Light of the Pacific/Issue 56/Text

[Page 1]

HOUSE OF JUSTICE MESSAGE S

AUG."1970 UNIVERSAL

3 August, 1970 To All National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

From thme to time we receive reports that pioneers or travefling teachers who are subsidized by the International Deputization Fund or receive letters of encouragement from the Universal House of Justice are assumed to have some special status or authority.

In order that there be no misunderstanding, it should be made clear that such individuals have no special status and have no authority or standing other than that of any believer residing in the area where he is pioneering or teaching.

Furthermore, pioneers and travelling teachers are under the jurisdiction of the National Spiriunl Assembly of the country or area in which they are travelling or residing, as the case may be, and they must be obedient to the instruction of these National Spiritual Assemblies.

Of course, there may be cases when the Universal House of Just ice may call upon a believer to accomplish a special mission on its behalf. In such cases special

letters are written to the Nadmnal Spiritual Assemblies concerned.

with loving Bahá’í greetings, (S) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

N0.56

August 2, 1970

YEAR 127

To All National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

All National Spiritual Assemblies have been aware of the urgency of our Riḍván 1969 message to the Bahá’ís of the world when the call was raised for pioneers to settle in territories in need of pioneer support or as yet unopened to the Faith,and have been cognizant of the emphasis which was placed on the need for the believers to arise quickly to ensure the success of the Nine Year Ylan in the pioneer field.

Since that call was raised, no less than 330 of the pioneer posts in the 184 specified territories in the globe have been filled, and in a few of those territories additional pioneers have arrived to supplement the ranks of Bahá’u’lláh's followers at those posts.

As you will note from the attached list showing the current status of pioneer goals, some 147 pioneers must yet arise and settle in the posts previously assigned. After a recent review of pioneer needs we find it is necessary to call upon the valiant, constantlyswelling community of believers throughout all continents to fill

et another 2 ioneer posts where m needed , in some territories in order to win the minimum number of Assemblies or localities called for in the Plan, and in others where vast new mass teaching areas have been opened to the Faith, thus necessita (cont. on p. 2)

[Page 2]2 (cont. from p. 1)

ting additional reinforcements who must arrive soon if the precious gains are to bé‘"?§EainedT“TEE§e -2Ufi'"fiew pioneer_‘g6§I§——H§ve been assigned to specific National Spiritual Assemblies.

Despite the magnitude of this undertaking and thegrave challenge which your communities face in ensuring the homefront goals, we are compelled to point out that each of those goals assigned must be considered as a minimum requireJgggtl Pioneers unable to go‘E6’Ehe goals assigned by their own National Spiritual Assenmlyshould be encouraged to fill goals assigned to other National Assemblies. Of course a self-supporting believer is free to settl§"§s a pioneer in gflrmry films’

We call upon the friends to act promptly and decisively in this vital international undertaking in which the followers of Bahá’u’lláh

are, in all continents of the globe, summoned to participate. The time is short and the effort

required is truly formidable.

We shall offer ardent prayers at the Holy Shrines, supplicating that fin waves of pioneers required to complete this urgent task of the present hour shall arise and quickly rush forth into the arena of service.

with loving Bahá’í greetings, (3) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

NOTE: Hawaii has been given six ~new pioneer assignments; 2 for the Gilbert & Ellice Islands and 4 for the Solomon Islands. These are in addition to our unfilled goals of l in the Caroline Islands, 2 to American Samoa (two believers are in process,) and 2 in the Philippines. These are not included in our homefront goals, which require 53 believers to arise before the end of the Nine Year Plan.

"Let the Bahá’ís of the world join in the true spirit of universal participation and win all the victories while there is yet time. Let each assume his full measure of responsibility that all may share the laurels of accomplishment at the end of the Plan.‘

(Wellspring of Guidance, p. l5l)

HAND OF THE CAUSE

5th July, 1970

To the Bahá’ís of Makawao Dear and Loving Co-workers, Greetings!

Your long and inspiring letter was received several weeks ago. Please pardon me for delay. Actually by the size of the paper and 29 signatures it is the largest I've ever received. Two weeks ago I took the opportuity to share it with the Youth in South Australia when they were having their State Youth Conference.

