On June 12 to June 13, CARP LA and CARP Sun Moon University in Korea hosted an online program to share about their respective activities and promote peace on the Korean peninsula, which is a lifelong dream and project of CARP’s Founders, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, known as Father and Mother Moon respectively. In total, roughly 140 participants attended.
The first day focused on the CARP activities of each chapter. Rev. Kwon-Il Yang, CARP Sun Moon Leader, gave opening remarks, and, after an activity, everyone heard reports on CARP activities from each nation. Following that, the participants were broken into intercultural groups to get to know each other.
The second day focused on the situation on the Korean peninsula and how CARP can play a role in healing the nation. After an icebreaker activity, Sun Moon student, Yu-Jeong Kim, gave a speech about Korean reunification. Then, a presentation on the activities done thus far for reunification was shared. Breakout sessions on the second day allowed everyone to share their thoughts about the topic, and the program closed with Mother Moon’s vision and students sharing their determination.
Declarations of Determination
Sun Moon University representative, Furukawa Katsuhiro
“[Mother Moon] once said that if the youth, if CARP is revitalized, nations can be restored and influence the whole world. The Sun Moon students who gathered here today came mainly from Korea and Japan. This means that the Reunification of Korea and the liberation of God's Heart depends on us! We will become people who will carry out Your mission, Your dream and become the Heavenly soldiers to bring about the reunification of Korea!”
CARP LA representative, Ori Morton
“As a leader, I will champion the movement to create the foundation for North/South unity. I believe the reunification of the Korean Peninsula is possible. I believe that the university students can make the change. I believe that if we unite together centering on Heavenly Parent and True Parents, we can finally end the suffering of [our Heavenly Parents]. I will not abandon you, Father, I will fight to the end of my life so that you can see the realization of a world of peace in line with your ideal.”
Testimonies
Yumi Park (Sun Moon University)
I feel the importance of uniting the North and South. American members are working harder than us, and, upon looking at the activities, I feel repentful. Not just through explanation, but I would like to convey the accomplishments of our [Founders] in this world through making [greater] efforts.
Dong Ok Kim (Sun Moon University)
I felt the need for LA CARP and Sun Moon CARP members to become leaders. I felt the urgency of [Mother Moon] wanting to unite North and South Korea. Education is number one. My Korean friends think, ‘Why do we have to unite?’ I want to influence my friends, even if it’s just a little bit, to have interest and compassion for the North.
Kie Izukura (Sun Moon University)
First of all, I felt really grateful for having this gathering. I was able to understand that the issue of unification of the North and South is not just a Korean issue, but that CARP Korea, Japan, and the United States really want to work together to unite the countries. For the first time, I realized how much CARP America was making an effort to unite the North and South, and living in Korea, I felt inspired and now want to have more awareness of this situation. I am grateful that there are members of CARP even if they live in a different place that we are the sons and daughters of the same [Heavenly] Parents, and I really wanted to become one, centered on [Mother Moon].
Kengo Kawa (CARP LA)
I was moved to the core. At the end of the event I was on fire for God with determination. I wanted to be a proactive member of this event. I especially appreciate the second day about the reunification of North and South Korea. I had put that aside in my heart after we stopped our Revival Starts With Me rallies. This [program] rekindled my desire for the reunification understanding more deeply [Mother Moon's] desire. We are part of the same family under one Heavenly Parent. I want peace in their land. I want peace for their people. I want peace in the global family. I want peace to dwell within our Heavenly Parent and True Parents' heart.
Ikusei Nagai (CARP LA)
Mother Moon has been investing into the youth of Korea, Japan, and America [to support her to] bring unity to North and South Korea. During our event, I saw the beauty of Korea, Japan, and America coming together and how strong the spirit of the room was with all nations coming together. Though we may be far apart from each other, I felt that we are all connected through Father and Mother Moon.
For more on the efforts toward North and South Korea Unification, check out the Revival Starts with Me events and the HyoJeong Trip from 2018 and 2017. Share your story to jennifer@carplife.org!