Light of the Pacific/Issue 53/Text

APRIL-1970

CH

MESSAGE S

Ridvan, 1970.

To: All National Spiritual Assemblies -

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The following is the. text of our message to the Baha'i world which has been cabled to certain Nation- al Spiritual Assemblies:

"BAHA'I WORLD COMMUNITY ENTERING SEVENTH YEAR NINE YEAR PLAN HAS

AMPLY DEMONSTRATED ABILITY SCALE

HEIGHTS DEVOTION SACRIFICE WIN ASTONISHING VICTORIES WORLD REDEE-. MING WORLD HEALING WORLD UNITING

FAITH STOP AT THIS RIDVAN EXTEND

LOVING WELCOME ELEVEN NEW NATIONAL

BAHA'T YEAR 127

SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

SPLRITUAL ASSEMBLIES NOW FORMING SEVEN IN AFRICA ONE IN AMERICAS ONE IN ASIA TWO IN AUSTRALASIA RAISING TO NINETY-FOUR NUMBER SUP- PORTING PILLARS UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE STOP MOVED PAY LOVING TRI- BUTE HANDS CAUSE GOD THEIR BRIL- LIANT 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 EX- PANSION WORLD COMMUNITY ANNOUNCE AUGMENTATION VITAL INSTITUTION THROUGH APPOINTMENT THREE ADDITIO- NAL COUNSELLORS IRAJ AYMAN WESTERN ASIA ANNELIESE BOPP BETTY REED EUROPE AND AUTHORIZATION APPOINT- [Page 2]2 ~ (cont. from p. 1)

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 PIAN 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 SMP 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 ‘BAHA'U'LLAH SUMMONED UTMOST EFFORT ‘REMAINING YEARS NINE YEAR PLAN ‘STOP ACHIEVEMENT THIS STEP MAS- iTERS DIVINE PLAN WILL ENDOW COMMU- WNIT¥ CAPACITY ADMINISTRATIVE AGEN- ,CIES UNDERTAKE NEXT STAGE IMPLE- MENTATION SUPREME PURPOSE BAHAU- ‘LLAH'S REVELATION UNIFICATION MAN- ‘KIND ESTABLISHMENT LONG PROMISED ‘KINGDOM GOD THIS EARTH STOP ASSURE ‘ARDENT LOVING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES

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

15th April, 1970.

To The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is 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- sembliés in the Samoas as well as in Nukualofa, Tonga. Please convey to the Assembled, Auxiliary Board Members and Delegates my warmest Baha'i love and greetings.

With only two. years really to go to complete the Nine Year Plan by 1973, thé 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, (Ss) Collis Featherstone

SE Ridvan, 1970.

To the delegates and friends gathered at the Annual Conven- tion of the Baha'is 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 we have wit- nessed the outpouring of so much. love and happiness that we are sure of the unfailing Protection, and sustenance of Baha'u'llah 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 Baha'u'llah

has created in’ the 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 Baha'u'llah, let us re- flect upon the message they sent to every believer last September:

community of

V aie bt 8 now imperative for every Baha'i to set for himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of 'Abdu'1-Baha to lead at least one new soul to ‘the Faith each year and the ex- hortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Baha'i fireside in one's [Page 3]home every Baha'i month...that alone will assure final and com- plete victory for the Plan."

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

With deepest Baha'i love, © CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS

Tg bp ED

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 quali- fied, and the resulting enthusiasm engendered by these momentous ev- ents, has brought about an unpre- cedented upsurge of interest in the Faith, manifesting itself in a series of victories truly startl- ing in their variety and _ scope. The western world, once so slow to receive new souls into the Fold of Baha'u'llah, is now experiencing exhilarating effect of the ent- rance 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 im- pregnable barriers against the en- trance of travelling teachers and permanent settlers.

Concurrent with these victories within the Faith,we note that con- ditions in the world at large are degenerating at an even more ac- celerating tempo, demonstrating graphically the fulfillment of Baha'u'llah's predictions of one hundred years ago:

"The time for the destruction of the world and its people hath arrived." "The hour is

approaching wnen 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 enshrouded3 lin this blinding "dust of hell," jthere is no mission in life but to get all they can out of itand 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 in- ner 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 unhappi- ness is, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, "Both a retributory ca- ‘lamity and an act of holy and su- preme discipline," they would rec- ognize 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 civi- lization of the past orof the fut- ure.

