vendredi 20 juillet 2007

In Memoriam: Aram Adlparvar










Beloved Friends,

The flood and outpouring of love from all over this globe shows how humanity
is truly one family.

Aram's funeral was held in the majestically wooded Swan Point Cemetery in
the Northeast part of Providence, Rhode Island at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, the
14th of July. During the internment, 9 special roses brought by his brother
Kamran from the Holiest Spot on Earth, were placed on Aram's casket.

When the services were completed, all felt as if we had been to a wedding.
The spirit of joy and laughter becoming contagious. That night the City of
Providence celebrated with a summer festival called Water Fire. We joined
many of its citizens as they unwittingly celebrated Aram's freedom from the
"Chains and fetters of this world". There is no room for grief when we
contemplate Aram's "Plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries".

What seemed a senseless and tragic death is now beginning to shed some light
on itself. There have been numerous Memorials and Devotionals held on every
continent of this globe in Aram's honor (we have not yet heard from
Antarctica). There can only be joy when there are messages sent telling us
of the effect these have had on the friends, and the friends of the Faith as
stories of his life and activity were shared. Many commenting on the value
of every minute in our lives, and how Aram effectively utilized every single
one in his calm and serene way.

In his aunt's home there was no standing room left as she and my high school
friends held a memorial service. Old friends who came to share in our grief
became seekers as they were surprised by the spiritual joy that was shared.
We, his family, ask that if you do have any stories of events such as this,
please share them with us.

The love of the friends for him has caused a new facebook group, and new
websites to emerge. One such site is:
http://www.sierra-arts.net/aramadlparvar1.html with continued links to
letters and a selection of his photographs.

A most important outcome of his "winging his way" has been the formation of
The Aram Adlparvar Foundation. It is the goal of this Foundation to
encourage and assist youth in global service projects associated with the
Faith. This is what Aram did for himself, and loved. He also encouraged
many of the youth to use their talents and develop their characters in such
a way as to develop a world embracing vision of service.

Only due to the requests received, we ask you not to buy flowers unless you
feel compelled to do so, but to contribute to the International Fund and/or
the Chilean House of Worship fund. As we are still in the process of
establishing the Aram Adlparvar Foundation, contributions to this Foundation
will not be accepted.

The Memorial will be held on Friday July 20th, at 6:00pm, at the Bell Tower
Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. U.S.A.

Please share this celebration of his service and life with us.

A humble father, of a humble servant, Payam Adlparvar






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

Letters of Condolences

from


The UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE




Dear Bahá'í Friends,


The Universal House of Justice was saddened to learn, from your email letter of 11 July 2007, of the sudden passing of dear Aram Adlparvar. You may be assured of the supplications of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his soul throughout the worlds of God and for the comforting grace and tender mercies of the Blessed Beauty to surround his grieving parents, other family members, and friends during this difficult period.


With loving Bahá'í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat





____________________________






from: The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States

July 14, 2007


Mr. and Mrs. Payam Adlparvar, Lake Forest, CA


Dearest Bahá'í Friends,


The National Spiritual Assembly was grieved to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of your beloved son, Aram. The loss of any loved one is a severe test, but how much more so when death takes one so young, so full of promise, so clearly in the prime of his life. Our hearts go out to you.


While deploring its brevity, we can celebrate the two decades of Aram's earthly sojourn and the goodness of the legacy he leaves behind. His devoted and highly commendable efforts, during a year of service offered to the Faith, in Swaziland and in Italy, Australia, Samoa, and Tonga are certain to be long and warmly remembered by the many whose lives he touched and are recalled by us with deepest gratitude.


Please accept our heartfelt condolences and share them with your cherished daughter, Nura, and son, Kamran. Be assured we will offer prayers beneath the lofty dome of the sacred and majestic Bahá'í House of Worship for the eternal progress of Aram's precious soul and for a sweet family reunion one day in the realms of Light.


With tender Bahá'í love,
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary-General


____________________________






from: The International Teaching Centre, Baha'i World Centre

16 July 2007


Dr. Farzin Aghdasi: Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas


Dearly loved Co-worker,


We were saddened to receive your email of 11 July 2007 informing us of the tragic accident that took the life of the devoted youth Aram Adlparvar. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to his family in their bereavement and assure them of our prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of his radiant soul throughout the divine realms and for their solace at this time of loss.


