Jan, 14
2023
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Year in Review: Disaster Response Teams Reach Out With Help

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- For more than 40 years, Scientology Volunteer Ministers have responded to natural and manmade disasters. And this year was no exception. The year had no sooner started than a massive mudslide devastated Quito, Ecuador. The worst downpour in nearly two decades unleashed a torrent of water, mud, rock and debris that toppled houses, swept away motorcycles and cars, and left thousands stranded. Scientology Volunteer Ministers helped with the cleanup and provided supplies to those in need.

Volunteer Ministers responded to the refugee crisis in Eastern Europe, with more than 17 million fleeing Ukraine, most of them taking refuge in nearby countries. Working in coordination with aid organizations, volunteers from across Europe including Italy, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and Germany raised donations and collected and transported urgently needed supplies, provided transportation to temporary quarters, worked at distribution points and manned shelters.

More than 3,000 miles away in Pakistan, Volunteer Ministers mobilized to respond to catastrophic floods that left a third of the country submerged. Thousands were stranded without access to first aid or needed medical care. To help remedy this, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers organized teams of doctors and nurses who traveled to remote regions and provided care. They also brought food, water and other emergency supplies.

More than 700 Volunteer Ministers responded to the devastation of the 150-mph winds and 13-foot storm surge of Hurricane Ian. Teams cut down damaged trees, providing access to communities cut off by the storm's destruction, helped locate valuables, shored up and protected homes and worked on the arduous muck out and cleanup of homes that could be salvaged. Others manned temporary shelters, and organized and distributed water, food, hygiene and baby supplies, and other urgently needed items.

Wherever they go, Volunteer Ministers care for the emotional and spiritual needs of the victims. They help them prevail over loss and grief, regroup, and confront the future. They use Scientology assists, techniques developed by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that address the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma. And they share the Scientology Tools for Life, a series of online films and courses that train people in skills they can use to help others overcome the difficulties they are faced with in the aftermath of disaster.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world's largest independent relief forces. Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, calling on Scientologists to use what they know to redouble their efforts to aid their fellow man, has inspired tremendous growth in the Volunteer Ministers movement.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

Their motto is no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister, watch Scientology Tools for Life on the Scientology Network at DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology.org/our-help-is-yours/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nGRWeCFOtI8

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Nov, 30
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

Scientology Assist Team Brings Help to Their Country in Its Time of Need

KARACHI, Pakistan -- In a country as prone to cataclysm and disaster as Pakistan, some might say there is not much you can count on except bad news. But Perwaiz Hasan and the Scientology Assist Team are the exception to that rule.

The team has been providing relief in the wake of disasters for more than a decade and responded immediately to this year's floods that left a third of the country under water.

They have visited towns rarely mentioned in Western news: In Bhittai and Qasimabad, they brought food and clothing to some 500 people stranded by the flood. They brought relief to the towns of Zhob, Dadu, and Dera Ismail Khan. They have traveled across the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.

"We really felt honored to visit the most neglected province, Baluchistan," said Perwaiz Hasan, who leads Pakistan's Scientology Assist Team. The team was warned that the area was unsafe. "But it wasn't true," said Hasan. "The people in that area were very friendly and welcoming, and they were really happy we came."

With flooding comes a host of medical complications.

"Standing water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which are currently spreading malaria and dengue fever in Pakistan," said Richard Brennan, regional emergency director for the eastern Mediterranean region at the World Health Organization. "Respiratory illnesses are rampant. And toxic floodwaters have caused skin infections and scabies."

The Scientology Assist Team includes a corps of medical doctors and nurses who provide medical camps to care for those in need.

After addressing immediate physical needs, the Pakistan Volunteer Assist Team provides Scientology assists-techniques developed by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that address the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma. And they share the Scientology Tools for Life, a series of online films and courses that provide skills to help people overcome difficulties and better their circumstances.

For more than a decade, Perwaiz Hasan and his team have been responding to disasters in Pakistan including monsoon-driven floods and the 7.5 earthquake of 2015. His team members have also deployed to disasters abroad, including the Nepal earthquake of 2015 and a tsunami and volcano in Jakarta in 2018.

