Several cyclones hit eastern Africa at the beginning of 2022. Cyclone Gombe made landfall in northern Mozambique in March, affecting more than 410,000 people in Nampula province. It killed 55 people and injured more than 80 people. Mozambique Island, off the country’s north coast, was the hardest hit.

After the cyclone dissipated, Tzu Chi Mozambique was invited by the government and National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC), Mozambique to investigate and provide assistance in the north. So Tzu Chi Mozambican volunteer Dino led a team of volunteers; they flew from the central and southern parts to the northern city of Nampula.

Mozambican Entrepreneur Cabir

In 2020, Dino was worried about rising prices and hoped to find different suppliers of relief materials. He found Zarda Commercial and paid a visit to its owner, Mr. Cabir.

They shared their ideas of national development and social responsibility, and then talked about the universal values spread by the Venerable Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi.

Kind-hearted Roger

Dino interacted with Cabir many times. He said that Tzu Chi needs to call on more good people in Mozambique.

Mr. Cabir said that he had a son who has had cancer since age of twelve, and that he was very kind-hearted. For the sake of his son, he traveled to different countries for treatment, but still there had been no improvement.

Dino and his wife Denise Tsai often visited Cabir's wife. Gradually, they had the opportunity to get in touch with Cabir’s son, Roger. After learning about Tzu Chi from his parents, he told them he also wanted to be a volunteer.

Roger was very weak and could only make a video call with Denise: “I have always caused a lot of trouble to my family and those around me when I grew up; at the same time, I have received a lot of love from them. I want to have the opportunity to do something good for the world. I am twenty-one years old and can drive.”

“Now I have dropped out of college and stay at home to recover from my illness. As soon as I regain the energy, I will definitely join Tzu Chi to take volunteers to the countryside.”

What touching and kind thoughts! Denise asked the volunteers present to interact with him through a video call.

This precious experience to talk to Roger made those volunteers realize why Master Cheng Yen said that those who can give are blessed. Roger had the heart to do good, but had no opportunity. Two months later, Roger passed away.

Dino continued to encourage and invite Roger’s parents, and Cabir finally participated in Tzu Chi activities this year.

Seize the Opportunity to Do Good

Because of support from Cabir, although local prices have soared, Zarda Commercial not only has maintained selling prices from the beginning of last year for the relief distribution for Cyclone Gombe, but also paid for transportation, packaging and other expenses.

At the beginning, Cabir did not believe what Dino said about Tzu Chi. Then he watched, and listened carefully. Many times, he pro-actively asked about how to become a volunteer. This time, Gabi flew to the north to take part in the disaster relief distribution.

For the distribution in Mozambique, except for the love rice from Taiwan, the items and materials are purchased from local supplier Zarda Commercial. The manufacturer offers free shipping and is also responsible for the heavy packaging and loading and unloading.

Roger, the compassionate son, inspired his father to give himself to the Mozambican people. Life is impermanent. When love is inspired, we have to seize the opportunity to give immediately and make our life without regrets.

Source Link: https://www.tzuchi.org.tw/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1644