Light of the Pacific/Issue 52/Text

[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

FEB.-MAR.-1970 BAHÁ’Í YEAR 127 NO. 52

DEEPENING CONFERENCES[edit]

Group of believers on the front steps of the National Haziratu’l-Quds. Hand of the Cause Mr. A. Q. Faizi is seated in the lower right-hand corner. Continental Board Member Mr. Suhayl Ala’i is at upper left.

GUAM[edit]

To Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Guam -

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

We were moved and deeply grateful for your letter of February 2, 1970.

It was such a joy to be with you in your far flung island of Australasia. We found that the further we went the greater was the love and affection of the friends.

The few days spent on Guam were truly memorable and, of course, the joy of meeting and finding new friends is something that is very dear to the heart.

Will you please convey our warmest love and affection to every believer in your island and particularly to those who were instrumental in making the conference such a success and creating such (cont. on p. 2) [Page 2]enthusiasm at the meetings? May Bahá’u’lláh help and sustain you always to win many new victories in your area.

If any of the friends have pictures or slides of the conference, we would appreciate receiving two or three copies so that we will have a complete record of all the conferences.

Unfortunately, the message from the Universal House of Justice arrived too late. We are enclosing a copy and ask you to share it with all the friends.

With deepest love and greetings to you all,

CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS

(s) Suhayl Ala’i

CABLE

OCCASION FEAST SULTAN HANDS MEMBERS HOUSE JUSTICE FRIENDS WORLD CENTRE JOIN FRIENDS ALL PARTS WORLD ARDENT PRAYERS SUCCESS INDIVIDUAL COLLECTIVE EFFORTS BEHALF CAUSE STOP SPECIAL PRAYERS SUCCESS CONFERENCE GUAM

(s) UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

“We joyously share with you a part of the report that we received from our Auxiliary Board Member in Philippines. She has written:

“I would like to comment on the wonderful spirit of the new pioneer from Hawaii, Dale Eng, whom I have had the bounty to be with during his present teaching trip in Mindanao. He has truly exemplary spirit for a Bahá’í pioneer. He teaches in a simple and direct way, which is the most effective way of teaching in this country. He has the basic essential knowledge and a great willingness to learn. He is very sincere and dedicated to serving the Faith. One nice thing for him is that he has begun to feel that Philippines is really his new home, and not just a temporary pioneering post. I’m sure he will attract many confirmations from Bahá’u’lláh in his teaching work. And I feel that the more the NSA makes use of him the better. Dale really has much capacity.”

(S) R. Mumtazi

“This evening the following cable addressed to “Bahaiboard” was telephoned to this address:—

DELIGHTED NEWS YOUR CABLE HONOLULU CONFERENCE GRATEFUL PRESENCE HAND CAUSE FAIZI IMPRESSED ENTHUSIASM FRIENDS NEWS DECLARATIONS PIONEER OFFERS DETERMINATION WIN GOALS. OFFERING PRAYERS GRATITUDE

(s) UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE

“This morning I also received a cable from Suhayl Ala’i giving news of your wonderful Conference and this evening I have telephoned my fellow counsellor, Howard Harwood, to share this with him. Fortunately, Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, who was here last week-end, was with Howard having called there on his way back to Adelaide, so this good news was given to him too.

“We are very grateful for all the assistance the Assembly has given the Board of Counsellors and we send you our sincere thanks and warm Bahá’í love.”

(s) Thelma Perks

ABORTION[edit]

Following is a letter written by the beloved Guardian through his secretary to an individual believer under date of August 15, 1939, and transmitted to the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina by the Universal House of Justice on July 28, 1968:

“The practice of abortion -- which is absolutely criminal as it involves deliberate destruction of human life -- is forbidden in the Cause.”