With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The International Teaching Centre
cc: Board of Counsellors in the Americas
Dr. Eugene S. Andrews
Mr. Stephen Birkland
Mrs. Rebequa Murphy
Mr. Gerardo Vargas
Please Note: These letters were forwarded to the webmaster, James Leonard-Amodeo,
by Dr. Farzin Aghdasi, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas,
with the request that they be published on this website.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________






==========================================================
Beloved Friends,


Beloved Friends,


It is with a heavy heart that we beg your forgiveness for bringing you this sad and tragic news. One never wants to share news of this type, but we feel compelled to do so as you would not forgive us if we did not

Our son, Aram Robert Adlparvar, in the early evening of July 10th, (a
day after the Bab's martyrdom) was involved in a car accident, and
was mortally injured. Thankfully no one else was involved.

His name was a gift to our family in 1975 by the Hand of the Cause of God, Abu'l-Qasim Faizi who was a very dear family friend. Aram truly personified the meaning of his name (Serene) as he always had a special demeanor of calmness and joy about him. I think all that knew him would attest to the way he would enter a
room and brighten the hearts of all therein.

As parents we can honestly say that he made parenthood
easy. He was the sparkle our my eye, the smile in our
hearts, and the joy of our souls. His beaming face, and his
brilliant sense of humor turned many hearts to a joyous state. This was his personality from the moment of his birth in Harare, Zimbabwe, on October 21st 1985 (a day after the Bab's Birthday).


His cautious adventure was evident, and he always challenged himself for excellence in his endeavours. He won a championship with his Crew Rowing team, and also competed in triathlons, marathons and in bike races. He was enchanted by the
written word and sought its finest examples in poetry and
prose. In 2004 Aram traveled the world starting with his year of service in an elementary school in Swaziland (Africa), where he fell in love with teaching and made it the focus of his education. He also became reacquainted with the land of his birth, fell in love with its people and immediately began to pick up the Zulu and siSwati languages.

Within two weeks of his arrival in Swaziland, he was invited to a ceremony where he was adopted by a village and given a Swazi name, 'Tulane'. This name had been picked by the village, as it best described him. When he asked what it meant, he was told 'the calm or serene one'. They had no knowledge of the meaning of his original name! After a nine
month stay, he continued through Asia to
Australia where he served at the House
of Worship, then to New Zealand where he
visited a dear friend, Harold, on to the Island
of Tonga with the Ocean of Light school
and the Bolouri family, and finally to
Western Samoa where he served at
the House of Worship. His life was
driven by his acts of service, as a Youth
Animator, and as an Assistant to the
Auxiliary Board. In Ridvan of this year,
together we had the bounty of a
Pilgrimage. Most recently he moved
to Rhode Island, USA, to continue his
education and be close to Magen Cook,
a beloved friend.
God, the Great Gardener picked this young
rose. we are truly honored that God would take
Aram for His needs. The gift He gave us was
returned to Him. We pray, "that he may
plunge into the sea of light in the world
of mysteries."


Cindy and I will be traveling to Rhode Island
to take care of the funeral arrangements. Our daughter
Nura is already close, as she is serving in Green Acre.
Our first born, Kamran, will (God willing) also join us by flying back from the Holy Land where he is serving

We ask for your Prayers for the progress of this youthful soul,
and the patience and strength for all those beloved ones left
behind. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 14th in Rhode
Island (see details below). All are welcome. There will also be
a memorial gathering held in Southern California next week.
All are welcome.
We thank you from the depths of our hearts for your prayers.




Payam & Cindy Adlparvar
Click here to read letters of condolences from


The Universal House of Justice
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the USA
The International Teaching Centre (Board of Counsellors in the Americas)
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The funeral for Aram Adlparvar was held Saturday, July 14th, at 1 p.m. at:
Monahan, Drabble & Sherman Mortuary
230 Waterman Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-421-9887




Aram Adlparvar's mortal remains were interred at:
The Swan Point Cemetery
585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 1-401-272-1314 - Fax: 1-401-272-3571


Please visit the following website for more info on this cemetery:
www.swanpointcemetery.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________

jeudi 19 juillet 2007

from Mehrdad Badiian and Christine Wright-Badiian

Allah’u’Abha Dear Jo.

