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The time has come for troops to enter the Faith in America
To the followers of Bahá’u’lláh gathered at teaching conferences throughout America, 27 March 1976
Beloved Friends:
On the 26th of March six decades ago the beloved Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh composed the first among those immortal Tablets to North America which were to become the charter, the guide for the teaching of His Father's almighty Faith. We enjoy today the fruits of the heroic achievements that the Bahá’ís in the intervening years wrought in their zealous response to these Tablets of the
Divine Plan. The present stage of that Plan involves us in the
Five Year Plan, the third of the systematic, global teaching programs to spring from that mighty charter. Its insistent call is that we extend the frontiers of God’s holy Faith to encompass the peoples of all regions, races, and backgrounds; that we offer, at this dark hour in human affairs, the Bread of Life to all who hunger after righteousness, truth, and light in their lives. The midpoint of the Five Year Plan rapidly approaches and may well, at the present slow rate of our growth, find us lagging behind in our essential homefront objectives: primarily, the establishment of a minimum of 7,000 localities and 1,400 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Beyond these statistical objectives, of course, looms the magnetic goal of initiating the process by which “entry by troops” is to occur in at least three of the states visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Wonder and anxiety fill our breasts as we contemplate the magnitude of this expectation. Yet
Review will be published quarterly
Beginning with this issue, the Bahá’í National Review will be published quarterly rather than monthly.
The decision to decrease the number of editions was made by the National Spiritual Assembly because of a continuing rise in production costs.
The Review will appear with The American Bahá’í’ in April, July, October, and January.
we are assured that it is the will of God that it be realized. We may well ask ourselves, then, is it not time to receive these troops, six decades having passed since the blessed presence of the Master consecrated the soil of America and implanted in it the potentialities for so wonderful a reality?
Indeed, let it be proclaimed that the time has come for troops to enter the arena of Bahá’ u’llah’s Cause in America. The conditions are right, the people ready. The foundation of the Administrative Order has been fully laid. Its agencies, whose first purpose must be the teaching of the Cause of God, risk the loss of their inherent power if they do not arise to fulfill their teaching mission. Moreover, the blessings and confirmations promised to the individual believer hang unconferred if he or she does not utter the speech and do the deeds which can attract the hearts of the masses to the Revelation of Baha’u’llali.
May we today resolve in our hearts that we here shall not falter, shall not stand still any longer. For is there any reason to delay the fulfillment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wishes? Dare we wait for others “to take our task as ministers to the crying needs of this afflicted world?” No, by God!
We implore you at this solemn hour in the fortunes of harassed humanity to seize the shimmering chance for heroic attainment which the Five Year Plan holds before us, and which every individual must now forthrightly address. For it is ultimately upon the individual’s resolute action that must rest the fate of the entire Plan. It is his or her deed that attracts divine confirmations. It is the high degree of his faith in the promised blessings of Bahá’u’lláh that infuses life into the teaching work. Wherever he lives, under.whatever circumstances he may thrive, whatever be the measure of his education or wealth, let the individual believer ask himself: How can I bring into the Cause this and every year at least one new soul? Having answered his own question, let him pursue his teaching objective with “tenacity, dauntlessness, and passionate fervor.”
Will troops enter the Cause in America?
