Dear Friends,
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Every child, we are told by Abdu’l-Bahá, is the potential light of the world. Where more do we need light than in this sectarian-torn part of the world? What greater gift can we give to our community than that of opening our doors to children to hear the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh in an atmosphere that does not segregate but is inclusive?
In a recent radio interview organised by the Council the interviewer asked the Bahá'ís who were present what we were doing to help heal our divided community. An increasing number of Bahá'ís throughout Northern Ireland have arisen in response to the Five Year Plan to hold, in their homes, children’s classes that are open to all. These include Londonderry, Craigavon, North Down, Belfast, Magherafelt and Ballymena. The friends in Fermanagh and Coleraine are also interested in starting classes.
In response to this enthusiastic application of one of the core activities of the Plan the Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland has appointed Mr Robert Elliott as the co-ordinator for Children’s Classes open to all in Northern Ireland. His main role will be to encourage and nurture these classes’ function and growth. This is an important development in the unfolding of the plan. Children’s classes and devotionals open to all are our outreach into the community while study circles provide a means of creating deepened and active believers.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland.
Some of the Friends gathered at the NI Institutional Meeting in Ballymena on 26 October where among the presentations ”James Bond 009” (right) on behalf of the Training Institute explained to Dr No why he really should go on a Ruhi Study Course in a sketch “From Haifa With Love”.
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