++ Contents National Spiritual Assembly One Country on Web at: www.Baha.org Send us your LSA newsletters The World Centre wants your photos Margaret Kelly Bates, Knight of Baha'u'llah FOUR YEAR PLAN FOCUS '97 National Convention Council for Wales - Acuto II led to residential women's weekend in Wales Council for Northern Ireland ... Council for England -News round-up It's all happening at YOSDesk! International Goals Committee UK NEWS Do you fancy Lancaster? What Does It Mean To Be Hopeful? "Thought for the Day" Training Institute for England Diversity in the arts in Llandrindod Wells The Seven Valleys Project The Commemoration of Thomas Breakwell - Rob Weinberg Angel of Fire and Snow - Michele Wilburn ++ The National Spiritual Assembly One Country on Web at: www.Baha.org The Baha'i International Community's Office of Public Information is pleased to announce the launch of a new site on the World Wide Web for the quarterly news-letter "One Country". The site became available in its preliminary form on 15th May 1997, and is accessible at www.onecountry.org. This site joins the existing Web site "The Baha'i World" (www.Baha.org) as the second official Web site launched by the Baha'i International Community's Office of Public Information. + Send us your LSA newsletters The National Office (at: 27 Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1PD) would like to receive copies of local newsletters, journals, magazines etc, (even though you are sending them to your regional Baha'i Councils). This way the National Spiritual Assembly can see what is happening in the community and keep a copy for their archives. In turn, a copy is sent to the Baha'i World Centre for the Department of Library and Archival Services at their request. It would be of great assistance if the date and number of each issue could be clearly shown on the cover. + The World Centre wants your photos The World Centre has written to National Spiritual Assemblies asking for photographs of Baha'i activities for the Audio-Visual Department. These may be used in a variety of ways. A wide range is given of the sort of photographs that are wanted - perhaps yours would be of interest or use? To obtain a copy of the letter and guidance notes setting out what sort of photographs should be sent and how they should be treated, please write to the National Spiritual Assembly at 27 Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1PD, quoting reference SR-11606. A stamped addressed envelope would be appreciated. + Margaret Kelly Bates, Knight of Baha'u'llah The National Spiritual Assembly has remembered in its prayers Margaret Kelly Bates, Knight of Baha'u'llah who passed into the Abha Kingdom on 21st June 1997. Mrs Bates became a member of the Baha'i Faith in 1956 in France and a Knight of Baha'u'llah in 1957 for opening the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. She formed and sat on Local Spiritual Assemblies both in Europe and Asia and was the first pioneer to arrive in British North Borneo. + FOUR YEAR PLAN FOCUS '97 15th-16th November '97 North Wales Conference Centre, Llandudno No conference registration. Just turn up. Keep up with the plan, keep up with the troops. It's the place to be! + National Convention National Convention 155BE/1998 in Southport will take place over Bank Holiday weekend 23rd - 24th May. Southport will be busy so please book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. Southport Accommodation Booking Service: 0151 934 2418 + Council for Wales Acuto II led to residential women's weekend in Wales ... To the Baha'i Women's Residential Weekend in Wales Dearly loved Handmaidens of the Cause of God The National Spiritual Assembly is delighted to know that the women of Wales are meeting for a residential weekend. We are certain that the empowerment gained from sharing the "Acuto II" Women's conference will move the Faith forward in leaps and bounds and that the light of the Blessed Beauty will shine ever brightly in the hearts and minds of the Welsh people. We look forward to hearing of your exciting developments and wish every one of you a happy and joyful experience. National Spiritual Assembly The Unfolding Destiny of the Handmaidens of Baha'u'llah We came together, twenty-three Baha'i women, to participate in a residential women's weekend and met at the old mansion house in Gelli Aur, Carmarthenshire - some reluctantly (since it was 'women only'), some enthusiastically, most with a great deal of uncertainty, not knowing what to expect. The idea of a women's seminar on 'Encouragement' stemmed from Tracey Jones's attending the 'Acuto II' conference in Italy, since she returned so transformed by enthusiasm, vitality, energy and renewed spirituality that even the most sceptical of our menfolk realised that there must be something special at work