The Glorious Break of Day
Counsellor Bob Harris speaks of the need for Bahá’ís to make a "commitment", rather than just a "contribution" to the advancement of world peace. He points out how the sacrifice made by the Bahá’ís of Iran has led the Faith out of obscurity and placed it before the eyes of the world. Mr. Harris discusses nine points that Bahá’ís should consider when committing themselves to this Cause. These include consultation, moderation, racial unity, equality of men and women and the role of women as peace makers. War, like slavery, is an immoral human activity that must be brought to an end.
The Fourth Epoch
Continental Board of Counselors member Bob Harris talks about the 4th Epoch of Formative Age of the Bahá’í Revelation. He says he just attended a conference of the Counselors in Haifa, Israel, hosted by The Universal House of Justice. He talks about the Power of God, and how He works through ordinary people. He picks people for His work in mysterious ways. Examples of His work are Adam and Eve and Abraham and Sarah. He quotes Bahá’u’lláh, "In this Day a great festival is taking place in the Realm above; for whatsoever was promised in the sacred Scriptures hath been fulfilled.
Heroic Steadfastness
Dr. Henderson describes his presentation as a “Family Talk” He begins by sharing observations he has made of the American Bahá’í Community that are “affecting all of our lives.” Looking back to the 1978-79 Iranian Revolution he describes how those events shaped the international Bahá’í Community. This was a “blessing in disguise” and an “agent to fulfill age-old prophecies”. Social and economic development projects were reviewed. “The (1985) Peace Statement has given rise to a level of activity that we have never” seen before.” The 4th Epoch and the Six Year Plan are discussed.
International Attention
Mr. Eloy Anello
Continental Board of Counsellors member
Continental Board of Counsellors member, Mr. Eloy Anello, announces that he will speak on the International Needs of the Faith. He suggests we ask what the Faith needs rather than what we think we can do for it. Speaks of the International Deputization Fund and how, at present, only 12 people in America are donating to that fund. He tells of the rewards of obedience and recounts the stories of Anis and Hand of the Cause of God Musa Banani. Said he took his two small boys on a teaching trip down the Amazon River. Advises Baha’is to embrace the adventure of teaching and pioneering.
Foibles of the Formative Age
Mr. Morris Taylor, who is the owner of Talisman Enterprises, recalls a devoted pioneer who had a wonderful sense of humor and who intended to write a book whose title would be “Foibles of the Formative Age”. That lady died of cancer at the early age of 29. So Mr. Taylor dedicates this talk to her under the same title. He outlines seven categories of Bahá’í foibles he covers in this talk. They are 1. First Contact; 2. Great Expectations; 3. How We Are Perceived; 4. Adventures in Teaching; 5. Traditions; 6. Baha’I Humor; and 7. Consultation.
Journey Out of Darkness
Mr. Taylor frames the title of his talk, “Journey Out of Darkness” by comparing it to a game he played in his youth. In his game the children turned off all the lights and in that total darkness they would try to get out of the door without getting caught. Humanity is now in that kind of total darkness and it is the task of the Bahá’í Community to lead the people out the darkness of this age. Says 80% of the world’s diseases are waterborne. Just the income from three days of military spending could provide fresh water for the people who need it.