Czech HARP Winter Workshop

N ineteen second generation and staff gathered in the Southern Bohemian town of Tabor to culminate the year with an exciting and educational workshop. The theme of our workshop was centred around the topic of the Spirit World, confusing influence of the spirit world and emphasize the importance of developing a clear understanding and distinction between good and evil forces within yourself. Our second day of lectures was given by our older sister and former CARP leader, Petra Blažková- which was selected due to the increasing requests of Poledníková, who offered testimonies and practical our HARP members. This is not always an easy topic to insights into the works of Cheong Pyeong and also led share about due to its subjective nature, however we us through a guided meditation. On the last day we were lucky to have three excellent lecturers. were happy to welcome Uncle Ashley Crosthwaite Our first day of lectures was given by our workshop from the UK, who shared many words of guidance and Father figure and seasoned educator, Petr Leba, who also inspired many of our HARP members with shared about concepts of the spirit world based on the testimonies of his work with WAIT in Uganda. In Divine Principle. To accompany this, HARPies took part addition to lectures, we explored the theme of the in an activity in which one member of each team was Spirit World by reading the works of Dr Sang Hun Lee blindfolded and guided by members of their team as morning inspiration, taking part in a Prayer evening, representing ‘good spirits’, whilst distracted by others listening to a testimony from our workshop Mother, representing ‘evil spirits’. This activity aimed to give Betka Leba, and watching the film What Dreams May participants a metaphorical experience of the often Come.

We were very fortunate to be holding our Spirit World apparent on New Year’s Eve, when every member of themed workshop in Tabor, a town steeped in the workshop, participants and staff, were able to religious history having been founded by the Hussite openly and honestly share their reflections on the last Christian movement. Our accommodation was year and hopes for the year ahead. As staff, we were situated just opposite the beautiful monastery church proud and touched to see our younger brothers and of Klokoty, which promptly woke everyone up in the sisters demonstrate such freedom, trust and support morning with the ringing of its bells. Such beautiful for one another – we hope such feelings grow and tranquil surroundings were only made more so exponentially for them in the years ahead. with the arrival of a thick blanket of snow – which also We would like to thank everybody who contributed to contributed to a very memorable snow ball fight! We this workshop: our guest lecturers Petra Blažková- were able to make excellent use of our surroundings Poledníková and Ashley Crosthwaite, for taking the enjoying energetic games in the historical town centre time and effort to support us; Antony Masner, for his and in the neighbouring fields. When the cold was too general support and setting an example to his younger bitter (as low as -7˚C) we enjoyed each other’s brothers and sisters by taking responsibility; Elisa company with countless board games, indoor activities Brann, for her preparation of games; Betka Leba, for and a very competitive and lively quiz. her role as workshop Mother and her delicious food It has been four years since HARP was reinitiated in (the highlight for many participants); Petr Leba, for his the Czech Republic to cater for the growing numbers support as workshop Father and excellent lecturing; of second generation. Amidst our group all ages from and lastly Andy Uhnak, for his overall coordination, 12 to 17 were represented and we were happy to organisation and role as workshop director. welcome our current oldest member, Antony Maser, From all of us here in the Czech Republic ‘Šťastný Nový to our staff team. Growing up in a relatively small Rok’ (‘Happy New Year’)! HARP community has its benefits as was made