The American Bahá’í/Volume 1/Issue 5/Text
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[Page 1]
“... proclaim unto all who are in heaven and on earth this holy, this exalted, and all-highest Name.”
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B a h á’ u’ l l á h |
The Glory of God
SPECIAL EDITION
Nine Year Plan
Homefront Localities Goal Won!![edit]
The stage is set for victory! With the home-front goal of 3000 localities where Bahá’ís reside achieved, the American Bahá’í Community prepares for total victory on the homefront this Riḍván 1971.
There are over 100 Bahá’í groups with 7, 8 and 9 or more adult believers now! And this vital expansion continues daily. Every existing Assembly that finds its institution jeopardized must redouble their proclamation and teaching efforts to insure the maintenance of their Assembly this Riḍván. Last year there were 87 new and/or restored assemblies and 10 lost assemblies for a net gain of 77. This tremendous gain was the best effort so far by the American Bahá’í Community toward winning the 600 assemblies called for in the Nine Year Plan. This year we must achieve a net gain of 83 assemblies to reach victory. It is well within our capability. A review of all the United States homefront goals of the Nine Year Plan is provided on page 5.
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PIONEERS NEEDED IN KEY WEST!! see page 2 |
SOUTH LEADS WAY IN TEACHING MASSES ...[edit]
The magnet which is attracting the hearts of the waiting masses is the unity of the believers. Feasts, picnics, prayer-meetings and singing sessions have been occasions for demonstrating the fellowship, love, and unity so necessary to let the world see, hear, and finally believe in the Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.
Everywhere the Bahá’ís are arising to serve with selfless devotion; occupied, determined, enamored with the most praiseworthy task - TEACHING.
see page 8
DIRECT, SUSTAINED PROCLAMATION — POTENTIAL STAGGERING[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has approved a new direct proclamation emphasis during the remainder of the Nine Year Plan. The National Teaching Committee and the Public Information Committee have worked out joint plans on the proclamation.
In the main, the proclamation will stress the name Bahá’u’lláh and give information on His Mission.
see page 4
Pioneers Needed In Key West[edit]
Key West, the southernmost part of the United States, was singled out by Shoghi Effendi as a special Ten Year Crusade goal and has been selected by the Universal House of Justice for the establishment of a local Spiritual Assembly during the Nine Year Plan. There can be no doubt that Key West has a special role to play in the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Key West is some 127 miles from the Florida mainland along the only land approach, U. S. Highway No. 1. Its name is derived from the Spanish “Ceuyo Heuso” (pronounced Ki-o Wes-o) and means “Island of Bones”. The citizenry of Key West can be roughly divided into the following categories: the Conchs (natives of Key West named after the marine shell that abounds in the sea around the island), Negroes, Cubans, Military, Tourists and “Outsiders”.
The Conchs are a close-knit group, proud of their heritage, outwardly friendly to everyone but often reluctant to open their homes to the other inhabitants of Key West. Their homes are even referred to as “Conch Houses” because of their unique architecture.
The Negroes on Key West are originally from the Bahama Islands. They are a friendly, warm and fun-loving group who, like the Conchs, are proud of their island for they too were among the early settlers.
The Cubans are either recent refugees from the Batista or Castro regimes, or refugees from previous times of distress in Cuba. Although many are now citizens of the United States they still retain much of the culture and manners of their mother island.
Strangely enough “tourists” are not those who come to spend a few days or weeks on the island, but rather those who have winter homes on the island. Although these people have an active interest in the cultural activities on the island, they generally do not have a deep interest in the progress of the island as their roots are on the mainland, hence the classification of “tourist”.
“Outsiders” are those people who have come to settle on the island for one reason or another. It seems appropriate and in keeping with the glorious history of our beloved Faith that a pioneer to Key West will be thought of as an “outsider”. Bahá’u’lláh Himself was banished from His homeland and was no doubt thought of in similar ways. Hundreds of pioneers since those special days have gone to their posts as “outsiders” prepared to make the sacrifices that will one day make the whole world “insiders” — lovers of humanity.
This has been a brief introduction to the Island of Key West. It, like so many important pioneering posts, offers a multitude of challenges. Jobs are limited. Adequate housing can be difficult to obtain and a diverse and separated citizenry needs the Healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. To us Bahá’ís, those kinds of challenges are bounties. The State Goals Committee of Florida in cooperation with the National Teaching Committee is anxious to assist you in settling in Key West.
Consolidation Teacher Visits Aid Homefront[edit]
I am a consolidation teacher.
I visit various Bahá’í communities at the instruction of the National Teaching Committee.