here! And so, without waiting for the intensity of her feelings to fade, our dear friend set about organising a follow-up event in Wales, and this was it. To go into details of the miracles which seemed to occur as obstacles were swept aside from her path would lengthen this article unnecessarily. Suffice it to say that a wonderful venue was found, previously a listed building, at present leased as an agricultural college, set amidst acres of unspoilt countryside with its very own peacocks and herd of deer. Each dormitory was clean and had fresh towels and small vases of flowers. Loving thought had gone into the preparations so that each participant should feel that this weekend was something special: that she herself was special. In the room specially set aside for prayers, candlelight, fresh flowers and soft music ensured that a spiritual ambience was always present, even when this room was not in use. Any initial reluctance there had been to take part in the workshops soon disappeared - the format of the work sheets was simple and direct. As the weekend progressed, so we came to trust each other and 'opened up', sharing our inmost thoughts, our anxieties and aspirations with each other. It quickly became apparent that no matter what an individual's circumstances might be, (married or single, doing waged work or being at home), most people seemed to have an area within their life which gave them dissatisfaction and some revealed a deep-seated unhappiness, suppressed and hidden until now; in some cases not even acknowledged consciously by themselves. Most felt they lacked 'quality' time in their daily lives - that is, time to be spent on themselves rather than in service to their families or to the Faith. It was felt there was a need for a time to attend to and nurture one's own spiritual welfare, whether for prayer, meditation or just being alone; being one's self rather than somebody else's wife or mother - and that sadly this was lacking. Devotionals became increasingly inspiring and deeply moving as the weekend continued. The air tingled with that special intangible quality that sends shivers up and down one's spine. The level of heightened spirituality and freed emotion grew so intense for some that it became overwhelming and overflowed into tears. It was an experience close to that often felt on pilgrimage: the soul reaches a point of saturation, and the elation that brings is too intense to bear. By the end of the seminar, everyone felt a strong unity binding them together. No one felt alone with her own particular problems. By sharing them openly, sometimes painfully, with others, each one was helped to get their own troubles in perspective, to realise that they now had the unqualified support and understanding of everyone present, and that the remedy for change lay within ourselves. It is the Faith which binds us to each other and gives focus, purpose and momentum to our lives as handmaidens to Baha'u'llah for we are all links in an unbroken chain that began with Tahir'ih and which stretches on without end into eternity. This women's weekend will enable us to go forward with renewed determination, a fresh vision, focusing our thoughts and energies on improving our own spiritual growth, using our individual and unique talents to work and spread the Faith to more people, strengthened with a new resolve to achieve any goal to which we set our minds. It was an amazing weekend. May we see many more and may we all achieve our destinies. + Council for Northern Ireland With great joy we are able to announce that the Northern Ireland Baha'i community is alive and well, and is entering a stage of real belief that entry by troops can happen. There have been more declarations in the Province during the first year of the Four Year Plan than there were in the entire Three Year Plan. This steady stream of declarations is exciting the community to ever greater and more inspired initiatives. The recent calamitous events that have been taking place in the Province are themselves symbolic of change, and we feel strongly that opportunities are been created for teaching the faith of Baha'u'llah which we could not have dreamed of before. This situation has led directly to the theme for this year's Northern Ireland summer school being taken directly from the Ridvan message 153 BE The Communique newsletter is going from strength to strength and is received by many 'ex-pat' Baha'is on mainland UK and further afield. It carries a great many success stories and recently very regular announcements of declarations. Communique is now available on the internet so many people should have easy access. The women also distribute their newsletter with Communique, sharing with the friends news of the ongoing and exciting teaching developments that have been so singularly innovative and