December
2004
To: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
In the cold of winter we are delighted to learn that your esteemed Association
is developing prosperously.
During the severe earthquake that hit Mid Niigata on October 23, 2004,
twelve people were killed in Ojiya and all the residents suffered great
losses. We are deeply grateful to your esteemed Association for its
warm assistance in the form of spiritual support and material aid at
the time of the disaster.
For citizens who were compelled to live like refugees, the relief provided
by your Association was like an oasis in the desert that gave unparalleled
encouragement to the mentally and physically exhausted victims.
Two months have elapsed since the earthquake, and local residents who
have respectively moved into temporary abodes are working hard to resume
their normal lives so that our city can rise again and embark on the
path to recovery.
Here we wish to convey our deepest gratitude to your esteemed Association
for its kindness. We also wish you peace, health and prosperity!
Yours faithfully, Seki Hirokazu
Mayor of Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture
2-7-5 Jonai, Ojiya-City, Niigata Prefecture