Usually, I spend at least a full weekend with the community. I meet with the Local Spiritual Assembly, with the community generally, including the youth, and sometimes with individuals upon request of the Local Assembly.
We all consult on more effective teaching methods, on how to get ourselves out of the way and get the job done, on new dimensions of telling people about the Faith, such as mass teaching.
We refer to the Writings and we consult.
We review the responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly and the awesome concept of its potential as a local House of Justice.
We laugh a lot and sometimes we cry together.
And we pray together.
I receive some training for this volunteer work and am provided with a Development program manual which is a compilation of material from the Writings pertaining to Assembly functions, Bahá’í community life and the spiritual significance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.
I love this area of service. What I learn from it, each time, is undoubtedly much more than I ever teach. I meet many Bahá’ís, work with them, study and learn with them, get to know them.
And we pray together.
I’m not a special Bahá’í. I do have available free time and an ever-increasing store of experience.
I am sent around to communities because the Universal House of Justice said, in a letter dated February 2, 1966, that “travelling teachers selected by the Assembly or its Teaching Committees, should be continuously encouraged to...make regular visits to Local Spiritual Assemblies”, and because, sometimes, a strange face coming into a community, even briefly, puts things into focus and into their proper perspective, and reminds the friends that their community is not isolated, but is part of an ever-expanding, ever-developing, ever-strengthening world community.
And we pray together.
international pioneering — youth![edit]
| GOAL: | 25 new posts to be filled by youth (Refer to Five Year Youth Program goals — center pages) |
| WHERE: | the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Europe |
| HOW: | write: International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. 60091---------now! |
EDITORIAL[edit]
In its message to the Mediterranean Oceanic Conference, the Universal House of Justice reminded us of the condition and direction of world events: “... that the violent disruption which has seized the entire planet is beyond the ability of men to assuage, unaided by God’s revelation, is a truth repeatedly and forcibly set forth in our Writings. The old order cannot be repaired; it is being rolled up before our eyes. The moral decay and disorder convulsing human society must run their course; we can neither arrest nor divert them.” “As humanity enters the dark heart of this age of transition,” the Universal House of Justice at another time said, “our course is clear: the achievement of the assigned goals and the proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s healing Message.”
Here then is our course, our challenge, and our duty:
- “to launch ... an enduring and intensive proclamation of the healing message that the Promised One has come and that the unity and well-being of the human race is the purpose of His Revelation”,
- “to ensure that the healing Word of God reaches the rich and the poor, the learned and the illiterate, the old and the young, the devout and the atheist, the dweller in the remote hills and islands, the inhabitant of the teeming cities, the suburban businessman, the laborer in the slums, the nomadic tribesman, the farmer, the university student; all must be brought consciously within the teaching plans of the Bahá’í community”,
- to deepen, which means to obtain “...a clearer apprehension of the purpose of God for man, and particularly of His immediate purpose as revealed and directed by Bahá’u’lláh, a purpose as far removed from current concepts of human well-being and happiness as is possible. We should constantly be on our guard lest the glitter and tinsel of an affluent society should lead us to think that such superficial adjustments to the modern world as are envisioned by humanitarian movements or are publicly proclaimed as the policy of enlightened statesmanship ... will of themselves fulfill the glorious mission of Bahá’u’lláh. Far otherwise.”
In meeting this challenge we must not resort to “old world” expediencies. The Universal House of Justice points out that the immediate objectives of the Bahá’í community “...will be reached through hard work, realistic planning, sacrificial deeds, intensification of the teaching work and, above all, through constant endeavor on the part of every single Bahá’í to conform his inner life to that glorious ideal set for mankind by Bahá’u’lláh and exemplified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In contemplating the Master’s divine example we may well reflect that His life and deeds were not acted to a pattern of expediency, but were the inevitable and spontaneous expression of His inner self. We, likewise, shall act according to His example only as our inward spirits, growing and maturing through the disciplines of prayer and practice of the Teachings, become the well-springs of all our attitudes and actions.”
We can best meet this challenge by responding to the guidance of our institutions with “instant, exact and complete obedience.” The Institutions ordained by Bahá’u’lláh to ensure the integrity of His Cause “... embody its truth, demonstrate its validity, and perpetuate its influence.” The application of this understanding is the key to victory!
DEEP SOUTH COMMITTEE SPONSORS TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE[edit]
teacher training institute[edit]
August 18 was Graduation Day for fifteen Bahá’í Mass Conversion Teachers who had just completed a concentrated 4-day course in a Teacher-Training Institute sponsored by the Deep South Committee at Perry, Georgia. Students ranged in age from fourteen to twenty, with the exception of one older student. Most of them are natives of Georgia, and are very young in the Faith. Several of them became believers in July, and one on the day the Institute opened.
