Malaysian Bahá’í News/Volume 7/Issue 1/Text

Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1 April 1971

RIDVAN MESSAGE E 171 To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dearly loved friends,

On November 28th 1971 the Bahá’í World will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Passing of Abdu’l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant, the Ensign of the Oneness of Mankind, the Mystery of God, an event which signalised at once the end of the Heroic Age of our Faith, the opening of the Formative Age and the birth of the Administrative Order, the nucleus and pattern of the World Order of Baha’u’llah. As we contemplate the fruits of the Master’s Ministry harvested during the first fifty years of the Formative Age, a period luminated by the dynamic and beloved figures of Shoghi Effendi, whose life was dedicated to the systematic implementation of the provisions of the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Bahá and of the Tablets of the Divine Plan — the two charters provided by the Master for the administration and the teaching of the Cause of God — we may well experience a sense of awe at the prospect of the next fifty years. That first half-century of the Formative Age has seen the Bahá’í Community grow from a few hundred centres in 35 countries in 1921, to over 46-thousand centres in 135 independent states and 182 significant territories and islands at the present day, has been marked by the raising throughout the world of the framework of the Administrative Order, which in its turn has brought recognition of the Faith by many governments and civil authorities and accreditation in consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has witnessed the spread to many parts of the world of that entry by troops promised by the Master and so long and so eagerly anticipated by the friends.

A new horizon, bright with intimations of thrilling developments in the unfolding life of the Cause of God, is now discernible. The approach to it is complete victory in the Nine Year Plan. For we should never forget that the beloved Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade, the current Nine Year Plan, other plans to follow throughout successive epochs of the Formative Age of the Faith, are all phases in the iinpleinentaion of the Divine Plan of Abdu’l-Bahá, set out in fourteen of His Tablets to North America.

The Nine Year Plan is well advanced, and this Riḍván will witness the establishment of seven more National Spiritual Assemblies, five in Africa, one in South America and one in the Pacific, bringing the total number of these exalted bodies to 101. Next Riḍván the nine already announced will be formed, together with four more, one each in Afghanistan, Arabia, the Windward Islands and Puerto Rico, bringing the total to 114, six more than called for in the Nine Year Plan. The members of all National Spiritual Assemblies which will be elected at Riḍván 1972 will take part in election of the Universal House of Justice at Riḍván 1973, when an international convention will be held at the World Centre.

The Mother Temple of Latin America, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Panama, is scheduled to be completed by December 1971 and its dedication will take place at the following Riḍván.

The wonderful spirit released at the four Oceanic and Intercontinental Conferences, together with the practical benefits which accrued to the Cause from them, reinforce our high hopes that the four Conferences to be held this year will be resounding successes and result in more pioneers, more travelling teachers, greater proclamation of the Message and a raising of the spirits and devotion of the friends.

Our appeal to the friends in December 1970 for support of the Bahá’í International Fund, which had reached a serious condition due to various unforeseen circumstances, has had a magnificent response from many quarters of the world-Wide Bahá’í community, and we are heartened to believe that this manifestation of devotion and sacrifice, as it continues and becomes more widespread, will resolve tYhe cogilition that had threatened to adversely affect the attainment of cherished .goals of the Nine

ear an.

The travels and other services of the Hands of the Cause of God continually evoke our thankfulness and delight, even wonder and astonishment. Their deeds are such as to eclipse the acts of the apostles of old and to confer eternal splendour on this period of the Formative Age. On behalf of all the friends everywhere, we offer them our reverent love and gratitude. It is fitting to record here the passing, after seventy years exemplary service to the Faith, of the Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander, whose early services in Hawaii were said by the Master to be greater than if she had founded an empire.

_ Restrictive measures, directed against the Faith, and varying in severity from outright oppression to imposition of disabilities make virtually impossible the achievement of the goals of the Nine Year Plan in a number of countries, particularly in the Middle East, in North West Africa, along the fringes of _East Africa and certain areas in South East Asia. It is hoped that those Bahá’í communities which eI1J0y_ freedom to teach their Faith will so far surpass their own goals as to amply compensate for the disabilities suffered by their less fortunate brothers. The army of travelling teachers must be reinforced and the friends, particularly Bahá’í youth, are called to seriously consider how much time they can offer to the Faith during the remaining two years of the Nine Year Plan. Teaching visits of brief or long duration, deputisation of others, the undertaking of such tasks as would fi'ee other friends for teaching work, are all means of building up, in unison that final surge which will carry the Plan to victory. ’

[Page 3]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1 April 1.971

Two major objectives of the- Plan are the formation of new Local Spiritual Assemblies and the opening of new localities. 13,966 Local Spiritual Assemblies are called for; 10,360 are now in existence. 54,503 localities must claim a Bahá’í resident; 46,344 do so now. The goal is in sight, the time short. However, the growth reflected in the above statistics has not taken place at all levels and in all areas. For while a number of national communities have already achieved, or even surpassed the goals assigned to them, many face extreme difficulties in attaining theirs. With mutual help and an increase in the momentum already generated there is no doubt that the community of the Most Great Name is capable of sweeping on to total victory, thereby gaining a View of those enthralling Vistas at present beyond the horizon.

The twin processes so clearly described by the beloved Guardian in his essay “The Unfoldment of World Civilization” — the steady progress and consolidation of the Cause of God on the one hand and the progressive disintegration of a moribund world on the other — will undoubtedly impose upon us new tasks, the obligation of devising new approaches to teaching, of demonstrating more clearly to a disillusioned world the Bahá’í way of life and making more effective the administrative institutions of the Faith. The authority and influence of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be strengthened in order to deal with larger Bahá’í communities; the international character of the Cause will need to be developed, while the international terching agency at the World Centre, already referred to in previous general letters will be established.

However fascinating such considerations, which are likely to be forced upon our attention in the near future, may be, they must not deflect our energies and will from the immediate task — the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Their achievement is the best preparation for the future and the means of developing new powers and capacities in the Bahá’í community. We are confident that the Army of Light, growing in strength and unity will, by 1973, the centenary year of the revelation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, have Scaled the heights of yet another peak in the path leading ultimately to the broad uplands of the Most Great Peace.

With Loving Bahá’í Greetings, The Universal House of Justice.

{"""""'" """"'"" """"""'""" ' '"" """ '"""‘:I I RIDVAN 1971: EIGHT NEW NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES To BE ELECTED 3

HAPPY ANNOUNCE FOLLOWING HANDS CAUSE WILL REPRESENT UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE FIRST NAT-A IONAL CONVENTIONS COMING RIDVAN AMATU’L-BAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM IVORY COAST UPPER VOLTA MALI: ZIKRU’LLAH 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. CONFIDENT PRESENCE PARTICIPATION THESE STANDARD BEARERS‘ NINE YEAR PLAN HISTORIC FIRST CONVENTIONS WILL ATTRACT DIVINE BLESSINGS ASSIST NEW NATIONAL‘ COMMUNITIES BEFITTINGLY ASSUME SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES. —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

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RIDVAN 1972: FORMATION NINE ADDITIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES RAISES TOTAL TO 110

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>SCHEDULED ALL THESE AREAS SETTLE POSTS WITHOUT DELAY. CALL UPON RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES‘ >BRACE THEMSELVES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT FAST FLEETING WEEKS BEFORE COMING RIDVAN ESTABLISH 1 AS MANY ASSEMBLIES As POSSIBLE THEREBY BROADENING STRENGTHENING FOUNDATIONS PROJECTED, ,NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES FOLLOWERS MOST GREAT NAME MAY SEIZE. >UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENT HOUR AND SPARE NO EFFORT UNTIL GOALS PLAN ARE FULLY ACCOMP-4 >LISHED THEREBY ATTRACTING T0 THEMSELVES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES INESTIMABLE BLESSINGS‘ {ANCIENT BEAUTY. j

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[Page 4]Malaysian. Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

April 1.77;

Soulb Regional youth Conference

It was the largest gathering of Bahá’ís that met at the National Teaching Institute in Malacca. One hundred youths and a few adults from Singapore, Johore, Negri Sembilan, Selcingor and Malacca got together under the auspices of the National Bahá’í Youth Council for a conference on the l3th and l4th of February 1971. This was the third and the last of the youth conferences to be held for the Bahá’í year T27. The other two, the central and the northern regional conferences had been held in Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, and both had also been very well attended and sources of much fellowship and inspiration. Auxiliary Board member, Mrs. Betty Fernandez and members of the National Co-ordinating Unit had been invited from Kuala Lumpur to address the youths on various subjects. A highlight of this conference was the special tribute paid to Uncle Leong Tat Chee, Auxiliary Board Member and much loved ‘father of the Malacca community. Uncle Leong has been the rock of Malacca on whom has leaned countless believers not only from Malacca but from all over the country. The youth composed a song in his honour and garlanded him during a special session at the conference.

Before returning home to fulfil their plans of action, the youth at the conference, reminded themselves of their obligations by reading out meaningfully the pledges of loyalty and dedication that they had made at the Singapore Oceanic Conference in January '71. The Universal House of Justice in acknowledging those youth pledges, had declared that the Malaysian youth had come to the forefront in the Bahá’í Cause to prove themselves spiritual descendents of the early heroes and martyrs of the Faith. The youth were happy by their assurance of prayers at the Shrines, and by the last line of the beautiful letter, quote, "We delight in your radiance and zeal and send you our warmest love." Universal House of Justice.

inter-Youth Competitions

During the year BE T27, the NBYC had organised a number of competitions between

the different Local Bahá’í Youth Committees in the country. A poster competition on Bahá’í themes was won by Alor Star, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Then there was a stamp contribution project and this was won by Kuching, Alor Star and lpoh. An average of two hundred stamps were received each month to help with the postage of ‘Unity’, the youth newsletter. Thirteen Local Youth Committees contributed $250/— worth of stamps during the ten months preceeding April 1971.

Rose of Riḍván

The most keenly contested trophy was the Rose of Riḍván which was presented to the LBYC that was judged the best in all round activity. The name of the winner was a closely guarded secret and announced only at the Riḍván Convention. The LBYCs of Alor Star and Glendale Estate, Bahau, shared the victory.

The Keolah Newsletter, the Northern Star, reported the event with great pride and joy. The youths in Alor Star it said, “have been so earnestly looking forward to the results that some of them did not bother to find out anything else about the Convention not even who was on the NSA! A victory party has

been arranged to celebrate the event....

Representatives of the L.B.Y.Cs, of Glendale Estate and Alor Star receiving the Rose of Riḍván from Dr. Muhájir at the Riḍván Convention.

[Page 5]Mala;/siim Bahá’í ‘News Vol:7’ No.1

THJE SARAWAK

SCIENJE

Some friends in Kuchin with Professor Avaregan.

2’

News Briefs

Professor Avaregan spent about two weeks travelling in Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah early this year. During his visit he spoke at the luncheon meeting of the Kuching Jaycees, and in Sibu his arrival was well covered by the local press.

The Sarawak Library was recently presented with a set of eight Bahá’í books. These were in addition to a few that had been given previously by the L.S./\. of Kuching. The library has now set apart a separate shelf labelled BAHA'| FAITH.

Nawruz

ln Kuching, Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar played host to about T50 guests at an open house for Nawruz. The guests included the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Justice of East Malaysia,

April 1971

reported by Grete Fozdar

Presentation of Bahá’í books to Mr. Lucien de Silva of the Sarawak Library.

Judge of the High Court, and British Deputy High Commissioner among others. Many Bahá’í youths helped to make it a success.

Pioneers

Mr. Yusof Tarwala who pioneered from India at the Singapore Oceanic Conference has been able to_ obtain a years residence in Sarawak and is stationed in Mukah. He is of great assistance to the friends.

Mr. James Mangan who became a Bahá’í recently in Taiwan and attended the Oceanic Conference volunteered to travel-teach in Sarawak and has been helping in the ulus.

Flight Officer Choo Yoke Boon is now stationed in Kuching and together with his young bride Grace, are a great help in the consolidation work.

Unit Convention of the Bahá’ís of Sg. Gaat, Kapit, Sarawak.

5

[Page 6]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

Apvii 1971

<O>f fasting and feasting ....Na~ww;—’1471

The time: Mid-March 1971 The place: A book—shop anywhere in Malaya

Customer: "Do you have any New Year cards on sale? What New Year?

Do you want Easter cards, birthday cards? Father's Day cards?

Customer: "Oh never mind. . .

Salesman: "New year??

