Bahá’í News/Issue 493/Text
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| No. 493 | BAHA’I YEAR 128 | APRIL, 1972 |
Riḍván — April 21-May 2[edit]
‘He that was hidden from the eyes of man is revealed, girded with sovereignty and power!’ This is the Paradise, the rustling of whose leaves proclaim: ‘O ye that inhabit the heavens and the earth! ... He Who, from everlasting, had concealed His Face from the sight of creation is now come.’
The photograph below shows the entrance to the Garden of Riḍván, on the east bank of the Tigris,
where Bahá’u’lláh declared His mission to the world. The twelve days of His stay there are commemorated by the Feast of Riḍván. Surely the use of this spot as a hospital is a symbol of the Divine Physician. Successive governments continued its use and now it is the site of the National Medical Center of
‘Iráq.
Historic Background of the Panama Temple[edit]
Part two
By now the war had ceased and the hour was ripe for
the next epoch in the evolution of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Master
Plan. War-ravaged Europe was drawn into the scene for
spiritual conquest, but not at the expense of the forward
march in Latin America. The goals for Latin America
under the new Seven Year Plan included a broadening
of their administrative bases, fuller participation in
both teaching and administrative fields in preparation
for the formation of two independent Regional Spiritual
Assemblies, one in Central America and the other in
South America.
Measures destined to facilitate the change-over were developed and gradually put into practice. The first Regional Teaching Committees for Latin America (eight in number) were appointed. One of the eight regions grouped Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua together, with its seat in San Jose, Costa Rica. By 1947 it had become an active adjunct to the teaching work. The next step was the appointing of the first National Teaching Committee for the Territory with its seat again in San Jose. At first the effects of the National Teaching Committee were felt only in Costa Rica, but gradually the influence was extended as contact with each one of the Regional Committees was established in an effective working association. Little by little the balance began to shift from North American guidance and Latin cooperation to Latin guidance and North American cooperation. This important forerunner of the elected National Spiritual Assembly confidently began to fulfill its trust.
By 1950 the process was nearly completed, although according to explicit instructions from the beloved Guardian, the United States would continue to exercise responsibilities in the supervision and guidance of these new Regional National bodies until the end of the Seven Year Plan at which time these fledgling Assemblies would be expected to assume their full share of the load in the execution of the next plan to be launched immediately as mature associates of the Mother Community.
Panama Teaching Conference[edit]
In January, 1947 the first Teaching Conference for Central America and the Antilles was held in Panama. Again this highly favored Latin country was singled out by Shoghi Effendi to serve as the host. From then until 1950 conferences of this nature were held annually, growing in depth and quality. The friends of the Territory gathered successively in Mexico City, Guatemala City and finally in San Salvador where, under the supervision and planning of the National Teaching Committee, both the Conference and the Committee came into full bloom.
All contributions to the Faith from the Territory were now handled through the National Teaching Committee. Proclamation of the Faith through the radio and press was pursued, more literature was distributed among both believers and friends, efforts were made to secure legal incorporations for the remaining capital city assemblies, and an all out effort was exerted to hold all existing gains.
While these developments were taking place throughout the Territory, there were changes also within the boundaries of Panama. In response to the Guardian’s reminders of the importance of the Indians, Manuel Gorgas (now deceased), the first Kuna Indian—in fact the first Indian of Panama to embrace the Faith—had been enrolled and was elected as the delegate to represent Panama at the Mexican Conference (1947). Later that same year he began to work with Louise Caswell in extension teaching in Santiago. At least four other Panamanian believers had arisen as traveling teachers. A Local Spiritual Assembly had been formed in Colon.
By 1949 the National Teaching Committee which had been transferred to Panama City was now composed almost entirely of Panamanian believers. There had been much shifting of Bahá’í teachers and pioneers. Stout-hearted Louise Caswell was now in Costa Rica and except for Cora Oliver, all the other North American pioneers had returned to their homes. This loss, however, was offset by the arrival of Elizabeth Cheney, at the request of the Central American Teaching Committee, to assume duties as its secretary. In November, she was replaced by Raquel de Constante. Natalia Chaves from Honduras was now serving in the pioneer field in Panama and was joined by Maria Rivera, also from Honduras, who settled for a brief period in Colon. These teachers were assisted by a growing group of loyal and capable local teachers which included Alfred Osborne, Raquel de Constante, Blanco de Campos, Manuel Gorgas, James and Mazie Facey and Iola Edwards.
Growing Pains[edit]
Whereas the Teaching Conferences had contributed greatly to the progress of the Faith and the raising up of native teachers and administrators, its immediate effects were limited primarily to those few who attended as the elected representatives of their respective countries. Because of distances and expenses involved, few others had been able to attend these highly stimulating and spiritually rewarding gatherings as visitors. Hence a special corps of teachers was trained to carry the material to all Local Assembly Communities throughout the territory in month-long institutes. In May, 1950 the first institute of this nature for the training of teachers was held in Panama, directed by Mrs. Dorothy Baker. The material was collected, arranged and prepared for publication by those teachers in attendance and served as the basis for the local institutes. The work was entitled El Plan Divino. It dealt with the majesty and greatness of the Cause, the Covenant and Divine Institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s slowly evolving World Order.
The accomplishments in this short period of time were truly astounding, and perhaps no one is more capable of appreciating this than those who labored as pioneers in virgin areas around the world. Great as the accomplishments were, it should not be imagined that it was achieved without severe tests and at times near overwhelming reversals. From 1946 until shortly before the actual birth of the Regional National Spiritual Assembly, there were many times when the issue was in doubt and except for the promises of Bahá’u’lláh and the confirmation of the Divine Plan some might have been tempted to concede defeat. The whole territory was in a state of crisis. Growing pains became acute. Assemblies were lost, regained and lost again. There was the inevitable falling away of certain elements. Spurred on by the beloved Shoghi Effendi, in their deep love for him, the spiritual fighters charged on. As the zero hour approached, excitement and activity reached an unprecedented
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peak. Functioning Local Spiritual Assemblies
were established in each country. The goal was assured! By the time the delegates to the first Annual
Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central America, Mexico,
Panama and the Antilles assembled in Panama, the
tree of the Faith had been greatly pruned and was
beginning to regain new vitality. During this difficult
period, Panama probably fared much better than some
of her sister countries where the Faith had arisen with
meteoric splendor during the initial phases. In contrast,
Panama’s gains, for the most part, had been modest but
the roots of her foundation had been deeply and firmly
fixed in preparation for her future role of leadership as
the Mother Assembly for Central America and the
Antilles.
Because of her unique geographical position, from the outset, Panama was blessed by numerous visitors, pioneers enroute to their posts and traveling teachers between the Americas. Except for them, it is doubtful that the banner of the Faith would ever have been firmly planted.
Regional Assembly Formed[edit]
By 1951 when the conflict between East and West had settled into the “Cold War” North America and Latin America had drawn closer together. The Community of the Greatest Name was jubilant. Preparations had been well laid. The Plan had been consummated and was about to give its predestined fruit. Some twenty-seven delegates representing the eleven countries of the Caribbean area victoriously assembled in Panama City April 22 to enter into deliberations which would be climaxed in the election of that first Regional Spiritual Assembly which would, within another ten years, divide into completely independent units. As representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, in order to witness the birth of a daughter institution, were Dorothy Baker and Horace Holley. On this occasion the hearts of North America and Latin America were fused together more strongly than ever and linked to the Source of their mutual love through the inspiring Message from that descendant of the Twin Holy Trees, Shoghi Effendi, to whose patience, wisdom, constant encouragement and infallible guidance they all owed so much gratitude. Listen how he lifted them up!
