National Bahá’í Review/Issue 92/Text

←Previous

National Bahá’í Review Issue 92

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

The nature and importance of the National Fund

“Blessed is he that hath expended in Thy path what Thou didst bestow upon him "through Thy Bounty and favor.”—Bahá’í Prayers, page 71.

“Every Bahá’í no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the divine institutions of His Faith.”—Dawn of a New Day, page 68.

“It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund.”—Bahá’í Administration, pages 41, 42.

“The more one can give the better it is, especially when such offerings necessitate the sacrifice of other wants and desires on the part of the donor . . . It is the spirit, and not

the mere fact of contributing that we should always take into account when we stress the necessity for a universal and wholehearted support of the various funds of the Cause. “—Letter from Shoghi Effendi, to an individual believer, Dec. 31, 1935.

“The problem that faces you is not material, but spiritual. In your national community which enjoys the great prosperity that has been bestowed on your nation as a whole, it seems clear that if every believer contributed to the National Fund it would be possible for you to meet the needs of your budgets even without sacrifice on the part of the friends . . . This, however, even though it should provide the funds immediately required,_ is not enough. The spirit of sacrifice and of wholehearted devotion to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is far more important, for this will enable the friends to overcome, not only their financial problems, but all the other obstacles that stand in the way of the advance of the redeeming purpose of God. “—The Universal House of Justice letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, March 31, 1970.

Summary of recommendations of the 1975 National Convention to the National Spiritual Assembly and the actions taken

1. Recommended, in view of the world situation, that the National Spiritual Assembly devise a means of communicating about this issue to the American Bahá’í community; that the community internally should be preparing itself if society collapses.

2. Recommended that the incoming National Assembly organize a vigorous oncoming immediate campaign that would communicate to the Bahá’ís a perspective of the world present—day condition and point out to them the way the Bahá’ís can ward off the seduction that is before them.

ACTION: The National Spiritual Assembly will communicate with the friends by means of occasional letters to the Nineteen-Day Feasts concerning a variety of questions and will comment on issues and events of concern to the Bahá’í community.

3. Recommended that there be some plan to get Bahá’í college youth and youth of high school age in the Southern States to Washington, D.C., or Illinois in a teaching effort. Make this summer or next summer a teaching project involving the Southern youth and youth of the

United States to concentrate on teaching activities in the goal areas. I ACTION: This recommendation is approved for action by the National Youth Committee within the goals and guidelines of the Two Year Youth Program.

4. Voted that to assist in the goals of the Five Year Plan the National Spiritual Assembly institute a supplemental program on all levels on the Covenant.

ACTION: This matter was considered at the joint conference of Hands of the Cause, Continental Board of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Board members, and the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the United States. From that meeting will undoubtedly come some means of realizing the intent of this recommendation.

5. Voted that the National Spiritual Assembly consider means of giving information to the American Bahá’í community quickly about any successes and achievements that are made in the winning of the goals of the Five Year

[Page 2]National _ Bahá’í Review

Plan. ACTION: Recommendation is noted with favor and will be acted upon.

6.. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly ask the Local Spiritual Assemblies to adopt goals again; that they reemphasize that they select a few individuals in their community that can be trained to travel teach into these goal areas and if they need to be deputized they deputize them so that every Local Assembly will be involved in a travel teaching program. ACTION: Recommendation is approved for action a part of Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program.

7. Recommended that the language of all nationally controlled publications reflect every action done by any

- Bahá’í’ or any group of Bahá’ís as an action accomplished

by all. ' ACTION: This recommendation is not approved.

8. Recommended that some emphasis be paid by the

National Education Committee on (I) training related to functioning together on committees, this would include consultation; (2) give the understanding to all on the role of handling virtues in meeting the deluge of many emotions and working together. ACTION: This recommendation will be given consideration in the preparation of the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program.

9. Recommended, regarding the idea of development of individuals and institutions, that the friends be reminded of the world development; that the National Spiritual Assembly consider the possibility of encouraging the Local Spiritual Assemblies and perhaps the District Teaching Committees as well of the importance of American believers traveling abroad to bring about development and to send teachers to outside goals through proper channels.

