Bringing Master’s Comfort to the Flood-affected in Southwest France

By France News Team (Originally in English)

On October 15, 2018, heavy rainfall brought the equivalent of three months’ rain to southwestern France. Several rivers overflowed with severe flash floods, inundating towns and fields. In particular, the Aude River reached levels not seen in over 100 years. At least 10 people lost their lives around the historical city of Carcassonne, and over 2,000 residents were evacuated. The Department of Aude was placed on red alert, while firefighters, lifeguards, military civil defense units and helicopters were deployed for rescue missions.

The Red Cross launched an appeal for donations on the day following the flood, and a Facebook page was created to assist people in finding lost animal companions.  Concerned about the flood affected people, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked our local Association members to find out their immediate needs and provide relief.

On October 26, a relief team formed by our Association members in France travelled to the Monastère du Buisson Ardent in Villardonnel city after hearing that the nuns there had lost all their personal belongings and that sadly, one lost her life during the flood. We were touched to see that the villagers were taking turns to help the nuns clean the monastery. Sister Raphaella, the head nun, said that their current needs included a small freezer and a few doormats. So we delivered those items, along with some vegan snacks, Master’s book, From Crisis to Peace – the Organic Vegan Way is the Answer, and a donation of €1,000.

Sister Raphaella thanked us profusely and asked us to thank our Beloved Master and our organization for the gifts. She was also happy to show us that despite extensive damage within the monastery, all the paintings depicting Jesus’ life had been spared. She said that the flood was a reflection of the way we, as humans, are unkind toward the Earth and toward one another. Hence, the nuns were praying diligently for all humans to become kinder.

We then headed out to the nearby village of Villegailhenc and brought vegan liquid soap and food to the distribution center near the City Hall. The volunteers there conveyed their surprise as well as their feeling of comfort to hear that we were coming from far away to help out. One volunteer said that when she would hear reports about disasters before, she couldn’t relate and was somehow indifferent to them. But after becoming a flood victim herself, she feels her heart is more open and her compassion has grown.

A second team of Association members from different regions of France went to the Department of Aude on October 28 to continue relief efforts in the villages around Carcassonne city. We brought about 100 packs of nonperishable vegan food, small household appliances such as kettles as well as laundry soap. In the affected area, we were saddened to witness damaged homes, destroyed cars, and the devastated landscape. Many victims told us about their nightmare from the sudden rising waters of the Aude River in the middle of the night and that they just had time to flee their homes.

In Puicheric village, the fire brigade had been assisting victims all week with cleaning, to help restore their homes, even though their own houses were also damaged. After learning that they didn’t need any donations, we continued to Trèbes, where we gave a copy of Master’s book to a man who had lost his mother in the floods. We were also able to offer a large package of vegan food and a kettle to another person whose house had been completely destroyed. The police officer of the village was touched by our support and said that he would bring Master’s book, From Crisis to Peace, to the mayor of the city.

The village of Couffoulens looked deserted and devastated, as all dwellings were uninhabitable. However, we were able to meet with the mayor of the village, who gladly drove us to the place where we could deliver packages containing food and small appliances. We also gave the mayor Master’s book, From Crisis to Peace.

Several of the flood-affected residents conveyed their feelings of upliftment upon receiving Master’s love through Her book and the timely arrival of supplies. One of them said the book came at a good time. Another said she was delighted to receive an electric heater plate because her entire house was gone. Another gentleman was genuinely interested to know more about our Association and meditation. He said that to he would watch Supreme Master TV.

A representative from the Abbey of Saint Hilaire kindly welcomed us and told us about the flood waters that ravaged parts of her village. At the same time, she spoke of how these floods sparked solidarity and a new link between people. This village was very happy to accept our donations.

In Ladern-sur-Lauquet village, the Deputy Mayor warmly received us and told us he lost the first floor of his house due to the flooding. It happened during the night so quickly that his son almost died, as the water, which had risen to 1.5 meters, suddenly burst through his bedroom door. Our team offered him a book from our Master and another book for the mayor of the city.

Our relief team members felt that we were guided to the right places to bring Master’s love and comfort to those most in need. We were also touched to see people coming together to help each other through this tragedy. We pray that with God’s grace all the flood victims can soon rebuild and recover their normal lives.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Flood Relief Work in Southwest France