Wednesday, 07 October 2026 09:25 PM
Company Update
Members of the Springfield community gathered Oct. 3, 2026, on the Missouri State University campus for the West US Scientology Volunteer Ministers Event, a community-focused program featuring cultural education, interfaith perspectives and opportunities for volunteer service.
SPRINGFIELD, MO / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2026 / The event brought together representatives from the American Indian Center, University Heights Baptist Church, the Baha'i Faith and the Volunteer Ministers program for an afternoon centered on community, service, understanding and cooperation.
Valerie Badhorse, co-chair and project director of the American Indian Center in Springfield, opened the program with a presentation on the heritage, customs and traditional regalia of her dancers. Badhorse is a member of the Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Following her presentation, Badhorse and members of her group performed traditional dances for attendees. One of the highlights of the program was a circle dance that invited everyone present to participate, creating an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together through cultural expression.
Pastor Joe Miller, associate pastor with University Heights Baptist Church, spoke about the importance of serving others and volunteering in the community. Miller earned a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Missouri State University. Miller encouraged those attending to look for practical ways to help people who may be facing difficult circumstances and to contribute their time and abilities to strengthening the community.
Joel VanHoose, representing the Baha'i Faith, spoke about the importance of unity, peace and personal virtue. "People of faith must be examples of virtue," VanHoose said. "In the Bible, there's a nice list of virtues in the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
VanHoose also highlighted the Baha'i emphasis on truthfulness as a foundation for other virtues. "Without truthfulness, none of the other virtues can be expressed," he said.
Matt Ward, director of public affairs for the Church of Scientology Kansas City, concluded the speaker program by thanking Badhorse and her group for sharing their cultural traditions and information with the community. Ward also expressed appreciation to Miller and VanHoose for participating and sharing their perspectives.
Ward introduced attendees to the work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and its service motto, "Something Can Be Done About It." The Volunteer Ministers program focuses on providing practical assistance and volunteer support to communities and individuals in need.
Following the presentations, attendees were invited to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour the Volunteer Ministers tents. The tents featured informational panels about the program, along with booths where participants could learn more about community service and other organizations represented at the event.
The opening event provided an opportunity for Springfield residents and visitors to learn from different cultural and faith traditions while exploring ways to contribute to the community.
About the Volunteer Ministers
The Volunteer Ministers program, initiated by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard in the 1970s, is rooted in the belief that individuals can make a meaningful difference in their communities. The group has become known for its humanitarian efforts, assisting in disaster zones and collaborating with public service organizations worldwide.
"These global relief efforts are chronicled in the documentary film, Operation: Do Something About It. https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/operation-do-something-about-it.html
Media Contact:
Cleve Carlson
Volunteer Ministers Coordinator
[email protected]
SOURCE: Church of Scientology