Scientology Volunteer Ministers

This story on the Scientology Press Office web site is an example of why I think the world of Scientology Volunteer Ministers

David Miscavige

I would like to acknowledge Mr. David Miscavige. As the spiritual leader of Scientology, he sets the tone for what we accomplish. And let me tell you, we accomplish an extraordinary amount of good, all over the world.

If you are interested in Scientology, it's really worth going to the New Years event at your Scientology church or mission. Because you will find out what a Scientologist is really like and what they do.

We are really determined to salvage this civilization. And we know we can do it, because L. Ron Hubbard's technology is so effective. But we could sure use some help! Check it 0ut!

Christmas Message

I think what makes Christmas most special to me is family -- being back together with family and close friends.

There is a feeling of renewal.

And coming just before the turn of the New Year, there is a feeling of ending the old and the optimism that here is a brand new year about to launch with all to possibilities that brings.

My goodness. How philosophical!

Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Action

Scientology Volunteer Ministers are an ever-growing movement that brings effective help and relief to people all over the world. This video shows them in action living their motto: Something can be done about it.

Nobel Peace prize winner returns to hero's welcome

Mohammad Younus is a real hero. I'm thrilled he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. His work not only help people, it helps them help themselves.

Reuters

Dhaka: Mohammad Younus, banker to the poor and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, returned to a hero's welcome in the Bangladesh capital yesterday after a visit to Norway to pick up the award. Younus and the Grameen Bank he founded were cited for their work to lift millions out of poverty by giving loans to the desperately poor, especially women in rural Bangladesh. The award, announced earlier in the year, was welcome news in the impoverished South Asian nation which gets regularly hit by nature's fury - droughts, cyclones and floods. Younus left an airport reception perched on the back of a lorry and waved to the thousands of cheering well-wishers, television showed. Younus and Grameen Bank representative Mosammat Taslima Begum received gold medals and diplomas from the Nobel Committee at a ceremony in Oslo on December 10. The prize created by the Swedish philanthropist and inventor of dynamite Alfred Nobel comes with a cheque for 10 million Swedish crowns (Dh5.4 million), to be shared by the winners. "We must work hard in all sectors including politics to keep up the image that we have created by achieving the Nobel Peace Prize," Younus told a news conference yesterday.

Volunteer Ministers - Italian

For those who speak Italian, here is a video about the most effective help force on earth - the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

Some Famous People in NNDB.Com

Martin Luther King

AKA Michael Luther King, Jr.

Born: 15-Jan-1929
Birthplace: Atlanta, GA
Died: 4-Apr-1968
Location of death: Memphis, TN
Cause of death: Assassination
Remains: Buried, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Atlanta, GA >>







Albert EinsteinBorn: 14-Mar-1879
Birthplace: Ulm, Wurttemberg, Germany
Died: 18-Apr-1955
Location of death: Princeton, NJ
Cause of death: Heart Failure
Remains: Cremated, Ashes scattered in undisclosed location (brain preserved)>>













David Miscavige

Born: 30-Apr-1960
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA

Gender: Male
Religion: Scientology
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Religion >>

David Miscavige

If I were to select one person as a hero it would be David Miscavige (and of course L. Ron Hubbard).

Mr. Miscavige has done so much to make Scientology available to everyone to the end of really improving the lives of people on Earth, all the while holding the line on the standards set out by L. Ron Hubbard.

There are some good articles on David Miscavige.

And one of the best ways to get to know him is by reading or watching his speeches such as This is Scientology

Sidewalk Sam

I loved this story on the Scientology Press Office about a local Boston humanitarian known as "Sidewalk Sam."

Sam was awarded the honor of "Human Rights Hero," by the Boston Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International, which is sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Boston.

When the Boston chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) had to chose someone to award as a human rights hero there was simply no competition. The only logical choice was the man who personifies "Freedom of Expression" — and that's "Sidewalk Sam."

"Sam," whose real name is Robert Guillemin, is not only a fine artist in his own right, but he has taken it on himself to enrich the lives of fellow Bostonians through "Art Street Inc.," a non-profit organization that use art as a catalyst to bring people together in support of community issues. >>Continued

Anna Politkovskaya Awarded the title World Press Freedom Hero

The Vienna based International Press Institute (IPI) posthumously awarded murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya the title World Press Freedom Hero. "Her murder is a shock and loss. IPI believes that she made a significant contribution to journalism and to the cause of human rights," IPI Director Johann Fritz said.

