Bahá’í News/Issue 484/Text
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| No. 484 | BAHA’I YEAR 128 | JULY, 1971 |
Message from The Universal House of Justice to the Caribbean Conference[edit]
May 1971
To the Friends of God gathered in the Caribbean Conference
Warmest greetings!
How propitious that on its mountaintop between the two greatest oceans and the two American continents the Mother Temple of Latin America is rising now in Panama, a land blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy that “in the future it will gain great importance.” How splendid that the vision projected in the Divine Plan for the Americas has sprung into such vibrant life in this Caribbean basin, in country after country upon its verdant shores, in island after island across its expanse, all named by the Master in His Tablets. What shall we not witness ere long in these places so charged with destiny through the Master’s utterances!
The Nine Year Plan, the current stage in the unfoldment of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is approaching its triumphant end. This Conference is an occasion to sum up what has been won, to determine to achieve the remaining goals for expansion in these blessed lands,
At the reception given by the National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica for governmental officials of Jamaica and
Kingston. Left to right: Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States;
Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, Counsellor for Central America; Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem; His
Excellency Sir Clifford Campbell, Governor General of Jamaica; a delegate, unidentified.
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and to consolidate the old and new communities of the
Most Great Name. Indeed, the winning of our grand
Bahá’í objectives began just yesterday when, in the early
years of the Formative Age, a few travellers crossed the
Caribbean. Yet it was not until the successive Plans of
the beloved Guardian, culminating in the Ten Year Crusade, when 27 Knights of Bahá’u’lláh settled throughout
this vast area, that the Cause took firm root. By 1963
the countries and islands of the Caribbean claimed less
than 400 localities and only 147 local spiritual assemblies.
Now Bahá’ís are to be found in over 2500 localities,
more than 500 local assemblies and 16 national spiritual assemblies have been formed, and there have been
hundreds of concrete achievements which have brought
about our recognition as an independent Faith.
The Americas have been a melting pot and a meeting place for the races of men, and the need is acute for the fulfillment of God’s promises of the realization of the oneness of mankind. Particularly do the Master and the Guardian point to the Afro-Americans and the Amerindians, two great ethnic groups whose spiritual powers will be released through their response to the Creative Word. But our Teachings must touch all, must include all peoples. And, in this hour of your tireless activity, what special rewards shall come to those who will arise, summoned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Words: “Now is the time to divest yourselves of the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven, and travel and teach through all these regions.”
The time is short, the needs many. No effort can be foregone, no opportunity wasted. Praised be God that you have gathered in this Conference to consult upon the vital requirements of this highly significant moment. Our prayers ascend at the Holy Threshold that every session of this historic meeting will attract Divine Blessings, and that each soul, armed with the love of God and imbued with His purpose for a struggling mankind, will arise to activate, beyond all present hope, the vast spiritual potentialities of the Americas.
To each of you we send our deepest love.
Hand of the Cause Mr. John Robarts (left) and Dr. Daniel C. Jordan (center), Vice-Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, discuss the Faith with His Excellency Sir Clifford Campbell, Governor General of Jamaica before the opening of the conference.
Below, left to right: Counsellors Alfred Osborne, Artemus Lamb
and Carmen de Burafato of Central America; Hand of the Cause
Zikru’lláh Khádem; Counsellor Lloyd Gardiner of North America; and Counsellors for South America, Hooper Dunbar and Donald Witzel.
Mr. Eli Matalon, Mayor of Kingston, (center), receiving from
Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States (right), a scroll of greeting from the
Mayor of Miami, Florida, while Hands of the Cause Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem (left) and Mr. John Robarts and others look on.
Outstanding Achievements, Goals[edit]
From early reports from national conventions, we can see that two years ahead of the time set for completion of the Nine Year Plan, great progress has been made and many goals are exceeded. A glance at the incomplete score below confirms this. The information upon which this chart is based, was gained from the Bahá’í International News Service, No. 38, from Haifa, Israel, except information about the U.S.A. Other National Assemblies not listed may have much to rejoice about, but the information was not given so that it could be listed in this manner.
Bolivia enrolled more than 11,400 this year.
Ghana more than doubled the Assemblies and the locations where Bahá’ís reside this last year, now making 29 Assemblies and 107 localities.
Guatemala doubled the number of believers in their country over last year, doubled the number of Assemblies and locations where Bahá’ís live.
| Nine Year Plan | Goals | Achieved |
| Argentina | ||
| Assemblies | 18 | 21 |
| Localities | 50 | 100 |
| Belize | ||
| Assemblies | 8 | 27 |
| Localities | 25 | 34 |
| Chad | ||
| Assemblies | 50 | 96 |
| Localities | 250 | 300 |
| Chile | ||
| Assemblies | 25 | 42 |
| Costa Rica | ||
| Assemblies | 45 | 50 |
| Localities | 100 | 115 |
| Ecuador | ||
| Assemblies | 125 | 131 |
| Jamaica | ||
| Assemblies | 18 | 23 |
| Nine Year Plan | Goals | Achieved |
| Rhodesia | ||
| Assemblies | 50 | 95 |
| Localities | 125 | 175 |
| Sweden | ||
| Assemblies | 8 | 9 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | ||
| Assemblies | 12 | 27 |
| Localities | 60 | 77 |
| Uganda | ||
| Assemblies | 1,500 | 1,541 |
| U.S.A. | ||
| Assemblies | 600 | 839 |
| Localities | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Vietnam | ||
| Assemblies | 400 | 601 |
| Localities | 900 | 1,495 |
| Venezuela | ||
| Assemblies | 49 | 117 |
| (Achieved goal in 1970) | ||
First National Spiritual Assembly of Sudan[edit]
Members of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sudan. Seated, left to right: Mr. Merghani Osman, Mr. Shawkey Hassan Marrei, Mrs. Nawal Marrei, Mr. Hassan El-Said, Mr. Mosa Osman. Standing: Mr.
Rashid Ali Hassib, Mr. Said El-Said, Mr. Said Ahmed Shalabi, Mr. Mohamed Hassan.
Taiwan - Fifth Convention[edit]
The Fifth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Taiwan was successfully held on May 1-2 at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Taipei.
This first post-incorporated National Convention was attended and assisted by Mr. McHenry III, Continental Board of Counsellors member for the North East Asia, from Korea and also by Mrs. R. Suleimani, Auxiliary Board member from Tainan.
Present at the morning session of the second day of the convention was Mr. Lee Ruilin, representative of the Taipei special Municipality, who, being requested by the Chairman of the Convention, addressed the gathering. Mr. Ruilin first expressed his happiness at being able to attend the first National Bahá’í Convention after its incorporation. He said that the Bahá’í Faith was first introduced in China about fifty years ago. “The principles and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith are agreeable to Chinese people,” he said, “so the Government granted incorporation. By-laws of its social organization are like the constitution of a nation. The Bahá’í by-laws are the only complete ones among those incorporated by the Government.” He added that he was in charge of incorporation of religions. “Elections in the Bahá’í Faith” he said “are conducted in the best democratic manner which none of the other religions have. The Bahá’í Faith is the seventh incorporated religion in Taiwan. On behalf of the Government, he hopes” he added, “that the Bahá’í Faith may rapidly spread throughout the country....”
New National Spiritual Assembly members of Taiwan. Left to
right: Mr. Tsao Kai-ming, Lt. Col. Russel Weedlun, Mrs. Mehri
Molin, Mr. Kuo Long-hui, S. A. Suleimani, Mr. Victor Tom, Mrs.
Elizabeth Yen, Mr. Lin Yi-mou, Mr. Kit Yim-kiang.
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Trinidad and Tobago[edit]
National Assembly members, standing, left to right: Mr. Joel Caverly, Treasurer; Miss Shamsi Sedaghat, Chairman;
Mrs. Nikou Amarsingh (Raoofian), Recording Secretary; Mr. Leopold Fraser, Secretary. Sitting, left to right: Mr.
Ramdass Ramkissoon; Mrs. Gloreen Richards; Mr. Laciford Rock, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Alma Lyons; Dr. Lavern
Johnson.
