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Bahá’í News

August 1979

Bahá’í Year 136

The Bahá’í World Celebrates a Victory

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A message from Uganda

“Mashriqu’l-Adhkár safe, secure, its beautiful doors open once again grateful public. New government’s declaration freedom worship great rejoicing, gratitude all believers. Hearts overflowing indescribable joy recent development; eternally grateful Supreme Body for prayers, unfailing guidance throughout difficult period. Assure love, devotion...” (From a cablegram received May 1, 1979, at the World Centre from the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga)

[Page 1]

Contents

Seat of the House of Justice
Construction moves forward on schedule on Mt. Carmel	2
An Intercalary Days Celebration
Children of Laos enjoy a gala party at the National Center	3
Victory messages
Bahá’í world rejoices as Five Year Plan goals are met, won	4
Around the world
News from Bahá’í communities in every corner of the globe	12

Cover

As the Five Year Plan reached its conclusion in April and Bahá’í National Conventions were held, messages of joy and thanksgiving began arriving at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel, signaling a magnificent victory in this latest chapter in God’s Divine Plan for mankind. All over the world, Bahá’í communities had met or exceeded the goals of the Plan, providing a firm basis on which to launch the new Seven Year Plan whose broad outlines became visible in the Naw-Rúz message to the Bahá’í world from the Universal House of Justice. Excerpts from many of the cables received at the World Centre are reprinted in this issue, beginning on Page 4.

Change of address should be reported directly to Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates: one year, U.S. $8; two years, U.S. $15. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL 60091.Copyright © 1979, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Bahá’í News is published monthly 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. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appear at the end. The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A.

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Seat of the Universal House of Justice

Top, the Arc on Mt. Carmel in an aerial photo taken April 3. The new building for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice is oriented on the axis of the Arc that has as its focal center the tombs of the Sister, Mother and Brother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Bahá’í International Archives building faces the Arc from the West. In the future, buildings to house the International Teaching Centre, the Centre for the Study of the Holy Texts, and the International Bahá’í Library will complete the complex. Construction is proceeding on schedule, with most of the marble already installed on the exterior, and a small portion of the entablature completed. In the photo at left, an assembled marble-and-concrete soffit unit is hoisted into place atop the columns on the portico of the new building for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The marble is placed in a special form and reinforced concrete is poured to make the soffit a single unit. Above, a soffit unit is guided into place by the team of French artisans who are installing the marble on the building. A lighting fixture will be installed in the hole in the center of the soffit—one of 53 that will provide the ceiling of the colonnade around the building.

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Children of Laos commemorate Intercalary Days

Deng and Douangmaly, both 3 1/2 years old, perform a newly-learned dance.

Douangphet Navasouk, age 8, helps provide rhythm accompaniment for the dancers with his drum.

Folk dances were very much a part of the celebration at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Vientiane.

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Victory Messages

The Bahá’í world resounds with the glorious news of Five Year Plan victories

Africa

Benin

“... 58 Assemblies, 142 localities, 1 district and 5 local Centers near completion, one in progress; 2 endowments... Happy to announce holding of 10th Convention... Good consultation about the Riḍván Message. Delighted participation Counsellor Khelghati, Auxiliary Board member Hodonou, friends from Togo. Beseech prayers at Holy Shrines for the accomplishment of goals.”

Botswana

“... 50 Local Assemblies, 150 localities, 5 LSA incorporations, 1 district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 14 local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 20 local endowments...”

Cameroon Republic

“... 875 localities, 318 LSAs, 3 district Centers, 20 local Centers, 55 endowments... Counsellor, five Board members, 50 delegates, 72 visitors (Convention) rejoice triumphant conclusion World Plan, deeply grateful thrilling message and confidence Cameroon community. With uplifted hearts determine complete Centers. 37 pledges achieve new goals. Praying friends Cradle Faith...”

Central African Empire

“One LSA incorporation, two regional Centers, 13 local Centers, 27 local endowments, 26 LSAs extension teaching...”

The Gambia

“Fifth National Convention Bahá’ís Gambia joyously announces election National Spiritual Assembly, completion all goals Five Year Plan, wholehearted acceptance dedication win new goals...”

Ghana

“Rejoice 77 Assemblies, 330 localities, 4 incorporations, 18 local Centers, one regional Center completed, second nearing completion, 22 endowments... Inspiring Convention 83 friends 35 delegates honored presence Counsellor Kazemi, 3 Board members. Spirit great thanksgiving total victory Five Year Plan, dedicated achievement two year plan...”

Ivory Coast/Mali

“Ivory Coast 74 LSAs, 189 localities, 4 local Centers, 2 regional Centers, 15 endowments... Mali 5 LSAs... We an-

[Page 5] nounce successful 9th Convention 100 participants, 41 delegates, 3 Auxiliary Board members, 9 assistants. Three days study of Plan and consultation about teaching, local Centers, education of children, women’s activities, contact with authorities, mass media...”

Kenya

“Convention jubilant achievement goals Plan, eagerly accept God-given tasks first two years Seven Year Plan. Blessed presence Counsellor, eight Auxiliary Board members, 105 delegates and over 60 visitors. Grateful your inspiring, soul-stirring messages. Delegates united spirit consultation, pledge increased spiritual, material contribution fuller participation achievement national, international goals...”

Liberia/Guinea

“55 LSAs, 5 incorporated, 164 localities. Five Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds completed, four under construction, 11 land obtained, 15 endowments... Warmest greetings Bahá’í Sixteenth National Convention... Fruitful consultation delegates assure success first phase Seven Year Plan. Three homefront pioneers, nine travel teachers. Plead prayers Holy Shrines confirmations surround our efforts.”

