National Bahá’í Review/Issue 96/Text

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[Page 1]

National Assembly writes of Bahá’ís and the Bicentennial

To the American Bahá’í Community Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Seven months from now the United States will observe its two hundredth year. The mighty achievements of the nation during the course of two centuries deserve to be celebrated; and yet a large number of its people are beset with doubts and uncertainties about the country’s future. So frequent have been the setbacks suffered by the nation recently that many of its citizens tend toward a negative view of their country’s prospects. Of all its citizens, the Bahá’í’s alone may be said to be confidently hopeful, because the destiny of America enjoys a brilliant forecast in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. It would seem, then, that the Bicentennial presents to the Bahá’í community a great challenge, namely: to inspire hope where doubt abounds.

We have only to refer to the Bahá’í writings, especially the statements Of‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, to discover the lines along which our attitudes toward the nation and its peoples should be guided. It is no Pollyanna view that the beloved Master and Guardian hold before us. We know, for instance, that the country is to play a primary role in shaping the “Lesser Peace”; nonetheless, Shoghi Effendi asserts that the “road leading to its destiny is long, thorny and tortuous” and that “Tribulations, on a scale unprecedented in its history, and calculated to purge its institutions, to purify the hearts of its people, to fuse its constituent elements, and to weld it into one entity with its sister nations in both hemispheres, are inevitable.”

What do we Bahá’ís do at this significant juncture in the nation’s life? We can demonstrate confidence in the country’s future. Fully conscious of its strengths and weaknesses and welcoming the challenge of its spiritual potential, we can assist our non-Bahá’í’ acquaintances to appreciate a positive view of the current processes of life in the country.

With this in mind, the National Spiritual Assembly has taken steps to exploit the Bicentennial for proclaiming the Faith. It has placed an advertisement in Life magazine; sent

representatives to various events marking the Bicentennial;

approved the display of Bahá’í exhibits in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.; and authorized the publication of a Bicentennial issue of World Order

magazine. Local Spiritual Assemblies in turn can participate in local Bicentennial events and send to important persons in their areas complimentary copies of the Bicentennial issue of World Order. The Bahá’í’ individual can review the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi which will assist him or her to develop a proper understanding of the destiny of America; such references as World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 7] to 94; Citadel of Faith, pages 30 to 38; The Advent ofDivine Justice, pages 72 to 77 are helpful. The individual Bahá’í' may also offer copies of the Bicentennial issue of World Order to friends and acquaintances as a means of teaching the Faith.

Whatever the actions of the friends might be, we know that their examples as a happy and assured people will proclaim the hope—bringing message of the Bahá’í Faith’ to the American public and, more than that, uplift the spirits of their fellow citizens at a critical stage in their country’s history.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES

Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary December 4, 1975

Helping Christian seekers understand the Faith

The United States contains millions of Christian fundamentalists, and United States Baha’r's should be familiar with the Bahá’í’ concepts that translate fundamental thought into spiritual awareness. And because many Christians have abandoned a firm fundamentalist belief, Bahá’í's must often re-affirm Christianity to the Christian seeker. We must often restore the Christian’s faith in Christ.

When the Christian understands the truth of his own religion, he will have no difficulty accepting the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, because the Blessed Perfection is the fulfillment of the purpose and the promise of the Spirit of God, as He calls Jesus Christ.

In The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 33-35, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá points out the importance of a teacher knowing more about his subject than the student: “The first

by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Uniteg.

[Page 2] ’7’N t’ I Bahai 92%;?‘

attribute to perfection is learning and the cultural attainments of the mind . . . For if a learned individual has no knowledge of the sacred Scriptures . . . he might prove unequal to an emergency . . . If for example a spiritually learned Muslim is conducting a debate with a Christian and he knows nothing of the glorious melodies of the Gospel, he will, no matter how much he imparts of the Qur’án and its

truths, be unable to convince the Christian, and his words

will fall on deaf ears.”

