Two New CARP Chapters Take Root
Photos courtesy of CARP USA
Two new CARP chapters have emerged on campuses this year in Pennsylvania and Texas thanks to the hard work and dedication of their leaders and core members. The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) officially welcomed CARP among its school clubs this spring semester, as well as a chapter established at the University of Texas, Arlington (UTA).
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Soonmee, founder of CARP CCP, in a recent CARP USA report. “I am so grateful for the multitudes of people that have hoped for and anticipated this time. I can proudly say on behalf of those who I work with that these beginnings would not have been possible without the support of national and subregional CARP teams, as well as the ongoing relationship and rapport with the Philadelphia Family Church.”
CARP CCP quickly hit the ground running, with weekly meetings held by Soonmee and her two sisters. The trio also organized the grand opening of the local CARP apartment, which featured special guest Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda, FFWPU USA President. “With the support of our advisor, we could host weekly meetings in a room and lead discussions based on the CARP curriculum,” Soonmee said. To clarify CARP’s identity as a campus ministry, she said the group has so far discussed topics including ‘Religion and Science,’ ‘God or No God,’ and ‘Family and Marriage.’
“The topics were voted on by those who participated in our kickoff meeting,” said Soonmee, whose team consistently seeks ways to improve the program after each meeting. “My highlight and source of inspiration has been being able to witness how we engage as core members and express our care and concern over CARP and the students,” she said. “Although our meetings always have a few disagreements and compromises are required, there is inevitable laughter and joy. I truly feel grateful and indebted to those who collaborate with me in every way.”
One CCP student, a regular at CARP meetings, said, “[The club] has created a comfortable environment where I personally feel safe enough to share my honest opinions and values, and have those opinions respected and even celebrated.”
“The club is a safe space for serious discussion with a variety of people who all think similarly, and if they don’t, their views are appreciated and respected,” they continued. “The leaders of the club carefully prepare activities and materials for the members, and allow us to enjoy the act of learning and engagement. Even though there has only been a handful of sessions, the club has fostered camaraderie and intellectual fellowship, and most significantly, community is respected and appreciated.”
The CCP chapter recently hosted a half-day seminar on April 7 covering the core principles of CARP’s founders, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. “My faith is growing along with discovering and expressing new emotions,” said Soonmee. “These past few months have been nothing short of questioning, asking, seeking, and waiting ... I have also never felt God working so closely in my life. It’s almost as if leading CARP has put me in a place to have fresh opportunities to reexamine my faith, my perspective and relationships, my roots, and all that I have come to know — and, simply put, rebuild myself as a child of God.”
In Texas, similar success has come about with the CARP UTA team, led by students Yuya, Mayra, and Carlos. “I am truly honored to be able to start CARP at my school,” said chapter president Yuya, as he thanked supporters, their faculty advisor, and CARP USA’s national president. “We are just getting started,” said Yuya, “but I am sure there is going to be more progress in the future ... I am very happy to have an official presence on campus to spread the culture of CARP which centers on divine principles. The future is bright!”
You can connect with a CARP USA chapter near you here.