Politkovskaya, who was shot outside her Moscow apartment on October 7, was only one of over 20 journalists killed in Russia since 2000.

The investigative journalist wrote for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, and was working on a story on torture in Chechnya when she was killed.

Fritz said Politkovskaya's nomination for the award was also a call on the Russian authorities to "ensure that there is a thorough investigation in her murder" in a country where, the IPI said, journalists were often killed with impunity.

To the Unsung Heroes

Tomorrow is the day to recognize the volunteer.

What would life be like without all the many volunteers who serve our communities?

Calling for "Heros" in the Philappines

Typhoon Durian just crashed down on the Philappines leaving 1000 dead and untold wreckage to homes and infrastructure.

They need help.

If you are a Scientology Volunteer Minister or can train to be one, your help is needed. Contact the VM coordinator -- vm@volunteerministers.org

IAS Freedom Medal Winners

I just saw this year's International Association of Scientologists event again. Seeing the work of the IAS medal winners I was so impressed by their dedication and their courage.

For example, the work of Sr. Garcia of Columbia who heads Criminon in that country and who personally brought tens of thousands of former insurgents and drug-lord militia members through the government amnesty by training them on basic Scientology principles and The Way to Happiness was really amazing to watch.

I also loved his acceptance speech, which he gave in Spanish and David Miscavige translated.

What a deserving, courageous and competent man!

People Helping People

Here's a great video on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and the work they do.

It shows the importance of the movement and what you can do to help.

More on Bono

DATA stands for "Debt AIDS trade Africa". It was established "...to raise awareness of the crisis facing Africa and to increase support in the United States and abroad to address this issue. We lobby the governments of wealthy nations to increase funding and promote policies which will benefit Africa. We also work to inform citizens of wealthier countries and to increase grassroots support for better policies towards Africa."

Bono is on the Board of Directors of DATA and this is an article I found on the site on his RED campaign:

AS PRODUCT (RED) LAUNCHES IN AMERICA, OPENING A NEW FRONT IN THE WAR AGAINST AIDS, A FEW WORDS FROM BONO

Sometimes when I’m walking down the street a passer by will say “love your work on Africa Bono, great cause.” Sometimes, they wish they hadn’t. I’m Irish, I love to talk to strangers. I love to talk about Africa. It can be hard to get away ... Each time it makes me think we need to do much more to get the message across that this is not a ‘cause,’ this pandemic that we and so many others are working on. 5,500 Africans dying a day of AIDS, a preventable, treatable disease is not a cause. 5,500 Africans dying each day is an emergency.

Enter Product (RED). Red is a new idea we’re launching to work alongside the growing ONE Campaign to Make Poverty History. Over the past year, almost 2 million Americans have joined ONE, in churches and chatrooms ... on soccer pitches and movie sets ... at NASCAR races and rock concerts. By 2008, we’re aiming to have 5 million members – that’s more than the National Rifle Association. Just think for a moment of what that kind of political firepower could achieve for the poorest of the poor...

Where ONE takes on the bigger, longer-term beast of changing policy and influencing government, (RED) is, I guess, about a more instant kind of gratification. If you buy a (RED) product from GAP, Motorola, Armani, Converse or Apple, they will give up to 50% of their profit to buy AIDS drugs for mothers and children in Africa. (RED) is the consumer battalion gathering in the shopping malls. You buy the jeans, phones, iPods, shoes, sunglasses, and someone - somebody’s mother, father, daughter or son - will live instead of dying in the poorest part of the world. It’s a different kind of fashion statement.

You might think (RED) sounds too simple. But AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Just two pills a day will bring someone who is at death’s door back to full health, back to a full life. Doctors call it ‘the Lazarus effect’. I’ve seen it myself and I have to say that it’s nothing short of a miracle. These pills are available at any corner drugstore. They cost less than a dollar a day, but the poorest people in Africa earn less than a dollar a day. They can’t afford them, and so they die. It’s unnecessary. It’s insane.

