An ‘Awakening’ With CARP Hawaii

Photos courtesy of CARP Hawaii

“During Awaken, I was able to reflect, share my experiences and opinions, meet and make new friends all the while learning about God and the Bible and strengthening my faith more,” shared a young student in Hawaii. “Ever since I joined CARP, I met amazing people and also strengthened my relationship with God.”

Participants of CARP Hawaii’s recent ‘Awaken’ program — a three-day Divine Principle workshop held each semester — felt a renewed sense of faith and purpose.

“I learned to reflect more through our weekly studies and found myself becoming [a] more open book,” shared the student. [The workshop] also prompted me to change negative habits, so I am very thankful.”

Local CARP leaders organizing the workshop took on more responsibility this time, designating members with specific outreach goals. With the team focused on internal and external engagement, as well as multiple lecturers and a photographer on hand, the workshop attracted new people.

“Each day we had different guests come,” said a CARP Hawaii coordinator. “One student who has joined many club activities recently participated. This was her first time to study the Divine Principle. She was very open about it and learned a lot from the Principle of Creation. “[She said] joining CARP events has opened her relationship with God and her faith.”

Another student, who has been a CARP member for the past year, also felt particularly inspired during the workshop, stating, “I learned so many things and got to express what I thought.” She noted the program provided “good insights from others” as well.

“I learned more about the Holy Spirit, Jesus, restoration, the Second Coming, and the steps for the new messiah,” she continued. “It was great to learn that restoration is not just pushed onto one individual but requires everyone’s help.”

Lectures on the Principle of Creation and The Human Fall provided a good overview, organizers said, while introducing True Parents as CARP’s founders.

“[Participants] expressed their gratitude toward CARP and our CARP leaders,” shared an organizer, who said the workshop was a great way to conclude the school year.

True Parents first launched CARP in Korea nearly 60 years ago, promoting the core principles of God, family, and peace. The campus initiative provides the environment and tools students need to flourish internally and externally. 

CARP USA aims to have 1,200 chapters on college campuses nationwide by 2027 and 30,000 members. A delegation of 120 student leaders will also head to Korea in August 2023.

You can connect with a CARP USA chapter near you here.