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.

Scientology Volunteers in Natural Disaster Zones

There are so many stories of heroism and true emotion that never get told. And none as heart-wrenching as the people who have suffered loss of family and home, and their whole community when disaster has struck.

We all watch the results of the tsunamis in South East Asia, so glad it didn't happen to us. However, close to home Hurricane Rita struck and Americans felt this much closer to home.

Right now we have Central America and Pakistan undergoing the same upheavals when your house is just swept away, or worse, family members lost.

In each case Scientology Volunteers have been on the scene as fast as possible to help give these people comfort. Specific stories and articles can be seen at the Volunteer Minister website.

This is a photo from New Orleans:



Scientology Volunteer Ministers in their yellow shirts unloading supplies for the evacuees.

Hot Line Heroine

Coming up in October is the annual International Association of Scientologists event which takes place at the beautiful Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead Sussex England. This year's event is going to be the biggest ever. It is predicted that 10,000 Scientologists and others who are friends of the Church will be arriving.

There are always very moving acknowledgements done of individuals who have made great strides to assist their fellows in the world. Those helped by the technology cover vast subjects and people of all walks of life. This includes getting people off drugs, criminals in prison for real reform, psychiatric abuses exposed and handled, great strides in education for third world children just to name a few.

One that was memorable was a woman who assisted on a teenager suicide hot line. She has stories to tell but several young people going through a rough time were saved due to her compassion and willingness to be there and communicate to them.

In a Prison in North Carolina

I heard a story that I thought you might like to hear. There was a prisoner in North Carolina who saw a Dianetics book. The way he tells it the book leaped off the cart and there was L. Ron Hubbard's face looking at him. He read the book. He wrote to the Church of Scientology address on the book.

He was then directed to do an Extension Course. He began to do counseling with other inmates and reports that his life has never been the same. He then did another course and now several inmates are carrying on and violence has gone down markedly. This prisoner now has hope for the future.

Sports Hero

Some say leaders are born and some say leaders are made. There is a coach who was captain of his football and hockey team in High School. He then grew up to be a coach at several colleges. He learned about Mr. Hubbard's tools of communication and the components of understanding which consists of Affinity, Reality, and Communnication. By using these tools he states he could form a team that was a real team and that would work together.

This coach recommends that anyone who needs to learn the skills of cohesing a bunch of hopeful prima donnas into a team should go to their local Church of Scientology and take the basic Communication Course that is available.

He is a hero to his team because he is dependable, fair, and predictable as well as competent and those characters go a long ways.

Applied Scholastics

The Church of Scientology delivers study technology that was developed by L. Ron Hubbard. This technology has some very basic principles. One of them is related to the fact of never going past words that one doesn't understand. A book called "How to Use a Dictionary" is user friendly to readers of all ages and is highly recommended.

One child who never was able to add or subtract but otherwise was quite intelligent cleared up the definition of the word "equals" and f ound that she never understood this word that alone was preventing the ability to add or subtract. Once that was cleared up she could do math like a champ and the grinning never stopped.

An Italian, my Sister, my Friend, a Scientologist

My sister, Amanda, has been an inspiration to me my whole life. She married an Italian and now speaks it fluently. While in Italy she became a member of the Church of Scientology. She told me a story of a friend who had a horrible accident and as the friend came from an Italian family the last rites were being administered.

My sister went to the hospital and she is a Volunteer Minister from the Church of Scientology. She delivered what is called an "Assist" which is a technique created by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology. This procedure enables the spirit, or the person himself to re-orient himself with his environment. The Doctor's can only call it a miracle. Amanda's friend recovered. I decided to check out Scientology myself after this.

Based on the peace and confidence I have as a result of joining this Church I want to thank from my heart my sister for this gift. She is my hero and so is every other Scientologist that I know.

Ms. Elena Ruggero

Elena Ruggero is a humanitarian artist of our time. She is beautiful, talented and has proven over and over her care for her fellow man. She is a Scientologist and high energy singer who recently gave a stellar performance in Hollywood at the Celebrity Center International annual Gala a week ago. She sang to a crowd of over 500.

She has been a Scientologist in Italy for many years and applies the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard in her profession and personal life.