Report 2006 - 5th Changing Times

Once again it was the time of the year when 250 Baha’is from all around the world (33 countries) came and flooded the tiny Central European village of Hlúboka. This year was special because it marked the midway point to a decade of Changing Times (yes, that makes half a decade). Who would have thought that this project, started in 2002, would come this far? It must be the spirit brought by the presenters and participants alike which makes this conference so unique. And unique it was!

The aim of Changing Times has always been to educate, inspire and facilitate a network of young Baha’i professionals and as such focused its 5^th annual session around the study of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order as well as Shoghi Effendi’s person and writings.

Under Mr. Mitchell’s insightful guidance participants examined some of the writings of Shoghi Effendi in particular those that comprise the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. In addition, Dr. Henderson so eloquently reminded us of the context in which Shoghi Effendi wrote these letters. His talks took the audience on an expedition into the life of Shoghi Effendi and resulted in a range of emotions that varied from great laughs to moments of extreme sadness when we heard how deeply affected the Guardian was after receiving the news of the Master’s passing.

Participants were also deeply impressed by Mr. Sahba’s breathtaking stories and recollections of experiences which inspired and, above all, convinced us that anything in the service of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is possible and that ‘Gods Will shall be done’. Recent examples were the stories of Mr. Robiati about early believers Albania and how despite tremendous difficulties nothing was able to hinder the progress of the Cause in that country.

Mr. Bamford, our Hollywood source, explained that no matter what career one chooses, it is essential to place Bahá’u’lláh into the centre of our lives making Him the pivot around which everything else revolves. His ‘Spiritual Lessons of the Black Eyed Peas’ were an innovative and thought-provoking reminder of the tests and difficulties which face young professionals around the world.

Numerous examples of practical applications of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings were also presented by Mrs. Radpour, who helped us understand various psychological issues such as depression, homosexuality, as well as substance abuse and illustrated how Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings had a particular relevance in helping people to overcome these concerns.

Also this year the arts were not ignored and the conference participants received a high dosage of theatre, music and magic. We were blessed to witness Ms. Evan’s plays which brought us closer to the lives of Juliet Thompson and Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and gave us a deeper understanding and insight into their distinct personalities. Moreover, in a pioneering concept that combined an exceptional classical violin with magic, participants were stunned and amazed to follow the life of ‘StradiVahid’ performed by Mr Khadem-Missagh.

But listening simply to educational and inspiring to talks was not enough. Active participation was required in many of this year’s workshops. In Mr. Towfigh’s insightful workshop on ‘Conception & Contraception’ participants where asked to analyse a range of quotes from the Bahá’í Writings regarding the nature of conception and the permissibility of contraception. It was an up-to-date demonstration of how science & religion work together in the Faith. Dr. Camille Henderson’s workshop on race and unity was an important reminder that race is still an issue for many people across the world. Her thought-provoking session focused on overcoming various cultural barriers and gave rise to an active discussion between session participants.

Further, the vast diversity of Bahá’í communities was also the starting point for Dr. Bahia Mitchell’s workshops. She focused her sessions around the often neglected subject of disagreements within Bahá’í communities and offered practical advice for conflict resolution strategies. Mr. Ryan Lash, our ‘internet specialist’, came to the rescue for those that wished to know more about the world wide web and its utilities for promoting the Faith’s interests. He explained some common misconceptions and removed fears of going online by highlighting the Internet’s immense potential.

As fun as all of the above sounds, other recreational activities were also on offer and included a rich variety of choices. A games evening to determine the most suitable candidate to succeed the current 007 required strong mental, physical as well as artistic capacities. When was the last time you were asked to take a blind-folded hostage through a web of lasers or create an award winning dress out of tin foil? As usual, an annual football, basketball, table tennis and backgammon competition was again arranged. And the karaoke as well as spontaneous drumming and dancing sessions further added to the positive and very energetic atmosphere of the conference.

With our spiritual batteries recharged by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, inspired by the talks and workshops of our presenters, and encouraged by the examples and fellowship of this conference we have all returned home to take up the momentous challenge of playing our part in building a new World Order.