(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri gathered at Forest Park on May 13, 2023 and celebrated the 31st anniversary of Dafa’s public introduction, which is also the 24th World Falun Dafa Day and the 72ndbirthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa.

Prior to the celebration, mayors in O’Fallon, St. Peters, and Wentzville, proclaimed May 13, 2023 as Falun Dafa Day in their cities. Courtesy resolutions were also issued by a Missouri state senator and three state representatives, commending the practitioners in their efforts in bringing universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance to the community.

Falun Dafa practitioners in Greater St. Louis wish Master Li a Happy Birthday 

Falun Dafa practitioners in Greater St. Louis doing the exercises

The practitioners expressed their gratitude to Master in teaching Dafa and bringing hope to the world’s people. They felt honored to encounter Dafa and cherish the opportunities to practice Dafa. They vowed to cultivate more diligently in order to repay Master.

Rick and his son Nathaniel

Rick has been seeking the truth of the universe since he was little. He explored many religions, but none of them were able to answer the questions he had. He came across Falun Dafa on the Internet in 2015. He felt its teaching was very genuine and pure. After reading Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Dafa, for a year, he decided this is what he was looking for. Now he and his wife, as well as their three children, practice Falun Dafa. They thanked Master Li for enabling them to live a very healthy lifestyle and for guiding them on a spiritual path. 

Martin

Martin has been practicing Dafa for nearly two decades. He said the biggest change he had was that he was no longer consumed by anxiety. He was able to keep a peaceful and calm mind when conflicts arose. In addition to the changes to his character, his allergies and gastric acid reflux also disappeared and he always felt energetic after doing Dafa exercises.

Ms. Dong wishes Master Li a Happy Birthday

Ms. Dong started practicing Dafa in 1994. Before she came to the U.S., she was held in a brainwashing center for upholding her faith. She is grateful for having the freedom to practice Dafa in the U.S., without worrying about being arrested at anytime. 

“The persecution has brought tremendous harm to us, both physically and mentally. I’m so happy to have the environment in the U.S. to practice Dafa freely. I’ve benefited so much from Dafa all these years. I couldn’t express enough my gratitude for Master. Today is World Falun Dafa Day and I would like to wish Master a Happy Birthday.”