Since we are already aware of the uniqueness of the Day in which we live, ours is not only the inesti- mable bounty, but the inescapable duty, to demonstrate a way of life

‘diametrically opposed in every re-

spect 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 Baha 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 Uni- versal House of Justice, in speak- ing of the total victory of the Nine-Year Plan, summons "every

single believer to exert his ut- most efforts -- not those who to outward seeming appear to be the most talented and endowed with ca- pacity, 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]

deeestaitaes

The 7th Annual National Conven- tion of the Baha'is of the Hawaii- an Islands was held at the Nation- al Haziratu'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 Con- vention to order.

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

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

NSA MEMBERS

Newly elected members of the National Spiri- tual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands: LtoR: Gertrude Garrida, Benedicto Ayala, Elena Marsella, Richard Bau- man, William Foster, Tracy Hamilton, Eliza- beth Hollinger, Evelyn Musacchia and Michael Woodward.

Messages were read from the Un- iversal House of Justice, Mr. H. Collis Featherstone, the Continen- tal 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 dele- gates were appointed to draft mes-

sages to the Universal House of Justice and the Board of Counsel- lors.

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

After dinner the evening sessi- on was begun with readings on qua- lifications of an NSA member: Fol- lowing prayers for guidance, the election of the NSA was held.

DELEGATES

Delegates to the Sev- enth Annual Convention held at the National Headquarters in Hono- lulu.

Delegates pictured re- present: Ewa-1l, Hono- lulu-6, Koloa-1, Koo- laupoko-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 Univer- sal House of Justice to the NSAs of Africa was read, also an an- nouncement of the availability of Mr. Balyuzi's book on Prof. Edward Granville Brown.

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

Recommendations were presented by the outgoing NSA and the dele- ‘gates, to the incoming NSA.

The Sunday morning session ran from 10 a.m. wumtil 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 show- ing of slides depicting Baha'is and Baha'i Holy Places.

TRUK LETTER

"Thank you for the letter which I received yesterday, March 19, 1970. Also thank you for the in- formation which you informed me a- bout the ascension of Mr. Curtis Kelsey, and the plan for the sum- mer 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 a- bout the Baha'i Faith on this is- land‘ 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 Baha'i 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! 5

March 11, 1970.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Hawaiian Islands -

Dear Baha'i Friends:

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

In all such matters, the teach- ings of Baha'u'llah are the stand- ard by which believers must mea- sure the value of the new ideas being presented, and they should concentrate their efforts on mak- ing their lives conform to the e- ternal principles enunciated by Baha'u'llah 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 West and yours. As Flo- rence Mayberry wrote he went home in a blaze of glory. I'm sure he will continue serving and inspir- ing us .all from the Abha Kingdom.

Deepest love and love.

for your prayers

Gratefully, (S) Harriet Morgan Kelsey

March 13,

National Spiritual Assembly, Baha'is of Hawaii -

1970

Dear Baha'i 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 Baha'i greetings,

(S) NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF NEW ZEALAND [Page 6]6 WORLD NEWS

_ AMATU'L-BAHA .RUHIYYIH KHANUM'S JOURNEY IN NORTHERN CONGO, (KIN- SHASA) CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, AND NIGER.

Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanun, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nak- hjavani and Mr. Oloro Epyeru, mem- ‘be of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Gentral and East Africa, embarked on her journey to Congo (Kinshasa,) Central African Republic and Chad on January 1, 1970. In one of her recént reports Amatu'l-Baha has said, "We left Kampala January lst 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 ar- rived 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 itrack, often with a hump of grass igrowing down the middle for miles 'on end. Passenger cars are to be ‘seen only in the '‘'big' towns, no- thing 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-Baha 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 arriv-'

ed in Chad. Concerning her stay there, Amatu‘1l- Baha said, "We

reached here the 26th of January and met the Morgans at the hotel’

as we had said we would. ... They

o£ revolution or anarchy

have some devoted, well-grounded believers here...They have divided the town into sections where there are Baha'is and have four small md room centres with the Principles , charts, Baha'i 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 dis- tances involved..."

