The American Bahá’í/Volume 10/Issue 2/Text
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Riḍván to See New 7 Year Plan[edit]
A Seven Year Plan will begin immediately after the conclusion of the present Five Year Plan at Riḍván 1979, the Universal House of Justice announced in December.
The first phase of the new Plan, to last for two years, “will call for greater proclamation, continued consolidation and wider expansion,” the Universal House of Justice said in its message of December 26. Details of this first phase will shortly be announced to every National Spiritual Assembly.
Announcement of the Plan came exactly one month after the U.S. had won its Five Year Plan goal of establishing 1,400 Local Spiritual Assemblies in this country. Here is the complete text of the message from the Universal House of Justice:
“Announce with utmost joy decision to launch during forthcoming Riḍván festivities a Seven Year global Plan constituting next stage Master’s steadily unfolding Divine Plan.
“Confident momentous decision taken in midst severe crisis shaking cradle Faith and while efforts Bahá’í world community are strenuously bent upon fulfilment goals Five Year Plan will release outpouring spiritual energy accelerate destined progress Bahá’í world community now gradually appearing in sharper relief before eyes of a bewildered humanity floundering in depths of conflict and moral degradation.
“Details plans national communities for initial two-year phase new Plan now being evolved in consultation with International Teaching Centre will shortly be announced to each National Assembly. This initial phase will call for greater proclamation, continued consolidation and wider expansion.
“National Assemblies are therefore urged ensure that teaching activities are pursued with continuing vigour into opening years new Plan, that pioneers are encouraged to remain at their posts, that process development community life is uninterruptedly sustained, and that momentum now impelling Bahá’í community forward is maintained.
“Urge all National Assemblies share this message immediately with friends under their jurisdiction inviting them make special effort attend National Conventions next Riḍván celebrate victorious conclusion Five Year Plan simultaneously inaugurate Seven Year Plan.
“Owing importance next Convention request National Spiritual Assemblies consider extending wherever practicable its duration by one or two days. We are calling on Counsellors in addition to their own participation to encourage Auxiliary Board members to attend these portentous Conventions.
“As the turmoil of an agitated world surges about them the supporters of Bahá’u’lláh’s majestically rising Faith must, as the beloved Guardian so clearly indicated, scale nobler heights of heroism, serenely confident that the hour of their mightiest exertions must coincide with the lowest ebb of mankind’s fast declining fortunes.
“Fervently supplicating Bahá’u’lláh bountifully bless strenuous efforts His devoted servants every land win every goal Five Year Plan ensure firm foundation next stage worldwide development God’s holy Cause.”
December 26, 1978
The message from the House of Justice was shared immediately with the U.S. Bahá’í community by the National Spiritual Assembly through Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees.
This year’s Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 26-29 at the Ramada Inn near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. The friends who plan to attend the Convention are urged to make their arrangements as quickly as possible.
Times Errors Draw Reply From National Assembly[edit]
On December 26, The New York Times published a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly that sought to correct several misstatements and errors about the Faith that appeared in a December 10 Times article headlined, “Moslem Revolt in Írán Stirs Fears for Future of Minority Religions.”
While the article in The Times is not the only one with misleading or erroneous information about the Faith to have appeared in recent months in the nation’s press in the wake of political upheavals in Írán, it had the widest readership and caused the most concern. The article asserted that:
- The Bahá’í Faith is regarded as “an illegal sect of Islám.”
- Some Bahá’ís in Írán may have “participated in crimes, conspiracies and illegalities.”
- Some Bahá’ís there hold powerful political positions and “have been closely identified with the Sháh and the ruling family.”
- Bahá’ís have used their loyalty to the Sháh “to expand their power base.”
- Bahá’ís sometimes misrepresent themselves as Moslems to protect themselves and ensure their material gain.
- Bahá’ís “are trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves” as the political struggle in Írán intensifies.
The letter from the National Spiritual Assembly, which appeared in
An artist’s rendering of the design for the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. The building, now under construction, faces northward toward ‘Akká and Bahjí. The architect is Ḥusayn Amánat.
