Malaysian Bahá’í News/Volume 7/Issue 3/Text

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M3

THIS IS FAITH

To walk where there is no path,

x§

, To breathe where there is no air, 4 To see where there is no light, %- This is faith.

/Z To cry out in the silence,

 The silence of the night,

'43 _. And hearing no echo, believe,

And believe again and again,

This is faith. To hold pebbles and see jewels, To raise sticks and see forests, To smile with weeping eyes, . This is faith. To say “God, I believe,” where others deny,

“I hear,” where there is no answer, “I see,” though naught is seen, This is faith.

And the fierce love in the heart, ' The savage love that cries,

Hidden thou art, yet there,

Veil thy face and mute thy tongue, Yet I see and hear thee, love.

Beat me down to the bare earth

yet I rise and love thee, love.

This is faith.

Amatul Baha Rúḥíyyih Khomum

October 1‘35?‘*1 B. E. 128 KDN.-5316 Vol. 7 No. 3

[Page 2]Illalaysfan Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3 October 1971

From the Universal House of Justice

Dear Bahá’í friends,

We have noted with deep satisfaction that some National Spiritual Assemblies have already initiated plans to befittingly commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Bahá and the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

We feel it would be highly fitting for the three days, November 26 to 28, during which the Day of the Covenant and the Anniversary of the Ascension of Abdu’l-Bahá occur, to be set aside this year by all National Spiritual Assemblies for specially arranged gatherings and conferences, convened either nationally or locally or both, on the three following main themes: The Bahá’í Covenant, The Formative Age and The Life of Abdu’l-Bahá.

We hope that these gatherings will serve to intensify the consecration of the workers in the Divine Vineyard in every land and provide them with the opportunity, especially in the watches of the night of that Ascension, when they will be commemorating the passing hour of our Beloved Master, to renew their pledge to Baha'u'llah and to rededicate themselves to the accomplishment of the as yet unfulfilled goals of the Nine Year Plan.

The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, the members of the Universal House of Justice, and all resident and visiting believers at the World Centre will, on that memoryladen night, visit the Shrine of that Mystery of God on behalf of the entire community of the Blessed Beauty and will supplicate for the stalwart champions of the Faith labouring in the forefront of so many fields of service and winning fresh triumphs in His Name, for the self-sacrificing believers without whose support and sustained assistance most of these victories could not be achieved, and for those who will be inspired to ioin the ranks of the active and dedicated promoters of His glorious Cause at this crucial stage in the development of the Plan, that we may all meet our obligations and discharge our sacred trust, thus making it possible in the latter months of the Plan for our entire resources to be devoted to an even greater expansion of the Faith in its onward march towards the spiritual conquest of the planet.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, July 12th, ‘I 971 The Universal House of Justice.

.--K

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DEDICATION OF THE PANAMA TEMPLE

We are delighted to tell you that the beloved Hand of the Cause Amatul—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum will represent the Universal House of Justice at the dedication ceremonies of the new Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Panama.

These ceremonies will include the Bahá’í dedication on Saturday April 29th, 1972,the public dedication on Sunday, April 30th; a public meeting in Panama City on Saturday, April 29th; a banquet for notabilities on Sunday, April 30th and a Bahá’í Conference during May lst and 2nd. National Spiritual Assemblies in the Western Hemisphere, particularly those in Latin America, are urged to send representatives to the dedication ceremonies and if necessary to hold their Conventions at another time during the Riḍván period.

Universal House of Justice.

[Page 3]Ilialaysiam. Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

October 1971

ifiurth sifiatifir (1B£i2ani£ Gtunfizrenuz fiappurn, Elapan.

The Sapporo Conference, September 3rd-5th 1971 brought together Bahá’ís from 31 countries with NSA representatives. It gave people from small islands in the middle of the Pacific and little villages in Hokkaido a chance to meet believers from all over the globe, and to know that they were indeed members of a world faith.

At the conference were three Hands of the Cause of God, Ali Akbar Furutan special representative of the Universal House of Justice, Dr. Muhájir and Collis Featherstone. Nine members of Continental Boards of Counsellors from five different zones, America, Australasia, S.E. Asia, West Asia and N.E. Asia were present as well as eleven Auxiliary Board members.

One emphasis of the conference was on the importance of teaching in Japan and China. Another was the future leadership that can be expected from Japan. The Guardian had said that Japan's economic victories will be exceeded by her spiritual victories and had quoted Abdu’l-Bahá: “Japan will turn ablaze!"

Dr. Muhájir reminded the friends of the Master's statement in the Tablets of the Divine Plan "How good it would be were

 :r\4::>;:.m;,%:i it

Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir addressing the

Conference. Featherstone and Ali Akbar Furutan.

there any possibility of a commission composed of men and women to travel together through China and Japan." "The time is now ripe" declared Dr. Nluhaiir At the end of the Conference 21 volunteers.

arose for immediate travel—teaching in Japan and in the next two weeks, follow-up conferences were held in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan where travelling teachers volunteered for these countries.

Counsellor Mumtází urged everyone to

arise and teach saying that there was no such thing as a Bahá’í-maker. Every soul

Hands of the Cause, Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members at the North Pacific Conference, Sapporo, Japan.

Seated: Hands of the Cause, Collis.

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Kit Yin Kiang, secretary of the NSA of Taiwan and pioneer from Malaysia, with Hand of the Cause, Furutan during the Sapporo Conference.

is able to accept Bahá’u’lláh, and we cannot tell from a distance who will do so. We must therefore teach We may be embarrassed to teach in the street, but it is better to be embarrassed in this world than in the next!

all.

Public Meeting During the proclamation before the

Conference, fifty thousand business reply

Counsellor, Yan Kee Leong (first Bahá’í of Malaysia)

with Mr. Takeichi Moritake, first. Ainu believer of Hokkaido and Ainu chief.

October 1971

cards had been printed and inserted in pamphlets and nine striking banners were placed on either side of the highways. Two thousand posters were put up in Sapporo advertising the public meeting. Interviews were held with two press clubs and time was obtained on two television stations and three radio stations, one of which was

extended to an hour long show, and that on a station that beams Union.

into the Soviet

Left to Right, Kit Yin Kiang from Taiwan, G.V. Tehrani, pioneer to Sapporo for 14 years, Counsellor Yan Kee Leong from Malaysia and,Moniereh, an Iranian student pioneer during the Sapporo Conference.

Publicity

Hand of the Cause Ali Akbar Furutan and two prominent non-Bahá’ís spoke on “A new Concept of Education" at the public meeting which was attended by about 600 people, 150 of whom were enquirers. Following this meeting, there were 23 enrollments. During the Conference there was a total of 36 declarations and in the month before there had been 150 declarations in Hokkaido. 70 more enrolled in four days of intensive teaching after the conference. The latest word was that there will be an emergency printing of enrolment cards!

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October 1971

qDhat'o geappening in Singapore,

In accordance with a directive from the Universal House of Justice the Area Teaching Committee of Singapore became the National Teaching Committee of Singapore. The NTC has taken its responsibilities very seriously and activities have stepped up all round. A proclamation committee was appointed with Mr. Lam Weng Chiew as proclamation officer assisted by Mr. G. Krishnan and Mr. Edward Tea. The press in Singapore is now fully aware of the many functions that take place at the Bahá’í Centre. It was also felt necessary to appoint a Reception Committee to attend to the needs of the numerous visitors that pass through Singapore. On this committee are Mrs. Lena Tan, Mrs. Rose Ong, Mr. John Puah and Mr. Machambo.

Newsletters

The LSA of Katong has started its own newsletter "The New Era" which was followed by the Serangoon Assembly with “The Colourful Garden" and finally the City LSA with “The New City Newsletter." All these newsheets devote space to deepening material in addition to local activities. The National Teaching Committee's Newsletter "What's Happening in Singapore" gives a round-up of the activities centred around the Hazira'tul Quds and the island wide programmes of which there are many.

L.8.stl’l3’l_il!LBlltl!TTii='liltElt!}S-‘.

Persian delegates to the Sapporo Conference with Singapore friends at the Bahá’í Centre, Singapore.

Visitors

Over the past few months the number of visitors to Singapore increased as Bahá’ís enroute to Sapporo called to meet the friends. Two large delegations of Iranians filled the Centre and overflowed onto the lawn. The first group was able to meet the press, and articles and photographs appeared in both the Chinese and the English papers.

The second group came unannounced so preparations could not be made to entertain them. The report in the ATC Newsletter says: “we did not have time to light up the coloured bulbs or arrange a tea, but nevertheless we had a wonderful night with them. When we apologised for our inadequate arrangements, the group leader answered heartwarmingly that the lights shone in our faces and the love radiated from our hearts! They were thrilled to witness the growth of Singapore and see for themselves the results of the sacrifices of their grandfathers."

A few days later a group of American sailors called at the Centre. They had met Counsellor Yan Kee Leong in Hong Kong. Amongst them was Mr. Les Hopper who had taken part in the mass teaching program in the States.

Jim Shields of Ireland was another visiting Bahá’í from off a ship. Jim was well-known to the friends from previous trips. His stay was long enough for him to take an active role in deepening programs, and also be a speaker at one of Singapore's conferences. Sadly, this will be Jim's last visit for a very long time, but he has promised to keep in touch and send news from other parts around the world.