Some version of the above conversation was often related by non-Bahá’ís to their friends during Nawruz. As for the Bahá’ís themselves, they didn't bother to ask at any shop, they created their own designs ranging from funny drawings to simple dignified greetings with quotations from the Writings, and most Bahá’í Centres and many homes had pretty displays of original Nawruz cards.

Each year, the celebrations seem to take on a more special meaning, something difficult to define — both deeply spiritual yet gay and joyous. Maybe this year it had something to do with the spirit generated by the Fast. Many more Bahá’ís, young, old, new or veteran, kept the Fast and were happy to be able to. "Reioice the Fast is here" splashed the headlines of the March issue of

* =34 =3 >l< * >|<

nawruz!

’twas the lofty month of march

did you see the centre?

ceiling of red and c1'eam

purple walls

colours — fiesta blue, wild orchid,

ash grey, brilliant white;

you name them!

coloured bulbs, twinkling lights, gay buntings 200 greetings cards on display

came unity feast march 20th forty friends in forty costumes groovy! nice chicken and ice-cold ice-cream

then the big day!

joyous nawruz and a happy new year!

open houses here, there and everywhere! and the little ones how they enjoyed themselves at their own party forty kids sounded like four hundred!

night came

rain came

panic. . . .and prayers as usual

came one by one, two by two, three by three even friends from Perlis came!

ninety or more dined in cosy comfort enjoying a presentation of the faith on tape

the ‘Light of the Age’ and the friends who had vaguely feared the Fast found that when they approached it in the proper spirit, the Fast was indeed a gift of Baha'u'|lah, a special period of discipline, a time for spiritual meditation, a time for Bahá’í deepening.

Many communities held regular organised deepening sessions throughout the Fast, using material prepared thoughtfully by the National Co—ordinating Unit.

Almost all communities reported very elaborate Nawruz celebrations. The Petaling Jaya spokesmen said "80 were expected at our Nawruz buffet. T50 turned up — S.O.S. signals went up.... everything turned out fine in the end. . . (I wonder how?) Kuala Lumpur had its own grand dinner party; Penang had a community Feast at the Centre on the 20th night and on the 2151‘ they booked practically the whole of the Sky—Room at one of the leading hotels for a dinner and Dance. The Orchestra and the Management publicly wished the Bahá’ís a happy New Year.

The following excerpts from a poem by Chon_g_ Boo Haw in the ‘Northern Star’ describing the festivities in Alor Star, convey the spirit of Nawruz as it was celebrated in most parts of Malaysia.

3‘ * * * =l< >|:

dinner over, friends depart

(not before a friend declared!) more surprises were in store

six friends came from butterworth (in time to wash the dishes?) followed by five from sungei patani what a happening!

but what a sorrowful pity

we missed our uncle naga

who rested alone in the hospital* (he’d rather miss one nawruz

than future nawruzes!)

anyway

there was gaiety in the air

as friends from far and near mingle you know baha’is

we love to talk

and then

over fifty posed for a picture (did you smile?) before we said good-night

and allah~u-abha!

Mr. Naqrlratnam, one of the pillars of Alor

Star rmrl an N.S.A_ member. was taken ill with a. mild heart attack. As this issue goes to the _7)re.ss we are hapmi to report that he is much better and back at work.

[Page 7]Malaysian Baha/1', News Vol:?' No.1

April 1971

fl\NMlSli\N ROUNDUP

MALACCA

With the election of the L.S.A. of Bukit Baru, Malacca made Bahá’í history this Riḍván. For the first time two Local Assemblies were formed in the place of the one that came into existence sixteen years ago when Dr. and Mrs. K.M. Fozdar took the Faith into that quiet corner of the country. The Local Spiritual Assembly of Bukit Baru is outside the Municipal limits of Malacca town and the Bahá’í Centre is at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Dharmalingam. This area is mainly populated by Chinese and the friends have been trying for the last two years to open it up — Now with the injunction from the Universal House of Justice to “enroll large numbers of the talented Chinese race," a special effort was made and the new L.S.A. came into being. This was possible largely through the results of the pamphlet distribution campaign to which a fair number responded, most of whom were Chinese.

The home of Uncle and Aunty Leong Tat Chee in 31 St. Johns Hill is the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Malacca. From this Centre the members of the Area Teaching Committee went forth and helped to elect or re‘-elect l9 Local Assemblies in the State

Some of celebrate the Intercalary Days. Leong Tat Chee, whose ill health has been of great

the Malacca friends who gathered to Beloved Uncle

concern to the friends, is seen back.

standing at the

The first Local Spiritual Assembly of Bukit Barn, Malacca, Riḍván 1971.

Front Row L. to R: Mrs. S. Nair, Mrs. Mary Dharmalin,<.ram, Dr, Dharmalingam, Mr. S. Nair. Standing L. to R: Miss Lim Poh Neo, Mdm. Leong Chiew Lan, Mr. Goh Khye Seng, Mdm. Leong Oi Leen, Miss Koh Ai Leen_

of Malacca. When the Bahá’í history of Malaya is written, Malacca will feature in its most exciting pages for this quiet little place has seen the birth of some spiritual giants, quite a few of whom have left her shores to pioneer to near and distant lands, Both of Ma|aya’s Auxiliary Board Members Mr. Leong Tat Chee and Mrs. Betty Fernandez, are from Malacca and one of her pioneers Mr. Vasudevan who went to India, is a Continental Counsellor of the North West Asian Zone.

NEGERI SEMBILAN

When Mr. Sabapathy left Malaya a few years ago to pioneer to India, it was Negri Sembilan which missed him the most while feeling proud that one of her sons was serving Baha'u'llah in another land. Circumstances brought him back home for a few months and in between his arrival and departure for his next pioneering post in Thailand, Seremban has been happy to have both Saba and his wife and child take part in all their activities. Saba was the main speaker at a state youth conference where the young Bahá’ís were given a first hand picture of what it means to be a pioneer.

[Page 8]Mu.laysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

Malaysian Roundup continued.

Among other special events held in Negri was a Women's Conference on March 28th at which Auxiliary Board Member Betty Fernandez was a guest speaker. The conference was chaired by Mrs. Yong.

Riḍván

Negri Sembilan reports that all Nineteen L.S.A.'s in the state have been re-elected this Riḍván with one new Assembly in Mantin.

Pioneer leaves. Mr. G.A. Naidu of Bahau has left as a pioneer to India and if arrangements can be made, he plans to take his family and settle there for a long period. The N.S.A. of India has been very anxious for someone to open up the Telugu speaking territories of the South and with the departure of Mr. Naidu, Malaysia is happy to be fulfilling one of her goals in the Nine Year Plan.

KEDAH

The Kedah-Perlis Newsletter which has taken the name “Northern Star" is looked forward to not only by all the Bahaiis of Malaysia's two northern-most states, but by her believers now settled elsewhere in the country and in other parts of the world. Chock-full of lively youth news, conferences, teaching trips, deepening classes, regular firesides, announcements of marriages, births and new declarations, it is a good barometer of the healthy Bahá’í climate of Kedah and

,/lpril 1.971

Perlis. Over Riḍván a total number of Nineteen L.$.A.s were elected including six new Assemblies. Prior to this, the Unit Convention—cum—youth—conference drew a record number of one hundred and forty friends from all over the State. This support was due to the sustained efforts of a strong Area Teaching Committee based in Alor Star but keeping its finger on the pulse of state-wide groups and assemblies through a network of consultative sub-A.T.C.s.

Another field which gives the Northern Star great pleasure is pioneering. Mr. Maheswaran of Patani Para left for India in March 1971 thereby helping to fulfil one of Malaysia's international goals. Miss Kamachee of Alor Star is assisting at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds prior to her departure for Tanzania, another of Malaysia’s goals. Mr. Gunasegaran did a short term in East Malaysia, and Mr. and Mrs. Choo Yoke Boon have settled in Sarawak. Mr. Perumal has just returned from Thailand owing to visa problems, and Mr. Muthiah is doing a herculean task among the Aslis under the homefront pioneering scheme. Mr. Yin Hong Shuen and Mr. Teh Teik Hoe are getting ready to leave for Hongkong and Mr. and Mrs. Teh Teik Chow have volunteered to go to Thailand should circumstances permit. It is no wonder that the pages of the Northern Star are filled with joyful notes.

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Friends drove over seventy miles from Knching to Kg. Snnggai Kura to attend the wedding of an Iban youth, Suli Ak Achang. In this photo taken by Grete Fozdar, are Grace Choo (extreme right) and Nita Sundram from Singapore and Gunasegaran from Alor Star (extreme left).

On behalf of the Vietnamese believers, Auxilia1'y

Board Member Nguyen Va11 Loi presented a beautiful Greatest Name to Counsellor Yan Kee Leong who accepted it on behalf of the NSA of Malaysia. The presentation took place in Saigon during the Riḍván Convention.

[Page 9]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

SINGAPORE

After all the excitement of the Oceanic Conference the great task that lay ahead of the Bahá’ís of Singapore was to see that the fire was kept burning and not allowed to die down — for Singapore is a big city and all big cities have problems.

The lntercalary days were highlighted by joyous group participation which climaxed in a big celebration at Nawruz. Dr. and Mrs. Dean were specially honoured at this function as they were due to leave Singapore after Riḍván and the friends wished to say a _big thank—you to them for all their assistance.

Came Riḍván and the rush was on. Members of the National Coordinating Unit and Auxiliary Board Member Betty Fernandez, visited and inspired the Area Teaching Committee to go all out to maintain the five assemblies which had been elected the

previous year with so much effort and sacrifice.

The friends went all out and there was great excitement as news got round that seven assemblies were possible!

After Riḍván, members of the N.C.U.

visited Singapore to explain the details of Dr. Mohajir’s giant plan.

April 1971

They managed to visit a few islands and make some contacts. Reporting on the conference, Seelari writes: "Knowing how busy everybody is in Singapore, I was worried about arrangements for the Conference but the friends assured us that everything had been done . . . . .. Soon the familiar faces arrived. We greeted, exchanged news. . .. Then a few cars arrived and we could not recognise them... . Who were they? These were some of the many new friends who had signed up recently. . ..

For the conference, a tent was erected in the garden and we had more than forty people not including two visitors from India, Mr. Williams and Mr. Patel, both of Air India, and Yusoff‘ Ta_rwaIa pioneer to Sarawak who was in Singapore for a few days

The conference was wonol_e|'fUl, <?V9"Y‘ body participated. Translation in Tamil was done simultaneously. Many questions, problems etc. were discussed and then they began

to move — To implement the plan, they formed. eleven teams.... we had some interesting names for the teams — The

Paymen Team’, ‘The Hawaiians’.... and a group of older Bahá’ís who called themselves ‘The Young Ones’.

The N.C.U. is now eagerly awaiting reports from the Singapore teams.

EW5& §i*Ec'

RIDVAN CONVENTION VIETNAM

Continental Counsellor Yan Kee Leong flew from Singapore to attend the Riḍván

Convention in Saigon which was as usual very well

attended and publicised.

Mr. Yan Kee Leong was very ill soon after the Oceanic Conference, so it was a matter of great joy that he was well enough to attend the Convention.

[Page 10]Illulaysian BalL(i’£ News Vol:7 No.1

Sarawak leads again

Bahá’í booth at the Trade Fair

Many exciting ‘firsts’ have taken place in Sarawak,*and West Malaysians have heard and read with ioy, of regular radio broadcasts, extensive newspaper publicity, and of proclamation to the highest dignitaries in the land. Now Sarawak boasts another glorious ‘first' — For three full weeks starting from March 27th l97l, the Bahá’ís manned a booth at the Sarawak Trade Fair, and enjoyed a new form of proclamation (new for Malaysia, though it has been done in Europe and America before). Thousands of people flocked to the Fair from all over <uching, and none could have missed the big bold sign "Bahá’í Faith" which announced the booth. It contained an interesting book display and many attractive posters. The main attraction was a slide show which drew people like a magnet. As people crowded round to take a peek at the slides and glance at the books and posters, they were handed a pamphlet each with a prepaid reply card. This gave the Bahá’ís of Kuching a unique and dignified opportunity of distributing their pamphlets, and in this way more than 7000 pamphlets in Chinese and English were given OU'i'.

am:

Crowds gathered to view the slide show at the Bahá’í booth at the Trade Fair.