HAIL (WITH) JOYOUS HEART CONVOCATION (OF) FIRST TWIN HISTORIC CONVENTIONS (OF) FOLLOWERS (OF) FAITH (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (IN) CENTRAL AMERICA, MEXICO, (THE) ANTILLES (AND) SOUTH AMERICA, ASSEMBLED (TO) ELECT TWIN NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES CONSTITUTING SUSTAINING PILLARS (OF) DIVINELY APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER (IN) LATIN AMERICA. CONGRATULATE ASSEMBLED DELEGATES (FOR THE) CULMINATION OF THE FOURTEEN YEAR OLD PROCESS LINKING (THE) CONCLUDING YEARS (OF THE) FIRST WITH (THE) OPENING DECADE (OF THE) SECOND BAHÁ’Í CENTURY. ACCLAIM FULFILLMENT (OF THE) VITAL OBJECTIVES (OF THE) TWO MOMENTOUS CAMPAIGNS SUCCESSIVELY LAUNCHED BEYOND (THE) CONFINES (OF THE) NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT BY (THE) AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY (IN) CONFORMITY (WITH) ’ABDU’L-BAHÁ’S DIVINE PLAN. GRATEFULLY RECOGNIZE IN THESE EPOCH-MAKING ASSEMBLAGES HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY (IN) PERU (AND) PANAMA, REPRESENTING WELLNIGH FOUR SCORE LOCALITIES SPREAD OVER (AN) AREA STRETCHING (FROM) MEXICO (TO THE) MAGALLANES, EMBRACING INCORPORATED COMMUNITIES (IN) ALMOST ALL CAPITAL CITIES (OF) LATIN AMERICAN REPUBLICS (THE) INITIAL REPERCUSSIONS (OF THE) CLARION CALL VOICED EIGHTY YEARS AGO (BY) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (IN THE) MOST HOLY BOOK ADDRESSED COLLECTIVELY (TO THE) RULERS (OF THE) REPUBLICS (OF THE) WESTERN HEMISPHERE. (I) APPEAL (TO THE) INCOMING ASSEMBLIES STANDING (ON THE) THRESHOLD (OF THE) SECOND EPOCH NOW UNFOLDING (IN THE) EVOLUTION (OF THE) FAITH (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (IN) LATIN AMERICA (TO) ARISE (IN) COMPLETE UNITY, EXEMPLARY FIDELITY, GREATEST WISDOM, UTMOST DEDICATION, UNSWERVING RESOLVE, HEROIC SELF-SACRIFICE (TO) BEFITTINGLY DISCHARGE (THEIR) THREE-FOLD, SACRED, INESCAPABLE RESPONSIBILITIES, FIRST, (TO) CONSOLIDATE (THE) TWO NEWLY-ERECTED PILLARS (OF THE) WORLD ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER (OF THE) FAITH; SECOND, (TO) STIMULATE (THE) PROPAGATION (OF) ITS TEACHINGS; THIRD, (TO) ENRICH (THE) SPIRITUAL LIFE (AND) DEEPEN (THE) UNDERSTANDING (OF) ITS AVOWED SUPPORTERS. (I HAVE) DISPATCHED THROUGH (THE) DISTINGUISHED CO-WORKER, AMELIA COLLINS, TWO LOCKS (OF THE) BLESSED HAIR (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AS INAUGURAL GIFTS (TO THE) LATIN RACES, ATTAINING MATURITY (AND) ACHIEVING DISTINCTION THROUGH (THE) FORMATION (OF) INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES, TO BE DEPOSITED (IN AND) PRESERVED (FOR) POSTERITY (IN) TWO SPECIALLY-INSTITUTED NATIONAL ARCHIVES DESIGNED (TO) COMMEMORATE (THE) TWIN, OUTSTANDING SPIRITUAL ADMINISTRATIVE VICTORIES WON (IN THE) COURSE (OF THE) FORMATIVE AGE (OF THE) BAHÁ’Í DISPENSATION (AND) SHEDDING GREAT LUSTRE (ON THE) ANNALS (OF THE) OPENING DECADE (OF THE) SECOND BAHÁ’Í CENTURY.
Site of Panama Temple from highway below.
Temple site after highway construction began.
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The members of this historic first Assembly were:
Srta. Raquel J. Francois, Chairman; Mrs. Cora H.
Oliver, Vice-Chairman; Srta. Elena Marsella, Secretary; Srta. Natalia Chavez, Recording Secretary;
James V. Facey, Treasurer; Srta. Zenayda Jurado C.;
Mrs. Louise Caswell; Dr. David Escalante; Artemus
Lamb.
Even before the Convention closed, these highly honored chosen representatives and “Trustees of the Merciful” turned their faces towards their difficult task of administering in conformity to the Guardian’s instructions, the affairs for an area almost as vast in its extension as continental United States, much of it separated by expanses of water with its attendant transportation problems, widely varied in the ethnic groups, cultures and languages of which it was composed, extremely poor, much of it illiterate or semi-literate but united by a common bond, the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh; strengthened by the power of the Covenant; and unerringly guided by the Guardian Shoghi Effendi.
Family Life Institutes Stress Application of Bahá’í Laws[edit]
The effectiveness of weekend institutes on Bahá’í family life and how to deal with the problems of Bahá’í youth has been amply demonstrated by the interest shown by both adults and youth in a number of such institutes sponsored in recent months by Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees in various parts of the United States. The agenda for these institutes usually includes such subjects as: Know Thyself through Study of the Bahá’í Sacred Writings; Marriage; Marriage and the Bahá’í Family, and covers such topics as youth and the drug problems; teenagers in the home; respect for parents, and the spiritual solution to the general problems resulting from the disintegration of American family life. The Bahá’í Laws and Writings bearing on these subjects are discussed in depth and occasionally a well-advertized meeting for the public is offered as part of the weekend program. For these meetings special efforts are usually made to attract the non-Bahá’í parents of Bahá’í youth.
In connection with this general subject it has been gratifying to note the increasing number of Local Spiritual Assemblies that have made known to the local law enforcement agencies the Bahá’í Laws prohibiting the use of narcotic drugs and alcohol. In one particular community the police department in dealing with youth arrested for use of marijuana recommends contacting the local Bahá’ís as one of three alternatives in correcting this offense.
Pioneer Institute, Wilmette, Illinois, January 28-30, 1972[edit]
Back row, left to right: Alan Moll, George Child, Larry
Burkett, Steve Kozlow, J. Andrew Smith, Don Child and
Jon Knowlton. Second row: Nancy Jenkins, Kathy
Burkett, Carol Sherman, Carol Orlando, Linda Hastings,
David Treadwell and Barbara E. Smith. Front row:
Sharon Knowlton, Jennifer Treadwell and Suellen Treadwell, and Gail Powers. Mrs. Linda Bahá’í attended but
was not in this picture.
Stanwood Cobb — A Life Dedicated to Service and Learning[edit]
Mr. Stanwood Cobb is one of the early American Bahá’ís who had the bounty of visiting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in ‘Akká in 1908, and again in Haifa in 1910. Still active travel-teaching and writing for the Faith, he finds great joy in sharing these precious experiences, and telling of the Beloved Master’s advice given to him so many years ago: “Be on fire with the love of God. BE ON FIRE WITH THE LOVE OF GOD!”
It is difficult to believe that Mr. Cobb has passed the 90-year mark. Ageless, he is at home with the youth as well as college professor, and is much loved by everyone. It is only because the planet earth revolves around the sun that we are aware that he is getting any older.
Making his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Mr. Cobb considers no place too far to travel if he can be useful in teaching the Faith. In September 1971 he taught at the Alaskan Bahá’í Summer School; in October he participated in the annual Wisconsin Green Lake Bahá’í Institute. Following the lectures at Green Lake, he spent a week in the northwoods of Wisconsin at Rhinelander. In early November several days were spent teaching in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; and in December he was scheduled to be in Washington state!
Stanwood Cobb’s regulated daily regime is a good example for all of us to follow. He starts out with eating a good breakfast (one of his familiar words of advice to others), refuses to rush, practices deep breathing during his daily walks, and always finds a couple of hours each day to get lost in meditation—a must he says for everyone’s spiritual development.
When at his summer home in Eliot, Maine, there is the daily swim. When in northern Wisconsin, there is the courage to ride the snowmobile—Yes, at 90!
A lover of nature, Mr. Cobb never misses noticing a tree, or even a rock. A lover of knowledge he is a storehouse from which so much is abundantly shared, yet he eagerly seizes every opportunity to absorb more.
A recent week in Rhinelander, Wisconsin is but one example of his activeness in the path of service for our beloved Faith:
Monday he was guest speaker at the local Rustic Riter’s Club which resulted in many friendships and an editorial later in the newspaper.
Tuesday, a two-hour visit and tour with Dr. Richard Brown, Director of Nicolet College. Here, he not only shared much of his stored up wisdom, but delighted in learning of the new “open concept”. Tuesday evening—home fireside.
Wednesday, Mr. Cobb accompanied his hostess on an hour and a half interview over the local radio which started out with a hostile attack on the Faith, but ended up much to the credit of “Bahá’í.”
Stanwood Cobb. Photograph by Sam Dadian, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.
A public meeting on Thursday attracted the largest
audience ever experienced in Rhinelander.
Friday was reserved for a day of much needed rest before proceeding to Burlington on Saturday for another speaking engagement and then homeward bound on Sunday to Washington, D.C.
In his spare time, Mr. Cobb is busy filling the many orders for his books, which he packages and mails himself. Of the twenty-six books written over the years, many are still very popular among Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.
Founder of the first progressive school in 1919, he is still regarded as a progressive thinker in 1971.
Russell Mosley, Director of Programming for Education in the state of Wisconsin, is presently writing a biography on this noted writer and teacher of religion, education and philosophy. Verily his has been a rich and abundant life.
Speaking to the elderly Bahá’ís hesitating to pioneer, Rúḥíyyih Khánum was heard repeating the advice of the Guardian: “Don’t be afraid to bury your bones elsewhere.”
But as for Stanwood Cobb, it appears that he has no intention of burying his bones yet, but to continue to make them useful wherever needed in the field of action for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh!
Los Angeles Bahá’ís Present Four Annual Human Rights Awards[edit]
For the third year the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles County, California, on Human Rights Day paid special tribute to individuals in the County who had made significant contributions during the past year in the field of service to mankind. At a public meeting chaired by Judge James Nelson and addressed by Hand of the Cause of God William B. Sears, Human Rights Awards were presented to the following individuals:
Margo and Eddie Albert of the movie industry, well-known in the United States for their involvement with ecology and improvement of natural environment, as well as locally for their work with the Spanish-American Community;
Walt Baker, director of programming for television station KHJT, who without concern for popularity, has aired subjects of community interest and has worked actively for equal opportunity of all ethnic groups in the television industry;
Rozzel and Roderick Sykes who founded St. Elmo Village which is made up of ten 80-year-old houses and garages now transformed in an artistically beautiful environment where children and adults work together in unity in creative programs and projects.
