Malaysian Bahá’í News/Volume 7/Issue 2/Text

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Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2 July 1971

From the Universal House of Justice

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The receipt of the information contained in your semi-annual statistical report brought us great joy. We were especially happy to note the increase in enrolments under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh as we are aware that your valiant community is laboring under difficult circumstances.

Though obstacles confront you in some areas we urge you to compensate by devoting greater energy, devotion, patience, wisdom and determination to achieving victories above and beyond those minimum goals assigned in the Nine Year Plan in the areas where you are able to teach. You have, as yet, to open 12 localities in Sarawak, 16 in Sabah, raise 89 Local Spiritual Assemblies Sarawak, 5 in Sabah and you must incorporate a total of 20 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Your latest report shows only 15 Local Spiritual Assemblies incorporated, while the previous report of January indicated that 16 were incorporated. We would appreciate your confirming the exact number. We urge you to keep all the goals constantly in mind and to keep those which can be achieved through the efforts of the believers constantly before them until the victory is achieved. The National Spiritual Assembly of Singapore to be formed at Riḍván must rest upon a strong foundation and the friends in Malaysia must assistwith determination until this is achieved.

May the Almighty abundantly confirm your self—sacrificing labors in His Path.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, July 6, 1971. The Universal House of Justice.

BAHA’| STATISTICS — WORLDWIDE

National Spiritual Assemblies 10] Countries opened to the Faith: Significant territories and Islands 135 } 317 Independent Countries 182 Number of Localities where Bahá’ís reside: As of 15 January, 1971 46,707 Number of Local Spiritual Assemblies: As of 15 January, 1971 10,461

Number of Languages into which Bahá’í literature has been translated and published 434 Number of Tribes and Minority Groups represented in the Faith: In excess of 1,136

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July 1971

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Extracts on mass teaching in Australia reprinted from the “Victory Campaign Issue” The title of this story is taken from a cable sent by the overjoyed

Australian Bahá’í Bulletin July ’71.

of the

Australian N.S.A, to the American mass-teaching team while they were still in Australia.

An American teaching team arrived to demonstrate ,the exciting mass teaching methods so successful overseas: Jordan Young, Roger Roff, and Raphael Herring were here — right from South Carolina in the Deep South, scene of recent stirring victories. The National Assembly had asked for a "mixed group" and they were! Each complemented the other — Jordan and Roger being real American guys and Raphael just being himself proved that "black is beautiful."

This was initiated and deputized by the Universal House of Justice to ensure the achievement of Australia’s Nine Year Plan Homefront Goals. The National Assembly requested this assistance so that the Australian community might share in the bounties of mass teaching and learn its techniques. The National Assembly of the United States co-operated fully in organising the visit.

The Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds during that time was indeed "headquarters" — each day Bahá’ís were continually arriving and departing on teaching visits to the surrounding areas. The National Spiritual Assembly was meeting there over the weekend; each night wonderful, enthusiastic deepening meetings were being held, whilst a l2 hour continuous

prayer vigil was held at the House of Worship.

Over 70 declarations in Sydney in six days

All those involved in teaching during these days are so set on fire with the excitement of it all that they have discovered within themselves a “thirst" to continually go out and tell everybody about Baha'u'llah. The stories that have come out of these meetings are so wonderful!

Charmaine was having no success telling people about the Faith. She stood on the corner of the street and said the Tablet of Ahmad and when she turned around there stood a 90 year old man asking her why she was praying. He then declared to her and they both walked over to two youths told them about Bahá’u’lláh and they both also declared.

>'F 31" * * * *

lf two months ago someone had said that we were on the verge of mass teaching, not many would have believed it. After our efforts last week-end, we can undoubtedly say that mass teaching is here, it does work and we can do it! This was a Sunday, like any other day, and the first four people we met listened to what we had to say and then went on their way. We were grateful and happy because at least four more people had now heard of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. As we sauntered down the street, we iust seemed to walk straight into six youth and before we realised what was happening, five of them wanted to be Bahá’ís and help to build the new World Order. They took us round the corner to a delicatessen and these very new Bahá’ís started telling their friends about the Bahá’í Faith, and they too declared! All the teaching teams had somehow converged at the same spot, now with a whole group of new Bahá’ís amidst great happiness, love and laughter. People walking along the street, those in the delicatessen and even the other side of the road were irresistably drawn to listen. Suddenly, this wasn't like any other Sunday, it was the day on which mass teaching had begun in Australia, and when the words "Allah’u'abha", just filled the air!

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July 1971

o(Dl*ia.l’o gkajajjening in gingapow

Sarawak's loss was Singapore's gain, when G. Machambo returned unexpectedly after a short stay in East Malaysia. Machambo took a contract job on the island and in between heavy manual labour he helped with the youth activities and endeared himself to one and all. When his job ended, he was "booked" by the National Teaching institute to help in Malacca, but a special appeal from the ATC for his continued services, resulted in Machambo being loaned to the committee. The spirit he has infused into the youth and the numerous jobs he has accomplished all over the island will certainly have far-reaching effects.

Comings and Goings

Beloved Counsellor Yan Kee Leong who was helping in Singapore for several months finally left for Hong Kong in July to assist the friends of North East Asia. No sooner had he gone than Yin Hong Shuen arrived in Singapore and immediately strode into action. The youth rallied round him and deepening sessions often ended with rounds of Bahá’í songs. The friends were very sad to say farewell, but once again Hong Kong called and Malaysia answered with another of her dedicated members.

Some of the Singapore Bahá’ís who attended the Summer School in Port Dickson.

An Island trip as reported by Kenneth Mak It was one of those days when Betty Fernandez was down in Singapore. As Betty was in overall charge of island teaching under the Muhájir plan, we decided that now was a good time to start. Counsellor Yan Kee Leong was ready to go too; so Alasti, John Puah, Betty and myself set out early one morning from Jardine Steps. It began to rain. After much confusion at the crowded wharf, we managed to get into a boat going to Pulau Sentosa.

We met our first group of contacts at a coffee shop. Two minutes later each of us found someone to talk to. I ended up with a guy who was more interested in mini skirts passing by. When he ran out of mini skirts, he took a real look at us and then said "Aren’t you the guy who came sometime in December giving out the same pamphlets!" (I had come just before the Oceanic Conference) I was so surprised I iust nodded. When we had said all we had to say we took down their addresses for future contact and moved on.

The Chinese kampong we came to next proved even more difficult. . .. we couldn't speak Mandarin or Hokkien well enough, so we distributed the Chinese pamphlets and moved on.

That was the end of that island — we made for the pier and waited for a launch that would take us to Pulau Brani. This island was even smaller than Pulau Sentosa. The inhabitants were much the same. We headed for the island's only village and split into two groups. No one was really interested although one chap had actually visited the Oceanic Conference Exhibition.

We were able to give the message to a few more people. There were no dramatic declarations —— we merely scratched the surface and scattered a few seeds —— With luck an LSA next Riḍván?!

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July 1971

HONG KONG Across the South China Seas

reported by/.Malag/sian pioneer, Yin H ong Shnen

I have been here for more than two months already. There is so much to do. . ..

Not being able to speak Cantonese is a major problem as almost everyone speaks nothing else. I learn Cantonese in the mornings, and go to the villages in the afternoons with Uncle Yankee and another Bahá’í. Hong Kong and Kowloon are very beautiful, but I much prefer the countryside especially the mountains. We visit the New Territories a lot. Shatin is about nine miles from Kowloon and there is a local assembly there with a very cheerful group of Bahá’ís.