productive in the Province. A plethora of new web sites is in fact being created in common we are sure, with other regions. Many local Spiritual Assemblies, the Northern Ireland Baha'i choir, and the youth, now have web sites which have been visited hundreds of times since their creation, indicating that many folk out there are really interested. Another way that thousands of people have been exposed to the healing message of Baha'u'llah is through local radio. The Townland radio project based in mid Ulster has hosted "the moving hours", a two hour Baha'i radio programme featuring guests speaking not only directly about the Faith but also about issues of immediate interest and relevance to the local community. Baha'i music and devotional material has been very well received. Six Baha'is represented the Council and Northern Ireland at the recent commemoration for Thomas Breakwell in Paris, and had the great privilege of taking part in this historic event. The Youth have been very busy teaching, handing out Baha'i leaflets in Belfast and sharing the message of Baha'u'llah. They have also been in contact with the regional radio and we hope their interviews will be heard all over Northern Ireland soon. The Badi Project, presently running in four districts in the Province, has been very successful. There has been one declaration to date. We are looking forward to further advancement in the process of entry by troops which is well on the way in our precious Ireland. + Council for England -News round-up The Baha'i Council for England is delighted to announce the appointment of Zarin Hainsworth-Fadaei to its membership. The membership of the Council is now as follows: Ramin Badii, Laili Cleasby (Secretary), Zarin Hainsworth-Fadaei, Ian Holland, Bill Jenkins (Treasurer), Kishan Manoch, (Acting Chair) and Tiffani Razavi. Over the last six months the Council has received reports of teaching activities throughout the region. These have come to us, either through the copies of Four Year Plans or Annual Reports. This month we focus on the Northern region and the South West region, showing a few examples of activities which could lead to an advance in the process of entry by troops. The exciting developments in the North East are continuing, as outside communities in the area have begun to take a more active role with increased goodwill, prayers and financial contributions towards the work there. The teaching team hopes that this assistance will continue. The list of activities currently being held in the Birtley area is exhaustive, but here are a few: weekly firesides, weekly deepenings, unity club, children attending the Thomas Breakwell School and residential weekends at Burnlaw. The teaching team would benefit greatly by receiving the love, prayers and support from the entire Community. The Baha'i Community of Stockport has recently formed a local teaching committee. They have met twice so far this year and have planned to hold a series of talks to which members of the public are invited. Burnley and Pendle communities jointly run a Fireside/Deepening programme for enquirers and new believers. A Fireside is held at the Baha'i Centre on a Tuesday night. Those interested are then invited to attend a deepening class which is held fortnightly on Sundays. The programme has brought four new believers to the Faith in the last year alone. The Baha'i Council for England members who have responsibility for the North are Ian Holland and Laili Cleasby; you can contact Ian on: 01785 604401 and Laili on: 01282 860788. The local Spiritual Assembly of Carrick in Cornwall has held three monthly 'Women's Day' gatherings on Baha'i themes - the last two have had women enquirers attend, and all gave positive feedback. This Assembly has also decided to close each Nineteen Day Feast with a prayer for teaching and then go for a walk to meet people. To encourage and support individual teaching initiatives, the Spiritual Assembly of Taunton Deane has decided to start Assembly meetings by asking if anyone wants or needs prayers or knows of any teaching initiative that needs prayers. The Baha'i community of Bath held a series of successful public meetings on themes such as 'Love', 'Faith', 'Families and the Future', Education', 'Peace' and 'Living Together as One Family', which was advertised in the newspaper and through posters. Each time about 30 personal invitations were sent and once as many as 11 contacts attended. The Baha'i Council for England member who has responsibility for the South West of England is Tiffani Razavi; you can contact her on 01793 421615. In next month's issue we report on what's been happening in the Central and East Anglia region and the South West region. + It's all happening at YOSDesk! YOSDesk is moving ahead to gather a network or bank of information about YOS