The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

TZU CHI 140 21 “Many people came here to take photos, as if this was a tourist attraction…” Mokhtar was furious at those who only offered lip service. Hence, when Tan Chew Guat and fellow Tzu Chi volunteers approached him to offer care, he sneered, “What can you do for me? Can you help me clean my house, right now?” Chew Guat dared not promise when the volunteers could help with the clean-up, as water and electricity supplies were still disrupted at the flood-stricken area. Hence, they appeared to be no different from other onlookers, and the distraught Mokhtar drove them away after scolding them vehemently. One small seed can move mountains Although unnerved by his cold and callous attitude, the volunteers empathized with the man when they found out that he has been living alone. His children work and live in another town. The volunteers invited him to collect food, masks, bottled water and other essentials at the flood relief operation centre. When Mokhtar arrived at the operation centre with the hope of getting some clean clothes, the volunteers attended to him immediately and got him some clothes from the recycling centre. Seeing that he was feeling unwell, they also got a doctor from Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) to check on him. However, Mokhtar remained indifferent and sceptical. His apathy spoke of a wounded heart filled with resentment and despair. But one day, when Tzu Chi volunteers and those from the public joined hands to do a large- scale clean-up at his residential area, which included shovelling the mud out of his house and removing the damaged furniture, Mokhtar made a startling confession. “It was not until the moment you got the first shovel of mud that I believed you were all really here to help the flood victims. Yes, I mean helping in action, not just empty words.” Later, when the volunteers visited him again to gather information for the cash relief distribution, he listened patiently as they shared the work and mission of Tzu Chi, and it did not take long for him to see Tzu Chi in a more positive light. While watching a video clip of Tzu Chi’s work with flood victims at the cash relief distribution ceremony, he remarked, “I saw Tzu Chi volunteers’ sincerity. I am most surprised about the cash relief. Thank you very much! Tzu Chi has now become the organization that I respect the most.” His eyes welled up as he received the RM1,000 cash card. Mokhtar was also inspired by Tzu Chi’s bamboo bank concept that small savings, when accumulated, could go a long way to accomplish great deeds. Hence, he took a coin bank home, and said that he would donate a little more if he could sell his plants at a good price. It was a thoughtful gesture that showed a big shift in his attitude, and it was inspirational. Chew Guat was amazed at how a once hardened victim like Mokhtar could stoop and feel for those in the same plight, and she hopes to see the rippling effect of these generous drops of kindness among the flood victims. In the final analysis, each seed of compassion, however small, can move even the biggest mountain of despair. Making a Difference With Genuine Love Tzu Chi Flood Relief Action