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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

APRIL - 1970 BAHÁ’Í YEAR 127 NO. 53

MESSAGES

‎Ridvan Riḍván‎, 1970.

To: All National Spiritual Assemblies -

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The following is the text of our message to the Bahá’í world which has been cabled to certain National Spiritual Assemblies:

"BAHÁ’Í WORLD COMMUNITY ENTERING SEVENTH YEAR NINE YEAR PLAN HAS AMPLY DEMONSTRATED ABILITY SCALE HEIGHTS DEVOTION SACRIFICE WIN ASTONISHING VICTORIES WORLD REDEEMING WORLD HEALING WORLD UNITING FAITH STOP AT THIS ‎RIDVAN RIḌVÁN‎ EXTEND LOVING WELCOME ELEVEN NEW NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES NOW FORMING SEVEN IN AFRICA ONE IN AMERICAS ONE IN ASIA TWO IN AUSTRALASIA RAISING TO NINETY-FOUR NUMBER SUPPORTING PILLARS UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE STOP MOVED PAY LOVING TRIBUTE HANDS CAUSE GOD THEIR BRILLIANT SERVICES BLAZING TEACHING TRAILS SURFACE PLANET UPLIFTING ADVISING ASSEMBLIES FRIENDS ALL CONTINENTS STOP IN VIEW EFFECTIVE REINFORCEMENT THIS NOBLE WORK BY ABLE DEDICATED CONTINENTAL BOARDS TOGETHER WITH GROWING NEED AND EXPANSION WORLD COMMUNITY ANNOUNCE AUGMENTATION VITAL INSTITUTION THROUGH APPOINTMENT THREE ADDITIONAL COUNSELLORS IRAJ AYMAN WESTERN ASIA ANNELIESE BOPP BETTY REED EUROPE AND AUTHORIZATION APPOINT- [Page 2]

Message from the Universal House of Justice

MENT FORTY-FIVE ADDITIONAL AUXILIA ARY BOARD MEMBERS NINE AFRICA SIX- TEEN ASIA TWO AUSTRALASIA EIGHTEEN WESTERN HEMISPHERE STOP CALLING FORMATION FOUR NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES RIDVAN 1971 LESOTHO SEAT MASERU IVORY COAST MALI AND UPPER VOLTA SEAT ABIDJAN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SEAT PORT OF SPAIN SOL- OMON ISLANDS SEAT HONIARA STOP NINE YEAR PLAN ALREADY MARKED GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS PIONEERING PROCLAM- ATION RECOGNITION FAITH UPSURGE YOUTH ACQUISITION PROPERTIES COM- MENCEMENT CONSTRUCTION PANAMA TEM- PLE DEVELOPMENTS WORLD CENTRE STOP URGENT IMMEDIATE VITAL NEED CON- CENTRATE ATTENTION INCREASE NUMBER LOCALITIES LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEM- BLIES BELIEVERS FILL REMAINING PIONEER POSTS STOP LAST RIDVAN CALL RAISED SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY THREE PIONEERS MINIMUM REQUIREMENT STOP FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE SPECIFIC POSTS STILL UNFILLED STOP TOTAL VICTORY REQUIRES MORE PIONEERS MORE FUNDS MORE NEW BELIEVERS STOP HANDS CAUSE COUNSELLORS BOARD MEM- BERS NATIONAL LOCAL SPIRITUAL AS- SEMBLIES EVERY SINGLE FOLLOWER BAHÁ’U’LLÁH SUMMONED UTMOST EFFORT REMAINING YEARS NINE YEAR PLAN STOP ACHIEVEMENT THIS STEP MAS- TERS DIVINE PLAN WILL ENDOW COMMU- NITY CAPACITY ADMINISTRATIVE AGEN- CIES UNDERTAKE NEXT STAGE IMPLE- MENTATION SUPREME PURPOSE BAHÁ’U- LLÁH'S REVELATION UNIFICATION MAN- KIND ESTABLISHMENT LONG PROMISED KINGDOM GOD THIS EARTH STOP ASSURE ARDENT LOVING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES

With loving Bahá’í greetings, (S) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE 15th April, 1970.

Letter from Collis Featherstone

To The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands -

Dear Co-workers:

Many thanks for your kind invi- tation to attend your Convention. This is not possible since I am to attend the Conventions of the for- mation of the First National As- semblies in the Samoas as well as In Nukualofa, Tonga. Please convey to the Assembled, Auxiliary Board Members and Delegates my warmest Bahá’í love and greetings.