Projects overseas. This is to be called PIN - Project Information Network. Hopefully working in conjunction with other National Spiritual Assembly Service desks for Year of Service Volunteers. Esmyr Koomen is the coordinator of this activity, (see details above). YOSDesk is organising regular 'preparation workshops' following the recommendation from National Convention that all youth who intend to go on a YOS will have to attend a YOS workshop beforehand. One took place in Wales in August headed by Leila Bartlett who joined the team in February. Youth are still embarking on a Year of Service without the knowledge of the National Spiritual Assembly! In future, as projects in other parts of the world become more formalised, administrative clearance details will be requested from YOSDesk. So it is as well to register in advance and have your interests noted and your local Spiritual Assembly clearance forms ready for when the project is found. For those of you who have returned recently, why not write a report for others wishing to do the same project? We can share them with the community through this column of the Baha'i Journal. Whatever you do, don't keep your exciting time a secret! This year we have helped place youth in Tonga, Canada, USA, Africa, Townsend International School in Croatia, Poland and India. Shortly, two young people from Northern Ireland and Eire will be going to the volcanic Island of St Helena, situated 15 degrees south of the Equator in the Atlantic Ocean. This is an exciting project as there are only nine Baha'is on the Island. The "Lighthouse Project," as it is called, needs Baha'is either long or short term, to assist in building a meeting house, developing the Baha'i land on the Island and creating a campsite. Dance and drama workshops are to be set up and sports such as swimming and basketball are available. Whatever your age, here is a project that is worth considering. There is no airport on the Island and the cost by boat is œ350 from Capetown, and a connecting flight from UK. Otherwise you can make the trip over 14 days sailing from Cardiff, sharing a cabin costs about œ500. A single berth costs about œ2,000. If you are young and thinking about a Year of Service in a few years time, why not consult at Feast with the friends, or ask the Local Assembly if they have any imaginative suggestions to help you start saving up. + International Goals Committee Southern Bohemia ... The Townsend International School in Hluboka urgently requires staff to teach in one or more of the following subjects: English as a second language, middle and primary teaching - mathematics, science, humanities, Baha'i studies, Spanish, physical education. Current CV will be required. Details from IGC. St Vincent and Grenadines ... There is a need for physicians, teachers (art, industrial art, technical subjects), nutritionists, lab technicians. You will need to be on the islands to find work - don't expect results from a letter. Details from IGC. Switzerland ... The National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland offer a Year of Voluntary service at the National Secretariat in Bern. The work is mainly clerical and assisting with big national events and takes 3 to 4 days per week, leaving time for community activities such as deepening, teaching, making friends, etc. Must be able to use a computer, knowledge of English is important but not essential. Rented accommodation should be available. Current CV will be required. Details from YOS. France ... The National Spiritual Assembly of France urgently require an assistant for secretarial work and some planning of Institute activities, teaching by Internet etc. Language - preferably native French-speaking with good knowledge of English. Current CV will be required Details from YOS. Malta ... Malta has one Local Spiritual Assembly, with the goal of a National Spiritual Assembly as soon as possible. Pioneers, travel teachers and visitors required. Details from IGC. IGC: Edgar Boyett, tel: 01483-568926 email: 106131.1062@compuserve.com Thelma Batchelor, tel: 01372-375782 email: thelma@sv.span.com + UK NEWS Do you fancy Lancaster? The Baha'i Community of Lancaster is small but active, commemorating 19-day Feasts and other Baha'i events. It concentrates teaching activities on Lancaster University; holding four public events in the last seven months. At Ridvan, the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i's of Lancaster was elected for the first time since 1981. Some members of the Community are non-permanent residents, therefore the Local Assembly decided to request PIONEERS for Lancaster. There are a wide range of primary schools and several secondary schools including two Grammar Schools which both feature among the top schools in the country, in all the Sunday paper "Good School