National Bahá’í Review/Issue 25/Text

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WHAT DOES FAITH EXPECT OF ME NOW?

Commentary on the Letter of the Universal House of Justice Addressed to the Bahá’í's of the World November 16, 1969

Once again the Bahá’í world community has had a reaffirmation of the reassuring concern. constant and consistent guidance. clear perspective. and divine challenge which characterize the activities and manner of God's supreme instrument on earth. The letter addressed to the Bahá’ís of the World by the Universal House of Justice on November 16, 1969 itself needs no comment: the subject of its concern is clearly identified and amply treated. But it calls for some reflection if our response to its challenge is to meet the mark.

In the past our response to similar letters has not always matched the alertness of the guidance given. perhaps because the messages they bore offered perspectives and issued ‘challenges which it was difficult for our finite minds to grasp. Titles like “The Advent of Divine Justice". “The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour”. and “American Bahá’ís in Time of World Peril"—not to mention the immortal “Tablets of the Divine Plan” — bring to mind a bibliography of weighty pronouncements, remarkable insights. profound warnings, and unique challenges. which, if their import had been truly recognized at the time they were written. could have led us to much larger gains in the quantity and quality of Bahá’í community life than we now enjoy.

But let us not dwell on the omissions of the past. because new and more numerous opportunities surround us. Let us not be encumbered

by the initial limitations of our understanding, for it is our willingness to act on faith that assures ultimate comprehension and ultimate victory. In the Cause of God the true test of the

promise of a challenge has never been deter mined by the ability of its recipients to understand in detail its future impact or purpose. but rather in their ability to act without hesitation. It is at times like these that we recall the spirit of faith demonstrated by our beloved Guardian. Shoghi Effendi, in his numerous letters to America. “Are we.” he once asked, “to doubt that the ways of God are not necessarily the ways of man? Is not faith but another word for implicit obedience. wholehearted allegiance, uncompromising adherence to that which we believe is the revealed and express will of God, however perplexing it might first appear, however at variance with the shadowy views, the impotent doctrines, the crude theories. the idle imaginings. the fashionable conceptions of a transient and troublous age?" (Bahci’2'Admin2'stration, p. 62)

What. each of us might well ask himself. does faith expect of me this moment‘? The answer can be found in this latest letter from the Universal House of Justice. Let us. then. bearing in mind the success of our spiritual forebears. accept our challenge and seize our opportunities “before it is too- late.”

We can do no less.

-—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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The Continental Bahá’í Fund

In answer to some questions, the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America wishes to emphasize again the following information about the Continental Bahá’í Fund.

Establishment of Auxiliary Boards

In a cablegram dated April 6. 1954. addressed “To all the Hands of the Cause and all National Assemblies of the Bahá’í World." the beloved Guardian announced: “The hour is ripe for the fifteen Hands residing outside the Holy Land to proceed during Riḍván with the appointment. in each continent separately. from among the resident Bahá’ís of that continent. of Auxiliary Boards. . . . The allocation of areas in each continent to the members of the Auxiliary Boards. as well as subsidiary matters regarding the development of the activities of the newly appointed bodies. and the manner of collaboration with the National Spiritual Assemblies in their respective Continents. is left to the discretion of the Hands."

Initiation of Continental Bahci’I’ Funds

Foreseeing the growth of the activities of the Auxiliary Boards. Shoghi Effendi also included in this cable the following: “Urge the initiation of five Continental Bahá’í Funds which. as they develop. will increasingly facilitate the discharge of the functions assigned to the Boards. Transmitting five thousand pounds as my initial contribution to be equally divided among the five continents. Appeal to the twelve National Assemblies and individuals to insure a steady augmentation of these Funds through annual assignment in National Budgets and by individual contributions.“ “Fervently supplicating at the Holy Threshhold for an unprecedented measure of blessings on this vital and indispensable organ of the embryonic and steadily unfolding Bahá’í Administrative Order. "

Thus the Continental Bahá’í Fund was established by the beloved Guardian and initiated by his own generous contribution to it at the very moment that he called for the appointment of the Auxiliary Boards to assist and advise

JANUARY 1970

the Hands of the Cause in the development of their special areas of service to the Faith.

Appointment of Continental Boards of Counsellors

With the appointment in June 1968 by the Supreme Body. the Universal House of Justice. of the Continental Boards of Counsellors (eleven of them), the responsibilities for the activities of the Auxiliary Boards and for the Continental Funds to support them, passed to each Board of Counsellors for the respective continent.

Alaska, Canada, and United States Constitute Area

The Communities of Alaska. Canada and the United States form the area -of responsibility of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America. and the Continental Fund. supported by regular contributions from the national and local assemblies. groups and individual believers in these three countries is to be used for the activities of the Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members in these same areas.

Therefore contributions to the Continental Bahá’í Fund from the Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís in Alaska. Canada and the United States should be sent to:

Continental Bahá’í Fund

Edna M. True, Trustee

-118 Forest Ave. or 112 Linden Ave. Wilmette. Illinois 60091

The Counsellors for North America wish to take this opportunity to express their most loving appreciation and gratitude for the contributions received. Such donations from the friends make possible the wide-spread and invaluable teaching efforts of the dedicated Auxiliary Board members.

—CONTINENTAL BOARD or COUNSELLORS 1-‘on THE PROTECTION

AND PROPAGATION or THE Bahá’í Faith in NORTH AMERI1cA, EDNA M. TRUE, TRUSTEE, CONTINENTAL Bahá’í FUND.

National Spiritual Assembly Completes Study of Its Organization

Over three years ago the National Spiritual Assembly initiated a long-range study of its operation for the purpose of determining how it could improve its efficiency and accommodate the ever-increasing workload on the National Center staff. The study focused on National Spiritual Assembly organization and functioning. all aspects of national committee functioning. operation and maintenance of summer schools. the Bahá’í House of Worship. the Bahá’í Home. the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, administration of community affairs. and staifing of the National Secretariat— all in light of our responsibilities in The Nine Year Plan.

As various phases of the study were completed. the National Spiritual Assembly introduced changes. many times on an experimental basis. At the completion of an evaluation period. a given change regarding a particular committee or policy was modified or continued depending on how effective it proved to be. Several modifications have already been reported in previous articles in NATIONAL Bahá’í Rsvmw.

Administration by Councils or Committees

Among the most important developments was the decision to establish councils or committees to administer. under National Spiritual Assembly policy and supervision. the functions of the Bahá’í House of Worship. the permanent summer schools. the Bahá’í Home. and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Under this new arrangement it is possible for sub-committees to be appointed to work under the direction of these agencies. This has had the effect of relieving the National Spiritual Assemby of supervising the routine, day-to-day matters of these services and activities while at the same time increasing the level of its participation in community affairs and providing the kinds of expertise required by these various responsibilities.

Existing Activities Reinforced and Others Newly Created

An Office of Human Resources has been established and has arranged to have the talents and experiences of the friends stored on computer tape. and has computerized

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the mailing lists. The Publishing Trust has been greatly expanded to include a new division of special materials and instructional media and to consolidate the ordering. billing. and shipping of all materials under one roof using standardized forms. Long-range plans to bring. eventually, all publications such as WORLD ORDER, CHILD'S WAY, Bahá’í NEWS, NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW, etc. within the framework of the Publishing Trust have been worked out. All national properties of the Faith have been placed under the overall supervision of the National Bahá’í Properties Committee which has its ollice in Wilmette. The position of Comptroller in the Treasurer’s Office has been created and a certified public accountant selected to fill it. Provision has been made for indexing the communications from The Universal House of Justice to facilitate storage and retrieval of information. A new indexing system for National Spiritual Assembly policies has been created and provision made for periodic and systematic review of all policies. A new reporting system for committees and sub-committees is being developed. and methods for evaluating committee performance are being worked out. These are among the major results of the study.

