In November, I was interviewed by Aaron Lerner, a Palo Alto High School journalism student. He was assigned to write an article on our temple in Verde, his school magazine. I enjoyed our conversation during the week or so we met. He also interviewed several of our dharma school teachers and students. I share his engaging article of our temple life with you. The article can be found online at voice.paly.net.

Secondly, our temple has been actively involved in the BCA 21st Century Campaign. The five core initiatives of this Campaign are 1) ensuring a thriving Jodo Shinshu Buddhist ministry, 2) sustaining the new Jodo Shinshu Center, 3) strengthening Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the United States, 4) enhancing membership outreach, and 5) increasing self-reliance (of the BCA). Our temple committee and our participating members on this fundraising effor have actively participated in supporting our temple's responsibility and obligation to the Campaign.

Recently, I have been appraised of our increased participation in the Campaign. We have a reported 432 temple members. 254 members have pledged so far. These members represent 69.7% of our temple participation in the achieving our temple goal for the Campaign. This is a very impressive and encouraging response from our sangha.

I want to express, at this time, my thanks and gratitude for the generosity of the participating members of the Campaign. I also truly hope the other remaining members will join and participate in this worthy Campaign as an affirmation of our faith in the Nembutsu and its future development in our American life.