• All Faiths Public Gathering for Prayer and Devotions – September 6, 14, 21, & 28
• Informational Talks — September 20 and 26

"The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage..." 
                                                                                                                  ~Bahá'u'lláh

The purpose of the Oxnard-Ventura Bahá'í News is to provide information about the Bahá'í Faith and activities of the Bahá'í's to those who wish to learn more or attend Bahá'í devotional gatherings. If you have comments or do not want to receive the Bahá'í News, write PO Box 7344, Oxnard, CA 93031, call 648-1222. No donations requested or accepted.

Informational Talks
A brief talk on a general topic about the Bahá'í Faith is followed by discussion. A time to bring up any question in your heart about spiritual topics.

Saturday, September 20th, 7:30 p.m.
Molly King will present "Strengthening Our Families"
      Quick home, 659-4660

Friday, September 26th, 7:30 p.m.
      Tuman Residence, 984-1222

All Faiths Public Gathering for Prayer and Devotions

Fillmore CommUnity
1st Saturday of the Month, September 6th. Call Luanne at 524-0683 for details

Ventura CommUnity
2nd Sunday of the Month, September 14th. 10:00-1100am

In the Topping Room, EP Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Downtown Ventura. Enter from the front at the West end.

Camarillo CommUnity
3rd Sunday of the Month, September  21st. Call Renee at 383-3904 for details

Oxnard CommUnity
4th Sunday of the Month, September 28th. 10:30 AM. Locations may vary. Call Barbara at 984-4390

The Bahá'í Faith:  A brief History, Part II

Caught up in the maelstrom of persecution, Bahá’u’lláh suffered four torturous months of imprisonment in a notorious underground dungeon known as the Síyáh-Chál, or "Black Pit." Under the weight of heavy chains, in abominable conditions, as His fellow Bábís were daily sent to the executioner, Bahá’u’lláh witnessed a breathtaking vision. A glorious "Maid of Heaven" appeared, announcing Bahá’u’lláh’s Station as God’s newest Manifestation. Like the dove that appeared to Jesus Christ and the Angel Gabriel’s visitation to Muhammad, this vision marked the beginning of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

Upon release from prison, Bahá’u’lláh faced immediate exile to Baghdad. Thus began nearly forty years of exile and hardship.

Bahá’u’lláh and His family were forced farther and farther from their home by authorities bent on squelching the Bahá’í Faith and its loyal adherents.

Finally, Bahá’u’lláh and His companions arrived in the Holy Land, confined to the dismal penal colony of Acre, Israel. Each successive exile, though intended to silence Bahá’u’lláh, actually led to the growth of His Faith, as larger numbers of people became acquainted with the Bahá’í Teachings.

Throughout His life, Bahá’u’lláh revealed a constant stream of Sacred Writings. He confirmed the essential unity of all religions, explained mysteries of the Bible and the Koran, and proclaimed the exalted Station of God’s previous Manifestations, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. He encouraged the independent investigation of truth. In Tablets sent to several of the world’s kings and rulers, He urged them to resolve their differences and presented principles for establishing world peace.

He brought to light new standards of unity, promoting the oneness of humanity, the equality of women and men, universal education, the elimination of extreme wealth and poverty, and the adoption of a universal auxiliary language.

Conclusion next month.