Mauritius

“98 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 175 localities... 2 Board members, 67 delegates, 141 friends assembled 4-day Convention heartfelt gratitude and prayers accomplishment teaching goals Five Year Plan, fruitful consultation contents inspiring message, firm resolution pursue actively all goals...”

Nigeria

“160 Assemblies, 17 local and 2 district Centers, 30 endowments Nigeria.”

Réunion

“Happy announce Convention initiating Seven Year Plan participation 37, nine delegates, two Auxiliary Board members... Consultation centered exciting global Plan, eagerly awaiting specific goals. Unprecedented spirit unity Riḍván Festival. Prepared immediately begin tasks Plan...”

Rhodesia

“103 Assemblies, 566 localities, 10 incorporations, 31 local and district Centers, 46 endowments... Heartfelt love, gratitude successes enjoyed this community undoubtedly attributable assistance Spiritual Realm prayers Threshold Shrines. 40 delegates, Counsellor Fat’he-Aazam, 4 Auxiliary Board members, 14 assistants, total 117 attending offer thanks new Plan, determinedly dedicating efforts early realization goals. Solicit continued guidance, protection Divine Institutions.”

Rwanda

“Marvelous Convention, 76 participants delegates, believers, Auxiliary Board members...”

Sénégal

“Goals achieved as follows: 38 Assemblies, 90 localities, all translations done save Mandinke, national endowment transferred our name, regional Center completed, 5 local Centers acquired... Joyous Riḍván greetings. We announce with joy the success of our National Convention presence 2 Auxiliary Board members, 22 delegates, 35 observers gathered to celebrate accomplishment of the victorious Five Year Plan. Inspired message, enthusiastic new horizons goals Seven Year Plan...”

Seychelles

“Twenty-five delegates, two members Auxiliary Board, 70 friends attending eighth annual Convention profoundly grateful messages. Beseech your loving prayers Holy Shrines divine confirmations enable this community achieve all goals during initial two-year phase Seven Year Plan.”

Sierra Leone

“25 Local Assemblies, 90 localities, 2 local Centers under construction, 5 local endowments, incorporation NSA complete... Convention held well attended, joyously received message launching Seven Year Plan. Harmonious consultation moving members to pursue goals and determined become self-supporting...”

South West Africa

“Locality and Assembly goals won. South Africa 204 Assemblies, 723 localities, 48 local endowments, 2 district Haziras, 5 local Haziras complete, 4 local Haziras building including Transkei and Buphothatswana. Southwest Africa 26 Assemblies, 167 localities, 10 endowments, 5 Haziras. St. Helena one Assembly, one endowment...”

Swaziland

“Delighted announcing happy, successful four-day Convention attendance two Auxiliary Board members, 57 delegates from 23 communities, 95 participants and scores of youth celebrated successful achievement Five Year Plan teaching goals, joyous launching of new Seven Year Plan. All wholeheartedly pledge fulfillment divinely inspired goals...”

Tanzania

“16th Convention attended 50 delegates, Counsellor Dr. ‘Ahdíyyih, 7 Auxiliary Board members, observers. Received good news first phase Seven Year Plan and message with gratitude, consultation on details Plan in progress... Participants pledge full involvement achieving goals...”

Upper Volta

“Local Spiritual Assemblies 18, localities 63, 3 local Centers built, 4 local endowments acquired, national endowment in progress...”

Zaire

“... Assemblies 1,463, localities 4,100.”

Zambia

“154 Local Assemblies, 12 incorporated, 68 endowments, 32 local Centers, 3 district Centers... 1,172 localities.”

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The Americas

Alaska

“Loving Bahá’í greetings 23rd annual Convention, 354 Bahá’ís of Alaska. Inspired dedicated souls ready to initiate Plan, striving valiantly to increase contributions to International Fund. Largest attendance to date including coinciding children’s program. Heartfelt message uniting believers to ever greater efforts achieve goals first two years.”

Argentina

“Convention announces numerical goals met: 57 Assemblies, 262 localities, 12 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 9 endowments. Rejoiced formation Assembly Quilmes, site holy tomb May Maxwell. Special attention delegates compensate obstacles Írán with homefront pioneers, greater financial independence. Argentine Bahá’í community assumes challenge first phase Seven Year Plan with spirit unity, firmness, trusting your prayers Holy Threshold...”

Barbados/Windward Islands

“44 Local Assemblies, 53 localities... three incorporations, one national two local endowments, one district Center purchased one in progress...”

Belize

“Joyously report Five Year Plan victoriously achieved. 53 Assemblies, 11 incorporations, 151 localities... 3 district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 9 local, 24 endowments including 2 pledges and some with documents in process. Pioneer goals achieved... Joyous maturing Convention... highly stimulated presence Counsellor McLaren, evident eagerness plunge into new Plan, consolidate victories won, implement all aspects new goals...”

Bolivia

“... 1,066 Local Assemblies were formed, number of localities is 4,903... 22 local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and 2 local endowments have been acquired. 4 pioneers have been sent abroad... Literature has been translated into two tribal languages, Chiquitano and Guarayo. 5 National Teaching Conferences have been held... 9 incorporations... Immensely overjoyed receipt Naw-Rúz message new Plan. More than 100 delegates and participants desirous to put in action... Have commenced national program for training believers to hold classes for Bahá’í education of children. Beginning national campaign for financial self-sufficiency with great support. We are sure that this Plan will raise up the spiritual and material potentialities to achieve even greater victories...”

