Love in Action
USA
Nourishing Body and Soul
in Serving the Homeless
By Sister-initiate Mai C., Los Angeles, USA (Originally
in English)
Throughout the months of December through March, the County of Orange's Cold Weather Program opens the doors of local armories so that up to 250 individuals and families can be housed overnight during the coldest months of the year. Fellow initiates from the Los Angeles Center were glad for the opportunity to share Master's love with these less fortunate in their monthly service activity of giving back to the local community. So, on March 25, 2006, Los Angeles sisters and brothers prepared and served hot meals for the disadvantaged people in the Orange County armory of Santa Ana. Even as the initiates first arrived at the armory, Master’s blessings were evident. A person commented as the fellow initiates approached the area, "I can't believe there are actually people like you. God bless you for coming tonight!" As the meals were being served, many of the recipients, which included staff members as well as the homeless, expressed their pleasure about the delicious taste of the vegetarian cuisine. They also appreciated being given the Alternative Living flyers, which they read attentively. One person commented, "The food’s so tasty and yummy," and another said, "I like this vegetarian diet; it keeps me healthy." One of the staff members also asked fellow practitioners to prepare an extra 40 meal boxes to save for the homeless who would arrive later that night. Within an hour of arriving, approximately 245 underprivileged residents had received warm meals and Alternative Living flyers, reminders that God loves and looks after every soul. Practitioners felt grateful for this chance to serve. They pray that by following Master's teachings and setting the noble example of being vegetarian, all humans will soon turn toward a more loving, environmentally friendly lifestyle that includes the vegetarian diet. Moreover, through Master’s elevation of the world's consciousness and Her continued grace and blessings, humanity’s greater compassion for animals will allow all to be further uplifted spiritually. |