Spiritually Conquer Alaska - First Bahá’í Country[edit]
Theme Alaska Convention[edit]
Cable from Alaska Convention to The Universal House of Justice:
GRATEFUL PRESENCE CONVENTION COUNSELLOR MAYBERRY AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS BROWN CALDWELL ANDERSON THEME CONVENTION SPIRITUALLY CONQUER ALASKA FIRST BAHÁ’Í COUNTRY ALASKA FELT UNFOLDING LIFE CAUSE GOD EXPERIENCING THRILLING DEVELOPMENTS PROCLAMATION LAUNCHED FIVE NEW ASSEMBLIES EXTENSIVE PROGRAM COMING YEAR DEEPENING ADMINISTRATION YOUTH INSTITUTES FIFTY DEDICATED BELIEVERS ARISING TOTALLY COMMITTED FULFILL CONVENTION THEME. $2000 RAISED INTERNATIONAL FUND $4000 SUPPORT THEME ATTENDANCE 175 33 DELEGATES 39 LOCALITIES
DEEPLY MOVED BOLD SPIRIT ALASKA CONVENTION
MOST HAPPY PORTENT GREAT PROGRESS TWO YEARS
REMAINING PLAN APPLAUD DYNAMIC PROGRAM FORMULATED GENEROSITY FRIENDS SUPPORT ALL OBJECTIVES ASSURE LOVING PRAYERS YOUR ABUNDANT
CONFIRMATION BLESSED BEAUTY
The Alaska fifteenth Convention was described as
glorious, evidencing an unusual unity and zeal. As described by Mrs. Florence Mayberry, Counsellor, “It was
featured by the flame of a spirit which impelled delegates, the National Assembly and all who witnessed the
Convention to reach for new heights of dedication in
order to peer at ‘those enthralling vistas at present
beyond the horizon’ referred to in the Supreme Body’s
Riḍván Message.”
The Riḍván message was read through and discussed at the beginning of the Convention. Later it was voted to read the Message again, each paragraph by a different delegate, and immediately after it was read, discussed in depth. The message sparked the entire Convention.
When Auxiliary Board member Jenabe Caldwell responded to the Convention’s request that he address them regarding Alaska’s potentialities, he became a firebrand which set ablaze the torch of dedication. He called on every believer to take part in causing Alaska “to become the first all-Bahá’í nation in the world.” First he outlined the speedy accomplishment of the few remaining goals of the Nine Year Plan along with those newly assigned by the Universal House of Justice, then the campaign to conquer Alaska spiritually.
He presented it as the Army of Light on the march, outlining a battle plan with scouts, supply depots, training fields, signifying early pioneers, institutes for consolidation, etc. He indicated ways those who must stay at home can serve such as deepening and prayer, deputization, baby-sitting.
The National Spiritual Assembly at Convention shared its ideas, problems, joys and hopes with the body of the believers, and the believers responded with love and stalwart backing, making a wondrous unit.
On the last day of the Convention fifty persons arose to dedicate their time, money and prayers to the objective of spiritually conquering Alaska. Their aim was to do this within the time of the Nine Year Plan.
Delegates were from the following backgrounds: Tlingit Indian, Eskimo, Japanese-Tlingit, Chinese, Negro, Caucasian, Christian and Jewish. In addition to Counsellor Mayberry and Auxiliary Board member Caldwell, two additional Board members, Howard Brown and Ted Anderson of the Yukon Territory contributed to the excellence of this convention.
Immediately after the Convention, the Alaska National Spiritual Assembly met and planned a campaign of action in detail with map, names and time schedule; met with committees; communicated these detailed plans to each believer of Alaska.
Areas to receive proclamation activity within the next few months are the highway system and villages in the neighborhood of Unalaska on the Aleutian Chain. Teams of Bahá’ís will travel from village to village putting on a program, demonstrating the oneness of mankind and the love and unity that can exist through Bahá’u’lláh.
Areas selected for immediate “conquering” will have sent to them ten or fifteen believers (each one representing a regiment) who will move into base camp and will live there as long as necessary for victory. An institute will be established in the immediate vicinity and this will serve as a “training camp” for new recruits. As the Army grows it will spread out to the other villages in the area constantly sending back new recruits to the training camp. At this stage of the campaign, victory will be considered accomplished when sufficient believers have enrolled to ensure the formation of an Assembly.
Yukon Basin will be a target area for this summer, a project which is practically impossible in winter as subzero weather makes living in tents out of the question and darkness makes flying exceedingly hazardous.
Following victory, a security force of one or two believers will be left behind to continue the deepening process, remaining as long as needed so victory will be maintained.
Canary Islands[edit]
Winter school held in the Canary Islands, 1971.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands.
Fragrance of Gratitude — Theme Convention U.S.A.[edit]
Cables to and from The Universal House of Justice[edit]
|
REJOICE MAGNIFICENT VICTORIES ACHIEVED VIBRANT AMERICAN COMMUNITY PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE BREAKTHROUGH AREAS RURAL SOUTH SIGNIFICANT GOAL WON OFFSHORE COMMUNITIES WARMLY APPRECIATE GENEROUS ASSISTANCE DAUGHTER ASSEMBLY CARIBBEAN LOVING PRAYERS BEHALF DELEGATES FRIENDS ASSEMBLED CONVENTION —Universal House of Justice
April 30, 1971 |
|
ALL ASSEMBLED VICTORIOUS SIXTY SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION INCLUDING COUNSELLOR TRUE AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL WEIGHTY INSPIRING LOVING MESSAGE AUGUST INSTITUTION VOW REDOUBLED EFFORTS NEW HOMEFRONT VICTORIES. OFFER NEW AID INTERNATIONAL GOALS NINE YEAR PLAN BRING WAITING MULTITUDES INTO HIS FOLD BEG CONTINUED PRAYERS HOLIEST SHRINES —Delegates United States Convention
May 1, 1971 |
|
WARMLY WELCOME PLEDGE DELEGATES REDOUBLE EFFORTS HOMEFRONT ADDITIONAL AID INTERNATIONAL GOALS FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING BLESSED BEAUTY SHOWER BLESSINGS CONFIRMATIONS LABORS MUCH LOVED AMERICAN COMMUNITY —Universal House of Justice
May 5, 1971 |
A spirit of boundless joyousness pervaded Foundation Hall in the Wilmette House of Worship as the 62nd Annual National Convention began on Thursday evening, April 29. All the delegates were eager to tell of triumphs achieved after hard work in winning new assemblies. The news had raced like wild-fire even before the Convention that instead of stopping at the goal of 600 assemblies for the Nine Year Plan with two more years to go, the Bahá’ís of the United States had actually overshot the goal possibly as much as 200! Old-timers
Counsellor Miss Edna True and Auxiliary Board member, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin.
Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, elected Chairman of the Convention and National Chairman.
inwardly recalled the last-minute scrambles which had
occurred in earlier campaigns. This spirit of joyousness
and gratitude pervaded the sessions to the end of the
Convention on Sunday afternoon.
This was the first Convention at which attendance had to be limited for lack of space. The result was that the conversation din characteristic of earlier conventions was considerably subdued, which produced a more comfortable atmosphere in which to conduct the business of the Convention.
On Thursday evening occurred the usual preliminaries; the roll call of delegates, the election of permanent Chairman and Secretary who were respectively, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh and Mr. Glenford Mitchell. The proposed agenda was approved. The Riḍván Message sent by The Universal House of Justice was beautifully read by Mrs. Anita Ioas Chapman.
Miss Edna True of the Continental Board of Counsellors who was introduced set the keynote and first mentioned “the fragrance of gratitude.” Noting the victories, she stated we must now go on to great things, and
Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, elected Secretary of the Convention and National Secretary.
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said that we would be empowered to do this if we are
united. She closed with a quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“If ye be truly united ... your power will penetrate the
realities of all things.”
Annual Report[edit]
Friday morning session was the time for the annual report by the National Secretary, Mr. Glenford Mitchell. The full text of this report was printed in the June issue of NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW. He announced that we had doubled our membership and the number of Assemblies. These were compared with last year:
| Last Year | This Year | ||
| gained or restored | 87 | gained or restored | 346 |
| lost | 10 | lost | 24 |
The most spectacular gain, it was noted, is in the South. It appeared that South Carolina went from eight assemblies to more than 100.
230 College Bahá’í Clubs and twenty-two High School Bahá’í Clubs are now in existence.
A tape recorded by Hand of the Cause William Sears made for those planning to be aboard the chartered ship en route to the Jamaica Conference was played as his greeting to the Convention. It was an enthralling tape ending with these words: “This is the day! These are the hours! We are the people!”
Bahá’í Publications[edit]
A standing ovation was given to Mrs. Eunice Braun who is resigning (not retiring) from her nineteen years of service in charge of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States. Chairman Kazemzadeh, in introducing Mrs. Braun said that she had built her own tribute to her business acumen and service to the Faith by managing to provide funds from publishing to purchase the building which now houses Bahá’í Publications. He noted the exquisite taste, the inexpensiveness of our printed matter, due to her services, which are appreciated here and around the world. Mrs. Braun stated that she had tried to make Bahá’í literature as attractive as possible, as inexpensive as possible and published as quickly as possible. She noted that literature sales now come in the neighborhood of a half-million a year, and praised the cooperation of Russell Busey who will succeed her. The resignation will not take effect immediately.
