BLOOMINGTON, IL  (FinalCall.com)�A group of 36 people given the assignment to examine and progress the Nation of Islam formally began its work in eight days of discussion, presentations and dialogue here at the beautiful Indian Lakes Resort, some 45 minutes outside Chicago.

But while the resort offered a golf course, swimming pool and other amenities, the Oct. 16-24 proceedings of the Commission for the Restructuring and Reorganization of the Nation offered no time for such leisure.

The proceedings were called "God in the Midst: A Conference of Dialogue" and dealt with change and growth based on atonement. The Commissioners�chosen from a broad array of areas, parts of the country, areas of expertise and concern�usually met roughly for 10-12 hours a day in formal sessions. But the work continued over dinner meetings, out of session work groups, private discussions and in report preparations as the group went about its mission. One session convened at 9 a.m. did not end until after 11 p.m.

Throughout the proceedings, which featured passionate and spirited debate, Commissioners copied profuse notes and the clicking of lap top computer keys was a constant sound�an indicator of the need to keep track of issues, topics and the schedule of the meetings. Participants were instructed to listen for God coming through one another during discussions. They apologized to one another when they recognized that mistakes were made or the wrong words were spoken.

Points and recommendations for improving the Nation were logged and a spirit of common cause grew over the long days and nights of deliberations. In truth, some Commissioners admitted concern and even skepticism as the Nation embarked on an operation never done before.

But by the time the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan finished meeting with the group Oct. 24 in the Superior Ballroom, the Commissioners unanimously voiced approval for the spirit, method and scope of the deliberations. They also expressed their appreciation and commitment to assist the Minister in any way he deemed necessary. The deliberations were based on the concept of "lawful dialogue" to facilitate an exchange of ideas to arrive and agree upon the truth as a ruling principle. It was designed to facilitate input from all those involved, and in line with the spiritual concept of the presence of God when believers gather in his name.

As one sign of the Commission�s work, about halfway through the 18 sessions of its scheduled activity, over 6,000 total pages of documents had been copied and distributed to Commissioners for their review, study and correction.

That work laid the foundation for roughly 19 task forces and special committees to help the Commission do its reorganization work. Though the Commission�s work was arduous, it kept focus on the need for staying at the spiritual center, with Sheik Ahmed Tijani leading prayers in the prescribed time and manner, and learned the value of teamwork through a lesson from music instructor Lestine Muhammad.

Min. Farrakhan, with Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad serving as Commission chairman, appointed the Commission members. Other members of the Commission include Muslim pioneer Lucius Bey, the dean of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad�s ministers; Akmal Muhammad, an engineering student and masters� candidate, who is also the son of the late Final Call Editor Abdul Wali Muhammad; Sis. Virginia Muhammad of Boston; Min. Don Muhammad of Boston; Min. Richard Muhammad of Cleveland; Min. Akbar Muhammad, the Nation�s International Representative; Min. Hilary Muhammad of London; Dr. Gregory Muhammad of Phoenix; Aleatha Muhammad of Chicago; Georgette Muhammad of New York; Min. Christopher Muhammad of San Francisco; Michael Muhammad of Washington, D.C.; Min. David Muhammad of Richmond, Calif; pioneer Wahid Muhammad of St. Louis; conference administrator Lydia Muhammad of Washington, D.C.; Dannette Muhammad of Washington, D.C.; Obiozor Okeke Muhammad of Washington, D.C., Min. Rodney Muhammad of Philadelphia; Jehron Muhammad of Philadelphia; Barbara Muhammad of Chester, Penn.; Min. Yusef Muhammad of Springfield, Mass.; Shawn Muhammad of Prince George�s County, Md.; Malik Muhammad of Columbus, Ohio; Gregory Muhammad of Chicago; Muhammad Farms Manager Ridgely Muhammad; Min. Dawud Muhammad of Detroit; Alan Muhammad of Springfield, Mass.; Jackie Muhammad of Washington, D.C.; National Protocol Director Claudette Muhammad; Rory Muhammad of Washington, D.C.; Min. Abdul Halim Muhammad of Buffalo, N.Y.; Nation of Islam General Counsel A. Arif Muhammad; Min. Lee Muhammad of Charlotte, N.C.; Cedric Muhammad of Washington, D.C.; and Final Call Co-Editor Richard Muhammad.