(Minghui.org) This July I participated in the activities marking the 20 Years of Peaceful Effort Against the Persecution in Washington DC. I was deeply touched.
More than 10 practitioners including several young practitioners, met with two senators from our state. By telling our stories to the senators and their assistants in person they understand how our relatives in China are being persecuted. During the July 20th activities in D.C. each year, practitioners from our state visit the House and Senate to give our legislators an opportunity to learn about Falun Dafa and the persecution, and to ask questions.
One of our senators co-sponsored the new resolution introduced in the Senate. The resolution condemns the forced organ harvesting of living Falun Dafa practitioners in China. He has been supportive of practitioners’ efforts to raise awareness of the persecution for 20 years.
In addition, a congressman from our state spoke at this year’s rally on Capitol Hill, joining practitioners in calling for an end to the persecution.
Telling American Politicians about the Persecution
Right after the persecution began on July 20, 1999, many practitioners from the U.S. gathered in front of Capitol Hill to practice the exercises under the scorching sun.
After a week, some practitioners suggested going to Congress to clarify the truth and to ask legislators to condemn the persecution. So another practitioner, her daughter and I decided to go to the congressional offices.
I didn’t know how to go about this, and I hadn’t brought any formal clothes. So I drove to a store and bought some nicer shoes and clothing. Our faces were sunburned and peeling after doing the exercises under the blazing sun for several days. We entered the congressional buildings for the first time, and this is how we embarked on our efforts to talk with legislators at the federal level.
I Realize I Have a Mission
I remember a vivid dream I had at the beginning of the persecution. I saw that I and other practitioners were in a vast field. There were countless large mud ponds and each of us was responsible for one. The others and I jumped into the waist deep mud to rescue people. I remember that I saw a congressman and his wife. I went over and spoke to them and asked for help. At the time I felt that the dream showed me that this is what I should do, it is my mission.
In many teachings Master has said that after those in power understand the truth they will make a favorable choice for themselves and the people in their district.
In the past 20 years, practitioners in our state have coordinated our efforts to maintain regular contact with congressional members. After the U.S. lawmakers understood the true situation in China, they passed multiple resolutions condemning the persecution.
Overcoming Difficulties
It hasn’t been easy to meet with politicians in person. I remember that another practitioner and I worked for 6 years, attempting to meet with the congressman from my district. We did not receive any reply from his office. I didn’t give up and kept contacting his office. Once I wanted to give him a report on the forced organ harvesting from practitioners. I found where and when he was going to vote so I waited for him in the parking lot. I waited for a long time, and I was worried because I had to leave for work. Just as I was about to leave, he came. I was able to give him the report and quickly told him about the persecution. He expressed his concern.
Another time we had an urgent matter and I had to go to Washington D.C. to directly submit a letter to the congressmen. I had a high fever, but the situation was urgent. I decided to fly. I was surprised to see the two congressmen I was going to meet were on the plane. One sat in front of me and the other sat behind me. I handed the letter directly to them and I was also able to make an appointment to meet them in their D.C. offices. I feel that when we have the heart to do it, Master will help us and arranges opportunities for us.
Throughout the past 20 years, we have used every opportunity to reach legislators, during their campaign celebrations, at local town hall meetings, and various occasions. We have established good relations with them. Many understand the truth and have expressed their support.
Cooperating Smoothly with Each Other
In addition to cooperating within the state, it’s very important to work with the D.C. practitioners, to clarify the truth to congress comprehensively. In the past 20 years, the U.S. Congress passed a number of resolutions supporting Falun Gong and condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) persecution. Many members from our state voted for it.
After more than 20 years of hard work and explaining the situation, many American politicians have a positive understanding of Dafa, and have a deep understanding of the evil nature of the CCP. They have publicly voiced their concerns an spoken out for justice. People are awakening, but our mission is not yet completed. We must continue to work hard and save more people.
