The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Costa Rica Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
In late October 2012, Super Hurricane Sandy brought floods to Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, as the island continued to be impacted by the 2010 cataclysmic earthquake. Following the devastation caused by Sandy, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed Her care and concern for the welfare of those affected, contributing US$20,000 to respond to the most urgent needs. She also lovingly instructed our nearby Association members to personally render aid.
Accordingly, in the second week of November, a relief team of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members from Costa Rica reached Port-au-Prince.
After landing on the island, our team first sought a reliable supplier of food and essential items. The emphasis was on finding the best prices possible to serve the greatest number of families in need.
In Haiti, even everyday staples were extremely costly due to the disaster. It was thus a miracle that a store owner the 2010 Haiti relief team had contacted offered the supplies at the same cost he had charged during previous relief missions.
With the assistance of many local volunteers, we were able to set up distribution stations and provide relief kits to more than 1,400 families in the areas of Carrefour, Delmas and Canape Vert.
In addition, we visited two orphanages. In one orphanage, 18 children were in dire need of food, as the couple who cared for them had traveled out of the country due to an emergency. Without means and having exhausted all reserves, these children were caring for one another and had already gone days without eating. Our team delivered provisions, only to discover that there was no propane to cook with, and proceeded to purchase and deliver a tank of gas. What a joy it was to see happiness and smiles restored to the children’s faces!
We also felt privileged to help a blind pastor and his 12 children who were experiencing severe hardship. With unwavering faith and prayers, the pastor had made a plea to God in the certainty that his dire situation would be resolved. Thus, when our team appeared at his door with food supplies, he and his family knew his prayers had been answered.
In another family of nine orphans, we met a very special nine-year-old boy. He confided that he communicates with God through prayer and that God had asked him to preach to his people. He has since been attending several churches on Sunday in various regions to speak to their congregations. All the families we met and these nine children sent their love and thanks to Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Our relief team felt truly blessed for the opportunity to be of service to the people of Haiti, whose strong faith in God is both remarkable and inspirational.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Relief Work in Haiti
| Description | Amount (USD) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Food (rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, spaghetti and corn flour) | 20,000 | A |
| Total | US$20,000 |
Approximately US$3,000 in traveling expenses for the relief work was provided by our Association members in the USA.
