The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Costa Rica Provided Emergency
Relief after an Earthquake Killed 34 and Left the Area Devastated
LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers, a community service organization active in
times of emergency and natural disasters, went into immediate action last
January when a 6.1 magnitude earthquake killed at least 34. With reports of more
than 1,200 people trapped in the hardest hit zone, 19 volunteers from the two
Costa Rica Scientology Missions set out for the city of Alajuela to help.
Downtown Alajuela was the staging area, where those who were evacuated or left
homeless by the quake were brought for emergency care and shelter. The
Scientology volunteers pitched in alongside other humanitarian programs such as
the Red Cross and Boy Scouts to help the police and the National Commission of
Emergencies erect tents for temporary housing. They helped staff relief centers
and distributed food, clothing and water to the quake victims.
The earthquake had sent furniture and files sprawling throughout the medical
center, turning the already daunting task of helping the injured into a
logistical nightmare. So the Scientology Volunteer Ministers cleaned the place
up so center staff could concentrate on their vital duties.
A team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers went from house to house to help
people evacuate or put order into their homes. They made sure those who were
injured got the care they needed, and provided Scientology assists--simple
procedures developed by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion,
that help people overcome the emotional and spiritual side of trauma so they can
recover fully from injury, stress or shock.
Brought together by a sense of urgency, duty and a desire to help others, the
volunteers decided to carry on their work after the natural disaster was over.
They have established a permanent Scientology Volunteer Ministers Team to
continue to bring help on a grassroots level to the people of the region.
For more information on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers humanitarian efforts
and to learn about volunteerism opportunities, visit the web site at
www.volunteerministers.org
Church of Scientology
Karin Pouw, 323-960-3500
Copyright Business Wire 2009
