PRESS RELEASES
JAPAN •
In the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Volunteer Ministers from six continents traveled to Japan to help in the shelters and villages. Scientologist Koji Minami coordinated their actions. He is featured in honor of Scientology Volunteer Ministers week August 20-27, 2011.
The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan March 11, 2011, killed more than 15,000, displaced 300,000, injured nearly 6,000, and caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damage, creating so much impact it shifted the Earth on its axis by nearly 4 inches.
AUSTRALIA •
Australian Scientologist Peter Dunn has served as a Scientology Volunteer Minister in Haiti, Queensland, and Japan.
At 4 a.m. on March 11, 2011, the shock wave from the magnitude 9 earthquake that triggered a 30-foot tsunami off the northeast coast of Japan reached Australia—not as a physical blast but rather as a summons for Scientologist Peter Dunn to return to Japan and help in her time of need.
SWEDEN •
Agneta Ståhl measures her success by how well those around her are doing—particularly her family. Her video is one of more that 200 “Meet a Scientologist” videos on www.Scientology.org.
Being the best possible mother was always top priority for Agneta Ståhl.
COLOMBIA •
Writer Sabrina Ochoa is well on her way to accomplishing her career and personal goals. Her video is one of more than 200 “Meet a Scientologist” videos at www.scientology.org.
What makes Sabrina Ochoa so successful? Confidence, security and certainty.
In her “Meet a Scientologist” video on www.scientology.org, Scientologist Sabrina Ochoa says these are the words that define the difference in her life before and since studying Scientology.
MADRID, SPAIN •
In celebration of 30 years of the Scientology religion in Spain, the National Church of Scientology in Madrid opens greatly expanded facilities for the community
DENMARK •
Danish photographer Thorsten Overgaard has made an art form of doing exactly what he wants, wherever in the world he wants to do it.
Imagine traveling the world, photographing celebrities, royalty, and rock stars, for magazines, Getty Images and Associated Press. That’s “work” for Danish photographer Thorsten Overgaard who has made an art form out of doing exactly what he wants to do.
While traveling, he holds seminars for amateur photographers anywhere his services are requested.
TANZANIA •
Tanzania has announced its commitment to eliminating the spread of blood-borne disease from syringe reuse, thanks to the work of Safepoint Trust founder and Scientologist Marc Koska.
In June 2011, Dr. Lucy Nkya, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare of Tanzania, announced her country’s commitment to make un-safe injections a thing of the past.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND •
The Human Rights Office of the Church of Scientology International sponsors human rights summits where youth from around the world network, learn skills and formulate plans to advance the full implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in their countries.
TAIWAN •
Scientology helped school principal Sunny Yu of Taichung, Taiwan, find new pleasure and satisfaction in her work.
In her “Meet a Scientologist” video on www.scientology.org, school principal Sunny Yu of Taichung, Taiwan, is clearly in her element—relaxed, happy and in excellent rapport with teachers and pupils. But she viewed life very differently not so long ago.
ALABAMA •
Birmingham, Alabama—More than 200 volunteers representing thousands who helped those devastated by the April 2011 tornadoes were honored in Birmingham August 25, 2011 at a special dinner marking Alabama Disaster Volunteer Appreciation Day.
TAIWAN •
Tommy Hung couldn’t shake the despair he felt from a romance that ended badly. Then Dianetics helped him understand why and freed him from the emotional burden.
At 23, Tommy (Min-Chao) Hung of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, knew he should be happy—after all, he had a great career and future ahead of him. But the truth was he was miserable and he saw no way out.
IRELAND •
Nonagenarian Bernard Duffy can look back on more than five decades as a Scientologist.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA •
August 13, 2011 marked the beginning of a new era for the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg. Scientologists, dignitaries and guests gathered to dedicate a new three-story wing comprising 7,500 square feet of public information displays, course rooms, seminar rooms and other facilities, all dedicated to service to the community.
CALIFORNIA •
Many people have their own story about 9/11—what it meant to them. Lisa Lindman thought life as she knew it was over. In a way, she was right.
For graphic designer and Scientologist Lisa Lindman, 9/11 2001 marked the end of an era—and the beginning of a new life.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA •
Over 1,000 Scientologists and guests attended a gala event in Hollywood Saturday night, marking the 42nd anniversary of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre. Guests included many of the Church’s well-known members, including John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Anne Archer, Jenna Elfman, Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, Erika Christensen, Priscilla Presley and Nancy Cartwright.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA •
As you read this page, untold millions on five continents are attempting to scratch out a subsistence living, many unsuccessfully, deprived of their basic human rights.
A trip to Africa in 2005 changed Tim Bowles’ life.
“When I arrived in Ghana, it was like coming home,” he says. “I knew I had to do something to help.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA •
The Church of Scientology of Pasadena hosted a forum July 30, 2011, “Reversing Hunger—Violation of the Most Basic Human Right.” With upward of 11 million in Somalia now facing famine, and more than 1.7 million Los Angeles County residents struggling with hunger, forum participants and guests explored the problem and discussed possible solutions and preventive measures to tackle this vital issue.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA •
Scientology Church celebrates its first year in Old Pasadena with community involvement and contribution high on its list of priorities.
On Saturday, July 30, 2011, the Church of Scientology of Pasadena hosted “Reversing Hunger—A Forum on the Most Basic Human Right.” The event was the latest in a series of community services and activities the Church has initiated, supported or sponsored over the past year since its July 2010 grand opening.
ITALY •
In her “Meet a Scientologist” video on Scientology.org, Serena Zoccatelli and her family are happy, relaxed and at ease. Life wasn’t always that way.
Serena Zoccatelli used to find her name ironic—she was anything but serene.
“Confusion, doubts, uncertainty.” That was how Zoccatelli characterized her life—the way it used to be.
But that was before her husband Andrea introduced her to Scientology in 1999.
NEW YORK •
On Sunday July 24, 2011 baseball fans at the Twins game left Target Field with a work of art—a poster by artist and Scientologist Robert Blehert.
When commissioned to create a poster in honor of former Minnesota Twins’ pitcher Bert Blyleven, Seattle-based artist Robert Blehert was ecstatic. A dedicated sports fan, Blehert was on hand at Target Field July 24, 2011, to autograph copies of the poster that was presented to fans in honor of Blyleven’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.