The American Bahá’í/Volume 1/Issue 6/Text
| ←Previous | The American Bahá’í November, 1970 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
[Page 1]
“... proclaim unto all who are in heaven and on earth this holy, this exalted, and all-highest Name.”
|
B a h á’ u’ l l á h |
The Glory of God
Assembly in Key West This Riḍván[edit]
43 Declarations Assure Victory[edit]
“As ye have Faith, so shall your powers and blessings be.” The power of these words of the Master became apparent to a group of loving Bahá’ís, Oct. 24 and 25, as they set out to accomplish the impossible — to win a goal of the Nine Year Plan which had also been a goal of the Ten Year Crusade of the beloved Guardian (See The American Bahá’í, October 1970).
The group left their homes in South Carolina and headed towards Florida. They were three adults, eight youth and two children. They picked up another adult in Florida. Some of the youth had left much-needed jobs with no assurance that a job would be there when they returned (one youth did lose his job). Seven people stuffed in one Volkswagen—but they went.
Key West has been a difficult goal to win. Before the arrival of the traveling group, the Bahá’í membership of Key West was 8 adults and 2 youth. The Miami Bahá’ís had worked with Key West, along with Florida State Goals Committee, and were anxious to give all possible assistance to the traveling Bahá’ís from South Carolina; but all concerned wondered, “Could it be done?”
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY BESTOWS BOUNTY ON AMERICAN BAHÁ’ÍS[edit]
“Beloved friends, this for me is a sentimental journey. It’s a great joy to see the faces of many dear friends...I bring to all of you the love and warm good wishes of the Universal House of Justice. I am here not as a member of the House of Justice, but as a former American believer who has longed, since leaving this country in 1963, to return to this holy spot, the holiest House of Worship ever to be erected in the Bahá’í World.....
“Father of Victories” Visits US[edit]
The American Bahá’í Community has been honored with an extensive visit by Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga. Referred to as the “Father of Victories” by the beloved Guardian, Mr. Olinga warmed the hearts of all he addressed and inspired us on to meet the challenges of this Year of Victory. His tour began in Puerto Rico where he met with Bahá’ís in San Juan, Mayaguez and San Germán encouraging the believers to teach more forcefully and with greater confidence. As a result of his visit, the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico have set a goal of 1,000 believers on the island by Riḍván 1971.
|
HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD ENOCH OLINGA ate home cooked meals | ||
| countersigned declaration cards | raised the call for pioneers | |
| traveled roads that reminded him of Africa | heard singing that reminded him of the Congo | |
| was welcomed by the children in Puerto Rico, Dawson, Fort Valley, Adams Run, Toppenish | ||
| taught under a canopy of stars at Adams Run gave new insights on mass teaching twin processes of expansion and consolidation |
brought the message that the Beloved Guardian gave him 13 years ago for the American believers-“teach with fervor and devotion, day and night” | |
| nourished us all with his warmth and love | ||
American Bahá’ís Key To Peace In Vietnam[edit]
Mr. Le Loc, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Vietnam, visited a number of Bahá’í communities throughout the United States recently and on these occasions spoke of the tremendous Bahá’í growth that Vietnam has experienced in the past few years. From 46,000 believers at Riḍván in 1968 to 52,000 in 1969, and then to 95,000 Bahá’ís in 1970. This last figure includes about 23,000 Montagnards who are the indigenous people of the central highlands and who do not speak Vietnamese, His description of life in Vietnam added new emphasis to these figures. Lacking many of the resources which the American believers have, the Vietnamese Bahá’ís must endure great hardships and danger to spread the Word of Bahá’u’lláh to the waiting masses. Sometimes Bahá’í youth in Vietnam will be walking to a village where there is no public transportation and will be caught in the crossfire between two armies. One such youth who was wounded in this way was visited in the hospital by the Bahá’ís of Saigon to “share his suffering”, only to find that he was happy and was impatient to be out of the hospital so that he could continue teaching the Faith, Such sacrifice of time, energy, and material resources by the youth of Vietnam is a shining example to the entire Bahá’í population.
Mr. Le Loc told how the Bahá’í Faith was Outlawed by the Diem regime in 1953, and how seven months later, when the government toppled, it was reinstated in good standing. Mr. Le Loc himself was involved in seeing that the new Constitution of South Vietnam made mention of a Supreme Being. Since that time, the relations between the Vietnamese government and the Bahá’ís have been most cordial and a bit unusual.
In Vietnam, religions are largely supported by the government. Thus, when the Bahá’ís refuse, politely, each year the large offers of money, it gives the believers a special spirit which is resulting in almost total participation in the fund. Vietnamese families are encouraged to donate a penny a day to the fund, and many raise an extra plot of vegetables to sell and donate to the fund.
Because the Bahá’í Faith is the only religion in the country which is not receiving money from the government, and also has steadfastly refused to take sides on political issues, a great deal of trust has been developed. The government is assured that the Bahá’ís are teaching religion and not communism, and the Vietcong realize that the Bahá’ís are involved in spreading the Bahá’í Faith rather than in military activities.
Mr. Le Loc was adamant in stressing the importance that the United States has in all the future international arrangements of all countries in the world. He said that all nations, especially Vietnam, are watching to see if unity can be established here. He said that if the American Bahá’ís could make this country into a heavenly place, that all the world would follow. He went on to say that all the governments of the world, and the people too, realize that wars will not produce a better condition for mankind. Only the Bahá’í Faith is the “better way.” He said that the knowledge that war is not good is not enough, because neither side in any dispute knows how to stop the war. He stressed that only if the American Bahá’ís, by their efforts, bring the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the attention of the world, can the endless cycle of warfare be brought to a halt.
Mr. Le Loc spoke of many other things; how the Bahá’í women in Vietnam are very happy to see how active American women are in the Faith; and how glad the Vietnamese Bahá’ís are to feel a part of a unified world society and to see pictures of other Bahá’ís in the Bahá’í News. He gave us the love of the Bahá’ís in La Paz, Bolivia, where he had just visited, and said that he has felt such love from the Bahá’ís from every country, that it is like he has never left his family. He asked the American friends for their prayers on behalf of his country, and again said that by spreading the Faith here, we were working toward world peace.
The ship in the background of this picture, “The Darwin”, is the only way in and out of the Falkland Islands, a group of islands on the southern tip of South America. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Genge stopped on these islands as part of a worldwide travel teaching project they have undertaken on their way to a pioneering post in Japan. This trip will take them to South America, Africa, Europe and the Trust Territories of the Pacific.
Their month on the Falklands visiting with longtime American pioneers, John and Margaret Leonard, resulted in much activity and one declaration. With five active believers now there, this brings the Falkland Islands closer to achieving its Nine Year Plan goal of one local Assembly.
Barbara Genge with two-day-old lamb, Main Point Shepherd’s House, West Falklands.
|
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. |
Deep South Sings Glad Tidings[edit]
There’s a Road Show singing its way all over the South. This is a proclamation-type program using narrative and song to proclaim the Glad Tidings.