In 2012, the International Association of Scientologists awarded Hasan the Freedom Medal, presented to Scientologists for stellar accomplishments in forwarding the dignity and freedom of all humankind, thus furthering the Church's humanitarian objectives.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world's largest independent relief forces. Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, calling on Scientologists to use what they know to redouble their efforts to aid their fellow man, has inspired tremendous growth in the Volunteer Ministers movement.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

Their motto is no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister, watch Scientology Tools for Life on the Scientology Network at DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology.tv/films/scientology-principles/tools-for-life.html

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/AhsOspn7BP4

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Oct, 13
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

Scientology Disaster Response Team: ‘Florida Storm Victims Still Need Help’

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue their response in Southwest Florida to help those still struggling to recover from the worst storm to hit the area since 1935. When Hurricane Ian rampaged through Southwest Florida with 155 mph winds, it left devastation in its wake, killing at least 102 and creating economic havoc. As few as 9.4 percent of those living in some devastated areas are covered by flood insurance. Scientology Volunteer Ministers have been providing disaster relief since the storm passed through the region and their work is far from over.

"We came across a lot of people whose houses were demolished," said a Volunteer Minister who was among the first to arrive in the area. "They were without running water or power, so the water we handed out was super appreciated. We came up to a mobile home park that was totally demolished. As we were driving by, a woman was standing by the side of her home and we asked if she needed water. She didn't, but she desperately needed ice for her insulin or it would go bad."

The entire area was without power. The Volunteer Ministers had no idea where to get ice, so they drove around and finally found a store with enough ice to tide her over.

Volunteer Ministers equipped with chainsaws took on clearing away fallen trees and hanging branches. They cleared out streets so people could get into and out of their homes. They helped move families out of flooded areas to shelters or friends' homes.

It took another team of Volunteer Ministers many hours to clean out the debris from a woman's home and around her property. They sent her pictures of the house when they were done and she called them in tears, thanking them for their help. They cut down a tree that had fallen on another house and helped a 97-year-old veteran clear away the storm damage that covered his home.

Now two weeks later, there are still so many people in need of help, and the Volunteer Ministers continue to serve in North Port, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers and Orlando.

"We've been using the Crisis Clean-up website where people needing assistance can register for help," said one of the Volunteer Ministers. Using this site, they were directed to a trailer park. "It was heavily hit by the hurricane and several homes were severely damaged. We cleared away debris, cut down fallen trees, cleaned off roofs, and helped tarp the side of a house that had been ripped off, providing the home shelter from the elements."

Whether serving in their communities or on the other side of the world, the motto of the Scientology Volunteer Minister is "Something can be done about it." The program, created by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in the mid-1970s, is sponsored by the Church of Scientology International as a religious social service and constitutes one of the world's most significant independent relief forces.

The Volunteer Minister "helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others."

Tampa Bay Volunteer Ministers earned their reputation as "Hurricane Heroes" with an award from the Governor of Florida after their response to Hurricane Charlie in 2004: "This certificate is presented to Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Tampa Bay Hurricane Heroes, in recognition of exemplary efforts that not only benefit your local community but also lend truth to the belief that all citizens of Florida can make a difference in the lives of those they serve," it states.

They have continued to serve, responding to Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005 and every local hurricane since, most recently Irma in 2017, Michael and Florence in 2018, as well as Hurricane Harvey in Texas in 2017, Maria in Puerto Rico in 2018, and Dorian in the Bahamas in 2019.

In June 2016, Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige dedicated the center for the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Florida, along with a Scientology information center and six other humanitarian centers in downtown Clearwater. He said, "In times of disaster, whether affecting whole populations or a single household, our Volunteer Ministers prove on a daily basis that 'something can be done about it.' We do not discriminate. We do not judge. All we care to do is help. And, as demonstrated time and again, we deliver that help anywhere and everywhere."

For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister in confronting and handling disasters, watch Scientology Tools for Life on the Scientology Network at DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology.org/our-help-is-yours/

https://www.scientology.tv/films/scientology-principles/tools-for-life.html

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nGRWeCFOtI8

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Sep, 27
2022
Free News Articles, General Editorial, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, NonProfit and Charities

31 dogs saved from a dog-meat breeding farm in China have arrived in the United States following year long CDC dog ban

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- China Rescue Dogs, a 501(c)(3) organization, committed to rescuing and saving dogs from the slaughterhouses, meat trade, abuse, and neglect in China, has rescued into the U.S. the first large shipments of dogs from China following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dog ban.

