Issue 35 - September 3, 2017

Editors Note...

Swami always reminds us that God is always there whether we believe or not. And true faith is born out of the belief that He is always there to look after us, and whatever happens in our lives is because of His will. Like Swami says, "Not a blade of grass can move without MY will!" Swami's message to the Sai youth of the world this week: "Whether ups or downs, good or bad, pain or pleasure, everything that comes to us, accepting it all as God's will, is faith in God. As one walks on this path to God, initially one may need some help or support in order to walk steady. Reading a good scripture could be a help, singing Bhajans and listening to name of the Lord would be a help, taking guidance from those who have experienced, would be a help. In this way, all these are needed only so long as the person himself or herself has not reached that stage, where he or she is able to experience God within and without. All the rituals are only a way of reaching that stage, where nothing else is necessary." Yours in His Service, Bhuvana Santhanam

Service Updates

Divine Mother and Child Health Programme

As a scope for the Divine Mother and Child Health Programme, a Human Values lesson including a session on healthy living and being happy was conducted in a Brisbane Preschool for Indigenous children on Friday the 1st of September. Approximately twenty-five children participated and were provided with healthy food and gifts. There was so much love and enthusiasm in the children and the youth of Australia that they hope to conduct regular classes and health checks for the children and their families.

Japanese Youth Attend Asia Pacific Youth Conference

Japanese youth attended Asia Pacific youth conference held in Malaysia on Aug. 11th and 12th. Six girls and three boys participated this event from Japan. The theme for this youth conference was “ Seva for transformation” and throughout the programme. the true spirit of Seva was taught and experienced through Swami`s discourse and various activities organised by the Malaysian group and youth which was filled with hospitality and pure love.

Be a Hero, Save Three Lives! Five Blood Drives in August

The youth of Sai Prema Foundation embarked on yet another journey to collect some much needed “liquid love” - blood. At the request of the Fiji National Blood Services, the youth decided to adhere to the plight prompted via a recent appeal by the Ministry of Health highlighting a nationwide shortage of blood at their blood banks because of heart surgeries being conducted by a visiting team from overseas.

The day started early for the youth who took on the challenge of coordinating and hosting the blood drive. Keeping the norm in mind, the youth also arranged for fresh fruit, sandwiches, biscuits and fruit juice for the donors who needed nourishment upon completion of their blood donation.

Seva Updates For Singapore

Project Home Meals There are nearly one million low-wage migrant workers in Singapore. They make up about twenty per cent of the total population and are mostly employed in construction, shipyards, sanitation services, manufacturing and domestic work. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to assisting these low-wage migrant workers when they are in difficulty. Migrant workers on work permits contribute immensely to Singapore society and the economy, yet they often suffer unconscionable exploitation. Swami’s message of ‘Serving Humanity’ became the guiding light and a community of like-minded individuals was quickly formed. Today, with 20–30 chefs and five to six drivers, 300 home cooked food packs are delivered every Sunday to the migrant workers.

Satsang and News Updates

Highlights Of The Second Asia Pacific Youth Meet, 2017

The second Asia Pacific Youth Meet was held at Malaysia with the theme “ Seva For Transformation”. Over seven hundred youths and adults from nine countries (Australia, Fiji Islands, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, India, Taiwan and Malaysia) had gathered for the youth meet. In line with the theme “ Seva for Transformation”, v arious presentations and cultural programs were put together by the youth of various countries. Additionally, a Seva program was organized during the youth meet, which consisted of a medical camp, a provision camp (providing dry rations to needy families), the 'Ananda Cares Program' (Needy Women and Children Empowerment Program) and Narayana Seva . The highlight of the whole youth meet was Bhagawan officiating the launch of the "Sri Sathya Sai Medical & Dental Outreach Program". The program will start with the countries under the Asia Pacific region (Region 1) on a monthly basis. Bhagawan declared that this program will be held every first to third days of the month. A short summary video on the activities of the Asia Pacific Youth Meet 2017 is available below.