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Activities
 Humanitarian
Work
Venezuela,
July 1996 |
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Native Indians Of The Amazon In Venezuela Face Flooding Reported by Disaster Relief Group in Venezuela The Orinocco River, the second largest river in South America has started to flood since early June. It has already made more than 10,000 Amazon Indians and local people homeless. It was reported that the rise in water level was more than three metre and 4,000 hectares of farmland were estimated to be destroyed. Master was concerned about the suffering victims and immediately instructed the executive group of the International Association to contact the relevant departments to find out the practical needs of the people. Fellow practitioners in Costa Rica and Panama, in accordance with Master's instructions, quickly formed a Disaster Relief Group. They immediately went to Rio Orinocco, the flooded area on the border of Venezuela and Brazil, to visit the local people to find out more about the extent of the damages. It was known that the most affected areas were the Esmerada and the Platanal. The residents were mainly Yekuana and Yanomami Indians. The latter tribe was the most seriously affected and had the greatest number of victims. The Disaster Relief Group had expressed Master's concern to Mr. Angel Fridays, the Minister of Security of Venezuela, and donated twenty thousand US dollars as a disaster relief fund. The Minister of Security said: "In the flooded areas along the borders of Venezuela and Brazil, the most seriously affected were the native Indians. They wore special clothing and ate differently from ordinary people. Although the disaster was serious, no one died." There was already a crisis team in Venezuela to take care of the disaster. He was very grateful to Master for Her concern. Mr. Jose Guillermo Andueza, the Minister of Internal Affairs, was also very grateful for Master's charitable act and Her concern for the flood victims. It took two hours to fly from the capital to port puerto Ayacucho. From there, one had to rely on small planes to go to the flooded areas. The area was full of forests, with deep cliffs and high mountains. There were no roads and all supplies had to be transported by wooden boats. After reporting to Master, She instructed the working group to purchase clothing, hygienic supplies, cooking utensils and to hire boats to transport these things to the disaster areas. At the same time, contact was also made with the local country mayor to work in cooperation with her. She and her three assistants accompanied the Disaster Relief Group. The disaster relief fund we used to fill three major needs. The most needed item was food: rice, noodles, milk, sugar and coffee..,etc. Then there clothing, hammocks, mosquito nets and medicine were also purchased. Altogether there were more than ten thousand victims scattered around the remote areas of the river and mountains. The supplies donated by Master were the first to arrived. Therefore, they really thanked Master from the bottom of their hearts. This flooding was serious that even in the past two hundred years it had never been so bad. Usually the Indians would not ask help from outside people. This time, because there was really nothing to eat, they asked for help from the local county mayor. The Yuca tree potato and banana trees were all destroyed and it would take two years for them to recover. At
the moment, the local people are infected with infectious diseases
such a malaria, dengue fever and dysentery. The Supreme Master Ching
Hai International Association were interviewed by a Venezuela people
for help, one person one dollar loving heart charity activity to help
the local Indians pass through this crisis. Breakdown
of the Venezuela Disaster Relief
••••• News 67, Relief Efforts
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Compassionate Love By
Supreme Master Ching Hai News Reporters Laura and Santa Morales,
Costa Rica The indigenous Indian villages of Yanimami and Yekuanas in the highlands of Orinocco, especially Koshirowateri, Platanal, Mavaca and Esmeralda, received Supreme Master Ching Hai's radiant, boundless love. Nine million Bolivares (about twenty thousand US dollars) was given food, daily necessities and medicine. Under Master's instructions fellow practitioners from Costa Rica and Panama delivered the disaster-relief materials, in a difficult six-day trip through the virgin Amazon rainforest into the hands of the native Indians. It was a 2500 kilometers trip from the state capital Puerto Ayacucho. With the help of Yekuana's mayoress, representatives from Yanomami, and some enthusiastic people from Esmeralda, the mission was smoothly accomplished. The disaster-relief materials were transported to the disaster sites by wooden boat. They were then distributed to the victims by speedboats. The foodstuff was loaded onto the speedboats from the wooden boat and then brought to each and every village. The medicine was unloaded at the Ocamo Medical Center and then redistributed to the various medical stops. The foodstuff were distributed to each family in proportion to the number of family members by the local village leaders. The condition in the flooded areas were very serious. Many women, elderly and children had no clothing or blankets to cover for warmth. They were malnourished and had skin diseases (because of mosquito bites). Some victims used the remaining standing walls of ruins as a makeshift home by placing some coconut leaves over themselves. Medical and health care was also a big problem. In the whole Orinocco area, there were only four medical centers, which were staffed by house officers and student nurses. They also had no medical supplies. In such a difficult situation, it was no wonder that Master had compassionately heard their agonizing prayers and immediately instructed emergency assistance to be given. Upon arriving at every village, the Quan Yin messenger and fellow practitioners also distributed the spiritual food - Master's sample booklets - to the victims. Through translation by the native people, they explained Master's teachings and some basic hygiene tips. According to the response of the Yanomami Indians thought that Master is a great enlightened person, because She had heard the cry of the wise Shaman of their tribe and immediately sent them warmth. When the flooding first started, the Shaman had already started to call and beg for mercy from God. He had been on a retreat and ate very little food each day. Up till now, only the help from Supreme Master Ching Hai had arrived. They believed that without Master's assistance, many of their people would have died because of the lack of nutrition and the effects of malaria. After the disaster-relief work, the Supreme Master Ching Hai Rescue Team had appealed to the Venezuelan people via National Radio of Venezuela, and an accompanying local photographer to ask for more assistance and moral support for these victimized indigenous people, so that more basic necessities and medical supplies could be bought. These requests were also to be reported in the El Nacional, Ultimas Noticias and Radio Caracas and the Venezuelan De Televicion. We believed
that the love of God would move more people to lend a helping hand,
then the living condition of these indigenous people would become
better and better in the near future.
