An inspiring collection of personal stories of elder Bahá’ís whose commitment and service laid the foundations of the Bahá’í Faith around the world.

'That most precious of gifts is attainment unto His unfailing guidance, that the inner reality of humankind should become as a niche to hold this lamp; and when the scattering splendours of this light do beat against the bright glass of the heart, the heart s purity maketh the beams to blaze out even stronger than before, and to shine in glory on the minds and souls of men.'
'Abdu l-Bahá

We are living the future that the elders envisioned when they, themselves, were young. What was that vision? What did they do to make it a reality? What made them adopt a new religion, perhaps in the face of opposition from family and friends, and spend the rest their lives serving it? What insights can they offer to inspire rising generations?

These are the questions Heather Cardin asked elder Bahá'ís around the world. She invited them to share their stories of how and why they became Bahá'ís, their adventures as they lived a new life, often far from their homes, and what the Bahá'í Faith has meant to them.

These are the authentic, powerful voices of elder people as they look back on their many years as Bahá'ís helping lay the foundation of the Faith in different parts of the world, and as they look forward to their role in the 21st century.

That most precious of gifts is attainment unto His unfailing guidance, that the inner reality of humankind should become as a niche to hold this lamp; and when the scattering splendours of this light do beat against the bright glass of the heart, the heart’s purity maketh the beams to blaze out even stronger than before, and to shine in glory on the minds and souls of men. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá We are living the future that the elders envisioned when they, themselves, were young. What was that vision? What did they do to make it a reality? What made them adopt a new religion, perhaps in the face of opposition from family and friends, and spend the rest their lives serving it? What insights can they offer to inspire rising generations? These are the questions Heather Cardin asked elder Bahá’ís around the world. She invited them to share their stories of how and why they became Bahá’ís, their adventures as they lived a new life, often far from their homes, and what the Bahá’í Faith has meant to them. These are the authentic, powerful voices of elder people as they look back on their many years as Bahá’ís helping lay the foundation of the Faith in different parts of the world, and as they look forward to their role in the 21st century.