How are you, beloved family and all the dear friends all around the world?

We hope & pray all are well.

Thank you for continuing to keep in touch and please always keep us in your kind prayers, our love to all.

It is always nice to hear from you.

We love receiving personal notes, news from you & all the loved ones.

So we would like to ask you if you would please, forward this Email & share it with all your contacts?

We would love to find some old friends / families scattered all around the world & meet new Email pals too.

We have been pioneering here in Chile for almost 4 years;

Our beloved Chile is virtually the end of the world, a fare distant land.

So we are contacting every one asking every one to contact us if you & they would like. Mainly because we are so fare away from the rest of the world and would love to find & reconnect with old friends, relatives, family & make new contacts & new friends too.

It would be wonderful to hear from all or any one & new Email pals. In hope of receiving your kind emails at pioneer9@vtr.net

Love & regards to everyone. God bless you all,

In His service. Mehrdad & Christine Badiian.

Mehrdad Badiian and Christine Wright-Badiian

Ave. Providencia 545, Dept. 54. Providencia

Santiago, Chile

Telephone 56 2 274 9535
Cell: Mehrdad 56+9+132-9103, Chris 56+9+138-7781

For free internet phone visit: www.skype.com Our Skype name is chrismehrdad

Mehrdad's blog: http://pioneer1995.blogspot.com

Please visit our website: www.firetoice.cl

"Settle all things, both great and small, by consultation.
Without prior consultation, take no important step in your
own personal affairs. Concern yourselves with one another.
Help along one another's projects and plans. Grieve over
one another. Let none in the whole country go in need.
befriend one another until ye become as a single body, one
and all.." ......World Order of Baha'u'llah, p33.

For more information about the Baha'i Faith, please visit www.bahai.com, in Chile, www.bahai.cl
Also www.bahai.org http://news.bahai.org/http://www.bahaiworldnews.com/ www.onecountry.org www.us.bahai.org

lundi 16 juillet 2007

GOD SPEAKS CREOLE

"Whoso openeth his lips in this day, and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." -Baha'u'llah-


Until now, I had not really noticed the reality of this blessing from God during my teaching experiences. But just a few days ago, it became quite apparent that God really fulfills his promise here in Cape Verde. I was teaching in Riberas da Platas, a tiny village where everyone really knows each other. I had sat down to engage in conversation with a number of the locals, about nothing in specific, with the rudimentary Creole that I have been speaking for 2 and a half months now. My ability to discuss profound concepts in their language is mediocre, to say the least. But as usual, they ask why I'm here, and I make a feeble attempt at explaining that I teach the Baha'i Faith, and help the small community of Baha'is in Cape Verde. As I began to answer their questions, and explain in progressively greater detail the principles of my Faith, and its relation to their religion, which is Catholic, I noticed that my words were being supplemented by a knowledge of their language that I had not learned yet. I didn't fight it, thankfully, and just let the hosts of Divine inspiration descend upon me. One inquisitive gentleman, apparently a respected member of the close-knit community, was interested in reading the Words of Baha'u'llah, and so I gave him the Hidden Words in Portuguese, and he read aloud a few of the powerful passages contained in that marvelous little book for the assembled group of 10 or 12 listeners. As he seemed very moved, and myself not knowing how to appropriately invite someone into the fold of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, I simply said, "Bu e Baha'i?" (Are you Baha'i?) and he confidently said yes. After that he signed a declaration card, and we talked about having a meeting the next day to say prayers and read a bit of "Baha'u'llah and the New Era". We casually talked about some other things for about 15 minutes, and another gentleman, after reading a little pamplet on the basic principles of "Fe Baha'i", mentioned that he really liked the Faith. So I asked him too, if he was a Baha'i, and he responded with a heartfelt yes. I was at this point quite overwhelmed at the spiritual receptivity of this group, and so I pushed the envelope just a bit. I decided to ask the entire group of eager souls if they were Baha'i, each one right after another, and nearly all of them said yes! Let me tell you the hosts of Divine inspiration were having a party inside my soul at that moment. I really felt confirmed in my decision to pioneer to this tiny island in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Africa. So we had a little declaration party, and all were invited the next day to our deepening meeting. We will have the first 19 Day Feast ever held in this town on September 26th. Praise be to God for the blessings he allows us to experience!
Brandon Caleb---
Dec 2006 pioneering experience

jeudi 12 juillet 2007



Vignettes of Remarkable People in the Faith:
Marion "Generall" Jack:

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."
Dur ing 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 er pension that afforded her basic accommodation and food. Then, during World War II, her living conditions became immeasurably worse.
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.