Bahá’í teachers can begin to know more than their students through. a prayerful receptivity to the illumination offered by Bahá’u’lláh in His Writings.

The beloved Guardian tells us that The K itdb-z’—I'qan stands “foremost in the billowing ocean of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.” This book developes the holy and glorious theme of progressive revelation, and boldly exposes the mighty Plan of God which has prepared us forHis Kingdom on earth; surely, it is no accident that the title of this Book means The Book of Certitude. Meditation on this mighty outpouring of spiritual reality offers a constant strengthening of the believer’s conviction. This strong conviction is an irresistible magnet to searchers after truth.

“Thus with steadfast steps we may tread the Path of Certitude, that perchance the breeze that bloweth from the meads of the good—pleasure of God may waft upon us the sweet savours ofdivine acceptance . . .” (The Kitdb-z’-Iiqan, p. 32-33)

The Bahá’í Writings are based on a boundless love for humanity. This love is especially evident in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. His radiance is an integral part of His message. I

In the collection of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s discourses called Some Answered Questions, He gives lucid and rational commentaries on a variety of subjects, many of which are relevant to the Christian seeker. One remarkable chapter, “Outward Forms and Symbols Must be Used to Convey Intellectual Conceptions” is recommended for special consideration. These few pages, when closely studied, enable one to unveil the symbolism of The Holy Bible.

Many other chapters in Some Answered Questions deal with Christian subjects, and these are available in a small booklet called Christ's Promise Fulfilled.

Although their works are on a level below that of Authoritative Interpretation, some Bahá’ís have concentrated upon and developed their understanding of progressive revelation and have written about the relationship of Christianity and the Bahá’í Faith. Their books are a great contribution to the Cause.

Outstanding among these authors is the Hand-of the Cause of God George Townshend. Mr. Townshend was a noted clergyman. He served his church for 40 years, and finally became a Canon of St. Patricks Cathedral in Dublin. He resigned his position to be a Bahá’í'. _

Mr. Townshend steeped himself in the Writings of the

Bab, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He poured his deep understanding of the traditional Christian posture into his books, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, The Heart of the Gospel, and The Promise ofAll Ages. Mr. Townsend shows how the Christian anticipation of the Kingdom of God on earth

‘must inevitably flow into an acceptance of the present day

fulfillment of the Promise. He shows how such a development is supported by promises in The Old Testament and The New Testament; how the exclusivity which gradually enveloped Christian understanding caused them to miss the Revelation of Muhammed and thus to misinterpret vital parts of The Bible; and how, “to any spiritually expectant soul, the Báb’s declaration would have indicated that the Kingdom of God had indeed come.” (Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, p. 65)

Recognizing the importance‘ of dealing with outward symbols of Christianity which have been substituted for inner truth, and of separating them from the reality of Christ, another Hand of the Cause of God, William Sears, wrote The Wine of Astonishment and Thief in the Night.

In The Wine OfAstonishment, Mr. Sears uses passages from the Bahá’í Writings to offer stimulating thought on vital Christian subjects, such as, the end of the world, the Day of Judgment, baptism, the Trinity, confession and penance, the Son of God, heaven and hell.

Thief in the Night contains an astonishing collection of biblical prophecies, and links their fulfillment to the lives of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. A thought-provoking presentation of overwhelming evidence, Thief in the Night is subtitled ‘_‘The Case of the Missing Millennium” and it is written like a detective story, moving with lightning—like speed through a multitude of Christian questions.

All these books are available through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and are listed in the literature catalog which is available from the trust or from Bahá’í community librarians. The catalog also lists pamphlets which are interesting to Christian seekers, such as “The Books of God are Open,” “Prophecy Fulfilled,” “Power to Renew the World — A Challenge to Christians,” and “Manifestation Not Incarnation.”

The Bahá’ís are well-supplied with materials that can make them more knowledgeable than their students, and that can furnish those students with sufficient facts to allow them to search into and follow the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

Nonivegian-Americans needed in Nonivay

Because so many people have emigrated to Norway, the country has now closed its borders for a year, and perhaps longer. How can Bahá’í’ pioneers settle in Norway?

