National Bahá’í Review/Issue 61/Text

National Bahá’í Review
Issue 61

Extracts from Letters by The Universal House of Justice

For any person, whether Bahá’í or not, his youthful years are those in which he will make many decisions which will set the course of his life. In these years he is most likely to choose his life’s work, complete his education, begin to earn his own living, marry and start to raise his own family. Most important of all, it is during this period that the mind is most questing and that the spiritual values that will guide the person’s futureibehavior are adopted. These factors present Bahá’í youth with their greatest opportunities, their greatest challenges, and their greatest tests— opportunities to truly ap—prehend the Teachings of their Faith and to give them to their contemporaries, challenges to overcome the pressures of

« the world and to provide leadership for

their and succeeding generations, and tests enabling them to exemplify in their lives the high moral standards set forth in the Bahá’í Writings. Indeed the Guardian wrote of the Bahá’í Youth that it is they “who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, _and the driving force of the life of the Bahá’í community, and upon whom must depend the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the potentialities with which God has endowed it.”

Those who now are in their teens and twenties are faced with a special challenge and can seize an opportunity that is unique in human history. During the Ten Year Crusade—--the ninth part of that majestic process described so vividly by our beloved Guardian-—the Community of the Most Great Name spread with the speed of lightning over the major territories and islands of the globe, increased manifoldly its manpower and

resources, saw the beginning of the entry of the peoples by troops into the Cause of God, and completed the structure of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Now, firmly established in the world, the Cause, in the opening years of the tenth part of that same process, is perceptibly emerging from the obscurity that has, for the most part, shrouded it since its inception, and is arising to challenge the outworn concepts of a corrupt society and‘ proclaim the solution for the agonizing problems of a disordered humanity. During the lifetime of those who are now young the condition of the world, and the place of the Bahá’í Cause in it, will change immeasurably, for we are entering a highly critical phase in this era of transition. A

Three Fields of Service Open to'Youth

Three great fields of service lie open before young Bahá’ís, in which they will simultaneously be remaking the character of human society and preparing themselves for the work that they can undertake later in their lives.

First, the foundation of all their other accomplishments, is ‘their study of the Teachings, the spiritualization of their lives and the forming of their characters in accordance "with the standards of Bahá’u’lláh. As the moral standards of the people around us collapse and decay, whether of the centuries—old civilizations of the East, the more recent cultures of Christendom and Islam, or of the rapidlychanging tribal societies of the world, the Bahá’í's must increasingly stand out as pillars of righteousness and forbearance. The life of a Bahá’í' will be characterized by truthfulness and decency; he will

JANUARY. ‘1973

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walk uprightly among his fellow-men, dependent upon none save God, yet linked by bonds of love and brotherhood with all mankind; he will be entirely detached from the loose standards, the decadent theories, the frenetic experimentation, the desperation of present-day society, will look upon his neighbors with a bright and friendly face and be a beacon light and a haven for all those who would emulate his strength of character and assurance of soul.

The second field of service, which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the Faith, particularly to their fellow—youth, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world. Not yet having acquired all the responsibilities of ‘a family or a longestablished home and job, youth" can the more easily choose where they will live

and study or work. In the world at large ‘

young people travel hither and thither seeking amusement, education and experiences. Bahá’í youth, bearing the incomparable treasure of the Word of God for this Day, can harness this mobility into service for mankind and can choose

their places of residence, their areas of‘

travel and their types of work with the goal in mind of how they can best serve the Faith. '

The third field of service is the preparation by youth for their later years. It is the obligation of a Bahá’í to educate his children; likewise it is the duty of the children to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a trade or a profession whereby they, in turn, can earn their living and support their families. This, for a Bahá’í youth, is in itself a service to God, a service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering. The Bahá’í community will need men and women of many skills and qualifications; for, as it grows in size the sphere of its activities in the life of society will increase and diversify. Let Bahá’í youth, therefore, consider the best ways in which they can use and develop their native

‘abilities for the service of mankind and

the Cause of God, whether this be as farmers, teachers, doctors,‘ artisans, musicians or any one of the multitude of livelihoods that are open to them.