Improvements in Assembly Processes

The internal workings of the Assembly as a consultative body have also been scrutinized. and steps have been taken to improve them. For example. to aid the processes of consultation the Assembly has divided its membership into four portfolio sub-committees: teaching. service. administration and miscellaneous items. It is the responsibility of each sub-committee to study in depth all documents and materials relating to agenda items in its portfolio. keep the Assembly thoroughly informed on all matters connected with its portfolio, help determine priorities. and assist in establishing the formal agenda of an Assembly meeting. Thus. the agenda of the National Spiritual Assembly is organized around related functional areas of

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concern on a priority basis. The system of weekly reporting to all National Spiritual Assembly members has been refined. This system enables all Assembly members to be acquainted with every item on the agenda in advance of the meeting. The Assembly identifies major issues well in advance of the date for consultation so that they can be systematically researched and studied before decisions are made.

Five Basic Functions of Secretariat

The National Secretariat itself has been organized around five basic units each of which represents important general functions: research. administrative coordination (including. for instance. coordinating arrangements for national and state conventions). human resources (including membership and records). administrative status (including maintenance of the Bahá’í’ and legal status of local spiritual assemblies). and personal status (including marriage. divorce and personal problems). The work of each unit is coordinated by an administrative assistant. in addition. two administrative assistants have been appointed to assist the Secretary and Assistant Secretary in their daily work and will join the Secretariat staff next year. One of these assistants will also serve as general office manager and look after incoming and outgoing mail. filing. records. and the secretarial pool.

The relationship between the Secretariat and other administrative activities being carried out at the National Center. such as the Treasurer’s Office. the Publishing Trust. National Teaching Secretariat and its various offices, International Goals Secretariat. and Public Information Office. has been clarified and communication channels streamlined.

Already the National Spiritual Assembly is reaping some benefits from the actions taken to increase its efficiency and is confident that the whole community will Share in these b9I'1€filS- ANATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

A Letter To Youth For One World

Children of Baha! You are being called upon to build a New World —- quickly. To redefine and exploit the world situation in terms of Bahá’í. Redefine any social or political problem today and sooner or later you run into “nearsightedness"—men seeing no further than their own personal. ethnic, national interests. How do we get mankind to see one world‘?

The United Nations has been working to expand mankind‘s worldmindness for some time now. “Peace-keeping" and “peace-building"—do we understand what the UN really does. its founding principles, and what it can do to further the Cause‘?

The UN is not the World Commonwealth of Bahá’u’lláh. but it is the only existing institution which could unfold the Lesser Peace which “the nations of the earth . . . will themselves establish." Can we afford to be indifferent or uninformed‘?

Many policies. principles and agencies of the UN accord directly with Bahá’í principles. The Economic and Social Council. specialized agencies like UNESCO. UNICEF. FAO. WHO — find out what they are doing. Check out the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination; the UNESCO statement on Race and Racial Prejudice. You can see the Faith reflected with growing brightness.

U—Thant. Secretary-General. speaks out to youth of the world:

an

. world opinion will gradually become. in a real sense, the opinion of the present young.

If the quest towards peace is to be effective. then the world's young must have minds which are independent. free of subjective bias and capable of empathy. For herein lies the power to free men’s minds of old myths and perspectives and to stimulate new political and social ideas.

They should recognize that the United Nations represent all the principles and ideals young people are striving for and that it is their best opportunity to realize them.

This battle for the welfare of most of humanity can only be won with the active participation of millions of individuals who can see the dangers of the times."

Our call to action comes from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly. Understand the United Nations and then “exploit" for the Cause. By supporting UN policies. principles. and agencies that accord with Bahá’í principles, we are spreading the radiance of the Faith throughout the world. preparing the ground. Then too. our active support will enhance the Bahá’í position at the UN. For more information, practical suggestions, write to: —Committee for the United Nations of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Suite 446-866 United Nations Plaza. New York. New York 10017.

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our K/eddin 5 ./45 a /3a/wi ’a’ U y

EVERY soul who has accepted the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh lives in the heaven of Divine Grace. The infinite bestowals of the Eternal surround him. He is immersed in the sea of bounty. No act of man surpasses in vital importance this recognition of the Manifestation of God in the Promised Day.

Who are these who have of their own volition resisted the false glamor of worldliness and claimed the supreme privilege of enrollment in the Community of the Greatest Name? Bahá’u’lláh Himself answered this question when, in The Dawn-Breakers, He is quoted as having declared that those who recognize the Manifestation have done some deed which, whether they know it or not, was pleasing to God. Bahá’í’ membership, therefore, is an expression of destiny and no mere personal opinion reflected injoining a certain religious body. “Verily, verily the new heaven and the new earth are come. The holy city, new Jerusalem, hath come down from on high in the form of a maid of heaven, veiled, beauteous, and unique, and prepared for reunion with her lovers on earth. . . . Death shall no more overtake them, neither shall sorrow, crying and tribulation aflict them. . . . He whom such grace aideth is verily he that receiveth the most glorious heritage from the prophets of God and His holy ones . . . Rejoice, then, O ye beloved of the Lord . . .”(l)

Again, the Master has written: “Lay your confidence in the everlasting bounty, turn to the presence of the generous God; ask assistance from the Kingdom of Abba; seek confirmation from the Supreme World; turn thy vision to the horizon ofeternal wealth; and pray for help from the Source of Mercy!”(2)

The world with all its material devices cannot confer these everlasting bounties upon the soul. They have been created by God alone, and they are freely proffered to the human spirit which has awakened from the sleep of nature and recognized its Lord. It is the Bahá’í' who has access to such blessings and therefore should rejoice with a gratitude not comprehended by the people of tradition and superstition. In these days of tension and uncertainty every Bahá’í can stand apart in spirit, perceiving the victory of peace where for others all is violence and confusion.

But the blessings only surround and do not enter the soul until the Bahá’í expresses his gratitude in active service. Let us draw near to the Master’s compassionate wisdom:

“Be ye not seated and silent! Diffuse the glad—tidings of the Kingdom far and wide to the ears, promulgate the word of God, and put into practice the advices and convenants of God; that is, arise ye with such qualities and attributes that ye may continually bestow life to the body of the world. . . . Enkindle with all your might in every meeting the light of the love of God, gladden and cheer every heart with the utmost loving kindness, show forth your love to the strangers just as you show forth to your relations.”(3)

“All the signs have appeared, all the prophetic references have become clear, all that was revealed in the Books and Scriptures hath become fully manifest, and there is no ground for anyone to hesitate in regard thereto.”(4)

Beloved friends! Naught but the qualities of the sincere believer can achieve the many great tasks laid upon us in the World Crusade. May we not, once more, aware of our infinite blessings, enter the arena of action? What is the World Crusade? It is nothing less than the establishment of the basis of the new Faith and Order of Bahá’u’lláh so firmly throughout the earth that when the destined catastrophe comes the peoples of East and West will find the means of salvation and security clearly revealed above the wreckage of the old cultures and the old civilizations which have come to the end oftheir allotted span.

In all humility we address this appeal to the beloved of God.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’I/S OF THE UNITED STATES

(1) BWF, p. 350-351. (2) p. 351. (3) p. 353. (4) p. 354.

(printed during the Ten Year Crusade)

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‘:7 e [fa/cl id inc[eeJ.4o immende . . . Wk

It has been said that Brazil will be an example of the future commonwealth of Bahá’u’lláh where people of all races and nations will live together in harmony, and from her shores will spread in all directions her influence — to Europe, to North America and to her sister nations on the west. Brazil is an awakening giant — a continent-country. No one can guess her great resources. many of them still hidden in the vast, unpeopled regions of the north and west. She stretches from well into the Torrid Zone on the north to far below the Tropic of Capricorn on the South, and embraces climates varying from tropical to temperate, and harvests, therefore, from rubber and cacao, coffee and grapes, to wheat and apples. The cities of the eastern sea-board are as modern as tomorrow. with great universities, hospitals, giant and varied industries, beautilful highways and parks and artistic triumphs of architecture, paintings and music. And it is there that most of Brazil's population is crowded together. On the vast plains to the west, stretch potential cattle and farming lands, vast forests and giant rivers with waterfalls and power potential for running great cities, but where the habitations are few and far between, and only the birds flying overhead can sing of the slowly advancing civilization.