The attention getter is the opening song, “Good News!” The audience gets on the edge of its chair to hear what’s coming next. What they hear is the entire story of Bahá’u’lláh:
- WHY HE CAME
- HOW HE CAME
- FOR WHOM HE CAME
- WHY WE NEED HIM
- FOR WHOM HE CAME
- HOW HE CAME
There comes a point in the program when the audience is invited to come under the Banner of Bahá’u’lláh. Then come a few more songs that serve to confirm the commitments made.
Following this program the new declarants are given their initial deepening class.
This type of program can be used by any group in any area. Road Shows can move all over a state, and there can be an interchange of Bahá’í musical talents between states. These programs can be used at conferences, institutes, conventions, or as a full program in parks on special events days or any other occasion which might arise for the proclamation of the Cause of God.
The group pictured above, which has worked solidly and has done such a beautiful job, is the Georgia/North Carolina contingent (left to right) Patricia Joe Lowery, Atlanta, Ga.; Charles Bullock, Henderson, N.C.; Alyce Earl, Atlanta, Ga.; and Ann Miller, Athens, Ga.
Sentimental Journey Bestows Bounty[edit]
“Dramatic things are happening in the Bahá’í World and dramatic things are happening here as well. At the same time, it behooves each of us to try to gain a world’s eyeview of the Faith, because each of us individually is part of the great army, the Army of Light, which Bahá’u’lláh has brought into being. How blessed we are, particularly we Americans, that we were given the lion’s share by the beloved Master in the work of spreading His Word, His Revelation, His Teachings, throughout the entire globe. What a great honor it is to have had bestowed upon us the palm of victory which has been carried with great distinction by the American Bahá’í Community since the beloved Guardian introduced the first of His plans in 1937.
“We are witnessing a dual process in the world: the disintegration of the old world order... (and) the erection of the edifice of the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Each of us has the bounty of playing a very important role in this army, and it is important for us as a national community to recognize that we are not merely a single army, but part of the greater world army that Bahá’u’lláh has erected!
“In this army we have standard-bearers, the beloved Hands of the Cause of God. You are so blessed to have in your midst two of these precious souls, Hands of the Cause Zikru’lláh Khadem and William Sears. And you might ask yourselves why they have been called standard-bearers. Might we not say and agree that they, by virtue of their devotion, their love, their self-sacrifice, and their service, evince the standards which Bahá’u’lláh has desired for every individual Bahá’í to emulate?
“An army uses many instruments, and Bahá’u’lláh also has given to the world instruments. He has given to the world His Revelation; He has given to the world His Covenant; He has given to the world Institutions; and He has given to the world, for the first time in history, a Body upon which has been conferred the mantle of infallibility. Throughout the entire Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh the world will be blessed and guided by this Institution, the Universal House of Justice! When we stop to consider that we live in a day when the foundation stones of this new World Order are being erected by us—that we have witnessed the age in which the first International House of Justice has come into being, that this Body..., during the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, will give guidance to the entire world and will legislate upon matters not specifically set forth in the Holy Book of Bahá’u’lláh... [we are awed and humbled]. This is the world’s eyeview of the Faith and we must build a spiritual bridge in our minds and in our hearts between the condition of the Faith as it is today—and that condition is good—and the world of tomorrow when, in the words of our beloved Guardian, all the world will be Bahá’í.
Key West[edit]
When the group arrived and set up camp in a park area they said many prayers. When the prayers were completed they looked up and saw a man. One of the Bahá’ís half-jokingly exclaimed, “There’s our first Bahá’í!” The friends approached him and told him about the Coming of the Promised One. He explained to them that he had not come to the park for two years, that it was two miles from his home and that he did not have the slightest idea why he was there, but that now he knew. He declared his Faith in Bahá’u’lláh and then took the friends to his home which is located on the last street in Key West and therefore the very last street in the United States (“The Last Shall Be First”). He explained to his wife that he had become a Bahá’í. She inquired, “Did he sign that card?” When the friends acknowledged that he had indeed signed it, she declared, “If he has signed that card, then he has signed it for me, for we are one.”
The two new Bahá’ís, it turned out, own a local movie theater which seats a thousand people and they have offered it to use for proclaiming the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
The traveling group then joyously dispersed into the streets—in the poorer sections of town. The people were receptive. Many enrolled on the spot; many more enrolled later in the day after consideration of what they had heard.
When the traveling teachers broke camp to return to their homes in South Carolina, there were forty-three new Bahá’ís! The new believers were black, brown, and white. Several were of Spanish background and one was Indian—a veritable bouquet from God’s Flower Garden.
Enoch Olinga, our precious Hand of the Cause, had told the Southern Bahá’ís a few weeks before, “Don’t limit the Power of Bahá’u’lláh!” As the group returned to their homes after that weekend of victory, they truly understood the meaning of these words. With forty-three new believers, an Assembly in Key West was now assured by Riḍván 1971 and another goal of the Nine Year Plan had been won.
|
PIONEER COUPLE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR TEACHING AND CONSOLIDATION WORK IN NOGALES, ARIZONA AND NOGALES, SONORA. MUST BE SPANISH-SPEAKING
Area recently exploded from “0” to over 40 new believers; a bounty of love and friendship. Teaching effort must be sustained in this area of potential mass enrollments.
Contact HOMEFRONT PIONEERING, National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Tel. (312) 256-4400.
Father of Victories[edit]
The bounties bestowed on the American community were overflowing as Mr. Olinga arrived in the nation’s Southland, beginning an exhaustive two-week tour of the southern states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Maryland. He then met with Bahá’ís in New York, Wilmette, Seattle, and the Yakima Indian Reservation. Always “happy”, loving, and encouraging, he offered guidance and inspiration to intensify our efforts in the arena of teaching. A question and answer period with Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga is recorded in this issue of The American Bahá’í so that all American Bahá’ís can share this enlightenment.
- Consultation with Deep South Committee
- Frogmore, South Carolina, September 26, 1970
COMMENTS BY MR. OLINGA after greetings:[edit]
The work in the South is very important, very meritorious at this time. Continue to win victories for the Cause of God. Know that it is the right thing. Teach freely all the people of North America. Bahá’u’lláh will assist and confirm every forward step.
I am happy to be here to see with my own eyes what is happening. Zeal and fellowship are evident everywhere I have been. I am very happy.
QUESTION: All the week, Mr. Olinga, you have said that the Universal House of Justice has given us the key to success in mass teaching—universal participation. How can we achieve it?
MR. OLINGA: In every way possible you must patiently and lovingly remind the friends about universal participation in every aspect of our development at this time. Assist all to help serve in some way. Organize weekend Institutes in the areas where the people reside and where they can attend without undue problems.
