Light of the Pacific/Issue 63/Text

[Page 1]

LIGHT of the PACIFIC[edit]

HAWAII BAHÁ’Í NEWS PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FOR CIRCULATION AMONG BAHÁ’ÍS ONLY

MAR.-1971 BAHÁ’Í YEAR 127 NO.63

FROM UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE[edit]

"PLEASE PUBLISH BAHÁ’Í NEWS FOLLOWING HAPPY ANNOUNCE FOLLOWING HANDS CAUSE WILL REPRESENT UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTIONS COMING RIDVAN AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM IVORY COAST UPPER VOLTA MALI DHIKRULLAH KHADEM TRINIDAD TOBAGO ADELBERT MUHLSCHLEGEL LESOTHO ALI MUHAMMAD VARQA CONGO BRAZZAVILLE GABON ENOCH OLINGA BOTH SUDAN CHAD COLLIS FEATHERSTONE BOTH SOLOMON ISLANDS SOUTHWEST PACIFIC OCEAN STOP CONFIDENT PRESENCE PARTICIPATION THESE STANDARD BEARERS NINE YEAR PLAN HISTORIC FIRST CONVENTIONS WILL ATTRACT DIVINE BLESSINGS ASSIST NEW NATIONAL COMMUNITIES BEFITTINGLY ASSUME SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES (S) UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

"JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE BAHÁ’Í WORLD PROCESS ENTRY BY TROOPS RAPIDLY ACCELERATING UNITED STATES EVIDENCED BY ENROLLMENT 8000 NEW BELIEVERS SOUTH CAROLINA COURSE SIX WEEKS CAMPAIGN RAISING NUMBER NEW BELIEVERS ENTIRE COMMUNITY 13,000 SINCE RIDVAN STOP PROCESS GATHERING MOMENTUM STOP INDICATIONS SIMILAR DEVELOPMENT OCCURRING NEW AREAS NORTH SOUTH AMERICA STOP MAY VALIANT WORKERS FAITH TOILING THROUGHOUT WORLD GAIN CONFIDENCE ADDED STRENGTH THESE UPLIFTING VICTORIES WON IN HIS NAME REAP SIMILAR HARVEST HOMEFRONTS ALL CONTINENTS (S) UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

"PLEASE PUBLISH ‎ BAHÁ’Í‎ NEWS FOLLOWING REJOICE ANNOUNCE ALL FRIENDS FORMATION DURING RIDVAN 1972 NINE ADDITIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES RAISING TOTAL NUMBER PILLARS UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE TO ONE HUNDRED AND TEN STOP THREE IN AFRICA MALAGASY REPUBLIC REUNION SEYCHELLES THREE IN ASIA EAST PAKISTAN NEPAL SINGAPORE ONE IN AUSTRALASIA NORTHWEST PACIFIC OCEAN COMPRISING GUAM CAROLINES MARIANAS MARSHALLS TWO IN EUROPE ICELAND AND REPUBLIC IRELAND STOP FOUR OF THESE SEYCHELLES EAST PAKISTAN SINGAPORE NORTHWEST PACIFIC CONSTITUTE SUPPLEMENTARY ACHIEVEMENTS NINE YEAR PLAN STOP URGE PIONEERS SCHEDULED ALL THESE AREAS SETTLE POSTS WITHOUT DELAY STOP CALL UPON RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES BRACE THEMSELVES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT FAST FLEETING WEEKS BEFORE COMING RIDVAN ESTABLISH AS MANY ASSEMBLIES AS POSSIBLE THEREBY BROADENING STRENGTHENING FOUNDATIONS PROJECTED NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS STOP FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES FOLLOWERS MOST GREAT NAME MAY SEIZE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENT HOUR AND SPARE NO EFFORT UNTIL GOALS PLAN ARE FULLY ACCOMPLISHED THEREBY ATTRACTING TO THEMSELVES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES INESTIMABLE BLESSINGS ANCIENT BEAUTY" (S) UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE


OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE![edit]

