'Abdu'l-Baha

The call raised by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the early part of the 20^th century for swift, courageous, and loving action by the Bahá'ís in North America was the impetus for a thousand fold increase in the family of the followers of Baha'u'llah. By the end of the century, members of that family would encompass the entire Western hemisphere, from Alaska in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south. That company of heroic souls who first arose to carry out 'Abdu'l-Baha's vision for the spiritual upliftment of the Americas have left today's pioneers a continent-wide path in which to tread.

Explore with us the lives of those early pioneers who traveled to South America, women and men, young and old, who faced disease, considerable physical discomfort, barriers of gender and language, loneliness, and, often, the gratitude of thousands for bringing their message of peace and hope.

The US and Chilean Baha'i communities share a long and loving history of service, beginning with Martha Root's visit in 1919, the first visit by a Baha'i to that beautiful land. We now have the opportunity to learn more about that history.

The Office of the Treasurer is pleased to share with you a short biography of Marcia Steward, the first Baha'i to pioneer in Chile. An Enchantment of the Heart, tenderly written by Janet Ruhe-Schoen, is a profile both of Marcia Steward's hard won achievements in her path of service, as well as the arduous life led by pioneers in those exciting yet challenging times.

An Enchantment of the Heart is offered in an easily downloadable PDF format, complete with photos of the story's protagonists and the countries visited.

Click here to download An Enchantment of the Heart.