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by the Midwest News Group (Originally in English)
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On the eve of the Fair, initiates from Chicago and other Midwestern centers arrived at McCormick Place to prepare for the auspicious event. While they waited at the venue’s underground gate to receive entrance badges, and before unloading the book packages they had brought, a police officer stopped at the initiates’ cars demanding that they move immediately. The officer appeared adamant until he saw Master’s picture and then suddenly changed his mood and became very pleasant, pointing to the picture and asking, “Is She a spiritual leader?” Thus the initiates gave the policeman a flyer and sample booklet, and invited him to visit Master’s exhibit at the Expo to receive further information.
The initiates’ booth was located in one of the busiest aisles at the Expo, attracting thousands of passersby daily. A beautiful display of Master’s publications and a high-quality DVD presentation at the booth drew many guests, including one woman who was reluctant to leave; rubbing her arm, she said, “The energy from your stand is wonderful!”
On the second day of the Expo, the initiates observed a Chinese Buddhist nun walking by their booth. When she saw Master’s picture, she seemed shocked and immediately stopped at the display table. Using both hands in a respectful manner, she took a copy of God’s Direct Contact — The Way to Reach Peace, joyfully read it and after a while said, “I love this book very much.” Being deeply touched by the nun’s sincerity, the brothers and sisters immediately offered her the book, and she responded happily, “I’m living in a temple in St. Louis and want very much to learn more about Master Ching Hai’s teachings.”
Also, a woman from a radio station in Washington DC was strongly attracted to Master’s booth display. After a fellow practitioner introduced her to the Quan Yin Method and told her many interesting and wonderful stories related to Quan Yin practice, the woman asked if she could conduct a live radio interview about Master and the Quan Yin Method. In return, the initiates gave her a copy of Master’s book God’s Direct Contact – The Way to Reach Peace. She was very happy to receive the gift and said, “I’ll benefit from this book.” She also left her business card and said to call her to set up the interview as soon as possible.
Another woman from a publishing company in Beijing showed a deep interest in Master’s books God’s Direct Contact — The Way to Reach Peace and God Takes Care of Everything, saying that she wanted to introduce them to her company and possibly promote them in China. The initiates provided her with the necessary information, and gave her a sample booklet in Chinese so she could learn more about Master’s teachings.
While visiting other booths at the Expo, the initiates encountered representatives of a stream channel TV company called Latino Entertainment and Arts, which caters to the Spanish-speaking population in the U.S. Later, the company’s staff conducted a brief interview with the initiates in Spanish, displaying Master’s books and indicating Quan Yin Internet sites that could be accessed for more information.
On June 6, the final day of the Expo, the initiates held two video seminars, followed by Convenient Method transmission sessions. Among those who learned the Convenient form of practice was a California man who had received a sample booklet from Master’s representatives at the Paris Book Fair in March 2004, and was surprised to see the initiates’ booth in Chicago. Missing the opportunity earlier, he grasped Master’s message and rushed to learn the Convenient Method at the Expo.
As soon as a poster offering free Convenient Method transmission was placed in front of the seminar room, a couple passed by and inquired about Master. A work team member then briefly introduced them to Master’s teachings, and the couple looked satisfied and agreed with Her ideas. Then the sister invited them to the upcoming seminar and they happily accepted, returning the next day to attend and learn the Convenient Method. Afterwards, the couple said, “We’re from New Jersey and we feel that our trip to Chicago was especially meaningful since we’ve now discovered our greatness and will always be protected by our Master.”
Also, an Indian businessman who owned a bookshop in the United Arab Emirates discovered that the second seminar was being presented at the same time that he had a business appointment. So he asked the initiates to wait for him so that he could learn the Convenient Method, imploring, “I want it very much so please don’t deny me this opportunity.” Touched by his sincerity, the brothers and sisters agreed to hold an additional CM transmission session especially for him. Then the man left happily and two hours later returned to learn the Method. Afterwards, he said, “I’ve been working very hard for many years, but recently I suddenly felt it was time for me to practice meditation and find my true Self. But I didn’t expect that God would answer me so quickly and splendidly.” He finally asked to be notified of the next initiation session, adding that he was even willing to fly to a neighboring country to be initiated.
Although the work of organizing and preparing for the 2004 Book Exhibition America was new to the Midwestern initiates who participated in the event, Master’s blessings helped everything proceed smoothly and successfully. Thus the sisters and brothers feel the deepest gratitude to Her for giving them this unique opportunity to practice Her teaching about the importance of serving and sharing the Truth with others.
