The Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) in Victoria feel like they've been through a war. But one-for-one they are glad they are there, helping the fire fighters and community cope with the devastating bush fires.
 | | Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to help the fire fighters and local residents cope with the bush fires in Victoria, Australia. |
From assisting locals just to get by, to saving the life of a dog who was attacked by a frightened wallaby; from giving support to anxious seniors who are confined to their homes, to helping fire fighters cope with trauma, the team has been working non-stop ever since the disaster began.
One of the fire fighters they helped today was pretty desperate. It was only his second day on the force. Yesterday the fire reached to within 300 yards of the town where he was stationed. Just as he was sure the homes were about to ignite, the wind shifted, and the fire receded. But he couldn't shake the feeling of terror that had immobilized him as he stared into the flames that were about to consume him and the property he was trying to protect. One of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers gave him an assist*. It was not long before he was grinning and relaxed, and when the fire truck drove up this morning he jumped on board, ready to get back into the fight.
Another fire fighter was hosing down a house to keep it from burning, when he turned his back for 30 seconds and was suddenly surrounded by flames. He thought he was dead. That night he came into the pub where the Volunteer Ministers had set up an assist station. He was still in shock, and every person he saw, he told "I shouldn't be here; I should be dead." The VMs gave him an assist and soon the fire fighter had something new to tell everyone who would listen to him — "It's amazing to be here; it's good to be alive!"
If you can join the VMs in Victoria, or help support the team while they are on the ground, contact the Volunteer Ministers Coordinator of the Church of Scientology of Melbourne, at melbourne@scientology.net or the International Volunteer Ministers Coordinator at vm@volunteerministers.org.
*Assists: Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, assists can be used by anyone to help people who are ill, distraught or injured. Assists do not take the place of medical attention but aid it by addressing the emotional and spiritual side of the trauma.
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