On July 16, 2007, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit Japan, claiming many lives and damaging more than 10,000 houses in Niigata-ken. Hearing of this, the Gunma Center immediately started to investigate the disaster situation. Relief materials poured in. Concerned about the disorder that might result from an oversupply of provisions in the absence of storage room and proper management, the local government kindly declined our offerings. Thus, we sent a relief fund to the disaster area through the Red Cross.

After the earthquake occurred, Master instructed us to investigate the emergency needs of the disaster area. After contacting the relevant authorities, we were informed that trash bags, sand bags and ready-to-eat food were urgently needed. Intuitively, we realized that it was the rainy season and sand bags were urgently required as a protection against mudslides and floods. We immediately purchased some sand bags and trash bags and sent them by express delivery to the disaster area, together with sample booklets and Supreme Master TV flyers. Late at night, within hours of their delivery, torrential downpours occurred, triggering landslides and destroying houses. Our compassionate Master had known about this in advance and tried to minimize the disaster through us. We were all moved to tears by Master’s immense love and concern for sentient beings.

In addition, we noticed that the smaller shelters in the suburban areas were short of material supplies. We bought instant vegetarian soup, curry sauce, instant noodles and vegetarian mayonnaise, which we packed in boxes and transported to the remote shelters. Most of these shelters located up in the mountains or along the coast had no detailed address, making it difficult for us to find them. Plus, the continuous aftershocks and broken roads made them even less accessible. However, with Master’s guidance and blessing, we managed to locate the shelters, regardless of size or road access.

At some of the shelters that had not received any material aid, the victims were so happy to receive the food supplies that they bowed to us in thanks. At a nursing home inhabited by three senior citizens, one said that they had been living on rice rolls since the earthquake. They were overjoyed at the noodles brought by our fellow initiates. An elderly lady held the blessed foods in her hands and laughed heartily. At a shrine up in the mountains where only water was available, the victims’ faces revealed the fatigue and worry caused by the earthquake. After receiving our help, however, their faces brightened with dazzling smiles. Some people were moved to tears.

We visited a total of 16 shelters. After we had distributed all the material supplies, our hearts were full of gratefulness, for it was God’s grace and arrangement that had made it possible for us to reach these distant shelters despite the unfavorable road conditions. Meanwhile, we were honored to serve as God’s instrument, conveying God’s love to those who needed it.

Expenditures of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association’s
 Relief Effort to Victims of the Niigataken Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake in Japan 
 (Amount in Japanese Yen)

 

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