But it is not for the beauties of Brazil, nor to share its most promising material future that you are invited to come here. Rather, you are called to a far more glorious task. Summoned first by‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “Everyone of the important souls must arise. blowing over all parts of America the breath of life, conferring upon the people a new spirit, baptizing them with the fire of the love of God, the water of life, and the breaths of the Holy Spirit!" (The Divine Plan)

Now, again, the Universal House of Justice, in its infallible wisdom. has called for an arising of thirteen gallant souls from that valiant community of America to speak" to the great masses of humble —some of them primitive—peoples of the regions of the north— of the coastal areas of Rio Grande do Norte, Piaui. Amapé. Maranhfio and Para, and the Amazon areas of Acre. Rondonia and Roraima! These areas have a tropical climate; they are only now beginning to be developed; and the material life there is not so easy as in the more populous central-south.

But, there the true Bahá’í, the courageous, the daring, will find a wonderful field of service. The humble, the poor, the unlettered, the hopeful, all are waiting for the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. They will receive it eagerly. will guard it carefully and will carry it further to the masses who are indeed waiting. And they, too, will accept this Message as the thirsty accepts water, as has been experienced wherever the dedicated ones have entered.

There, in those regions which are now receiving the attention of the government for their development, there must be many openings for engineers and technicians of all types, and English-Portuguese secretaries should not have difficulties in finding employment. (Those who have studied Spanish should have no problem in understanding‘ and using Portuguese, i-ts sister language, very quickly.)

“Visit ye especially the city of Bahia (Salvador)“. said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Because in the past years this city was christened with the name, Bahia, there is no doubt that it has been through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit."

The following words of the beloved Guardian seem to have been written especially for Brazil:

• “The field is indeed so immense, the period so critical,

the Cause so great, the workers so few, the time so short. the privilege so priceless, that no follower of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, worthy to bear His name. can afford a

moment's hesitation. . . Tomorrow, page 223.)

Perhaps, here in Brazil is the opportunity of supreme service for which you have been waiting. Perhaps. you will be the means by which mass conversion in these areas may begin. Will you consider coming? Prayerfullyi’ Soon‘?

(From Guidance for Today and

— National Spiritual Assembly

of the Bahá’ís of Brazil

The above article was written in response to a request from the International Goals Committee.

Employment Possibilities in Goal Countries

Solomon Islands:

Technicians such as plumbers, electricians, mechanics. refrigeration mechanics.

Shorthand typists and secretaries.

Anyone experienced with the tourist industry.

Panama: Medical doctors for duty in the country’s interior. among the indigenous peoples of the rural areas.

Spain:

The National Spiritual Assembly of Spain tells us that pioneers can work for foreign firms (airlines, travel. export companies, etc.). Also they can teach classes in foreign languages: English. German. French. etc.

Italy:

The National Spiritual Assembly of Italy tells us that employment is easier to find for those with an industrial specialization. Odd jobs doing secretarial work or translating can also be found, but the applicant must know the Italian language.

Paraguay:

There is a job opening for an executive secretary fluent in both English and Spanish. If interested write directly to: Sr. Borden. Gerencia Pilar. General Diaz 674, Asuncion, Paraguay.

If you are interested in any of the above positions it is important to write the International Goals Committee for specific requirements and information.—lNTERNA'rIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE, 112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILME'l"I'E, ILLINOIS 60091.

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Pioneers Settled in United States Goal Countries from Riqvén 1969 Through December I5, 1969 Africa: Americas (con.) Mr. Riadh Ali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Libya Dr. LaVerne Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l . . . . . . . .. Ecuador

Mrs. Riadh Ali . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Libya Mr. William Keillor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Costa Rica

Mr. Dale Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . Rhodesia Dr. Sherrill Kelley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panama

Mrs. Irma Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhodesia Mrs. Carrietta Kelley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Panama

Mrs. Karen Bare . . . l . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Cameroon Republic Mrs. Dorothy Lamb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Costa Rica

Mr. LeRoy Binder (returned) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Libya Mr. Claude Landry , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Ecuador

Miss Gretchen Border . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. South Africa Mrs. Jean Landry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Ecuador

Miss Carol Annette Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. South Africa Mi~5_ Lorraine Landau _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , , , ,, Mexieo

Mr. Bill Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Chad Mr-_ Howard Leeb _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ , _ _ i _ , . . . _ . _ A A _ _ , _ _ . . Colombia

Mr. John Firman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. South Africa Mrs. Judi Leeb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Colombia

Mrs. Mary Firman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. South Africa Mr, Jeffrey Lewis _ _ _ , _ _ , , _ , , , , , L . _ . _ _ _ _ _ , . _ _ __ Leeward,

Mr. Don Fouche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Rhodesia windwa,-d_ 5; Virgin islands

Mr. David Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Swaziland Mi-5, Jeni-ey Lewis _ i , , , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ , _ L . , , _ _ , , . .. Leeward,

Miss Marvel Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. South Africa Windward. & Virgin Islands

Mrs. Maureen Gruber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Botswana Mr, Paul Lucas _ , _ _ , , , _ , _ . i _ , i _ , _ _ i , . , , _ _ _ , , _ _ H Mexico

Miss Zylpha Mapp . . . . . . . . . - . ‘ - . - . . . » - - . - ~ ‘ - - - -- Uganda Miss Alice Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .. Guatemala

Mr. Jawad Mughrabi . . . . . . . . .. Central African Republic Mr. Ralph Mason _ _ , _ , _ , , _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ , . _ . . _ , _ _ _ _ _, Ecuador

Mrs. Janet Mughrabi . . . . . . . . .. Central African Republic Mr5_Cai-olyri Mason _ , _ . , _ , . A , , _ _ _ _ _ , . _ _ _ . _ , . , ,, Ecuador

Mr» Nabil lVlU5l3Pll3 - - - - - - - » - - - - ~ ~ - - - ~ - - ~ ~ - - - » - « ~ Libya Mr. Ronald Mease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Bolivia

Mrs. Nabil Mustapha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A H Libya Miss Janet Meyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Colombia

Mr. Thomas Rowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Cameroon Republic Miss Eve Nieklin _ _ _ , , , _ i _ _ . . , _ , . , _ , _ _ _ _ , _ , A . _ . _ A H Peru

Mr. John Sargent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Botswana Miss Gwili Posey _ , . . . . _ . . . . l . . l l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Haiti

Mrs. Nina Scou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t . - t ~ Uganda Mr. Martin Roth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Colombia

lVll'- Rlgg 590" - — - - A - r ~ - ~ ~ - - - - - - » - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - -- Uganda Mrs. Maxine Roth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colombia

Mr. Michael Woodward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . .. Nigeria Mr. Joseph Sheppherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Panama

Mrs. Leann Woodward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — < i . . . . Nigeria Mr. Barry Sims ( returned) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Venezuela Americas 5‘.:*.?;:°.i‘,°.."..+;,sg;,. ----------------------- -J ms; Mlss Vlcema Anrango ' ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ’ ' ’ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ’ ' ' ' " Ecuadln‘ Miss Alexina Taylor (returned) . . . . . . . . . . . .. Venezuela

Mrs. Farzam Arbab . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Colombia Senor Pedro Uicab _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ . . _ ‘ _ _ > _ _ _ _ _ _ V . H Guatemala

Mrs‘ Ifaurma Arb_ab ’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ' ’ ‘ ‘ ' Colomlna Mr. Jules Vautrot (returned) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Venezuela

Mr‘ Rlchérd fmldmg, ' ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ' ‘ ‘ ' ' ‘ ' ‘ " Mexico Miss Pamela Volk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Guatemala

M.” Chnsleha Ardmg ' ' ' ' ' ’ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' i’ 1‘ ' ' ‘ ' Mexulo Mr. Reese Whitcombe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. St. Andres

MISS Zoraida Aybar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Dominican Republic & Provide“-la Islands

Mr. Wallace Baldwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Panama Mr Dale Woods Dominican Republic

Miss Evelyn Baral . . . . . l . . l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Argentina ‘ ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ‘ "

Mrs. Susan Baral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Argentina .