The content of your letter breathes the Spirit of the Faith and Ican only conclude that everyone is deepening themselves in the Faith and becoming well conversant with its Teachings, its laws and standards, history and the application of its principles to a changing world. The reatest ofall teachers is each be iever living the life. Indeed we are called upon to do this and uphold the standards §EE"By God §fid"_be watchful

‘tat wé“do n6f"a¥1ft with‘EHé“fIde of declIfitng‘“ethtcal and m8E§I‘ standards. ‘0ur‘aEEeptance of‘Ehe Manifestation of God for this day obligates us to observance of His

Laws. Whatever we do is known to Go I! Ponder the"§Ignificance of

t ese words of Bahá’u’lláh taken from page 204 of the Gleanings of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh "He Who is the Eternal Truth knoweth well what the breasts of men conceal. His long forbearance hath emboldened His creatures, for not until the appointed time is come will He rend any veil asunden His surpasdng mercy hath restrained the fury of His wrath, and caused most people to imagine that the One true God is unaware of the things they have privily commitufi. By Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed! The Mirror of His Knowledge reflecteth with complete distinctness, precision and fidelity the doings of all men."

It is my hope that you will all study and be firm in the Covenants of God and dvm your unity and love will become so great that like a magnet, it shall draw the "steely" hearts of all around you to the Cause of God. You can one and all

[Page 3]contribute to the Fund and your teaching efforts and sacrifices can contribute to the onward march of the Faith in Hawaiian Is. Your services for the advancement of the Faith are truly historic and you should plan and give support to your National Assembly's Nine Year Goals both localhrand nationally.

May your devoted services be blessed with Divine Confirmations and Bestowals and may you one and all achieve your desire...."that Maui may become a garden of Bahá’í example..."

with dearest Bahá’í love, best wishes and a hope that some day I shall have the bounty of meeting you all,

(S) Collis Featherstone

27th July, 1970

Dear Co-workers;

Thank you for your letter enclosing your Minutes which contain the good news of your action and appointment of the National Teaching Committee of the Trust Territory including Guam. Historic steps have been taken that will surely expand the Faith in that vast area. The Kauai Summer School must have been on ‘cloud Nine‘ for 16 declarations. Congratulations!

Dearest Bahá’í love to all, (S) Collis Featherstone

5 > _ _‘-,,.-. ,5“

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum arranging the orchid lei which was presented to her by the Hawaii members attending the recent Youth Conference in Wilmette, Ill.

SUMMER SCHOOL 3

"Preparation for World Unity" was the theme for the highly successful Summer School held from July 2-5 at Kahili Mountain Park on Kauai.

The School was given much publicity through the press, posters and large banners at the airport,

and at the entrance of the Park.

Classes and workshops fin'adults and children kept the 123 in attendance on a busy schedule.

Mrs. Joy Mccormack, a Bahá’í speaker from California, presented a dramatic visual lecture titled "The Spreading Flame” -- a history of the development of the Faith.

Members attending from other areas included Mrs. Belle Lennox of Arizona, who shared reports on the U.S. National Conference on Education; Hawaii NSA members Tracy Hamilton, Ben Ayala and Wm. Foster; Auxiliary Board member Dr. Claude Caver; Mr. Roy Johnson, chairmanof Bahá’í Schools Council.

_ The overall spirit of love, unity and joy, topped off by 17 declarations (latest count) made this weekend "a time to remember."

We are most anxious to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to you aU.for the well organized BahaH.Summer School held here at Kahili Mountain Park. The staff and management were quite imprewed at the work and cooperation among your membership that went in to the successful planning of this school.

A special thanks to the members of the Executive Board Mrs. Herbert Miss Carroll and many others for working so closely with us in assuring a smoothly run kitchen and convenient sleeping accomodations for all.

Our grounds and property were left immaculate and the weekend went by all too quickly for us with very little work to do. We do hope you will include us again when making your future plans. We would welcome the Bahá’ís back to Kahili Mountain Park anytime.

(S) Eric L. Knudsen, Manager

[Page 4]4 CONFERENCES

Word has just been received from the Universal House of Justice that because of conditions in Indonesia it has not been possible for the National Assembly of that country to receive approval to hold the South China Seas Oceanic Conference in Djakarta. Therefore, it has been decided to transfer the site of this Conference to Singapore. The National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia will act as host. The dates are January 1, 2, and 3, 1971.

The North Atlantic Oceanic Conference will be held in Reykjavik, Iceland, from September 2-5, 1971. The Universal House of Justice has designated the NSA of Canada to be responsible for arrangements.

It is recomended that those planning to attend the Conference make their own travel arrangements through a reputable agency, and that individual members make their own hotel reservations.

The South Pacific Oceanic Conference will be held in the New Town Hall in Suva, Fiji, on May 21, 22 and 23 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) 1971. Registration will be held at Town Hall on May 20 at 7:00 P.M., which will be followed by a Unity Feast and dinner at 8:30.