From 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM, the eager students prayed, memorized and discussed with their teachers the following subjects: Essentials of the Faith, which included the basic teachings and history; Living the Life; the Bahá’í Laws; the Importance of the Daily Obligatory Prayer; Memorizing and Perusal of Revealed Prayers; Consultation; the Election of a Local Spiritual Assembly and the Role of Assembly Officers and their Election, including workshops to do both; the Nineteen-Day Feast with a workshop on giving a Feast; the Bahá’í Holy Days; the Fund; the Scope and Stature of the Faith (shown through slides); Conducting Firesides; Bahá’í Literature and Teaching Aids; Spiritual Significance of Mass Teaching; Methods in Mass Teaching and Preparation for Mass Teaching. Field experience included two mass teaching projects during the last two days of the Institute, climaxed with a large Fireside at the Center in Fort Valley.
Recreation was provided through singing, games, inspirational stories and whatever fun could be squeezed into the short “breaks”.
At graduation exercises each one was presented with the booklet, “Blessed is the Spot”, a flower, and as a last assignment, a packet of enrollment cards. Each graduate then set out to find the “waiting souls” and invite them to a Unity Feast at the Fort Valley Center at 4:00 PM.
Poova Murday and Magdalene Carney shared the responsibility for directing the Institute, and taught several classes. Auxiliary Board Member Thelma Thomas taught several classes using very effective teaching techniques. Other teachers were Mr. and Mrs. Casey Walton and their daughter, Marcia Walton, who gave a beautiful presentation on the Bahá’í Holy Days; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bagley; and several visitors, who each made contributions through stories or in other ways, including Dr. William Saunders, Miss Yvonne Harrop, Mr. Chris Wade from California, Mrs. Borden and her Mother, Mrs. Beech, from Mentor, Ohio, Miss Nancy Hart of Florida and Mr. Duane Dumbleton, Chairman of the Georgia State Goals Committee.
A most important contribution was made by two devoted believers who prepared delicious meals in a nearby motel with kitchen facilities and brought them to us three times a day. Betty Beck and Patti Lowery won the hearts of all by this labor of love.
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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. Material must be received by the 15th of the month of its intended publication. Black and white glossy prints should be included with material whenever possible. Articles and news written in a clear and concise manner are welcomed from individuals as well as assemblies and committees. Address all mail to: The American Bahá’í Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. |
PROCLAMATION: “a prospect of enthralling opportunities”[edit]
One of the key elements of this proclamation campaign will be newspaper advertisements and posters which feature Bahá’u’lláh’s Name.
The new ad, a copy of which appears below, stresses both the names “Bahá’u’lláh” and “Bahá’í Faith.” The special type of design chosen to identify the Faith and its Author will be used from now on to build a definite and distinctive recognition and association between the names “Bahá’u’lláh” and “Bahá’í Faith.” This ad will not only appear in hundreds of local newspapers across the nation, but will also be used in national news media - look for it in the December 1970 issue of Ebony Magazine.
- The world has entered a new stage of history,
- the age of the maturity of man and the
- beginning of a world civilization.
- The source of this new development was a
- Man who was exiled, tortured, banished and
- imprisoned for more than 40 years.
- He lived during the last century. His name is —
- Bahá’u’lláh
- THE GLORY OF GOD
- Bahá’u’lláh is the latest in the succession of Divine
- Messengers sent by God since the beginning of
- man’s existence. He is the Promised One
- of all religions. His coming ushers in the Age of
- Fulfillment mentioned in all the prophecies
- of the past. Bahá’u’lláh brings God’s Plan
- for world peace, world justice and world unity.
- FOR INFORMATION:
- Bahá’í Faith
In a letter addressed to all Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated believers, college clubs, and State Goals Committees (sent on behalf of the National Teaching Committee and Public Information Committee), the Public Information Office has outlined plans for the various ways in which this ad can be used.
It is important to remember that the Universal House of Justice has called us to launch “an enduring and intensive proclamation.” This means we must place this ad regularly in our local newspaper!
In order to launch, in an auspicious and befitting manner, the proclamation of The Greatest Name, Bahá’í communities are urged to place the ad in the November 12, 1970 issue of their newspaper or the nearest issue of their weekly newspaper to the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. In this way, the name “Bahá’u’lláh” will appear across the nation in hundreds of newspapers on or around this glorious Holy Day.
