On May 21, Golden Year 3 (2006), a group of 16 Formosan initiates flew to Athens, the capital of Greece, to disseminate the message of Alternative Living. Since we had to stay more than 8 hours in transit in Doha, the capital of the Arabian country Qatar, we had arranged a local guide and tour bus so that we could distribute the Arabian Alternative Living flyers in some busy places during our transit time.

We arrived in Doha a little after 4:00am, it had been already 15 hours since our departure, but our initiates did not look tired at all. While waiting for our tour guide, we took this good opportunity to pass out the flyers to the tourists and taxi drivers at the airport. It was still early, and most of the shops were not yet open. After discussing the purpose of our visit with the tour guide, we went around the central area for a while, and then went directly to a wholesale market for fruits and vegetables. When we got there, it turned out to be the busiest time at the market. It was fully packed with huge crowds of people! Within less than an hour, everyone already had a flyer in their hands.

After returning to our bus, the tour guide told us that this market is the main wholesale market for fruits and vegetables in Qatar and he sincerely thanked us on behalf of the market staff, because our flyers were actually free advertising for them. According to the information from our tour guide, about one fourth of Doha inhabitants are local people, and the other three fourths are from other countries. That’s why people often asked for English flyers. Originally we only planned to bring 300 English flyers for the tourists in Greece, but our initiates actually brought with them nearly 700 English flyers and they were of immediate use. We could not help praising about these miracles that God had already arranged, we should simply be obedient and comply with Hiers will.

We arrived in Athens on May 22. The hotel we stayed in was very close to Syntagma Square. Therefore as soon as we put down our luggage, we immediately went to the square to give out flyers. One vegetarian expressed his sincere appreciation when he received a flyer as if he had met his soul mate. What a wonderful and encouraging beginning it was for us all!

On May 23, we divided into three groups to distribute flyers along the three main routes of Athens’ subway. We placed the Greek flyers in the entrance of each subway station, or inserted them into newspapers in order to reach each longing soul. The subway entrances were the best places for distribution. While waiting for or riding on the trains, people were reading the flyers and discussing with each other. Although we came from different countries, our souls were merged together here to experience the grace of God. After reading the leaflet, one gentleman came to ask where he could buy tofu. Some people acknowledged very much the contents of the flyer, and wanted to know more related information. Even though the conversations were short, we all could feel that the spirituality and consciousness of these people had been elevated.

On May 24, in order to distribute a large amount of flyers more efficiently, the initiates inserted them into the free newspapers at the stands in the subway stations during the rush hours when people were going to work. Some people stopped, and especially waited for us to insert the flyer before taking the newspaper. One painter particularly asked about Master when he saw Her photo on the pendant that an initiate wore. He also insisted on helping us put flyers inside the newspapers and then organized them.

After we completed placing the flyers inside the newspapers, we happened to see a parade of college students. There were so many people that there wasn’t a moment that we stopped giving out flyers. Many people acknowledged the message greatly after reading it, and expressed their encouragement to our initiates. In a subway station, one lady and a gentleman read the leaflet carefully, and then raised their heads and stared deeply at Master’s picture that a sister was wearing. At that very moment, there was no need for any language, people just dissolved in the unity of God’s love.

In the evening of May 25, there were many tourists at Eden beach, and after receiving the leaflets, many of them lay on the beach and discussed the contents. One couple talked with a sister-initiate especially about how to make tofu. We treasured our last night’s stay in Athens very much, and the whole group gave out flyers together along the shore of the Aegean Sea. It was the time when many Greek families, old and young, were taking a walk along the beach. Everyone had a flyer in their hands amidst this blissful and tranquil atmosphere. What a magnificent scene!?After reading the flyer, some people praised us with their thumbs up and told us that our work was very beneficial. A Yugoslavian immigrant gentleman who was accompanied by a two-year-old came to tell us that he and his child were vegetarian. He particularly gave us his email address, and hoped to get more information from us later on.

While we were distributing the flyers, many people often asked for one and then inquired about vegetarian food and spiritual practice. Some requested extra copies for their family members or to share with their friends.

Before coming on this trip, one initiate had an inner vision that all the Greek people turned their heads and looked at the flyer. From this, everyone could better understand the importance of this journey. One sister initiate normally does not like traveling. However, Master’s words “Love has to translate into physical action” from the DVD “Songs of Love” deeply touched her. She found that when she really put Master’s words into action, there is a natural flow of energy that emerges, that she does not feel tired at all, nor does she want to stop working. It is just as what Master has said that as long as we contribute our portion sincerely, God will bless us with the other ninety-nine percent.

On the last night in Athens when we sat together and shared our experiences, one sister saw that each one of us had a radiant light circling around our head emanating a peaceful atmosphere. Many thanks to Master’s blessing in that we were able to bring God’s love and light to this country, and many longing souls could have the chance to receive God’s message through the Alternative Living flyers.