First Update from Cheongpyeong International Workshop

Now a full week into their stay, the participants of the 2016 International Youth 40-Day Special Workshop at Cheongpyeong are off to a strong start.

Following a week of preparation, volunteer and Cheongpyeong staff welcomed a total of 112 university, high school, and middle school students to their workshop orientation on July 1, 2016.

The participants’ first activities after the orientation ceremony included an introduction to the ins and outs of life at the Cheongpyeong Training Center, a personal address by President of the Training Center, Rev. Gi-Seong Lee, and a guided tour of the Cheong Jeong Gung Peace Museum.

Participants have now settled into the rhythm of Cheongpyeong, and are eagerly learning more about the Divine Principle and one another through a healthy combination of study and, whenever possible, sports.

Rev. Michael Hentrich, a resident lecturer at Cheongpyeong, is the primary presenter on the Divine Principle for the college-aged participants. His open and discussion-based style of lecturing is very popular with the university students, who are encouraged to raise their hands and ask questions throughout the lectures. Rev. Hentrich’s readiness not only to respond to questions but to enter into discussion with the students has created a dynamic and engaged atmosphere among the college-aged cohort, who return to each lecture eager to learn more.

Miilhan Stephens, Vice President of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA, is the primary presenter for the high school and middle school students. He has demonstrated a great ability to engage the students where they are at and to facilitate the development of relationships among them through icebreakers and other activities. Each age group is currently working on an individual project, for which they are given 30 minutes of time to reflect and work with their teammates each night.

Although the weather has been a bit rainy and limited opportunities for sports and outdoor activities, the participants are still finding ways to enjoy one another’s company and make the most of their time together.

The overall atmosphere of the workshop is one of focused attention and engagement, and the participants report an appreciation for the care and attention they have received in turn from the workshop and training center staff.

Since two 21-day workshops are also taking place at the same time as the 40-day workshop, the 40-day staff and participants will be welcoming new participants in just a week-and-a-half, so be sure to stay tuned for more exciting updates in the weeks to come!