An Evening with Bill & Marguerite Sears
Stephen Birkland introduces the Sears and mentions his new book “Run to Glory”. Mr. Sears announced that a new video will be coming out before the year’s end titled, “A Glimpse of the Guardian”, done through collaboration with Charles Nolley and Fred Badiyan and himself. Bill then told his “favorite teaching story” about an India Indian Bahá’í who was paralyzed and loved the Faith. He learned that he had to be a teacher of the Faith. He had two men carry his bed from village to village so he could teach. He became responsible for the “first three all Bahá’í villages” in the world.
An Evening with Bill & Marguerite Sears
Two delightful stories are contained in this recording. The first one is told by Marguerite Sears who recalls her experience at the registration desk for the Mauritius Conference. Bill Sears tells the second story of how he got Hand of the Cause of God, Corinne True to tape record her experiences related to the construction of the House of Worship.
Run to Glory
Bill Sears, speaking at the Green Lake conference, uses quotes from The Sacred Writings to emphasize the importance of the mission of the American Baha'is. We must change ourselves, in order to bring change to the nations of the West. The Universal House of Justice has stated that "Dependance upon Baha'u'llah enables Baha'is to formulate audicious plans and carry them out" despite formitable odds. Abdu'l-Baha's mission was to raise up the Faith in the West; and we are apostles of the Master. This is our mission and the only barrier to this, is "ourselves".
Transformation-Individual Will & Effort
Jack McCants pioneered in the Pacific for nine years. First spoke at Green Lake in 1962. He is currently a member of the NSA. He remarks that Hand of the Cause of God Bill Sears is now (1989) at Green Lake and this a blessing and a bounty. Our problem as Bahá’ís is not having Faith but sharing it with others. He quotes promises of Bahá’u’lláh contains in His prayers. “Americans are playing with…the spiritual destiny of America.” We have the spiritual “food” we just need to share it.
Feelings of Humble Gratitude
Dr. Haghighi talks about how to infuse the power of the sacred law of Huqúqu'lláh into the American Bahá’ í community. He reviews some of the history of this institution and how it came to be applied to the American Bahá’ í community. He gives the reason for the law of Huqúqu'lláh. To “purify ones wealth” is the third most important obligation of a believer. Obedience to the law of Huqúqu'lláh is a demonstration of firmness in the Covenant. Every Bahá’ í must make the offering of Huqúqu'lláh.
Mementos, Insistent & Varied
Steve Gonzales opens his talk with a comparison of Tahirah and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the women's movement in this country. He points to the conference at Badasht, where Tahirah removed her veil. At the same time, the women's movement began here on the other side of the world. Mr.
The Dynamic Picture
Stephen Birkland starts his talk with a prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah, that states that the station of His believers is so precious that it is hidden by God, for the believer's protection. Through stories of the early believers including the story of Badi, Mr. Birkland paints a picture of what transformation does to the believer.
World Parliament of Religions 1893
Mr. Polk covers the background of the World Parliament of Religions that was held in conjunction with the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. He explains that the first public mention of the Baha'i Faith in the West took place at this gathering of the different religions. Polk read the words of the Rev. Henry Jessup who quotes Baha'u'llah at the close of the paper read by Rev. Ford at this gathering.
Let’s Try some 4th Epoch Thinking
Bill Allmart manages the Treasurer’s Office at the Bahá’í National Center in Evanston, Illinois. He covers some of the functions of the Treasurer’s Office. Explains the relationship between challenges to the Faith and its advancement. We need to “thrive in chaos.” We need a great change in the way we view our role in the Administrative Order. Change is a constant we have to get used to. The role and function of the LSAs are going to change. We have a new compilation from the Universal House of Justice on the Nineteen Day Feast. We need to study this. There is now an LSA in Ishqabad again.