PIONEER-DESK-MAURITIUS

PRAYERS ALWAYS BEEN ANSWER

2008-09-15T05:21:00.001-07:00

Martin Woods (UK pioneer in Hungary)

Extract from PIONEER POST U.K.

October 2003

Mr Vojdani gave a short but moving talk on the importance of spiritual love in service and teaching as a means for contacting hearts to Bahá 'u'lláh. He also shared the story of the first pioneer to Bolivia sent by the beloved Guardian.

Briefly: A young Bahá 'i lady pioneered to Bolivia in the 1930 s to open it to the Faith. Having no success in teaching anyone, she began to write to the Guardian expressing feelings of failure. With each passing month she wrote and he replied encouraging her to stay, to remain steadfast, to have faith and to pray. So obediently she continued on. Every day she went to the centre of a small town and in one of the regions found a spot by a fountain and tearfully prayed for the progress of the Faith. After two years the beloved Guardian consented to her wish to return home. The story of this young lady was lost and unknown to the friends in Bolivia. Years later when they experienced entry by troops they organised regional teaching conferences. At the end of one of them they decided to take a group photograph. They found a sunny spot big enough for 1,200 friends to gather. Mr Vojdani took a copy of this photo everywhere to show to the friends on his travels.

Years later, friends from many countries had gathered in Paris for a huge anniversary celebration and Mr Vojdani attended as part of a delegation from the Americas. In the crowd a very old lady using two walking sticks hobbled over to them and asked if there was anyone from Bolivia. He said yes. She asked if there were many Bahá 's there, again he said yes, then she asked if he had any photographs from Bolivia. He showed her the one of the teaching conference group photo. She took it and looked at it for a few moments and then fainted. Later in hospital, when she came round, the shocked friends asked her what had happened. In a frail voice she told her story that she had been sent to Bolivia by the Guardian and every day for two years she had sat down in the exact spot where the photograph had been taken to pray and beseech Bahá'u'llah to open the doors of His Faith to the people of Bolivia. Seeing the photograph she realised then, years later, that her prayers had been answered. Three days later she died.

2008-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

REPORT FROM A PIONEER IN MADAGASCAR

2008-08-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a good weekend, here we fine and had our reflection weekend.

It's something that I always heard about but now I'm living it, we had our meeting in a village 35 kms away from the town. We reached it by taxi `brousse`, not a very comfortable mean of transport and it`s the only one. The road is the same, mountainous bumpy and dusty, after more than 2 hrs of drive we were there at sunset and tired. After prayers, some went to cook the diner, some went get wood for fire camp and some stayed for some informal deepening. Cooking is done on fire wood while more than 10 children are having classes outside, it`s around 9pm.

After a good simple dinner, we went around a fire camp as it was really cold and around 11 pm we were asked to get in to start the meeting. With 3 candles light, which I forgot to mention, there`s no electricity or other facility as in a modern house. The coordinators would start the meeting and invite people to consult, there were people of all ages and everybody participated, children were still playing bared foot and singing prayers outside in the cold, it should be below 10 C. It went up to 2 am and I could hear the kids playing and singing by themselves. We slept in the same small room men, women and children together, which was hard for me as we were on the floor on a bamboo carpet and you have your neighbors' feet on you as we were very close. I could not sleep so I went outside around 5 am and was very happy to see few friends around a fire where I joined them. We had a really nice sunrise.

By 7 am everybody was up and the meeting continued while having a simple breakfast and the meeting continued up to 11 am and we had lunch and continued with a deepening on Anna & Emilia which later they learn by heart as they can`t read. We left there around 12hrs30 and walked for more than 1hr to catch a bus (taxi brousse) and returned home dusty and tired. It was very touching to see old ladies participated in the consultation, how the children sing with eloquence and how these people with little they got, managed to do activities which the House asked without lot of questions.

Then later i heard a woman walked all this way from 5am to reach the baha i center at 10am for ruhi 6 some days earlier.

Pioneer Opportunity

2008-07-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Opportunity Available for
Teacher Trainer/NGO Project Manager

By Kal Basin – Pioneer to Lesotho, Africa, Jan. 2008

The Louis Gregory Educational Centre (LGEC), in Mokhotlong, Lesotho, provides continual educational service to a community in one of the least developed districts of this small country in Southern Africa, with the recognition of the Faith being gradually enhanced in the process. Services to children and youth started shortly after legally registering Louis Gregory Foundation as a non-profit foundation in Lesotho.

LGEC was established in 2006 as a Bahá'i’-inspired social and economic project and has been on the move since, on about a 11.4-hector (28-acre) farm about one mile from the centre of town. My family owns a hardware store in this town, where many are orphaned at an early age. We recognized how many children would benefit from learning moral and practical skills they need to become future leaders in their homes and community. We explored the option for a program model to implement and decided to collaborated with Full Circle Learning (FCL) www.fullcirclelearning.org, a non-profit organization headquartered near Los Angeles, California that links classrooms in global partnerships to serve humanity. Its well researched and grounded curriculum uses character education as the core of lesson plans that integrate and improve the students’ academic, arts and music and conflict resolution skills and that culminate in service to the local and global community. For this reason, teacher training in strategies that honor universal values but customize projects to local needs is an essential component of the program. Among many activities, last year, students made get well cards for patients in Mokhotlong hospital and a local orphanage, planted trees to mitigate the effects of soil erosion and collected rubbish (trash) around their neighborhoods as a service project to show respect to themselves and the environment. Parents saw positive improvements in the development of their children, and their children love the school as well. In the future, we hope, with the help of God, to establish a first-class educational system that will advance into a university. There is a need for this in Lesotho.

We trained Youth Facilitators, graduates from nearby high schools, to introduce FCL to primary schools in the surrounding area. This is so successful that other organizations requested that we train their staffs, and we have done so.

The Queen of Lesotho has now accepted a role as a patron of LGEC. She stated that not only did she want to be a patron but wants to be more involved, as she has a concern for the well-being of children in Lesotho. My wife Thato, who is also a Trustee of the project, visited the Queen at her home prior to the Queen coming to Mokhotlong. The Queen traveled by helicopter, with her three children and other family members. His Majesty the King came by road, the village is about a five-hour drive from the capital city Maseru. Friends from the project, including myself, went to the home of their uncle, where they were staying, their uncle is the Principal Chief of that district, and we had a cordial visit with both the King and Queen, who showed great interest in the project.

In October 2007 we held the inauguration of the Centre with a number of dignitaries, representatives from other schools, etc. from that area. The program included drama, traditional dancing and singing from various groups, including the children from our school. Lunch was served to about 500 participants and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves. The Principal Chief of Mokhotlong District spoke. He mentioned the Bahá'i’ Faith and made comments about the wonderful work that the Bahá'is are doing in Haifa, Israel. During this inauguration, we had Bahá'i visitors that included Janita Appa, who is a movie production manager in London, and her husband Hamish and 2 other Bahá'i friends from Australia, Kalinz and Luke. They have produced a documentary of these events.

We have been running a pre-school for about 35 children, many being disadvantaged children, and just recently in December celebrated graduation with the first graduating class. This pre-school was registered with the Ministry of Education and we are in the process of registering a primary school.

The LGEC also has a community garden that caters to parents of the pre-school children and some members of the community that are unemployed. According to the National Dialogue on the Development of a National Vision for Lesotho (Vision 2020), unemployment in Lesotho is “estimated at 50% of the overall population.” Participants of the community garden constitute some that have HIV/AIDS or are taking care of the members of the extended family affected by the disease, single parents and or guardians. Through a collaborative effort with a local NGO in the area, GROW, participants are taught various viable farming methods and nutritional and health practices.

We have had a number of volunteers coming and going, some of who have gotten involved with other types of community service projects, which included arts and health. The Louis Gregory Foundation in Lesotho, which started LGEC, is looking for more funding and volunteers. Presently, funding for most of its projects have been from private donors in the United States and Lesotho, while volunteers have been from the United Kingdom, Australia, Kenya and the United States. LGEC particularly thanks Kavian Maghzy, Hamid Tagdhiri, the Meridian Health Foundation and the Baha’is of San Jose, California for their support.

Our key volunteer, Maureen Mungai, who is from Kenya and is our project manage is preparing to leave mid March 2008. After graduating with a Masters Degree in California in Public Policies she volunteered to come and help with the LGEC. We have another volunteer from California Joni Morales, scheduled to complete her term of service in January 2008. At present we have no replacement lined up, specifically for our project manager. Qualified candidates interested in helping us to sustain the successes of this project should contact either LGEC or FCL or the Office of Pioneering. You may also consider deputizing someone, as from time to time, the Office of Pioneering receives resumes from candidates interested in pioneering who do not have the financial resources to make it happen. Housing will be provided. For more information, contact your International Pioneering Office in Wilmette: Pioneer@usbnc.org. For further information on the particulars of the post, you may contact me, Kal Basin, at hca@lesoff.co.za - telephone (+266) 5892-1112 or for information on the educational model, contact Dr. Teresa Langness, Full-Circle Learning, tlangness@aol.com. May the All-Glorious Lord guide and protect you.

###

2008-07-15T07:34:00.001-07:00

from Ram Meetun Pioneers in MADAGASCAR

2008-07-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Bahai CENTRE IN ANSIRABE

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER DATE 14TH JULY 2008

This weekend was exciting too as we went for homevisits and invitation for the reflection meeting which will happen by end of the month.We went thru a 15kms bumpy road(roads in the field in mauritius are better),it was uphill where we met baha`is.They are all farmers,simple but very sincere baha`is,as it was lunch time we were invited to their small house where we sat down and shared their lunch which consist of boiled corn,potato and some bean without salt or whatever we know to give taste to it.

Then we had a small devotional and meeting where around 20 people was gathered in that small room.After which they accompanied us to other friends place,we were invited to say prayers and i was warmly greeted to their village as a foreigner.Before leaving one women offered me more than a kg of carrots which she planted around the house,which one can`t refuse.Its interesting to see how these friends live a hard life and serving the faith,with their little knowledge,helping in the IPG.Then around 3pm,we rode back downhill,where many time my friend had to wait for me as i was far behind due to the road.Still got all these same pain,next weekend i don`t know where he will take me.

Weekends here is very dynamic,from saturday 4 friends are having intensive ruhi book 4 which starts from day to early morning(intensive mean intensive here),fortunately there was 19days feast to give them a break.

NANCY AND LEA MEETUN pioneers in Madagascar

TRAVELLING TEACHER TO MADAGASCAR

2008-07-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

JOSELITO PELLEGRIN AND KISHAN VENKADEE

2008-03-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

International Service Featured
Estonian pioneer sees reward after half-century's efforts
Published: 2007/12/12

Brigitte Lundblade had waited more than half a century as a Bahá’í to witness national recognition for the Faith in her homeland of Estonia.
In October, nearly 20 years after she returned to the Baltic nation as a pioneer, the Estonian Broadcasting Co. aired several brief interview segments on the Bahá’í Faith as part of a Lutheran-produced television series, in observance of the European Union’s year of equal opportunities and religious tolerance.
The segments, which constituted Estonia’s first national television coverage of the Bahá’í Faith, were taped in Lundblade’s apartment.
“We are a small community and not well known. With very little effort on our part this has changed -- we have become better known,” Lundblade, 84 and a longtime Estonian National Spiritual Assembly member, said in a report to the U.S. Office of International Pioneering.
Displaced from Estonia during the turmoil that surrounded World War II, Brigitte Hasselblatt accepted Bahá’u’lláh in England in 1951.
Two years later she won distinction as a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for moving to the Shetland Islands as that territory’s first Bahá’í resident.
She subsequently married an American pioneer to Sweden, and they moved to the United States.
In the 1980s, with her children grown and her husband passed away, Lundblade felt the urge to respond to a hope the Guardian had expressed decades earlier: to bring the message of Bahá’u’lláh to her homeland.
She pioneered first in Finland, making several teaching trips to Estonia, then assumed a permanent residence in her homeland a few years before it regained independence.
At the recommendation of a government official who knew of Lundblade, the television program interviewed her along with Tiia Bach and Rita Säde, other National Assembly members.
Discussions of Bahá’í activities and history, as well as Lundblade’s own story of finding the Faith, were interspersed with such video shots as a portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Shrine of the Báb, and Estonian summer school and children’s classes, among others.
The audience for those segments was estimated at 46,000.
“We are still small in numbers. But the word has gone out, and several friends of the Faith have expressed their appreciation of the program,” Lundblade concluded modestly.
The Universal House of Justice has designated Estonia as a Category 2 goal country, with pioneers needed to help strengthen the institute process and engage the believers in teaching activities. .

2008-03-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

These thoughts were penned by Tom Howe, an American pioneer to the Mariana Islands.
With regard to international pioneering:

One, please be assured that when you arise to serve, Bahá'u'lláh assists you. Try not to worry so much about specifics. It will always be a struggle at first, always, but then, once you pass the initial tests, you will be amazed at what He has ready for you.
Two, a pioneering lifestyle may not be so much different from what you have now. You go to work and participate in Bahá'í activities as much as you can, and of course do your utmost to help advance the Cause. There is no magic formula. We're all struggling to learn how to teach, and how to respond to the letters of the House of Justice and the International Teaching Center. You may likely end up living in a comfortable house with a comfortable job at a reasonable income. And you'll still be puzzled about how to respond to the letters, just as you are now. It's OK. You don't have to be the "answer person."
Three, what you may hear about pioneering from some of the folks in your local community -- particularly those who have not tried it -- may not be accurate. There may be a few naysayers. Consider it part of the tests. Don't let anyone deter you. People are mostly friendly and helpful and quite sophisticated. The cultures are rich and fascinating, and humbling and challenging and you learn so much about yourself and your own cultural perspective.
Four, yes, we are all inadequate; we are all weak; we all could be much better; but, thankfully, He uses us anyway.
Five, what is that quote from 'Abdu'l-Bahá? You know. The one that goes, "As you have faith ." If you need more courage, go look it up, put it on your fridge or mirror

2008-03-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

Coordinator of Search for Director of Schools c/o National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Swaziland

National Bahá'í Centre, Malagwane Hill, P.O.Box 298Mbabane, Swaziland(southern Africa)

"Director Applications" <swazischools@yahoo.ca>

Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland has decided to fill the vacant post of Director of Schools for its schools in Mbabane, Swaziland.
There are three schools located on the National Centre property, a pre-school, a primary school, and a high school, owned and operated by this National Spiritual Assembly.
They now serve nearly 1,000 students. Each school has its own Principal.
Because of their size and the need to coordinate operations on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, there is a need for a Director or Superintendent of Schools, and the post is presently vacant. It is requested that your National Spiritual Assembly announce this post within your community, asking interested, qualified applicants to promptly forward their applications to "Director Applications" <swazischools@yahoo.ca>. A detailed description of qualifications, duties, and terms of employment is attached. The National Spiritual Assembly has decided that the initial appointment will be for two years. In general, the person selected to fill the post of Director needs to be a Bahá'í in good standing, and ideally will need to demonstrate skills in the following areas: 1. Supervision and Management: skills and experience in a cross-cultural context2. Communication: ability to use clear, appropriate, and effective communication3. Education: post-graduate degree in education, with experience in teaching and administration4. Evaluation: experience using evaluation instruments & processes to evaluate educational administrators and teachers 5. Professional Development: ability to stimulate and lead staff (administrators and teachers) to engage in ongoing professional development training6. Leadership: ability to lead others to formulate goals, initiate and maintain direction, and to guide them to accomplish tasks The deadline for the receipt of applications is January 25, 2008. We appreciate your assistance. With loving Bahá'í greetings, Coordinator of Search,on behalf of The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Swaziland__._,_.___

2008-03-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Needed: U.S. believers, experienced tutors who can speak Lithuanian, Russianor Polish to go to Lithuania!
An urgent need exists for pioneers to Lithuania, particularly to thecommunity of Klaipeda. This European Baha'i community finds itself at acritical stage where an influx of human resources is required in order tore-establish the Local Spiritual Assembly of Klaipeda, the only officiallyregistered Baha'i community in that country, and to intensify the teachingwork. Of greatest assistance in meeting this need are believers who are in aposition to undertake either a short- or longer-term pioneering commitment(6 month and more, more being desired!) without delay and are experienced inthe institute process. Such friends will be able to effectively help theLithuanian community meet its administrative requirements for maintaininglegal status in the country and, at the same time, assist in the vital taskof raising the necessary local human resources to carry forward and sustainthe work of expansion and consolidation.
Those who might be inspired to arise to meet this critical need should nothesitate to contact the Office of International Pioneering atpioneer@usbnc.org or 847-733-3511 for further details related to thispioneering post.

2008-01-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

“The duties of teaching / pioneering are enjoined upon all believers.”

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 23)

The Station of the Pioneer

88."O friends! Be not careless of the virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful of your high destiny...ye are the stars of the heaven of understanding, the breeze that stirreth at the break of day, the soft-flowing waters upon which must depend the very life of all men, the letters inscribed upon His sacred scroll."

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 196

89. "They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause -- these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power. A company of Our chosen angels shall go forth with them,. . . By My life! No act, however great can compare with it, except such deeds as have been ordained by God... Such a service is, indeed, the prince of all goodly deeds..."

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 3 34

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 36)

131. "To remain at one's post, to undergo sacrifice and hardship, loneliness and, if necessary, persecution, in order to hold aloft the torch of Bahá'u'lláh, is the true function of every pioneer."

Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated June 17, 1954, to a National Spiritual Assembly, published in Bahá'í World, Vol. Ill, p. 676

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 51)
135. "Be not grieved if thou performest it thyself alone. Let God be all sufficient for thee. Commune intimately with His Spirit, and be thou of the thankful. Proclaim the Cause of thy Lord unto all who are in the heavens and on earth."

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 280

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction / Comments
2 Reminders/ Moving
3 Geography and Geology of Chile
4 Political Regions and Capital
5 Climate
5 History, Politics and Government
7 Security / Crime Rate
8 Languages and Education
9 Finance and Currency
10 Banking/ Postal Service
11 Customs/Imports
12 Standards Of Living / work.
13 Prices / Food
14 Technology/Electricity
15 Work, Jobs, Business, Profession, Income
16 People
17 Education /Health Care
18 Transportation
19 Mining/Exports
20 Housing/Architecture
21 Shopping
22 Legalities /Red Tape/ VISA
23 Leisure Time/Sports
24 Wildlife/Environment
25 Conclusion
26 Emails
27 The Purpose of Pioneering

28 From the Writings of
Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi & The Universal House of Justice.

1 INTRODUCTION

Dear all,

The following pages are: An introduction / presentation, on Chile, for either pioneers or refugees from so called "advanced” countries. It is also a response to the many inquiries I receive from so many about Chile,

About me
As a child of pioneering parents and a pioneer for just about all my life, and a world traveler. I have lived in quite a few countries -- as a child student in Turkey, a teenager in Britain, and Germany; as a business man in Iran and pioneer in Spain, Paraguay, and USA, and now Chile. Traveled to about a hundred countries and territories, not always as a tourist but as a travel teacher or if nothing else a visitor on a mission, such as investigating that land. So these are some of my credentials or background.
Chris says: Since becoming a Bahá’í, I too have served in many home front pioneering areas, and now for the first time as an international pioneer, which has been a great learning experience. We arrived here Oct.1st. 2003

2 REMINDER / MOVING: Shake the dust off your shoes!

Your personal investigation is important, so don’t just take what is said here. Much of the “every day” information we’ve learned is by being here and making some mistakes. We suggest that you get books and get on the internet to do some research for yourself. If you sign up for Google alerts using the word Chile, every morning you’ll get something new in your email about Chile on a variety of different topics such as politics, the economy and much more. You’ll even see news articles from papers from all over the world that gives you someone else’s perspective rather than just ours.
We must remind you that certain moves may look or sound tough, but in reality they may even be pleasant and pleasure-full - in our case - necessary and vital. Needless to say: change is good; some even say “It is better than a rest”. It even characterizes the times we currently live in. We are in the information age, yet we are in the emigration, mass relocation, and even exploration or discovery and age of travel, which we all enjoy. This is only a manifestation of our great deep desire to relocate, start new or better our living conditions or standards. Just think how many people you know that are not living where they were born, or have relocated numerous times, if nothing else would like to! How many are refugees? Perhaps, soon there shall be many, many more. Entire nations and countries may well become refugees!

3 Now finally about CHILE!!!

GEOGRAPHY and GEOLOGY
It is an exceptional land in many ways. Some of you may be geographically challenged and be asking: Where is Chile? It is that long narrow country 4,300 Km. long, 200 to 400 Km. wide, located on the lower western coast of the South American continent. Its total surface is 746,000 Km. sq., as big as France, Belgium, Holland and Portugal put together. The country has only 3 neighbors. Argentina to its east, Bolivia northeast, and Peru to the north, as you can see on the map.

In many ways it is like an island, cut off from the rest of South America on the east by the tall and difficult to cross Andes Mountains; on the north by the harsh, dry, and nearly impassible, Atacama Desert; on the south by the turbulent waters where the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans join plus a slice of Antarctica; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. So you can see how easy it is to compare Chile to an island. It has lots of unique flora and fauna. Chile has been rediscovered by today’s tourists only because of the aviation age.

When questioned about distinguishing geology of South America, the Andes are at the tip of everyone’s tongue. The part of the Andes that forms the “backbone” of Chile is actually a little over ½ of the Andean Cordillera, the world’s longest mountain range which extends from Alaska to Antarctica. Within the Chilean Andes you will find a high altitude plateau in the north, the altiplano, averaging 3,500 meters elevation and includes the most arid desert in the world the Atacama Desert, in the central area not far from Santiago is Cerro Aconcagua, which at 6,962 meters is the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres; in the south the mountains have been molded by extreme weather and glaciers forming the dramatic fjords and granite peaks, and eventually forming thousands of islands. The most famous spots include Monte San Valentine, which at 4,058 meters, is the highest peak in the southern Andes and stands guard over the San Valentine Glacier which many cruise ships view from Laguna San Rafael; further south Cerros Fitzroy and Torre, are world famous to mountain climbers; and even further south is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, one of the most famous of Chile’s natural attractions.

Yes, the Andes and Chile are part of the Pacific “Rim of Fire”, thus there is volcanic and seismic activity; ranging from pleasant, peaceful hot springs you can soak in; geysers that are as faithful as “Old Faithful” in Yellowstone National Park in the US; to full blown volcanic eruptions from any of our 55 active volcanoes; to the largest earthquake in registered history, 8.6 on the Richter scale on May 22, 1960. That terremoto as earthquakes are called here, are thankfully very few and far between. The proof of this is the many old buildings, many of which are hundreds of years old and remain standing tall, healthy and strong.

4 POLITICAL REGIONS AND CAPITAL
Chile is organized into 12 regions or if you wish “states,” the 1st region being at the very north and the last or 12th region at the very south, in Antarctica with many islands.
The capital SANTIAGO is more or less in the middle, it is not a part of any of the numbered regions, they call it: Region Metropolitana. It is surrounded by the 5th region. Chile has a population of only 16 million. However, about 6 million live in the greater Santiago area. There are many other large, medium or small, very nice cities & towns all over this land. Some are touristy, some are industrial, and some famous for their universities, sea ports, agriculture, or mining, etc

THE BAHAI HOUSE OF WORSHIP, THE TEMPLE OF LIGHT will be built somewhere in or near Santiago. This will be the Mother Temple of South America the last continental temple. See http://www.bahai.cl/ and click on the Temple site video for a fly through of the future temple. The Temple was the first thing that attracted us to Chile and of course we have discovered so much more to keep us here.

5 CLIMATE
There is a little bit of everything here. Remember that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. So when it is winter here it is summer north of the Equator. This difference plays havoc with the time changes to accommodate Daylight Savings Time and all of Chile is in one time zone. Up north expect hot days and chilly nights with little to no rain. However the altitude can moderate the temperatures and there can even be snow. Costal fog creates some interesting microclimates where there is no rain. The central valley has a Mediterranean type of climate which is more temperate. The summer temperatures (November – February) can climb as high as the low 90’s F. but cools nicely at night. The winter month’s day temperatures range in the low 50’s and rarely goes below freezing at night, unless up in the mountains. The Humboldt Current runs the length of Chile from south to north, which means that especially along the coast the temperatures drop as the sun goes down, so even in the summer it’s nice to have a sweater handy. As you go south the temperature range continues to get lower and rainfall increases. South of Puerto Mont you come into a steppe climate with year round low temperatures and lots of winter snow, however there is a unique micro climate that can grow fine fruit and vegetables. Further south is the Magallanes area which has a climate (and landscape) that is similar to Norway with summer (January-February) daytime temperatures in the low 50’s. Further south just gets colder and windier. As you can see, we’ve got a little bit of every type of weather from sizzling hot and dry to bitter cold and wet. Take your pick!

6 HISTORY, POLITICS & GOVERNMENT:
Just over 500 years ago in 1494, after negotiations with the Catholic Church and Portugal, the clever Spaniards signed the Treaty of Tordesillas, which granted them rights to land on the South American continent, sight unseen, which turned out to be all of South America minus Brazil. By 1520 Ferdinand Magellan discovered what we now know as the Straits of Magellan and colonization began in the south but only as far north as Chiloé Island. In the north the first Conquistador to come into Chile was Diego de Almagro in 1535. He left Peru looking for gold and silver but the hostile conditions of the land and natives depleted supplies and manpower. By mid 1536 he got as far as the Aconcagua Valley and Los Vilos on the coast, (about 150 Km north of Valparaiso) but sailed back to Peru branding the part of Chile as next to worthless. In 1540 Pedro de Valdivia set off from Peru to take possession of the lands that Almagro abandoned. En route he joined forces with Francisco de Aguirre and together they continued south along the Inca trail. The Indians destroyed or hid their crops, livestock and gold from the marauding Conquistadors. Finally in 1541 Valdivia set up camp at the foot of Cerro Santa Lucia, founding Santiago. Attempts for independence from Spain began in 1810 when the first junta was formed; many battles followed but finally a decisive battle led by Bernardo O’Higgins in Maipo cinched Chile’s freedom from Spain. Independence Day is on the 18th of September but no big fireworks displays like you associate with the 4th of July in the US that is reserved for the New Year celebrations.
.
Chile is a Democracy again after living through about some tough times under the extreme Socialist and Dictatorship governments of Allende and Pinochet. In spite of the brutality of these governments there were many good things that were put in place which now benefit Chile greatly. Today Chile enjoys a wonderful political calm & stability with no military coupe or any other bad surprises in sight. The politicians seem to be well behaved and respected. They don’t lie or cheat, you cannot bribe them or any one else here in Chile. Bribery is a big crime here. The government is decentralized, so the House of Commons / representatives, and the Parliament were moved away from the capital to the beautiful historic coastal city of Valparaiso, (which has been declared “Patrimony/ Heritage of Humanity Site” by The UN, -very touristy- and one of the biggest sea ports, 120 Km west of Santiago)

7 SECURITY / CRIME RATE
Pleasantly, the crime rate by world standards is very low in Chile. There is little MUGGING; they don’t steal cars left, right and center; don’t break into your home or car any more here than they do elsewhere; no, we don’t all have iron grills on our doors & windows. There are no armed, machine gun carrying guards everywhere in front of banks & big stores but regular security guards like you might see anywhere else in the world. No police checks everywhere, and no hidden cameras watching you all the time. CHILE IS NOT A POLICE STATE. If you may have any prejudices and preconceptions about South American countries, I suggest they do not apply to Chile. Note the following, brand-new world “corruption” ratings.

Country ranks
Canada
USA
CHILE
Brazil
Iran
Argentina
Ecuador
Bolivia
Rank (1= best)
12
17
20
59
87
108
112
122
Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2004 ranks countries (Corruption is rampant in 60 countries, and the public sector is plagued by bribery, says TI). More at http://www.transparency.org/pressreleases_archive/2004/2004.10.20.cpi.en.html

8 LANGUAGES AND EDUCATION
The language is Spanish, however most educated people speak English. The Mapuche speak Mapudungun. Speaking of education, Chile is one of the most educated nations. Why? Simply because they invest in education rather than WAR. Every one has great interest in education. The government of this country is adamant that by 2009 every student must be speaking good or better English. We have work to do!! Let’s do it.

9 FINANCE, CURRENCY, ECONOMY
Today Chile has the most competitive free market economy in South America. Chile and Chileans seem to live within their means; the country doesn’t borrow or run up debts so presently they have no foreign debt or budget deficit. This by itself helps them stay at a higher level. The country has good income, from mining, timber, export of agricultural and seafood products, and of course tourism. Therefore, here we have a sound economy!

**Minimum wages are still low but improving. Taxation is the most logical I know!! Every thing you BUY, has a built in 19% tax on (now isn’t that an interesting number?). Every thing you SELL or when you get paid you charge 19% tax on. At the end of 6 months or the year you simply do some math, if you paid more tax than you charged tax then you get the difference back in cash from the tax man, or INPUESTOS INTERNOS but if you collected more TAX than you paid then you pay the difference. Nice and easy, isn’t it? Your tax Pesos will not be spent for any thing else but the good of the country.

**The currency here is called the Peso, the exchange rate at the time we wrote this is $1 US = 500 pesos. I have good news & bad news! Which do you want first? Chilean economy is getting better all the time, so the peso is gaining value, while the $ loses value continually, When we first got here the US $ was equal to 658 pesos. A month before then it had been at 750. So you get the idea? Don’t wait too long to pioneer. The $ sign is also used for pesos so don’t be confused by prices you might see in photos or when you get here and decimal points are used where we would use a comma in English and vice versa. So, one thousand pesos would be written $1.000

Chile hosted the Asia Pacific Summit November 19-21 2005. This was the first time Chile hosted this summit with dignitaries (Presidents, Prime Ministers) of 21 countries in attendance.

10 BANKING / POSTAL SERVICE
In Chile there are many banks -- Chilean, American, European, etc. They all open at 9 am; some close at 2 pm; others work till 4 or 5 pm. When you open a bank account you get a check book and debit card, which you can use anywhere. You can have an account in US $ and one in Pesos at many banks. You can have a credit card, every thing is available. There is an ATM machine in every bank, super market, drug store or gas station. We bank with Citibank, and everyone there has been cordial kind & helpful, they hug or even kiss you once they get to know you if the counter between you allows it.
The post offices are efficient, modern, hi-tech, and plentiful. The postal service within Chile is fast, cheap and accurate, just as good as any other place in the world. We get mail to and from Europe in as little as 4 days and from the US in about 10 days. Unfortunately mail going to the US seems to take a bit longer on the US end due to security checks. There is also Chile Express, UPS, Federal Express and DHL for special delivery service in Chile and internationally.

11 CUSTOMS / IMPORTS
Hopefully when you relocate to Chile, not as a tourist, but with a 1 year temporary residence visa, you are allowed to bring (SHIP) all your personal items & belongings such as books, computers, rugs, or whatever is important to you. Or what ever you are attached to. We used a shipping company, packed things in carton boxes, or wrapped things in plastic, and even used plastic storage containers and large wastepaper baskets with lids simply taped shut. The shipping company you use will tell you how to label your boxes. The container ship only took one week between Charleston, SC and the port of San Antonio, less than 2 hours away from Santiago. The customs authorities were all very kind, loving & friendly. We only paid $35 USA import duty for all our household belongings, now isn’t that nice? You will need a list of what is contained in your boxes that is all. Don’t think of shipping a car but just get one here.

12 STANDARDS OF LIVING / WORK
Chile is a moderate country in many ways. You can easily live comfortably on your social security check or retirement income, and if you don’t want to get bored, wish to be active or just partly active & involved with people, have a little income on the side, like many, you can teach English or do any thing else. We have been teaching English as a second language for almost 40 months now, for the last 10 months we have both been working for a very good language institute named Tronwell. http://www.tronwell.com/ and we are quite happy. Not only we both enjoy teaching, we find many seekers amongst our dear students too! The bottom line is that a single person can easily live on about $500 to $700 a month, a couple like us can do well with just $1000 – $1500 even with a private car, two cell phones, cable TV, & lots of social life & entertaining, traveling, etc. You see, Chile is not a country of artificially inflated prices.

13 PRICES / FOOD
Speaking of money and prices: a Kg. or 2.2 Lbs of good bread all natural & healthy nothing artificial is only 600 pesos = about $1.20. A Kg. of best beef filet mignon is 3500p. = under $7.00 Chile is best known for its fish & sea food. A Kg. of best fresh salmon is under $ 10.00 Shrimp and other goodies of the ocean are also very affordable, just as cheap. But the best of all is the INCREDIBLE low price of fruit & vegetables. In its season at the market or in the roadside stands a box of 60 Lbs or 25 Kg; of the best natural organic tomatoes is only $8.00 for the box, big salad cucumbers are 5 for $1.00 ETC… Chile has a great variety & the best quality of agricultural products I have ever seen anywhere and at nice low prices. Here you can go to a basic restaurant and have a good meal with large portions for $4.00. The mountain range of the Andes provides the country with good, clean, fresh and abundant water. For agriculture and produce, good earth, good weather, lots of sunshine helps too. Here: food is plentiful; electricity is cheap and plentiful because of hydroelectric dams. There are not many “All you care to eat restaurants” & you don’t have as much obesity either.

14 TECHNOLOGY / ELECTRICITY/ communication
Electricity is 220W. So, try not to bring different electric appliances or you will have to buy electrical transformers/adapters here. Chile is among the most advanced countries TECNOLOGICALLY. Many toll roads in Chile are now using electronic “tags” that identify your car when going through a toll, so you don’t have to stop to pay in cash, and then you are billed monthly. Everything here is computerized, from banking to paying for your utilities, shopping or ordering what ever you need ON LINE. We have broad band internet ($30/mo), many cable TV channels ($30/mo) in French, German, Italian & English, about 50 channels like CNN, BBC, HBO, Discovery, Travel & Animal Planet, our favorite and many more. You can pay all your bills, like electric, gas, water, telephone at many different places, such as a company called SERVI PAG with branches in malls, shopping centers, or on the street. You can arrange for automatic withdrawal from your bank account.
Phones & cell phones: When you apply for a line you get it in a day, as for cell phones, you do not pay at all when you receive a call, only when you make or generate a call. Cellular phones work all over the country for the same price. There are no roaming charges, NOW ISN’T THAT NICE?

