Lighthouse in the Darkness

 

Hearts of Concern
Joyful Sharing


A certificate of appreciation presented
by the Changhua juvenile Reformatory School.

[Changhua] As the gentle spring breeze blew over central Formosa on March 6, 1999, fellow practitioners from the Changhua Center set out for the Juvenile Reformatory School in neighboring Tienchung township. When the team arrived to decorate the venue, they found the gates of the center open wide in welcome of their arrival. Several inmates joined in the decoration work and soon all barriers dissolved between the initiates and the young detainees. Their low voices and light laughter gave an air of lightheartedness and peace to the normally quiet and somber center.

At noon, groups of fellow practitioners from around Formosa arrived, ready to present their best performances to the juvenile detainees. A Quan Yin messenger and the local contact persons also joined in the activity, adding a warm and festive air to the venue.

The activity commenced with the juvenile center presenting a certificate of appreciation to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for its social concern and contributions. The entertainment program immediately followed this. The wonderful performances by the fellow practitioners won thunderous rounds of applause from the young people. As laughter reverberated throughout the venue, both performers and members of the audience melted as one in the ocean of Master's love.

The performance ended with a videotape display briefly introducing Master. The young detainees watched the tape with devotion and undivided attention as they were completely drawn by Master's amicable and noble being. She dissolved the long-frozen walls surrounding these souls and led them towards the gate of wisdom. The day's activity ended on a successful note with the song "The Little Lambs Want to Go Home".