Any believers desiring to visit Iran (Persia) MUST first contact the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands as specific advance arrangements must be made prior to visiting that country. [Page 2]

DELEGATES[edit]

EWA

Mrs. Ruth Bronson
Mr. James Barrett

HONOLULU

Mr. Duane Troxel
Mr. Ross Klutke
Mr. Tracy Hamilton
Miss Gertrude Garrida
Mr. Wm. Foster
Mr. John Schwerin
Mr. James Wada
Mr. Brad Hollinger
Miss Arloa Ridder
Mrs. Lydia Stewart
Mr. Katsugi Tamanaha
Mr. John Brown
Miss Doreen Gritman

KOOLAULOA

Mrs. Evangeline Golden

KOOLAUPOKO

Miss Elena Marsella
Mr. Kurt Munchmeyer
Mrs. Dorothy Beers

WAHIAWA

Mr. Walter Cater

WAIALUA

Mr. Michael Woodward

WAIANAE

Mr. Wm. Shattuck
Mr. Roy Johnson
Mr. Willard Williams
Mr. Geo. Bryers

NO. KONA

Mrs. Becky-Jo Aniban

NO. HILO

Miss Evelyn Musacchia
Mrs. Ruth Musacchia

SO. KOHALA

Mr. Jack Spock

KAWAIHAU

Mr. Robert Hobdy

KOLOA

Mr. Steve Gaines
Mr. Larry Tucker

LIHUE

Mrs. Serrita Herbert

MAKAWAO

Mr. Jay Speakman
Miss Diana Clark

WAILUKU

Mr. Eric Teitelbaum

LAHAINA

Mr. Robert Kelsey

NOTE[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to advise the friends that all committees should continue to function until new committees are appointed.

PANAMA TEMPLE[edit]

For the past 18 months, special prayer sessions have been held on the first Sunday of every month at the Panama Temple, which is rising steadily skyward.

Paul Thiele, our domo of the great project, writes that, rain or shine, the friends meet, with usually fifty or sixty being present. On the 7th of February a special service was held in memory of Hand of the Cause Miss Agnes Alexander, with nearly 100 ‎ Bahá’ís‎ from all over Panama present. Prayers in both Spanish and English were read as was the memorial service itself.

Paul opened the service by telling of personal incidents about Miss Alexander, as he was the only one present who had known her.

Regarding the Temple, Paul writes: ".... the most difficult part of the whole project is to put up the scaffolding and supports for the Nine Pointed Star... Since everything must conform to the curvature of the dome.....we are straining the capability of the local engineers... They have done an excellent job and we are fully aware that the power of the pray-ers of all the friends has made the impossible POSSIBLE!"

GUAM[edit]

Dr. Frank Haendel, Director of Mental Health at Guam Memorial Hospital, spoke at a recent public meeting on "Social Change and the ‎ Bahá’í Faith‎."

Dr. Haendel has been at his present post since last August and has become a frequent and welcome speaker for the Faith.


For the third year the ‎ Bahá’ís‎ of Guam have sponsored a Children's Art Fair. This year's event was held on the lawn fronting the Dededo Fire Station. Children from 3 to 6 were provided with a variety of media without charge and the small artists indulged themselves in creativity including water colors, clay modelling, mosaics and ‎ origami‎. [Page 3]Panama Temple, under construction, is already an impressive addition to the landscape. (Taken from one mile distant)

Workmen atop scaffolding, which will be removed as construction progresses.

Intricacies of the Temple construction with much necessary scaffolding shown.

Part of steel and form for the Nine Pointed Star.

Believers at Temple service for Miss Agnes Alexander, Hand of the Cause of God. [Page 4]

NEW TABLET[edit]

"When in session it behooveth them to converse, on behalf of the servants of God, on matters dealing with the affairs and interests of the public. For instance, teaching the Cause of God must be accorded precedence, inasmuch as it is a matter of paramount importance, so that thereby all men may enter the pavilion of unity and all the peoples of the earth be regarded even as a single body...