Brazil

“Grateful inspiring illuminating presence beloved Hand Dr. Varqá. 300 Bahá’ís including Counsellor Pavón, 11 Auxiliary Board members, 33 delegates jubilant successful conclusion Five Year Plan. Mature consultation resulted following victories, pledges: over 50 pioneers traveling teachers including 3 for Asia; establishment Bahá’í school in northeast region by 9 friends; two boats for Amazon region; deputization and National Fund pledges totaling 536,000 Cruzeiros; purchase or installation Bahá’í radio station in northeast region with $30,000 in hand; prayers in Tikoona Indian language translated; adoption by all participants of individual goals. Beseech prayers Holy Shrines progress Faith Brazil...”

Canada

“Rejoicing achievement Five Year Plan goals. Heartfelt gratitude critical assistance House of Justice, Hands Cause, Counsellors, National Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Board, assistants winning Plan. Presence native believers commands deepest appreciation their vital role Five Year Plan... Receipt Seven Year Plan stimulates vigorous consultation methods, means achievement. Particular focus investigation development, refinement teaching methods. Vital awareness critical juncture fortunes mankind necessitates absolute loyalty Covenant Bahá’u’lláh. Grateful Bahá’u’lláh quality, unity Canadian Bahá’í community in spite of divisive forces assailing mankind. Convention striving acceleration process spiritual development enrichment believers result attraction masses Cause God. Facing challenge maintain momentum expansion consolidation, compensate restrictions suffering steadfast believers Cradle Faith. Renewed consciousness reliance infallible guidance Supreme Body. Humbly request prayers our behalf Holy Shrines...”

Chile

“Delegates, believers in presence Counsellor Athos Costas, 4 Auxiliary Board members rejoicing on accomplishment and surpassing goals Five Year Plan. Pledge renewed efforts to comply first phase Seven Year Plan. Praying protection friends Írán... LSAs before eve April 20 133, localities 325, all goals fulfilled...”

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EI Salvador

“... Local Spiritual Assemblies 100, groups 76, isolated centers 94, localities 270, local incorporations 3... local endowments 25, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds sites 4... National Spiritual Assembly elected with positive spirit. Convention enthusiastically decided to reach remaining goals Five Year Plan and initial goals Seven Year Plan...”

French Antilles

“Endowment, Temple lands found, negotiations started. 26 Local assemblies, 78 localities... NSA and one LSA incorporated...”

Guyana

“53 Local Assemblies, 153 localities... one local, one district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 4 endowments... Joyfully report enthusiastic response 91 observers, 28 delegates, elected new NSA, breadth Guyana represented. Consultation energetic, warm, intelligent... Resolved accomplish all goals during first two-year phase Seven Year Plan...”

Haiti

“16th Convention three glorious days, 49 delegates present, 19 visitors, 3 Auxiliary Board members representing Continental Board of Counsellors... Participation animated. All Five Year Plan goals accomplished, enthusiastic begin Seven Year Plan...”

Honduras

“Bountiful harvest 122 Local Assemblies, 558 localities, 15 incorporations, 9 local Centers, 20 endowments.”

Jamaica

“Joyous Riḍván greetings. Convention successful, NSA elected. Five Year Plan enthusiastically launched, spirit dedication friends high, positive commitment achieve new goals...”

Leeward/Virgin Islands

“Report Five Year Plan totals... two local endowments, two local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 32 Assemblies, four incorporated, 74 localities... Loving greetings 13th National Convention Leeward and Virgin Islands in Antigua. Received two-year phase Seven Year Plan enthusiasm, endeavor first NSA achieve LSA goals one year. Much love generated...”

Mexico

“... 165 Assemblies, 602 localities, 21 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds virtually complete... With grateful hearts 45 delegates, 117 visitors joyously united National Convention Puebla, Mexico, Counsellor Aḥmadíyyih, seven Auxiliary Board members. Heightened enthusiasm happiness generated heroic fulfillment goals Five Year Plan, deeply moved inspiring messages Supreme Body, redoubling effort Seven Year Plan... Initial nationwide efforts launch Jaguar Plan Yucatán participation 33 volunteers, 26 pioneers including 7 Mayas arising fill goals undeveloped areas...”

Nicaragua

“35 Local Spiritual Assemblies all departments, 120 localities, 5 endowments, 3 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, one incorporation...”

Panama

“Local Spiritual Assemblies 135, localities 419, local incorporations 18, local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds 15, endowments 33...”

Peru

“Local Spiritual Assemblies 272, incorporations 42, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds 29, endowments 47, localities 924...”

Puerto Rico

“Assemblies 22, localities 62, incorporated Assemblies 6, local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds 2, local endowments 2, national endowments one... Receiving loving cable, grateful prayers guidance and Counsellors’ representative. Determined seize opportunity fulfill new goals with impetus from victories won...”

Surinam/French Guiana

“... Localities Surinam 60, French Guiana 16; Local Spiritual Assemblies Surinam 41, French Guiana 6; incorporations Surinam 3, French Guiana 1; Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Surinam 1 national, 2 local, 1 district, French Guiana 1 local; national endowment, 1 Temple site Surinam... Blessed by spirit Bahá’u’lláh delegates assembled third National Convention Surinam and French Guiana representing various ethnic groups share joy achievement goals Five Year Plan, some surpassed. Convention enriched presence two Auxiliary Board members representing Continental Board of Counsellors and participation Bush Negroes and Amerindians. New National Spiritual Assembly representing flower garden of Bahá’u’lláh. Entire delegation challenged, eagerly anticipate early victory two-year phase exciting Seven Year Plans...”

