Temple custodian recovers priceless statue and vase, thanks to the work of the Scientology Disaster Response Team while on disaster relief mission in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The temple was part of the religious heritage of the people of Kathmandu – a destination for pilgrims, a holy place whose artifacts are an integral part of the city’s religious ceremonies. But the historic structure was destroyed by the earthquakes and aftershocks that rocked Nepal in April and May.

Its back wall leaned precariously over two houses, seemingly merely waiting for the tremor that finally would topple it. And with the wall would go the roof, destroying two treasured artifacts stored in the upper area of the temple.

Fortunately, the Mexican search-and-rescue team Los Topos and Colombia’s CINAT (National Circle of Aid Technicians), were on the case. Partnered in Nepal with the Scientology Disaster Response Team and the Volunteer Ministers, they were able to seek out and safely remove intact the irreplaceable artifacts before the temple walls came tumbling down.

Putting years of training to the test, the groups determined which parts of the building could be salvaged and those that had to be demolished. Joined by a team of Volunteer Ministers, they dismantled the temple roof, knocked down the rear wall and other parts damaged beyond repair, and left behind a stable structure on which the holy building be rebuilt.

A job well done, indeed.

From the Village of Melamchi Danwar to Haibung and Latitpur, Nepali residents who lost everything in the earthquakes and aftershocks trust the Scientology Volunteer Ministers to help comb through the rubble and find their possessions. Scientology Volunteer Ministers work along side the National Army to ensure all possessions are returned before buildings in need of demolition are demolished and new temporary housing is built.

In the past three days Volunteer Ministers have helped some 2,900 Nepali residents and helped clean 65 collapsed homes.

 Whether serving in their communities or on the other side of the world, the motto of the Scientology Volunteer Minister is “Something can be done about it.” The program, created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard and sponsored by the Church of Scientology International as a religious social service, constitutes one of the world’s largest and most visible international independent relief forces.

The Volunteer Minister “helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” 

A global network of Volunteer Ministers mobilizes in times of manmade and natural disasters, answering the call wherever needed. Collaborating with some 1,000 organizations and agencies, they have utilized their skill and experience in providing physical support and spiritual aid at hundreds of disaster sites.