Amatu'l-Baha then told of having just returned froma meeting in Gassi, the third village meeting she had attended in Chad. She said "There is a Local Spiritual Assem- bly there, the Chief is a Baha'i; he has given a piece of land for a Haziratu'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 Per- sian 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, especi- ally 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 re- ceived by the President at his re- sidence (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 Baha'is in his

country and that perhaps it would come to his attention in the fu- ture that there was a Baha'i com- munity here, that I wanted to tell him that two of the cardinal prin-) ciples of the Baha'i Faith were strict obedience to the government, because we were against any form

in the world, and non-interference in po- litical affairs. And I mentioned [Page 7]the fact assure His Majesty Haile Selassie of this point also, and that the best citizens that he had in his country would always be the Ba-

ha'is because this was a part of the doctrine of their Faith...... "When we came out, he called his

‘Chief of Protocol and he came for- ward and he gave a necklace and a bracelet and a pair of these ty- pical, 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, frien- dly 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..." (Extracts from reports by Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum - 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 Janu- ary 2nd in Western Samoa, Mr. Fai- zi visited the Hawaiian Islands where he participated in a Deepen- ing Conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia, with the coopera- tion of the National Spiritual As- sembly of the Hawaiian Islands. About 180 friends gathered from January 9-11, 1970, at the Nation- al Haziratu'l-Quds in Honolulu for the Conference.

Mr. Faizi has reported was particularly happy

that he to find

that the youth participated active-

ly throughout the entire conferen- ce, thus adding to the joy and spiritual upliftment at the meet- ings. "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 Ha-

waiian Islands was received at the

World Centre:

"| -OVER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY

FRIENDS INCLUDING MANY DEVOTED YOUTH REPRESENTING ALL COMMUNITIES

that I had been able to

HAWALIAN ISLANDS. CONFERENCE BLES- 7 SED PRESENCE HAND CAUSE FAIZI DE- MONSTRATED MAGNIFICENT SPIRIT EN- THUSIASM LOVE GRATITUDE BAHAU'LLAH TEN DECLARATIONS SIX NEW PIONEER OFFERS...."'

(Extract from cable by Continen- tal Board of Counsellors in Aus- tralasia - dated January 13, 1970)

From Hawaii, Mr. Faizi journeyed to Japan where he visited briefly, then proceeded to Guam where he participated in the second Deepen- ing Conference sponsored by _ the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assem- bly of the Hawaiian Islands. Rep- resentatives from the Continental Board of Counsellors and the Nati- onal Spiritual Assembly of the Ha- waiian Islands gathered in Guam from January 19 to 20 at the meet- ing attended by believers from Guam and the Trust Territory (Mar- shall Islands, Caroline Islands and the Mariana Islands.) From Guam, Mr. Faizi went to the Phil- ippine 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, learn- ing the language, the habits and the customs of the people as thev make friends and teach the Faith.

During his brief visit to Singa- pore, 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 Baha'i youth who had ga- thered in New Delhi and Bombay to meet with the Hand of the Cause. He noted that young students have

dispersed to various parts of In-

dia and he found it gratifying to know that the youth participate in many of the festivities of the In- dians so that they will, in this way, be able to speak about the Cause to people gathered on those

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

occasions. He said, "I was very happy to see so many young people serving the Cause of God with so much enthusiasm." On February 8th oe Faizi returned to the Holy Land.

CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS IN NORTH AMERICA SPONSORS CONFER- ENCE IN FLORIDA

"This is a brief report on the joyous Baha'i gathering held in Bradenton, Florida during the past week-end (February 14-15, 1970.) It was sponsored by the Continent- al Board of Counsellors of the Baha'i 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, deavest Curtis has carefully plan- ned, prayed for, and energetically worked for this end. His fondest dreams came true. Although he hin self 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 won- derful spirit which permeated all the conferences called by the Con- tinental 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-Baha, Throughout His six- ty years of service to our cher - ished 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 sub- mit one... and we didn't want you to wait to hear the good news.