Trinidad/Tobago

“... 138 local Assemblies, 323 localities, 18 incorporations... Joyously announce stimulating Convention, unity unprecedented. 57 delegates, 33 observers assisted by three Auxiliary Board members... Goals Seven Year Plan enthusiastically received, believers inspired to action...”

United States

“... 7,041 localities, 1,488 Local Assemblies, 414 incorporated Assemblies... All foreign goals accomplished as stated Plan except that Assembly goal Bermuda exceeded by one... Over 1,800 delegates and friends gathered at the 70th National Bahá’í Convention express joy and gratitude for the blessed presence and inspiration of the Hands of the Cause William Sears, Zikrullah Khadem and John Robarts and Counsellors Edna True, Sarah Pereira and Velma Sherrill. We are grateful for the guidance of the Hands of the Cause Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan and Counsellor Hedi Aḥmadíyyih whose dedicated efforts contributed vitally to the acceleration of teaching efforts. With their assistance, the manifold sacrifices of the American Bahá’í community, and the bounties showered upon us by the Divine Concourse, the Five Year Plan of God was brought to a successful conclusion with an unprecedented explosion of

[Page 8] victories. We applaud the efforts of our National Assembly for its guidance during this time and for its instantaneous response to the plight of our beleaguered brethren in the Cradle of the Faith. We dedicate ourselves to redoubling our efforts in honor of the Persian friends during this period when many opportunities are currently denied them. In a chaotic world our hearts are unspeakably grateful for the divine stability of the Supreme Institution demonstrated anew by the Seven Year Plan. We unanimously dedicate the first two crucial years to the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf. Please pray for our spiritual rebirth as individuals channeled into teaching and administrative activities. Please pray that we may transform our intentions into sustained efforts from the very first day of this Plan.”

Venezuela

“... 257 Local Assemblies, 16 incorporated, 19 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 28 endowments... With attendance of more than 100 believers, 28 delegates, we celebrate successful termination Five Year Plan and election new and well-represented National Spiritual Assembly. Extensive and fruitful period of consultation and contributions of 3,589 Bolivars. We are prepared to dedicate ourselves to the challenges of the next Plan...”

Asia

Burma

“... 362 localities, 153 Assemblies, 1 Temple site, 1 Teaching Institute, 2 district 4 local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 2 endowments, all goals complete... Over 300 attended Youth Conference; successful Convention starting 19 April Daidanaw attended Counsellor Samaniego, four Auxiliary Board members, 59 delegates, over 1,000 friends...”

India

“Humbly convey Riḍván greetings... Assemblies 10,377, localities 34,873, Assemblies incorporated 497, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds acquired during Five Year Plan 21, state district 46 village 41 endowments... 84 delegates 50th annual Convention inspired presence Counsellors Boman, Afshín, Khianra, 28 members Auxiliary Board, 235 observers. Deeply moved stirring call Seven Year Plan...”

Japan

“Happily report achievement goals LSAs and localities. 47 Local Assemblies, 302 localities... Deep appreciation loving assistance for successful accomplishment Five Year Plan, also stirring Convention message Counsellor Suzuki, over 100 Bahá’ís at Convention dedicate themselves accomplishment first phase Seven Year Plan, beseech prayers this community for which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prophesied much victories...”

Korea

“... Local Assemblies 181, groups 371, localities 774... Praying Blessed Perfection sustain your mighty efforts Plan to come... 16th Korean National Convention privileged presence Counsellor Mumtází, seven Auxiliary Board members, highest number observers its history... Delegates resolved undertake Seven Year Plan earliest achievement...”

Pakistan

“... Assemblies 83, localities 564, incorporations 27, local Haziras 4, district Haziras 3, endowment 1, Temple site 1... Forty-seven delegates, observers presence Counsellor Kermani, three Auxiliary Board members holding eighth annual Convention humbly submit servitude... Wish share tidings that last night Dacca Radio Forum mentioned Bahá’u’lláh as ‘architect of international brotherhood for this age.’ All assured success endeavor completion goals first phase Plan...”

Singapore

“Rejoicing bountiful harvest Five Year Plan, successful election National Assembly... Counsellor Sundram, Auxiliary Board member Rose Ong, 17 delegates, over 40 observers. Initial phase Seven Year Plan consulted great enthusiasm, determined fulfillment...”

Sri Lanka

“... Assemblies 98, localities 404, well over one hundred percent increase believers...”

Taiwan

“... Localities total 148, Assemblies 15... Eagerly, wholeheartedly enter recently received Seven Year Plan confident swiftly surpass goals...”

Thailand

“Friends overjoyed, deeply grateful Bahá’u’lláh: 97 Assemblies, 450 localities...”

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Australasia

Australia

“... 102 Local Assemblies, 359 localities, 50 incorporations, all pioneers at posts... Largest assemblage Australian Convention joyously affirms dedication Seven Year Plan. 81 assembled delegates, nearly 500 friends deeply grateful guidance, spiritual stimulation message Universal House of Justice. Overjoyed tremendous gain Five Year Plan, inspired extend efforts fulfillment new challenges... Friends inspired... presence Hand Cause Featherstone, Counsellor Khan, 10 Auxiliary Board members. Pervasive spirit optimism, two international travel teachers already raised...”