"This truly was a global effort with teams from China, Canada and the United States all coming together to save these dogs from slaughter," acknowledged Jill Stewart, President and Founder of China Rescue Dogs.

The dogs were all saved in April 2022 from a dog meat breeding farm in China. Their rescue was featured by People: https://people.com/pets/china-rescue-dogs-saving-golden-retrievers-corgis/

"To know these dogs now have a second chance at life and will experience love for the first time, makes all the time spent on a project like this worthwhile," said Brandy Cherven, Vice President of China Rescue Dogs. "They were being sent to the slaughterhouse when we stepped in and saved them."

The dogs have spent the last three weeks stationed in Vancouver, Canada waiting for the final leg of their journey." Stewart adds, "We could not have accomplished this mission without the help of David MacNeil, CEO of WeatherTech, Nordstrom's, Dog is My CoPilot, and all our supporters. Dog is My CoPilot is a nonprofit that saves dogs from high kill shelters. The flight from Canada into the U.S. was their first international transport."

There are 10 other rescue organizations that have helped find these pups their forever homes. Of the 31 survivors now in the U.S., 16 are Golden Retrievers and 15 are Frenchie's and Pugs. Other dogs from the April 2022 rescue have already been adopted in Canada.

On July 14, 2021, the CDC suspended dogs imported from 113 countries, including China, due to the potential risk of spreading the canine rabies virus variant (CRVV.) Since that time, China Rescue Dogs has been saving dogs into Canada. This flight marks the first time since the CDC Dog Ban that a large shipment of dogs were granted permission to come into the U.S.

"We have worked closely with the CDC and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to guarantee that all the dogs are healthy, properly vaccinated and tested against canine rabies," said Stewart. "We are honored that our best practices of doing what is best for the dogs was rewarded with their entry into the U.S."

If you would like more information on China Rescue Dogs, or to support their mission, please go to: https://chinarescuedogs.org/.

Related link: https://chinarescuedogs.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Sep, 15
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

Scientology Assist Team Helps Pakistan Flood Victims in Need of Care

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- In response to unprecedented flooding in Pakistan, described by the UN as a climate catastrophe, Scientology volunteers continue providing urgently needed supplies and health care in their outreach to affected communities.

With a third of the country under water and authorities predicting it could take six months for floodwaters to recede in areas hardest hit, Scientology Volunteer Assist Teams continue providing help.

Waterborne and other diseases pose a serious threat to these communities, so the doctors hold a medical camp in each village they visit and administer care.

"We arranged a medical camp in a village in Hyderabad," said Perwaiz Hasan, who leads the Scientology Assist Teams. "No help has reached this area so far. Flood victims said we are the first ones."

They had to come through swampland to survey the damaged homes.

"Their suffering is real. The damage is real. They are in great need of help," said Hasan.

They delivered food and water, and doctors on the team set up a clinic to provide first aid and medicine.

A few days later the team arrived in another village. They came at the invitation of two local teachers who thanked them not only for the medical care, food and supplies they brought but also for giving the children balls and bats, which were a huge hit with the kids.

At another nearby village, what was most appreciated was the mosquito repellent and nets they brought.

Food, water and other urgently needed supplies have not arrived in these remote villages. The Scientology Volunteer Assist Team has been raising donations and bringing supplies to the villages they visit.

In addition to performing medical examinations and distributing needed medicine, the volunteers train villagers to help each other using simple Scientology assists-techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that speed recovery by addressing the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma. One young girl who had a stomachache didn't know what to think of the technique. But the volunteer continued to administer it and after a short while, the girl looked very surprised. The stomach pain was gone.

This was the first medical camp one of the doctors participated in. "She was very thankful to us," said Hasan. She plans to join them as they continue their outreach.

Modern technology has been of major assistance to the volunteer team. Using their Facebook and WhatsApp they have been able to collect donated items including clothes, food and water to distribute to the communities they visit.

