Light of the Pacific/Issue 55/Text

←Previous

Light of the Pacific Issue 55

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[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

JULY — 1970 BAHÁ’Í YEAR 127 NO. 55

TREASURER’S REPORT ON STATUS OF FUNDS FROM MARCH 21 TO JUNE 20, 1970

FUND	BUDGET	CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND	$ 1,500.00	$ 168.00
CONTINENTAL FUND	500.00	52.00
INTERNATIONAL DEPUTIZATION FUND	1,000.00	33.00
BAHÁ’Í GARDEN OF LIGHT	400.00	30.00
TEMPLE SITE	2,400.00	238.47
PANAMA TEMPLE	1,000.00	84.50
PIONEERS (FIELD)	2,700.00	27.00
NATIONAL HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS	10,000.00	300.00
TRINIDAD/TOBAGO HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS	1,080.00	0
LITERATURE	1,400.00	0
U.S. BAHÁ’Í PUBLIC INFORMATION	800.00	0
NATIONAL GENERAL EXPENSES	9,300.00	4,216.78
NATIONAL COMMITTEES:
NATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE	13,000.00	10.00
ISLAND GOALS & TEACHING	1,280.00	0
NATIONAL PROCLAMATION	3,200.00	0
NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE	1,000.00	62.20
NATIONAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE	800.00	0
BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS COUNCIL	500.00	24.00
HOUSE COMMITTEE	250.00	0
NATIONAL ARCHIVES COMMITTEE	250.00	0
CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS	75.00	0
SECRETARIAL EXPENSES & MISC.	5,500.00	0
GRAND TOTAL:	57,935.00	‎5,245.00 5,245.95‎

OUR TOTAL BUDGET (APPROVED) 57,935.00

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED 5,245.95

BALANCE TO BE ACHIEVED . . . . . 52,689.05

The above budget was approved by the delegates at the National Convention and adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly. We are behind in receipts, if we must achieve this budget. In order to do this, monthly contributions to the various Funds must total at least $4,827.91, or $14,483.75 quarterly. The monthly average contribution total for the First Quarter was $1,748.65. [Page 2]

CARMEL

His feet have trod

This way

I pause and hear

A bird that calls His name

The sunlight

Gleams

Through leafy spires

That point to dome

And sky

And I, aware that now

My privileged feet

May also walk

The way

Am silent

Held in thrall

Of peace and wonder

The journey long

That brought me here

And not in time

Or distance

Only

For every day and hour

Passing

In this holy place

Brings

To my inner self

A newer sense

Of wonder

And the miracle

Of faith

Renewed within me

For now I know

Why

The wondering

Of all my years

Has led me here

Peace

And surety are mine

The sacred shrine

Of all my hopes

And dreams

I have

At last

Come home

---

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND

Contributions received during period of June 21 to July 20, 1970:

Local Assemblies - 12 Groups - 1 Individuals - 6

TREASURER’S ADDRESS

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

YOUTH ATTEND

The National Bahá’í Youth Conference was held in Wilmette from June 19 to 21, and was attended by over 2,000 youth representing all fifty states.

The spirit of the meetings was enhanced by the presence of Hands of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khanum and Zikru’lláh Khadem.

The youth formulated a concise set of plans for advancing the Faith and a sum of $4,000 was contributed during the Conference. At one point in the Conference the more than 2000 youth attending circled the House of Worship in a demonstration of their firmness in the Faith.

A memorial program for the Purest Branch was held during the time of the Conference.

Twelve believers from Hawaii, mostly youth, attended the Conference. Orchid leis flown from Honolulu were presented to Rúhíyyih Khanum by Arlene Miller, and to Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani by Carolyn Wistrand, on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Hawaii.

USE OF FUND

"The Guardian watched the expenditure of every penny for the Cause at Haifa, and all over the world. In all the work on the Shrine, paths, gardens, the Guardian made sure the work was being done in the most economical manner. He would not pay exorbitant prices. This is why the Guardian was able to accomplish so much (with the limited ‎fund,) fund),‎ why he could build the Shrines, Archive Building, help complete the Temple in Wilmette, and assist in teaching needs. We have a sacred obligation to follow his example.

"Some of the qualities in the Guardian’s character were audacity, ingenuity and ECONOMY. He had these qualities to a pronounced degree. (To follow the example of the Guardian) be courageous in the way you tackle problems, ingenious in the way you carry them out and do them at LOW COST."

