CARP April 2 Day DP CARP Retreat

[Ken Doo]

April 2 Day DP CARP Retreat

  Reported by Ryota Naito

On April 27-28, CARP Las Vegas held their last weekend Divine Principle retreat of the semester. There were 6 guests including 3 who were attending their first CARP retreat. We were also joined by 6 GPA members, 3 Korean CARP members, and 3 English language students from Japan, all of whom wanted to experience witnessing with CARP Las Vegas. Everyone felt like family when we all came together.

The first evening, all the workshop participants were able to bond while enjoying fun ice breakers. After sharing a lot of laughs, UNLV CARP president Jinil Fleischman introduced the theme and schedule of the workshop. The rest of the evening was spent divided into “families,” where each participant got to share more deeply about themselves.

After a quick energizer, Saturday morning began with an opportunity for each participant to reflect deeply on their points of gratitude, vulnerability, and determination. This was followed by breakfast, then two lectures covering the Principle of Creation. CARP Las Vegas Director Akira Watanabe gave the lectures throughout the retreat. He spoke with passion, and gave many clear examples that the students could understand. Each lecture was followed by meaningful discussions in each family.

Everyone enjoyed playing volleyball in the warm Las Vegas sun in the afternoon. After sports, the afternoon lectures covered the Fall of Man. After the lectures, each participant had an opportunity to reflect on their experience. This was followed by dinner and then a bonfire to conclude the retreat. Everyone enjoyed roasting marshmallows and sharing testimonies. One participant shared honestly about his own challenge to love himself, and the hope he has felt through CARP. One GPA member who was witnessed to through CARP Las Vegas two years ago shared about his experiences with God and the Principle.

This was a weekend that all of us will remember! For some, it was their first introduction to the life-changing perspective of the Divine Principle. For others, it was their opportunity to grow their heart and desire to share the Divine Principle with others. This retreat was also directly leading up to CARP Las Vegas’s 7 Day workshop in May. We are so grateful to God, True Parents, GPA, and everyone who made this retreat possible!