Bahá’ís planning to attend are asked to make their own travel and hotel arrangements. Mrs. D. Beers has all information available.

Meals for the three days willbe catered, total cost being $6.00per person Fijian money. The currency cgnversion is $1.00 U.S. equals F. . 2¢.

For further information on the Conferences contact the NSA secretary or Mrs. Beers who is handling travel arrangements.

NOTE

Waimea JD on the island of Kauai has a new group correspondent:

Mrs. Flora V. Beutler, P.O. Box 178,

Hanapepe, Kauai. 96716 Tel. 335-3338

BELOVED BAHAHS

qunIIi.11

Miss Agnes Alexander, Hand of the Cause, who celebrated her 95th birthday on July 21. Both she and Mrs. Fantom are residents of Arcadia Retirement Residence.

Mrs. Mary Fantom,affectionately known to many of the friends as Auntie May,who celebrated her 91st birthday on July 7th. She has the distinction of being the first Baha i of Hawaiian blood and was a long time resident of Maui until she moved to Arcadia.

[Page 5]MICRONESIA REPORT

The following is the first portion of a report on Micronesia by Tracy Hamilton

It was 1:00 a.m. on January 15, 1970, when the group consisting of Dolly Beers, Elena Marsella and Brad Hollinger, gathered at the Honolulu International Airport to bid a prayerful Aloha to Continental Board member Suhayl Ala'i and your writer.

The uplifting events of the previous week-end in Honolulu with Mr. Ala'i and Hand of the Cause M Faizi, plus the expectation of Guam and other islands, produced a thought-provoking, sleepless plane ride for both travelers.

Upon our arrival at Guam airport the next morning (we lost a day crossing the International Date Line) we were met by Auxiliary Board member Miss Virginia Breaks, and Mr. Stem Salle of Truk who was awaiting a flight to New Zealand. Due to shortage of hotel rooms, Suhayl and I went to different hotels.

Once in my room rest seemed out of the question,so decided to make contact with the Bahá’ís of Guam, hoping to speak to some of them before they left for work. How to do this, of course, was simple -by the great invention of the telephone. Alas, there were only two Bahá’ís listed in the phone directory (this is put out by the U.S. Navy and they have their own system of listings.) The first name was the Bensons and their line was busy, so on to the next -— the O1sons of Inarajan, who did not answer. (This is how they are listed. Reminded me of the old movie, The Tuttles of Tahiti!)

Futile attempts for the next

hour, then happy results!! The Bensons answered . Discovering my plight with the phone they then

explained the Guam telephone system -- simple, they hardly ever work. Mail is faster or contact in person is even better.

Dick Benson picked me up and we went to the Court House. He had just been appointed a Judge by the Governor. Then we went to the Post Office to check the Baha i mail box. He showed me some return information cards and explained that

the community was in the processs

of a mail-out campai n of 5,000 brochures on the Baha i Faith in English and Chamorro the language of the natives in this island area chain. They were beautifully done in blue on white with the return postcard enclosed. He then pointed out the several blocks of the heart of town and weproceeded down the road. We passed Virginia who was on her way to the printer's to pick up the material for the weekend, so we made a date for lunch. We picked up Joy Benson and headed for the Cliff Hotel to meet Suhayl and Virginia, (we learned that the LSA had not planned on a public meeting, fearing the trip would be too taxing on Mr. Faizi, but when they learned he would be up to it, the wheels were immediately set in motion,) then on to the Benson home to meet the children and Joyb mother, Mrs. Faily, who told me of the sudden passing of her husband two weeks before, in Guam on their first trip there. She was so pleased with the help that both the Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í communities gave her, a visitor to their area during this time,and how happy she was that her husband's passing on Guam helped to teach the Faith. The Bensons were on a teaching trip to Truk with two of their children and the Failys remained on Guam with the third child when Mr. Faily's death occurred.

Cynthia Olson came by the Bensons and asked if I would like to go to her home until Mr. Faizi's plane arrived later that night. Proceeding down the hill, we came to the main highway and Guam's traffic jam -- one lane hleach direction with bumper to bumper tnaffic (they are working on a 2-lane highway.) Up over the hill to a plateau where the University of Guam is located we stopped at Mrs. Harvey's home. She is head of the Art Department at the University. Then on through forest and villages for a 40-min. drive to the Olson's home, which is situated on a beautiful bay. Just before we arrived Cynthia thought she had seen Gus Erickson pass us in his car. Olie later told us Gus had just left and had Larry Nelson and George Salazar (both from Ewa JD, Hawaii) with him. Their sub was in port but they were unable to get off

(cont. on p. 6)

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for the meetings. The Olsons shared many experiences of teaching and showed me priceless mementoes they have gathered during their busy Bahá’í lives,as well as showing the article in Tuesday's paper on the plans for the Conference.