In the unseen realms of Glory, the Master is “waiting, patiently waiting,” for our answer.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY or THE BAHA'Is or THE UNITED STATES
Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary March 10, 1976
In Memoriam
Review 2
Mr. Donald Alleano South Windsor, Conn. November 1975
Mrs. Florence Allen Royse City, Tex. 1975
Mr. Harry Artis Suffolk, Va. 1975
Mr. Earl Bearnon Suffolk, Va. Unknown
Mrs. Lillian Beevers Portsmouth, NH January 28, 1976
Mrs. Florynne T. Brandon Houston, Tex. August 23, 1974
Mr. Bertie C. Brigham Greenville, Tex. Date Unknown
Mrs. Betty G. Brown Greensboro, NC January 21, 1976
Mr. Steven Craig Christensen
Sacramento, Ca. July, 1975
Mr. Ralph Clark Roxbury, Mass. December 1975
Mr. Theodore Claus Los Alamos, NM Febnrary 12, 1976
Mr. Woffoid Cooper Mullins, SC Date Unknown
Mr. Walton Daley Sacramento, Ca November 4, 1974
Mr. Julius Irvin Davis ‘ Baton Rouge, La. January 6, 1976
Mrs. Martha T. Delay North Chicago, 11 October 9, 1975
Mr. William C. Dumont Rocky Hill, Conn November 1975
Mr. TAR. Eggleston Suffolk, Va April 11, 1974
Mr. Carie Felton Suffolk, Virginia 1973
Betty Follow the Road Brockton, Montana Date Unknown
Mr. Thomas E. Forte Norfolk, Va February 7, 1976
Mrs. Celestine Fulchon Pleasantville, New Jersey January 5, 1976
Mr. Frank Gadson Hartsville, South Carolina June 30, 1975
Mrs. Earnestine Garrett Cowpens, SC February [3, 1976
Mrs. Ann Gibson Lynchburg, Va December 2, 1975
Mr. Lloyd Green Suffolk, Virginia Unknown
Mrs. Lula P. Hanks Morganton, NC September 14, 1975
Mr. John W. Hartwell Albany, Or Date Unknown
Mr. Francois L. Hayes Wakefield, Mass November 10, 1975
Mrs. Merna C. Hayssen Friday Harbor, Washington February 15, 1976
Dr. Scott Howard Topeka, Kansas August 3|, 1975
Mrs. Martha Hunziker Monroe, Wisconsin January 13, 1976
Mrs. Clara Ihlenfeldt Springfield, Ill November 1975
Mrs. Carry Jackson Hartsville, South Carolina November 28, 1974
Mr. Hiram James Clinton, Conn January 11, 1976
Mr. Clifford Jones Urbana, Illinois January 8, 1976
Mrs. Lillie Belle Jones Conyers, Ga. May 7, 1975
Mr. Eugene A. Kem' Westchester, 11 November 1975 ,
Dr. Louis L. King East Orange, New Jersey February 10, 1976
Miss Sara 1. Kennerly Minneapolis, Minn November 28, 1975
Mr. Marcus David Lawrence Suffolk, Va ' June 3, 1975
Mrs. Ethel LittleJohn Cowpens, South Carolina 1975
Mrs. Irene Lucas Suffolk, Virginia December, 1974
Mrs. Effie M. McKenzie St. Petersburg, Fla September 12, 1975
Mr. J. D. Mitchell Quincy, Fla Unknown
Mrs. M. Kathryn Morgan Federal Way, Washington January 28, 1976
Mr. William M. Munson St. Joseph, Missouri January 27, 1976
Mrs. Lilly Mae Murray Mullins, SC 1973
Mrs. Robert Owens Gresham, South Carolina 1973
Mrs. Arna True Perron Claremont, Ca December 15, 1975
Mr. Delmore Pompey Hartsville, South Carolina Date Unknown
Mr. Michael Pyburn Los Alamos, New Mexico January 24, 1976
Mr. Author Richardson Gresham, South Carolina Date Unknown
Mrs. Henry Richardson Gresham, South Carolina Date Unknown
Mr. James Lee Russ Quincy, Florida Unknown
‘Mrs. Viola E. Schmidt
Whittier, Ca January 28, 1976
Mr. Leonard W. Schwabe, Jr. Houston, Tex November 10, 1975
Dr. Alma C. Scoville Hayward, California November 7, 1975
Mrs. Margaret 1. Shoop San Jose, California January 8, 1976
Mrs. Dorothy J. Simmons Baltimore, Maryland January 6, 1976
Mr. Rufus Stokes Fort Lauderdale, Florida October 12, 1975
Mrs. Ethel Therkelsen Tillamook, Oregon August 19, 1975
Mrs. Lottie L. Threatts Quincy, Florida 1974
Mrs. Willie Upson
Huntsville, Texas “-"W
Date Unknown
Mr. John Verhoeven West Sacramento, California January 16, 1976
Mr. Eldon ‘L. Voelz Kenosha, Wisconsin January 19, 1976
Mr. Zeffer Walker . Royce City, Texas 1975
Mr. Virgil War Club, Sr. Poplar, Montana
1975
Mrs. Dora Warren Suffolk, Va June 26, 1975
Mrs. Rosemary Washatko Rockford, Ill January 3, 1976
[Page 3]
April 1976 3
On June 21, 1968, The Universal House of Justice announced to the Bahá’í’ world the establishment of the institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, an institution which would insure the extension into the future of the functions of protection and propagation vested in the Hands of the Cause of God. At this time the Auxiliary Boards, which had been in existence since 1954 functioning under the direction of the Hands of the Cause, were placed underthe direction of the Continental Boards of Counsellors. ,
