‘And cometh out of doubt into certitude, and turn from the darkness of illusion to the guiding light of the fear of God’. What better way to describe the amazing experience of the three-year certificate program held at the Yerrinbool Baha’i Centre of Learning in January. On applying to the course I was not sure what exactly to expect only that it was an avenue for deepening oneself in Baha’u’llah’s dispensation and gaining a greater understanding of other religions, thus a course that would allow me to become a better teacher of this mighty Cause. And yes, it was this and more. I was on the edge of my seat many a time throughout the whole experience, a divine story being laid out in front of me for one’s taking- a view of God’s plan for humanity through His many teachings.

One does not only get a chance to study Islam and Christianity but also establishes how these are interrelated with the Baha’i Faith. We were taken back in time to experience the life of The Bab before His glorious announcement to the world in 1844 and witnessed the events that led up to his Martyrdom. We studied Baha’u’llah’s genealogy and saw how He fulfilled the many prophecies. We shed tears on the accounts of the great suffering the early believers had to endure. We walked Baha’u’llah’s Seven Valleys and attained insight never before reached. We were honoured with speeches from members of the NSA and other distinguished guests. An aspect of the course that I did not anticipate is the people one has the great bounty of not only meeting but also getting to know over the eleven day residential.

The frustrating side of knowledge is that once you acquire a drop from the endless ocean you realise how little you know, this helps feed the unquenchable thirst one develops. I am glad that it is the THREE-year certificate course and thus I still have time to somewhat satisfy an unsatisfiable craving.

John Brady - First year student