Love In Action

[Montreal] In January, the Montreal Center faced a big challenge when an ice storm hit the city and its surrounding suburbs, causing serious damage to the environment and the city's electrical system, leaving millions without power for weeks in subzero temperatures. People in some areas had to wait for weeks before returning to their homes. The news of this disaster was reported to Master immediately and She responded with love and compassion by sending the requested amount of $50,000 US dollars to help the disaster victims. All local fellow initiates were touched by this and some even shed tears upon hearing the good news.

Our next step was to plan everything in order to make the best possible use of Master's money to benefit those really in need. We then contacted the mayors of communities within the "Black Triangle," the region most affected by the storm. All the local mayors were surprised and moved by Master's love and compassion for all beings. One mayor, who had wanted to resign due to many problems and conflicts within the city council, changed his mind after reading Master's sample booklet and learning more about Her relief work around the world. He was so touched by Master's concern, that he wrote a letter asking permission to use our Association's name on a rest area along a bicycle path.

With Master's grace and blessings, the brothers and sisters from the Montreal Center joined forces to help those families most greatly affected by the storm. A vegetarian buffet was served to let everyone sample some delicious vegetarian dishes. Fellow initiates and family members all ate together, sharing experiences of the disaster, or talking about spiritual issues, which helped some people become more open towards spiritual practice. Through the media, we have witnessed that in such conditions, people become more generous and openhearted towards others, sharing their houses with strangers and offering to others basic necessities like food, clothing and wood (for heating in fireplaces). We thank Master for blessing them through these hard times.¡¹

Supreme Master Ching Hai Donates $20,000 In Helping The Victims Of The Ice Storm Disaster

Does the name "Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association," ring a bell? Probably not. It was also unknown to the Mayor of St-Jean-Sur-Le-Richelieu, Myroslaw Smeveka, before he greeted the Montreal delegation of this generous meditation Association.

In fact, four representatives of the organization met with the Mayor to offer a much needed check of $20,000 to the St-Jean Fund for the disaster victims in Haut-Richelieu. This brings the amount to $226,004 in our relief fund, which has the objective of raising $500,000.

Supreme Master Ching Hai is an Au Lac spiritual Master; and in addition to her spiritual teachings, She has given herself the mission of helping the world at large. She has helped the homeless at "La Maison du Pere" in Montreal. But this Association also takes part in helping others affected by natural disasters as well.

With this in mind, Supreme Master Ching Hai has made donations to help flood victims in the mid-western United States and numerous other countries. She has helped with the relocation of families after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, and also helped earthquake victims in Los Angeles.¡¹

Madame,

It's with great pleasure that I write this letter today in order to share with you the gratitude of all the people in Saint-Hyacinthe for your grand generosity towards us. Like millions of others, you have been informed about the particularly difficult conditions under which our fellow citizens have had to live during the Ice Storm of January 1998; especially for the most destitute people. You have also through your significant donation, brought your support to us in a tangible way.

In a situation like this, every measure had to be taken immediately to assure that the health and safely of several thousand people would not be endangered. Thanks to the competency and devotion of the emergency teams, assisted by hundreds of volunteers who were themselves victims of the disaster, it was possible for us to get through this bad situation without any direct loss of human life, at least in our community.

However, it was not realistic to imagine that everything would return to normal as soon as we recovered our electrical power. Hundreds and hundreds of victims -- men, women and children -- still live with the consequences of these recent hard weeks. And probably, it will continue like this for the following months, since many people, especially the seniors, have already used up a great portion of their energy.

It was in this context that your generous contribution of $20,000 arrived. This amount will provide help for our fellow citizens, the most destitute ones, in facing the aftereffects of the Ice Storm.

I can assure you, Madame, that this money will be used in good ways and it will go directly and solely to the most needy ones.

The Ice Storm in January of 1998 has already allowed us to realize how the solidarity of our people can accomplish great things. Your contribution brings us the proof that this solidarity can also have roots in the international community, and that the need for intervention to help the most affected ones in our community has received a favorable voice in your Association.