Thus, the Auxiliary Boards, one for the protection and one for the propagation of the Faith, are now an auxiliary institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors whose functions are to protect and propagate theCause of God. The members of the Auxiliary Boards are appointed by and serve under the direction of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, and act as their deputies, assistants, and advisers.
- The tasks of assisting in watching over the security of the Cause, protecting it from its internal and external enemies, and in insuring the constant propagation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh cover, in general, the functions of the Auxiliary Board members. Their duties include, at this time, furthering the interests of and assisting in the execution of the Five Year Plan: lending impetus to and strengthening the teaching work, thepreservation and consolidation of the victories won, and the development of the distinctive character of Bahá’í life.
The Auxiliary Board members are called upon to work directly with the individual believers, groups, and Local Spiritual Assemblies, encouraging, advising and stimulating them in the work of the Cause; assisting them in their development and growth; helping them to deepen in their understanding of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to act in accordance with His laws andprinciples; encouraging them to contribute freely to the various Funds of the Faith; urging their full support and devoted participation in plans adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly; and impressing upon them the need to be unified under all circumstances.
The Universal House of Justice announced in its message dated October 7, 1973, to the Bahá’ís of the world that it had taken two decisions designed to reinforce and extend the services of the Auxiliary Boards in order to meet the growing needs of an ever-expanding Bahá’í’ World Community. The first raised the number of Auxiliary Board members throughout the world to 270, of whom 81 would serve in the Western Hemisphere. Secondly, The Universal House of Justice decided to take a further step in the development of the institution of the Auxiliary Boards by giving to each Continental Board of
New development in the institution of the Auxiliary Boards
Counsellors the discretion to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants to help them in the discharge of their duties.
Believers appointed as assistants to Auxiliary Board members can serve at the same time on administrative institutions, and are appointed for a limited period, with the possibility of reappointment. At present there are 61 assistants serving with the 26 Auxiliary Board members in North America. ‘
The following excerpts from the beloved Guardian and The Universal House of Justice clarify the work of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants.
It is at this local level of Bahá’í community life, the very foundation of the administrative structure of the Faith, that we so often find lack of adequate strength and efficiency. It is at this same level that our beloved Guardian urged Auxiliary Board Members to establish contact with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated centers and the individual believers, and through periodic and systematic visits to localities as well as by correspondence help in promoting‘ the interests of the Plan, assist in the efficient and prompt execution of the goals, watch over the security of the Faith, stimulate and strengthen the teaching and pioneer work, impress upon the friends the importance of individual effort, initiative and sacrifice, and encourage them to participate in Bahá’í activities and be unified under all circumstances. F , Such overwhelming and ever—expanding tasks, as envisaged by the beloved Guardian, can be properly carried out only when Auxiliary Board Members are able to keep in touch with the Local Assemblies and communities in the areas allocated to them.—The Universal House of Justice, Nov. 17, 1971, to the Continental Boards of Counsellors.