ACTION: This recommendation will find expression in the newly launched international project for travelling teachers.

10. Recommended that the Convention go on record as recommending to the incoming National Spiritual Assembly the adoption of the proposed budget of $3,600,000.

ACTION: The recommendation is approved.

1 1'. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly establish a week designated to proclaim the Faith in conjunction with the current major conferences, hopefully in the next six months.

ACTION: This recommendation is not approved.

12. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly check the situation and directly assign goals to all those Local Spiritual Assemblies and committees who have not adopted goals.

ACTION: This recommendation is approved for application as the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program progresses.

13. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly review the last mass teaching plan with the view towards its immediate revitalization.

ACTION: This recommendation is approved.

14. Recommended that at future Conventions the attendance record of the National Spiritual Assembly be included with the annual report on the first day rather than be given immediately before the election.

ACTION: This recommendation is approved.

15. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly consider the use of personal planning charts and courses for those individuals who find this method useful in making their plans.

ACTION: The National Assembly does not wish to publish personal planning charts as such, but suggests that the Date Book published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust could be useful to individuals and will ask the Trust to see whether modifications or additions to the design might be made in orderto increase the usefulness of the Date Book as a planning record.

I6. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly encourage all Local Spiritual Assemblies,‘ groups and District Teaching Committees to encourage their isolated believers to write down the history of each location and preserve it for archives on a local level.

ACTION: This recommendation is approved.

17. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly, in its upcoming Family Life Conferences as well as summer schools, actively discuss the education of children and morally instruct by word and deed and the participation of children.

ACTION: This recommendation is referred to the

National Education Committee for consideration.

I8. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly ask the National Teaching Committee to clarify the statement on page one of its annual report regarding the development of a unified teaching effort. Any campaign should not be‘on the number of Bahá’í’s there are.

ACTION: This recommendation is referred to the

National Teaching Committee for action. ‘

19. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly consider a personal appeal to Bahá’ís all over the country to attend Bahá’í’ schools of their choice.

ACTION: The National Spiritual Assembly will request the Continental Board of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members to assist in encouraging the believers to attend Bahá’í Schools.

[Page 3]September 1975 3

Emergency voting procedures for District Conventions

As a preventive measure, the National Spiritual Assembly outlines below the procedures to follow in the event that there is any problem with the mailing of Convention calls this year. If your ballot does NOT arrive, please proceed as follows: .

1. If you are able to attend the Convention you will be provided with ballot paper and an envelope at that time.

2. If you are unable to attend, complete a ballot before the Convention and mail it to the person who has been designated to receive mailed ballots in your District. To find out the name of this person, check with your Local Assembly, call or write your District Teaching Committee or the host Assembly. You may also give the sealed ballot to the Local Assembly secretary who will transmit it to the appropriate Convention officers.

3. To vote by mail, write the name(s) of the believer(s) whom you wish to represent your district at the National Convention. Vote ONLY for the number of delegates allotted to your district, and leave enough space between

the names so that ballots may be easily separated later. You may discover the number of delegates assigned to your district by calling or writing your Assembly secretary of District Teaching Committee.

4. Place your ballot in a small envelope and seal it. Do not make any mark on this envelope.

5. Place the sealed envelope in a larger envelope and either mail it or send it as described above. Write the word BALLOT in the left-hand corner of this envelope and be sure your name is on it so that you may be credited as a voter.

The National Spiritual Assembly anticipates successful and problem—free District Conventions this year. However, if any problem does arise, the Assembly is sure that the believers, armed with these guidelines and with supreme confidence in the sacredness of their task, will not hesitate to proceed with the election and other business of their Convention.

The young and old of pioneering

There are manybelievers in the United States who have the potential to render great service to the Cause and to fulfill pioneer and traveling teaching goals by merely changing the location of their school or their retirement destination.

Students and persons of retirement age have some advantages over many believers with families. Continuing one’s education in another country is not so difficult as many may think, and provides an excellent opportunity for both international pioneering and traveling teaching.