The Fund[edit]
Friday afternoon was given over to a discussion of the Fund, led by Dr. Dwight Allen. This was one area where joy was dampened in the realization of our failure to
Mrs. Eunice Braun, Manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
fully meet our commitment to the International Fund.
It had already been resolved next year to give The
Universal House of Justice priority over other expenditures. So preoccupied were the delegates with the Fund
that this topic kept coming up in later discussions.
Dr. Allen was equipped with figures, charts and a sheaf of literature. He said the per capita contribution last year was $72, and that some time during the year 506 assemblies contributed. The two million dollar budget last year was, in fact for a thirteen month year.
Dr. Daniel Jordan spoke on the spiritual foundation of giving and quoted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “We take on the attributes of the thing to which we make sacrifices.” He stated that giving to the Fund will sustain spiritual growth. He said that treasurers have not understood the importance of feed-back, and people need to know where their money goes.
The possibility of a period of austerity was suggested such as that initiated by the Guardian when summer schools were suspended and only the BAHÁ’Í NEWS continued. Coming up, however, are unavoidable expenses. Due to increase of members we need our own computer, which will be operational in the fall, installation of which is a one-time large expense. A Wats line is being installed which will give unlimited outgoing long distance phone calls, at a sum not much greater than that already being spent on calls. Regional offices for various services will gradually be established.
Motion was made that the budget be increased to $2,500,000 but this was voted down and instead the budget proposed by the National Spiritual Assembly of $2,250,000 was approved by the Convention. It was noted that nothing would prohibit over-subscribing the budget.
Newly elected members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. Left to right, Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary; Dr. Sarah M. Pereira; Dr. Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer; Dr. Dwight Allen; Miss Magdalene Carney; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Franklin Kahn; Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Chairman.
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Registration desk.
Mrs. Augusta Riegel and Mrs. Margaret Sikes, who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Counsellor Miss Edna True standing at right.
Teaching[edit]
Throughout the convention interest was high in the know-how of mass teaching. Auxiliary Board member Paul Pettit compared the old way, when you first make a friend then tell him of the Faith, to today when you tell him before he gets to know you. Dr. Jordan commented that with the old way it was thought necessary to fan alive a spark of interest but with today’s teaching you expect the spark to be there. One delegate explained: “Tell who Bahá’u’lláh was, why He came, what the Faith is designed to do.”
Another delegate reminded the Convention that victories in the South were watered by the tears of frustrations and heartbreak of earlier believers, some of whom were present, others in the Abhá kingdom.
Eleanor Lombard said that we must approach new believers very humbly as their hearts are very pure. It is necessary to show forth divine love as much as possible. She said that unless the new believers feel at-one with you, they will not come to meetings. It is necessary to get them started. It was pointed out that some new believers cannot take the books and pull out of them what they need, that some are semi-literate and need simple, clear literature.
For that part of the agenda indicated for Teaching, the secretary of the National Teaching Committee, Richard Betts, made a brief introduction of a singing group who had been successful in mass teaching in the South. They sang about six songs including prayers and words of Bahá’u’lláh set to music, and some others called “deepening songs.”
Mrs. Eileen Norman of the International Goals Committee said that kinds of teaching in the United States have become prototypes in other parts of the world. She said that nationalism is growing in many countries and that it is against the law in certain localities for an American to get a job. These places require pioneers who either have independent income or are deputized. In some localities in South America a pioneer can manage on $100 a month, but in Africa $200 to $250 a month is required. She mentioned that some communities send $25 or $50 a month for deputization of a pioneer. She also outlined exciting plans for the approaching chartered ship to be used for travel to the Jamaica Conference.
Saturday Sessions[edit]
During the voting period Saturday morning, all non-delegates went to the auditorium of Central School where Mr. Salvatore Pelle, as Chairman of the National Teaching Committee introduced members of that committee, explaining their functions. Afterwards a forty-five minute slide production was shown, which was repeated for the delegates Sunday morning. This was prepared by the Office of Youth and Student Activities, part of the National Teaching Committee. It depicted the imperfections of the old order and its materialism, leading up to the terrific impact of a catastrophe (excellent symphonic effects here), as an introduction to the Faith. The latter part showed mass teaching in action. When viewed at Convention on Sunday morning a motion was passed that it be released for showing as it would be of special interest to colleges and TV stations.
Saturday afternoon the Chairman introduced two visitors who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Mrs. Margaret Sikes of Chicago who became a believer in 1905 and Mrs. Augusta Riegel of Decatur, Illinois who made her declaration in 1908 in the home of Lua Getsinger. At the age of eleven, Mrs. Sikes attended the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago when the first mention of Bahá’u’lláh was made in this country. She made a few remarks to the Convention, quoting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “Unity is the most important thing. For unity, consultation is necessary. Do not consider your own capacity but
Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, Dr. Dorothy W. Nelson and Dr. Dwight Allen of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Miss Magdalene Carney and Miss Charlotte Linfoot after being re-elected to the National Spiritual Assembly.
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arise to serve and the confirmations of the Supreme
Concourse will descend upon you.”
Richard Lewellen was just in from the Convention of Hawaii and told of letters of welcome there from the Governor and Mayor. On the last day of the legislature both houses passed a bill recognizing the Bahá’í New Year. He reported that all goals were won in Hawaii.
Dr. Sarah Pereira had just returned from the Convention in Haiti, sent as a special representative of The Universal House of Justice.
Morality and the Covenant[edit]
The challenge of Bahá’í morality was discussed at length. Chairman Kazemzadeh told the convention that the breakdown in authority in the world comes from the repudiation of the spiritual teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. He quoted from the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, page 24 and from The Advent of Divine Justice, page 19. He stated that there is great danger to new Bahá’ís unless they know the Covenant. Also he stated that the success of any Bahá’í plan depends upon chaste and holy lives, and daily vigilance to combat traces of moral laxity we find all around us.
Dr. Jordan reminded us that if the law is broken we should not try to justify it. He urged all to clearly state what is expected, then to follow up. Deepening is getting a clear appreciation of God’s purpose in life and this gives meaning to life and will change behavior; it puts us in touch with reality.
Miscellaneous[edit]
Dr. Collestan reminded the convention of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement that what happens at meal time is reinforced, and that we can give our children Bahá’í virtues while at the table. If they hear harsh words, this feeling is reinforced.
Miss Linfoot stated that local assemblies can best help the National Spiritual Assembly by developing efficiency in their local work and asked that the friends refrain from asking questions already answered in the books.
Several times there was mention of Jewish people as a minority we should not neglect, suggesting that the time may be ripe for them. A desire was expressed to have additional literature which would appeal to them.
Miss Carney made a masterful talk emphasizing the need to nurture the baby assemblies of the South “who hardly know they have been born.”
The Riḍván Feast was celebrated Saturday evening by beautiful readings in the House of Worship and the a capella choir, after which refreshments were served downstairs.
At the closing session Counsellor Miss Edna True and
Wyatt Cooper and some of his helpers serving meals to delegates.
Auxiliary Board members made brief talks. Dr. Peter
Khan warned that Bahá’ís must brace themselves
against attacks bound to be directed against the victorious march, which will include attacks from within, but
which will in turn produce greater victories. Authority
and direction flow from the Assembly, whereas power to
accomplish resides in the whole body of believers. The
Auxiliary Boards assist in releasing this power.
Miss Edna True reminded us that on this fiftieth anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá believers have begun entering the Faith in troops as He had foretold. “The two most important things we must embody,” she said, “are great love and obedience.” The session closed with a prayer for the departed for Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander.
The teller’s report announced the following as elected to the National Spiritual Assembly: Dr. Daniel C. Jordan as convenor, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Dr. Dorothy Nelson, Dr. Dwight Allen, Miss Magdalene Carney, Mr. Franklin Kahn, Dr. Sarah Pereira. When the Assembly announced its officers, there was one change: Dr. Dorothy Nelson is now Treasurer.
Mr. Salvatore Pelle presiding at the non-delegate meeting, Saturday morning. Seated, Mrs. Eileen Norman and Mrs. Kathleen Javid.
In the cafeteria line. At left is Mrs. Ruth Moffett, outstanding Bahá’í teacher who has given many years of dedicated service.
Chad National Convention[edit]
At the tiny village of Gassi 8 kms. outside of Fort Lamy, in a primitive but airy and spacious Convention Hall constructed of straw matting and rough wooden supports, on land donated to the Faith by the village Chief—a Bahá’í—the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Chad was held from April 30 through May 2, 1971. Thus protected from the searing desert winds and sun, the Bahá’ís of Chad joyfully gathered in love and unity to participate in this historic event—the formation of their first National Spiritual Assembly, to bask in the radiant love of Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, representing the Universal House of Justice, and to be inspired by the wise counsel and loving guidance of Continental Counselor Mehdi Samandarí.