Sally Liddell, a BOAC crew member from the United Kingdom also stopped off at the Bahá’í Centre to say hello to the friends, and Angus Trent our pilot friend from Hawaii,

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was delighted to be back for a few days while on a trip this way.

A Vietnamese student Nguyen Huu Nanh passed through Singapore enroute to his home after having completed his studies in New Zealand from where he brought news of one of Singapore’s most active early believers, Mrs. Mary Robinson now resident in Christchurch. Mary had the great bounty of attending the Oceanic Conference in Fiji where she met many friends of pre ’64 days and there was much talking done! She sent her love to all the friends this way, and was thrilled to learn about the National Assembly being established next year. Mary was an active worker in the days when Singapore had only one assembly.

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A new addition to the youth community is lovely Anna Catharina Falle, I6 year old daughter of the new British High Commissioner to Singapore. Anna became a Bahá’í in England just over a year ago, and was an active member of the community in Denmark where she lived for sometime.

Conferences — Conferences —- Conferences

The NTC newsletter reported: "When NSA announced that Singapore had to hold three conferences in September, there was great astonishment among the members. To get one conference going with appropriate attendance was difficult enough —— but three!

However, the three were held: And each was a special one — City and Katong jointly

, . .I\_I\a

October 1971

held theirs at the Centre just at the time when Counsellor Florence Mayberry was visiting. Everyone was happy to have the privilege of meeting such a charming and distinguished Bahá’í whose stories inspired them no end. Also present were Dr. John Fozdar from Sarawak and Dr. and Mrs. Gibson from Vietnam and Malaysia.

LSA Serangoon held their conference at their own Centre at Cowdray Avenue and commemorated World Peace Day at the same time. There was much fun and laughter as the conference ended with a quiz. Les Hopper from the States and Jim Shields from Ireland added a special flavour to the proceedings.

The third conference was in Tamil and held in Bukit Panjang where the majority of the friends are Indians. Mr. Appu Raman, chairman of the NSA was the guest speaker and by the end of the day, everyone was greatly enriched in their understanding of the Faith.

On October 23rd Singapore held its first Women's Conference and guests were presented with beautiful flowers, roses for the girls and orchids for the men — (yes they were there too!)

Then on the 24th which was United Nations Day, another gathering took place, and this time the guest of honour was beloved Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone who captivated the Bahá’ís and enquirers with his stories.

BAHA’I CENTRE, SINGAPORE

The friends are reminded that the Bahá’í Centre in Singapore does not provide

accommodation to visiting Bahá’ís and others travelling

through. Accommodation is

very limited and only the caretaker appointed by the National Teaching Committee of

Singapore is allowed to stay there.

Only persons who have been asked by the National Spiritual Assembly or the

National Teaching Committee of Malaysia to do certain specific Bahá’í teaching work can stay in the Centre with the approval of the National Teaching Committee of Singapore. Others should not expect accommodation at the Centre.

In all cases the National Teaching Committee of Singapore is the approving authority.

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SARAWAK The thrill of being a pioneer . . . . ..

R. Krishnan reporting from Sarawak:“I am seeing with my own eyes the truth of what our beloved Master said to us that God will help anyone who arises to teach. . .. I am so happy and excited to be here. . .. I was asked by the ATC to organise the first Teaching Course in Limbang in the Fifth Division, and this was arranged on the 24th — 26th of July. About nine youths attended, and after the Course, Nelson Busu of Kg. Pengannan suggested that we visit the kampongs near his school. One longhouse of about twelve to thirteen doors became Bahá’í, and another promised to accept the Faith on our next visit.

Then we met Edmund Enak, the first Bisaya Bahá’í and he said that some of his people would like to learn about the Faith. So we went to his kampong the following week, and two longhouses that we visited there became Bahá’í. There were thirty to forty doors in each longhouse. Teaching the Bisayas is one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan! So you can imagine how thrilled I am with what I have seen....”

October 1971

Left to Right Sitting: Ekom, John, Nelson Busu. Standing Left to Right: Manja, Lim Boon Huat, Sumbang Jonathan, Embin Nuving, Rabing.

Members of the Bisaya tribe

in Kg. Java, Sarawak.

Pangkala

First LSA of Rh. Kalop in Sg. Pelagus.

Secretary Mr. George is seated second from left.

First LSA of Rh. Esop, Ng. Pelagus Kapit Third Division Sarawak.

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October 1971

MALAYSTEN @UllJlNE7ll!

SELANGOR Kaicing revives with a bang

Once upon a time there were a few active Bahá’ís in the Kaiang Cheras area of Selangor and the place hummed with activity. Then slowly, owing to a number of circumstances the tempo decreased until it almost came to a standstill. Then at Riḍván Dr. Muhájir's plan swung into action, and under the guidance of the .A.T.C. of Selangor, teams began to move; with movement came life; with life came activity; with activity came growth, until the whole area was so energised that a new Centre was required!

The new Centre is in Lee Yen Kee Garden, in the midst of a growing housing estate. It was formally declared open on Sunday 8th August with Bahá’í pomp and ceremony. The guest of honour was Dr. Douglas Gibson on leave from Saigon; also in attendance were the chairman and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Appu Raman and Mr. lnbum Chinniah. Among the many talks and tributes during the evening was one in Mandarin by American pioneer James Mangan.

The Kaiang Centre will be serving the needs of Chinese friends who have recently entered the Faith in large numbers. The

At the opening of the Kajang Centre.

active members of this area have also extended their teaching into the nearby estate communities of West Country, Prong Besar and Sedgely. Deepening sessions and firesides are regularly held and an active youth committee is functioning. More than thirty Bahá’ís attended Summer School and returned with great ideas — The KaiangCheras area now has ninety Bahá’ís on their register, fifty-two of whom were brought in through the Muhájir Plan — They are all set for further expansion.

MALACCA

The ‘Pioneer’, Malacca’s own l9 Day Feast Letter filled with news of activities of the State, appears promptly every Bahá’í month. Contained in it are reports of children’s classes, (four of them being held simultaneously in different areas,) prayer circle announcements, local youth activities, conference reports, of which there seem to have been many in Tamil and English, and descriptive items about the routes taken by

the different teams functioning under Dr. Muha]ir’s Main Road Plan.

A list of names of the different teams itself is inspiring to the reader — The Mulla Hussein team, the Eagles, the Green Turbans, the Masiid Tanah team, the Diamonds, the Appollo team, the Glories, the Sunshine team and the Enoch Olinga team. All seem to be active, and the main roads leading out of Malacca are being conscientiously covered. Every newsletter happily includes the names of new declarants.

The latest item reported was a statewide “Sunset Seminar" organized by the Area Teaching Committee in honour of the visit of the Beloved Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone. Sixty—five friends from

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Malaysian Roundup

all over the country benefitted from his inspiring talk on activities in other lands, and a deepening session on Bahá’í Administrative Institutions.

PENANG AND PROVINCE WELLESLY Nibong Tebal

For many years the ATC of Penang and North Perak had tried unsuccessfully to open up the little town of Nibong Tebal lying on the border between Penang and Perak.

Then a youth from Butterworth, R. Kannabran who had attended a pioneer course in Malacca, was talked into moving to Nibong Tebal where he had relations. Thus he became a homefront pioneer.

The next thing that happened was that a few of his friends got curious and eventually ended up by becoming Bahais !

Together they arranged a large fireside for ATC members from Penang and Butterworth, A record number of thirty-four youth with a sprinkling of adults all became Bahá’ís that day — almost everyone that was present! The next step was the formation of a local youth committee, and then at Riḍván with exactly nine adults in Nibong Tebal, the LSA was formed.

During follow—up deepening sessions, teams were organised under the Muhájir plan. Mrs. Simon, mother of Alfonso, one of the first youth of Nibong Tebal became a Bahá’í and also his sister Odette. This started a new phase, as now there was a home where they could meet, and a few other girls enrolled. The secretary of the LBYC, Mono Simon Lim, was resident in the neighbouring town of Sungei Bakap, and soon a few declarations were received from there.

The youth of Nibong Tebal are a force with tremendous potential, and together with the youth of Taiping, have the capacity to change the face of North Perak.

October 1971

TAIPING

Happy group from Taiping who attended the Summer School in Port Dickson.

BUTTERWORTH

Bahá’í youth from all over North Malaya gathered for an inter LBYC Deepening organised by the Butterworth youth. The friends here are seen taking part in the Carroms competition.

PENANG

Penang youth enjoying themselves at a campfire during one of their outings.

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October 1971

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Petaling Jaya

It was a September 19th last year, that World Peace Day was observed in Malaysia for the first time, and the honour went to the Petaling Jaya community which had a very big and successful proclamation party. This year, they did it again, and this time they scored another first — the first time that Bahá’ís were outnumbered four to one at a function of this nature. The Balai Raya was crowded with young student guests who listened to an eloquent talk by Mr. A. Roman, chairman of the N.S.A. of Malaysia, telling them of the part that they could play in bringing about world peace.