You might think it’s too difficult to get these drugs to the people who most need them. A couple of years ago when DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) lobbied President Bush, Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac to do more on AIDS we went to experts about this. From Bill and Melinda Gates, to Dr Paul Farmer working in the poorest places on the earth, to Dr Coutinho in his AIDS clinic in Uganda. Is it easy? No. Is it impossible? No. Can we do it? Absolutely. In 2001, there were 50,000 Africans taking ARVs. Now there are over one million people getting these life saving drugs thanks to President Bush’s AIDS initiative, and thanks to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

There are though still 4.3 million Africans without drugs, which is why 100% of (RED) money is going directly to the Global Fund to support the work they are doing. (RED) uses the power in your pocket to keep people alive. ONE uses the power of your voice to create a more just world where people can earn their own way out of poverty. This means tackling more than AIDS. It means fighting corruption. Insisting on good governance. Getting kids in school. Changing trade rules. Getting businesses to invest in Africa. Myself and Ali started a company called Edun – a fashion line that makes clothes in Africa – because so many Africans we met said what they wanted more than anything was a job.

All of this is ganging up on the same problem – the greatest health crisis in human history and the extreme poverty in which it thrives. The Number 1 question we get asked is, what can I do to help? From today, you can do one more thing than you could do yesterday. Shop (RED). And if you haven’t already, join the One campaign at one.org.

As I said, this is an emergency. And in these dangerous times, how we in the West respond is an opportunity to show what we stand for, as well as what we stand against. If we’re successful, we will not only transform millions of people’s lives, we’ll transform the way these people see us ... and in turn, the world in which we live.

For more information on the campaigns Bono mentioned:

Joinred.com
Product (RED), founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to engage consumers and the private sector with its marketing prowess and funds in the fight against AIDS. Money raised from (RED) Products goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

One.org
The ONE campaign to make poverty history was founded in 2005 and is now 2.3 million members strong representing Americans from all 50 states. The goal of this movement is to persuade the US government to spend an additional one percent of the federal budget on tackling AIDS and extreme poverty

Data.org
DATA (debt, AIDS, trade, Africa) is an advocacy organization founded in 2002 by Bono, Bobby Shriver and activists from the Jubilee “Drop the Debt” campaign to fight extreme poverty and AIDS in Africa. DATA’s mission is to tackle the three issues that most adversely affect the African continent -- unpayable debts, the spread of AIDS and unfair trade policies – by raising public awareness and working with leaders in the U.S. and throughout the G8 to bring more resources to the region.

Edun.ie
EDUN, which has just produced a ONE Campaign t-shirt raising money for AIDS drugs in Lesotho, is an ethically-sourced high fashion clothing company. It was created in 2005 by Ali Hewson, Bono and designer Rogan Gregory in an effort to increase trade opportunities and sustainable long-term employment in developing nations. With factories located in Africa, South America and India, EDUN believes in respect for and investment in the people and places where its clothing is made.

Scientologists in Society

Every Scientologist who takes the time to help in his community is a hero to the people he helps.

I saw an example two nights ago.

I was coming home and I was with a group of my friends. As we turned the corner we hear the squeal of some brakes and a crash - a car had crashed sideways into another car and the car that was hit was in bad shape.

While one of the guys got on his cell phone to call 9-11 three others went to help the guy in the car, get him oriented and give him an assist till help could arrive.

They stayed with him until the paramedics arrived and by that time he was doing much better.

Scientologists get involved, they know they can help and the do so.

I was really proud.

David Miscavige Drives the Message Home about Scientology

Here is a great article on religion4life

The work David Miscavige is doing to ensure effective solutions are implemented on a planetary basis are helping millions of people around the world.

And with the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of London, this is about to ramp up another important notch.

"We are about to drive home the message 'This is Scientology ' like you have never seen," said David Miscavige , chairman of the Church of Scientology (sic.) [David Miscavige is actually the Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center.]

So reports Robert Booth on Saturday in the Sunday Times - a story that got picked up internationally.

And Sunday's grand opening was everything Mr. Miscavige promised.

The Scientology Press Office announces the news as follows:

With thousands of Scientologists, local residents and officials in attendance, the new Church of Scientology of London opened its doors.