For the two pioneers who had come to this land-locked country on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in December, 1967, to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, the formation of this new pillar of the Faith brought special joy. Hampered by language difficulties (teaching was done in French, a language foreign to them), lack of transportation, difficult living conditions, progress was at first slow. But through the bounteous blessings of Bahá’u’lláh and patient work, they had found seven believers by Riḍván of 1968. By Riḍván of 1969 the lamps lighted by these first seven had attracted nearly 1200 other waiting souls and Chad had thirteen local spiritual assemblies, sixty-three localities in which Bahá’ís resided and 1700 believers. In 1970, spurred on by the announcement of the Universal House of Justice that Chad would be permitted to form its own National Spiritual Assembly in 1971, at Riḍván of this year ninety-six local spiritual assemblies had been elected, 300 localities opened to the Faith and the number of believers swollen to more than 8000.
Arriving at Gassi by truck, bicycle and on foot, the delegates and participants attended for two days prior to the convention, a very successful teaching conference during which they were instructed and deepened in preparation for the convention itself. Interpreters translated from French or English into three different languages—Chadian Arab, Kenga, and Sara—so that all could understand the lectures. Throughout the five days of conference and convention, attentive groups of Bahá’í children from the village sat quietly on the sandy floor, breaking silence only when asked to sing their happy Bahá’í songs for the assemblage.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, inspiring the friends with his love, warmth and wisdom, presented with reverence
Members of National Spiritual Assembly of Chad elected May 1,
1971. Front row (L to R) Maurice Isseine, Denis Garboubou,
Olive McDonald, secretary, Mathias Dabdjéré, Bijan Yazdani.
Back row: (L to R) Dempsey Morgan, Chairman, Nosrat Mossayeb, Treasurer, Ernest Ndouba, Asst. Secretary, Elie Eingotto,
Vice Chairman.
the Riḍván message addressed to the Bahá’ís of the
world by the Universal House of Justice, together with
its letter of welcome to the new National Spiritual Assembly setting forth the goals for Chad during the remaining
years of the Nine Year Plan (some of which the Friends
were delighted to find had already been surpassed—all
offered humbly to the Glory of Bahá’u’lláh). Continental
Counselor Dr. Mehdi Samandarí delivered the Riḍván
Message from the Continental Board of Counselors, wisely advised the delegates of their forthcoming duties, and
patiently guided them through the steps of the convention.
Also present were Mrs. Ursula Samandarí and Mr. Phillip Marangella, pioneer from Japan and fifty years a Bahá’í, both of whom immeasurably added to the spirit of the convention.
Thus encouraged and inspired, the delegates, despite their inexperience, conducted the elections in a very spiritual atmosphere. As a result, a strong National Spiritual Assembly—with five indigenous and four pioneer members was elected.
An indication of the fire which has been started by the Faith and which can be fanned into a blaze to envelop all of Chad were the noteworthy achievements of the Bahá’ís during the past year. A youth who had come to Chad from Cameroon to attend school accepted the Faith
[Page 11]
in Fort Lamy. In October, armed with Bahá’í literature
and love for Bahá’u’lláh, he went south to Bongor to take
up his studies. Almost immediately a strong Bahá’í community was formed with his fellow students as a nucleus
and at Riḍván six local spiritual assemblies had been
elected, sixteen localities opened and over 125 believers
registered.
Two Persian and two Chadian youth who began pioneering in Fort-Archambault toward the end of October were blessed by Riḍván with twenty-three local spiritual assemblies, twenty-seven localities, and had carried the Faith to 382 believers, 307 of whom are adults.
Consolidating these gains is a great task confronting the new National Spiritual Assembly and the need for deepening this vast number of Bahá’ís was recognized by all. Every effort is being made to meet this challenge and an urgent appeal is being made for French-speaking pioneers to assist in the training of more local teachers and in administration.
On the last day of the convention, Hand of the Cause Olinga lovingly reminded the assembled Bahá’ís of the gifts we receive from God; our very lives, our bodies, everything that is needed for our existence. How can we forget Him? We are obliged to love and obey Him. We must pray. Each morning when we get up we search for material food, but the spirit also has need of food—this food is daily prayer. We don’t wait for someone to eat for us; why, then, should we wait for someone else to pray for us?
And as a final blessing, during the final moments of this historic event, ten villagers from Gassi came in from the fields and declared their acceptance of the Faith.
Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Central African Republic.
Convention of Central African Republic[edit]
Convention of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Central African Republic, at Bangui
Caribbean Conference[edit]
A preliminary report on the Intercontinental Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, May 21-23, states that approximately 1,200 Bahá’ís were in attendance. Nearly every national Bahá’í community in Central and South America was represented, as were also the island areas of the Caribbean, Canada, with the attendance from the United States numbering nearly 600. Most of the latter travelled from Miami, Florida, by ship, picking up the representatives from Puerto Rico and the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico enroute to Kingston. This mode of travel provided the occasion for an intensive Bahá’í deepening program while at sea enroute to and from the Conference. A later issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS will carry a story of this historic “floating institute.”
Some 450 Bahá’ís and close friends attended a Unity Feast the evening preceding the Conference. Hands of the Cause of God Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem and Mr. John Robarts addressed the meeting which was happily interrupted to receive an amplified ship-to-shore telephoned greeting from Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, on behalf of the Bahá’ís aboard the S.S. New Bahama Star.
Hand of the Cause Mr. Khádem as the representative of The Universal House of Justice presented the message from this Supreme Institution of the Faith, which appears on page one, and also spoke at two other sessions, including the closing when some ninety individuals were inspired to volunteer for pioneer and travelling-teacher service in response to the call from The Universal House of Justice.
Mr. Robarts, in his address, dealt chiefly with the subject of pioneering and the guidance given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan for carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all the peoples of the world. He spoke of the rich harvests that are now being garnered from the seeds sown by those who were the first to respond to the Master’s call a half century ago, and the joy and happiness it is our privilege to experience in meeting the large numbers of believers who can now gather in these intercontinental conferences to exchange experiences and join hands in carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s message of love and unity to the masses of waiting souls everywhere.
Kingston, Jamaica May 21-23, 1971[edit]
A telephone hook-up between this Conference and the one being held simultaneously in Fiji for the friends of the South Pacific, on the anniversary of the first telegraph message in 1844, was another thrilling evidence of the unity and solidarity of the Bahá’í world community, and its oneness of purpose in the pursuit of the mission entrusted to us in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.
In his stirring address on “Reaching and Teaching the People of African Descent” Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, appealed to the descendants of those who were brought to these islands as slaves, to arise and join their white brothers in carrying the message of love and peace to all the rest of humanity. “Every people has a contribution to make to the building of the Kingdom of God,” he said. In this part of the world the contribution must be the unity of the black and white. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that this unity here would be an assurance of the peace of the world. “The destiny of the Faith is at stake,” said Mr. Mitchell. “We must share our responsibility now, openly and together.”
Other subjects included in the agenda were on the role of youth in the Nine Year Plan, proclamation techniques, the Bahá’í Fund, progress on the building of the Panama Temple, and of course mass teaching, consolidation and teaching. Members of the Boards of Counsellors in North, Central and South America, Auxiliary Board members, and representatives of several National Spiritual Assemblies participated as Chairmen and speakers. Large numbers of the believers engaged in mass teaching between sessions and following the Conference. The results were 400 new believers in Jamaica and some 200 more enrolled by the United States contingent during the floating institute.
This brief report of facts cannot in any sense of the word describe the spirit of love, unity, enthusiasm and assurance that filled every heart throughout the entire Conference. It was a never-to-be forgotten experience for each and every soul and the impression that the gathering made upon the general public must surely have added immeasurably to the prestige of the Faith in all the Caribbean area.
Convention at Ghana[edit]
Second National Bahá’í Convention of Ghana, held April 24-25, 1971 at Accra. There were nineteen delegates present with Dr. William Maxwell, Jr., Counsellor, and visitors.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ghana, elected
Riḍván 128 B.E. Left to right, seated: Andrew Sagoe, Treasurer;
Ernest Bentil, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Geraldine Ankrah, Secretary; Prince Abaidoo; Robert Naabi. Standing, Maxwell Budu;
Dr. Irvin Lourie, Chairman; George Akrsai; Golgasht Mossafai;
and William Maxwell, Jr., Continental Board of Counsellors.