"Teaching the Cause must be viewed according to the conditions of the age and of the times so as to see what course is deemed proper to take. Other matters also should be dealt with in like manner. They must, however, take care that nothing doth take place contrary to the divine verses sent down in this glorious Manifestation, inasmuch as naught but that which hath been prescribed by the True One - exalted be His Glory - would serve the interests of His servants. He, in truth, is more merciful to you than ye are unto yourselves. He, verily, is the One Who knoweth and is well-informed of all.

"Should these souls comply with the prescribed conditions, they shall, indeed, be aided through His invisible bestowals. This is truly a matter whose benefits will be conferred on all men..."

(Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh, newly translated, and released by the Universal House of Justice, August 11, 1970)

SPECIAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS[edit]

In the electing of assembly officers, all members of the assembly are eligible for each office that is being elected, even though one or more of those members already holds an office.

This policy applies whether it is the election of officers at Ridvan or the election of one or more officers following a bi-election to replace vacancies on the assembly.

(National Bahá’í Review, Nov. 1970)

BIBLE STUDY[edit]

It has come to the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly that certain groups of Bahá’ís are interested in beginning study to classes on the Bible. This is commendable and the motive behind it is understandable. We wish point out, however, certain statements of the Guardian in which he indicates those areas he feels are important for Bahá’ís to study in their preparation for teaching the Faith.

"Those who participate in such a campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties, themselves thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the Faith. In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets, and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments. They must strive to obtain, from sources that are authoritative and unbiased, a sound knowledge of the history and tenets of Islam -- the source and background of their Faith and approach reverently and with a mind purged from preconceived ideas the study of the Qur'an which, apart from the sacred scriptures of the Babi and Bahá’í Revelations, constitutes the only Book which can be regarded as an absolutely authenticated Repository of the Word of God. They must devote special attention to the circumstances that are directly connected with the origin and birth of their Faith, with the station claimed by its Forerunner, and with the laws revealed by its Author.

(Advent of Divine Justice, p. 41)

REMEMBER THE TEMPLE SITE FUND[edit]

[Page 5]Members and guests at the opening ceremony of the new Haziratu’l-Quds of Trinidad-Tobago. L to R: Chief Justice of Trinidad-Tobago Sir Arthur McShine; Mrs. Edna Ruth Caverly, Secretary; His Excellency, the High Commissioner for India Mr. L.N. Ray; Miss Shamsi Sedaghat; His Worship the Mayor of Port-of-Spain Councillor H. Holder; Mr. Wilfred Henry, Deputy Town Clerk of Port-of-Spain, and Mr. Pundit Shiva Persad, Barrister-at-Law.

A view of the new Trinidad-Tobago Haziratu’l-Quds, construction of which has been assisted by contributions from the Hawaii Community. Continuing support for this supplementary goal will be extended until our obligation has been fulfilled. [Page 6]

WE WELCOME[edit]

Declarations for period of Dec. 21, 1970, to March 20, 1971:

EWA Rozell, Larry Delbert Wheeler, Robert Chas. Jelf, Miss Susan Naomi (Y) Glover, Jas. William (Y) McVay, Patrick John (Y)

HONOLULU Van Horn, Mrs. Bonnie (Y) Foster, Zarrin Tahj A. (Y) Baulos, Richard Harold (Y) Morgan, Jack Edward Connolly, Patrick J. (Y) Juan, Miss Ceferina Victoria DeLancey, Miss Paula Jane Oliver, Ami De Tracey (Y) Fowler, Nancy Pualani (Y) Yoshino, Sanae Janet (Y) Dungate, Lisa Rae (Y) Neptune, Jimmie Alan (Y) Stumbo, Byron Kent Jiminez, Miss Rowena Saiki, Lyle T. Beardsley, Laurel Susan (Y) Fritz, Wm. M. Smith, Mrs. Marsha Kay

HANA Bauer, Kenneth Edward

KAWAIHAU Haas, Russell Jay (Y)

KOLOA Almeida, Allan Keith

KOOLAULOA Smith, Miss Pamela Sue (Y)