You need to have Bahá’ís moving freely (traveling teachers) to visit the new believers in their homes, to pray with them, to answer their questions, to share more of the spirit of the Faith. Your primary obligation is to assist the new friends by frequent periods of training and nurturing them patiently. The Beloved Guardian once said to us that “if you are not patient you do not deserve to be teachers. Bahá’u’lláh is patient with us.”
QUESTION: How can we assist the friends to overcome their doubts and fears about the masses?
MR. OLINGA: Reaching and teaching the masses was possible in North America many, many years ago according to the Master and the Beloved Guardian. The Universal House of Justice says while there is yet time we must accomplish this task. Have the friends gather together to pray for the success of teaching plans and the teaching work. All can participate in this. Mass teaching is a challenge and an opportunity. The friends must rely completely upon Bahá’u’lláh. They must be sincere and always promote the best interests of the Cause.
QUESTION: Please explain “expansion and consolidation” as processes which must go hand in hand.
MR. OLINGA: As you move forward more Bahá’ís will come in. Do not be bothered by those active or inactive. Never consider or listen to talk of stopping expansion for consolidation. Let people become Bahá’ís easily. If they believe in Bahá’u’lláh, that is enough. Enroll them. It may be too late if you wait until you have consolidated an area before forging ahead. The Beloved Guardian once told us in Africa that the pure hearts were like empty glasses; that the Bahá’ís must hasten to fill the glasses with the water of the knowledge of God; if not, satanic forces would fill the glasses with nationalism, racialism, communism and all the attendant pollutions and evils. Now the Universal House of Justice says while there is yet time we must hasten to teach the masses—find the empty glasses and fill them with the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh, His Teachings, His Guidance for all mankind.
QUESTION: But what about consolidation?
MR. OLINGA: As a committee you must know that mass teaching will never lead to complications. We in Africa had the feeling that such would be the case and we voiced our concern to the Beloved Guardian. He said, “when that time comes, refer those problems to me.”
Sentimental Journey[edit]
“Armies also use radar and I like to think that the Universal House of Justice uses spiritual radar to recognize the needs of the Bahá’í World at any given moment, and to cater to that need in whatever terms may be called for. And for that reason, from time to time, the Bahá’í World has received messages and statements from the Universal House of Justice. The response that we have had from the Bahá’í World to these messages has been deeply moving and a source of gratification to the Universal House of Justice, because it tells us that the Bahá’í World understands that it is living in this glorious day when the Institution that humanity has longed for for 6,000 years has at long last come into being under the aegis of God’s Manifestation for this day, Bahá’u’lláh.
Mr. Glenford Mitchell (r.) greets Mr. and Mrs. Borrah Kavelin
“Your National Spiritual Assembly serves as the general of the American Bahá’í Army and in that exalted position deserves the support - the loving support - and obedience of every Bahá’í throughout the country, because it carries a very great responsibility. Its assignment is herculean; its task is formidable; and its devotion is praiseworthy. To the extent that the American Bahá’í Community reflects its love and obedience to the National Spiritual Assembly, to that extent it will be able to do its job effectively.
“Oneness is one of the chief ingredients of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and the Universal House of Justice has tried to apply this principle in terms of universal participation. The House of Justice has defined, in one of its messages, what is meant by universal participation. It would be quite correct to state that if the enlarged Bahá’í Community of the United States (enlarged in terms of numbers since I left in 1963) were to give to the National Spiritual Assembly the participation which has been urged by the Universal House of Justice, it would find that all of its goals would be met with great distinction, glory and honor, whether those goals be to send out pioneers to the far-flung corners of the globe, whether they be the goals on its homefront (which are quickly reaching a point of successful completion), or whether they be support of the annual budget which its National Spiritual Assembly, in prayerful consideration, and in its understanding of the needs of the Faith throughout the world (to which it must apply itself), has given to the American Bahá’í Community, and which has been endorsed with great enthusiasm and spontaneity by its National Convention where the delegates speak for all of those who elected them.
“Our beloved Guardian has on various occasions chosen to address himself particularly to this blessed Community. In 1941, on at least two occasions, He described the bounties that flow on the spirit of sacrifice which the friends demonstrate in attacking the problems which they are privileged to meet. It is my view, as an American, and as a former member of your National Spiritual Assembly for thirteen years, that the American Bahá’í Community has not yet begun to understand the spiritual meaning of sacrifice, nor to understand the bounties and the grace which flow from that spirit when it is exercised in the path of service to the Blessed Beauty. When I watched the collapse of the stock market (as all the world did, in the past six to eight months), the thought came to me that perhaps God is now testing the American Bahá’í Community in a time of stress to see whether or not this generous-hearted people, as the Guardian has called the American Bahá’í Community, would rise to the heights called for under very difficult circumstances, and show the spirit of universal participation and sacrifice so that the National Spiritual Assembly need have no concern that at the end of this Bahá’í year, when a report is given to the Universal House of Justice and to your Community, the figures in your annual budget do not show a deficit. It [National Spiritual Assembly] is
PERISCOPE[edit]
A minister is a student from KENTUCKY, Wendel Farrell, went to South Carolina with his wife Nancy, to sell Bibles during the summer month. Now they’re back in KENTUCKY teaching the Faith wherever Bahá’u’lláh leads them... In Reno and Lyon County, NEVADA, Fair Booths and picnics in the park have been the means for spreading the Word.
Comparative Religion classes are hungry for Bahá’í information: Fort Wayne, INDIANA’s World Peace Day Proclamation was the occasion for Mrs. Sharon Klemke to address religion and church history classes at a local high school—114 youths got the message... And from MARYLAND, a request for a speaker on Zoroastrianism at Johns Hopkins University prompted the remark, “The Bahá’í group is the only group ‘openminded’ enough to be able to present material on such a topic in a meaningful way.” Iraj Radpour spoke.
Also from MARYLAND comes word of a weekend institute at Mt. Airy on Bahá’í views of dating, marriage, and the family. “If we don’t apply the proper educational techniques, and live the life of a Bahá’í in our relationships with our children, and thereby train them to be likewise, we may be accountable for the failure of future generations. As we apply the Bahá’í teachings for love, unity, and the tranquillity of mankind to the smallest unit of unity, the family, it is amazing how effective they are. As was pointed out, the circle of unity must begin in the family, before it can be demonstrated effectively in any larger circle.”
ARIZONA reports that the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh has been presented to the Hopi Tribal Council ... The ALABAMA Bulletin is deepening state believers by serializing God’s Great Plan by Henry Ginn. Former residents of ALABAMA, Joyce and Bob Chalmers, pioneering in South America, write that they have come to understand tests and the significance of the story of “the lover and the watchman” in The Seven Valleys ... Pioneers to Africa, Dr. Jack and Betty Scott, now in WEST VIRGINIA, say that the natives felt greater spirituality in the Bahá’í Temple than in other Temples. A praying tree was left standing beside the Temple because it was sacred to the natives. “The Pygmies are the one tribe that never had a Prophet of God—they take to the Faith very quickly!”