I have been elected the secretary of the National Teaching Committee and have organised deepening classes here every Sunday; hope to start free English classes for some youths soon.

There is a continuous flow of Bahá’í visitors to Hong Kong, from a couple who have been pioneering for the past seventeen years in Swaziland to Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone. Hong Kong, as you all know, is at the crossroads of Asia.

From the Centre here up in the eleventh floor of Hotung House you can see the ships anchored in the harbour. At night Hong

Kong and Kowloon are both lit up like cities in the day. Over a million tourists visit every year.

We had a very interesting proclamation meeting in the City Hall where over a hundred attended. The speakers included Orpha Daugherty from the Philippines, Counsellor Rehmani from Iran and a Vietnamese Consul. Terry Madison, a very vivacious Bahá’í professional singer, sang for the audience. Publicity was obtained in three local English papers and over the radio.

That same evening, we went with a busload of Iranian Bahá’ís touring the New Territories, and visited Lok Ma Chau at the Chinese border where special prayers were said.

The possibilities are so immense that really one cannot even imagine the final outcome of our humble efforts in Hong Kong. We are hopefully awaiting more pioneers from Malaysia.

“China, China China-ward the Cause of Baha'u’IIah must march. . .. Had I been

feeling well, I would have taken a journey to China myself!" — Abdu’l-Bahá.

A busload of Iranian Bahá’ís who travelled to Lok Mr. Azizi, one of the earliest pioneers to Hong

Ma Chan at the Chinese border.

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Kong with Hong Shnen at the Chinese border.

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SARAWAK

SUMMER

July 1971

SCHOOL

First Summer School to be held in Kuching—July 1971.

The youths of Kuching had been hearing so much about Summer School from their West Malaysian pioneer friends that they decided it was time they held their own in Kuching. They were all keyed up for the great event scheduled to take place on the 24th and 25th of July at the Dragon English School. To start with, only a handful turned up, but before they got really disheartened a few more trickled in, and by evening there were fifty-five Bahá’ís and friends gathered together in gay fellowship. The talks were given by Dr. John Fozdar and Auxiliary Board Member Grete Fozdar, Maniam, Choo Yoke Boon, Tinathayalam and Vera Kho.

Most of the guests were Dragon School students who stayed back to attend Summer School, and were thrilled to learn Bahá’í songs. There was great excitement when one boy, Chang Kim Him became a Bahá’í at the close of the sessions. Then seven

more boys signed up — the first Bahá’ís of Dragon English School. They were later joined by a girl student. These new youth have resolved to form a Bahá’í Society in their school to work in close co-operation with the Local Youth Committee of Kuching.

The eight Dragon School students who became Bahá’ís during the Kuching Summer School.

“No work is more important than that of carrying His message with utmost speed to the bewildered and thirsting peoples of a spiritually parched world.”

Samaivak needs pioneers — NOW.

Universal House of Justice.

89 Assemblies have to be elected to complete the Nine Year goals.

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July 1971

MAL/ASIAN UNJIDDUP

PERAK Telok Anson wide awake

It was way back in T962 that Auxiliary Board Member Leong Tat Chee first visited the little coastal town of Telok Anson and held a fireside with some teachers, businessmen and government servants. A few of them became Bahá’ís. Later the ATC of Perak made frequent visits and Telok Anson was even honoured by a visit by beloved Hand Muhájir. An LSA was formed and for two years it kept—the flame burning — Then friends left, and no new ones came in, and slowly the remaining Bahá’ís fell into a deep slumber. . . .

This lasted right until T968 when suddenly the rumble of activity from surrounding areas reached it, and Telok Anson awakened to a new lease of life. A public talk was arranged at which Mr. Vasudevan (now Continental Counsellor for Western Asia) was the speaker. Three guests accepted the Faith making a total of nine Bahá’ís. By next Riḍván an Assembly was formed. Sad to say that for the next few years little activity took place, until eventually the town went back to sleep!

Then came the great pamphlet distribution proiect before the Oceanic Conference,

Telok Anson Bahá’ís with friends from Selangor.

and Telok Anson was also flooded with literature. The response was fantastic. There were so many inquirers that help had to be sought from the NTC. Members rushed over from Kuala Lumpur — Seelan, Richard Lee, Thanabalan, Ravichandran, Susan Yip, Aux. Board member Betty Fernandez and many others — Several youth enrolled from four different schools and they formed themselves into a youth group with representation from each of the schools.

The need for a proper meeting place was felt, ‘and finally a Bahá’í Centre was set up in the heart of the town at the Gandhi Memorial and occupied on a rental basis. More firesides followed and deepening was organised as numbers increased. Three teams were formed under the Muhájir Plan namely the Sun, Moon and Star teams. The Sun team is teaching in the estates and the main road along Jalan Changkat Jong. The Moon team is concentrating on the town and the Star team is working on the main road between Telok Anson and Bagan Datoh. All the teams have been successful in bringing in new declarations, the majority of which are youth, and more than half of whom are Chinese. The NTC has been helping with study courses for which the Assembly is very grateful. Now that the youth are on the march, there is little chance of it falling to sleep again — instead, the friends of Telok Anson invite you to visit them if you happen to be passing that way. The Bahá’í Centre is in Jalan Makhota and open every night from 7-30 to lO—OO p.m.

$ELANGOR AND WEST PAHANG

The Area Teaching Committee based in Selangor, but responsible also for the development of West Pahang has published its own newsletter called “Naw-Rúz". Waking up to the responsibilities of the ‘new day' they suddenly realised that much more had

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Malaysian Roundup to be done for the small isolated communities deep in the large state of Pahang — quote:

"We have looked at the distance, the winding roads, the jungles and rivers and the prairies and deserts.... and we have

not moved... . Abdu’l-Bahá would have been so happy to visit these areas, but he has instead entrusted us to do the job — Let

us not fail Him.

A later issue of Naw-Rúz published the following report on Bilut Valley.

Pahang

Bilut Valley is a land development project about 12 miles from Bentong town, the centre of the timber industry. Here we find the wonderful Bahá’ís who were taught by Kit Yin Kiang our pioneer in Taiwan.

The Bahá’ís of Bilut Valley with visiting friends.

July 1971

Recently Seelan paid them a visit. There were twelve friends who sat in the glow of kerosene lamps from 6 pm. to 10 pm. listening to stories of what was happening around Malaysia. Mr. Lam, the pillar of this area was very moved by the new spirit that emerged after the meeting. As a result of the visit three youths decided to attend Summer School, the first time that they had ever left home.

Jerantut

There were only two other Bahá’ís in the little town of Jerantut last year when Chandrasekeran went there on transfer from Bentong. Circumstances did not permit the holding of any meeting or organised teaching. Prayers were the only solace — and of course they worked. Visits from the NTC members and Kuala Lumpur friends resulted in a few more declarations but not enough to form their first L.S.A. this year. Then the Remover of Difficulties was said 500 times and hey presto — an imminent transfer was averted, the required number were enrolled, and the LSA of Jerantut came into existence. Now they have deepening classes every Monday using the "Light of the Age” as their study guide, and the few friends are moving into the nearby estates for extension teaching.

REGIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE, CENTRAL ZONE.

More than 100 youths attended the Regional Youth Conference held in Kuala

Lumpur on 10th and 11th July, 1971.

The occasion which was officially opened by the

Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Appu Roman and graced by the presence of beloved Auxiliary Board Member, Mrs. Betty Fernandez was acclaimed to be the most

memorable of all the Regional Conferences.

Much of the organisation of the Conference

was done by the Local Bahá’í Youth Committee of Kuala Lumpur.