“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.”—Wellspring of Guidance, page 153

“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.”—Wellspring of Guidance, page 95

As The Universal House of Justice has recently pointed out, there are many countries where it is becoming increasingly difficult for foreigners to obtain work permits for employment. Students generally find it easier to enter these countries. It is often possible for a full-time student to work a few hours a day without a permit.

For older believers, too, there are unique opportunities to serve internationally. Very often it is possible to retire to another country. Arrangements can be made to have Social Security payments, pension payments, interest, annuities, and many_ other regular payments sent abroad. Sometimes it is possible to start a small business, due to experience and contacts in the United States. Here, too, it may be easier to enter a country than ifone had to depend on finding a job in order to stay.

Shoghi Effendi encouraged this in The Advent ofDivine Justice "

F or older believers, too, there are unique opportunities to serve internationally. Very often it is possible to retire to another country. Arrangements can be made to have Social Security payments, pension payments, interest, annuities, and many other regular payments sent abroad. Sometimes it is possible to start a small business, due to

[Page 4]National _ Bahá’í Review

experience and contacts in the United States. Here, too, it may be easier to enter a country than if one had to depend on finding a job in order to stay. Shoghi Effendi encouraged this in The A dvent of Divii Justice:

“It would, no doubt, be of exceptional importance and value, particularly in these times when the various restrictions imposed in those countries make it difficult for a considerable number of Bahá’í pioneers to establish their residence and earn their livelihood in those states, if certain ones among the believers, whose income, however slender, provides them with the means of an independent existence, would so arrange their affairs as to be able to reside indefinitely in those countries. The sacrifices involved, the courage, faith, and perseverance it demands, are no doubt very great. Their value, however, can never be properly assessed at the present time, and the limitless reward which they who demonstrate them will receive can never be adequately depicted.”

Forty years later, his guidance and wisdom continue to be applicable, as entrance and work requirements grow more stringent around the world. Although many older persons might find themselves somewhat restricted as to

where they could travel, there are yet many places, which are goal areas, with hospitable climate and good medical facilities. Fiji, for instance, and Portugal, have been assigned to the United States Bahá’í community as goals for the Five Year Plan. Both remain unfilled, and both would be suitable for persons needing a mild climate and living on a fixed income.

As for international traveling teaching, students and retired persons have opportunities not so readily available to others.

Many colleges, universities and even high schools offer “mini” courses during vacation times, through which one can travel at a reduced cost to another country to take a course or courses for various lengths of time. Although one would then be with a group of non-Bahá’ís, the itineraries for these trips nearly alwa-ys provide ample free time during which the friends can be of service to the believers in that area.

Older persons can often take advantage of special tour rates offered by various airlines or travel agencies and, like the student, use theirfree time to assist with the teaching or consolidation work among the Bahá’í community of that country.

For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, -112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Status of U.S. pioneer goals

Africa Amgned Filled Open (P) Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (E) Botswana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (E) British Indian

Ocean Terr.** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (F,E) Cameroon Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 (F) Central African

Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(F) Dahomey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0

(F) Gabon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1

(E) Gambia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) Ghana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (P) Guinea—Bissau (Port. Guinea) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(F) Ivory Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1

(E) Lesotho‘ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 O

(E) Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1

(F) Malagasy Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 O

(P,S) Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1

(E) Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 O

(E) Rhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 4 l

(E) Sierra Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1

Assigned Filled Open

(E) South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) St. Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1

(E) Tanzania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1

(F) Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(F) Zaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 3 4 66 39 27 Asia r (B,E) Bangladesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (E) India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 — 5 (J) Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 I (F) Khmer Republic (Cambodia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(K,E) Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1 2

(F) Laos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(F,E) Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 l 1

(C,P) Macau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 l

(E) Philippine Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1

(E) Sri Lanka (Ceylon) . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 l 2

(E) Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0

(E) Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0

(T,A,E) Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 —- 2

[Page 5]September 1975 5

Assigned Filled Open Assigned Filled Open

(E) Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1 (1) Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 —— 2

—3_5 H 24 (113)) Iglgriwgzl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 g

. I (s) Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0

fgstralfgfoline Islands ' _ _ _ . . . _ _ _ _ _ _ . H2 2 0 (F,G,It) Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . .6 2 4