Later that evening Cynthia, 01ie and I headed for the airport to meet Mr. Faizi's plane, at which time I also met most of the Bahais on Guam. We left the airport and Mr. Faizi invited all to his hotel room to chat. The room was overflowing with Bahá’ís and Bahá’í spirit. Despite the early morning hour, all were reluctant to leave.

The next morning a press breakfast for Mr. Faizi was held, with Olie, Suhayl Ala'i,a lady from the TV station, Joe Murphy the editor and colunist for Guam s Territorial Sun, and myself. During the interview, Mr. Murphy turned to me and said that he was a devout Catholic but he had never met a man as spiritual as Mr. Faizi, that he could just feel the flow of spirit

As a result of the press breakfast, both the radiol and E! news broadcasts ave comp ete ographical infogmation on Mr. Faizi, as well as the importance of the weekend Conference. The Sunday paper devoted about one quarter of its front page to Mr. Faizi, with his photograph headlined, "Bahá’í Visitor Arrives - Here For Conference.” The story also pointed out the attendance of the Continental Board member, Auxiliary Board member and NSA member being present for the meeting. As if the front page were not enough, on page 4 of the same"§git§on,Jofi Murphydin his column e reams sta e , didn't knowpmuch about the Bahá’í Faith until yesterday when I had coffee with A.Q. Faizi, one of the leaders of that group here from Haifa, in the Holy Land. Just talking to Mr. Faizi makes you feel like youAare lin Ehe presence oghz saint. tru ine PerS°nBaha'i people Eelieve ighbrosherz hood - ure an simp e. ey on have agy race hang-ups, _ for instance. He will be speaking at Fjord's at 3:15 P.M. on the Destiny of Mankind." The friends said the front page was grfiat but when they saw the co umn, t ey were e ated knowing that Mr. Murphy has the entire island as a following

and his views are greatly respected.

(This report by Mr. Hamilton will be continued in our next issue.)

wmn 3AHA’Is CAN no

SOME BAHA'IS CAN * Give public meetings

• Speak at Center firesides
• Travel for the Faith

MANY BAHA'IS CAN ** Chair a public meeting

• • Offer transportation to meetings

Serve on committees

Give deepening classes

Give home firesides

Help maintain the Center and] or National Headquarters

Assist with child education

AQOST ALL BAflA'LS CAN -Attend the Feasts Offer decorations or refreshments occasionally Help in the kitchen Give individual firesides Teach through correspondence Call or write members of your Bahá’í family when they are ill or lonely

• • • Introduce the Faith to new

people ALL BAHA'IS CAN **** Use the Prayers for success of meetings for success of teaching for the Administrative Bodies

for the ill and troubled

for personal steadfastness, spiritual qualities, etc.

• • • • Read and deepen Gf sight is

bad, "talking books” are available)

• • • • Make a Will -- specifying a

Bahá’í service - bequeathing your Bahá’í books to the friends

• • • • Live the life

• • • • Avoid gossip and backbiting

like the plague

• • • • Be happy

• • • • Contribute to the Fund every

Bahá’í month, be it only a nickel!

32 Hill

HM ii‘

[Page 7]CALABASH 7

(Hawaiian Bowl of Friendship)

Some of the Bahá’ís and friends

who attended the Summer School in July, on the island of Kauai. See article on page 3.

MOLOKAI

The Bahais of Molokai sponsored a booth at the Molokai District Fair on August 6, 7, 8 and 9, 1970.

Approximately 100 pamphlets were taken and a good number of persons were interested enough to stop and talk about the Faith. Many compliments were received on the gracious and dignified manner in which the discussions were held.

MOLOKAI

Since our pioneering couple on the beautiful island of Molokai are, for health reasons, forced to return to the mainland, the area is now in need of another coupleas replacement. The "Friendly Isle" is a paradise for nature lovers with its lushness and beauty. Contact the National Goals Committee at 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu.

NEW ARRIVAL

Mr. and Mrs.George Baber of Lahaina, Maui, are happy to announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Sil Lai, on July 13,1970

WORKSHOP

There will be a Teachers‘ Workshop at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on Sunday, October 4, from l0 a.m. to 4 P.M.

