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[Page 1]LIGHT of the PACIFIC HAWAII BAHÁ’Í NEWS PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FOR CIRCULATION AMONG BAHÁ’ÍS ONLY

SEPT. - 1969 BAHÁ’Í YEAR 126 NO. 48

FROM UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

August 3, 1969

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

We have your letter of July 22, 1969, informing us of the plan you have adopted to encourage the friends in winning the goals of the Nine Year Plan.

We commend you on the action you have taken and we shall pray for the success of your devoted efforts.

Please inform the friends that we have every confidence in their devotion and ability to achieve great victories for the Faith, and that we shall pray for divine confirmation of their efforts.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

(s) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

HAND OF THE CAUSE

3rd August, 1969

Dear Co-workers,

Many many thanks for your minutes supplied to me as well as the many copies of letters.

Thank you for the copy of your PHASED GOALS all of which appear to be realistic and within the capacity of the believers who formed the first communities within the Pacific Ocean. This is indeed an honour bestowed on Hawaii and too wonderful that at such a challenging time in the Nine Year Plan of the Universal House of Justice that you should still have in your midst one of the early foundation believers, namely Hand of Cause Agnes Alexander. I do hope that the series of conferences you were to have had this month will have set in motion a new determination to Teach, Teach and Teach as never before.

Assure that I will add my prayers to yours that the Nine Year Goals will be achieved. Time is running short.

Dearest love to each NSA member upon whom falls a great responsibility at this time.

In His service,

(s) Collis Featherstone

GUARDIAN’S LETTER

"CHIEF GOAL OF EVERY EDUCATION"

"With regard to the statement attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and which you have quoted in your letter regarding a ‘problem child;’ these statements of the Master, however true in their substance, should never be given a literal interpretation. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could have never meant that a child should be left to himself, entirely free. In fact Bahá’í education, just like any other system of education is based on the assumption that there are certain natural deficiencies in every child, no matter how gifted, which his educators, whether his parents, school masters, or his spiritual guides

(cont. on p. 2) [Page 2]and preceptors should endeavor to remedy. Discipline of some sort, whether physical, moral or intellectual, is indeed indispensable, and no training can be said to be complete and fruitful if it disregards this element. The child when born is far from being perfect. It is not only helpless, but actually is imperfect, and even is naturally inclined towards evil. He should be trained, his natural inclinations harmonized, adjusted and controlled, and if necessary suppressed or regulated, so as to insure his healthy physical and moral development. Bahá’í parents cannot simply adopt an attitude of non-resistance towards their children, particularly those who are unruly and violent by nature. It is not even sufficient that they should pray on their behalf. Rather they should endeavor to inculcate, gently and patiently, into their youthful minds such principles of moral conduct and initiate them into the principles and teachings of the Cause with such tactful and loving care as would enable them to become true sons of God and develop into loyal and intelligent citizens of His Kingdom. This is the high purpose which Bahá’u’lláh Himself has clearly defined as the chief goal of every education. (Letter from Shoghi Effendi to an individual, July 9, 1939, and reprinted in September, 1969, National Bahá’í Review)

N.G.C. MESSAGE

To All Local Spiritual Assemblies and Island Goals & Teaching Committees -

Dear Friends:

You have all by this time received your Hawaii National Directory which spells out all the appointed National Committees and their functions and also the phased goals for 1969-70. As you know, the Universal House of Justice has reminded us that "the speedy movement of pioneers required to fill the remaining goals is of primary importance if we are to safeguard the prizes already won in the areas where pioneers have been assigned." We are doing everything we can as a committee to comply with this. We need your help to keep the NGC informed re needs, changes and conditions within your territory, also current information re living costs in your goal areas and any job opportunities there. Please remember to send inspirational information also. Everything helps, as you are there, and our work, your IG&TC, and the NGC are closely related.

There is a point which we want to be sure is understood by all Bahá’ís. Everything that is processed by the NGC must first be approved by our National Spiritual Assembly plans, projects, pioneers, traveling teachers and, most certainly, expenditures. The NGC, as a national committee, has no money. Our funds are allocated as needed and, if approved and if available, received through the National Treasurer. There has been some confusion regarding this. Please assist us toward better communication by being sure that those Bahá’ís within your area understand. Time is so pressing, the task so great and the workers so few that only sacrifice, love and unity born of understanding will do the job.

We have a limited budget allotted for pioneer settlement. The traveling teacher program must be continued as well, so there just isn't any money for settling Bahá’ís in any place except approved goal areas.

