Light of the Pacific/Issue 51/Text

[Page 1]

JAN.-1970 FROM UNIVERSAL

November 16, 1969. To the Baha'is of the World -

Dear Friends:

In the worsening world situati- on, fraught with pain of war, vio- lence and the sudden uprooting of long-established institutions, can be seen the fulfillment of the prophecies of Baha'u'llah and the oft-repeated warnings of the Mas- ter and the beloved Guardian about the inevitable fate of a lamentab- ly defective social system, an un- enlightened leadership anda re- bellious and unbelieving humanity. Governments and peoples of both the developed and developing na- tions, and other human instituti- ons, secular and religious, find- ing themselves helpless to reverse the trend of the catastrophic ev- ents of the day, stand bewildered and overpowered by the magnitude and complexity of the problems fa- cing them. At this fateful hour in human history many, unfortunately, seem content to stand aside and wring their hands in despair or else join in the babel of shouting and protestation which loudly ob- jects, but offers no solution to the woes and afflictions plaguing our age.

Nevertheless a greater and greater number of thoughtful and ‘fair-minded men and women are re- cognizing in the clamour of con- tention, evidences of Divine chas- tisement, and turning their faces towards God are becoming increas- ingly receptive to His Word. Doubt= less the present circumstances, ‘though tragic and awful in their immediate consequences, are ser- ving to sharpen the focus on the indispensability of the Teachings

BAHA'! YEAR 126

NO.51 HOUSE OF JUSTICE

of Baha'u'llah to the needs .of the present age, and will provide many opportunities to reach countless waiting souls, hungry and thirsty for Divine guidance.

It is these opportunities which we must seize before it is too late. What is needed now is the awakening of all believers to the immediacy of the challenge so that each may assume his shafe of the responsibility for taking the Tea- chings to all humanity. Universal participation, a salient objective of the Nine Year Plan, must be pressed toward attainment in every

continent, country and island of the globe. Every Baha'i, however humble or inarticulate, must be-

come intent on fulfilling his role as a bearer of the Divine Message. Indeed, how can a true believer remain silent while around us men cry out,in anguish for truth, Love and unity to descend upon this world?

We all knéw how often the Master and the beloved Guardian called u- pon the friends to consciously strive to be more loving, more un- ited, more dedicated and prayerful than ever before in order to over- come the atmosphere of present-day society which is unloving, disuni- ted, careless of right and wrong and heedless of God. "When we see the increasing darkness in’ the world today," the Guardian's secre- tary wrote on his behalf, "we can fully realize that unless the Mes- sage of Baha'u'llah reaches into the hearts of men and transforms them, there can be no peace and no spiritual progress in the future."

The Nine Year Plan is the cur- (cont. on p. 2) [Page 2]2 (cont. from p. 1)

rent stage in the achievement of that sublime objective. It is.now imperative for every Baha'i to set for himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of ‘Abdu'l- Baha to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the ex- hortation of Shoghi Effendito hold a Baha'i fireside in one's home every Baha'i month are examples of individual goals. Many have capa- cities to do even more, but this alone will assure final and con- plete victory for the Plan.

We call upon the friends to join with us in prayer during the Feast of Sultan that we will all become so imbued with zeal, courage and enthusiasm that from this day to the end of the Nine Year Plan no- thing willbe able to stay the vic- torious onward march of the follow- ers of the Most Great Name. May our efforts be worthy of the bles- sings and confirmations of Baha'- u'llah.

With loving Baha'i greetings, (s) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

REGARDING PRISONERS

In answer to a recent question by this National Assembly concern- ing prisoners on probation, the Universal House of Justice sent the following reply dated December 11, 1969:

"In general, it may be stated that the right to vote in civil elections or lack thereof has no effect upon the exercise of Baha'i voting privileges."

Also included was copy of a re- ply dated December 8, 1969, to an- other National Assembly, concern- ing prison inmates:

"You aré free to accept decla- rations from inmates of a pris- on, but their participation as voting believers can take place only after they have been dis- charged from prison. The fact of having been in prison does not deprive a Baha'i from exer- cising his voting rights when he is released and there is no need for a probationary period. However, if there is some other factor which would indicate to

the National Assembly that in a particular case the voting rights should be suspended, the National Assembly may then ex- ercise its discretion.

