Love in Action

Through Master’s Love,
the Light of Hope Comes to Santa Fe

Photo 3~6:The relief materials include not only urgently needed supplies, but also sweets and biscuits for the children.
Photo 7:The relief team, including Argentine and Brazilian initiates, conveys Master's concern deep into the remotest areas of flood-ravaged Santa Fe province.

 

At the end of April, 2003, one of the worst floods in over 500 years struck the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. The inhabitants of the region, which is flanked by the Salado River on the left and the Parana River on the right, are usually prepared to face the frequent flooding of the Parana. However, on this occasion, as a result of continued heavy rain that lashed the northwest of Santa Fe, the Salado River also burst its banks in a matter of hours, inundating entire townships and flooding a third of the province’s capital city, also named Santa Fe, where whole neighborhoods were submerged under two meters of water.

Completely caught by surprise, many local inhabitants could do nothing but take their children and escape from the swiftly and inexorably advancing river. Others only managed to climb onto the roofs of their houses, from which they were later rescued by other Santa Fe residents in boats. Most of the people of Santa Fe lost everything, even their loved ones. Apart from those who left on their own, more than 80,000 were evacuated and lodged in schools. The risk of epidemic and infection increased with the stagnant water caused by the flooding. But soon the solidarity of the Argentine people and international relief groups would manifest.

On learning about the disaster, Master quickly proceeded to offer relief. First, two initiates from Brazil traveled to Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, with precise instructions from Master to assess the situation in Santa Fe. After comprehending the urgent needs of Santa Fe’s people, Master instructed that 3000 blankets, towels and bags of candy for the children be delivered to those most in need. In a related effort, the staff of a local medical laboratory had raised money and bought mattresses, blankets and food for the flood victims, but did not know how they would dispatch the goods. Perceiving Master’s divine love, they decided to entrust our association with distributing the supplies, which we willingly agreed to do.

Then, imbued with a deep feeling of brotherhood and unity, ten initiates from Buenos Aires and two from Brazil arrived in Santa Fe. After days of intense effort, everything was arranged and the work proceeded smoothly, even in difficult to reach areas. With trucks full of Master’s sample booklets, blankets, towels and candies, initiates made their way over muddy roads into the province’s poorest neighborhoods, including San Lorenzo, Centenario, Fonavi and Las Lomas, which were dangerous to navigate due to the high waters. The initiates also visited the extremely needy Mocovies Indian communities.

On receiving the sample booklets, blankets and candies, the inhabitants overflowed with signs of affection for Master, nodding as they learned who Master was and thanking the initiates with hugs and kisses. The people were moved because they knew that they were receiving not only material help, but also Master’s love and immense spiritual power. Adults and children alike asked for Master’s address in order to send Her letters of appreciation as they wanted to return to Her all the love She had bestowed on them. Parents showed their children Master’s photo and some youngsters spontaneously told us, "Send a kiss to the Lady from us." In one neighborhood, when a man carrying his little daughter received a blanket, he left the girl on the ground and, deeply moved, gave us his most precious treasure right off his back — the jersey of his favorite soccer team.

After we have finished our work, many people began to phone us to thank Master, explaining that they had spent a warm night because of the blankets they received. Others offered to work as volunteers to help us with the delivery and some had already read the sample booklet and wanted to join the Quan Yin Family.

For all the initiates involved in the Santa Fe relief project, it was an unforgettable and wonderful experience to see Master’s Love in action, and an invaluable opportunity to work together as one in helping both our brothers and sisters in need and also ourselves. Through Master’s Love, hope and joy returned to the flood-ravaged community of Santa Fe.


 

Expenditures for Argentine Flood Relief and Aid 
Supported by Supreme Master Ching Hai  
(in pesos)

Description

Expenses

Receipt#

Blankets

38,655.00

A~D

Towels

22,714.00

E~G

Sweets, Biscuits, etc.

4,573.00

H

Packing Fee

280.00

I

Stationery

103.70

J

Printing Cost

1,285.00

K

Lighters

126.75

L

Transportation Fee

2,089.00

M~N

Store Room Rental

200.00

O

Total

70,026.45 (=US$25,489.25)

 



 


Related news coverage and Master's enlightening discourse
are available for online viewing on Sun TV Program serial
No.38, 41, 42 and 43 of
A Journey through Aesthetic Realms