15 WORK, JOBS, BUSINESS, PROFESSION, INCOME.
Chile is not so over-developed that you can not do any thing more here, or so under-developed that you can’t begin to do anything. So there are lots of opportunities & possibilities. No children begging at the traffic lights, yet after school or during vacations some kids perform as acrobats, magicians, clowns, for a few small coins. So Chile is a country of wonderful balance in most ways. Not too rich, or spoiled by an excess of material wealth, that they have no appreciation for the bounties, nor so poor that it breaks the heart. Not too fanatically religious, or too ungodly, everything here is at a healthy balance. So, yes you can if you wish start a business, small, large or medium, we have a number of suggestions for starting good businesses. You can get a job in your own profession, or even have a change of career, teach English as a second language, a good few Bahá’í pioneers do that here. Some friends here are into agriculture, producing honey, some are farming, some have shops, and some sell rugs. A friend of mine, an engineer by profession, has become a museum manager / curator. Pioneers do anything, from teaching computer science to giving massage, to starting a tourist company, some are into homeopathic medicine, or what ever it takes. We have many business suggestions & ideas to share with you.

16 PEOPLE
Chileans are humble, loving, friendly, natural, genuine, and so They are the main attraction of Chile,
The people here are real people! WHY? They are warm, kind & they take the time to “BE.” I asked a gentleman at a traffic light, - all dressed up with his wife by his side holding a big bucket of flowers -, for a simple direction. He said “follow me” & he turned around went in the opposite direction, and guided me for about 8 blocks to my destination, and then waited to make sure I was at the right place before wishing me good luck, good night. That s not an exception, this has happened several times. Every body hugs and kisses you just to say hello or goodbye. The neighbors, the gardener and any one you are introduced to, or you meet for the second time, kids all kiss their teachers & vice versa. If good friends, men kiss too.

Even the POLICE here are loving; they are called (CARABINEROS) No, they don’t kiss! But they are kind gentle & helpful. There are also many LADY Carabineras and they are all very beautiful if I may add.

The native Indians of Chile are called Mapuche, meaning “people of the earth.” They were the only American Indians not defeated by the conquistadores. They are mostly down south and about 15,000 have embraced the cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Here in Chile there are only about 40 Bahá’í pioneering families. Mostly Persians &/or Americans. Really not quite enough, they mostly came decades ago. Every one is working successfully, and serving our beloved cause victoriously; our hope and prayer is that this number be increased soon. By your determined, focused, prompt selfless, heroic and praiseworthy, very timely clever move. I do not know if this is important to you or not, but I get a kick out of the fact that there is no such thing as a “TYPICAL” Chilean look or race! There are tall blond European or North American looking Chileans, and there are Spanish or Mediterranean types, then we have the Natives, but most of all we have got MIXTURES, many so beautifully mixed that there is no way of guessing their origins! Here MANKIND IS ONE.

17 EDUCATION / HEALTH CARE
Education is also at its best here, many International schools, and top class universities. The schools here are no less than other schools. Kids have computers in their classes, they all wear nice uniforms. Health care is another big concern of most peoples every where. So this is another incentive for you to come! We have an excellent health care system & services. There are modern, efficient, very good and most affordable healthcare facilities. Health insurance is good & inexpensive; yes it is true, we can get fully insured for as little as $120. Per month for both of us with surgery and hospitalization, helicopter, ambulances, you name it, everything, the whole 9 yards as you’d say. If you are young & God willing healthy, then it is much cheaper. Dentist and dental work is very affordable too. I want to say maybe one fifth of what it costs in US. Or less! Here health care professionals are not money oriented, they are genuinely first & foremost service oriented. By the way they don’t have the culture of law suits, so, no high malpractice insurance for doctors, consequently no high, unaffordable expensive cost to you, don’t you like that? Most importantly: If & when God willing you have your permanent visa, you will be in the system to receive all your health care attention & medical necessities and medicine for free! Christine & I get all our surgeries, doctor visits, all and any treatments, hospitalization and medications absolutely for free, from the government / consultorio!

18 TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION is fantastic in Chile. The SUBWAY in Santiago is one of the best systems anywhere. It rivals Europe & UK, Japan or the US. It is wide, big, clean, safe, accurate, and cheap, and pleasant and it is growing. CITY BUSES are every where, all the time, plenty, – Around the clock and affordable. A good clean, fast & cheap train runs up & down the country but only to the south of Santiago, at present. TAXIES are plentiful, good, clean, cheap, and honest! COLLECTIVOS look like taxies except they run the same routes as the city buses with the number and route posted on top of the car. They drop off and pick up customers as they go along the route. INTERSTATE and INTERNATIONAL BUSES are clean, affordable, very comfortable & available. The (CAMA) buses are my favorites, especially for long overnight trips; you have your own bed, light, air, TV.

AIR TRAVEL is frequent & affordable. The national airline is LAN Chile, which has numerous international flights as well as abundant national flights. A good friend of ours and long time pioneer to Chile lives with his family in Concepción, 500 Km. south of Santiago. His successful business was here in Santiago, so every Monday morning he would fly in & Friday evening fly back home. Another domestic airline is called Sky, so there is competition for domestic service.

ROADS are almost all paved, well marked, clean, well designed and maintained. The Pan-American Highway runs the entire length of Chile, with beautiful 4 lanes. It is a toll road, but who’s complaining, considering it is one of the best roads I’ve ever driven on. Along the highway you will find SOS phones, especially in the less populated areas of the highway. They have cameras installed all along the big highways so the roads are monitored in case you are in need of help or in trouble they come & rush to your help for free.

CARS are important today also in Chile! There are lots of underground parking, especially down town, inexpensive, clean, safe and available. We have every kind of car here. Lots European, British, Japanese, Americans. A car’s license plate never ever changes, it stays with the car to the very end, and as they say here it dies with the car. Sorry, no vanity plates. Car Insurance is also good & cheap. A $20,000 car is fully insured for $40 a month, against everything.

19 MINING / EXPORTS
Chile is the number one exporter of copper in the world. Gold & silver as well as other metals are also exported! They also export a lot of agricultural products, wood, and leather goods. Chile is one of the only two countries in the world that have the famous semi-precious stone LAPIZ LAZULI mines, the other country is Afghanistan.

20 HOUSING / ARCHITECTURE
So are you beginning to think about Chile? We are not finished yet. We rented a beautiful sunny 3 bedroom, 2 full bath new apartment in Viña del Mar, on the Pacific, with absolutely beautiful views in a wonderful building with swimming pool, clubhouse, car garage, porter, washer, dryer, and gardens, all for about $400 a month, only to find out it was expensive because it was the tourist season. we also rented a nice house in a upper middle class neighborhood, 3 bed rooms 2 full baths, big living dining room, separate sitting room library, lovely garden of flowers & trees, porch, car port, in a quiet gated community, with fantastic views, semi furnished, close to the Interstate, etc. for only $400, and we loved our neighbors. Yes there are better & cheaper homes available, ready for you to come to. You can buy the house we lived in for $50,000 us, or the same house further outside Santiago for perhaps half this price. Here in Chile they have the best pre-fabricated houses you can ever imagine, they are very well built, affordable, spacious, and best of all they will build them to your specific taste or instructions. These people know how to build, there are 150 or 200 year old buildings, even older ones that look so good, real works of art, and the new ones are just breath taking, enormous, gigantic, modern structures, like you would never find any where else. We have some of the best hotels here in Chile. You can find inexpensive and comfortable ones, but for us the most attractive & interesting of Chilean hotels are the CABAÑAS, “cabins”, found mostly out of town in the country side, they are efficient, beautiful, comfortable, spacious, some hold as many as 8 or 10 people. You’ll find cabanas especially near national parks and typically along the highways instead of big and sometimes expensive hotels. The cabins are spacious & affordable.

21 SHOPPING
No we are not attracted to fancy shopping centers, malls or department stores! We enjoy the vegetable / flower or produce market more than the fancy super markets, but do they have them here in Chile! This is the shopper’s paradise -- malls, department stores, & shops like you have never seen before, if that is what you like. Low prices, lots of choices, good quality. In Chile there are lots of McDonald’s, Burger Kings, Pizza Huts, Dominos, Starbucks cafés, KFC, Arby’s and Chuck-e-Cheese. Block Buster, Payless shoes, Hushpuppies, Hyatt hotels, Holiday Inn, Hilton Hotels, big movie theatres, etc. But the best of all is definitely Chilean garden restaurants. But we like the “CASINOS” -- No not to go gambling, there are no gambling in the casinos here! Rather that is what they call a KITCHEN. You just have to know these things & get familiar with the language and customs. We will gladly teach you all that, when you get here.

22 LEGALITIES / RED TAPE: / VISA
Chile doesn’t give you HELL just because you would like to come & live here, and even work! They don’t say “NO you are not welcome! Go back, we don’t want you; you can not stay here”…On the contrary, our home is your home is the mentality. “Mi casa es su casa”. They say: “you are more than welcome!!!” All that one has to do before coming to stay (not as a tourist) is to apply at a Chilean Consulate for a one year resident’s visa with work permit if you want to work. If you don’t want to work or you don’t need to, don’t mention working. In any case the visa is easy to obtain, you must prove or just show evidence of monthly or yearly income, and or some savings, no minimums required. A letter from your bank stating you have maintained a good account, a police report of good conduct, we got ours just with the driver license, over the Internet, from the SC Highway Patrol. A doctor’s letter saying you don’t have any contagious diseases. And a letter from you stating why you would like to live in Chile. And if you don’t want to do any of this you are still welcomed. Come as a tourist, stay your 3 months, and at the end apply for a 3 months’ extension, which you will be granted. So you may just have to leave the country every 6 months, and come right back in which is very easy & inexpensive to do: By road, or ferry into Argentina, which is actually great fun, or any of the other 2 neighboring countries. About the VISA I may have to talk with each individual or family separately, for the cases are different.

Finely: If and God willing when you do come to Chile, hopefully to stay, we shall take you by the hand & assist you in every way. First we will help you get your very important & much needed “RUT” number. It is your personal ID and your most important Chilean document. Without which you can not rent/buy a car or home, or open a bank account. But don’t worry, it is easy to do. Contact us when that day comes when you decide you are coming to PARADISE on EARTH.

23 LEISURE TIME / SPORTS
We LOVE the countryside, lakes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, rain forest, and beaches. There is lots of surfing, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing, fishing, snorkeling, diving. We have lots of snow and ski resorts (even the US ski team trains here). We love villages, small towns, and lots of horseback riding. People go mountain climbing, hiking, (not us) and of course hang gliding on the Andes. In the last Olympics Chile won a few gold medals for tennis, people here are great tennis players. Golf is big here too. Chile is famous for its white water rafting, sea or river & lake kayaking, don’t forget trout fishing.. We love the islands, the Polynesian (EASTER ISLAND) in the Pacific belongs to Chile, and one of our favorite pastimes is sight seeing. This is the most scenic place we have seen. One can say: Chile is the country of outdoor activities and sports. We have good inexpensive restaurants with nice views, music, and even folkloric shows. Oh I can tell you so much more, about their music, and dance, about the festivals, and rodeos, but you would have to come and listen to it & see it your self. Do we have parks and plazas? Chile has so many National parks, nature reserves, protected rain forest, green zones, from deserts up north to the glaciers of Patagonia. We have 3000 year old Araucaria trees, the 2nd oldest trees in the World; Geysers, volcanoes, (well monitored) lakes & rivers, natural hot water pools, spas etc. City parks & plazas are among the best in the world, why? They are clean (Chile is a very clean place) well taken care of, with big old trees, lots of shade, benches, people playing chess, or domino, kids running around, fountains & pools, lovers romancing on the grass, old folks walking their dogs, musical groups or individuals sharing their talents for free, and the ice-cream man singing his sales pitch. You will see lots of people taking the time to just BE human BEINGS, and not HUMAN DOINGS. Look Mehrdad is there too; feeding the pigeons, or the iguanas he so loves.
Chileans enjoy theater and orchestra and there are lots of museums, most with free entry on Sundays. There are inexpensive restaurants, but our preference is to cook nice Persian rice, make some kebab, some Shírází salad, & mustokhiar, invite some friends & neighbors, seekers interested in the Cause of God and its teachings, usually on a Saturday night, and fireside with them till late night or early hours of the morning. Nothing equals this!!

24 WILD LIFE / ENVIRONMENT
It is said that God created The World, and He made the mountains, volcanoes, oceans, islands, rivers & lakes. He created beaches, jungles, waterfalls, deserts, glaciers, geysers, & rainforests. He made valleys and hills and filled them all with plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, birds, animals & fish and so much more, it is hard to describe! Then He said: “All this is too wide & big, will people be able to travel to see it all?” And so He put a little of each thing all together in one place, and thus made Chile, where there is all of this and much more. There is only one species of wild cat in Chile, a Puma, very shy, it actually hides from humans, and it is way down south in the rain forest, away from people. With the exception of one spider, there are no other dangerous animals around; not even one poisonous snake in the country! However, there are lots and lots of lovely exotic birds, butterflies, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and seagulls; Llamas, Alpacas and timid Guanacos.

Chileans are very conscientious people environmentally. They care, so there are recycling centers every where. On every corner in every neighborhood & supermarkets there are containers for glass, metal cans, plastics, or paper products to be recycled. They don’t burn wood in town here, or make fires. Reforestation is big in Chile. The government has good programs that you can get involved in. They fund your efforts and encourage it. Chileans love trees & nature, so there are lots of botanic gardens. Chile has some of the world’s brightest skies, and up north we have some of the world’s biggest telescopes, and you can, for a very small price take a guided tour and see the stars & the heavens. It is an unforgettable experience. We offer it in some of our tours. http://www.firetoice.cl/

25 TO CONCLUDE
There is so much more to say on our part, and we hope we are not boring you. Maybe you should ask us specific questions. We would love to answer you in person here in Chile, or by email better yet on Skype. http://www.skype.com/

Some travel books on Chile we’ve found useful include, “Travel Guide, Chile Experience” at http://www.turistel.cl/ or “Insight Guide Chile” http://www.insightguides.com/ , “Chile the Rough Guide,” http://www.roughguides.com/, all of these can be found at bookstores or at Amazon.com. Go online too like we did, it is a lot of fun, it is better than watching TV.

We love to sit in cafés and watch the people go by and talk to every one who is willing and receptive. We pass out our calling card with our names & picture, email & phone numbers, all under the big title of WORLD CITIZENS, and then when they are done reading all that, we gently ask them to turn the card so they can read the basic principles of The Bahá’í Faith, the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh, printed on the other side. All that while, praying, Ya Baha’u’l-Abha! Yes, that is what we love, and that is what we do day in day out. Our little card has brought entire families & even new communities to the cause of God.- We formed the first ever LSA of Quilicura, as well as teach The Cause of God to many dozens! - (All the credit goes only to The Blessed Beauty of Perfection, not to us, for He changes the hearts, and sets the world on fire with light and love. For just a drop of His Revelation the world thirsts and starves). So, are you coming to join us here in one of the nicest places on earth? We’ve found lots of love and good friends who are happy, gentle, passive, kind, and respectful people. We’ll buy you coffee at our favorite café. Come and improve your Spanish, take a break, expand your knowledge of our mutual beloved home, the Earth. Let us know when you are coming, call us at tel. 56 2 274 9535, cell phone # is 56 9 1329103 or Email us at pioneer9@vtr.net or chrismehrdad@gmail.com We think we have been sincere and sure you will be too.
God bless, and keep in touch; remember your thoughts are not just for you! Share them like we do.
Praised be God the Lord of all the worlds. Mehrdad and Chris

PS. We have a CD of hundreds of photos we have taken here in the last 4 years, all with explanations, and we are in the process of developing a DVD of lots of video footage we have from Chile. For only the cost of the material & postage we would be glad to mail you a copy. For more info please feel free to contact us.
We would also very much welcome & appreciate any suggestions, help or guidance as how to promote our FIRE TO ICE Chilean tours, Thank you.

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26 BELOW ARE SOME EMAILS WE HAVE RECIVED.

Greetings Mehrdad,Although we've only met twice, I feel close to you because you have such a warm heart and always speak directly to those issues important to you as a Bahá’í and as a friend. I miss you and your sweet wife, too. I can't tell you how often I wished you and yourfamily lived closer to Statesville when you were in South Carolina. The gatherings at your home always sounded like great fun to me. It pleases me to learn that you are learning to be a being. I know that's a blessing. I can't return to the pioneering field until I've repaid my educational loan; until I'm about 75. But my heart is with you and, God willing; maybe I can come traveling teaching one summer. I already speak Spanish. That's a plus, isn't it? One question out of pure curiosity: In what language (s) do you conduct your businesses? May my life be sacrificed for each of you. Please take good care of yourselves and one other. Stay safe and out of trouble. Praised be God, the lord of all the worlds.In His Love, B.

I love you Mehrdad and Christine. So happy to hear from you. I have much to share, but so little time at the present moment. Keep a look out for my soon to come email. God bless you. I miss the both of you so much. You truly where the mother and father I’d always dreamed of and I’m quite indebted to you both for your care, love patience, guidance, and tolerance for my stubbornness and childish behavior. Love you very much and can’t wait to come to Chile your son Z.

Hi Chris and Mehrdad, thanks so much for your galvanizing, quickening email. Yesterday I decided to knock off one year so I'll retire in 3 years, which will mean I'll have a savings account; decided not to build an addition to the house, but instead buy a bicycle. Having already researched Chile, I have already fallen in love with the country, although I have to visit twice just to make sure that's the country for my personal international home front pioneering. I enjoy the rugs I bought from you--for now. Are you two going to be in Childe this summer? Bahá’í love H. L.