The meeting was chaired by the chairman of the LSA, Mr. Leong Ho Chiew, and during and after tea, the whole crowd broke into little informal firesides, ending up with a promise of continued follow-up teaching.

1Wt[EDT]BUD2D;Z)lZflJBUDZQ‘ BUDZD}D)%JEUMD UMD RUD2El .

Some of the Petaling Jaya friends outside the Balai Raya during the World Peace Day celebration.

Kuala Lumpur

The Bahá’ís of the federal capital distributed several thousand colourful leaflets with quotations from the Writings, and an invitation to ioin the community for "Prayers for Peace."

10

(/565 Alor Star

The treasurer of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alor Star announced that their fund was in the red, but the community insisted that World Peace Day should be celebrated on a befitting scale, and so a committee was set up to take charge — and took charge.

Results: One big banner and three small ones were produced in rainbow colours, one hundred badges "Peace through Bahá’í" were designed and ordered; 1,000 book marks were printed and distributed for the occasion and several hundred invitation cards were posted to all the prominent citizens of Alor Star while several thousand invitation handbills were freely given away to the public.

A new hall was booked and a press release despatched. Posters depicting “War and Peace" were painted and put up. A youth choir practised itself hoarse; song sheets were printed. The rain fell every day and night. Then the big day came. The rain stopped. Over a hundred seats were occupied and at 7-30 p.m. sharp, right on schedule, Mr. Nagaratnam, chairman for the evening, opened the function. Guest speaker, Lion Dr. P.P. Shah spoke on "Lion and World Peace." He presented for thirty minutes, the problems and obstacles to world peace.

Then the choir of fifteen nervous youths bravely sang "A plea for one world," "Prince of Peace" and "Toko Zani," after which the Bahá’í guest speaker, Dr. M.M. Sreenivasan from Butterworth presented the Bahá’í solutions to the problems of the world. . .. An interesting slide show, a lovely tea, and a multitude of questions from enquirers in a delightful fireside atmosphere, brought the whole evening to a happy conclusion.

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of SHPPORO and SEOUL

l was privileged to be one of the four NSA members from Taiwan to attend the Oceanic Conference in Sapporo, Japan. Up to a week before the Conference l was not planning to take part, but then a call from Mr. Mumtází in Osaka urged me to come as a Chinese representative from Taiwan

since none of the Chinese Bahá’í friends could be in attendance at the Oceanic Conference.

It was a wonderful experience to share several days in Japan with more than 600 friends from countries stretching from Alaska to Canada to England to Swaziland to Persia to Malaysia to Guam to Korea! And particularlyexciting for me was again meeting Uncle Yankee Leong, the first Bahá’í of Malaysia.

Most of the Northeast Asian countries have already fulfilled or surpassed their goals for the Nine Year Plan! Only Japan and Taiwan remain so very far from completing their goals. With this in mind Dr. Muhájir called for a 24 hour prayer vigil for the fulfilment of the goals in those two countries.

On Sunday, September 5th, the three-day conference ended at 5-00 p.m. Yankee Leong and I decided to stay in Japan until Tuesday, and then go to Korea to be with the Bahá’ís for Seoul's post—Sapporo Conference, on September loth thru 12th. The NSA of Korea did not expect the turnout of over 400 believers, including about 150 visiting Bahá’ís from other countries!

The Seoul Conference commemorated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Faith into Korea by Miss Agnes Alexander in l9ll._ We were told how the first eight believers .of .Korea had each written a personal letter through Miss Alexander to ‘Abdufl.-Baha. The Master in turn had replied

ll

October 1971

Kit Yin Kiomg

Mr. Kim Chong-Zinn (left) first Bahá’í of Korea, plwtographed with Counsellor Yan Kee Leong during

the Seoul Conference. Mr. Kim accepted the faith 50 years ago in 1921 through Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander. He is now 70.

by sending a Tablet to the Bahá’ís of Korea, promising that the Faith would attract the masses there and the Koreans will have a very great future carrying forth the Cause of God. Today the Korean Bahá’ís have already surpassed all their Nine Year Plan goals! The Universal House of Justice has therefore assigned an additional goal to increase the number of believers in Korea by 5,000 souls! There was a call for homefront pioneers, and one-hundred-sixty-three men and women, young and old, stood up to meet the challenge!

Persia, Guam,

Bahá’ís from Korea, Japan, Alaska, Micronesia, U.S., Canada, Philippines, Taiwan and elsewhere, with different national, social, religious, and cultural backgrounds were so lovingly gathered together in one big family, and diffused the fragrance of such love and unity that no heart in the Conference remained unmoved or untouched! The Spirit was so overpowering that many wept openly.

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October 1971

NORTH ETLEIIITIE UCEIINIE EIJIIIEEEENEE

REYKJAVIK — ICELAN D

The theatre was in total darkness. A voice told of the beginning of the Faith in Iceland when the Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins visited there in 1924. Then a single light appeared at the back of the stage. The narrator continued with the Bahá’í history of Iceland and as each locality was opened a white light appeared, gradually illuminating a large map of Iceland. As 0 locality became a Local Spiritual Assembly, the light designating that place changed to red. The climax of the presentation came with the results of the summer proclamation during which two teams had visited the entire periphery of the island; as a light came on for each of the 24 new centres, the audience was thrilled to see the lights go on all over Iceland!

 )

s

L»....._.........m.

Hand of the Cause of God, John Robarts representative of the Universal House of Justice at the North Atlantic Oceanic Conference, Reykjavik Iceland, September 1971.

A Saturday evening session which was devoted to "Universal Participation" was followed by offers to pioneer from 85 of those present, and there was a flood of financial contributions from the 750 Bahá’ís who had come from 35 countries.

From Iceland to Greenland

The Hand of the Cause John Robarts, the special representative to the Conference

SEPTEMBER 3-5 1971

from the Universal House of Justice, read their Message which evoked an immediate response. The Message emphasized the need to teach the Cause in Greenland and a delegation arose immediately and flew to Greenland where they proclaimed the Faith. The delegation included a Danish believer, two Canadian Indian believers, a French-Canadian believer and an Eskimo. Surrounded and supported by the prayers of those at the Conference, the group left on Sunday morning and was able to spend three hours in Ulusuk, Greenland. They were able to teach the Faith openly to villagers and community leaders, and established bonds of friendship which left all involved in tears when the delegation boarded its plane to return to the Conference, its arrival coinciding with a special teaching meeting where they were enabled to give the friends an account of their moving experiences.

“Everything goes the Bahá’ís Way”

One of the most successful aspects of this thrilling Conference was the widespread publicity it attracted for the Cause. Articles appeared in all of the leading newspapers during the Conference. A party of Bahá’ís visited the site of a geyser which had been dormant for seven years. During their visit the geyser erupted and one news story was headed, “Everything Goes the Bahá’ís Way."

The Prime Minister, Mr. Olafur Johanneson, gave a 35 minute interview to a delegation headed by the Hands of the Cause Paul Haney and John Robarts. The meeting was most cordial, extending twice as long as the time scheduled, and provided an excellent opportunity to acquaint the Prime Minister with the fundamentals of the Faith. A reception also was held to which were invited cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors, and other prominent members

of Iceland's community. continued page 13

[Page 13]Malaysian Bolwfi News Vol:7 No.3

October 1971

From flmerica with Love

Charming, gracious and radiant Florence Mayberry, Continental Counsellor from the United States won the hearts of the Bahá’ís of Singapore and Malaysia when she visited us in September 1971. Fresh from the heights of Sapporo, her spirit and enthusiasm was felt by all the friends at the meetings arranged for her throughout the country.

Everywhere questions were asked about a myriad subjects, but they somehow ended up asking about her meeting with the beloved Guardian in 1957. So vivid was her memory of every little detail of that visit, that to

listen to her was to be carried away completely to Haifa. As one believer expressed it: "I have heard many talks on

Some of the Selangor friends with Counsellor Florence Mayberry in Kuala Lumpur, Sept. 1971. Florence standing fifth from left.

Shoghi Effendi, but what I heard tonight was different — now I feel I have met the beloved Guardian myself!"

Florence shared with friends the highlights of her teaching experiences in many countries and left them with simple analogies and beautiful stories which they can continue to use themselves when giving the Message to others.

To quote one which she had used in Sapporo:

"It's like breathing in and breathing out. . .. If a person were to inhale and then hold his breath and not ever breathe out, (if such a state is possible) he would first turn blue then fall into a coma, and eventually die —— When we receive the message and accept Bahá’u’lláh, it's like breathing in; when we teach and give to others, it's like breathing out — The one has to follow the other or we remain in a coma, of no use to ourselves or anyone else — then eventually we die a spiritual death.... All the deepening that Bahá’ís receive at conferences and meetings and through the holy writings, all this corresponds to long deep breaths of pure air that refresh and gladden our spirits — but beware lest we dont follow through with a pouring out to others. . .

Thank you Florence, we shall remember!

North Atlantic Oceanic Conference cont. Direct Teaching

Participants ioined in large, wide-scale direct teaching in Reykjavik and its environs. Teams of visiting Bahá’ís with local believers scattered throughout the streets to distribute invitations to firesides which were held every ‘evening and most of the day on Sunday in an attralotive rented hall.

