Florida Governor Jeb Bush Lauds

by sister-initiate Vicki White, Orlando, Florida, USA
(originally in English)

Below is a synopsis of an article from the December 25, 2003 edition of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, Florida, USA. Florida initiates are delighted to see that so many prisoners in their state have become interested in spiritual growth, and that the local government is supporting the inmates’ desire to know God in a deeper way.

On Wednesday, December 24, 2003, Florida’s Governor Jeb Bush dedicated the USA’s first faith-based prison, Lawtey Correctional Institution in Lawtey, Florida. The purpose of making Lawtey a faith-based institution is to provide a nurturing environment where prisoners can dedicate more time to their faith and spiritual growth. Before the faith-based program was begun, inmates were given the option to transfer to another prison if they chose, and prisoners from other correctional institutions in Florida were given the option to transfer to Lawtey. So the prisoners at Lawtey are now there because they chose to be there. Prisoners must stay out of trouble for at least a year to transfer to Lawtey, and will be transferred out if they have discipline problems.

The 791 prisoner at Lawtey represent 26 faiths. The Prison currently has 500 volunteers who help with religious instruction and serve as mentors, and Prison officials are seeking nother 500 volunteers. Department of Corrections Secretary James Crosby Jr. states, “We’ve developed a cocoon, a place where they can practice their faith and not have the severe negative pressures and interactions that naturally take place in some of our institutions. It gives them an environment in which to have a chance.” For more details, please click here

Lone in action:Report from Florida, USA

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Gang Won Do Min Ilbo, December 8, 2003 (Page 15)
(Originally in Korean)

Have a Warm Winter!

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Donates Briquettes to Residents of Cheolam-dong

[Taebaek] Members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association wished a warm winter to local flood victims as they spread their love by donating heating briquettes to the residents of Cheolam-dong, whose homes suffered flood damage in September of this year.

Twice in September 2003 members of the Association from Moseo-myun, Sangju City, Kyungbuk Province visited the region and provided bedclothes, clothing, daily necessities and other items valued at about 10 million Won (approx. US$9,090).

Recently they again visited the district, this time supplying 200 briquettes to each of 171 households in Cheolam. The total value of the briquettes was 8.55 million Won (approx. US$7,772). Taebaek city officers joined with the members in distributing the fuel. Significantly, most of these households consist of underprivileged or elderly citizens living alone. So the supply of briquettes was a precious gift for the residents.

In expressing his gratitude for the supplies, Chief of the Cheolam-dong Bureau Jang Gyung-Hee said, “Our residents have difficulty surviving mainly in the cold weather so even one briquette is a great benefit to them. I feel very grateful to The Supreme Master Ching Hai for already having helped us three times. I can feel the love of our neighbors since the briquette providers are increasing during the winter season.”

Lone in action: Report from Youngdong, Korea