This year a special institutional award was given to the Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School, represented by its dean, Dr. Mitchell Spellman. This school is associated with the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Medical Center and offers postgraduate studies in medicine to doctors of all races in an effort to improve the medical care and health of the people it serves.
Robert Quigley, Ayesha Lewellen, Joan Bulkin, and Dr. Alfred Neumann introduced the award recipients. The program was concluded by Roberta Linn singing a number especially appropriate to the occasion, “To Dream the Impossible Dream.”
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IN MEMORIAM
GRIEVED LEARN PASSING CARL HANNEN HIS STEADFAST DEVOTION CAUSE SINCE DAYS MASTER LONG PERIOD DEDICATED SERVICE HOUSE WORSHIP WARMLY REMEMBERED CONVEY FAMILY ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM. —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
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Carl Anthony Hannen was born in Washington, D. C., in 1895. He was in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He was in America in 1912. His father, Joseph Henry Hannen, and his mother, Pauline Knoblock Hannen, were among the early believers in this country, as were his aunts, Alma and Fanny Knoblock, and his grandmother.
In 1918 Carl married Mineola Barnitz. They met in the Bahá’í children’s classes in Washington, D. C. She also had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. After their marriage they lived in Cabin John Park, Maryland, then moved to Milwaukee and Shorewood, Wisconsin, where they lived for many years. They had three children: Sohayl, Joseph and Barbara, and nine grandchildren.
In 1932, Carl and his family moved to Wilmette where he took over maintenance duties at the House of Worship, which was then in the early stages of construction. He served on the Maintenance Committee for many years after leaving that position. Mr. and Mrs. Hannen served on the National Archives Committee and Mr. Hannen was frequent reader at the Sunday devotional services at the House of Worship.
In 1949 the Hannen family moved to Glenview and after a few years helped to establish the Assembly in that village, where they continued to serve until Mr. and Mrs. Hannen moved to Orlando, Florida in 1967. Here again they assisted in establishing the Assembly. He passed away on February 4, 1972 following several weeks of illness.
TANZANIA ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Many members of the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Moshi and Arusha, Tanzania are pictured below, at
a recent meeting, according to a letter written in February by the National Spiritual Assembly of
Tanzania.
Panchgani, India—Winter School[edit]
Mala’s Hotel in Panchgani was full of activity and cheers on the evening of the 25th of December 1971. The Bahá’í youth had gathered there to live the Bahá’í community life at the Winter School to be held through the 30th of December.
The youth had also come to deepen their knowledge of the Faith. The imparting of this knowledge was ably done by learned and distinguished teachers such as Counsellor Mr. S. Vasudevan, Auxiliary Board member Mr. B. Afshin, Dr. H. Munje, Dr. and Mrs. Ray Johnson, Dr. Dabestani, Mr. Sohailiyan, Miss Martha Sohaili, Mr. M. Azami and Mrs. Zena Sorabjee. These conveyed many important aspects of the Faith so ably and simply that even the youngest child could grasp the meaning.
After early morning prayers and breakfast, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then again from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. topics such as Bahá’í Love and Unity; The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; The Covenant; Prayer and Fasting; The Spiritual Solution to the Economic Problems; Life After Death; Ḥuqúqu’lláh; Non-Interference in Politics; Sex, Love and Marriage; Drugs, Drinking and Smoking; Funds; etc. were taken up. It was surprising how much knowledge could be imparted in such a short time.
Daily, during lunch and dinner time, it was heart-warming to see that people from different social, religious and national backgrounds got together and mixed with each other as though they had been put into one of those electric mixers and churned to produced a homogenous essence of all the fruits in it.
After dinner each night entertainment was held, sometimes lasting until midnight. Youth from different places presented interesting programs in turn.
The atmosphere which prevailed was that of freedom and spontaneity. A bond fire was held on the last evening
Bahá’í youth at a luncheon during the Winter School.
of the school. In so short a time, lasting friendships had
developed, which gave the promise that they would all
be able to see the day when the whole world would benefit
from such harmonious existence which would elevate the
nature and spirit of human kind.
Group photograph of those who attended Winter School at Panchgani, India.
TEACHING CONFERENCE, BIRMINGHAM, THE BRITISH ISLES[edit]
The Teaching Conference held on January 7-8, 1972 in Birmingham, the British Isles, had a number of activities new to the area.
The area committees, when presenting their reports, also presented their singing groups which rendered their newest Bahá’í songs with guitar accompaniment.
The children had a full program of their own. This had been arranged by the Child Education Committee for three age groups, each with a Bahá’í activity, not just something to keep them occupied. The eldest group produced a short play which they later presented to the adult audience. It demonstrated with simplicity, the effectiveness of the Bahá’í attitude in solving problems.
Several pioneers from afar who were present were called upon to give talks. Mrs. Ursula Samandarí’, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, who had been stationed in Africa since 1953, told of experiences in those African countries.
The Midland Teaching Committee arranged to present in a nearby hall a “Bahá’í Happening”. This began the weekend before when a large group in Birmingham began having prayer sessions. Then they went into the streets, talking to people, giving pamphlets to those who showed an interest. These efforts were continued during the weekend of the Conference.
Ursula Samandarí’, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for Italian Somaliland speaking at Birmingham, British Isles.
Area reports presented with song, Teaching Conference, Birmingham, British Isles.
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A British Isles “Happening”.
A play presented by children at the Birmingham Teaching Conference.
Then effort was focused on a well advertised stage
show in which the evolution of mankind was told by
pantomime, song and speech, bringing out the part of
Divine guidance on this evolution. At the end of the
performance the people were entertained with a mammoth fireside with a slide show and refreshments which
lasted into the late hours. Several declarations resulted.
This gave new impetus to the teaching efforts of the
Birmingham community.
This Birmingham Teaching Conference was the largest ever held in the British Isles, the culmination of the surge of teaching activities in this area for the last two years. Declarations for this year are more than double those of last year, which was double the numbers of declarations of the previous year.
NIGERIA: Bahá’ís of Akpabuyo, Calabar in the Southeastern State of Nigeria attending a three-day conference on November 26-28, in celebration of the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘ Abdu’l-Bahá.
West African Summer School, Bomi Hills, Liberia[edit]
The ringing of a bell, the chanting of prayers, the lectures of the instructors, the joyful talk, the laughter, the rhythm of dance music made Bomi Hills a scene of lively activity for nine days. About forty to fifty friends of eight nationalities came for the Summer School from different parts of Liberia and Sierra Leone and South Africa. Four of the regular students of the school who were not Bahá’ís made their declarations of belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
One afternoon the friends divided into five groups, each group going to a selected area to teach the Faith. They invited the townspeople to a show at the school which had been organized by the youth. This gave everyone a very interesting evening.
One joyful event during the course of the Summer School was the dedication of the new large and beautiful building in the Bahá’í compound at Bomi Hills. It was named the ‘Wesson Building’ after Mrs. Vivian Wesson, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh one of the earliest pioneers in West Africa. This was a token of appreciation of the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa for the continuous, sincere services of a Bahá’í who left her home and comforts to carry the Divine Message of Bahá’u’lláh to a distant part of the world.
A spirit of love and an atmosphere of unity dominated the whole course of the Summer School. At the public meeting which ended the sessions, many arose and expressed their feelings and impressions. As the friends departed, there were tears in their eyes.
Group photo of those attending the Summer School, December 24 to January 2, 1972 at Bomi Hills, Liberia. Eight nationalities are represented, including South African. The newly dedicated Summer School building is in the background. Mrs. Vivian Wesson is holding the plaque of the Greatest Name.
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Six countries are represented in this group of students, from Sierra Leone Fourah Bay College. Three American girls pictured are new Bahá’ís. One declared during the Summer School.
Mrs. Vivian Wesson pioneer to West Africa for over
fifteen years, putting up sign on the Summer School
building which was dedicated to her at Bomi Hills,
Liberia.
Conference in Írán[edit]
A conference of Local Spiritual Assemblies located in rural areas of Írán. On the left are Counsellor Dr. Salmánpur and Auxiliary Board member Mr. Ebrahim Khalili. Similar conferences are being regularly organized in all parts of Írán.
THE GREAT SAFARI[edit]
of Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum[edit]
Part seven
We left Nigeria on October 5th, accompanied by
Oscar Njang a Cameroon pioneer long resident in Nigeria. Our arrival in the Federal Republic of Cameroon
was not without excitement! It seems the closer you get
to a frontier the wilder and more neglected the roads
become.