Prayers said in a band-shell in Newton, KANSAS apparently made that city the fastest growing group in the state—11 in one week, doubling the membership, and 8 the following week. In fact, throughout KANSAS declarations during 40 days this summer have doubled those of the last 4 months. Two weeks of activity in the north FLORIDA panhandle resulted in 87 declarations.
A 24-hour Prayerathon in Beloit, WISCONSIN, has brought one impressive result so far—a 5-column newspaper article on the Faith. And in Wilson Township, Harold Schiller spoke to a Boy Scout Troop one Sunday morning. The boys said they had never learned anything as interesting in church.
Two Tents To Teach In[edit]
The Bahá’ís in South Carolina have donated two tents to the Cause. One was purchased by a group of Bahá’ís and given to the Faith. It will hold 200 people. The second one, they say, was given by Bahá’u’lláh.
It seems the Bahá’í donors of the first tent were concerned that their gift was not adequate. It only held 200 people and they didn’t have microphones or amplifiers to equip it with. Then one of the Bahá’ís from this group, a chiropractor, had a visit from a patient who was an evangelist minister. The evangelist complained sadly of the slow progress of his work and of the lack of adequate funds even to store his tent for the winter months. Needless to say, he left the office without being charged, taking several Bahá’í books, but minus one tent. This tent seats 500 people and is complete with sound equipment. Ideal for teaching and deepening, those interested can see the tents in action in Florence, S.C., on November 14-15.
NABOHR Awards Highlight International Education Year[edit]
International Education Year Awards Luncheon[edit]
As the highlight event of International Education Year, the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights presented the 1970 Louis G. Gregory Award for Service to Humanity at an awards luncheon held October 17th at the Statler-Hilton Hotel in New York City. The International Education Year Awards Luncheon was attended by 250 people including members of United Nations delegations. Mr. Whitney M. Young, Jr., Executive Director of the National Urban League was the principal speaker, and spoke on “Education for the 70’s.” In his talk, Mr. Young praised the Bahá’í Faith for its work in human rights, and for being a religion that lived up to its ideals. He called for equal opportunities for all people in education and asked the Bahá’ís to be solely committed to put into practice their teachings.
The 1970 Louis G. Gregory Awards were given to the Children’s Television Workshop for its production of the television series “Sesame Street” and to Dr. James L. Olivero, Executive Director of the Southwestern Educational Research Laboratory, for his developing strong educational programs to open up educational opportunities for Mexican Americans and for Indian Americans.
Mr. David Connell, Vice President of the Children’s Television Workshop and Executive Producer of “Sesame Street” accepted the award from Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Connell quoted from the Bahá’í Writings about a child being like a piece of coal and education being the process by which the coal becomes a diamond.
Mr. Oliver accepted the award from Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, Vice Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Oliver referred to the life of Mr. Louis G. Gregory, and noted that everyone who had come in contact with Mr. Gregory, became a better person. He expressed the hope that his contact with Mr. Gregory through the award would also have the same effect upon him.
Miss Hazel Scott, pianist and singer, entertained during the program. Mr. Young praised Miss Scott, and said that she had reached a new height now that she was a Bahá’í. He also praised the work of Mr. Edward Carpenter, a Bahá’í, who is the Headmaster of Harlem Prep. Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh was Mistress of Ceremonies at the luncheon. The luncheon was attended by a large contingent of the press and radio. The WOR radio recorded the program for broadcasts later. Other representatives present included Readers Digest, Look, Ladies Home Journal, McCalls, Cosmopolitan, Womans Day, United Press International, and Associated Press. The United Press carried a release over its wire services.
An International Education Year Symposium, sponsored by NABOHR, preceded the luncheon. Speakers were Dr. Dwight Allen, Dean of the School of Education, University of Massachusetts, who spoke on “Education for Human Understanding.”
Dr. James L. Olivero spoke on “Education for Human Development.” Dr. John D. Stroessinger, Chief, Political Section of the United Nations, spoke on “Education for World Peace.”
The Louis G. Gregory Awards were original pieces by the noted American sculptor, Mr. Vernon Voelz, of Sarasota, Florida. The Louis G. Gregory Award was established in 1968 by the National Spiritual Assembly. It is named in honor of a black American, who served on the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, and who was a leader in human rights efforts during the early years of this century. He was designated a Hand of the Cause of God posthumously.
|
THE LOUIS G. GREGORY AWARD For Service to Humanity
Louis G Gregory (1874-1951)
|
During 1970, the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR), an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States sponsored several conferences and published material in connection with its observance of International Education Year. The conferences included:
• National Bahá’í Education Conference Wilmette, Illinois | February 20-22, 1970 |
• Southern Regional Conference on Education “Education for the New Needs of Man” Columbia, South Carolina | April 11-12, 1970 |
• Western Regional Conference on Education “Education for Becoming Your True Self” Eugene, Oregon | June 6-7, 1970 |
• Central Regional Conference on Education “Education for Worldmindedness” Omaha, Nebraska | September 28-27, 1970 |
• International Education Year Symposium and Awards Luncheon New York, N. Y | October 17, 1970 |
“... 1970, marks a crossroads in education. This year has been designated International Education Year by UNESCO and the United Nations General Assembly.
“The great crises of education have always coincided with profound changes in society and thought. I believe that we are approaching one of those moments in history.”
