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[Page 1]

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MESSAGES

3 August, 1970

To—All National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

From time to time we receive reports that pioneers or travelling 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 Spiritual 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 Justice may call upon a believer to accomplish a special mission on its behalf. In such cases special letters are written to the National Spiritual Assemblies concerned.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

(S) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

August 2, 1970

To—All National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

All National Spiritual Assemblies have been aware of the urgency of our Ridvan 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 Plan 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, constantly-swelling community of believers throughout all continents to fill yet another 204 pioneer posts where manpower is desperately 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 necessitating... [Page 2]ting additional reinforcements who must arrive soon if the precious gains are to be retained. These new pioneer goals have been assigned to specific National Spiritual Assemblies.

Despite the magnitude of this undertaking and the grave 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 requirement. Pioneers unable to go to the goals assigned by their own National Spiritual Assembly should be encouraged to fill goals assigned to other National Assemblies. Of course a self-supporting believer is free to settle as a pioneer in any country he chooses.

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 the 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, (S) 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 1 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. 151)

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 opportunity 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 I can 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 greatest of all teachers is each believer living the life. Indeed we are called upon to do this and uphold the standards set by God and be watchful that we do not drift with the tide of declining ethical and moral standards. Our acceptance of the Manifestation of God for this day obligates us to observance of His Laws. Whatever we do is known to God!! Ponder the significance of these 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 asunder. His surpassing 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 committed. 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 that 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 locally and 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

---

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

"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 for 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, chairman of 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 all for the well organized Bahá’í Summer School held here at Kahili Mountain Park. The staff and management were quite impressed 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 accommodations‎ 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]

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 recommended 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 will be catered, total cost being $6.00 per person Fijian money. The currency conversion is $1.00 U.S. equals F. .82¢.

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

BELOVED BAHÁ’ÍS

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.

NOTE

Waimea JD on the island of Kauai has a new group correspondent: Mrs. Flora V. Beutler, P.O. Box 178, Hanapepe, Kauai. Tel. 335-3338 96716

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 Bahá’í 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’í and your writer.

The uplifting events of the previous week-end in Honolulu with Mr. Ala’í and Hand of the Cause Mr. 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 Olsons of Inarajan, who did not answer. (This is how they are listed. Reminded me of the old movie, 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 Bahá’í mail box. He showed me some return information cards and explained that the community was in the process of a mail-out campaign of 5,000 brochures on the Bahá’í 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 we proceeded down the road. We passed Virginia who was on her way to the printer's to pick up the material for the week-end, 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 Joy's 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 in each direction with bumper to bumper traffic (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. [Page 6]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, Olie and I headed for the airport to meet Mr. Faizi’s plane, at which time I also met most of the Bahá’ís 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 columnist 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 radio and TV news broadcasts gave complete biographical information 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 edition, Joe Murphy in his column “Pipedreams” stated, “I didn’t know much 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 you are in the presence of a saint. A truly fine person. The Bahá’í people believe in brotherhood - pure and simple. They don’t have any 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 great but when they saw the column, they were elated 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.)

WHAT BAHA’IS CAN DO

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

ALMOST ALL BAHA’IS 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 (if 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!

[Page 7]

CALABASH (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 Bahá’ís 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 couple as 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 10 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 20 non-Bahá’ís each time. Last Tuesday the Tamanahas spoke at a 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 the Alta 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 Bahá’ís 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 visit Ebeye and also visit other parts of Micronesia during vacation time. The Honolulu newspapers list employment openings and Global Associates is the main employer. [Page 8]

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND

Contributions received during period of July 21 to August 20, 1970: Local Assemblies - 14 Groups - 1 Individuals - 15

TREASURER'S ADDRESS

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

OUR OBLIGATION

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

in Hawaii should accept this wholeheartedly, and in the case of supporting our pioneers, there seems no excuse worthy of mention 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 privilege of aiding the teaching effort belongs to all Bahá’ís. If we relax, secure 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.

COMING EVENTS

Sept. 20 WORLD PEACE DAY Sept. 27-FEAST of Mashiyyat (Will) Oct. 2,3,4 - NSA Convenes Oct. 16 FEAST of Ilm (Knowledge) Oct. 20 Birth of the Bab Oct. 23, 24 MID-YEAR CONFERENCE! Hand of the Cause Mr. Enoch Olinga, honored guest Oct. 24 United Nations Day

REMINDER

Supplies at the Center, such as coffee, tea, sugar, etc., are the property of the Honolulu LSA and are not for casual use by just anyone any time. Permission for use should be requested from the Honolulu Assembly.

PLEASE!!

Your copies of "Light of the Pacific" and Bahá’í News should not be destroyed when you are through with them. National Headquarters will appreciate it if you will contribute same to them.

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 877-6001 (Kahului) Maui: - Mrs. Eve Geary Phone 878-1957 Molokai: Mr. Pat Mugford, P.O. Box 938, Kaunakakai - 96748

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