We passed through the small and rarely visited border post of Ndu and drove eighteen miles on one of the worst roads you would ever want to encounter anywhere, a road so rarely used it consists of two faint tracks with a high growth of weeds in the middle and bushes that lashed the car on both sides as we bumped in and out of deep holes every few yards. At the end of this nightmare of a road we had to stop at an army check post and were taken before the commanding officer, an arrogant, half drunk, disagreeable man who told us we could not drive after six o’clock and must spend the night there. In the yellow light of a lantern, with a few other equally drunk soldiers about, we were very alarmed at this prospect and insisted we must go on. Indeed, we did not believe a word of what was told us but thought it a pretext to detain, and for all we knew, rob us! We later found out there was such a curfew in the frontier district. As the officer spoke only in French Rúḥíyyih Khánum was obliged to do all the explaining, telling him who we were, where we had come from, the purpose of our long trip and how tired we were after nine hours driving on such bad roads, that our friends were anxiously waiting for us only thirty miles away in Mamfe, etc. We were three people, there was no place to sleep in the car and no place to spend the night there except in the army barracks. We were really alarmed and did not know what to do. As Oscar’s passport was found to be lacking an entry visa which he required, this enraged the officer even more than our own insistence we should be allowed to proceed at once; we all three felt very distressed.
Difficulty Removed by Prayer[edit]
In desperation we decided to pray quietly for help and guidance. For about ten minutes we sat facing this man’s desk with our eyes closed; there was absolute silence in the room. Although at the beginning we were angry and distressed during this period of prayers we felt quieter and calmer and beloved Rúḥíyyih Khánum later on told us how as she prayed she felt waves of love in her heart for this man who had treated her with so much disrespect. It was as if her heart opened and took this man in and she felt perhaps this delay was meant in order to stamp the name of the Faith on his mind. This wonderful quality of Rúḥíyyih Khánum, the quality of returning love in the place of unkindness and through waves of positive and loving vibrations winning the cooperation and help of her opponents, is a quality often shown by her in the course of this trip. The beautiful part of it is the fact that it is spontaneous and not forced and that is why it wins the hearts and opens the doors. At length we opened our eyes and the officer was informed we had been praying. He had been ostensibly filling out reports! He was quite startled but it became clear he had decided to let us go on and only had to work up to it gradually so as not to lose face in front of his subordinates. After more discussion, he escorted us to the car.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum asked him if he was married. When
Bahá’í community of Mamfe, West Cameroon, with Amatu’l-Bahá. October 13, 1971.
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he said “yes” she said, “Then you must be used to the
obstinacy of women and will excuse my being so obstinate and insistent!” To which he replied with feeling
“Madame, you are not obstinate at all compared to my
wife!” We parted with hand shakes all around and on
the best of terms.
At Mamfe[edit]
On our arrival in the town of Mamfe we met with the Bahá’ís and made our plans for the next few days. Mamfe is the area where there are the largest number of believers in the Cameroon. In the days before Independence this used to be a very active and busy town as it was the crossroads between West Cameroon and Nigeria, but now there is very little traffic between the two countries. For the Bahá’ís, however, it will always be remembered as it has a unique position in the history of the Faith in that country. It was from this town of Mamfe eighteen years ago on October 15, 1953 that Enoch Olinga, a pioneer from Uganda who became the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for British Cameroon and was called by our beloved Guardian “the Father of Victories”, and later made a Hand of the Cause of God, eighteen years ago on October 15, 1953 sent his cable informing Shoghi Effendi of his arrival at his pioneering post. Indeed Rúḥíyyih Khánum and I stayed at the same Rest House my husband and I had stayed in on that memorable trip when we accompanied Enoch Olinga to the Cameroon.
In a meeting with the Bahá’ís of Mamfe we met with many of the veterans of the Faith in that country. One of them, the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, Edward Tabe, had been a new believer only one week old when he left Victoria in Riḍván of 1954 to open the virgin territory of what was then British Togoland. The community of West Cameroon, only one year after receiving the Light of Bahá’u’lláh contributed five Knights of Bahá’u’lláh during the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade. The heart of the continent of Africa, so newly enlightened with the Cause of God, gave eight Knights of Bahá’u’lláh of which no less than five came from the Cameroon. This is truly the best indication of the extraordinary capacity and receptivity of the Cameroon nation.
In this meeting Amatu’l-Bahá spoke a great deal on the importance of teaching the Faith to the women and the value of Bahá’í women in their community. Mamfe has some very strong and outstanding women. She also spoke of the importance of spiritual education for the Bahá’í children. She told them two stories about Bahá’í children in different parts of the world.
One was about an eight year old girl in the city of Baghdád, whose parents were Jewish, and her uncle, who lived with them, a Bahá’í. She loved the Faith and
Amatu’l-Bahá with the Fon of Mankon, in West Cameroon, Oct. 9, 1971.
Amatu’l-Bahá with some of the Bahá’ís of Mendankwe village, West Cameroon, Oct. 10, 1971.
considered herself a Bahá’í like her uncle. During one of
the periodic Muslim attacks on the Jewish community
an angry mob incited by religious fanaticism broke into
the house of this family shouting “Jews, Jews”; the little
Bahá’í girl courageously stood in front of the mob and
pointing to a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the wall
shouted, “We are not Jews, we are Bahá’ís!” The mob
halted, astonished, listened to her, looked at the picture
of the Master and left the house undamaged. This extraordinary demonstration of faith on the part of their child
was so overpowering that the parents themselves became Bahá’ís.
The other story was that of a nine year old girl, the daughter of a devoted Latin American pioneer family in Colombia, who went out with an illiterate local teacher on April 21st to Gwahiro Indian villages and helped form four Local Spiritual Assemblies. The village Bahá’ís were devoted and eager to form their Assemblies but were illiterate and could not write the ballots. This little girl was taught how a Bahá’í election is conducted and helped the formation of four of them!
Bamenda[edit]
It was decided that the first part of Amatu’l-Bahá’s visit be scheduled for the town of Bamenda and its surroundings. This is nearly 100 miles north of Mamfe, in one of the most beautiful and picturesque mountain areas in the whole of West Africa. Bamenda itself is perched up on the top of a mountain, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains from which cascade a number of waterfalls sparkling in the brilliant sunshine like white plumes amid the lush green vegetation. The whole place is a joy to the eyes. The climate in this area is perfect, cool, dry and healthy. There are a few Local Assemblies as well as groups in small townships very close to each other.
Nkwen and Mendankwe[edit]
In the town of Nkwen Amatu’l-Bahá met with the Bahá’ís of that community as well as the Bahá’ís of Mankon itself which is a large town within view of Bamenda.
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Meeting house in Eyumojok village with Rúḥíyyih Khánum seated next to the Chief, Oct. 11, 1971.
The next day she met with some of the Bahá’ís of
Mendankwe, a village beyond Bamenda high up on the
mountain. From the town below where most of the
Bahá’ís reside there is a distance of two miles straight
up the mountain to this village. It was so steep that we
could only get up in low gear and yet one of the dear
Bahá’ís of Mankon, who had been instrumental in teaching and forming the Local Spiritual Assembly of this
village, had pushed his bicycle up this road to inform
them of our coming. To reach the home of the Bahá’ís
we all had to walk the last half-mile as the so-called
road progressively deteriorated until at the side of a
mountain brook it ceased to exist.
The chairman of the Local Assembly in a written address, which was read by his young son, welcomed Amatu’l-Bahá and expressed their joy and pride in receiving such a distinguished guest. Like so many of the villagers these Bahá’ís asked for a Bahá’í Center, but their story had a very interesting side to it. Apparently they had donated a piece of land and built a small mud building for their center, but they could not afford the price of a tin roof and the National Spiritual Assembly had no money available for the purpose—such a roof costs about 100 dollars. They were very upset when the rains came and the walls began to fall down; their neighbors came to them and said: “When we were building our church you came and helped us. Now we are ready to help you financially to build your center.” The Bahá’ís, however, explained to them that it was against the principles of their religion to accept any financial help from outside their own community. This was an unheard of thing! Whoever would refuse to receive money from anyone, for any purpose these days? So they said “All right, then build it yourself, let us see if you can manage alone without our help!”
Now months had passed and the walls began to crumble and the Bahá’ís had become the object of ridicule in the area. They were very distressed and appealed to Rúḥíyyih Khánum to do something about this as “No one now would listen to the words of God”. Amatu’l-Bahá promised to investigate the matter when she met with their National Assembly. Through the help of one of the friends money for the roof of this local center has now become available and the Bahá’ís of Mendankwe will be able to hold their heads up in front of their neighbors.
She also told the friends that they should seriously pray for God’s assistance and a way to open doors. One of the dear village Bahá’ís answered, saying that he had seen miracles from the prayers of Bahá’u’lláh and related an incident in his life. He said he lived on the little his land produced and contracts he could some times get. One day he heard of a small contract one of the government offices had and immediately applied for it but was almost turned down as there were many more applicants. That night he called his nine children and told them of his problem and asked them all to join him in ardent prayers, so that if it was the Will of God the door might open for him. They prayed as a family that night and the next morning, and then he went to the office and to his surprise was offered the contract. He said this was a direct miracle of Bahá’u’lláh as the other bidders had a much better chance and advantages over him. He finished his story by saying: “I went and bought some meat and made a rich food for my family in thanksgiving for God’s grace and we prayed again to thank Him for His bounties.” This partaking of food as a solemn thanksgiving is an African custom. This man’s nine children are such devoted Bahá’ís that all on their own they have started a Bahá’í study class attended by twelve of their young friends.
Mankon[edit]
In the town of Mankon Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke to a group of 200 students in Longla Community College on the effect an individual can have on the community. She gave an example: She said: “If you have a measure full of corn which you are going to plant, suppose half of the grains are only hollow seeds; naturally only half of the quantity will yield a harvest. It is the same with the quality and the number of morally and spiritually healthy individuals in any given society; the greater the number of distinguished individuals the more outstanding the sum total of any group will be.”