"A believer accused or found guilty of a crime should not automatically be deprived of his administrative right. We feel that the Assembly should exercise its utmost wisdom when depriving believers of their administrative privileges and that each case should: be con- sidered on its own individual merits. It should be realized that the application of Baha'i sanctions is not an automatic action in response to a verdict of the court."

(s) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

NAW RUZ

Attention is called to the fol- lowing. answer from the Guardian, regarding Naw Ruz and the Nineteen Day Feast, both of which fall on March 21:

"The Naw Ruz Feast should be held on March 21 before sunset and has nothing to do with the Nineteen Day Feast. The Nineteen Day Feast is administrativein function where- as the Naw Ruz is our New Year, a Feast of hospitality and rejoicing}

(Baha'i News #236, October 1950)

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND

Contributions received during per- iod of December 21, 1969, to Janu- ary 20, 1970:

Local Assemblies - 12 Groups - 1 Individuals - 6

TREASURERS ADDRESS

Mr. Ben Ayala, Treasurer, 92-568 Palailai Street, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii. 96706 [Page 3]

Auxiliary Board Member Mr. Cur- tis Kelsey was the featured guest speaker for the Winter Youth Con- ference held at the National Haz- iratu'l-Quds from December 25 to 28, 1969.

Mr. Kelsey afternoon ence and told glowingly of his ex- periences in the presence of both

spoke at the first

Abdu'l-Baha and the Guardian. Sharing the speaker's table with Mr. Kelsey was Miss Catharine

Nourse of Honolulu, who also told of her early remembrances of 'Ab- du'l-Baha and of his kindness to her and her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse.

Catharine recalled that when Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse and family were in Haifa on pilgrimage, she asked the Guardian if there was anything she could do for him, and

he said: "You can take Fugita and Mr. Kelsey with you to Egypt, and give them a vacation." (The vaca- tion was much needed, due to the

stress and strain of the Passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha.) Mr. Kelsey also had to purchase equipment for the A group of the young people who attended the Win- ter Youth Con- ference at the National Hazira-

tu'l-Quds.

session of the Confer-

work he was doing at the Shrines.

Mr. Kelsey spoke also of Baha'i education and immortality. He im- pressed his audience with the out- standing warmth and love with which he presented his messages.

Another session of the Confer- ence was led by Miss Elena Marsel- la, whose subject was "The Laws of a New Age."" This was followed by a discussion of "The New World Or- der, led by Mrs. Lei Chapman.

Mrs. Chapman also held a study class on "Youth for One World" and the Conference was concluded by a special talk by Mr. Kelsey when he told of his new book and some of his wonderful experiences in the Holy Land.

Mr. Kelsey also visiting Kauai where he spoke to groups and a fireside. One decla- ration was received on Kauai and five in Honolulu.

About 90 people attended the Conference with additional high- lights being the unexpected arriv- al of Mr. C. K. Hahn from Korea,

spent two days

and Mr. Samandari from Iran.

[Page 4]4 EDITORIAL

"LIGHT OF THE PACIFIC" EDITORIAL POLICY

1. To record the history of the Faith in Hawaii 2. As a teaching medium through:

a. Messages and material from Universal House of Justice

b. Messages and material from National Spiritual Assembly

c. Messages from the Writings d. Teaching methods used in

Hawaii

e. Individual (signed) news re- ports

£. Condensation of World News from Baha'i International News Service (Universal House of Justice gives editorial privileges)

3. We need:

a. Identification of designated to report

b. Approved by authorized body— Island Goals & Teaching Com- mittees, National Committees, Local Assemblies, Groups

person

4. Editorial license

a. Deletions as necessary -- length, content, choice of words

b. Corrections (spelling and construction)

c. Accuracy

d. Material submitted subject

to space available and order of publication 5. Order of publication: a. Universal House of Justice b. Hands of the Cause c. Continental Board sellors d. National Spiritual Assembly and their national commit- tees e. Auxiliary Board £. Local Spiritual Assemblies zg. Groups and Isolated believers 6. Special features: a. New believers (quarterly) b. Contributions (monthly) c. Committee reports d. Convention reports

e. Summer and Winter School re- ports

of Coun-

POLICY

E. Special community events re- garding the Faith, such as Aloha Week, etc.

g. Vital statistics

NOTE: We sincerely try to report what is important, remembering that the "Light of the Pacific" goes not only to the Universal House of Justice but to various other parts of the world. The National Spiri- tual Assembly endeavors constantly to maintain the "Light of the Pac- ific ona level compatible with publication guidelines set by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

