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[Page 1]

FROM UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

November 16, 1969.

To the Bahá’ís of the World -

Dear Friends:

In the worsening world situation, fraught with pain of war, violence and the sudden uprooting of long-established institutions, can be seen the fulfillment of the prophecies of Bahá’u’lláh and the oft-repeated warnings of the Master and the beloved Guardian about the inevitable fate of a lamentably defective social system, an unenlightened leadership and a rebellious and unbelieving humanity. Governments and peoples of both the developed and developing nations, and other human institutions, secular and religious, finding themselves helpless to reverse the trend of the catastrophic events of the day, stand bewildered and overpowered by the magnitude and complexity of the problems facing 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 objects, 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 recognizing in the clamour of contention, evidences of Divine chastisement, and turning their faces towards God are becoming increasingly receptive to His Word. Doubtless the present circumstances though tragic and awful in their immediate consequences, are serving to sharpen the focus on the indispensability of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh 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 share of the responsibility for taking the Teachings 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 Bahá’í, however humble or inarticulate, must become 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 know how often the Master and the beloved Guardian called upon the friends to consciously strive to be more loving, more united, more dedicated and prayerful than ever before in order to overcome the atmosphere of present-day society which is unloving, disunited, careless of right and wrong and heedless of God. "When we see the increasing darkness in the world today," the Guardian's secretary wrote on his behalf, "we can fully realize that unless the Message of Bahá’u’lláh 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 [Page 2]current stage in the achievement of that sublime objective. It is now imperative for every Bahá’í to set for himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá’í fireside in one’s home every Bahá’í month are examples of individual goals. Many have capacities to do even more, but this alone will assure final and complete 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 nothing will be able to stay the victorious onward march of the followers of the Most Great Name. May our efforts be worthy of the blessings and confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

(s) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

REGARDING PRISONERS

In answer to a recent question by this National Assembly concerning 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 Bahá’í voting privileges."

Also included was copy of a reply dated December 8, 1969, to another National Assembly, concerning prison inmates:

"You are free to accept declarations from inmates of a prison, but their participation as voting believers can take place only after they have been discharged from prison. The fact of having been in prison does not deprive a Bahá’í from exercising 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 exercise 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 considered on its own individual merits. It should be realized that the application of Bahá’í 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 following 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 administrative in function whereas the Naw Ruz is our New Year, a Feast of hospitality and rejoicing.

(Bahá’í News #23236, October 1950)

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND

Contributions received during period of December 21, 1969, to January 20, 1970:

Local Assemblies - 12 Groups 1 Individuals - 6

TREASURER'S ADDRESS

Mr. Ben Ayala, Treasurer, 92-568 Palailai Street, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii. 96706 [Page 3]Auxiliary Board Member Mr. Curtis Kelsey was the featured guest speaker for the Winter Youth Conference held at the National Haziratu’l-Quds from December 25 to 28, 1969.

Mr. Kelsey spoke at the first afternoon session of the Conference and told glowingly of his experiences in the presence of both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 vacation was much needed, due to the stress and strain of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.) Mr. Kelsey also had to purchase equipment for the work he was doing at the Shrines.

Mr. Kelsey spoke also of Bahá’í education and immortality. He impressed his audience with the outstanding warmth and love with which he presented his messages.

Another session of the Conference was led by Miss Elena Marsella, whose subject was "The Laws of a New Age." This was followed by a discussion of "The New World Order," 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 spent two days visiting Kauai where he spoke to groups and a fireside. One declaration was received on Kauai and five in Honolulu.

About 90 people attended the Conference with additional highlights being the unexpected arrival of Mr. C. K. Hahn from Korea, and Mr. Samandari from Iran.

A group of the young people who attended the Winter Youth Conference at the National Haziratu’l-Quds. [Page 4]

"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 reports

f. Condensation of World News from ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ International News Service (Universal House of Justice gives editorial privileges)

3. We need:

a. Identification of person designated to report

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

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 of Counsellors

d. National Spiritual Assembly and their national committees

e. Auxiliary Board

f. Local Spiritual Assemblies

g. 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 reports

f. Special community events regarding 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 Spiritual Assembly endeavors constantly to maintain the "Light of the Pacific" on a level compatible with publication guidelines set by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

OUR READERS WRITE US

A few quotes from our far-flung readers:

"... it really is a Light!" ... -- Michigan

"Your World News summary is outstanding!" -- Arizona

"....our community members receive much enjoyment and encouragement 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 Bahá’í‎ publications." - Maui

".......this very fine publication..... -- Universal House of Justice

".....so 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.......... 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 building, it means that all of us must be more careful.....and more concerned.

CERTITUDE

All humanity must obtain a livelihood by sweat of the brow and bodily exertion; at the same time seeking to lift the burden of others, striving to be the source of comfort to souls, and facilitating the means of living. This in itself 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 Kingdom of God in order that the virtues of humanity may be attained from every direction and source.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá (PUP 182)

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 Judaism, Miss Jennie Yamada discussed the Buddhist faith, and Miss Elahe Vahdat explained Islam.

Mr. Jim Stokes outlined Christian beliefs and Miss Elena Marsella rounded out the presentation with a clear and informative unfoldment of the verities of the Bahá’í Faith.

A question and answer period followed and the nearly one hundred guests were highly interested in the Bahá’í way of life. Refreshments were served after the meeting.

Seize, O friends, the chance which this Day offereth you, and deprive not yourselves of the liberal effusions of His grace. (Gleanings, p. 205)

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 conducive to the life of society, whereas a thousand forests of wild trees offer no fruits." - Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 52.