The highlight of this trip was Amatu’l-Bahá’s visit with the Fon of Mankon who is the paramount chief of a large area, as well as a big town of the same name. He is a fine, outstanding man of about fifty with a great deal of tolerance towards others. He is also a very active and distinguished member of the Council of Chiefs in West Cameroon. We had gone to visit him in his home, about eight miles from the city, and he received us formally but graciously and had a long talk with Amatu’l-Bahá. Somehow they got on the subject of the sufferings of the Indian race of the Americas and of the Bolivian Indians. He showed a keen interest and understanding and in the end asked for something to read on the Bahá’í Faith. Rúḥíyyih Khánum then gave him an inscribed copy of Prescription for Living.
Return to Mamfe[edit]
Upon our return to Mamfe—over a mountain road so bad it beggars description, Amatu’l-Bahá paid a courtesy visit to the Senior District Officer. Later in the day she spoke on the “Spiritual Destiny of Africa” at a public meeting to which this same officer came as well as a number of prominent people of the town. When she was asked, during the question period after her talk, what the Bahá’ís believe on the subject of the resurrection she gave the beautiful example of the recurrence of this phenomenon in the world of nature; how, at every spring, the characteristics and qualities of the previous year come back to life. Similarly at the time of the coming of each spiritual springtime all the characteristics and qualities of the bygone springtimes reoccur and that with the coming of each Manifestation of God, men, individually as well as collectively, are judged; with the acceptance of that new Manifestation of God, an individual spiritually is resurrected.
Amatu’l-Bahá also met with the Bahá’ís of Mamfe and friends who had come in from several other nearby communities. The officers of five Local Assemblies were ceremoniously introduced to her. It was interesting
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to see how often the treasurer of the Local Spiritual
Assemblies in many communities of Cameroon are
women. Indeed, we met in that country some outstanding Bahá’í women with deep convictions who are very
active in the affairs of the Faith.
Foremost Problem, Alcoholic Drinking[edit]
In that meeting the friends openly discussed and asked questions on what is the foremost problem of that country, the common and widespread habit of drinking alcohol. Rúḥíyyih Khánum in her loving and very tolerant way explained the reason for this prohibition in the Bahá’í Faith and the words of Bahá’u’lláh on this subject. She said “Bahá’u’lláh always gave us a reason for whatever He exhorts us to do or not to do; on the subject of drinking He said “Do not approach it, as it destroys the mind”. Now, a full century later, science has confirmed His words. She then cited an article in the Readers’ Digest of June 1970 “Alcohol and your Brain” by Albert Q. Maisel, in which article it was stated that alcohol produces blood sludging in the capillaries thus depriving surrounding tissues of the oxygen supply they require; deprived of oxygen, cells die; brain cells, unlike most body cells, once killed never re-grow so that the intake of alcohol, even in small quantities, has a permanent effect on the cells of the brain; in direct ratio to the degree to which alcohol is taken the number of brain cells, irreplaceable in the body, are destroyed. Even a single glass of beer kills off a quantity of brain cells. “At last we Bahá’ís,” she said, “can quote science in support of Bahá’u’lláh’s command not even to ‘approach it’.”
Eyumojok and Ejagham[edit]
We were able to visit two nearby villages and hold meetings with the Bahá’ís. In Eyumojok—where on the night of our arrival in West Cameroon we had our unpleasant encounter with the commander of the military check point—Rúḥíyyih Khánum met with some of the Bahá’ís from different villages and a large number of non-Bahá’ís who came to hear about the Faith, including the village chief. In Kembong one of the older Bahá’í communities in that part of the country, a good number of believers from several villages eagerly welcomed their beloved guest. Once again the officers of the different Local Assemblies represented were ceremoniously introduced to Amatu’l-Bahá and then a very beautiful and touching speech of welcome was read to her, as follows: “We the few Bahá’í believers of Ejagham do welcome you in our midst. Blessed are we for God has graciously blessed us to see the eyes that had once gazed on our beloved Guardian at the gate when he was crossing to the realm of Abhá Kingdom....”
The Bahá’ís of this area who had come from several villages had prepared a very delicious meal for their dearly loved guest and invited all the friends present to partake of it. As this was one of the old and tried communities of Cameroon Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke on the importance of teaching and serving the Cause. She said: “At the beginning of the rainy season the rain drops are large, few and far between but as it continues it falls faster and becomes torrential. It is the same way with the Cause of God; at the beginning the believers are few and far between but as the Cause of God penetrates, multitudes join in and soon they cover the face of the earth.”
Bahá’í community of Kembong, West Cameroon, Oct. 11, 1971.
Southern Africa — Youth Summer School[edit]
The first Bahá’í Youth Summer School for Southern Africa was called by the Continental Board of Counsellors for that region and held in Swaziland at their Bahá’í Institute from the 25th of December, 1971 through the 2nd of January, 1972.
Attendance—sixty-seven people of approximate youth age attended. They represented the following countries: five from Botswana, three from Malawi, ten from Rhodesia (all Salisbury area), one from Zambia, thirty-one from Swaziland, three from Lesotho, four from South West Africa and ten from South Africa from the following localities: two from Rustenburg, one from Pretoria, five from Johannesburg, one from Cape Town and one from Mafeking. In addition, three Counsellors and six Board members participated along with several adults.
Classes—The program was arranged so there were concentrated courses in the morning.
On the first morning all were welcomed by Counsellor Shidan Fat’he-Aazam. He presented a letter which was a message to the School from the Hands in the Holy Land. In it, the Hands said: “The quest of youth for truth and values they can understand and identify with, resulting from disillusionment and rejection of established patterns of life, offers those youth enrolled in the army of Bahá’u’lláh an unparalleled opportunity to bring His healing Message to their contemporaries, and in so doing give meaning and purpose to their lives.” They urged: “If Bahá’í youth heed this call and meet this challenge they assuredly will win great victories and by such deeds contribute their share to the triumph of the Cause of God.”
Among the subjects covered in the classes were: Youth and the Bahá’í Faith, the Historical Background of the Nine Year Plan, the Formative Age, the Role of Youth in Bahá’í Administration, Various approaches to Teaching, the Essentials of our Faith, Visual Aids, and the Remaining Goals of the Nine Year Plan.
In his course on Youth and the Bahá’í Faith, Mr. Fat’he-Aazam stressed four points to which the youth should apply themselves 1. study the teachings, 2. the spiritualization of their lives and thus the forming of their character to the standard of Bahá’u’lláh, 3. teach the Faith, especially to youth and 4. preparation of their lives for the future.
Bahiyyih Ford emphasized several points ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Among them were: 1. Speak the languages. 2. All souls are ready. 3. Send fluent teachers who are detached from all else save God. 4. Books and pamphlets must be either translated or written in the language of the country. 5. The circle of your effort must be widened. 6. Travel in groups. 7. Gather youth in schools of instruction and teach them. 8. Sing the song of the love of God. 9. In all meetings eliminate the unimportant talk, only that under discussion is important.
Mr. Appa very ably covered the reasons for Bahá’í Administration and why it was so important that the youth supported and became experienced in it. Some of the questions he asked and had answered through the discussion were: 1. Why is Bahá’í Administration different? 2. What is the true aim of Bahá’í Administration? 3. Why do the Bahá’ís give of their time, money and energy
Bahá’í Youth Summer School held in Swaziland, Africa 25 Dec. 1971 through 2nd Jan. 1972.
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for the Faith? 4. How did the Bahá’í Administration
come into existence? 5. Why do we say that Bahá’í
Administration is the Plan of God for this day? 6. How
can Bahá’í Administration help youth follow the right
path? 7. What is the spiritual significance of Bahá’í
Administration? 8. How can youth help the administrative bodies?
Mr. Appa said that the Water of Life is brought to the people by the wonderful network of channels called the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; Administration is a great part of that World Order.
William Masehla introduced his session on Teaching by asking Moloki, a 12-year old boy from Botswana to stand and tell how he teaches the Bahá’í Faith. He replied that he goes to a village and waits patiently to be noticed. When asked why he had come, he tells them about the Faith. Several good examples of teaching were given during Mr. Masehla’s session. He also covered stories and problems the youth of the school had when they were out teaching during their afternoon sessions.
Mr. Mooten gave greetings from Mauritius and then spent the time in covering questions which contacts might ask the Bahá’í teacher. Mrs. Wilks fascinated the friends with the many visual aids she showed them, from posters to puppets. Mrs. Ford also gave two felt talks which were enjoyed tremendously.
In the discussion of the remaining goals of the Nine Year Plan it appeared that the majority of the youth present were not well aware of what remained to be done. Emphasis was placed on how they could help to see that the goals were won.
Afternoons—The afternoons on the first two days were devoted to general discussions groups. On the third day there was a “Work is Worship” session in the gardens of the Institute where the youth dug 18 holes for trees, chipped drains for repainting and pulled weeds.