13

The most significant fruits of the Conference were to be found in the declarations of over one hundred Icelanders while the Conference was in session. This, coupled with three national proclamation efforts preceding the Conference has raised the number of believers in Iceland from 26 in January to over 350 in September.

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October 1971

Proclamation - (I<.L. $1756)

United Nations Day in Kuala Lumpur

Take the Local Spiritual Assembly in the capital city of Malaysia. No previous experience or qualifications needed. Only faith in Bahá’u’lláh, a lot of planning and effort and many prayers. Decide at least two months in advance to have UN Day, October 24, 1971, on a grand scale.

First of all send someone to the United Nations offices to consult on the venture and find the deputy director and his assistant most willing to cooperate and wanting the Bahá’ís to take the lead for the occasion because they are familiar with the outstanding work of the Bahá’í Community in Malaysia, the Bahá’ís at the UN and the world—wide Bahá’í Community.

Now prepare the ingredients:

Get the speakers. One for the UN: Mrs. Minna Chiew, director of information services for the UN Development Programme, to speak on "what you should know about the U.N." One for the Bahá’ís: Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson, Bahá’í pioneer, to speak on the UN International Year Theme for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.

Then to the invitations: Write and design invitation cards with reply cards attached. Design and write a new pamphlet with Bahá’í quotations that tells of the work of the Bahá’ís at the UN. Print 2,500 pamphlets on first quality paper in two colours. While waiting, address 2,500 envelopes to Federal Heads of States, State of Selangor Heads of State, heads of schools, colleges, the University faculty, leading businesses, doctors, lawyers, religious organizations, clubs and associations.

The day arrives! Rain, clearing about 4-00 P.M. About 175 guests and Bahá’ís gather. The speakers arrive at 4-25. Three presses are represented so a short interview

14

At the United Nations Bahá’í celebration —— Left

to Right Mr._ Inbum_ Chinniah, master of cereniones, Mrs. _M1nn:1 Chiew, U.N. speaker, Mrs. E. Gibson, Bahá’í speaker. The function was held at the MARA auditorium.

and pictures of the speakers beforehand and then "on with the show."

Mr. Chinniah opened the meeting and introduced Mrs. Minna Chiew who gave a talk on the history, structure, operation and accomplishments of the United Nations. Then Mrs. Gibson took the audience on a quick trip to New York and the United Nations Headquarters by slides before beginning her presentation. Mr. Chinniah closed the formal part of the meeting by inviting everyone to enjoy tea. (Curry puffs, sandwiches, cakcs, anyone?)

The response from the audience was whole-hearted enthusiasm. The response from the media was: Tamil—speaking radio announced the meeting with full particulars over the air the day before: The Chinese press printed a release. The "Malay Mail" covered the event with a quarter page story and photo the next day. TV wrapped up with coverage with a lengthy resume of the meeting on the world news program the following week.

Success? More than the Bahá’ís of the Kuala Lumpur area even imagined!

[Page 15]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

October 1971

University of Malaya Bahaii éociety

The twelve Bahá’í undergrads on the Malayan University Campus have managed to cram quite a number of activities into their crowded schedule for this year. The Bahá’í Society's register also includes fifteen non—Bahá’ís who are associate-members.

The Society was made known to T700 freshmen at the beginning of the academic year through a cordial invitation to a welcome party.

Inter-religious Forum

An unexpected over 500 students packed and overflowed Lecture Theatre 'A' on September l7th when the Society organised an inter-religious forum. Attendance at such functions had barely exceeded sixty in past years. So surprised was lnbum Chinniah, the Bahá’í speaker, that he wondered if he had come to the wrong place, and on arrival inquired what was going on to attract such a large crowd!

The programme lasted for nearly three hours, and till the last minute the crowd sustained its enthusiasm. Many questions were asked about the Faith and answers had to be cut short owing to lack of time. The speakers were:

lnche Uthman El Muhammadi . . . . . . ..lslam (lecturer Islamic Dept. M.U.)

Mr. Vohra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Hinduism (lecturer Faculty of Science M.U.)

Rev. K. Jambunathan . . . . . . . . . ..Christianity (St. Barnabas Church, Klaug.)

Mr. lnbum Chinniah . . . . . . . . . . ..Bahá’í Faith

(Secretary N.S.A. of Malaysia)

When a Dream took shape

All through last year, it remained a dream — the idea of a Bahá’í Exhibition which would help the undergrads to get a better perspective of the Faith.

This year the dream took shape and the idea developed legs ——- A mobile book display and exhibition was set up for a

-Aahyn ...

During an exhibition at one of the Colleges.

series of consecutive Sundays in the six residential colleges and hostels, and the Arts and Science Concourse.

The display consisted mainly of posters, pictures, photographs and charts conveying the message of Bahá’u’lláh. Several hundred undergrads have visited the displays in all the colleges and many have been stimulated to investigate further. Various opinions were expressed — To some the Faith appeared very rational but too idealistic,‘to many it was a religion for the intellectual; to others it appeared no different from their own religion, and to still a few, it seemed to be the hope for the future....

Members of‘ the “_Bahá’í' Society at a picnic near Parliament Hill Kuala Lumpur.

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[Page 16]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.8 Oetober 1971

, ,  
*  

It was indeed a great honour bestowed on Malaysia by the Universal House of Justice, when the organizers of the first West Asian Youth Conference held in New Delhi were requested by the Supreme House to include Malaysia as a participating country. For many weeks there was a sad silence from the Malaysian side as eager friends pondered on the problem of finance. At the last moment, the clouds cleared a little, and three Malaysian youth managed to board the plane to New Delhi to soar to new spiritual heights with the youth of the vast continent of India.

The Conference was held at the Gandhi Peace Foundation Hall from the 27th to the 30th of August, and in addition to the participating countries which were India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Iran and Malaysia, there were friends from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma and Thailand. The Conference was honoured by the presence of Hand of the Cause, beloved Dr. Muhájir and Counsellors Vasudevan of the North West Asian Zone, and Chellie Sundram of the South East Asian Zone. Malaysian youth who participated were T. K. Lee and A. Govindasamy of the National Bahá’í youth Council, and Palani, a youth of Kuala Lumpur. These three were joined in India by Malaysian pioneer Maheswaran and Malaysian students Sree Ganesh and Sreetharan who are presently studying in Mysore. A total of three hundred and fifty friends took part in this first West Asian conference.

a

A personal account of the whole event as recorded by Govindasamy is presented below.

As I walked towards the exit door of colleges did not excite usiust then. Igrunted, Palam Airport, New Delhi, after the Customs Lee looked sour and Palani pretended to and Immigration clearance, it was approach- be happy. We were excused. Little did we ing three in the morning. My colleagues, realize that history was in the making and T. K. Lee and Palani were already outside we were depriving ourselves of the first day chatting with Auxiliary Board Member, Mr. of a great spiritual adventure. We spent E. Afshin and four members of the National that day in the hotel grumbling about our Youth Committee of India who had come to stomach upsets and the hot climate . . . . ..

meet Us‘ H was 0 lo)/GUS meeting’ Fully recovered the next day we were

We all squeezed ourselves into a jeep ready and happy to join the teaching teams. and bumped along the rough road in the I was in a group of about seven, led by stillness of the night to Bahá’í House at Shohre Ashraf, who is presently pioneering Canning Road, New Delhi. We hardly slept in Mysore from Iran. We went to the that night and were up early for a hurried University of Delhi and spread ourselves breakfast and an exciting reunion with around a college canteen. lwas given some

Counsellor Vasudevan. Then we joined a pamphlets and enrolment cards. I observed large group of youths who had gathered what the other friends did, and walked over in a room. I really did not know why they to tables occupied by two or three college had gathered — about 45 of them. Beloved students and talked to them about the Faith Hand of the Cause, Dr. Muhájir’ soon arrived the way we do in Malaysia. I did most of

and then Counsellor Vasudevan announced the talking and ended by telling them to the purpose of the meeting. They were to investigate more, and that if they were be divided into teaching teams and sent to interested they could write to the address the colleges in and around New Delhi for at the back of the pamphlet for additional mass teaching! The three of us were very literature. A sheepish smile and I was off tired (having arrived in the early hours of to the next table. This continued for about that morning) and we hadn’t checked into three hours. I had already talked to about our hotel yet. The idea of going to the ten students. Declarations — nil. I went

I6

[Page 17]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol‘7 No.3

back to Shohre for more pamphlets. The

first question she asked me was,

“How many declarations?” "Nothing," "Nothing?" she said. "Nothing," I said.

I said.

I felt like a student standing before a teacher awaiting some punishment. She asked me whether I talked about the principles of the Faith. I nodded. “Did you say something about Bab, Baha’u'|Iah", Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian?’

"Of course,” I replied. "Were they receptive?”

“Yes, very receptive" I replied.

“Then why didnt you ask them to enrol?"

"But we must give them some time to think it over. . .. We cannot simply bring in believers like "this."

Patiently Shohre explained "Govin, this is mass teaching. If the enquirer agrees to the principles and the stations of Bab, Baha’u’llah, Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian and the present day administration, ask him whether he would like to enrol himself as a Bahá’í. If he is willing, invite him to sign the declaration card. Don't hesitate."