Director-General, UNESCO
[Page 8]
MEXICO GUATEMALA HONDURAS PANAMA BELIZE VENEZUELA COLUMBIA BOLIVIA NICARAGUA
Summer ’71 Projects[edit]
| M E X I C O | GUATEMALA | ||
| Girls or married couples — 6-8 Age — 20-30 Teach and assist at Teaching Institute in Puebla. (They ask that at least one projecteer be black.) Language - Spanish Cost - $200 (approx.) plus transportation | Boys - two
Age — 18-25 Teach at mining project in El Estor, on north shore of Lake Isabel. Language - Spanish Cost - $250 plus transportation | ||
| M E X I C O | B O L I V I A | ||
| Boys—3-4//age - 23-30 Live in Monclova and teach Kikapu Indians. Language — Spanish Cost — $200 (approx.) plus transportation |
Boys — five Girls — five Age — 20 - 30 Deepen Indian believers, visit isolated communities, teach youth. Language - Spanish Cost - $300.00 plus transportation | ||
| HONDURAS
Boys — 4 Age — 19-25 | |||
| M E X I C O | COLOMBIA | BELIZE (British Honduras) | |
| Girls or married couples — five Age — 20 to 30 Teach and travel in Yucatan. Language — Spanish Cost — $200 plus transportation |
Boys - 3 Girls - 3 Age — 21-25 Visit and teach in the Chaco and Amazon regions. Language: Spanish Cost: $150 plus transportation |
Boys — 5 Girls — 5 Age — 20-30 Attract, teach and deepen youth in rural districts. Language - Spanish required Cost - $225 plus transportation | |
| VENEZUELA | |||
| Boys - 4 Girls - 4 Age — 20-30 Teaching & consolidation on the islands of Trinidad, Tobago & Curaçao. Language - English//Cost - Approx. $275 plus transportation | |||
| COLOMBIA | GUATEMALA | ||
| Boys - three Girls - three Age — 21 to 25 Visit and teach Guajira Indians, accompanied by a native teacher. Language - Spanish Cost - $100.00 plus transportation |
Boys - four Age - 18 to 25 Teach Indians in San Juan Astuncalco, Quezaltenango, Solola & Baja Verapaz Language - Spanish//cost - $150 plus transportation | ||
| GUATEMALA | M E X I C O | M E X I C O | |
| Boys - two Age — 18-25 Travel in mountain region in daytime teaching Indians. Work with youth at Dorothy Baker Institute at night. Language - Spanish is desirable, but interpreter is available. Cost - $120 plus transportation |
Boys or Girls three or four Age- 23 to 30 Assist with mass conversion in the state of Sonora. Language - Spanish Cost- $225.00 (approx.) plus transportation |
Boys - four or married couples - 2 Age - 22 to 30 Assist with establishment of a local Spiritual Assembly in Chihuahua. Language - Spanish Cost—$225 (approx.) plus transportation | |
| P A N A M A | GUATEMALA | ||
| Boys - 4 / Girls - 2 Age 18 - 25 Teaching in mountains areas on foot and horseback. Language - Spanish / Cost - $150 plus transportation |
Boys - four
Age - 18-25 Teach indigenous people in small villages. Language - Spanish Cost - $120 plus transportation | ||
| NICARAGUA | COLOMBIA | ||
| Boys - 3 / Girls - 3 / Age - 18 to 25 Teach among the indigenous people Language - Spanish / Cost - $60 plus transportation |
Boys - three Girls - three Age — 21-25 Visit the Islands of San Andrés and Providencia for deepening and consolidation of the believers. Language - English some Spanish helpful. Cost- $150.00 plus transportation | ||
| VENEZUELA | S A M O A | ||
| Boys-8//Girls-4//Age — 20-30 Teaching and deepening in Indian villages. Language — Spanish // Cost - apprx. $200 plus transportation |
Boys - four Girls - two Age - 18-25 Deepening and consolidation in small villages. Language - English Cost - $700.00 including transportation | ||
“A TEMPEST[edit]
UNPRECEDENTED IN ITS VIOLENCE, UNPREDICTABLE IN ITS COURSE, CATASTROPHIC IN ITS IMMEDIATE EFFECTS, UNIMAGINABLY GLORIOUS IN ITS ULTIMATE CONSEQUENCES, IS AT PRESENT SWEEPING THE FACE OF THE EARTH. ITS DRIVING POWER IS REMORSELESSLY GAINING IN RANGE AND MOMENTUM. ITS CLEANSING FORCE, HOWEVER MUCH UNDETECTED, IS INCREASING WITH EVERY PASSING DAY. HUMANITY, GRIPPED IN THE CLUTCHES OF ITS DEVASTATING POWER, IS SMITTEN BY THE EVIDENCE OF ITS RESISTLESS FURY.”
The Promised Day is Come, p. 1
As the decline of the old order accelerates day by day, and the condition of society worsens, the Bahá’ís of the world must stand out as a beacon light for a sore-tried humanity. A new World Order is being erected amid the rubble of crumbling institutions. The Bahá’ís of the United States this summer will have the challenging opportunity to aid in this. Latin America and the Pacific through Summer Projects. Assemblies and individuals are urged to contribute to the deputation of projecteers who cannot pay all their own expenses.
- For further information contact:
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60001
[Page 10]
Deep South SGC Briefing
OCTOBER 10-11, 1970
Montgomery, Alabama
Three-Month Plan Goals Set For Southern States[edit]
“At this time and at this period we must avail ourselves of this most great opportunity. We must not sit inactive for one moment; we must sever ourselves from composure, rest, tranquillity, goods, property, life and attachment to material things. We must sacrifice everything to His Highness, the Possessor of existence, so that the powers of the Kingdom may show greater penetration and the brilliant effulgence in this New Cycle may illumine the worlds of minds and ideals.”
The above quote from the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and the following goals set by the Deep South Committee, speak for themselves.
Goals for Period Beginning November 12, 1970 and Ending February 12, 1971[edit]
| NEW BELIEVERS | 30,000■ |
| NEW LOCALITIES | 500■ |
| GROUPS TO ASSEMBLY STATUS | 250■ |
| MASS TEACHING CONFERENCES | 525■ |
| TEACHER-TRAINING INSTITUTES | 10■ |
| TRAINING INSTITUTES FOR CHILDREN’S CLASSES | 6■ |
These goals will apply to the entire Southern States region, specifically the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Deep South State Goals Committee Briefing can be described in phrases and words such as these: “spirited,” “unity in diversity,” “appreciation,” “love and fellowship,” “sacrifice,” “determination,” “joy and happiness,” “prayer and deeds,” “victory,” and “firmness in the Covenant.”
Silent Teacher[edit]
Beginning on Saturday, August 1, and from Thursday through Sunday evenings thereafter, when the House of Worship was officially closed, the latecomers were no longer turned away disappointed and told to return another time. Instead, all visitors were met by one of the night watchmen. They were told that although the House of Worship was closed, two gardens remained open and that discussion groups were in progress for anyone who might be interested in learning about the Bahá’í Faith.
A guide then escorted those interested in joining one of these groups back to the gardens. On the way, he introduced himself, asked their names, and gave a brief introduction to the Faith. When the guide reached the gardens, he introduced the visitors to the coordinator for that evening. At a glance, the coordinator, looking over the small groups either standing or sitting on the lawn, knew which Bahá’í teacher had only a few seekers in his group, how long they had been there and whether the basics were still being presented or a deep discussion was in progress and shouldn’t be interrupted. After choosing a group, the coordinator introduced the visitors to the Bahá’í teacher and other members of the group and the discussion continued. These informal firesides lasted anywhere from five to ten minutes to two to three hours. In many instances, the seekers returned over and over again asking deeper and deeper questions, bringing new friends with them, and even doing some teaching themselves.
As summer began to wane, some evenings brought a chill or even light rain or drizzle. Nothing, however, seemed to dampen anyone’s spirit. The group just huddled closer together, warmed by the fire of enthusiastic Bahá’ís relating the exciting message of Bahá’u’lláh.
The success of the garden teaching program this past summer surpassed all hopes. About thirty or forty people embraced the Bahá’í Faith in the gardens. However, no one can really estimate the number of people who heard of the Faith during those long summer nights. Sometimes there were as many as 200 seekers visiting the gardens in one evening. Who can assess how many seeds were sown or know how many individuals later sought out Bahá’ís in their own towns and may have become Bahá’ís?
