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.
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.
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