. .it should be made quite clear that, as a general principle, Auxiliary Board members are not only free, but are urged, in accordance with the writings of the beloved Guardian, to have direct contact with the individual friends, as well as the local Spiritual Assemblies—The Universal House of Justice, Dec. 15, 1965, to the National Spiritual Assemblies of Uganda and Central Africa.
. . .although an Auxiliary Board member can and should receive information from the National Assemblies and national committees, his primary source of information about the community should be his own direct contacts with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups and individual believers. .
[Page 4]
Bahá’í 523%‘
Above all the Auxiliary Board members should build up a warm and loving relationship between themselves and the believers in their area so that the Local Spiritual Assemblies will spontaneously turn to them for advice and assistance.——The Universal House of Justice, Oct. 1, 1969, to the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies.
Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the believers. It is the principle task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in arousing and releasing this power. This is a vital activity, and if they are to be able to perform it adequately they must avoid becoming involved in the work of administration. . . . Thus it is seen that the Auxiliary Boards should work
closely with the grass roots of the community: the indi vidual believers, groups and Local Spiritual Assemblies, advising, stimulating and assisting them. . . .
Assemblies sometimes misunderstand what is meant by the statement that Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members are concerned with the teaching work and not with administration. It is taken to mean that they may not give advice on administrative matters. This is quite wrong. One of the things that Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members should watch and report on is the proper working of administrative institutions. The statement that they do not have anything to do with administration means, simply, that they do not administer. They do not direct or organize the teaching work nor do they adjudicate in matters of personal conflict or personal problems. All these activities fall within the sphere of responsibility of the Spiritual Assemblies. But if an Auxiliary Board member finds a Local Spiritual Assembly functioning incorrectly he should call its attention to the appropriate Texts; likewise if, in his work with the community, an Auxiliary Board member finds that the teaching work is being held up by inefficiency of national committees, he should report this in detal to the Counsellors who will then decide whether to refer it to the National Spiritual Assembly concerned. . . .
It is the Spiritual Assemblies who plan and direct the work, but these plans should be well known to the Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members, because one of the ways in which theycan assist the Assemblies is by urging the believers continually to support the plans of the Assemblies. If a National Spiritual Assembly has adopted
A one goal as pre—eminent in a year, the Auxiliary Board
members should bear this in mind in all their contacts with the believers and should direct their attention to the plans of the National Assembly, and stimulate "them to enthusiastically support them.—The Universal House of Justice, Oct. 1, 1969, to the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies. A
The members of the Boards in turn should encourage the friends—individual and Assemblies alke—through correspondence and through visits, and impress upon them that the’ foundation of all our activities is unity; they should encourage the friends to be unified under all circumstances, so that the work may go ahead with the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
The members of the Boards should likewise encourage the friends to contribute freely to the various Funds, which have been established, as the Funds are the lifeblood of the Community, and the work cannot be carried forward unless the life-blood is constantly circulating.—From letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Hands of the Cause of God, June 7, 1954.
. .we have decided to take a further step in the development of the institution by giving to each Continental Board. of Counsellors the discretion to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants.
“The exact nature of the duties and the duration of the appointment of the assistants is. . .left to each Continental Board to decide for itself. Their aims should be to activate and encourage Local Spiritual Assemblies, to call the attention of Local Spiritual Assembly members to the importance of holding regular meetings, to encourage local communities to meet for the Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, to help deepen their fellowbelievers’ understanding of the Teachings, and generally to assist the Auxiliary-Board members in the discharge of their duties. . . .
It is our prayer at the Sacred Threshold that this new development in the institution of the Auxiliary Boards will lead to an unprecedented strengthening of the Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world—The Universal House of Justice, Oct.‘ 7, 1973, to the Bahá’ís of the world.