To conclude, I say "thank you" once more in my personal name, in the names of my co-workers on the municipal advisors' board and in the names of all the Maskoutan people. Please accept, Madame, our expression of gratitude.

Mayor of Saint-Hyacinthe

Claude Bernier¡¹

[Montreal]Last year, our compassionate Master instructed disciples to send financial assistance to the Montreal Center so that initiates there could buy New Year's gifts for poor families in Montreal. Once again this year, we received money from Master to purchase rice, tea, towels, soup, and other daily necessities for poor families who had asked for our assistance.

After purchasing the goods, we packed them into individual bags after a group meditation, just a day before the Au Lacese New Year Exhibition. On the exhibition day, many brothers and sisters came to help with the transportation, answering questions and distributing gifts to the family members on the gift list.

During the distribution of Master's gifts to the poor families that had come to receive them at our exhibition booth, it was wonderful to see the joyful faces of the recipients. They all appreciated Master's care and loving thoughts towards them, even though She had never met them in person. Some people, who had also received Master's gifts last year, wrote a letter of appreciation to Her this time to express their thanks and gratitude.

¡¹

[Orlando] On the night of February 22, 1998, a disastrous hurricane with gusty winds of up to 260 MPH destroyed many residential areas metropolitan Orlando. Many people were injured and some died. Thousands of victims were rendered the homeless. This deadly tornado barely missed the Orlando Center, which is located in the same District. Nevertheless, thanks to Master's blessing, all of the fellow initiates in Orlando were safe.

The next morning, fellow initiates in Orlando quickly came to the American Red Cross office to register as volunteers to help the victims of the disaster. Meanwhile, they also were able to assess the urgent needs of the victims in order to respond in a timely manner. Fellow initiates brought ready cooked vegetarian food along with relief supplies and monetary assistance to the American Red Cross office. They also informed other Centers throughout the United States about this disaster so that fellow brothers and sisters would have a chance to serve the victims. A number of fellow initiates from Cape Coral, Florida arrived in time to join the relief team. The American Red Cross assigned us to work at a shelter in Winter Garden.

We are deeply grateful for Master's instructions that enabled us to fully prepare a year ahead for this disaster. Thus, when the opportunity arrived, we had a chance to practice what we had learned. We were also able to feel the compassion that You have bestowed upon sentient beings. Since we don't know what is going to happen next, at any time or in any place, we simply follow to Your teachings to be always ready in order to be able to respond to any situation and bring forth helps to those in need.

On behalf of the victims, we thank all fellow initiates in the United States for their prayers and donations that helped the victims.¡¹

A s predicted, El Nino has taken its toll through heavy rainstorms stretching from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico to the Northwestern United States. Storms producing gusty winds and raging ocean waves have caused numerous floods and mud slides along the coast, destroying many homes, roads and cars, and leaving several people dead and many homeless. Thirty-two counties in California alone were declared disaster areas, with hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

Mexico also fell victim to the El Nino driven storms that wreaked havoc in Acapulco, a famous tourist attraction, and Tijuana, the country's northernmost city. Twelve people died from the flooding and mud slides in Tijuana alone, and hundreds more were evacuated from the affected areas and took refuge in numerous shelters across the city.

Upon hearing this tragic news, Master immediately instructed fellow initiates of the Los Angeles Center to extend a helping hand to the victims and their families. Following Her instructions, they quickly telephoned various places in Tijuana to assess the situation and establish the necessary contacts. By noon, relief supplies were procured in time for a trip to Tijuana, Mexico. The supplies ranged from basic necessities like powdered milk, snacks, canned food, candies, T-shirts, sweat shirts, underwear, socks, baby food, diapers and emergency packs, which included blankets, medicine, dry food, candles and toys of all kinds for the children.

The first shelter we visited after crossing the border was in the Albergue Ginnasio Olimpico complex. Guards dispatched by the government helped us unload and distribute Master's gifts to the flood victims and their families. Included in the gift bags were copies of the sample booklet, which many found interesting to read while receiving their gifts. Watching this happening, the guards on duty also humbly requested copies for themselves.