There is a key for every locked door, and the key to

[Page 3]January 19/6 :5

pioneering in Norway is to have a Norwegian background. A Bahá’í’ of Norwegian descent could get a work—permit in Norway without difficulty.

Bahá’ís whose ancestors left their home because it could not give them the gifts needed for happy life, can now return to that home with the Greatest Gift.

Prospective pioneers of Norwegian background should contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091.

Job for qualified Bahá’í

In Liberia

The International Goals Committee has recently learned of a position opening in July ’76 in Liberia for an individual who has a degree in hydrology or hydrogeology. Transportation to Liberia and return home as well as a house with basic furniture and a car are provided. Qualified individuals interested in this opportunity should write to the Interna tional Goals Committee, l12 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

House of Justice requests attention to Asian goals

The political situation in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Angola, and Mozambique complicates the settlement of pioneers in those countries.

The Universal House of Justice suggests that Bahá’í's considering settlement in those areas go first “to neighboring countries pending more favorable conditions for their eventual entry into and settlement in those countries.” For example, pioneers for Laos should first go to the Philippines; those for Cambodia, to Hong Kong; and those for Vietnam, to Singapore.

Bahá’ís with language and professional skills that would be useful in the goal countries named should contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091.

Teaching the Faith to Oriental people

The Asian American Teaching Committee has, for the past two years, been aiding Local Spiritual Assemblies to teach the Bahá’í Faith to Asian Americans in their communities. The committee here gives some basic guidelines for effectively reaching Oriental people with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh:

Dignity is of great importance. The Orientals have long been imbued with the intrinsic worth of the meaning of the

words uttered by the Báb, . . all abide by His bidding.” Their understanding ofthese words is beautifully expressed in their reserved manner, their sincerity, and their deep regard for the aged.

Courtesy is part of dignity. Oriental people are trained so early and so thoroughly in courtesy that it seems to be one of their innate characteristics. Remember all the rules of good manners. Common, everyday household courtesies, such as serving all guests first, must be observed. Children must be under control and all easy familiarity should be avoided. Do not address strangers by their first names, especially the older people.

Be on time. This is courteous. If you are to meet someone, be early. Keep promises. Bring the book you promised to lend, start the meeting when you said it would start.

Courtesy is a sign of trustworthiness. Courtesy and trustworthiness are vital in teaching the Faith to anyone.

Courtesy also implies sensitivity to ethnic terms. Correct terms are Asian American, Oriental, or national names such as Chinese, Japanese, Tibetans, Indonesians, Koreans, Thais, etc.

And part of courtesy is knowing something about other cultures. Know about current events which are effecting the

lives of your Oriental friends. Know about their cultural

philosophies. Read about them. For instance, belief in God is not inherent to many oriental philosophies. They do esteem virtues, such as humility. When Bahá’ís manifest such virtues, and discuss the principles of the Faith with Asian Americans, they may gradually lead their friends to acknowledge the Infinite Source. Think about their culture and what will appeal to them. For instance, moderation, as advised in the Bahá’í Teachings, may be appreciated by and attractive to oriental people. A

Pray to find the rare and precious gems among your Oriental friends who will become Bahá’ís and carry the Faith back to their own people. The Faith will really take root in their culture when it is taught by one who is a part of that culture, a newly—blossoming part.

Information on and help with Asian American teaching projects is available from The Asian American Teaching Committee, Mr. Lee Moody, Sec., 112 Tudor Place, Apartment 4F, Bronx, New York 10452.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust, in its catalog supplement of non—English titles, lists books and pamphlets available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai.