The Basis of All Knowledge

When studying at school or university Bahá’í youth will often find themselves in the unusual and slightly embarrassing position of having a more profound insight into a subject than their instructors. The Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh throw light on so many aspects of human life and knowledge that a Bahá’í must learn, earlier than most, to weigh the information that is given to him rather than to accept it blindly. A Bahá’í has the advantage of the divine Revelation for this Age, which shines like a searchlight on so many problems that baffle modern thinkers; he must therefore develop the ability to learn everything from those around him, showing proper humility before his teachers, but_ always relating what he hears to the Bahá’í Teachings, for they will enable him to sort out the gold from the dross of human error.

Functioning in the Bahá’í Community

Paralleling the growth of his inner life through prayer, meditation, service and study of the Teachings, Bahá’í youth have the opportunity to learn in practice the very functioning of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Through taking part in conferences and summer schools as well as Nineteen Day Feasts, and in service on committees, they can develop the wonderful skill of Bahá’í consultation, thus tracing new paths of human corporate action. Consultation is no easy skill to learn, requiring as it does the subjugation of all egotism and unruly passions, the cultivation of frankness and freedom of thought as well as courtesy, openness

' of mind and wholehearted acquiescence

in a majority decision. In this field Bahá’í youth may demonstrate the efficiency, the vigor, the access of unity which arise from true consultation and, by contrast, demonstrate the futility of partisanship, lobbying, debate, secret diplomacy and unilateral action which characterize modern affairs. Youth also ‘take part in the life of the Bahá’í community as a whole and promote a society in which all generations—elderly, middle-aged, youth, children—are fully integrated and make up an organic whole. By refusing to carry over the antagonisms and mistrust between the generations which perplex and bedevil modern society they

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will again demonstrate the healing and life-giving nature of their religion. (June 10, 1966)

Education and ‘Pioneering

During the last days of August and the first days of September, when nearly two thousand believers from all over - the world gathered in the Holy Land to commemorate the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival on these sacred shores, we had an opportunity to observe at first hand those qualities of good character, selfless service and determined effort exemplified in the youth who served as volunteer helpers, and we wish to express our gratitude for their loving assistance and for their example.

Many of them offered to pioneer, but

one perplexing question recurred: Shall I continue my education, or should I pioneer now? Undoubtedly this same question is in the mind of every young

»Bahá’í wishing to dedicate his life to the

advancement of the Faith. There is no stock answer which applies to all situations; the beloved Guardian gave different answers to different individuals on this question. Obviously circumstances vary with each individual case. Eachindividual must decide how he can best serve the Cause. In making this decision, it will be helpful to weigh the following factors:

0 Upon becoming a Bahá’í one’s whole life is, or should become devoted to the progress of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he possesses is ultimately committed to this overriding life objective. Within this framework. he must consider, among other

things, whether by continuing his edu—.

cation now he can be a more effective pioneer later, or alternatively whether ‘the urgent need for pioneers, while possibilities for teaching are still open, outweighs an anticipated increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since oftentimes the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more important than one’s academic attainments. '

0 One’s liability for military service may be a factor in timing the offer‘ of pioneer service.

0 One may have outstanding obligations to others, including those who may be

dependent on one for support.

0 It may be possible to combine a pioneer project with a continuing educational program. Consideration may also be given to the possibility that a pioneering experience, even though it interrupts the formal educational .program, may prove beneficial in the long run in that studies would later be resumed with a more mature outlook.

v 0 The urgency of a particular goal which

one is especially qualified to fill and for which there are no other offers.

0 The fact that the need for pioneers will undoubtedly be with us for many generations to come, and that therefore there will be many calls in future for pioneering service.

0 The-principle of consultation also applies. One may have the obligation to

consult others, such as one’s parents, .

one’s Local and National Assemblies, and the pioneering Committees.