Please send the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your committee/LSA officers directly to the secretary --

gnival dat Mrs. Serrita C. Herbert, R.R. 1, Box 28-A, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii. 96766

Our humble appreciation, and Warm Bahá’í love,

THE NATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE

ALERT!!

The next deadline for new and continuing subscriptions to BAHÁ’Í NEWS is NOVEMBER 15!!! Give your money, $2.50 per year, to your LSA secretary NOW! If you are in a group or isolated, you may send your check or money order directly to the NSA. DO IT NOW --- DON'T BE DISAPPOINTED AGAIN! [Page 3]

OUR GOALS

1. Raise the number of local Spiritual Assemblies to 27. 2. Increase the number of incorporated local Spiritual Assemblies to 9. 3. Incorporate the National Spiritual Assembly. (Achieved) 4. Acquire a National Haziratu’l-Quds in Honolulu, by converting the local Haziratu’l-Quds if feasible. 5. Acquire a site for the future Temple, in or near Honolulu. 6. Contact and teach as many people of different ethnic and minority groups as possible, including Caucasian, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian and Japanese. 7. Obtain from the civil authorities recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days. 8. Consolidate, assisted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, the Marshall Islands, by establishing at least one group there; Caroline and Mariana Islands, by raising the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside to five, including three local Spiritual Assemblies, in each group of Islands. (LSA achieved in Majuro, Marshall Islands) 9. Assist the National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippine Islands in printing Bahá’í literature in Tagalog and Ilocano.

SUPPLEMENTAL GOALS

1. Provide two teacher-deepeners for the Philippines, sustaining them indefinitely until they become self-supporting. 2. Assist the National Spiritual Assembly of Venezuela in acquisition of a ‎Hazirat’ul-Quds Haziratu’l-Quds‎.

THIS YEAR’S NEW PIONEER ASSIGNMENTS

1. Send a pioneer to Japan. 2. Send a pioneer to the Philippine Islands (in addition to the three pioneer posts still unfulfilled.) 3. Send a pioneer to New Zealand. 4. Send two pioneers to American Samoa. (Achieved) 5. (Still remaining open is a pioneer post in the Caroline Is.

THE BEST PUBLICITY

Albert Einstein wrote that “Perfection of means and confusion of goals seem -- in my opinion -- to characterize our age.” Sometimes we mistakenly think that through the use of public information techniques we can bring people into the Faith. All we do is bring the Faith to their attention – now the Faith is subject to their examination and this extends not only to the Sacred Writings but to the Bahá’ís and the local Bahá’í community.

The image of a Bahá’í or a Bahá’í community can be good or bad. No amount of public information can make it what it is not. It can be enhanced by the use of good public information techniques and good advertising, but in the final analysis only the actions of the Bahá’í community (or the individual Bahá’í) can make an image. No image can be manufactured.

Bahá’ís and Bahá’í communities are being watched by the public to see if we live up to our teachings. Living the life is the best publicity.

(Public Information Newsletter, August, 1969 - Wilmette, Ill.)

LETTER TO A PIONEER

“....Sometimes people strive all their lives to render outstanding service. Here is the time and opportunity to render historic services, in fact, the most unique in history, aiding in the fulfillment of Daniel’s Prophecies of the Last Day, and the 1335 days, when men are to be blessed by the Glory of the Lord, covering the entire globe -- which is the real goal of the Ten Year Crusade. In other words, when we fulfill the ‘Ten Year Crusade’ we will have brought into fulfillment Daniel’s great prophecy of “Blessed is he who waits and comes to the 1335 days.” What could be more wonderful than taking part in the fulfillment of religion’s prophecy of over 3,000 years!’”

(From the Guardian, March, 1957, Bahá’í News No. 313, pp 6-7) [Page 4]

INTERCONTINENTAL TRAVELS OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD

Plans are being formulated for the Hands of the Cause of God whose health permits them to undertake visits to various lands. Hand of the Cause Mr. Dhikru’lláh Khadem has recently visited Persia where he had fruitful consultations with the Continental Board of Counsellors and the NSA of Persia. Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel has recently traveled and taught in Iceland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. Hand of the Cause Mr. Enoch Olinga, returning from his highly successful teaching journeys in India, represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of Burundi and Rwanda. Hand of the Cause Mr. Wm. Sears brought his eloquence and unique spirit to the Continental Board of Counsellors’ deepening conferences in Los Angeles and Vancouver and to the National Convention of the United States. For Hand of the Cause Mr. John Robarts the winter-spring program of the Continental Board of Counsellors’ deepening conferences throughout the United States and Canada was a major responsibility and opportunity. Hand of the Cause Mr. Collis Featherstone’s travel trip to the first National Convention of Papua and New Guinea where he represented the Universal House of Justice, began with a stop at Yerrinbool Summer School where he participated in the first Youth Convention of Australia. Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir traveled in India during the first week of April and in Burma on April 6 and 7 where he consulted with the National Assembly. Hand of the Cause Mr. A. Q. Faizi has now completed his lengthy journey to the Far East.