(Excerpt from talk by Rúhíyyih Khanum, Intercontinental Conference in Kampala, January, 1958.) [Page 3]In continuation with the role of the youth; we should now consider how the youth can prepare themselves for their later years.

These are tremendous days in which we, the Bahá’í Youth, are living. To be a Bahá’í youth in this day carries a distinctive responsibility and an unequalled challenge. This hour in history becomes also an hour of personal decision for us, the custodians of the future. Today Bahá’u’lláh challenges us to be spiritual pioneers and to conquer the "city of the human heart." He says, "Open O people, the city of the human heart with the key of your utterance." We can enlighten our later years simply by following three sentences:- 1) To love all the world; 2) to love humanity and try to serve it, and 3) to work for universal peace and universal brotherhood. A man asked the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, "What is the object of life to a Bahá’í?" He answered, "To promote oneness of mankind."

We are the tideover generation. We stand in the breach of the old and new. Into our hands, at such a time, has been entrusted the plan of God. Everyone bearing the name Bahá’í is under sacred and inescapable obligation to serve his Faith. We have dedicated ourselves to the service of all men. We have set our hands to the task of erecting a new, a divine, a healing World Order. We must be aware constantly of what this requires of us in word and deed. Our attention must at all times be directed not to the actions and opinions of our confused and impassioned fellow men, but the clear, practical and lifegiving doctrines and institutions of our Faith. Our sense of solidarity as the people of God in this day, the custodians of the future well-being of all men, must be burning over conscious reality.

The part of the youth is very great. We have the opportunity to really determine, to exemplify in word and deed the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. We must show forth a greater maturity than any previous generation. Let us now point out some of the important factors that will have influence on our later lives.

Unity should be the aim of every Bahá’í individual. Bahá’u’lláh says, "Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch, deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship." We should not regard one another as strangers, but show compassion and serve our neighbors. Show the utmost love, rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and sincere kindliness to all people of the world, be they friends or strangers. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says "So intense must be the spirit of love and loving kindness that the stranger will find himself a friend and the enemy a true brother...the affections and loving kindness of servants of the one true God must be bountiful and universally extended to all mankind."

This unity can be established only when we overcome prejudices of race, color, class and creed, religious, political, patriotic, etc. Let us remember what Bahá’u’lláh says: "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." It is ours to bring the unity of the East and West by our deeds, conduct and manners.

At present mankind is immersed in materialism so that most people's desire is for material not spiritual things. One man wants wealth, another the material happiness; few want for their prior aim the Will of God. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, "Only when material and spiritual civilization are linked and coordinated will happiness be assured."

(cont. in our next issue)

NEWS

'We are happy to report the achievement of one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan for the United States, namely, the recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days in all 48 States of Continental United States. The State of Kentucky has just achieved this victory.'

(United States NSA, March 27, 1970) [Page 4]

YOUTH CONFERENCE

The second National Youth Convention was held on May 1, 2 and 3, 1970, at the National Haziratu’l-Quds in Honolulu. On the first evening a social party was held, with food, games, singing, and sounds of laughter to celebrate the Twelfth Day of Ridvan as well as the opening of the Convention. The spirit of love and unity prevailed among the thirty youth present for the entire Convention.

The Universal House of Justice acknowledged the Convention with a letter, the essence of which may be gleaned from the following excerpts:

“We send our loving greetings as you gather in your second National Youth Convention to consult on ways and means of advancing the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh....

“...But it is not enough for one to say ‘I accept’ or ‘I believe.’ As Bahá’u’lláh reminds us,

‘God hath prescribed unto everyone the duty of teaching His Cause. Whoever arise to discharge this duty must needs ere he proclaimeth His Message, adorn himself with the ornament of an upright and praiseworthy character so that his words may attract the hearts of such as are receptive to his call. Without it, he can never hope to influence his hearers.’ (Gleanings, p. 335)

“....We pray at the Holy Shrines for the success of your Conference and that your most optimistic and challenging hopes for the future will be speedily realized.”

The National Spiritual Assembly greeted us with:

“Allah’u’Abhá!...It is with deep love and admiration that we greet you upon the opening of your Second Annual Youth Convention....