Their van driver was so taken with the volunteers that he took one of their bright yellow T-shirts for the next time "because I want to continue working with you as a volunteer," he said.

Members of the Scientology Volunteer Assist Team of Pakistan have studied the Scientology Tools for Life, a series of 19 courses, many of which include vital skills for responding to disasters. This is the basic training for the Scientology Volunteer Minister. It increases their communication skills and enables them to bring order to the chaos of disaster sites.

For more than a decade, Perwaiz Hasan and his team have been responding to disasters in Pakistan and other countries in South Asia and beyond. His humanitarian work earned him the Freedom Medal of the International Association of Scientologists in 2012.

Scientology: Tools for Life is a filmed introduction to the basic principles and technology that comprise the training these volunteers use. These films are available on the Scientology Network. Tools for Life courses are available free of charge on the Scientology website. They include practical skills anyone may learn and use to overcome problems, live a happier life, and better the lives of those around them.

Available on DIRECTV Channel 320, the Scientology Network can also be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. Since launching with a special episode featuring Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology.tv/films/scientology-principles/tools-for-life.html

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nGRWeCFOtI8

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Sep, 07
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

Scientology Assist Team Provides Help and Medical Care to Pakistan Flood Victims

KARACHI, Pakistan -- Responding to catastrophic floods that have left a third of the country submerged, a team of Scientology volunteers including doctors and other medical personnel are providing relief.

Since June, heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers have inundated Pakistan in one of the worst disasters in the country's history. Millions are stranded. More than 1,200 have died. Nearly a third of the casualties are children. Volunteers from Pakistan's Scientology Volunteer Assist Team are bringing relief and medical care to those in need.

Lead volunteer Perwaiz Hasan mobilized his team to deliver food, water and clothing to flood survivors in shelters in Karachi.

There has been an outbreak of waterborne disease that can cause serious illness or death, and those who suffered injuries also need medical care. Doctors and other trained medical professionals on the team set up medical stations at the shelters where they examine those affected and administer needed care.

Children are often the hardest hit by disasters like these. So in addition to caring for the physical needs of those displaced by the floods, team members engage the children in extroverting activities to orient them in their current environment and bring them relief from the stress they have experienced.

Members of the team have studied the Scientology Tools for Life, a series of 19 courses, many of which include vital skills for responding to disasters. This training increases their communication skills and enables them to bring order to the chaos of disaster sites. The volunteers provide assists - techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that address the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma.

For more than a decade, Perwaiz Hasan and his team have been responding to disasters in Pakistan and other countries in South Asia and beyond. His humanitarian work earned him the Freedom Medal of the International Association of Scientologists in 2012.

The Scientology Network Scientology: Tools for Life is a filmed introduction to the basic principles and technology that comprise the training these volunteers use. Tools for Life courses are available free of charge on the Scientology website. They include practical skills anyone may learn and use to overcome problems, live a happier life, and better the lives of those around them.

Available on DIRECTV Channel 320, the Scientology Network can also be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. Since launching with a special episode featuring Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology.tv/films/scientology-principles/tools-for-life.html

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nGRWeCFOtI8

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Jun, 21
2022
Business, Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Manufacturing

Mobile Truck Mounted Medical POD to Aid Sick and Wounded Ukrainian Civilians Hand Off Event to United Help Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Pacific Engineering Inc. (PEI) has joined forces with United Help Ukraine (UHU), Gaithersburg, MD to take a small, but critical step to provide much-needed care to Kharkiv's sick and wounded. PEI is honored to make a contribution to UHU by donating a truck-mounted Rapid On Demand - Portable Medical Platform (ROD-PMP™) to provide emergency medical assistance in Ukraine.

This is an urgent need as thousands of sick and wounded civilians and refugees urgently need medical care. The dire need for medical care is felt especially in "de-occupied territories in the beleaguered Kharkiv region," said Maryna Baydyuk, President of UHU.

UHU & PEI are conducting a handoff event in front of the Holodomor Memorial, Washington, DC on June 21, 2022, at 3 p.m. ET.

