Fires are ravaging the Australian countryside with over 1.1 million hectares destroyed. Firefighters and volunteers are besieged from the sweltering heat, exhaustion and separation from their loved ones after 50 continuous days of battling the flames. The entire nation prays for help, but who can hear? Well someone can, The Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Due to severe drought and dry lightning storms, many fires have started this summer in Australia. The most severe ones have been burning in the southeast for almost 2 months, with over 14,500 fire fighting volunteers from all over Australia, New Zealand and the USA helping. These are the longest fires in our recorded history. Many of the volunteers have left their jobs and some even fired due to the length of time involved. But nonetheless, their devotion and selfless sacrifice to the country have brought tears of praise from the Australians.

It was on the 49th continuous day of burning that our beloved Master called to share Her concern and asked what love we were putting into action. After calling the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Red Cross and other aid groups, we soon realized the best way to help with the crisis was to contribute financially, to the very efficient and established systems of support we have in this blessed land. Even though we wanted to help, the police would not allow us into the affected area due to the high danger risk. But we could render support to the firemen indirectly.

However, the most needed blessing came from Master on day 50!

Rain, glorious rain sent straight from heaven – the perfect answer to everyone's prayers. It rained for two days continuously, thus containing most of the fires and finally, the exhausted fire fighters got some well deserved rest. Many home owners and towns were relieved, fear and anxiety washed away by God's love and grace.

	A check of $1500 AUD was handed over to a local fire station in need of a new fire truck.

It was the CFA, an organization that represents the voluntary fire fighters, that needed help the most. These volunteers not only give up their valuable free time, often away from their families for long periods, but also they are not paid by the government and most have to take unpaid leave to serve us by fighting these fires. Therefore, the bothers and sisters from the Australian Centers contributed to present $1500 AUD on January 22 to a local fire station in need of a new fire truck.

In addition Supreme Master Television Melbourne also recorded the presentation to the CFA and is currently producing a heartfelt story about the fires, to share with the world. The CFA were very enthusiastic during the interview, and so grateful, happy and surprised that our ‘meditation group' came out of nowhere to support them. One of the volunteers in particular was a noble example of “sacrifice!” She is a single mum with two boys who also works part-time, yet still manages to be a passionate volunteer. She says, “I have been a volunteer since I was 16.” We all felt very bonded and in such high spirits at the end of the interview. You could feel Master's love blessing these heroes that give up their free time and risk their lives to protect the people, property and communities of Australia.

On Sunday, February 4, Golden Year 4 (2007), a group of Melbourne Initiates went to help the small township of Licola in Victoria, Australia. This little town was amongst the worst hit by the fires and received no help from any aid or government organization.

Another contribution of $8000 AUD was given to the needy individuals and families in Licola, along with 12 new fire fighting pumps.

Another $8000 AUD that was generously contributed from all the centers in Australia was divided among the small population in Licola, Along with the relief cash, there were also 12 new fire pumps contributed.

All the people from Licola couldn't believe we came to help them when they needed it most. They were so amazed and grateful. Some of them were crying and telling us the terrible stories that happened when the fires engulfed their little town.

Everyone felt very uplifted. Yes, we could really feel the true meaning of love and compassion through the act of “giving.” Thank you Master for giving us this opportunity to show us the meaning of selfless giving.

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