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Upon learning of the devastating subway fire in Daegu City, Korea on February 18, 2003, our compassionate Master presented relief funds totaling US $30,000 to the victims. Korean initiates were deeply touched by Master’s great love, and contacted the City’s Red Cross and Victim’s Union to offer the gift, only to be told that it was not needed because US $60 million had already been donated by the public and six months had passed since the fire. But we firmly believed that because Master instructed us to offer the money, there must be some group in the area that was truly in need of Her blessing and help.
Touched by Master’s loving contribution, the Daegu City Fire Department headquarters holds a special ceremony to receive Her unconditional Love. The shining example of Master’s compassion is an inspiration to all who were touched by the occasion. Then, after investigating the matter, we were informed that some of the firefighters involved in the rescue efforts had been hurt and were still receiving treatment for their injuries. These dedicated civil servants were used to aiding the public and expected nothing beyond their normal salaries in return. However, as they came to realize that Master’s offer expressed Her unconditional love for them, they opened their hearts and accepted the gift.
Thus, touched by Master’s loving heart, on July 26, Deputy Fire Marshal Kim Shin-Dong opened the lecture hall of the Daegu City Fire Department headquarters for a special ceremony to receive Master’s contribution, along with gifts including bedclothes sets and Master’s publications. These items were beautifully wrapped in decorative boxes to lift the firefighters’ spirits and wish them a peaceful rest and recovery. In a warm, gentle atmosphere of love and friendship, Korean initiates also supplied vegetarian noodles and healthy beverages to participants after the ceremony.
During the event, we gave to each firefighter a “Letter of Appreciation for Dedicated Service to Humankind,” recognizing them for their selfless dedication to the public. Firefighters in Korea are wholly committed to public service without expecting additional reward and are not compensated while recovering from job-related injuries. Thus Master’s caring contribution and recognition served to open their hearts and gave us a chance to convey Her love. An additional benefit resulting from this special event is that South Korea has now planned to launch a disaster relief team to help firefighters in similar situations in the future. This shining example of Master’s compassion is a real inspiration for all who were touched by the occasion.
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Korean
initiates supplied vegetarian refreshments to entertain participants
after the ceremony. |
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Expenditures
for Firefighters Injured
during the Daegu Subway Disaster
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Love in Action