Mr. David Miscavige , Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center and leader of the Scientology religion , stressed the historical importance of London. "This is the city L. Ron Hubbard himself [founder of the Scientology religion] selected as home to the first Scientology organization. This is also the city wherein he first defined the human spirit as an immortal being possessed of capabilities beyond anything predicted, and so arrived at the axiomatic truths on which the whole of Scientology is founded. Your early London organizations were also the original proving ground for the bulk of Mr. Hubbard’ s social betterment programs which are used to uplift neighborhoods just like this one."

Heroes of the Tsunami

This beautiful woman was one of the hundreds of Scientologist volunteers who went to the South East Asian tsunami to help.

She is from England and her name is Jennifer Bird.

Her success story is something most Scientologists are very familiar with.

The technology she used and describes here is contained in the Scientology Handbook
and can be studied online.

HumanTrafficking.org | About Us

humantrafficking.org was established "to bring Government and NGOs in the East Asia and Pacific together to cooperate and learn from each other’s experiences in their efforts to combat human trafficking."

It has been implemented by the Academy for Educational Development with funding provided by the U.S. State Department.

HumanTrafficking.org | About
Us

March 2, 1931

Overview:

Mikhail Gorbachev was a bold leader, whose kindness and charm won over millions. In a strict country where the elite admonished new ideas, he reached out and helped an ailing population and the world. His contributions to society will forever be remembered.Country: Russia

Mikhail Gorbachev

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Today is the day set aside by the United Nation as International Day for the Eradicaton of Poverty.

There are many fine organizations working to combat poverty.

Truly, in this day, with our technology and communication potential, we should be able to accomplish a basic standard of living for any man or woman on this planet.

Opra and Bono Combatting AIDS in Africa

What a brilliant idea - channel some of the money of the affluent to doing good in Africa.

Leave it to Opra and Bono!

O & Bono's Shopping Spree

Posted Oct 13th 2006 2:26PM by TMZ Staff
Filed under: Fashion Police, Life Style, Oprah

When Oprah Winfrey and Bono team up, you just know it's for something big.

The two celeb humanitarians hit up Michigan Avenue in Chicago and zipped in and out of stores selling Product (RED) merchandise - an effort benefiting the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Apple, Gap, Motorola and Emporio Armani have joined the cause, which is backed by Bobby Shriver and the U2 frontman. "What's great about (RED) is I'm not asking you to give money or write a check or give to charity," says Bono, "I'm asking you to buy (RED) products and the companies who make those products will be making the checks, that's so cool."

The products, all of which are the color of the campaign name, include iPods, RazR phones and clothing.

Bono will appear on Oprah's talk show today to talk more about the U.S. launch of (RED).

Yunus says Bangladesh's new found unity must extend to political arena

As Bangladesh cheered its first Nobel laureate, Mohammad Yunus, the "banker to the poor" said on Saturday the country's new-found "unity" should extend to the political arena and he was ready to help end the standoff between the two main alliances. >>

Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 25

It is pretty shocking how many people on earth suffer from the lack of the lack of the most basic things needed for survival. Especially at a time when there is no shortage of food or supplies to care for this.

It is up to each of us to ensure that Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is brought about for all.

This video was produced for Youth for Human Rights International by the Church of Scientology International Human Rights Office.

The Heroism Project

I just found the web site of the Heroism Project.

Really interesting!

David Miscavige

Mr. David Miscavige is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center (RTC) and as the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion he has been the inspiration for so much good in the world.

Scientology literally saves lives.

Check out what the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are doing, for example. There is news about the Volunteer Ministers on the Scientology News site, just about every day.

Wangari Maathai

Thanks, again, to TheCommunity.com for this profile of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner:

Wangari Maathai is the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. As leader of the Green Belt Movement for nearly thirty years, she mobilized poor women to plant trees to counteract the deforestation occurring in her country. She has also campaigned for broader women's rights, education, family planning and nutrition.

