YOUTH SPIRITUAL TRAINING SEMINAR HELD IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
"Secret to Success in Life"
The 38th Southern California Missionary Area Youth Spiritual Training Seminar was held from July 27 to 29 at the Seicho-No-Ie United States Missionary Headquarters in Gardena, California. The number of participants was 29, including 9 first-timers.
Mainly run by youth members this year
Held under the theme, “Secret to Success in Life,” the Seminar was guided by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara (Ordained Minister, Bishop of the United States Missionary Headquarters), Rev. Masayo Tsuruta (Ordained Minister, Chief of Southern California Missionary Area), Rev. Hideharu Sugiuchi (Ordained Minister, United States Missionary Headquarters), and .Regional Lecturers. There were lectures such as “Secret to Accomplishing Your Goal,” “Secret to Harmony,” “Secret of Your Mission in Life” and others. The Seminar program also included Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer, Mind Purification Ceremony, and Ancestor Memorial Service.
In addition, there was a discussion session under the theme, “Secret to Success,” where the participants were divided by age into intermediate school students, high school students and college students. There was also an outdoor cleaning service session and they collected garbage and contributed to recycling.
On the final day, a Q&A session was held under the guidance of Reverends Teshigawara and Tsuruta. There was also a discussion session, where the participants were separated by theme into four groups, “Global Warming,” “Harmony with Family and Friends,” “Discovery of Success,” and “Human Relationship.” Also, there was a period to show a 30-minute video, which was made from the scenes during the Seminar. It was well received by the participants.
Remarks Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of the United States Missionary Headquarters
“At the Southern California Missionary Area, we provide guidance to youths on such matters as ‘practice of love to society.’ There is strong bond among them. This year, as in the past, prior to the Seminar, young leaders who were responsible for managing the Seminar, held four meetings under Rev. Tsuruta’s guidance to discuss the overall management of the Seminar. During the Seminar I felt reassured to see that they took the central role and provided thorough care to the participants with support from adults. I appreciate the Missionary Area’s efforts as a whole to develop youths, who will shoulder the next generation. I lectured under the requested themes with the hope that the young people, who study the truth in an environment filled with love, will make healthy and sound growth.”
Comment by Mr. Ryan Inoue,
Freshman in College
“My father had a heart surgery two months ago. At that time I prayed earnestly for the first time and read the Holy Sutra, Nectarean Shower of Holy Doctrines for him. This year I participated with an entirely different feeling and attitude from last year and was able to capture a deep sense that ‘man is a child of God.’”