Discovering Purpose
FFWPU-USA
For a group of young Unificationists, a five-day getaway to the hilly, forested trails of Blanco, Texas, was just the retreat needed to connect with God, nature, and themselves. The recent “Discover Purpose” workshop left participants and organizers feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the new year.
“This was a time of discovering a community to belong to, and developing a clear direction to take in life,” said workshop presenter Rev. Hideyuki Sakai of Dallas Fort Worth Family Church.
The annual workshop, held from January 10 to 15, was hosted by the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP), Dallas chapter. Participants followed proper health and safety measures throughout the workshop where about a dozen young adults came together at Tejas Trails, a family-run property designed to offer “God-honoring, incredibly fun, family-oriented, beautifully scenic, and challenging endurance events.”
“We had people attend both virtually and on site,” said CARP-USA President Jinil Fleischman, who organized the workshop. “The Discover Purpose workshop is meant to have a meaningful impact that can empower participants and transform lives.”
A place for individuals to challenge themselves and grow, Tejas Trails offers opportunities for people to form deeper connections and make lifelong memories. Workshop participants enjoyed a mix of outdoor excursions on the tranquil running trails, and uplifting CARP presentations in the community space indoors.
“The workshop presentations really conveyed the essence of God and His heart,” said 23-year-old Sarah Jackson, one of the participants. “It was very inspiring to get a glimpse of True Parents’ life and accomplishments as well.”
The late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately known as True Parents, established CARP in 1966 to guide young leaders through various student-led programs, activities, and events promoting peace, family values, and principles across campuses nationwide.
Rev. Moon notably said, “Before I hope to master the universe, I must first master myself.”
The Discover Purpose workshop has helped participants on their physical and spiritual journeys, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s our mission to inspire young people to discover their purpose in life centered on universal principles and values,” said Fleischman. “Some workshop participants had a life-changing experience.”
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