[Lome] After enjoying a two-day retreat that ran concurrently with the recent international retreat in Korea, disciples in Togo longed for more spiritual nourishment, so we arranged a two and a half day West Africa retreat. Many disciples from six cities in Ghana, Benin and Togo participated.

This retreat was held to celebrate the spiritual rebirth of Ghana and Benin. In the last few months, these two countries have spiritually blossomed, joining our large worldwide family.

	After two recent retreats, West African initiates are much stronger, and cannot wait for the next one.

The schedule for the retreat had a format similar to those of Master's international retreats, including plenty of meditation, videos, and spicy African food, but, of course, lacking the main ingredient; the physical presence of our beloved Master.

Although She was not physically present, we all felt Master's blessing power during the retreat. One night, for example, we looked up to notice that the sky above the Center was clear, but there were clouds everywhere else. This reminded us of Master's remark that the Light from group meditation is so strong that it can dissolve clouds.

Most disciples said that the inner Light and Sound were both much stronger for them during the retreat, and many had great experiences. Everything went smoothly, as if perfectly planned by Master! Even the inconvenience of such a large group working, interacting and meditating in one house was not noticed, since we moved as one, supporting and helping each other.