CommuNIqué - Newsletter of the Bahá'í Community in Northern Ireland
Issue 93 - 4 Jamál 161 BE - 1 May 2004 CE

 

FROM THE BAHÁ’Í COUNCIL

 

INTENSIVE CAMPAIGN GATHERS MOMENTUM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday 8th February friends from the Charles Dunning Cluster met, together with the Training Institutions, at Belfast Castle, to hear about exciting plans to move ahead in this priority Cluster and advance the Institute Process. This we were assured by the International Teaching Centre, through the Counsellors, would result in growth as yet unseen in Northern Ireland. Those present were uplifted by the very positive spirit and gave their full support to this campaign.

Many of the friends in this area, incorporating the autonomous regions of three Spiritual Assemblies, namely Belfast, Castlereagh and Newtownabbey, have already completed some of the books in the sequence of courses: others were now encouraged to complete the series or enter into the process.

The feeling, after some two months of frantic preparations and complex organisation, is very positive. One person at the centre of process said recently, “I feel it is going great! People say they are really enjoying doing the books and some even have come forward to ask when they can do the next book.” Many new friendships have developed as result of spending weekends together. Already six people have completed Book 1 and eight Book 2. It was expected that a further eight would complete Book 3 over the last weekend of 3-4 April.

It has been reported that about 25 people from the Charles Dunning Cluster have entered into this intensive campaign, as well some 12 people from surrounding clusters. A very apt comment was made recently which about sums it up. “People are enjoying it and getting tired but good tired!”

Friends, the last six months has seen some eight new Bahá'ís declare their faith, throughout the community. This has not happened in recent years. Some are not from the Greater Belfast area—the spiritual vibrations seem to be infecting the whole of Northern Ireland. There is a buzz! Many more of the friends are beginning to feel an increase in their confidence, are gaining knowledge and skills, and now feel more able to serve the community.

The Council constantly holds the whole community in its thoughts and prayers. We are confident that even more fruits will be seen soon from the sacrificial efforts being made at this time.

With warmest Bahá'í greetings,
Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland.

 

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