OUR READERS WRITE US

A few quotes from our far-flung readers:

«e- it really is a Light<."... -- Michigan

"Your World News summary is out-

standing!" -- Arizona

" ....0ur community members re- ceive much enjoyment and encoura- gement from your paper." -- Guam

".... would miss my copy of the. Light of the Pacific." -- Haifa

"... Light of the Pacific keeps me in touch with Hawaii and makes me feel that you are all near..." -- Vietnam

"Thanks for the opportunity for

this subscription." -- Arizona "A good deal of space is given to reprinting letters which are

read at Nineteen-Day Feasts and to reprinted articles from various other Baha'i publications." - Maui

" yee.eeethis very fine publica- tion..... -- Universal House of Justice

" ....8o good to hear of all of the friends and their doings in the Light of the Pacific..." -- Philippines

" ...miss Hawaii, but the Light of the Pacific brings our Hawaiian "family" near...) -- California [Page 5]

FIRE!!

The second fire at the National Haziratu"l-Quds within six months has reduced our main kitchen to an ugly shambles, with extensive smoke and water damage to much of the downstairs areas. In both cases the cause was Cigarettes....seeee, and CARELESSNESS ;

The beauty and safety of the Haziratu'l-Quds are in your hands, and since we do not have a staff of servants to care for our build- ing, it means that all of us must be more careful.....and.more con- cerned.

WORLD RELIGION DAY

World Religion Day was observed on Saturday, January 17, at the National Haziratu'l-Quds with an island-wide panel meeting.

Richard Graham, announcer at KHVH, acted as moderator of the panel discussion which was planned to outline the basic tenets of five faiths.

Dr. Larry Beers spoke on Juda- ism, Miss Jennie Yamada discussed the Buddhist faith, and Miss Elahe Vahdat explained Islam.

Mr. Jim Stokes outlined Christ- ian beliefs and Miss Elena Marsel- la rounded out the presentation with a clear and informative un- foldment of the verities of the Baha'i Faith.

A question and answer period followed and the nearly one hund- red guests were highly interested

in the Baha'i way of life. Re- freshments were served after the meeting.

O ye believers of God! Do ye

not look upon the smallness of your number and the multitudes of the nations. Five grains of wheat-will be indued with heavenly blessing, whereas a thousand tons of tares will yield no results or effect. One fruitful tree will be conduc- ive to the life of society, where- as a thousand forests of wild trees offer no fruits."’ - Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 52.

CERTITUDE 5

All humanity must’ obtain a li- velihood by sweat of the brow and bodily exertion; at the same time seeking to lift the burden of oth- ers, striving to be the source of comfort to souls, and facilitating the means of living. This in it- self is devotion to God. But the energies of the heart must not be completely occupied with them. Though the mind is busy the heart must be attracted toward the King- dom of God in order that the vir- tues of humanity may be attained from every direction and source.

"Abdu'l-Baha (PUP 182)

Seize, O friends, the chance which this Day offereth you, and deprive not yourselves of the lib- eral effusions of His grace.

(Gleanings, p. 205)

FAITH AND CAPACITY

"Faith does not await the de- velopment of capacity before it begins to work, for nothing devel- ops in inaction. Faith is assur- ance that the capacity will be given if we sincerely and a a heartedly plunge into the wor

(Baha'i News, January 1943, p. Ly

FESTIVAL

At the Sunshine Festival held on January 1, 1970, inside Diamond Head crater, several enterprising and energetic young Baha'is execu- ted and carried out an unusual way of publicizing the Faith.

In a strategic area was placed a small booth from which were gra- tuitously offered shiny red apples and a few words about the Faith. It was estimated that over fifteen thousand people attended this mus- ical melange, so that the young Baha'is felt their words about the Faith reached a goodly proportion of that number, especially since theirs was the only booth not sel- ling its wares. [Page 6]6 DEEPENING CONFERENCE

The Deepening Conference spon- sored by the Continental Board of Counsellors, a first for Hawaii, was held at the National Hazirat- u'l-Quds from January 9-11, 1970.