“Yours, says Shoghi Effendi, ‘is a mighty task, at once holy, stupendous and enthralling, Yours is the divinely-bestowed responsibility of demonstrating to your contemporaries the powers latent in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, to attract them to you through the example of your love and internal unity, to replace their bitterness with hope and lead them onto a path which will impel them to the construction of a New World rather than the destruction of the old...’”

The importance of deepening was stressed in the letter from the Auxiliary Board Member for Hawaii, Dr. C.V. Caver.

The following cable from the American Bahá’í Youth added to the excitement of the other messages read on Saturday morning:

“EXTEND DEEPEST LOVE AND BEST WISHES NEWLY APPOINTED NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE AND HAWAIIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS GATHERED YOUTH CONVENTION. OFFERING PRAYERS HOLIEST HOUSE OF WORSHIP THAT FLAME MASS TEACHING ALREADY IGNITED, NOW SPREADING SOUTHERN STATES WILL LEAP ACROSS OCEAN. TIME IS RIPE YOUTH ENTER CAUSE GOD BY TROOPS. PLEDGED SUPPORT ANY WAY POSSIBLE.”

The tape of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá chanting prayers, the movie of His visit to the United States, and Dr. Dan Jordan’s tape, “Keys to Harmony,” recorded at the Honolulu International Center in 1968, were some of the great happenings at the well-attended Convention.

Many recommendations and suggestions were made during these exciting days and the seven members of the National Youth Committee hope to carry them out with the guidance, prayers and support of each and every youth and adult. These members are: Arlene Miller, chairman; Mark Beers, vice-chairman; Shirley Krepky, recording secretary; Elahe Vahdat, corresponding secretary; Mark Hoeppner, treasurer; Casey Eckels and Chris DeLance. Advisers are Bill Foster, Elena Marsella and Eliot Merk.

The National Youth Committee thanks everyone for prayers and help during the past year and asks for them again this coming year in order to be able to serve the Cause of God to the utmost of our ability. [Page 5]

LITERATURE RACK

The National Spiritual Assembly has voted to take over the literature rack in the National Hazíratu’l-Quds and have it stocked by the National Library Service.

We would like to point out that this literature will continue to be free to non-Bahá’ís but the believers who utilize this supply of pamphlets should pay for them, if possible. A coin box for this purpose is being installed inside the door of the Honolulu Library, just under the slot.

Anyone who is definitely unable to pay for pamphlets, of course, need not deprive himself of this source.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

BOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR CHILDREN’S CLASSES

A Bahá’í Child’s ABC ....... $1.25 Sing A New Song - songs for primary, intermediate and advanced ages with section of special songs for Feasts and Holy Days ............ 2.25 Bahá’í Prayers for Children - selected prayers for children of all ages .......... 1.25 Bahá’í Teaching Guide for Children - a series of workbooks and teachers’ manuals with a lesson for every week of the year; for three age groups.

Workbooks: Pre-primary .... 1.25 Primary ....... 1.50 Intermediate ... 2.25

Manuals: Pre-primary and Primary .......... 2.50 Intermediate ..... 2.50

Blessed Is The Spot - this book has much appeal for small children with its universal theme .......... 1.50 Children’s Stories from "The Dawnbreakers" - Dramatically written stories based upon "The Dawnbreakers" - for children up to 8 or 10 yrs..2.00 God and His Messengers - Stories of Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad, The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh ............. 2.50

The Kingdoms of God - discusses the five Kingdoms of creation with emphasis on the Divine Plan; planned for children 6 to 10 ..... 2.25

NOTE: The above should be ordered through the National Library Committee, 3264 Allan Pl., Honolulu.

A Child’s Prayerbook - short prayers selected by this committee - paper ......... .15

Bahá’í School Lesson Plans - Gr. kindergarten through 9. Each book gives lessons on Bahá’í history, teachings for the individual, and social teachings. Order separately, by grade - ea. ... 2.00

NOTE: The above should be ordered through National Child Education Committee, 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, ‎Z96817 96817‎.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá says: "Among these children many blessed souls will arise, if they be trained according to the Bahá’í Teachings." START THAT TRAINING NOW!!

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA

The third edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, revised under the direction of the Universal House of Justice, has now been published and may be ordered through your local librarian. The paperbound edition is ‎.50¢ 50¢‎ and the clothbound edition is priced at $3.50.

THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD VOL. XIII

We are happy to tell you that this important volume, dedicated to the beloved Guardian, is now being bound ready for dispatch. It covers the nine years from 1954 to 1963, which witnessed both the passing of Shoghi Effendi and the completion and triumph of his Ten Year Crusade.

We ask you to place your orders with the National Library Committee, 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, as soon as possible. Price is $15.00 per copy.

"Religions of Hawaii," written by Rev. John Mulholland, Chaplain of Kamehameha School, contains a brief chapter on the Bahá’í Faith.

Although containing a few minor inaccuracies the material is, on the whole, a sympathetic report. [Page 6]

WE WELCOME

The following believers declared during the period of March 20 to July 20, 1970:

EWA Scheible, Lesley Peter (Y) Mills, Dennis John (Y) Cochran, Larry Stephen (Y) Kelly, Cecil III Smith, Philip Robert

HONOLULU Offenbacher, Paul Howard Freidberg, Mrs. Ethel G. Perkins, Mrs. Sheryl Louise Torgrimson, Gary Michael Iverson, Mrs. Terry B. Williams, Mrs. Roberta Leimomi Arciero, Miss Pamela (Y)

KAWAIHAU Garnaus, Jeff H. (Y) Garnaus, Miss Barbara Jay (Y) Coleman, Ronald Lewis Simmons, Miss Connie Sue (Y)

KOLOA Strachan, Gary James (Y) Taylor, Harry M.

KOOLAULOA Darlow, Miss Luana Gale (Y)

KOOLAUPOKO Meredith, Miss Pamela Ann (Y) Eckels, Miss Vicki E. (Y) Jackson, Miss Rene Frances (Y) Lawson, John Pell (Y) Burgess, Miss Patsy Ann (Y)

LAHAINA Blanchard, Miss Judy Ann Kothe, Miss Karol Ann - to U.S. Kaaihue, Miss Sharon S. (Y)

LIHUE Sager, Miss Carol Fran Krepky, Miss Mary Ann (Y) Anderson, Miss Stephanie S. } to U.S. Clark, Robert Nolan } to U.S. Gladden, Delbert Ray } to U.S. Cowan, Mrs. Millie

MAKAWAO Hill, Miss Cassandra Lynn (Y) Reiss, Jeffrey Craig (Y) Simons, Mrs. Catherine M. Emerson, Miss Nancy C. (Y)

MOLOKAI Park, Michael Tebok Kobayashi, Paul M. Stout, Paul Joseph

SO. HILO Dias, Mrs. Melinna Grace

SO. KOHALA Mia, Mr. Harry, Kamuela

WAIANAE Lansberry, Wm. D. Polito, Gregory Francis Bryers, Mrs. Lillian K. Mathieu, Joseph Arthur Verkayk, John Alfred Lee, Don Eugene (Y) Detrich, Mrs. Marilyn Louise (Y)

WAILUKU Powell, Jacob Albert Ayers, Gary Yugen Schmick, Hayes Jerome Regan, Keray Truitt, John L. Rubenstein, Miss Bubbles Sarria, Gustavo E. Dobbs, James Cole, George M. Kelly, James Michael Rogers, Nicholas Bruce Abraham, James M. Johnson, Miss Josha Schafer, Edward William Om, Ahura Mazda Darcy, Bart Wyatt Sanders, Dana Jon (Y) Wistrand, Miss Carolyn (Y) Raber, Norman Jay

GUAM Heck, Mrs. K.L.

HAMAKUA GROUP Dixon, Mrs. Kay

HANALEI GROUP Thomsen, Miss Irene Claire

SO. KONA GROUP Fursse, Michael Edward

WAIMEA GROUP Shirai, Miss Sandra E. Beutler, Robert Harold Beutler, Mrs. Flora V.

OUR READERS WRITE US

"We read the Light of the Pacific carefully, every issue, and are delighted whenever we find something from the Guardian that was previously unpublished or else that we had not come across before. Such a letter was the one on education, which you got from the Canadian ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ News. The only way we know about this is from Light of the Pacific."

(Pacific Grove, Calif. subscriber) [Page 7]

MOEN

The LSA of Guam has reported on the District Teacher Training Institute held last January on Moen Island, a consolidation goal. Believers from Dublon and Aino Nautoa also attended.

Special teaching aids have been translated into Trukese for those Bahá’ís and contacts on Moen and other islands in the area.

A message from the Universal House of Justice was read, and the friends enjoyed viewing slides of places in the Holy Land and all the Bahá’í Houses of Worship.