National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Ghana[edit]
Located in Accra, Ghana, the new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was dedicated at the First National Convention of Ghana at Riḍván, 1970. The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, who assisted with the purchase, had a representative present at the dedication. The photograph of a different building which appeared in the September 1970 BAHÁ’Í NEWS was labeled the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in error.
The inscription by the building entrance, in addition to “Bahá’í Center” reads: “Unity of God, Unity of Religion, Unity of Man”, announces times of classes, and assures “All are welcome.”
A Pioneer Writes from Uganda[edit]
From Zylpha Mapp, American pioneer residing at Tororo, Uganda, we have the following:
“Life out here as a pioneer is very rewarding. You can imagine our excitement when we formed a Local Spiritual Assembly this Riḍván in Tororo Township. This is one of the Goals of the Nine Year Plan for Uganda, as there had never been one here. It was all too wonderful. On April 16, there were only three known believers in the Township when I was visited by a travelling teacher, an African from my District about fifty miles away, who had come to tell me that he had unearthed two believers in the villages which make up a part of the Township. We lost no time in going to visit them. One had recently declared in February and the other had become a Bahá’í in 1962, was inactive, but had come back to life in time!
“On my way back through the gate at school, the gateman said: ‘I want to become a Bahá’í’. Imagine my amazement. He had learned of the Faith some time ago, and had heard that I am a Bahá’í, so wished to learn more. I gave him some books to read and told him to come to my flat in the morning when he was off duty. The next morning while sharing breakfast with me he declared.
“Thus we were six believers. So with steady teaching for the next three days we had twelve adult believers and four youth in the Township and had increased the numbers in another village just outside the Township lines. The day for forming the Local Spiritual Assembly was packed with excitement, and after many difficulties finally we rounded up nine believers in time to cast our ballots fifteen minutes before sundown. African believers are not time conscious.
“At Tororo Girls School, where I am Director of Guidance, we have two students who came to me during the Fast and embraced the Faith. We had proclamation here last November when four youth from neighboring colleges presented a Bahá’í book to the Headmaster for our library. These girls are interesting other students and we meet for study classes in my flat regularly. Many are ready to declare, but as they are under twenty-one, we must move with caution and not antagonize parents.
“As you know, Enoch Olinga has just returned from his travels and I was fortunate enough to have overworked at my post and thereby took off some days in return, thus being able to meet him with the other
[Page 15]
friends at the Airport upon his arrival. Then, on his
return to Teso where he lives, he and Elizabeth with Mr.
Epyeru, the Counsellor, and others passed by Tororo
(it’s on their way) and we shared dinner with some of
the new believers here in Tororo at my house. Such joy
for the new friends also.”
CONGO KINSHASA[edit]
Pioneers and friends from Kinshasa went for a Sunday trip to
Maluku, a village on the Congo river 70 km. north east from
Kinshasa, on April 4. The authorities of the village were most
interested to hear about the Faith and begged the friends to come
back, telling them they would gather the population to listen
to the teachings.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Congo at its
last meeting in Kinshasa on March 1971. Seated: Mr. Louis
Selemani, Chairman; Mrs. A. M. Laperches-Thirionnet, Treasurer; Mrs. Sisilia Najelani; Mr. J. P. Laperches, Secretary. Standing: Mr. Amos Njetee, Mr. Asani Luambo; Mr. Zacharie Gala; Mr.
Oscar Rashidi, Vice Chairman; Mr. Sylvain Ngindo, Home
Secretary.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Langenhain, Germany[edit]
Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Langenhain, Germany.
Left to right Margarete Hilger; Erica Pétursson, Treasurer;
Ralph Hauck, Vice Chairman (in front); Ruth Reitz (behind,
in white); Hans Jürgen Klapp, Chairman (in front); Thorgert
Klapp, Secretary; Annemarie Krüger; Hajiyyih Azarnush; Hermann Reitz, (standing).
The newly elected first Spiritual Assembly of Langenhain, Germany pictured in front of the House of Worship.
German National Convention[edit]
Hand of the Cause William Sears at the German National Convention
Seated at the table: Annemarie Krüger, Adolf Amon, Borzorg Hemmati, Erik Blumenthal, Hand of the Cause William Sears and, René Steiner.
The salient features of our National Convention in
Germany are contained within our telegram to The Universal House of Justice and within the answer from The
Universal House of Justice:
MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS INCLUDING 11 PIONEERS ATHENS RHODES CRETE HAPPY ABOUT FORMATION 6 NEW ASSEMBLIES EXPRESS DEEP GRATITUDE RIDVAN MESSAGE YOUR INSPIRING CHARTER JANUARY 11 GUIDING OUR SPIRIT ACTIVITIES LAST PHASE NINE YEAR PLAN AND BOUNTIFUL JOY PRESENCE STIMULATING IMPULSE HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS REALIZING HISTORIC NEW CONSCIOUSNESS PERMEATES THIS CONVENTION WILL SURELY INFLUENCE WHOLE GERMANY COMMUNITY ALREADY OUR EFFORTS COMMITMENTS ARE INTENSIFYING RESULTING PIONEERS 3 GREECE 4 AFRICA AND 1 MORE PIONEER 18 ADDITIONAL TEACHING TEAMS 25 TRAVEL TEACHERS INSIDE OUTSIDE GERMANY SIGNIFICANT NEW YOUTH PROJECTS STARTED ASK YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS SUPPLICATIONS HOLY SHRINES GAIN OUTSTANDING VICTORIES.
CONVEY HANDCAUSE SEARS DELEGATES PARTICIPANTS CONVENTION GRATITUDE CABLE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED EVIDENCES
RISING TIDE DEVOTION ENTHUSIASM ACTIVITY BELOVED GERMAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING BLESSED
PERFECTION ABUNDANTLY REINFORCE EVERY EFFORT ENABLE
VALIANT SERVANTS WIN OUTSTANDING VICTORIES
Here are a few extracts from the published convention
report:
Mr. William Sears, in his opening talk, conveyed the greetings of The Universal House of Justice and shared the news of great victories throughout the entire world with all the attending friends. “No one can resist the love and the unity,” explained Mr. Sears about the overall marked successes.
Mr. Sears spoke again on Sunday. In this way he always referred to the message of The Universal House of Justice, dated 11 January 1971: “This is the charter for our living in the next two years.”
In his opening greetings Erik Blumenthal of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe noted that the message of The Universal House of Justice of 11 January 1971 speaks of Faith. The heart is the seat of Faith. Faith is manifested through prayer and conduct. We must adopt the principles of Bahá’u’lláh into our own behavior. One can find no contradictions between the Nine Year Plan and the words of Bahá’u’lláh.
With great pleasure we share the news that Riḍván 128, six new local spiritual assemblies were formed. They are in Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Berlin-Charlottenburg, Hamburg-Altona, Langenhain, Hildesheim and Lübeck.
The call for universal participation to assist in the fulfillment of the Nine Year Plan goals leaves room for numerous Bahá’ís anywhere from seven to eighty years old. The atmosphere of the convention was one of new consciousness and awareness of the spiritual obligations and opportunities that we in Germany find ourselves immersed in, as conveyed in the telegram to and answer from The Universal House of Justice.
THE GREAT SAFARI[edit]
of Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum
By Violette Nakhjavání, Companion[edit]
MONROVIA[edit]
On December 24th, 1970 we drove into Monrovia, the Capital of Liberia, to attend the Continental Conference, first Bahá’í conference ever to be held in West Africa and attended by believers from thirty-eight countries, twenty-four representing African territories alone. It was thrilling to see so many new Bahá’ís from neighboring countries and later hear them say that the conference had changed their lives as they had seen with their own eyes what the Faith stood for, what unity really means. One of the highlights of the conference was the address given by Vice-President Talbert who came as the representative of President Tubman who was unable to attend it himself because of an eye operation. Dr. Talbert, himself a Christian Minister, gave a talk which Rúḥíyyih Khánum, in thanking him officially for his presence, said was one of the best Bahá’í talks she had ever heard. The presence of Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, as the representative of Universal House of Justice, and Amatu’l-Bahá as an added attraction, provided the conference with that dynamic surge forward towards greater teaching activity and the winning of the goals of the Nine Year Plan which is one of the reasons the Hands of the Cause travel so widely and attend such gatherings.
The lady Mayor of Monrovia, Mrs. Sandamani, as well as the special representative of the United Nations in Liberia, Mr. Curtis Campaign, also came to the conference and welcomed the friends in the most cordial terms, praising the teachings of the Faith and the work of the Bahá’ís.