Mr. Joseph Bellas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Saba A90:

Dr. Livia Barbero . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Bolivia Mr‘ Gail Casterline . . - . - . . - - . . . . - - . . - . - . 4 A A . - . . .. Japan

Miss Beverly Bennett . . . . _ . , , . _ , . , , , . _ , , _ , , _ , _ ,. Bolivia Mrs. Barbara Casterline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Japan

Mr. Peter Boddy .. . .. St. Andres & Providencia Islands Mn M‘-‘lVln Campbell - - - A - A - - - - - - I » - - - - - - - - » ~ Vlelnam

Ma Ki.-by Brown . V _ _ _ ' ‘ A _ , . _ . _ _ , . _ _ V . _ _ _ _ _ ‘ H Honduras Mrs. Annabel Whittier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taiwan

Mrs. Iran Brown l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Honduras

Mr. Jack Burwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IA Honduras ,

Mr. Robert Chalmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l . . . . . . . . . . . Ecuador Eur°Pe'

Mm Joyce Chalmers _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ L _ _ _ , . _ , ‘ _ ‘ < _ ‘ _ _ _. Ecuador Mr.Tim Ader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Eire

Sgt. Gerald Chastain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panama Ml? Ned Bl-‘N-‘km?!’ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - » » A - - » A ~ ‘ - A - -- France

Mrs. Helen Chastain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panama lVll'5~ Anni l3l3Cl<|n9|‘ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - » - - - - ‘ - - - - — France

Mrs. Julie Collen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l . . . . . . . . Ecuador MI‘. Michael Conway (deceased) - - - - - - - - ~ . ~ v -. Denmark

Mrs. Margery Curry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Venezuela Miss Flora Hottes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Switzerland

Miss Kathleen Davenport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guatemala MI‘. Clarence lVerS0n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . France

Miss Janet Dodge _ ‘ _ _ _ , _ . _ ‘ _ ‘ ‘ . . _ _ _ _ _ _ ‘ _ i _ _ . . Argentina lVllSS Cheryll McCurdy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luxembourg

-Mr, Marvin Dreyer ____' _ _ _ _ ’ ‘ _ L _ ‘ . _ ‘ I . _ _ _ , H El Salvador Mrs. Helen Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Switzerland

Mrs. Jan Dreyer . . . l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. El Salvador MP» ll-"ll'0ld Smith - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - - - - -- LUX9l'nl30lllg

Mr_ Mark Eaton . . . i . _ . _ . _ . _ _ _ _ _ . _ . . A ‘ _ _ _ _ _ , . Nicaragua MlSS Elsa Steinmetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Switzerland

Mrs. Jean Eaton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Nicaragua

Mr. Ralph Grunwaldt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Honduras

Mrs. Dorothy Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Bolivia ASSGITIIIIY GOD'S:

Mr. Rowell Hoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dominican Republic Mrs. Katherine Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Bermuda

Mrs. Carol Hoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Dominican Republic Mr. Henry Wigfall . . . . . . . , . . . . . . _ . _ _ . . . _ . . . . .. Bahamas

Mr, William Horace L . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ . _ _ , , , . _ . . _ . _ . . Leewar-d_ Mrs. Pernetta Wigfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahamas

Windward. 8: Virgin Islands Mrs. Pauline Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Bahamas Pioneers to other than United States Goals Mrs. Barbara Briggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Guam

Dr. Donald Darby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australia

Mrs. Mary Jo Darby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Australia

Mr. Gilbert Grasselly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Uruguay

IMrs(.:l’\:laIuc}l] Glrdasisielly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uriizguay

t. o. o n c enry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. orea

Mrs. Elizabeth Mcl-lenry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Korea

Mr. lraj Talebereza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. American Samoa

Mrs. Ginger Talebereza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Samoa

[Page 7]REVIEW 7

I8 UNF|llED UNITED STATES GOAL AREAS IN LATIN AMERICA

.. |_ As of December I5, 1969

". 0 - Ca,.,.bb "-3 I;

"ai . 5'.‘ <9

"0 U [3 minica_n ‘. -‘T, /0 “ fas Republuc . 9,, Guatemala ' . T V‘

El Salvador ' ' I -Trinidad

T ‘Tobago Venezuela “I-inam

\.

Bolivia

ESTABLISHED FOR RII_)VAH 1970 BY THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Argentina chi|oeArchipe|ago—g

51]‘ K

[Page 8]_/4 your? fgioneer (I/I/riferfi

Dear International Goals Committee:

I was frankly delighted to receive your letter asking me to share what I have gained in these first fleeting nine months at my post in El Salvador. As a fledgling youth pioneer I wouldn’t presume to make sweeping statements about the reality of “pioneering,” especially since that experience is for each volunteer an interaction between his own spiritual and material self and the unique conditions of his new environment. However. for me. and I imagine for many others, the beginning of the pioneering venture has been a time of strong self awareness and self discovery; a vital, vibrant burst of growth and expansion of understanding, most of which cannot be measured or viewed by others but which is an internal spiritual realty. The means by which these internal changes have come about has been a struggle with tests, some that I would guess common to anyone changing cultures, others unique to Bahá’ís. Perhaps a blunt and specific recounting of some of these would be the best contribution I could make to future youth pioneers.

The Attitude Towards Pioneering

Before getting to that, however, I’d like to talk about something not terribly tangible which can be either a source of difficulties or a major resolving force for youth pioneers— usually both— as we adjust to our new lives; and that is the attitude with which we approach pioneering service. We are bound to approach pioneering with ,mixed motives. Most of us are at best a blend of selfinterest and selflessness, and it is probable, I feel. that in the case of pioneering Bahá’u’lláh is exploiting even our self-interest to lead us to where He wants us. So no need to feel-guilty about concern for the future — concern about continuing an education, making a living, finding a mate, etc. The Universal House of Justice itself in its 1966 letter to the youth in every land recognized these concerns and exhorted the youth to combine these pursuits with service to the Faith. What is of the utmost importance once a pioneering goal has been chosen through individual prayer and meditation and consultation with the Institutions of our Faith, is the degree of fiexibility or rigidity with which we accept the consequences. In other words, will we board the plane or ship which will carry us to our pioneer post with a set of rigidly defined expectations which must be met for us to remain there, or will we be determined to try to flexibly accept whatever awaits us. It is this underlying mental set which will make or break a youth pioneer as he begins to confront the inevitable tests which await him.

As American youth we are immersed in a frame of reference which is down on most of what makes up America, frequently justifiably so, especially with the contrast before us of the emerging New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. At times we long to flee from the hypocrisy of the U.S. “Establishment”, flee from the spiritually polluted and violence afflicted U.S. cities, flee from the tension—ridden atmosphere of disrupted universities, flee from the stifiing absurdities of conventional “social life.” We may view pioneering as a means by which we can find the good life elsewhere in the world— a place perhaps where we can dress as we please and be accepted for what we are as people, a place where our consciences will not

JANUARY 1970

be assulted by paying taxes which support the horrors of war. a place where the trivialities of life have not replaced spiritual values. a place where prejudice and hatred do not cloud men's souls. . ..

But the kingdom of God on earth has not yet been established. There is no place to hide. The ugly symptoms of spiritual disease are world-wide. The scene of your pioneer post may well include corruption and madness that you have witnessed in the United States. The extremes of wealth and poverty which characterize most of the world will scream out at you as you walk down the street. Virulent racial, class, religious and national prejudices will convince you that the U.S. has no option on bigotry. You may find yourself shaving off your beard and cutting your hair in order not to alienate the people you want to be receptive to the Faith. Your university may close because of student rebellion. You may find yourself, as I have, praying in the midst of a blackout while “your country” and its neighbor are bombing each other’s capitals. You may be forced. as I have. to pay an emergency tax for more arms to continue the conflict.

