Linda Wieland writes for the Scientology Press Office in Los Angeles, CA.
Traditional ceremony and ritual opened the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour on the Island of Vava’u in the kingdom of Tonga.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers South Pacific Goodwill Tour is continuing its work in the Kingdom of Tonga, with a grand opening on the island of Vava’u. Tonga is an archipelago of 169 islands one-third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii.
Local performers welcomed the Scientology Volunteer Ministers with a prayer and songs and the chief magistrate of the island, on behalf of the people of Vava’u, thanked the Scientology Volunteer Ministers for coming to their island.
A dancer performed the ‘Tulou kihe niu vakai’—a traditional greeting for honored guests and friends—before cutting the ribbon in front of the big yellow tent where the volunteers will provide courses, seminars and one-on-one help.
Having opened the tent in the capital city of Vava’u, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are offering their services on a grassroots level by visiting the local villages. The first place they went to was Talihau, a fitting first stop as its name means “to welcome the Chief,” coming from the days when any boat arriving from other islands would land and be welcomed by this village first.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers began their visit to Tonga on the island of Tongatapu, where they found that drug and alcohol abuse were a major concern of the local officials and community leaders. They provided drug-education lectures, using information in the Scientology Handbook which is based on the research of Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Tonga is the third South Pacific nation of this goodwill tour, which began in Fiji and moved next to Samoa. On completing their work in Tonga, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers will move on to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers South Pacific Goodwill Tour in the Village of Pangaimotu
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers Provide Seminars in Colombia
- Scouts and Scientology Volunteer Ministers Partner to Help the People of the Amazon
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers–A Global Force for Help
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers South Pacific Goodwill Tour Welcomed to the Island of Vava'u
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers Help Samoa Recover from Tsunami
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers Document Slum Conditions
- Scientology Volunteer Ministers Support President Obama’s Call for Disaster Readiness
Sid Roth welcomes Jason Westerfield
By: Ezra Jones | 21/12/2009SID : hi. Sid Roth here still trying to do a talk with Kathie Walters. You'd think it is so simple. You come here and do it. But let me know about this. I am so fascinated with this angel change that took resonance in your place for 3 and a half weeks. Tell me about it. One Sun. And it's a good lesson here, because while I was watching the movie, out of the corner of my eye I saw a light. Well hello, most people have witnessed the Light. But I turned to see what the light was...
The Greatest Christmas Gift
By: Pastor Tammy Mitchell | 20/12/2009Sometimes this gift might not cost you much at all and at other times it might cost you everything. While we know that we should give this gift to all there are some that make giving this gift difficult at times.
The Parable of The Ten Bridesmaids - Explained - Part 1
By: Charles Crosby | 19/12/2009This parable is probably one of the most misunderstood parables the Lord Jesus Christ ever uttered, for I have heard all manner of nonsensical explanations of it. Needless to say none of these explanations points the finger at the right people so read on to find out who The Lord was aiming this parable at.
Religion & Kabbalah
By: David Azulai | 19/12/2009No matter how hard or easy one's life can be, one always needs some invariable forces to rely on. Kabbalah religion has become a permanent shelter for many believers who seek for a deep personal feeling of fulfillment. http://www.kabalatalisman.com/
What is Witchcraft and is Witchcraft Real?
By: Oliver Trescombe | 19/12/2009There are quite a few variations of belief systems that were practiced and are now collectively labeled as witchcraft. Some of the more commonly known would be Druidism, Herbalism, and Spiritualism but there are many more.
Witchcraft - Is it Real?
By: Oliver Trescombe | 19/12/2009Witchcraft is classified today as a Pagan religion which means that it is has a belief system which is followed by its practitioners much like any other religion in the world. The more traditional forms of witchcraft do not adhere to any type of strict code but more modern variations, such as Wicca, have evolved into what we would call a more regimented form of religious practice.
God is Three In One
By: Phillip Ross | 19/12/2009While it is difficult to explain the Trinity, it is at the same time the most ordinary concept imaginable. Everyone intuitively understands that a thing can be both individual and corporate at the same time. Everyone intuitively knows what it means and uses such distinctions every day -- everyone, not just Christians.
Where to Find the Best Deals on 14k Gold Religious Pendants With Diamonds?
By: Harley John | 18/12/2009Religious pendants can be the best gift you can offer to a loved one in this festive season as most people prefer to wear religious pendant. There are many different kinds of religious pendants available in the market. In the time, when we have unlimited choices and offers in the...
Scientology Volunteer Ministers Help Samoa Recover from Tsunami
By: Linda Wieland | 10/10/2009 | News & SocietyA team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers is helping Samoa recover from the tsunami that hit the island early Tuesday, September 29. The tidal waves carried entire villages out to sea and killed at least 140.
Scouts and Scientology Volunteer Ministers Partner to Help the People of the Amazon
By: Linda Wieland | 10/10/2009 | Causes & OrganizationsScientology Volunteer Ministers and Cuauhtémoc scout leaders team up to bring help to the indigenous people of the Amazon.
Church of Scientology San Diego Hosts Disaster Preparedness Workshop
By: Linda Wieland | 30/09/2009 | News & SocietyThe Church of Scientology of San Diego sponsors workshop in response to President Obama’s call for community involvement before disaster strikes.
Church of Scientology of London Hosts United Nations International Peace Day Celebration
By: Linda Wieland | 30/09/2009 | News & SocietyMulti-faith, and multi-cultural “Peace through the Arts” at the London Church of Scientology Sept. 21.
Church of Scientology International Public Information Campaign Drives 10 Million Visitors to Scientology.org Site
By: Linda Wieland | 22/09/2009 | MultimediaThe Church of Scientology “Know Yourself-Know Life,” cross-platform ad campaign, airing on cable TV, satellite TV channels and the Internet, has brought 10 million visitors to Scientology.org.
Niki Lanik Races for Human Rights
By: Linda Wieland | 16/09/2009 | News & SocietyRecognized at the 6th Annual Youth for Human Rights Summit in Geneva last week, race car driver Niki Lanik explains why he promotes human rights to racing enthusiasts.
Scientology Minister Remembers 9/11 at New York Scientology Service
By: Linda Wieland | 16/09/2009 | News & SocietyMemorial service at the Church of Scientology of New York looks back on 9/11.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers Support President Obama’s Call for Disaster Readiness
By: Linda Wieland | 16/09/2009 | News & SocietyScientology Volunteer Ministers are working with police, firefighters and other community organizations to ready citizens for effective disaster response as part of National Preparedness Month.