Dear Mehrdad khan and Christine khanum, Thank you for the email. How wonderful to hear from you. It brings joy to my heart to know that you are well and successful in serving our beloved faith and Bahá’u’lláh. Your free spirit is an example to me. I must admit that most of us have been entangled in the web of life and can’t get free from it. I also thank God for the opportunities he provides us to serve, no matter how small they are……Love M.

Greetings dear Friends,
A good friend, B. P. forwarded your e-mail to me and I read it with much interest. I have been exploring the possibility of pioneering in Chile. Just a few nights ago in a telephone conversation with a wonderful friend, I mentioned that I would like to go to Chile. He had been to Paraguay and other countries.
A few hours ago I met one of my students at the local university and we were discussing how powerful thought and desires are. I think that God does hear more than we sometimes realize. Because I got home and this e-mail was waiting for me, telling me everything I wanted to know about Chile. I am presently teaching in the Education Department at the graduate level at the university and have in the past taught English as a Second Language.
I would like to explore the possibility of going to Chile. So, if there is a way, please share it with me. Thank you also for all that you are doing there and for taking the time to sit down and writing your e-mail message to everyone. It has been enlightening and encouraging. I do appreciate it. And, I hope to hear from you.
Take care,
B. F.
New México

Alláh’u’Abhá
What an absolutely beautiful and inspiring message you have dispersed to the myriad of friends, relatives and acquaintances throughout the globe. Messages such as this are too few and far between. May the readers who receive this become enchanted with your discourse and may they follow in your footsteps so that they may also become Real HUMAN BEINGS, as the Native Americans of the U.S. call real people.

Although I am very familiar with all of the American nations, and consider one day forming part of one nation's society other than the one I live in, I need to consider other aspects. My son, who is an attorney and works with the Dept. of Justice's Civil Rights Division, brings relief to many of the negative impacts caused by this nation's unbelievable laws upon its citizens………..
With love from one teacher to another. D.d. D.

Greetings from X and family (which would not be here without you).
It's great to hear from you Mehrdad. It appears that you are more at peace these days in Chile which will probably add many years to your life.
First, T. is now 15 months old, happy and healthy. E is continuing her education. They were both in the Philippines. My son blossomed from interacting with all the children in the neighborhood. Hopefully, before too long, he can return there. He is already a world citizen!

Our small community is, in my opinion, an unfortunate victim of the busy American life. The US is indeed headed for some rough times before the light at the end of the tunnel that Abdu’l-Bahá refers to. You aren't the only person who has mentioned the trouble ahead.
You touched on many things in your letter, from the national division, to the moral and financial corruption, etc. I follow these things closely via conversations and the internet and find it difficult at times to pierce the mindsets that are out there with Bahá’u’lláh’s messages. I am well aware of what you are referring to. Oh, the conversations we could have on that.
Let's write more often soon.
God bless. Say hello to Christine for us.
Your friend, Xavier.

Hello my brother Mehrdad and sister Chris. What a pleasure to hear from you.
My recent days in the Most Holy Land, visiting the Fountains of Light and Grace, were a great light to my heart. I pray to do at least one act worthy of that rich bounty.
I have forwarded your message to the local Bahá’í list, because you said it could be shared with anyone. I hope it will lead to others taking the step of "homelessness" for the Beloved. In a few years when ….. Finishes her degree program (and can support me!) we will see where destiny takes us.
With love your brother B P

Wow! Mehrdad what a message!
Hello to you and Chris,
I don't know if you Mehrdad remember me we only met once at the youth conference and I know Chris only a bit better from my early days in Bloomington as I became a Bahá’í.
Mehrdad, what would the situation be for a ………….be in Chili? I have never thought of pioneering ... your message has some appeal- perhaps because I'm struggling with life here I did get a job in my field at ……. state school where the students are ill prepared and for the most part highly under motivated to learn and where the administration worries more about business and image than education.
Your cry against the first world and the dangers it poses also seems accurate although my only question for you is about the fact that these places need the Faith in a really bad way so if all people flee to something more in balance what will become of here? Also we are promised in the writings that no place will remain untouched in the crashing of the old order and all will be in the raising of the new as well, right? So maybe in our own individual lives things can be worse or better but the whole picture is most important is it not? anyway I have now put the idea of you all and your wonderful work in the south in my head and who knows- I’ve been feeling stuck and unsure and lost - which has the danger of making me bitter and cynical none of which are good for me or for the Faith.
Anyway I'm glad to hear of your news and let me know what you think of opportunities for a ……. I also love to sing. Big hugs to both of you! S A

Alláh’u’AbháIt’s so great to hear from both of you! It makes me happy that you both are so successful down there. I really miss you guys. I won't ever forget you both, especially you Mehrdad Jan, you've told me & thought me so much I still haven't forgotten. I’m doing well. I’m studying at George Mason University; it’s close to my house, so I commute. I am planning to become a dentist, God willing, and I'd like to pioneer one day, like you two. Nothing much going on in my life besides work and school, the grindis taking over. I need some of your spiritual fire. Ha-ha. Its good teaching Muslims at school, I’ve taught a bunch of them, it’s easy to teach them, because I always ask where they are from and if they are in the Muslim student association, the faith always comes up.I try to teach like you do Mehrdad, I’m not there yet though...Anyways thanks for emailing; it is really great to hear from you. Take care. Good luck teaching.N. S. K.

Alláh’u’Abhá!Chile sounds wonderful. Wish I was there. If I can sell my building, andpay all my debts, I'll come down. Bahá’í blessings, R

The Purpose of Pioneering

8. "Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation..."

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 16

9. "O SON OF BEING! Make mention of Me on My earth, that in My heaven I may remember thee, thus shall Mine eyes and twine be solaced."

Bahá'u'lláh, Arabic Hidden Words, p. 13

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 5)
10. "..Spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord so that the world may become another world, the darkened earth may become illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life."

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í World Faith, p. 216

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 5)

11. "The disciples of Christ forgot themselves and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged themselves of self and passion and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the Divine Guidance, till at last they made the world another world, illumined the surface of the earth and even to their last hour proved self sacrificing in the pathway of that Beloved One of God. Finally in various lands they suffered glorious martyrdom. Let them that are men of action follow in their footsteps!"

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, pp. 10-11

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 7)

I pray God that He should confirm you in your teaching, and when you go to China, He should make you a pioneer in carrying the Message of this Dispensation to the farthermost countries of the world and to the most obscure.

The members of the Holy Family join me in extending to you their love and Bahá'í greetings, and may the spirit of 'Abdu'l-Bahá guide you and keep you.

(Compilations, Bahiyyih Khanum, p. 171)

44 ."Neither the threatening world situation, nor any consideration of lack of material resources, of mental equipment, of knowledge, or of experience -- desirable as they are -- should deter any prospective pioneer teacher from arising. .."

Shoghi Effendi, Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, pp. 227-228

45. "The time has come for the friends...to think not how they should serve the Cause, but how the Cause should be served."

Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Priceless Pearl, p. 74

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 19)

48. "All must participate (in pioneering), however humble their origin, however limited their experience, however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however pressing their cares and preoccupations, however unfavorable the environment in which they live. show often...have the lowliest adherents of the Faith, unschooled and utterly inexperienced, and with no standing whatever, and in some cases devoid of intelligence, been capable of winning victories for their Cause, before which the most brilliant achievements of the learned, the wise, and the experienced have paled."

Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Priceless Pearl, p. 371

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 19)
49. "What the Cause now requires is not so much a group of highly cultured and intellectual people who can adequately present its Teachings, but a number of devoted, sincere and loyal supporters who, in utter disregard of their own weaknesses and limitations, and with hearts afire with the love of God, forsake their all for the sake of spreading and establishing His Faith."

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 19)
85. "In the meantime we call on all believers everywhere to prayerfully consider their personal circumstances, and to arise while there is yet time, to fill the International goals of the Plan....

"This must be done at all costs. No sacrifice, no deferment of cherished plans must be refused in order to discharge this 'most important' of the many 'important' duties facing us."

The Universal House of Justice, Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973, pp. 89-90

86. "The remainder (of pioneers) are urged to arise as quickly as possible before the confusion and chaos which are engulfing the old order disrupt transportation and 36 communications and cause doors which are now open to be closed in our faces."

The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated January 13, 1975, to the Bahá'ís of the World

87. "As the turmoil of an agitated world surges about them the supporters of Bahá'u'lláh's majestically rising faith must, as the beloved Guardian so clearly indicated scale nobler heights of heroism, serenely confident that the hour of their mightiest exertions must coincide with the lowest ebb of mankind's fast declining fortunes."

The Universal House of Justice, from a cable dated January 5, 1979, to all National Spiritual Assemblies 37

(Compilations, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 35)

98. "To the band of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, who have forsaken their homes, who have scattered far and wide, who have willingly sacrificed their comfort, their health and even their lives for the prosecution of this Plan;. . .I myself, as well as the entire Bahá'í world, owe a debt of gratitude that no one can measure or describe. To the sacrifices they have made, to the courage they have so consistently shown, to the fidelity they have so remarkably displayed, to the resourcefulness, 41 the discipline, the constancy and devotion they have so abundantly demonstrated, future generations viewing the magnitude of their labors in their proper perspective, will no doubt pay adequate tribute -- a tribute no less ardent and well-deserved than the recognition extended by the present-day builders of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh to the Dawn-Breakers, whose shining deeds have signalized the birth of the Heroic Age of His Faith."
Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 70

This album of 70 pictures is one of many from the last 4 ¼ years here.
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/ChileMyLOVE?authkey=lRuQHhNBhfo

This album of 65 pictures is one of many from the last 4 ¼ years here.
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/FrierndsInChile2?authkey=_8GQwQQFtZo

Here is another album of 75 more and different photos for you to see.
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/FrierndsInChile3?authkey=1aonXiVrUQA

Take a look at these 140 items /pictures
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/ChileMyLOVE4?authkey=RNQbKioOuno

A different album of another 65 pictures.
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/ChileMyLOVE5?authkey=fLKJUyKClH8

A total of 78 pictures in this one.
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/ChileMyLOVE6?authkey=nWKy89Aa64Q

There are 64 in this one
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrismehrdad/ChileMyLOVE7?authkey=UtK1NIQyZY8

Pioneer Application

2007-07-18T07:43:00.001-07:00

Confidential: The information herein is used solely for consultation about your plans to serve the Faith internationally

Reason for application (check the one that best describes your situation):

□ I wish to relocate indefinitely to serve the Faith	□ I want to investigate retiring abroad
□ I wish to serve as a youth volunteer	□ I am relocating for business
□ I am studying abroad and want to connect with Bahá’ís where I will be studying	□ I am going on vacation and want to serve the Faith while there
□ I am planning to visit family	□ I am serving abroad with a group
□ I am planning to move to another country where my family is currently located

Personal information:

Name
Address	Bahá’í Community
	Gender	Male □ Female □
	Date of Birth
Day Phone	Place of Birth
Evening Phone	mauritian citizen?	Yes □ No □
Cell Phone		Yes □ No □
Fax		Yes □ No □
Email
How long have you been a Bahai
Marital Status	Is spouse a Bahá’í?
Spouse’s Name	If so, spouse’s Bahá’í

Complete names and birth dates of dependents accompanying you:

If you are under twenty-one, please complete the following:

Mother’s Name		Father’s Name
Mother’s Address		Father’s Address

Bahá’í?		Bahá’í?
Day Phone		Day Phone
Evening Phone		Evening Phone
Cell Phone		Cell Phone
Email		Email

Contact, in case of emergency:

Name		Relationship
Address		Bahá’í?
		Day Phone
		Evening Phone
Email		Cell Phone

Formal education:

	School Name	Area of Study	Graduation Date
High School
Technical / Vocational
Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate / Postgrad
Certificate / License

Work experience (résumé optional):

Life learning or training:

Skills, talents, and abilities:

Languages:

Please list any languages and level of fluency (scale: 1—poor, 5—excellent).

Language	Spoken	Written	Understood
	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5

Please check Ruhi books you have completed:

□	Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit	□	Book 5: Raising up Animators of Junior Youth Groups
□	Book 2: Arising to Serve	□	Book 6: Teaching the Cause
□	Book 3: Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1	□	Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service
□	Book 4: The Twin Manifestations

Please check Ruhi books you have tutored:

□	Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit	□	Book 5: Raising up Animators of Junior Youth Groups
□	Book 2: Arising to Serve	□	Book 6: Teaching the Cause
□	Book 3: Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1	□	Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service
□	Book 4: The Twin Manifestations

Please list any Core Curriculum training you have completed:

Please check any junior youth animator training you have completed:

□	Breezes of Confirmation	□	Drawing on the Power of the Word
□	Walking the Straight Path	□	Junior youth animator experience

Please check any other core activity experience:

□

Have you taught children’s classes?

□

Have you held devotionals?

Please list traveling teaching, pioneering, service at national Baha'i schools and institutes, college clubs, social and economic development projects:

Please check any administrative experience you have had:

□	Local Spiritual Assembly	□	Area Growth Coordinator
□	National Spiritual Assembly	□	Area Teaching Committee
□	Auxiliary Board Member	□	Assistant to Auxiliary Board Member
□	Continental Counselor	□	Regional Bahá’í Council
□	Other administrative experience

Other comments about previous service:

Please tell us your top three choices for countries to travel to in order of preference.

Country One		Climate Preference
Country Two		Geographic Preference
Country Three

Please tell us any countries where you have lived previously.

Country One		Country Four
Country Two		Country Five
Country Three		Country Six

Please tell us approximately when you expect to leave the MAURITIUS and when you expect to return.

Departure Date

Return Date

Please list any medical conditions that you wish us to be aware of:

Please share with us your plans to finance your move and sustain yourself and your family at your post:

2007-07-17T03:28:00.000-07:00

Information Sheet of The Gambia
For prospective Youth Year of Service Volunteers, Pioneers and Travel Teachers

1. Areas of possible service include: Computer Classes, Institute Process (Study circles, etc.), Children’s Classes, manning information centres, etc.

2. The volunteers should not expect close supervision, they should be independent and take initiative themselves, guidelines are provided and a programme of activities.

3. Duration of stay in the country should be a minimum of 3 months, preferable 6 months or more.

4. We prefer youth to live independently in the local environment like CUSO or Peace Corps volunteers within a local Baha’i community. There is also a set of rooms used by volunteers at our Regional Centre with occasional hospitality for rest periods in pioneer homes.

5. The Dalasi to US$ is about 27 to 1. Approximately 4000 Dalasis per month is needed to provide for food and daily needs at Peace Corps standards. (Rental for a simple room will be about 1000-2000 Dalasi per month.) Note that electricity is variable, with frequent outages in areas where it is available.
The Gambia is considered a developing country. Living costs can be well below that in Europe or North America, if one adapts to the average living conditions in the country. Nevertheless, supermarkets offer imported food at about the price it would be offered in its country of origin. Internet cafes, restaurants, hotels, dance clubs, sports clubs, car rental are numerous in the country and offer their services at prices comparable to that in Europe or North America.

6. English is the official language spoken in The Gambia. There is always the opportunity to conduct or support the computer classes, therefore a minimum of basic computer skills are of great value. Likewise experience in conducting children’s classes and study circles is very helpful to our community.
Music and the arts are highly useful in all teaching activities and Baha’i community development. The importance of the arts in the society cannot be overemphasised and The Gambian Baha’i community is in great need of musicians and artists.
Teaching and community development takes place in a predominately Islamic environment, therefore knowledge about Islam and the Baha’i teachings on Islam are an advantage.

7. The principal religion in The Gambia is Islam. Over 95% of the inhabitants are Moslems. The society, especially in the rural area, is conservative. Travelling about the country for single young women is not comfortable.
The living standard in the country is simple and a lot of problems are related to the prevailing poverty. Youth should be able to demonstrate true Baha’i unity and high standard of Baha’i conduct. Modesty in dress is necessary. Shorts and short skirts are not acceptable.

8. The Gambian Bahá’í community has 1 priority cluster in the capital area, where more concentrated activities are needed as we11 as a secondary focus on a cluster in the provinces surrounding our Regional Centre in Bwiam. There will be many teaching and deepening programmes in the coming months.

With loving greetings,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of The Gambia Updated 14 Jan. 2006

2007-07-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Baha'i group pays homage to a heroine

SOFIA, Bulgaria
3 August 2005 (BWNS)

Towering trees sheltered ornate headstones that were almost hidden in the dense vegetation of an old cemetery in this eastern European capital.

Amid this lush setting, a group of Baha'is from 15 countries slowly made its way along a path towards a grave of historic significance.

As the Baha'is turned a corner, they came upon a scene that was in complete contrast to what had come before. It was a small lawn cemetery in immaculate condition and enclosed by a low wall.

This is the British military cemetery where British Commonwealth servicemen from two world wars, and some civilians, are laid to rest. In its neat precincts is the dignified grave of one who bore the nickname of "General Jack."

This is not the tomb of a great soldier but rather of a spiritual hero of the Baha'i world community.

It is the resting place of Marion Jack (1866-1954), who is acclaimed for her selfless role as a "pioneer," one who moves to another country to help establish and develop a Baha'i community.