To Carry His Healing Message

We have entered the dark heart of the age of transition. We must pioneer not seeking a tranquil place in the sun. We must go carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s healing message for an afflicted humanity. With that attitude we will accept what befalls us and will persevere through difficulties keeping our eyes set on the future. working to lay the foundations of the Golden Age.

As Bahá’í youth most of us are new to the Faith. We are not experienced in teaching or administering the Faith or in letting it guide our daily lives. We are young plants which are transplanted to a pioneering post there to grow and develop. As youth we leave to pioneer desiring to serve, but may find ourselves hindered by this lack of experience, by the emotional ups and downs which characterize youth, and by such problems as a lack of ability in the language of our pioneer country. Thus we must be humble and willing to learn from the longterm pioneers and native believers, patient with ourselves as we overcome our hesitancy and perhaps make mistakes. and confident that there is divine purpose in what we are doing — that because we are serving Bahá’u’lláh He will bless us with assistance and confirmations. We must see pioneering as a long process of growth which we are only just beginning and which will be accelerated by the extent to which we reach beyond what we think are our abilities and capacities and learn what strengths lie within us waiting to be utilized.

Strength to Meet Tests

I have spoken only generally about tests, and I think that’s best. Each of us has his own. I’m convinced that regardless of the specific nature of a youth pioneer’s problems at his post, if his general attitudes are healthy and rooted in a desire to do what is most profitable for himself spiritually and for the progress of the Faith. he will be able to cope with them. With his own efforts and the assistance of the hosts of the Concourse on High he may well discover a mature, strong and capable self, and

[Page 9]REVIEW

achieve a spiritual happiness based in service such as he has never known — a joy which rides over loneliness and insecurities and day to day dilliculties.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that this is a day for VERY GREAT THINGS. I have seen very ordinary Bahá’ís. as most of us are. become VERY GREAT PEOPLE in order to accomplish such acts of service to the Faith. These courageous souls depend upon Bahá’u’lláh and know that they are not alone. We never are alone.

With deep Bahá’í love. Patricia Plecas

Have you written any music or plays lately?

The Music and Drama Review Committee. recently appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly to replace the Committee on Music. has the job of reviewing original compositions-—musical. dramatic, or a combination of both. Working with this committee is its western branch. located in California. whose function is to review and recommend compositions which are in the popular and folk idiom.

This committee and its western branch hope to receive all kinds of new and inspirational ideas for teaching and deepening through music and drama. It can be an effective way to teach the principles. history. goals and the administration of the faith. especially to children and youth in their classes and summer schools.

A few guidelines to remember:

(1) Musical compositions should be scored legibly in ink. The sacred texts should not be altered—that is. words removed or added. Melodies should be original.

(2) Original plays. playlets. operettas and musical comedies. must not portray the persons of the Báb. Baháullah. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. or Shoghi Effendi.

(3) “The standard of dignity and reverence set by the beloved Guardian should always be upheld. particu'larly in musical and dramatic items": (Universal House of Justice. July 2, 1967. Bahá’í NEWS, September 1967)

Original Compositions should be sent to:

Mrs. Mildred N. McClellan. 95 Avon Hill St.. Cambridge. Mass. 02140 or Mrs. Joan Bulkin. 551. S. Parish Place. Burbank. Calif. 91506

Institute in El Paso, Texas

The Bahá’ís of El, Paso held their fifth annual institute on Labor Day weekend, attended by believers from cities in West Texas and New Mexico. The theme was “Life Before Death” with topics such as: “The Bahá’í Community”, “What Are You Doing From Nine to Five?”, “Proclamation”, and “Communion With God” led by: Bill Owens and Mike Miller of Las Cruces; Eldon Dennis of San Angelo, and Brad Barding of El Paso.

About twenty-five attended the sessions which were held in the home of a brand new Bahá’í. Meals were served in the home and the visitors were treated with the spirit of Bahá’í hospitality.

Bahá’í float at Plymouth, New Hampshire Fair. Printed on the

arch over the globe were the words: “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

Bristol, New Hampshire Area Discovers Faith

Bahá’ís in the area near Bristol, New Hampshire report many activities recently, including weekly firesides, deepening classes twice a week and proclamation to the general public in the form of a float entered in several parades as well as a booth at the Plymouth Fair. Considerable interest was shown at the booth, where pamphlets were given out and a number of people returned later to inquire further. The float won first prize in the Educational-Patriotic category. More recently, in October, the float has again been entered in a fair where it won an award. There have been a number of declarations recently.

Regular children’s classes are held weekly, attended by children of parents who are not Bahá’ís as well as by Bahá’í children. Recently the children gave a puppet show depicting the theme of progressive revelation.

Church Group hears about the Faith

In response to a request for a Bahá’í speaker at a youth meeting held in the Manito Presbyterian Church of Spokane, Washington, Julie Varga, Bahá’í youth, spoke to a group of over forty high school age young people and several adult advisors from Whitworth College, near Spokane. She was accompanied by Kathy Hite, Bahá’í’ student at Eastern Washington State College at Cheney, who assisted in answering the many questions which followed the talk. Julie’s talk covered briefly the history, basic principles and laws of the Faith and was illustrated with posters, the Fact Sheet, and pictures of the Holy Shrines and of the House of Worship in Wilmette.

The questions, which lasted a full half hour after the talk, showed the interest of many in the audience and brought forth a cordial response from the minister in charge who expressed admiration and respect for Julie and Kathy because, as he said, they knew what they were talking about. This first teaching effort of the kind for both of the girls brought them joy in the success of the meeting but showed them the ever increasing need for deepening in the Faith.

[Page 10]IO

K THE nAHA"I' INDIAN COUNCIL

vv

“Direct in particular your attention to. . . . (and) “win the unqualified acceptance of. . .”, “the members of the minorities in America.” “The contemplation of this achievement must warm and thrill every Bahá’í heart."

~Shoghi Effendi

There are a number of specific promises in the Writings for those who teach the Indian people in America and also for the members of this race who become illumined by the Light of Bahá’u’lláh.

Mrs. Marian Steffes, first Indian believer in the United States is a member of the Oneida Tribe from central Wisconsin. She and her family heard of the Faith and

declared shortly after the beginning of the Ten Year

Crusade. When asked what it was that really attracted her to the Faith she recalled two things: one. the beauty of the House of Worship and the other the way she and her family were accepted with complete equality. The Suhm families and other members of the Milwaukee Community accepted them on all levels. Not only were they invited to Bahá’í events but their social life was filled with invitations from Bahá’ís. The children played together. and they were the ones who first got the families acquainted. The Steffes family. just like many Indian families. had left the reservation and had been city residents for many years.

In the Nine Year Plan we are again made aware of the special blessings for teaching this particular group of people. Pioneering to a reservation can be just as rewarding and exciting as pioneering to a foreign land. It’s interesting to note that the growth of the Bahá’í Indian population in the United States did not happen at the time of the formation of a committee to handle Indian Teaching. but really began when pioneers settled on the reservations.

There are opportunities for reaching the American Indians that are not being fully utilized; we will try to bring some of them to your attention.

If you cannot move to a reservation then consider

moving to an area with a heavy Indian population in

some town or city. Almost every large city now has an

Indian population.

There is also part time pioneering and travel teaching

to consider. This is most successful when coordinated

with the efforts of Bahá’ís already in the area or who have done or are doing Bahá’í work there. Some of the

Friends have taken ‘learning trips’ to acquaint them JANUARY 1970

selves with the area and the people. The information

they gleaned is helpful in planning future activities.

Those who have knowledge of the Bahá’í activities in some particular area are invited to send information to the Bahá’í Indian Council and we would be particularly happy to hear of any teaching plans being made. We are anxious to be of every possible service in this rewarding task as we work together to accomplish the goals of the Nine Year Plan.

NEWS FROM INDIAN AREAS ARIZONA:

The Apache Reservation now has the bounty of three pioneers. Roosevelt and Lillian Wilson and Ellen Struven reside at San Carlos. Arizona. They have formed a friendship with Apache Chief. Phillip Cassadore. and are making new acquaintances. An article about San Carlos appeared in the February 1969 issue of the NATIONAL BAHA'I REVIEW.