Guides." For information about the University and schools, contact: Mr. Richard Fusco, tel: 01524 66481, LSA Chairman and Biology Teacher in Lancaster. For information about house prices contact LSA Secretary, Mr. Kamran Naderi, tel: 01524 388880. + What Does It Mean To Be Hopeful? - was the title of a conference held in Londonderry on 18th June, arranged by the City Council and the Irish School of Ecumenics. The local Baha'i community was invited to attend, and when the three representatives arrived they found that among the clergy and others who were there, they were the only contingent from a non-Christian religious body. Not only that but, although the invitation had said that people could have stands with material to distribute, the Baha'is' one was the only significant display there. As a result a good amount of literature was taken and much teaching was done. The bounties continued when one of the arranged speakers was not able to attend and Adrian Temple was asked to step in with just ten minutes to prepare. He asked the conference participants to cast their imaginations back fifteen years and remember what things were like then - the Cold War, apartheid in South Africa and so on. They might have been hopeful then about things changing but they would not really have expected such changes in such a short time. This was, he said, why Baha'is were hopeful, indeed had faith in the future. What had happened in the past fifteen years was just a prelude to what is to come.... + "Thought for the Day" The "Thought for the Day" spots on BBC Radio Ulster for the week starting 16th June were given by a Baha'i. Each morning at 7.55 Fidelma Meehan gave a short talk on something that mattered to her, tying it in to her beliefs as a Baha'i. As a result hundreds of thousands of people heard more about the Faith, while the fact that the BBC used a Baha'i is an indication of the growing status of the Faith. + Training Institute for England Look out for the new series of courses running at the Ernest Miller Centre from now through to December. Full details of dates and facilitators are on the 'Calendar of Events' with this Journal. The courses take as their theme the passages from the letter of the House of Justice for Ridvan 1996 which talk about the capacities of the individual and how those capacities can be optimised. Each course is complete in itself and does not depend on attendance at the other courses although there is no limit to the number participants can attend provided that space allows. All the have experience in adult education or training and are knowledgeable Baha'is. They will be providing a top class series of courses that will give skills, knowledge and spiritual insights to the participants, enabling them to function as much more efficient teachers of the Faith. There will be no formal lectures and everyone will be encouraged to contribute their ideas and feelings in a supportive and non-threatening atmosphere. You should simply come with a thirst for learning, an open mind and a desire to allow yourself to develop towards your goal of becoming an increasingly effective teacher of the Faith. The Ernest Miller Centre is at: 3 Langdale Road, Liverpool, L15 3LA. Booking forms are obtainable from Isaac DeCruz, tel: 0151 733 8614, fax 0151 733 4700. + Diversity in the arts in Llandrindod Wells On Saturday 31st May a group of musicians, poets and lyricists named Diversity came together to present a programme inspired by the Baha'i Writings. The venue was the Albert Hall, an authentic Victorian theatre in Llandrindod Wells. Diversity is a recently formed group based at the Baha'i Arts Centre in Llanelli. All their material is composed and written by the artists themselves. The music ranges in style from baroque to nineteenth century romanticism. The poetry on the night of the concert was dramatically enhanced by the use of background keyboard techniques. "We have made music as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may be lifted up into the realms on high", (1) These words were borne out by the sound of classically trained voices as they sang the words from the Holy Writings. The resonance of the spoken word inter- mingled with the background music and the happy voices of the children. We came away from the concert disappointed by the poor attendance, but also with the realisation that music is a key to unlock the door to many hearts to proclaim the Faith. It is here that we need to concentrate, to fund and support artists so that they can have more time to be creative and money to put their creations on a professional footing to present to the world. 