True Love Divine Principle Seminar
The first True Love Divine Principle Seminar of the season was held at the International Peace Education Center in Las Vegas from October 30 to November 2, 2015. The 16 participants, including three guests, received a balance of education and activities, with opportunities to put new Divine Principle insights into practice. Many were drawn to this workshop to hear presenter Rev. Andrew Compton, a seasoned Divine Principle lecturer, speak and share insights on outreach and Tribal Messiahship.
Rev. Compton led the workshop, guiding everyone through the sections of the Divine Principle, focusing on “living the Principle” and on the teachings of the Holy Marriage Blessing. A key component to this seminar was learning how to apply the teachings in daily life with real engagement in the world and by sharing it with others.
Along with lectures and discussions, the weekend included outings to view the beautiful scenery of the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead. Many expressed that the four-day seminar schedule was the perfect balance of learning and leisure. Depending on their length of stay, some participants also watched a Las Vegas variety show downtown on Friday night.
Rev. Compton expressed his satisfaction with the workshop, noting especially the ideal time frame they were allowed. He said, “I believe this Friday-evening-to-Monday format has a lot of potential. It offers an experience with the Divine Principle and God’s love that can be stimulating for both Unificationists and guests.”
This True Love seminar had a special focus on the Holy Marriage Blessing. In the future, Rev. Compton said he would like to have guests work toward a track of joining FFWPU and beginning a study course that will prepare them for engagement and the Marriage Blessing. “I am hoping that our Blessing and Family Ministry team can help with this,” he said.
The participants had a transformative experience— with God, with each other, and with the beautiful surroundings. Everyone left with a renewed confidence in God’s love and their own passion to work toward a better world.
Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
“The lectures were excellent. Each part of Principle that was taught was very practical, uplifting, and most of all let us understand the heart of God.”
“The Act of Love homework exercise was very important – so we could practice what we learned.”
“One of the best experiences I had here at this True Love Divine Principle Seminar was to hear the presentations and realize they were exactly what my daughter (who was also attending) needed to hear to re-discover the value of the Divine Principle and the Blessing. And to discover the International Peace Education Center as the incredible venue that it is. It will certainly serve as the birthplace for many Unificationists, new and old, to be reborn and for many activities of our Family Federation in the critical years leading to 2020. I can see more hope for True Mother’s Vision 2020 being realized through this beautiful facility with such a great staff and local volunteers. I am proud to have been a financial contributor to its construction and plan to support it more in the future.”
“This was a great four-day format and schedule. I just loved the variety show, the trip to Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead boating. I think it brought us closer together and opened our hearts and minds to God’s love, heart and grace.”
“I really liked the theme, ‘It’s All about Love.’ That perspective really appealed to me. That God, historical figures, Jesus and True Parents – it’s all about love and realizing true love. I think that broadens the appeal for Divine Principle and can make it more palatable and attractive.”
“I appreciated the sincerity with which the lectures were taught and related to us and that the complex content was made easy to understand. In addition, the art of storytelling was used very effectively – capturing everyone’s rapt attention.”
“The thing that touched me the most was the new understanding I gained of the Heart of God.”
If you missed out on this experience, there are several opportunities to attend Divine Principle seminars and workshops in Las Vegas in the coming months. To see the full calendar and participate in an upcoming workshop, click on the link below.