With only two years really to go to complete the Nine Year Plan by 1973, the delegates and friends now, with their backs to the wall, so to speak, must needs arise with a complete dedicated unity to in- crease the localities and assemb- lies, as well as raise pioneers to fulfill Hawaii's goal of achieving the Nine Year Plan in its totality. We need Divine Confirmations to assist us, therefore pray that souls may be found to fill all your goals. May deeds of service far exceed words.

In His service, (S) Collis Featherstone Ridvan, 1970.

Message to the Annual Convention

To the delegates and friends gathered at the Annual Conven- tion of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands -

Dearly loved Friends:

At this Ridvan we stand at a point where only three short years remain to accomplish our goals. Once again we gather together to evalu- ate our past services and to deli- berate on the opportunities and challenges before us. On the oc- casions that we have been able tc meet during the year Iwe have wit- nessed the outpouring of so much. love and happiness that we are sure of the unfailing protection and sustenance of Bahá’u’lláh and become more confident than ever before, that truly, in this suff- ering world, there is no substi- tute for the love of God and the indissoluble bond that Bahá’u’lláh has created in the community of the Most Great Name.

Dear friends, let us fix our minds upon the course that the Supreme Body of the Universal House of Jus- tice has set for us. With fervor and enthusiasm in our hearts and depending upon the grace and bles- sings of Bahá’u’lláh, let us re- flect upon the message they sent to every believer last September:

"...It is now imperative for every Bahá’í to set for himself The individual teaching goals. admonition of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the ex- hortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá’í fireside in one's [Page 3]home every Bahá’í month...that alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.

May this convention become a source of inspiration and pave the way for many resounding victories.

With deepest Bahá’í love,

(S) CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS

Dear Friends:

Without a doubt this has been one of the most exciting years in the long and dramatic history of the Faith. The launching of the world-wide Proclamation program in 1967, the creation of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, the freeing of the Hands of the Cause of God for the vital teaching work for which they are so eminently qualified, and the resulting enthusiasm engendered by these momentous events, has brought about an unprecedented upsurge of interest in the Faith, manifesting itself in a series of victories truly startling in their variety and scope.

The western world, once so slow to receive new souls into the Fold of Bahá’u’lláh, is now experiencing the exhilarating effect of the entrance of large numbers of people into the Faith. This trend has affected Hawaii as well, spilling over into the far-flung islands of the Trust Territory which until recently, presented seemingly impregnable barriers against the entrance of travelling teachers and permanent settlers.

Concurrent with these victories within the Faith, we note that conditions in the world at large are degenerating at an even more accelerating tempo, demonstrating graphically the fulfillment of Bahá’u’lláh’s predictions of one hundred years ago:

"The time for the destruction of the world and its people hath arrived. The hour is approaching when the most great convulsion will have appeared. The promised day is come, the day when tormenting trials will have surged above your heads, and beneath your feet, saying: 'Taste ye what your hands have wrought' Soon shall the blasts of His chastisement beat upon you, and the dust of hell enshroud you."

To those whose eyes are enshrouded in this blinding "dust of hell," there is no mission in life but to get all they can out of it and give nothing in return. To those who desire, without knowing how, to shake this dust from their eyes, there seems to be no path save through total escape into the inner world of self, or conversely through destruction and wanton acts of violence. Were they to understand, as do we, that their loss of identity, their sense of unfulfillment, and their unhappiness is, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, "Both a retributory calamity and an act of holy and supreme discipline," they would recognize themselves as members of a highly privileged society which is being purged and prepared for the greatest and most rewarding mission ever to be bestowed upon any civilization of the past or of the future.

Since we are already aware of the uniqueness of the Day in which we live, ours is not only the inestimable bounty, but the inescapable duty, to demonstrate a way of life diametrically opposed in every respect to the callous, thoughtless, and immoral behavior of society in general. Since we know, from the challenging and thought-provoking cable of the Universal House of Justice, that the accomplishment of the remaining goals of the Nine-Year Plan will endow the community of Bahá and its institutions with the capacity to undertake the next stage in the implementation of God's Promised Kingdom of God on Earth, let us endeavor as never before to bring light, love and spiritual life to every seeking soul.

Finally, let us note that the Universal House of Justice, in speaking of the total victory of the Nine-Year Plan, summons "every single believer" to exert his utmost efforts — not those who to outward seeming appear to be the most talented and endowed with capacity, but every single believer.