-0 Finally, bearing in mind the principle

of sacrificial service and the unfailing promises Bahá’u’lláh ordained for those who arise to serve His Cause, one should pray and meditate on What one’s course of action will be. Indeed, it often happens that the answer will be found in no other way. (October 9, 1968)

Passing of Well-Known Pioneer and Teacher Mrs. Joy Earl

Many Bahá’ís both in the United States and in the Far East will be grieved to learn of the passing of Mrs. Joy Earl in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 27, 1972, following several weeks of hospitalization. Although Mrs. Earl had suffered greatly from ill health for many years, she never ceased teaching. Indeed

one of her last services was to speak at

a gathering in August in Malaysia where

_she and her husband, Dr. David M. Earl,

were on a travel teaching tour. For a number of years when the Faith was only beginning to grow there she pioneered with Dr. Earl in Japan, Korea. and Taiwan. A , In acknowledging news .of Mrs. Earl’s passing The Universal House of Justice

cabled: (Continued on page 4)

[Page 4]4 ' JANUARY 1973

‘ Local Spiritual Assemblies Achieve Incorporation

pp L -- v - Spiritual Assembly of Rockford, Illinois at time of Incorpora . - g tion, December 1971. Back row, left to right: Michael H. Mandeville, Ellen Maxcy, Ellen Knox, Thomas D. Mandeville, Front row: Terrence Biddle, Donna Mandeville, Mona Kollberg, Kathleen Karlberg, Stig Karlberg.

Spiritual Assembly of Jefferson City, Missouri at its Incorporation, November 27, 1972. Standing, left to right: Harry M. Trickey, Jr., Vonnieta Trickey, Gloria L. Barding, Ronald G. Barding. Seated: Donald H. Ewalt, Jr., Linda Stuckenschneider, Melvin L, Page, Jr., Marcella Kremer, Gary L. Kremer.

Spiritual Assembly of Montclair, New Jersey, at time of In corporation, September 29, 1972. Standing, left to right: Ida L.

Jenkins, Brigitte Junkers. Zeenat Edwards, Douglas Bowerman.

Chellamah Chiniah. Sitting: Lavinia Fusco. Hassan Tarafdar, ' Iris Tarafdar, Frances Edelstein.

,

Spiritual Assembly of Norman, Oklahoma at its Incorporation, August 16. 1971. Standing, left to right: Fuad Akhtar- Khavari, Otha B. Davenport, Nader Vargha, Franklin Kinder, Mahabat’allah Ferdowsian. Seated: Margaret Davenport, Mina Ízadí, Ramona Teni Allen, Linda Ferdowsian.

Mrs. Joy Earl (Confinued)

GRIEVE PASSING FAITHFUL HANDMAID Bahá’u’lláh JOY EARL HER EXEMPLARY SERVICE PIONEER FIELD FAR EAST OVER LONG PERIOD AND TEACHING HOMEFRONT GREATLY

VALUED. ASSURE DEVOTED HUSBAND I-PRAYERS HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HER soUL_ REINSTATEMENT

—The Universal H°“se °f Justice Mr. James Caruana of West Chester,

Haifa, Israel Pennsylvania has been restored to full November 30, 1972 membership in the Bahá’í community.

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Assemblies

As the following communities have less than nine adult believers, their Local Spiritual Assemblies are in jeopardy of not being reformed next Riḍván. Homefront settlers are needed in these localities to maintain these nascent Local Houses of4Justice.

NORTHEASTERN REGION: Norwalk, Connecticut Eastport, Maine

Town of Greenburgh, New York Swarthmore, Pennsylvania Westchester, Pennsylvania Hopewell, New Jersey

For information on how you may assist these communities, contact:

Northeastern

Regional Teaching Committee Mrs. Patricia Rothman, Secretary 12 Carol Drive I Rockville, Connecticut 06066

(203) 875-7088 (H)

(203) 289-7231 (W)

SOUTHERN REGION: Knoxville, Tennessee Tallahassee, Florida Jay, Oklahoma Shreveport, Louisiana Deerfield Beach, Florida Hallandale, Florida

For information on how you may assist these communities, contact:

Southern Regional Teaching Committee Mr. James Taylor, Secretary

507 W. Fortification Street

Jackson, Mississippi 39203

(601) 355-0136

CENTRAL REGION: Alton, Illinois

Carbondale, Illinois Chicago Heights, Illinois Decatur, Illinois

Elmhurst, Illinois

Zion, Illinois

Emporia, Kansas Lawrence, Kansas

Battle Creek, Michigan Superior Township, Michigan St. Cloud, Minnesota ' Fargo, North Dakota

in Jeopardy

Berea, Ohio Brookfield, Wis.consin Delafield, Wisconsin Glendale, Wisconsin Janesville, Wisconsin Shorewood, Wisconsin

