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South Kohala News
June B.E. 180
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Special Events - This Month
Feast of Núr (Light)
Feast of Rahmat (Mercy)
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Please see our calendar for information on when and where these events will be held.
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Spiritual Assembly of The Bahá’ís of South Kohala
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Contact us for any reason
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From the Spiritual Assembly
Alláh-u-Abhá Dear Friends,
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We would like to shed light on a remarkable unparalleled gathering that just took place within the worldwide Bahá'í community—the election of the Universal House of Justice at the 13th International Convention.
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The Universal House of Justice, established by Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, is the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'í Faith. Composed of nine individuals who are elected by delegates from around the world, this institution serves as the global representative and guiding body for the Bahá'í community.
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The election process itself is an extraordinary demonstration of unity, collaboration, and spiritual deliberation. It is conducted at the local, national, and international levels. At the local level, Bahá'ís in every community come together to elect their Local Spiritual Assembly, a body responsible for addressing the spiritual and administrative needs of the community. The community also elects delegates who participate in the election of the National Spiritual Assembly—an institution that guides and coordinates the activities of the Bahá'í community within a particular country.
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Every five years, these National Spiritual Assemblies gather at the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa, Israel, to participate in the election of the Universal House of Justice. This international election is a momentous occasion that involves prayerful consultation, reflection on the needs of humanity, and a profound commitment to the principles and teachings of the Bahá'í Faith.
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During the election process, the delegates review the state of the world and the progress of the Bahá'í community, examining how the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh can be further advanced in response to the needs of society. After intense deliberation, and prayerful spiritual preparation, they cast their secret ballots, and the results are carefully counted. The names of the newly elected members are then announced to the Bahá'í community worldwide, filling hearts with anticipation and gratitude for the collective wisdom that has been entrusted with guiding the community's affairs.
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This election is more than a procedural exercise; it embodies the principles of justice, unity, and consultation that lie at the heart of the Bahá'í Faith. It is a reflection of the belief that true progress and harmony can only be achieved through the collaboration of diverse voices and perspectives. The process encourages the collective discovery of truth and the application of spiritual principles to the challenges of the world.
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The Universal House of Justice, once elected, assumes its sacred duty of providing guidance and promoting the spiritual and material well-being of humanity. Its members dedicate their efforts to nurturing the growth of the Bahá'í community, fostering unity, and contributing to the betterment of society as a whole. They consult, study, and offer guidance on a wide range of issues affecting the global community, striving to create a more just, harmonious, and peaceful world.
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The significance of this election goes beyond the Bahá'í community, as it highlights the importance of global governance based on justice, consultation, and unity. It offers a model for how diverse peoples and cultures can come together to address common challenges and work towards the betterment of humanity.
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As we contemplate this process that just unfolded, let us reflect on the power of collective decision-making, the unity that binds humanity, and the responsibility we all share in building a prosperous and peaceful world. May this event inspire us to contribute our energies, talents, and resources toward the betterment of society and the advancement of humanity.
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The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South Kohala
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The members of the Universal House of Justice are, from left to right, Chuungu Malitonga, Paul Lample, Juan Francisco Mora, Ayman Rouhani, Payman Mohajer, Shahriar Razavi, Praveen Mallik, Andrej Donoval, and Albert Nshisu Nsunga. The House of Justice was elected by delegates to the 13th International Bahá’í Convention in Haifa.
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Universal House of Justice - Ridvan Message 2023
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Attached please find the Ridvan Message from the Universal House of Justice for 2023. Below is a link to an audio recording of it and a link to the PDF version.
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READ IT
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LISTEN TO IT
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December 30th Message from the Universal House of Justice
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If you haven't studied this message yet please download it here.
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New Videos Released
Below are three new videos which have been released over the past month. We highly recommend watching all of them.
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“An Expansive Prospect”: New film explores Bahá’í efforts toward social transformation
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Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Short film explores the journey of the construction project
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Summons to Service
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Mahmud: May 14 — Lake Mohonk Peace Conference
Mahmud's DiaryMay 14, 1912Lake Mohonk New Paltz, NY
As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was invited to Lake Mohonk, the venue for the conference of the International Peace Society, He made preparations to leave. This conference was the greatest of all the peace conferences in America. It was held in a most ideal location and many dignitaries and delegates from various countries had been invited to attend. Lake Mohonk is four hours away from New York by train. At the train station special landaus were waiting to take the guests to the conference site. The Master took one of these and went to the Hotel Lake Mohonk. He praised the beauty of the place and the scenic grandeur of the route as His carriage drove for about an hour amidst green valleys, wooded hills, woodlands, waterfalls and natural springs. The conference was to last for three days. Each day two long sessions were held in the spacious hall of the hotel facing the lake, the hall having been especially built for the conference.