News 68, Relief Efforts Additional Comments On The Disaster Relief Trip In Venezuela Es fehlen 3 Photos By Brother Initiate Rolando Hwang , Costa Rico Our relief group's boat has just arrived at Port Ocemo. Flood victims escaping in boats with their family. The Venezuelans are attentively reading Master's sample booklets.
After the second largest river – the Oliorge River – flooded, Master promptly allocated twenty thousand U.S. dollars ($20,000) as a relief fund, and instructed the relief group to send the needed items to the victims. On the day we set out, there happened to be a group of more than twenty television and newspaper reporters from all over the country. They came to cover the flood disaster, and to interview the governor and officials who were explaining the extent of the disaster at a press conference. The next day, we went by plane to the disaster area to try to understand the real situation. There were dense forests along the way, and no cities. The Oilorge River seemed so vast and limitless. We also saw the primitive landscapes as reported in films concerning the Amazon forests. Their Suffering Is Also Ours Master loving instructed everyone to be careful about contagious diseases, as well as the infection of malaria, before we set out. In the deep forests amid the mountains, members of the relief group experienced for the first time the fierceness and the viciousness of the mosquitoes and insects. We now could realistically feel what the victims had been suffering and what they might need. After getting to the disaster area, we found that all the supplies had been delivered by wooden boats; and because the tribes along the river were scattered about on the mountain sides, the supply line was dragged out very long and very far away. Consequently, the relief team rushed to purchase more supplies at Port Aiyaguchou. After getting in contact with the county magistrate of the disaster area, we found out there were many more victims in urgent need. So, as soon as everything was ready, we rented boats to enter the disaster area. While Sailing In A Storm, Master Protected Us The group members rented a big ship and a wooden boat from Port Aiyaguchou, shipping about ten tons of provisions, clothing and medical supplies. The river water kept rising higher and higher. The situation seemed really overwhelming, and suddenly the motor of the wooden boat broke down in the middle of the river – we could have been pulled downward along with the rapids. All the fellow practitioners in the boat immediately meditated, praying to Master to give us the power to overcome the crisis. Soon after that, the motor finally started again, and the captain quickly steered the boat to the side of the river. Shortly after that the boat wouldn’t start again. It was already past midnight. We rowed with small wooden oars, sailing in the darkness of the night toward another village to borrow a motor. We were finally able to get back to the big ship and continue on our journey. The Best Manifestation Of Helping Others Is Helping Oneself Along the river, we visited the victims in Esmeralda and Maraca Villages, distributing Master’s sample booklets and provisions all the way by a speedboat, to almost every community. Everyone in the villages stood along the riverbank, greeting and accepting relief materials. Their eyes showed appreciation. It was natural and simple expression of their gratitude, but they were really touched by the relief group. The last stop was Plantanal Village where bananas were grown by the people. After we got ashore, we found it was really a paradise on earth with green hills and clean water, rivers in front and mountains behind. There was a Catholic church in the village, run by an Italian Father, Jose Bortoli. He preached in this area and taught villagers Spanish and Yanonami. There were more than twenty communities in this big village. The Indians in this area were the most peaceful of all. Every adult and child, young and old, all came down to the riverbank to welcome the relief group. We, in a very sincere way, also offered the suggestion that they not eat meat and eat more vegetables and vegetarian food instead. The local people were touched by our sincerity. Father Jose Bortoli also expressed his admiration and compliments about Master’s virtuous deed of relief. He said that it had been more than a month since the disaster happened, but only the Suma Ching Hai International Association provided the most direct and the most thorough assistance. This action deserves respect from all Venezuelans. He warmly invited us to stay in their church dormitory. That was the first night since we set out, two or three weeks ago, that we were able to enjoy the calmness and peacefulness. The next day, they arouse the whole villagers to help allocate the provisions, and ship them to other disaster areas. All the relief materials had now been distributed. It was a great relief to every member of the group. Finally there was chance to sit down together with them, singing hallelujah happily. As we were saying good-bye, the villagers all ran over again to see us off. Those children who had nothing on, waved both their hands to us. Tears had already filled our eyes. We were all very touched that Master’s holy love was so boundless, so infinite. Throwing Out A Minnow To Catch A Whale, Appealing To Venezuelans To Give Relief Leaving the Amazon jungle, we went back to Port Aiyaguchou to attend an interview with Radio Amazona. The News Department also gave an account of the disaster relief situation to encourage Venezuelan people to donate one peso per person; then the native Indian villagers would have clothes to wear. Our action was just like throwing out a minnow to catch a Whale, to awaken the brothers and sisters in Venezuela to generously lend a helping hand. From this trip,
the best harvest was realizing that Master and disciples are connected
heart to heart, helping others is actually helping ourselves, and
further understanding deeply the spirit of "Other’s suffering
is also ours; other’s agony is our agony too," as taught
by Master.
