Conveying Master’s Love and Light to Flood-Affected Residents in Japan

By Tokyo, Japan Relief Team (Originally in Japanese)

In early September 2015, unprecedented heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Etau caused devastating flooding in eastern Japan, with Ibaraki and Tochigi Prefectures being the most affected. The city of Joso in Ibaraki Prefecture was inundated by the Kinugawa River. Approximately 2.8 million people were advised to evacuate. Eight people lost their lives.

On September 12, our Association members from the Tokyo Center provided relief supplies to five shelters in Joso and two in the neighboring city of Tsukubamirai. We were thankful to be granted access to these dangerous areas. The relief packages contained vegan food, including buns provided by Loving Hut Tokyo, hygiene supplies and Loving the Silent Tears DVDs, CDs and booklets (Japanese version). We also distributed hygienic masks after noticing that several people had been catching colds. Many victims had their houses swept away or damaged by the flood and some shed tears of gratitude while accepting the relief supplies. On the way home, we were happy to see the sun was shining in the sky, as if cheering up the troubled hearts.

On September 13, another team of our Association members from Tokyo Center went to distribute the supplies to volunteer centers in the cities of Tochigi and Kanuma in Tochigi Prefecture. Much to the appreciation of the affected people, we brought tools, including shovels, deck brushes, gloves and floor cloths, for removing mud from the houses. We also shared Loving the Silent Tears booklets (Japanese version), vegan sweets and cleaning towelettes with them.

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to convey Master’s love and light to our brethren in need. May all those affected by the flooding be blessed with much comfort and a quick return to their normal lives.

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