Dearly beloved Friends, what more can be said? The Universal House of Justice has summoned — "EVERY SINGLE BELIEVER"

Loving greetings,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 4]یا الله

The 7th Annual National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands was held at the National Hazíratu’l-Quds on April 25 and 26, 1970.

The Convention opened with a social evening on Friday, April 24, hosted by the Honolulu Community. Registration began at 9 a.m. on Saturday and, following devotions, the morning session ran until noon. Dr. Richard Bauman, chairman of the outgoing NSA, called the Convention to order.

After the roll call of delegates and the election of permanent officers, Dr. C.V. Caver, ABM, was introduced as representative of Hand of the Cause Mr. Featherstone and the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia.

A visitor from Majuro, Marshall Islands, Mrs. Betra Laipen, the guest who had travelled the greatest distance, was warmly greeted.

NSA MEMBERS

Newly elected members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands: LtoR: Gertrude Garrida, Benedicto Ayala, Elena Marsella, Richard Bauman, William Foster, Tracy Hamilton, Elizabeth Hollinger, Evelyn Musacchia and Michael Woodward.

Messages were read from the Universal House of Justice, Mr. H. Collis Featherstone, the Continental Board of Counsellors, and the NSA of the Hawaiian Islands. Consultation was then held on the message from the Universal House of Justice, as well as the other messages, and three delegates were appointed to draft messages to the Universal House of Justice and the Board of Counsellors.

The afternoon session dealt with a review of the tasks set for us by the Universal House of Justice. Home front accomplishments and needs, and report of the National Goals Committee were reviewed and consulted upon, as were the report of the National Treasurer and the proposed budget.

After dinner the evening session was begun with readings on qualifications of an NSA member. Following prayers for guidance, the election of the NSA was held.

DELEGATES

Delegates to the Seventh Annual Convention held at the National Headquarters in Honolulu.

Delegates pictured represent: Ewa-1, Honolulu-6, Koloa-1, Koolaupoko-2, Koolauloa-1, Lihue-1, Makawao-1, So. Hilo-1, Waialua-1, and Waianae-1, Wahiawa-1. [Page 5]While the ballots were being counted a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the NSAs of Africa was read, also an announcement of the availability of Mr. Balyuzi’s book on Prof. Edward Granville ‎Brown Browne‎.

The report of the tellers and acceptance of the report by the assembled delegates followed.

Recommendations were presented by the outgoing NSA and the delegates, to the incoming NSA.

The Sunday morning session ran from 10 a.m. until noon, during which there was a presentation by the National Youth Committee. This was followed by a report on the College Club, after which there was consultation on both reports.

Official photographs were taken during the luncheon period and the afternoon session was given over to approving the messages from the Convention, and open discussion on topics suggested by the delegates. The Convention closed with a showing of slides depicting Bahá’ís and Bahá’í Holy Places.

TRUK LETTER

"Thank you for the letter which I received yesterday, March 19, 1970. Also thank you for the information which you informed me about the ascension of Mr. Curtis Kelsey, and the plan for the summer school and the books which you mentioned in the letter.

"I am very happy for the good news about Ewa Community’s new members. So far I also want to extend my congratulations to this community for the work that had been done.

"I talked with many people about the Bahá’í Faith on this ‎island' island‎ which we called Dublon Is. in the Truk District, and I come to a conclusion of having one new additional member in this faith. Therefore, I’m requesting more books to send so that I’ll give to more people who are interested to know more about the Bahá’í Faith.

"As I read the letter I was so interested in the plan about the summer school that will be held in Kauai and the Big Island. Al- (Cont. on p. 12)

SPECIAL!

March 11, 1970. National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands -

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

We have received your letter of February 12, 1970, enclosing copies of reports on Urantia Book, and Esalen.

In all such matters, the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are the standard by which believers must measure the value of the new ideas being presented, and they should concentrate their efforts on making their lives conform to the eternal principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh and in spreading the Teachings.

(S) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

---

March 10, 1970 Dear "Friends of God" in Hawaii -

I want to thank you for your loving telegrams both of which I appreciated very much.

Curtis was very happy to be in Hawaii with all of you and we are glad he could come. His final year saw him in Alaska, the Yukon, Green Acre, a youth conference in Conn., one in ‎Kew Key‎ West and yours. As Florence Mayberry wrote he went home in a blaze of glory. I’m sure he will continue serving and inspiring us all from the Abhá Kingdom.

Deepest love for your prayers and love.

