National Fund - update

13 February 2019
7 Mulk 175

To all Bahá’ís in Aotearoa New Zealand

Dearly loved co-workers,

As we approach the end of the Bahá’í year, in the National Assembly’s assessment of how the material means of the Faith in our country are allowing for the accomplishment of the New Zealand community’s spiritual goals, we feel moved to make a general appeal to the friends for the National Fund.

Contributions for the year have continued to be below the target that was set based on the budget for the year, by around $475,000 at the end of December 2018.  While expenses have been maintained below budget, the actual deficit is around $150,000. We will shortly be sending a more detailed report to all Local Treasurers, who will be happy to share this with the friends.

We feel confident in the community’s ability to respond to this call and meet the financial needs of the Faith, especially as we saw the community rise to new heights of sacrifice and service during the Summer Schools with the many pledges made, followed by determined action in the field of service.

Ensuring that we meet the target set for the year will enable us to enter the final year of the Five Year Plan on a strong footing, able to meet the goals with confidence and surety. Not having the funds to resoundingly accomplish objectives at a level that would be pleasing to the beloved Universal House of Justice means national projects and lines of action could be delayed or not undertaken to the level that we would like to see happen.

All friends are lovingly encouraged to perhaps make this year’s Ayyám-i-Há particularly special by giving a gift of love to the National Fund. You may be moved to make this special contribution in honour of someone who is dear to you, or in loving memory of a beloved one who is no longer with you. Uplifting and dignified fundraising events are also a means of contributing. The National Fund bank account details are provided below for your convenience.

The National Spiritual Assembly sends its loving greetings and best wishes for a joyful Ayyám-i-Há and our fond hope that the coming period of the Fast be blessed and spiritually enriching for each dear believer.

“Divine confirmations redound upon those who offer a portion of their material resources in a spirit of sacrifice, motivated by their love of the Faith and their desire to assist in its progress.”

 Universal House of Justice, from a letter to the Continental Boards of Counsellors, dated 17 September 1992

 Loving Bahá’í greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand

NATIONAL FUND -Account number: 03-0146-0044444-00

Name of Payee: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand

Please inform the Treasury Office (treasury@bahai.org.nz) of your payment or include your name in the reference.