Those days were really days of spiritual feasting for the Bahá’ís, because they provided unlimited and pleasant opportunities for introducing and teaching the Faith. The

April 1071

Bahá’ís explaining a pamphlet to an enquirer at the Fair.

enjoyed this stimulating contact with interested enquirers. The friends were organised on a roster basis to man the booth, but so thrilled was everyone with the response, that even when they were not on duty, they came back to help with the teaching, thereby deepening themselves without special deepening classes. Every night would find Bahá’ís like Boon, Thina, Guna, Yong, Grace, and of course DI‘. and Mrs. Fozdar in deep discussions with enquirers, frequently from the Seventh Day Adventist group who had a booth a few yards from the Bahá’ís. It was both exciting and frustrating trying to tell them that the Christ they were waiting for had already returned!

The end of the Trade Fair would have found business stall—holders possibly richer by a few thousand dollars. As for the Bahá’í stall, it was perhaps the only one that wasnt selling anything. . .. except some gems of priceless value, and they were given away free! But the friends who manned the booth had gained much spiritual wealth,. . .. and for those who had accepted the Message, a rich new life lay ahead.

A few have already declared, and a number are attending firesides and youth meetings regularly. About two hundred reply cards have already been received. How far-reaching the effects will finally be, no one knows, but it is fun to look ahead.

(Reported by Nita. Sundram, who spent a part

I of her Umversity vacation in Kztclzing arul was very ltappy to have been able to shwre m tins great

Bahá’ís of Kuching rallied round happily and } ‘?'17;rocIa7nat'ion in Sarawak).

[Page 11]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

April 1971

IT'S HAPPENING IN THE UNITED STATES!

.OOCm_avSS

Like a hungry flame, news of the new Faith of God spread itself from town to town and village to village across nearly ten thousand square miles of Carolina farmland.

Inspired by the cry of “Win Increasing Numbers,” a meager handful of Bahá’ís -— many of whom had come from distances — spread out from Dillon, South Carolina, seeking souls who would respond to their message: “Have you heard the good news?... God has sent a new Prophet to the world... His name is Baha’u’llah, The Glory of God... His Laws will eliminate poverty, prejudice, injustice. . . ”

And the souls responded. On the first day, a week before Christmas, a few hundred. By the holiday itself, nearly two thousand. In a few more days, four thousand. And the teaching goes on; increasing numbers are being won.

The new believers themselves can best tell the story, and it is perhaps their soul-felt comments that will endure in the history of these days as told in future ages.

“Lord, Lord — I’ve waited all my life to hear this message” is frequently their response, often accompanied by tears of joy and happiness. “‘Please, come with me to tell my mother” is another. “Please, you give me one of those (pamphlets), so I can tell my friends about this?” is heard. “The world needs this —— I hope it isn’t too late.” And: “I’d like to join. I guess it won’t do any harm.”

Many of the new Bahá’ís dropped whatever they were doing and joined their new friends, leading them to neighbours, relatives and acquaintances. Success is added to success, victory to victory.

Inspiring stories are told and retold at the end of each day. One tiny lady, a widow who who has served Baha’u’llah for most of her life, was trying to talk to two husky men standing atop a platform on the back of a trash-collection truck. They couldn’t hear What she was trying to say -— the truck was making too much noise. Without even thinking about it, the little woman climbed up beside them, and told them of Baha’u’llah. Both joined the Faith on the spot.

One team of Bahá’í teachers spent a whole half-day trying to get from one end of a twoblock-long street to the other. They never did get all the way, but that street now has '74 new Bahá’ís among its residents.

Music is important. Everyone sings the praises of Baha’u’llah, often in songs composed while they teach. Some carry guitars. They gather crowds wherever they go, and the crowds become Bahá’ís. The new believers disappear for a moment, and

teaching in the south....

come back leading others who also wish to become Bahá’ís.

Ministers of small churches meet Bahá’ís on the streets, and invite them to come and sing their songs and tell their story to their congregations. It has happened that the congregation became Bahá’í and the minister, too.

Meetings are held every evening in a rented hall in Dillon. There are frequent interruptions as teams of Bahá’í teachers come in from nearby towns, present a dozen or a score or a hundred new enrolment cards to the chairman, eat something (if time allows), and go back out to meetings in those same little towns. They return again sometimes well after midnight — with another handful of enrolments and another story of the miracles God is performing in the Carolinas.

Comfort is not important. The weather is often freezing cold, drizzling with rain or blown with snow. The Bahá’ís sleep in uncomfortable and crowded quarters, eat food they couldn't describe ten minutes later, and teach, teach, teach. And the people respond respond, respond.

Sometimes the ground is fertile, and the first day’s teaching in a brand-new city will yield 100 new believers. The second day, 150 will respond. Sometimes, it is infertile. Nobody will respond, even after three or four days. Like the early Christians, the Bahá’ís literally “shake the dust of that place off their feet," and move on. Souls are waiting.

The Book of Acts in the New Testament the story of how the Disciples spread the message of Christ across Asia and through the Mediterranean —— is a source of inspiration, wisdom and comfort. It is the same today — in a new Age, with a new message from a new Manifestation of God.

Some of the teachers have to return to their homes, to take up again jobs, responsibilities, duties.

Others come — from Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Georgia, anywhere —- to take their places. The harvest is waiting, and workers are

needed.

Messages crackle back and forth between the site of this bountiful garden and Haifa and Wilmette, and to Bahá’í communities all across America. Telegrams, letters, telephone calls bring inspiration, guidance and the promise of reinforcement. Mass teaching conferences are already planned in Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and other states.

And in reality every place a Bahá’í travels can be a place where hundreds of souls can be found who will respond to the healing, all-powerful message of Baha’u’llah.

(reprinted from Bahá’í News March 1971)

ll

[Page 12]Malai/siari. Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

RIDVAN ELECTIONS IN SARAWAK (reported by Aux, Bd. Member Grete Fozdar)

Like every year Sarawak was faced with the great problem of organizing L.S.A. elections in the ulus of all five Divisions. Valiant pioneers from W. Malaysia arose to assist us in the task. Together with Maniam, Krishnan and Kuppusamy who have been here for some time, Kanagaratnam, Machambo and Guna arrived to contribute their share and enter into Sarawak's wild iungles.

Everybody had their own headaches and difficulties to overcome. Some we re hampered by lack of river transport while others had to trudge through pouring rain, but their dedication to serve Baha'u'llah and the prayers of the friends saw them through most problems.

There were two things which cheered US up tremendously during and immediately after Riḍván, firstly, Sibu, Sarawak's second

April 1.97.1.

largest town, and the centre of its biggest division, (the third division) elected their LSA for the first time this year, and all the friends were iubilant. Mrs. Grace Choo courageously flew to Sibu to assist the friends, although she is a very young Bahá’í herself and has never taken part in any election before.

Secondly, the pioneers in Sarawak were able to watch with great satisfaction the growing part that native believers were playing in the spread and consolidation of the Faith among their fellowmen. The election of l5 LSAs in the lst Division were conducted almost entirely by native believers, many of them assisting their own and other communities. Among the active workers were Sapong, Christopher Kunau, Renai, Numpang, Macmillan Bau, Smith Ottan, Dido, Edmund Anggau and Ekom.

Everybody worked hard but the results were still not good enough. With the aid of Bahá’u’lláh we will surely be able to fulfill the goals of the 9 year plan.*

Would you believe it?

_ If on April Zlst as you turn on the radio for the midday news bulletin, the first headline news item that is announced goes something like this "Today 10,000 Bahá’ís in

about 240 localities are celebrating the First Day of Riḍván....” continues to give further details ending up by reporting

bulletin spiritual

and the

that elections of

assemblies are taking place all over the country...”

Can such a thing happen in our time? announce the Riḍván elections as headline news? but this year..

before this century is over? And guess where?

Would any country in the world today Maybe ten years hence? Maybe

_ ..?! Well, believe it or not, it did happen! Right here in our own country — No, not in West Malaysia but over

in East Malaysia, where on April 21st 1971 Radio Sarawak made its way into a corner of Bahá’í history with lust such a Riḍván announcement.

_ What was even more thrilling for the believers in Kuching, especially the resident pioneers John and Grete Fozdar, was that the news item was not sent in by the Bahá’ís, but that an Official from the radio station phoned up on his own, to get the relevant

details. Note to West Malaysians

(Bahá’í Holy Days are listed in the Sarawak Gazette and the Sarawak Almanac.)

The unfinished goals of our Nine Year Plan are in beautiful East Malaysia where

there are ninety more L.S.As to be formed in Sarawak and five more in Sabah.

In some countries of the world, the unfinished goals lie almost in desert land

where every inch of the ground has to be broken —- But here at our doorstep, the field is so fertile, and the harvest just ready to be picked — only dedicated workers are required — Pioneer power must move East to assist the native believers till they are ready to take over full responsibility. Pioneering may never be this easy again....

"l2

[Page 13]ltmlrzysian Bahá’í News Vol:7‘ No.1

Greetú1gs from Gambia

I never for a moment thought that I would ever be privileged to be with Hand of the Cause, Amatu’l—Baha again. When I first met Amatu’l-Bahá in 1963 at Port Dickson during a summer school I had no idea at all of her great station. Since then so much has happened and I have learned to appreciate many things I did not know before.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Continental Conference in Monrovia, Liberia. What a wonderful and soul stirring conference it was! All of us heard Hand of the Cause Olinga speak through the telephone hook—up from Singapore. It was this conference which created the wonderful opportunity of meeting beloved Hand Amatu’l-Bahá. At a certain point Rúḥíyyih Khánum wanted to know, through Violet Nakhiavani, who I was. She was so happy and proud that I came from Malaysia, and she began to recollect the times she spent with many of the friends there. She remembers every one she met during her stay in Malaysia.

National Convention

Amatu’l—Baha had an unprepared schedule to come to Gambia. She was not even going to attend our Convention, but God was so kind to us and He planned otherwise. The highlight of the Convention was the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá herself. ‘We had about sixty believers including Counsellor Mr. H.R. Ardekani, Board Member Kouchekzadeh and twenty four delegates.

Amatu’l—Baha, Violet Nakhiavani and a young Persian girl, Guilda Navidi, arrived in Gambia two weeks prior to the National Convention and immediately marched in the fore-front of the army of Baha'u'llah, encouraging and guiding some very new young believers to go about teaching and deepening the friends. During the seventeen day visit of the Hand, we had almost a hundred declarations. It should be noted that Rúḥíyyih Khánum herself was present at the formation of a few Assemblies. At one of the elections, the Hand said, "You

13

April 197!

A. K cmniyah

don't know how hapov I feel just to hand out these ballot papers to the believers. I have never formed Assemblies in my life."

Counsellor Dr. William Maxwell Jr. happened to visit Gambia at the same time and was able to participate in all the special events that took place. The most important event was a courtesy call on the President, Sir Dawda Jawara to whom the ‘Proclamation of Baha’u'Ilah' was presented. There was

quite fantastic publicity over Radio Gambia, commercial radio and in the Press.

Hand of the Cause, Amatul—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum with members of the newly elected N.S.A. of Upper West Africa Riḍván 1971. Standing extreme left is A. Kaxmiyah, pic-neer from Malaysia.

This humble servant has been re-elected on the N.S.A. of Upper West Africa and is serving as the secretary of the Assembly. (Countries: Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, Portuguese Guinea and Cape Verde Islands) We are very happy that in this N.S.A. the African believers are in the majority unlike last year.

I must thank the N.S.A. of Malaysia for remembering me and sendinn without fail the Nineteen Day Feast letter, through which I feel very close in spirit to the friends back home. The Malaysian Bahá’í News is so wonderful especially the last issue on the Oceanic Conference; I am eagerly looking forward to the next copy.

[Page 14]IVIal(11/sian Bahá’í Ne-ms Vol:7 No.1

April 1.071

Continental Conference in Monrovia, Liberia

From January l-3, l97l, the "highly blessed continent" of Africa witnessed a gathering and mingling of peo le of different racial, religious and nationa backgrounds in a spirit of sincere love, radiant unity and true brotherhood. This was the Continental Conference of Africa called by The Universal House of Justice. Such gatherings are rare in the history of Africa.