Teaching—The next five afternoons were spent in actual teaching work. The youth were divided into 11 teaching groups and assigned to certain areas around Swaziland. Each teaching afternoon they came back with interesting stories to tell, one group perhaps somewhat disappointed, another very jubilant. As a result of this teaching effort, a total of thirty-seven declarations were achieved during the time covered by the school. Of these thirty-seven, thirty-five were Swazis; one was the driver for the young people from Lesotho who stayed to take them back again, and the other was a young man from Botswana who out of curiosity had accompanied one of the friends to the school.
Evenings—The evenings were devoted to entertainment and fellowship. One evening slides and a film were shown. Another was “Talent Night” where the young people sang solos, played guitars and piano and drums; each one contributing to the entertainment.
One night a campfire with barbeque was held. On this night some Swazi believers had arranged for about twenty-four Swazi Tribal Dancers to entertain the young people. After eating everyone moved into the light close to the Institute buildings and the dancers delighted everyone present. When they had finished, the youth, wishing to repay them for the enjoyment quickly arranged for one of the Swazi-speaking young people to stand and tell the dancers about Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Faith and why we were all there, and to explain they wanted to repay them by singing some Bahá’í songs for them. Then the youth stood with their arms interlocked and swaying they sang several Bahá’í songs with all their hearts for the dancers. It was an evening of great warmth and love.
A public meeting was held on one evening to which the youthful teachers could bring the friends they had made during the afternoons in order to learn more about the Faith. Whatever the program for an evening it usually ended up with the group singing some Bahá’í songs.
Some youth of Southern Africa attending the Bahá’í
Youth Summer School. Swaziland. Left to right: Bogatsu
Pheto from Botswana, Brigitte Aiff from So. West Africa
Wilson Kokobele from Botswana, Rachmah Noor from
South Africa.
Organization—At the beginning of the School two
committees had been appointed by the Continental
Board of Counsellors completely of youth for the running of the School. One was the All-Purpose Committee
and the other the Evening Committee.
The All-Purpose Committee truly took things into their hands when necessary and acquitted themselves well. All youth attending were assigned to groups and each had its task to do. Though the lunch and dinner were taken care of, the youth did their own breakfasts, cleaned dorms, meeting hall, etc. The Committee saw to the registration of youth and the selling of meal tickets. The All-Purpose Committee was comprised of: Rosemarie Aiff, Beth Fat’he-Aazam, Sebena Silawada, Genevieve Hope, Dave Garcia, and Billy Lee Marple.
Cables—After a few days of the School, the youth decided to send a cable to Haifa. They were inspired and pleased to receive this cable in answer a few days later:
DELIGHTED EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE YOUTH SUMMER SCHOOL PRAYING SHRINES SPIRIT ENTHUSIASM GENERATED BY SCHOOL WILL STRENGTHEN GIVE NEW DIRECTION EFFORTS YOUTHFUL MEMBERS COMMUNITY ASSIST FULFILLMENT ALL GOALS PLAN
The youth sent a cable to the Youth Conference being
held in Salzburg. To this, came the following reply:
OVER 600 YOUTH ASSEMBLED SALZBURG EXCHANGE LOVING GREETINGS YOUR CONFERENCE BLESSED PRESENCE HANDS FAITH ENOCH OLINGA LINKING OUR TWO CONTINENTS AND ADELBERT MÜHLSCHLEGEL INSPIRING MASS TEACHING EFFORTS SPIRITUAL AWAKENING EUROPE
On the last afternoon a Farewell Party was held. At this time the youth were asked to write briefly what the School had taught them. Two prizes were given for what the Counsellors felt were the best answers. Rahma Noor of Cape Town won first prize and Sebena Silawada won second prize. These were a Bahá’í ring and a Bahá’í pin.
Along with the exchange of thanks on that afternoon, the youth were urged to return home and do their best to stimulate the youth back home into activity, and to bring about and encourage youth activity in their own home areas.
With a great deal of tears, the youth returned home. The final request was that a Youth School like this be held annually. One of the great accomplishments of the School was that youth from various backgrounds lived together in the spirit of the Faith and, in spite of difficulties, Bahá’í belief became a reality.
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Activities in Blenheim.
Dunedin Local Spiritual Assembly.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Christchurch: back row,
Dave Toohey, Treasurer; Kit Baxter; Jeff Hughes, Vice-Chairman; Carole Church; John Lester, Corresponding
Secretary. Front row: Jenny Platt; Kayleen Morrison;
Nguyen Huu Hanh, Chairman; Margaret Hilton, Recording Secretary.
NEW ZEALAND-SOUTH ISLAND[edit]
New Zealand’s South Island was for many years a Bahá’í backwater with just a handful of believers to spread the Glad Tidings. At Riḍván 1969 it could boast only four Bahá’ís, and the goal of one Local Assembly in each of its five provinces seemed a monumental task. But the next year saw the entry of pioneers and the island received the kiss of life. One declaration followed another and Riḍván 1971 saw three of the Assemblies formed: Nelson, Christchurch and Dunadin. Now Blenheim is ready to form its Assembly, leaving only one of the goal locations to be achieved—Westland.
Nelson held a proclamation week, armed with a report on mass teaching techniques used in South Carolina. The result was fourteen new Bahá’ís the first week and a steady influx ever since.
Christchurch, busily preparing its own proclamation week and blessed by a two hour visit of Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan en route to Auckland, found itself teaching in many ways. Having just welcomed a young Chinese student from Malaysia to the Faith, the community was alerted by the Hawkes Bay friends they had made, Chinese sailors who had shown an interest in the Faith but spoke no English. Their ship from Taiwan was en route to Christchurch. Three of the Christchurch Bahá’ís were welcomed on board and the Message was delivered to them.
On another occasion several believers arrived at a school, expecting to talk to about twenty pupils and found over a hundred waiting, an exhilarating experience. This session lasted for over an hour and included answering a battery of questions. Can you say “Bahá’u’lláh?” they asked, and all chanted back “Bahá’u’lláh”.
One believer felt impelled to travel-teach on the Chatham Islands, 500 miles east of New Zealand, the first recorded visit of a Bahá’í to those shores.
During the nine days of summer school in the little town of Kaikohe there were thirty-six declarations. In another small town, Taumarunui, there were thirty-eight as a result of a teaching conference over a weekend. In Greymouth the first two declarations have been made, and two pioneers have come; fruits are beginning to appear—at last.
Christchurch fireside.
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The first West Indian Mass Teaching team pauses long
enough for a picture before boarding an airplane for St.
Vincent. Standing before the Barbados, W.I., airport are,
left to right: Patricia Paccassi (co-ordinator of the project), Richard Miller, Monica Brathwaite, Myralene
Moore, Leroy Wharton, Burleigh Eastmond, Errol Sealy,
and Lynn Paccassi. (The Paccassi family are pioneers
on Barbados.)
The first West Indian mass teaching team formed their own singing group during the mass teaching effort in St. Vincent, W.I., December 26, 1971 to January 12, 1972.
New Barbados Believers form First West Indian Mass Teaching Team[edit]
Reap 570 New Believers on Island of St. Vincent—[edit]
A group of new believers from Barbados, West Indies, ranging in ages from 17 to 20 years, served as the teaching team for the first mass teaching effort on the island of St. Vincent, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Leeward, Windward, and Virgin Islands. This was the first West Indian mass teaching team. (The mass teaching team on Barbados in August and September, 1971, was comprised of believers from the United States.)
The youthful group found 570 waiting souls in two and a half weeks, from December 26 to January 12. Despite the heavy downpours of the rainy season, they went out, over mountainous terrain, for eight to ten hours daily. They held two hour prayer sessions daily. Nightly meetings were also held. They formed their own singing team, calling themselves “The Bajan Singers.”
The teaching effort was coordinated by Mrs. Patricia Paccassi, a pioneer on Barbados and a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. A follow-up program was started immediately by the National Teaching Committee of the Windward Islands.
Travel-Teaching in Korea[edit]
Terry Riggins, author of the following article, with his wife, Kathleen, are now pioneering in Sapporo, Japan. Their travels in Korea included seven cities and fifteen villages.
During the month of January we had the opportunity
of travel-teaching in South Korea. The National Spiritual Assembly of Korea provided us with an experienced
interpreter and enthusiastic Bahá’í, Mr. Kim Kwan So.
Traveling by train and bus, we visited the Hyangmyung Middle School in Yesan, operated by Bahá’ís for children who can’t afford tuition at the government schools. One of the school buildings was built by the school children. The land on which the school stands has been donated to the Bahá’ís to be used as a Teaching Institute, fulfilling part of Korea’s goal in the Nine Year Plan of three Teaching Institutes. There are over thirty Local Spiritual Assemblies in the area of Yesan; however we had time to visit only two of these locations.
After three days we took a train to the port city of Mok-Po in the southern tip of Korea. We were accompanied by Mr. Kim and Mr. Suh Chul Min, Auxiliary Board member.
One of the highlights of the trip was a two-day stay in the village of Ko Jul Lee near Mok-Po. There are sixty-five Bahá’ís in a village of 250 people. The first night we were there the Vice-Chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly described their activities:
“We have a special Bahá’í room in the home of one of the Bahá’ís where we have our meetings. On Feast Day we fly a flag which reminds everyone to attend Feast that evening. We have regular deepening sessions on the first and fifteenth of the month. We study Hidden Words. When people are ill we pray for them and visit them if they are in the hospital. We have formed an area teaching committee and have a plan to open surrounding villages, where there are Bahá’ís in two of them. We have a community service project to help clean the village. The village headman was impressed with our activities and told the provincial head about Bahá’í. He had one question ‘What do the Bahá’ís in America do?’ ”
After returning to Mok-Po we visited four nearby villages, sometimes traveling by ferry boat to small islands. On one of them we talked to over a hundred Bahá’ís gathered in a classroom. Because there are so many Bahá’ís in this area, the National Spiritual Assembly bought land for a Teaching Institute. Construction on it will start in February.