Gratefully,

(S) Harriet Morgan Kelsey

---

March 13, 1970 National Spiritual Assembly, Bahá’ís of Hawaii -

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

We were pleased to receive and also to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Pratt at a National Assembly meeting. Thank you for your wonderful help in bringing them to our shores.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

(S) NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF NEW ZEALAND [Page 6]

AMATU’L-BAHÁ RÚHÍYYIH KHÁNUM’S JOURNEY IN NORTHERN CONGO, (KINSHASA) CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, AND NIGER

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nakhjavání and Mr. Oloro Epyeru, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central and East Africa, embarked on her journey to Congo (Kinshasa,) Central African Republic and Chad on January 1, 1970. In one of her recent reports Amatu’l-Bahá has said, "We left Kampala January 1st and crossed into the Congo on January 3rd, where we stayed overnight in a place called Beni. From the day we left Beni until the day we arrived at Bangui (Central African Republic) we drove over fifteen hundred miles, seven full days' driving through the jungle. It was beautiful and wonderful but no-one who has not done it can conceive of the vast, never-ending spaces of the Congo in which there is NOTHING. Every now and then a mud village sprawls out along the road and then only the virgin bush again. The roads are a single track, often with a hump of grass growing down the middle for miles on end. Passenger cars are to be seen only in the 'big' towns, nothing but trucks and four wheel drive vehicles can get over the roads in the wilderness..... The Congo women are the most beautiful we have seen on this trip, very beautiful."

"...In Kisangani... There is a Local Spiritual Assembly and a small community there of very nice Believers whom we were able to meet in Michel's home. (Molisso Michel.) There are 17 in all in that town."

CHAD

Amatu’l-Bahá reached Fort Lamy, Chad on January 26th where she met with Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey Morgan, pioneers from the United States. Mrs. Morgan is an Auxiliary Board member. She also met with Mr. Bill Davis, another pioneer from the United States, who recently arrived in Chad. Concerning her stay there, Amatu’l-Bahá said, "We reached here the 26th of January and met the Morgans at the hotel as we had said we would. ... They have some devoted, well-grounded believers here... They have divided the town into sections where there are Bahá’ís and have four small mud room centres with the Principles, charts, Bahá’í photos on the walls and a young caretaker who sleeps on the spot and is often teacher of the locality. It is well thought out. The town is large, and they cannot either hold big meetings or get the people to come to them the long distances involved..."

Amatu’l-Bahá then told of having just returned from a meeting in Gassi, the third village meeting she had attended in Chad. She said "There is a Local Spiritual Assembly there, the Chief is a Bahá’í he has given a piece of land for a Hazíratu’l-Quds..."

NIGER

"When we arrive after three or four days on the road (we)... have to practically dig ourselves out of the dust, everything has to be beaten, brushed, washed and it takes hours to do it. Our insides are also coated with dust and that takes days to get out of our lungs and then we leave and start the whole thing over. "...The two Persian families are very dear; I came at the suggestion of Enoch that this area could use help just before the new National Spiritual Assembly is formed and it, especially up here, seldom gets any. But I would have gladly come just to encourage these dear devoted souls. There are 50 believers in the country; 35 or SO over 21; here, like Bangui, a job has been done and I have been impressed by the ones we met, mostly young men.

"Yesterday at 11 a.m. we were received by the President at his residence (it was Sunday) and had a 20 minute interview...and he is an extremely nice man, much esteemed in that part of the world. I was able to tell him that as there were Bahá’ís in his country and that perhaps it would come to his attention in the future that there was a Bahá’í community here, that I wanted to tell him that two of the cardinal principles of the Bahá’í Faith were strict obedience to the government, because we were against any form of revolution or anarchy in the world, and non-interference in political affairs. And I mentioned" [Page 7]the fact that I had been able to assure His Majesty Haile Selassie of this point also, and that the best citizens that he had in his country would always be the Bahá’ís because this was a part of the doctrine of their Faith...

"When we came out, he called his Chief of Protocol and he came forward and he gave a necklace and a bracelet and a pair of these typical, beautiful leather work slippers they make in this country and a bag, which incidentally is made in Nigeria, to me and a set very similar to Violette, and we, of course, were very surprised. We didn't expect gifts, and he gave them with a very nice, friendly chieftainly largesse, if you like to put it that way, and all in all I think it was a very good contact for the Faith..."

"HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. CONFERENCE BLESSED PRESENCE HAND CAUSE FAIZI DEMONSTRATED MAGNIFICENT SPIRIT ENTHUSIASM LOVE GRATITUDE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH TEN DECLARATIONS SIX NEW PIONEER OFFERS...."