Pre—conference publicity

A few days before the Conference the words "Bahá’í Continental Conference of Africa," on large banners, caught the eyes of people from the airport, for a streamer was across the top of the Ducor International Hotel, the highest building in the city. Posters, 500 of them, were seen on walls all over Monrovia. Radio and television announcements began telling about the approaching Conference. The Liberian Star, Monrovia’s leading newspaper, began to publicize the Faith. On December T8, it had a release in which there was an introduction to the teachings of Baha'u'llah and a brief history of the Faith. Another article appeared on December 29. After the press conference of Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, the whole center spread was devoted to the Faith which headlined “Human Society Approaching World Unity", and with sub-heads "A Message of Love, Peace and Unity." Other newspapers also carried good stories about the Faith. Radio and television publicized the Faith. Rúḥíyyih Khánum had one television interview and two on radio. On December 28, she gave a press conference attended by fifteen newsmen. It was scheduled for twenty minutes but it was prolonged to an hour and thirty minutes. At the end, it had nearly changed into a fireside. For an entire week Liberians heard about the Faith over the air through television and in the press. In fact, the topic of many non—Bahá’í gatherings was the Bahá’í Faith.

Friends from thirty—seven countries, from Hawaii to Persia, arrived in Monrovia by air and by land. Some of the African friends arrived in Monrovia singing “Allah—u—Abhá” while passing through the streets. The place chosen for the Conference was the campus of the University of Liberia, which became a spiritual meeting place. Here on Thursday evening, December 31, a Unity Feast was

14

held. The Unity Feast as well as the entire Conference was blessed by the presence of Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, the special respresentative of the Universal House of Justice.

Beginning of the Conference

On Friday morning, January l, the Conference began with prayers. At the same time prayers were being said by members of The Universal House of Justice at the Holy Shrines; also friends at the Singapore Conference in the Far East joined in asking Baha'u'llah to shower His inspiration and confirmation upon the Bahá’í world for the fulfilment of the Nine Year plan and the victory of the Cause of God.

Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke about mass conversion and pointed out that the continent of Africa was dearly loved by the Guardian. She said that anyone who visits the Shrine of Shoghi Effendi in London will see a column with a globe of the world on the top, and on top of the globe is an eagle which faces toward Africa. This is a sign of the Guardian's love and great hopes for Africa.

On Saturday, January 2, Rúḥíyyih Khánum again spoke about mass conversion. She stressed the point that nothing can take the place of the Words of Baha'u'llah stating that they are the refuge for mankind. She reminded Conference participants that the Guardian has told us many times that we must teach with the methods used by ‘Abdu'l—Baha. We should read His talks. They are simple and clear —— like pure water. She cautioned that we should realize the administration is the means, not the end. She said that Shoghi Effendi has told us again and again that he was not omniscient, but shared with ‘Abdu'l—Baha infallibility in interpreting the Words of Baha'u'llah. “Over and over" she continued "I have seen the flashes of lightning when he was warmed by a power that was not his own. I saw that he was always guided by God. He knew some things that he had no way of knowing. No one can claim to have the station of the Guardian. We are so far from the station of Shoghi Effendi that in comparison with us he is a sun and we are the dust."

[Page 15]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

Monrovia Conference continued

Intercontinental Telephone Call. Suddenly, at 9-30 a.m., R u h i yy i h Khánum's talk was interrupted by the telephone call from Singapore — friends from the opposite side of the planet, Bahá’ís from the yellow race sending a message of love and unity to a Conference in Africa. It was like a miracle. It was a time of witnessing the fulfilment of the prophecies of the ancient seers — the hearts of people of different colors and continents beating with love for each other, even though they had never seen one another. Hands of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Dr. Muhájir exchanged greetings with those in Singapore on behalf of the African Conference.

Public Reception

A reception was given at the Intercontinental Hotel for government officials, newsmen and foreign ambassadors in Liberia who mingled with the friends in a cordial atmosphere. That evening the Mayoress of the city of Monrovia, Mrs. Ellen Sandamanie, addressed the Conference. She expressed her wish that the Bahá’í Faith could bring peace for all mankind and hoped the Conference deliberations would be. guided by prayer. At the end of her talk she cordially invited the friends to a civic reception in the City Hall in honor of the Bahá’í delegates.

/1 pril 1971

Monrovia Press Report

The Vice-President of Liberia, Dr. William R. Tolbert, formerly Presidents of the Baptist World Alliance, in addressing the Monrovia Bahá’í Conference according to the Liberian Sunday Digest front page account (January 3, 1971) "expressed the hope that the results of the Bahá’í Conference will be far—reaching and beneficial to mankind. Dr. Tolbert noted that it was because love dominated the consciousness of Baha'u'llah that He wrote letters to the Kings and rulers of the earth admonishing them to promulgate the law

of God."

At the top of the front page in the same publication was the headline "The Bahá’í World Family." This article begins: “By virtue of its creative, regulative and ennobling energies, the Bahá’í Faith has gathered people of different races, nationalities and creeds beneath its shadow. It has changed the hearts of these followers, dissolved their prejudices, calmed their worldly desires, enlightened their minds, ennobled their motives, coordinated their efforts and changed their outlook.... The universal and high degree of love which the followers of Baha'u'|lah feel for their fellow men, regardless of race, class, creed or nation is neither a mysterious nor artificial thing. It is spontaneous and genuine.... To the Bahá’ís, it can be truly said that every foreign land is a fatherland for their citizenship is in the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah (the Glory of God.)"

Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum (centre) with some of the friends who attended the Convention in Bathurst, Gambia during the election of the NSA of Upper West Africa (see story page 13).

15

[Page 16]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

[HEW Ellllfl/lEl)lxiS

Yes, we should have suspected it. We should have known This was the first time Hand of the

Cause Muhájir had ever let us know the time and flight he would be arriving on.

So there we were, the NSA secretary, Auxiliary Board Member, National Coordinating Unit, National Bahá’í Youth

Council, Information Service, Asli Committee members — all gleefully gathered at Subang International Airport on April Qlst T971 to meet the 9-55 plane from Bangkok. Our forthcoming National Convention was all planned: annual reports ready, the Riḍván election reports were exceeding our expectations, the next ATC — LSA teaching plans were ready, emphasis was on Chinese teaching, pioneers were getting ready to go to the foreign field. Yes, the Malaysian Bahá’í ship looked trim and tidy for inspection.

After we had all been lovingly greeted by Dr. Muhájir, we jumped into our cars and headed for the Petaling Jaya Center for what we thought would be some good old-fashioned Bahá’í fellowship. But when we were all gathered, the mood became one of quiet expectation — like the calm before the storm, the hush before the battle, the darkness before the light. The Hand of the Cause talked, weaving stories of the Master with accounts of what other areas in the world were doing to spread the Faith. In Europe the youth will have a conference this summer with 500 attending. They will

16

April 1.971

go forth and teach and hold a conference the following summer with l,000 go forth and teach and hold another conference the next summer with 2,000 Bahá’í Youth. In India the friends are going to walk every road, taking the Message of Baha'u'llah to every village. He showed us a beautiful pamphlet produced for India's campaign, and a new, introductory book on the Faith by Mrs. Faizi. He cited what the Guardian directed on teaching through literature.

By then we were a bit numb. The ship we thought was so trim and tidy and ready to launch on the next phase of the Divine Plan obviously was not the vessel for the voyage. Not strong enough to weather the new seas or large enough to hold the passengers that would clamor to board the ark of deliverance.

So on with new plans. Dr. Muhájir had already given us some dimensions and materials: accent on youth, one million pamphlets, bring the Message to every village, town and kampong in Malaysia by the end of the Nine Year Plan.

The next evening we convened at National Headquarters. Youth had been especially requested to attend. There Hand of the Cause showed us the scale of operation and added more dimension to the plan: Movement, just movement of Bahá’ís from place to place exerts a spiritual impact. . .. so MOVE. Pioneer. The further away you go, the greater the reward. Travel teach throughout Southeast Asia from Singapore to Vientianne. Ride. Run. Walk over every

[Page 17]Malaysiaii Is‘alia.’i' News Vol:7 No.1

road in Malaysia. Sail to all the inhabited off—shore islands. Fly to Hong Kong, Saigon, Rangoon. Arise and go forth armed with the power of the Greatest Name. Awaken and quicken the world. Bring the Chinese into the Faith in groups.

Before the Oceanic Conference our goal had been to distribute half a million pamphlets. This time the goal is to take the message of Baha'u'llah to every stratum of society using literature to support our efforts.

The Hand of the Cause left — and there we were. The parts, the pieces, the rough outline of a plan was there. We were to formulate a plan that the NSA and Board Members would finalize the next night and present to the Eighth National Convention the following afternoon.

Ah, the Convention. What a friendly‘ time we had planned. Prayers and messages. Devotions and announcements. Introductions and loving greetings. Reports and recommendations. Teas and a social night.

Forget‘ That’s for the sleeping world, not the SpII”!lUC1l conquest of the planet.

At the Convention after the reading of the inspiring Universal House of Justice Message, the plan was announced in three basic_ parts Homefront goals, lsland teaching and the Chinese campaign. The ship had been built, now it needed the crew to man it. And the volunteers came from the 200 friends and delegates assembled _. . . .one by one. . . .each encouraged by all in attendance. Chinese believers arose in an overwhelming response, travel teaching teams volunteered to open islands, the Aslis promised to carry the Faith throughout the iungle. It was the time for tears and cheers. The Hand of the Cause was leading us on, drawing forth the potential of the Malaysian Bahá’í Community. The Board and Spiritual Assembly members encouraging us to greater deeds of service.

Then the Convention was over, the goodbyes and Allah'u'abhas echoed in the hall. Now it_ was time to mobilize the entire community. _ The plan was so big it included every Bahá’í.

That evening the Central Consultative Council held its first meeting. Specific plans for Asli teaching, Singapore, East Malaysia,

17

Aylril 1.971

and West Malaysia had to be made. Conferences had to be held immediately to form the teams to go to the islands and up and down the roads. So urgent was the need for action that Dr. Muhaier kept us in our seats for five hours until we got the iob finalized. There was no time for a tea break that night. We drank our tea and munched our biscuits while acting. Action. Now. Double the number of Bahá’ís in Malaysia in the next two years. Proclaim. Teach. Consolidate.

At the writing of this article it is less than one month since the Convention. Conferences have been held throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Every mile of the roads has been assigned for opening to the Faith. As Bahá’ís go into the jungle in Pahang, others dock at a longhouse in Sarawak; while another team leaves Sungei Patani for an estate, another from Kuantan goes to a kampong while another team climbs the flats of Queenstown, others walk the road from lpoh to Seremban or from Muar to Malacca.

Yes, we should have suspected it. lWe should have known it.

We should have known in Riḍván _of 1967 when the Universal House of Justice said: “World-wide proclamation, the unknown sea on which we must soon SCttl, will add another dimension to our work, a dimension which will, as it develops, complement and reinforce the twin processes of expansion and consolidation. . . "For more than a century we have toiled to teach the Cause; heroic sacrifices, dedicated services, prodigious efforts have been made inorder to establish the outposts of the Faith in the chief countries, territories and islands of the earth and to raise the framework of the Administrative Order around the planet. But the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh remains, as yet, unknown to the generality of men. Now ‘at last, at long last, the world—wide community of the Most Great Name is called upon to launch, on a global scale and to every stratum of human society, an enduring and intensive proclamation of the healing message that the Promised One has come and that the unity and well—being of the human race is the purpose of His Revelation."

Reported by E. Gibson of the N.C.U.

[Page 18]Mala;/siati Bahá’í News Vol: 7 No.1

tli Il£=l‘D’l]l’llIl[éllL.

In the beginning, accommodation for only fifty friends was booked at the Third Residential College of the University of Malaya where the Eighth Annual Malaysian Convention was to be held on April 24th and 25th, T971.

No Counsellors were scheduled to be present as all three of them were going to be abroad, Mr. Payman to Burma, Mr. Yankee Leong to Vietnam and Dr. Chellie Sundram possibly to Laos. No one had counted on the unexpected arrival of the beloved Hand Dr. Muhájir (see story page 16) and when the Convention actually opened, the hall was packed with over two hundred delegates and friends, Counsellors Mr. Payman and Mr. Yankee Leong, Auxiliary Board Members, Mr. Leong Tat Chee and Be_tty Fernandez. The organising committee ran around in circles getting everything straightened out and were happily resigned to a complete turnabout of their carefully planned programme.

It was a grand Convention. Everything that had to be done got done and much more was accomplished, in an atmosphere of eager exhilarating participation. Some 18

EIVE Jllltllil

April 1971

Eighth National Convention of Malays

where in—between the programme, the Annual Report was distributed and the National Secretary commented on various items. The new National Spiritual Assembly was elected. Delegates presented resolutions. . .. the Fund was a subject of discussion and contributions were collected.