'Abdu'l-Baha states this clearly; "singing melodies will bring animation and happiness to the world of humanity, the hearers will be delighted and joyful and their deeper emotions stirred." (2) Thank you Diversity on behalf of the Baha'is of Powys References: (1) Baha'u'llah, Kitab-i-Aqdas, 38.15, (2) 'Abdu'l-Baha, Compilation on Music, 1983 ed. Diversity will consider invitations from any communities willing to organise a concert. This could be arranged in conjunction with the community's local teaching projects or charity of their choice. Contact Diversity on: 01554 754974 or 01454 413917. + The Seven Valleys Project What do you think of when you read "The Seven Valleys" by Baha'u'llah? Does it make you feel as if you've made the effort to turn your mind to a higher spiritual plane? Perhaps you prefer a simpler text? Whatever you're feeling, a group of Youth and Junior Youth at the Thames Valley Thomas Breakwell School are in the process of putting together a CD which will widen your perspective of this mystical work. Taking "The Seven Valleys" as their inspiration this group has written a set of wonderful songs. Over the last year, with some expert help from Pete Maguire and Inge Haghighi, they have been putting together these songs and quotations they have chosen from "The Seven Valleys" onto a CD. Not only have they produced music and lyrics but the graphics and photographs too. In addition they have written a brief introduction for the cover for people new to the Baha'i Faith. The music is bright and inspiring - it makes you want to dance. It has the special benefit of lyrics with a spiritually uplifting message. This project has been a wonderful way for some of our young Baha'is to use their emerging artistic talent for the good of the Faith. They have undoubtedly enjoyed themselves working, consulting and learning together.This CD is a must for your collection and your friends too. It is guaranteed to put a smile in your soul. Watch the Baha'i Journal for details of The Seven Valleys CD. The UK release date is expected soon. ++ Article - The Commemoration of Thomas Breakwell - 14th-15th June 1997 It is exactly ninety-five years to the day since the mortal remains of Thomas Breakwell were laid to rest in the Pantin Cemetery in the north-east of Paris, a diverse group of believers gathered at the spot where he was originally buried for a unique and historic event. The United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium and many other European countries, dozens of friends braved the inclement weather to pay tribute to a devoted soul, hailed by Shoghi Effendi as 'the first English believer, immortalised by 'Abdu'l-Baha's fervent eulogy revealed in his memory': an extraordinary figure in Baha'i history who along with the Hands of the Cause George Townsend and John Esselmont, ranks as one of the three luminaries shedding their brilliant lustre on the annals of British Baha'i history. A luminary, according to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, is a natural light-giving body, a person who acts as a source of intellectual light or moral inspiration, a prominent member of a group or gathering. On this particular day, 14th June 1997, Breakwell's undying light shed its radiance on his spiritual descendants and all present were touched by the supernatural influence which this early believer continues to exert on the Baha'is of Europe. Thomas Breakwell had died of consumption, shortly after his thirtieth birthday and just one year after recognising the greatness of the Cause of Baha'u'llah. According to French law, when the rental payments on a grave are no longer being met, the body is exhumed, the bones cleaned and bundled in a bag, and placed in a 'charnel house' along with other exhumed remains. This sad fate had befallen Breakwell's bones a few years after his death, their place in the charnel house long since surrounded by other remains and bricked up. since that time, two other people had been buried in the original grave. It was when the Baha'is in Paris discovered that the gravesite was once again vacant that the National Spiritual Assembly of France applied for permission to erect a permanent monument to Breakwell on the site. A competition was held and a number of Baha'i architects entered a varied array of designs for the monument. In the event, the cemetery officials were reluctant to give approval for an elaborate design and the National Assembly had to settle for a simple but dignified tombstone. Now that stone is in place and a poignant centre of pilgrimage. The Universal House of Justice has encouraged the French community to continue in its efforts to retrieve Breakwell's remains from the charnel house and have them reinterred in their original grave. Abdu'l-Baha commented in a Tablet to that other outstanding British believer Ethel Rosenberg that it is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God if a person desires to draw nigh unto Him by visiting the resting places of martyrs and holy souls. 