WASHINGTON:

As pictured in the November 1969 Issue of the NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW the Bahá’í Children's Classes in Toppenish. Washington. have resumed for the winter months. They are held from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday evenings and have a delightful group of Indian, Spanish, and Caucasian children. Many children attend the feasts in Toppenish also and are said to promote the joy of songs.

The Eastern Washington State Goals Committee sponsored an institute at Wenatchee. Washington for Bahá’ís only. It was well attended by both Indian and non-Indian believers. A public meeting followed with seven non-Bahá’ís attending. It was felt that their interest made the day especially worthwhile.

WISCONSIN:

An Indian teaching workshop was held in Milwaukee. Wisconsin in late October to coordinate the teaching in Wisconsin. It was well attended. with all the Indian believers in the state present as well as the Bahá’í teachers who are working on the Oneida and Chippewa reservations. Whether by coincidence or Bahá’u’lláh's guidance. a young man of Indian background came in to join us at the 3:00 p.m. worship service following the workshop. This is the first seeker among the-Indian population in Milwaukee for some years.

The month of October also saw Miss Patricia Blaskowski begin teaching efforts on one of the Chippewa Reserves. Three of the friends who are working with the Bahá’í Indian Council made a trip to Mohicanuck on the Stockbridge Reservation where they presented The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to Chief Leon Miller. Mrs. Marjorie Leonard and Louis Williams are doing the major follow-up work with interested friends on weekends". Some of the Bahá’ís who donated books to the library established there will be interested to know that there is now a fine collection of Bahá’í books. And with hoped for repairs in the spring it has gotten off to a fine start. thanks to so many Bahá’í friends.

[Page 11]REVIEW

11

National Spiritual Assembly Encourages Intercommunity Activities

INTRODUCTION

The National Spiritual Assembly recommends intercommunity cooperation wherever the best interest of the Faith can be served. Wherever undertaken, such efforts must preserve and amplify, not weaken. the essential independence of each participating unit. large or small. Domination by any strong personalities or by any particular groups, however self-confident, must be avoided. There should be assurance of administrative and monetary responsibility and the wholehearted support of the friends in the communities involved. The National Teaching Committee must be kept informed and its guidance sought wherever necessary.

It should be remembered that all participation in intercommunity activities is voluntary. We should remember that all proposals of teaching activities should be warmly welcomed and be given careful and courteous consideration by all Bahá’ís in the communities involved.

GUIDELINES

I. Initiative A. Intercommunity activities can be initiated by:

1. Local Spiritual Assemblies

2. Bahá’í Groups

3. Isolated Believers

4. State Goals Committees

5. Area Youth Committees

II. Responsibility

A. All intercommunity activities must have a sponsoring body—either a local Spiritual Assembly or a State Goals Committee.

B. Local Spiritual Assembly.

1. May initiate and sponsor an intercommunity activity.

2. May retain complete authority for planning and responsibility by merely inviting other commu nities. groups and/or isolated believers to support and cooperate in the project.

3. May appoint a committee from within its community and invite other local Spiritual Assemblies, groups and/or isolated believers to designate members to represent them on the committee.

a. This committee may plan and execute the intercommunity activity according to the approved and delegated limits of authority given by the sponsoring local Assembly.

b. This committee is directed by and is responsible to the sponsoring local Spiritual Assembly. '

4. Two or more nearby or contiguous local Spiritual Assemblies may agree to alternate or rotate responsibility for sponsorship of a continuing effort.

a. In the case of continuing programs, or teaching series, no administrative body shall be responsible beyond the Bahá’í year. At the end of the Bahá’í year (for these purposes, at Riḍván) reappointment of a responsible administrative body must be made. However, the previously designated administrative body should continue in its capacity until reappointment has been made in order to prevent any

disruption or cancellation of C. Group or Isolated Believer. 1. May initiate intercommunity activity. but must have sponsoring administrative body.

a. May request sponsorship from local Spiritual Assembly direct, or through National Teaching Committee.

b. May request sponsorship from State Goals -Committee direct, or through National Teaching Committee.

III. Areas A. Intercommunity activities are encouraged wherever a joint effort will be useful in serving the objectives and goals of the Faith. Intercommunity activities are often a «practical and effective means of achieving proclamation, expansion and consolidation objectives.

activity.

IV. Finances

A. Funds should be held and dispersed by sponsoring body through its elected treasurer and an accounting must be made to the cooperating units.

B. Each participating unit should agree upon whatever contribution it is to make in financing the project and fulfill accordingly.

C. Costs should be discussed freely among the participants and made known to all concerned, but in no case shall specific levies against individuals, groups or local Spiritual Assemblies be allowed.

D. All contributions must be voluntary.

Note: This statement supersedes the one in the November. 1965 U.S. SUPPLEMENT and all preceding statements on this subject.

Circuit Teachers Wanted

“Oh, how I long that it could be made possible for me to travel through these parts, even if necessary on foot and with the utmost poverty. and while passing through the cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, cry at the top of my voice ‘Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abhá!’ and promote the divine teachings. But now this is not feasible for me; therefore I live in great regret; perchance, God willing, ye may become assisted therein.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 13)

Since we are to reach “every stratum of human society” it will take every kind of approach and Bahá’í to fulfill this directive of the Universal H_ouse of Justice.

Can you offer your services to your local Spiritual Assembly or State Goals Committee as a circuit teacher for at least one week-end a month?

Group Seminar Announced

Sunday, January 25, 1970, is Assembly-building day! Second Seminar for Bahá’í groups.

Purpose: to increase the executive ability and spiritual cohesion of the Bahá’í group; to prepare the Bahá’í group for the privileges and responsibilities of the divinely ordained Institution— the local Spiritual Assembly.

[Page 12]12

New System For Fund Receipts

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the adoption by the Office of the National Treasurer of a new system of receipt preparation. The new system utilizes modern technology in order to achieve greater operating efficiency now and to be prepared to handle a massive increase in the volume of contributions as our Faith expands.

Receipts for contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund have. in the past. been prepared on an accounting machine which is now about ten years old. The growth in contributions over the years has increased use of this machine to the point where it operates nearly all day every day of the week. Now this machine shows signs of wear that would require an expenditure of over $1.000 to repair.

Consideration was given to acquisition of a new and more efficient accounting machine. This would provide reliable service but would still limit the amount of growth that could occur before it was no longer possible to handle our work with this type of machine. Also. and very important. was the fact that this machine would cost in excess of $5.000 or. on a lease basis. $150 per month.

Computer Use Investigated

At this point an investigation of the possibilities of computer processing was undertaken. It was most encouraging to discover that. with the proper computer programs. it would be possible to prepare our receipts for contributions rapidly and efficiently by computer for approximately the same monthly cost as leasing the new accounting machine that would be otherwise necessary.

In reviewing the Bahá’í human resources in the area surrounding the House of Worship. it was discovered that a Bahá’í held one of the top computer programming

JANUARY ‘1970

positions in a national firm with offices in Chicago. This Bahá’í was able to assist in the writing of the necessary programs and was extremely happy for the opportunity to contribute his professional services for the benefit and advancement of the Cause of God. After several weekends of intensive effort. our programs were complete. providing an excellent. flexible system that will be capable of serving our Faith for years to come.

The new computer system for preparation of receipts will also provide statistical analysis that will save the Office of the Treasurer many hours each month. With approximately the same expenditure as would be required under the old system. a new system is available which provides much more in the way of statistical information. lightens the load on the Treasurer's Office staff and permits growth without an increase in staff!

November Contributions First

Use of this new system began with contributions received in November. 1969. Since it is necessary that receipts be prepared once every calendar month in order to preserve economy. receipts for contributions made in one month will be mailed out early in the following month. Those who may now be contributing more than once in a calendar month are urged to continue this meritorious practice — all receipts for the month will be mailed in one envelope and an additional saving in postage will result.