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On the Inside CONTRIBUTIONS to the National Bahá’í Fund are running some $500,000 below the budgeted goal. Page 3 REPORTS FROM traveling teachers abroad reflect the joy and bounty of serving the Cause in this way. Page 4 TWO HUNDRED Bahá’í youth and their friends attend the Western States Youth Conference at Pacific Grove, California. Page 5 BAHÁ’ÍS IN North Georgia celebrate recent teaching victories with a gala party. Page 7 PART 5 of a series on children and learning focuses on the early school years. Page 12 THE GREEN BAY, Wisconsin, Bahá’í community contributes $1,000 toward construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Page 14 |
New Consolidation Plan Set[edit]
To help sustain the momentum generated by recent teaching victories, especially in the southern states, the National Spiritual Assembly through its National Teaching Committee has developed and distributed new guidelines for integrating the twin processes of teaching and consolidation.
In December, the National Teaching Committee outlined its consolidation program in a booklet that was sent to District Teaching Committees and Regional Teaching Committees throughout the country.
The consolidation plan contains five elements:
- MAINTENANCE of the teaching work in the community being consolidated and in surrounding areas.
- Systematic identification of individuals of capacity within the Bahá’í community.
- Monthly regional training institutes to develop and strengthen those individuals, enabling them to initiate teaching and consolidation activities in their own community.
4. Distribution of correspondence courses to every new believer, as well as to those who have expressed an interest in the Faith.
- Assignment of teaching teams to each new Local Spiritual Assembly.
AT THE present time, correspondence courses are being developed by some District Teaching Committees for use in their areas. The National Teaching Committee plans eventually to develop courses for use on a nationwide scale.
“By the maintenance of these five activities, and the mass teaching work,” the National Teaching Committee says in its consolidation guidebook, “we are confident that the District Teaching Committees are capable of ensuring a constant stream of new and independently functioning Local Spiritual Assemblies.”
To facilitate the teaching work, the National Teaching Committee sent to each Local Spiritual Assembly, District Teaching Committee and Regional Teaching Committee a tape of an address in Atlanta, Georgia, by Dr. Hidáyatu’lláh Aḥmadíyyih, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, whose visit this fall to the southern states is credited with contributing significantly to the dramatic rise in the number of Assembly formations there.
Also sent were two copies of a new
New Local Assembly Formed On Reservation in California[edit]
A new Local Spiritual Assembly was formed January 10 on the Pala Indian Reservation in California, the first Assembly ever formed on a Reservation in California, and the first of three Assemblies on Reservations called for in that state’s Five Year Plan.
The Assembly formation is the result of 10 enrollments—seven adults and three youth—after a teaching team from Arizona visited the Reservation the weekend of January 6.
During its visit, the Arizona team also was able to enroll an additional six new believers from other Reservations in the state. There are three new adult Bahá’ís on the Rincon Reservation, opening that locality to the Faith, and two adults and one youth on the Campo-Manzanitas Reservation, bringing that community close to forming its first Assembly.
A more detailed report of the Pala Reservation Assembly formation will appear in the March issue of The American Bahá’í.
Los Angeles Fund-Raiser Nets $17,000 for Fund[edit]
On November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles, California, sponsored a dinner-concert and auction at the Sheraton-Universal Hotel at which more than $17,000 was raised for the National Bahá’í Fund.
More than 700 persons attended the gala event, with more than half of them coming from surrounding communities. Entertainment included Persian santour music by Manuchehr Adeghi, songs by Seals and Crofts, Walter Heath, Danny Deardorff and Fahimeh Kazazi, and a special presentation by Persian artist Aḥmad Davari.
THE GRAND finale was a dance number by the five-year-old Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop, composed of 40 young people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds from the greater Los Angeles area.
The Youth Workshop, under the direction of Oscar and Freddie DeGruy, spent every weekend last summer teaching in goal areas in California through a presentation entitled “Save the Children” that included drama and musical numbers illustrating the negative influences of our society on young people and the alternatives offered by the Faith.
The group received a well-deserved standing ovation in what was its farewell performance. Its directors, the DeGruys, are leaving Los Angeles to homefront pioneer in Northern California.
Following the program, there was a drawing for a lovely gold bracelet that had been donated to the Los Angeles Assembly for the Fund. The drawing netted more than $1,000, and when the winner donated the bracelet back to the Fund, it was auctioned for an additional $750, bringing the total for that item alone to $1,750.
Many Bahá’ís had donated precious Bahá’í memorabilia for the auction. The highest bid, $3,000, was made for an exquisite special edition of the Tablet of Aḥmad with beautifully bordered calligraphy.
Among the more popular items were limited bound editions of Star of the West that the Los Angeles Assembly had ordered and auctioned for up to five times the original price.
