Cheon Il Guk Israel: Our Life as Pioneers

Beginning something new is always a mixed bag of emotions. It is exciting, scary, difficult, tiring, and empowering, all in one go. These are just a few of the emotions Israel team has been experiencing these past two weeks, as we pave the way for CARP and YSP in this nation.

These past two weeks, our team saw some additional sites such as the Garden of Gethsemane, and began our outreach campaigns at the Hebrew University for CARP, and the Jerusalem city center for YSP. Many of the nations our missionaries teams have been sent to already have established CARP and YSP chapters. This, however, is the first time these programs have been undertaken in Israel. We like to describe our time as “pioneering”. Similar to the pioneers who voyaged across the great American west, we are also beginning something new, launching a journey full of hope for the outcomes of these two burgeoning programs!

Our CARP pioneering journey has been a slightly smoother road, similar to how the Oregon Trail had the footprints of Lewis and Clark to follow. The program has been somewhat active at the university in the past, and has a solid outline to follow of how to run the program. We have been able to start an official club at the university and reach out to students about the Universal Principles we teach. Thus far, many students have been very receptive to CARP; four students attended our first meeting, with many more in contact and planning to attend a meeting in the future.

For YSP however, our experience thus far can be likened to Lewis and Clark’s own expedition; cluelessly heading off into the unknown, without any map or idea of where they are heading, but making it work and overcoming obstacles as they go.

YSP has only recently been brought to Israel. Our aim is to support youth and students to come together and create substantial solutions to global issues, contributing to world peace. Finding a way to bring people together has been our most challenging point so far.

We began our YSP outreach by running around our neighborhood and the rest of town for a whole day, inviting anyone we could unearth to an introductory event. When that didn’t work out as planned, we shifted venues to the city center and attempted to host an event in the community owned coffee shop there. We are currently continuing to evaluate, readjust, and continue on with our efforts! The direction we are heading in now is to work with volunteer organizations to help with issues Jerusalem faces, and to bring YSP to them.

CARP outreach at the Hebrew University

Even though it has been a bumpy road, it is a thrill ride. The following are some words from a team member, Y. Scharf.

“Every new experience requires great effort, patience and a positive attitude! I’m grateful for the chance to work with not only CARP but also YSP. This has been a great opportunity to learn practical life skills of maintaining a positive mindset, making and adjusting plans, and to keep fighting for a goal. I have been learning a lot about the importance of communication between people. When communication is taking place, everything flows smoothly!” — Y. Scharf, Second Year Missionary

Pioneering these two programs has been an exciting journey. It allows us to really take ownership over our experience here in Israel, and to help create something beautiful to leave behind when we leave. Even though it is a challenge, it is one that is worth facing head on!

Until you hear from us again, shalom!

Israel team posing in front of graffiti of our name sake, Jacob wrestling the angel.