Contributed by Ryota Naito
CARP leaders from Boston, Bridgeport, New Jersey, and New York initiated to co-create their first-ever Northeast CARP workshop from June 6th - 9th, 2024.
The entire workshop was hosted at the New Jersey Family Church of Clifton, home to one of the Family Federation communities in America. This workshop implemented a new style of education where they covered the Principles of Creation from CARP’s core teaching called the Divine Principle, the essence of Jesus Christ, and CARP Founders Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s life and accomplishments. The workshop theme was titled, “Living a Blessed Life,” which was in reference to a concept in the Divine Principle, embracing that a most blessed life comes through living according to the Three Great Blessings. A total of thirty four staff and participants came together for this workshop.
The arrival day started with sports and activities focused on getting to know their teams. Through the “Crest Making” activity each group decorated a shield by brainstorming a team name and incorporating similarities they learned about each other. The evening closed with each team getting to know one another more through fun discussions and setting intentions.
The second day began with “Morning Inspiration” as it did each morning of the workshop, where participants had the opportunity to read words from the CARP founders, share insights, and pray. After some breakfast and singing songs, they heard the first presentation on the “Principles of Creation” given by CARP Montclair University President Eva Schneider. Eva began by singing a song, inviting the listeners into a glimpse of one artist’s relationship with God. Through two insightful presentations, she covered the evolving relationship that humanity has had with God throughout history, culminating with how God has a dream for each one of us.
The day’s activities were focused on learning to connect with God more personally. The “God Language” activity had each participant take a test to see which of the many ways that they feel connected to God, and came together with people who shared similar results. One participant said the activity helped him realize “when I feel God most often, and also where I’m lacking God.” There was also the “Be Kind Rewind” activity which was an idea from a movie where the participants had to record a re-enactment of a movie, while incorporating a lesson from the “Principles of Creation,” and a unique quirk. Each group’s videos were creatively and uniquely made while bringing lots of laughter and joy to the rest of the participants.
In the late afternoon, the third presentation was given by CARP Boston President Samuel Miranda titled, “Jesus – The Champion of Filial Heart.” While Jesus is usually portrayed from humankind’s relationship with him, Samuel shared a perspective of who Jesus is to God and asserted that he is the first owner of God’s dream. One participant reflected, “how essential it is to take the right next steps after receiving blessings or inspiration to be able to continue on the upward spiral.” Jesus’s example naturally invited each person to take a look at how their personal relationship is with God.
The third day’s content began with hearing about Father & Mother Moon’s life and accomplishments by Women’s Federation for World Peace USA President Kaeleigh Moffitt. She brought to life the character and heart of the CARP founders by reading excerpts from their autobiographies. Many of their peace initiatives were highlighted through short videos of just a few among many organizations that they have founded in their lifetime. The presentations showed how they lived a blessed life centered on God, and inspired many others to do the same.
During the afternoon, the participants had some fun through an intense game called, “Kill the Queen” and also some sports. Afterwards, to emulate Father and Mother Moon’s heart of service, the participants had an activity where they were given the creativity to do an act of service for others. The participants served in many ways such as writing appreciation notes to one another, having massage trains, performing an appreciation rap to the kitchen staff, and more.
Right before dinner, there was a final presentation called the Activation session, given by the pastor of the Belvedere Family Church, Justin Okamoto. He guided everyone in reflecting on what they want by looking at key aspects of life. To follow up with that, he concluded his talk by sharing a few opportunities that the participants can plug into after the workshop to help them in continuing to strive toward a blessed life.
After a delicious Japanese katsu curry dinner, the evening portion began with a peaceful reflection on the workshop experience. Following that, the participants were introduced to a designated prayer hall at the church called the Cheon Shim Won. There, they were able to join a prayer vigil program that was held regularly in the local church. Many participants connected to God during this time.
“... I broke through in my relationship with God as his son. I do not need to come to him artificially, but instead come as my full self. I also learned to open my heart to God working.”
- Samuel, CARP Boston leader
“I really liked the Cheon Shim Won because it was super powerful and I really felt God in me.”
- Yuji, CARP Boston first-time participant
On the fourth and final day, the participants had the opportunity to join the local Sunday church service hosted by the New Jersey Family Church of Clifton. Many of the workshop staff were also actively volunteering in the Sunday service as members of the local church. The sermon was delivered by the Senior Pastor of the church, Naokimi Ushiroda. The title was “Living a Blessed Life,” bringing a fitting closure for the workshop participants.
The workshop concluded with a special lunch of Korean bulgogi and japchae noodles. During the meal, each participant shared their highlights, insights, and next steps. As the workshop came to a close, many participants stayed long after to mingle, reminisce, and say their farewells before traveling back home. Throughout the four day experience, the participants were able to gain more clarity on how they can create the blessed life they desire.
Additional testimonies:
“We need to pray to God as our parent. It’s important to build consistency in deepening our relationship with God. I also gained more of an understanding of what I truly want and how my dream is a part of God’s dream. God’s dream was us, and all of our talents and skills are extra but part of the dream.”
- Mika, CARP New York leader
“One highlight for me was being able to converse and interact with my brothers and sisters here because there is such a loving community.”
- Sedric, CARP Boston first-time participant
“We need to take more ownership of our lives of faith, not just live with a renter’s mindset to be settled in a lackluster life of faith.”
- Aki, CARP Boston first-time participant
“The food was so, so delicious. I think it would be nice if it was served like this next time too. Thank you to the kitchen staff for their hard work.”
- Jin Ho, CARP New Jersey first-time participant & missionary
