New Year, New Hope

Photo courtesy of CARP USA

“[True Parents] have my highest, utmost respect,” shared a CARP member from New York. “I appreciate True Parents’ commitment and dedication to keeping the faith and spreading God’s Word. It reminds me that anything is possible, and the sky’s the limit.”

A recent national CARP workshop brought new hope for the student organization in the new year. The 7-day “New Hope” workshop, held Jan. 2 through Jan. 8 at the Cheon Shim Won in Las Vegas, drew some 50 participants from across the country. “We had a lot of learning and fun activities, and a lot of laughter,” said Jinil Fleischman, CARP USA President, while sharing about the program during a Jan. 17 leaders’ meeting. 

“Our purpose was to provide a space for new members who have spiritual children and guests who have completed their study of the Divine Principle,” said Fleischman. “They wanted to know more deeply about True Parents and about our movement and have that kind of transformational experience.”

Twenty-one young guests invited by CARP members joined the workshop where they heard from the main lecturer and Dallas pastor, Rev. Hideyuki Sakai. The program covered two days of Divine Principle content, and three days of focusing on True Parents’ life course. “It was very deep content, [some of which] was even new for those who grew up in the movement,” said Fleischman. “Everyone was very attentive, and I think the spirit of Cheon Shim Won helped us to receive the lectures.” 

In a short amount of time, guests were able to powerfully connect with the program material as well as each other. The group also enjoyed testimonies, including one from True Parents’ former security guard, Bob Smart. “He shared a lot of very deep, personal stories about his experiences with True Parents,” Fleischman said. “[He shared] the kinds of stories I don’t think anyone else could tell besides him or someone else who was physically there with them. It was really incredible.”

“I’m inspired by [True Parents’] determination and how they are able to live purely with the Will of God always in mind and in their heart,” shared a participant from Dallas. “I want to be able to live like True Parents and devote myself to them; I want to help them with everything.”

Another participant from Los Angeles resonated most with the lectures focused on True Father. “[This is] because I realized how much [True Father] had to go through and sacrificed for the world,” said the participant. “He became a perfected individual and truly lived for the sake of others through God’s heart.”

The weeklong program also featured outdoor activities in nature, as well as entertainment nights including skits and various games. Fleischman said, regardless of their level of understanding or involvement, all participants visited the Cheon Shim Won prayer hall as well. This opportunity touched guests who were very familiar with the movement, as well as those newly introduced to the Divine Principle who had never before attended CARP or church meetings.

“I think it helped all of our participants feel closer to True Parents and understand who they are and their quality of heart,” said Fleischman. “[Guests’] relationship with their spiritual parent was their spiritual lifeline ... By the end of this workshop, there was such a spiritual connection to True Parents that it was so natural for everyone to go together to the prayer hall to offer devotion and prayer.”

The workshop concluded with the group feeling uplifted and determined going forward in the new year. “I am going to actively work to be a champion of God,” shared a participant from Maryland. “And spread His love wherever I go, because all is possible through Him.”

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