Born in central Kenya in 1940, Maathai became the first woman from East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate. She founded the Green Belt Movement while head of the National Council of Women of Kenya. In 1988 she was severely beaten along with other members of the Green Belt Movement as the women attempted to plant trees in Karurua Forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. In 1992 riot police clubbed her and three other women unconscious in central Nairobi during a demonstration. She has been teargassed, threatened with death by anonymous callers, and jailed for leading protests. She has continued tirelessly, and today the Green Belt Movement in Kenya has planted more than 30 million trees.

Mohamed ElBaradei

This description of Cr. Mohamed ElBaradei is courtesy of TheCommunity.Com -- a beautiful web site dedicated tot he Nobel Peace Laureates and their work.

Dr. ElBaradei was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1942. He earned a Doctorate in International Law at the New York University School of Law in 1974. He began his career in the Egyptian Diplomatic Service, and in 1980 he left the Diplomatic Service to join the United Nations. He was simultaneously an Adjunct Professor of International Law at the New York University School of Law.

The organization he heads, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is the world´s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. They have 2200 multi-disciplinary professional and support staff from more than 90 countries and operate around the world.

Pepsi Everyday Freedom Heroes

I think it's terrific that Mary Shuttleworth, the founder and president of Youth for Human Rights International, was named as a Pepsi Everyday Freedom Hero this year.

What Pepsi says about this award is:

"A Freedom Hero is an individual or group that takes action to protect or extend freedom. The action is often as simple as speaking up, working as a catalyst for change or encouraging others to learn, grow and contribute. Freedom Heroes come from all walks of life and may affect any form of freedom including race, gender, religion, speech, press, educational, social and/or economic issues. We honor the individual whose innovation, involvement and intervention redirects fate."

Mary recently completed the third annual Youth for Human Rights World Tour, where she visited 30 cities and released human rights public service anouncement - one in each city - covering all 3o articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

These ads, which are really short films and works of art - were directed by Mary's son, Taron Lexton, who was the director of the award-winning United human rights music DVD.

Here's what they say about Mary on the web site:

Mary Shuttleworth grew up in the Apartheid days of South Africa. She grew up with a passion for human rights and a desire to share the passion with young people. Mary moved to the United States where she became a school principal and children's advocate. She launched Youth for Human Rights International as an education program for children so they would understand and embrace the importance of human rights and religious tolerance. Mary shared this passion with her son, Taron.

The Wrong Heroes

I think we tend to idiolize the wrong people in this, our "enlightened" 21st Century.

If our favorite magazines and TV shows are an accurate measure of who we revere, I think we've missed the boat.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

"Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free."

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Unsung Heroes

There are many heroes.

Anyone who goes out of his or her way to help others is a hero, in my books.

Nelson Mandela

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

Nelson Mandela

Teachers

Teachers are really unsung heroes.

They are the worst paid of any professionals of their level of skill.

We entrust them with the very lives and success of our children.

And many teachers are real humanitarians, who make all the difference in the lives of the children they care for.

My dad was a teacher, and wherever we went, anywhere in the world, this is the kind of thing that would happen. Walking down the street, or filing out of a concert, or standing in line for a sports event, some stranger would walk up to us and say "You probably don't recognize me, but you were my teacher in 1948 and it was because of you I decided to...." and from there he or she would tell us how he/she had become a doctor, lawyer, a success in sports, artist or, yes, a teacher like him.

Great Story

I heard the coolest story the other day.

A friend of a friend, years ago, was driving down the Freeway in LA when he saw a very good looking well dressed Black woman who was pulled off on the side of the road, obviously in need of help.

He drove his car off onto the shoulder and ran back to where her car was parked, and found out she had a flat and didn't know how to change the tire (this was before cell phones so she couldn't just call for help).

He changed her flat and was about to take off when she insisted on knowing how to contact him -- she wanted to show her appreciation.

He told her he didn't need any acknowledgement -- he was just happy to have been able to help.

A few days later a big-screen color TV was delivered to his home. He couldn't figure out what this was about and told the delivery person that this was obviously the wrong address - he hadn't ordered a TV. But the man pulled out a letter and handed it to him.

It was the woman whom he had helped.

She thanked him again for being willing to stop and help her.

And the letter was signed "Mrs. Nat King Cole"!

And another ordinary hero

Oprah talks of "Random Acts of Kindness." This first time I ever heard her say this I thought - what a great concept.