A letter addressed to this National Spiritual Assembly, dated August 15, 1968, states:

“The Universal House of Justice does not wish to go beyond the instructions of the Guardian at this time, and no sanctions should be imposed upon a believer who violates this instruction. We leave it to the conscience of the individual believer in each case.” [Page 3]

MR. CURTIS KELSEY[edit]

Auxiliary Board Member Curtis DeMude Kelsey passed away February 20, 1970, while residing in Bradenton, Florida, and at the culmination of preparations for a Florida Statewide Deepening Conference, for which Curtis was the guiding spirit. Shortly before this he had undertaken a teaching circuit in the Hawaiian Islands. During the past year he had engaged upon many teaching visits in North America, including inspiring participation in last year’s Alaskan Summer School and in meetings with youth. His death followed a serious operation in connection with the heart difficulty which had troubled, although not limited him for many years. Born March 6, 1894, his age was just short of 76. Of those years, 53 had been spent in meritorious service to the Bahá’í Faith. He became a Bahá’í in 1917, following in the footsteps of his mother, an early Bahá’í.

By his wish, his funeral was simple and private. He was interred in the Veterans’ Division of the Royal Palm Cemetery at St. Petersburg, Florida. A week later, March 1, two Memorial Services were held: one in his home in Bradenton; the other in Teaneck, New Jersey. Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts, Mrs. Sylvia Ioas, and Mrs. Margarite Ullrich participated in the Bradenton Memorial.

Curtis was a historic figure in the Faith, his service spanning both its Heroic and Formative Ages. After serving in France during the First World War, in 1920 he was called by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to come to the Holy Land to set up the electrical light plants contributed by Roy Wilhelm, another historic servant of the Faith later to be posthumously named Hand of the Cause.

Curtis installed three light plants: one for the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí; one at the Shrine of the Báb; one for the house of the Master. It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish that the two Holy Shrines be illumined simultaneously. Therefore Curtis would work for two weeks on one, and an alternate two weeks on the other. Thus, although after His passing, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish was fulfilled. Both Shrines were illumined at the same time.

Curtis remained in the Holy Land eight months, arriving there in September 1921. In November ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ascended. During those weeks prior to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, Curtis visited many times with the Master and, as Curtis put it, “always with great joy.” He has told his family and friends that his greatest impression of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was of His humility and service. Curtis determined to follow in those footsteps. Also he was greatly affected by a statement made to him by the Master. In the words of Curtis, “‘Abdu’l-Bahá said the only difference between Him and us was that He was dependent on Bahá’u’lláh every instant and we sometimes forget.”

In 1953 Curtis and his wife, Harriet, were on pilgrimage 26 days. During that time Curtis again served, this time under the beloved Guardian, by installing a pump and cistern to water the Shrine Gardens. At that time the Guardian told Harriet she should be very happy that all her children were Bahá’ís. These children are: Mary Louise Suhn, June Remignanti, Carol Rutstein and Allyn Morgan Kelsey (the latter deceased in 1965.) Not only these children (cont. on p. 4) [Page 4]but also their husbands and wife are Bahá’ís. And of the 14 grandchildren of Curtis and Harriet, the four who have passed the age of fifteen have formalized their Bahá’í loyalty by declaration.

No praise can be too high to offer Harriet Morgan Kelsey, wife of Curtis and a Bahá’í at the time of their marriage, for her steadfast devotion and assistance to her husband throughout his long service to the Faith. This reached a poignant height when, during his last illness, she carried out the last strenuous arrangements for the Florida Statewide Conference long dreamed of by Curtis and which occurred only one week before his passing.

Among the highpoints of his service, in which Harriet so unselfishly assisted him, was his appointment to the Auxiliary Board of the Western Hemisphere, following the decision of the Guardian in 1957 that the Auxiliary Board membership should be doubled. He first served on the Protection Board, and later on the Teaching Board. In all capacities he inspired both youth and adults, as well as those of all cultural backgrounds, with his talks on the Teachings and with his wonderful reminiscences of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It was moving even to look at him -- a tall, gentle man, silver-haired, with a warm smile and a face shining with the reflected spirit of the Master Whom he loved so dearly.

CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS, NORTH AMERICA

All communities are asked to mark Sunday, April 5th, as a memorial for Mr. Kelsey. Services will be held at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on that day and areas on the outer islands have been asked to do likewise.