Bilder von S. 44 müssen noch gescannt werden. Medical Equipment Others (wooden boat and plane fees) Foods & Provisions Clothes, mosqito nets & hammocks
News 70, Relief Efforts Master’s Compassion Once Again Graces The Native Indians Of The Amazon Compiled by the Costa Rica Relief Team, Venezuela Master’s Love Graces Once Again Ever since Master’s first relief effort, in which food and medical supplies were transported to the native Indians residing in the flooded areas of Venezuela, they have been grateful to Her for Her compassionate care and respect Her very much. When Master learned that the affected residents were still in need of more hammocks, clothing and mosquito nets, She immediately allocated a second fund, US$16,500 for the purpose of purchasing the needed items. Once again, Her sincere loving care warmed the hearts of the native Indians. On this relief trip, as soon as fellow practitioners from Costa Rica arrived, the local county government supported them with its staff members. Along with the local policemen, the relief team visited the affected areas, bringing with them Master’s love. The victims did not think that we would visit them a second time; thus, upon seeing us again, full of Master’s love, they could hardly believe their eyes. Due to the great distance involved, fellow practitioners decided to transport the relief items via plane to four different locations which acted as distribution centers. In this way, the residents of the affected areas could inform other clansmen of the availability of the supplies. When we arrived at our first stop, La Esmeralda, many neighboring villagers immediately came to us upon hearing the news. Most of their villages were either partially or completely destroyed. Some villagers moved to another village (one with an airstrip to wait for relief). Most of the local villagers were friendly and innocent. There were also some local old “wise-men”; by observing their wood-sculptured art works, we realized that in the ancient times, their ancestors also practiced Quan Yin Method. Furthermore, when the children saw Master’s photos, they naturally came closer to us, holding our hands and asking, “Who is she?” Upon learning that She is Suma Ching Hai, they then repeatedly recited “Suma Ching Hai”. Their bright innocent eyes sparkled with the radiance of holy love. It was truly like what Master has said, that the more simple, humble and sincere the people are, the more blessings they can receive from the Master. Next, as soon as we arrived at Port Ayacucho we began to purchase the relief materials; we bought all the mosquito nets sold in the local stores. After all the materials had been purchased, they were immediately transported via cargo plane to the affected areas: Clothing, mosquito nets and hammocks were sent to La Esmeralda, Cosmolowateri, Ocamo and Platanal. From there, they were distributed to the neighboring affected villagers.
More Happiness In Giving Than In Receiving The local
Indians live on the hammocks and inside the mosquito nets. To
them, clothing is only for keeping out the cold or covering
their bodies. They subsist on natural fruits, such as bananas,
and plant cassavas. Since they live near the Orinoco River,
the inhabitants sometimes also eat fish as part of their diet.
Upon learning that all members of our association are vegetarians,
they asked us what is “vegetarianism”. We encourage
them to switch to a vegetarian diet and to stop fishing. They
were very moved whey they heard this. They emotionally talked to us with their hands gesturing in the air and their feet jumping about. After we heard the translation by the government officials traveling with us, we finally understood what they were saying, “Thank you, our friends!” Usually, the native Indians are difficult to approach; they have strong affinity with their own race and never associate or ask for help from outsiders. However, Master’s boundless love easily broke the barriers. When we gave them the hammocks and other gifts, everyone in the village, adults and children alike, all viewed them as gifts from God. They carried the gifts back home with great joy; their gratitude could easily be seen. Reluctant To Part Due to
our short stay, only long enough to quickly distribute the supplies,
we did not have any free time to talk with the villagers further
about Master’s teaching even though the sincere longing
was evident in their eyes. The Indians have already taken Master’s
associates as their own friends, as their own family members.
They were very reluctantly bid us farewell. We can only pray
to God to give them more care, to bestow upon them more blessings
and the strength to live bravely.
Details
of second disaster relief efforts in Venezuela
Hier müssen noch die Rechnungen gescannt werden
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