January 20, 2005

ASTORIA, Queens - Underprivileged Ecuadorian children in Queens gathered at St. George's Episcopal Church in Astoria for a Three Kings Day celebration on January 9th, where Lutheran Bishop Pedro Bravo-Guzman and other well-wishers served refreshments and then filled their arms with hundreds of toys.

The celebration was cosponsored by the Ecuadorian News and the Ecuadorian Consulate, and Mrs. Mary de Molina, wife of the Ecuadorian Consul General, was on hand to help put dolls, play-houses, and toy trucks in the hands of the children.

The Queens Federation of Churches and St. Peter and St. Paul's Lutheran Church also sponsored the event, now for the second year, and were again joined by the Church of Scientology.

Rev. John Carmichael, of the Scientologists, provided not only lots of toys for the children, but gifts for the adults as well: booklets giving new and effective methods for dealing with the everyday disasters which make life difficult: drug problems, study difficulties, marital problems, even blocks to communication.

The same booklets, based on the work of American writer L. Ron Hubbard, are being distributed worldwide by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, for use by people of all faiths.

Bishop Bravo-Guzman said the celebration will be even bigger next year. "It is the duty and the honor of St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church to serve the community in this way, and we appreciate the support of all our friends. Sharing with the children and the parents of Queens on Three Kings Day is what the holiday is all about."

Ss. Peter and Paul Independent Lutheran Church, Astoria