(Extract from cable by Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia dated January 13, 1970)

(Extracts from reports by Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum Received February, 1970)

HAND OF THE CAUSE MR. A.Q. FAIZI CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY TO HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, GUAM, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, SINGAPORE AND INDIA

Following the very successful Youth Conference which ended January 2nd in Western Samoa, Mr. Faizi visited the Hawaiian Islands where he participated in a Deepening Conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia, with the cooperation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands. About 180 friends gathered from January 9-11, 1970, at the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in Honolulu for the Conference.

Mr. Faizi has reported that he was particularly happy to find that the youth participated actively throughout the entire conference, thus adding to the joy and spiritual upliftment at the meetings. "The questions they asked," he said, "showed clearly that they had studied the Faith." Mr. Faizi has also said that even though some of the youth present were newly-enrolled believers, that they were determined to become pioneers. "That," he said, "was the most gratifying result of the conference."

The following cable from the Hawaiian Islands was received at the World Centre:

"....OVER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FRIENDS INCLUDING MANY DEVOTED YOUTH REPRESENTING ALL COMMUNITIES

From Hawaii, Mr. Faizi journeyed to Japan where he visited briefly, then proceeded to Guam where he participated in the second Deepening Conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands. Representatives from the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands gathered in Guam from January 19 to 20 at the meeting attended by believers from Guam and the Trust Territory (Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands and the Mariana Islands.) From Guam, Mr. Faizi went to the Philippine Islands where he was very happy to learn of the activities of more than twenty young Persian pioneers whose average age is about 20. These young pioneers are scattered throughout all of the islands and have opened many new territories to the Faith. He spoke of the highly meritorious services of these young people, alone, amongst the populace of the islands where they reside, learning the language, the habits and the customs of the people as they make friends and teach the Faith.

During his brief visit to Singapore, Mr. Faizi was impressed by the enthusiasm of the believers and was pleased to learn that there are three Local Spiritual Assemblies there. The friends hope to have five by next Ridvan.

In India, his next stop, Mr. Faizi met with Bahá’í youth who had gathered in New Delhi and Bombay to meet with the Hand of the Cause. He noted that young students have dispersed to various parts of India and he found it gratifying to know that the youth participate in many of the festivities of the Indians so that they will, in this way, be able to speak about the Cause to people gathered on those [Page 8]

CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS IN NORTH AMERICA SPONSORS CONFERENCE IN FLORIDA

“This is a brief report on the joyous Bahá’í gathering held in Bradenton, Florida during the past week-end (February 14-15, 1970.) It was sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors of the Bahá’í Faith in North America, and was the inspiration and fondest wish of our dear friend and co-worker, Curtis Kelsey (Auxiliary Board Member.) For many years, dearest Curtis has carefully planned, prayed for, and energetically worked for this end. His fondest dreams came true. Although he himself had suffered a heart attack and could not participate, his presence was felt throughout every minute of the weekend gathering. The conference had that same wonderful spirit which permeated all the conferences called by the Continental Board of Counsellors, and had a special little extra ‘plus,’ it seemed to those of us present. This was a feeling of a precious closeness to our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Throughout His sixty years of service to our cherished Cause, Curtis has always brought us especially close to the beloved Master. “I asked Curtis if I might have the pleasure of serving as his amanuensis for this report, as he was not able to submit one... and we didn’t want you to wait to hear the good news.

“The sessions for Bahá’ís only were held in the Conquistador Room of the downtown CABANA Motel, and the room was well named: Conqueror. A large gathering of friends from all parts of Florida and from the adjoining states assembled there. Hand of the Cause John Robarts, National Assembly member Jack McCants, Auxiliary Board members Velma Sherrill and Dr. William Tucker... all took part in these proceedings, and I had the joy of participating as well...