\
Referring to the great emphasis placed in the Five Year Plan upon’the firmness of the foundation and the efficiency of the operation of the Local Spiritual Assemblies, The Universal House of Justice included the following statement in a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated May 25, 1975:
We are confident that the institution of the Boards of Counsellors will lend its vital support, and through the
v Counsellors’ own contacts with the friends, through their Auxiliary Boards and their assistants, will nourish the roots of each local community, enrich and cultivate the soil of knowledge of the teachings and irrigate it with the living waters of love for Bahá’u’lláh. Thus will the saplings grow into mighty trees, and the trees bear their golden fruit.
[Page 5]
April 1976 5
The Universal House of Justice is endeavoring to collect at the Bahá’í World Center copies of all thesletters from the beloved Guardian not yet on file there. The Universal House of Justice has again requested the National Spiritual Assembly to urge the friends to provide the World Center with the texts of any letters from Shoghi Effendi not yet forwarded. The letter from The Universal House of Justice included the following points for consideration:
“ l. Recipients of letters from the Guardian have the inherent right of deciding to keep the letters themselves, or to have them preserved for the future in their families. To assist the Universal House of Justice, however, in its efforts to study and compile the letters of the Guardian, the friends are urged to provide, for dispatch to the Holy Land, photostatic copies of their communications from the Guardian if
House of Justice seeks unfiled letters fromjGuardian
they wish to keep the originals themselves.
“2. If they are not in a position to provide such copies, they should kindly allow National Spiritual Assemblies to undertake this project on our behalf.
“3. Should any believer possess letters so personal and confidential that he does not wish to disclose their contents to any institution other than the Universal House of Justice, he is invited to send either the originals or copies of such letters, marked confidential, directly to the Universal House of Justice, by registered mail, with any instructions he wishes to be followed.”
Committees and all institutions of the Faith, including Local Spiritual Assemblies, are also requested to check their files and local archives for any letters from the Guardian not already copied for the World Center.
The need for international traveling teachers
The needs and requirements for traveling teachers as outlined by various institutions:
AFRICA
Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa: Longest duration possible. Please allow sufficient time for arrangements with appropriate National Spiritual Assemblies.
North-EastAfrica.' English—speaking. Musical abilities useful. Self-supporting.
Dahomey: French-speaking is preferred, although English interpreters are available. Expansion and consolidation in remote rural areas, praticularly among isolated tribes and minorities. Teaching and deepening in existing communities, to general public, the professional, governmental officials using public meetings and media.
Ghana: English—speaking. Those who could go to small towns and villages, stay for a week or so, conduct a series of deepening classes and consolidate the Bahá’í communities. Teachers to give public lectures and participate in proclamation activities. Minimum period of stay: 3 to 4 weeks.
Nigeria: English-speaking. Duration period of 3 months.
Rhodesia: English-speaking. Should be able to put their message across simply. Would like some teachers to be prepared to visit rural village localities.
Sierra Leone: English-speaking. For proclamation and deepening in the villages, especially strengthening Spiritual Assemblies.
Togo: French-speaking. Experienced mass teachers. Visit localities and consolidate.
Zaire: French-speaking. Duration 3-6 months. Suggest traveling teachers bring visual aids. Strengthen Assemblies.
AUSTRALASIA
North West Pacific Ocean.‘ English-speaking. Good health because of rugged living conditions among the outer islands. They need to be well—grounded, seasoned, knowledgeable, adaptable, and ready to serve for a period of months.
Fiji Islands.‘ English—speaking. For village work single men, married couples, or teams of young men for deepening and consolidation. Urban areas . . . firesides, public meetings, deepening, and consolidation.