"When the soul attaineth the Presence of God, it will assume the form that best befitteth its immortality, and is worthy of its celestial habitation." - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

NO "LAST DITCHING"[edit]

We have considered the problem of maintaining weak Assemblies, which harasses nearly every National Spiritual Assembly. The beloved Guardian's instructions are clear upon this point: every effort must be made to maintain Assemblies once established. At the same time we feel that their maintenance must be on a firmer basis than the temporary residence projects which your National Spiritual Assembly has accepted in the past. This early period of the Nine Year Plan is a good time for you to call upon the friends to maintain all the Local Spiritual Assemblies on a basis of settlers who will stay permanently or until they are replaced. This policy, although it may result in the temporary loss of one or more local Spiritual Assemblies, will disclose to the ... friends the true picture of the strength of their community and by relieving you of all the tremendous expenditure of effort, money and time on impermanent "last ditching" will enable you to lay firm foundations of constant and regular teaching in every local Spiritual Assembly town. (Universal House of Justice, from British Bahá’í Journal #173)

ANSWER TO QUESTION FROM AN LSA --[edit]

Dear Friends:

The NSA has consulted on your letter regarding "cohabitation-communal living" in order to solve the housing problem.

While we agree that the housing situation is serious, the possible solution outlined above is not a good idea and we commend your mature thinking and judgment in submitting the question to this NSA.

You are assured that some way will open for you to solve the problem in a manner which will not cast even a shadow upon the fair name of our beloved Faith.

It is the individual Bahá’í’s responsibility to protect the Cause; therefore, we ask the friends to put their whole trust in God and continue to serve Him, ever remembering that He "will assist all who arise to serve..."

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY [Page 5]

SMOKING[edit]

"....I wish to say that, in the sight of God, the smoking of tobacco is a thing which is blamed and condemned, very unclean, and of which the result is by degrees injurious. Besides it is a cause of expense and of loss of time and it is a harmful habit. So, for those who are firm in the Covenant, it is a thing reprobated by the reason and by tradition, the renouncement of which giveth gradual repose and tranquility, permitteth one to have stainless hands and a clean mouth, and hair which is not pervaded by a bad odor.

"Without any doubt, the friends of God on receiving this epistle will renounce this injurious habit by all means, even if it be necessary to do so by degrees. This is my hope."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 334-335)

FEASTS AND HOLY DAYS[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to reiterate the importance of each individual recognizing his obligation to observe Feasts and Holy Days, the latter by abstaining from work if at all feasible.

"Concerning the nature of the Nineteen Day Feast, in the ‘Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh clearly revealed the spiritual and social character of this Institution. Its administrative significance, however, has been stressed by the Guardian in direct response to the growing needs of the Bahá’í Community in this formative period of the Bahá’í era for better training in the principles and practice of Bahá’í administration."

(Guardian, Bahá’í News #395, p. 2, October, 1935)

Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day Feast is incumbent upon every Bahá’í, illness or absence from the city being the only justification for absence. Believers are expected to arrange their personal affairs so as to enable them to observe the Bahá’í calendar.

(The Bahá’í Community, p. 18)

"These meetings may be regarded as the very heart of our Bahá’í Community life. When properly conducted, and attended by a Bahá’í Community which fully appreciates their importance, the Nineteen Day Feasts serve to renew and deepen our spirit of Faith, increase our capacity for united action, remove misunderstandings and keep us fully informed of all important Bahá’í activities; local, national and international in scope."

(Guardian, Bahá’í News #289, p. 3, January, 1935)

"He wishes the Bahá’ís to press for recognition of their right to observe their own Holy Days, and to observe them whenever possible in strict accordance with our teachings."

(Guardian, Bahá’í News #207, p. 4, May, 1948)

"He also wishes to stress the fact that, according to our Bahá’í laws, work is forbidden on our nine Holy Days. Believers who have independent businesses or shops should refrain from working on those days. Those who are in government employ should, on religious grounds make an effort to be excused from work; all believers whosoever their employers, should do likewise. If the government or other employers refuse to grant them these days off, they are not required to forfeit their employment, but they should make every effort to have the independent status of their Faith recognized and their right to hold their own religious Holy Days acknowledged."