(E) Fiji Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1 2 ' 37 12 25

(E) Mariana Islands* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) Marshall Islands* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 — 3 *Newly assigned countries

(F) New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1 0 **Circumstances permitting

(E) North—East New Guinea . . . . . . . . .3 1 2

(E) American Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 Total Assignments to be

(E) Western Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2 2 Completed by October 1976

(E) T°“ga15“"‘“d5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' ‘-2 “ 2 AFRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 39 27

22 7 15 AMERICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150 88 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 1 1 24

• Bahá’í°‘:rgemma 6 6 0 QISJISATRALASIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 7 ‘I5

‘ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ‘ ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 2

(S,E) Belize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 EUROPE W)T;%

(S) Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 5 5

(P) Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 9 5

(5) Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 4 2 Language Key

(S) Colombia ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3 A_Arabic F_p,ench _[.Japanese

(S) Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0 gjgpgali Fn——Finnish §——§orean_

(S) Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . .5 — 5 (S0. Diggt) p:P(:1r:/gauge:

Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  l 6 D__Du[Ch H___Hindi 5_span§sh

(S) El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 — 4 DI1—DaI}lSh ’ I—Icelandic T—Turkish

(F) French Antilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2 2 E—E"s“S" ll-"alias

(F) French Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 '0

(S) Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 4 1 - '

(E) Guyana ..................... ..4 _ 4 Blcentennlal Plans

(F) Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..4 2 2

(S) Honduras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6 5 . 1

(13) Jamaica _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . .4 2 2 The National Spiritual Assembly appreciates the tre (E) Leeward/Virgin 15” mendous response of Local Spiritual Assemblies in in Montserrat’ St Kitts _ _ _ _ ' _ _ . _ . _ _9 9 0 forming the National Center of local Bicentennial plans.

(3) Nicaragua (Granada) _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ '5 3 3 The Bicentennial celebrations lend themselves to wide

(3) panama _ _ _ , _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A _ _4 2 2 proclamation of the Faith. The National Spiritual Assem (S) paraguay _ _ _ _ _ _ . . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _4 2 2 bly is pleased with the many plans already under way by

(s) Peru (Cuczo, Pufio) . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1 Local Spiritual Assemblies.

(S) pue,-to Rico _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .4 4 0 On the national level, the recent proclamation ad in the

- (s,E) San Andrés Island _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _1 __ 1 Bicentennial issue of Life magazine resulted in immediate

(H,E,Dn) Surinam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 responses from the public (E) Trinidad/Tobago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 — 4

(S) Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 _

(s) Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 5 2 Commfltee reports

(E) Windward Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 3 3 150 88 62

The Annual Reports of the Committees of the National Europe Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States for

(F) Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2 4 the year 1974-75 are now available upon request. Any (Dn) Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1 Bahá’í who would like to receive a copy should write to the (Fn) Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 — 4 National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, (Gr) Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1 IL 60091.

[Page 6]l\lationa| _ Bahá’í Review

Life after death

A compilation on the subject from letters written on behalf of the belovediGuardian.

_“With regard to the soul of man. According to the Bahá’í Teachings the human soul starts with the formation of the human embryo, and continues to develop and pass through endless stages of existence after its separation from the body. Its progress is thus infinite.”

(From letter dated December 31 , l 937 written on behalf

of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

/9;

“There is no teaching in the Bahai Faith that ‘soul mates’ exist. What is meant is that marriage should lead to a profound friendship of spirit, which will endure in the next world, where there is no sex, and no giving and taking in marriage; just the way we should establish with our parents, our children, our brothers and sisters and friends a deep spiritual bond which will be everlasting, and not merely physical bonds of human relationship.”