"The sessions for Baha'is 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 Mc- Cants, 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 Baha'i gathering well at- tended and the room filled to overflowing, but the public meet-

ings held in the Municipal Audi- torium 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 Ameri- ca and to Africa, and the South Pacific. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Curtis for launching this wonderful gathering in Bra- denton, for there seemed to be ge- nerated 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 - da- ted February 17, 1970)

"GRLEVED 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, be- lievers from the State of Washing- ton, U.S., spent the month of Sep= tember, 1969, in Alaska where they assisted the local friends with their teaching and proclamation

program. The evening they visited Sitka there were three declara- tions...." In Fairbanks, Mr. Lu-

cas, who is a teacher and musician, was a guest on a fifteen-minute television program where he was in- vited to sing and tell about the Faith.

(Based on report in Alaska Baha'i News by NSA of Alaska, Nov., Dec., 1969 issue)

AUSTRALIA

First National Teaching Conference

Australia's first National Teach- ing Conference was held in Ade- laide, South Australia, from Jan. 23 to 25, 1970, to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Baha'i Faith in Australia. The Confer- ence was attended by Hand of the Cause of God.Mr. Collis Feather- stone, by Counsellor Howard Har- wood and by Auxiliary Board Member Mr. John Davidson. Seven NSA mem- bers also joined 131 friends from most of the States of Australia, and four Baha'is 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 pled~ ged to fulfill the National Endow- ment goal...

(Based on report by News Rep. of the NSA of Australia, Feb. 6, 1970)

KOREA

Thirty-four youth attended the National Baha'i Youth Conference in Korea January 7th through 9th.) There were four declarations dur- ing the Conference.

LEEWARD , WINDWARD AND VIRGIN IS- LANDS . Mr. Jeffrey Lewis of Grenada,

Windward Islands, is the first pioneer among the believers of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Is- lands to arise to open a goal ter- ritory of the Nine Year Plan.

MALAYS TA

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. ...f£ifteen villages were to reach full Baha'i status. There are now nineteen full Baha'i villages.

LAOS

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Sayaboury sponsored a Teaching Cm- ference for the northern believers of Laos on December 20 and 21, 1962 More than sixty tribal Baha'is re- presenting ten localities and two other major towns attended.

NIGERTA

"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 Wor- ship is built these very poor peo- ple can say that they helped build LE ses

NORWAY

"LOVING GREETINGS JOYOUS FIRST WINTER SCHOOL NORTH ARCTIC CIRCLE" (Extract from cable by Baha'i Win- ter School, Lofoten Islands, dated February 9, 1970) RHODES TA

Several people active in various veligions 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. Baha'is took active part in the

9

Saturday program .... which was called "An Act of Worship" and which was the climax of the week. The Prayers and Readings in Eng- lish from the Writings of Baha'u'- llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha were read by Mr. Leonard Chipasi, Mrs. Irma Al- len and Board of Counsellors mem- ber, Mr. Shidon Fath-i-A'zam.

SWAZILAND

Thirty-seven adult believers at- tended the one day Teaching Con- ference 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 MOM= ENTOUS DECISION LAST WEEK-END TO SEND OUT APPROXIMATELY 100 MORE PIONEER APPLICANTS BY RIDVAN ESPE- CIALLY TO GOALS REQUIRING VARYING DEGREES OF DEPUTIZATION ...LATEST STATISTICS SHOW 2672 LOCALITIES 85 POTENTIAL ASSEMBLIES , TEACHING BREAKTHROUGH IN SOUTH BECOMING EV- IDENT...."