[Page 4]U.S. Pioneer Goals

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

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

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

(F) Dahomey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 3 0

(E) Lesotho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(E) Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0

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

(E) Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0

(PS) Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1

(E) Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(E) Rhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 4 1

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

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

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

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

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

(F) Zaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 3 4 66 41 25 Asia (B,E) Bangladesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (E) India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 4 1 (J) Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (F) — Khmer Republic (Cambodia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

(E) Sri Lanka (Ceylon) . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1 2

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

(E) Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 O

(T,A,E) Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 ——' 2

(E) Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1 35 17 18

Australasia

(E) Caroline Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0

(E) Fiji Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1 2

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

Assigned Filled Open

(E) Marshall Islands’-‘ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 — 3

(F) New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1 0

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

(E) American Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 l 1

(E) Western Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2 2

(E) Tonga Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 2 9 13

Americas

(S) Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 6 0

(S,E) Belize . . . . . . . . . . . . .' . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(S) Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 9 1

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

(S) Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 4 2

(S) Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 5 3

(S) Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0

(S) Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . .5 3 ' 2

(S) Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 I 6

(S) El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 l 3

(F) _ French Antilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 O 4

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

(S) Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 4 l

(E) Guyana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 —— 4

(F) Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 O

(S) Honduras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 6 0

(E) Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . .4 2 2 (E) Leeward/Virgin Is., Montserrat, St. Kitts . . . . . . . . . . . .9 9 0

(S) Nicaragua (Granada) . . . . . . . . . . . .6 3 3

(S) Panama . . . .4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0

(S) Paraguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2 2

(S) Peru (Cuczo, Pufio) . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1

(S) Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0

(S,E) San Andres Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1

(H,E,Dn) Surinam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(E) Trinidad/Tobago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 — 4

(S) Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1

(S) Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 5 2

(E) Windward Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 4 2 I50 101 49

Europe '

(F) Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2 4

(Dn) Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 —— 3

(Fn) Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . .4 1 y 3

(Gr) Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

(1) Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(N) Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1

(P) Portugal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 — 8

(S) Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (F,G,It) Switzerland . .6 2 4 37 12 25

[Page 5]""U:':{Tl'i‘.i'a‘ly‘ .. '4

• NewIy assigned countries
  • Circumstances permitting

Total Assignments to be Completed by October 1976

AFRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AMERICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AUSTRALASIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EUROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Language Key

A~—-Arabic B—Bengali C—Chinese (So. Dialect) D—Dutch . . . . . ..66 41 25 E1‘EEg“,‘,‘;;“

. . . . ..l50 I01 49 F—French

. . . . ..,.35 17 I8 F"-Finnish

. . . . . ..22 9 13 G‘G““"‘“

. . . . . ..37 I2 25 310 I80 I30

Gr—Greek H—Hindi l—IceIandic lt—ltaIian J—Japanese K~—Korean N—Norwegian P—Portuguese S—Spanish T—Turkish

In Memoriam

Mr. David Braitberg _ Los Angeles, California October I5, 1975

Dr. Lillian Dove Glencoe, Illinois June I7, 1975

Mr. Milton Evans Marion, Texas Fall 1975

Mrs. Lena Goetz Bowling Green, Ohio October I2, 1975

Mrs. Beatrice Gwin Lacey, Washington June 5, 1974

Mr. Kenneth W. Hill Lancaster, California May 8, 1975

Mrs. Elsa lsaacs Boca Raton, Florida October 19, 1975

Mrs. Adam Jordan Monterey, Tennessee September 16, 1975

Mrs. Linda]. Kerford Oklahoma City, Oklahoma November 29, [975

Mr. John A. Kilgore Upland, California October 28, 1975

Mrs. Laura Kluge Tucson, Arizona November 6, 1975

Mr. Raymond Lange Lombard, Illinois Date Unknown

Mrs. Vina B. MacPherson Kooskia, Idaho December I, 1975

Mrs. Lilyan Bush Matzinger Orchard Park, New York October 28, 1975

Mrs. Tommy Jane Moore Fairrnont, North Carolina

-June 14, 1975

Mr. Charles L. Penoyer Villa Park, Illinois Date Unknown

Mrs. Almeter Player Florence, South Carolina October 29, 1975

Mrs. Eula M. Poner Newark, New Jersey 1974

Mr. Ray J. Rawlings Kennewick, Washington October 17, 1975

Mrs. Beverly Gaye Searcy Aztec, New Mexico August I6, 1975

Mrs. Clarice J. Silva San Jose. California October 30, 1975

Miss Elsie C. Smith Syracuse, New York Date Unknown

Mrs. Nora Smith Fort Valley, Georgia May 1974

Mrs. Hallie Stokes Saint Matthews, South Carolina August 28, 1974

Mr. Ezekiel Tail Muldrow, Oklahoma Date Unknown

Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth Thompson Mims, Florida October 26, 1975

