November
14, 2003
Chinese
Version
Mr. Abu Thomas is a Tzu Chi
volunteer in Jordan. He is not from a rich country, but through
his giving, Mr. Thomas is always content. He feels fortunate
to be able to nuture his compassion and share his love with
others.
As an architect, Mr. Thomas' social status
is considered upper-middle class. Four years ago, he saw Tzu
Chi volunteers doing charity and he was amazed. In the beginning,
he could not understand why these Taiwanese people were donating
money monthly to help the poor in Jordan. They were not rich,
and yet they gladly contributed regularly to help the people
in another country. He felt guilty seeing people from another
country willing to care for his people when he himself did
nothing.
Finding his life purpose
After a year of observation, Mr. Thomas
decided to become a Tzu Chi volunteer. Besides contributing
his time and efforts, he also makes monthly donations to help
with local charity efforts. He says that he found his life
purpose after joining Tzu Chi. Mr. Thomas even saved up for
a few months to make a trip to Taiwan to learn more about
Tzu Chi. After just a few days, he felt the trip was invaluable.
The spirit of Tzu Chi volunteers and the warmth in the Tzu
Chi family let Mr. Thomas see love and hope in the world.
Transcending boundaries
There are thirty-five members and
seven long-term volunteers at the Tzu Chi Jordan branch. The
volunteers make up people from Jordan, Taiwan, China, and
England. They are Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic, and other faiths.
Without boundaries of race, nationality, or religion, these
volunteers uphold the same compassionate heart and give selflessly
with joy.
