By FFWPU DR Congo
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Kinshasa, a Special Closing Service for the 2026 Summer Camp was organized around the main theme: “A filial heart toward Holy Mother Han.” This activity brought together a total of 789 people and aimed to conclude the Summer Camp in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, while allowing the youth to reflect further on the meaning of their lives, their relationship with the Heavenly Parent, and the importance of developing Hyo Jeong toward their Parents and the True Parents.
The service began with a time of praise and worship, led through various cultural performances by the New Hope (Nouvel Espoir) and New Eden choirs. These performances helped create a dynamic, joyful, and spiritual atmosphere, allowing participants to prepare themselves in a positive frame of mind for the rest of the program.
Following this time of praise and worship, the Youth Director, HANHWA KATRINE, shared a thought-provoking message titled: “What if we had forgotten why we are here?” Before addressing the main theme, she began with a recap of the previous message to help participants connect the different teachings and continue reflecting on their lives and responsibilities.
In her message, she notably led the participants to reflect on the difference between existing and living. She explained that existing simply means being there, while living implies maintaining a true relationship of giving and receiving with the Heavenly Parent. Thus, life should not be understood merely as being present or going through daily activities, but as an existence oriented toward a genuine relationship with the Heavenly Parent and with others.
She then explained that one of the fundamental elements enabling this relationship and communication is the conscience. The conscience allows human beings to discern, reflect, and recognize what is right in their relationship with the Heavenly Parent and with others. She therefore encouraged the participants to be attentive to their conscience, to listen to it, and to use it as a means to progress in their spiritual lives and human relationships.
Continuing her address, she reminded everyone that as human beings, we have a fundamental duty to fulfill: developing filial piety, or Hyo Jeong. She explained that this filial heart must first be cultivated toward our parents, but also toward the True Parents and the Heavenly Parent. The youth were thus encouraged not to limit themselves to a simple knowledge of the teachings, but to concretely develop an attitude of gratitude, respect, love, and devotion toward their parents and the Heavenly Parent.
This message served as an important moment of reflection for the participants, inviting them to personally question how they are living their relationship with the Heavenly Parent and the meaning they give to their lives. The emphasis on conscience and Hyo Jeong served as a reminder that spiritual growth must translate into a concrete way of living and acting on a daily basis.
As part of the Summer Camp closing, a teaching competition was also organized. Two second-generation youth had the opportunity to present lessons to the assembly. Through their presentations, they demonstrated the knowledge and skills they had developed during their journey. Their talks were well received and also served as an encouragement to all participants, showing that the future is being prepared today through the training, learning, and empowerment of the youth.
Following these presentations, an awards ceremony was held to recognize the various winners of the competitions held during the Summer Camp. This moment helped highlight the efforts and participation of the youth and children, while encouraging them to continue developing their talents and putting their abilities at the service of the community.
At the ECODIM (Sunday School) level, the Goma Team was also recognized in the singing competition. Through an inspiring video, the team won first prize. This recognition was a moment of joy and encouragement for the participants, while showcasing the engagement and creativity of the children and youth in the various Summer Camp activities.
The activity finally concluded with a time of singing and joy bringing the participants together. This final sequence allowed the Summer Camp to close in a fraternal and festive atmosphere, following several periods of learning, training, sharing, and talent development.
In total, 789 people took part in this Special Closing Service for the 2026 Summer Camp. Through the message on the meaning of life, the importance of conscience, and the development of Hyo Jeong, as well as the various competitions and cultural moments, this activity allowed the Summer Camp to end on a positive and inspiring note. It particularly helped encourage the youth to deepen their relationship with the Heavenly Parent, to develop a true filial heart toward their parents and the True Parents, and to continue preparing themselves to assume their future responsibilities.
