New Orleans, USA - Joe Wisdom, a 30-year-old Coral Gables, Fla., resident, has arrived as part of the massive disaster relief effort mounted in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
He's no firefighter or cop - he's part of the Church of Scientology Disaster Relief Team.
Members of the much-publicized religion, founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, have set up a yellow tent at a police staging ground near the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, and are giving cops and soldiers body rubs known as ''nerve assists,'' administering shots and handing out clean socks, underwear, medicine and food.
The Scientologists have silver sports utility vehicles with yellow magnets bearing their names, and pamphlets and framed press clippings touting their beliefs. One article, which ran in The New York Times, describes their efforts in setting up relief areas after the Sept. 11 attacks.
''We've been very well received,'' said Wisdom, who works as a real estate broker and is one of more than 400 church members assisting in the New Orleans area. ``All preconceived notions of us have been thrown out the window. I think they see we're here to help.''
The church, based in Clearwater, Fla., has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent months, with actor Tom Cruise publicly advocating its beliefs, saying Scientology can cure addiction and depression.
Members do not worship a deity. Instead they believe people are immortal spirits troubled by mental blocks. The church boasts 5,200 centers worldwide, runs drug rehabilitation and education programs and claims some nine million members.
One of the church's most high profile members, actor John Travolta, has arrived in New Orleans, and accompanied rescue workers on a tour of hard-hit St. Bernard Parish last week.
Wisdom and the other Scientologists say they aren't here to preach.
Instead, they administer the nerve assists: A soldier or a police officer - even some reporters - lay down on a narrow, cushioned bed, the type chiropractors use. Wisdom and other members run their fingers in broad, outward strokes down the spine and lower back. They then turn the person around and rub with a similar motion along the ribs, even down to the feet.
Nerve assists last about 10 minutes and are supposed to release built-up ''standing waves,'' or tension.
''It's a method developed by L. Ron Hubbard,'' Wisdom said, adding ``It isn't necessarily meant to replace a chiropractor or medical attention.''
At least one New Orleans cop was thrilled.
''It was great. It was very relaxing,'' said Sgt. John Deshotel, 41, who has been working virtually nonstop since Hurricane Katrina hit.
What he knew about Scientology before the disaster? ''Not a thing,'' Deshotel said. ``But I'm glad they're here.''