I don't know if this originated with Oprah or someone else - I just heard it first on Oprah.

But there is something even MORE special than such a kindness. And that is an EFFECTIVE random act of kindness.

How many times have you wanted to help someone? (What a loaded question!).

Have you ever had a friend who needed someone to listen to, or some moral support, and you were there, even though it was inconvenient and might even have cost you something else you really wanted, to be there and help them?

But did it really help? Were they back down in the dumps again over the same thing a short time later?

That's where effective comes in.

If you'd like to add "effective" to the subject, check out the Scientology Handbook.

I bet you'll find something on that site that helps you REALLY help others.

Somtime there are ordinary heroes

Sometimes the most ordinary people can be heroes. Like these people. Members of the Scientology-sponsored "Say No to Drugs - Say Yes to Life" campaign, they work to save kids from the ravages of drug addiction.

And I would venture to guess that the parents of any kid so saved would look on their work as being heroic indeed.

I found this story at the Scientology Press Office. I must say I like the changes in that web site!

Nazanin Afshin-Jam, Former Miss World Canada 2003, Struggles To Save Iranian Compatriot From Execution

Nazanin Afshin-Jam, Former Miss World Canada 2003, was recently recognized as a "Human Rights Hero" for her work to save the life of an 18 year old Iranian girl.

It is a very moving story which you can read here >>

The Church of Scientology International co-sponsored the event which was the 2006 Youth for Human Rights International Summit, held at the United Nations.

Scientology Volunteers

I think the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, in the work they do in their communities and in times of disaster, are heroes in their own right. They certainly make other people's lives worth living!

IAS Freedom Medal Winners

The International Association of Scientologists presents a Human Rights Freedom Award to three outstanding people (or groups of people) each year. The event is held live in the UK toward the end of October and is televised the following week in Scientology churches around the world.

I had to put in this story from South Africa - A hero from a different view:

"Shark attack survivor Achmat Hassiem will be facing his demons on Sunday morning when he returns to the scene of the attack after being discharged from hospital on Saturday. The lifeguard lost his right foot last Sunday when he was attacked by a shark, believed to be a Great White, during a lifesaving exercise at Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg. He was given a hero's welcome by family and friends when he arrived at his Strandfontein home after spending five days in hospital. Walking into the house on crutches, Hassiem was all smiles and in high spirits as he embraced family and friends.

"Cracking jokes with his friends, he quipped to one of them: "Don't you have any takkies? I only need one."His grandmother, Sulayla Lackay, was among the first to greet him. She came from Durban when she heard the news.'I'm fine, Mama, I'm alive. It could have been much worse,' he told her.He proudly displayed the shark tooth extracted from his leg. 'He wanted to take part of me, so I took some of him," he joked holding up the segment of tooth.But he hasn't let his popularity go to his head and shies away from the term hero and said: 'I'm not a hero, just a lifeguard doing his job.' His father, Moegseen said he was glad to have his boy back at home. 'I called him last night and told him just one more night in hospital and then you can come home.' His father said Achmat's character was so strong that he wouldn't let this bring him down. "He is really warm and has an amazing personality. Even when they had him on the beach and were going to take him onto the helicopter he joked with the paramedics: 'Can I have a window seat?' That's the type of person he is.' Sitting in his room, Hassiem said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed again. He said the possibility of a shark attack was one of the things that lifeguards and surfers always joked and talked about. 'I just went and did it, though.' His brother, Taariq, said they had, in fact, been cracking jokes about sharks attacking them less than two minutes before the incident actually happened. Hassiem said he couldn't even describe the emotions he was feeling at that time. 'You are in the presence of the raw power of nature itself and it was something you can't explain. I am just glad to have gotten away with my life.' He is very excited about getting back into the water but in the same breath said it would probably be the scariest thing he will ever have to do. 'Arriving at the beach that almost took my life is quite hectic.' ..."

Real Heroes in Java

I am so impressed with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers who went to Java to help after the earthquake.

The most impressive part is they are still there!

That's almost 3 months. And we're not talking luxurious living conditions. They are living in huts and eating the local food, and working day in/day out.

Here's just one example of the kind of work they are doing:

Scientology Volunteer Ministers helping to teach kindergarden children simple Scientology assists to help them in their lives.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Indonesia are assisting in many ways and many places.