IBERIAN TEACHING CONFERENCE

"Yesterday I returned from Spain where I attended the Iberian Teach- ing Conference with ...the friends from Portugal and’Spain. .... A spirit of understanding, collabo- ration and responsibility was pre- valent ... I was moved to compli- ment 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 CON- FERENCE

"GERMAN SPEAKING TEACHING CON- FERENCE STUTTGART FEBRUARY 14-15 ATTENDED ONE COUNSELLOR FOUR BOARD MEMBERS 150 BELIEVERS AUSTRIA LUX- EMBOURG SWITZERLAND GERMANY BLES- SED SPIRIT SUCCESS. ONE PIONEER ZAMBIA THREE HOMEFRONT TWELVE TRA- VEL TEACHERS SIXTEEN NEW FIRESIDES

DM 10000 PANAMA TEMPLE..." EUROPEAN FRANCOPHONE CONFERENCE "EIGHTY PARTICIPANTS 25 CITIES REPRESENTED SWITZERLAND 3 BELGIUM 10 LUXEMBOURG 5 FRANCE 8. DEDICA- TED SPIRIT PREDOMINANT DETERMINA- TION TO THE FULFILLMENT GOALS..... PUBLIC CONFERENCE WELL ATTENDED. ." [Page 10]10 = GUAM

The Baha'is of Guam had a ful- ffillment of their hopes and pray- ers in one glorious week-end on January 17 and 18, 1970, when rep-: 'resentatives of four of the insti- tutions 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 Baha'i Community ‘of Guam by his presence and inspi- ration for the event. Arriving with him was Mr. Suhayl Ala‘i from American Samoa, member of the Con- tinental Board of Counsellors for Australasia. Also present were Mr. Tracy Hamilton, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Hawaiian Islands and representing that body; Miss Vir- ginia Breaks, Auxiliary Board Mem- ber for the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands.

The Deepening Conference, called at the invitation of the Contin- ental 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 gree- ted by the press ata breakfast interview following his arrival. A 'three-column front page news story with his picture appeared in the ‘Guam Daily News, the island's lea- ding newspaper , with the bold-type jheadline, ‘Baha'i Visitor Arrives iHere For Conference." A similar news item concerning Mr. Faizi and ithe conference was also aired over ‘KUAM-TV during the evening news- ‘cast, and similarly over radio, ‘with subsequent news articles ap- ‘pearing 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. Ala'i, Miss Breaks and Mr. Hamilton, and greet= ings from Mr. Thomas Smithwick, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Guam. The high- ‘light of the morning was an ad- dress by Mr. Faizi on "Human Know- ledge", dealing with problems and

‘solutions which confront Baha'is in the course of their everyday lives and their teaching of the

Faith. He also paid tribute to! ‘'thes: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 ar- ‘rival.

During the afternoon session, Mr. Ala‘'i spoke on ‘"'The Baha!li Covenant -- Bounties and Responsi- bilities 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. Ala'i pre- sided in the morning, Miss Breaks in the afternoon. Mr. Faizi spoke about the Kitab-i-Iqan, its back- ground and significance, and ans- wered questions during the Saturday evening session.

The conference for the morning ‘and afternoon sessions on Sunday, ‘had Miss Breaks presiding at the ‘former, Mr. Ala'i at the latter. Mr. Ala'i 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, Ca- roline and Marshall Islands.

The evening was devoted to the Nineteen-Day Feast of Sultan, with special prayers for the achieve- ment of the Nine Year Plan. Fol- lowing discussion, the picture, "A New Wind, was shown by Mr. Hamilton.

The friends of Guam are grate- ful for the presence and guidance given by each of the visitors.

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND

Contributions received during per- iod 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]CALABASH | It

BIG ISLAND

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¢ Suga Zamanaha 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 El- ston.

_ Good publicity via posters, ‘flyers and the newspaper was re- sponsible for the excellent atten- dance.

Mr. Arthur Dahl gave an inspir- ing talk on the Faith in March at Waimea, on the Big Island. film, "A New Wind" was shown to an

.enthusiastic and appreciative audi-:

ence representing a cross-section: of the community, and including iseveral guests from the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS

_ ,Due to the great diversity in the Baha'i community, it is likely. that many events or types of obser-

vances will fail to meet with the,

approval of some members of the community. Such individuals free to decide whether or not they wish to attend the scheduled obser- vance 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 ob- servance at the ‘nal Committees sponsoring observ- ‘ances would also receive the maxi- mum benefit from the opinions of ‘the friends if these opinions were ‘transmitted to them early enough, ‘s0 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

The;

popular,

are.

same time. Natio-'

or two??? ree cee

| (Hawaiian Bowl of Friendship)..

