On August 6, 2017, the Los Angeles chapter of the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) went to the City Refuge Church, a local Christian megachurch, to perform the dance to “Mujogeon (Unconditionally).” In the following testimonies, two young Unificationists reflect on their experience performing before the Christian community, preparing for the performance, and attending Sunday service at the City Refuge Church.

Dancing “Mujogeon” for the City of Refuge Church was so great. Before we danced, we had been singing praise to God and Jesus and the energy in the room was so powerful. But when we went up to dance, I felt the most excitement and energy. I remember feeling that this moment was when I could really proclaim and feel my love for True Parents, and help the congregation to do the same. After dancing, the room felt a bit brighter and the people in the audience were definitely moved. Maybe they were a little surprised by our dance. I could feel them asking themselves, “Who are these young people who danced for us?” 

We then listened to Bishop Noel Jones’ sermon, and the points I got from it were that we need to walk with God, have a solid life of prayer, and be grateful for whatever situation comes our way. I was moved by his love for God and Jesus, and I felt so much passion from his speech. I saw how he really moved the congregation. He wasn’t just giving a sermon; rather, he was feeding them their spiritual food for the week. He was giving them God’s perspective, love, and word so that they it could stay with them throughout the week. He not only inspired but also motivated those in the audience.

It reminded me of the heart one needs to have as a lecturer or a teacher, a parental heart that is seeking to give God’s love in that moment. I was also reminded of some of True Father’s words: “Before I speak, I prepare my heart, not a manuscript.” I could feel that Bishop Noel Jones really prepared his heart and that we had helped him to do so. The evening before we had a prayer session for him, that he could be moved by the Holy Spirit and feel True Parent’s love through us. That we could give him love and that he could have his heart moved. 

I really enjoyed this event and hope that we can continue to have events such as this in the future. Thank you to all the people who worked so this could happen, and especially thank you Heavenly Parent, True Parents, and Jesus for this experience. 

The Director of HSA-UWC Kodan, Rev. Hiroshi Inose, told CARP LA that ” CARP, the youth, have to inspire Christian churches with energy and spread True Parents’ teachings.” So we, as CARP LA, started to look ways to do so.

The pastor of the City of Refuge church, Bishop Noel Jones, invited us to dance for his congregation because of Naoko Hiraki, the District 12 Witnessing and Education Coordinator who was formerly involved in the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC).  

The day before we actually performed the “Mujogeon” dance, we gathered in the evening to practice. After a couple hours of dance practice, we chanted 100 times as condition for the day.  Jermaine Bishop, the president of CARP LA, gave us the words “Holy Spirit! Move Bishop Jones.” While chanting, I began to cry.  I didn’t completely understand what was happening, but I wept even harder.

At one moment, I realized how much our Heavenly Parent and True Parents wanted Christianity to unite with our Unification Movement, so that we could bring the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth sooner. I was feeling the desperate heart of our True Parents. Consequently, I wanted to offer something before God in order to move Bishop Jones in any way possible. Even if it was really small, I just wanted to offer something for our True Parents. So, I decided to cut my dreadlocks that I had been growing for eight months. Through cutting my hair completely, I wanted to start one year of commitment for myself to grow again.

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