Mr. Bob Harris
Presentations by Mr. Bob Harris
Bob Harris begins by telling the parents how much their children love them. He knows this because he has spent much time with them. He asks Jack Guillebeaux to read the recent message addressed to the youth sent by the Universal House of Justice. After the reading Bob urges parents to consult with their children about this message. He tells a story about his four year old daughter Abby and how she adorably mis-memorized a Bahá’í prayer. Bob then gives five items of advice to parents of youth.
Mr. Bob Harris dedicates his talk to the six Bahá’í youth whose “complete love for Bahá’u’lláh” caused them to be executed on 18 June 1983 in Shiraz, Iran. Bahá’í youth everywhere are called upon to “vindicate the sacrifice” of these youth” quoting the cable of the Universal House of Justice, Mr. Harris reads: “SURELY, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE HEROIC DEEDS OF SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF OUR IRANIAN BRETHREN ARE MATCHED WITH CORRESPONDING EFFORTS ON YOUR PART IN THE VAST FIELDS OF TEACHING AND SERVICE…”.
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.
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.
Counsellor Harris speaks of the importance of a lifetime of service to God which is actually service to ourselves, our community and service to Bahá'u'lláh. He quotes Bahá'u'lláh Book of Laws (Kitab-i-Aqdas): "Obey to my commandments for love of my beauty". Obeying His command brings us closer to Him; so much so we surrender our will to it. We need to study the Faith, deepen in it, pray and teach it to other. Sometimes we just can't feel it in our heart. Why is that? He shares two quotes from the Hidden Words. The first: "O Son of Dust!
Bob Harris opens the family forum by asking, "What is it that you as parents have done to help your children come closer to the Faith?" And he further asks the children present: "What is it in your family that is pretty good that has helped to get [you] to the point where you are?" Mr. Harris then invites parents and children to the microphone to share their insights and experiences. The responses are fascinating.
Counsellor Harris says that Hand Dr. Muhajir said we shouldn’t wait to serve the Faith. “The Covenant is the dominate theme of the Six Year Plan.” The Universal House of Justice said, “A covenant is based on mutual assurances and obligations.” The ancient promise of Isaiah to translate the tools of war into the tools of peace is made possible by God’s Covenant as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. He quotes the recent finding that “800 million people live in despair with no hope of improvement.” “Every day 40,000 children die” from hunger and disease.