Camp Lone Star Gives New Hope
This year, Camp Lone Star’s theme for the 2018 summer workshop was “New Hope.” Camp Lone Star was held at the Tejas Trails Ranch at Blanco, Texas from July 15 to 21, with a goal of wanting to awaken Unificationists to this hopeful time in which hope can be restored to those who may be feeling discouraged or confused. Approximately 70 young Unificationists attended this summer’s workshop, including many from outside of District 9, traveling from places like Georgia and Tennessee.
The staff workshop began three days prior to the participants’ workshop and consisted of activities and lectures designed to create a sense of unity and confidence among the staff group, as well as provide them with a space to focus on their own life of faith. This preparatory period was also intended to allow the staff to voice their concerns and provide them with answers and support so they could feel ready to help and guide younger Unificationists.
On the first night of the staff workshop, each core staff member offered some personal guidance and tips on the right attitude and heart of a leader. On the final night of the staff workshop, they reflected and discussed how, as individuals, they can take steps to be the hope for families and communities.
The official workshop for the participants lasted six full days filled with activities, lectures, and team discussions. The lecture content for each day centered on daily themes that developed from the overall workshop theme of “New Hope.” The daily themes included “God’s Hope for Us,” “Where We Stand,” “Our Hope for the World,” “We Will Rise,” and “We Are the Tide.”
One of the most powerful parts of the workshop was the traditional challenge night, when participants were challenged physically and spiritually to unite as a team and overcome difficulties. This year the theme for challenge night followed the daily theme “We Will Rise,” with hopes for each person to see how valuable they are and the difference they can make. The unity and strength of the teams and the bonds that were built on this night were overwhelming.
Throughout the workshop, messages were given by Rev. Kazuya Morita, Southwest Subregional Director Rev. John Jackson, District 9 Pastor Rev. Mark Hernandez and second-generation Unificationists from the core staff team. Rev. Morita gave a total of seven lectures about the mission and purpose of the Messiah and the value of True Parents and the Blessing.
Rev. Jackson spoke about God’s love for humanity and the incredible value Unificationists have as His children. Rev. Hernandez gave a powerful testimony about the love he felt from God and how he was ready at a young age to find True Parents and prepare for the Blessing.
The core staff members felt great hope from the workshop. Each participant acted with such love and kindness and showed how they, as individuals and together as a community, can truly be the hope for this world and the Heavenly Parent.