The International Volunteer Assist Team in Java has been training younger children on basic techniques of how to assist themselves and others. Showing them how to do very simple Assist techniques to relieve upset, panic, and anxiety even when brought on by the natural catastrophes which have occurred in their vicinity.

It's a very unfortunate fact of life that these islands have more than their share of catastrophes. To give these kids something they can use whenever disaster hits will serve them the rest of their lives.

Youth for Human Rights Hero Awards

The final Hero Awards presentation for Youth for Human Rights International is being held at the United Nations, August 24-25th.

Modern Day Heroes

Its funny when you think about heroes in the old days. Famous heroes were usually war heros, be they in a World War or fighting the Indians in America.

Today it doesn't seem that our heroes are as colorful or dramatic, but somehow I think over time, the early heroes had some help. Books, movies, TVs have made some of these people larger than life. Jessie James - a criminal is one such example.

Anyway, its an interesting look. Maybe in 100 years, the modern day heroes will have taken on a whole new look too.

Heroes in Great Britain

I'd say the men and women in England who uncovered and stopped the plot to blow up international airlines yesterday are heroes. How many lives do you think they saved?

Be a Hero

I was just thinking - what really makes a hero? I realized it doesn't really require doing something super-human, that's what it takes to be a "super-hero."

I looked the work up.

In the 1828 Websters it is defined as "A man of distinguished valor, intrepidity or enterprise in danger; as a hero in arms."

In the 1913 Websters it is:"A man of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; a prominent or central personage in any remarkable action or event; hence, a great or illustrious person."

Merriam-Webster defines it today as "a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one that shows great courage."

These are qualities we admire. But how about being qualities we take on ourselves?

There's a Scientology course called the Personal Values and Integrity Course that anyone can study. Any Scientology church or mission has this course. You can even visit a Scientology Volunteer Ministers tent and get a copy of the booklet that's the text for the course, or read it online at the Scientology Handbook web site.

If you feel you could do with some polishing up of your person hero qualities, that's a great place to start.

Human Rights

I recently saw the public service announcements produced by the Church of Scientology International and Youth for Human Rights International.

These are an incredible weapon against intolerance and abuse.

What is incredible about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is how universal it really is. If these rights were actually enforced for every person on earth we would have no war or crime.

This fits so well with the Aims of Scientology (A civilization without insanity,without criminals and without war,where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights,and where man is free to rise to greater heights) that it's quite natural for people who embrace Scientology to also embrace human rights.

A few weeks ago, aboard the Freewinds motor vessel, David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center (RTC) described the church's human rights campaign as an essential program in bringing about world peace.

Three of the PSAs can be viewed online at the Youth for Human Rights International web site or downloaded from I Tunes, and the remaining of the 30 PSAs will also be available online soon.

Pass the work on these PSAs to anyone you know. I really believe that the Internet is the most potent human rights weapon on earth and by using it to get these PSAs out we could create peace.

New York Fire Fighters

Fire fighters are unique breed. They put their lives on the line every day. Any fire they respond to could contain a level of personal danger that threatens their lives or health.

Of course everyone wanted to be a fireman when I was a kid - ride in that big red truck with the horn or siren, wear the cool fireman's hat -- everybody has to get out of your way when you drive down the street.

But really, what would prompt someone to take on such responsibility?

I was so moved at the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of New York when
Stephan Hittman Chief Executive Officer, 9/11 Foundation and Honorary Commissioner of the New York Fire Department honored the Church for the work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers at Ground Zero.

Here is what Mr. Hittman said:

"In recognition of the humanitarian efforts of the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology, and the help they provided to members of the Fire Department of the City of New York, in keeping with the principles developed by L. Ron Hubbard; and

"WHEREAS: FDNY and the 911 PROGRAM recognize this unwavering commitment to firefighters, to paramedics, to other rescue workers, in keeping with our proudest traditions; and be it known,

"THEREFORE: That FDNY and the 911 PROGRAM officially recognize this dedicated service to the citizens of the City of New York, and hereby bestow upon L. Ron Hubbard and the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology, the FDNY and the 911 PROGRAM's Medal of Valor and 9–11 Service Award — on the occasion of the Grand Opening of the New York Church of Scientology."

