Those who received aid were either low income families;
people who
had been suffering from long-term illnesses; single
parents with
several dependent children; or those having to
cope with sudden
family upheavals. Not surprisingly, all had
sad, desperately
unfortunate stories to tell. When they learnt
that the aid came
from our compassionate Master, grateful
smiles appeared on their
long, sorrowful faces. They
were very thankful to Master, whose
timely
help enabled them to have a warm, en-
joyable New Year.
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When the Chinese New Year holidays were almost upon us, the work team here delivered gifts of money in envelopes filled with Master's love to our poor and needy. The initiates who visited the needy could not help but be affected by the joy reflected in their heartwarming smiles upon receiving the attention and care they justly deserve. There was one family, with the head of the household being terminally ill with cancer, that had spent all their life savings on his treatment expenses. As a result, the children have had to drop out of school to make a living. When the relief group arrived at their home with financial assistance expressing Master's care and concern for them, they were all touched and deeply grateful. Ms. Chen in Fu-Shin county lives in a ramshackle, sheet-metal house. There is no water or electricity. She survives solely on the charity from others. When she received the relief money, she happily exclaimed: "Now I can have electricity!" Understandably, members of the relief group were all happy for her. |
By Taichung News Group, FormosaIn order to let those who are poor and helpless enjoy a happy, warm New Year with sufficient food to eat, fellow initiates in Taichung overwhelmingly responded to Master's instruction to "send warmth in the cold winter". During their continuous aid program, there were many warm, touching interludes. The Catholic Tsi-Ai Education Center for the Handicapped in Leizhong Street, Taichung, is especially for children from three to fifteen years old, who are severely mentally handicapped. The Center always has difficulty raising funds. Master's contribution was undoubtedly the biggest and best encouragement for the loving and devoted staff. There were two families introduced to us by social workers at Ren-ai Hospital. One family, the Yang's, consisted of two brothers who depend solely on each other to survive. The elder brother has been sick for a long time and is still under intensive care in the hospital. Sadly, the younger brother does not receive sufficient income to pay all the medical expense. Obviously, he was extremely grateful for Master's unexpected help. The Li family lives in Dali City. Three months ago, a car accident severely injured all three family members. Their time in the hospital meant the family no longer had an income. When accepting Master's loving care and financial aid, Mr. Li emotionally said to the relief group members that he would never forget the love rendered to him and hoped he would have the ability to contribute to, and repay, society in the future.
| Towards the end of the lunar year, the weather was very cold. Fellow practitioners from the Jiayi Center went to visit the Universal Love Old Folks' Home and the Ji Mei Old Folds' home. Their splendid dancing, singing, dramatic acting, and story telling brought cheerful laughter to the usually quiet old folks. According to the superintendent of the Universal Love Old Folks' Home, our Association's relief team is different from other charity groups in that we really showed that we sincerely and wholeheartedly care for the helpless residents. When fellos practitioners were performing at the Ji Mei Old Folks' Home, Ms. Chang Wen Yin, Mayor of Jiayi City, together with staff members from the Social Department of the Urban Council, also came to visit the residents. The fellow practitioner hosting the program invisted Mayor Chang to the stage to speak. Upon his departure, the mayor shook hands with each fellow practitioner and thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her continuing concern for the elderly.¡¹ |
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When the Tet (New Year) Season
arrived for Au Lac refugees in the Palawan camp there was real
joy for the first time because at least they have more freedom
in this country.
With boundless compassion, Supreme Master Ching Hai understood the longing of these people and comforted them in Her own special way by instructing the Quan Yin messengers and fellow practitioners to present New Year's gifts to them during Tet. Although the gifts were rather simple (e.g. watermelons, candies, cookies and preserved fruits), they nonetheless fulfilled a timeless Au Lac tradition. Moreover, they were also full of Master's love, reserved especially for Her compatriots. Her meticulous compassion and care for suffering people seemed to also touch God, who responded with gentle raindrops that comforted every soul. | One by one, the gifts were presented to people of all ages. Men, women and children were holding in their hands heavy Tet bags as they happily smiled. They expressed their gratitude and heartfelt Tet greetings to Supreme Master Ching Hai as they clutched their gifts. Fellow practitioners did not forget to present them with the latest issue of Master's News magazine -- a priceless spiritual gift imbibed with Master's love and blessings that evokes the eternal Spirit with each person.¡¹ |