‘Truly Alive’ Retreat Reignites Faith
Photo courtesy of CARP Bay Area
“In the midst of all the highs and lows that life has to offer, God is always going to be there,” says Judith, a new participant of CARP in the Bay Area. “We are limited beings without God.”
Judith was among some 18 participants of a three-day CARP retreat held in Santa Cruz, Calif., in early April. The Truly Alive program, organized by CARP Bay Area and the Bay Area Family Church Young Adult Ministry (YAM), was a relaxing break for students during an otherwise busy spring semester.
“Our core leaders recognized a strong need within the community for spiritual revival and reconnection to a thriving relationship with God,” says Young Joo, a local CARP member. “The Truly Alive retreat focused on topics such as ‘I Need God,’ ‘God Needs Me,’ and ‘The World Needs God and Me.’”
CARP members and guests heard from the chapter’s mentors, Markus Von Euw and Kazuya Morita, who gave insightful and thought-provoking presentations on each topic, igniting heartfelt discussions among the group. Feeling inspired and empowered, participants openly shared their reflections and realizations throughout the program.
“No matter how much faith we have, God is always with us and supporting us,” shared Estephanie, a local college student who attended the retreat. “God’s love is unconditional, and He needs us because He loves us.”
As the retreat location was just a short walk from the beach, participants enjoyed nature’s beauty while splashing around in the ocean and taking in the warm sunshine. Team-building activities such as charades, “Steal the Bacon,” and “Ninja Wars” added to the fun, familial atmosphere which contributed to each person feeling welcomed and at ease.
The “Graphing with God” activity — a highlight for many — enabled participants to reflect on their lives and create a physical graph depicting the highs and lows of their relationship with God over the years.
“I have a rollercoaster of a graph, but I feel God’s love now more than I ever did,” shared Maria, a third-year CARP member.
For Judith, it all comes back to self love and care for others. “I was able to look back and truly rejoice on how far I have come in my life,” she says. “I now feel so much joy because I was able to break out of my shell. I have allowed myself to be completely vulnerable to the love and kindness from others, which has filled my life with gratitude and humbleness.”
The retreat left participants and organizers feeling refreshed, reenergized, and — truly — alive.
You can learn more about CARP USA here.