Gilbert and Ellice Islands.‘ English—speaking. Deepening and consolidation activities. Audio—visual equipment is useful. Families are popular—men or women in teams (not mixed). Papua and New Guinea: English—speaking. A traveling teacher must be strong and able to walk long distances and live under uncomfortable conditions because the majority of the believers and fertile teaching areas are situated in remote places. Mass teachers would be we]come for remote areas.
Samoa: English, French, or Portuguese. Moderation in dress. No long hair or beards for men. Firesides, public meetings.
Tonga and Cook Islands: English—speaking. Musical, such as guitar or singing with experience in attracting souls to the Faith. Slide projectors, picture, and literature might be useful. Men must not have long hair styles.
[Page 6]
Review I 6
Status of pioneer goals
Africa Asrigned Filled Open Americas A”,-g,u,d [[1194 open (P) Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (S) Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 6 0
(E) Botswana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (S,E) Belize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .3 3 0
(E) British Indian (S) Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 10 0
Ocean Terr.** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (P) Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 10 4
(EE) Cameroon Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 (S) Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2 4
(F) Central African (S) Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 8 0
Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (S) Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0
(F) Dahomey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (S) Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 3 2
(F) Gabon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1 (S) Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 1 6
(E) Gambia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 (S) El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1 3
(E) Ghana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 O (F) French Antilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 0 4
(P) Guinea-Bissau - (F) French Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0
(Port. Guinea) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 —— 2 (S) Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 3 2
(F) Ivory Coast . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 (E) Guyana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 —— 4
(E) Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (F) Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 O
(E) Lesotho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (S) Honduras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _. . . . . . . . . . .6 6 0
(E) Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 O (E) Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1
(F) Malagasy Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (E) Leeward/Virgin ls.,
(E) ‘ Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2 2 0 Montserrat. St. Kitts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 7 2
(P,S) Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 l (S) Nicaragua (Granada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 3 3
(E) Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (S) Panama . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0
(E) Rhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 5 0 (S) Paraguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2 2
(E) Sierra Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (S) Peru (Cuczo, Pufio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1
(E) South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (5) Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 O
(E) St. Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1 (S,E) San Andrés Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1
(E) Tanzania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4‘ 3 l (H,E,D) Surinam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0
(F) Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (E) Trinidad/Tobago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 — 4
(F) Upper Volta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (S) Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0
(F) Zaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 3 4 (S) Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 5 2
Asia 47 21 (E) Windward Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___4 J
(B,E) Bangladesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . .2 — 2 Europe 150 105 45
(E) Indra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 5 0 (F) Belgium A A A ‘ ‘ . . I ' ‘ ' ' I ' _ . _ . I _ _ . ' I I _6 4 2
(J) Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (DH) Denmark 3 _ 3
(F) Khmer Republic , (Fn) Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1 3
(Cambodia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 ’ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
(Gr) Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0
(K,E) Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (I) lcdand 2 _ 2
(F) Laos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (N) Norway ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ’ ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' '3 3 0
(RE) Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 (P) Portugal ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ' '8 1 7
(C,P) Macau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (S) S am ’ ' ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ’ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' "'2 2 O
(E) Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2 1 1 (F G H) *S’wi[ie'fl'a’n‘d' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ' ‘ '6 3 3
(E) Philippine Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 ’ ’ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ’ ‘ ‘ ' ‘ _ _
(E) sn Lanka (Ceylon) . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1 *N l . d I .e‘ 3 17 20
(E) Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 **C,ew y éwgne Com.‘ F} 5
(E) Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 "°“”‘5“’"°"S Pe”““““8
(T,A,E) Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1 1 Total Assignments to be
(E) Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1 Completed by April 21, 1976
Australasia I 35 23 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16157
(E) CF{‘,’°"“° Islands - - - - ~ ~ - ~ < - - - - - - - - - ~-2 2 0 ASIA , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35 23 12
(E) Fu1,1s1-ands - - . ~ - - - - - » - - A - - - - - - . ~ ~ --3 1 2 AUSTRALASIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22 12 10
11:/[4a"‘l*]"‘i‘1‘IS‘]*1"<;S** - - v - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --2 — 2 EUROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 37 17 20
ars a s an s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 — 3 : T
(F) New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1 0 312 204 108
(E) North—East New Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1 ‘ _ ' .