Cook Islands

“24 Local Assemblies, 34 islands, 95-plus localities... Eighteen delegates all major areas, 100 friends inspired presence Auxiliary Board member Ushibata celebrating victories, consulting achieve goals new Plan. National Assembly representative of believers east, west...”

Fiji Islands

“Loving greetings from delegates, friends assembled 10th annual Convention Bahá’ís of Fiji, grateful presence Counsellor Harwood, three Auxiliary Board members. Rejoice victories Five Year Plan, eager launch, confident fulfillment goals Seven Year Plan...”

Gilbert Islands/Tuvalu

“Latest statistics 80 Assemblies, 16 registered, 201 localities, number believers doubled... 13 local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds...”

Mariana Islands

“Final report of Five Year Plan accomplishments total number of Local Spiritual Assemblies 10, localities opened 32... National Assembly incorporated, national and two local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (acquired)... Surge spirituality Mariana Islands inspired by persecutions Cradle Faith resulting triumphal victory all Five Year Plan goals. Convention delegates recommend Mariana Bahá’ís dedicate prayers Feast of Núr for Írán and others worldwide restricted Bahá’í activities. Successful election second National Spiritual Assembly Mariana Islands, newspaper, television coverage Convention, joyous occasion banquet commemorating 25th anniversary Knight Bahá’u’lláh Olson’s arrival Mariana Islands Riḍván... Accept challenge Seven Year Plan with joy and confidence. First fruit announced Convention declaration ninth member Yigo Guam presaging immediate formation new Spiritual Assembly.”

Marshall Islands

“Joyfully announce achievement following goals Five Year Plan: 15 Local Assemblies, 42 localities, Temple site, endowment land, three local Centers, two revised translations Prayer Book...”

New Zealand

“36 Local Assemblies, 191 localities, 17 incorporations. Cook Islands 2 Local Assemblies, 5 localities, 1 incorporation... All property goals Cook Islands, New Zealand attained. Chatham Islands reopened aid Australian believers... 5 Auxiliary Board members, 54 delegates, assembled friends gathered 22nd annual Convention inspired message Supreme Institution, resolved steadfastness, beseeching prayers divine assistance needed carry forward momentum achieved recent months accomplish goals first phase Seven Year Plan.”

Papua New Guinea

“Five Year Plan achieved, 131 Local Assemblies, 484 localities, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Fatmilak and Manus achieved... Happy inform 11th National Convention held great success. 32 delegates attended. Messages Universal House of Justice, Hand Cause Featherstone opened Convention. Counsellor Hoehnke greeted delegates, visitors. Goals Five Year Plan achieved. Hope win goals Seven Year Plan.”

Philippines

“Five Year Plan accomplishments as of April 20: 548 Local Assemblies, 5,898 localities, including Assemblies 49 out of 74 provinces and sub-provinces, 41 LSA incorporations. Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds acquired Negros, Cebu Islands; sites acquired Palawan, Bohol, Samar, Masbate and construction buildings in progress. Supplementary goal Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds site acquired Pangasinan Province. Publishing Trust legalized. 24 pioneer settlers 10 countries, 12 travel teachers 9 countries... Joyfully announce Philippine National Convention... grateful presence Hand Cause Dr. Muhájir, Counsellor Paymán, 13 Auxiliary Board members, 301 participants 17 cities, record-breaking 135 ballots received, 39 delegates attending. Regional consultations produced increased integration and cooperation, triple number Area Teaching Committees, 15 teaching projects starting immediately, also specific plans self-organizing, self-supporting basis...”

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Samoa

“... local Assemblies 54, localities 209, incorporations 15, local Haziras 10...”

Solomon Islands

“LSAs 66, incorporated 13, localities 440... local Centers 11... Joyously inform news Convention Honiara, 51 delegates appreciate presence Counsellor Battrick, two Auxiliary Board members plus two newly appointed Auxiliary Board members... Aware responsibilities first two years Seven Year Plan...”

South West Pacific

“... New Caledonia LSAs 7, incorporated 2, localities 24; Loyalty Islands LSAs 6, incorporated 2, localities 24; Wallis and Futuna Islands 2 groups; Society Islands LSAs 1, localities 2; Tumautu Islands localities 2...”

Tonga

“40 Local Assemblies, 122 localities, 2 local Centers... Loving greetings from participants Bahá’í Convention. Divine spirit Tongan believers grows stronger yearly. Beseech prayers Holy Shrines success Seven Year Plan.”

Europe

Austria

“... LSAs 15, localities 61... Hundred friends assembled Steyr close Five Year Plan for 21st National Convention, presence Hand Cause ‘Alá’í, Counsellor Betty Reed, two Auxiliary Board members. Inspired message Universal House Justice, friends pledge go faithfully wholeheartedly forward into first phase Seven Year Plan...”

Belgium

“... 19 LSAs, at least one per province, 79 localities, 8 incorporations...”

Cyprus

“Goals achieved. Four LSAs, eight Centers, Temple site, Hazira, endowment purchased... Incorporation continuing.”

Denmark

“... 11 LSAs 44 localities... 3 Local Assembly incorporations in process in Denmark. One LSA, 5 localities in Greenland... One Counsellor, Mother Denmark Johanne Hoeg, 2 Auxiliary Board members, assistants, members National Spiritual Assembly, delegates, friends gathered National Convention recognizing pressing need last chance achieving remaining goals Five Year Plan, expressed serious suggestions displaying constructive joint efforts, loving fellowship, united prayers presence, assistance Beloved Beauty. Conveying love, gratitude, assurance fidelity Universal House of Justice...”