For information on how you may assist these communities, contact:

Central Regional Teaching Committee Mrs. Jeanette Brayton, Secretary

415 Rice Street

Anoka, Minnesota 55303

(612) 421-2326

WESTERN REGION :

Pima County, Arizona Prescott, Arizona

Alamosa, Colorado

Moscow, Idaho

Butte,Montana

Lyons County, Nevada

Reno Rural Area West, Nevada Carlsbad, New Mexico

Marion County North, Oregon Kitsap County, Washington King County C.D. No. 8, Washington

For information on how you may assist these communities, contact:

Western Regional Teaching Committee Mrs, Eleanore Conkling, Secretary 1088 Nixon Avenue

Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401

(208) 524-2817'

CALIFORNIA REGION: Alturas

Carmel

Crecenta Canada-Valley Covina 7

Daly City

Del Mar

Desert Hot Springs

Los Gatos

Los Gatos—Saratoga—Campbell J.D. Manteca

Newpoi t Beach

Orange County Central J.D. Oroville J.D.

Pacific Grove

Pismo Beach

San Carlos

San Leandro

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San Marcos Santa Maria South Gate

For information on how you may assist these communities, contact:

California Regional Teaching Committee

Mrs. Joan Bulkin, Secretary

551 S. Parish Place

Burbank, California 91506

(213) 842-8555 (213) 843-7077

Bahá’í omscronv CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Alabama Mobile: Miss Gail M. Hulcher, pro-tem, P.O. Box 8026, 36608 :

New Jerusalem: Mr. Joseph B. Harper, Chairman, Route 4. Box 644. Tuscaloosa 35401

Arizona ‘Chinle Chapter: Miss Barbara Badertscher, P.O. Box 694, Chinle 86503

California

Alturas: Mr. H. Davis Wellman, Treas., PO. Box 802. 96101

Compton: Mrs. Henrietta W. Schneider. P.O. Box 4412, 90224

Palm Springs: Mrs. Gail Polena. P.O. Box 4515, 92262 '

‘Riverside, J.D.: Mrs. Arlene Hussey. 24783 Ramona Inn, Sunnymead, 92388

San Diego North County, J.D. #2: Mrs. Ruth F. Brannan, 2931 Panorama Crest, Escondido 92025

Santa Barbara: Miss Carol Baker, P.O. Box 1327, 93103

Fremont: Mrs. Mary Johnson, 38850 Farwell Dr.. Apt. 16-C. 94536

Colorado . I Arvada: Mrs‘ Joy McClain, 8862 Oberon Rd., 80004 Palisade: Mrs. Ethel F. Rider. 540 W. 8th, Box 332. 81526

Connecticut "Bridgeport: Mrs. Christine Ivanoff, 50 Fremont St.. 06605 Hamden: Mrs. Turnpike, 06517

Barbara Mentelos. 509 Hartford

Delaware New Castle County: Mr. Frank Capro. 3811 Shellpot Dr.. Concord Manor. Wilmington 19803

Florida , >

Fort Myers: Mrs. Elah Lau, pro-tem, 1935 Virginia Ave., Apt. 901, 33901

Fort Lauderdale: Miss Barbara Hench, 1856 N.E. 46th St., 33308

Hallandalez Mrs. Miriam Margolis. Treas., 500 NE 4th Ave., 33009

Riviera Beach: Mrs. Dorothy Underwood, pro-tem. 2701 Ave. E, Apt A. 33404

St. Petersburg: Mrs. Dorothy Stortz. 327 - 50th Ave.. N., 33703 ' ,

Tallahassee: Mrs. Thelma T. Gorham, Chr.. 424 Gaither Dr., 32304

Georgia Martinez-Evans: Mrs. Jackie Bush. Treas., 205 Maywood Dr., Martinez, 30907

Idaho Pocatelloz Miss Sarah Lichtenwanger, 850% W. Clark, 83201 Illinois Normal: Mr. Perry Rock, Treas., 605 Pine, Lot 30. 61761 Park Forest: Mrs. Beverly MacLauchlin, 210 Kratiak Rd., 60466 Peoria: Mrs. Caroline Delaney, Asst. Secty., 1113 W. Pembrook Dr.. 61614 Urbana: Mrs. Rachel Weller, 412 W. Iowa St., 61801

Kentucky Jefferson County: Mrs. Karen Cummings, pro-tem. 4518 Beechbrook Rd.. Louisville 40218

Michigan "Meridan Twp.: Mr. Tom Henry. 4632 N. Van Atta, Okemos 48864 Saginaw: Miss Kristiann Mannion. 4114 Lamson, 48601

Montana ‘Bozeman: Mr. George Galinkin. 1508 S. 5th Ave., 59715 .

