(Clearwisdom.net) The annual Austin garden show was held on March 27 and 28 at the Austin Botanic Garden. To allow more people learn about the facts of the persecution in China, Falun Gong practitioners from Austin brought their hand-folded paper lotus flowers (symbolizing peace) and told visitors moving stories behind these "petals of peace".

"Petals of Peace" is a global event initiated by Falun Gong practitioners to tell people about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The event originated from Australian Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Dai Zhizhen's experience. Ms. Dai's husband was tortured to death by Jiang's followers in China. Ms. Dai then took her daughter, who at that time was only a few months old, to more than 30 countries around the world to call upon people to help stop the persecution. The purpose of the "petals of peace" event is to let more people learn about the ongoing cruel persecution in China and help those children who are suffering from the persecution.

In the garden show, which attracted huge crowds of people, the bright and beautiful lotus flowers suddenly drew attention from visitors, especially the small children. While showing visitors how to fold the flowers, practitioners related the persecution facts. They told visitors that more than 900 practitioners have died from the persecution, countless more have been forced to become homeless to avoid further persecution, many children lost their opportunities to go to school because of the suppression, and some infants have lost their fathers or mothers. Some visitors shed tears of sympathy, and immediately expressed their wishes to help those persecuted children regain their freedom.

After reading the truth-clarifying material, a mother immediately told her husband the stories on the flyers and turned to her two daughters who were learning to fold the flowers and told them that in China, because of the persecution, many children like them are unable to freely go to school. She told her daughter to let their school teachers know about this. In the end, the two daughters said they would like to present their hand-made lotus flowers, which they originally wanted to take home, to those children who are unable to enjoy freedom in China. One after another, visitors asked for handouts from practitioners and expressed that they would inform their family members and friends about the persecution. Some visitors from churches said they would tell these stories to the children in their churches on Sunday school. Some visitors talked with practitioners to find more information about Dafa.

During the two-day event, Austin young Falun Gong practitioners were also busy with helping other children to fold the paper lotus flowers. They deeply experienced the responsibility and glory of Dafa practitioners in clarifying the truth and saving sentient beings.

Each pure lotus flower conveys the simple but profound message: innocent children should never suffer persecution. "Petals of Peace" arouses people's attention and sympathy towards Falun Gong practitioners who are persecuted in China.

Website for "Petals of peace": www.petalsofpeace.org