President Tubman, although still not completely recovered from his operation, was kind enough to invite Rúḥíyyih Khánum to his residence where we had a most friendly, interesting, informal and animated discussion with him and Mrs. Tubman, which lasted thirty-five minutes. He remembered the Bahá’í Shrine in Haifa and the very kind reception he received from Amatu’l-Bahá and other Hands of the Cause during his visit there.
The Faith could not possibly have received better publicity or been more widely proclaimed than it was at the time of this historic conference. It was very exhausting, however, for Rúḥíyyih Khánum who found herself the spearhead of much of this activity. Guilda Navidi, who has recently received her M.A. degree in Public Relations, had been assisting, with her mother, the Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Africa in making suitable arrangements for this large and important conference, and for it to receive as much public attention and good will on the part of the authorities and the Liberian people as possible. In view of her qualifications and Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s desire to assist her to gain experience in the field of mass teaching, she decided, after consulting her parents to invite Guilda to travel with us for some months, arranging the public relations in the capital cities Rúḥíyyih Khánum would be visiting and coming to the villages and towns on the way. This proved to be a very happy arrangement and the meetings with Heads of State as well as press, radio and T.V. interviews have been outstanding.
BOWTA[edit]
On the 8th of January the three of us left Monrovia for Bowta, where we slept two nights in Washington Farm, a National Bahá’í endowment, using our camping equipment and doing our own cooking. George and Bessy Washington were American Negro pioneers who came to Liberia in the early years of the Ten Year Crusade, purchased this property themselves and built a large house on it and shortly thereafter passed away; they were an elderly couple singularly devoted to the Cause and evidently excellent Bahá’í teachers. All the time in their home we were deeply conscious of the spirit of love and devotion these beautiful souls had left behind them and which still pervaded the very walls. With a number of local believers from the nearby village we visited the twin graves of the Washingtons in a peaceful
Rúḥíyyih Khánum with some of the believers in Congo Town, Liberia, after her meeting in the local school house.
Bomi Hills, Liberia, seat of West African Bahá’í Summer School
where Rúḥíyyih Khánum spent the night and met with local
believers.
[Page 18]
clearing he himself had chosen. Amatu’l-Bahá made a
wreath of what flowers and ferns she could find and
placed it on their joint grave, reading a prayer for them
to which we others added ours. How joyous and blissful
these souls must have felt on that day. These graves of
dear pioneers all over this continent undoubtedly play a
very important role in attracting the mercy and blessings of God on this wonderful continent of Africa. Twice
we met with the Bowta Bahá’ís and their friends. One
evening Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke to them at length on
the Bahá’í teachings regarding the life after death, linking them to the pioneers they had loved so much and
whose memory was obviously fresh and cherished although they had died in 1959.
During this visit Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke in the Chapel of Cuttington College, an Episcopal Mission some miles from Bowta, to the elite of high school students of the nation who were gathered for a special course of studies, her theme being “The Role of Youth in the Modern World.” At the end the Principal, visibly impressed, thanked her for saying things to the students they all wished they could say! The Principal later wrote Amatu’l-Bahá informing her that at the end of the course many of the students in their written comments on this course had mentioned this lecture and its stimulating message. I particularly mention this because it shows the type of teaching opportunity available to travelers if the proper contacts are made and the type of subjects Rúḥíyyih Khánum chooses in order to call the attention of both students and teachers to the Faith and at the same time be general and unprovocative in her approach. She is introduced as a Bahá’í, she says her thoughts are shaped by the Bahá’í teachings but then she launches into a talk that has an absorbing interest for young people and has no odor of propaganda and invariably the questions that follow at the end of her speech enable her to paint a graphic picture of what the Faith is in the world today.
MALI[edit]
During our eighteen days in Mali Rúḥíyyih Khánum was received by Vice-President Captain Yoro Diakiti, who said he had never heard of the Faith but was interested in religion and wanted some Bahá’í literature. She sent him The Goal of a New World Order—that brilliant and invaluable picture of the future written by Shoghi Effendi and “Obedience to Government.” The radio interviews and press coverage were excellent. So deep is the interest in the Faith and so keen the minds of the young believers in Bamako that we had almost daily meetings in the home of a single pioneer for this vast country; they drank in every word of their beloved guest and asked innumerable questions. Among these who embraced the Faith during Amatu’l-Bahá’s visit was a lovely Vietnamese lady, a Russian lady, wife of one of the local Bahá’ís and two distinguished Malians.
Aside from many followers of the old African religious beliefs, Islam predominates in such countries as Mali, Upper Volta and Senegal. The Muslims of West Africa are very receptive to the Faith and become deep and steadfast believers. This whole area is in great need of pioneers but it is essential that on arrival in Africa they study with experienced teachers who know how to teach the Muslims, because the questions they will be asked are specific and searching. It is similar to teaching in a Bible area where the people know their own Scriptures and seek proof of the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s appearance. Unlike many other Muslim countries today the rank and file abstain strictly from alcohol, observe the fast rigorously, and obey the laws of obligatory prayer. They are delighted when they find, in addition to the breadth and all-encompassing nature of the Bahá’í teachings, that prayer and fasting and the prohibition regarding drinking are part of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Bamako, Mali, Bahá’ís meet with Amatu’l-Bahá in the home of the pioneer.
Amatu’l-Bahá and Violette Nakhjavání with the Mayor of
Timbuktu, Mali (fourth on the right), his civil adjutant (dressed
in white) and our Tuareg guide.
TIMBUKTU[edit]
Rúḥíyyih Khánum had had a life-long desire to see Timbuktu, the ancient Center of Islamic learning south of the Sahara. When she discovered that by driving over 400 miles north to Mopti we could fly to Timbuktu and back and that we could also see some of the other places of interest in Mali, she invited the American pioneer to come with us (we left Guilda to do her public relations job in Bamako) and off we went in the blasting heat, the temperature often reaching 105° Fahrenheit inside the car.
As far as we know no other Bahá’í has ever made a special trip there though there is an Air Mali pilot who lands at the airport in the course of his routine flights, but he never stops over there. Today this desert city is all but abandoned and its dilapidated old mosques and religious school only visited by the few tourists who are drawn there by its magical name. Amatu’l-Bahá paid a formal visit to the mayor of Timbuktu who is a captain in the army and presented him with Bahá’í literature. We also were able to talk to the head of the Government Tourist Office there as well as to our very well-educated and charming tour guide.
During the three days of our visit Rúḥíyyih Khánum anxiously walked through the deep sand of the narrow lanes of the town, looking at the faces of the people to
[Page 19]
Dabou, Ivory Coast; a meeting in the home of one of the new believers, Rúḥíyyih Khánum in center.
find some receptive souls and tell them about the wonderful message of Bahá’u’lláh. Every time I remember
one hot and dusty afternoon when beloved Rúḥíyyih Khánum sat patiently in the filthy dirty back room of a
local restaurant, trying to tell two young boys of this
great glad tiding of the appearance of the Promised One
of all ages, my heart fills with love and humility for this
spirit of utter dedication she has. I am sure that the
thoughts and the prayers she left behind in Timbuktu
will water the little seeds that were scattered in some
hearts there and one day we shall witness the results. On
this trip to Timbuktu we drove to Mopti, Sanga, Djenne—another center of Moslem learning in this part—and
passed through San and Segou. In this way the pioneer
was able to obtain an excellent idea of the teaching
possibilities in other towns of Mali and where any future
pioneers or travelling teachers could be sent to best
advantage. We then drove on to Upper Volta, an even
more desolate and undeveloped country than Mali.
UPPER VOLTA[edit]
Ten days in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Upper Volta was a very wonderful experience. There are two pioneers only in Upper Volta, young men from the far-off island of Mauritius. Most of the Bahá’ís there are young people and very devoted to the Cause. In several meetings Rúḥíyyih Khánum met with the believers and their friends and held very lively discussions and answered their questions. When one travels by land the way Rúḥíyyih Khánum is travelling, one senses the isolation and loneliness of the pioneers and believers, dots on the vast map of Africa, hundreds of miles from each other. A year ago I didn’t know where Ouagadougou was and until I got there, I couldn’t pronounce it correctly. Because our French Bahá’í literature comes from Europe and there is little available in such distant places as these French-speaking African countries, because there are rarely any visitors and hardly any exciting events to bring these young, new Bahá’ís together, it is often difficult to gather them for meetings and Feasts. One of the most wonderful characteristics of Amatu’l-Bahá in her contact with the Bahá’ís, as well as the non-Bahá’ís, is her ability to convey the greatness of the Cause of God. She makes one see and feel how vast, how boundless is this precious Faith that we belong to. She is able to inject into her listener that bubbling enthusiasm and joy that is her distinguishing characteristic. Through her vision and her love she leaves a sense of happiness, of eagerness to serve this Cause with whomever she comes in contact. During her stay in Upper Volta she was received most courteously by President Lamizana and by the Speaker of the Parliment Mr. Joseph Ouedraogo, who is a progressive farmer and has visited Israel more than once. Rúḥíyyih Khánum also had an excellent half hour radio interview and very good press coverage. Ouagadougou is in the heart of the Mossi area, the home of a famous and powerful people who live under the tribal system and are still ruled by their own king who is always addressed as “Emperor”; we were received by him and his wife, the “Emperess”, in their palace in the city. We had an interesting half-hour discussion on various topics. They are Muslims but many of the tribe are pagan.