The belief in the oneness of humanity and the conviction that world unity is the key to a lasting international peace has inspired many Baha'is to pioneer to ensure that the teachings of Baha'u'llah are available to all peoples on the planet. The one acknowledged as the greatest of those pioneers is Marion Jack.

"A place of visitation"....At the graveside in Sofia of Marion Jack, Baha'is pray for the progress of her soul.

Half a century after her passing, the group of Baha'is gathered around her grave. They placed bouquets on the headstone.

"I had a strong feeling of respect and gratitude," Inga Daniels, a Baha'i from Iceland, recalled later.

"A woman who demonstrated such courage and perseverance in her role as a Baha'i pioneer is not only important to the history of the faith in Bulgaria, but is an example for anyone who likes to be of service to a worthwhile cause -- being at her grave was truly inspiring," said Ms Daniels.

Like the others in the group, she had come to the cemetery after participating in a Baha'i conference held in Sofia 30 June-3 July 2005.

The Baha'is bowed their heads as several among them recited prayers, including one by Baha'u'llah for those who have passed away: "Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water and grant that they may behold thy splendors on the loftiest mount."

Those with some knowledge of the life of Marion Jack spoke quietly to the gathering about the one whose epitaph, inscribed in gold letters, begins with the words: "Immortal heroine."

Born and raised in Canada, Marion Jack had become a Baha'i while an art student in Paris. In 1908 she spent some months in Acre where she had the privilege of being with 'Abdu'l-Baha. He admired her sense of humor, joviality, and spiritual certitude, and He gave her the affectionate nickname of "General Jack."

Marion Jack(1866-1954).

During her stay in the Holy Land, she taught English to some of His grandchildren and met another of them, the young Shoghi Effendi. Some of her paintings done at that time are now on display in the Baha'i holy places in Israel, including the Mansion of Bahji.

Inspired by the guidance of 'Abdu'l-Baha , Ms. Jack took the message of the Faith to Alaska 1919-20. More than a decade later, when revisiting the Holy Land, Shoghi Effendi, then the head of the Faith, asked Ms. Jack, 65, to go as a Baha'i pioneer to Bulgaria. She went there directly from the Holy Land, arriving in 1931.

In cooperation with just a handful of other Baha'is, she helped establish thriving Baha'i communities in places such as Sofia and Varna.

In that first decade of her stay in Bulgaria, she lived through the world economic depression sustained only by a meager pension that afforded her basic accommodation and food. Then, during World War II, her living conditions became immeasurably worse.

Painting by Marion Jack of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah, 1931.

Shoghi Effendi suggested she leave the country for Switzerland. However, he accepted, with great admiration, her plea to remain at her post. She had told him there was nobody there at the time who could replace her as a Baha'i pioneer.

Living in a city subject to aerial bombing and facing the possibility of internment by a pro-Nazi government, Ms. Jack demonstrated persistence, fearlessness, self-abnegation, and generosity.

During the Stalinist-style political era that followed the war, she suffered from inadequate food, heating, and clothing. She lived in dank rented rooms -- once in a damp cellar with no windows.

Among the other difficulties she faced were serious health problems, an inability to master the Bulgarian language, theft of her belongings, extreme cold, plagues of bedbugs, and the irregular arrival of her pension. Yet she remained cheerful and steadfast. Shoghi Effendi said there was never a "more inspiring pioneer."

When she passed away, aged 87, on March 27, 1954, he urged the building of a suitable grave that was destined to "confer eternal benediction" on Bulgaria. It would, he said, become in the future a place of visitation, a prediction that is being borne out by such visits as the one last month.

"Immortal heroine.." An extract from the tribute to Marion Jack by Shoghi Effendi is inscribed on the headstone of her grave.

An extract of the tribute Shoghi Effendi paid her on her passing appears on the headstone of her grave: "Immortal heroine...Greatly loved and deeply admired by 'Abdu'l-Baha. A shining example to pioneers...Her unremitting, highly meritorious activities...shed imperishable splendor on contemporary Baha'i history...Shoghi."

Marion Jack's legacy lies in a Baha'i community now established in 100 localities throughout the country -- and in beautiful paintings adorning the meeting chamber of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Bulgaria and some of the walls of the Baha'i holy places in Acre and Haifa.

(For more information on Marion Jack, see the book "Never Be Afraid to Dare" by Jan Teofil Jasion, George Ronald, Publisher, 2001. http://www.grbooks.com/).

Related Photos

2007-07-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Seven months of service -- and separation

You can imagine the thought of spending seven months apart didn’t thrill Vickie and Brent Poirier.
But when it became clear they couldn’t both serve in India, their decision that she go ahead and take a position at the Bahá’í-inspired Barli Institute was equally clear, says Brent.
“Though the prospect of separation -- as well as her having all the fun and me being stuck at home -- was daunting, it seemed to me to be the only life-giving choice,” he mused while counting down the days to their May reunion.
“Choosing not to take that path would have been in a sense to choose death. It would have been to choose a life without much opportunity for service, a life with a dead-end future.”
To Brent, his wife’s time at Barli was the logical next step in an arc of service that began decades ago when she interrupted her education to marry and raise two children.
Along the way Vickie’s first husband died. A few years later she met Brent. He was serving at Bosch Bahá’í School during a break from law school. They soon married.
Once her children were through college, Vickie’s thoughts turned back to her own schooling and she threw herself into study at New Mexico State University, earning top honors in business administration.
Combining that training with a keen interest in using the arts -- her tapestries and other artwork are well known -- to elevate the economic status of women, she entered a master’s program in international community economic development offered by Southern New Hampshire University.
And parlaying what Brent calls “an ability to make connections,” she secured funding from Rotary International for an extended period of service in India for thesis research.
Brent, not finding work in India that would pay enough to cover his living expenses there and financial obligations at home, was unable to join her.
So on Oct. 28, 2006, Vickie embarked on a two-day journey halfway around the world from Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Indore, in the massive central India state of Madhya Pradesh.
As Brent noted on their Web site, www.spiritualadventurers.org, Vickie went armed with much more than her spirit and all the necessary documents.
“Vickie packed two 70-pound, one 50-pound, and two 12-pound bags, in addition to a humongous handmade purse/carry-all/computer carrier.
“So much was needed because Vickie is going in many capacities: As a professional, she has her various tools. As an artist she has three cameras as well as painting supplies. As a Bahá’í she has books. As a grad student she has textbooks. As a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar she has gifts from the Rotarians here to the Rotarians in India. Fabrics. Photos of family and of New Mexico. Sewing items.”
She also took along her knowledge of the Faith, administration and development, and a lifetime of working to uplift young women.
All in all, her background was tailor-made for the program awaiting her. That program, said Brent, educates “young women from the villages in very practical skills: literacy, moneymaking, child raising, hygiene, water cleanliness, solar cooking, organic gardening -- even masonry.” Barli needs people of various skills, and Vickie's textile expertise was helpful.
Rotary needed someone who could promote its ideals, both at Barli and in meeting with Rotary clubs around India.
And Vickie had her own needs: to research and write her thesis for submission this summer.
“It all fit together nicely,” said Brent. And the months have borne that out.
“She is thriving over there,” he said, in a culture of diverse peoples and rich heritage. “It’s very good for someone with her eye for beauty and her ability to encourage people.
“She feels it has been a very worthwhile time: the connections she has made and friends for the Faith; the contributions she’s made to the caliber of the SED work in India; and what she’s learned from the people doing that work there.”
Stories Vickie has posted on the Web site give some flavor of her experiences there:
· Of the children of migrant laborers whose clothes were so ragged their backsides were exposed. Vickie got hold of some shorts, T-shirts and simple skirts she gave them as Ayyám-i-Há gifts. “I realize that I can't do this for everyone and that this doesn't solve the root problem of lack of clothes,” she wrote. “However, they are my neighbors. What is happening to them is happening to me. If we cultivate a climate of sharing among everyone, then many problems can be improved. I was trying to give not a material gift, but a spiritual one of dignity and respect, and I think they understood that.”
· Of the affluent neighbor who expressed skepticism that the poor could learn something as “complicated” as repairing their own clothing. “People don't like being poor, nor do they want to stay that way,” Vickie wrote. “If their human capacity is developed they can progress and increase their well-being. These "people" are ignorant and superstitious because other people have taught them to be that way and they have not had access to effective education. They use their children as laborers because they have not yet seen that investment now in their education will pay off later. It is hard for them to imagine when the fact on the ground is that if your children don't work today, they don't eat today. This is why I feel so strongly that there must be a spiritual solution to the economic problems.”
· Of a book, on how to teach cloth cutting and tailoring, that Barli is publishing. “It is the only one of its kind specifically aimed at illiterate tribal women,” Vickie explained. “I am setting up and photographing step-by-step instructions, reviewing the text with the aid of a translator to check for clarity and accuracy of directions, and producing additional graphics. This is part of my work for the pro-poor market development aspect of my school project. I am approaching market development from the education and training angle. This book will enable tribal girls to gain a marketable skill that can be used in their villages.”

Vickie also found time to travel to the University of Delhi to present at paper on the Bahá’í electoral process at the International Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership.
What’s ahead?
First for Vickie will be doctoral work in international development.
For the longer term, pioneering long-term to India -- perhaps in a remote area two days’ travel from Indore where Barli has a satellite site -- is a possibility.
That is, if circumstances allow Brent to work there.
“It’s been a privilege for me to be of service to a pioneer,” he noted, “but next time we would like to do it together.”

Pioneer couple attract questions

2007-07-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

If you’re having a hard time sparking interest in the Bahá’í Faith among your friends and neighbors, consider the case of Sherri and Bob van der Wege.
Their mere presence in Johannesburg, South Africa -- a middle-aged white couple who moved in while many who look like them are moving out -- prompts the question: “Why did you come here?”
Why do they do their own laundry rather than relying on servants? Why do they circulate among people of various races, or converse with them at all?
Of course it’s because they are pioneering for the Bahá’í Faith, to assist the intensive program of growth in Johannesburg, an A-stage cluster.
“Since we are already different, being Americans, they are interested in learning more about our other differences, like being Bahá’ís,” Sherri recently wrote to the Office of International Pioneering.
The Illinois couple has certainly had enough Bahá’í service to keep them busy since taking their pioneering post.
“We have been going to Alexandra Township, one of the poor black townships in Johannesburg, every weekend since December; we were initially introduced by several friends who have been teaching there for some time in various ways,” Sherri wrote.
The van der Weges contribute to the teaching work in time-honored ways, participating in firesides and devotional gatherings.
They also do a specialized task, leading an introductory class on the Bahá’í Faith at the Bahá’í National Center and other sites focusing on the history, basic teachings and administration of the Faith.
“It is a class for people who want to learn more about the basics, who may not be ready to commit to a Ruhi course, or who feel there may be gaps in their knowledge,” Sherri wrote.
And for those who want to take the plunge into study circles or children’s classes, a variety are available in Johannesburg.
All this is stimulating increased interest in Feasts, Holy Day observances, cluster reflections and other local activities, the van der Weges report.
“A wonderful part of that has been the participation of the youth, who have on numerous occasions delighted all of us with music, poetry and drama,” Sherri’s report states.
The community is attracting new enrollees steadily. And they take great pleasure in inviting people they meet to all these joyous activities.
“We frequently get together with people we meet to build friendships, and we discuss the Faith with almost everyone we meet,” Sherri wrote.
“It is easy to do when people ask, ‘Why did you come here?’ ”

2007-07-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Historic pioneer still has power to inspire

Ruth Blackwell, seated in car, speaks with delegates to Haiti's National Convention
A Bahá’í National Convention is mainly forward-looking: concerned with how to march toward the goals of the current global Plan.
But every goal has a context. Early heroes of the Faith are a reminder of that context, especially when their good work continues.
That was the case in Haiti this spring when Ruth Blackwell -- age 99, one of the original pioneers to Haiti, and a key figure in building the national community -- visited that country’s National Convention.
That gathering happened to be held in the Blackwell Institute Building.
Her car arrived, appropriately enough, during a consultation on teaching the Faith, according to a message from the Haitian National Spiritual Assembly's Secretariat.
The delegates “quickly decided to temporarily suspend their consultation on teaching, and all the friends were thrilled to go out to greet a pioneer who had played such an instrumental role in bringing the Faith to Haiti,” the message said.
Unfortunately, the friends at the Convention could not find a way immediately to move her from the car to the meeting hall.
So they moved the meeting outside. Chairs were arranged so the delegates could sit around her car door.
And what was her message? “Always teach, wherever you are,” she reportedly told the friends.
Quite a current sentiment, considering that the Universal House of Justice in the 2007 Ridván letter envisioned “the day when teaching is the dominating passion in the life of every believer. ...”
But also an enduring ideal that impelled Ruth and Ellsworth Blackwell’s Bahá’í activity from early on.
In 1940, the Faith had been introduced to Haiti some 13 years earlier, but no residents had ever accepted the Faith.
That changed after Ruth Blackwell arrived that year from the United States, followed by her husband, for their first three-year stint on the island nation, at the suggestion of Shoghi Effendi.
By December 1940, three members of a family accepted Bahá’u’lláh. By 1942 a Spiritual Assembly was established in Port-au-Prince.
The couple returned to Haiti in 1950 and again in 1960 -- staying that time until the mid-1970s.
This time they not only pitched in toward the establishment of Haiti’s National Spiritual Assembly, they also helped the Faith expand into many localities.
“When the Blackwells left Haiti to pioneer to Africa,” the national Secretariat’s message notes, “Local Assemblies existed in all nine departments of the country.”
After Ellsworth Blackwell passed away in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Ruth continued to pioneer and teach the Faith internationally.
Haiti drew her back in 1995. In her 80s and early 90s, she was the custodian at the Bahá’í National Center in Port-au-Prince, “where she held weekly firesides, served as an assistant to an Auxiliary Board member, encouraged the youth workshop and was active in the teaching work -- regularly enrolling new believers,” the report from Haiti’s Secretariat states.
She has resided in a nursing home since 2005. When the friends visit her, the report adds, “she loves to share news of her efforts to teach the Faith to the staff working there.”

2007-06-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

2007-06-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

THINGS YOU MUST KNOW
Find Answers to These Questions

Why am I called a pioneer?

Why is it important to serve internationally?

What about the needs in my own cluster?

Why knowing about Covenant is relevant to pioneering?

How to live the life there?

After I move, under which NSA jurisdiction will I serve?

What are the cultural norms of the country I will be going to?

Where to get international health insurance?

Do I need to know the language of the country to be ale to be effective?

What about my driver license

2007-06-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

International Pioneering

New Goals JUST arrived

GOAL COUNTRIES

FIVE YEAR PLAN 2006–2011

CATEGORY ONE

Pioneers are needed to reinforce efforts in accelerating the
development of human resources and the advancement of clusters
Africa
Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia,
Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Americas
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,
Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Asia
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Nepal,
Pakistan, Philippines, Sarawak, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan
Australiasia
Fiji Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu
Europe Hungary, Romania, Russian Federation, Ukraine

CATEGORY TWO

Pioneers are needed to help strengthen the institute process
and engage the believers in teaching activities.

Africa
Angola, Benin, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Réunion, Rwanda,
São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal
Americas
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada,
Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Martinique, Puerto Rico,
St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Uruguay, Virgin Islands
Asia
Armenia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (South), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Sabah
Australiasia Caroline Islands, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands,
New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu
Europe
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Iceland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania,
Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia

CATEGORY THREE

International pioneers can be strategically utilized not only in teaching and in raising up human
resources, but also in specialized tasks at the national, regional and cluster levels.

Africa Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia
Americas Brazil, Colombia
Asia Cambodia, India, Mongolia
Australiasia Papua New Guinea
Europe none

2007-06-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

URGENT
Dear Friends,

Allah'u'Abha! My brother and his wife produce a very popular
children's television show here in Ethiopia. They are looking for a
couple artists/cartoonists to volunteer for a period of service. They
asked me to post the following request for volunteers. Please spread
the word.

Allah'u'Abha friends,

We are urgently looking for one or two artist interns/volunteers who
can help with the creation of backgrounds and animated characters for
our children's television show Tsehai Loves Learning. Tsehai Loves
Learning is a Baha'i-inspired puppet show targeted for children ages
3-6. It runs on National TV once a week. It's the only show of its
kind in Ethiopia, and is a big hit with more than 2,500,000 children
of all ages across Ethiopia. There are very few skilled artists in
Ethiopia, so we've had a hard time keeping up with the artistic
demands of the show. The lessons are enhanced with animation where we
can, and we're looking to improve the artistic look of the show and
expand the animation. You can learn more about Tsehai Loves Learning
from news articles at the:
Bahá'í World News Service, (With a sample of our opening credits)
(http://news.bahai.org/story/504)
San Francisco Chronicle,
(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/28/DDG2RN6BC11.DTL
)
International Herald Tribune,
(http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/09/africa/AF_FEA_GEN_Ethiopia_Kids_T
V.php
)
The Montclarion
(http://www.contracostatimes.com/oaklandberkeley/ci_6036872)

My wife (Brukty) and I created this show in our living room with the
help of many Baha'i volunteers. I'm American and my wife is
Ethiopian. We met here in Ethiopia. We've been working on this
project since before we got married 3 years ago. The television show
has been broadcasting since September.