Govin at the mike during the social part of the Unity Feast, New Delhi.

October 1971

Shahnaz Furudi of the NBYC of India with T.K. Lee from Malaysia.

And thats exactly what I did after that, and by the end of the day, our group had about 50 declarations — all college students and lecturers! I was simply thrilled. Lee and Palani had similar experiences. The teaching continued for two more days after which the historic West Asian Youth Conference began, heralded by 750 declarations from the colleges in and around New Delhi in just four days!

The Universal House of Justice has called this a “highly significant" event. The teaching efforts continued after the conference, and on the night of our departure on 3rd September, the enrolment from the colleges were nearing two thousand. We were simply flabbergasted. This was something new we had witnessed a miracle of Baha'u‘Ilah.

Teaching was not limited to teaching trips. The friends even taught when they went for dinner. One night we joined a few Persian friends and went for dinner at a restaurant. Our Malaysians in India, Sree Ganesh (Dr. Sreenivasan's brother) Maheshwaran (pioneer from Kedah) and Sreetharan (of Taiping) were also in this group. We did not sit together but spread ourselves around. It was hard to believe that we went

I7

[Page 18]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

home that night after a lovely dinner, with I7 declarations!

The Conference itself had its excitements.

What the beloved Master Abdu’l-Bahá had yearned to see, was actually happening. ....I kept wondering if this can happen in New Delhi, can't it happen in Kuala Lumpur? I couldn't get the thought out of my mind.

Publicity

Another thrilling experience was our involvement in publicity work. We were told to serve in the group dealing with proclamation during the conference. Shanaz Furudi of the National Youth Committee of India headed our group. Raymond Peter also joined us. We had to meet some of the top Radio and T.V. directors and organizers. There were three radio interviews, and TV coverage of the Unity Feast and the public talk. The radio also covered the social part of the Unity Feast and the public talk. We also met a multi-lingual press agency and a reporter from a weekly newspaper. This was not all. There were other surprises. One of the main programme organizers from the All India Radio signed up! This was followed by another declaration from the TV staff. . . .and the official photo October 1971

grapher for the Conference completed the picture!

The National Youth Committee of India must be congratulated for its wonderful programme. Youths and adults from T4 countries were there. Beloved Hand Dr. Muhaier was there. Counsellor Vasudevan was there. Our Counsellor, Dr. Sundram was there. The Auxiliary Board members were all there. The pioneers were there. The prayers of the Universal House of Justice were with us. We were assured of the blessings and favours of Baha'u'llah. What more did we need? It was a Conference of words and deeds.

Malaysian youths singing “Rasa-Sayang” at the Unlty Feast. L. to R. Govin, Sreetharan, Rohangiss

Soraya (daughter of Dr. Soraya of Indonesia) Maheswaran, Bajan Singh, Palani, T.K. Lee.

\.

APPLICATION FOR PILGRIMAGE

In order to ensure that invitations to make the pilgrimage are issued from the World Centre only to Bahá’ís in good standing, it has been decided that from now on applications for pilgrimage should be made through the believers National Spiritual Assembly.

Will you kindly advise the friends in your area of this decision and make your own arrangements as to how you will implement it, ensuring that no delay occurs in forwarding applications from believers in good standing.

Kindly note and advise the friends that during 1973 there will be no pilgrimage between April 3rd and June 4th, as the World Centre will be occupied with the Inter national Convention during that time.

The Universal House of Justice.

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[Page 19]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

Amougrl Me Reéugeea 14» [.404

About 40 kilometres from Savannakhet there is a refugee area called Bau Mai. There are about 5000 refugees in this area, consisting of several villages. Bau Mai was first opened at the beginning of the year and after consistent visits we are slowly sowing the seeds of the Faith to these simple folks. Though Buddhism is the predominant religion, some of these refugees, like the Malaysian aborigines, believe in spirits. Their living conditions are pitiful and so are their tales of woe — how they had to hurriedly leave their homes and villages and very often be separated from their families when the communists invaded the area. Scars of burnt or missing limbs are not uncommon.

To visit these people we usually take a mini-bus from Savannakhet to Seno, and from Seno, a tricycle to the first village of Bau Mai district. Then we have to proceed by foot to the other villages within the district; the distance from one village to the other varies. Depending on the immediate circumstances, the Message is sometimes given instantly, otherwise an appointed time and day is given for our next visit.

We have opened 25 villages to the Faith within 3 months. This is largely due to the assistance we get from local teachers. On entering a new village we always pay a courtesy call on the Chieftain and ask his assistance to gather the villagers for the meeting. We have not come across any hostility, either from the villagers or the Buddhist monks. On some occasions we have even had our meeting in the temple compound itself.

We find the New Garden which has been translated into Laotian a very great help in teaching.

19

October 1.971

Lean Beng Liew

Visit of Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone

On 3rd October l97l we were overjoyed to have beloved Hand Mr. Featherstone and Auxiliary Board Member Mr. Misshaghian here with us. The Hand's schedule in Laos included two days in Savannakhet and there was great excitement as_ the Centre had its ‘spring-cleaning’ from ceiling to floor and the hall was appropriately decorated with coloured crepe papers and flowers.

A bus was chartered to transport the friends from the various villages for the oneday conference. Out of the 25 villages invited, 18;‘ were represented. The hall was packed with thirty seven representatives, out of which seven were chieftains and one The Seng' a Senior village chief.

The friends listened with rapt attention as the beloved Hand's talk was fluently translated by Mr. Misshaghian. They were very interested to learn about administration which is so different from the Buddhist ceremonies.

l was personally thrilled to meet Mr. Featherstone again in Laos. The last time I saw him was in Singapore, and before that in the Solomons — it's a small Bahá’í world.

Representatives from 18 villages who gathered to meet Hand of the Cause Colilis Featherstone during his visit to Savannakhet in Octobef 1971.

[Page 20]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

mm We

I

October 1971

Cl*3N’l‘?n<\L

NEW ERA TRIO ““ M1EQ1Q.A, A spirited, youthful and interracial ing. So we sang some more songs until

musical trio from the United States known as the New Era Trio has undertaken a twomonth travel teaching proiect in Central America and the Caribbean. Each of the youth in the trio has had extensive experience in teaching the masses.

What happened in Honduras

A report on the first stages of their journey reads, "ln Honduras we had several proclamation meetings with hundreds of people in attendance. With only about one and a half hours notice, over 400 people gathered in one village and waited for about an hour to hear about Baha'u'llah. The joys seem to be coming in waves and they got higher and higher."

The trio was accompanied on their journey through Honduras and Nicaragua by Counsellor Hooper Dunbar, who translated for them and assisted with speaking to the crowds who were attracted by their music.

Singing for Baha’u’llah

Their report continues: "The next night we sang in a park in Grenada, Nicaragua. Over 500 people gathered. We were singing on a stand in the middle of the park. More and more people gathered around us.... the people were more than enthusiastic. . .. about 200 people followed us from the park, down the streets and to the door of the home of the resident pioneer.

We spoke no Spanish and the friends who did so were still in the park surrounded by seekers. They were enrolling and teach 20

the pioneer came home for more deepening and many enrolments."

The fantastic iourney continues

The team then reported that, accompanied by Counsellor Dunbar, they visited a village which was about a one hour boat trip from Bluefields, Nicaragua where Counsellor Dunbar had taught the Faith some TO years previously and where there had been some enrolments, until members of a strong church on the island influenced the people to avoid him completely. The report continues with regard to their visit:

"Now ten years later Hooper is back with the same Message. Most of the villagers gathered for the proclamation meeting and listened with stern faces, at first. Following the meeting, without even a direct invitation to enroll they asked to join Baha'u'llah's Faith, the first enrollee being the son of the pastor of the church!

"We can't put into words the spirit Bahá’u’lláh is showing us in so many ways. Our only wish is that we can give more for Him, through His divine mercy."

Then a Governor becomes Bahá’í

Following the above report, a cable was received at the World Centre from the Dominican Republic which read:

“Trio arrived. 133 declarations yesterday. Governor Province San Juan Maguuna received Proclamation Book and became Bahá’í. .,. ."

(based on a report in the International News Service Sheet 42).

[Page 21]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.5

October 1971

Hand of the Cause of God visits Malaysia

Malaya gave a warm welcome to beloved Hand of the Cause of God, Collis Featherstone, when he passed through from Penang in the north, right down to Singapore, during the month of October. Flying in from Bangkok and fresh from Laos, Vietnam and Hongkong, he was able to bring greetings and love from the friends in South East Asia, and especially news of Malaysian pioneers scattered in all these countries.

Above all, the beloved Hand brought with him the fragrance of the Conference in Fiji at which he was the special representative of the Supreme House, and more recently the Sapporo Conference where decisions affecting the lives of many Malaysians were made. (Malaysia was officially requested to share with the NSA of North East Asia, the responsibilities for the Faith in HongKong).

Meetings were arranged in the Northern, Central and Southern zones of Malaysia, and also in Singapore so that as many friends as possible could share the bounty of the Hands visit.

