom, and the universal right to believe.
From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, more than 120 participants experienced a powerful blend of spiritual reflection, artistic expression, heartfelt testimony, and youth-driven dialogue focused on celebrating and defending religious liberty.
The event opened with a buffet lunch of international cuisine prepared by members of the Elizabeth Family Church. Master of ceremonies Rev. Jake Lavina, NextGen Director, welcomed attendees, followed by an inspiring invocation from Rev. Barbara Robertson, Lead Pastor of the NJ Family Church. A special video presentation then set the tone by highlighting the ongoing incarceration of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of Peace. Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage sent a special message recognizing the importance of the gathering and thanking organizers for selecting the city to host this historic event.
A highlight of the program was “Freedom Speaks,” a creative segment that showcased art as a vehicle for peace and conviction. Maestro David Eaton—world-renowned conductor and global coordinator for the International Association for Arts and Culture of Peace (IAACP)—shared insights on the power of music to inspire genuine peace. He and the Peace Starts With Me Elizabeth Choir lifted the atmosphere with songs of hope and devotion. A special musical performance by Matogba Nelson-Sugihara, Northeast Hyojeong Music and Arts Coordinator, featured her original piece “Holy Mother Han,” offering a deeply moving artistic tribute to Mother Moon.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Michael Nkrumah of Redemption Power International Ministries, who emphasized the essential role of strong families in securing peace, nurturing faith, and empowering young people to stand firm in their beliefs.
A major feature of the event was the youth-led panel discussion, “Freedom Generation,” moderated by Dr. Katarina Connery, President of WFWP USA. Panelists Mr. Shogo Nakaza (PSWM NJ Coordinator), Mr. Joshua Collado (Montclair University student), and Ms. Priscilla Garces (Founder of Always Forward) offered diverse perspectives on modern challenges to religious freedom. Topics included:
What “freedom of faith” means to today’s generation
The ways social media supports—or undermines—religious understanding
How young people can respond when faith communities face targeting or silencing
How creativity and compassion can advance peace and moral clarity online and on campus
Their dialogue reinforced a central message: the defense of religious liberty must be led not only by institutions, but by courageous young people willing to speak boldly.
The program concluded with the “Freedom Wall,” where participants wrote personal reflections, prayers, and pledges in support of religious freedom and the release of the Mother of Peace. Closing music, community announcements, and a group photo captured the unity and optimism of the gathering. Thirteen attendees also signed up as new members of the PSWM Alliance.
“Youth Voices for Religious Liberty” embodied the rising spirit of a new generation determined to defend the God-given right to believe. Through faith, creativity, dialogue, and action, the event reaffirmed that the future of religious freedom will be shaped by young leaders who stand with courage and compassion.