WORLD NEWS

ARUBA ISLAND, BONAIRE ISLAND AND CURACAO — Dr. Nosrat Rabbani recently completed an eighteen-day teaching trip to Guyana, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Curacao and Bonaire and Aruba Islands.

AUSTRALIA — As part of the proclamation programme a special children’s service was incorporated in the public service on March 9th. Children read simple prayers, Hidden Words and Words of Wisdom.

BOLIVIA — The LSA of Sucre prepared a statement on Human Rights which was forwarded to Dr. Jorge Mendez Fernandez, Minister of the Supreme Court of Sucre.

BRUNEI — Friends who attended the National Convention of Brunei were delighted by the presence of Mrs. Grete Fozdar, Auxiliary Board Member from Kuching and visiting friends from Sarawak and Malaysia.

EASTERN AND SOUTHERN ARABIA — Acquisition of a Temple site in the Arabian Peninsula, a Nine Year Plan goal, has been achieved.

EL SALVADOR — On January 26th this year, the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador called on the believers assembled at a National Bahá’í Congress in San Salvador to assist in launching a pilot teaching plan.

ETHIOPIA — For many years the only LSA in Ethiopia (excluding Eritrea Province) was Addis Ababa. During the few weeks preceding Ridvan this year, the possibility of forming a new LSA still appeared remote. Realizing the possibility of forming an Assembly in Dire Dawa where there were five believers, the NTC asked Ato Belete to return to Dire Dawa and four more declarations were obtained, thus making possible the formation of the LSA. Assemblies have also been formed in Bulbula, Gemeto and Gondar. The foundation stone of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds was laid on April 27 by Mr. Aziz Yazdi, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central and East Africa.

GILBERT & ELLICE ISLANDS — Tarawa Bahá’ís and visiting Convention delegates attended a public meeting on the islet of Betio, the principal port of the Colony on Saturday, May 3rd.

INDIA — In a report to the World Centre, Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir commented on the renewed activities of the Bahá’ís of India. “THIS PAST YEAR.... OVER THIRTY THOUSAND NEW BELIEVERS.. LOCAL ASSEMBLIES APPROXIMATELY TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED..”

LEEWARD, WINDWARD & VIRGIN ISLANDS — The friends of the Leeward, Windward & Virgin Islands “have established nine Local Spiritual Assemblies this Ridvan (the Nine Year Plan goals is ten local Spiritual Assemblies) and forty-seven localities (the goal is fifty centres.)” [Page 5]MACAO -- It was a joyous Naw Ruz celebration in the reactivated community of Macao, a South China Seaport city, where the happy friends met to dedicate their beautiful new center. MALAYSIA - "The Convention was very lively and a teaching program formulated by the National Spiritual Assembly in consultation with the beloved Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Muhajir was discussed and unanimously approved and friends pledged for its execution...." NORWAY - The first local Spiritual Assembly of Trondheim was formed at Ridvan this year. MEXICO - During April Mr. and Mrs. Russell Roberts from the U.S. spent two weeks on a travel teaching project in Mexico. In Merida, Yucatan, they met Mr. Artemus Lamb, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, and traveled with him to visit some of the Mayan friends. UGANDA - The Honorable A. G. Mehta, Mayor of Kampala, spoke on the importance of the unity of mankind preceding the showing of the film, ‘And His Name Shall Be One’ at the first public Bahá’í exhibit at Kampala, Uganda, held in the National Theatre during the week of February 24 through March 2, 1969. -- UNITED STATES - An unprecedented number of delegates and Bahá’í visitors in a mood of confidence and high resolve, gathered in Wilmette for the sixtieth National Convention. Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Wm. Sears introduced two members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America who were present at the Convention and explained the function of the boards.

---

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND!