The balmy evenings have turned colder, the wind blows chill off Lake Michigan. The “after-hours seekers” have dwindled from hundreds a night to only a handful. The threat of winter has come. All regret that the garden teaching—the midnight teaching as it was called—must end. The gardens will soon be buried beneath a blanket of snow. The garden teachers know that a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s prayer has been permanently engraved on their hearts. Each says with new insight and appreciation: “How can I choose to sleep, O God, My God, when the eyes of them that long for Thee are wakeful because of their separation from Thee; and how can I lie down to rest whilst the souls of Thy lovers are sore vexed in their remoteness from Thy presence?”
Father of Victories[edit]
You must be vigilant and concerned only about your motive and intention. Any activities you plan which will not allow the new believers to be left alone are efforts in consolidation. That is why full-time traveling teachers are important; you must keep newsletters and bulletins circulating to keep the friends in touch with the progress and activities of the Faith; you must constantly develop simple literature for those who may never be able to purchase books.
This is the time to propagate - extend physically to the people the Message that the Lord of Hosts has come. As you train the new believers to teach, consolidation will be set in motion. Remember, we are dealing with processes.
QUESTION: When the level of teaching activity falls off due to seasonal changes, is this a bad sign? Is this something to fear?
MR. OLINGA: It is an unforgivable sin to imagine that extension is stopped in favor of deepening. However, if circumstances such as severe seasonal conditions occur, pray that the difficulties be removed and continue to work.
Back to the three processes under extension - proclamation through public meetings, radio, television, propagation - others will see Bahá’ís engaged in the teaching work and become themselves Bahá’ís. Through various deepening programs your goals are consolidated.
At all your conferences you must discuss thoroughly mass teaching. All must help the new ones to become firm believers. All must pray. All must contribute to the Fund. Perhaps you could establish two teams - one for extension work and one for deepening. Give them whatever assistance they need to hasten the work.
QUESTION: How can we encourage more universal participation in the Fund?
MR. OLINGA: Healthy Bahá’ís must not deprive themselves of the essential rights given by Bahá’u’lláh. All Funds belong to Bahá’u’lláh. We must detach ourselves from them. We must realize that nothing is from us; everything belongs to God. Ours is the bounty to give. The attitude of the friends must be one of complete detachment to the extent that they do not think the institutions are misusing the Funds when they are engaged in supporting mass teaching. All aspects of universal participation must constantly be brought to the attention of the friends (old and new), especially the Funds. The work must proceed. You must continue to make plans and give them to your National Teaching Committee and your National Spiritual Assembly for consideration. As a committee, you must share with them your concerns, plans, and let them decide how to finance them. Let the friends know what they have collectively achieved and unfold the next plan.
QUESTION: Sometimes the Feast Day falls at a time extremely difficult for the majority to attend. Can we be flexible about the time of the Nineteen-Day Feasts?
MR. OLINGA: Encourage the regular practice as much as possible. But I think it is permissible to be flexible in this matter. Try to arrange it so the majority can participate.
Finally, let me say these things: All the believers must believe and obey the mandates given by Bahá’u’lláh for this age. We must support with unquestioned loyalty His institutions. As we teach, day by day new souls will arise. Gradually we must nurture them into full understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings. We must not prejudge the people. We must not assume that they must be like “us.” We must be very loving and patient. In Africa, for 15 years we have sent out over 300 teachers to assist in the formation of assemblies. Now they are beginning to do the job themselves. They have been nurtured this way for 15 years!
In all your plans call for more believers, more localities, more groups and never limit the power of the Holy Spirit to assist you. Goals are made to be surpassed. As fast as one plan is completed, adopt another one. Be absolutely positive. Don’t lose hope or become despondent. Go ahead, form new groups and assemblies. All the institutions and friends around the world will be praying for your success with your teaching plans. Alláh’u’Abhá! Alláh’u’Abhá! Alláh’u’Abhá!
Hello!
My name is Hal and I am your friendly computer. I work for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
The reason I am serving you is because you are growing so rapidly in numbers that “simple” human brains cannot cope with the statistics any more.
I often hear about the Nine Year Plan; and I become very happy every time I calculate that you are very near to winning all the goals!
Actually, I need your help — I am often accused of making mistakes! I keep telling everyone that I am perfect and that the errors are due to the wrong information fed to me, but no one believes me — everyone gets very upset when they see a jeopardized Assembly on the list. They tell me that every Assembly formed, re-established or maintained brings you a step nearer towards ushering in the Golden Age promised by the Prophets - wow! You people have the fate of humanity in your hands. We computers implore you to hurry as we do not want to be used for destructive purposes.
I am expensive to rent, you know. I should be kept working all the time, so you might as well make use of my brains and teach fast. I love counting NEW BELIEVERS! You should see everyone jumping with joy and happiness at the National Center every time a group is ready to form that important institution — the local Spiritual Assembly.
One last thing — please do me a big favor:
- As soon as your community membership changes for any reason, inform Membership and Records immediately.
- If the change involves jeopardizing an Assembly, raising the status of a jeopardized Assembly back to 9, or raising the number of a group to Assembly status, inform the National Teaching Committee IMMEDIATELY.
I LOVE YOU ALL even though I am supposed to be all brains and no heart - ha!
SOUTH (continued from page 10)
The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and East Texas were represented. The climate was warm with victory. No words can describe the gratitude everyone felt for the blessings showered upon this land by Bahá’u’lláh. How fortunate! How privileged! The words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ring in our souls as one contemplates the goals adopted for the following three months: “As ye have faith, so shall your powers and blessings be.”
Sentimental Journey[edit]
obeying the Universal House of Justice which urged it last year not to decrease its budget, but to increase it in the remaining years of the Nine Year Plan because of the growing needs of the Faith throughout the world and the important role which this blessed Community must play in winning its goals, because we are one. If there is success in any part of the Bahá’í World, it is success for all the Bahá’í World. If there is failure in any part of the Bahá’í World, it is failure for all the Bahá’í World. We dare not face that prospect, because when we gather in 1973—wherever this may be—to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation of the Most Holy Book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, we must be certain that we can turn to Bahá’u’lláh with joyous heart and thanksgiving, and say: “We have won a glorious victory for you. We are victorious and we now stand ready to go forward to future victories.”
My heart is filled with emotions that are hard to describe as I stand here before you for the first time in many years. You are so blessed! You are so free! So many Bahá’ís in other parts of the world are not free. So many are impoverished. So many cannot give, and yet many who are in this condition give somehow. How often the Universal House of Justice has offered a prayer of thanksgiving for this blessed Community, because this Community is the foundation of the greater Community which will one day, in the words of the beloved Master, ‘lead all nations spiritually.’ What a glorious prospect that is, and what a great responsibility that entails! But we have been told that God never gives to us any responsibility that we are not capable of fulfilling. I recall so often that when the beloved Guardian gave to our National Spiritual Assembly, in years past, goals to be won during the two Seven Year Plans and during the Ten Year Crusade, the National Assembly was filled with great awe and trepidation. How can we possibly win these goals—they seem to be completely out of reach? And yet we know that with Bahá’u’lláh’s help those goals were won. The Universal House of Justice has every assurance that this blessed Community will continue to carry the palm of victory through the Nine Year Plan, and offer to God a prayer of thanksgiving for the opportunity which it has been given to play so important a role in this glorious crusade.” (Excerpts from talk presented by Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin, member of the Universal House of Justice, September 13, 1970, in Foundation Hall of the House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.)