The amusing stories and the light playacting with which the beloved Hand inter _? ggy/flfiw‘ . — gg%fi§§la:;F«§fi%A;NG

,;:  A  ..

iv‘; 38/‘

Dr. Sreenivasan of Butterworth welcoming friends

to the meeting for North Malaya. Seated beside

Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, with Counsellor Vic Samaniego and his Wife Fe, photographed at the Sapporo Conference.

spersed his more serious thoughts, were most refreshing and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the friends.

At a very large interstate gathering in Butterworth,.o'rganIsed by the ATCs of Penang and Kedah |ointly, many estate Bahá’ís came miles by chartered bus to meet their first Hand.

The Bahá’ís of Malaysia were indeed most grateful to the beloved Hand for including their country in his crowded itinerary, and look forward to his next visit.

Some of the Kedah Bahá’ís who came from estates by chartered bus to meet Collis Featherstone.

Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone is Counsellor Chellie Sundram.

21

[Page 22]Malaysian Bahufi News Vol:7 No.8

October 1971

CZ/fa {jeélafi Qeaé gxperimeni

It was Counsellor Florence Mayberry who introduced the germ of a new idea in deepening. A group of Bahá’ís from Kedah were among the hundred over friends who had gathered in Butterworth to listen to her talk. Mrs. Mayberry described a new kind of institute being held in Canada and Alaska, popularly known as the "Jenabe Caldwell system" wherein a limited number of Bahá’ís gathered together for intensive deepening, using the holy writings exclusively, and involving a hundred percent participation.

The Kedah friends had been toying with the idea of a spiritual “retreat" up Kedah Peak. Now they knew what shape it would take....on the evening of October l4th three cars packed with 21 friends went up the hill. Included in this group was NTC member Seelan on an official visit from Kuala Lumpur. Seelan was quite unprepared for the heights he was to climb in the company of this group of Northern Bahá’ís!

The long and narrow road wound its way for six steep miles up to a solitary bungalow (The Kedah Sultan’s winter palace) on the top of the hill at a height of 3,200 ft. above sea-level. lt was winter up there! The dew was falling like rain and the atmosphere created an ideal mood for prayer. The group felt quite out of this world.

After dinner, the friends were briefed on their unique programme. A forty hour nonstop prayer vigil was launched for the success of Malaysia’s Nine Year Plan and Kedah's Qwal Plan.* Six groups of four persons recited prayers in one hour shifts around a real fire, and this went on throughout the night.

• Under the Qwal Plan, the current NTC teaching

programme for Malaya, Kedah State had fulfilled all its goals except one — the required increase in believers.

22

Early morning the deepening class began on the Hidden Words. Everyone read the same paragraph, then expressed his understanding of the verse and also stated his personal reaction to it. The convenor did not explain or comment. After each round, everybody there had acquired a much wider understanding of every line, through the thoughts of the other friends. This session went on for four hours in two groups with a lunch break inbetween. The vastness of the hidden treasure that they discovered in the Hidden Words, amazed everyone of the participants.

The next session was on the Gleanings. As they had already warmed up to the vibrations released by the readings, the Gleanings proved even more exciting and inspiring. The study class only broke up for dinner and then the friends celebrated the T9 Day Feast of Knowledge.

After the Feast, they attempted to enter the first valley in the series of seven —— But though their spirits were willing, most of the friends were too exhausted to go beyond the second valley, and they dropped off to sleep one by one! — The prayer circle of course continued throughout the night.

The next morning’s programme was more informal with tape—recordings by Hands of the Cause, William Sears and Rúḥíyyih Khánum. At about noon, the friends gathered round for the final prayers of the forty-hour vigil which had been a source of unexpected inspiration to all the participants.

The whole experiment turned out even more successful than they had hoped. Having floated for almost two days on cloud nine, the general opinion was that everyone felt 3,200 feet closer to God!

STOP PRESS

During the fortnight following this prayer vigil, about 150 declarations were received in Kedah, and the friends were amazed at the spirit released in the area. The Qwal Plan goals were fulfilled 100%.

[Page 23]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.8

October 1971

what happened at fiieoch

A report on the European Youth Conference, Fiesch, Switzerland.

People began arriving in Switzerland several days before the conference which was held in Fiesch in the high mountain valley of the river Rhone, in the heart of Europe.

The first evening saw a unity feast with prayers in no less than 7 languages and interpreters frantically trying to accommodate the various groups, prompting one tireless translator to sigh, "I wish to God we had that international language." Unity in diversity prevailed however and by the end of the evening we had our first three new believers.

The next morning was the official opening of the conference and we had our first glimpses of honored guests, Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel. We were made aware of the propensity of this gathering — the first time the whole continent of Europe was being united in

by Janice Auth

one enterprise. And it certainly was that and more. We were 1200 strong, representing 50 different countries. Enthusiastic youth packed the vast auditorium, sat on the floor, stood in doorways and clustered on the window ledges to listen to the opening talk by Rúḥíyyih Khánum.

This first session ended with a roll-call of countries and T200 people singing in unison, “Alláh-u-Abhá" which needed no translation. "'

.492‘:

As we absorbed the words of Rúḥíyyih Khánum that afternoon, we were impressed by her profound simplicity and directness and by the spirituality which she radiated. She spoke of reverence — to the manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh, to the words and central figures of the Faith. And then she answered our questions — on everything from prophecy to why she wears a veil. The queries came in so fast and furiously that some had to be tabled for a later session.

Some of the friends who attended the European Youth Conference in Fiesch

Switzerland, July 31st to August 11th, 1971.

Hands of the Cause Amatul-Baha

Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel appear in the foreground with

Counsellors and other friends.

23

[Page 24]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

In the next few days, we were enlightened by a very learned talk by Mr. Bosorg Hemmati on Living within the Covenant; A Short History of the Faith by Dr. Muhlschlegel and sessions by Counsellors Donald Witzel, Betty Reed, Erik Blumenthal and Anneliese Bopp.

As Rúḥíyyih Khánum gave her closing speech, we were reminded again about teaching Reach out for the receptive and waiting souls and don't waste precious time battling stubbornness, fundamentalism, intellectualism.

Be extremely loving and courteous toward all people but teach the receptive ones.

We must breathe the breaths of the Holy Spirit on everyone so that the very atmosphere will change and even the hostile ones will be at least "disarmed."

On a final note, Rúḥíyyih Khánum stated that she personally believes the moment a

October 1971

person becomes a Bahá’í, he should be encouraged to go out and teach, because teaching teaches you yourself. Don't worry about not knowing anything or not knowing enough — you know it’s Bahá’í, you know it's from God, you know it's good. Go out and teach THAT.

In the field

The remaining days were devoted to preparation for and accomplishment of teaching goals. We had the good fortune to have with us some very experienced Bahá’í teachers such as Donald Witzel and Jerry Bagley and they conducted some very informative workshops. When we finally did organize and go out with our groups into the Rhone countryside we at least felt somewhat capable of presenting the message. We prayed — together and alone, in the car, on the street — and we approached the souls. . .. hitchhikers. . .. no thank you I dont want to know... . hot sun and rain. . .. a receptive soul-. . .. language barriers. . ..

During the opening days of the European Youth Conference in Fiesch, 1200 coloured balloons were lau11ched by the friends, symbolizing a renewed teaching

effort television.

in Europe.

This was widely covered by the press, radio and local. Eighty persons who later found balloons in countries as far as

Austria, Italy and Yugoslavia, have requested information about the Faith by returning a reply card attached to each of the balloons.

[Page 25]Malaysian Bahá’í News Val:7 No.8

self consciousness. . .. pray — "O God make me a hollow reed. . .

The public meeting that evening was packed with fifteen hundred people. As the evening progressed, it became more and more emotionally charged until finally when the appeal for new believers was made, more than 50 souls came forward. If anyone had any doubts about the effectiveness of mass teaching before, they certainly would have been dispelled that night.

Its only the beginning . The overwhelming ioy that we felt that night however was soon tempered by our

O"ctob'er 19711

better judgment and reason screaming ‘Now that we have all these new Bahá’ís, WHAT DO WE DO WITH THEM? The old experienced cooler heads came through at this time to guide and direct our actions toward consolidation and deepening. Some concrete plans were made about foIIow—up and a number of people agreed to stay on after the conference closed to establish firmer contact with the new believers.

A total of I99 declarations were received from seventeen countries during the entire conference — and this was only a glimmering of the beginning of a new day in Europe.

We were very happy to receive the above vivid account of the historic happenings in another part of the world, brought; so close to us by Janice Auth, who, Malaysians may remember, attended her

very first conference in Sin,gapore in 1970 just a few days after becoming a Bahá’í herself. her story with a P.S. —— “We met the Astani sisters in Fiesch . . . . .. .

Janice ends )1

We are pleased to be able to print below yet another personal facet of this unique conference through excerpts from a letter written by Vida Astani.

quote "....Yesterday we all had such an experience. '.66 people had been chosen to be group leaders for mass-teaching. These group leaders chose their groups — consisting of French speaking, German speaking, Italian speaking, so that language problems would be overcome. This took 221- hours. It was very interesting but absolutely chaotic! Imagine everything had to be translated into 4 other languages! Anyway the next morning, (7th August) after breakfast we all met for a prayer session in the open air, then the groups departed to their destinations. Some by car, some by bus, some by train and some by foot. We started teaching by talking to people on the street and inviting them to come to a public meeting at night. Well we got back at 7.05 p.m. Most people had got back as well. We did not have any declarations but we had talked to over 70 people. Some groups had ll declarations, some 4 and some 2 etc. Then at 9.00 p.m. was the public meeting. The programme was very unusual for me.