“Not only were all the sessions of the Bahá’í gathering well attended and the room filled to overflowing, but the public meetings held in the Municipal Auditorium of Bradenton, exceeded the fondest dreams of all those who participated in the planning. The entire spirit of this weekend was ‘a call to action.’ Pioneers were there who were on their way to the Caribbean Islands, to South America and to Africa, and the South Pacific. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Curtis for launching this wonderful gathering in Bradenton, for there seemed to be generated there a fresh spirit of consecration and sacrifice, and a determination on the part of all present that the days ahead will be quite unlike the days we left behind...” (Extracts from report by Hand of the Cause Mr. William Sears - dated February 17, 1970)

“GRIEVED AT REPORT DEATH CURTIS KELSEY LAST NIGHT....” (Extract from cable by National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. - dated February 21, 1970)

ALASKA

Traveling Teachers Assist with Teaching and Proclamation.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Lucas, believers from the State of Washington, U.S., spent the month of September, 1969, in Alaska where they assisted the local friends with their teaching and proclamation program. The evening they visited Sitka there were three declarations....” In Fairbanks, Mr. Lucas, who is a teacher and musician, was a guest on a fifteen-minute television program where he was invited to sing and tell about the Faith. (Based on report in Alaska Bahá’í News by NSA of Alaska, Nov., Dec., 1969 issue)

AUSTRALIA

First National Teaching Conference

Australia’s first National Teaching Conference was held in Adelaide, South Australia, from Jan. 23 to 25, 1970, to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Bahá’í Faith in Australia. The conference was attended by Hand of the Cause ‎God.Mr. God, Mr.‎ Collis Featherstone, by Counsellor Howard Harwood and by Auxiliary Board Member Mr. John Davidson. Seven NSA members also joined 131 friends from most of the States of Australia, and four Bahá’ís from the Solomon Islands and New Hebrides Islands. This very successful conference... [Page 9]resulted in six pioneers arising, four traveling teachers offering their services, and land was pledged to fulfill the National Endowment goal... (Based on report by News Rep. of the NSA of Australia, Feb. 6, 1970)

KOREA

Thirty-four youth attended the National Bahá’í Youth Conference in Korea January 7th through 9th. There were four declarations during the Conference.

LEEWARD, WINDWARD AND VIRGIN ISLANDS

Mr. Jeffrey Lewis of Grenada, Windward Islands, is the first pioneer among the believers of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands to arise to open a goal territory of the Nine Year Plan.

MALAYSIA

The Asli Teaching Committee in Malaysia was assigned a number of specific goals to be carried out during a six month period.

At least 200 new believers were to be enrolled, and 217 were enrolled. ...fifteen villages were to reach full Bahá’í status. There are now nineteen full Bahá’í villages.

LAOS

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Sayaboury sponsored a Teaching Conference for the northern believers of Laos on December 20 and 21, 1969. More than sixty tribal Bahá’ís representing ten localities and two other major towns attended.

NIGERIA

"In a country close by, a very poor village gave ten coconuts to the Faith. These coconuts were sold. The money was then given to help build the Panama House of Worship. When that House of Worship is built these very poor people can say that they helped build it..."

NORWAY

GREETINGS "LOVING JOYOUS FIRST WINTER SCHOOL NORTH ARCTIC CIRCLE" (Extract from cable by Bahá’í Winter School, Lofoten Islands, dated February 9, 1970)

RHODESIA

Several people active in various religions in Rhodesia arranged a series of meetings starting Nov. 26 called "People to People Week," for the purpose of remembering all people are part of a larger world. Bahá’ís took active part in the Saturday program which was called "An Act of Worship" and which was the climax of the week. The Prayers and Readings in English from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were read by Mr. Leonard Chipasi, Mrs. Irma Allen and Board of Counsellors member, Mr. Shidan Fath-i-A’zam.

SWAZILAND

Thirty-seven adult believers attended the one day Teaching Conference in Swaziland on January 25th. Everyone was very happy to learn of the progress being made towards acquisition of properties.

UNITED STATES

"PARTICULARLY MOVED REPORT MOMENTOUS DECISION LAST WEEK-END TO SEND OUT APPROXIMATELY 100 MORE PIONEER APPLICANTS BY RIDVAN ESPECIALLY TO GOALS REQUIRING VARYING DEGREES OF DEPUTIZATION ...LATEST STATISTICS SHOW 2672 LOCALITIES 85 POTENTIAL ASSEMBLIES. TEACHING BREAKTHROUGH IN SOUTH BECOMING EVIDENT..."

IBERIAN TEACHING CONFERENCE

"Yesterday I returned from Spain where I attended the Iberian Teaching Conference with ...the friends from Portugal and Spain. A spirit of understanding, collaboration and responsibility was prevalent. I was moved to compliment and praise the friends for their sincere and eager attitude in discussing ways and means to fulfill the remaining goals of the Nine Year Plan by 1972." (From report by Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, dated January 29, 1970)

GERMAN SPEAKING TEACHING CONFERENCE

"GERMAN SPEAKING TEACHING CONFERENCE STUTTGART FEBRUARY 14-15 ATTENDED ONE COUNSELLOR FOUR BOARD MEMBERS 150 BELIEVERS AUSTRIA LUXEMBOURG SWITZERLAND GERMANY BLESSED SPIRIT SUCCESS. ONE PIONEER ZAMBIA THREE HOMEFRONT TWELVE TRAVEL TEACHERS SIXTEEN NEW FIRESIDES DM 10000 PANAMA TEMPLE..."

