Keeping a Strong Spirit in the Face of Adversity
By Brazil News Group (Originally in Portuguese)
At the end of November 2008, floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain forced more than 54,000 people to leave their homes in southern Brazil. Many cities were cut off by water and blocked roads. Santa Catarina Governor Luiz Henrique da Silveira said the region was facing “the worst weather tragedy in history.” A state of emergency had been declared and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered federal help. Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately pledged US$20,000 to help alleviate the situation. Our Association members acted quickly to organize a relief operation and were able to complete the mission with US$11,140 in contributions from the Brazil Centers without using Master’s fund. Much-needed food, medicine, clothes and other emergency supplies were delivered into the hands of the affected people. In Rio de Janeiro State, the team provided relief items to a local hospital which accommodated most people who lost their homes in the area. In Espiritu Santo State, they worked with city hall representatives and brought additional supplies to the worst stricken city of Vilha Velha. 
Whiling distributing SOS flyers, our Association members were pleased to find that people were very receptive to the message. Mr. Volnei José Morastoni, the Mayor of Itajai, one of the most affected cities, said: “All this disaster situation was created by us, humans beings, when we lost respect and harmony between the environment, technology and a friendly lifestyle. Now we pay the price; and in a few seconds, almost the entire city was destroyed which will take many years to rebuild.” The relief team was deeply touched by the strong and optimistic
spirit of the Brazilian people as they witnessed how the government
and local authorities worked hard to bring comfort to its citizens,
and hundreds of volunteers quickly came to show love to those in need.
May Heaven continue to bless the Brazilian people and their leaders
with more wisdom and strength to change to an environmentally-friendly
lifestyle soon. 
Caption: Receipts for food, medicine, clothes and other relief supplies provided by members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Brazil To view the Humanitarian Relief Activities by the Supreme Master
Ching Hai and Her International Association,
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