Lessons from the Master:
Beauty of the Human Race:
The following delightful story about an incident during `Abdu'l-Baha's stay in New York illustrates the fact that He was not `colour-blind', but rather He found racial differences a thing of beauty. When the Master was on His way to speak to several hunDrd men at the Bowery Mission He was accompanied by a group of Persian and American friends. Not unnaturally a group of boys was intrigued by the sight of this group of Orientals with their flowing robes and turbans and started to follow them. They soon became noisy and obstreperous. A lady in the Master's party was highly embarrassed at the rude behaviour of the boys. Drpping behind she stopped to talk with them and told them a little about who `Abdu'l-Baha was. Not entirely expecting them to take her up on the invitation, she nevertheless gave them her home adDrss and said that if they liked to come the following Sunday she would arrange for them to see Him.
Thus, on Sunday, some twenty or thirty of them appeared on the doorstep, rather scruffy and noisy, but with signs that they had tidied up for the occasion nonetheless. Upstairs in `Abdu'l-Baha's room the Master was seen at the door greeting each boy with a handclasp or an arm around the shoulder, with warm smiles and boyish laughter. His happiest welcome seemed to be directed to the thirteen-year-old boy near the end of the line. He was quite dark-skinned and didn't seem too sure he would be welcome. The Master's face lighted up and in a loud voice that all could hear exclaimed with delight that `here was a black rose'. The boy's face shone with happiness and love. Silence fell across the room as the boys looked at their companion with a new awareness.
The Master did not stop at that, however. On their arrival He had asked that a big five-pound box of delicious chocolates be fetched. With this He walked around the room, ladling out chocolates by the handful to each boy. Finally, with only a few left in the box, He picked out one of the darkest chocolates, walked across the room and held it to the cheek of the black boy. The Master was radiant as He lovingly put His arm around the boy's shoulders and looked with a humorously piercing glance around the group without making any other comment.116

[Annamarie Honnold, Vignettes from the Life of `Abdu'l-Baha, pp. 100-101, taken from Ives, Portals to Freedom, pp. 64-7 (adapted)..]

mercredi 11 juillet 2007

Journée mondiale de la Population :

Hommes au travail !

En 1989, le Conseil d’administration du Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD) a recommandé de faire du 11 juillet la Journée mondiale de la population. Cette journée, issue de la Journée des cinq milliards, célébrée le 11 juillet 1987, a pour objet de rappeler l’attention sur l’urgence et l’importance des questions de population, notamment dans le cadre des plans et programmes généraux de développement et sur la nécessité de trouver des solutions.

"Nous voyons dans les hommes et les femmes des partenaires intégrés dans une relation fondée sur le respect, la confiance et l’engagement mutuels. Le partenariat avec les hommes promeut le droit de chaque femme, homme et enfant à vivre en bonne santé et à jouir de chances égales". - Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Directrice exécutive de l’UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund).


´Hommes au travail´, tel est le thème choisi cette année pour marquer la Journée mondiale de la Population. L’intervention et la participation des hommes peuvent faire une énorme différence dans la vie des femmes : soutien à leur épouse enceinte, soins aux bébés, éducation des filles et partage des responsabilités parentales.

1. Ce sont souvent les filles qui décident qui leur fille se mariera jeune ou aura la chance d’achever son éducation. Un mariage précoce peut conduire à des grossesses à risque très élevé.
2. Les maris jouent un rôle décisif quand il s’agit de décider du nombre d’enfants et du moment de leur naissance. Ces décisions peuvent commander l’avenir de la famille entière.
3. Ce sont souvent les hommes qui prennent les décisions financières, notamment celle de payer ou non l’assistance d’une sage-femme ou le transport à un hôpital.En cas de complications, ces décisions peuvent être une question de vie ou de mort.