Contributions received during period of August 21 to September 20:

Local Assemblies - 9 Groups - 2 Individuals - 28

TREASURER’S ADDRESS

Mr. Ben Ayala, Treasurer, 92-568 Palailai Street, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii. 96706

WE WELCOME

Declarations from June 21 to September 20, 1969:

EWA Gasper, Miss Yvonne Leimomi

HONOLULU Hogan, Miss Lynn Graham, Richard Bruce Tobin, Jack C. Jr. (Y) Hollingsworth, Miss Sara Mae Salazar, George Louis Whittaker, Walter Richard Gibson, Miss Jane Ellen Leith, Miss Bonnie K.

HAMAKUA Murray, Miss Michele A. (Y)

KOLOA Ferguson, Donald Ray (Y) Nichols, Bond Leonard (Y) Harris, Michael Richard

KOOLAULOA Davies, John Robert Albritton, Miss Lorelei L.

KOOLAUPOKO Merk, James Eliot Joerding, Wayne Harold

LAHAINA Hughes, Jos. Russell (Y) Collins, Sean Robb (Y) Youngs, Jack V. (Y) McVay, Michael James (Y) Deubel, Miss Denise L. (Y)

MAKAWAO Price, Miss Debi Kristi (Y) Clark, Miss Diana J. Potemkin, Gregory Chas. (Y) Altic, Phillip John (Y) Spencer, Robert Jackson, Miss Janet Pritchett, Miss Diane Melree Borck, Richard David (Y) Semple, Gregory V. (Y) Pitts, Miss Patricia Jeanne (Y) Scott, Paul Otis (Y) to U.S. Ramsay, Bruce Edward (Y) to U.S. Ridder, John Louis (Y) to U.S. Wight, James Harrison (Y) to U.S. Sheridan, Donald Robt. (Y) ‎to.U.S. to U.S.‎ Speakman, John Christopher (Y)

SO. HILO Robinson, Mrs. Marie J. Hetzler, Miss Lynne (Y)

WAHIAWA Paasch, Geo. Raymond Paasch, Mrs. Carolina Seymour, Duane "Perry" Sharma, Mahendra R. Bishop, Odis Powell Leaitu, Miss Olita

(cont. on p. 8) [Page 6]

SELF DEFENSE

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

We have reviewed your letter asking about the teachings of the Faith on self-defense and any guidance on individual conduct in the face of increasing civil disorder in North American cities.

From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá’u’lláh has stated that it is preferable to be killed in the path of God's good-pleasure than to kill, and that organized religious attack against Bahá’ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly prohibited in our Writings.

A hitherto untranslated Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, however, points out that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá’í should not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to, a Bahá’í is justified in defending his life. In another letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá’í should be resisted by the Bahá’í who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his life.

The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Bahá’í involved must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest his action deteriorate into retaliation.

Of course the above principles apply also in cases when a Bahá’í finds himself involved in situations of civil disorder. We have, however, advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States that under the present circumstances in that country is is preferable that Bahá’ís do not buy nor own arms for their protection or the protection of their families.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

(s) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

(From Canadian Bahá’í News, August, 1969)

Dr. Harlan Cleveland, newly-installed president of the University of Hawaii, at the meeting during the presentation of the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. From l to r, President Cleveland, Beverly Richardson, Gordon Tong and Shelly Ramer.

HAWAII PICNIC

On September 4 a picnic was held at Kekoa Beach Park. About 50 Bahá’ís and their friends attended, and Mr. Allan Elston spoke.

A Teaching Committee meeting was held also, and plans were made for the anticipated visit of Hand of the Cause Mr. A. A. Furutan on September 23.

GUAM

A note from the LSA of Guam included pamphlets printed in both English and Chamorro, which were used at their Information Center during Liberation Day celebration.

MAUI

Maui reports that regular firesides and deepenings are being held and that there is new interest being shown in campus clubs in which faculty members are also involved.

Firesides and deepenings are also being held regularly at Olinda Honor Camp, with good attendance. [Page 7]

DOREEN GRITMAN

A series of postcards received from Doreen Gritman tell of her leave-taking from Hawaii, her arrival in San Francisco (she discussed the Faith with a Catholic priest all across the Pacific!) and one written en route to London. A short one tells of her arrival there and her departure for Tel Aviv, and a longer note tells of her excitement and joy at being in Haifa.

NEW GUINEA

A letter from ABM Violet Hoenke of Lae, New Guinea, tells of her spending her holiday time traveling to all the remote areas where believers reside.

MICRONESIA

An article by Charlene Sooman on traveling in Micronesia has been published in two installments in the USN publication, "Crossroads." Len and Charlene are two of our Bahá’í pioneers in Guam.

TV PROGRAM

Lei Chapman was a guest on the "Hawaii AM" program on Channel 4 on September 8, 7:30 a.m. She spoke for twelve minutes on the Faith.

