Contributed by Shogo Nakaza
CARP New Jersey (New Jersey Institute of Technology, Montclair State University) and Philadelphia (Community College of Philadelphia) teamed up to hold a four day retreat at the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York from January 5th-8th, 2022. To ring in the new year, the participants determined to experience God through in-depth study of CARP’s core principles, bonding as brothers and sisters, and setting new determinations for 2022. The workshop centered around the theme, “The Heart of God.” God’s profound joy, sorrow, and hope throughout history was captured in the presentations, bringing life to the theme of the workshop. To conclude, CARP’s mission was expressed, motivating the students to impact and convey God’s heart to their respective campuses.
The presenters were three CARP students and one alumni: Rutgers University student Yasutaka Ozawa, Montclair State University student Sasha Okon, Bergen Community College student Shogo Nakaza, and CARP LA Alumni Takayo Hiraki-Holmes. Amongst the four of them, they covered an overview of the Divine Principle and Father and Mother Moon’s life journey. At the end of each day, the presenters and CARP advisor Atsushi Takino answered questions during a Q&A session.
In addition to the presentations, the participants had activities like dodgeball, a traditional Korean game called Yut, volleyball, and many more throughout the workshop. They also had reflective evening programs like worship and prayer night. These activities allowed the participants an opportunity to forge a deeper bond as God’s children.
The challenges that COVID-19 brought did not prevent the participants from having a meaningful experience altogether. In fact, the staff responded to the rising cases by opening up a virtual option where many other participants were able to join. They all eagerly anticipate the new semester and the opportunity to share what they learned to students on campus.
“The heart of God means to me this irrepressible urge to love and care for others unconditionally. I want to experience this feeling in my life.” - Participant
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