Assistants' Conference inspires collective action
On the weekend of 29-30 June, some 165 dedicated Auxiliary Board assistants from across Aotearoa convened at the Bahá’í Centre in Manurewa, Auckland, for a transformative gathering. Counsellor Tessa Scrine, along with her seven Auxiliary Board members: Dr Nadeem Hamadani, Mr Matt Hitti, Mrs Jaimee Lolo, Mrs Leyla Nielsen, Mr Mosi Pesa, Mr Jeffrey Sabour, and Mrs Fia Sakopo — following their own attendance at a conference for Auxiliary Board members in Sydney two months previously — organised the conference and facilitated focused study, reflection, consultation and planning on pivotal themes essential to the growth and vitality of our Bahá’í community.
Themes discussed
As the members of all three levels of the Appointed Arm of the Administration (Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and assistants to the Auxiliary Board) follow in the footsteps of the beloved Hands of the Cause of God, the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will and Testament provided the basis for their conference - and indeed for the valuable service they render to the Cause:
“The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. They must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words."
The conference covered five themes related to the above:
Theme 1. To diffuse the Divine Fragrances
The participants delved into the obligations set forth by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, reflecting on how to manifest these qualities in their daily service. They discussed the progress in receptive neighbourhoods and villages, emphasising the importance of universal participation and the role of youth in fostering a rising spirit of community engagement.
Theme 2. To edify the souls of men and promote learning
The capacity-building efforts of the institute process were a focal point, with discussions on strategies to offer the full sequence of courses regularly. The assistants shared insights on supporting individuals and families in demonstrating the capacities they have acquired through the training institute's programmes.
Theme 3. Teaching: The greatest of all the gifts of God
Recognising teaching as the greatest gift of God, the participants explored practical ways to inspire a passion for teaching within the hearts of individuals. They reflected on effective methods for engaging in conversations about the Faith and utilising the arts to enhance teaching efforts.
Theme 4. A channel through which His promised blessings may flow
The role of Local Spiritual Assemblies and the importance of fostering unity and cooperation within communities were highlighted. Participants discussed ways to raise consciousness about Bahá'í administration and support the plans of local, regional, and national institutions.
Theme 5. To build fortified communities
“Through the power of their good example and the clarity of their good counsel, may they help the friends to grow in faith, assurance, and commitment to a life of service, and accompany them as they build communities that are havens of peace, places where a harried and conflict-scarred humanity may find shelter.” - The Universal House of Justice, 30 December 2021 - To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
The gathering was filled with wonderful learning, an uplifting sharing of experience, a joyful collaborative spirit, and was ably supported by a wonderful team of volunteers from the community who helped with a myriad of logistics, including catering, transport, and childcare.
One assistant to the Auxiliary Board shared the following about her experience at the conference:
“The conference was really uplifting and fostered a sense of unity and collaboration, with participants engaging in meaningful discussions. It instilled a sense of purpose by sharing ideas for overcoming challenges within our neighbourhoods, including in the spaces provided between sessions, during breaks. One of the key lessons learned was the importance of developing local capacities to serve and promote learning through the training institute, emphasising the significance of youth involvement in community-building activities. The sessions at the conference were not only informative but also inspired a deeper commitment to service. In smaller groups, breakout sessions facilitated discussions about applying ideas and the framework for action within the context of human resource capabilities within our nuclei, providing valuable insights and strategies for contributing to service.”
Heartfelt farewell to Pioneers departing for Tahiti
A wonderful moment during the conference was the farewell given to Astrid, Amir, Elias, and Ata Bunne-Namdari as they set off for their pioneer post in Tahiti, contributing to the fulfilment of New Zealand's goal of deploying pioneers to French Polynesia. Everyone gathered to share in a collective song of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Words (below) from the Tablets of the Divine Plan, creating a wonderful and uplifting send-off for the pioneers.
O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of “Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá” in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.
Counsellor Tessa Scrine farewelling pioneer family Astrid and Amir Bunne-Namdari and their two young sons, Elias and Ata.
The Bunne-Namdari family with Michael Vaughan and Yvonne Williamson, who are also New Zealand pioneers to Tahiti.
Photo gallery
For a glimpse into the warm and loving atmosphere of the gathering, shared below is a photo gallery, which captures the spirit of unity and collective effort that permeated the conference.