A well—planned social programme also took place with a delightful children's fashion show, lovely dances and a wellactea' play on Varqa. The highlight of the evening was a hilariously comic sketch during which the audience was doubled up with

A. Singam, Govind and Ravichandran presenting the “Malaysian Dawn-breakers”.

[Page 19]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

laughter as three K.L. youths presented the ‘Malaysian Dawnbreal<ers' a history of the

Faith in Malaya in words and music composed for the occasion.

After devotions on Sunday morning, a beautiful memorial programme was held in honour of the late Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander who passed away early in the year. Friends were surprised to learn that Enoch Olinga’s favourite thought about the Master being more concerned over the soldiers in the frontline than in the rear, was actually from a tablet written to Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander.

April 197/

La, April 24th and 25th 1971, held at the University of Malaya — Kuala Lumpur.

Aboriginal Participation

There was a very large representation of delegates from the jungles of Malaysia. Many of them were familiar faces from previous conventions but there were also several who were quite new and very thrilled at being with such a large body of believers. Translations were arranged for them and they played their part in the elections with earnestness and understanding. A most encouraging feature of the aboriginal participation was the regular contribution of funds from many Asli communities to the National Fund.

Some of the Asli friends came as families to the Convention.

19

more girls and women among the Aslis who attended the Riḍván Convention this year.

There were many

[Page 20]Malaysian Bahá’í News VOI.'7 No.1

The tellers hard at work —- L, to R. S. L. Thevar, Kenneth Mak, Koh Ai Leen and Maureen Cluia.

Election of the National Spiritual Assembly

Passages from the Writings were read, tellers were appointed and in an atmosphere of prayerful calm, the delegates cast their votes for the new National Assembly. When the results were announced a great cheer went up from the assembled friends:- The new members were as follows:

Dr. John Fozdar Mr. S. Bhaskaran Mr. I. Chinniah T Mr. Appu Raman Mrs. Shantha Sundram Mrs. George Lee Mr. S. Nagaratnam Dr. M.M. Sreenivasan Mr. K. Rajah

At the first meeting of the new Assembly, the following were elected as office bearers: Chairman: Mr. Appu Raman Vice-Chairman: Mrs. Shantha Sundram Secretary: Mr. lnbum Chinniah Treasurer: Mr. K. Raiah.

THE NEW PLAN

The highlight of the Convention was of course the announcement and unfolding of the new giant plan inspired by Dr. Muhájir to help Malaysia fulfill the Nine Year Plan and more. The National Assembly met before the Convention to draw up the details, and continued its sessions during the lunch and tea breaks of the Convention.

"Each time Dr. Muhájir comes to Malaysia he sings a new song" ....That was how one Bahá’í expressed it. — How right. Some of the old themes were ‘teach the masses, the masses, the masses‘. . . ., youth youth-youth‘. . ..

April 1117!

This time it wasn't just one theme -7 it was a three-part production, and a magnificient and gigantic full orchestra and full choir was needed for its proper performance — Every single Bahá’í had to take part whether he was a brand new player or a veteran performer.

The three parts were as follows:

i. The Homefront Plan. 2. Island Teaching (see page 2l). 3. The Chinese Campaign (see page 22).

The Home Front or Main Road Plan

In this plan the Faith was to be taught to all the villages bordering the main highways of Malaysia from the north through to the southernmost tip. Teaching teams were to be formed, trained and sent out to definite areas. For this plan a total of one million pamphlets were to be produced in stages in three languages, English, Chinese and Tamil. Rep|y—paid cards were to be provided and follow-up literature to be prepared. The estimated cost of literature alone came to approximately thirty-two thousand dollars. This did not take into account any other incidental expenses. How this money was to be found was left to the imagination of the friends, for the National Assembly was already having a deficit of around ten thousand dollars! But when has lack of money ever been a set—back? The first steps had to be taken and the rest would follow!

An air of excitement filled the hall as teams were named and a clearer picture of the whole campaign emerged. ‘You take the highroad and I take the low road’ was the theme song for the session....

There's a lot of walking and talking ahead . . . . ..

Hand of the Cause, ii} Dr. R. Muhájir.

The cover‘ of this is-.s-ue was Dr. MuIiaji7"s tlwee-part plan presented at

€l€Si97L€d by u Pemmg 2/{mt/L, Susheela Sumlram i'n.s~;in'1'ed by the Convention.

[Page 21]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol.'7 No.1

April 1971

ESEANDS EN FEE §ElN

After talk of tramping up and down the main highways of Malaysia, there was something fascinating about island teaching. This was the second part of the giant plan that was presented at the Riḍván Convention. Dr. Muhájir reminded the friends that the Faith had to be carried to every single soul as soon as possible, and that included all the people living on little islands off the coast of Malaysia and Singapore.

Auxiliary Board Member, Mrs. Betty Fernandez was in charge of the overall plan for the islands. A rapid on-the—spot investigation revealed that there were over twenty inhabited islands of varying sizes that could be visited. Most island people were either" fisherfolk or estate workers. Their interests and activities were almost all communal. As such, if they accepted the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh they may do it on a community basis. This was an encouraging thought. . ..

The goal was set as l0 islands to be opened in the next six months. The film ‘And His Name Shall Be One’ was suggested as a proclamation tool for this campaign.

Which ten will have the honour of being opened first? At present no one knows, but through the extensive teaching efforts of the Alor Star friends, P. Lanqkawi has the distinction of being the very first island to have believers.

_ Below is a report quoted from the April issue of the ‘Northern Star’ the KedahPerlis newsletter, proudly titled:

‘Langkawi Conquered.’

‘Langlcawi has been a target for a long time — especially when the State Government decided to call the beautiful island, the ‘Pride of Kedah’, how could it still remain ignorant of the glorious Message of Baha’u’llah!

On the 2nd April, 1971, Ganesan and Jayabalan went to the island on a teachingcum-excursion trip with a School Historical Society.

The curse of Mahsuri (a popular legend connected with the island) and the veil that had shrouded the island, began to lift as

the fervent prayers of the two Bahá’ís began to be answered.

By chance Balan met an old friend of his who promised to arrange a fireside the next day. The fireside didn’t materialise because no one turned up! But the friend said that the temple priest had sometime ago mentioned something about the Faith! So off they went to the temple and there, to their great surprise, was a familiar face coming to greet them. The priest was a Bahá’í, who had declared a few years ago in Tanjong Pau Estate in mainland Kedah. Acquaintances were renewed, and the priest, Mr. Ganapathy, explained that he had come to Langkawi six months ago and had mentioned the Faith to a number of people.

It was quite clear that Mr. Ganapathy was sincere, but sheer necessity had kept him in his present job. While the Bahá’ís were talking to him, a group of youths came marching to the temple singing hymns and ringing bells. As they neared the temple, the priest rushed off to perform the necessary rituals. Ganesan took the opportunity to ash two youths who were near him whether they understood what they were doing. The answer as expected, was a blunt NO. And as Ganesan began to explain that we should always ask ourselves why we do a certain thing or perform a ritual, the crowd began to gather around the Bahá’ís. The whole choir group was now attending a fireside right inside the temple, with the priest standing next to Ganesan, urging the youths to listen to what he was saying!

The result was a declaration the same evening, and arrangements were made for another fireside the next day. Another youth declared the following day, and there were clear indications of others following in the near future. The new declarants at once began to ask questions on Bahá’í marriage and Administration. . . .

Now there are four Bahá’ís on Langkawi Island including the wife of the priest.

Kedah please note, that friends everywhere are eagerly awaiting the next instalment of this Island adventure. — Ed.

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[Page 22]Malaysian Bahá’í News Val:7 No.1

1 in every 4

'One in every four people on this earth are Chinese.....' Beloved Hand, Dr. Muhájir was addressing the assembled delegates and friends at the Annual Convention in Kuala Lumpur T971. He did not make the statement dramatically or rhetorically; but in his very gentle manner he put across a very strong point, namely that the Beloved Guardian had said that the proportion of the races enrolled under the banner of Baha’u’llah, should ideally be the proportion of their numbers in the country. Using that as a yardstick, we in Malaysia had a long way to go!

The message from the Universal House of Justice to the friends at the Singapore Oceanic Conference had stated clearly that we were to “attract large numbers of the talented Chinese race to embrace and serve the Faith of Baha'u'llah."

Now the Hand stirred our collective conscience by reminding us that although the hundreds of millions of Chinese in mainland China were still beyond our reach, there were several million others to whom we could direct our attention. It was our duty to sow the seeds as best as we could, as far as we were allowed and as efficiently as we knew how. There was Hong Kong, teeming with refugees who went back and forth from China; Taiwan and Macao, gateways to the great continent; millions of Chinese in the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, all around us — all potential bearers of His message. What were we waiting for? We who knew; we who could travel, we who could teach. . ..

Beloved Guardian had said that three peoples of the world would come into the Faith in groups — the Africans, Indians and the Chinese. Mass conversion was already a reality in Africa and India. Now who was going to reap the bounty of starting the process for the Chinese? The gift was being offered to us in Malaysia . . . . ..

So moved were the friends by the magnitude of the opportunity, that a few Indians came forward to say how sorry they were to be denied this privilege! Whereupon Yin Hong Shuen stepped up to the mike and pointed out that it was from India that

April 1971

spiritual enlightenment had first gone to China through Buddhism. And furthermore, even in our own time it appeared that history was beginning to repeat itself, for was it not from India that Dr. and Mrs. K.M. Fozdar came to Malaysia and Singapore? — and who became the first believer? Beloved Yankee Leong, now a Continental Counsellor; and just look at his dedicated children and grandchildren all over the country! And how about Auxiliary Board Member, Uncle Leong Tat Chee, who was also given the Message by Dr. Fozdar and just look at his grand family serving the Faith throughout the country. No this was not the time of exclusive opportunities. Everybody could sow the seeds everywhere, and perchance the bearers of the Faith to China maybe among them that enrol now — for now is the time that the doors are opening. Now is the time to heed the directions given by the Universal House of Justice.

t

Auxiliary Board member Mr. Leong Tat; Chee and Counsellor Mr. Yan Kee Leong at the Convention.

Slowly, they came forward Miss Jessie Tang, a young Bahá’í from Butterworth offered to pioneer wherever the NSA wished her to go. Miss Koh Ai Leen of Malacca who had offered to pioneer at the Singapore conference, said she was ready to leave for Sabah in August to plan her long term pioneering. Miss Khoo Siew Thay of Penang said a few words about attracting the Chinese people through prayers taught

22

[Page 23]to young children. She was also getting ready to leave Malaysia, for either Sabah or Manila. Mrs. George Lee of Singapore offered to provide all the Chinese pamphlets required for teaching work in Hong Kong. Mrs. Yong Beng Lian of Seremban who has been on a preliminary tour of Hong Kong, offered to give free tuition in Mandarin to anyone anxious to learn the language. Auxiliary Board Member Uncle Leong Tat Chee made a poignant appeal to the young Chinese to come forward to fulfil this goal which he had been hoping to do when illhealth overtook him.

Mr. and Mrs. Teh Teik Chow of Alor Star offered to settle in Thailand and Mr. Yin Hong Shuen of Kuala Lumpur and Mr. Teh Teik Hoe of Alor Star agreed to leave for Hong Kong to work there till the end of the Nine Year Plan. (This would have to be planned in conjunction with the NSA of Northeast Asia.)

Meanwhile, for all the friends who were unable to attend the Convention, here are Abdu’l-Bahá’s words to ponder on . . . . . . ..

"China, China, China, China-ward the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh must march! Where is that holy sanctified Bahá’í to become the teacher of China? China has most great capacity. The Chinese people are most simple—hearted and truth seeking.

The Bahá’í teacher of the Chinese people must first be imbued with their spirit, know their sacred literature, study their national customs, and speak to them from their own standpoint, and their own terminologies. He must entertain no thought of his own but think of their spiritual welfare . . . .

Abdu’l-Bahá continues:

Had I been feeling well, I would have taken a journey to China myself! China is the country of the future. I hope the

right kind of teacher will be inspired to go to that vast empire to lay the foundation of the Kingdom of God, to promote the principles of Divine Civilization, to unfurl the banner of the Cause of Baha'u'llah and to invite the people to the banquet of the Lord."

Photos taken at the Convention, tap to bottom: Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, Mrs. George Lee, Mrs. Yong Beng Lian, M'r. Yin Hong Shuen, Miss Khoo Siew Thay and Mr. Inbum Chinniah.