MASS TEACHING among Mexican-Americans[edit]
CANUTILLO, TEXAS, OCTOBER 10-11, 1970[edit]
About 50 believers gathered for a mass teaching conference sponsored by the Spanish-Speaking Teaching Committee in conjunction with the West Texas State Goals Committee. With overwhelming support by the New Mexico State Goals Committee and many new Mexican-American believers, Miss Magdalene Carney (on loan from the Deep South) assisted and shared her vast knowledge of mass teaching methods.
After meeting for prayers, songs and consultation, the believers were divided into teaching teams and went into Canutillo to employ the direct teaching methods they had just learned. Universal participation—those who could not physically go to the people, remained behind to offer a vigilance of prayers for the success of our mission—success was inevitable. Canutillo is now opened with immediate enrollments and the promise of many more to come. The participating believers were so inspired by the actual experience of mass teaching that they committed themselves to take on personal goals of opening up new localities near their own areas.
YAKIMA INDIAN RESERVATION - YOUTH ENCAMPMENT - SUMMER - 1970[edit]
A note of thanks...
The Bahá’ís of the Yakima Indian Reservation wish to take this opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to all the Bahá’ís of the United States for their kind and generous assistance during the past five years. In 1965 two pioneers came to the Reservation, one youth enrolled followed by more enrollments. As some of the new enrollees moved on, more pioneers came to help with the proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. At Riḍván 1969, the first Assembly of the Yakima Reservation was formed in Toppenish.
One of the first organized teaching efforts by the group was an annual Youth Encampment. The first Encampment, in 1968, was held with only a few of the Indian children attending. This year, as word spread and more enthusiasm was generated, the 5-day Encampment attracted a total of 76 persons! 19 of these were Bahá’ís or children of Bahá’ís, 50 were Indian children, and the rest were adult visitors to the camp, including two local school teachers.
Each day consisted of morning Bahá’í classes, afternoon arts, crafts, swimming, games, and evening programs. Through their generous support of the National Fund, every Bahá’í had a share and can be gratified that the efforts have been so rewarding. Witness the moving sound of young voices singing at twilight, “Yes I’ll be a flame of fire, a river of light, give my heart to Bahá’u’lláh.” And as camp breaks up, a whole truck full of children singing as they wind their way out to the highway, “O God, guide me, protect me, illumine the lamp of my heart and make me a brilliant star...”
One can never fully express the joys, the blessings or the long tiring hours of an experience such as this. The Youth Projecteers selflessly and lovingly gave of themselves to keep the little ones happy, to bandage a skinned knee or elbow, to teach the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, to sing God’s praises and to hike to the pool. All the children experienced Bahá’í love, unity, and equality of race through the sharing of the Message of God for this Day.
Thank you Bahá’í World for giving this Reservation the opportunity for this experience. Alláh’u’Abhá!
[Page 13]
UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION brings teaching victories in Seattle area with Chinese and Japanese ...
How can one soul unify the spirit of an entire community? The power of one soul, particularly a soul recently declaring his Faith in Bahá’u’lláh, can spearhead the efforts of that community towards its goal of proclaiming the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to a new branch of society.
This truth was recently realized in Seattle. One year ago, the National Spiritual Assembly requested that the Local Spiritual Assemblies of San Francisco and Seattle give the highest priority to reaching the Chinese and Japanese populations of their communities with the Healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. This request was in accordance with the Nine Year Plan of the Universal House of Justice to “... enroll under the Banner of Bahá’u’lláh a greater number...” of people from these minority groups.
Upon receipt of this assignment, the Seattle Spiritual Assembly immediately appointed a Japanese-Chinese Proclamation Committee which was charged with the task of learning the nature and structure of its city’s oriental population.
Progress was slow. Proclamations had been issued and contact had been made with some of the more influential leaders of the International District, the center of Seattle’s Japanese and Chinese activities, yet there were few results. It became apparent to the Seattle Assembly that something more was needed in its teaching program. In early October, the Assembly entered into a long and thorough consultation on the matter. Desire and enthusiasm certainly were not lacking, yet it found that the Bahá’í community as a whole was not truly involved in the goal of teaching the Faith to the Japanese- and Chinese-speaking communities.
Seattle Assembly and its Japanese-Chinese Proclamation Committee with new believer, Mr. Ken Lee (center)
Meanwhile, several Seattle Bahá’ís had been teaching the Faith to Ken Lee, a Chinese waiter, since January. Voraciously, Mr. Lee read all the Chinese language literature available in Seattle. However, due to the scarcity of such publications, his interest would wane between books. By the time of the October Feast, Ken Lee was waiting for a Chinese copy of The Hidden Words which had been ordered from Taiwan several months before.
Taking all this into consideration, the Seattle Assembly issued a call at the October Feast for the Bahá’í community to present a unified front in its assigned teaching goal. The Japanese and Chinese residents of Seattle, it was concluded, should occupy a special spot in the prayers of all Bahá’ís.
That unified front was further reflected the following evening at supper with Ken Lee. In response to this rediscovered sense of unity being exhibited by Seattle Bahá’ís, the Supreme Concourse on High brought all the efforts of the past year to fruition as Ken Lee found himself asking the question, “Just exactly how do I become a Bahá’í?” He declared his Faith that evening.
The import of this declaration cannot be over-estimated. The Seattle Bahá’í Community has been united, Ken Lee has become a Bahá’í, and the secret to the method of unlocking a goal area has been learned. Seattle Bahá’ís have, through prayer and through living the Faith, gained an entry into the Japanese and Chinese communities and firmly believe that their city’s International District will be witnessing the bounty of mass declarations by Riḍván 1973.
OKLAHOMA POW-WOW[edit]
OCTOBER 11-12, 1970[edit]
After a trip down a dirt road, just imagine your reaction when you come upon a fence with Bahá’í quotes, including the names of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It was here at Pleasant Hills Farm near Maize, Oklahoma, that Bahá’ís of Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas met for a POW-WOW.