LAHAINA Van Cleave, Mrs. Sally P. Terry, Robert D. Hoopai, Dennis I. (Y) Hoopai, Danny Dean (Y) Kekona, Anthony K. (Y) Kekona, Wm. L. Termott, Mrs. Gail Carol Poff, Trisha (Y)

LANAI Mitsunaga, Miss Teresa Anne Gonsalves, Fred Clifford (Y) Lopez, Mike Roland (Y) Ohashi, ‎ Michael‎ (Y) Albow, Al M. (Y)

LIHUE Barcelo, Michael (Y)

MAKAWAO Viramontes, Miss Lucia Marie Belmont, Miss Alexis Patricia Gomes, Eddie (Y)

MOLOKAI Schuster, Edward E. (Y)

(Cont’d on p 8)

YOUTH MEETING[edit]

More than a dozen youthful Bahá’ís from all over the island came to participate in a new kind of teaching effort in rural Oahu when the film, "It’s Just the Beginning," was shown at the KEY Youth Canteen in Kahuluu.

Before the movie, a brief and simple explanation of the Bahá’í message it contained was given by Brad Hollinger.

Elahe Vahdat, Arlene Miller and Andy Ajimine provided a lively and entertaining program of Bahá’í, Hawaiian, and other songs.

After the entertainment, cake and punch were shared while the young people socialized. The KEY Canteen in Kahuluu welcomes Bahá’í youth who are invited to drop in any evening and make new friends.


OLD LETTER[edit]

The National Archives Committee has turned over copy of a letter from the LSA of Honolulu, dated January 26, 1941.

The letter is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Freitas and was written in appreciation of the gift by them and Mr. and Mrs. Marques of the land in Waikiki which was the site of our first Bahá’í Center.

All four of these loving donors are now in the Abhá Kingdom, but because of their generosity we have today a larger Hazíratu’l-Quds.

As we look ahead to our Temple of the future we should like to quote from that letter: ‘We will arise, not at some future time but NOW, and turn to God on all occasions and in all our needs...’

SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL FUND[edit]

Contributions received during period of February 21 to March 20: Local Assemblies - 10 Groups - 0 Individuals - 16

TREASURER’S ADDRESS[edit]

Mr. Ben Ayala, Treasurer, 92-568 Palailai Street, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii. 96706 [Page 7]

UNIVERSITY CLUB[edit]

CALABASH (Hawaiian Bowl of Friendship)

The Bahá’í University Club is very active on campus and is working diligently for the Proclamation effort.

Listed among their doings are the placing of posters on University bulletin boards, with quotations by Bahá’u’lláh. These are changed weekly. Their newsletter, called "‘Abhá, runs to four pages, with 500 copies of the monthly being distributed on campus.

The Club is doing all the silk screening of posters used by the National Goals Committee in their mass teaching efforts.

Upcoming is a Naw-Ruz party, organized by the campus group. The Honolulu LSA provides financial support for the Club's proclamation activities.

PHILIPPINES[edit]

"Events here seem to be on a roller coaster -- you may be reading about our strikes and student unrest. In two days we will distribute 17,000 pamphlets on U.P. campus. Four days ago we had about 60 university students in the Hazíratu’l-Quds. With everything here on a downward spiral we feel we must seize the chance to proclaim while the political situation still has some stability, and media is free. Much could change rapidly!"

LONG HEALING PRAYER[edit]

The long Healing Prayer translated by Dr. Khan and his daughter is authentic. As it is one which, when rendered into English, loses much of its rich imagery, he does not feel it is suitable at present for inclusion in a prayer book, as non-Bahá’ís might find it rather strange. (Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to U.S. NSA dated October 25, 1947)

HAWAII NATIONAL CONVENTION APRIL 24-25[edit]

AFRICA[edit]

A letter dated February 24th, from West Africa tells of the tremendous experience their Conference has brought about. ... the aftermath ..... the whole of Liberia seems to be talking about the Faith and declarations are beginning to pour in. ..things will probably never be the same here!"