Our next stop was a shelter located on an isolated hilltop, which took us a while to get to after struggling with the rugged terrain. When we arrived, most people were still asleep. However, it did not take long before many were aware of our arrival and prepared themselves to receive the things we brought. Although being surprised at the unusal time of distribution, they were indeed deeply touched by Master's loving care.

Our midnight journey continued on to Alberque Auditories Municipal de Tijuana, an auditorium located in the City of Tijuana, which was being used as a temporary shelter for the flood victims. We distributed gift bags to the flood victims that arrived in separate groups. Sweatshirts were among the favorite items, which many put to immediate use.

Then we left for the last shelter, Albergue Cortijo San Jose. When we arrived, a colonel and soldiers from the Mexican Army greeted us at the front gate of a spacious building being used as shelter. The flood victims were still asleep amidst our preparations; but as we began the distribution, the folks got up and watched in joyful amazement. Receiving gifts according to their wish lists, they openly expressed gladness mixed with a little surprise. Some even enjoyed reading the sample booklets right there.

Being informed that other places also needed Master's help, we decided to stay overnight and bought more supplies at local stores the next morning. While making a short stop at the DIF (Development of Children and Family Care) en route to the shelter, a local TV crew interviewed us and took a few pictures of our truck.

At the next shelter, we found that most of the flood victims and their families had already returned to their homes. We left and headed to a little town nearby. As we arrived, the children ran after our truck and cars, shouting with joy. The distribution went on with a great deal of fun, and everyone felt overwhelmed with love and friendship. Children were so excited with the toys and gifts received that many stood speechless for a while. Master's love had indeed brought sparkling smiles to their faces.

We left the little town in the afternoon and headed home after a short stop at the DIF office to thank the volunteers for their help and say good-bye. Despite a sleepless night and a hard day of work, none of us felt tired or hungry at all, thanks to Master's blessing.

The following week, fellow initiates at the Los Angeles Center also made another trip to visit two more towns on the outskirts of Tijuana. After crossing the border, we made a short stop at the DIF office so that the volunteers could join us. While parking along the street awaiting the signal to go, our truck accidentally caught the eyes of some curious onlookers. After talking with them for a while, we learned that they were former prison inmates who apparently needed help. Fellow initiates immediately offered them food, beverages, clothing and especially sample booklets, which they enjoyed reading upon receiving them. Having watched this exciting event unfold right before their eyes, DIF workers also came and asked for sample booklets themselves.

A short journey to the first town took us through several severely damaged roads, so severe that some sections were completely displaced during the flooding. One could easily see the deadly force of raging water that the flood had vividly left in the remaining ruins and collected debris on top of the walls and fences. We finally arrived at the town, which was marked with eroded streets full of potholes and muddy water.

The distribution began as soon as people were informed of our arrival. Mother and daughter, father and son, one by one happily came to receive their share of Master's love. Everyone was excited to be part of the joyful crowd in the middle of the town. Fellow initiates busily helped get the right clothes for people of all ages and sizes. We were, indeed, touched by the genuine appreciation of these folks. What a great joy it was for us to be of service to these pure-hearted people.

It was almost dark when we got to the next town. A downhill road leading to the town was too steep for the lead car and truck to move on. Miraculously, a man appeared from nowhere and offered to take the convoy around using another, more easily accessed road in exchange for a free ride, which everyone quickly agreed to give him. Thanks to this man, we were able to start the distribution before it got too dark. By the time we had finished, everyone could barely see the faces of the last recipients. Everyone who had come was very elated to have received the gifts

We said good-bye to people in the town as they happily walked home. The DIF volunteers who had also received beautiful gifts from Master, guided us all the way to the border before waving farewell.¡¹

Bringing Wishes Of Love To Unfortunate Fellow Countrymen

Spring was approaching and everything was beginning to flourish. Filled with love and bringing along relief funds and News magazines, fellow initiates in Formosa paid visits to a number of poor and sick people. During February of 1998, relief funds totaling 159,600 NT dollars were distributed to 63 poor and needy families.