What we need:
* Two artists with good drawing skills who have an interest in
animation. Experience with cartoon, comic, or caricature drawing &
animation would be a plus. We can help you learn how to animate if you
have good drawing skills but no experience with animation.

Most importantly, we are looking for volunteers who are in love with
Baha'u'llah and wish to dedicate a year of selfless service to Him. I
did periods of service in Guyana and the Czech Republic shortly after
high school. The experience was so enriching for me personally, and
we really hope to share the blessing and bounty of service with young
volunteers who can really make an impact on this project.

Depending on your skills and interests, you may be asked to help us
with one or more of the following:

* Develop backgrounds & characters
* Create simple animations and advanced character animations
* Create conceptual artwork to help explain story ideas to development
partners
* Help teach aspiring artists and young children how to draw and
animate in a cartoon style
* Create illustrations and layout design for children's books
* Redesign our website and create website graphics
* Develop small interactive web games
* Create music, stories & games, or contribute to the story writing
* Design print activities which complement the lessons of the episodes
* Help with Video and/or Audio editing
* Help write proposals and present them to potential development partners
* Train staff in a variety of subjects to make the show better
* Whatever your skills are, we'll find a way to use them

Addis Ababa is an "A" cluster, and there are plenty of additional
opportunities to serve in the evenings or weekends such as travel
teaching in the rural areas, taking or tutoring Ruhi courses, teaching
children's classes, hosting devotional gatherings, home visits, junior
youth animator courses, intensive programs of growth etc...

If you are interested please e-mail us:
brukty@whizkidsworkshop.com or shane@whizkidsworkshop.com
or call us at +251-911-653994 or +251-911-11-10-75

Thanks. I look forward to seeing how your artistic talents will bloom
in the minds of millions of little ones.

- Shane

2007-06-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

URGENT!
Maxwell International School continues recruiting
Year of Service Volunteers and still needs the following:
One Full Time Dorm Parent (male or female);
Two full time Dorm Assistants ( one male and one female);
Two part timeWeekend Dorm Assistants (one male and one female);
One full time cook (male or female, with experience.)
We are also looking for a qualified and experienced driver.
We also have 2 spaces to fill in the facilities/maintenance department.
Year of Service Volunteer Program at Maxwell will begin soon for the2007-2008 school year.

Food and lodging are provided as well as a stipend.
Minimum age is 20 years.
Please contact: YOS@maxwell.bc.ca
Maxwell International SchoolBag 1000, B.C. V0R 2W0, CanadaPh: 250-743-7144,
Fax: 250-74-3522ruie MullinsYear of Service CoordinatorBag 1000, 2371 East Shawnigan Lake RdShawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0Telephone: (250) 743-7144

2007-05-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

FROM THE NATIONAL PIONEER COMMITTEE
OF SOUTH AFRICA

Dearest friends, Allah'u'Abha!
In its message of 27 December 2005, the UniversalHouse of Justice stressedthe particular role that pioneers would play inmeeting the challenge ofestablishing 1,500 intensive programmes of growthworldwide. The UniversalHouse of Justice asked us to reflect on ourparticipation in this mighty
enterprise and to wait not a moment longer inwholeheartedly joining in this coherent framework for action.

Today, the Universal House of Justice is furthermore asking the Baha'is ofSouth Africa to arise and pioneer across theirborders to other parts of theworld. We have been asked to dispatch 35 pioneers -either short-term or long-term - for service on the international field.In an effort to facilitate this movement within,from and to South Africa,we will try to share any job or vlounteer vacancies that has been communicated to the committee.Please find below several such vacancies. We wouldlike to ask that youcirculate them as widely as possible so that friendswho might not have email may also share in these opportunities. Although all have contact numbers or emails, we would like to ask that you let the Pioneer committee know(onmailto:onnpc@bahai.org.za) should you need any assistance(legislation, work permit,orientation manual, etc.) or information in yourwish to pioneer.With loving greetings,National Pioneer committeeof South AfricaEmail: npc@bahai.org.za

--PIONEERING IN SOUTH AFRICA / HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Buffalo City wishes to bring the following information to the attention of the Bahá’í friend sat the national level:A position of home front pioneering is available inLasmesi in Buffalo CityEastern Cape) for initially one year period.Lasmesi village is located at ± 50 to the west ofEast London. There is along standing Bahá’í community and a local centre inthat village. We wouldappreciate to find a candidate who is fluent inXhosa language, preferably a tutor and able and willing to work with the children. An accommodation inthe village and a monthly subsistence allowance willbe provided to thesuitable candidate.If interested, please contact the Secretary of theAssembly: (043) 741 1444 / 079 4933677 /narimank@telkomsa.net-----------------------------------------
=====================================

PIONEERING IN SOUTH AFRICA / HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

Several positions are vacant at Habitat for Humanity(Christian EcumenicalNGO
working in overcoming poverty housing) Africa and the Middle East regional office in Pretoria, South Africa.I
f you have Project Management experience orManagement experience,especially in the following:West & Central Africa (French would be a plus),Middle East/East Africa(Arabic and/or Swahili would be a plus), Orphans andVulnerable Children,[these are all based in Pretoria, South Africa]kindly contact Mrs. Veronique Mestdagh, HRCoordinator onVmestdagh@habitat.org - as soon as possible.To find out more about what Habitat's mission and work is, please visit www.habitat.org

Habitat for Humanity also has a National Director position open forMadagascar
=====================================

PIONEERING IN SOUTH AFRICA / HOMEFRONT

PIONEERING From: Jacques <jacques@thepc.co.za>Date: 04-Apr-2007 10:13Subject: Re: The Personnel ConceptIn Civil Engineering, I will consider non SouthAfricans, as long as theycan qualify for quota work permits, in other words,they must have aUniversity degree that's equivalent to SA standardsand at least5 years relevant post graduate experience.For other disciplines, you are always welcome tosend any CV's, because if they are really outstanding candidates, I will try to help them.
Kind Regards
Jacques PrinceEngineering Recruitment ConsultantThe Personnel Concept(011)484-3920 Tel0722664442 Cell0866199119 Fax jacques@thepc.co.za http://www.thepc.co/.za
"Luck, is when preparation meets with opportunity"!-
-----------------------------------------
PIONEERING TO SOUTH AFRICA / HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

The Tzaneen cluster is a “C” cluster in the Limpopo Province which has beenidentified by the National Spiritual Assembly as aCluster in whichintensive programmes of growth should be operatingby Ridvan 2011.Presently the cluster comprises five adult Bahá’ís–two of whom are Book 7tutors and three of whom are presently workingthrough Book 6.In order for our community to grow, we wish to attract two home frontpioneers to Tzaneen for a period of three years.Alternatively, pioneerscould stay on a rotational basis of six months at atime for the three year period.
We are hoping to attract mature persons (over 40years old) who are able tocommunicate in Northern Sotho and, ideally, who willbe Book 7 tutors.The Cluster community is able to provide financialsupport of R1,000 permonth for the two pioneers (R500each) and will look to the NationalPioneering Committee for any additional financialsupport required.With loving greetingsBrett HoneFor the Tzaneen Cluster

--PIONEERING OUTSIDE OF SA
Dear Bahá’í Friends,The National Spiritual Assembly of Albania would deeply appreciate if youcould share the following information with thefriends in your community.“ In the heart of the Balkans, in a very specialenvironment, in a country blessed by a receptivepopulation, a greatopportunity of service is offered to just one andonly one couple ready tocatch a lifetime opportunity.In the village of Peze , 19 kilometres from thecapital of Albania ,Tirana, in beautiful natural surroundings, lies abuilding dedicated toBahá'í activities. There are 12 rooms capable ofsleeping 4-5 plus twodormitory rooms with external bathrooms providing atotal sleeping capacityof 64 people. A large meeting hall can accommodate100, and the fullyfurnished kitchen and dining room can seat 70. Aplayground for childrenand spacious gardens abut the riverbank in a valleysurrounded by beautifulhills and small farms. This Bahá'í property iswaiting to fully fulfil itspotential by hosting Bahá'í and non-Bahá'íactivities alike. Currently theBahá'ís use it only several long weekends a year. An independent apartmentis available to host the couple who would arise totake charge of managing this facility, both for its maintenance and development of activities.The challenges awaiting the lovers of Bahá'u'lláh who rise to render this service will not be lacking, but the victories and rewards will bepriceless.Challenges ahead would include power cuts, occasional lack of water supply(conditions are however improving), lack of a fixed telephone line and internet, lack of air-conditioning during the hot summer and cold due to poor insulation during the mild winter. But at the same time, a generator,two wells and mobile phone connections area vailable. The couple should befinancially independent, should have an
en trepreneurial spirit, a car and bewilling and able to travel to the capital. Life inAlbania is relatively inexpensive and this service opportunity could beparticularly attractivefor the right active and handy, retired couple.
For any further information please contact theNational SpiritualAssembly of Albania (nsa@bahai.al).”With loving Bahá’í greetings,National Spiritual Assemblyof the Bahá’ís of Albania-----------------------------------
-PIONEERING OUTSIDE SA From: Momtazian, Mona
[mailto:Mona.Momtazian@bnc.bahai.org.au]
Sent: 05 April 2007 08:07To: Momtazian, Mona Subject: Vacancy for Software Developer at theBahá'í National Centre inSydney , Australia
Dear Friends,I hope you are all well.The Bahá'í National Centre in Sydney , Australia hasa vacancy for aSoftware Developer. Attached is an advertisementfor this position.Could you please forward the attachment to anyfriends you think might beinterested in this position and let them know we arealso consideringapplicants who are not Australian citizens.Thank you very much!

2007-05-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

(+)(+)()()(+)()()()(+)

------M A U R I T I U S-----

Who will arise?

In the words of the late Hand of the Cause of God,
Dr. Ugo Giachery: “We must rally, one and all, to complete the Plan…”
and he ends, “I hear the Call of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘I am waiting, I am waiting.
Are you coming?”

Our need remains for Home Front pioneers set forth in the Plan

We need to send about 9 homefront pioneers in the clusters and 5 more pioneers into the international field.

Each person thinking about pioneering will want to follow the counsel of the Universal House of Justice regarding the choice of pioneer post: “Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own particular experiences, inclinations and possibilities, he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirming power of Bahá'u'lláh, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord in distant lands and in the Homefront

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cluster8

Cluster 8 is in urgent need of Home Front pioneers, especially a pioneering
family willing to pioneer to the Goal area on a long-term basis.
the region could benefit tremendously from a deepened individual or family. The Faith in the above region is in its infancy and the tender beginnings of a Bahai Community need to be nurtured by devoted believers on a long-term basis. Of course short-term pioneers are also welcome, .
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CLUSTER 3 offered opportunity for 2 volunteers homefront pioneers in two hosted families

CLUSTER 1 also has opportunity for a youth in a family at Baie du Tombeau

we encourage RUHI TRAINED, YOUTH, FAMILIES ,AND RETIRED PERSONS TO TRAVEL TEACH AND ASSIST IN THE ABOVE CLUSTER

OUR NEED
Lodging in any bahai families in the 10 cluster for eventual youth service and Homefront pioneer

Please feel free to share the information with your community in whatever way is most convenient and useful.

2007-05-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

==========================
« Pioneer Desk » - L'appel Divin
==========================

“The duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all the believers. There are no special categories of believers for these functions…”
The Universal House of Justice, 2 July 1965

*--Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que M. et madame Nanda Poinapen ont offert leur service comme pionniers locaux pour une durée d’une année dans le « cluster » 2 (Ces chers amis sont assurés du soutien et de l’assistance du « Pioneer Desk », du « Area Teaching Committee » et des autres institutions travaillant dans le « Cluster »

OCCASSION DE SERVICE

CLUSTER 3 *-- HEBERGEMENT OFFERTE CHEZ UNE FAMILLE POUR 6 MOIS DANS LA REGION DE BRISEE VERDIERE
POUR UN EVENTUELLE PIONNIER LOCALE jeune homme ou jeune fille

CLUSTER 1 *--- HEBERGEMENT OFFERTE POUR UNE DUREE DE 6 MOIS CHEZ UNE FAMILLE A BAIE DU TOMBEAU

CLUSTER 3 *----HEBERGEMENT OFFERTE POUR UN JEUNE DANS LA REGIONS QUATRE COCOS DUREE DE 6 MOIS

Contacter le pionneer desk au 2122179-2124372-7766389 pour tout aide et offre de service

2007-05-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

A lesson of love and sacrifice

Despite difficulties, couple moved for the Plan

Bate and Leyla Bate

They knew they wouldn’t be able to buy a home -- too expensive. Knew the commute to work would be longer. Knew they’d miss people with whom they served.
Bate and Leyla Bate moved anyway, in instant obedience to the Universal House of Justice’s message of March 9, 2007.
The letter urged Bahá’ís to settle, whether on the homefront or in the international field, “in clusters receiving systematic attention, either to help lay the groundwork for accelerated growth or to strengthen cycles of activity already under way.”
The Bates already lived in the Dallas City Cluster -- in fact, served together on the Dallas Spiritual Assembly, with Bate as chairman.
But they recognized that none of the other communities in the cluster had an Assembly and that by helping suburban Addison re-form its Assembly they could help strengthen the cluster.
“When we read the message ... we prayed and consulted [and] decided to move to Addison as homefront pioneers,” recalls Leyla.
Change is never easy, she said, “especially when you grow to serve so closely with community members and Assembly members in a community.”
For example, “We were looking to buy a house but couldn’t find one in our price range in Addison -- everything affordable was in Dallas -- and thus we had to move into another apartment.”
Living in Addison also lengthened her commute to work in downtown Dallas. And there was a lot going on, including her pilgrimage and a death in her family.
All in all, said Leyla, “I would have to say we are happy and excited with the decision we made and the opportunities of service that lie ahead.
“The Addison community -- and now Assembly -- is composed of a few young couples who have recently moved to the community to help it grow and develop, so we share this exciting new chapter together.”
Any inconvenience pales next to that blessing -- or the sacrifices others have made, Leyla concluded.
“Many people have ... had many challenges in the path of service.”

2007-05-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth
and the heydayof his life will arise to serve
the Cause of the Lord.”— Bahá'u'lláh

We especially commend the youth for
the high level of their dedicated services
to the Cause…”
The Universal House of Justice
A Wider Horizon, Selected Letters 1983-1992, p. 25

2007-05-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

There are three year of service positions available in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
for those who wish to dedicate a period of service to Baha'u'llah. Two positions are at One Planet International School (www.OnePlanetSchool.com). The third position is with Whiz Kid's Workshop, ( www.WhizKidsWorkshop.com) which produces a children's television show here in Ethiopia.

One Planet International School is a Baha'i-inspired school for children from age 2 through grade 3. The positions will depend on qualifications of the volunteers. Most importantly, we are looking for volunteers who are in love with Baha'u'llah and wish to dedicate a year of selfless service to Him. Depending on your skills, you may be asked to help us with one or more of the following:

* Help the teachers find creative ways to teach their curriculum by looking up and sharing activities from books
* Developing teaching aids and decorating classrooms with educational displays
* Help the children practice their English conversation skills or to learn French
* Tutor the children after school, or develop an after school program teaching art, music, dance or sports
* Illustrate children's stories and help us lay them out on the computer and publish them.
* Teach physical education, art, music, dance or drama
* Teach English classes or assist in teaching English
* Train teachers in a variety of subjects at our weekly teacher training program
* Help with logistical tasks such as cataloging library books and teacher resources
* Whatever your skill is, we will find a way to use it.

Whiz Kid's Workshop produces a Baha'i-inspired children's television show called "Tsehai Loves Learning". It is a puppet show for children ages 3-6. The show also involves animation and artist drawn backgrounds. It is on TV once or twice a week. Whiz Kid's is looking for a volunteer who is interested in audio/video production. Experience with video editing would be a plus. Alternatively, they would be interested in a volunteer artist with good drawing skills who has an interest in animation.

Addis Ababa is an "A" cluster, and there are plenty of additional opportunities to serve in the evenings or weekends such as travel teaching in the rural areas, taking or tutoring Ruhi courses, teaching children's classes, hosting devotional gatherings, home visits, junior youth animator courses, intensive programs of growth etc...

If you are interested in any of these positions, please e-mail info@OnePlanetSchool.com for inquiries about One Planet School and e-mail info@WhizKidsWorkshop.com for inquiries about Whiz Kids Workshop.

===================================================================

2007–2008 Volunteer Application

Your Name

Age

E-mail

Phone

Nationality

Country of Passport

How much time will you be able to give for service?

When would your service start? (enter approximate date)

When would your service end? (enter approximate date)

What is your first language(s)?

What other languages have you learned?

List any Ruhi classes you’ve completed

Have you taught children’s classes? If yes, give details.

List any other skills or experiences that you feel will contribute to your service. You may attach a CV or resume if you have one.

Include classes and activities at school, Bahá’í service, Bahá’í children’s classes, positions you’ve held, professional experience etc…

If you were asked to create an activity to help children learn how to be truthful, what would you do?

If you were asked to decorate a classroom, what would you do?

Write about a time that you had a conflict with another person. What did you do to resolve the conflict?

For each row, place an “x” in the column that best describes how you feel. You may add comments in the last column if you like.

I would like to do this, and I know how.

I would like to do this, but I would need help.

I would do this if asked, but it wouldn’t be my preference.
I would prefer not to do this.

