Goldstein Letter

[Guest guest]

Friday, December 31, 2004 12:19 PM

Another Goldstein Letter

December 30, 2004

All Sai devotees and all Sai Organizations in Overseas Countries. To be

distributed to the Sai Center Presidents by the Central Coordinators and read

in the Sai Centers by the Sai Center Presidents and copies to be made available

to those who request.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters

 

May the Selfless Love for which Bhagavan Baba has taken human form be awakened

in our hearts and may we act with compassion to set right the world. All of you

are aware of the tragic earthquake and the subsequent massive tidal waves that

are having devastating effects in some Southeast Asian countries.

The tragedy of this day and age is upon us. This is a time of intense

tribulation and unprecedented adversity. Let our hearts control our minds and

actions. Let us bow our heads in prayer and raise our hands to help. In this

manner, we, and those whom we strive to help, and even those who are beyond our

help come closer to God.

 

THE WORK HAS BEGUN!

It is inspiring to behold the heroic efforts of our brothers and sisters in the

stricken areas. Many Sai Workers in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand,

Malaysia and other areas as well, undaunted by the horror and havoc of the

disastrous circumstance, have undertaken all manner of relief work. They are

saving precious lives of many victims. They are providing the physical

necessities of life for those who have nothing. They are uplifting theforlorn

who have lost everything. They are just > beginning the long, arduous process

to help restore functional societies in the stricken areas.

The International Sai Organization is responding. Bhagavan Baba has reiterated

many times over the years that charitable contributions to any worthwhile

effort to serve the needy, must be motivated by the heart and that will always

be true. Therefore, we should not engage in any solicitation of funds.

Nevertheless, for those who might be so moved, the Prasanthi Council, with

Bhagavan Baba's Approval, has established an International Earthquake Relief

Fund and the details are given below. Already substantial funds have been sent

to India and Sri Lanka.

 

Diligence is in progress to assist the other affected countries. With regards to

sending goods and materials, such as food, clothing, and medicines, it is not

appropriate now, but local conditions and opportunities to be helpful by

sending materials are being continuously reassessed. At present, the cost in

time and money to transport goods and materials and the stress that would be

placed on the receiving Sai Organizations that are already steadfastly engaged

in rendering urgently required services require that we confine ourselves to

funding at this moment.

With regards to skilled personnel, such as physicians, nurses, and other trained

people with relevant skills, the infrastructure is not yet in place in the

afflicted areas to enlist the efforts of devotees from other areas. This also

is being continuously reassessed.

The officers of the Sai Organizations have clearly indicated that the primary

need at this time is funding. Substantial funds have already been sent to India

and Sri Lanka. This aid will extend to other stricken areas. We are following

all developments closely and will respond accordingly.

 

FUNDING:

The entity approved by Bhagavan Baba to receive international funds for aid to

the victims of the earthquake is the SATHYA SAI SOCIETY OF AMERICA EARTHQUAKE

RELIEF FUND. Details on how to accomplish bank transfers or mail contributions

are given below:

For bank transfers send to:Sathya Sai Society of America Earthquake Relief

FundAccount Number: 242 43 01645Bank of AmericaRouting Number: 121000358North

Arcadia Branch number 2424169 East Foothill Blvd.Arcadia, California 91006

For mailing contribution the address is:Sathya Sai Society of America Earthquake

Relief FundP.O. Box 660908Arcadia, California 91066 - 0908

 

SENDING GOODS AND SERVICES:

This will be done if and when it becomes appropriate. For all who might be ready

to send food, clothing, medicines, and other required materials, especially

those who have the ability to transport useful goods, please contact Vijay

Desai at vijaydesai918 (AT) aol (DOT) com.

 

VOLUNTEERS WITH SPECIAL SKILLS

For all people who have special and required skills such as physicians, nurses,

and others, please contact Dr. Narendra Reddy at nreddysai .

If and when it becomes appropriate, teams will be dispatched to render service.

The Prasanthi Council is monitoring all developments and all activities of the

Sai Workers in the stricken area continuously.

 

As we pray for our dear brothers and sisters who have been devastated, Bhagavan

Baba will expand our hearts with love and compassion for our brothers and

sisters. He will expand our minds and our ingenuity as well. More effective

ways to serve those in need will become evident and we will act. The work has

begun.

We have taken these human forms and live these human lives in order to become

Divine Instruments of Selfless Love and Selfless Service.

 

Lovingly, In the Service of SaiMichael GoldsteinChairman, Prasanthi

CouncilForwarded by Gerald on 31.12.2004

 

 

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