(Minghui.org) Last year, I noticed that many people visited a scenic area in my hometown. When the azaleas were in full bloom the great view drew crowds of tourists. I thought that it would be wonderful if I could sell a few goods there and use the opportunity to clarify the truth about Dafa to people. I shared the idea with a fellow practitioner, who was very supportive and immediately agreed to join me. We made a quick trip to a wholesale market to stock up on goods, then we cooked some wholesome food to sell at the scenic area.
We arrived at the end of April last year during a holiday period, so the area was packed with visitors. We brought small stools, a few wooden planks, and a large umbrella and set up a simple stall. The wind in the mountainous area is strong and cold. Because it was a free-access area and no one maintained it—the restrooms, inside and out, were covered in human waste. We cleaned them, arranged a small rest area, and put out a few stools. When visitors saw us selling goods they came over and greeted us, and we invited them to sit down and rest. As we chatted with them we gradually clarified the facts about Dafa and encouraged them to withdraw from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its affiliated organizations.
We were initially nervous when we talked to people about Dafa and the persecution. We gradually overcame our fear and regarded them as our cherished family members—we knew we could not let their opportunity to be saved slip away. We went from being afraid to speak, to confidently telling them, “We practice Falun Dafa. Falun Dafa is good! Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good! Everything we are doing here is voluntary.” People agreed that Dafa is good, and were saved.
One time I was talking to a visitor, and he replied, “I know about you practitioners. I often discuss Falun Dafa with the officers at the local police station. You are all good people, and you’ve been wronged. We are fully aware of that and we also read your books. You must keep doing what you do and don’t give up. In the future, you will surely be vindicated.” I responded, “Yes, the injustice we have suffered will certainly be addressed. I believe with all my heart that day will come.” He nodded and agreed. I knew Master was using an everyday person’s words to encourage me.
A family from Zibo, Shandong Province saw a short online video that showed how beautiful this place was, so they came here. It felt as though they came specifically to hear the truth about Dafa. They didn’t visit any other attractions in the area. They simply listened to us and then left.
We had many other encounters, including with high-ranking officials, prominent business owners, provincial Public Security Bureau officers, Domestic Security agents, actors, and many others. We knew Master arranged for them to come here to be saved. When they arrive we greet them warmly: “Please sit down and rest for a while. Have a complimentary cup of tea, relax, and enjoy the scenery.” They are always delighted, and some say, “It feels just like coming home.” Some said, “The scenery is beautiful, and the people are wonderful too.” Others lingered, reluctant to leave. We tell them, “This is the beauty of Dafa. Falun Dafa’s positive energy field comforts the soul.”
There was one particularly amusing incident. A fellow practitioner was clarifying the facts and encouraging three tourists to do the “Three Withdrawals”, i.e., renouncing and ending their membership in the Communist Party and its affiliated organizations. When assigning them symbolic names to withdraw from the CCP, the practitioner named the first two, “Wealthy” and “Blessed,” but drew a blank to name the third. Seeing that he was being left out, the third visitor spoke, “Then call me ‘Angry.’ You gave those two such wonderful names, but nothing for me.” I quickly interjected, “Don’t be angry; be ‘Golden,’ which is even more precious!” He was delighted, and everyone laughed heartily. Witnessing this scene, I had a profound sense of how wonderful sentient beings are and how precious every life is. We must strive to offer salvation to them.
From spring through autumn, time flowed by like a stream. Looking back now, every detail in the scenic area plays in my mind like a movie:
At first, the mountain winds were fierce. Our merchandise was often blown away, and even our umbrellas were snatched up by the gusts. One practitioner had to hold an umbrella upright, like hoisting a giant banner to keep it from flying away. Every day, one practitioner was assigned to hold the umbrella. Another practitioner noticed our struggle and he bought us a small portable shelter, helped us build a sunshade canopy, and purchased a few stools. We are deeply grateful for his selfless help. He gave us shelter from the wind and rain.
The brush grew thick and obstructed the path, so we brought sickles, axes, and saws to cut down the grass, sawed branches, and chopped wood. Working together, we cleared and widened the path. One elderly practitioner in her seventies was the key contributor. A young practitioner, who had never done such labor before, worked until his hands were covered in blisters, yet he never complained.
Tourists passed by and asked, “How much are you being paid?” We replied, “No one pays us. We are repairing the road voluntarily.”
When some people gave us thumbs-up and praised us, I said, “We became good people because we practice Falun Dafa; otherwise, who would willingly take on such exhausting work?” When they heard this some tourists shouted, “Falun Dafa is good!” and continued saying it as they walked. Witnessing the awakening of these people, my eyes filled with tears. All the hardship and fatigue was worthwhile, seeing that sentient beings would be saved.
On another occasion, after a tour group arrived we volunteered to serve as guides, and explained the local culture and legends. We walked a long distance with them, taking every opportunity to clarify the facts along the way. Afterward, we rested together in a shaded pavilion, and drank some tea before we continued walking. As their bus pulled away, they waved goodbye, and we called out, “You’re welcome to visit again!” Some pressed their palms together in gratitude, repeatedly saying, “Thank you.” Others shouted, “We’re your die-hard fans!”
Although I only went to the mountain for a few short months, the experience has left a profound impression on me: people are truly waiting for us to come and offer salvation to them, and the responsibility resting on our shoulders is immense. Time is fleeting so we must hasten our efforts to clarify the facts to people.
Master has repeatedly extended the allotted time, granting us the opportunity to rescue the sentient beings in our respective heavenly worlds, to fulfill our missions, and to honor the vows we made. We should cultivate ourselves diligently by rectifying our thoughts and actions.
We must validate the Fa well. Practitioners represent the image of Dafa so what we say and do is very important. We should offer salvation to more people, live up to their earnest hopes and Master’s expectations by eliminating our selfishness and self-centered notions, rectifying everything in accordance with Dafa. We should consider others first, and eliminate our selfishness and egos.