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 Lila on the Terraces in Haifa, Israel
“The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the lifeblood of those nascent institutions which you are labouring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end.” (Compilations, Principles of Bahá’í Administration, p. 82)
The idea of funds as described by the beloved Guardian as the “Lifeblood of the Cause” takes on a new meaning for Lila Kirkpatrick from Maryland. When the Kingdom Project was first introduced at the beginning of the Five Year Plan, 95-year-old Lila wanted to do everything she could to support it, but she knew that she could only spare a little bit of her limited funds every month.
So, Lila made a monthly pledge to the Kingdom Project. When she received a letter acknowledging her pledge, she realized that she would be 100 years old before it was fulfilled!
“I knew I was a Bahá’í and I wanted to do what was right. I wanted to do the best I could,” Lila said, when asked why she supported the Kingdom Project so sacrificially. Lila turned 100 years old this past May, 2005. She not only fulfilled her pledge, but was able to go on pilgrimage in Haifa for her 100th birthday.
Lila, you have been “a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge.” Your inspirational story will sustain us all and help us to recognize the importance of giving sacrificially – no matter what our age or circumstance may be.
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