We arrived and found a large pot of chili in progress and lots of coffee and tea. Spending the next few hours getting acquainted and exchanging teaching situations, we settled down to view “A New Wind” and “And His Name Shall Be One”. Present was Auxiliary Board Member Paul Pettit who offered guidance on the new methods of mass teaching. This included suggestions on group teaching and planning teaching excursions within our communities. The best idea for the present situation in the South is for a few (no more than three) to go to the lower-income areas and simply present the facts as they are. The porch-sitters and garden-workers are the ones most likely to have time to listen. Mr. Pettit stressed the importance of giving the “right” amount of information the first time we spoke with someone. The importance of giving the Name of Bahá’u’lláh and the fact that we believe in one God, one mankind, and one religion was also discussed. He told us that there is a function and a place for every personality in the community in this mass-teaching area; some to teach, some to deepen, and others to love. He mentioned the necessity of caring for our new believers and compared the care we must give them to the care of a new baby.
The next day we were joined by more friends in our discussion of mass teaching. Before leaving we heard that the Press had arrived!! Back in our homes that night we watched the late news program on TV and there it was! The farm and a National Teaching Committee staff member in an interview on our beloved Faith. The parting statement of the commentator was that the Bahá’ís “practice what they preach”. We have yet to touch the ground – our spiritual fuel tanks are full to capacity.
Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, who represented the Assembly at the World Conference on Religion and Peace from October 16 to 21, returned to Wilmette on October 23. In the picture he is shown (center row) among other delegates in the International Conference Hall in Kyoto, Japan. Next to him at the left is Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand, who was the delegate of the Bahá’í International Community. A full report on the Conference will appear in a future issue of Bahá’í News.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TEACHING PROJECTS[edit]
The Universal House of Justice attaches such importance to travel teaching that the Riḍván 1966 Message announced Its decision to develop it internationally and called for volunteers to offer their services in this field. The following year nearly 200 projects were undertaken over the five continents, affecting nearly all national communities.
Hope was expressed In the Riḍván 1967 Message that this stimulating activity, so dear to the beloved Master’s heart, would be constantly expanded. The House of Justice has called our attention to the challenge to the local and national administrative institutions to organize and promote teaching, work through a constant stream of visiting teachers to every locality.
Right now the National Spiritual Assemblies in the Western Hemisphere are pinpointing places where they need a steady stream of travel teachers and the type of assistance the teachers would be called upon to offer in the various areas. They are also giving cost estimates and language requirements as well as health and age suggestions.
Following are brief descriptions of some of these areas. Further information is available.
The countries are awaiting news of volunteers who will arise to aid them in winning more victories for the Cause of God.
Kindly contact:
- CONTINENTAL PIONEER COMMITTEE FOR THE AMERICAS
- 428 West Hellen
- Palatine, Illinois 60067
- Telephone (312) 359-2274
| Manpower Needs | Duration | Cost | Area Descriptions |
| BELIZE | |||
| English-, Mayan- or Spanish-speaking women, men, couples, families |
Maximum | $150—200 a month | Northern: consolidate and deepen LSAs, groups |
| English-speaking men, women |
Maximum | $150-200 a month | Central: proclamation expansion consolidation |
| English-speaking vigorous men, women |
Maximum | $150-200 a month | Southern: deepening expansion |
| EL SALVADOR | |||
| Spanish- or English-speaking men, women | Few days-1 week | $10/day maximum | Rural population areas |
| NICARAGUA | |||
| English- or Spanish-speaking men, women | 1-2 months | $6/day | Atlantic Coast |
| Spanish-speaking men, women | 1-2 months | $6/day | Pacific Coast |
| HONDURAS | |||
| Spanish-speaking men or escorted women | 2 weeks-2 months | $150-200 a month | North Coast Mountains South. Coast |
| PANAMA | |||
| Spanish-speaking men, women | Minimum 1 week | $8/day maximum | Cities |
| Spanish-speaking women (2) or man with guide ———Will sleep in hammocks? |
Minimum 1 week per area | Very little plus $10-50 travel costs per area | Chiriqui Mts: Guyami Indians Central Area: mountainous Darien Jungle: Choco Indians San Blas Is: Cuna Indians |
| GUATEMALA | |||
| Spanish-speaking women (2), men (2), or older couple | 2 weeks-2 months | $5/day | Quetzaltenango |
| Spanish-speaking boys (2) or girls (2) | 2 weeks-2 months | $5/day | Totonicapán: urban proclamation |
| Mature couple, 2 men or 2 women; at least 1 Spanish-speaking | 2 weeks-2 months | $2/day | Chimaltenango: proclamation in February to set up public mtgs. |
| 2 strong, young men; at least 1 Spanish speaking | 2 weeks-2 months | $2/day | San Mateo Ixtatan: much climbing |
| 2 strong, young men | 2 weeks-2 months | $3/day | Peten: the jungle fertile teaching area |
| Spanish-speaking men, women | 2 weeks-2 months | $2/day | El Estor, Izabal proclamation, stimulate mtgs. |
| English- or Spanish-speaking men, women | 2 months | $5/day | Traveling project need high-clearance car |
| Spanish-speaking team | 2 weeks-2 months | Very little | Todos Santos: little Indian village high in mountains |
| Spanish-speaking men, women | Varied | Solola |
A PIONEER WRITES...[edit]
“You know, about pioneering in Northern Europe, I think everyone feels Europe would be a cop-out pioneer post, or it would be too easy - or that there are enough Bahá’ís here already. All of these ideas are really, really wrong. Finland has not fulfilled its goals. It’s way behind. Good heavens, all of Northern Europe needs Bahá’ís so badly-it’s not comprehensible to all the kids in the States. But consider, the Universal House (of Justice) has set these goals, and not just for fun...Africa, South and Central America or Asia, or any of those other pioneer posts are nice, but see how quickly they are filled!!! They are the easy posts - you say “Bahá’í” there and you’ve got 10 declarations. But Europe - it’s hard, and we desperately need pioneers.
“When I think of my pre-pioneering attitudes about Northern Europe I can only say, ‘What a dummy I was!’ We need more good pioneers...we need ’em, we need ’em, WE NEED ’EM!!!... Here is where we students who think we need education can get most excellent educations, and pioneer at the same time!! Did you know that there are only about 80 Bahá’ís in Finland?”
- We have unfilled goals in
- Finland. Can you pioneer?
- Contact:
- International Goals Committee
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
[Page 15]
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.
|
TOKYO ENGLISH CENTER IS HIRING TEACHERS FOR THE FOLLOWING: T. E. C. WILL PAY: FOR DETAILS WRITE OR CALL:
|
| State Goals Committee of Kentucky | |
| Hosts First Bahá’í Institute in the State | |
| THEME: | “Bahá’u’lláh and His Revelation” |
| DATES: | November 27-29, 1970 |
| PLACE: | St. Matthews Community Center |
| Shelbyville Road | |
| St. Matthews, Kentucky (near Louisville) | |
|
For more information, write Mr. Walter Cummings Louisville, Kentucky 40220
| |
The American Bahá’í
in this issue...
Visit of Hand of the Cause of God, Enoch Olinga
H. Borrah Kavelin Speaks About America
Victory in Key West
Louis G. Gregory Awards
Caribbean Conference Cruise Deadline Extended