Finland

“... 18 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 35 localities... 15 Local Assembly incorporations.”

France

“... 32 LSAs (Monaco included), 61 groups, 191 localities. Numerous pioneers and homefront pioneers settled... Anxious to fulfill remaining goals...”

Germany

“... 93 Assemblies, 552 localities... 46 incorporations... Deeply grateful Universal House of Justice guidance, encouragement, prayers. First time 600 believers gathered National Convention, 54 delegates present, uplifted participation Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, 5 Auxiliary Board members. Joyfully celebrated achievement 93 LSAs, full participation election. Felt strongly spirit unity, awareness institutions shoulder responsibilities achieve goals new Plan. Pledges DM 420,000, 7 adults, 8 children pioneers, 67 travel teachers volunteered testimony spirit sacrifice beginning Seven Year Plan.”

Greece

“Joyfully report victory Convention, vital consultation showed growing maturity. All friends overjoyed deeply enthusiastic through inspiring message Supreme Body. Most grateful presence Hand Cause Mühlschlegel and representative of Counsellors Bogie. Pledge renewed efforts living Bahá’í way of life. Offer prayers worldwide success opening phase Plan.”

Iceland

“... 9 LSAs, 3 of which incorporated, 32 localities... 54 adults, 30 children attending 3-day Convention inspired memories presence Hand Cause in Iceland, eager gain momentum spread message Bahá’u’lláh masses Iceland.”

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Ireland

“... 16 Assemblies, 4 incorporated, 51 localities... Heartfelt greetings 234 friends, children gathered Convention Ireland greatly enhanced presence UK Board member Madeline Hellaby. Triumphant spirit consolidate victories won, energies channeled toward new horizons uplifting challenges opening phase Seven Year Plan. Hearts moved suffering beloved friends Cradle Faith. Renewed zeal seize every opportunity attain new independent maturity, enable each individual guard, support wholeheartedly, serve our precious trust Cause of God...”

Italy

“... 43 LSAs, 195 localities... Sent one pioneer Nigeria, one to Switzerland, two to France...”

Luxembourg

“... 12 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 36 localities... 4 Local Assemblies incorporated... Delegates and friends gathered at new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in presence Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, Auxiliary Board members, old and new members National Assembly inspired your Naw-Rúz message, special message inauguration Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Determined maintain momentum activities fulfill goals assigned, planning how best we can meet requirements our beloved House Justice to scale nobler heights of heroism to coincide with the lowest ebb of man’s declining fortunes. We send our deepest thanks and love and fervently supplicate your help in achieving new goals set up for opening phase Seven Year Plan. Our prayers are offered that you will be given ever-increasing strength, ever-increasing courage to face the great task before you.”

Norway

“... LSAs 12 including 1 Lofoten Islands, localities 40 including Spitsbergen, counties all except one... incorporated LSAs 10... Over 70 Bahá’ís attending—including 2 Auxiliary Board members, 16 delegates and 8 NSA members—the 18th annual Norwegian Bahá’í Convention. Inspired by your message into first phase Seven Year Plan. Conscious economic situation Bahá’í world and resolved to shoulder our share this new burden...”

Spain

“... LSAs Spain 46, Andorra 1, Balearic 4, Canary 7; localities Spain 212, Andorra 3, Balearic 8, Canary 25; LSAs incorporated Spain 31, Balearic 1, Canary 3... We received your message with joy with regard to the Seven Year Plan whose content will be the direction guiding the life of the Spanish community day by day as well as your congratulations for the happy fulfillment of the Five Year Plan. This National Convention takes in its hands the task of beginning the Seven Year Plan with the same strength with which we have finished the Five Year Plan. We are conscious of the special help we have received and of the prayers for Spain which you have said at the Holy Threshold. With joy we inform you of the arising of 18 traveling teachers and a valuable financial contribution for the publishing house. We beg for prayers in the Holy Shrines for the All-Powerful to guide our National Assembly...”

Sweden

“...Assemblies 21, localities 62, incorporations 21... With jubilant hearts Counsellor Taherzadeh, Auxiliary Board members Afsahi, Johansson, NSA, delegates, 150 friends present (Convention) offer appreciation for your devoted prayers, constant support, untiring inspiration, guidance, and loving forbearance. Humbly request prayers for ever-increasing dedication, effort, confirmation our beloved Faith...”

Switzerland

“Total LSAs 25, total localities 173, LSAs incorporated 22, acquisition endowment Liechtenstein... Joyously welcome Naw-Rúz 136 messages. Counsellor Blumenthal, 3 Auxiliary Board members, 37 delegates, total 122 participants present. Determination maintain momentum gathered activities final month Five Year Plan. Love, unity, community life particularly important themes. United forces friends all regions, Auxiliary Boards through support assistants channeling efforts Central and Eastern Switzerland. Minority teaching particular concern. In Year of Child, special emphasis Bahá’í education through Bahá’í classes, public events. Supplicating prayers Holy Threshold.”

United Kingdom

“Joyous hearts announce formation 181 Spiritual Assemblies Five Year Plan including one in each county England, Wales, Scotland. All districts United Kingdom open Cause God. Four Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds acquired, 2 in England, one Scotland, one Northern Ireland... Humbly offering gratitude confirmation Lord Hosts collective services rank and file believers, army travel teachers, settlement over 270 pioneers current year mostly March April... Over 1,000 attended National Convention Southport including bounty 9 members Auxiliary Board. Unity, radiance manifest friends. Maturity consultation resulting determination surge forward Seven Year Plan bearers Word God. Aware necessity sacrifice. Resolve teach, consolidate, proclaim, strengthen community, foster development believers. 42 international travel teachers, 45 homefront travel teachers, 16 overseas pioneers proceeding next six months including one pioneer Central African Empire proceeding next month...”