(Guardian, Bahá’í News #3247, p. 2, September, 1951)

SONGS FOR BAHÁ’ÍS[edit]

"Songs for Bahá’ís," a collection of 21 songs --- some of which are taken from the California Bahá’í Victory Chorus album is now available from the National Child Education Committee, 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, 96817. The songs have ukulele chords included for easy accompaniment, and an ukulele chord chart is enclosed for quick reference. The song books have an attractive, durable cover, and sell for .25¢ each. Please place your orders in care of the above address. [Page 6]

WORLD NEWS[edit]

HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum arrived in Tanzania on 2nd September from Kenya, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani from Haifa and Mr. John Asalache, Vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya. In Dar es Salaam she spoke at a Public meeting at the National Hazíratu’l-Quds where about a hundred people, mostly guests of the Bahá’ís of Dar es Salaam gathered to meet her. On September 8th at a reception given in her honour by the National Spiritual Assembly of Tanzania she delivered the Message to seventy-five distinguished guests who were assembled especially for the purpose of proclamation of the Faith. She later spoke to seventy members of the Dar es Salaam Rotary Club where she was guest of honour. The Hand of the Cause then visited Mafia Island where more than 100 people gathered to hear her talk; then she proceeded to Morogoro, Wami, Korogwe, Mombo, Kwalukongo and Magamba where an especially large crowd of people, including children, gathered to meet her. The beloved Hand of the Cause arrived in Addis Ababa on October 15. At her hotel a representative of the press agency, "Addis Zemen," awaited her. "Addis Zemen" means "New Era." Excellent publicity resulted from that 50 minute interview. At 2:15 that same afternoon Radio Ethiopia broadcast in the Amharic program (the official language) her arrival, length of her stay, purpose of her visit, and some of the cardinal principles of the Faith. The following morning she enjoyed a half-hour audience with His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia. Two days later, friends escorted her to Awasa. In the mass conversion area she was eagerly awaited by more than 500 persons. On the third day, foundation stones were laid by Amatu’l-Bahá in three plots of land, donated by three different local friends and a cable was sent to the World Centre: "ANNOUNCE LAYING BANANI HOUSE HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS SCHOOL CORNER STONES GAMETO... On October 22nd she was received by Her Imperial Highness Princess Tenagnework Haile Selassie and her daughter, Princess Sable Desta. Following a full schedule of public meetings and press interviews, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum met with His Imperial Highness Merid Asmatch Asfaw Wassen, the Crown Prince of Ethiopia on November 14, accompanied by Mrs. Nakhjavani and Mr. Belete Worku, Auxiliary Board Member. Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum also met with Prince Asrate Kassa, Governor-General of Eritrea; the Governor-General of Harrar Province, who expressed his feeling of being privileged and honoured to receive this "great lady;" the Governor of Dire Dawa and the Governor of Assab. In summary the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa stated, "It is difficult for us to realize fully how greatly and deeply we should be envied in the future for having lived in these thrilling days which she has devoted to teaching Ethiopia. Her visit was indeed a 'turning point in the progress of the Faith' throughout the country.

HAND OF THE CAUSE MR. A. A. FURUTÁN PAYS HIS FIRST VISIT TO JAPAN AND THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS[edit]

During his first visit the press gave excellent publicity to the Faith in Sapporo where Mr. Furután spoke at a public meeting and in the Tokyo Mainichi Daily News which an article about the Faith and a large photograph of Mr. Furután were featured. He participated in a two-day deepening conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Tokyo on October 18 and 19. Friends from Korea, Philippine Islands, Taiwan and Guam joined the Japanese believers at that Conference. He addressed a number of students including one group of more than one hundred students from Osaka University and another of about twenty-five students at Kyoto University: On October 25 and 26 at the Bahá’í Autumn School in Akashi more than fifty believers were inspired by the Hand of the Cause. At a public meeting in Akashi, friends from eleven cities in Japan and from Taiwan and the Philippines were in attendance. At Hiroshima, the last stop in his Japanese tour, thirty-five enquirers attended a public meeting where guests lingered until 10 p.m. asking questions about the Faith. Following his visit to Japan... [Page 7]pan, Mr. Furutan, accompanied by Mr. Vicente Samaniego, member of the Continental Board of Counselors in Northeastern Asia, proceeded to Korea where Mr. Furutan met with the National Spiritual Assembly, then he and Counsellor Samaniego went on to Manila, Philippine Islands, where they arrived on November 7th. On the evening of November 9th at a public meeting attended by many Bahá’ís and forty-five of their guests, one guest, a concert pianist, enrolled in the Faith. Other communities where Mr. Furutan visited and participated in public meetings and deepening meetings with the friends were: Negros where a radio talk had been arranged in Bacolod City; La Castellana; and Los Banos. Perhaps one of the highlights of Mr. Furutan’s visit in the Philippines was a visit with some of the professors and the Dean of Admissions of the University of the Philippines. The Hand of the Cause spoke openly about the Faith as a religion and the Professors agreed with the teachings. The professors themselves invited Mr. Furutan to return on November 18th to talk to the students about the Faith.