I wouldn’t be able to do this because I don’t have the skill.
Other comment

Help the teachers find creative ways to teach their curriculum by looking up and sharing activities from books

Develop teaching aids and decorate classrooms with educational displays

Help the children practice their English conversation skills

Read stories to kids

Teach English class

Teach beginning French class

Tutor the children after school

Develop an after school program teaching art, music, dance or sports

What would you teach?
Illustrate children’s stories

Layout children’s stories using a computer

Teach physical education, art, music, dance or drama

Which one(s)?
Train teachers

Help catalog books in the library

Help with administrative tasks

I’ll do anything you need.

Do you have any other unique talents or skills that you could use at the school?

Lists computer software that you are familiar with.

___ Word ___ PowerPoint ___ Excel __ PhotoShop

List others:

You will be expected to raise the funds to cover your own expenses. One Planet International School will not be able to offer airfare or a stipend to cover your expenses. We recommend that you bring approximately US$100 a month to cover your misc. expenses.

Zelalem and Gail Amare are the owners of One Planet International School. We are an Ethiopian/American Bahá’í family. You can learn more about us from our blog at www.amarefamily.com/blog. We will offer free accommodations and meals in our home. Please note that we have five children, two dogs and a cat so it can be quite noisy. Also, we don’t have a lot of space, so you will share a room with another person. If you are over 21, you may choose to find your own accommodations outside of the Amare household.

Will you be able to cover your airfare?

Will you be able bring an average of $100 a month to cover your misc. expenses?

If you are over 21, would you prefer to find your own accommodations that you would pay for out of your own pocket (we could help you find something), or would you prefer to live with the Amare family.

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2007-05-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

The Universal House of Justice
The Bahá'í World Centre

9 October 1968
To the Baha'i Youth in Every Land
Dear Baha'i Friends,
In the two years since we last addressed the youth of the Baha'i world many remarkable advances have been made in the fortunes of the Faith. Not the least of these is the enrollment under the banner of Baha'u'llah of a growing army of young men and women eager to serve His Cause. The zeal, the enthusiasm, the steadfastness and the devotion of the youth in every land has brought great joy and assurance to our hearts. During the last days of August and the first days of September, when nearly two thousand believers from all over the world gathered in the Holy Land to commemorate the Centenary of Baha'u'llah's arrival on these sacred shores, we had an opportunity to observe at first hand those qualities of good character, selfless service and determined effort exemplified in the youth who served as volunteer helpers, and we wish to express our gratitude for their loving assistance and for their example. Many of them offered to pioneer, but one perplexing question recurred Shall I continue my education, or should I pioneer now? Undoubtedly this same question is in the mind of every young Baha'i wishing to dedicate his life to the advancement of the Faith. There is no stock answer which applies to all situations; the beloved Guardian gave different answers to different individuals on this question. Obviously circumstances vary with each individual case. Each individual must decide how he can best serve the Cause. In making this decision, it will be helpful to weigh the following factors:
"Upon becoming a Baha'i one's whole life is, or should become devoted to the progress of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he possesses is ultimately committed to this overriding life objective. Within this framework he must consider, among other things, whether by continuing his education now he can be a more effective pioneer later, or alternatively whether the urgent need for pioneers, while possibilities for teaching are still open, outweighs an anticipated increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since oftentimes the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more important than one's academic attainments.
"One's liability for military service may be a factor in timing the offer of pioneer service.
"One may have outstanding obligations to others, including those who may be dependent on him for support.
"It may be possible to combine a pioneer project with a continuing educational program. Consideration may also be given to the possibility that a pioneering experience, even though it interrupts the formal educational program, may prove beneficial in the long run in that studies would later be resumed with a more mature outlook.
"The urgency of a particular goal which one is especially qualified to fill and for which there are no other offers.
"The fact that the need for pioneers will undoubtedly be with us for many generations to come, and that therefore there will be many calls in future for pioneering service.
"The principle of consultation also applies. One may have the obligation to consult others, such as one's parents, one's Local and National Assemblies, and the pioneering committees.
"Finally, bearing in mind the principle of sacrificial service and the unfailing promises Baha'u'llah ordained for those who arise to serve His Cause, one should pray and meditate on what his course of action will be. Indeed, it often happens that the answer will be found in no other way."
We assure the youth that we are mindful of the many important decisions they must make as they tread the path of service to Baha'u'llah. We will offer our ardent supplications at the Holy Threshold that all will be divinely guided and that they will attract the blessings of the All-Merciful.
Deepest Baha'i love, The Universal House of Justice

2007-05-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Quotations from the Writings — Home

Equally important will be the support lent to a cluster through an influx of pioneers.
The desire to pioneer arises naturally from deep within the heart of the individual believer as a response to the Divine summons. Whosoever forsakes his or her home for the purpose of teaching the Cause joins the ranks of those noble souls whose achievements down the decades have illumined the annals of Baha’i pioneering.
We cherish the hope that many will be moved to render this meritorious service during the next Plan, whether on the home front or in the international field--an act that, in itself, attracts untold blessings.”
— An extract from a letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated 27 December 2005, addressed to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors

Quotations from the Writings — Why

“ISSUE forth from your cities, O peoples of the West and aid God ere the Day when the Lord of mercy shall come down unto you in the shadow of the clouds with the angels circling around Him, exalting His praise and seeking forgiveness for such as have truly believed in Our signs.”
—The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 56

“Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation. . . .”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p.16

“O SON OF BEING! Make mention of Me on My earth, that in My heaven I may remember thee, thus shall Mine eyes and thine be solaced.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Arabic Hidden Words, no.13

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let his arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation, whose power hath caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every mountain to be crushed into dust, and every soul to be dumbfounded. Should the greatness of this Day be revealed in its fullness, every man would forsake a myriad lives in his longing to partake, though it be for one moment, of its great glory-how much more this world and its corruptible treasures!”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 196-197

“O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.”
— ‘ Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp. 41-2

“Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp.31-2

“It is also recorded in the blessed Gospel: Travel ye throughout the world and call ye the people to the Kingdom of God. Now this is the time that you may arise and perform this most great service and become the cause of the guidance of innumerable souls. Thus through this superhuman service the rays of peace and conciliation may illumine and enlighten all the regions and the world of humanity may find peace and composure.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p.22

“Spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord so that the world may become another world, the darkened earth may become illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life.”
— Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í World Faith, p.16

“Should you be aided to render such a service, rest ye assured that your heads shall be crowned with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty, and at the threshold of oneness you will become the favored and accepted servants.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 32

“Teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather, to all parts of the world. . . .”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 53

“The moment this divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will all the peoples of the world witness that this community is spiritually illumined and divinely guided. Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 40

“Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance for it is the head corner-stone of the foundation itself. This wronged servant has spent his days and nights in promoting the Cause and urging the peoples to service. He rested not a moment, till the fame of the Cause of God was noised abroad in the world and the celestial strains from the Abhá Kingdom roused the East and the West. The beloved of God must also follow the same example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude to the Threshold of Bahá!
The disciples of Christ forgot themselves and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged themselves of self and passion, and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the divine guidance; till at last they made the world 11 another world, illumined the surface of the earth, and even to their last hour proved self-sacrificing in the pathway of that beloved One of God. Finally in various lands they suffered glorious martyrdom. Let them that are men of action follow in their footsteps!”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, The Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 10

“If my health were good at present, I would not wait one day longer. I would go not only to America but to all parts of the world to cry and call out. Had I been free during the forty years of my imprisonment in 'Akká, I would have traveled to the East, West, North and South of the world. I would not have kept still for one minute and I would have illumined the horizons with the light of the Sun of Reality. And then you would have seen that great results had been obtained.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. IX, September 8, 1918, p. 120

“Ye have received a portion from the rays of Truth and are endowed with a share from the Everlasting Outpouring. Therefore, ye must not rest one minute, but thank Him for this bestowal.
Be ye not seated and silent! Diffuse the glad-tidings of the Kingdom far and wide to the ears. . . .”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 503

“O ye homeless and wanderers in the Path of God! Prosperity, contentment, and freedom, however much desired and conducive to the gladness of the human heart, can in no wise compare with the trials of homelessness and adversity in the pathway of God; for such exile and banishment are blessed by the divine favour, and are surely followed by the mercy of Providence. The joy of tranquillity in one's home, and the sweetness of freedom from all cares shall pass away, whilst the blessing of homelessness shall endure forever, and its far-reaching results shall be made manifest.

Abraham's migration from His native land caused the bountiful gifts of the All-Glorious to be made manifest, and the setting of Canaan's brightest star unfolded to the eyes the radiance of Joseph. The flight of Moses, the Prophet of Sinai, revealed the Flame of the Lord's burning Fire, and the rise of Jesus breathed the breaths of the Holy Spirit into the world. The departure of Muhammad, the Beloved of God, from the city of His birth was the cause of the exaltation of God's Holy Word, and the banishment of the Sacred Beauty led to the diffusion of the light of His divine Revelation throughout all regions.
Take ye good heed, O people of insight!”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 280-1

“The Temple itself, that fair incarnation of the soul of an unconquerable Faith, and the first fruit of the Plan now set in motion, stands in its silent beauty, ready to reinforce the strenuous endeavors of its prosecutors. Towering in grandeur and resplendent in its majesty it calls aloud incessantly for a greater, a far greater number of pioneers who, both at home and in foreign fields, will scatter to sow the Divine seeds and gather the harvest into its gates. The Author of the Plan Himself, looking down from His retreats above, and surveying the prodigious labors of His defeatless disciples, voices, with even greater insistence, the same call. The time in which to respond to it is relentlessly shortening. Let men of action seize their chance ere the swiftly passing days place it irretrievably beyond their reach.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 56

“Let us scatter to the uttermost corners of the earth; sacrifice our personal interests, comforts, tastes and pleasures; mingle with the divers kindreds and peoples of the world; familiarize ourselves with their manners, traditions, thoughts and customs; arouse, stimulate and maintain universal interest in the Movement, and at the same time endeavor by all the means in our power, by concentrated and persistent attention, to enlist the unreserved allegiance and the active support of the more hopeful and receptive among our hearers.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration. p. 69

[“He cannot impress too strongly upon the friends the need for action: they must arise in still greater numbers to pioneer; those who cannot go themselves should remember the admonition of Baha'u'llah and send, through the N.S.A., someone in their stead; the young people should learn to teach and go forth in the field in the days of their youth and receive this great blessing; more qualified teachers should arise, and circulate among the new and weak Assemblies in order to consolidate them.”
— on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Dawn of a New Day, p. 121

Upon our efforts depends in very large measure the fate of humanity.
— The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 120

“Equally important will be the support lent to a cluster through an influx of pioneers. The desire to pioneer arises naturally from deep within the heart of the individual believer as a response to the Divine summons. Whosoever forsakes his or her home for the purpose of teaching the Cause joins the ranks of those noble souls whose achievements down the decades have illumined the annals of Baha'i pioneering. We cherish the hope that many will be moved to render this meritorious service during the next Plan, whether on the home front or in the international field-an act that, in itself, attracts untold blessings. The institutions, in turn, will have to exercise sound judgement to ensure that such friends are strategically placed. Priority should be given to settling short-term and long-term pioneers in those clusters that are the focus of systematic attention, whether as a means of reinforcing endeavours to lay the groundwork for accelerated growth or stabilizing cycles of activity under way. It is not unreasonable to assume that a concerted effort to build on strength will result in the eventual outflow of pioneers from such clusters to areas destined to become the theatre of future conquests.”
— from a letter of The Universal House of Justice, December 27, 2005

Quotations from the Writings — Who
“The duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all the believers. There are no special categories of believers for these functions. . . .”
— The Universal House of Justice, July 2, 1965
“That the members of this community, of either sex and of every age, of whatever race or background, however limited in experience, capacity and knowledge, may arise as one man, and seize with both hands the God-given opportunities now presented to them through the dispensations of an all-loving, ever-watchful, ever-sustaining Providence, . . . is one of the dearest wishes which a loving and longing heart holds for them. . . .”
— Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 132
“If only the friends could realize it, the glory of our Faith is not that people with unique abilities do the work of the Cause, but that it is done by the sacrifice of loving and devoted souls who arise selflessly to undertake work they feel themselves incompetent, sometimes, to achieve. God works through them and endows them with gifts they did not dream they could ever possess.”
—Shoghi Effendi, Victory Promises, p. 17
“What the Cause now requires is not so much a group of highly cultured and intellectual people who can adequately present its Teachings, but a number of devoted, sincere and loyal supporters, who, in utter disregard of their own weaknesses and limitations, and with hearts afire with the love of God, forsake their all for the sake of spreading and establishing His Faith. In other words, what is mostly needed nowadays is a Bahá’í pioneer. . . .”
— Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 75
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“Once again I appeal to members of all communities to arise and enlist, ere the present opportunity is irretrievably lost, in the army of Bahá'u'lláh's crusaders. The hour is ripe to disencumber themselves of worldly vanities, to mount the steed of steadfastness, unfurl the banner of renunciation, don the armor of utter consecration to God's Cause, gird themselves with the girdle of a chaste and holy life, unsheathe the sword of Bahá'u'lláh's utterance, buckle on the shield of His love, carry as sole provision implicit trust in His promise, flee their homelands, and scatter far and wide to capture the unsurrendered territories of the entire planet.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá'í World, p. 49
“Let them dedicate themselves-young and old, men and women alike-and go forth and settle in new districts, travel, and teach in spite of lack of experience, and be assured that Baha'u'llah has promised to aid all those who arise in His Name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Dawn of a New Day, p. 89
“I am moved, at this juncture, as I am reminded of the share which, ever since the inception of the Faith in the West, the handmaidens of Bahá'u'lláh, as distinguished from the men, have had in opening up, single-handed, so many, such diversified, and widely scattered countries over the whole surface of the globe, not only to pay a tribute to such apostolic fervor as is truly reminiscent of those heroic men who were responsible for the birth of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, but also to stress the significance of such a preponderating share which the women of the West have had and are having in the establishment of His Faith throughout the whole world. "Among the miracles," 'Abdu'l-Bahá Himself has testified, "which distinguish this sacred Dispensation is this, that women have evinced a greater boldness than men when enlisted in the ranks of the Faith." So great and splendid a testimony applies in particular to the West, and though it has received thus far abundant and convincing confirmation must, as the years roll away, be further reinforced, as the American believers usher in the most glorious phase of their teaching activities under the Seven Year Plan. The "boldness" which, in the words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, has characterized their accomplishments in the past must suffer no eclipse as they stand on the threshold of still greater and nobler accomplishments. Nay rather, it must, in the course of time and throughout the length and breadth of the vast and virgin territories of Latin America, be more convincingly demonstrated, and win for the beloved Cause victories more stirring than any it has as yet achieved.”
— Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 68-9
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“We call upon the indigenous believers . . . to make their own distinctive contribution to the pursuit of the goals of the Four Year Plan, both beyond the confines of North America and at home. They should be ever mindful of the vital contribution they can make to the work of the Faith throughout the American continent, in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.”
— The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153
“We direct the attention of the believers of African descent . . . to the pressing need for pioneers, who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned a special responsibility by the Guardian. . . .”
— The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153
“[T]he friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America.”
— The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153
“Let all believers consider the extent to which they can use familial and ethnic ties to other regions of the world for the fulfillment of the global mission conferred upon the recipients of the Tablets of the Divine Plan. . . .”
—The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153
“It is on young and active Bahá'ís, like you, that the Guardian centers all his hopes for the future progress and expansion of the Cause, and it is on their shoulders that he lays the responsibility for the upkeep of the spirit of selfless service among their fellow-believers. Without that spirit no work can be successfully achieved. With it triumph, though hardly won, is but inevitable.”
— from a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 1, 1993====================================

“The friends are to consider the entire world as the arena for pioneering and travel-teaching; they are being called upon to fulfill, according to their own possibilities, the needs of the Faith in any country or territory where doors open to them. . . .”
— The Universal House of Justice, January 25, 1995
“Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own particular experience, inclinations and possibilities, he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirming power of Bahá’u’lláh, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord in distant lands.”
— The Universal House of Justice, June 27, 1993
“Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 31
There are still vast areas of the world where no Bahá'ís have set foot. There are millions desperately thirsting for this Water of Life. There are countries where believers are laboring day and night to foster the growth of the tree of the Cause, and are in urgent need of reinforcements. . . .-The Universal House of Justice, June 27, 1993
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“The institutions, in turn, will have to exercise sound judgement to ensure that such friends are strategically placed. Priority should be given to settling short-term and long-term pioneers in those clusters that are the focus of systematic attention, whether as a means of reinforcing endeavours to lay the groundwork for accelerated growth or stabilizing cycles of activity under way. It is not unreasonable to assume that a concerted effort to build on strength will result in the eventual outflow of pioneers from such clusters to areas destined to become the theatre of future conquests.”
— The Universal House of Justice, December 27, 2005
“Your National Spiritual Assemblies are therefore urged to immediately increase your efforts to rally the believers in your respective communities and impress upon them the importance of pioneering to China or going to that country as visiting teachers as soon as possible. . . .”
— The Universal House of Justice, June 28, 1992
“No reference to China was made in the pioneer call owing to the sensitive position of the Faith in that country. Yet China remains one of our highest priorities. The victories we will win in the immediate years ahead in that vast and receptive land will have a profound impact on the worldwide advancement of the Cause. . . .”
— The Universal House of Justice, August 30, 1993