Eye catching displays, a joyous panel, a fruitful workshop, an inspiring hour with Betty Fernandez, and the timely Message from the beloved National Assembly high lighted this wonderful conference of youths.

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July 1971

E9EZ§.\.[§’\?.Tlri§ ©F ‘TPEIE @flFEl@

THE OCEANIC CONFERENCE —- SUVA, FIJI — MAY 21-23, 1971

The glorious and historic Oceanic Conference in Suva, Fiji, was blessed with the presence of two Hands of the Cause of God, Mr. Collis Featherstone, representative of The Universal House of Justice, and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, with the three members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia, all the Auxiliary Board members for Australasia, and also Counsellor Mumtází from North East Asia. The more than 400 believers, who gathered in Fiji for this great occasion included nine Knights of Baha'u'llah, approximately forty members of National Spiritual Assemblies in Australasia, and believers from twenty-six countries.

Highlighting this soul—stirring Conference was the knowledge shared by all present that this was the day when the indigenous believers of the myriad islands in this great Pacific Ocean came forth to take their rightful place in the Cause of Baha'u'llah. It was their Conference from the opening call by a Fijian believer to the closing prayer by a Cook Island Maori friend, and it was handled with dignity, sincerity, devotion and love which are the hallmarks of the island peoples of the Pacific.

Time and again during the Conference, reference was made to the pearls which lie hidden in this great ocean, but many indeed were the pearls in evidence at this victorious Conference. From the highlands of New Guinea to the atolls of the Gilberts and the Continent of Australia. . .. from every corner of the South Pacific they came with gentle smiles, loving hearts and eloquent tongues to proclaim their devotion and demonstrate their dedication to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Conference Opens Translated simultaneously into five languages, the Conference officially opened

reprinted from U.S. Bahá’í News

on May 21st when all present stood to show their love and respect for The Universal House of Justice as its representative, Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Collis Featherstone came forward to read the message from that Supreme Body.

Recalling the example set by those first heroic pioneers in the Pacific, Mother and Father Dun and Martha Root, The Universal House of Justice reminded the friends in the Pacific of the words of the Master in the Tablets of the Divine Plan when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called for teachers "speaking the languages, severed, holy sanctified and filled with the love of God, to turn their faces to and travel through the three great island groups of the Pacific Ocean — Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. . .

Following this challenging message it is small wonder that when the call went out for pioneers and traveling teachers almost every seat in the hall was vacated as believers flooded the stage and overflowed down the aisles. Confusion reigned for a few minutes until Counsellor Harwood asked the friends to return to their seats and to fill out forms during break periods.

Kaleidoscope Of The Conference

Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Muhájir remarked "I remember that there were about seventeen people at the first Convention of the South Pacific and now look at the number present. Baha'u'llah has collected all the pearls of the Pacific Ocean and brought them here."

Counsellor ‘Ala'i gave a capsule history of the early development of the Faith in the

Pacific and the role of the pioneers, and said we were entering the era when the

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"indigenous believers would be the teachers

and the pioneers would be the helpers.

The truth of these words was very evident as representatives of every island group, men and women, youth and adults, spoke on such subjects as consolidation, deepening, teaching the masses, giving to the Fund, the role of women, and many other subjects. They related their teaching experiences, some with tears, some with laughter, but throughout the Conference the keynote was on victory.

The whole attitude was one of complete confidence that mass conversion would sweep through the islands and the only problem was how to keep pace with it, how to keep up with the consolidation and deepening work. A typical appeal was for teachers who could climb mountains and walk through the jungles to reach the waiting souls, and for pioneers to man the deepening institutes.

Moments To Remember

A deep hush fell upon the gathering when prayers were offered simultaneously with The Universal House of Justice who had advised: "Offering simultaneous prayers shrines supplicating Bahá’u’lláh shower Divine blessing historic Conference open new phase teaching work throughout Pacific.”

The telephone hook-up with the friends gathered at the Jamaica Conference was another beautiful highlight of this wonderful Conference.

No account of the Conference would be complete without some mention of the music, the singing and the dancing which is so much a part of the life of the Pacific Island people. There were Bahá’í songs by lndianjchildren from Fiji, by youth, adults ajndjchildren from every island, and a gigantic singing hour led by Russ Garcia. There was a beautiful French song "A Call to Pioneer"

composed by friends from the French

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July 1971

territories which everyone found themselves humming later, and a proclamation song in Samoan composed by friends from those islands. There was dancing by the friends in the beautiful costumes of their islands, and there were skits, both serious and funny.

Fijian Farewell

The hall was filled and silent, eyes were bright with tears as the Fijian friends come quietly to the stage to sing the haunting Fijian farewell which opened this last session. Then speaker Jack I\/lcCants broke the sadness by his opening words, “My friends, Baha'u'llah loves you.” He then reminded the friends that this was one of the last gatherings we would attend which had been called by our beloved Guardian and he suggested that a request go from the Conference for flowers to be placed on Shoghi Effendi"s grave.

The Conference officially closed as Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Featherstone bade farewell with these words: “It is love that spreads the Faith. . .. Go back to your homes and spread that love."

Collis Featherstone, who i'ep1‘es_e11ted the Universal House of JuStlCe Hand of the Cause,

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Malaysian Roundup

PENANG Flashback to Dec. T970 It was Pesta time in Penang and

thousands of tourists flooded the island when the pamphlet proclamation was started; the friends gathered in festive mood to launch their programme. It was a lovely mixed group of Bahá’ís, boys and girls, young and old, dressed in cheongsam, sari and sarong, slacks, minis, and even a couple of kimonos (as two Japanese Bahá’ís were then resident in Penang) who set out to distribute the pamphlets — a more unlikely religious team could hardly be imagined!

There is a crowded ferry linking Penang with the mainland, and the pamphlet team stationed there had a wonderful time, confident of a captive audience for 15 minutes of ferry time as a very strict anti—litter law prevented the precious pamphlets from being immediately cast away!

The feedback

After the Oceanic Conference and for several months later, the reply cards kept turning up — from fishing villages, up Penang Hill, deep in Chinatown, along the main shopping centres, residental areas, and crowded multi-storied housing flats. Excited teams of Bahá’ís swapped stories after their visits to new and interesting contacts. All were invited to firesides held every Sunday at the Bahá’í Centre.

A typical Sunday fireside.

July 1971

Some of the youth at the Sunday sessions.

A beautiful pattern emerged at these firesides. As no one knew who was going to turn up, about ten or fifteen Bahá’ís mainly youth, came regularly to be the hosts There was no main speaker. Two or three enquirers would be spoken to by one or two Bahá’ís in different parts of the room some spilled over into the verandah, out on the porch, into the dining room. Every available corner was alive with the message being given in Chinese and English. Universal participation was a reality. The atmosphere was refreshing and exhilarating. School girls and boys, factory workers, fishmongers and coffee shop keepers, theosophists, American Peace Corp volunteers — If ever there was such a thing as the perfect fireside, this was it. For here was universal participation among the Bahá’ís sowing seeds of unity in diversity. And this went on for week after week after week!

The community blossomed and bloomed in different directions, and each 19 Day Feast was an occasion to welcome new members into the family. The Local Spiritual Assembly is now looking into the feasability of more than one LSA on the island.