25

The programme opened with a song Toko Zani....in 7 languages — really good then there was a 5 minute talk, then some more singing then another 5 minute talk, then singing, and then a beautifully arranged slide show with music — very very interesting —— about the whole world and how the Bahá’í faith can unite mankind. After this there was more singing and the meeting was almost over —— they talked about the Faith, and invited people to join.

Well for 5 minutes it was so quiet nothing happened, nobody got up to go and sign, but then one by one people stood up and there was such a spirit — l’m afraid I just cannot explain it. I could not believe my eyes. Everybody was singing and clapping hands, hugging and kissing and crying — it was so wonderful. I'll never forget this experience. Well by the time it was Il.30 there were over 50 new Bahá’ís. What a ioy. . .. So far we have had 124 new believers...."

[Page 26]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol.'7 No.3 October 1971

The Hand of the Cause Musa Banani passed to the Abhá Kingdom at noon on Saturday, September 4th. The following cable was sent by the Universal House of Justice:

BAHA’I FAITH UGANDA

PROFOUNDLY MOURN PASSING DEARLY LOVED HAND CAUSE MUSA BANANI RECALL WITH DEEP AFFECTION HIS SELFLESS UNASSUMING PROLONGED SERVICES CRADLE FAITH HIS EXEMPLARY PIONEERING UGANDA CULMINATING HIS APPOINTMENT AS HAND CAUSE AFRICA AND PRAISE BELOVED GUARDIAN As SPIRITUAL CONQUEROR THAT CONTINENT STOP INTERMENT HIS REMAINS AFRICAN SOIL UNDER SHADOW MOTHER TEMPLE ENHANCES SPIRITUAL LUSTRE THAT BLESSED SPOT STOP FERVENTLY PRAYING SHRINES PROGRESS HIS NOBLE SOUL STOP MAY AFRICA NOW ROBBED STAUNCH VENERABLE PROMOTER DEFENDER FAITH FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE CHEER HIS HEART ABHA KINGDOM STOP CONVEY FAMILY MOST TENDER SYMPATHIES ADVISE HOLD

MEMORIAL MEETINGS ALL COMMUNITIES BAHA’I WORLD BEFITTING GATHERINGS MOTHER TEMPLES.

Hand of the Cause John Robarts paid a moving tribute to Mr. Banani at the North Atlantic Conference when he had to announce his passing. He related the story where Mr. Banani had said to him, when he spoke of the Guardian's love and high praise for him, that he (Mr. Banani) now understood what the beloved Guardian had meant when many years before he had said that God could raise up and activate a stone that it could serve His Faith. Mr. Banani had said, “I am that stone.

God has activated me so that I have been able to perform

some small service in His Name."

Hand of the Cause Musa Banani.

Reprinted below is a beautiful description of the funeral of Mr. Banani Which appeared in the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin based on a letter from Mrs. Frances Beard, to an Australian believer.

Dear Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Banani, passed away peacefully on lith September after being in a coma for a few days. His funeral was held on the 9th, and he was buried very close to the House of Worship at Kihaaya, which he loved so much, in the new Bahá’í Cemetery for Kampala. There were over 250 attending the funeral including all his children, some other relatives, and his granddaughter, Bahíyyih. There were so many lovely flowers that they could hardly fit them all in the hearse. Before the actual burial his body was laid in the cofiin on a large table covered with one of the Persian carpets out of the Temple, with a large photo of him in front of it. The Universal House of Justice had ordered a blanket of white flowers with its name in red roses in the middle. Mrs. Banani had 95 red roses on top of the coffin, and all the other flowers were around. There was a beautiful service, then his coflin was carried outside, and put in the grave, while Ali Nakhjavani put flower petals from the Shrines over the coffin. There was a huge storm and the heavens opened. Evidently they hadn’t had such a storm and rain like it foryears, according to the papers. This whole funeral gave the Faith wonderful publicity in Uganda with announcements over the Radio to all the up-country believers with Police 150 direct the ?5?”€bfiC1'0 6075 the ti”/We Of the procession going from the Banani home to Kihaflya, with 7"0€ld3 Closed: 6150- The foll0%‘ing Sunday they had a Memorial Service in the Temple at 9-00 f6-’Vh- f 051010661 by 00 Vi07507"7J Conference all day with a wonderful atmosphere. M7”. Febiei Cbhd MW Ohhgd WW6 60180 there as well as all the Counsellors.

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[Page 27]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol: 7 No.3

DAY CAMPAIGN

From the Báb's birthday on October 20th 1971 to the 50th Anniversary of the Ascension of Abdul—Baha on the 28th of November, stretch the biggest teaching and proclamation campaign to be arranged in Hongkong. The idea was born at the Sapporo Conference in Japan, with consultation among the Hands, Counsellors and Board members of North East and South East Asia. The National Assemblies of Japan and Malaysia were later involved in the preparation, and Malaysian pioneer Yin Hong Shuen, as secretary of the National Administrative Committee of HongKong is at the very heart of the whole campaign.

Mr. nd Mrs. Yick Siu Min, Bahá’ís of Shatin, with Yan Kee Leong and pioneer Hong Shuen (extreme right) Mr. Yick is the Chairman of the Shatin LSA.

The aim of the plan is to infuse a new spirit into the Hong Kong and surrounding communities, who will be responsible for teaching millions of Chinese in future.

Bahá’ís from Korea, Japan, Philippines, Laos, Taiwan, Malaysia and the United States have joined the small band of workers in Hong Kong. Hand of the Cause Mr. Furutan arrived early in the campaign and stayed for a couple of days. Counsellors Yankee Leong and Vic Samaniego from S.E. and N.E. Asia will be in Hong Kong for the entire forty—day period. Counsellor Mumtází was in Hong Kong for a brief stay.

October 1971

KONG

Mr. Philip Marongella (extreme right) with Yan Kee Leong and two Bahá’ís of Shatiin at a roadside stalli.

Proclamation and teaching has been concentrated in three areas: trips to the rural districts and the surrounding islands; proclamation in the three college campuses of Hong Kong and introduction of the Faith to civic organizations.

Two four—day trips undertaken by Yankee Leong, Charles Duncan and Ray Cooprider were rewarded with finding twenty—four new Bahá’ís on the Islands. Chan Lie Kun also went with this team to open up Peng Chau Island.

Mona Datwani explaining Faith on the Ferry to Tai-o Village.

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[Page 28]Ma.la.ysia.n Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

There have been several successful firesides at the Bahá’í Centre attended by receptive high school students invited by Rani and Meena Datwani, two Bahá’í youth of Hong Kong. Civic organizations are being contacted by Phil Marangella of Japan and Betty Fernandez of Malaysia. Already Mr. Raman of Malaysia, during a short stopover was able to meet with the Rotarians of Hong Kong.

Intending pioneers (packed and ready!) T.K. Lee of Petaling Jaya, Mr. and Mrs. Chong Boo Haw and Teh Teik Ho of Alor Star, have so far not been able to leave Malaysia for Hong Kong owing to visa difficulties. Khoo Siew Thay of Penang managed to fly up for three weeks to participate in the campaign.

Although language has been a frustrating problem for the visiting Bahá’ís, the plan

October 1.971

has been marching on, and it is hoped that a glorious report will follow its conclusion.

Bahá’ís

visit Tai-O Village, Lantau Island. Left to right: R.D. Gulwani, Charles Duncan, Mona Datwani, Philip Marangella Mae McClinton, Yankee Leong and Vic Samaniego,

sudden

It was with deep regret that Counsellor Yan Kee Leong cabled the death of Mr. Len Lewis, the secretary of the National Administrative

Committee of Hong Kong on October 8, 1971. Mr. Lewis has been active on the

Island for many years, and will be sadly missed by his fellow workers.

Yin

Hong Shuen Secretary of NTC, was elected secretary of the National Administrative Committee in the place of Mr. Lewis.

I memorial service was held at the Bahá’í Centre attended by all the visiting participants of the Forty Day Campaign, and the Bahá’ís of

Hong Kong.

 EEi  

A Story from

A young lad had heard of the Faith during an inter—island trip and became a Bahá’í. Returning to his home in Vanuavatu, he told the people there about this new religion and they laughed at him saying that he had been led astray.

The minister of a church in the village suggested that the boy write and ask for a

minister to come —— never thinking anyone would appear! The National Spiritual Assembly on

receipt of the boy's letter, immediately sent a Bahá’í to the village. The minister was

the Fiji Islands

the only one who could translate for him. The teacher remained for a few days until the Minister finally refused to translate any more because some of his people were seeing the truth of the Message and accepting Baha’u’|lah.

Attached to the report sent back to the National Assembly was a list of new believers who had accepted the Faith through the Bahá’í teacher and his unusual translator.