4. En tant que dirigeants politiques, communautaires et religieux, les hommes modèlent l’opinion publique. Leur soutien à la santé des femmes peut influer sur les soins dispensés et le respect accordé aux femmes enceintes.
5. En l’absence d’un vaccin ou d’un traitement efficace, le comportement des hommes constitue un facteur crucial s’agissant de prévenir la diffusion du VIH. Les femmes y sont de plus en plus exposées.

Activités suggérées pour cette journée :
Chaque année, depuis 17 ans, les bureaux de l’UNFPA dans toutes les parties du monde ont fait prendre conscience d’importants problèmes de population et de développement en trouvant des moyens créatifs de faire largement connaître la Journée mondiale de la Population. Voici quelques idées :

- Attirer l’attention sur le message en invitant des figures politiques et des célébrités à prononcer des déclarations publiques et à assumer un rôle de pointe s’agissant de promouvoir l’intervention des hommes dans la santé maternelle.
- Veiller à inclure les hommes dans la planification et le déroulement de la Journée mondiale de la Population.
- Organiser des concours publics d’affiches, d’essais et de pièces sur l’importance de faire intervenir les hommes dans les problèmes concernant la santé des femmes.

Source : site Web de l’UNFPA

lundi 9 juillet 2007

SOUVENIR SOUVENIR
SCHOOL TEACHES 'WE' INSTEAD OF 'ME

'SHAWNIGAN LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA,

Canada, 2 July 2007 (BWNS) --

It's onlythree words - a total of six letters. But the "Me to We" slogan helps students understand what service is all about, says the principal of theMaxwell International School, located in the woods of Vancouver Island."By adopting what Canadian youth activist Craig Kielberger calls the 'Me toWe' philosophy, we help our students to be less 'me'-centered and morecentered on the needs of others," said the principal, Dan Vaillancourt."Through service to others, students develop empathy and understanding whilebeing exposed to many of the social issues that plague society," he said."Working with the elderly, the handicapped, the homeless, the sick, the lessfortunate - both here and abroad - will reinforce in our children the beliefthat we are all responsible for creating a better world." Since its founding by the Baha'is of Canada nearly two decades ago, MaxwellInternational School - a college-preparatory institution, grades 7 to 12,with an enrollment of 150 students from some 25 countries - has placed heavyemphasis on service. Many schools around the world offer academic credit for service projects,but Maxwell does not. Involvement in the greater community is simply a partof who they are - and a key part of what comprises a Maxwell education."It is all part of the learning at Maxwell," Mr. Vaillancourt said.Overall, programs at the school reflect a spiritual view of humanity; use ofpractical, integrative and theme-based projects; the encouragement ofcreative and artistic expression in all aspects of school life; and the useof service as a tool for learning."Maxwell's aim is to encourage students to become servants to humanity, tosee the world as an arena for community action, and to determine theiractive roles as transformers of society," the principal said.The students come up with projects on their own, through organized programs,with the assistance of faculty or staff, or at the request of outsideparties.Some of the more prominent service projects are:* Emergency Response Team - Students are trained in first aid, search andrescue, response to fires and earthquakes, traffic control, and otherprocedures. They assist professional crews in the event of an emergency. * Dance and theater workshops - Music, dance, and drama are used to conveysocial messages on contemporary issues such as racism, poverty, genderprejudice, substance abuse, peer pressure, justice, and gossip.Presentations are given at area elementary schools and community gatherings,and Maxwell students sometimes travel during their vacation periods forperformances.* Portland Island Marine Park Stewardship Program - For 15 years, Maxwellstudents have been working through the Ministry of Parks and Recreation tohelp control an invasive plant on Portland Island. Data collected by thestudents provide the ministry with the only long-term record available aboutthe management and removal of this plant. Maxwell has received governmentrecognition for its participation.