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in the mitist of mar

There I was — straddling the back of a Honda — bumping along the ribbon of a road that cut through the rice padis outside of Bien Thuy, South Vietnam. We made a right angle turn smack through a pond of a puddle and onto a road that bisected a village of orderly compact grey dwellings surrounded by well kept vegetation. Shy, smiling faces appeared everywhere, and laughing, squealing children ran out from their yards. As I looked to the right and left and right — there it was! above every door — the Greatest Name. (Was I in the Abhá Kingdom? I never imagined I would enter the next world on the back of a motorcycle). Then we stopped before a house with a sign that indicated it was the Bahá’í Centre for this Cham village. The Chams — those ancient and noble people with their proud heritage, had accepted Bahá’u’lláh and were now constructing their world in His pattern.

How wonderful it was to stroll through that spot chatting with Auxiliary Board Member Van Loi enioying the peace of the place and the sweetness of the Bahá’ís there. We lingered until past dark when it is adviseable to be in the safety of a larger town. Riding back I kept thinking of the moments spent there talking of world peace, the unity of mankind, comparing fashions with the women and speaking of raising our children. In how many towns or villages on the planet today are we privileged to enter and abide with such fellowship and unity of thought. Surely I had visited a city of the future.

This is but one of the amazing adventures I have had in South Vietnam. Another fond memory is walking many kilometres to a village nestled at the foot of the mountains to visit the Bahá’í School which had been constructed by the Bahá’ís who also pay the salary of the teacher. The first glimpse of it was festive — on the red tin roof, a large white, nine-pointed star shone, and flanking the entrance large white and red

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July 1971

Elizabeth Gibson

banners and standards showed welcome words in Vietnamese. The earthen floor and the mud and straw walls were crowned by a picture of Abdu’l-Bahá. Sitting among the bevy of students at their rough-hewn benches and desks of uneven metal and timber, I knew they were among the most fortunate souls in the world. Not only would they learn about academic subjects, but more importantly, they would know the reason for their existence, the meaning of life and what was pleasing to God.

The esteem with which the Faith is held by other religions and officials is high. On a previous trip to the Mekong Delta Mr. Le Loc of the NSA, Quan of the NTC and I had been received at many pagodas and talked at length with the monks. We visited the province chief, mayor, police chief — all spoke knowingly of the Bahá’ís and their activities toward peace and unity.

Oh, I am not going to minimise the conditions there — everywhere the signs of war are evident. Flying over the land one observes the fields that are pocketed with bomb craters. Every able-bodied man is in uniform and armed. One only travels in the provinces during the daytime, and then usually after one is sure the road isn’t mined. The night is full of the "Boom! Boom! BOOM! of fighting.

The suffering of the people is beyond comprehension. Their endurance is also beyond comprehension. The hot tears of the women have left their indelible mark on my heart. One woman whose husband was the vice-chairman of an LSA had not seen him for two years. He was still a captive of the VC. Every family and every individual is afflicted. But there in the midst of the chaos in this war-torn country, the hope, the radiance of the Bahá’ís is an invincible shield.

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Malaysian Roundup JOHORE

Just across the causeway from Singapore lies the town of Johore Bahru with its small Bahá’í community. For many years there were hardly any friends there and, as the

‘distance from the nearest active community

up north was very vast, it was rather isolated. The NTC made a special effort to cover the area during the great pamphlet distributing project and the vibrations from the Oceanic Conference reached over the Straits of Johore activating the town; A number of reply cards were received and the follow-up visits led to new contacts and declarations.

Auxiliary Board Member Betty Fernandez, and Shantha Sundram from Penang visited the Centre and helped with deepening and firesides. Teams were formed named after the Bahá’í months and they moved into Kota Tinggi, Pontian and Kulai.

Many of the reply cards had been sent by school children who, though interested in the Faith, were afraid of parental disapproval. One of them was from a school girl who happened to be out when the Bahá’ís called. Her brother was curious to know what his sister was getting involved in. He asked a lot of questions listened intently, got the message and became a Bahá’í!

The young community of Johore Bahru is slowly growing and developing and now it has even produced a pioneer — Catherine Wan, who has applied for a transfer to Sarawak and will be leaving as soon as it comes through.

July 1971

§~.%m"

Friends from Johore who attended the Summer School in Port Dickson.

Visitor from India

Mrs. Mehroo Dawood of Madras toured Singapore and Malaysia to visit as many communities as possible in order to take back with her "some of the spirit of this country that is so full of life. . .

She was happily surprised to find that in spite of all she had heard about the efficiency of the Malaysians, very often meetings and Feasts began leisurely, (on Asian time!) and many things moved as the mood indicated. The dedication and activity that she observed was not frighteningly intense, but happy and consistent — which she concluded must be the secret.

In many places, meetings had been arranged for Mrs. Dawood for Tamilspeaking groups, on the mistaken presumption that coming from Madras in South India,

she was conversant with the language. However, Bahá’í love and laughter — and a translator — saved the situations!

Points to Ponder

When people accept the Cause through their heads, it's like buying something they may "buy" the Faith piece by piece, thereby running the risk of encountering something they personally don't like or can't agree with; when this happens they may leave the Faith. Whereas, when a person accepts the Faith through his heart, wholly and totally because he believes it to be of God and from God, he is protected from this sort of intellectual disillusionment. -- Rúḥíyyih Khcmum

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Hemmgifiiw

Summer School —— 30th, 31st July, 1st 15

Were you there when 250 Bahá’ís gathered at Port Dickson?

Were you there?

Did you see. . . ..

Q the majority were new Bahá’ís? Q the number of “talented Chinese"?

C the representation from places like Cheras, Taiping, Telok Anson, Muar? Q the turnout of estate believers?

O the response to the pioneer call? Q the martyrdom of Quddús?

0 two and three sleeping in one bed? 0 the numerous slide shows?

Did you hear. . ..

O the teams competing for the quiz prizes?

. little Rajah singing "I Love You"?

O the Singaporeans “Flim, Fla m , Bamming"?

. the results of the call for the new deputization fund?

. the childrens classes reciting divine verses?

. the new songs composed by Bahá’í youth?

Q the happy noise at meal time? Q the swimmers at the beach?

[Page 15]July 1971

iugust 1971 at the Youth Hostel, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.

. l k.._

Did you learn And why do we Bahá’ís have summer schools? from the Board members, Assembly “Shoghi Effendi feels that the real members, ’feGCl'Iel'S and fellow SlUClen’fS purpose of these Summer Schools is to deepen about the knowledge of the Friends..... Should

H _ _ the friends desire to take the lead in . B°h°' Ob|'9°”‘°"5 informing the world, they should start by Q Detachment and Sacrifice educating themselves and understand what . The Covenom the troubles and problems really are which

. The Downbreakers battle the minds of man."

. Significance of the Formative Age Wl‘Y Should We “fiend 0'" 5Ch00l5? . The Advent of Divine Jusfice Each Bahá’í should. . .. "consider such . The Significance of the Bahdi an occasion (summer school attendance) as

a welcome and precious opportunity so to enrich, through lectures, study and discussion, his knowledge of the fundamentals of his and that you mus», Faith as to be able to transmit, with greater . Procloim confidence and effectiveness the Message that has been entrusted to his care." C Teach

l . Deepen ‘ Q Travel 0 Contribute _

O Pray Q Pioneer ! ! !

Revelation 0 Heroes of the Formative Age,

Did you know. . . .. this was the first summer school that had O rotating classes O classes in three languages

O simultaneous translation in Tamil and H ,_ ,_ _ T, Chmeseg Back from the beach.

[Page 16]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2 July 1971

can be better understood if we realize the great need of every believer today for a more adequate understanding of the social principles and laws of the Faith."

