SPECTRUM: An appreciation for encouragement of Baha'i visitors

I want to publicly express my appreciation to Paul and Linda Rourke of Homer for the two months, June and July, in the Mat-Su Valley for their gentle Baha'i encouragement.

They galavanted around and criss-crossed our large borough, which is the size of several small states put together. Why? "Because the Baha'i Faith is so relevant," said Paul.

A carpenter by profession, he explained the two-month summer project was a one-time organized event for Baha'is to travel to various Alaskan towns. The Rourkes had the assignment of the towns of the Mat-Su Borough. They found that here in the Valley the Baha'is are scattered over a wide area and are uniquely independent.

I agree. I am, too!

The Rourke's smiling faces were a treat everywhere they went - often by surprise. They encouraged Baha'i activities, events, and classes for all ages.

A retired art teacher, Linda explained that the Baha'i Faith has grown at the grassroots level in every country on the planet. "We are all playing a vital role in the spiritual revitalization of humanity," she said. "People of every nation, ethnic group, culture, profession, and social and economic class are accepting Baha'u'llah's message and joining his world-wide family of followers....the name Baha'u'llah means 'the Glory of God.'"

I attended a special presentation the Rourkes did at the Palmer Library: "Standing on the Shoulders of Spiritual Giants!" I learned that the first Baha'i to set foot in what is now the State of Alaska was a traveling Baha'i teacher in 1905! Wow! That's 112 years ago.

I tip my Alaskan cowgirl hat and say, "Here's to the next 112 years!" Those spiritual giants are going to be a tough act to follow!

At that special program, Paul said, "We can choose what we want to be a part of .... We can choose to a part of a higher level of behavior."

For these two months, the Rourkes have been gently encouraging the Baha'is of the Valley as a step toward this Fall's 200th anniversary special celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah (1817-1892). The Valley event will be Oct. 22 at the Palmer Train Depot.

Paul, who currently serves on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Alaska, explained that this world-wide event will be of unprecedented scope designed to engage folks in exploring Baha'u'llah vision for humanity. "The 200th anniversary celebration will be a global event in a few months and will be a spiritual celebration linking Baha'is -- and their families and friends -- around the entire planet."

The Rourkes last day in the Valley was July 29 and as they return to the Kenai Peninsula they said they leave with some very special memories of the wonderful friends they met here in the Mat-Su Valley, often called the Heart of Alaska.

Paul left me with some words of encouragement, "Travel with the spirit of a world citizen.... It's a great honor to be a Baha'i....It's a joyous spiritual adventure!"

I tip my Alaskan cowgirl hat and say, "Thank you, Paul and Linda!"