(From letter dated December 4, 1954 written on behalf

of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

“According to‘ Bahá’u’lláh the soul retains its individuality and consciousness after death, and is able to commune with other souls. This communion, however, is

‘purely spiritual in character, and is conditioned upon the

disinterested and selfless love of the individuals for each

other.” (From letter dated March 10, 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)

“Conceminga the future life what Bahá’u’lláh says is that the soul will continue to ascend through many worlds. What those worlds are and what their nature is we cannot

In memoriam

Florence Bell Hillside, New Jersey Date Unknown

Mrs. Anna Bottineau Seattle, Washington August 5, 1975

Mr. Arthur M. Gagnon Titusville, Florida June 5, 1975

Mr. William D. Johnson Rowland Heights, California July 20, 1975

Mrs. Fredda King Seattle, Washington July 24, 1975

Mrs. Esther Marce ‘ Walterboro, South Carolina 1973

Mr. Ralph Surratt Wilmington, North Carolina January 20, 1975

Mr. Eric C. Williams Indianapolis, Indiana August 17, 1975

Mrs. Rose Williams Dunedin, Florida August 8, 1975

know. The same way that the child in the matrix cannot know this world so we cannot know what the other world is going to be.” . (From letter dated October 18, 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

“Conceming your question whether a soul can receive knowledge of the Truth in the world beyond. Such a knowledge is surely possible, and is but a sign of the loving mercy of the Almighty. We can, through our prayers, help every soul to gradually attain this high station, even if it has failed to reach it in this world. The progress of the soul does not come to end with death. It rather starts along a new line. Bahá’u’lláh teaches that great and far—reaching possibilities await the soul in the other world. Spiritual progress in that realm is infinite, and no man, while on this earth, can visualize its full power and extent.”

(From letter dated May 22, 1935 written on behalf of

Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

“You ask an explanation of what happens to us after we leave this world: This is a question which none of the Prophets have ever answered in detail, for the very simple. reason that you cannot convey to a person’s mind something entirely different from everything they have ever

‘ experienced. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave the wonderful example of

the relation of this life to the next life being like the child in the womb; it develops eyes, ears, hands, feet, a tongue, and yet it has nothing to see or hear, it cannot walk or grasp things ‘or speak; all these faculties it isrdeveloping for this world. If you tried to explain to an embryo what this world is like it could never understand—but it understands when it is born, and its faculties can be used. So we cannot picture our state in the next world. All we know is that our consciousness, our personality, endures in some new state, and that that world is as much better than this one as this one is better than the dark womb of our mother was. . . .

“Our past is not the thing that matters so much in this world as what we intend to do with our future. The inestimable value of religion is that when a man is vitally connected with it, through a real and living belief in it and in the Prophet who brought it, he receives a strength greater than his own which helps him to develop his good characteristics and overcome his bad ones. The whole purpose of religion is to change not only our thoughts but our acts; when we believe in God and His Prophet and His teachings, we find we are growing, even though we perhaps thought ourselves incapable of growth and change!”

(From letter dated -October 3, 1943 written on behalf of

Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

[Page 7]September 1975 7

The chief goal of every education

“With regard to the statement attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and which you have quoted in your letter regarding a ‘problem child;’ these statements of the Master, however true in their substance, should never be given

a literal interpretation. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could have never

meant that a child should be left to himself, entirely free.

In fact Bahá’í education, just like any other system of education is based on the assumption that there are certain natural deficiencies in every child, no matter how gifted, which his educators, whether his parents, school masters, or his spiritual guides and preceptors should endeavor to remedy. Discipline of some sort, whether physical, moral or intellectual, is indeed indispensable, and no training can be said to be complete and fruitful if it disregards this element. The child when born is far from being perfect. It is not only helpless, but actually is imperfect, and even is naturally inclined towards evil. He should be trained, his

natural inclinations harmonized, adjusted and controlled, and if necessary suppressed or regulated, so as to insure his healthy physical and moral development. Bahá’í parents cannot simply adopt an attitude of non-resistance towards their children, particularly those who are unruly and violent by nature. It is not even sufficient that they should pray on their behalf. Rather they should endeavor to inculcate, gently and patiently, into their youthful minds such principles of moral conduct and initiate them into the principles and teachings of the Cause with such tactful and loving care as would enable them to become ‘true sons of God’ and develop into loyal and intelligent citizens of His Kingdom. This is the high purpose which Bahá’u’lláh Himself has clearly defined as the chief goal

of every education.” Letter from Shoghi Effendi to an individual, July 9, 1939

The obligation to work

In The Hidden Words Bahá’u’lláh says: “O My Servant! Ye are the trees of My garden; ye must give forth goodly and wondrous fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit therefrom. Thus it is incumbent on every one to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lies the secret of wealth, 0 men of understanding! For results depend upon means, and the grace of God shall be all—sufficient unto your. Trees that yield no fruit have been and will ever be for the fire.”