[Page 24]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

April 1971

®ur ‘pioneer to £41049 writea...

It was a week before a Nineteen Day Feast that I arrived in Vientianne and was posted to a town in the south called Savannakhet (meaning Heaven). The road to ‘Heaven' was so dusty that when I finally reached after an eleven hour bus ride, I was all covered over with a layer of red dust that the water turned orange as I washed!

Savannakhet was opened up Bahá’í—wise about three years ago by Pol Antipolo, and there is a young community here mostly Chinese with a sprinkling of Laotians and Vietnamese. About fifteen friends attend the Feasts. The chairman is a youth of twenty--three who was at the Singapore Conference. The friends are trying to organise a group to go to Japan for the Sapporo Conference.

Laos is a pleasant country in spite of the tension of war. Local things and food are

comparitively cheap and the language is not too hard to learn. Our one-storey Bahá’í Centre is within a stone's throw from the market. I have been teaching English to about forty students who come to the Centre for lessons.

Life here is different from the Solomons where many people were Christians and the country dotted with churches.

In Laos there is a Buddhist ‘Wat’ almost every mile and the people are steeped in traditions. We have a weekly deepening session but the response is poor.

The field is so vast and the workers so few. Is anyone else coming from Malaysia to help?

Lean Beng Liew

TAIWAN CONVENTION

Mr. John McHenry III, member of the Continental

Board of Counsellors for North East Asia (Extreme left), with members of the NSA of Taiwan and some of the delegates. (Mr. Kit Yin

Kiang, secretary NSA, front row third from right).

Malaysian Pioneer reports from TAIWAN Altogether 23 delegates and friends

attended the Fifth Convention of the Baha'isi

of Taiwan. Mr. Lee Rui-Lin, a representative from the Taipei Special Municipality attended the Convention on the 2nd of May, and gave

24

a short speech saying: . . .the Bahá’í Faith first came into China about fifty years ago. The principles and teachings are agreeable to the Chinese people, thus the Government of the Republic of China granted the incorporation of the NSA Foundation. ....The Bahá’í By-Laws providing the only complete set-up among all the religions incorporated by the government ever since he was in charge of the religious incorporation. On behalf of the government he hoped that the Bahá’í Faith will soon speedily spread throughout the country."

Reported by Kit Yin Kiang who was again reelected as the secretary of the NSA.

Malaysian pioneer on N.S.A. THAILAND

News has been received that Ng Ting Kee a youth from Malacca who pioneered to Thailand last year has been elected on the National Spiritual Assembly this Riḍván. Ting Kee has been helping at Mrs. Fozdar's school in Yasothorn and been very busy encouraging the Thai youth to follow in the footsteps of their active Malaysian counterparts.

[Page 25]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1 April 1971

o4nnouncing Summer School

P111063 Sunshine Camp, Port Dickson. Dates.‘ 30th, 31st July, and 1st of August. Accommodation: Malayan Youth Hostel.

_ Arrangements are being made to book outside bungalows as additional accommodation for adults and families.

The programme is being prepared by the National Teaching Institute.

If you have attended previous Summer Schools — we know you'll be there! If this is going to be your first, then you can look forward to fun, fellowship and deepening in a glorious Bahá’í atmosphere Rates are being kept as low as possible, but you will still need money!!

Shemane Leong and

N . _ _ . abll and Safula So start planning. . .. Zeena Fernandez.

Chinniah.

..Summer School 8 Salvador

The Bahá’í Summer School is an institution looked forward to by friends all round the world. As Malaysian plan theirs this year in the holiday resort of Port Dickson, other com'inu.nities will be enjoying similar schools in diflerent conditions.

We reprint here a report from Central America published in the March ’71 Bahá’í News.

The Bahá’í Summer School in El Salvador twinkling under the bright moon made a was a smashing success. There was a class backdrop for the slide show and dancing on the Hidden Words and another on Bahá’í which followed.

Administration held under the shade of a

giant tree overlooking green valleys and A Bahá’í summer school in o country in mountains. The "Nineteen Day Feast" and Central America is a little different in its “HOW l0 l'lold On El€Cllon" Were Ptesenlecl material aspects; such as no water, cooking in drama form with the view of Lake lllopango rice and beans over wood stoves, sleeping and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. in hammocks or on piles of corn husksl hot T0ll<S 0“ d0|llY PTO)/€|’S, 0lC0l’10l, tasting, Gnd sun and mosquitoes; it's also different when marriage laws were held in an atmosphere a pair of shy brown eyes search you our of discussion with everyone ioining in the and o rimiol voice soys, “|‘m not o Bohorj questions and answers. but I want to be one."

There were displays of books in Spanish As everyone was waving "Adios’ and and local Bahá’í activities portrayed in saying "Allah'u'Abhá", members of the photographs. There was also singing and National Proclamation Committee piled into

football. The evenings were spent in playing a car as is their custom on Sundays, went Bahá’í games (like charades. . .. quotes from to hold two proclamation meetings which the writings, lines from Bahá’í songs, etc.) resulted in ninety-nine more souls embracing

and the lights of the capital, San Salvador, the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. 25

[Page 26]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol: 7 No.1

The phone at the Centre rang. Albert answered it and a voice said "Allah—u—Abhá, I am Pat Finly from the Chapman College, Floating University of the University of California — Can I meet the Bahá’ís?" What a pleasant surprise — Everyone got excited and when Pat turned up at the Centre later that evening, there were questions galore. (Students from the State of California are selected to go on a trip around the world for three months calling at a number of ports enroute. What a fascinating way of studyingi)

Pat joined the teaching committee in Petaling Jaya writing out invitations and preparing for Nawruz. in Kuala Lumpur she ioined the friends for a deepening class and also brought along an enquirer, a seventythree year old lady, her grandmother, who was also a student at the College!

Pat invited the Bahá’ís on board the cruise ship, the S.S. Ryndam and also told them that they were welcome to proclaim the Faith. About ten friends went the next day to Port Swettenham armed with pamphlets and books for the ship's library and the film ‘The New Wind’. On board the ship they met the only other Bahá’í, Martha Larson. They were thrilled to learn that Martha had heard of the Faith from Hand of the Cause William Sears and that she lived just about a 100 yards from his home. Everyone sent their love to the beloved Hand through Martha and also told her to tell him how they are longing for a visit from him to Malaysia.

They met many of the students, talked and distributed pamphlets and then screened ‘New Wind’ which was followed by a stimulating flow of questions. It was a lovely evening.

Pat and Martha went with the friends for a drive to Klang Town. It was in the month of Ala’ and they were all fasting They found a nice cosy corner, said prayers together and did some deepening before

April 1971

reporteol by N.S.S. Seelau

breaking their fast with a typically Malaysian meal which the visitors throughly enjoyed —-_ soon it was time for goodbye and a ‘hope to meet again somehow, somewhere, sometime. . . .'

That was what happened when the Floating University stopped at Malaysia. Friends who had the pleasure of meeting Pat and Martha will be thrilled to learn of what happened when the ship called at the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. The following report is quoted from the Bahá’í International News Service.

. . .The world cruise ship chartered by

the Chapman College in California carries among its passengers two Bahá’í youth. The ship called at Seychelles for one day on 31st March. The government-owned radio station in Seychelles announced its imminent arrival, and stated that a special welcome would await the Bahá’ís on board from their Bahá’í friends in the Seychelles. Pat and Martha were greeted while still aboard ship by the Secretary of the Area Teaching Committee, who introduced them to the Chief Minister of Education and the Director of Education and other officials of Seychelles who boarded the ship on its arrival.

Members of the Bahá’í Community gathered at the Centre that night and gave the visitors a tumultuous loving welcome. Pat and Martha brought greetings from their previous ports of call, from the friends in Hawaii, Malaysia, Ceylon and Madras.

Next morning they visited the educational institutions of the Seychelles and were interviewed at the radio station. The interview was broadcast later, with some excellent responses from those who heard it...

Calling Pat and Martha. Do write us when you get back home. Your Malaysian friends would love to hear more of yamBahá’í adventures — Ed.

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[Page 27]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

April 1.971

A TRIBUTE TO THE PIONEERS OF PAPUA—NEW GUINEA

Chellie J. S'M’}’LCl?"(,‘Lt'Y£

When the Supreme Body approved my accepting a World Health Organization assignment for three months in the Territory of Papua - New Guinea, I was naturally overjoyed. Here was a chance of leaving the South East Asian Zone to work in a country which was totally new to my learningexperience and the chance to meet Bahá’í pioneers with different sets of problems, goals and achievements. . . .

Perhaps we should give a little background information . . . . .. The Territory of l-"apua—New Guinea is the second largest continental island with a population of 3 million people and a jungle terrain which is mountainous, rugged, volcanic and impenetrable. Often the only way of travelling from one township to another is by aeroplane. The most staggering feature is the fact that there are over 700 languages (not dialects) spoken in the Territory. Often one small tribe in one area cannot understand the language of another village only a few miles away. Pidgin is a language fast developing as the ‘lingua franca’ of the Territory. It is

a mixture of German, English, Motu and other native words. Though a Trust Territory of the United Nations, the administration is from Australia. ‘

The administration IS

David Podger (extreme left) an early pioneer from Australia (1969) with some of the Papuan Bahá’ís in the mountainous village of Sogeri — which the writer visited. David and Sue assisted in the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Territory in 1969.

27.

Edward with Counsellor

and Noel Bloomhall Sundram in Madang.

presently implementing a crash program for universal education at all levels in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties. A fine University exists in Papua and appears to be the centre of tremendous experiments in education for universal use in the Territory. It is in this environment that the Bahá’í pioneers are working... .

The writer had the opportunity of meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Territory which held a session in the highlands of Goroko and in the beautiful home of the Secretary of the National Assembly, Margaret Bluett. Noel Bluett, whom we in Malaysia met at the Oceanic Conference in Singapore, and Margaret, spoke Pidgin. It was a treat hearing Margaret and Noel conversing so freely with the native believers at Bahá’í gatherings. It is in the highlands of Goroko that the faith “spread like a flame in dry grass. . . We had the privilege of meeting with Counsellor Suhayl Ala'i and enioyecl much fellowship at this meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly.

In Lae we met the Auxiliary Board Member — Violet Hoehnke who was the Matron of the only Government Hospital there. Sister Vi, as she is affectionately called, was the first Bahá’í to settle in the Territory. It was so gratifying to hear her spoken of with so much love bv almost all Bahá’ís in the Territory and many who worked with her.

[Page 28]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:." No.1

We also visited Edward and Noel Bloomhall who had just arrived in Madang from Tasmania with two beautiful babies! Edward had secured a post in the Teachers Training College as Art Teacher. . .. and they had made friends so fast.... through art and affection.

In Port Moresby itself we spent happy and memorable moments with pioneers John and Ruhengiz Mills, and Dan and Faye Himes. Firesides and Assembly meetings were held frequently in the homes of the Mills and the Himes. Dinyar Mirshahi arrived from India to add to the brilliant and dedicated band of workers in Papua.

It was a lesson in understanding to see these fine Bahá’í pioneers teaching the faith to the indigenous people with such love and devotion, though most would sit and listen with expressionless faces — faces which showed (in the words of Sue Podger) "as

if an ocean of progress still waited to be crossed. . .

We visited Sogeri — a mountainous village about 25 miles from Port Moresby —~ where David and Sue Podger with a family of 3 lovely children had made a home. David and Sue had 'brainchilded’ a number of proiects for teaching the Faith in the Territory — both to the intelligentia and the simple villagers. David seemed to thrive on problems — nothing was impossible. . .. only miracles took a little longer! David had learnt Pidgin and could converse so beautifully with the native listeners. Sue spoke Motu, a native language, and this was always sensational. We could see flickers of appreciation as the native enquirers listened to the white lady explain the Message of the day in their own language. “Surely if these white people took the trouble to learn our language and speak it so faultlessly, they must care for us. . . The biggest lesson for the enquirers was to find that Bahá’ís

had no racial barriers to their fellowship and love....

I would like to visit the Territory again and see the fire of love ignited by this handful of valiant pioneers roar into a flame that will surely light-up the skies of Papua — New Guinea. . ..

28

April 1971

Sitting; in the foreground is Dan Himes_with_ a local believer. Just behind him is John Mills with Luise and Sharmion. On the e)_ztreiiie_ _left are Faye Himes and Ruhengiz Mills with yisiting local Bahá’ís. In the centre is John Francis a, member of the National Spiritual Assembly _of Paipua-New Guinea. John Mills and Dan Himes are also members of the Assembly.