'I long to visit the graves of the friends of God,' announces 'Abdu'l-Baha in Memorials of the Faithful, 'These are the servants of the Blessed Beauty; in His path they were afflicted; they met with toil and sorrow; they sustained injuries and suffered harm. Upon them be the glory of God, the All-Glorious. Upon them be salutation and praise. Upon them be God's tender mercy and forgiveness.' So it was that on the morning of 14th June we gathered at this newly erected monument, almost a century after our spiritual forebears had met at the same spot to bid farewell to one who they considered to be the guiding light of their community. 'Abdu'l-Baha's fervent eulogy was read in English and French, along with other prayers and readings. The friends filed respectfully past the grave, at once rejoicing that Thomas Breakwell now at last had a permanent monument, yet still saddened that his precious remains are kept apart from their natural grave. Devoted long time servants of the Cause from these islands shared in this historic moment. Ninety-year-old Pauline Senior from Guernsey - a Baha'i since her teenage years when she met Martha Root and Lady Blomfield - was there with her daughter Adele; David Hofman - who had been taught the Faith by May Bolles Maxwell and thus shared with Breakwell an extraordinary spiritual mother; Knight of Baha'u'llah Hugh McKinley and his wife Deborah; National Spiritual Assembly representatives Wendi Momen and Hugh Adamson, to name but a few. All participants were presented with a violet, to remind us of the flower which Breakwell's father picked from that grave and sent as a gift to 'Abdu'l-Baha one year after his son's passing. After the commemoration ceremony, the group returned to the Baha'i Centre, just off the Champs ElysEs, to hear more tributes to Thomas Breakwell. David Hofman spoke of Breakwell's spiritual awakening and the extraordinary obedience he demonstrated immediately to the will of 'Abdu'l-Baha; Hugh Adamson noted how the character of Breakwell had once again exerted its influence in gathering together friends from such diverse backgrounds, united through him in their love for each other and the Faith. And a most moving tribute came from Ned Blackmer, former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of France, who also remarked on Breakwell's capacity to assimilate all the teachings of the Faith in an instant. 'The experience that we have just shared,' he said, 'brings us closer to the spirit of Thomas Breakwell, to ourselves and to one another. The whole story of Thomas Breakwell is a novel about drawing closer. He was far, he became one of the nearest. He knew the ineffable joy of eternal reunion with his Lord. He drew others to that joy. He invites us to share it today. Quoting May Bolles, Blackmer reminded us of Breakwell's 'calm, his power, his intense fervour, his capacity to grasp at once what had to be lavished upon humanity in this age of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah' which liberated among the early believers 'powers whose apparition marked a new epoch in the Cause in France'. 'These last words', we were told, 'gather weighty significance when one thinks of the age of Thomas Breakwell at that time and, above all, of the effects that he was capable of calling forth whether living or after death'. Truly, Thomas Breakwell seemed to be someone unlike others. The speeches were followed by the opportunity to socialise, to enjoy lunch together and to view designs which architects had submitted for a more elaborate monument, which may one day be erected over that sacred spot. For those believers who remained in Paris overnight, the next day brought another visit of immense significance. Last year the National Spiritual Assembly of France was able after miraculous negotiations to purchase the apartment at 4 Avenue de Camoens in Paris where 'Abdu'l-Baha resided during His historic visit to the city. This acquisition was hailed by the Universal House of Justice in the Ridvan message as one of the most meritorious achievements of the Baha'i community in the first year of the Four Year Plan. Much work still needs to be done to turn this important address into a place of pilgrimage yet, entering the apartment, the friends were struck by how unspoilt it is and how little it seems to have been altered since those momentous days when the Master's voice was heard within its walls. The guide announced that it is alas not known in which room 'Abdu'l-Baha stayed during his visit. But Dr Keith Munro of Northern Ireland, stepping into one of its rooms felt awed and overwhelmed by the intense spiritual atmosphere therein. 