3; ,

“The wide range of the topics that are

_ . I to be discussed and studied by the Friends, L. to R. Counsellor Payman, Auxiliary Board Cover mosl of llle lmporlcml Clspecls of the i1i::‘:::;:;,2?.;:“a,*?,::it2r Ezaiftizf’ cause and such a plan win undoubiediy give

them a broad and sound knowledge of the essentials of the Faith. Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement, as well as the guiding principles

of Bahá’í Administration — for on these two points most of the believers are not adequately informed.”

When we return home after summer school, what is expected of us?

"Definite courses should be given along the different phases of the Bahá’í Faith and in a manner that will stimulate the students

to proceed in their studies privately once they return home, for the period of a few days is not sufficient to learn everything. They have to be taught the habit of studying the Cause constantly . . . . ..

Childrens’ class busy with art work.

"He feels that the most important thing to do.... is to strongly impress upon the

Sweets for all after class.

What can we le-arn at summer school?

“The teaching of the Administration is . . . .an indispensable feature of every Bahá’í

. . . . . One of the rotating classes being held under the Summer School, and its special significance trees behind the hoste1_

16

[Page 17]Malaysian Bahá’í'. News Val:7 No.2

Bahá’í attendants the urgency of arising not only to fulfill pioneer goals and to consolidate the work on the homefront. . . ., but also to bring home to the friends the necessity of dispersing. . .

What is the future of our summer schools?

“Through the intensive study of Bahá’í Scriptures and of the early history of the Faith; through the organization of courses on the teaching and history of Islam; through conferences for the promotion of interracial amity; through laboratory courses designed to familiarize the participants with the processes of the Bahá’í Administrative Order; through special sessions devoted to Youth and child training; through classes in public speaking; through lectures on Comparative Religion; through group discussion on the manifold aspects of the Faith; through the establishment of libraries; through teaching classes; through courses on Bahá’í ethics; through the introduction of winter school sessions; through picnics and other recreational activities, these schools, open to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike. . .. bid fair to evolve into the Bahá’í universities of the future." See you at the Winter School in Singapore, in December! !

July 1971

The social hour—watching the Singaporeans ‘flim, flam, bamming.’

Counsellor Payman presenting the prize to the representative of the winning team in the Quiz contest.

Class on Dawn—breakers Mr. Nagaratnam.

conducted by

being

“The happy noise at meal time.”

17

[Page 18]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2

July 1971

Glarihhean Ql3iJIIfizriz1I£izifiittgztult, ilamaiza - gtflag 21-25, 1971

A preliminary report on the Intercontinental Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, May 21-23, states that approximately l,200 Bahá’ís were in attendance. Nearly every national Bahá’í community in Central and South America was represented, as were also the island areas of the Caribbean, Canada, with the attendance from the United States numbering nearly 600. Most of the latter travelled from Miami, Florida, by ship, picking up the representatives from Puerto Rico and the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico enroute to Kingston. This mode of travel provided the occasion for an intensive Bahá’í deepening while at sea enroute to and from the Conference.

Some 450 Bahá’ís and close friends attended a Unity Feast the evening preceeding the Conference. Hands of the Cause of God, Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem and Mr. John Robarts addressed the meeting which was happily interrupted to receive an amplified ship—to-shore telephone greeting from Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, on behalf of the Bahá’ís aboard the S.S. New Bahama Star.

Hand of the Cause, Mr. Khádem as the representative of The Universal House of Justice presented the message from the Supreme Institution of the Faith, and also spoke at two other sessions, including the closing when some ninety individuals were inspired to volunteer for pioneer and travel-teacher service in response to the call from The Universal House of Justice.

In his stirring address on "Reaching and Teaching the People of African Descent" Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United " States,

18

appealed to the descendants of those who were brought to these islands as slaves, to arise and join their white brothers in carrying the message of love and peace to all the rest of humanity. “Every people has a contribution to make to the building of the Kingdom of God,” he said. ln this part of the world the contribution must be the unity of the black and white. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that unity here would be an assurance of the peace of the world. "The destiny of the Faith is at stake," said Mr. Mitchell. "We must share our responsibility now, openly and together."

Included in the agenda were the role of youth in the Nine Year Plan, proclamation techniques, the Bahá’í Fund, progress on the building of the Panama Temple, and of course mass teaching, consolidation and teaching. Members of the Board of Counsellors in North, Central and South America, Auxiliary Board members, and representatives of several National Spiritual Assemblies participated as Chairman and speakers. Large numbers of the believers engaged in mass teaching between sessions and following the Conference. The results were 400 new believers in Jamaica and some 200 more enrolled by the United States contingent during the floating institute.

This brief report of facts cannot in any sense of the word describe the spirit of love, unity, enthusiasm and assurance that filled every heart throughout the entire Conference. It was a never—to—be—forgotten experience for each and every soul and the impression that the gathering made upon the general public must surely have added immeasurably to the prestige of the Faith in all the Caribbean.

For further highlights of this Conference see page 19. repiinted from Bahá’í News — July, 1971.

[Page 19]Malaysiim Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2

THE FLOATING INSTITUTE

Everything connected with the Oceanic Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, May 21-23 exceeded the greatest expectations. Many of the nearly 600 believers and friends boarding the Bahá’í chartered ship, the S.S. New Bahama Star, in Miami on May T7 were present for (:1 Unity Feast the previous evening in Miami's Dupont Plaza Hotel, which was also attended by some friends who were unable to go to Jamaica.

At the dockside iust prior to boarding, there was a visit from the Mayor of Miami, the Honorable David T. Kennedy, who presented three scrolls to Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to be delivered to the Honorable Beniamin Cole, Mayor of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where we would be stopping to pick up some of the believers; to the Honorable Eli Matalon, Mayor of Kingston: and to His Excellency Melvyn Evans, Governor of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, where we would stop on the return trip.

Amid the sound of trucks hurrying to get supplies and luggage aboard the ship, it was a moving scene as the Bahá’ís aboard ship joined the believers on the dock in singing "Alláh-u-Abhá!" filling the air and sending the vibrations of the Greatest Name over the city of Miami and far beyond.

Activities On Board

Activities aboard ship were ably coordinated by Mrs. Eileen Norman and Mr. Richard Betts, both members of the Caribbean Conference Committee. The “Floating Institute" proved to be a tremendous deepening experience. Enroute to Jamaica, classes were given daily for three days on “The Sure Handle", a study of the Covenant by Mr. Glenford Mitchell; and “Fulfilling Your True Self" by Dr. Daniel Jordan. On the return trip, Mr. Mitchell conducted classes on

19.

July 1.971

to a nd from JAMAICA

"The Goal of a New World Order," and Dr. Dwight Allen presented classes on “Toward World Unity” The classes were all well attended and well received.

In addition to the lecture classes, elective classes were offered on the following subjects: "Workshop on the Local Spiritual Assembly", “The Bahá’í Faith and the Family", "Bahá’í Marriage”, “Unwrapping Our Spiritual Gift", "The Art of Consultation", "Workshop on Mass teaching", “Comparative Religion", “Workshop on Display Materials", “Hidden Words” and "Pioneering".

The evening programs were interesting and varied, and included a presentation by Mr. Philip Cassadore, an American lndian from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. Mr. Cassadore is well—known as a singer of Apache songs, and is a consultant and visiting lecturer to a number of government agencies and universities throughout the United States. Other evening programs were "Occupied with the Greatest Undertaking" by Miss Magdalene Carney and the Deep South Singers; "The Rise of the Faith in the United States”, by Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; and “Unsealing the Choice Wine," a glimpse of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh.