* Rotary International Interact Club - Students work with Rotary, awell-known service organization, on both local and international projects.One recent service project, called Sprouts, was started by students andinvolves educating the entire Maxwell community on environmental issues,said Sharon Welsh, director of development at the school.She said the school encourages students to tackle international projects."In 2006 two Maxwell students traveled to Japan to provide leadership for asummer Dance Workshop program," she said.And this year, four students are going to Tanzania for a summer artsprogram."These youth, three 14-year-olds and one 18-year-old, will join a Maxwellgraduate who is on a year of service in Tanzania," Ms. Welsh said. "Theproject was identified and planned by the youth, who worked evenings andweekends throughout year to raise funds and prepare. ..."The school has devised mechanisms to make service projects more effectiveand also to help students understand the nature of service, especially as away of life. A key component is students being divided into groups of 12 orso, of different ages and backgrounds, and assigned a teacher as an adviser."The role of the adviser is to encourage, mentor, empower, and accompany thestudents on their journey of learning through service," said Mr.Vaillancourt. "Each Adviser Group chooses a service project of some kind towork on throughout the year. These service projects may be local, regional,national, or international in scope."Laura Veary, a former faculty member who managed the school's communityservice programs, said some students are reluctant at first to take part inservice projects but most do learn the benefits of spending time to helpothers."Students feel good about themselves as they see their accomplishments andthe effect of their contributions," said Mrs. Veary. Most students, shesaid, become motivated to continue to be of service as adults.Katie Yurychuk, 17, graduates this month and was the student leader of theMaxwell Emergency Response Team."The sense of service that Maxwell gives us helped me see myself as part ofa world community," she said. "There is so much that we do here that helpsus have a more holistic mindset instead of a self-centered mindset. I give100 percent of that to Maxwell."Galen Humber, 16, is finishing 10th grade and has been the coordinator forhis grade for the Portland Island Marine Park Stewardship program. He saidbeing part of the international community at Maxwell is helping him and hisclassmates look beyond themselves.He illustrated his point with this story: "(One) day during home room we hada free period. Half of us decided to go and play dodge ball. When we cameback we found the guys who didn't come writing letters to Baha'i communitiesaround the world to encourage them to send their children to our school. Weall thought this was a great idea."To view the photos and additional features click here:http://news.bahai.org--5-kht-070702-1-MAXWELLSERVICE-567-S------------------------------------------------------------Advance release: Please check our website for the final version of thisarticle.------------------------------------------------------------Copyright 2007 by the Baha'i World News Service. All stories and photographsproduced by the Baha'i World News Service may be freely reprinted,re-emailed, re-posted to the World Wide Web and otherwise reproduced by anyindividual or organization as long as they are attributed to the Baha'iWorld News Service. For more information, visit http://news.bahai.org.------------------------------------------------------------If you have questions about this list or wish to unsubscribe, contactsubscribe@bahai.org

dimanche 8 juillet 2007

SUR LA ROUTE DU TEMPLE

VIDEO PRODUIT PAR EDDY CARVER


07-07-07
Its Live Earth Day!
Click here http://entimg.msn.com/i/ExperienceData/p1-7/en-us/x.htm?sh=LiveEarthLive&g=abf8b59e-e85a-4f8a-b565-28b54d1aecde to listen to a worldwide, 24-hour series of concerts in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, China, Japan, Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Antarctica to raise awareness of today's climate crisis.
And, while listening, why not read this compilation from the Baha'i Writings on:
Conservation of the Earth's Resources
Here are a few excerpts:

"The conservation and protection of the environment must be addressed on the individual and societal levels." Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf, states: "We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions."

And, with regard to the solution of the world's problems, Baha'u'llah indicates that we need a change of heart, a reframing of all our conceptions and a new orientation of our activities. The inward life of man as well as his outward environment have to be reshaped if human salvation is to be secured.

Man, possessed of an inner faculty which plants and animals do not have, a power which enables him to discover the secrets of nature and gain mastery over the environment, has a special responsibility to use his God-given powers for positive ends. The Universal House of Justice indicates that "the proper exercise of this responsibility is the key to whether his inventive genius produces beneficial results, or creates havoc in the material world".

