Date: July 25, 2020; July 26, 2020; July 27, 2020
Time: 1:00 – 3:15 pm
Presenters: Joan and Albert Lincoln
“In a day such as this, when the tempests of trials and tribulations have encompassed the world, and fear and trembling have agitated the planet, ye must arise above the horizon of firmness and steadfastness with illumined faces and radiant brows in such wise that, God Willing, the gloom of fear and consternation may be entirely obliterated, and the light of assurance may dawn above the manifest horizon and shine resplendently.” [‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted by the Universal House of Justice in its message dated Naw-Ruz 177 (2020 C.E.)]
What role do the current tests and calamities play in our lives and those of our friends, neighbours and associates? Why are they necessary? What is expected of us in these trying times? How can we break out of our comfort zones and learn to elevate our conversations, addressing the issues and challenges currently facing humanity? How can we follow ever more closely the advice and example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?
The course attempts to address these and other questions in three 45-minute keynote presentations, each followed by a one-hour breakout session during which participants will study and discuss materials related to the subject of the presentation. The course starts with a general overview of the conceptual framework, followed by closer look at the guidance provided by the Universal House of Justice since the onset of the current pandemic and concludes with a discussion of the practical issues we all face in rising to the challenges before us on a day-to-day basis. The titles of the three sessions are as follows:
- Understanding God’s Major Plan and the Role of Calamities
- What is Expected of Us in Such Trying Times?
- Responding to the Call of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His Example
Bio: After embracing the Bahá’í Faith as university students, Joan and Albert Lincoln spent more than four decades overseas: 23 years living and working in France and French-speaking Africa (Central African Republic, Cameroon and Ivory Coast), followed by 20 years of service at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. They have three married children and seven grandchildren between the ages of 12 and 20, who currently live in Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
At the Bahá’í World Centre, Mrs. Lincoln served as a Counselor-Member of the International Teaching Centre. In this capacity, she travelled extensively, visiting Bahá’í communities in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific in support of their efforts to develop their human resources and strengthen their community life. Mrs. Lincoln studied classical music as an undergraduate and later earned a Master’s Degree in African Ethnomusicology from the University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. She has been actively involved in music all her life and maintains a keen interest in chamber music, improvisation and composition.
In his capacity as Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community, Dr. Lincoln represented the elected international governing body of the Bahá’í Faith in international forums and interactions with Heads of State and Government, diplomats, high officials and leaders of thought from many parts of the world. He was also responsible for managing the host country relations of the Bahá’í World Centre, including dealings with national and municipal authorities, local media, Jewish and Arab community leaders, and organizations of civil society.
Before moving to the Holy Land, Dr. Lincoln practiced law for 23 years in France and African, serving a clientele comprised of international institutions, embassies and multi‐national corporations, as well as local businesses and individuals of many nationalities. His litigation experience included the defense of political and religious dissidents, as well as former officials put on public trial following a change of regime. He was called upon to respond, on behalf of the Bahá’í International Community, to serious threats to religious freedom in various parts of Central and West Africa.
The Lincolns returned to the United States in January 2014 and now live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where they are involved in activities of the local Baháʼí community while travelling nationally and internationally to address a variety of audiences, facilitate courses and seminars, and consult with Baháʼí institutions.
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