We are confident that realization of the Nine Year Plan objective of universal participation in support of the Bahá’í Funds will reaffirm the need for the flexibility of this new system in handling the great increase in volume of contributions. Through use of such technical advances of the old world order. we hasten and facilitate the advent of the New World Order of>Bahá’u’lláh!

A Sharing of Thoughts

As a result of the appeal in the October REVIEW, a number of responses have been received containing thoughts on the Fund. One of the first to be received is given below. Others will be published from time to time.

OCOOO

In response to your appeal in the last NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW I am writing to you my thoughts on the Fund. At first I wanted to hold myself back. to check my impulse to write something that you might consider negative. However. in view of the recent news of the peril in which the Fund finds itself. I regret my timidity. The time for syrupy words is over.

Firrnness in the Covenant

In the first place. strong appeals to give to the Fund will have no effect on those who are not firm in the Covenant. Giving to the Fund is a natural expression of devotion to the Faith. just as buying a ticket to a symphony is a natural expression of the love of music.

The appearance of the Kingdom of God in the world is a constant interplay between spiritual forces and material substance. The accomplishment of the Bahá’ís in the real world. the summer schools built. the Houses of Worship erected. the assemblies formed. are outward manifestations of the inner spiritual drive and love of the individual believer. The spiritual realities must be manifested in the

world of existence. This is the purpose of the entire creation. Any person who loves the Faith should realize that the spread of the Cause takes place in the material world. using material objects as tools, and these tools must be purchased with money.

On another level. the Bahá’í Cause can be compared to a business investment. The return you get is in proportion to the amount you put in. Many businessmen invest great sums of money in ventures without any sure knowledge of success. But the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is not an uncertain venture. Its success and final triumph is assured by the Concourse on High. Moreover. its returns are far more satisfying and rewarding than those from any material endeavor;

I am sorry that I have no inspiring stories to tell. Nothing miraculous has happened to me because I have given to the Fund. To me it has been a steady. habitual thing. with knowledge that my money. combined with that of others. will advance the Cause another step along the road to ultimate victory.

Importance of Dispersal

One important factor influencing the flow of contributions to the Fund is the dispersal of the believers from the centers of materialism. so strongly urged by Shoghi Effendi in his compelling message to the American believ [Page 13]REVIEW

ers in 1954. The tempo and distractions of big city life can draw all but the most saintly believers into a feverish whirl of indulgence that insidiously devours extra cash. The beloved Guardian obviously hoped for a “veritable exodus from the large cities." This apparently did not happen. for in his subsequent messages he expressed disappointment in the progress on the homefront. The believers refused to leave the cities. and instead of spreading like leaven through the loaf of the American continent. they remained in coagulated lumps in its corners. This trend has continued to the present day. and is probably the greatest single cause of our problems with the Fund.

This tendency to cluster in the centers of materialism. feverish discontent and decadence has tightened the fists of the American believers to such an extent that we are not even willing to give the price of 40 cokes a month to a Cause that 20.()()0 Persian believers gave up their lives for. That‘s approximately one 15c coke a day for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh!

The evidence of the love of pleasure is Las Vegas. a thousand glittering gambling palaces. and a highly organized network of crime that spans the globe. not to mention millions of broken homes and twisted lives. The fruit of the love of violence is a vast military-industrial complex that embraces most of the civilized nations of the world and has the power. at a moment's notice. to wipe out many times over all life on this planet. Where is the evidence of our devotion’?

13

Perhaps we were waiting for the youth. with their greater zeal and greater capacity to withstand hardship. to give to the treasury of Bahá’u’lláh the wealth which the older and more allluent members of our community refused to let slip from their grasp. But. alas. this did not happen.

The Time is Now

Now. before it is too late. it is up to the settled and affluent believers to uproot themselves and carry the light of their Faith to regions that are still dark. If they cannot do this then let them use the higher income which results from better jobs in the larger cities for that which benefits mankind rather than themselves. It is up to the youth to use their energy to teach. travel. and search out ways to earn money to attain the high goals they themselves so enthusiastically set. Smallness of income is never an excuse for smallness of giving. Rather. it is a greater opportunity for sacrifice.

Let us not be that generation of Bahá’ís of whom it may be said in future years. "They were rolled up with the old world order." Let us rather be examples for future legions of believers just as the Dawnbreakers are examples for us.

With warm Bahá’í love. Edward H. Jones

A Youth Fund Story With Pictures

Dear Friends: Here‘s a story about our efforts for the Youth Fund.

In late October the Arizona Area Youth Committee decided that Saturday. November first would be a special work day for the Youth Fund. Just before this one of the Bahá’ís in Phoenix was asked by her landlord if she knew of a group of friends who would like to earn some money by painting the outside woodwork on his apartment building (see pictures enclosed).

Theres a story with a story: When this Bahá’í and her sister Bahá’í moved into this apartment building the wife of the landlord was happy because she is a Persian from Tihran. Needless to say there are firesides going on in this building! She told the friends that when she lived in Ṭihrán she heard that people hired Bahá’ís because of their trustworthiness.

So. on November first seventeen of us in the valley arose (and early!) to this challenge. and. working in shifts. accomplished the job in three Saturdays and one Tuesday (Columbus Day).

The landlord is so pleased with the results that when he gave us the check it was for 3230. And because of his satisfaction with our work he said he is planning to use us on his future jobs!

Loving greetings. in His Service. Barbara Badertscher. Bob Bailey. Mark Beauchamp. Dave Bergen. Nancy Branham. Debbie Brunk. Harold Charns. Ray Cruz. Bill Davis. Ron Drossman. John Jason. Karen Kaufmann. Paul Langness. Carol Pritchard. Jim Ripley. Joyce Wolf and Michele Zelinski.

[Page 14]l4 JANUARY 1970

National Bahá’í Fund ‘ _ MONTHLY INCOME: 1969-1970 u ’ H.’

S BEARER OF GOD'S LATEST REVELATION T0 MAN |75,000 BAHA’ u ' LLAH Home __ m is the first Prophet of God to speak in the new age. ’ His Mission is to establish unity, justice and peace. '25 000 M°,,,Hy 5”] "So powerful is unity’: light that it can ‘ illumine the whole earth.” '°°-°°° BAHA'u'LLAH ‘ restates the essential eternal truth of all religions 75 00° and brings a new set of social laws to meet the needs . of the atomic age. "All men have been created to carry toward 5°'°°° an ever-advancing civilization." 25-000 BAHA’u'LLAH asserts that the source of the world's religions is one. There is one God and one religion — revealed to man in

accordance with his need and capacity in every age,

5 5 —: 9 E; t s 3' = 4» .-. o: o v v ‘V’ -3 V‘ Z O T “L 2 "All the Prophets of God proclaim the INCOME November FiscalYear some la’-lb", T W69 to Date Regular Contributions 3 89 658.77 $ 544 Sbl 89 .. sped“ Comtribufions l4:584'75 97:62q:74 Prophet-Founder vl nu aAuA"I’ yum E’ *Total Contributions $l0-1,243.52 s 642,l9l.63 s a as — 30,011.95 Other Income |45.95 |8.963.38 Total Income $l04,389.47 $ 69l.lb6.96

  I00 years ago 3AHA’u’LLAH’
.

BEGAN A SERIES OF MESSAGES TO THE WORLD'S RULERS,RELlGl0US LEADERS AND MANKIND THAT SUMMONED THEM TO INITIATE:

An international conference for universal peace An end to tyranny and injustice A world federation

Wanted Consistent — small or large contributions to the Fund

to be used for building

the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh

World disarmament An international tribunal to rule on disputes An international police force

An integrated world wide communications system

An auxiliary world language

Organization of the economic resources of the world

A universal system of currency. weights and measures

Full utilization of the resources of the planet A consecrated world wide attack:

} to exterminate disease

} to raise the standard ot health

> to prolong human lite

} to increase productivity of world resources

’ to uplift man intellectually, morally and spiritually

> to ellinlnate the barriers that separate men } to assure equal opportunity tor all people

-I‘p.opi..:.r.m4.. .1 n». awn"! mum

[Page 15]REVIEW

BAHA' U 'LLAH'S UNIV RSAL TEACHINGS

UNENESS OF G0!)