Among the families that we visited regularly, some people's conditions were improving and some were not, but they were all open and wrapped in warm smiles while telling us about their present situations. They also expressed their gratitude for Master's love,

concern and help. One of them said that when he became sick, he always remembered to pray to Master to help him survive the crisis, and then he would feel confident and would not be frightened anymore. Another person said that Master's help freed him from sorrow, sadness and pessimism; he had become happy and open and had regained hope in life.

We also wished them happiness and that their poor situations and the tormenting illnesses would soon leave them so they could live healthy and happy lives like other people, and hence gain understanding of the true meaning of life.¡¹

Sending Blankets Of LoveIn The Wintry Season

[Report From Taoyuan] The Taoyuan Center launched a blanket distribution programme in the winter season, working in groups to offer warm bedding and clothes to those truly in need.

A group of fellow initiates drove along a precarious path up the mountains in Northern Formosa to distribute blankets, warm clothing and sample booklets of Supreme Master Ching Hai to needy households in Fuhsing Village. This project was carried out in the hope that Supreme Master Ching Hai's divine love would warm the bodies and souls of the needy, in much the same way as the sun heats up the cold arctic air.

The Taoyuan County Government had provided a list of poor households in the area, but fellow initiates requested the police at Fuhsing Village to list other households that also needed assistance. Most of the villagers live high in the mountains. With the help of the local police and through on-site investigation, initiates found that those on the police list were in even greater need than those on the government list. But they managed to distribute relief supplies to all the needy people in the area.

Madam Fan, wife of a Kaoyi Village representative, demonstrated her personal compassion by escorting fellow practitioners to destitute families in her village, where she acted as their interpreter. The local inhabitants greeted these unexpected visitors, sent by Supreme Master Ching Hai, with warm, endearing smiles.

Though poor, some low-income families remain optimistic, cheerful and contented, unperturbed by the reality of living a frugal life on their meagre income. Some of the needy families have the good fortune to live in homes provided by kindhearted people. This warm concern from caring neighbours comforts many miserable souls, as does the sun in winter.

Through this winter project of blanket distribution to the orphaned, the old, the sick, and the destitute, God has given fellow practitioners a valuable experience, which has led them to a deeper realization.

These "blankets of love" warm both body and soul.

Love Heals Wounded Hearts

[Report From Chiayi] At the invitation from authorities at the Formosa Provincial Yunlin Institute For Mentally Disabled Adults in Central Formosa. Chiayi fellow initiates sponsored a special program in celebration of the Lantern Festival [15th day of the first lunar month]. This activity was the second to be sponsored by Chiayi initiates following a party held last year which drew enthusiastic response and widespread commendation from both authorities and disadvantaged young girls and the mentally disabled at this halfway house.

The initiates designed a series of exciting activities for the students in hopes of alleviating the daily pressure and feelings of insecurity suffered by these people who desperately needed the care and spiritual support from society.

The activities included some riddles especially for Lantern Festival celebrations, karaoke television where amateur singers sing to the accompaniment of videotaped music, and other performances by fellow initiates. Students at the Yunlin Institute competed for chances to answer the riddles and to win stationary and a bookmarks printed with aphorisms by Supreme Master Ching Hai. The bookmarks were included among the prizes in hopes that the words of this great Master would be a comfort to wounded hearts and bring light into the lives of the disadvantaged. Dialogues between fellow initiates on stage indirectly pressed home the message that true happiness comes from the inner world and not the outside one.

National Assembly delegate Lin Shu-shan who partook in the celebrations expressed his fear that social discrimination might make it difficult for these young women seeking employment upon their graduation from the institute. In a touching show of concern, he promised to help them find jobs or offer them employment at his radio station should they need it.

As always, time flies when you are having a good time. Even though the participants were still in a festive mood, the celebrations came to a melodious end. The students bid farewell to the initiates, everyone now full of God's love which is non-discriminating, and the joyful expressions of the young girls bespoke the blessings they had received due to Supreme Master Ching Hai's compassion. Initiates hope that Her love will help them through whatever adversities and guide them to their true Home.¡¹