'Abdu'l-Bahá stresses that the development of the physical world and the happiness of mankind are dependent on both the "call of civilization, of the progress of the material world" and the "soul-stirring call of God, Whose spiritual teachings are safeguards of the everlasting glory, the eternal happiness and illumination of the world of humanity". He states:

However, until material achievements, physical accomplishments and human virtues are reinforced by spiritual perfections, luminous qualities and characteristics of mercy, no fruit or result shall issue therefrom, nor will the happiness of the world of humanity, which is the ultimate aim, be attained. For although, on the one hand, material achievements and the development of the physical world produce prosperity, which exquisitely manifests its intended aims, on the other hand dangers, severe calamities and violent afflictions are imminent.

Consequently, when thou lookest at the orderly pattern of kingdoms, cities and villages, with the attractiveness of their adornments, the freshness of their natural resources, the refinement of their appliances, the ease of their means of travel, the extent of knowledge available about the world of nature, the great inventions, the colossal enterprises, the noble discoveries and scientific researches, thou wouldst conclude that civilization conduceth to the happiness and the progress of the human world. Yet shouldst thou turn thine eye to the discovery of destructive and infernal machines, to the development of forces of demolition and the invention of fiery implements, which uproot the tree of life, it would become evident and manifest unto thee that civilization is conjoined with barbarism. Progress and barbarism go hand in hand, unless material civilization be confirmed by Divine Guidance, by the revelations of the All-Merciful and by godly virtues, and be reinforced by spiritual conduct, by the ideals of the Kingdom and by the outpourings of the Realm of Might...

Therefore, this civilization and material progress should be combined with the Most Great Guidance so that this nether world may become the scene of the appearance of the bestowals of the Kingdom, and physical achievements may be conjoined with the effulgences of the Merciful. This in order that the beauty and perfection of the world of man may be unveiled and be manifested before all in the utmost grace and splendour. Thus everlasting glory and happiness shall be revealed.
Bahá'u'lláh describes the fate of those whose lives demonstrate a heedlessness of spiritual values and a failure to act in conformity with such values. He comments:
...ye walk on My earth complacent and self-satisfied, heedless that My earth is weary of you and everything within it shunneth you...
Shoghi Effendi asserts that man's negligence contributes to the decline of the "present-day Order" and impacts on the environment in a practical way:
The violent derangement of the world's equilibrium; the trembling that will seize the limbs of mankind; the radical transformation of human society; the rolling up of the present-day Order; the fundamental changes affecting the structure of government; ... the development of infernal engines of war; the burning of cities; the contamination of the atmosphere of the earth - these stand out as the signs and portents that must either herald or accompany the retributive calamity which, as decreed by Him Who is the Judge and Redeemer of mankind, must, sooner or later, afflict a society which, for the most part, and for over a century, has turned a deaf ear to the Voice of God's Messenger in this day - a calamity which must purge the human race of the dross of its age-long corruptions, and weld its component parts into a firmly knit world-embracing Fellowship - a Fellowship destined, in the fullness of time, to be incorporated in the framework, and to be galvanized by the spiritualizing influences, of a mysteriously expanding, divinely appointed Order, and to flower, in the course of future Dispensations, into a Civilization, the like of which mankind has, at no stage in its evolution, witnessed."
On a governmental level, the Universal House of Justice calls for "global cooperation of the family of nations in devising and adopting measures designed to preserve the ecological balance this earth was given by its Creator". The House of Justice asserts:

Until such time as the nations of the world understand and follow the admonitions of Bahá'u'lláh to whole-heartedly work together in looking after the best interests of all humankind, and unite in the search for ways and means to meet the many environmental problems besetting our planet, the House of Justice feels that little progress will be made towards their solution....

In addition to addressing the issue on a fundamental spiritual level, collaboration with individuals and groups interested in improving the environment is encouraged. The Bahá'í communities are called upon to make the conservation of the environment an integral part of their ongoing activities by...assisting in endeavours to conserve the environment in ways which blend with the rhythm of life of our community..."

In the Words of Baha'u'llah:

"So powerful is the light of unity
that it can illuminate the whole earth."
"The well-being of mankind,
its peace and security,
is unattainable unless and until
its
unity
is firmly established."
In fact, so important is the environment, Baha'u'llah revealed a prayer for it in His Most Holy Book:
"On the appearance of fearful natural events
call ye to mind the might and majesty of your Lord,
He Who heareth and seeth all,
and say
'Dominion is God's,
the Lord of the seen and the unseen,
the Lord of Creation.' "


Please, let's do our part.