Nevada Henderson: Mr. Donald F. Buchter. 1030 Center St.. Apt. 1B, 89015 Reno: Mrs. Marilyn C. Dennis, 20 Sutton Way, 89502

New Mexico 1 Albuquerque: Mr. Raymond R. Collins, 823 Fitzgerald Rd., NW.. 87107

New York New York: Mrs. Viola K. Wood. 505 Crown St.. Brooklyn 11213

Oregon Springfield: Mrs. L. Carol Picknell. 1744 “S" St.. 97477

Pennsylvania West Chester: Mrs. Mary E1190 W- Riegel. 745 3Franklin. Apt. 1-A, 19380

Texas Beaumont: Mrs. Laurie Martin. 2341 Ashley 77702 University Park: Mr. Charles R. Boswell. II. 3412 Granada, Apt. 8, Dallas 75205 Virginia Arlington County: Miss Kay B. Treat. 710 N. Wayne St., Apt. 201. Arlington 22201

Washington Bellingham: Mrs. Connie Cicchiti. P.O. Box 103. 98225 I Edmonds: Mrs. Hazel Mori, Chairman. 8917 192nd S.W., 98020 Walla Walla: Mrs. Carolyn Hiatt. 108 N. Bellevue. 99362 Symbols:

—New Assemblies

"-—Restored Assemblies

DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE SECRETARIES

Southern Arizona: Mr. David Langness, Chairman,

2431/4 W. Mahoney. Mesa 85201

Southern Calif. #1: Southern Calif. DTC., P.O. Box 796. Temple City, 91780

Southern Florida: Mr. Maylo Murday, P.O. Box 999. Boca Raton 33432

Southern Louisiana: Mrs. Carolyn Mojgani, 2020 Dante St., New Orleans 70118

Utah: Mrs. Mari Parsons, 815 1s,tAve., Apt. 1, Salt Lake City 84103

Southern West Virginia: Mrs. Norma Jo Morganroth, 1211 Bridge Rd., Apt. B, Charleston 25314

Southern Wisconsin: Mrs. Elinor Kolehouse, Treas., 17665 Stevens Dr.. New Berlin 53151

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Prayer is a Personal Obligation

Prayer is primarily a personal spiritual obligation and it would seem improper for Bahá’í institutions to develop or legislate specific activities in this area of Bahá’í life. The institutions do have the responsibility of calling the attention of the friends to the Writings which urge daily prayer as a spiritual obligation and to those prayers, such as the obligatory prayers and the Tablet of Ahmad, that are invested by Bahá’u’lláh with a special potency and significance. On certain occasions, the institutions make appeals to the friends for prayers in the interest of particular objectives, leaving it to them to respond to the extent to which they are moved. And, of Course, the friends are free to agree among themselves as to the saying of certain prayers for reasons that are important to them. But the National Spiri tual Assembly is wary of taking any in stitutional action that may tend toward a system or regimentation in acts of prayer, and feels it would be improper to go beyond the requirements of the Sacred Texts to legislate a nationwide program of specific prayers to be said at specific times under specific circumstances.

—National Spiritual Assembly

_ CALENDAR Feasts January 19 Sultan (Sovereignty) February 7 Mulk (Dominion) March 2 ‘Ala’ (Loftiness) March 21 Bahá (Splendor) Special Days February 26 to March 1 Ayyam—i-Ha (Intercalary Days)

March 2 Beginning of Fast, which con tinuesfor nineteen days Bahá’í Holy Day March 21 Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year) A day on which work should be suspended

National Spiritual Assembly Meetings January 12-14 ‘ February 16-18

Special Events January 21 World Religion Day

Suggested Theme: “World ReligionBasis for World Unity” March 21 Naw-Rúz Note: Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year, is an occasion for hospitality and rejoicing, and is separate from the Nineteen_,Day Feast of the same date. See U.S. Supplement, No. 108, March 1967.