VIETNAM

The NSA of Vietnam sends us ex- citing news of the rapid growth of; the Faith there. During the month! of February, there was an enroll-' ment 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 Baha'i belief in equality, and! because they do not feel condemna- tion 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 in- formal 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: Baha'i News (4 issues annually) are available for $2.00 U.S.

Order from: The Editor, Malay- sian Baha'i News, 42 Peel Avenue, ‘Penang, Malaya.

‘WALALUA

Waialua community happily re- ports that they have saved their assembly. The community had dwind-

led to three since last Ridvan, and they now number 12!

NUGGETS | Were there no educators, all souls would remain savage, and were it

mot for the teacher, the childre would be ignorant creatures.

| (Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha II bo pp. 578-9

[Page 12]4

which I really interested to at-

12 PAMPHLETS COMING EVENTS.

- | 3 May 23 - Declarati he Bat The National Library has on hand Maye 29 = Ae eae cee eta Lit

a supply of three exciting new June 5 - FEAST of Nur (Light pamphlets, two by Mr. A.A. Furutan June 5, 6, 7 -- NSA Kitghe)

and the third by Mr. A.Q. Faizi. June 14 - Race Unity Day Mc. Furutan's "Raising the Tent, June 24 = FEAST of Rahmat (Mercy)

of Unity" tells of the. growing in- July 3, 4, 5 -- Summer School on fluence of the Baha'i Revelation =. Kauai

and details the meaning of Isaiahs

Prophecy. His second, "The Human, | IN: MEMORIAM

Soul and Its Immortality," is won-:

derfully clear, and will make ideal . wihe friends in Hawaii .artll be teaching material. _. |Saddened to learn-of the passing| Mr. Faizi's "A Flame of Fire" of a devoted servant of the Cause,

‘gives the background for the writ- |Mrs. Mamie L. Seto who, with her ing of the 'Tablet-of Ahmad’...and husband Anthony, pioneered in’ the makes fascinating reading! islands many years ago. This ded-

. ane icated couple built a home in the iS ye Kaimuku area of Honolulu and used TRUK; (cont. from p. 5) __ fit as a Center for Baha'i activit- though I want to know more infor-. lies. They later accepted a pioneer mation about this summer school jpost in Hong Kong and it was while because I want to attend this fthey were in the Orient that Mr. summer if it is possible. Seto passed away.

cerned it's very difficult for me ingdom on April 15, 1970, while

“As far as financial is con- .. Mrs. Seto ascended to the Abha e

to provide myself for this summer esiding in Detroit, Michigan.

eT

Kenta « ATTENTION!!

tend my gratitude and apology for ei is- the long time that 1 didn't reply and contacts for the neighbor is

Sage letters which had been sent dands Mt Bach 3h hi in the previous months. Hawaii: - Mrs. Rut usacchia With warmest love of Baha'i, eae iit) . " Hawaii: - Mrs. Nedra Murray (s) Aiauo Nanoto Phone 759-131 (Honokaa-Hamakua)

M AR R IA G ES Kauai: - Mrs. Serrita Herbert

i 6516 (Lih Olita Leaitu to Daniel J. Hayes, Phone 245-6516 (Lihue)

(non-Baha'i,) March 14, 1970, ‘at Maui: - Mrs. Daisy Sabin the National Haziratu'l-Quds in Phone 76-001 Honolulu. . (Kahului)

Judy Adele Hayes to Thomas Gibson. Maui: - Miss Diana Clark Rietow (non-Baha'i) April 16, 1970, Phone 785-185 (Kula) at the National Haziratu'l-Quds in! Molokai: - Mrs. La Vida Cortez

|HonoLulu. Phone 553-5686

a re een ee Ee, - a+ 5 _

aA psa

| HAWAI BAHA'L NEW

lation among Baha'is 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 Baha'i communities.

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:

a : =e

Allan Place, Honolulu,Hawaii, U.S.A. 96817

(The Light of the Pacific) is published for circu-:

'HAWAIL BAHA'I NEWS is edited by an annually-appointed Editorial Com- | mittee: Shirley Lombard, Director; Gertrude V. Garrida, Reviewer and } ‘| (Proofreader, and Lil Hollinger.

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