HANDS OF THE CAUSE MR. ENOCH OLINGA AND DR. RAHMATU’LLÁH MUHÁJIR PRESENT BAHÁ’Í FAITH ON TELEVISION TWICE IN LIBERIA.[edit]

On September 21st Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir who was visiting Liberia was interviewed during a fifteen-minute television broadcast. This presentation was on Sunday evening during prime viewing time. Again, at the same time and on the same program, Hand of the Cause Mr. Olinga was interviewed on Sunday, November 2. During Mr. Olinga’s visit to Liberia a village chief and four others declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh, and more recently there have been four other declarations from that village, making a total of ten believers in the new village near Nimba, Liberia. The chief asked the Bahá’ís to take over the village public school and make it a Bahá’í school, teaching the children and holding a night school for adults, but he stressed that the Bahá’í Faith should be taught in connection with the school. Monrovia has reported a total of 21 declarations in the past twelve days in addition to seven earlier declarations from the time of the visit of Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir.

HAND OF THE CAUSE MR. A. Q. FAIZÍ TRAVELING IN AUSTRALASIA.[edit]

During a full month’s tour of Australia and New Zealand, Mr. Faizí lent great impetus to the teaching work of the friends. He participated in the Deepening Conferences sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia in Auckland, New Zealand and in Melbourne, Australia. During the last week of November Mr. Faizí conducted deepening classes in Sydney where, he said, “Every night we find more people coming.” On December first he departed for New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and the Samoan Islands.

CENTRAL AMERICAN CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS ASSISTS PROCLAMATION IN COSTA RICA.[edit]

The members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, Mr. Artemus Lamb, and Mr. Alfred Osborne, met in Costa Rica from October 18 to 26 where a number of activities, including a National Teaching Conference were carried out through the co-operation of the Counsellors, the National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica and its newly-formed National Proclamation and Public Relations Committee. On the celebration of the Birth of the Báb, each of the Counsellors was principal speaker at three locations scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts. There was nation-wide publicity.

AUSTRALASIAN BOARD OF COUNSELLORS DEEPENING CONFERENCES LAUNCHED.[edit]

From the Deepening Conference held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga Islands, seat of the National Spiritual Assembly of Tonga and Cook Islands, to be formed at Ridván, 1970: “...OVER SEVENTY FRIENDS TWO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS COUNSELLORS PRESENT NUKU’ALOFA CONFERENCE STOP TONGAN BELIEVERS YOUNG OLD DETERMINED COMPLETE GOALS NINE YEAR PLAN BY RIDVAN 1970 CROWNED FORMATION FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY...” From a Deepening Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand, November 1 and 2: “HEARTWARMING SPIRIT ANIMATED NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE BLESSED PRESENCE HAND CAUSE FAIZI STOP OVER 110 FRIENDS 20 LOCALITIES OVERWHELMED YOUR MESSAGE....DETERMINED ACCOMPLISH GOALS STOP YOUTH PARTICIPANTS SHINING LIGHT CONFERENCE OFFERING HOMEFRONT PIONEERING SERVICE DEDICATION PROMOTION FAITH...” -

(cont. on p. 8) [Page 8]The following was received from the Conference in Melbourne, Australia, held November 15-16: "MELBOURNE CONFERENCE BLESSED PRESENCE TWO HANDS CAUSE FAIZI AND FEATHERSTONE PROVIDED MAGNIFICENT OPPORTUNITY DEEPENING REASSESSMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AHEAD STOP SIX NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES TWO AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS OVER 200 FRIENDS INCLUDING YOUTH CHILDREN GENERATED MUCH ENTHUSIASM HAPPINESS DETERMINATION ACCOMPLISH GOALS NINE YEAR PLAN"

— AUSTRALIA — On April 9, 1969, the Universal House of Justice suggested to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia that in addition to the other minority groups being taught in that country, emphasis might also be placed on teaching Greek minorities residing in Australia. On Friday, November 7, 1969 Mrs. Kathie Karawas became the first Greek adult believer to join the Faith in Australia.