The Public Information Office letter outlines variations on the ad, including changing the title after Bahá’u’lláh’s Name from “The Glory of God” to others such as “The Promised One”, “Bearer of God’s Word for Today”, “God’s Messenger for Today”, “The Promise of Christ Fulfilled”, and “Renewer of Religion”. The ad is best used as a two-column wide ad (it should not be used for less space), but can be blown up to a larger ad if so desired.
State Goals Committees can use the ad to assist in opening new localities; college clubs can develop a consciousness of Bahá’u’lláh on campuses through college newspapers; communities, groups and isolated believers throughout the country can proclaim like they never have before through daily and weekly newspapers, keeping in mind the special benefits of using the minority presses.
Local identification should retain the name “Bahá’í Faith” in the ad and follow this with the local community name and address; for example, Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’í Group of Anytown, 1400 State Street, Anytown, Anystate, etc.
No change should be made to the style of type in the ad. Camera-ready copies of the ad were sent to Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated believers, State Goals Committees and college clubs. Additional copies can be obtained free from the Public Information Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
The potential of a direct and sustained proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Name and the Faith He brought can, as the campaign gains momentum, “thrill the heart of every ardent follower of Bahá’u’lláh.”
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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TEACHING PROJECTS
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to be “especially sought out and taught”[edit]
Shoghi Effendi, with his great vision and ability to pinpoint those areas upon which our teaching efforts should be focused, points out in The Advent of Divine Justice “No more laudable and meritorious service can be rendered the Cause of God, at the present hour, than a successful effort to enhance the diversity of the American Bahá’í Community....” He continues in this same context to quote the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding the great destiny that will be achieved by the American Indian when “... educated and properly guided ...” and of the great hope of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to reach the “down-trodden race” (the American Negro).
In a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf to the Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies dated July 1957, the importance of teaching minorities is further emphasized and we are told that minorities should be especially sought out and taught.
The placing of special emphasis on teaching a particular ethnic or racial group is not always easily understood by Bahá’ís from American backgrounds. This appears to be a discriminatory instruction while the very essence of the principle of the Oneness of Mankind would appear to be totally non-discriminatory. However confused the logical American mind may be at this point, the wisdom of the Guardian’s instructions begins to unfold as he explains further, “If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a discrimination not against, but rather in favor of the minority be it racial or otherwise.”
He continues in the 1957 Message to the Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies, “the friends should bear in mind that in our Faith, unlike every other society, the minority, to compensate for what might be treated as an inferior status, receives special attention, love and consideration.”
One of the world goals of the Ten Year Crusade of the beloved Guardian was to “... increase the number of races represented in the world Bahá’í fellowship.” Today, under the Nine Year Plan of that august body, the Universal House of Justice, a goal has been delineated for the United States to increase efforts to enroll under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh a greater number of believers from minority groups, especially Chinese, Japanese, Spanish-speaking peoples, as well as Indians and Negroes. However, to quote a Universal House of Justice Message of Riḍván 1967, “... the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh remains, as yet, unknown to the generality of mankind.”
Surely now is the “hour” to perform that “laudable and meritorious service” and for each individual Bahá’í and Bahá’í Community to arise and give special attention to teaching those minority peoples that the Universal House of Justice has instructed us to reach, namely, the Chinese, Japanese, Spanish-speaking, Indian, and Negro.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, undoubtedly foreseeing this time, exhorted us to broaden our teaching efforts: “The scope of your exertions must needs be extended. The wider its range, the more striking will be the evidence of divine assistance.”
The Blessed Perfection Himself, in the closing paragraph of the Hidden Words, stated what may be appropriate to quote here: “... the favor is complete, the argument fulfilled, the proof manifest and the evidence established. Let it now be seen what your endeavors in the path of detachment will reveal.”
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UNITED STATES HOMEFRONT GOALS OF THE (April 1964 - April 1973) |
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He had read the admonitions of Bahá’u’lláh and of the longing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; he knew of the strong directives of the Guardian and studied the messages from the Universal House of Justice and from his National Spiritual Assembly, all of which raised the urgent call for pioneers, both home-front and foreign. Lee Thargy knew of the need, and he knew too that he would go pioneering.... some day. But for the time being, he decided, he would wait until things settled. After all, “I am still a youth,” he thought, “and there is plenty of time.”.... time.... time passed. A few years later, Lee thought again about pioneering. He scanned the lists of goals, as he had done so many times before. “If there are so many goals, surely it won’t matter if I wait another year or two.” A year....two years....three years....time passed. Finally, several years later, Lee picked up some old copies of Bahá’í News; he began to read the letters and reports from pioneers, recalled how, as a new Bahá’í, he had wanted to tell the whole world about Bahá’u’lláh. He realized, too, that he still had that fire. But the realization didn’t reach the arena of action...not until another several years later. Lee Thargy finally arose to pioneer. Now he was ready to help spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world, but everywhere he went people gave him the message. It was too late...everyone already knew of Bahá’u’lláh!
