Lighthouse in the Darkness

[Taipei] The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was among a number of groups recognized recently for "meritorious contributions to prison counseling and probationer protection for the year 1999." Representatives accepted a certificate of recognition presented by the Minister of Justice Yeh Chin-fong at a commendation ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice on December 27.

Since 1990, volunteers from the Formosa Centers have participated in prison counseling to share Master's teachings in prisons and detention centers throughout Formosa and its offshore islands. In recent years, fellow practitioners have conducted inmate counseling in cooperation with the Hualien District Court Prosecutors' Office and the Hualien Branch of the Formosa New Life Protection Association. Also, many needy probationers have been helped through difficult times via relief funds and payment of medical expenses. The earnest participation and outstanding service have earned this commendation for the second time.

The annual commendation ceremony is held by the Ministry of Justice to encourage social organizations to devote resources to prison counseling and probationer protection work, and to help released inmates live new and independent lives. A review committee of the Ministry of Justice carefully analyzed the many groups nominated for this third annual commendation before selecting ten winning community groups and individuals. Among those honored were The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, Christian nun Zhou Zichun, the Taipei County Association for Honorary Probation Officers, and the Christian Home of the Lord's Love Counseling Center.

In December 1999 and January 2000, practitioners distributed warm clothing and supplies to inmates of the Counseling Home of Geng Sheng Protection Society, Hualien Branch and low-income parolees under the observation of the Hualien Prosecution Department.

Formosa fellow practitioners respond to request from Hualien Branch of the Formosa New Life Protection Association for an emergency relief fund with a check for NT$10,000. Chief (left) of the clerical office receiving contribution on behalf of the Hualien District Court Prosecutors' Office.