Kiwi reflects upon special period of service

New Zealander Hassan Melsom writes of his experience of service at the Bahá’í World Centre.

Click the image to go to the “Offering to serve” web page of the Bahá’í World Centre.

My time in Haifa was filled with joy, spiritual enrichment and learning.

I did a year of service in the security department at the Bahá’í World Centre from January 2018 to February 2019. Service in the security department, and all departments for that matter, is difficult. Just like most service, it tests a myriad of virtues that one has.

Hassan Melsom: “There is a strong need for staff at the Bahá’í World Centre, and I recommend that all young Bahá’ís seriously consider offering a period of service.”

In saying this, I do not mean that you are too exhausted and overwhelmed to enjoy your time there. It is quite the opposite in fact. The Universal House of Justice’s great gift of allowing all its staff to visit the Shrines on an almost daily basis, and the beautiful souls that accompany you in this phase of your life, provide the perfect environment for those willing to overcome and grow from these seemingly ceaseless challenges.

It is a time in which you can know that all your efforts are directed to the service of Bahá’u’lláh. A time in which you realise the true potential of your capacity. A time in which you form everlasting friendships with Bahá’ís from an extremely diverse range of backgrounds.

I do not wish to create expectations of a utopian society. I do, however, wish to inform everyone of that uniquely bountiful atmosphere at the World Centre that stems from the influence of Bahá’u’lláh's Teachings and the proximity of the Shrines. There is a strong need for staff at the Bahá’í World Centre, and I recommend that all young Bahá’ís seriously consider offering a period of service.

Information about service in the Holy Land

As the work of the Faith advances around the world, it becomes more and more vital for the Bahá’í World Centre to draw on the energies and diverse talents of believers who can perform the various roles required for its functioning. Support for the World Centre of the Faith is crucial, for it is described by Shoghi Effendi as the “pivot of the agencies of the New World Order”.

In the Holy land, the needs for different kinds of staff are ever-changing, depending on evolving demands. Some roles need specialised skills and others simply require willingness to take up an assignment and learn on the job.

The essential requirements include the ability to give 12 months of your time, or more, and basic proficiency in English.

Anyone interested in learning more about the possibility of offering a period of service in Haifa is encouraged to email the Office of Personnel at serve@bwc.org. Offers of service can also be submitted directly at bahai.bwc.org/service.

See also, “Opportunities to Serve at the Bahá’í World Centre” on the How To page of “Bahá’í Aotearoa”.