(Minghui.org) On December 6, 7, and 9, Falun Gong practitioners from West Australia were invited to Christmas parades in three cities: Albany, Bunbury, and Mandurah. Their beautiful performances, including the waist drums and dragon and fan dances accompanied by enjoyable music and colorful costumes, were warmly welcomed by the spectators.
The parade in Albany
The parade in Bunbury
The parade in Mandurah
Demonstrating the exercises before the parade in Bunbury.
Children learning the exercises
People in Bunbury express their support for Falun Gong.
In Albany, Mr. and Mrs. Blyth sought out the Falun Gong practitioners after the parade. “What is Falun Gong?” they asked. “We saw you in the parade just now. Very impressive. We are interested in learning more about Falun Gong.” Practitioners told them the contact information of the local exercise sites, and talked about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. The couple was shocked and expressed their support for practitioners' peaceful resistance.
The organizer of the parade in Bunbury invited practitioners to demonstrate the exercises three hours before the parade and allowed them to collect signatures on petitions protesting the persecution.
The demonstration attracted many people, especially children. Two boys, Kaden and Elijah, stayed with practitioners for an hour and learned all five exercises, which amazed the parents and other adults.
Many people had heard about the persecution and the forced organ harvesting. After signing her name on the petition, Angela said, “I am glad to see you here. The Chinese Communist Party is afraid of Falun Gong, because the power of its cultivators can bring the Party down.” Ekart Westllink also encouraged practitioners: “Didn't the Berlin Wall fall in the end? The persecution will end soon, too.”
Arahia Tuwuhangaa and her sister Tania were happy to see Falun Gong practitioners at the parade in Bunbury. They had learned Falun Gong in New Zealand and read the book Zhuan Falun.
“We have been busy and moved several times, so we didn't keep up. But we really like Falun Gong, and we want to resume the exercises. Can I buy a copy of Zhuan Falun from you today?” Arahia asked.
She left her contact information so that a practitioner could mail her a copy of the book.
Michael Stephenson and his son also expressed interest in learning the exercises. They sat with practitioners for an hour after signing on the petition. “I can sense the positive energy field here. It feels peaceful and wonderful,” Michael said.