Hand of the Cause Mr. A. Q. Faizi spoke at the 8 P.M. public meeting which opened the Confer- ence on Friday evening. His sub-

ject was "The Baha'i Faith and the estiny of Mankind." On Saturday, Mr. Suhayl Ala'i, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, was chairman of the

morning session, and Dr. Claude Caver, Auxiliary Board Member, chaired the afternoon session.

After registration and devotions, greetings were given by Mr. Faizi and also from the National Spirit- ual Assembly of the Hawaiian Is- lands. Then Mr. Faizi spoke on "Human Knowledge."

At the afternoon session Miss Elena Marsella spoke of the Baha'i Covenant and the bounties and res- ponsibilities of the believers.

The 4 P.M. session was started by discussion of the "Role of Youth -- Teaching and Proclaiming the Faith, presented by Miss Ar- lene Miller. "Preparation of Youth for Their Later Years" was the pre- sentation of Miss Elahe Vahdat.

At the evening session, written questions were answered by Mr. Faizi and Mr. Ala‘i, and this plan proved both fascinating and enlight- ening.

The Sunday morning session was opened with a talk on "The Nascent Institutions of the Faith" by Mr. Ala'i.

_ The pre-luncheon talk regarding “Hawaii's Share of the Nine Year Plan" was given by Dr. Richard Bau- man, chairman of the National Spi- ritual Assembly. After lunch, Dr. Claude Caver discussed the LSA, its authority and its responsibil- ity’. Mr. Faizi then spoke on "Standards and Values."

The evening session was given over to a delightful and informat- ive "armchair chat" by Mr. Faizi and Mr. Ala'i.

The Conference was well attend- ed, averaging 150 per session, and the building was crowded with vis- itors for the public meeting. By the close of the Conference there were nine new declarations and several offers of pioneering.

DEEDS SHALL SHINE

Outside the Baha'i Faith and in the highways of the world, the newspapers constantly record with flaring headlines innumerable in-

stances involving deviation from the divine laws as well as the laws of the human world, but the

Baha'i communities are, or are de- signed to be, dwellings of peace and happiness in which the voice of cheerfulness and deeds of lov- ing service are witnessed. Especi- ally are we favored and admonished through the voice of the Supreme Pen in the promulgation of the com- mand relative to back-biting, rumor spreading and gossip, as well as the descent into mere personal con- troversies and misunderstandings. Could we realize how instances of this nature afflict the Faith, how this subtle poison attacks the in- tegrity of its sensitive fabric, we would one and all cleave to the

divine principle. "Everlasting fe- licity, the Master promises, a- waits the human world, and the

glorification of the spirit will

be seen when we have freed our- selves from this age-old afflic- tion. The Master gives us the rem-

edy, i.e., that the balm for this poison and the remedy for this di- sease is the upliftment of the tongue in praise of one another and the exaltation of the virtues of the friends. Union and consul= tation, moreover, are the pillars of our collective Baha'i house- hold.

In a Tablet to Dr.N.G. Skinner, Washington, D.C., revealed August 12, 1913, at Ramleh, Egypt, ‘Ab- du‘l-Baha said:

"Thou hast written regarding thy aims. How blessed are these aims, especially the prevention of back-biting! I hope that you may become confirmed therein, be- cause the worst human quality

(cont. on p. 8) [Page 7]CALABASH 7

SAGAMIHARA

Dick Hatch, now in Vietnam, re- ports that the little Tokyo suburb of Sagamihara, which was in danger of losing its Assembly, held a spe- cial daytime fireside for four seekers. They read Dick's latest letter in which he said he hoped there would soon be many new be- lievers in Sagamihara. Immediately upon completion of the translation one of the seekers declared, where- upon two others followed her lead. The LSA is now assured.

MICRONESIA

Mr. and Mrs. Katsugi Tamanaha showed their slides "Inside Micro- nesia" to a large group at the Li- hue library on December 27, 1969. Following the meeting Miss Roxane Garcia of Honolulu declared her-

self.

NEW ARRIVAL Mr. and Mrs. Jack Spock (Cheryl) of the Kamuela JD are the proud

parents of a baby boy born on Dec- ember 3, 1969.