KAMUELA, HAWAII

"We have been having firesides here about every other week. The last two each drew about 35 people including about Z)non-Bahá’ís each time. Last Tuesday the Tamanahas spoke ata public meeting and about 45 people attended. Our posters read 'Sponsored by the Bahá’ís of South Kohala" so we were able to proclaim to a degree.’

Dr.and Mrs.Gary Walkup of Fairbanks,Alaska, were recent visitors and spoke at a fireside at the Ramer residence.

NEW ZEALAND

A letter from our pioneers in Christchurch tells of the problems and advances of the Faith there. There are now 51 believers in the South Island. Opposition and persecution are beginning and recently two Bahá’ís were forced to resign their jobs.

"We were so happy to get the "Light of Pacific" and the Hawaii news. If possible, would you send Feast reports and other print outs as these help us to get ideas on projects."

They have been using the film "Lamp Unto My Feet,” with success, one of the recent showings being at the Lincoln Agricultural University.

The Pratts are managing theAlta Vida Motel in Christchurch, and their address is 112 Blenheim Road.

MARSHALL ISLANDS

Harlan Lang writes from Ebeye that there is good opportunity for employment on Kwajalein and states there are opportunities for single young Baha 1S to teach Micronesians as well as Hawaiians of every background. It is also a chance to make good wages. People living on Kwajalein can easily\isit Ebeye and also visit other parts of Micronesia during vacation time. The Honolulu newspapers list employmen: openings and Global Associates is the main employer.

[Page 8]8 surponr voun NATIONAL ruuo

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

Local Assemblies - 14 Groups - 1 Individuals - 15

TREASUREWS ADDRESS

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

OUR OBLIGATION

In "Wellspring of Guidance” -e House of Justice believes that the financial needs of the Cause should be met by universal participation......each according to his circumstances, his share.."

Hawaii should accept this wholeheartedly, and in the case of supporting our pioneers, there seems no excuse worthy of mention in failing our obligations. one individual has offered the necessary amount to aid a pioneer in teaching and, although we deeply appreciate this offer and have accepted it gratefully, the privile e of aiding the teaching effort be ongs to all Bahá’ís. If we relax, secur3_in the knowledge that this pioneer's needs are being met by one believer, can we truthfully say that this is ‘universal participation?'

Remember, ours is the duty to carry the message of the Faith to mankind, and it is up to us to see that our part in this great work is not slowed through lack of means.

Hawaiian Islands as a news

mittee: Reviewer and Proofreader.

to anyone outside the

KHAWAII BAHA'I NEWS (The Light of the Pacific) is published for circu lation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the

organ reporting current activities of the a

Hawaiian, Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Is

HAWAII BAHA'I NEWS is edited by an annually-appointed Editorial ComShirley Lombard, Director; Lil Hollinger; Gertrude Garrida,

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR "The Light of the Pacific" are $2.00 jurisdiction of the Hawaiian Islands. Send your

money and your mailing address to: The Li ht of the Pacific, c/o 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.

COMING EVENTS

geptt. 3(7) - V}:_lgARI.D PEACE DAY €P - - ST ofMashbwat (Will Oct. 2,3,4 - NSA Convenes ) Oct. 16 - FEAST of Ilm (Knowledge) Oct. 20 - Birth of the Báb Oct. 23, 24 - MID-YEAR CONFERENCE! Hand of the Cause Mr. Enoch Olinga, honored guest Oct. 24 - United Nations Day

R

Supplies at the Center, such as coffee, tea, sugar, etc., are the roperty of the Honolulu LSA and re not for casual use by just anyone any time. Permission for use

LEASEIE

Your copies of'Tdght of the Pacific" and Bahá’í News should not e destroyed when you are through ith them. National Headquarters ill appreciate flzif you will contribute same to them.

ATTENTIONH

For the information of friends, and contacts for the neighbor islands:

Hawaii: - Mrs. Ruth Musacchia Phone 935-0310 (Hilo)

Mrs. Nedra Murray Phone 775-0131 (Honokaa-Hamakua)

Mrs. Serrita Herbert Phone 245-6516 (Lihue)

Maui: - Mrs. Daisy Sabin Phone 877-6001 (Kahului)

Maui: - Mrs. Eve Gea

Phone 878-195

Mr. Pat Mugford,

P.O. Box 938,

Kaunakakai - 96748

Hawaii: Kauai: Molokai: nds Bahá’í comunities.

each per year

96 17