BRAZIL - The National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil recently completed a detailed report announcing the manner in which all of the remaining Brazilian goals of the Nine Year Plan had been re-phased by the National Assembly. Before the new plan could reach the communities, it was announced that a new State, ‎ Maranhão‎, was opened to the Faith and that the small community of Lauro de Freitas, in the state ‎ Bahia‎, had completed two of its goals: they had already gained the nine members necessary to re-establish the former Local Assembly of Portao; and had opened the nearby community of Vila Abrantes.

SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]

July 5 through 12, 1970.

Skaade Bakker near Aarhus, Denmark

Contact Hawaii NSA for further information

REMEMBER?[edit]

Remember the Fund envelopes? They came out in November. They are the new "return easy" envelopes which have a flap that rips off leaving a gummed edge, thus enabling you to seal in your check. Simple? We are still awaiting our first return. Hm?

WE WELCOME[edit]

EWA Nilsen, Mrs. Cynthia K. (Y) Cochran, Jas. Randall Barrett, Jas. Wilson Stefan, Carl Edward (Y) Wells, Dennis Marc (Y)

HONOLULU Gronquist, Miss Gaellen Dee McCarter, Miss Mia M. (Y) Colwell, Miss Pat L. Hayes, Mrs. Judy A. McBride, Miss Linda Jean (Y) Hall, James Herbert (Y) Garcia, Miss Roxanne (Y) Freidberg, Leonard L.

KAWAIHAU Tangalin, Ben B., Kapaa

KOLOA Brown, Miss Barbara Lynn (Y) Werner, Arthur Jr. Werner, Roger (Y)

KOOLAULOA Smith, Doren Lee (Y) Smith, Miss Vickie Lynn (Y) Smith, Ted W. (Y) Smith, Miss Julia Ann (Y) Wadman, Geo. Stanley Ramirez, Charlene E. Henderson, Jeff A. (Y)

KOOLAUPUKO Petris, Mrs. Maxine R. Joerding, Mrs. Martha L. Sullivan, Mark Patrick (Y) Burgess, Michael Maurice

LAHAINA Sailhac, Bernard Sailhac, Mrs. Alice F. Welbaum, Wm. Robert Marquez, Miss Francine (Y) Altork, Jim Arthur (Y)

MAKAWAO Bronson, Leilani E. Ann (Y) Hiro, Miss Rose Marie (Y) Hew, Miss Debbie H.H. (Y) Lanosa, Miss ValDean Iopa (Y) Harding, Mrs. Susan G. Spangenberg, Scott Russell (Y) Olsen, Miss Mona Lani (Y) Peterson, Miss Susan L. (Y) Waxman, Miss Cheryl Lynn (Y) Haynes, Mrs. Dorothy Auld

MOLOKAI Berg, James R. Clark, Miss Deborah Ann

NO. KONA Fursse, Mrs. Sabine [Page 9]

SO. HILO[edit]

Cabanas, Wendell Jas. Meyers, Mrs. Trona R. Schreiber, Jerome David (Y)

WAIALUA[edit]

Greissenger, Mrs. Retha L.

WAILUKU[edit]

(Y) Dalls, Darrell P. Schomers, Michael C. Detwiler, Miss Deborah J. Fell, Miss Deirdre M. Krivanek, Nicholas K. Beck, Carl Jay Thomas, Wm. Robert Prieskorn, Mark Charles (Y)

WAIMEA[edit]

Gleason, Graylin Robt. (Y) Robinson, Alice Jean (Y) Weir. Katherine Aline (Y)

WAIANAE[edit]

Bryers, George

GUAM[edit]

Gordon, Mrs. Nina Jackson Newhouser, Mrs. Barbara J.

