(Clearwisdom.net) On December 18, 2004, Taichung County held a community celebration and the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association was invited to showcase the practice, demonstrate the exercises and give a waist drum performance. The practitioners' performance attracted many local residents.

After giving the opening remarks, the Taichung County commissioner presented certificates of appreciation to participating groups. Practitioner Mr. Qiu received the certificate on behalf of the Falun Dafa Association of Taiwan.

Mr. Qiu said, "Falun Gong uplifts practitioners' morality and improves health. In the past several years, Taiwanese practitioners have actively introduced Falun Gong to society, so that more people can benefit from the practice. Moreover, benefits to individuals are sure to transform into benefits to entire families and thus making our society more harmonious."

Meanwhile, Mr. Qiu also expressed his sorrow at the fact that Falun Gong is being brutally persecuted in Mainland China while the rest of world welcomes the practice. He said that he felt fortunate to be living in Taiwan, where he can enjoy freedom of belief. He expressed his concern for practitioners in China, and said he hoped that the persecution would end soon so that practitioners in China can also once again practice freely.