The Heart of God

Photo courtesy of CARP

“To me, the heart of God means this irrepressible urge to love and care for others unconditionally, and I want to experience this feeling in my life,” said a participant of CARP’s winter workshop in New Jersey.

CARP held multiple regional retreats in January focused on the supreme love of God, our Heavenly Parent, and the legacy of True Parents. Participants discovered ways in which to exercise unconditional love and share it with others in their lives.

“Our workshop centered around the theme, ‘The Heart of God’ — His profound joy, sorrow, and hope throughout history, which was captured in the presentations that brought this theme to life,” said Shogo Nakaza, who organized the Northeast region’s four-day retreat at the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) in Barrytown, New York. “CARP’s mission is to motivate students to impact their communities and convey God’s heart on their respective campuses.”

Nakaza said the group rang in the new year with determination to experience God through in-depth study of CARP’s core principles, bonding as brothers and sisters, and setting new goals for 2022. An overview of the Divine Principle, True Parents’ journey, and a Q&A session with testimonies was also part of the program.

“The challenges that Covid-19 brought did not prevent our participants from having a meaningful experience together,” said Nakaza. “In fact, we responded by opening up a virtual option where many more people were able to join. This was an opportunity for everyone to share with each other and then take what they learned back to their peers on campus.”

Participants also enjoyed outdoor activities, including dodgeball, volleyball, and the traditional Korean game, Yut. “We had time to reflect with a worship and prayer night,” said Nakaza, “but all of these activities overall allowed participants to forge a deeper bond as God’s children.”

Photo courtesy of CARP LA

In California, CARP Los Angeles hosted a three-day hybrid retreat online and in person as well. The theme, “Turning Point,” dug into the teachings of CARP’s founders, True Parents, and their efforts toward building a more peaceful world. Several local professors gave presentations and contributed to enriching discussions.

“I especially appreciated the guidance given by Professor Apiafi and Professor Egbunike,” said one participant. “I felt that it was a good reminder to always check my center and reconnect to God.”

“CARP LA Director Naoko Hiraki's explanation of ‘truth illuminates the innermost desires of the spirit mind’ was very insightful for me,” said another participant. “I feel a need to have those experiences where I want to actively live by the standard of the truth I am studying... I want to inherit and practice this lesson to live a principled lifestyle.”

Photo courtesy of CARP Midwest

Participants of CARP Midwest’s retreat convened virtually and in person during the three-day program. They enjoyed presentations by alumni Dr. Robert Kittel and Rev. Hebangja Kisile, as well as games, reflection time, and goal setting for the year. “Many participants were able to share their insights and takeaways,” said CARP member Yoshika Iwamoto. “We could all share about our experiences in CARP and in leadership roles beyond CARP.”

“It was nice to see everyone’s determination this year,” she said. “We concluded with such high spirits and felt ready for new achievements and friendships!”

You can learn more about CARP USA here.