The memorial is located near the U.S. Capitol at the intersection of North Capitol St. and Massachusetts Ave. This location was chosen due to the historical significance of the Holodomor Memorial to five plus million Victims of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide during 1932-33. This memorial has become a rallying point for US-Ukraine popular opposition against the Russian/Ukraine war. PEI's PODs can be a game changer for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, reaching large numbers of people in a short amount of time.

PEI, in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, first transformed the unique, lightweight, sandwich-composite technology, originally built for other purposes developed by using Navy Small Business Innovative Research initiatives, into safe and transportable COVID-19 testing PODS in 2020. The mobile PODS were deployed and used in Washington DC, Baltimore, MD Virginia Beach, VA and Omaha and Lincoln, NE during the height of the pandemic. Rear Admiral Osie V. Combs, Jr., USN (Ret.), President of PEI stressed the truck-mounted unit is part of a series of mobile units, including trailer-mounted and portable units that can be repurposed and provided to UHU for rapid deployment to Ukraine.

UHU was started in 2014 by a small group of people who had a personal connection to Ukraine in Washington, DC. UHU has been actively providing aid through services such as medical supplies (first aid kits and hospital equipment), personal protection equipment for medical and survival needs, portable surgical lighting, and armored ambulances.

In all, approximately 45 tons of supplies have been shipped to Ukraine with the continued assistance and hard work of UHU members and supporters. UHU provides medical aid and humanitarian relief to brave Ukrainians defending themselves. Its dozens of volunteers have prepared and shipped more than 7,000 medical kits for Ukrainian soldiers and collected thousands of pounds of food and medical supplies for civilians.

"When the Russian invasion began, we were appalled by the deliberate devastation of Ukrainian medical facilities. We immediately began to consider how we could apply our experience from developing COVID-19 PODS, expertise, and technology to help Ukrainians treat their wounded and sick civilians," Combs added.

PEI's mobile PODs can be available to communities, hospitals, agencies, NGO's and humanitarian organizations throughout the United States. The truck-mounted POD is outfitted with two clinic-type treatment areas as well as ample cabinet storage for medical supplies. Its extreme mobility allows the POD to move to numerous locations easily, quickly, and efficiently. Our design and manufacturing facility stands ready to provide POD systems within weeks of order placement.

All POD units utilize composite materials which have excellent properties that are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and easy to maintain. These units are deployable in all seasons, environments and are designed to be used for portable hospitals. PEI has designed the truck-mounted POD that can be customized to meet specific user needs and a focus to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

ABOUT PEI:

Pacific Engineering, Inc. (PEI), is a high-tech small business located outside of Lincoln, Nebraska. Since 1998, PEI has been a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced composite structures.

Learn more https://www.peipods.com

Related link: https://www.pacificengineeringinc.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Apr, 06
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

How a Scientology Volunteer Minister from Nepal Brought Help to His Nation

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Seven years ago this month, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal. A Scientology Volunteer Minister led rescue workers, Scouts and volunteers who arrived from across the world on a mission to save lives.

Within 24 hours of the earthquake that rocked Nepal on April 25, 2015, killing some 8,800, Scientology Volunteer Minister Binod Sharma mobilized an emergency response team in Kathmandu. He led his volunteers as they combed through the rubble of his ravaged city for survivors. And he went on to lead an international team of rescue workers and volunteers to help his people. His story is documented in an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.

Sharma acted as interpreter for Los Topos, the famous Mexican search and rescue team, and Colombia's National Circle of Aid Technicians (CINAT), who were brought to Nepal by Volunteer Ministers international headquarters in Los Angeles. And he coordinated their activities with the work of Volunteer Ministers arriving from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and as far away as Australia, Denmark and America.

Among those arriving were EMTs, nurses and doctors, and Sharma's team helped them provide needed medical care and first aid to those injured by the quake in Kathmandu. And the Volunteer Ministers went with them to remote towns and villages cut off by rubble and the remains of destroyed vehicles that blocked the roads through treacherous mountain passes.

They provided food and temporary shelter and helped rebuild homes and schools.

Sharma led his teams across forgotten villages and districts hit by disaster, ultimately bringing help to 4 million Nepalese. And to bring permanent help, he established a Volunteer Minister headquarters in Kathmandu training more than 150 Volunteer Minister groups across his nation.