> Glorilicatian at ’"s."°‘.’ 35”” '"""‘ Condemnation l'l";°'l"° J" ':"'"|‘.'"| at all (arms at some y. an a wig on . . unmmed by h I k ' "I nreiudice whether asa “Wm M 8 religious, racial,

SUIIEVSWDH I" protection at all _ "gauges and class at national

natinns

The posters pictured on these two pages are three of a set of four. suitable for exhibits of all types. single or as 21 unit. A picture of the fourth poster in this series appeared in the NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW for March. 1969 page 13. Available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. ~l15 Linden Avenue. Wilmette. Illinois. at $2.25 net per set of four.

Paris Talks Back in Print

Paris Talks. by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. published in England. was unavailable for several weeks. It is now back in print. and the Publishing Trust has a supply. The clothbound edition remains at $2.75 per copy and the paperbound at $2.25.

A Correction

The map of Africa on page 7 of December NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW. showing United States pioneer goal countries. indicated the Congo and showed the French Congo. or Congo (Brazzaville). The United States goal is the Congo (Kinshasa) which is a large country just east of the French Congo extending as far Uganda.

WANTED

Associate Coordinator Bahá’í House of Worship. Wilmette

Mature. outgoing person with managerial experience to coordinate all activities. arrange tours. weddings. etc. Relocate in Temple area. Send complete summary of experience to: Bahá’í HousE or WORSI-HP .—\CTIVI"rIEs COMMITTEE Mas. NATALIE M. DIBUONO. SECRETARY H2 LINDEN AVENUE. VVILMETTE. ILLINOIS (50091

Calendar of Events

Feasts January l9——Sultan (Sovereignty) February 7~—Mulk (Dominion)

Proclamation Event

January 18—World Religion Day

U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Meetings

January 24-26. February 27-March1,Apr‘il3-5

U.S. National Bahá’í'Convention April 30-May 3

Non-Citizens Must Register

The U. S. Government requires that all those residing in this country who are not citizens report their addresses each January. This is done on a report form which can be obtained at any Post Office or Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Be sure to do this during January. Please remind any friends who are not United States citizens to do so. particularly the many Persian students who may not be aware of the U.S. law.

in Memoriam

Mrs. Ruth Randall Brown Joliaimesburg. South Africa November 5. l96.\l

Mrs. Vena Parsons West Plains. lVlo. October 27. 1969

Mrs. Doris Corbin Fort l\«l_vers Beach. Fla. October Ill, 1969

Lloyd Jackson Pryor Fresno J.D., Calif. October 26, 1969

Arthur F. Crane Bi-oward Cotinty, Fla. June 22. 1969

John R. Rogers Pocatello. ldaho June 15. 1969

Arthur Smith Frogmore. S.C. Date not known

Mrs. Alice Gerbig Riverside. Calif. October 27. lllfill

Roy C. Herrick Portland, Ore. November 9. 196!)

Dr. Arnold A. Stirtan Spokane. Wash. October 26. 1969

Marshall A. lves Freeville. N.Y. About July 18. l9($9

Mrs. Florence Wagner Miami Beach. Fla. No\'eml)er T, 1969

Mrs. Helen Kitzmiller Allen William Walters Cmati. Calif. Elm Grove, Wise. October 13. 1969 May 1969

Andrew Polk Watson Marshall. Texas September 22%. ltltitl

Hrs. Susan F. Lawson New York. N.Y. October 26. P969

Mrs. Minnie M. Meredith South Portland. Nlaine October 12. 1969

Mrs. Doroth‘y Wentzel Los Altos, Calif. Spring of 1969

Eddie R i\'losher Binghamton, N.\". Novenihcr 2. 19159

i\/lrs. Lee Willenborg Warrenville. lll. August 1969

Ojen Zaeri Springfield. Mo. November 9. 1969

[Page 16]16

JANUARY 1970

Bahá’í’ Directory Changes

Assembly Secretaries:

Alabama Montgomery: Mrs. Carrie Merriweather. pro-tem. 1296 Maple St.. 36108

Arizona Tucson: Mrs. Jewel Raymond. P.O. Box 1709. 85702

Northern California Central Sonoma County J.D.: Mrs. Margaret Spotswood. 211 Olive St.. Santa Rosa 95401 Washington J.D.: Mrs. Nancy Turner. P.O. Box 203. West Sacramento 95691

Central California Dist. No. 1 Seaside: Mrs. Toni Evans. P.O. Box 384. 93955

Southern California Dist. No. 1 Hermosa Beach: (New secretary to be reported)

Southern California Dist. No. 2 Fullerton: Mrs. Diane Guidici. 513 W. Williamson Ave.. 92632 LaMesa: Miss Judy Alexander. 7361 Santa Maria Dr.. 92041

Southern California Dist. No. 3 San Luis Obispo: Mrs. Anna Lee Strasburg. 1886 Vicente Dr.. 93401

Florida

Delray Beach: Mr. Verdies Shavers. PO. Box 282. 33444

Fort Lauderdale: Mrs. Alice Williams. P.O. Box 23385. 33307

Lee County: Mr. A. Lawrence Price. Chr.. Box 774. Fort Myer Beach 33902

Northern Illinois Skokie: Mr. Bradley Hooper. 9045 Lacrosse. 60076 Zion: Mrs. Marcia Cote. P.O. Box 271. 60099

Iowa Waterloo: Mrs. Nancy Nova. 1413 Bluff St.. 50702

Kansas Lawrence: Mrs. Saundra Veach. pro-tem. 618 W. 12th St.. 66044 Salina: Mrs. Veronica Long. P.O. Box 113-1. 67401

Maryland Takoma Park: Miss Janice Duchac. 7717 Greenwood Ave. Apt. 3. 20012

Michigan East Lansing: Mrs. Barbara Clark. ‘/0 Keyvan Nazerian. 663 Tarleton. -18823

Missouri Kansas City: Mr. William Munson. 660 W. 70th St..

64113 St. Louis: Mrs. Juanita Young. 5108 N. Kingshighway.

63115

Nevada Reno: Mrs. Marian Nickson. 20 Sulton Way, 89502 Reno-Sparks Indian Colony: Miss Juanita Whitfield. 422 Holcomb Ave.. Reno 89502

Ohio Euclid: Mrs. Florence Kibby. 560 Birch Dr.. 44132 Kettering: Mrs. Mary Smith. 1350 Beaver Creek. 45429

Oregon Clatsop County: Mrs. Phyllis J. Moore. 245 South St.. Astoria 97103 Eugene: Mr. W. Kim Kimerling. P.O. Box 2312. 97402 Portland: Mr. Gary A. Betts. 2343 N.W. Glison St.. 97201

Eastern Texas Killeenz Mrs. Barbara Campbell. 516 Adams Ave.. 76544

Virginia Fairfax: Mr. Don Letbetter. Court. 22030

11111 Fairhaven

State Goals Committee Secretaries

Central California Dist. No. 1 Mrs. Janet Rubenstein. 2097 Yosemite Dr.. Milpitas 95035

Central California Dist. No. 2 Mrs. Cuba Roach. 311 Pollosky. Clovis 93612

New Hampshire Mrs. Myrle Reynolds. Rt. 3-a. Newfound Lake. Bristol 03222

West Virginia Mrs. Brenda Snyder. 516‘ 2 Greenbrier Dr. Hinton 25951

PLANNING TO MOVE DURING THE NEXT 30 DAYS?

Help us keep your address up-to-date CUT OUT OR PROVIDE SAME INFORMATION ON POST OFFICE CARD FORM 357/8’ AND MAIL TO: NATIONAL BAHA'l CENTER 112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILL. 60091

ATTACH YOUR OLD ADDRESS LABEL HERE

Name (Please Print)

N EW Address

9 ~'<"

State Zip NEW Telephone: Area Name oi new locality‘

(If different from city name)

Reminder: Have you ALSO notified your community and SGC secretaries of your new address?