EUROPEAN FRANCOPHONE CONFERENCE

"EIGHTY PARTICIPANTS 25 CITIES REPRESENTED SWITZERLAND 3 BELGIUM 10 LUXEMBOURG 5 FRANCE 8. DEDICATED SPIRIT PREDOMINANT DETERMINATION TO THE FULFILLMENT GOALS. PUBLIC CONFERENCE WELL ATTENDED..." [Page 10]The Bahá’ís of Guam had a fulfillment of their hopes and prayers in one glorious week-end on January 17 and 18, 1970, when representatives of four of the institutions of the Faith gathered with them on their island for a two-day deepening conference.

Hand of the Cause, Mr. A. Q. Faizi honored the Bahá’í Community of Guam by his presence and inspiration for the event. Arriving with him was Mr. Suhayl Alá’í from American Samoa, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia. Also present were Mr. Tracy Hamilton, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands and representing that body; Miss Virginia Breaks, Auxiliary Board Member for the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands.

The Deepening Conference, called at the invitation of the Continental Board of Counsellors, and planned in coordination with the Hawaii NSA, was attended by almost the entire body of believers of the Guam community in the course of several sessions.

As a preface to the conference, the distinguished Hand of the Cause from the Holy Land was greeted by the press at a breakfast interview following his arrival. A three-column front page news story with his picture appeared in the Guam Daily News, the island’s leading newspaper, with the bold-type headline, “Bahá’í Visitor Arrives Here For Conference.” A similar news item concerning Mr. Faizi and the conference was also aired over KUAM-TV during the evening newscast, and similarly over radio, with subsequent news articles appearing in all the local media.

Opening on Saturday morning, January 17, at the House of Wong in Tamuning, the conference began with greetings from Mr. Alá’í, Miss Breaks and Mr. Hamilton, and greetings from Mr. Thomas Smithwick, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Guam. The highlight of the morning was an address by Mr. Faizi on “Human Knowledge”, dealing with problems and solutions which confront Bahá’ís in the course of their everyday lives and their teaching of the Faith. He also paid tribute to the late Mr. John Faily, whom Mr. Faizi had known in Persia and elsewhere and whose friendship he treasured. Mr. Faily died in Guam a few days before Mr. Faizi’s arrival.

During the afternoon session, Mr. Alá’í spoke on “The Bahá’í Covenant -- Bounties and Responsibilities of the Believers.” Later on the same program, Mrs. Charlene Sooman and Mr. Jooh Chung told of the role of youth -- Mrs. Sooman on teaching and proclamation, Mr. Chung on preparation of youth for their later years. Mr. Alá’í presided in the morning, Miss Breaks in the afternoon. Mr. Faizi spoke about the Kitáb-i-Íqán, its background and significance, and answered questions during the Saturday evening session.

The conference for the morning and afternoon sessions on Sunday, had Miss Breaks presiding at the former, Mr. Alá’í at the latter. Mr. Alá’í spoke on the institutions of the Faith, and Mr. Hamilton spoke on Hawaii’s share of the Nine Year Plan, with reference to both the home-front goals, and the overseas goals in the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands.

The evening was devoted to the Nineteen-Day Feast of Sultán, with special prayers for the achievement of the Nine Year Plan. Following discussion, the picture, “A New Wind,” was shown by Mr. Hamilton.

The friends of Guam are grateful for the presence and guidance given by each of the visitors.

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND

Contributions received during period of March 20 to April 21, 1970:

Local Assemblies - 15    Groups - 1 Individuals - 9

TREASURER’S ADDRESS

Mr. Ben Ayala, Treasurer, 92-568 Palailai Street, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii. 96706 [Page 11]

BIG ISLAND CALABASH (Hawaiian Bowl of Friendship)

The Hamakua, South Kohala and North Kona districts of the Big Island held three meetings during March, which were well attended.

On the 13th, Mr. and Mrs. Kats Sugȧ Tamanaha showed their slides of Ponape and Truk to the Social Studies class of Honokaa High School.

