Scientology VM's, or "yellow shirts" as people call them, helping people with assists and training others in these techniques

One-on-one counseling is given by a Scientology Volunteer Minister

Scientology VM Nick Sim with children from Aceh

Scientology churches around the world are sponsoring VM teams to go to Indonesia and the other countries affected by the tsunami.

Though few in number compared with the hundreds of thousands who lost their families and were devastated by the tsunami, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are gratified to see they are making a difference. Not only are they personally helping victims but they are training local residents in techniques they can use to extend that help to the people of Indonesia.

In their own words:

“Today I met a little girl who was ill. She just cried the whole time. She did not want anything. I was able to reach her with an assist, however. She still cried. But when the assist finished she was no longer crying and she kissed me. I will never forget this moment.” - Ray Cho from Taiwan

“I am Nick Sim from Singapore and I am a Buddhist. This is my first trip to Banda Aceh together with the Scientology people. We are here to do volunteer work for the Indonesians who are affected by the tsunamis. This morning I went to the refugee camp. While doing an assist, I encouraged those standing behind to learn. The response was overwhelming. Many of the refugees were enthusiastic to be trained by me. After a while, they were doing assists for each other happily. I admire their spirit. Despite losing their houses and family members, they are still eager to learn the assists and care for each other. After every assist they will say “bagus,” which means GOOD in English.”

“I am Vincent Chien from Singapore. Yesterday we did assists in a refugee camp under the severe sun, but today we got the support from the camp medical unit to give us four beds in their tent to do assists. The response was overwhelming. Lots of refugees are willing to get trained to help each other. I made my own record in that I trained eleven people at both the refugee camp and our base tent.”

“I’m Tiber McCormick from Los Angeles. I worked with Vincent today. After we got permission to use some cots in the medical tent, the person in charge of the camp announced over the loud speaker that we were delivering trauma relief in the medical tent. This announcement went out to over a hundred refugees. People lined up outside the tent and we delivered. The Indonesian people are truly amazing. I have spoken to several people whose entire families were lost in the tsunami, and for the most part they are just looking to the future and working towards a better life. They are extremely open and thankful for the assistance from us. Everywhere we go people wave, smile and say thank you or ’tre mocha sue’ (thank you). Earlier today an older man limped into the tent and pointed to his knee. I gave him an assist. His eyes were closed for the entire assist until he suddenly opened them, got off the cot, stood upright and said “it better... thank you” and walked (not limped) away. I stood there speechless as he left. I have only been here for five days and it has been life changing.”

“I’m Kane Hooper from Melbourne, Australia. This has been my most amazing, toughest, but incredible experience. I have been working as a Scientology Volunteer Minister for the past twelve months in my hometown. While I was quite successful in my area I have moved into an entirely new range of operation as a Scientology VM out here in Banda Aceh. The time I have spent here has been invaluable to me as a person. I had to confront things that I would have avoided back home, but here in Banda Aceh I had no option but to overcome all of my obstacles, including any personal problems. And boy, have I ever grown as an individual! In fact I can’t believe the difference in myself since coming here. I have done hundreds of assists personally and I have seen smiles in return. My viewpoint on life is different and I am so glad that I was able to get here to help the people of Banda Aceh.”

“Hi, I’m Oisin Grogan from Melbourne, Australia. Being here in Banda Aceh has been a life changing experience! Back in Melbourne I was looking to play a bigger game in life and I wanted to help people. I have been able to achieve that here in a massive way. I have watched fellow Volunteer Ministers do amazing things. I found that as you help more people, your ability to confront life grows and grows. We have literally created daily miracles applying L. Ron Hubbard’s assist methods. For instance I helped a man who could not move (or walk) without immense pain. At the end of the assist, he shuffled out by himself in virtually no pain! All the VMs here can tell you similar stories. Yesterday I was talking to a local person and realized I had just had a two-minute chat in Indonesian. It’s been an honor being here working with people from all over the world who all have the same purpose—to help. We have made many, many friends. Terima kasih bunyak! (Thank you very much.) “

“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."

- L. Ron Hubbard

If you can help with donations or wish to volunteer time, call (323) 960-1949 or 1-800-435-7498 or e-mail vm@volunteerministers.org

For more information: Scientology Volunteer Ministers News

1. Assists are techniques developed by L. Ron Hubbard. They operate on the principle that one tends to withdraw mentally or spiritually from an injured area. Only by restoring communication with this area can one bring the spiritual element into healing, thereby greatly speeding the healing process. Assists are used to alleviate stress and physical aches and pains, or to orient a confused or distraught individual to his present environment.

Learn on-line how to do Scientology Assists.