2nd NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH CONF.
JUNE 1970[edit]
the rise of
a NEW
civilization
was seen at
the splendid
youth conference yes
’twas a true
God-given privilege to be there so well organized (of course by able servants)
and so happy and positive optimistic
everybody talking of pioneering and teaching and preparation to serve with news of mass conversion in diverse areas and everybody with their long hair and beards and new colorful clothing yes some short hair brothers and sisters were there to add to the rightful symmetry of our unified diversity the blacks are really beautiful now aint no doubt and the indians to whom everyone looks toward for a special renaissance and the music was wonderful phil lucas joanie lincoln
crofts and seals (the popular duo who teach and sing) everybody singing loud and proud it was just real nice to hear over 2,000 youth very different from the last youth conf. bubbling enthusiasm great ovations yelling and victory peace signs from all the hands in the air but mannerly the renaissance not the revolution the speakers dwight and dan and firuz and bob phillips and jack mcCants yes but the throne we must save for our lady Rúḥíyyih Khánum she rightfully dominated with strong words and humor the conference she really told it like it is setting by her hard-striving example the standard and the youth drank it in in heady gulps as only youth can do and understand the admonitions and exhortations and they will surely go forth to work the miracle
and then suddenly like some great glad balloon that suddenly deflates the conference was over the great dispersal took place to posts far and near
it was a truly historic conference praise be to God the threshold of numbers is being breached the promise is being fulfilled in its mystery out of unmitigated obscurity
we march into the arena of mass movement and as promised by Shoghi Effendi into the era of active repression yeah lets get the show on the road
[Page 7]
THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, OUR GENERAL IN THIS SPIRITUAL CONQUEST OF AMERICA, PUT OUR SHOW ON THE ROAD WHEN IT ANNOUNCED AT THE END OF THE CONFERENCE SUPPLEMENTARY GOALS TO THE FIVE YEAR YOUTH PROGRAM.
THESE GOALS REPRESENT TWO DEVELOPMENTS. FIRST, SUCCESS—SUCCESS IN WINNING THE GOALS IN FOREIGN PIONEERING AND DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF COLLEGE CLUBS IN JUST OVER A YEAR. SECONDLY, THE REALIZATION THAT NOW THAT OUR NUMBERS ARE RAPIDLY INCREASING (THERE ARE NOW MORE YOUTH 15-21 BECOMING BAHÁ’ÍS THAN ADULTS) MUCH MUCH MORE IS POSSIBLE. SHOGHI EFFENDI IN SPEAKING OF AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SAID, “UPON THEM RESTS THE SUPREME AND CHALLENGING RESPONSIBILITY TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD IN DAYS TO COME....” WITH A NEW DIVERSITY OF YOUTH, WITH MOTIVATION ASSURED, WITH THE DESPERATION OF OUR FELLOW YOUTH INCREASING HOURLY, WITH TEACHING THE MASSES NOW THE PARAMOUNT REALITY FACING ALL BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE UNITED STATES, AND WITH SPECIFIC GOALS GIVEN US TO FULFILL—WITH ALL THESE CONDITIONS, HOW CAN WE BUT RISE UP AS ONE SOUL IN MANY BODIES AND ACHIEVE A VICTORY? A VICTORY WHOSE TRUMPET CALL WILL SOUND THE DEATH KNELL OF THE OLD WORLD ORDER AND THE ADVENT OF THE NEW.
TO WIN THESE VICTORIES EACH BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SHOULD RELATE HIS LIFE TO THESE GOALS AND RISE UP TO DO HIS UNIQUE PART. CONTACT US AT THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE—WE STAND READY AND EAGER TO HAVE THE BOUNTY OF SERVING YOU.
SUPPLEMENTARY GOALS[edit]
to our Five Year Youth Plan
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SOUTH LEADS WAY[edit]
In addition to the joy associated with increased enrollments, the hard patient work of consolidation and deepening has caused much concern in all quarters. Perhaps for the first time we are realizing what the beloved Guardian often called upon us to do in various teaching campaigns:
“The champion builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s rising World Order must scale nobler heights of heroism as humanity plunges into greater depths of despair, degradation, dissension, and distress...” “Urge that you redouble your efforts... Appeal to entire community to arise, participate and insure attainment of goals....”
