Due to the effects of climate change, San Francisco’s weather this year has been colder than ever. Brothers and sisters of the San Francisco Center quickly bought and delivered winter clothing to the homeless people on the streets on the evening of December 20, Golden Year 4 (2007).

We delivered one hundred gift bags. Each gift bag had a sleeping bag; a pair of gloves; socks; a winter hat and a box of vegetarian noodles. Several dozen sweaters were also given out.

The gifts brought joy and comfort to the less fortunate on the streets. The brothers and sisters who participated in the project carried out their task with love and enthusiasm. Thanks to the Almighty for helping us with the weather: it had been raining for several evenings, but on that night the rain left us to safely deliver the much needed gifts.

Thank you, Master, for giving us a chance to serve other people by bringing warmth and joy to their hearts.

The initiates of the Michigan Center took 300 bags of candies, oranges and chips, together with Supreme Master TV flyers to St. Aloysius Community Center for the homeless friends. They also put Master’s book, The Birds in My Life, in the Center’s coffee room.

Houston has one of the highest homeless rates in the state of Texas; many of the street friends being people who fled from the New Orleans catastrophe two years ago.

On December 16, Golden Year 4 (2007), fellow initiates from the Houston Center held another annual gift drive for the homeless friends at the usual downtown area.

They also treated the guests with delicious vegetarian sandwiches, hot coffee, bottled water, crackers and tasty cookies. They were welcomed with smiles and greetings. Some friends said, “We knew you would be back, we've been waiting for you!” and “Your group treat us so well.” Seeing the vegetarian food the initiates served, the working staff from a nearby shelter started to ask questions about Master’s ideals and beliefs, thus giving fellow initiates the opportunity to introduce Master’s teachings. Love and spirituality was felt immensely throughout the day.

The initiates received many thanks for the gifts contributed, but they would like to dedicate them all to Master due to Her guidance, unconditional love, and beautiful grace.

On December 16, Golden Year 4 (2007), fellow practitioners from the Oregon Center provided a Christmas lunch to people who temporarily live in a local shelter. They are women and children escaping from abusive situations at home. They were cordially invited to have lunch at the Sweet Lemon Bistro, a restaurant owned by one of the fellow initiates, and were served a full course meal, surprised with Christmas presents, and each provided with gift money. Master’s beautiful books, The Birds in My Life and The Dogs in My Life, were also given to the shelter. It was a very special event for those who participated, shelter residents as well as the working staff.

The director of the Shelter Yolanda House, Shelly Massarello, wrote a very touching email to Master, in which she wrote: “… each resident and volunteer was treated like royalty with genuine love, warmth and respect… Several residents were speechless; some started to cry from the unexpected gifts given from the heart. The children loved the gifts, loved being treated to a fancy lunch, and loved being treated as important guests! Even the volunteers received Supreme Master TV bags… You have truly made a difference in the lives of our survivors and touched the heart of our staff and volunteers.”

A thank-you letter from Shelly Massarello, Director of the Shelter Yolanda House

Sharing the Special Warmth of the Season

On December 22, Oregon fellow practitioners treated local homeless friends to their warmest lunch service at Blanchet House. A large selection of dishes and desserts was served. Christmas gifts, such as blankets, cotton socks and warm clogs, as well as Supreme Master TV fliers and sample booklets were distributed. Special attention was given to the needs of seniors and women. The homeless friends were very contented and grateful to Master. Most felt at home, many had additional servings, and some asked for food to go. This event on a cold, wet day during this festival season encouraged everyone to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

To view the Humanitarian Relief Activities by the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association, please visit:
http://www.GodsDirectContact.org.tw/humanitarian
(The list can be sorted by year, country/region and type of events.)

<<	Contents	>>
Refer this page to friends