Mrs. Maria Tollis Lima, New York Date Unknown

Miss Pamela Tomarelli Stamford, Connecticut

.October I5, 1975

Mr. Ollie White Roper, North Carolina January I8, 1975

Reminder on copyrights

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the friends that it is not permissible to copy‘ Bahá’í books and pamphlets, whether by typewriter, Xerox, or other photographic means. Such personal projects are costly, and they jeopardize copyright protection secured by the National Spiritual Assem bly on its works.

The duplicating of Bahá’í tapes is also not permissible. These tapes, like books‘ and pamphlets, are protected by copyright. Moreover, the sale of cas- I sette programs by the Publishing Trust provides capital for the development of new programs.

[Page 6]'i:§"ar1”éfIiB';‘Ll:;'l:"‘ ' 6

Two Year Youth Program progress report

Homefront pioneering

36 _ ‘ I 100 homefront pioneers

9 1 740 to unopened localities

5  : 10 of 40 to unopfined counties 27 —: 55 to existing communities

0 { J5 to Indian reservations

Homefront teaching 500 domestic

3 ‘ J10 lasting two months or more

International pioneering

13- zspioneers

5 5 filling specific Five Year Plan goals

International teaching

75 international 48 traveling teaching trips

College clubs 350 Bahá’í 282 V college clubs Youth Clubs

100 local Bahá’í 42 youth clubs

[Page 7]January 1976

7

National Assembly has no recommended way of giving

Q. Our Local Spiritual Assembly is not sure what method of giving is recommended by the National Spiritual Assembly. We thought that giving to the National Baha" 1' Fund without earmarking for other Funds allows the National Spiritual Assembly greater freedom in allocating monies according to needs and priorities of the Faith. Recently, however, it seems as though we have been encouraged to contribute to the Baha" 1’ International and the Continental Bahá’í Funds directly. Is it pr4erable to send as much as possible unearmarked to the National Fund or should we amend our budget so that each Bahá’í month a portion of our resources would be going to each Fund?

A. The National Spiritual Assembly tries not to “recommend” any particular method of giving, but rather to make the friends aware of all the ways in which they may serve the Faith through their contributions. Each community that contributes to one of the four Bahá’í Funds—that is, the Local, National, Continental and International Funds-—forges a direct link to the Institution supported by that Fund. Whether your community decides to contribute to each of the funds on a regular basis in addition to contributing to the "National Bahá’í Fund each nineteen days is entirely up to your Assembly.

Treasurers should not fear to give friends information

Q. I have a problem: How do I get Bahá’ís to contribute to the F undx through the elected local Treasurer, which I happen to be? Feasts haven’t started yet for our new Group so there is no Fund box as yet. But wouldn’ t it be better for them to send their contributions to me to forward so that the Group will get credit for them? Please advise me. I have just ordered the Local Treasurer’s‘ Manual so I am sorry if this matter is covered in it. I just want to learn as much as possible myself. Baha" u’lláh is in my heart and soul—everything is for Him.’