Perhaps for the first time we are truly realizing the need for universal participation. There are those souls who arise and go forth, even on foot to carry the Healing Message; there are others who can also go to share the deeper spiritual verities of the Cause. Everyone is needed — no artificial or imaginary gaps should be created at this crucial period. Now is the time to close ranks and do what the Master, over fifty years ago, urged us to: “Let your thoughts be of Bahá’u’lláh, your mention be of Bahá’u’lláh, and fill all hearts with the truth of Bahá’u’lláh.”
NEEDS:
- Dedicated, self-sustaining pioneer families - all states - remote, rural areas
- Development of children’s classes in over 100 localities - Southland
- Fresh ideas for deepening sessions
- Development of more teacher-training institutes in all localities
- More mass movement of deepened Bahá’ís to teach, enroll, deepen new believers
*Let’s Not Make Them in Our Image
| How much do they know? | Are they sincere? |
| Will they stay in the Faith? | What about their habits? |
| Why don’t they come to meetings? | Why don’t they say something? |
| How can we stop this quick declaration? | Whoever heard of instantaneous conversion? |
RATHER ...
“Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and of mercy, for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our grace encompassed the earth and the heavens.”
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“ ‘Hath the Book been sent down through the power of the true Faith?’
Say: ‘The true Faith itself is astounded.’ ”
!
read: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf |
Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
campus Seminars Coming![edit]
While the long hot summers of Southern suppression have begun to bear their spiritual fruit with spiraling enrollments, while the rural farm—Southwestern chicano—midwestern suburbanite and other segments of this diverse and disunified nation have begun to respond to the soul-sparkling splendor of Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation, the youth of our confused and chaotic campuses remain largely ignorant of the major spiritual, political, economic, social, legal, scientific and artistic fact of our time. Bahá’u’lláh—the Promised One of all religions—has come.
How can we awaken youth on high school and college campuses to the reality of the New Age? How can Bahá’ís handle issues like violence, drugs, race, war? How can Bahá’í campus groups deal with increasingly uptight school administrations? What are the teaching activities that will get the people coming and becoming Bahá’ís? These are some of the questions. Now is the time to answer them. This is the year for victory!
ANNOUNCING: THREE CAMPUS TECHING SEMINARS
WHEN AND WHERE:
- Midwest, October 24-25, Triton College, Maywood, Illinois. Contact: Bahá’í Club of Triton College, Miss Margie Winters, Maywood, Illinois 60152
- West, November 7-8, University of California, Santa Cruz, California. Contact: Bahá’í Awareness Club, Santa Cruz, California 95060
- East, November 14-15, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. Contact: Spiritual Assembly of Amherst, Juan Caban, Assist. Secretary, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
WHO:
All youth on high school and college campuses should attend the seminar closest to them. Representatives of local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees in the area are invited to attend as observers.
GOALS:
- To launch a special year of proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Name.
- Introduce new materials.
- Help win goal of 200 college clubs and 20 high school clubs established by the National Spiritual Assembly in the Five Year Youth Program.
it CAN happen to you ...[edit]
... this is what Bahá’í youth can do
simply amazed at the days during which God has given us life and at the events which He has allowed us to see
on August 15th and 16th about 30 youth gathered at Winnsboro, South Carolina they were Bahá’ís the battle plans were well prepared with maps in hand the irresistible troops a conquering host went forth to summon the inhabitants of earth to their Lord some, while squatting and eating watermelon and playing checkers, spoke of love and mercy and the goodness of God as others trudged along the deserted country roads in the sweltering heat searching for the last homely house while their brothers and sisters demonstrated a tenacious unity on the unbelieving streets of Winnsboro and all brought back the same message that night unqualified victory for in a few short hours 80 lovers embraced the Faith of God As each youth told of his particular conquests the Area Youth Committee met
next morning the Five Year Youth Program and supplementary goals were explained college and high school material was presented “sacrifice” demanded a beautiful consultation the state of the youth fund was exposed brief statement on Mass Teaching
before we departed, the chorus of nightingales cheered our hearts as the food of the Fryes and Martins (our devoted hosts) filled our bellies at the farewell picnic.
I am desolate so much is in my heart to say that will cheer you but my fingers cannot place it on paper
be as one soul in one body[edit]
In this, the year of victory, the Bahá’í youth of the United States face the challenge of the National Bahá’í Fund, as does the entire Bahá’í community. As the teaching work accelerates and the condition of society declines, the needs of the Bahá’í Fund become more urgent.
In past years, many youth have made real sacrifices in order to give to the Fund. Yet, the youth goal has not been won. The Universal House of Justice has stated:
“The House of Justice believes that the financial needs of the Cause should be met by universal participation in giving and urges national and local Spiritual Assemblies to pursue this goal with vigor and imagination...