Urgent Note

What the Regional Teaching Committee of Papua needs at the moment are 2 Landrovers to take the Message to the eagerly awaiting masses in the villages near Port Moresby. A used Landrover would cost about 3,000 Malaysian dollars _($900./Australian). Please communicate with the NSA of Papua-New Guinea with pledges and donations. One landrover has been promised by Mr. Sathiawan of Singapore.

From Papua:New Guinea will emerge some lessons which the World will benefit from.

The chairman of the Local Spiri.tual.Assemb‘ly of Port Moresby at a Bahá’í gathering in the village of Rabia.

[Page 29]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

April 1:771

Z.-\ru111th the ‘=gaha’i ififlnrlh

Lldzitlf 9/ielzllau and .,Qimlla gzamer

Friends who attended the Singapore

Oceanic Conference will remember the Ramers, a young

couple from Hawaii, who left their home at about the story of their travels which they titled “The

world tour, going in the opposite direction.

The Brass family arrived in Malaysia on thier way out

in October 1970, while the Ra/mers reached Singapore in time for the Oceanic Conference on their way

back home.

We are happy to share with friends this story of their travels which they titled “The

world is alive and well, and living in the Community of the Most Great Name.”

It all began about a year ago in Kamuela, Hawaii, a lovely ranching community nestled beneath the shade of a 13,600 foot mountain. One day a letter came from the Universal House of Justice with an invitation for Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

We decided it was time for us to go travel teaching. Pilgramage would take us to Israel around the first half of

the world, and we could come back home around the other half.

We set off, our plans co-ordinated by the Continental Pioneering Committee for the Americas. They had written to the various National Bahá’í Communities for us and those Communities proceeded to plan activities so that we could be of assistance to them. Arriving as strangers, we parted as family. It was always difficult to leave our newly found loved ones, only to discover many more were waiting to be met. One cant help coming to the conclusion that the Community of the Most Great Name has tremendous power! The World has no way to resist this force. It is in its midst challengeing and changing its decaying oldness with Eternal Springtime. The World is saying, "Who are those people, smiling and laughing and so sure of where they are going?"

The sights and sounds of the new World as seen through our experiences:

The United States Mainland — "Hey, where is everyone?” "They left for every place. I'd like you to meet some of our new Friends."

"What am I going to do with these shoeboxes of Declaration Cards?"

"It was a great honor to be able to wash the floor of our House of Worship."

“Find a little town, and spread the word around. The Earth is really One now!"

Ireland —_ "We didnt know what time you were coming In today, so we decided to want all day at the airport until you arrived."

"These lrish people, they are so God conscious that it is hard to stand out by only being kind and courteous. It really makes you grow knowing you have this Message to deliver."

England; the city of London — The eagle with the World in its talons marking the resting place of our Beloved Guardian. Thank you for everything, my "True Brother.

Albert Hall, rememberance of T963; "The Kingdom has come, and Prophesy fulfilled!" “Men of the House of Justice". The people came from the farthest corners of the earth to this place to witness the Advent of Gods Kingdom. Albert Hall will always be remembered, even long after London has been forgotten.

Lisbon, Portugal — “Howard, are you sure that is Portuguese you’re speaking? It sounds like pure Texan to me."

“Linda, if you dont speak any Portuguese, and Manuela doesn't speak any English, what were you two talking and laughing about?"

(continued over)

Sheldon and Linda Ramer Mai-angella of Japan at the Oceanic Conference in

(right) with Philip

Singapore. Looking on (extreme left) is a delegate from Turkey.

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[Page 30]Illrzlaysiaaz Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1

Around the Bahá’í', World continued

Terraza, Spain — How did the flash flood that hit all the other houses on the street miss the Bahá’í Center? The Friends were so proud of this place that they had built with their own hands and so grateful that it was protected.

Milan, Italy — "Eat, eatl, You travellers need to have strength and the tenth course is just coming up."

"You mean a Priest read a Bahá’í prayer is just coming up."

When our train stops, someone we have never seen before, and who has never seen us comes up to us, our eyes meet and we

know each other. Allah’u’Abhá! Once again, we are home. Lucerne, Switzerland — "How could she

be 73? She just gave out 2000 invitations to the meeting, arranged the hall, did the publicity, and will translate our talk. Do you think it could be the water here, or is she really 37?

Athens, Greece — He had 22 dollars left, no job, a wife and child to support, and he had to remain here at his pioneering post. Miracle of miracles! He was from Iran and they knew he was a Bahá’í, yet the Persian Embassy offered him a job. However, if he did not say he was a Bahá’í he would receive much more money. "Baha'u'llah gives me all I need.", he says, “Why should I worry about having more?"

Our airplane finally rolled to a stop and we stepped onto the soil of Israel, the Holy Land. At last, the Promised Land.

Akka —— They exiled Him to this place that His Cause might disappear in obscurity.

We saw from the window of His prison the golden dome of the Shrine of the Báb across the boy.

"I know not, O my God, what the Fire is which Thou didst kindle in Thy Land.

Maybe they call this wonderful place the Heart, because one gets pumped out into the world revived and renewed. To each and every one of us it is home.

30

April 1.971

We leave, hopefully to one day return. Allah'u’Abhá!

Colombo, Ceylon; The First All Ceylon Bahá’í Teaching Conference — They were entering the hall to a Ceylonese ceremony reserved for Royalty. These simple people, their eyes shining, had traveled far to come to this place. They were Bahá’ís and had come to learn how they could better serve the Cause of God.

Singapore: The Historic Oceanic Conference — We were blessed by the presence of the Hands of His Cause. Enoch Olinga, his face radiant, asked us, "Are you happy?, Are you happy?" Collis Featherstone’s beaming smile answered for all of us.

"We, the Youth of Malaysia pledge our lives our possesions, our all to His Cause, and our undying loyalty to our Universal House of Justice."

The people of the Malaysian jungle, called the Asli had sold what they had to come to this conference to see the promise of Baha'u'llah come true. "Ye are the Fruits of One Tree, and the Leaves of One Branch." They said to us, "people have always considered the Asli dirty and inferior, but now Baha'u'llah has shown everyone that we are all One Family."

Australia, a big country that is still a frontier with big distances and big challenges. Think of the possible! “She’ll be right, mate", the "Australians say. The Friends of God know it will be!

From the beautiful House of Worship, the spiritual light radiates over this land as the Friends pray to be of service in His Cause. Goodbye, Australia! We're on our way again.

....and so it goes. These new friends we've met, somehow it seems we have known them all our lives. No farewells, because in our hearts and through our prayers we will meet many, many times. All of you, everywhere, will always be with us wherever we go.

Allah'u'Abhá! Allah’u'Abhá!

[Page 31]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.1 A23?“ 1971

o4 Crneooage ofi £ove from 3-(and 03 the eauoe, €noch Qlinga to the Sl5riendo in c«4uotralaoia, ‘north €aot c-4oia and South €aot c24oia

Beloved friends,

I wish to thank you and all the clear and much loved friends, from the depths of my heart, for the love, kindnesses and hospitality which were extended to me during my sojourn in your lands, and also for the loving cooperation ofall the dear ones without which my visit would not have been such a memorable and happy one.

This will also acknowledge with grateful and sincere thanks, all your communications to me which were received both before and after my visit to your lands. May the Blessed Beauty bless you all, and support all your endeavours to promote the best interests of His glorious and triumphant Faith.

Whenever I contemplate the magnitude and majesty of the Cause of God and the greatness of the Beloved of the nations, I find myself utterly lost in wonderment and I realise our nothingness and impotence before the manifold evidences of His all-conquering majesty and might! "Magnify My Cause, that I may reveal unto thee the mysteries of My greatness..." penned the Lord in the Hidden Words.

For most people the distance from a Teso village in Uganda to Christchurch, Saigon, Sydney, Suva; or Honolulu, Osaka, Bangkok, Manila, is insurmountable, but such is the power of the Blessed Beauty that He brings the planet together and unites us in His Love. No distance is too far to be in the presence of His servants; whether in Teso or in the islands of the Pacific, I have been privileged to witness His Family making devoted efforts to carry His healing Message to their fellowmen.

Now that my travels are leading me onward to West Asia and Africa what words can I find to thank Him for His generosity in the privilege of these past months spent amongst you. Truly, my heart is thrilled by the recollection of the smiling faces of His dear and loved ones and their many kindnesses to this unworthy and weak servant of His. Praised be our Lord!

No longer is any part of the planet bereft of the light of the Message of Baha'u'IIah. In the remote islands of the Pacific, the mountain villages of India and Peru, the aborigine settlements of Australia, the besieged land of Vietnam; in Lau Lasi, Sav'ii, Ouvea, Medina, Goroka and everywhere His light has been carried by his lovers and their daring efforts to attract souls to His banner will eternally live.

"By the righteousness of the One true God! If one speck of a jewel be lost and buried beneath a mountain of stones, and lie hidden beyond the seven seas, the Hand of

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Omnipotence would assuredly reveal it in this Day pure and cleaned from dross." Truly this is the day of the unearthing of heavenly jewels in all parts of the world. The ioy of travelling from one area to another, from one heart to another, with eyes and deeds proclaiming deep belief, is the unmerited blessing given to us. What voice can offer adequate thanks?

While my wish would be to convey to each community and to each dear friend the profound effect of their kindness to me, these words will attempt to convey generally the effect of the love and devotion of the friends in my heart. It strengthens us all to see the Cause of God being carried forward from height to height. I am reminded that the General does not most love those who remain in the rear but rather his heart soars with those who scale the ramparts and advance against. great obstacles. Let us study the messages of the Universal House of Justice and offer thanks to our glorious Lord for the bounties and favours which continue to descend upon us.

Our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, writing to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand in May, 1948, offered us this great incentive to step forward: "It is the quality of devotion and self-sacrifice that brings rewards in the service of this Faith, rather than means, ability, or financial backing." And again, in a letter to the British National Spiritual Assembly, dated June 29,1942, he wrote: . . .What raised aloft the banner of Bahá’u’lláh was the love, sacrifice, and devotion of His humble followers and the change that His Teachings wrought in their hearts and lives."

Of course, we are tested, and the fire of these tests, purifies us within and without until our souls become worthy of admittance in the next realm. What better way to win immortal joy than at this crucial hour to find new ways to serve and new strength to return love for love and love for enmity. Always if our response comes out of our love of God, it will be made easy for us to cherish all people and extend that "discriminating love" described to us by the beloved Master. All must feel included in the love of the Bahá’ís. May our Local Spiritual Assemblies be places for the healing of the ills through united acts of service to Baha'u'llah and may they be promoters of concord and well—being in the hearts of the friends. May our National Spiritual Assemblies be supported by the loving response of all the believers, so that the Generals, in cooperation of all the friends and institutions of the Faith, may unitedly win the goals of the divinely-propelled Nine Year Plan and offer to the all-powerful and majestic Universal House of Justice — that Supreme Institution of the Cause of God which is "freed from all error” and is the supreme channel through which the grace, the favours and the Will of the Lord reach humanity in this day of the Supreme Appearance — the complete fulfilment of its expectations and confident hope. May we cheer the hearts of the “People of Bahá".

My heart is so full, and I could go on and on; I can only beg for the continued prayers of the friends to be able to complete this trip. May He make of each of us a worthy instrument for the deliverance of His healing Message to humanity, and may He raise us up to accomplish His aims and to be freed from our own earthly limitations.

You have brought me happiness and inspiration and I am sure the Supreme Body is pleased with you and your exemplary services; to each of you I offer my heartfelt thanks and prayers that your steps will be confirmed in His Cause and that your deeds in this day will live forever in the annals of our beloved Faith.

_ May He protect, guide, bless and inspire you to win brilliant victories, to be steadfast In HIS Cause and to gladden our beloved Universal House of Justice.

With deepest Bahá’í Love, Enoch Olinga

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ogetters’ from around t/ie world

Malaysian student writes from Bendigo

I just read with great pleasure all about the Oceanic Conference, and I was so very happy to learn of the exciting happenings in our country. Then I came to the words “C. S, Maniam — A tribute” and I was shocked and overtaken with grief. Maniam was the first Bahá’í to teach me the Faith. I remember the time very distinctly; it was at a fireside arranged by Rajagopal in Bagan Serai . . . . ..