A. With the spirit and enthusiasm you displayed in your letter, your goals are already won! The best advice we can give, in answer to your question, is to work with your District Teaching Committee and encourage the friends to plan and hold Feasts. Strive to make these gatherings warm and friendly, meetings everyone will enjoy and look forward to every nineteen days. Once the friends are meeting, you, as

Treasurer, can give your report, reading the letter from the National Spiritual Assembly Treasurer, and showing the friends both the National and Local Fund Charts. It is important then for the friends to set reasonable goals and then strive to meet them. Once you understand the principles of the Fund (page 1 of the Local Treasurer’s Manual), don’t be afraid to give a lively and enthusiastic Treasurer’s report every Feast. Contributions to the Fund are so important in Teaching the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and constitute the “life-blood” of the Cause. It is vital that you, as Treasurer, let the friends know this.

Prayer for Bahá’ís 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 ane important to them. But the National Spiritual Assembly is wary of taking any institutional action that may tend toward a system or regimentation in acts of prayer, and feels it would be improper to go beyond the requirement of the Sacred Texts to legislate a nationwide program of specific prayers to be said at specific times under specific circumstances.

—National Spiritual Assembly

From time to time the friends receive appeals, either as individuals or communities, from pioneers needing financial assistance. It is advisable when such an appeal is received to contact the International Goals Committee so that inquiries can be made and the true situation ascertained. The address is: International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Telephone: (312) 256-4400.

[Page 8]

T3aha ’i National Fund

Review 8

Spirit of constancy is required

To: All Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The National Spiritual Assembly sends its loving appreciation to every Assembly, Group and individual believer who helped support last month’s high level of contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund. With this in mind, let us share portions of a letter from Roy Wilhelm, former Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, written exactly forty-one years ago. You will understand the relevance to our present situation.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA December 1, 1934 Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Let’s swapjobs. You come and be National Treasurer for a while. You’d think that meant a safekeeper and a careful-spender, but apparently he must also shine as a gatherer—in. . . . For weeks our offerings have nowhere been sufficient for our already squeezed budget expenses. Tell me, what would you do?

At times the Bahá’ís have worked wonders but “drives” seem to indicate a sort of spiritual lack. It’s amazing tho, the self—sacrifice and constancy ofsome of

the friends and of some communities. . . . Shoghi Effendi has pointed out that our National obligation is of first importance, but some Assemblies seldom send any offerings at all. . . . An offering of nineteen cents would have connected with the Power House and light would have come.

These crudely expressed thoughts are a plea for constancy. . . . Is it too much to hope that every community which has come under the shelter of the Faith in this Day will send something —every month? . L . As dear Keith‘? once wrote, “Now fellas, you gotta help me!” From this moment let every believer endeavor to offer every month something in the measure of the bounties which have come to him.

Will all applicants for this job of Treasurer please report early —— the line forms on the right.

Your poor brother, +Keith Ransom-Kehler (signed) Roy With one victory at the outset of the year and a nearmiss last month, the plea of the National Spiritual Assembly today is the same as that issued forty—one years ago: constancy! Let’s make “winning the goal” a regular occurr ence! With loving Bahá’í greetings, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’lS OF THE UNITED STATES Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer December 1, 1975

CONTRIBUTIONS g PARTIC|PATl0N—NATlONAL BAHA’| FUND A s2oo,ooo ~ $2,900,000 750 — ANNUAL GOAL 700 —— Assi2mb|i_e_s .: U7 $150,000 1975-1976 Monthly Goal V’ 650 _ ’: __ fa; we ~— : : 4’ $100,000 — _ E, __ _ § 450 T * ea _ _ L W 400 Goal —Groups — — 5 $50,000 — ——— 5 350 E : 3°° W o , ' " ‘ _ B ' .9 ‘ ’ 0 E ’ " )‘ — v .. . E ’ " ii — —: 7:5 EEBUEE E-'§§E_.. _ ' , T2E_§.§3°a§ §‘a§§a°g th . . fMOnd Year Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden 0 Q“ rat [0 Date Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091; Bahá’í International Fund, P.O. Box 155, Budget Goal $ 153,000 $1 ,683,000 Haifa, Israel; and Continental Bahá’í Fund, 418 Forest Ave., Wilmette, IL Contributions 151,559 1,370,663 6009‘Overage (Shortage) $ (1,441) $ (312,337)