'This is the room!' he announced. Such places of immense historic and spiritualsignificance are now easy to reach for us, through modern engineering and technology. The opening of two places so intimately connected with our own sacred history and so close to us geographically will inspire us enormously in our continuing efforts in the Four Year Plan as well as to connect us intimately with our spiritual ancestors who laid down their lives to build the foundations for the community as we know it today. Thomas Breakwell ranks among those luminaries. To quote Ned Blackmer, 'The stars guide us in the measure that we use them for navigation. by Rob Weinberg ++ Angel of Fire and Snow In the heart of London, at an event co-hosted by Westminster and Ealing communities in aid of the Arc Fund, a packed theatre was awe-struck by the remarkable performance of Beverley Evans, in her one act play, 'Angel of Fire and Snow'. Beverley Evans wasn't sure what she "wanted to be" when growing up in Ontario, Canada - not until she was introduced to the theatre! At the age of sixteen she attended an acting course at the Webber Douglas School of Drama, in London. Whilst in the UK she caught the wanderlust bug, which compelled her to travel the world. In 1985 Beverley found herself at the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, where, struck to the core, she immediately declared herself a Baha'i. Finally settling in Australia, she furthered her studies at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney. Her professional career has moved from strength to strength, with numerous leading roles in classical and contemporary theatre, several popular TV series, and leading film roles, including 'Sounds of Wheels', and 'The Voices'. Currently living in Melbourne, she has co-founded the Unison Theatre Company. Beverley also writes scripts for 'Neighbours' and 'Blue Healers', as well as directing. The script of her one act play 'Angel of Fire and Snow' sprang naturally from 'The Diary of Juliet Thompson'. Juliet, a young artist from New York, was introduced to the Baha'i Faith by May Bolles - the first Baha'i on the European continent - while studying in Paris at the turn of the century. Juliet's spiritual odyssey truly began when she met 'Abdu'l-Baha, first in Akka, then later in America, 1911-1912. During the performance, displaying impeccable artistic skill, aided by minimum props, brilliant lighting, and magical moments of music, Beverley Evans transported her spellbound audience into spiritual realms. Delighted anecdotes, wrapped in the form of Juliet's memories, unfolded throughout to unveil the uniquely personal relationship Juliet shared with the Master. '...Juliet,' the Master addressed her as they were saying farewell at the end of 'Abdu'l-Baha's sojourn in America. 'I have searched throughout the length and breadth of this land for flames. I want the flames! And while-ever you speak the truth, that burning, pure light within your heart, you will always be with me. I pray that you will become the candle of New York, Miss Juliet Thompson.' (1) Throughout the play, such memories as these brought to life 'Abdu'l-Baha's deep love of Juliet's rare, if rather rebellious and unconventional qualities, together with her deep sense of integrity and absolute truthfulness. With one last memory, the curtains came down on Beverley Evans, to rapturous applause: '... Back to Akka. I threw back my head to look up at His wondrous face, and my veil slipped off'. 'I will fix it for you Myself', He said tenderly, 'I will fix it nicely my daughter'. And with his electrifying fingers He arranged it on my shoulders. My mind flashed back to a dream I had in Paris many years before this time. In it, I stood in the air with 'Abdu'l-Baha, opposite Him, in the air. His eyes were plunging love, through my eyes, into my heart. The unimaginable love of God. A new revelation to my heart. Then he drew from the breast of His robe a white veil. Laying it upon my head, arranging it around my face, crossing it on my shoulders with fingers that charged me with His life. Just as He was doing that: 'My Lord!' I cried 'Once in a dream, You put a white veil on my head.' He smiled. 'That I did, long ago ...' (2) References: (1) & (2) Angel of Fire and Snow, audiocassette script by Beverley Evans Michele Wilburn A professional recording of 'Angel of Fire and Snow' capturing Beverley Evans' brilliant performance is available on audio cassette, (running time approx 35 mins). Highly recommended for an uplifting artistic interlude at Feast and for private inspiration; it cannot fail to draw you closer to the heart of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Cassettes from: Michele Wilburn, Starbound Enterprise, PO Box 3505, London NW5 2HZ, tel: 0171 284 1918 Please give your full forwarding address and enclose a cheque or postal order for œ35.99 made payable to Nora Evans. Allow 28 days for delivery. All proceeds after costs will be sent to the Arc Fund. ++ End of document