The Supreme Master Ching HaiBy Tokyo Relief Team (Originally in Japanese)
After the torrential rain that lasted from noon to evening on July 5, 2017, the water level in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures in Kyushu, Japan had reached a record high. By August 5, 184 houses were destroyed, 2,170 residences damaged and 36 people had lost their lives. Five people were still missing.
Following Master’s loving instruction to provide relief assistance to disaster victims, our Tokyo Association members gathered information about the extent of the damage of the heavy rains and the supplies required. As soon as we learned that the city of Asakura in Fukuoka Prefecture needed rain boots, we sent them 34 pairs next morning. When the city called out for 500-milliliter bottles of green tea or barley tea, we immediately arranged the shipment.
On July 29, a relief team formed by our Japanese Association members set off to the disaster-hit Fukuoka and Oita prefectures. In two days, we visited 12 shelters in the cities of Asakura and Hita, and the village of Toho village and distributed 160 gift sets containing vegan snacks, heat stroke prevention candies, Master’s The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Sample Booklet, and Alternative Living flyers. In addition, we shared Master’s books The Dogs in My Life and God Takes Care of Everything, as well as green tea and vegetable and fruit juice. We were deeply moved to see many volunteers were removing dirt left by the storm in the boiling heat of over 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
In smaller shelters, we were able to meet the evacuees. Many of them were elderly people. When we offered words of sympathy and asked them if they needed anything, they replied, “It’s enough that we are alive.” “There is no trouble.” Some also said, “Thank you for coming from afar.” “My home was washed away, but I was still able to have an enjoyable memory today.” They were very happy about our visit. We are sincerely thankful for being able to bring Master’s love and light to the disaster areas and send our heartfelt prayers for their fast recovery.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Heavy Rain Relief Work in Kyushu, Japan
| Description | Amount（JPY） | Receipt |
| Rain boots, barley tea and green tea | 149,750 | A |
| Green tea, heat stroke prevention candies, rice crackers, cookies, candies and vegetable juice | 66,554 | B |
| Shipping fee | 7,280 | C |
| Transportation fee (car rental, highway tolls and gasoline) | 48,244 | D |
| Total | JPY 271,828 (US$2,477) |
The relief team spent JPY 121,550 (US$1,108) for their own transportation.