(E) American Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 Language Key fijfifilsh ;r\>1:;I>‘:)(,)1rL‘.‘,gel,gel:‘;1
(E) Western Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 4 0 A—Arabic E—English I—|celandic S—Spanish
(E) Tonga Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 —- 2 B—Be'.‘g"“ F—F'°“°h “—"““a“ T—T”'ki5h L j j C—Ch"1°$€ Fn—Finnish .l—Japanese 22 I2 10 (So. Dialect) (‘,_Gemlan }(_K0rean
[Page 7]
April 1976 7
Progress of Two Year Youth Program
a Homefront pioneering
59 100 homefront pioneers
/ 10 i J40 to unopened localities 6 —:| 10 of 40 to unopened counties 48 _:j 55 to existing communities 1 - J 5 to Indian reservations
Homefront teaching
- 500 domestic
- 650 traveling teaching trips
Y 5 —:|10 lasting two months or more
A"
International pioneering
l5_ zssnternauonaupioneers
7 5 filling specific Five Year Plan goals
International teaching 75 international 52 _ g traveling teaching trips 5 5 College clubs l 350 Bahá’í 307 p college clubs
Youth Clubs
100 local Bahá’í youth clubs
[Page 8]
National Bahá’í Fund
Needs of Faith must be fully met to win goals of Five Year Plan
To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in America Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The chart of contributions to the National Baha’r' Fund shows we are in trouble! With two months remaining in the year we are $400,000 behind the goal recommended by the delegates at the last National Convention.
We have considered what could beresponsible for this shortfall. "The following points come to mind:
1. Communities are making plans of their own to promote and conwlidate the Faith in their areas, requiring greater expenditures of funds than were spent locally in previous years. This is to be encouraged.
2. Communities and individuals are contributing to building the Seat of The Universal House of Justice, one of the ‘primary goals of the Five Year Plan.
3. A number of individuals are saving to attend the International Teaching Conferences called for in the Five Year Plan.
4. The size of the American Bahá’í Community has not increased significantly over the last several years. Despite this fact, contributions have increased each year. In other words. the same Bahá’ís are giving more.
Taken together, these points make our present condition somewhat understandable. Yet the fact remains that the needs of the Faith must be fully met. The new Baha’r' year approaches with its increased demands upon us all to win the goals of the Five Year Plan. We must find ways not to cut back on essential programs but instead to forge ahead with confidence.
During a previous monetary crisis, The Universal House of Justice reminded us that “the progress of the Cause throughout the world hangs largely on the response and single—minded devotion of the American followers of Bahá’u’lláh.” The Supreme Institution also observed that our problem with the Fund in America is not material but spiritual. Isn’t there something we all can do to prevent a deficit this year? Can you do anything?
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY or THE BAHAVIS or: THE UNITED STATES
Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer March 8, 1976
CONTRIBUTIONS
$200,000 “$01000 1975-1976 Monthly Goal
$l00,000
$50,000
ITITI
PARTICIPATION
750
~ Assemblieus
700
650
450
400 Goal '— GVDUDS
Groups 8- Assemblies Contributing
350
090 O0 300 .0 o - 5 he «E Te’§~.§_ETE’§’5‘§ E‘???-5-‘a£'u i‘o‘_ -3 Bier %*3_s_‘%= gaggggégioéaggfiggzgi IEEIIIIIIHIIOIS Blllliill gfizsggéggglégéggiggggg M0mh Year Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden of Mulk [0 Dang Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091; Bahá’í International Fund, P.O. Box 155, Budget goal $153,000 $2,448‘000 lélé1Cl)f;!% Israel; and Continental BahálFund, 418 Forest Ave.,Wilmette, IL Contributions 128,863 2,048,902 Overage (shortage) ($ 24,137) ($ 399,098)
....‘_