Following as it did on the speech David Miscavige gave, where he also acknowledged our work, I couldn't have been prouder of being a Volunteer Minister.

I also think the work Tom Cruise has done to make the detox program available to fire fighters and other rescue workers is such a humanitarian act. These people are still suffering from the toxic poisoning they experienced following the fall of Twin Towers -- some are incapacitated, many are having to live their lives as virtual cripples. It is so wonderful that L. Ron Hubbard's research on toxicity and how to rid the body of toxins is being made available to these brave heroes.

More Scientology Volunteer Ministers Heroes

I was really impressed with the story I read on the Church of Scientology of Tampa web site about Alissa Sears and her work to help the children of Sri Lanka.

The whole story can be read online on Freedom Magazine.

The story shows a level of care and dedication that is extraordinary.

Indonesia earthquake reveals the quiet heroism of survivors

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - Switzerland published a story yesterday about the survivors of the Java earthquake.

Nearly two weeks after the devastating earthquake, which struck the Indonesian island of Java on 27 May, the aid operation is beginning to shift from its emergency phase towards ongoing relief and recovery activities, such as shelter, food, water, sanitation and psycho-social support.

Meanwhile, the Javanese themselves have already begun setting about rebuilding their lives with strength, determination and humility.

"We saved for years to build our house, but in 30 seconds it was gone," says Wartini, a 35-year-old mother of two in Sumber Mulyo village, some 15 kilometres south of Bantul, one of the worst affected areas.

The village was completely destroyed when the quake struck at dawn, as many people still slept. Ever since, the surviving residents of Sumber Mulyo, who are now living in tents provided by the Red Cross and Red Crescent, have been busy salvaging whatever they can.

"We are collecting everything that we can use," says Wartini, as she painstakingly pries undamaged bricks from what is left of the walls of her house. Wood from collapsed roofs, even the iron rods inside the cracked and crushed concrete will all be retrieved.

"In Javanese culture, people will always help each other," says Achmer Albugis, a volunteer with the Indonesian Red Cross, known locally as Palang Merah Indonesia or PMI, who traveled 200 kilometres from his home in neighbouring Central Java province to assist in the relief effort.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers Disaster Relief Team is in Java, providing one-on-one help to the survivors and training anyone who wishes to help.

To find out how to join them, contact on of the following persons:

Australia, New Zealand and Oceania Coordinator, Virginia Stewart at: virginias@scientology.net

US Coordinator Aenetta at, ihelpwestus@ihelp.org

UK Coordinator: Ann Rollins at, ihelpuk@ihelp.org

South East Asia Coordinator, Angel Wijayanto at: seasiaproject@scientology.net

Human Rights Heroes

Yesterday, in Washington D.C., the Church of Scientology International and Youth for Human Rights International joined forces to acknowledge 4 human rights heroes.

Actresses Anne Archer and Jenna Elfman were there to present the awards at Capital Hill.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre web site explains the Church's views on human rights as follows:

"Scientologists have worked over the past five decades to defend and uphold human rights and religious freedoms — not only to preserve their own rights, but also to guarantee the rights and freedoms of every citizen. The freedoms of speech, choice, thought and belief are sacred, and their violation can be found at the root of any conflict.

"Central to the establishment of international human rights is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the United Nations in the aftermath of World War II, the declaration proclaims that all people are entitled to basic rights that none have the power to take away."

The site goes on to say:

"Mr. Hubbard pointed out, 'Very few governments have implemented any part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These governments have not grasped that their very survival depends utterly upon adopting such reforms and thus giving their peoples a cause, a civilization worth supporting, worth their patriotism.'"

L. Ron Hubbard - Tribute

Every year there is a celebration for Mr. L. Ron Hubbard. This event is traditionally hosted by Mr. David Miscavige the eccelesiatic leader of the Scientology religion.

The events cover many aspects of Mr. Hubbard's life and times. His birthday fell in March and events were held around the world. I attended the one in LA, and despite rain there were record numbers of people in attendance.

There is a website that give the information about the Hall of Fame in East Grinstead and gives interesting information about L. Ron Hubbard.