It was felt that there is great value in such meetings as they bring together all the Bahá’ís who are scattered over many small islands.

MAKAWAO

A public proclamation was held in Makawao on the occasion of the observance of the Declaration of the Báb. There were 45 present.

Mrs. Joy McCormack was guest speaker at a recent fireside attended by 40 seekers.

The Martyrdom of the Báb was commemorated with a meeting at the top of Mt. Haleakala, at which prayers were said for all communities.

LAHAINA

The West Maui Youth Center has asked for assistance for their classes and their work for the community. Anyone who is able and willing to contribute time and talent to their continuing project is asked to contact Robert Vogele, P.O. Box 573, Lahaina, ‎Z96761 96761‎.

Talents needed include instructors for crafts, swimming, gardening, and help in building a picnic area for public use.

The Continental Board of Counsellors Australasia has announced the appointment of Mrs. Marjorie MacDiarmid to the Auxiliary Board, replacing Mr. Bill Washington now residing in Japan. Mr. Rodney Hancock is also a recent appointee to the Auxiliary Board.

JAPAN

From our pioneer -

"We are fine and the number of interested contacts has increased since last we wrote. In addition, the NSA here had 500,000 pamphlets printed for distribution in connection with Expo ’70. Tokyo has accepted 250,000 .....and as a result we have been busy at the train stations, passing them out. We are also using paper distributors who, for a very small fee, will insert our material in the evening papers."

NEW ZEALAND

From our pioneer in Christchurch-

"So much is happening now. One Bahá’í in January and now 17, with about five more declaring this next week. We all hold firesides, at least 7 per week, and every new Bahá’í immediately is on some kind of committee and helps teach and promote the Cause. This city was truly waiting for this most great Cause."

WELCOME SIGN AT LIHUE AIRPORT FOR RECENT SUMMER SCHOOL HELD ON KAUAI.

NUGGETS

"It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of this art, the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed."

Promulgation of Universal Peace II pp. 49-50 [Page 8]

CONFERENCES

South America - La Paz, Bolivia, Aug. 14-16, 1970 Indian Ocean Rose Hill, Mauritius, Aug. 14-16, 1970 West & Central Africa - Monrovia, Liberia, Jan. 1-3, 1970. South Pacific Ocean - Suva, Fiji Islands, May 21-23, 1971. Caribbean Kingston, Jamaica, May 21-23, 1971. North Atlantic Ocean - Reykjavik, Iceland, Sept. 3-5, 1971. North Pacific Ocean - Sapporo, Japan, Sept. 3-5, 1971.

NOTE: The South Pacific Ocean Conference at Suva, Fiji Islands, is the one in which believers from Hawaii are asked to participate.

SMOKING

"O Lord! Give to the people of Bahá cleanliness and holiness in all conditions, purify and free them from all defilement, deliver them from the use of all that is execrated, liberate them from the chains of habits, so that they may be pure and free, clean and spotless, that they may be worthy servants of the Sacred Threshold and may deserve to enter into relation with God. Deliver them from alcohol and tobacco, and save them from opium, the purveyor of madness! Make them companions of the holy breezes, in order that they may know the pleasures of the wine of the love of God, and that they may attain to the joy and the happiness of attraction to the Kingdom of Abhá!"

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 335-36)

COMING EVENTS

Aug. 8-9 Deepening Institutes on Maui and Islands of Hawaii Sept. 8 FEAST of ‘Izzat (Might) Sept. 11-13 - NSA Convenes Sept. 20 WORLD PEACE DAY Sept. 27 FEAST of Mashiyyat (Will)

NEW PAMPHLET

SUCCESS IN TEACHING -- An Intimate Talk With Bahá’ís Who Long To Serve The Faith is now available in a new format. This article, by Ruhiyyih Khanum, discusses personal and intercommunity attitudes and actions that affect teaching successes, and cites the force of example and understanding of the Covenant as keys to successful teaching. 24 pp. 20 copies $3.00

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 775-0131 (Honokaa-Hamakua) Kauai: - Mrs. Serrita Herbert Phone 245-6516 (Lihue) Maui: - Mrs. Daisy Sabin Phone 76-001 (Kahului) Maui: - Mrs. Eve Geary Phone 878-1957 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; Lil Hollinger; Gertrude Garrida, Reviewer and Proofreader.

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