MARSHALL ISLANDS[edit]

Eja, Mr. Mooab (A) Ebeye

EWA[edit]

DELEGATES[edit]

Mr. Ben Ayala

HONOLULU[edit]

Mr. Wm. Foster Dr. Richard Bauman Mr. Jas. Stokes Mr. Ross Klutke Miss Gertrude Garrida Mr. Tracy Hamilton

KOLOA[edit]

Mr. Pat Parks

KOOLAULOA[edit]

Mrs. Gloria Hoeppner

KOOLAUPOKO[edit]

Miss Elena Marsella Mr. Eliot Merk

LIHUE[edit]

Mrs. Serrita Herbert

MAKAWAO[edit]

Mr. Ernest Bruss

HAMAKUA[edit]

Mrs. Nedra Murray

MOLOKAI[edit]

Mrs. La Vida Cortez

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND[edit]

Contributions received during period of January 21 to February 20, 1970: Local Assemblies 12 Groups Individuals - 8 - 1

Contributions received during period of February 21 to March 20: Local Assemblies - 14 Groups - 2 Individuals - 15

TREASURER'S ADDRESS[edit]

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

The National Treasurer has notified us of the present status of our treasury.

In the National Fund today there is a balance of less than $200.00.

The responsibility of the NSA is to administer the affairs of the Faith in Hawaii and the Trust Territory of the Pacific. The responsibility of the believers is to provide the assistance for this administration through both spiritual and financial means.

It is not the healthiest way to have the Faith supported by large donations from a few well-to-do believers. The Guardian stated that donations to the Fund are its lifeblood and thus every believer should be privileged to add his share (even though small) to that flowing stream.

DELEGATES (cont.)[edit]

SO. HILO[edit]

Miss Evelyn Musacchia

WAIALUA[edit]

Mr. Gregory Barcelona

WALANAE[edit]

Mr. Wm. Shattuck

WAHLAWA[edit]

Mr. Wally Cater [Page 10]The Molokai Bahá’í Community celebrated the Intercalary Days with a luau at the One Alii Park on Saturday, February 28, 1970. Kalua pig, venison, and various Filipino dishes were featured on the menu. Approximately 60 persons attended, about 50 of whom were non-Bahá’ís.

GUAM[edit]

“We were very happy to have the participation of your representative and vice-chairman (Tracy Hamilton) during the Conference and a few days thereafter. His assistance and enthusiasm added a great deal to the value of the Conference. His address on the Nine Year Plan goals was especially fitting because it gave a certain balance to the conference by demonstrating systematic development of the Faith. We were all overjoyed with the news he gave us that your body had completed the goal of the acquisition of the Temple Site. Such a wonderful achievement, one which must bring joy to so many hearts, and a demonstration of your persistence in pursuing each goal of the Plan given us by the Universal House of Justice.”

SO. KOHALA[edit]

Spencer Beach Park was the location of a South Kohala sponsored campout for children. Five Bahá’í adults supervised five Bahá’í children and four friends. Mr. Curtis Kelsey arrived about 4:00 PM, and children and adults sat on a fallen tree looking towards the ocean, and listened to Mr. Kelsey tell stories. After dinner prepared selected slides of Africa were shown by Allen Elston at the pavilion. Ten non-Bahá’ís were present.

Early the next morning the children gathered for prayers, and singing before breakfast. Mr. Kelsey returned about 10:00 AM and answered more questions before and during lunch. Mr. Kelsey went to the home of the Dunnes for a visit with the Hamakua friends, followed by a potluck dinner and a presentation by Mr. Kelsey.

MICRONESIAN PROCLAMATION[edit]

Saturday, January 31, 1970, at the home of Miss Evelyn Musacchia in Hilo, Hawaii, 34 people enjoyed a Micronesian Proclamation event. The featured “show” was that of the Tamanaha’s most recent trip to the Trust Territory. Four students from the University of Hawaii, Hilo Campus, one each from Yap, Ponape, Palau and Truk, along with a young Australian woman and her Indonesian husband joined the 16 Bahá’í adults for a fun-filled educational evening. The presence of Jack Spock from Hamakua and Brad Hollinger from Honolulu, added to the flavor of the discussion about “home” since they have done travel-teaching in that area. [Page 11]

CALABASH[edit]

(Hawaiian Bowl of Friendship)

The NSA of Paraguay has extended an invitation to any of the friends planning to attend the Continental Conference in Bolivia this coming August, to include a visit to their National Teaching Conference in Asuncion.

Dates are 21, 22 and 23 August, 1970, and they are anxious to welcome anyone wishing to attend and have included an invitation for speakers and teachers. For further information write directly to:

Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís del Paraguay, Apartado 742, Asuncion, Paraguay.