LETTER

From a believer stationed in Vietnam....."I read your beautiful plea in the recent "Light of the Pacific" for pioneer contributions. Enclosed please find mine -- and I hope all the good Bahá’ís in Hawaii will join the bandwagon."

PICNIC

More than seventy Bahá’ís and guests gathered on Maui over the Labor Day weekend for a feast of spiritual deepening.

Discussions centered around the early history of the Faith, the pattern for Bahá’í life, prayer and meditation, and the importance of youth.

Firesides were held for the non-Bahá’í guests and delicious food was available for all.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Davis of Manila, with their young daughter. Mrs. Davis is the former Tyshon Clark of Honolulu.

SUGGESTION

It has been brought to the attention of a State Goals Committee that the word "contact" is creating negative responses from seekers in that state. Replacements such as "guests," "friends" or "inquirers" were suggested by the committee for use at public meetings. (U.S. National Bahá’í Review, August, 1969)

Editor’s note: Shoghi Effendi did not use the word "contact" as a noun; e.g. ".....the allegiance of those with whom he comes in contact. Let him, while such contacts are being made..." - Advent of Divine Justice, p. 43.

HONOLULU CHILD EDUCATION

Classes for children ages 3 to 15 are held each Sunday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the National Hazíratu’l-Quds. Teachers are Miss Karen Rice, (3 to 6 yrs.); Miss Marlene Murray, (7 to 10 yrs.); Mr. Gordon Tong and Mr. Larry Yamasato (11 to 15 yrs.) The young people will host the Feast of Qawl November 22, and many special events are planned.

Dick Hatch, former right hand on the L.O.P. staff, now with the Civilian Personnel Office, has transferred from Japan to Vietnam. His address is: Long Binh Area CPO, APO San Francisco, Calif. Z 96941 [Page 8]The Department of Education has explained their policy for the acceptance of any books to be presented to them for school libraries throughout the State. Books must first go to a Review Board for approval and several have already been turned over to the Board. The friends will be kept informed as to which books are approved so that a consolidated effort may be made to place books in all the school libraries throughout the Islands.

A letter was received from the Makua Alii Center (retirement residence) thanking us for the donation of Bahá’í books for their reading room.

DIRECTORY CHANGES

Makawao - new secretary Mrs. Eve Geary, R.R. 1, Box 538, Kula, Maui. 96790

Waimea Group - new secretary Mrs. Ann Greenwood, P.O. Box 273, Waimea, Kauai. 96796

National Audio-Visual Committee Resigned - Robt. W. Garner

Oahu Goals & Teaching Committee Resigned - Robt. W. Garner Added - Mrs. Frances Tanielu

Prisoner Assistance Committee Resigned - Mrs. Lei Chapman

National Goals Committee Added - Brad Hollinger

Oct. 16 - FEAST of Ilm (Knowledge) Oct. 20 - BIRTH OF THE BAB Oct. 24 - United Nations Day Nov. 4 - FEAST of Qudrat (Power) Nov. 7, 8, 9 - NSA Convenes Nov. 12 - BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Nov. 26 - Day of the Covenant Nov. 28 - Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- 1:00 a.m. Nov. 29-30 - Mid-Year Conference - National Haziratu’l-Quds

DEADLINE FOR NEWS

15th OF THE MONTH

(cont. from p. 5)

WAILUKU Thomas, Miss Katherine Susan (Y)

GUAM Harris, Willie Joseph, USN

ATTENTION!!

For the information of friends, and contacts for the neighbor islands:

Hawaii: - Mrs. Ruth Musacchia Phone 935-0310 (Hilo)

Hawaii: - Mrs. Nedra Murray Phone 759-131 (Honokaa-Hamakua)

Kauai: - Mrs. Serrita Herbert Phone 245-6516 (Lihue)

Maui: - Mrs. Daisy Sabin Phone 76-001 (Kahului)

Maui: - Mrs. Dorothea Strait Phone 492-495 (Paia)

Molokai: - Mrs. La Vida Cortez Phone 553-5686

HAWAII BAHÁ’Í NEWS (The Light of the Pacific) is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Hawaiian, Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Islands Bahá’í communities.

HAWAII BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually-appointed Editorial Committee: Shirley Lombard, Director; Lil Hollinger; Gertrude Garrida, Reviewer and Proofreader.

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR "The Light of the Pacific" are $2.00 each per year to anyone outside the jurisdiction of the Hawaiian Islands. Send your money and your mailing address to: The Light of the Pacific, c/o 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. 96817