Pioneer Quotes: Where

“They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause-these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power. A company of Our chosen angels shall go forth with them, as bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise. How great the blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of serving the Almighty! By My life! No act, however great, can compare with it, except such deeds as have been ordained by God, the All-Powerful, the Most Mighty. Such a service is, indeed, the prince of all goodly deeds, and the ornament of every goodly act. Thus hath it been ordained by Him Who is the Sovereign Revealer, the Ancient of Days.
Whoso ariseth to teach Our Cause must needs detach himself from all earthly things, and regard, at all times, the triumph of Our Faith as his supreme objective. This hath, verily, been decreed in the Guarded Tablet. And when he determineth to leave his home, for the sake of the Cause of his Lord, let him put his whole trust in God, as the best provision for his journey, and array himself with the robe of virtue. Thus hath it been decreed by God, the Almighty, the All-Praised.
If he be kindled with the fire of His love, if he forgoeth all created things, the words he uttereth shall set on fire them that hear him. Verily, thy Lord is the Omniscient, the All-Informed. Happy is the man that hath heard Our voice, and answered Our call. He, in truth, is of them that shall be brought nigh unto Us.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 334-5

“Gird up the loins of thine endeavor, that haply thou mayest guide thy neighbor to the law of God, the Most Merciful. Such an act, verily, excelleth all other acts in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High. Such must be thy steadfastness in the Cause of God, that no earthly thing whatsoever will have the power to deter thee from thy duty. Though the powers of earth be leagued against thee, though all men dispute with thee, thou must remain unshaken.
Be unrestrained as the wind, while carrying the Message of Him Who hath caused the Dawn of Divine Guidance to break. Consider, how the wind, faithful to that which God hath ordained, bloweth upon all the regions of the earth, be they inhabited or desolate. Neither the sight of desolation, nor the evidences of prosperity, can either pain or please it. It bloweth in every direction, as bidden by its Creator. So should be every one that claimeth to be a lover of the one true God. It behoveth him to fix his gaze upon the fundamentals of His Faith, and to labor diligently for its propagation. Wholly for the sake of God he should proclaim His Message, and with that same spirit accept whatever response his words may evoke in his hearer.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 339

“It behoveth whosoever willeth to journey for the sake of God, and whose intention is to proclaim His Word and quicken the dead, to bathe himself with the waters of detachment, and to adorn his temple with the ornaments of resignation and submission. Let trust in God be his shield, and reliance on God his provision, and the fear of God his raiment. Let patience be his helper, and praise-worthy conduct his succorer, and goodly deeds his army. Then will the concourse on high sustain him. Then will the denizens of the Kingdom of Names march forth with him, and the banners of Divine guidance and inspiration be unfurled on his right hand and before him.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Messages to America, pp. 25-6

“O ye Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh!May my life be sacrificed for you!
THE BLESSED Person of the Promised One is interpreted in the Holy Book as the Lord of Hosts-the heavenly armies. By heavenly armies those souls are intended who are entirely freed from the human world, transformed into celestial spirits and have become divine angels. Such souls are the rays of the Sun of Reality who will illumine all the continents. Each one is holding in his hand a trumpet, blowing the breath of life over all the regions. They are delivered from human qualities and the defects of the world of nature, are characterized with the characteristics of God, and are attracted with the fragrances of the Merciful. Like unto the apostles of Christ, who were filled with Him, these souls also have become filled with His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh; that is, the love of Bahá'u'lláh has so mastered every organ, part and limb of their bodies, as to leave no effect from the promptings of the human world.
These souls are the armies of God and the conquerors of the East and the West. Should one of them turn his face toward some direction and summon the people to the Kingdom of God, all the ideal forces and lordly confirmations will rush to his support and reinforcement. He will behold all the doors open and all the strong fortifications and impregnable castles razed to the ground. Singly and alone he will attack the armies of the world, defeat the right and left wings of the hosts of all the countries, break through the lines of the legions of all the nations and carry his attack to the very center of the powers of the earth. This is the meaning of the Hosts of God.
Any soul from among the believers of Bahá’u’lláh who attains to this station will become known as the Apostle of Bahá'u'lláh. Therefore strive ye with heart and soul so that ye may reach this lofty and exalted position, be established on the throne of everlasting glory, and crown your heads with the shining diadem of the Kingdom, whose brilliant jewels may irradiate upon centuries and cycles.”
— Abdu‘l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp. 49-50

“The teachers of the Cause must be heavenly, lordly and radiant. They must be embodied spirit, personified intellect, and arise in service with the utmost firmness, steadfastness and self-sacrifice. In their journeys they must not be attached to food and clothing. They must concentrate their thoughts on the outpourings of the Kingdom of God and beg for the confirmations of the Holy Spirit. With a divine power, with an attraction of consciousness, with heavenly glad tidings and celestial holiness they must perfume the nostrils with the fragrances of the Paradise of Abhá.”
— Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 88

“Whensoever holy souls, drawing on the powers of heaven, shall arise with such qualities of the spirit, and march in unison, rank on rank, every one of those souls will be even as one thousand, and the surging waves of that mighty ocean will be even as the battalions of the Concourse on high. What a blessing that will be-when all shall come together, even as once separate torrents, rivers and streams, running brooks and single drops, when collected together in one place will form a mighty sea. And to such a degree will the inherent unity of all prevail, that the traditions, rules, customs and distinctions in the fanciful life of these populations will be effaced and vanish away like isolated drops, once the great sea of oneness doth leap and surge and roll.
I swear by the Ancient Beauty, that at such a time overwhelming grace will so encircle all, and the sea of grandeur will so overflow its shores, that the narrowest strip of water will grow wide as an endless sea, and every merest drop will be even as the shoreless deep.”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 260-1

“The time has come for the friends . . . to think not as to how they should serve the Cause, but how the Cause should be served.”
— Shoghi Effendi, as quoted in The Priceless Pearl, p. 74

“Heed not your weakness and frailty; fix your gaze upon the invincible power of the Lord, your God. . . . Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory. . . .” — The Báb, quoted in The Dawnbreakers, p. 94

“Putting on the armour of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on His promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces towards those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained, assured that He who has led them to achieve such triumphs, and to store up such prizes in His Kingdom, will continue to assist them in enriching their spiritual birthright to a degree that no finite mind can imagine or human heart perceive.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 102

“Be not grieved if thou performest it thyself alone. Let God be all-sufficient for thee. Commune intimately with His Spirit, and be thou of the thankful.”
— Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 280

“The first condition (to attain to the station of Apostle of Bahá'u'lláh) is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh from the doubts of the people of error. . . . It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else. . . . [I]n the beginning one must make his steps firm in the Covenant so that the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh may encircle from all sides. . . . The second condition: Fellowship and love amongst the believers. The divine friends must be attracted to and enamored of each other and ever be ready and willing to sacrifice their own lives for each other. . . . The third condition: teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather, to all parts of the world, but they must travel like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who journeyed throughout the cities of America. He was sanctified and free of every attachment and in the utmost severance. . . .”
— Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp 49-50

“As to those who have been able to leave their homes and country, and to serve in those regions, whether temporarily or permanently, a special duty, which must continually be borne in mind, devolves upon them. It should be one of their chief aims to keep, on the one hand, in constant touch with the National Committee specifically entrusted with the promotion of their work, and to cooperate, on the other, by every possible means and in the utmost harmony, with their fellow-believers in those countries, whatever the field in which they labor, whatever their standing, ability, or experience. Through the performance of their first duty they will derive the necessary stimulus and obtain the necessary guidance that will enable them to prosecute effectively their mission, and will also, through their regular reports to that committee, be imparting to the general body of their fellow-believers the news of the latest developments in their activities. By fulfilling their other duty, they will insure the smooth efficiency, facilitate the progress, and avert any untoward incidents that might handicap the development of their common enterprise. The maintenance of close contact and harmonious relationships between the Inter-America Committee, entrusted with the immediate responsibility of organizing such a far-reaching enterprise, and the privileged pioneers who are actually executing that enterprise, and extending its ramifications far and wide, as well as among these pioneers themselves, would set, apart from its immediate advantages, a worthy and inspiring example to generations still yet to be born who are to carry on, with all its increasing complexities, the work which is being initiated at present.”
— Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 67

“To remain at one's post, to undergo sacrifice and hardship, loneliness and, if necessary, persecution, in order to hold aloft the torch of Bahá’u’lláh, is the true function of every pioneer.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í World, Vol. XII, p. 676

“It is hard for the friends to appreciate, when they are isolated in one of these goal territories, and see that they are making no progress in teaching others, are living in inhospitable climes for the most part, and are lonesome for Bahá'í companionship and activity, that they represent a force for good, that they are like a light-house of Bahá'u'lláh shining at a strategic point and casting its beam out into the darkness. This is why he so consistently urges these pioneers not to abandon their posts.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Messages to Canada, pp. 262-8

“The sacrifices involved, the courage, faith, and perseverance it demands, are no doubt very great. Their value, however, can never be properly assessed at the present time, and the limitless reward which they who demonstrate them will receive can never be adequately depicted. . . . Such a reward, it should be noted, is not to be regarded as purely an abstract blessing confined to the future life, but also as a tangible benefit which such courage, faith and perseverance can alone confer in this material world. The solid achievements, spiritual as well as administrative, which in the far-away continent of Australasia, and more recently in Bulgaria, representative believers from both Canada and the United States have accomplished, proclaim in terms unmistakable the nature of those prizes which, even in this world, such sterling heroism is bound to win. ‘Whoso,’ Bahá’u’lláh, in a memorable passage, extolling those of His loved ones who have ‘journeyed through the countries in His Name and for His praise,’ has written, ‘hath attained their presence will glory in their meeting, and all that dwell in every land will be illumined by their memory.’”
— Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 68

Quotations from the Writings — When

Time is short. Opportunities, though multiplying with every passing hour, will not recur, some for another century, others never again. . . . Nor should it be forgotten that in the hour of adversity and in the very midst of confusion, peril and uncertainty, some of the most superb exploits, noising abroad the fame of this community have been achieved.”
— Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, pp. 85-6

“Time is slipping away. . . . There are divine deadlines to be met. Our work is intended not only to increase the size and consolidate the foundations of our community, but more particularly to exert a positive influence on the affairs of the entire human race. . . .”
— The Universal House of Justice, December 31, 1995
“As the situation in the world . . . is steadily worsening, no time can be lost by the friends in rising to higher levels of devotion and service, and particularly of spiritual awareness. It is our duty to redeem as many of our fellowmen as we possibly can, whose hearts are enlightened, before some great catastrophe overtakes them, in which they will either be hopelessly swallowed up or come out purified and strengthened, and ready to serve. The more believers there are to stand forth as beacons in the darkness whenever that time does come, the better; hence the supreme importance of the teaching work at this time. . . .”
— Shoghi Effendi, in Quickeners of Mankind, pp. 34-5

2007-05-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

A TOUT LES BAHAIS DE MAURICE
ET DE RODRIGUES

National Spiritual Assembly

of the Bahá’ís of Mauritius

Pioneer Desk

jeudi 10 mai 2007

Allah’u’Abhá

Très cher ami

L’APPEL DIVIN

..”Le moment est venu pour les amis de réfléchir non pas à la façon
dont ils doivent servir la Cause, mais à la façon
dont la Cause doit être servie.”
(Shoghi Effendi, cité dans La perle inestimable, p. 91.

Faisant suite a l’appel de la Maison Universel de Justice et la consultation a la dernière Convention National
J’aimerais partager avec vous quelque points qui pourraient mieux vous aider a considéré ce service si méritoire et le promouvoir dans votre communauté.

Nous avons besoin d’urgence de pionniers locaux dans les 10 clusters du pays à l’exception du cluster 6 qui en a déjà 2 couples de pionniers au poste, au moins cette année.

5 pionniers Internationaux devront être déployés avant la fin du Plan de 5 ans

Pour facilité le processus d’installer les pionniers locaux dans les clusters il a été suggérer que les amis peuvent aider ceux qui désirent servir en leur offrant l’hébergement pour une période de 6 mois à 1 an.

dans le même ordre d’idée les amis peuvent échanger leur lieu d’habitation avec les autres éventuels pionniers pour une période déterminée, .et ceux qui peuvent louer une maison dans un autre clusters pour s’y installer comme pionniers locaux.

Les bien-aimées Shoghi Effendi attire notre attention sur certains points dans Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, p. 227-228.

“Ni la situation mondiale menaçante ni toute autre considération concernant le manque de ressources matérielles, le bagage intellectuel, les connaissances ou l'expérience - aussi souhaitables que soient ces derniers - ne devraient décourager tout pionnier-enseignant éventuel de s'engager, de façon indépendante, et de mettre en branle les forces qui, comme nous l'a maintes fois répété 'Abdu’l-Bahá, attireront tel un aimant, une fois libérées, l'aide infaillible de Bahá’u’lláh et promise par lui.”

En espérant que vous porterez une attention particulière a cet appel divin et en attendent une réponse positive de votre part

Je serais à votre entière disposition pour toute assistance et information nécessaires

A votre service

PIONEER DESK

2007-05-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

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International Service/homefront pioneer

Trained and experienced Ruhi Tutor? Retired? Youth ? Student?
Looking for service opportunities as a pioneer or traveling teacher?

For information about current homefront pionneer service opportunities, contact the PIONEER DESK at 2122179 -7766389

"What is needed now is the awakening of all believers to the immediacy of the challenge so that each may assume his share of the responsibility for taking the Teachings to all humanity." Message from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973,p.34
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Guidance for Potential Pioneers, Youth Project Volunteers or Traveling Teachers

Give out Steps To International Service and review these points:

Our office will meet the potential pioneer or traveling teacher, but the final selection will be carried out by the divine guided institution The National Spiritual Assembly with consultation with our Beloved residential Councellor to determine the suitability of the friends to serve abroad.

Advise the potential pioneer or traveling teacher to complete the International Service Form
available at the national office secretariat and return to theNational Office / Pioneering desk as soon as possible. International Service Form can be completed and submitted at our office

Once a post is chosen, and all forms have been returned, the N. S.A OF MAURITIUS will introduce the potential pioneer or traveling teacher to the respective goal National Spiritual Assembly and send them the contact information for the same so they can then communicate directly with those institutions, keeping Pioneering desk informed of their progress.

The pioneer or traveling teacher works out the details of jobs, housing, visa, and other matters of re-locating directly with the goal National Spiritual Assembly.

It is advisable to the potential pioneer or traveling teacher to continue to complete as many of the Ruhi sequence of courses as possible. Encourage potential pioneers to attend a Pioneer Training Program at some point during this process.

2007-05-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Mission Statement - Office of Pioneering DESK

Miss OTHELIE RHEIN

HELPING THE FRIENDS CHOOSE A PATH TO INTERNATIONAL SERVICE and HOMEFRONT PIONEER

Fulfilling the goals of the 5 Year Plan, 2006-2011

BAHAI NATIONAL CENTRE TEL 2122179

“They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching our Cause-these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power. A company of our chosen angels shall go forth with them, as bidden by Him who is the Almighty, the All Wise. How great is the blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of serving the Almighty! By my life! No act, however great can compare with it, except such deeds as have been ordained by God, the All-Powerful, the Most Mighty. Such a service is, indeed, the prince of all goodly deeds, and the ornament of every goodly act. Thus hath it been revealed by Him Who is the Sovereign Revealer, the Ancient of Days”
Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings p. 334

To blazon the Name of Bahá'u'lláh in every country of the world through the movement of pioneers, travelling teachers, and Bahá'í youth service HOMEFRONT PIONNEERS in the 10 cluster thereby fulfilling the Five Year Plan goals given to our country.

To send 5 long-term pioneers who will assist the development of the Administrative Order in the goal country and in cluster 10 Rodrigues island

To raise up TRAVELLING TEACHERS who will help the RODRIGUES Bahá'í community to implement study circles, devotional gatherings and children’s classes as requested by the Universal House of Justice.

To train pioneers by providing general Pioneer Training Programs periodically, which contain both spiritual and practical content to help insure the success of the pioneer in a foreign land.

.

To educate the believers about the importance of pioneering and deputization as stated by the Báb, the Blessed Beauty, Abdul-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice:
“The duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all the believers. There are no special categories of believers for these functions…”
The Universal House of Justice, 2 July 1965

“Center your energies in the Propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation, whose power hath caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every mountain to be crushed into dust, and every soul to be dumbfounded.”
Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings, p. 196-197

2007-05-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

“Arise with every power to assist the Covenant of God and serve in His vineyard.
Be confident that a confirmation will be granted unto you…By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your companion, and the Center of the Covenant your helper.
Be not idle, but active and fear not.”
‘Abdu’l-Baha, Bahá'í World Faith, p. 362

The Universal House of Justice wrote to each one of us in its letter of January 10, 2002, “At this important juncture in the development of the Faith, when the systematization of the teaching work is gaining momentum in all parts of the globe and integrating forces are propelling society towards Bahá’u’lláh’s design, every faithful servant of the Cause must be galvanized by the vision of splendid accomplishments ahead.” May the confirming assistance of Bahá’u’lláh aid us all to diffuse His healing Revelation throughout the world in these epoch-making days.

The National Office staff offers prayers each morning as we begin our daily work.
Special prayers will be offered that The Blessed Beauty may help us arise to fulfill our goals
With loving greetings,