PONAPE[edit]

Mr. Tracy Hamilton's visit was very encouraging. We have not yet gotten together (Kolonia) as everyone has been very busy with our airstrip dedication which was held on February 2nd.

I received four copies of the "Pacemaker" from the Youth, which I will distribute as soon as possible.

Letters were sent out to the Kolonia friends for a fireside on Sunday evening, February 8th. God bless you all. We are most grateful for your interest in our lives out here in the Pacific. We will do our best in spreading the Faith here on Ponape and we do need your prayers. (Rose Makwelung)

MOLOKAI[edit]

Members and friends of the Bahá’ís of Molokai were very happy to greet Vivian and Kats Tamanaha and Brad Hollinger on Sunday afternoon, February 1, 1970. After luncheon, the friends viewed the Micronesia slides with great interest. Fifteen persons were present, including four non-Bahá’ís. Thank you for including Molokai in the Tamanaha itinerary.

The local Convention for the Bahá’ís of Molokai was held on February 21, 1970, at 8 PM, for the purpose of electing a delegate to the National Convention. Eleven members participated in the election. Mrs. La Vida Cortez was elected delegate.

The first major event of the American Bahá’í Community's proclamation activities for International Educational Year 1970 was the National Bahá’í Conference on Education held in Wilmette, Illinois, on February 20-22. Sponsored by the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights, this all-Bahá’í conference examined in depth what the Bahá’í Writings say on education. It was an exciting conference for not only Bahá’ís from the American Community but from many other communities attended.

WAIMEA[edit]

In observance of World Religion Day, Dr. Sidney Dean spoke at the chapel of the Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea on the Big Island. Dr. Dean's presentation, "Evolution of Oneness," was colorful and interesting. All goal area Bahá’ís extend thanks to Dr. Dean for his visit.

BLOOD BANK[edit]

The Bahá’í Blood Bank Reserve is down to a low of 17 pints, a dangerous situation in case of any sudden demand or emergency. There have been no donations since March 1969, when a visiting Bahá’í donated.

Local Convention group of So. Hilo. Miss Evelyn Musacchia, third from right, front row, was elected delegate to the National Convention.

NUGGETS[edit]

"Ye must sow the seeds of peace in the plastic minds of the children."

(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 7-23) [Page 12]

HAWAII NATIONAL CONVENTION[edit]

APRIL 25-26

National Headquarters 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu

The believers are reminded that in order to be admitted to the National Convention they must have with them current ID cards. See your local secretary or contact the National office.

MR. GODFREY ALOIAU[edit]

Bahá’í services were held at Borthwick Mortuary on February 15 for Godfrey Aloiau who died on February 6, 1970.

Godfrey and his wife Rebecca, both Bahá’ís, as is also their son Frank, have blessed our community with their devoted and loving service to the Cause.

Godfrey gave generously of his time and energy in whatever activity he was asked to participate. He will be long remembered as the genial greeter and registrar at our Conventions and Conferences where his warm personality shone with special benevolence for each arrival.

His funeral services elicited many compliments for their beauty from his family and the many, many friends who attended.

Aloha, Godfrey. May your spirit soar with joy in the Abhá Kingdom.

COMING EVENTS[edit]

April 3, 4, 5 - NSA Convenes April 9 - FEAST of Jalál (Glory) April 21 - First Day of Riḍván April 25, 26 - NATIONAL CONVENTION April 28 - FEAST of Jamál (Beauty) April 29 - Ninth Day of Riḍván May 1, 2, 3 - YOUTH CONVENTION May 2 - Twelfth Day of Riḍván May 1, 2, 3 -- NSA Convenes May 17 - FEAST of ‘Azamat (Grandeur) May 23 - Declaration of the Báb May 29 - Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

DIRECTORY CHANGES[edit]

Hanalei JD - Corresponding secretary -- Mrs. Alice T. Bryan, c/o Gen. Delivery, Hanalei, Kauai. 96714

Lanai JD - Corresponding secretary -- Mr. R.E. Pilkington, Lanai City, Lanai. 96763

Maui Goals & Teaching Committee - Appointed - Mrs. Barbara Bruss Russ Hughes

ATTENTION!![edit]

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