Grow, Inherit, Reconnect

On July 20, day two of the seven-day Hyojeong Divine Principle True Parents’ Life Course Conference in Las Vegas, energy levels during morning Hoon Dok Dwe were cheerful and lively. Participants spent time reflecting on Rev. Soichiro Nakamura’s lectures from the previous day, and were eager for the upcoming lectures. During the lunch break, seven participants shared their objectives for attending the workshop, valuable lecture highlights, any transformative experiences they have had, and how the workshop has influenced them so far.

“I came to this workshop because it was strongly recommended by my brother and his wife. I haven’t had much involvement with the church previously, and I’m not really close to my community. I felt this workshop would be a good opportunity to get more involved and to study the principle. Rev. Nakamura’s lecture on the notion of creating the ideal family really proved to me that we can build an ideal nation and world by creating an ideal family. I’m putting in the effort to be open to experiencing the Divine Principle.” –Kensei Yee, Chicago, IL, 24, Subregion 3

“My purpose for coming to this Divine Principle workshop was to refresh my understanding of the value of a religious life. Many people think religion is a cult, but really it’s the pure heart of Jesus, True Parents and Heavenly Parent.” –Kazuko Walton, Las Vegas, NV, Subregion 4

“The highlight of the lectures for me has to be the emphasis on family love. I have had personal struggles in the past and the lectures broadened my view and opened up my mind.” –Akimori Ino, Brunswick, GA, 19, Subregion 2

“What touched me the most about the lectures was when Rev. Nakamura talked about Christianity and how Japanese people don’t have a background with Christianity or a connection with Jesus. I, myself, related to this material because I don’t come from an evangelical background.” –Ronald Rabottini, Chicago, IL, 61, Subregion 3

“So far this conference has helped me make new friends, but at the same time get closer to the people I already know. It’s easy when you’re in an environment where everyone is on the same schedule and everyone is seeking the same purpose even if they don’t know it themselves.” –Jemlyn Velasco, Newark, NJ, 16, Subregion 1

“The lectures from yesterday encouraged me to connect with my wife, who is from Japan, and I think we need to start connecting with Jesus through prayer as a couple.” –Shahram Sedehi, Las Vegas, NV, 58, Subregion 4

“Rev. Nakamura delivered some interesting statistics. He said that 80% of 104 second generation Unificationists said their parents don’t do Hoon Dok Hwe daily. This motivates me to encourage the youth in my community to attend God and True Parents and to study the Divine Principle. If the parents are not invested in church and prayer, how can we expect the second generation to be invested? We need to lead by example.” –Carmen Kimura, Atlanta, GA, 67, Subregion 2

Catch up on what you missed here. Read what happened next here.