Great appreciation was expressed for the compilation on Directives of the Guardian which was delivered to the community by Wm. Foster, official representative from the NSA of Hawaii.

ALASKA[edit]

For the first time in Alaska, a non-Bahá’í used the words of Bahá’u’lláh in a church pulpit. The occasion I was the New Year's Eve service held in a Baptist chapel. The locale was Cold Bay. Former Hawaii Bahá’í Lei Chapman reports an audience of many nationalities.

CHILDREN VISIT[edit]

Members of the Honolulu Child Education Committee organized visits to King's Daughters Home and the Island Nursing Home on February 20th, as an Intercalary Days event. The children presented a program of music and dancing which was warmly received.

Mari and Lani Tamanaha performed Okinawan dances, Mary Kihano danced the hula, and Stephanie and Randall Wada played several piano selections.

After the program the small Bahá’ís presented the patients with bouquets of colorful flowers which they had made in Sunday morning classes.

NUGGETS[edit]

"If a pupil is told that his intelligence is less than his fellow pupils, it is a very great drawback and handicap to his progress. He must be encouraged to advance, by the statement: 'You are most capable and if you endeavor you will attain the highest degree." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, PUP, p. 73 [Page 8]SO. KOHALA Wight, David Allen (Y) Duffy, Terry Lamarr (Y) Mauldin, Claude R. Evans, Mrs. Eileen Kiyoko Byams, Wm. M. Byams, Mrs. Kathy L. Braley, Larry Roy (Y)

WAIANAE Gould, Dennis Jay

WAILUKU Clothier, David Martin Mann, Jas. H. Harter, Mrs. Gloria R.

WAIALUA Midkiff, Miss Mary L.

GUAM Almendinger, David Arthur Almendinger, Mrs. Star C.J. Freese, George J. Freese, Mrs. Jan Marie Dycus, Mrs. Jacqueline Pearl Paulino, William Meno

PONAPE, E. CAROLINES Jack, Desiwo Inek Makwelung, Irving John

MAJURO, MARSHALL IS. Wilson, Diamond Da Costa, Cleveland O.H. Milne, Mrs. Tokanimone

COMING EVENTS[edit]

April 24-25 - NATIONAL CONVENTION April 28 - FEAST of Jamal (Beauty) April 29 - NINTH Day of Ridvan May 2 - TWELFTH Day of Ridvan May 17 - FEAST of ‘Azamat (Grandeur) May 23 - Declaration of the Bab May 29 - Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

BAHÁ’Í WILLS[edit]

Believers may, if they wish, leave sealed copies of their wills with the Assembly for safekeeping and for checking after their passing to make certain that distribution of the estate is made in accordance with their wishes. (‎ Bahá’í News‎ #186, p. 7)

In the case of a bequest to an Assembly a copy should be given to whichever Assembly is mentioned as the recipient.

ATTENTION!![edit]

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-Wailuku), or
244-3728 (all-Maui)
Maui: - Dick Graham
Phone 879-2539 (Kihei)
or 244-3728 (all-Maui)
Molokai - Mrs. Betty Schuster
Phone 558-8144
(Kaunakakai)

A limited supply of special pictures of ‎ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá‎ will be available at the National Convention, April 24-25.

Bahá’í World, Vol. XIII, is now available on special order only, through the National Library Committee, 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu. Cost is $15.00, plus postage.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

Mr. Harry Mia of Kamuela, Hawaii, ascended to the Abha Kingdom on February 5, 1971.

"Thy trust hath been returned unto Thee." -- Bahá’u’lláh

HAWAII BAHÁ’Í NEWS (The Light of the Pacific) is published for circulation among ‎ Bahá’ís‎ only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Hawaiian, Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Islands Bahá’í communities.

HAWAII BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually-appointed Editorial Committee: Shirley Lombard, Director; Gertrude Garrida, Reviewer -Proof-reader; and Lil Hollinger.

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR "The Light of the Pacific" are $2.00 each per year to anyone outside the jurisdiction of the Hawaiian Islands. Send your money and your mailing address to: The Light of the Pacific, c/o 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. 96817.