Often this goal seems so far off that we consider it impossible to reach. Will there ever be a day when every Bahá’í will give to the Fund?
As ever, the House of Justice points out our direction:
The real secret of universal participation lies in the Master’s oft-expressed wish that the friends should love each other, constantly encourage each other, work together, be as one soul in one body, and in doing so become a true, organic, healthy body animated and illumined by the spirit. In such a body all will receive spiritual health and vitality from the organism itself, and the most perfect flowers and fruits will be brought forth.
The goal of giving $200,000 to the NATIONAL FUND that the Bahá’í youth have received is not a material challenge, but a spiritual one. It can only be achieved with spiritual tools—love, sacrifice, constant encouragement, work and unity.
Each youth should make a conscious effort to become an example of these qualities to others. And to contribute directly to the National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
TEACHING TECHNIQUES[edit]
a commentary ...[edit]
The Universal House of Justice pointed out to the Bahá’í World in 1964 that the basic foundation of the Administrative Order had been laid to the point that the way was now prepared for “...that awakening of the masses which must characterize the future progress of the Faith....” In a message to national spiritual assemblies during that same year (1964) the Universal House of Justice again emphasized the importance of reaching the masses: “Teaching the masses is a reality facing each national assembly.” The responsibility for teaching the masses goes further than the national level. The Universal House of Justice, in that same message, closed with the following statement: “We are fervently praying that all national and local spiritual assemblies, supported by the individual believers, will achieve outstanding success in the fulfillment of this glorious objective.”
The individual believer, contemplating these words of guidance, might well ask at this point, “but how do we reach the masses?” Here again we can turn to that God-directed institution for clarification. “In countries where teaching the masses has succeeded, the Bahá’ís have poured out their time and efforts in village areas to the same extent as they had formerly done in cities and towns.”
The next step in learning “how” to reach the masses might well be to ask, “What teaching techniques should we use?” It is on this point that some controversy presently takes place in the Bahá’í Community, for to date in the rural United States, indeed in Africa, India and Latin America, mass teaching has been characterized by so-called “mass teaching techniques”. An analysis of these techniques reveals several points:
- the Message is given simply and directly
- the seekers are shown genuine and divine love
- declaration or desire to enroll as a Bahá’í comes very quickly from the seekers
The approach is “direct” not “indirect”. The point of controversy is whether the direct approach is consistent with Bahá’í standards of dignity and reverence.
The beloved Guardian, as long ago as February 20, 1927, in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, refers to a “twofold teaching method”. In fact, he encourages the National Spiritual Assembly, “as the movement grows in strength and power...to resort to the twofold method of directly and indirectly winning the enlightened public to the unqualified acceptance of the Bahá’í Faith.”
He continues by explaining more about the “direct” and “indirect” methods: “...The one method would assume an open, decisive and challenging tone. The other, without implying in any manner the slightest departure from strict loyalty to the Cause of God, would be progressive and cautious.”
Most of our teaching activities in the United States have been relatively “indirect”. Our teaching has, for the most part, been “cautious” and progressed step by step. This approach has proved very effective. Undoubtedly, most of the Bahá’ís in America have been reached in this way. However, the Universal House of Justice has stated, “The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh remains as yet unknown to the generality of mankind.” Surely we must extend our scope and explore new “methods” to bring the Faith to the “masses”.
Today, in village and rural areas of the South and Southwest, the “direct” method is proving to be extremely successful. Since most American Bahá’ís are more accustomed to the “indirect” method, it frequently comes as a shock to observe “direct” teaching in action. This type of teaching is “challenging”, “daring”, and “decisive”, it frequently brings an immediate response from those being taught.
The National Teaching Committee has noticed a tendency, on the one hand, for Bahá’ís unaccustomed to the “direct” method of teaching to immediately reject it as totally inappropriate for their own area and, on the other hand, a tendency for Bahá’ís indoctrinated in the “direct” teaching method to assume it is the panacea for all teaching situations. We can do no better than quote the words of the beloved Guardian:
“Experience will reveal the fact that each of the methods in its own special way might suit a particular temperament and class of people, and that each in the present state of a constantly fluctuating society, should be judiciously attempted and utilized.”
Silent Teacher[edit]
Below is a letter received from a young girl who visited the House of Worship in Wilmette. This Temple stands as an example of the love and patience which should surround all of our teaching work:
Dear Sirs:
I have lived all my eighteen years in Chicago, but I hadn’t ever seen anything that made me feel close to God or fulfilled with myself when it came to religious institutions, teachings or atmospheres. Last night some friends and I drove out to your Temple because one of us suddenly felt compelled to see it, I had never seen it. I haven’t stopped seeing it since. We couldn’t go in because we’d come too late, but I looked in a window and suddenly noted that the windows let in the sky and the moon and trees and I imagined how beautiful a service could be with all of God’s work in view and feeling half outside and half inside.
