In an effort to increase my monthly contribution to the National Fund, I took an extra part-time job!

Even ‘all’ is not enough

To the Editor:

I was distressed to learn ... that virtually no funds had been sent by December for early completion of the $1.5 million donation to the Universal House of Justice.

In an effort to increase my monthly contribution to the National Fund, I took an extra part-time job. Although it will pay well, it does not start until January.

While feeling frustrated by the late starting date, I learned that I had received a merit award of $2,000.

I first decided to send half of it toward early completion of the $1.5 million goal, but as I was writing the check I remembered two stories told by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

The first was the story of Ella Bailey and how she had sent half her life savings to the Fund, then later sent the rest of it anyway.

The second was the story of Eduardo Durante Viera, the first African martyr. After recounting that story, Mr. Sears spoke of the martyrs in Iran who did not ask, “How much of my blood shall I give today? Ten per cent? Twenty per cent?’ They gave it all—all they had.

After remembering these stories and knowing that the same martyrdom is continuing today, 50 per cent—even 100 per cent—seems too small!

Name withheld by request New York

(The American Bahá’í, Volume 18, Issue 2)