TAMALE AND KUMASI[edit]
In one week, making our way Southward from Upper Volta, we visited Tamale and Kumasi, two very important provinces in the North of Ghana, where there are many Bahá’ís. In Tamale Rúḥíyyih Khánum met with some of the local believers. She gave a public talk, to over 250 girls at the Teachers’ Training College. She was able to visit five nearby villages where there are Bahá’ís. In the village of Pagaza, addressing a simple group of farmers, she told them that every “first” thing is important, very special and precious: “Your first born has a special place in your hearts, in the same way the first Bahá’ís in a village, in a town or in a country, if they remain firm and devoted to the Cause, have a very special place in all our hearts and in the history of the Faith in their own land. You are the first Bahá’ís in your village and therefore you are very dear to all of us.” She said, “When we become illumined with the light of God, we are like a candle. When we are able to form a local spiritual assembly then the light becomes greater like the light of a kerosene lamp. When many thousands accept the Faith their light will be powerful like the electric lights in the town. When the majority of the world becomes Bahá’í then their light will be like the light of the sun which illumines all.” In the village of Nyankpala, which is a flourishing agricultural experimental farm, she said, “People are always afraid of new ideas or new ways of doing things. For example how many farmers come forward and agree to try a new variety of seed or a new way of farming? There are always one or two or a few who courageously step forward and become the first to try and then gradually others follow their example. You Bahá’ís are like those few who adopt the new seed.”
In the city of Kumasi, the capital of the powerful and famous Ashanti tribe, Amatu’l-Bahá was graciously received by His Highness the Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the traditional king of this ancient tribe, an extremely well-educated barrister who had recently been chosen to succeed his uncle as king. Amatu’l-Bahá had a very nice interview with the editor of a local newspaper which resulted in a very good article. The Bahá’ís of Kumasi, in addition to a number of meetings
President Lamizana of Upper Volta talking with Amatu’l-Bahá during their interview in Ouagadougou.
[Page 20]
with themselves, had arranged for Rúḥíyyih Khánum to
speak at three schools where students of high school age
and over bombarded her with many intelligent questions. We were told that in a period of two months the
Kumasi community has increased by over seventy new
Bahá’ís.
The belief in the traditional religion and especially the existence of spirits and ghosts is very strong throughout Africa and as much superstition and fear is mixed in with some truth the people are more influenced by the priests of their own religion than one might realize. Often questions were asked on these subjects such as: What is a ghost? Is it true? Rúḥíyyih Khánum gave many answers which helped them to understand a little bit of the nature of these mysteries. She said we have many attachments in this world, our home, our family, our friends and surroundings; these sometimes act as a mirror. When the departed soul looks back at his precious worldly surroundings and attachments under some circumstances, the nature of which we do not understand, his thoughts may be reflected in them. People see this reflection and are alarmed thinking he has come back, whereas he himself is not there, only a reflection of him, so to speak is there. Through prayers we should beg Almighty God to release such a soul from this earthly attachment and let him turn his thoughts to the new world he has entered. To the question of “Is it good to communicate with the departed souls?” She said, “think of the baby in the womb of his mother. He has organs that he can not use until he is born in this world, such as hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouth and so on. Should he wish to use them before birth he will only harm himself. Likewise the psychic faculties that are for use in the next world if tampered with in this life are harmful to us. We have been warned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá not to cultivate them and not to go in for such practices. To an audience of over 300 young men and women in a school she said, “I have been told that in Ghana you have the second largest gold mines in the world. You know that the quality of the gold and its value is according to its percentage in relation to alloys mingled with it. The more gold you have, the less alloy you have, the higher the value of the gold will be. It is the same way with a society; every individual who becomes like pure gold in his character adds that much more value to the society in which he lives. In this way, individually, we can raise the level of human society throughout the world.”
Ghana seems to occupy a peculiar place in our travels. This was our third visit there and when our tour of the rest of West Africa is finished we will once again return to Ghana to visit the believers in the south of that promising country where Bahá’í work is expanding so rapidly.
Emperor Mogho Naba of the Mossi tribe meets with Amatu’l-Bahá in his palace in Ouagadougou, Upper Volta.
Election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
Vietnam occurred during the second day of the Convention,
Saturday, May 1. Those elected are, from left to right, Mr. Le
Loc, Chairman; Mr. Le Can, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Le Cho, Secretary; Mr. Truong Idem Dong, Treasurer; Mr. Nguyen Hoang
Loc, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Le Duy Thinh; Mr. Le Duc Huan;
Mr. Tran Thang; Mrs. Tran thi Giang Chau.
Auxiliary Board Holds Conference in Pennsylvania[edit]
Some 130 Bahá’ís from all over Pennsylvania gathered in Harrisburg on April 17-18 for a conference organized by the Auxiliary Board, with the participation of Board members Mrs. Javidukht Khádem, Mrs. Jane McCants, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, and Dr. Peter Khan.
The Conference, which had as its theme “The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh”, was noteworthy for the spirit of unity and love which permeated all sessions, and for the enthusiastic participation of the believers in the question periods, the singing, and the informal discussion. Another striking feature was the major role played by the youth in all aspects of the Conference.
The Conference opened on April 17, with an eloquent presentation by Mrs. Sherrill, tracing the Covenant historically through the succession of Manifestations to the coming of the Promised One, Bahá’u’lláh. Building upon this theme, Mrs. Khádem emphasized the significance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh in its establishment of Divine institutions which derive their authority from the Pen of the Manifestation. Mrs. McCants vividly described the remarkable features of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, while Dr. Khan surveyed the stupendous accomplishments of Shoghi Effendi during his thirty-six years of ceaseless activity as Guardian of the Cause.
The entire evening session was devoted to a question-and-answer period, during which time the four Auxiliary Board members responded to over fifty questions from the believers, principally on various aspects of the Covenant.
On April 18, the Board members gave a panel presentation on the Bahá’í institutions, discussing their authority, their indispensability, and their functions. The concluding session of the conference included a detailed analysis of deepening by Mrs. Khádem, and a stirring presentation on the new world being built by the followers of the Most Great Name, presented by Mrs. McCants.
The dedication and devotion of the Pennsylvania believers present at this conference provided clear evidence of the great strength of the Faith in this State, and of the great successes which the believers will undoubtedly win here during the remaining two years of the Nine Year Plan.
Report from Vietnam[edit]
Praised be to God! We are all very thankful to Him for His assistance, by which we can overcome many difficulties and reach to new glorious heights.
The Universal House of Justice, the Divine and Supreme Administrative body, continually gave us its firm support. This Supreme body has guided us in all matters, giving instructions and advice as a perfect mother looking after her child. We shall always try to make bigger efforts to deserve that great love.
Besides the guidance of The Universal House of Justice, we also have the loving assistance from the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God. During the year, Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga has spent a precious week on this land, and has caused stronger faith and warmer enthusiasm in this national community. In that very short and very precious visit in February 1971, he has left in Vietnam a great example of devotion and wisdom.
The Continental Board of Counsellors of South-Eastern Asia has sent many times its representatives to meet with our National Spiritual Assembly, bringing cooperation between the institutions of the Faith. Also, with the precious assistance of this institution, Mr. Nguyen Văn Loi, Auxiliary Board member, has spent much of his time in the teaching and protection of the Faith in the zone of peace, justice and loftiness.
During the year, two pioneers from the United States, Mr. Melvin Campbell and Dr. Douglas Gibson have come to Vietnam and contributed a great part to the growth of the Faith in this small nation. Signs of co-operation and of unity have been shown through the services of the friends who come from farther lands. Bahá’u’lláh’s saying: “The earth is one country and mankind its citizens” is now evident to everybody.
Also, during the year, three travelling teachers, Mr. H. A. Avaregan, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson, have visited Vietnam, and have contributed another great part to the progress of the Faith on this land. The advancement of the Cause of God in Vietnam is greatly influenced by this marvelous spirit of international co-operation.
Also, by the spirit of the international co-operation, a delegation of nine Vietnamese representatives were sent to the Oceanic Conference in Singapore in January 1971.