Nightly there was entertainment provided by the ship's program staff, movies, and music for dancing. One of the ship's entertainers was a Bahá’í from Miami, singer Terry Madison. She was the only BahaTi who was paid for going on the cruise! Following the evening entertainment, some of the professional Bahá’í musicians would get together with some of the ship's entertainers for jam sessions, which sometimes lasted into the early morning hours. Others danced to rhythmic calypso music in the Bahama Lounge..

[Page 20]Malaysia-n Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2

Arrival In Puerto Rico

Perhaps one of the most deeply touching moments of the cruise was the arrival of the ship in Puerto Rico. As the ship drew into port, there were cries of “Allah-u—Abhá!" The people lining the dock broke into cheers as the ship got close enough for them to see the banners on the side, "Bahá’í Caribbean Conference." There was not a dry eye in sight, and even the crew members were moved.

The Mayor of Mayaguez, his wife, a large party of officials and dignitaries and a news media representative came aboard for the presentation ceremony. The Mayor received a copy of the book, "The proclamation of Baha'u'llah" and the scroll From the Mayor of Miami. ln turn, he presented a beautiful illuminated scroll to be taken back to the Mayor of Miami. He and his party were touched by the experience, and at the end of the program he embraced Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Jordan, and said he would look into the Faith.

In Jamaica

Although the ship was late in docking at Kingston, the Governor General of Jamaica, His Excellency Sir Clifford Campbell, waited for its arrival and extended an eloquent welcome to those attending the Conference. He received a standing ovation from the Bahá’ís. He stressed the recognition of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man as the foundation for the advancement of civilization, and told us that the motto of Jamaica is "out of many, one people." So impressed was he with the spirit of Bahá’í love that he cancelled a previous commitment in order to attend the reception held in his honor that evening.

Throughout the trip and the Conference, mass teaching was clearly in evidence, as Bahá’í registration cards poured in. Some of the newly enrolled believers were employees of the Sheraton-Kingston Hotel, the Conference site. What Cl treat it was to see Conference badges proudly displayed as beaming faces went about their tasks!

20

July 1971

What a thrill it was, too, to witness the great numbers who went to the registration desk to ask to become Bahá’ís!

A highlight of the Conference was a spectacular public meeting at the Kingston Arena, where thousands gathered to hear Dizzie Gillespie, Geraldine Jones, Linda Marshall and the Deep South Singers. This presentation of the Faith through music and song inspired many more to ioin the ranks of the rapidly swelling army of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Return Voyage

Reluctantly, the believers departed from Jamaica on Sunday, many of -them having resolved to return soon to assist with the mass teaching and deepening. The spirit aboard the S.S. New Bahama Star was running higher than ever as we began the return trip. The stop in St. Thomas provided yet another opportunity for the Bahá’ís to strengthen the ties between nations with the presentation of the scroll to the Governor General of the Virgin Islands, and the receipt of the scroll to be taken back to the Mayor of Miami.

The afternoon was spent in mass teaching and inviting the people of St. Thomas to a meeting aboard ship that evening which had good radio coverage. Some 200 people came to this meeting and many became Bahá’ís. In all, 150 souls enlisted under the Banner of Bahá’u’lláh.

Captain William Makrinos customarily holds a cocktail party for guests on board. Since Bahá’ís do not drink, there was a gala reception instead. The Captain received each one with a handshake and “Alláh-u-Abhál" So happy was he about the forty crew members who had become Bahá’ís that he set aside a room aboard ship for a Bahá’í library and for meetings. The weather was beautiful, with only one day of moderately rough passage. Crew members found it almost unbelievable that Bahá’ís could be so happy day after day, without being intoxicated with anything but the power of the spirit and the love of God.

reported by Natalie DiBuono and reprinted from US. Bahá’í News.

[Page 21]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2

@237: 2 u 0

In April 1971, colleague Payman and the writer visited Burma for the Convention. This was indeed an experience we shall always remember. Travelling from Rangoon by a jeep-taxi through dusty tracks, we arrived in the village of Daidanaw — the village that Siyyid Mustafa Roumi brought into the Faith in the time of Abdu’l-Bahá. The Master (so the story goes) was so pleased that he agreed for the village to be called ‘the village of Abdu’l-Bahá'. Indeed the village was so full of the spirit of love and unity befitting the title it had earned.

We were happy to relate to the believers, young and old, the spirit of Bahá’í enthusiasm and excitement present in the rest of the Bahá’í world. The youths were moved to form a youth committee and dedicated themselves to teaching. When we left we promised to send young Auxiliary Board member Feridoun from Laos, to spend some time with these dedicated youths. We give below beloved Feridoun's report on his visit.

• =l< >3 * =I<

"When I learned from the CBC that I was to visit Burma, I was overjoyed as I know very little about the beloved friends of that land.

I had six days in Burma during which I visited the Bahá’ís of Rangoon, the Village of Abdu’l-Bahá, and two other localities.

July 1971

>3 Qt: ,1§:_1;g ya 9

T’

Chellie J. Sunclram

Everywhere we went some NSA members accompanied us. A two day teaching conference in Rangoon was attended by forty youths and ten adults. We discussed different ways of approach to the Buddhists and the masses and finally drew up a nine—monthplan to be finished by Riḍván '72. Many youths volunteered to take the message to I13 localities and form 79 additional LSAs by Riḍván 72. All the major places were marked on the map and the names of the volunteers noted down against the place. The NTC worked out the details of the plan, the NSA approved it, and the next day they started. It was memorable, happy and souI—stirring —"

Feridoun

Some of the beautiful Bahá’ís of Burma.

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[Page 22]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol.'7 No.2

holy 1971

c/Qyfiawnd /46 (W07:/c/walié /49 Laflfittdd

Remember them ?

Barbara and Ernie Bruss, and the young ones — Chip, John, Todd and Adam

— This delightful family visited Malaysia last year in December on their way around the world. Now they are back home in Hawaii and we are happy to sh are with friends their Bahá’í travelogue.

Little did we know about the Faith and little did we really know what we were setting out to do. What was supposed to be Cl one year teaching trip turned out to be one year of intensive deepening for the entire family, and I'm sure shall ever remain the greatest joy and bounty of our lives. The beloved friends everywhere always over-extended themselves in love and gracious hospitality for which we are so very grateful to each dear soul.

American Samoa, Western Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, India, Iran, Israel, Germany, Austria, Italy, England, Scotland, Chicago, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii Summer School turned out to be our itinerary for the period July I, T970 — June 20, 1971.

Samoa was the beginning of reality and such a startling reality that it humbled us to the point of "absolute nothingness" (and not the way Baha'u'Ilah refers to it).

In Fiii we were sent into the villages for which we are so thankful. We shall ever remember the depth of the love of the Fijian villagers.

Coming out of the warmth and simplicity of the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia were a shock physically and spiritually as both aspects were in the season of winter not denying that winter is also a beautiful season; it has purpose in death and the hope of spring. The warmth of the Bahá’í communities will soon bring about the heat of summer.

In October, Singapore was overrun with Malaysian Bahá’í youth bringing about the

22

recorcled by Barbara

goals for the Singapore Conference. to behold their service!

A joy

In Malaysia we were overwhelmed by the spirit of the youth. In part it is due to the fact that the adult community trusts their youth to the extent that they asked the youth to help bring in the goals. The youth that we met were sincere and active, ‘were praying and reading from the Writings daily and were constantly planning teaching goals for themselves on their week—ends, days off, and vacations.

Burma, O God, help Burma! The people are so beautiful and so oppressed by conditions there. The Abdu'I Baha village of Daidenaw was a rare treat for our family. Never have I known more loving communication even though we couldn't speak to one another.