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On the first evening, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s name was at the head of the program. All the members and delegates were anxious to hear His address. The president [of the International Peace Society, Mr. Smiley] introduced the Master with the utmost respect and glowing words of praise. Then ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood and spoke. A new spirit and a new excitement seemed to prevail over the gathering. During the day most of the delegates had been engaged in materialistic issues. The highest level that their discussions had reached, was the issue of the international unity of countries, and the problems of the United States of America. In the evening, however, they found themselves puzzled when they heard the eloquent, elegant address from the Master concerning the unity of all people, the reformation of the whole world and the Manifestation of the Greatest Name which would bring about the oneness of the world of humanity and the promulgation of the teachings of universal peace. He spoke for about 20 minutes, the time allotted to Him in the program. According to the custom of the West, the audience applauded for a long time when He ceased speaking. They requested that He continue but because He was tired He apologized and with a gesture of His hand bestowed kindness on all. One by one, dignitaries and delegates from many countries came to shake His hand. Some of them embraced Him and expressed their thanks. The president again stood, offered thanks and spoke with great reverence on the importance of the teachings, praising and commending ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on behalf of the audience. Mr. Smiley’s wife then gave the Master a pendant especially made for the peace conference and thanked Him most joyfully.
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Taken from https://centenary.bahai.us/
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Children's Corner
Each month we will share something for the children in this section of the newsletter. It may be a video, a website, a project, a song, etc. We hope the children like this and get something from our newsletter as well.
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Baha'i Coloring Page from Baha'i Coloring Pages on Facebook
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Music Selection
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This is a wonderful song that we thought we would share with you. Click the picture above to listen to it on Youtube.
Baha'i Blog is excited to share the song "Make My Heart" from "Music from the 2022 World Conferences of Queensland". "Music from the 2022 World Conferences, Queensland" is a collection of seven songs which were performed at the three major 2022 World Conferences which took place across Queensland, Australia (Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane), and have now been professionally filmed and recorded in a studio. The 2022 World Conferences held across Queensland are just a few of the hundreds of global conferences taking place after being called for by the Universal House of Justice.
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Latest News
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Here you will find the latest news from around the world.
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Baháʼí World News Service
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13th International Convention: Homeward-bound, delegates radiate spirit of unity
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — The journey of the International Bahá’í Convention participants culminated with high emotion yesterday evening, as they commemorated the Festival of Riḍván on the sacred grounds surrounding the Shrine of Bahá'u'llah in Bahjí—a deeply moving experience that left them brimming with inspiration.
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The Festival of Riḍván holds a special place in the hearts of Bahá’ís, as it marks the period when Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Faith, publicly proclaimed His mission as a Messenger of God. This twelve-day festival, celebrated from 21 April to 2 May, is a time of joy and reflection for Bahá’ís around the world. Delegates at the Convention drew inspiration from the spirit of Riḍván, which represents a pivotal moment of unity and renewal.
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13th International Convention: Reception with Haifa Mayor infused with unifying spirit of Convention
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — A reception held in Haifa brought together more than 160 delegates and Counsellors from the 13th International Convention and some 150 government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, and leaders of Faith communities—Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze—to explore the global electoral process associated with the Convention, as well as broader Bahá’í efforts to foster social transformation.
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Haifa Mayor Einat Kalisch-Rotem expressed her profound appreciation for the opportunity to address the diverse group and her longstanding admiration for the Bahá’í Faith. “It is an honor for me to stand here before you as the mayor of Haifa, the city where one of its iconic symbols, and one of the most sacred and spiritual places for the Bahá’í community is based. The Bahá’í World Centre, including the Shrine of the Báb and the terraces, is a symbol of the Bahá’í commitment to unity, peace, and equality.”
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13th International Convention: Consultations inspire new hope for humanity’s future
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — The International Bahá’í Convention drew to a close today, following days of consultation among delegates on the capacity-building process under way in communities around the world to contribute to the spiritual, moral, and material advancement of the societies where they reside.
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Tessa Scrine, a member of the Board of Counsellors in Australasia who chaired one of the sessions, said in her opening remarks: “The vision before us has far reaching implications. Each nation whose representatives are gathered here and each of those who cannot be present… is learning to navigate the path of their own development.”
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If you would like to join us for our virtual gatherings but don't know how please click the image below to watch a video on how to use Zoom.
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Keep in touch with us
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Please stay in contact, we have many options for you to connect with us.
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