“O My Servant! The basest of men are they that yield no fruit on earth. Such men are verily counted as among the dead, nay better are dead in the sight of God than those idle and worthless souls.”

“O My Servant! The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon their kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all World.” (The Hidden Words, Persian, numbers 80, 81, 82, pages 50 and 51).

In an early communication to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States commenting on this subject, the beloved Guardian wrote that in the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh makes it clear that idle people who lack the desire to work can have no place in the new World Order. Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession. This has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God

- and enables us to better grasp His purpose for us in this

world. Work, especially when perfomed in the spirit of

service is, according to Bahá’u’lláh, a fonn of worship.

Bahá’u’lláh further states that mendicancy should not only be discouraged but entirely wiped out from the face of society. Positions open

Immediate openings have developed at the National Bahá’í' Center for those trained as executive secretaries. Required skills include fast, accurate typing; good shorthand; knowledge of filing systems; ability to compose letters; and administrative experience within the Faith. Applicants should have a minimum of two years experience.

A position has also opened for someone with either records management background or library science background. Applicants must have administrative experience within the Faith. _

The Data Processing Office has an immediate opening for a full—time data entry clerk. The basic duties would include key entry and key verfication. Experience with keypunch, keytape, key disc, or floppy disc is desirable.

A position also has opened for a mail room assistant, preferably someone with experience in a mail room.

If you qualify for any of these positions, please send your resume and letter of recommendation from your Local Spiritual Assembly to: Personnel Affairs Assistant, National Bahá’í’ Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 8]National Bahá’í Furfii

Review 8

Training, teaching, pioneering, proclaiming efforts move fonivard

To: All Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly witnessed many exciting developments in the pursuit of our Five Year Plan goals. Perhaps of greatest delight was the launching of the long-awaited training program for Local Spiritual Assemblies. The members of the Board of Counsellors for North America were present for this historic event and to consult with the National Spiritual Assembly about teaching the masses.

A deeply touching moment occurred as the National Spiritual Assembly met a large group of enthusiastic and

‘ devoted Baha’ is attending a pioneering institute to prepare for this great step in service to the Cause of God. Another highlight of the meeting was the development of plans to

launch a bicentennial year campaign which will involve the extensive use of radio and television advertisements prepared by our National Information Office.

All of these vital activities are sustained by the devoted followers of Bahá’u’lláh in America who, by giving of their material resources, strengthen the life-blood of their Faith. In the words of our beloved Guardian, “The National Fund must be firmly established, generously supported and universally and continuously upheld, for it is the prerequisite of future progress and achievement.”

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer

Aug. 28, 1975

A

PARTICIPATION

CONTRIBUTIONS j s2oo,ooo __ $2,900,000 -— ANNUAL GOAL 750

700 ______fi9_o| by 'IIm 1975--Assemblies

“$0,000 1975-1976 Monthly Goal N_ E, F‘ _, oso

:_ : é ,0,

$100,000 — T7 _ g 4 * _ 450 L ed '— W 400 Cool by 'I|m 1975—Groups s5o,ooo —— gm

'5 350

i: T 300 ‘\‘‘f o - E . {b 5 - - _ _ as 2235.; s—‘5%= * _o ~— 5 E2-4:252“ v3wa£=‘--0.23 No 3 ~~ ; - = 2 4 2 5 a 5 .1. L, in 3 o u i U,‘ = 0 E _ E o :1 3 _ _ 9 _ ~§ : J 2"‘ 4 OOS 5 ‘‘° comlsunnnsauunu Month of Year Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahárt Fund, 112 Linden Kamél to Date Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091; Bahá’í International Fund, P.O. Box 155, B d t G 1 $153 000 $918 000 Haifa, |srae|;and Continental Bahá’í Fund, 418 Forest Ave., Wilmette, IL U ge 03 , , 60091. Contributions 1 I 1,545 743,819 Overa e (Shorta e) $(4l,455) $(l74,18l) 8 8