On the 14th, a slide show was given at Waimea to a goodly crowd, and on the 15th a group met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Allan Elston. Good publicity via posters, flyers and the newspaper was responsible for the excellent attendance.

Mr. Arthur Dahl gave an inspiring talk on the Faith in March at Waimea, on the Big Island. The film, "A New Wind" was shown to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience representing a cross-section of the community, and including several guests from the popular Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS

Due to the great diversity in the Bahá’í community, it is likely, that many events or types of observances will fail to meet with the approval of some members of the community. Such individuals are free to decide whether or not they wish to attend the scheduled observance and to celebrate the event in question the way they see fit.

The NSA feels, however, that it would be unwise to schedule more than one officially sponsored observance at the same time. National Committees sponsoring observances would also receive the maximum benefit from the opinions of the friends if these opinions were transmitted to them early enough so that they might be taken into consideration in the planning of the event.

During the absence of the LOP Director on Pilgrimage, we can use some help. How about a volunteer or two???

VIETNAM

The NSA of Vietnam sends us exciting news of the rapid growth of the Faith there. During the month of February, there was an enrollment of over 6800 new believers, more than for the entire previous year. Significantly, 5800 of the declarees are Montagnards, the mauntain people. They are being attracted to the Faith because of the Bahá’í belief in equality, and because they do not feel condemnation because of their traditional customs. The lack of a priesthood is appealing to them, as it proves to them that all are equal in the Faith.

EBEYE

Miss Virginia Breaks visited Ebeye, in the Marshall Islands, and spoke at several meetings. An informal deepening was held on her first evening, and another meeting at which slides were shown was held the following day.

A prayer session was held in one of the Marshallese homes also. Miss Breaks later visited Majuro and showed slides of the work being done in the hospital on Guam.

Subscriptions to the Malaysian Bahá’í News (4 issues annually) are available for $2.00 U.S. Order from: The Editor, Malaysian Bahá’í News, 42 Peel Avenue, Penang, Malaya.

WA LALUA

Waialua community happily reports that they have saved their assembly. The community had dwindled to three since last Ridvan, and they now number 12!

NUGGETS

"Were there no educators, all souls would remain savage, and were it not for the teacher, the children would be ignorant creatures. (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá III PP. 578-9) [Page 12]

PAMPHLETS

The National Library has on hand a supply of three exciting new pamphlets, two by Mr. A.A. Furutan and the third by Mr. A.Q. Faizi.

Mr. Furutan’s “Raising the Tent of Unity” tells of the growing influence of the Bahá’í Revelation and details the meaning of Isaiah’s Prophecy. His second, “The Human Soul and Its Immortality,” is wonderfully clear, and will make ideal teaching material.

Mr. Faizi’s “A Flame of Fire” gives the background for the writing of the ‘Tablet of Ahmad’... and makes fascinating reading!

TRUK (cont. from p. 5)

though I want to know more information about this summer school because I want to attend this summer if it is possible.

“As far as financial is concerned it’s very difficult for me to provide myself for this summer which I really interested to attend.

“In conclusion, I want to extend my gratitude and apology for the long time that I didn’t reply those letters which had been sent in the previous months.

With warmest love of Bahá’í, (s) Aiauo Nanoto”

MARRIAGES

Olita Leaitu to Daniel J. Hayes, (non-Bahá’í,) March 14, 1970, at the National Haziratu’l-Quds in Honolulu.

Judy Adele Hayes to Thomas Gibson Rietow (non-Bahá’í) April 16, 1970, at the National Haziratu’l-Quds in Honolulu.

COMING EVENTS

May 23 - Declaration of the Báb

May 29 - Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

June 5 - FEAST of Nur (Light)

June 5, 6, 7 -- NSA Convenes

June 14 - Race Unity Day

June 24 - FEAST of Rahmat (Mercy)

July 3, 4, 5 -- Summer School on Kauai

IN MEMORIAM

The friends in Hawaii will be saddened to learn of the passing of a devoted servant of the Cause, Mrs. Mamie L. Seto who, with her husband Anthony, pioneered in the islands many years ago. This dedicated couple built a home in the ‎Kaimuku Kaimuki‎ area of Honolulu and used it as a Center for Bahá’í activities. They later accepted a pioneer post in Hong Kong and it was while they were in the Orient that Mr. Seto passed away.

Mrs. Seto ascended to the Abhá Kingdom on April 15, 1970, while residing in Detroit, Michigan.

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