Election of The Universal House of Justice April 29-May 1

U. S. National Convention May 17-20

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. Byron D. Barding Jefferson City, Mo. November 10, 1972

Mr. Robert Boatwright Florence, SC. October 1972

Mr. A. M. Brigham Irving, Tex.November ll, 1972

Mrs. Sallie Denmark Florence, SC. October 1972

Mr. James Dickey Lake City, S.C. October 1972

Mrs. Marie Fitz _Oakland, Calif. Summer 1972

Mr. Johnny Gary Florence, S.C. October 1972

Mrs. Bessie Ioas Springfield, N.J. December 1, 1972

Mrs. Olive Kaley Topeka, Kan. 1971

Mr. Ed Key Tuskegee, Ala. 1972

Mrs. Nina B. Matthisen Fort Myers, Fla. November 9, 1972

Mrs. Beatrice Murray Fremont, Calif. October 12, 1972

Mrs. Isabelle McGowan Rockville, Md. December 6, 1972

Mr. Harvey Nied Tacoma, Wash. November 27, 1972

Miss Genie Slease Atlanta, Ga. October 1, 1972

Mr. J. E. Thomas Florence, S.C. October 1972

Mr. Samuel Thompson Florence, S.C. October 1972

Mrs. Jessie Trippe Chicago, 111. November 16, 1972

Mr. Abe Williams Blythe, Ga. March 11, 1972

Mrs. Ree Wilson Kingstree, S.C. October 1972

Mr. Myron D. Winters Los Angeles, Calif. November 18, 1972

[Page 8]JANUARY 1973

National Bahá’í Fund

Total Number of Assemblies Contributing

cm in mnvin ma

ASSEMBLIES

I Hlllk

AH RIM IIIII

Q val

Beginning with this issue of the NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW we will publish a cornpanion to the usual Fund chart. The new chart (above) shows the total number of Local Spiritual Assemblies that contributed to the National Bahá’í Fund each Bahá’í month. By means of this new chart we hope to inspire the friends with that conscious understanding that is the necessary condition for enabling God’s Faith to continue to grow. As a realistic goal, the Office of the Treasurer feels we could have 550 Assemblies contributing regularly by Riḍván, 1973.

Total Youth and Adult Contributions

3 200.000 s 150.000 1 'l97Z-1973 IDUIIHLV GOAl 3100.000 1 3 50.000 1 ‘ 5' E " 3: E 5' 5 I Qawl Fiscal Year (Speech) To Date INCOME: Regular Contributions 64.223.88 '$ 953,472.86 Special Contributions . . . . . . 15.37.94 74,040.46

Total Contributions . . . . ..$ 79,341.32 $1,027,513.32

Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 41,038.92 103,093.41

Other Income . . . . . . . . . . . .. 159.56 6,146.05

Total Income . . . . . . . . . . ..$l20.540.30 $1,136,752.78

Budget . . . . . . . . . . . .' . . . . . . . $132,000.00 $1.584.000.00

Contributions may be addressed to:

National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, 111. 60091

The lei-fer below was senf ‘lo all local Bahá't' Communifies and Groups to be read af the Feasf of §_lgaraf, December 31:

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

On the Day of the Covenant, November 26, 1972, The Universal House of Justice, éxercising its God-given authority, adopted and signed its Constitution. By this act it consolidated the basis forlorganizing the world’s civilization for at least the next thousand years. Today we can only faintly perceive the monumental significance of this act; a more complete understanding must await the passage" of time. ‘

Undoubtedly one of the developments that has made it possible for the Supreme Institution to take such a momentous step at this time is the tremendous

expansion of the Cause of God that is occurring as one of the prime goals of the Nine Year Plan. The expansion itself is largely the fruit of the sacrificial and loving contributions of the American Bahá’ís to our National Fund and through this Fund to various developments in the Bahá’í world.

The Constitution of the Supreme House of Justice is a base for further growth. It will reinforce the significance and potency of our future contributions for the cause of world order and, more important, will enhance the influence and power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh until God has assumed His rightful throne in the hearts of men.

Yours with warmest Bahá’í love, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Dorothy’ W. Nelson Treasurer