FAITH AND CAPACITY

"Faith does not await the development of capacity before it begins to work, for nothing develops in inaction. Faith is assurance that the capacity will be given if we sincerely and wholeheartedly plunge into the work." (Bahá’í News, January 1943, p. 1)

FESTIVAL

At the Sunshine Festival held on January 1, 1970, inside Diamond Head crater, several enterprising and energetic young Bahá’ís executed and carried out an unusual way of publicizing the Faith.

In a strategic area was placed a small booth from which were gratuitously offered shiny red apples and a few words about the Faith. It was estimated that over fifteen thousand people attended this musical melange, so that the young Bahá’ís felt their words about the Faith reached a goodly proportion of that number, especially since theirs was the only booth not selling its wares. [Page 6]

DEEPENING CONFERENCE

The Deepening Conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors, a first for Hawaii, was held at the National Hazíratu’l-Quds from January 9-11, 1970. Hand of the Cause Mr. A. Q. Fayzí spoke at the 8 P.M. public meeting which opened the Conference on Friday evening. His subject was "The Bahá’í Faith and the Destiny of Mankind."

On Saturday, Mr. Suhayl ‘Alá’í, 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. Fayzí and also from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands. Then Mr. Fayzí spoke on "Human Knowledge."

At the afternoon session Miss Elena Marsella spoke of the Bahá’í Covenant and the bounties and responsibilities 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 Arlene Miller. "Preparation of Youth for Their Later Years" was the presentation of Miss Elahe Vahdat.

At the evening session, written questions were answered by Mr. Fayzí and Mr. ‘Alá’í, and this plan proved both fascinating and enlightening.

The Sunday morning session was opened with a talk on "The Nascent Institutions of the Faith" by Mr. ‘Alá’í.

The pre-luncheon talk regarding "Hawaii's Share of the Nine Year Plan" was given by Dr. Richard Bauman, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. After lunch, Dr. Claude Caver discussed the LSA, its authority and its responsibility. Mr. Fayzí then spoke on "Standards and Values."

The evening session was given over to a delightful and informative "armchair chat" by Mr. Fayzí and Mr. ‘Alá’í.

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

SHALL DEEDS SHINE

Outside the Bahá’í Faith and in the highways of the world, the newspapers constantly record with flaring headlines innumerable instances involving deviation from the divine laws as well as the laws of the human world, but the Bahá’í communities are, or are designed to be, dwellings of peace and happiness in which the voice of cheerfulness and deeds of loving service are witnessed. Especially are we favored and admonished through the voice of the Supreme Pen in the promulgation of the command relative to back-biting, rumor spreading and gossip, as well as the descent into mere personal controversies and misunderstandings. Could we realize how instances of this nature afflict the Faith, how this subtle poison attacks the integrity of its sensitive fabric, we would one and all cleave to the divine principle. "Everlasting felicity," the Master promises, awaits the human world, and the glorification of the spirit will be seen when we have freed ourselves from this age-old affliction. The Master gives us the remedy, i.e., that the balm for this poison and the remedy for this disease is the upliftment of the tongue in praise of one another and the exaltation of the virtues of the friends. Union and consultation, moreover, are the pillars of our collective Bahá’í household.

In a Tablet to Dr. N.G. Skinner, Washington, D.C., revealed August 12, 1913, at Ramleh, Egypt, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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, because the worst human quality (cont. on p. 8) [Page 7]

SAGAMIHARA

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

MICRONESIA

Mr. and Mrs. Katsugi Tamanaha showed their slides “Inside Micronesia” to a large group at the Lihue library on December 27, 1969. Following the meeting Miss Roxane Garcia of Honolulu declared herself.

NEW ARRIVAL

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Spock (Cheryl) of the Kamuela JD are the proud parents of a baby boy born on December 3, 1969.

RESERVATIONS

For Bahá’ís travelling to Hawaii 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 at a premium --- especially moderately-priced rooms. If anyone wishes a local believer to make reservations, please let us know at least a month in advance and be specific as to price limitations as many of the hotels are very expensive.

REQUEST FROM DALE ENG

“BESEECH PRAYERS EFFORTS FROM ALL HAWAIIAN FRIENDS..ALSO TYSHON TONI SEND LOVE REQUEST PRAYERS YOURS DALE

COL. PELLE

Col. Tony Pelle, USAF (ret.) and now with the U.S. Bahá’í Public Information Department, spoke at a well-attended meeting in Paia, Maui. There were nearly forty non-Bahá’ís on hand, and two declarations were accepted following Col. Pelle’s stimulating presentation.

NEW EDITION

The newly revised edition of Bahá’u’lláh 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 NATIONAL 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 material. Anyone interested, please contact Miss Catharine Nourse at 941-2475, anytime after 12:30 noon.

National Child Education Committee TEACHER’S WORKSHOP Sunday, February 8, 1970 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Gift Ideas for Intercalary Days Learning Bahá’í songs and making Bahá’í Song Books

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

[Page 8]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 Bahá’u’lláh would be spread, the hearts illumined, the spirits glorified and the human world would attain to everlasting felicity.

(This article is a reprint from U.S. National Bahá’í Review, July, 1969. It will be concluded in our next issue.)

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, Agana, Guam. 96910

National Archives Committee Resigned - Harriet Clark

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

CORRECTION!!

The red-face department apologizes for listing Miss Kandi Marsha Ann Joerding (Koolaupoko JD) as Kandi Marshall Ann Joerding.

The following names were omitted 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 Koolaupoko JD.

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

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; Gertrude V. Garrida, Reviewer and Proofreader, and Lil Hollinger.

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