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Around the World

India

The Bahá’í community of Sangli, Maharashtra, India recently acquired this local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The woman standing at the right is Mrs. Joy Munson, a pioneer from the U.S. who has lived in Sangli for the last four years and whose generosity was instrumental in the acquisition of the Center.

Canada

A talk by the Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts highlighted a meeting last March 11 in the Montreal area sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pierrefonds, Québec.

The meeting, entitled “Remember My Days,” was designed to inspire and deepen the friends on the significance of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh with special emphasis on His life and sufferings.

Auxiliary Board member Ted Oliver spoke on the significance of pioneering, and the friends in Írán were remembered and prayed for.

The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts speaks on the life and suffering of Bahá’u’lláh during a meeting entitled ‘Remember My Days’ sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pierrefonds, Québec. The purpose of the meeting was to deepen the friends in understanding the significance and purpose of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

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Italy

The anniversary of the passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Beecher Baker, who was killed January 10, 1954, when the plane she was on crashed near the Mediterranean island of Elba, was commemorated this year by the Bahá’ís of Portoferraio, Italy.

Auxiliary Board member Mario Piarulli from Lecce joined Bahá’ís from Leghorn, Sardinia and Alessandria for the ceremony at Portoferraio’s Provincial Hall.

Among the guests were Roberto Bandinelli, a retired Harbor Office employee who was the first to arrive at the scene of the crash in 1954, and Domenico Barbieri, who was mayor of Porto Azzurro at the time.

Following a brief introduction to the Faith by Agnese Boerio, a pioneer to Elba, Mrs. Baker’s life and accomplishments were recalled by Emanuele Tinto on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy.

The observance ended with the reading of one of Mrs. Baker’s favorite prayers, which begins, “From the sweet-scented streams of Thine eternity...”

The next morning, the friends placed flowers at the monument erected in the cemetery at Porto Azzurro to the memory of those whose bodies were never recovered after the accident. Many local people were present, and Bahá’í and other prayers were read.

This monument in the cemetery at Porto Azzurro, Elba, was erected in the memory of those whose bodies were never found after an airplane crash there in January 1954. Among those who lost their lives in the crash was the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Beecher Baker.

Flowers, pamphlets and a photo of the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Beecher Baker were displayed in January as the Bahá’ís of Portoferraio, Italy, commemorated the 25th anniversary of her passing. Mrs. Baker lost her life in an airplane crash near the island of Elba on January 10, 1954, following a teaching trip to India and Pakistan. Those who attended the memorial ceremony were given a copy of the pamphlet, ‘The Soul of Man and Its Evolution After Death.’

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El Salvador

Young people from nine countries attended El Salvador’s International Bahá’í Youth Conference last December 28-January 1 in Santa Tecla.

More than 200 young people were present last December 28-January 1 for El Salvador’s International Bahá’í Youth Conference at the Instituto Tecnologico Centro-Americano in Santa Tecla.

The conference, which sprang from a request by the Universal House of Justice, was planned by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America in conjunction with the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador.

Among those attending were young people from Costa Rica, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Mexico, Nicaragua and the United States.

Afterward, some participants went to Panama for another conference while others remained for a few days to teach in El Salvador. The effort proved effective as a ninth person declared in Las Moritas, and that area, along with Nanualco and El Amate, has completed El Salvador’s Five Year Plan goal for Local Spiritual Assemblies. During the conference the Feast of Sharaf (Honor) was hosted by the Bahá’í community of Santa Tecla. Following the prayers, readings and consultation, two guitarists led singing, the children’s class presented recitations, and ventriloquist Oscar Soto performed.

Switzerland

The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Aarau, Switzerland, was formed January 14. Its members are (left to right) Beatrice Nellen, Gabriela Shoemaker, Tom Shoemaker, Dorthea Marki, Henrik Jansoon, Mahbubé Hielscher, Laura Jansoon, Klaus Hielscher, Lilian Marki.

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United States

The U.S. Bahá’í community ended the Five Year Plan with an unprecedented “explosion of victories” that enabled it not only to win but to surpass most of the goals of the Plan.

At Riḍván, the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S. totaled 1,488 (the goal was 1,400). Localities numbered 7,041 (the goal was 7,000), while incorporated Assemblies totaled 414 (compared to a goal of 400).

All other domestic and overseas goals were won including sending 423 pioneers to foreign posts.

In Georgia and South Carolina, deepened and experienced believers traveled long distances regularly to help communities whose members were new to the Faith form Assemblies before Riḍván. South Carolina boasted 198 Local Assemblies at Riḍván, and experienced the largest growth in the number of Assemblies of any state during the Five Year Plan.

While these victories were being won, Assemblies and individual believers in the U.S. responded to news of a crucial need for funds by contributing more than $404,000 to the National Fund during the final month of the Plan, erasing the Fund’s deficit and enabling the U.S. Bahá’í community to enter the Seven Year Plan with a clean financial slate.

Forty-seven people who regularly volunteered their time over the past several years to serve at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, were honored March 31 with the newly-established “Corinne True Award for Meritorious Service” during a ceremony in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship.

The awards were presented by Continental Counsellor Edna True, for whose mother the award is named.

Recipients were chosen for their dedicated service at the House of Worship welcoming visitors, singing in the a cappella choir, or organizing meetings and devotional programs.

The Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True, who died in 1961 at the age of 99, was a guiding force for more than 50 years behind the efforts to build the House of Worship.

She served as financial secretary of the national executive board overseeing its construction, and inspired great interest in the project all over the world through her correspondence.

Belgium

The Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney, representing the Universal House of Justice and the International Teaching Centre, was an honored guest last November 11-13 as approximately 300 Bahá’ís from several countries gathered in Brussels, Belgium, for a series of events marking the official opening of that country’s new National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

Others present included Continental Counsellor Louis Hénuzet and members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Mr. Haney, who had delayed his return to Haifa following an International Conference at Langenhain, Germany, the previous weekend to attend the ceremonies, spoke several times in the elegant neo-classical conference hall at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

Other special guests were Gaston Matteus, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium who designed the interior of the building, and Mme. Lea Nys, one of the first Bahá’ís in Belgium.

“La Maison d’Editions Bahá’íe,” the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for the French-speaking world, is presently housed in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of this relatively small Bahá’í community, Belgium now boasts one of the loveliest and most modern National Bahá’í Centers in the world.

Belgium’s new National Bahá’í Center in Brussels, a century-old, four-story building with rear court yard and two annexes, also houses ‘La Maison d’ Editions Bahá’íe,’ the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for the French-speaking world. It provides ample space for the storage of books, for children’s classes, and includes housing for the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly and family.

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Rwanda

A recent attack on the Bahá’í Faith by a Catholic missionary priest in Rwanda had the effect of producing two new Bahá’ís.

“We had formed a new Local Spiritual Assembly, said a report from that African country, “practically in the priest’s back yard. Many of the new Bahá’ís had been members of his church.

“The missionary attacked the Faith from the pulpit. ‘Pray for these devil-possessed Bahá’ís,’ he said. ‘They are truly lost souls.’

“He made one further statement. He said that when one signs the Bahá’í card, this entitles him to certain goods at reduced prices. He was obviously trying to explain why people would want to leave the church and join the Bahá’ís.

“As a result of his attack, a considerable number of the priest’s parishioners came to the next Bahá’í meeting. We explained that the only thing we had to offer was God’s Teachings for our Day. We told them that perhaps they had misunderstood the priest, and that we had no goods at reduced prices.

“Some of the parishioners left the meeting and headed down the road. The rest stayed to listen, intrigued by what had happened. At the end of the meeting, two of them declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh.”

Taiwan

Bahá’ís in Taiwan, inspired by a recent three-week visit by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and assisted by believers from other countries, launched an intensive teaching campaign early this year that led within two months to victory in the country’s Five Year Plan goal for Assembly formations.

Under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan, the team of Persian, Chinese, Filipino, Malaysian, American and Taiwanese believers assisted in the formation of four Local Assemblies and witnessed the enrollment of more than 50 people in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, a remarkable achievement for Taiwan.

More than 100 people attended a Naw-Rúz party sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly. It was one of the largest Bahá’í meetings ever held in Taiwan.

Members of a multi-national teaching team in Taiwan pause while teaching in a park.

A first-ever conference on “Morality: The Bahá’í Standard” was held April 1 at the National Bahá’í Center in Taipei, Taiwan.

The conference was sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan and hosted by Auxiliary Board member Roxanne Terrel. Its purpose was to acquaint the believers with the high moral standards commanded for Bahá’ís by the Central Figures of the Faith.

Chuck Fuller, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and the first of four speakers, addressed himself to “The Need for Morality in This Modern Age.”

Mrs. Terrel then spoke on the Guardian’s clear and direct writings about Bahá’í morality.

Miss Rubee Li, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, stressed that backbiting and gossip are habits that are destructive to the unity of the Faith.

The final talk, by Choy Choong Yew, was on teaching as a means of protection and support in striving to maintain a high moral standard. Mr. Choy is an assistant to the Auxiliary Board from Hong Kong.

More than 30 people attended the conference. At its close, one seeker declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

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Cameroon Republic

The Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone visited the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Victoria, Cameroon Republic, last February 16-18. Mr. Featherstone is seated in the center of the front row (in white shirt). Mrs. Featherstone is seated to his right. Also present for the series of meetings were Counsellor Mihdi Samandari, four Auxiliary Board members, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Cameroon Republic.

New Hebrides

About 30 young people from four communities participated January 13-19 in the historic first National Youth Conference of New Hebrides at the Bahá’í National Center in Port Vila.

The conference, arranged by the first-ever National Youth Committee of New Hebrides, had two major objectives: deepening in the Faith and teaching.

The program was full; topics included Bahá’í history, administration, moral values, individual responsibility, and living a Bahá’í life.

Communities represented in addition to Port Vila were Fila Island, Erakor and Santo. Among those attending was Mark Sisson, one of four Bahá’ís from the United States who were on a four-month teaching visit to the South Pacific.

Bangladesh

The Regional Teaching Committee of the South West Zone, Bangladesh, has organized a series of deepening classes entitled the ‘Assembly Development Program.’ Shown here are representatives of 12 Local Spiritual Assemblies who participated in one such program last November. The representatives take part in monthly deepening classes conducted by Auxiliary Board member Joseph Swaminathan and then return to their home communities to help strengthen them.

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The beginning of construction of the Mother Temple of India—a goal of the Five Year Plan—began last February 27 with excavation for the foundation. Completion of the Mother Temple of the South Pacific in Samoa and further progress in construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in India are among the goals of the Seven Year Plan that began at Riḍván 1979.