RESERVATIONS

For Baha'is travelling to Ha- waii or making stopovers here, may we suggest that they make their own hotel reservations through a travel agency well in advance of their arrival.

In spite of the many hotels in Hawaii, there are times when rooms are ata premium --- especially moderately-priced rooms. If any- one wishes a local believer to make reservations, please let us know at least a month in advance and be specific as to price limi- tations as many of the hotels are very expensive.

National Child Education Committe TEACHER'S WORKSHOP Sunday, February 8, 1970 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Gift Ideas for Intercalary Days | Learning Baha'i songs and making j Baha'i Song Books

(Hawaiian Bowl of Friendship)

REQUEST FROM DALE ENG

"BESEECH PRAYERS EFFORTS FROM ALL HAWALIAN FRIENDS..ALSO TYSHON TONI

SEND LOVE REQUEST PRAYERS YOURS DALE COL. PELLE

Col. Tony Pelle, USAF (ret.)

and now with the U.S. Baha'i Public Information Department, spoke at a well-attended meeting in Paia, Maui. There were nearly forty non- Baha'is on hand, and two declara- tions were accepted following Col. Pelle's stimulating presentation.

NEW EDITION

The newly revised edition of Baha'u'llah and the New Era should. be out in a few weeks, according to the U.S. NSA, which will advise us of the date.

The Universal House of Justice itself has provided or indicated most of the revision and updating of this most valuable publication.

LOCAL ASSEMBLIES, GROUPS AND NA-

TIONAL COMMITTEES :

Annual reports are due on March 31, with cut-off date being March 20, 1969. These reports should be in hands of the NSA not later than March 31, so they may be used in compiling the National Assembly's annual report. Please kokua::

HELP ® The Archives Committee is in great need of help in organizing

and arranging the archives materi- al. Anyone interested, please con- tact Miss Catharine Nourse at 941- 2475, anytime after 12:30 noon.

NUGGETS

"The child must not be oppressed or censured because it is under - devloped ; it must be patiently trained." Promulgation of Universal Peace, II, p. 175

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

and the most great sin is back- biting; more especially when it emanates from the believers of God. If some means were devised so that the doors of back-biting could be shut eternally and each one of the believers of God un- sealed his tongue in the praise of the other, then the teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah would be spread, the hearts illumined, the spirits glorified and the human world would attain to ev- erlasting felicity.

(This article is a reprint from U.S. National Baha'i Review, July,

1969. It will be concluded in our next issue.)

giSip

CORRECTION! !

The red-face department apolo - gizes for listing Miss Kandi Mar - ‘sha Ann Joerding (Koolaupoko JD) as Kandi Marshall Ann Joerding.

The following names were omit - ted from our last quarterly welcome list, as the cards had not reached the National office:

HONOLULU

Leras, George M. Jr. Thorniley, Paul V., USN (Y)

MARRIAGE

Geraldine Y. Akita to Rory David Jackson, December 22, 1969, in Ko- olaupoko JD.

COMING EVENTS

Feb. 6, 7, 8 -- NSA Convenes Feb. 7 - FEAST of Mulk (Dominion) Feb. 22 - Election of Delegates Feb. 26-Mar. 1 - Intercalary Days Mar. 2 to 20 - Days of Fasting Mar. 6, 7, 8 - NSA Convenes

DIRECTORY CHANGES

Guam - new secretary

Mr. Richard Benson, P.O. Box 1795, 96910

Agana, Guam. National Archives Committee Resigned - Harriet Clark

Waimea - new secretary

Miss Colleen Schuster, c/o Gen. Delivery, Waimea, Kauai. 96796

ATTENTION!!

For the information of friends , and contacts for the neighbor is- lands:

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: - Miss Diana Clark Phone 785-185 (Kula)

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

Hawaiian Islands,

mittee: Proofreader, and Lil Hollinger.

to anyone outside

HAWAII BAHA'L NEWS (The Light of the Pacific) is published for circu- lation among Baha'is only by the National Spiritual Assembly as a news organ reporting current activities of the Hawaiian, Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Islands Baha'i communities.

| HAWALL BAHA'I NEWS is edited by an annually-appointed Editorial Com- Shirley Lombard, Director; Gertrude V. Garrida,

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR The Light of the Pacific" are 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

of the

Reviewer and

$2.00 each per year