Next, we went to the East Coast city of Kyong-Ju, ancient capital of Korea and the site of a Bahá’í Institute. We had lunch at a Chinese restaurant operated by a Chinese Bahá’í family. We visited five Bahá’í communities in this area. In the town of Tonsung-Ri, there are several barbers who are Bahá’ís and because no other room could be found, we had a fireside in a barber shop.
Our travels ended in Seoul with a public meeting and an interview with a reporter for a religious weekly newspaper.
Everywhere we went, we found the Bahá’ís very friendly, loving and enthusiastic in their teaching activities.
Tour of the New Era Trio[edit]
The New Era Trio, composed of three singing travel-teachers from the United States, made an eventful trip from Miami, Florida through points in Central America and islands in the Caribbean from August 6 to September 30, 1971. It is estimated that as a result of their efforts there are 2000 believers.
The trio consists of Jeanne Rebstock of Redwood Falls, Minnesota who has since married and added Murday to her name; Charles Bullock and Mrs. Bullock (Sandi) from Henderson Point, North Carolina. All three are experienced mass teachers and participated in the never-to-be forgotten South Carolina teaching activities of December 1970.
The program for proclamation used by the trio consisted of about ten songs which told of the historical figures of the Faith and Teachings, interspersed with narration, using much of the Creative Word. Some of the songs were in Spanish and others were added during the trip.
At the first stop, Belize, in British Honduras, there had been advance publicity by means of radio, frontpage newspaper stories and the distribution of flyers which brought out about 500 people to greet them at the meeting arranged in Central Park.
The second day brought three presentations in the morning, a youth session at the Bahá’í Center in the afternoon and in the evening a public meeting with singing and slides. After this busy day, they met with the National Spiritual Assembly. This will give an idea of the pace of their trip at the many locations visited. In Honduras they were met by Counsellor Hooper Dunbar who narrated in Spanish at many meetings. He was enthusiastic over the reception by the people.
The Trio accompanied Mr. Dunbar to an island where he had taught the Faith about ten years before. Believers there were severely persecuted and told they could leave the Faith or their homes. At the presentation, the Trio did not give the usual invitation but the people came to them and asked to be enrolled, saying they had not forgotten what they had been taught. As a member of the Trio expressed it: “Our new sisters and brothers went with us to the water’s edge to say goodbye. So we kissed the children, embraced ... the sun was setting ... they waved from shore, and we all sang ‘God is One’ with mixed emotion ... knowing that in spirit we are always together.”
In Grenada about 500 people heard the presentation. At the conclusion they wanted more songs, which were given. Leaving the park, about 200 followed the Trio to their temporary quarters at the home of a pioneer. On arrival they realized they had no key and stood puzzled, facing the shouting crowd, knowing little Spanish, and the crowd no English. When the pioneer arrived, they learned more songs were expected, which brought calm.
Next, a prayer session was held inside, followed by a fireside for about fifty. Outside, enrollments continued, and meanwhile Bahá’ís still at the park accepted additional members.
In Bluefield, again, after a day-long institute and a night meeting with about 600 attending, they were followed through the streets. Time and again they would stop on street corners and give the Message to souls eager to listen. Many of the new Bahá’ís were touched by the spirit and were enrolling their friends.
In Panama they learned a newspaper had announced their appearance at a gym that evening. Around 200 were present with several making their declarations. They visited the Panama House of Worship under construction several times for prayers.
Arriving in Barbados in the fourth week of successful mass proclamation they share with us some of the indications of the spiritual atmosphere: “A young believer, eleven years old, out teaching, enrolling adult and pre-youth; old people teaching with great spirit and true understanding of their new revelation from God; new believers, approximately ten, enrolled 200 believers during the project, some teaching practically every day; a blind believer, out teaching and consolidating.”
In Santo Domingo the Governess of the Province enrolled. (See the story in the December BAHÁ’Í NEWS, pp. 17-18). The Trio reported, “There was a big rush for enrollment cards ... seventy-nine enrolled. They were pleading to join the Bahá’í Faith.” On a return trip, thirty-eight more enrolled.
At Kingston, Jamaica, where in January the members of the Trio had attended the Oceanic Conference, in addition to planned presentations, they stopped to buy fruit and thirty-eight enrolled. They stopped in a street, and thirty-eight more declared. They stopped for a soda in a store and a bystander mentioned publicity, so the Trio gave their presentation and five more declarations were made.
At Williamstown, in the Bahamas, in addition to two days teaching, they learned that the “Bahama Star”, the ship chartered for the Caribbean Conference was in port. So the Trio visited several Bahá’ís still aboard and arranged for them to meet with the Island Teaching Committee.
The Trio concluded: “From this tour we see the urgent, immediate need to teach this Faith as never before. The people are there—waiting ... And we saw some of the most beautiful, happiest people on the earth—the pioneers; surely they are the ones who desire especially to be nigh unto God.”
The New Era Trio were sponsored by the Continental Pioneer Committee for the Americas.
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First believers of Sta. Lucia, Colombia, Sr. and Sra. Janero.
Sta. Lucia—A Success Story[edit]
On September 12, 1970, Sta. Lucia del Atlantico, Colombia, was another tranquil town in this northern Colombia area. But one could discern the movement, however slight, prior to its awakening through the desperate call from its first two believers.
These new Bahá’ís, longing for the momentary company of their fellow believers, wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly, requesting that they send visitors to spend a few hours with them in this isolated town which has no direct line of communication with the rest of the country.
Barranquilla, the nearest city with an established Local Spiritual Assembly, sent two pioneers to answer the call. They left for Sta. Lucia at the first opportunity, not knowing, even after some investigation, exactly where it was located, nor which of the many bus lines afforded transportation to this town.
On the day of departure, a single bus, which made a daily trip, was located, and the two ventured off to Sta. Lucia. After five hours and twelve breakdowns of the bus they reached their destination on the Canal Dique, a tributary of the Magdelena River, some sixty miles from their home. It should surprise no Bahá’í that Sra. Janero just happened along at the right moment as the bus discharged our two friends who recognized each other immediately.
She escorted them to her tiny mud and thatched-roof hut that stands on a tiny finca (farm) on the river. Sr. Janero (Pua) was at home and added his gracious welcome and they all sat and conversed as old friends. They exchanged news of mutual interest and agreed to visit their neighbors to bring them the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
While the Señora prepared the dinner, the three set out to visit neighbors. Using the basic method recently used with much success in the Deep South, they found four new believers.
During and after dinner several neighbors began to congregate in the unlighted garden of the Janeros. As no electricity was available, crude kerosene lamps were burned. One of the pioneers delivered a short but inspired address carrying the love and Message of the Blessed Beauty. No less than seventeen more declared bringing the count to twenty-three.
Within a few months, friends from Barranquilla visited, when time permitted from other Bahá’í activities and enrolled some fifty more.
By Riḍván 1971, when it was time to form their first Local Spiritual Assembly, the mayor and his wife and his mother had also enrolled. All eligible members of the community participated in their first election.
Little by little, more believers were found in this little town with the dirt streets and thatched-roofed houses and only recently with any electricity at all. The visits continued as before and deepening was included.
In January 1971, two pioneers, one adult and one preyouth, and a local youth, went from Barranquilla to Sta. Lucia. Their plan was to spend five days there and enroll 400 through direct teaching and at least one public meeting. Four hundred and thirty-four were enrolled. Since that time, another twelve have joined the ranks of the Faith.
At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Regional Committee sent a representative to meet with the Local Assembly to encourage them to establish a children’s class and appoint at least one messenger to deliver deepening materials to the friends as there was no mail delivery to this town. To the class already established, two new ones were added. All other goals were accomplished as requested: messengers, Regional Convention and Teaching Institute.
Those who are unable to leave their homes to travel as pioneers can do much to reinforce these noble souls: contribute to the Funds, deputize others who are able to go but need financial assistance, offer prayers, and encourage new pioneers to arise to serve.
A Bahá’í children’s class at Sta. Lucia del Atlantico, Colombia.
A small gathering of some of the more than 500 believers at Sta. Lucia del Atlantico, Colombia on Feb. 2, 1972.
OBSERVANCES OF WORLD RELIGION DAY[edit]
World Religion Day was celebrated on January 16, 1972 in the United States and in many countries around the world. It is the twenty-second such annual observance. The day is being increasingly recognized by the public as evidenced by its being widely listed in calendars.
The Public Information office of the National Center in Wilmette plans the theme, sends out suggested news releases, radio spot announcements and proposed wording of a proclamation to be presented to an official. Fifteen to twenty National Spiritual Assemblies have requested these aids for special Bahá’í proclamation events.