Before that, in August 1970, Mr. Lê Lôc National Spiritual Assembly Chairman, spent two months in traveling and teaching in Bolivia, U.S.A. and Hawaii. During these months, Mr. Lê Lôc has introduced the Faith to many people through public meetings, the press, radio and TV. He also brought back to Vietnam precious experiences from those countries.
Internal Activities[edit]
The newly born National Committee for Teaching and Consolidation has helped the National Spiritual Assembly in many important works with the co-operation of the local spiritual assemblies, of the five Zone Teaching Committees and sixteen Provincial or Inter-Provincial Teaching Committees.
Besides those committees, the National Spiritual Assembly is also assisted by the Committee for the Protection of the Believers, the English Language Committee and the Committee for the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
For proclamation and teaching, we have used all the available means such as loud-speakers, posters, banners, the press, the radio, TV and the movies. Therefore there are a great number of sympathizers of the Faith. The result is that we now have the total of 116,088 believers, 1495 localities and 601 assemblies.
Prestige Gained[edit]
These are some important results of a year of devotion, effort and sacrifice. In relation with the non-Bahá’í society, the Faith also gained great influence and high prestige. Writers about religions and traditions have themselves studied and written about the Faith, such as the famous writer Toan Ánh with his works entitled Religions and Beliefs in Vietnam in which the Faith was nicely introduced through ten pages. The Faith is also written as a lesson by the Professors Minhvăn, Xuântuóc and Băng-giang for the students in high schools. Ngôn-Luân daily reprinted the whole booklet World Economy of Bahá’u’lláh by Horace Holley and other Bahá’í talks. We have good relations with all the associations and organizations in the country. The people are mentioning the Faith with love and respect.
The Seventh National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Vietnam opened on April 30, 1971 in Saigon. It was attended by
103 delegates, 400 of the friends throughout the country, Counsellor Yankee Leong, and Board member Nguyen Vanloi. The Convention was presided over by Mr. Le Loc, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
Vietnam.
[Page 22]
Some who attended the National Convention in Indonesia.
Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia on January 9-10, 1971.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga was present on this occasion.
In spite of a tense political situation, seventy friends attended
the conference. A series of local conferences were scheduled to
be held in Semarang, Surabaja, Makasar and Padang.
National Convention in Indonesia[edit]
The National Convention of Indonesia was held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Surabaja on April 24-25, 1971.
There were seventy-one persons attending, twenty-five of them delegates. Reports from each locality were given by delegates and observers.
On April 21, there were thirty-three local spiritual assemblies in Indonesia, seventeen in East Java, six in Middle Java, four in West Java, four in Bali, one in Sulawesi and one in Sumatra. Also there were thirty groups of five or more believers, and 107 in smaller groups, making a total of 170 centers.
Members and officers of the new National Spiritual Assembly are: Dr. Samandari, Chairman; Lt. Col. R. Soejoeti, Vice-Chairman; Mr. H. Sajuti, Secretary; Mr. L. Panjabi, Treasurer; Mr. E. Supaat; Mr. Putu Dana; Mrs. G. Panjabi; Mr. L. Harsono; Mr. Matni Suprapto.
National Convention in Indonesia held in Surabaja. The picture was taken in front of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Surabaja.
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
Why Bahá’u’lláh? This accordian-fold brochure has seven colorful panels with a simple presentation of man’s need for spiritual “sun.” It states that Bahá’u’lláh is the “Spiritual Sun” for this day and His Teachings give life to man. Each panel on the reverse side contains a quotation from The Hidden Words. The brochure folds into a small, pocket size, 3¼ x 4¼ inches. They can be displayed, free standing, to show all seven panels.
| Not sold in quantities of less than 100. | |
100 copies | $ 6.50 |
500 copies | $30.00 |
1,000 copies | $50.00 |
A New Way of Life. What It Means to be a Bahá’í Youth.
Compilation from the Writings; selection of letters to
Bahá’í Youth by Rúḥíyyih Khánum. This booklet has
been issued with a new cover design appealing to youth,
a bright orange and blue sunburst design on vivid yellow.
When this compilation was originally published, The
Universal House of Justice wrote that they were “greatly
pleased” with it, and requested that copies be sent on
their behalf to all national assemblies having a Nine
Year Plan goal of extending Bahá’í education to youth
and children.
If youth in your community are not aware of this compilation, you will wish to present them with copies, or call their attention to it. The compilation is grouped under the following headings: Standard for a New Race; Education for the New Day; Teaching the Cause of God; and Building a New World.
NEW CASSETTES[edit]
20-C-8009 HEAR THE SONG OF THE WIND by the Southern California Bahá’í Chorus; similar in style to the “Victory Chorus” record; selections: Love Love Love, Freedom Sky, Come Walk with Me, Leaves of One Tree, Refresh and Gladden, The Lamp is Lighted, Happy People, Singing Wind, Be Still, Hear Oh, Sheep, Messiah, Blessed Is the Spot; a studio recorded/duplicated cassette...$2.50
20-C-8004 CAN’T YOU SEE THE NEW DAY, BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE SOUTH 1970; a collection of spontaneous recordings made during the early days of mass enrollment in the south; consisting largely of songs composed and sung by Bahá’ís; conveys something of the spirit and atmosphere in which mass teaching was initially carried out...$2.50
20-C-2118 ENROLLING THE MASSES; a study course in two parts by Hand of the Cause of God William Sears; a penetrating study and discussion of the Bahá’í Writings concerning teaching the masses and their entry by troops into the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh; two hour class recorded on two C-60 cassettes; two cassette package...$4.00
Order through your local community librarian. See Bahá’í Literature Catalog and Special Materials Catalog for ordering instructions and shipping charges, if any. Personal orders must be for cash, and include 10% shipping charges on all special material items; literature orders shipped postpaid if $5.00 or over.
Space Architecture, 1943. Painting by Mark Tobey.
LIMITED SUPPLY OF TOBEY ART BOOKS[edit]
Mark Tobey—Art Book. Published by the Department of Art and Architecture of Stanford University in conjunction with a series of showings at university art galleries. One of these held in Chicago at Roosevelt University at the time of the Intercontinental Conference was co-sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly.
This 48-page book has 32 illustrations, five in full color, with a description of each painting. There are three articles about the artist which stress the influence of the Bahá’í Faith on the man and his art. Bahá’ís who do not already own a copy may wish to do so. It is also an excellent opportunity to introduce the Faith to people interested in art. Copies can be presented to public and college libraries. Soft cover, 8¼ x 8½".
Per copy | $1.25 |
This item is subject to community library discount.
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST
415 LINDEN AVENUE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
Panama National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of Panama. Members
are, back row, left to right: Cirilo Sanchez; Harry Haye; Arthur
Krummell, Treasurer; Fred Berest, Vice Chairman; and Louis
Cuevas. Front row: Raquel de Constante, Chairman; Femaline
Fennell, Recording Secretary; Leota Lockman, Corresponding
Secretary; Elsa Campbell.
| CONTENTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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First Mass Teaching Effort in Missouri[edit]
The first Mass Teaching effort in Missouri took place in Lebanon (South-Central Missouri) Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 1971. Seventy-five Bahá’ís from Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Illinois gathered for two days to carry Bahá’u’lláh’s message to the waiting souls.
Auxiliary Board member Paul Pettit emphasized The Universal House of Justice’s message in Wellspring of Guidance, p. 31 on Teaching the Masses. With this theme in mind, Mr. Pettit introduced the concept of mass teaching.
Vahid Hedayati spoke about the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, told stories of the early believers and gave a demonstration of mass teaching techniques. There was much singing, laughter, and an abundance of love.
Forty-five declarations resulted from the week-end effort—twenty-three youth, fourteen adults, five children (pre-youth), plus declarations from Louisiana, Illinois and Oklahoma; eleven cities visited—three new centers opened.
The fire kindled by this conference and fanned by a visit to St. Louis by Linda Marshall, continued to burn, resulted in eleven additional declarations during the following week in the Greater St. Louis area. Linda spoke to four college groups and one public meeting and was interviewed on television.
A goal of 500 new believers and fifty new centers by July 9 was set.
Two public meetings were held at which the film “It’s Just the Beginning” was shown.
Direct teaching continues on the local level as a result of this stimulating week-end.
New believers in Missouri—the oldest in her eighties.
At the first mass teaching effort in Missouri, the first two new Bahá’ís proudly hold up their declaration cards.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í world community.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mrs. Evelyn Hardin, Managing Editor; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative; Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee, Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee.
Material must be received by the twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, U.S.A.
Change of address should be reported directly to Membership and Records. National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091.
