Goiania, Brazil - UPF-Brazil held its first conference in Goiania, capital of the state of Goias, on June 5, 2014, in the city hall on the theme: “Towards a New Paradigm for Peace and Human Development in Brazil.”
Dr. Simao Ferabolli, secretary general of UPF-South America, talked about UPF and its goals and activities, giving the 40 participants an overview of the global movement. In addition, he talked about how to bring peace through our attitude and actions. Many guests were moved by the clear vision he presented and the deep meaning given to the word peace.
For many people, peace means a world without any war or conflicts; at this event the focus was how cultivate peace in our own self and in our families and societies. If something wrong has taken place in one’s life, it’s important to understand how it happened and what can be done to reverse it. The lecture concluded by stating that peace starts in our own minds and as we live for the sake others.
Dr. Joveny Oliveira shared some thoughts about the role of justice in bringing peace. He encouraged people to work together with the determination to end conflicts and injustice. As a law professor at Anhaguerra University, he talked about his experiences dealing with young people and working to raise the standard of education.
After a break for coffee and conversation, Dr. Carlos Limonge, a juvenile judge in the second largest city in the state of Goias, expressed his concerns about the young generation. As an alternative to sentencing youth to prison, he formed an NGO that promotes a life grounded in faith. He reported about a recent Crusade for Dignity in which youth shouted “I’m on God’s side; therefore, I belong to the side of goodness.” He showed a video about how bad parents produce bad children and good parents produce good children.
Then Pastor Cleber, president of the Evangelical Council of Anapolis, called upon Christians to expand their focus beyond just their denomination or church. He quoted Jesus’ words to love your enemy. He said that with such an attitude, even if people are surrounded by strangers, they will have the experience of being with family.
The evening closed with words of appreciation to participants for sharing their views and for working hard to build a world of peace.