The suggested theme for the occasion this year was: “World Religion, Basis for Universal and Lasting Peace.” Assemblies, of course, were free to use other themes and plan any kind of observance they consider most useful in their location. From replies returned to the Public Information office, many communities followed the suggestions closely. Special proclamation days give an occasion for local publicity and a stimulus for local teaching. It is hoped that there will be an increased use of these Bahá’í sponsored days as there is an accumulative effect on public thinking in associating the Faith with themes such as “World Religion”, “World Peace,” etc.
Publicity[edit]
Excellent publicity was reported and many newspaper clippings sent in. World Religion Day was announced in Clearwater, Florida in a bold headline across the top of the religion page. The same treatment was received in the publicity from the Lake Havasu City, Arizona Bahá’í group. A front page top streamer was given to the Bahá’ís of Laramie, Wyoming and just below was a large photograph of three Bahá’ís presenting The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Mayor.
Dupo, in St. Clair County, Illinois, featured a classified ad under “Coming Events”, along with a chatty, personalized long article illustrated by the photo of their speaker for the Day, Mrs. Naomi McCord. Yonkers, New York, used the “Thought for the Day” column for an appropriate quotation from Bahá’u’lláh.
The suggested proclamation was signed by many officials. The Largo, Florida, Bahá’ís succeeded in having the wording of the proclamation published along with a photograph of the Mayor and a Bahá’í.
Two communities reported receiving newspaper stories with photos by making book presentations. The Athens, Georgia, community presented Some Answered Questions to the public library. The Bristol, New Hampshire, Bahá’ís presented books to Belknap College Library.
In Kansas City, about 2,000 invitations to a public meeting were delivered door-to-door. One man found an invitation in the street, looked up the Bahá’ís and asked if he could attend a fireside.
Miami, Florida, Bahá’ís are to be congratulated for sustained effort for their window display in connection with World Religion Day. This year it was shown for two weeks in the window of the Florida Power and Light Company’s downtown office. A similar display has appeared for the occasion in the same location for more than twenty years, always lasting for a week, sometimes two. The display consisted of Bibles from the religions of the world: Christian, Hebrew, Buddhist, Islamic, open at appropriate passages, prophetic words about the new age or coming of the Promised One. These texts were picked out by a color overlay of tinted plastic. A gold ribbon led from these passages to a copy of Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, open to page 66:
“And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the one true God with His creation, ... He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a pure and stainless Soul he made manifest in the kingdom of earth and heaven. Unto this subtle, this mysterious and ethereal Being He hath assigned a twofold nature; the physical, pertaining to the world of matter, and the spiritual, which is born of the substance of God Himself.”
Large letters announced World Religion Day and the window was completed with an announcement that the display was sponsored by the Miami Bahá’ís.
Public Meetings[edit]
Many public meetings used Bahá’í films. Such was the case of the gathering sponsored by the community of South De Kalb County, Georgia; a Professor of Religion attended and requested the use of the film for his class.
Mrs. Marion C. Lippitt, who had just returned from Pilgrimage, was the speaker at York, Maine, using as her topic “The World’s Holy Land, Past and Present.” At Bozeman, Montana, the George Galinkins showed slides of shrines of religions of the world gathered in their trip around the world and Pilgrimage of three years ago.
In Peterborough, New Hampshire, instead of a public meeting, they arranged for daily interviews on the Faith by a local radio station. At Kirkland, Washington, in addition to a public meeting, a Bahá’í speaker was sent
[Page 23]
to the Unitarian Church, an excellent opportunity to
inform a whole group of seekers about the meaning and
purpose of the Faith.
In Freeport, Bahamas, the Bahá’í pamphlet Seven Thousands Years in Retrospect gave the keynote, tracing the development of religion from age to age, to the Day of God.
In Saigon, Vietnam the eleventh annual observance of World Religion Day was held.
Other big cities of Vietnam which held celebrations this year are Can-Tho, Da-Nang, Pleiku, Phan-Thiet, Bihn-Tuy, and other district towns. The event was prominently reported in over twenty Vietnamese daily newspapers, the radio, television and in movies throughout the country. This annual occasion has become a means of demonstrating religious fellowship.
Columbus, Ohio arranged a three-day observance, a community gathering and film showing before the World Religion Day meeting. The Tukwila, Washington, meeting began with a pot-luck supper for forty, then speakers, ending with an international dance. The international flavor was evident in the well-planned observance at Agana, Guam where publicity included posters and an information booth for distributing pamphlets in various languages, all related to the theme of universal and lasting peace. The program included talks, prayers and musical selections by children and elders, in various languages; Japanese, Tagalog, Persian and English. A talk was made by a Palauan. Hostesses gave each visitor a flower with a personal greeting. Decorations included twenty-five hand-painted posters, as well as flowers and palm leaves. As a surprise ending to the meeting, balloons were released, carrying a variety of Bahá’í quotations, then refreshments were served.
An “Open House” at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Ioas was given by the Orinda, California Bahá’ís. It carried out a detailed, phased plan. Beginning a month in advance, beautifully printed invitations were sent to individuals which included the program, space for others to be invited on a response card and stamped,
At Largo, Florida, Mrs. Ingrid Lanier is shown with
Mayor T. S. Madison who signed the World Religion
Day proclamation. The photo was published in the local
paper, along with the text of the proclamation.
At the speakers’ table on World Religion Day in Saigon,
Vietnam. Mr. Tran Thang, member of the National
Spiritual Assembly, is on the extreme right.
addressed reply envelope. During the month there were
local and inter-community meetings to organize and
practice a children’s pageant of religion and assign
duties; also to personally phone all who responded, and
those who did not. A note of reminder arrived a day
ahead for those who accepted. The program announced
luncheon, an afternoon of slides and discussion, an
evening with the pageant, an informal talk and social
hour, with refreshments served all during open house. A
follow-up letter was sent to all receiving invitations,
giving information about firesides.
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Proclamation
Town of Largo WHEREAS, religion is the motivating force for the establishment of order in the world and of tranquillity amongst its peoples, and WHEREAS, religion is a might bulwark for man and the basis for universal and lasting peace, and WHEREAS, the harnessed power of the atom and other advances have made the world a neighborhood and joined the destiny of all peoples and nations in a common future of universal annihilation or of creativity beyond the grandest dreams of man, and WHEREAS, it becomes imperative that mankind learns to live together as a world community, and WHEREAS, religion can strengthen the bonds between peoples, provide us with the values establishing world peace and world unity, and WHEREAS, the members of the Bahá’í Faith of the Town of Largo are joining in the twenty-second annual national observance of World Religion Day, NOW, THEREFORE, I, T. S. Madson, Mayor of the Town of Largo, do hereby proclaim Sunday, January 16, 1972, as WORLD RELIGION DAY
in the Town, in the fervent hope that it will focus the attention of the members of this community on the indivisibility of human well being, stimulate them to a renewed interest in religion and motivate them to make religion a dynamic force to advance civilization toward the goal of universal and lasting peace. T. S. Madson |
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Dear Adults: Have you seen CHILD’S WAY recently? Have you read it? Did you find simple answers to difficult questions? Did you enjoy the reprints from Star of the West, the passages from Mahmud’s Diary or Guy Murchie’s original contributions? Were you glad to have interesting and informative printed matter for your children and your friend’s children? Were you delighted that illustrated stories are now available for your community children’s classes? Have you felt the urge to encourage a child to be creative and to send his contribution for publication in CHILD’S WAY? All this is possible when individuals or communities subscribe to CHILD’S WAY. Special offer, this month only: With a new subscription, 9 past issues of CHILD’S WAY for $5.00 additional only. A one year subscription is $4.50, single issues still 75¢. Just send your check with your name and address to:
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HUMAN RIGHTS DAY[edit]
December 10, 1971, Bahá’í communities throughout the United States celebrated Human Rights Day. On this day, 24 years ago, 48 nations of the world community adopted, at the United Nations, the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” a document elucidating fundamental principles of freedom for all the peoples of the world. With public meetings, concerts, panel discussions and international dinners 44 Bahá’í communities signified this day. Hand of the Cause William Sears spoke to an audience of 850 people in Los Angeles on the subject of human rights. At this meeting, the Los Angeles Bahá’í community also distributed Human Rights Day awards to outstanding citizens of that city. Newport, Rhode Island and Gallup, New Mexico also presented awards on Human Rights Day.
At Northwestern University, “The Children of Time,” a well-known singing group, gave a concert on Human Rights Day for an audience of over 300 people.
This year, the theme for Human Rights Day suggested by the National Spiritual Assembly, “Equality—A Divine Standard,” was the topic of discussion at twenty-three Human Rights Day meetings. Other topics included “Women’s Rights in Africa” and “Individual Potential—A World View.”
In order to create a better awareness of Human Rights and the United Nations, many communities distributed literature on these two subjects. Where possible, Bahá’í communities participated in activities sponsored by the United Nations Association and other groups interested in the UN. All communities received excellent publicity for their programs. In addition to free newspaper and radio announcements several communities received television time, participated on radio talk shows and were interviewed about the Bahá’í Faith.
Bahá’í communities which celebrated Human Rights Day, 1971 contributed greatly to spreading the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and creating a better awareness of the work of the United Nations. Most of these communities plan to follow up this activity with firesides, public meetings and further meetings with the United Nations Association. Some are already preparing for Human Rights Day 1972.
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