On November 15, 2007, southern Bangladesh was devastated by Tropical Cyclone Sidr. Casualties were heavy, innumerable people displaced, and most crops destroyed. Hearing about the disaster, at once Master mercifully allocated a US$30,000 relief fund and instructed fellow initiates to launch a relief operation immediately.

The five-member relief team reached Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on the afternoon of November 20. With the help of Mr. and Mrs. Laurent Ortelli, who were passengers on the same flight, the team managed to contact a Catholic priest in Dhaka who introduced them to the local NGO Forum. Adhering to Master's instructions, the relief team's priority was victims in remote areas who had yet to receive help from the government and the NGOs. Such areas included the four districts of Barguna, Pirojpur, Patuakhali and Jhalakathi, as well as 12 villages in the 10 subdistricts of Sadar, Patharghata, Amtoli, Zianagar, Mathbaria, Nazirpur, Bhandaria, Bauphal, Galachipa and Nalchiti.

On the morning of November 22, fellow initiates quickly purchased emergency provisions such as rice, salt, lentils, milk powder, mineral water, warm trousers, matches and water-purifying agents. With help from more than 30 volunteers from the NGO Forum, they worked through the night packing the materials into 4,900 family packs (for five persons). That night, the first truck left to transport the relief supplies to victims in the most heavily affected villages. More trucks followed one after another to other affected villages. Thanks to God's grace and our comprehensive planning, the distribution work proceeded smoothly in all affected areas.

The relief team arrives in Jhalakathi District and is warmly greeted by Ms. Samima Rani, CEO of local NGO Shakaler Jannya Kallyan

When the relief team arrived at Jhalakathi District, they were greeted by and received earnest assistance from Ms. Samima Rani, CEO of local NGO Shakaler Jannya Kallyan (SJK). Ms. Rani extended her gratitude to Master for Her love and aid to the victims. When fellow initiates departed on a boat after the relief work was finished, they looked back and saw happiness and contentment on the faces of the villagers as they made their way into the riverside forest, carrying the relief materials on their heads and waving to them to show their gratitude. Instantly, their hearts warmed with gratification and joy.

Members of the relief team discuss the relief operation with the Executive Director of NGO Forum in Barisal

The distribution of relief supplies finished on the morning of November 25. The task was successfully accomplished, thanks to several angels sent by God. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Laurent Ortelli, extended their full support after learning about the purpose of the trip. They provided 50,000 Taka (BDT) for fellow initiates immediate use, and helped organize the printing and transportation of the flyers. Most importantly, thanks to their meticulous arrangement, the key persons and organizations in this relief operation - the Catholic priest who had often conducted disaster relief work and the NGO Forum in Barisal - were able to be contacted quickly. With their assistance, expenditures were minimized and the relief procedure was miraculously smooth. Mr. Rofiqul, who provided translation service to the relief team for the second time, was extremely touched and expressed his deepest gratitude for Master's love and repeated aid to the people of Bangladesh.

The affected areas were concentrated in southern Bangladesh and most of the stricken villages were cut off by overflowing rivers, making access very difficult for the government and NGOs. Therefore, Master's timely assistance was highly appreciated by the victims. Fellow initiates on the relief team are extremely grateful for Master's blessing that made them feel safe and peaceful in a strange land, and enabled them to accomplish their task successfully.

Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for Tropical Cyclone Relief Work in Bangladesh

To view the Humanitarian Relief Activities by the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association, please visit:
http://www.GodsDirectContact.org.tw/humanitarian
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