Does one question why he cannot feel God when the Almighty surely exists? What is it like to feel His love? What is it like to know that God is always there, to be able to have true conviction that one is never alone, to be able to believe that "I" am always cared and looked after by Him? Imagine when the youth of this faith, called Unificationism, could achieve such a thing! Without a doubt, their lives would change in to a life of joy and achievement and purpose. Yet, how does one meet Him?

Such a goal was the focus of this year’s Camp Lone Star, Texas winter workshop (representing the whole district). The theme was "Heavenly Father, Let’s Meet Today…"

Elaborating on the theme, the purpose was to guide the youth in realizing that God can be found within the events and experiences of each day. Perhaps there is a general concept that meeting God only occurs within workshops or through fundraising or only when True Parents have a speaking tour. If this concept is thought through, however, it would seem that God is a very narrow and unwelcoming parent, allowing a personal meeting only when it was right for Him. In addition, it makes God appear as impersonal or not setting aside the chance for intimate one-on-one encounters if He was felt only at the public gatherings of workshops and speaking events. Therefore, lecturers strove to express how Heavenly Father is always ready and is constantly trying to reach out to each person.

The workshop was opened with the brief but heartfelt words of the District Director Rev. Mark Hernandez. He shared his testimony in hearing the voice of God shouting in praise of the 2nd generation. The Director continued in emphasizing the preciousness of the youth and expressed how God could only be proud of them.

Immediately after the teams were announced, the staff led their members in introductions and in the creation of team names and chants. This winter’s workshop gathered the largest number yet, counting about 85 in total with 65 as participants and the remaining as staff. It primarily consisted of members from the former Texas region, which includes the states Arkansas and Oklahoma. In addition, a large contingent drove all the way from Colorado (with in the same district). There were also a member from Kansas and even New York and New Jersey.

The content that was presented to the youth included a variety of topics that all supported achieving the goal of the workshop. The very first lecture was given by the camp’s counselor, Sylvia Santelli. She spoke sincerely about how meeting God must first begin with one’s own strong personal desire. Her message to the participants clearly stated that "you must want to meet God first." Without developing the heart of searching and longing, one could not move forward in fulfilling the goal.

Other lectures were given and included the titles "Preparation in Meeting God" and the "Anatomy of the Spirit". The main point of the first lecture gave advice on the internal and external steps that needed to be fulfilled before the encounter with Heavenly Father could occur. For example, one preparation tip mentioned the necessity of striving to keep a good attitude. Another was the importance of making sincere investments; it was clarified that making effort to meet God could happen in any event, no matter how small or practical. Near the end of the lecture, it was revealed that all of the content came straight from the Divine Principle.

The second lecture, titled the "Anatomy of the Spirit" used a doctor’s perspective of the human spirit and made conclusions based on signs and symptoms of being "healthy" or "cancerous". For instance, examples were made on how to self-diagnose a healthy spirit by searching for the symptoms of gratitude, patience, humility, etc. On the other hand, making a conclusion through one’s personal reflection that his or her spirit might have "cancer" could be made by noticing the symptoms of selfishness, not being able to accept constructive criticism, lack of love, being judgmental, etc. The lecture was concluded with advice on some of the "cures" to a "cancerous" spirit.

The day was filled with team activities and sports competitions. It was a perfect chance to educate the youth through action after having heard the guidance that morning. In addition, it supported unity and helped the participants to come out of their "shells" and to realize that their contribution was important and valuable to the team. For instance, teams were given the goal of creating an image of God through arts and crafts. In addition, they had the task of rewriting a popular song in to something that related to the workshop theme. Giving the teams a chance to work together in such a way brought out unexpected inspirations.

A key event that impacted the youth and really helped to change their perspectives and concepts of people was the fundraising that was included in the workshop. Participants testified about how they were moved by the heart of a poor person to want to help even though they had little to offer, or how they could see the importance of team unity in achieving their goals. The reflections were all different; though not everyone had a deep experience, it still was a stepping stone in achieving the encounter with God.

The evenings brought out a mixture of events that helped to keep a warm but deep and focused atmosphere. The workshop’s co-director, Stacey Cho, gave a lecture on the importance of purity and shared advice on handling situations of peer pressure and curiosity in terms of dating and relationships. Immediately after receiving her guidance, the workshop was split up into brother and sister meetings and an open discussion amongst each group took place. It was a chance for the youth to feel comfortable in sharing and discussing their struggles in a safe and caring environment.

The very next night the workshop was pleased to have the Dallas city leader Rev. Steve Kille offer guidance on the Blessing. His main message was that love and relationships are a commitment and must be centered on a higher purpose. Following after was a testimony from a second generation staff member, Chris Alan Derflinger, as he shared a moving and tearfully joyful experience on his own Blessing. It was a good addition to the night because he shared how God had guided him through the whole process.

A secondary goal of the workshop was for the participants to create strong friendships amongst one another. This point was emphasized almost as strongly as the theme because of the great impact that companionship and camaraderie have on the 2nd generation. Many times it is these bonds that become the encouragement and protection for the youth in the outside world.

At the end of the workshop, it was a sad moment to see everyone leaving.

In conclusion, the theme of the workshop was once again "Heavenly Father, Let’s Meet Today…" It is a goal that requires lots of investment and devotion to simply move up one more step closer to God. Some may say that it is too big of a goal to achieve within the time period of one week. However, the motivation behind this theme and all the preparation and events of the workshop was to guide the youth in making that very first leap of faith towards God.

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