In Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Relief News Update from Korea…
In mid-July 2023, Korea was affected by intense monsoon rains that caused floods, mudslides, extensive damage, and the tragic loss of more than 40 lives. Subsequently, on August 10th, Typhoon Kanun ravaged the area destroying roads and bridges while flooding homes, commercial buildings, and vital crops.
Upon hearing the news of this sudden devastation and loss, our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) offered a humble contribution of US$12,000, “to further helping those who need most. My love and prayers for the victims, and may God – Grace, Comfort and Bless all in time of trouble. Thank you, all brothers and sisters who volunteer to aid the affected. Bless you!”
With Master’s loving contribution, our Korean Association members (all vegan) quickly mobilized a team to carry out the relief efforts in the affected areas.
On August 14th, our Association’s Daegu Center packaged over US$3,400 worth of essential supplies, including blankets, vegan ramen noodles, and soymilk packets, along with Master’s book “Love is the Only Solution” and SOS flyers, for the residents of nearby Gunwi County, where 170 people were affected by flooding.
The following day, the Korean relief team traveled to the disaster area, where they distributed the packages at a welfare center to more than 100 people, mostly elderly citizens. Many were intrigued by their new copy of the book “Love is the Only Solution,” and some started reading it right then and there. The relief supplies were warmly welcomed by Gunwi County officials.
“It helps. Very good. I thank you Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.”
“I think I will remember this Association for a very long time. Because Daegu City had difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the most difficult time, you provided lunchboxes. Please continue to pay attention to us. So, I will remember Supreme Master Ching Hai and thank You for continuing to support us in every disaster.”
The Korean relief team then traveled to Jun-gu 1-ri Village, which had been affected by a river backflow, causing a major water shortage. Upon receiving relief packages, some of the elderly disaster victims were visibly moved, shed tears of gratitude, and held the hands of our Association members to express their appreciation. The head of Jun-gu 1-ri Village also respectfully thanked our Association. “Your support will be a great help. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.”
Additionally, our Association’s relief team went door-to-door to some of the most severely impacted households in the village, offering supplies and warm words of comfort. Here, too, Master’s Love and support were received with tears of gratitude. In total, 150 relief packages were distributed or delivered to the typhoon-affected victims of Gunwi County.
On August 17th, our Association’s relief team traveled to Goseong County after hearing about eight families who needed help after their homes were flooded. There, they delivered over US$1,600 worth of basic necessities including rice, vegan ramen, cooking stoves, and toiletries, while also offering soothing words of comfort.
The following week, on August 22nd, our Association members in Daegu Center were approached directly by disaster officials, who had heard about their work in Gunwi County and reported that there was now a severe shortage of kitchen utensils in other disaster-affected communities. Upon hearing this, Daegu Center immediately purchased kitchen utensils plus other daily necessities, and packaged them together with the “Love is the Only Solution” book and SOS pamphlets. The team then visited community centers in Yecheon and Bonghwa counties as well as in Munyeong and Yeongju cities, delivering a total of 250 sets of relief supplies worth over US$6,100 to local distributors, who in turn will deliver the aid to affected residents. The community volunteers expressed their sincere gratitude to our Association on behalf of the victims.
“Thank you so much, Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, for bringing such necessary kitchen utensils for the flood victims. When our flood victims receive these relief items, they will be very grateful. Thank you so much for your help.”
“On behalf of the victims, we would like to thank you again from the volunteer centers in our four areas. Thank you.”
On August 27th, our Association’s relief team identified additional affected households in Goseong County that still had not received aid. Working with relevant authorities, they purchased supplies for 100 families worth over US$4,500, including vegan ramen, electric instant noodle pots, towels, and vegan meat alternatives, packaged together with “Love is the Only Solution” book and SOS leaflets at our Association’s Seoul Center.
The following day, the Korean relief team traveled nearly 150 miles from Seoul back to Goseong County, where they were warmly welcomed and thanked by the county governor, The Honorable Myung-Jun Ham.
“Many people whose houses had never been flooded before had their homes flooded because it rained so much in such a short period of time. It’s a pity that people affected by flood are rather poor and very elderly. Thank you. Appreciate it.”
Under heavy rain, the team visited typhoon victims door-to-door delivering relief items, with Master’s Blessings.
“Thank you for coming like this. I appreciate this arrangement.” “Be happy. Hope you recover soon and get back to normal life soon.” “Yes, yes, yes.”
Though the team was worried that the bad weather might cause difficulties in delivering the supplies, thanks to Heaven’s protective grace, all 100 sets were ultimately given out.
“Thank You, Master.”
“Thank you for helping like this. I will deliver this to affected residents. Thank You, Supreme Master Ching Hai.”
Our utmost gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her boundless Love and Compassion towards the flood-affected Korean citizens. We respectfully thank our Korean Association members and all who have contributed to the ongoing relief effort. May the wise Korean people swiftly restore their towns and fields and continue on the path to becoming a virtuous, all-vegan nation, in the radiance of the Buddha.