In recognition of Sharnma's humanitarian work, Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige presented him with the International Association of Scientologists Freedom Medal in 2017.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/binod-sharma.html

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Mar, 29
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

How a Scientology Volunteer Minister and a Christian Priest Worked Together to Help Uganda

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- At an open house at the Church of Scientology Amsterdam earlier this month, held in commemoration of World Civil Defense Day, Volunteer Minister Jan-Maarten Kruijt introduced those attending to the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program. He shared how he and a Christian priest worked together to help Uganda communities overcome challenges and increase sustainability.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service founded in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Kruijt recently went to Uganda to help Rev. Samuel Richard Sembuya establish and train a new Volunteer Ministers group.

Last year, Rev. Sembuya came across the Scientology website on the Internet and enrolled on one of its free online Tools for Life courses.

On completing the first course, Sembuya felt so empowered with what he learned, he continued taking one after another and rapidly learned all 19 subjects.

The priest formed a local Volunteer Ministers group and reached out to the international headquarters of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers whose website offers on-site seminars.

Rev. Sembuya and his team confront many challenges. UNICEF estimates that 55 percent of children in Uganda age 0-4 live in poverty and 24 percent in extreme poverty. Some 20,000 people are crowded into eight slum areas around Jinja.

"A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence," wrote Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in announcing the Volunteer Ministers program. "Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

The courses Rev. Sembuya completed are the backbone of this training.

Jan-Maarten Kruijt always wanted to use his Volunteer Minister skills in Africa. So when he learned from a friend about Rev. Sembuya's request, he volunteered to go.

Kruijt told those gathered for the Civil Defense Day open house of his adventures in Uganda, where Sembuya had booked three weeks of daily seminars and meetings for his new friend. First Kruijt trained the priest's new disaster response group in each chapter of the Scientology Handbook, the textbook of the Volunteer Minister. There was plenty of practical experience in each of the skills they learned.

Kruijt went out with the group to supervise them as they used these tools in their community outreach until they were confident in the application of the technology and able to train others in its use.

The Jinja fire and police departments worked closely with the new Volunteer Ministers group, calling on them to help at fires and traffic accidents.

Kruijt also provided a seminar to teachers at a school where he trained them on the Technology of Study developed by Mr. Hubbard.

"In Uganda, I saw a lot of conflict among different religious and political groups," says Kruijt. "People are looking for something that can connect them across these lines - something they can believe in, regardless of what else they believe. More and more people are finding this now in the technology of Scientology."

The Church of Scientology Amsterdam provides open house events and other programs where community leaders, officials, nonprofits and other religious groups can work together to overcome challenges and provide service to the greater community.

The Church of Scientology Amsterdam is an Ideal Scientology Organization, configured to provide ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual freedom and to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations. The new Church was dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in October 2017.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.volunteerministers.org

https://www.volunteerministers.org/solutions/

https://www.scientology-amsterdam.org/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/nGRWeCFOtI8

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

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Feb, 08
2022
Free News Articles, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, Religion and Churches

Scientology Disaster Response Team Helps Quito Dig Out After Devastating Landslide

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Scientology Volunteer Ministers from Ecuador are working with rescue workers and cleanup crews to help the city recover.

The worst downpour in nearly two decades unleashed a landslide on Quito's La Gasca and La Comuna neighborhoods January 31 to February 1. A torrent of water, mud, rock and debris crashed down the slopes of Pichincha Volcano, toppling houses and killing 24. Waves of mud lifted motorcycles and cars and swept them away.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers coordinated with officials, disaster response specialists Los Topos Azteca, and other emergency personnel who are working to help those affected by the disaster.

With the whole area engulfed in mud, Volunteer Ministers in their bright yellow T-shirts grabbed shovels and worked with cleanup crews to clear the roads.

They distributed clothing donated by a local factory to families who lost their possessions in the disaster. They brought donated food and supplies to victims and rescue crews.

The Volunteer Ministers of Ecuador headquarters is the Church of Scientology Mission of Quito.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

Their motto is, no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

RELATED LINKS:

http://www.quito.scientologymissions.org/

https://www.volunteerministers.org/

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

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