Here are ten simple actions we can incorporate into our everyday life to ensure a healthy planet:

1) Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Look closely at labels when buying light bulbs. Those marked as CFLs last 10 times longer and use 66 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs while delivering the same light levels. As a result, CFLs accrue net savings between $30 and $45 over their lifetimes, depending on your cost of electricity, the wattage size of the CFL, and the lamp's lifespan (manufacturers make CFLs that last 6,000, 8,000, or 10,000 hours). The return on investment is 15 times higher than leaving your money in a bank account or the average return on Dows-Jones stock investments. CFLs also reduce the release of greenhouse gas emissions and are safer because they burn at a lower temperature (160° F or less) than incandescent and halogen lights, which can burn at temperatures up to 500° F.

2) Turn down the thermostat just three degrees in the winter and up three degrees in the summer. You can prevent the emission of nearly 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

3) Inflate your car tires. When walking or biking isn't feasible, you can do something to better protect the Earth while driving. Take a step in the right direction by inflating your car tires. Pumping them up can improve your gas mileage by about 3.3 percent -- a savings of about 7 cents per gallon. It's the right thing to do for your wallet and the right thing to do for the Earth.

4) Turn down the hot water heater. Set your water heater to 130° F. While you're at it, turn down your house thermostat during the winter to 55° F when you go to bed or leave home. These simple actions can have enormous positive consequences, preventing the emission of more than 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide over the course of the year, while cutting your energy bill by more than 10 percent. And that's just from you! Get your friends on board, and the benefits will multiply.

5) Choose your seafood wisely. We can't afford to wait until 2008. The world's seafood will be entirely depleted by 2048, according to an early November report in the journal Science. That means the moment to shape up is now. By buying and eating certain types of seafood, you can discourage harmful fishing practices and avoid the more depleted or threatened species. Take a look at Seafood Choices Alliance or Seafood Watch to make smart choices.

6) Purchase EnergyStar-labeled appliances. EnergyStar products are among the top 25 percent most efficient and can provide a 30 percent return or better through lower utility bills.

7) Wash and rinse in cold water. If everyone in the United States alone switched to cold water with their washing machines, we could save about 30 million tons of carbon dioxide each year -- and more than $3 billion in energy costs, collectively. And what's more? Cold water cleans your laundry just as well as hot water.

8) Buy locally produced meats and produce. Sounds like a good idea, but you don't know where to start? Just type in your zip code on Local Harvest's website to see a list of farms and farmers' markets close to home, as well as nearby restaurants committed to supporting their neighbors. Buying locally produced food cuts out the middlemen and the vast amounts of energy required to get your products onto store shelves. Most produce in U.S. supermarkets travels an average 1,500 miles before it is sold!

9) Drink more water from reusable glassware. It's great for your bank account, your health, and your planet. The average American consumed more than 400 beverage bottles and cans in 2006, leaving behind wasted glass, plastic, steel, and aluminum. That adds up to excessive amounts of fossil fuels and hydropower for mining, processing, refining, shaping, shipping, storing, refrigerating, and disposing of those materials. Of course, changing your drinking habits both at home and at work is applicable to just about every other habit, as well. You've heard it before and you'll hear it again: Reduce, reuse, and recycle.

10) Walk, bike, and carpool. In the United States, the car represents one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. However, you don't have to give up your car for a healthier planet, just expand your transportation options. You can significantly reduce your emissions by commuting to work. Try combining trips to minimize emissions, which are greatest at the beginning of a journey before the engine has reached optimum temperature and efficiency. When purchasing your next car, make it a fuel-efficient one. Hybrid cars can get twice the fuel efficiency of the average new car, cut greenhouse gas emissions by half or more, and reduce urban air pollutants. Carpooling saves energy, cuts on additional pollution, and allows you to take a turn as a passenger instead of driving everyday. Car-sharing (not pooling) is available in numerous U.S. cities. Car-sharing enables you to rent a car just when you need it. Each car-share vehicle displaces four to eight privately held cars, requiring less parking area and creating less road congestion. If you live within an hour's bicycle ride to the office (~10 miles), consider biking to work one or more days a week.

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