A Really Heavenly Community - Austrian Young Leaders Retreat 2020

A Really Heavenly Community – Austrian Young Leaders Retreat 2020 From August 28th - 30th FFWPU Austria held its Young Leaders Retreat under the theme “A Really Heavenly Community”. Despite the ongoing restorative works the Gaflenz workshop centre proved to be an ideal place to host 21 young leaders (2nd Generation) aged 18 to 36 with public missions in our Austrian family. A special feature of the meeting was that many leaders participated as couples and families, underlining “family” in FFWPU.

The programme created space for young leaders

(1) to reflect on their own spiritual development in the last year, (2) to dive into the providential significance of True Mother’s activities, especially HPHC, (3) to share the progresses, successes and challenges in their respective areas of work (4) to spend some fun bonding and recreational time together.

The weekend was also designed to praise God together in song and prayer as well as to express gratitude for the great investment of our young brothers and sisters.

Our NL Elisabeth Cook gave a providential outlook on the seven year course leading up to 2028 that True Mother calls us to contribute to. Together plans were developed for 2021 in the areas of

(a) Public Mission (sharing the great news of True Parents and their teachings), (b) Community Care (spiritual and personal development of members and blessed families) and (c) Structure (finances, properties, human resources).

Some reflections from participants:

“I leave this retreat joyfully, motivated and with a grateful heart. I am determined to be in touch more regularly with the members of my community.”

“I really enjoyed David’s morning service and our discussion afterwards and gained a clearer direction for my mission. From now on I want to play a more active role in my community and start a small group.”

“The fun time with my brothers and sister at the climbing hall, the prayer evening, Elisabeth Cook’s lecture and the creation of action steps were my four highlights of this weekend. I take with me a deep connection with Vision 2028, a deeper understanding of the relationship between leaders and members, a stronger bond with my brothers and sister as well as a desire to study God’s word more.”

“I really gained a lot from the prayer time, our exchange about visions and goals for the Austrian movement as well as the climbing experience. I leave this workshop hopeful and with a strong sense of community.”

“My biggest gain during the Austrian Young Leaders’ Retreat was a rekindled sense of community that motivates me to work together for the sake of our communities and nation. I plan to take in more spiritual food and practice tithing more vigorously.”

“This weekend I could experience a personal break-through, overcoming a blockage in my relationship with God. Bogdan’s lecture helped me a lot. For me personally this weekend was a new start and a reminder of how important our mission of working with the blessed couples is.”

“Although we work in different areas we are all in this together. The exercise on switching perspectives between leaders and members was eye opening. I enjoyed working with others on our movements goals and dreams for 2028.”

The organising team

Marlies Haider (President IAYSP Austria)

David Wurzer (Pastor HPHC Styria)

Bogdan Pammer (Pastor HPHC Upper Austria)