wfn.org | BWNS -- Heroic life inspires conference

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Baha'i World News Service
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Heroic life inspires conference
OTAVALO, Ecuador, 23 February 2005 (BWNS) -- Participants at a
conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of the passing of a deeply
cherished Baha'i resolved to increase their service to humanity.

The "Growth and Victories" conference was held from 30 December 2004 to
2 January 2005 in honor of the Hand of Cause of God Rahmatu'llah Muhajir
(1923-79).

A highly effective promoter of the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, Dr.
Muhajir died in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador while undertaking a
tour of encouragement of Baha'i communities.

Baha'is attending the conference came from a range of South American
countries as well as from Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the United
Kingdom, and the United States.

In a message to the participants, the Universal House of Justice called
upon the Baha'is to arise to serve "with the same unrelaxing vigor,
spiritual discipline, and generosity that characterized dear Dr.
Muhajir."

Highlights of the conference were talks on the life of Dr. Muhajir by
his daughter, Gisu, and by a member of the Continental Board of
Counsellors in the Americas, Eloy Anello of Bolivia.

Ms. Muhajir related anecdotes from her father's life and those of others
Hands of Cause of God.

"They possessed a special spirit and capacity that was evident from an
early age," she said.

Other speakers included two other members of the Continental Board of
Counsellors in the Americas, Crystal Shoaie of Bolivia and Leticia de
Solano of Ecuador.

Among the topics of the talks were "The Dynamic Power of Example," "The
Glorious Future of the Indigenous People," and "The Process of the
Institute, Teaching, and Growth."

In between the talks, several Baha'i communities of Ecuador including
those of Otavalo, Cumbaya, and Tumbaco, gave presentations on their
activities, achievements, and service performed in the name of Dr.
Muhajir.

On each morning of the conference, the participants gathered for
devotional meetings during which prayers and quotations often recited by
Dr. Muhajir were read.

Local musicians, as well as international Baha'i artists KC Porter and
Leonor Dely, gave performances that enhanced the enjoyment of the
conference participants.

The Baha'i community of Ecuador has 16 Local Spiritual Assemblies and is
home to a Baha'i radio station, Radio Baha'i, which has its studios in
Otavalo. It is oriented towards community development and service.