India, a vast, wonderful country with people of great potential but wrapped in human struggles to the extent that all efforts seem powerless. Only the World Order of Baha’u’llah can help India. . ..

Iran, the Land of Ta, home of the Twin Stars for this Day, is a beautiful, beautiful, country but a country with many problems, as still evidenced by the persecutions of our Bahá’í family there. Our boys want to return to Summer School there someday, which is an incentive for learning Persian! Shíráz in its culture and history was fascinating for us but the greatest bounty was a visit to the House of the Báb.

Israel was the prized bounty from God. Nine days in Israel before pilgrimage gave us a wonderful sense of our religious heritage and staying in the kibbutz was an

[Page 23]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2

enlightening and interesting experience in communal living. There are no adequate words to describe Haifa, Akka, and Bahjí. Paradise was always a nebulous term for me but that Blessed Spot has the rarified sanctity of the Faith and to smell Their Perfumed Fragrance is God's crowning glory to my family on earth.

Europe was an entirely different experience but just as treasured as the rest. We found Germany engulfed in the false god of materialism. Materialism added to the power of the German mind without the guidance of God is rather frightening. We purchased a VW bus to travel in and named it Vahid (Unity) because unity was such a test for our family travelling so long, being together every day in such close quarters. Now we are reaping the rewards of that beautiful test; we have never been closer.

Winter School, in Salzburg, Austria, was alive with 700 youth, mostly Bahá’ís from all over Europe. Hand of the Cause, Mr. Robarts, inspired us in the English sessions with the "' Power of Prayer" and stories of the Faith in Canada. The Dawnbreakers of Europe gave an outstanding, dramatic contemporary performance on progressive revelation.

Under the guidance of the Pioneer Committee of Europe we agreed to go to Italy and Scotland. From Austria we went through the Dolomites to Rome. Dr. Muhájir was organizing teaching teams in conjunction with the NSA of Italy when we arrived. Our schedule was arranged — 27 cities in 35 days covering all of Italy and Sicily. Such organization was a real joy. The letters went out from National at the same time we set out on those famous Italian highways and notorious traffic jams. Everywhere the friends met us with radiant faces and open arms. We hold each of their faces in our hearts as we do the friends everywhere. From the traffic jams of Napoli, through the flowering almond orchards of Bari and Lecci, along the coast and across the ferry to the orange groves of

July 1971

Sicily, swinging into the olive groves and rolling along the grape vineyards of northern Italy, we worked our way for the Cause of God with AIlah’u’Abhá on our lips. From each newly found member of our family we sadly tore ourselves away so we could be swept along on the wings of angels to another waiting soul. We passed beautiful Greek monuments and Roman ruins but there was no time for past civilizations because we were helping to build the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh from which the future golden age civilization will develop and time was of the essence. God speed to those valiant souls serving so courageously everywhere.

Every country has a different emotional impactand not the least was Scotland. We fell in love with the harshness of the high lands and the islands in early spring and rolled over hill and dale from Glasgow, Dundee, lnverness, across the ferry to the peat bogs of Stornoway and down to quaint old Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Everywhere has a different race, different customs, different scenery, different food, different dress but everywhere the Bahá’í communities are the same — full of "love, steadfastness, service, sacrifice," diligently building the World Order of Baha'u'IIah. And that, dear friends, is UNITY IN DIVERSITY that we all talk about.

Back to home soil —USA — so honou-red by Abdu’l Baha. We had been on foreign soil long enough and Bahá’ís long enough to look at the USA with the eyes of iustice. Materialism hit us square between the eyes and our own home was a cultural shock! It was sad to see Youth who are searching but who are in the clutches of the false god of absolute freedom.

Summer School Hawaii was terrific!

Our trip has ended but the experience has become part of the cells of our body and for such a bounty we must ever be

thankful.

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[Page 24]Malaysian Bahá’í News Val:7 No.2

The Deep South

In the last issue of the Malaysian Bahá’í News We printed one of the first reports of mass conversion in the deep South in the United States. Published below is a vivid description of another aspect of those historic days taken from a letter written by an American Bahá’í to a friend in Christchurch. It is reprinted from the New Zealand Newsletter March 1971.

We've just returned from what has been perhaps the most fantastic experience of our lives; we feel that now, before the memory of it dims even a little, we must try to share it with you. How we wish you could have been there with us, and had all your cares and doubts and fears and questions swept away by the overwhelming power of the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

The occasion was the Victory Conference called by the Deep South Committee to celebrate the successful completion of the 4 month plan, which saw, in the deepest states of the Deep South, the enrolment of over 3,000 new believers. The conference was attended by 400 Bahá’ís many of whom had themselves enrolled only within the last few months. These were joined by over 250 new brothers and sisters from the surrounding towns who declared during the course of the conference.

These are just statistics, but there aren't any words to describe to you just what took place. We saw a demonstration of love and unity and brotherhood such as we could never even begin to imagine. Here we sat, in the heart of an area which for so many yearsfhas known nothing but injustice and hatred and oppression, and watched the teachings of Baha'u'llah and the example of Abdu’l-Bahá transform the hearts of men. And music — music such as you've never heard before — songs created on the spur of the moment, coming so fast they seem to materialize out of the air. Filled with soul and with spirit, dedicated to love and unity and Baha'u'llah.

24

July 1971

VICTORV mAR<l'|

We talk a lot, about deepening and about how long it takes a person to understand the significance of the Faith. Well this group of a few hundred people, most of them young, and many of them poor very poor — sacrificed of themselves and contributed, during the course of the conference, over $6,000 to the Fund. Do you know why? Because they've seen laws passed to protect them and watched these laws fail them, because they've heard the promises of governments and watched these promises fail them, because at long last they see in the Bahá’í Teachings and Institutions the only way to true justice, "the last refuge of a tottering civilization."

Universal participation —- here every Bahá’í is a teacher. We've seen people who were Bahá’ís for less than five minutes rush out to tell their friends about the Faith and accept their declaration. Sometimes, in these little towns, they're stopped by the police; when this happens they gently and lovingly, in the true spirit of the Faith, explain what they're doing and tell the police about Baha'u'llah. In a couple of weeks, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Bahá’í youth will pour out of the Southern schools for vacation. But they won't take vacations, they'll form into groups and travel clay and night, spending their last pennies, sometimes risking their lives, teaching the Faith and serving mankind.

Does this sound like another world or a time many years in the future? Well it's not. We watched it happen all week-end; it's been going on since last Spring, incredibly gaining in momentum all the time. We always believed that Baha'u'llah's promises of a better world would come true, but never really thought that we would see more than the faintest beginnings in our lifetimes. Our experiences here have taught us differently. The army of Baha'u'llah is on the move, armed with Peace and Love and Justice, and it's going to transform the world.

[Page 25]Malaysian Bahofi News Vol:7 No.2 July 1971

ZZM ream 1/ za¢.M7// //é  /

The Deans write from Lusaka, Zambia

We often think of you and have remembered Singapore and Malaysia in our prayers at all the holy places we have been privileged to visit.

After leaving Singapore on Riḍván we were able to go to Burma. The Bahá’ís there were very loving indeed and they took us to a few villages including Abdu’l-Baháls Village of Daidanaw.

We spent nine days in Iran visiting all the holy places, then we received permission from the Supreme House to visit Haifa.