(based on a report from the NSA of the Fiji Islands published in Bahá’í International News Service No. .42).

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[Page 29]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3 October 1971

35752.4 Q2 5&7’&(/ /

More News from Bendigo

We organized another successful gathering in Bendigo on the 5th of June. We had more attendance than the first meeting (reported in the last Mala?/81.0% B€bh€6”i News) and we were lucky to have four Burmese students who came down to Bendigo from Melbourne to have computer training.

Following this gathering I made regular trips to Melbourne and met Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir during a State get—together. Dr. Muhájir instructed us to do exactly what had been done in Malaysia. Following his plan, Victoria state was divided into 5 routes covering most of the cities and towns with Melbourne as the nucleus. A few of the routes cover areas almost as large as Malaya!

Soon after Dr. Muhájir’s visit we had the dynamic American Teaching Team who really drove us forward. Things happened in Australia which never happened before. I had the opportunity to join the wonderful team consisting of Jordan Young, Roger Roff and Raphael Herring on one week-end. That particular night I heard more “Alláh-u-Abhás" being said than I have heard since I came to Australia!

Before we went out for mass teaching we assembled in a friend's house reading prayers for strength and guidance. We then formed teams of two or three going to different areas around and within Melbourne city. \/Ve walked along the main streets in Melbourne city carrying pamphlets, and of course, declaration cards, to talk to people about the Faith. On our first morning we found quite a number of people to talk to, and successfully had ten declaration cards signed. We usually approached those who were doing window shopping; the experience was just great. I have previously been stopped and talked to by Christian priests before, but I never dreamt that I would one day talk religion to strangers on the street myself!

In the past, I always used to proclaim the teachings of Baha'u’IIah to my own friends, and I thought that I had done my best. Now I realize that I was wrong. Every soul should have an equal chance to know about Bahá’u’lláh, so why should I restrict the teachings to my friends only? Many Bahá’ís are not aware of this angle. We should try to proclaim the Faith to anyone at anytime anywhere, as long as we don't offend people in any way.

The change brought about as the result of the American team's visit was just great. Normally Australia has about IO to 20 new believers a month. Under the guidance of the teaching team we had about 80 new believers within one weekin Sydney andaweek later, the same amazing results were reaped in Melbourne. In fact we had better results in Melbourne. Telegrams were sent to the Universal House of Justice telling them of our victories and achievements. Australia is now on her way to new heights and to exceed all homefront goals.

I will be in Bendigo for another 3 years to finish my degree course in civil engineering if I clear my subjects every year. It is my most sincere wish that an LSA may be formed before I leave. So far, I'm still the only one. There are many friends who agree with the teachings of Baha'u'Ilah, but they “dont want" or"dare not” accept them. I pray that Baha’u'Ilah may give me more knowledge and guidance to talk to them.

With Bahá’í love to all the friends. '

Hua Keng Tong, Bendigo, Australia.

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[Page 30]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol‘ 7 No.3 October 1971

Letters from around the world

News from New Zealand

I am a Bahá’í from Alor Star, now studying in New Zealand. In mid-June a few youths, four New Zealanders, a Vietnamese and myself went over to a wild party. The moment we stepped into the house we could smell the drug-filled air. The room was full; it was a real swinging students’ party such as I had never been to in Malaya. There was little dancing and most people were either standing or sitting with glasses in their hands. We moved in and got separated and each of us ended up talking about the Faith. It was a novel experience for me and ended up as a very successful fireside.

When Dr. Muhájir came, he set a goal for the youth of Christchurch. He suggested that we go over to Westcoast and lend a hand to Linda Hight the only Bahá’í over there. As the Nine Year Plan includes an LSA at Westcoast, we immediately went. The trip across the mountains covered with white beautiful snow was real fascinating.

In July the youth organised a prayer vigil and deepening, which started at4p.m. one afternoon, and carried on all through the night ending up 22 hours later. We took turns to rest. It was real good and we got full of spirit.

I attended the South Island Youth Conference and my thoughts raced back to Malaya where we usually hold such functions in a nice big hall. Here we iust sat on the ground out in the open enioying the winter sun. We had a recorded talk by Rúḥíyyih Khánum followed by discussion. It was real fun.

With Bahá’í love to all,

Tan Giap Se-ng.

Alláh-u-Abhá from Puerto Rico Dear brothers and sisters,

We are so happy to read about the growth of the Faith in your beautiful country. Here in our island we will have our National Spiritual Assembly next Riḍván and all the Bahá’ís are now trying to deepen themselves to prepare the island for this important event.

Pioneers and help from the United States and the Dominican Republic will come to Puerto Rico to help us in these days when the island will respond to the will of God, the All Mighty.

Spiritual help is needed so much. . .. Could the Bahá’ís of Malaysia please remember us in their prayers, then everything will surely be easier.

With you in the beloved Cause of God, your brother, Julio Torres

Dear Julio, thank you for your letter — The Bahá’ís of Malaysia will be helping the island of Singapore to elect its first National Assembly next Riḍván too. Our thoughts will also be with you all during those days. —E'cl.

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[Page 31]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

October 1971

o4nnouncing....

MARRIAGES Sela ngor

Sarawak

Malacca

Gambia

BIRTHS Selangor

India

Malacca

Sarawak

AWARD

Mr. Raia Krishnan of Kaiang and Miss Pushpa of lpoh were married on 7-2-1971.

Mr. Ramaiah of Kaiang and Miss Achee Selvanayagi of Port Dickson were married on 28-3-71.

Mr. Jackson Japut Ulak married Miss Jiwa ak Ramong at Bahá’í Centre Kuching 30th August, 1971.

Mr. Numpang al< Budin of Sabal Keruin and Miss Limbon ak Luda of Kg. Sg. Mirah were married on 4th September, 1971 at Kg. Mirah, Pantu.

Mr. and Mrs. K. Subramaniam were married on 31-10-1971 in Malacca.

Malaysian Pioneer Kanniyah Adaikalam, Secretary of the NSA of Gambia, was married to Louise Wilcox of California, pioneer to Cameroon, in Bathurst in July 1971.

To Mr. and Mrs. Papaiah of Kaiang a baby girl Eswari Khánum on 13-12-70.

To Mr. and Mrs. Baskaran Nair of Kajang a baby girl Sharmala on 31-1-71.

To Counsellor Vasudevan and Sitara, a baby boy on May 2nd 1971 in Gwalior, Uttar Pradesh.

To Sara and S. Bhaskaran of Alor Gajah, a baby boy, Shafigh Suresh, on 27-8-71.

To Suan Neo and Anthony Louis of Malacca, a baby boy, Donavon Casimir on 25-9-71.

To Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar of Kuching, a baby boy, Ray Andrew on 16-10-71.

Dr. John Fozdar was awarded the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS) on the occasion of H.E. the Governor's birthday on 5-7-71 in Kuching.

Canadian Bahá’í News

A one-year subscription to the Canadian Bahá’í News may be ordered by sending $4-O0 (U.S.) to the Canadian Bahá’í News Committee, 7290, Leslie St., Willowdale,

Ontario, Canada.

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[Page 32]Malaysian Bahá’í News Vol:7 No.3

IJNTTERNATIQNAL

Mass proclamation in Switzerland

Thousands of people heard of Bahá’u’lláh for the first time in the Rhone Valley in Switzerland, when the youth attending the conference in Fiesch, went out giving the Message to everybody in a great massteaching campaign.

Fifteen hundred people packed the big hall for a public meeting. Young and old, mountaineers, Italian and Spanish workers, tourists and villagers gathered where the President of the Parliament of Valais brought a thunder of applause when he greeted the audience with these words: "The French writer Georges Bernanos said, ‘When the youth is freezing, the teeth of the whole world chatter.‘ Tonight, the world should feel warm with the fire of your love." (see story pg. 23)

Bahá’í Prayers for late President of Liberia

On Tuesday evening, July 27, 1971, a service for the late President William V. S. Tubman of Liberia was held at the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia. In the vast audience were the new President of Liberia, the widow of the late President, Heads of African States, representatives of foreign governments, and representatives of religious and fraternal organizations. Mrs. Georgia Sanchez, member of the National Spiritual Assembly,

October 1971

recited two Bahá’í prayers, one a prayer for the deported and the other, a prayer for mankind. When the words of Baha'u'llah and Abdu’l-Bahá echoed through the large pavilion, a special power was released in an atmosphere which became quiet and still as Heads of State and the public listened with deep respect to the Bahá’í prayers.

Then on Sunday evening, August lst, there was a special televised tribute to the late President at which the only holy words included in the program were selections from The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. There were many enquiries about the Faith by television viewers.

(Based on at report by the NSA of West A frica).

Catholic priest becomes Bahá’í in Spain.

A Catholic priest, doctor of theology, Mr. Jose Marques, accepted the Bahá’í Faith before the Local Spiritual Assembly of Madrid.

Mr. Marques, prior to this, presented his resignation to the ecclesiastical authorities as a Catholic priest because he was going to accept the Bahá’í Faith.

(Based on a, report from the NSA of Spain September ’71).

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 : Circulation : Publishing Manager :

Margaret Chan

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