by Lucas Hess
Subud California was begun in 1958 when Bapak first visited. It was incorporated in the state of California in November of that year, making us 58 years old as an organization. To my memory, we have never had a birthday party for the Region. I’m proposing we have one this year.
My proposal is simple. For every year that you personally have been opened and attending latihan, donate one dollar to the Region. I believe that our common experience in the latihan is worth a dollar a year as an expression of thanks to everyone who has served us so well in our Regional organization over the years. So, from me, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SUBUD CALIFORNIA AND EVERYONE IN THIS REGION WHO HAS TAKEN ON ONE OF THE REGIONAL JOBS SO ESSENTIAL TO OUR WELL BEING.
For myself, without Subud, I would have been dead many years ago. Every day I wake up I owe to this miracle of caring granted us by Almighty God.
Thank you Bapak, for surrendering and being willing to spend the rest of your life explaining to us all what we had received. Thank you each and every Regional helper, Regional Chairman, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Councilor, Congress Chair and all those who have toiled for out benefit, often without any thanks or acknowledgment from us. This birthday gift is for all of you and all of you to come to let you know we do care and do know how much work it is to run this organization well.
For me, it harkens back to my being opened in Salt Lake City in 1968. We had a coffee can in the middle of the kitchen table in the small house we rented. After latihan, someone would say, “well, that latihan was worth a buck” and drop a dollar in the can. After all these years I can honestly say, “well, those years were worth a buck a year.” I’m sure if I send a check the Region can find a coffee can to put it in.
My love and affection to each of you.
Lucas Hess
p.s. If you are moved to send a birthday donation (peraps on your own birthday this year), you can send a check to the Subud California Regional Office (PO Box 2327, Livermore, CA 94551-2329) or donate via Paypal on the Subud CA website.