After that great experience for which we are very thankful we flew to Addis Ababa. The Bahá’ís of Ethiopia are really wonderful. They set up a series of public meetings, and they asked us to stay on. Although we would have loved to, we now had a goal suggested by the Universal House — Zambia — We spent a few days in Nairobi seeing Counsellors Yazdi and Dr. Samandari. Then we went on to Kampala, visiting the Temple and Hands Banani and Olinga; then back to Nairobi by bus — a most arduous fourteen hours! A few more days in Nairobi and then to Lusaka via Dar—es-Salaam.

Bahá’u’lláh was certainly with us; we met a pioneer at the Centre who took us home (things are rather expensive here, so it has been a real bounty to find such kindness) and on the second day here I went to the Ministry of Education and learned they wanted me for the position of Head of Psychological Services (the job was open and no one could be recruited — another bounty from Bahá’u’lláh). We are now awaiting the governmental grind to churn up a contract.

During a long week-end we joined three Persian girls and an Ethiopian boy (all pioneers) for a trip to Livingstone, 300 miles south to the Rhodesian border. We were real tourists; famous Victoria Falls, native dancers, boat trip on the Zambesi River, and several hours in a game park where the animals are loose and the visitor stays buttonedup in the car. There were zebra, giraffe, buffalo, baboon, rhino, various deer and birds, etc., A zebra tried to rock our car, and we were dangerously close to a rhino family. Best, though, was a chance to teach in a village and a chance to give the Message to two teachers while on the boat.

In Lusaka we have Friday evening firesides,and on week-ends go to villages roundabout. There are 65 LSAs (and a National) yet still more teaching and deepening are needed. Early next month I'm to speak at a public meeting, and Counsellor Fathe-Azam will be up from Rhodesia. We are also involved in a teacher training program to take place in early September.

Zambia is similar to Singapore, in that declarations come slowly and deepening even more so. Have the cross to bear, it is a national problem because everyone drinks

too much too often. Materialism and Nationalism are the twin gods — as in Singapore. Yet there are always those "jewels beneath a mountain of rock beyond the seven seas" awaiting discovery and polish — and that is what makes all this pioneering bit worthwhile. Much Bahá’í love to the friends in Malaysia and Singapore. Sid and Belle, P. O. Box 3460,

Lusaka, Zambia.

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[Page 26]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2 July 1971

Letters fmm around the world Greetings from Ireland and Scotland

I recently had the great pleasure of reading a couple of your journals and was inspired to write and give you the warm greetings of Scotland and Ireland.

Although many miles separate us, spiritually you are very near, so that already I feel that I know you, even though we haven’t yet met. This is one of the wonderful things about our Faith, and part of the spice of life is hearing about other communities.

We have just had 26 declarations in the goal town of St. Austell where a youth project was organised. The results were achieved simply by the Bahá’ís being Bahá’ís. Some of the declarants were even too young to declare as youth. At the Summer School in Ireland and Scotland an unprecedented amount of interest has been attracted to the Faith by the screening of the American film "It's just the Beginning;'’ also by song groups.

We also had friends participating in the mass teaching in Europe and were particularly thrilled by twelve Gipsy declarations.

Just now I am working temporarily in the goal town of North Berwich, Scotland. Last Sunday with some Bahá’ís from Edinburgh I walked round the outskirts of the town, saying the Remover of Difficulties. We then proclaimed the Faith at a fete in the town and sang songs with some Bahá’ís from Newcastle who joined us. It was the first activity of its kind and we were invited to join a Christian prayer meeting in the evening. After discussion with this group however, we agreed to differ as they were unable to reject the idea of "Christ's unique station.” Isn't life interesting as a Bahá’í?

Love and greetings, Katherine Villiers - Stuart

A present from Ct conference in Java

My warmest greetings to you and all the Bahá’ís of Malaysia. I am an Iranian pioneer in Indonesia and I feel I must write and share the news of a wonderful conference I attended in Surabaya in Eastern Java, where about 75 Bahá’ís from all over Java and Bali and four Iranian pioneers were present.

We had some new Bahá’ís who were very spiritual and suggested a lot of good ways to proclaim the Faith. One of them said that the people of his kampong were all waiting for the coming of a great man to the world with a divine message, so since they got news that Baha’u’llah has come, all of them believe that He is true, only they are waiting to get the agreement of the village chief so that all can become Bahá’ís.

Many plans for teaching were made. One region was going to finish in six months all what must be done in one year. Another region was making programs in such a way that it looked as if they were going to open one new centre every single day.

I would like to tell about two young Iranian girls who are students in Indonesia. Very often they travel by motor cycle far into the villages — Imagine two girls alone riding along long roads, mountains and valleys. They go to the people everywhere and say to them "Baha'u'llah has come". They related stories of their travels—how sometimes up the mountains they had to drag their motor cycles a long way. Once the motor broke down and they had to stay the night in a village.

I enjoyed the conference so much and felt that I should share my happiness with the readers of the lovely Malaysian Bahá’í News.

Ghodrat Rahmanian.

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[Page 27]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2 July 1971

Letters from around the world

When news was received from Gambia of the marriage of Malaysian pioneer Kanniyah to American pioneer Louise Wilcox, a letter to the new bride brought the following reply which we are happy to share with friends — Ed.

Kanniyah and Louise. With love from Gambia _

Kanniyah and I were very happy to receive your letter. It's wonderful to be Bahá’ís and through the Faith realize the real unity of East and West, proving that the twain do meet — in Bahci’u'IIah.

You asked about me. I've been a Bahá’í (I) well anyway, I've been trying to be a Bahá’í ever since December 1968 when I first became acquainted with the Faith through a Persian pioneer, at the University I was attending.

...ln Monrovia that morning I stumbled off the plane suffering motion sickness and

mild shock to think that I'd really arrived in Africa! I was to attend the Monrovia Conference on my way to my pioneer post in Cameroon. As I landed I suddenly realized I didn’t know what I'd do. . .. Then as lwalked into the airport, there were several

smiling people greeting the passengers. One of them asked, “are you a Bahá’í?" to an Indian who had just come off the plane with me. He said "no," a little doubtfully. I stepped up quickly and said "I am". The fellow responded “Alláh-u-Abhál" and directed me through customs etc. That was my first meeting with Kanniyah. . ..

The Conference was tremendous. So many wonderful Bahá’ís from all over Africa as well as from Persia, Europe, States. . .. But you know about that. . .. And I was so overjoyed.

I roomed with another pioneer, Shiva Ashraft who was going to Ghana. She and I got on almost like Siamese twins, we so much enjoyed each other's company. Kanniyah would always come and wake us up at what seemed too early, in his concern that we have breakfast etc., so that being fresh in Africa our health would stay fine.

On Sunday when the glorious Conference closed Shiva and I decided to go together to Ghana where I got my first taste of village teaching in Africa. Yum! its the best!

I eventually reached my own pioneering post in Cameroon on January 23rd, and on my lonely arrival in Victoria, I found a letter from Gambia already waiting for me. It made me smile.... I spent altogether six months in Cameroon during which we corresponded. We had encouragement on the subject of marriage from various Bahá’í friends. . . .

It has really been a joy to me, being in Africa in such beautiful country with such lovely people. The perspective of living in a different land, with different language, culture — everything —— points out just how transient things are. I certainly do hope that we have the opportunity to come to Asia someday. l’d love to meet the friends there, about whom I hear so much from Kanniyah.

With Bahá’í love, Louise Adaikkalam

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[Page 28]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.2 _ July 1971

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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 : Shantha Sundrain, 42, Peel Avenue, Penang. Circulation : Margaret Chan Publishing Manager : Dr. Chellie J. Sundram, ./,2, Peel Avenue, Penang.

The Ganesh Printing Works, Penang.