Best of all I felt as if I knew now that the God I had so long talked to on my own without assistance from any clergy or teachings really existed, and best of all He was serene and loved me. I know the architect must have felt that too, because all that love kind of draws you close to the building, I remember running from the car and up to the steps and feeling totally one with all my friends and with nature, and as we walked through the gardens I felt as if I’d left this world for something just too peaceful and serene for words. I even felt quite peaceful as we left it.
I’d like to know more about the Faith, the architect, the services EVERYTHING! I can’t imagine a more marvelous place to rejoice or mourn than your Temple, or even just in the gardens where we sat around the pools and talked and smiled and felt all that grandeur holding us together. It was magnificent, and the feeling is still with all of us.
Thank you for being!!
[Page 11]
CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE
- kingston, jamaica
- may 21-23, 1971
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT ATTENDING THE CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE NEXT YEAR![edit]
An ELEVEN-DAY Cruise to the Virgin Islands and Jamaica has been planned as a Pre- and Post-Conference Institute/Floating Summer School. You would sail from Miami on May 17, 1971, and return to port on May 28, 1971.
HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD, William Sears, is the first to sign up for this exciting adventure. He has also consented to be one of the Institute Leaders.
This entire eleven-day trip, including transportation, stateroom and food, will cost under $400 per person. You will live aboard ship while in Kingston, as well as our other port of call, beautiful St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. It would cost over $230 to fly round-trip from Miami and spend four days in Jamaica, which makes this sea-faring Bahá’í experience a travel bargain as well as a rich spiritual experience.
However, this is only possible if four hundred Bahá’ís participate in the charter of this beautiful ship, the “Bahama Star”. Are you interested? If so, please complete the attached coupon and return to the Caribbean Conference Committee by November 1st.
There will be special rates for children under 12.
The ship would serve as your hotel, dining room, transportation, classroom, recreation spot, proclamation vehicle, and your high-seas adventure in prospective pioneering. All plus special, surprise Bahá’í entertainment!
This beautiful cruise ship, the “Bahama Star”, regularly cruises these Caribbean waters and is outfitted for your comfort.
Complete details on the ship and on the Institute schedule will be sent to all who complete the attached coupon.
IMAGINE! An opportunity to combine the best of a vacation/deepening experience in the company of over four-hundred of your fellow believers!!!
You are urged to invite your non-Bahá’í family to join you for this cruise. Although they could not participate in the Conference in Kingston, it is a beautiful sight-seeing area. They would be welcome to attend all events on board.
[Page 12]
announcing ...
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the British Isles will publish in the next month
The Priceless Pearl[edit]
A Biography of Shoghi Effendi by Amatu’l Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum
SPECIAL DE LUXE EDITION
- This very limited edition is superbly bound in leather—red Chieftain goatskin—and is extensively embossed with Gold Leaf. It has a strong clear dust-jacket. Each copy is in a red covered slip-in case for permanent protection.
- It consists of over 450 pages of text PLUS 45 photographs, a map, and an extensive index.
- Amatu’l Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum will autograph each copy.
- The de luxe edition is intended for individuals only.
- The price: $25.00 plus $1.75 for insured parcel post.
- No individual will be allowed to purchase more than one copy.
HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY
- Anyone desiring a copy of this special edition, which will not be reprinted, should send to the National Spiritual Assembly: (1) a check in the full amount of $26.75; (2) his/her name and address.
- The deadline for receiving orders is November 30, 1970.
- The limited number available to the United States will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to those individuals ordering them by the deadline. Checks will be returned to those whose orders surpass the number of copies available.
- Since the book is being published in Great Britain and it will take some time for the Publishing Trust there to process the orders, a month or so after November 30 should be allowed for receiving the copies ordered.
HURRY! Please do not delay your order if you want a copy of this special edition of “The Priceless Pearl.” ORDER NOW!!
NOTE: The National Spiritual Assembly will not transfer the deposits to England until it is certain that the books are ready. The Assembly will hold the deposits in trust so that refunds can be made if there is a cancellation of the edition.
in this issue ...
Localities Victory Achieved
Launching into Direct Proclamation
Teaching in the South
Photo-Report on the National Youth Conference
The Caribbean Conference:
A Chance for a Spiritual Adventure
State Convention
November 1, 1970
vote and attend
