(Minghui.org) Since July 20, 2022, I have gone out on the streets of Manhattan, New York to collect signatures on the petition calling for an end to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). I tell people about Falun Dafa and how the CCP persecutes practitioners in China.
I do this for 45 minutes every day during my lunch hour, then for an hour after work. My office is conveniently located above a bus station. I have done this for a year now, except Sundays, rain or shine.
When the other practitioners and I send forth righteous thoughts four times a day, I sometimes see visions similar to Shen Yun's performances: The female dancers leaping into the air, with their movements making patterns like flowers blooming, or all the male dancers moving in powerful formations. I’ve also seen heavenly maidens, just like those Master Li (Dafa’s founder) drew in Hong Yin.
While sending forth righteous thoughts, I once saw eight Chinese characters: “Coming for you and wishing you great success.” Each day I send righteous thoughts, and I easily eliminate the thought of not wanting to go out. I know Dafa’s mighty power is driving me.
On one occasion, as I headed outside and walked toward a crowd, a thought suddenly hit me, “What am I doing? People are enjoying their lives, but I have to work so hard. Why don’t I go home!” At that moment, I remembered what Master said,
“At present, the entire universe has already undergone a great change. Whenever such a change takes place, all lives in the whole universe will be completely destroyed and lie in ruins.” (Lecture Five, Zhuan Falun)
I thought: This is a special moment in history, and Falun Dafa is the only hope of salvation for all sentient beings. I’m a practitioner and on a mission to assist Master to save people. If I only wish to be comfortable and don’t tell people about Falun Dafa, what will happen to them? I then resolutely headed out.
Selfishness or altruism comes from that instant thought. I made the right choice thanks to the fact that I was memorizing Zhuan Falun at the time. In my understanding, Master knew that I would later bitterly regret missing the opportunity to fulfill my vow to save others, so he enlightened me and pushed me to advance diligently.
I once talked to a businessman who was waiting for a bus. He signed the petition and accepted the brochures I offered him. He said he knew about the bad deeds the CCP had committed.
I then noticed a fat green worm on his right shoulder, making its way toward his neck. When I was a child, I would have fainted, but I was no longer afraid of such things after I began practicing Falun Dafa.
Fearing the worm would reach his neck I said, “There’s something on your shoulder.” His face turned pale. He swept it off and jumped to look around. I didn't realize men could also be afraid of such things.
Startled by the worm and his reaction, I also looked around but the worm was gone. I said, “You’re safe now!” He looked at me, “Am I safe now?” I said, “Yes!” His bus arrived and he repeatedly said, “Thank you!” as he boarded.
When I thought about this incident later, I realized Master was encouraging me and telling the man he was saved.
I occasionally saw Mr. Dixon at the bus stop, and he signed the petition. He exclaimed, “I gave my wife the little lotus flower, and she loves it!” Each time we met, he offered me encouragement, “People here don’t know what you’re doing. You know more than they do, and you’re stronger than they are. You’ve got to keep going!”
An elderly woman signed the petition after I told her about the persecution. I said, “The CCP not only wants to harm people physically, but it also wants to rob them of their spirituality. It forbids people from practicing Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and wants to destroy mankind!”
She smiled, “I’m a Christian, and I’ve believed in God all my life. I know there are deities who look over me, and it’s no coincidence that I met you today.” She held up the brochure in her hand and said, “I’ll take a good look at this!” As she walked away I thought, “She truly believes in God!”
One dignified young woman stood out from the crowd like a flower. As I talked with her, I noticed her eyes exuded kindness. She signed the petition, took the information, and said, “Thank you for bringing us together!”
I marveled at the courage and insight of this woman and was thankful that the Creator cherishes good people.
I frequently talk to people who have seen Shen Yun or read the Epoch Times. From our conversations, I knew this group had the most comprehensive and profound understanding of the truth.
I’ve collected 15,000 signatures as of this writing. The number 15,000 was a goal I set in January. When I began, I wasn’t confident I could achieve this because it meant I needed to go out and talk to people every day. To my surprise, Master helped me fulfill my wish five days ahead of schedule. So I took the occasion of the anniversary of the persecution on July 20 to write an article.
My most profound realization over this past year is that the power of Dafa is guiding us to walk on a righteous path and fulfill our vows. It is only with Master's compassionate encouragement and guidance that practitioners can break through obstacles and move forward. I am grateful for his compassionate salvation!
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