During the last summer vacation I visited a number of Bahá’í friends in Melbourne and Ballarat about a hundred miles from Bendigo. They are my nearest neighbours.

On the third of April, I organised a Bahá’í gathering in Bendigo. There were about twentyfour people of various nationalities, Malays, Indians, Persians, Filipinos, Africans, Chinese, Dutch and Australians. It was a real ‘United Nations’ gathering. Two of my lecturers attended. Throughout the meeting, questions were asked and the wonderful Bahá’ís of Melbourne and Ballarat were kept very busy.

Two weeks before the meeting I distributed pamphlets and invitation cards to fellow students and lecturers. Posters were put up and an article on the Faith appeared in the student magazine ‘Jamaga’. News of the Faith quickly spread through the Institute and the Principal became alarmed. He called me up for questioning and consequently I was refused the use of the lecture theatre for which I had been previously granted permission. The reason given was that no individual religious meeting should be organised in the Campus. 1 almost had to cancel the meeting, but after many other places proved unsuccessful, I finally arranged for the function in the flat of some Asian students, who were very helpful. There are thirty Asian students here in Bendigo this year and some of them have heard of the Faith before.

With the co-operation of the Regional Teaching Committee, Ihope to organise more teaching gatherings in Bendigo in future. One Indonesian student who was in Bendigo last year declared as a Bahá’í in Sydney recently. How nice if he could have stayed back to work with me! I’1n "praying for a pioneer to come to Bendigo to establish the Faith.*

With warmest Bahá’í love, Hua Keng Tong,

. You are the pioneer, Keng Tong, and Malaysia is proud of ;/ou/ Keep up the good work and 2/ou’ll soon have a comvmmity in Be'ml7',go—Ed.

Greetings from the Marshall Islands

Kim Lin and I hoped to visit Malaysia this summer, but we are instead going on Pilgrimage. In September we will once again be moving to another island in the Trust Territory to fill the pioneering goals for the Caroline Islands. Please change our mailing address to P. O. Box 556, Ponape, E. Caroline Islands 96941, U.S, Trust Territory of the Pacific.

The Faith is progressing more rapidly now in the Marshall Islands and indeed this whole area of the Pacific. As you know, we will be electing our first NSA 111 1972. A note of interest from the Marshalls is the enrolment in February of the Peace Corps Director for the Marshall Is., a wonderful man originally from Jamaica. This event is doing much to proclaim the Faith and many people are asking him about his new Faith. We now have 9 adults and 3 youths in our community. Majuro, the other Bahá’í community in the Marshalls now has 18 believers. The Nine Year Plan called for one group in the Marshalls. The Malaysian Bahá’í Community should feel very happy that a Malaysian Bahá’í is out in this remote part of the Pacific fulfilling one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Kim Lin is doing what very few women would have the strength and fortitude to do.

Please give our love to all the Bahá’ís and tell them that they are always in our thoughts.

With Bahá’í love, Harlan Lang

Love from the Madeira Islands

Thank you very much for sending us your wonderful Malaysian Bahá’í News. We enjoy all of and heart-warmin,g. friends’ great spiritual love, which is so radiant it, especially the vitality and enthusiasm of all the

The writer had the privilege of serving in South East Asia from 1954 to 1958 and participated in the Djakarta——Singapore Conference during 1958;_ having also served on the 1st South East Asia Teaching Committee formed in 1954. The friendshlps formed during those years are cherished memo1'ies. To attend the Committee meetings I travelled back and forth to Macau where we were

pioneers. We are now pioneering here in Funchal, but the Far East and South East Asia are spiritual magnets drawing us back —- at least spiritually — to all our dear friends in Singapore, Malaysia,

Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Formosa and Macau. Please share our warmest love and greetings with all.

Loretta and Carl Scherer Madeira Islands

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.,Qetter5 from around the world

In Australia on vacation

. . . .There are so many things to tell, I don’t know how to begin. . . .

The way I contacted the Melbourne Bahá’ís was by looking up the phone directory. There were three addresses, and I simply ‘phoned the one closest to where I was staying.

That's how I heard about the Bahá’í Camp where I met so many of the Australian friends. There

were many non-Bahá’ís too, in fact half of them were not Bahá’ís. The Camp was by the sea and I

gifiii-oughly enjoyed myself. There were a few Persians there and needless to add I was the only mese. . . .

Later I managed to get a part-time job because living is so expensive here; then I decided that I had to see the Sidney Temple, and I was very lucky that my boss didn’t sack me for taking four days leave soon after I started working! My brother and some of his friends came with me. They all thought I was a bit crazy going 568 miles (from Melbourne) just to see a temple. But when they got there and saw it, they changed their opinion. It is up on a. hill and so beautiful. The Bahá’í guide who showed us round explained that there are only four temples in the world today, and one more coming up in Panama. This impressed them even more. Before coming to the Temple their general comments on religion included statements like “all religions are the same they just interfere with the ease of life!” However I was very thrilled to find my brother and his friends gradually begin to show a greater interest in the Faith. My brother even suggested that he would like to pin up some pamphlets in his room in Farrer Hall at the Monash University,

In Sydney I had another pleasant experience at the Inter—state Railway Station where we found a ‘Bahá’í Room’ where one can make enquiries and buy books and pamphlets. I was very impressed by the Sydney Bahá’ís. . . .

Singapore seems a long way oif right now, but I’m sure it will suddenly be time for the new term to begin... . I hope our University Bahá’í Society will get off to a good start with some new students.

Moi Yin _Ng Moi Yin is a fairly new Bahá’í herself and is the secretary of the Singapore University Bahá’í Society. The above excerpts were taken from a letter she wrote to a friend while on vacation in Australia—Ed. Stop Press

Another letter just arrived to say her brother declared himself a Bahá’í and has already held a fireside at Monash University Links with Papua, New Guinea

. . . . .. We knew of you long before you knew of us. In 1969 we had given hospitality to Charles and Janice Auth when they passed through here from New Zealand and we told them to ‘write us when they became Bahá’ís. Charles declared in Singapore but Janice told us of an Indian lady in Penang who had finally convinced her about the Faith and we wondered who it could be . . . . . .

It has been so wonderful having Chellie with us and we are deeply grateful to him for having broadened our horizons and given us an inkling of the Bahá’í potential of our adopted country.

You asked about us . . . . . . .. we lived for eight years in the British Solomon Islands up till 1963. Ruhengiz had pioneered there in 1955. I had heard of the Faith there and became a Bahá’í after a couple of months. Ruhengiz had come from Poona and is a daughter of Isphandiar and Heshwar Yeganagi, two stalwarts of the Cause in India. We figured it was kismet and we were married and our children were born there.

If you see Beng Liew, please give her our love; we met her in Sydney on her way to Solomons and here in Port Moresby on her way back. We love and admire her very much.

Please also give our love to all the friends in Malaysia; We enjoy reading the Malaysian Bahá’í News and look forward someday to meeting your lively community. Much Bahá’í love, John and Ruhemziz Mills

Mr_ and Mrs. Mills and their two children Jalal and Louise are pioneers from Australia in the Papua, New Guinea Territories, Counsellor Dr. Chellie Sundrain had the pleasure Of meetiflg them when he was on a WHO assignment there early this year. (see Mtge 27). The story of Charles and Janice Auth appeared in the Dec.-——Jan., 1970 issue of the Malaysian Bahá’í News.

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A NNOUNOING....

MARRIAGES Selangor Flight Officer Choo Yoke Boon and Miss Grace Chong Bee Yen of Alor Star were married at Kuala Lumpur on 7th February, 1971. The couple are now living in Kuching, Sarawak where Yoke Boon is posted. Province Miss Saroiini Devan of Sungai Patani and Mr. Sandaraiah of Wellesly Butterworth were married according to Bahá’ís rites on 7th February, at Butterworth. Perak The Bahá’í marriage of Miss Ambika Panniker (formerly of

Butterworth) to Mr. Ravi Menon of Taiping was conducted at the Butterworth Centre on April 8th 1971.

Sarawak Mr. Chang Fah Shin and Suli Ak Achang (a Bahá’í youth) were married according to Bahá’í rites at Kg. Sunggai Kura, on 16-4-71.

BIRTHS

Sarawak To Mr. and Mrs. Smith Ottan of Kg. Tellian, Mukah, a baby boy, John, on November 1st, 1970.

Kedah To Mr. and Mrs. Phung Woon Khing of Kuala Nerang, a baby boy on 12-3-1971. To Mr. and Mrs. Tan Keat Fong of Alor Star a baby girl in March, 1971. To Mr. and Mrs. Suppan of Sungei Patani, a baby in March, 1971.

Negri Sembilan To Mr. and Mrs. Retnam of Alor Star a baby girl on 11-4-1971.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lee Swee Leong a baby boy on 30-12-1970.

To Mr. and Mrs . Dorairai a baby girl in March, 1971. To Mr. and Mrs. Balram of Kuala Pilah a baby boy Sudesh Kumar, on 5-3-1971.

To 'Pauline and Isaac de Cruz a girl, Felina, on the 24th of April, 1971.

NEW AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATION Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand.

Published as a limited edition in hard cover, this book contains hitherto unpublished letters from the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand and

covers the period from 1923 to 1957. Published in 1970 to mark the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the arrival of the Faith in Australia, this 140 page volume is available from:

Bahá’í Book Committee, 2, Lang Road, Paddington, N.S.W., Australia.

‘Cost: $2—50 (Australian) or $8-50 (Malaysian) plus postage. Orders may be placed by writing to the Secretary of the Committee at the above address.

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L%/&e7ear/e'a7ea/ Q/223 %

Catholic Monk reads Bahá’í prayer over T.V. in Italy

Padre Mariano, a Catholic Monk who acts as Master of Ceremonies on a religious television program shown throughout ltaly, recently read for the third time, the Prayer for All Mankind by 'Abdu'l—Baha. A viewer had requested a. prayer for all religions and was rewarded with this prayer while a photograph of the Master was shown on the screen. The Monk stated that this was one of the most beautiful prayers he had ever encountered.

(Based on a report from the NSA of Italy Jan. 1971)

After the Monrovia Conference, Africa.

A report on the activities following the Continental Conference in Monrovia, indicate that a hotel owner and a restaurant owner have both become Bahá’ís, teaching actively and with great success in their respective establishments. An Episcopal Priest and an Episcopal Deacon have accepted the Faith in Liberia, and in Las Palmas five staff members of a high school have enrolled. One of the friends who enrolled as a result of the Conference returned to Cape Palmas and began to talk of the Cause in the public market. Before leaving the market this Bahá’í had enrolled over 200 waiting souls.

(Based on a report from the NSA of West Africa Feb. 1971)

Panama, where the Cuna word for God is Baha

The Cuna Indians who reside on the San Blas Islands, off the Atlantic coast of Panama, have a prophetic heritage which includes a promise that God will send people to them from the outside world with a new Book, a new Message and a new Name and that the Message will teach them to live in harmony with all the people of the world. The Cuna word for God is Baha.

Nine years ago the Bahá’ís from Panama travelled throughout the islands and, at that time, over 2,000 Cunas accepted the Cause. They have, since that time, had little opportunity to deepen in their knowledge of the Faith.

Recently a teaching team visited the island of Ustupo, spending four days with the Cunas. During this time the Sahilas (chiefs) of the island accepted the Cause, as did the Coceros. (spokesmen). That the Sahilas embraced the Faith is highly significant, as they have previously treated any visitors who spoke of religion with courtesy but have refused to align themselves with any religion. Plans are now being made to deepen the Cunas systematically.

(Based on a report from the NSA of Panama Feb. 1971)

Entire Baptist congregation and Ministers accept Baha'u'llah, W. Virginia U.S.A.

Bluefield, West Virginia has been a goal town for the Bahá’ís of that State since June 1970. Racial tension and hostility made it difficult to send a single pioneer into the area. Recently a teaching team visited the region with the result that over l50 souls embraced the Faith. Among these was the entire congregation of a Baptist Church,

including two ministers. ' (Based on a report from the NSA of the United States Jan. 1971)

Malaysian Bahá’í News, a quarterly magazine, is the official organ of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia — for circulation among Bahá’ís only. Subscription.—$5 (Malaysian) $2 (U.S.) for one year:

Editor= Mrs. Shantha Sundram, A2, Peel Avenue, Penang. Circulation: Miss Margaret Chan Publishing Manager: Dr. Chellie J. Sundram, 42, Peel Avenue, Penang.

Printed by The Ganesh Printing Works, 10, Penang Street, Penang.

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