Stephen Hall and Rachel Ndegwa spoke as representatives of the International Teaching Center. Gerardo Vargas, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, also gave an address. Continental Counselors are individuals appointed by the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body, to oversee the protection and propagation of the Bahá’í Faith around the world. Nine of these individuals serve on the International Teaching Center in Haifa, Israel, where the world headquarters of the Bahá’í Faith is located. Also in attendance were Robert Henderson, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull and William Roberts, three members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States.
Almost 2,000 people came to the conference in Connecticut, even with a sever ice storm; so many people showed up for this historic event that they needed overflow rooms! Saturday morning plenary sessions were following by a bag lunch, and then afternoon breakout sessions where small groups were able to study and plan together.
Saturday evening there were wonderful musical performances. (We hope to publish a second post highlighting those performances shortly). Sunday morning there were more keynote addresses and then more breakout sessions. Below are some pictures from the weekend.
So what are the activities that are happening here in Arlington, VA? We have study circles, which constitute a learning process that allows the Word of God to penetrate our hearts. There are children’s classes and junior youth groups. Children are the foundation of civilization; if we want to change the world we have to start with children. Local Bahá’ís also host prayer gatherings in their homes. These activities help us develop our own spiritual and social capacities as the world is in decline, and help us better serve the community. To find out more please contact us.