The 40-member Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop performs at a dinner-concert and auction November 12 in Los Angeles. More than 700 persons attended the gala event.
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Editorial A fundamental principle of the advancement of the Faith is that expansion and consolidation must go hand in hand. Without consolidation the victories of expansion evaporate, morale drops, and there is no real growth; without expansion the community turns inward, petty concerns dominate, and the power of the Holy Spirit is cut off. Shoghi Effendi discussed the interdependence of these twin processes in the following passage: “Every outward thrust into new fields, every multiplication of Bahá’í institutions, must be paralleled by a deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the community and ensure its sound development. From this vital, this ever-present need, attention must at no time be diverted; nor must it be under any circumstances neglected, or subordinated to the no less vital and urgent task of ensuring the outer expansion of Bahá’í administrative institutions. That this community...may maintain a proper balance between these two essential aspects of its development ... is the ardent hope of my heart and my ardent prayer.” (Letters From the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, 1923-1957, p. 76) IN THE LAST 10 years the American Bahá’í community has experienced many victories in expansion, yet in almost every instance the results of consolidation efforts have been inadequate. New approaches and more manpower to assist the overworked teachers are needed. No doubt the laborious task of consolidation, when compared to the more immediate rewards of teaching, makes it less attractive in our eyes. However, if we are to look at the matter rationally, we must acknowledge that to neglect consolidation is to erase the very victories we have fought so hard to win. Perhaps our lack of consolidation in the past has stemmed from a misconception of what teaching really is. Teaching, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice have defined it, is a process that involves introducing an individual to the Faith, teaching him about it, enrolling him in the Bahá’í community, and then making a continued effort to nurture and deepen him until he reaches the point of consecration. In a discussion of the role of the Bahá’í teacher, which applies to every kind of teaching activity, Shoghi Effendi explained that the teacher should “endeavor to nurse (the seeker), patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of whatever has been ordained by Bahá’u’lláh. “Let him,” the beloved Guardian continues, “...seek, through constant fellowship and active participation in the local activities of his community, to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its life, the furtherance of its tasks, the consolidation of its interests, and the coordination of its activities with those of its sister communities. Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly-adopted Faith.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 43) THE UNIVERSAL House of Justice, in a letter dated May 25, 1975, wrote: “The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the divine Message and so imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people. Viewed in this light a declaration of faith is merely a milestone along the way—albeit a very important one. “Teaching may also be likened to kindling a fire, the fire of faith, in the hearts of men. If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot truly be said to have been kindled; to be kindled it must continue to burn of its own accord. Thereafter more fuel can be added and the flame can be fanned, but even if left alone for a period, a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind.” Perhaps we have failed to recognize that teaching is not complete until the soul reaches the point of consecration. Our very use of the term “teaching” reveals our lack of understanding. How often in our speech we refer to the twin processes as “teaching and consolidation,” indicating that we think consolidation and teaching are two separate processes, when in reality teaching incorporates both expansion and consolidation. Indeed, if we truly grasped this truth, we would see expansion and consolidation as one continuous process, and including consolidation in our teaching plans would be second nature. We are encouraged by the news that extensive consolidation efforts are now being initiated in areas where recent advances in expansion have been made. The National Teaching Committee reports that every new Assembly in South Carolina and Georgia will be visited at least six times by teachers before the end of the Five Year Plan. Consolidation plans have been formulated in other areas as well, and a booklet setting forth guidelines for integrating expansion and consolidation into one continuous process is being distributed by the National Teaching Committee so that the entire Bahá’í community will be informed. The National Teaching Committee and its agencies are to be commended for their sound planning and good judgment. Hopefully, the current practice of incorporating consolidation in the over-all teaching process marks the beginning of the inclusion of consolidation in all our teaching plans from now on. |
Bahá’í Life Focus in Workshop[edit]
To aid deepening and help individuals and communities develop “the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life,” some of the friends in upstate New York have developed a new communications skills workshop that proved effective the first two times it was used.
Entitled the “Victory Over Our Own Selves” workshop, the two-day-long event stresses freedom of expression within a loving, caring, spiritual environment.
IT WAS first introduced in Saratoga Springs, New York (a community with a small but enthusiastic Group aiming for Assembly status), and later was held in Amherst, Massachusetts, which has had an Assembly for many years.
The workshop encourages participants to focus on their own selves and discover the true barriers to teaching, meditation, prayer and other aspects of a spiritual life.
The format is simple: The sponsoring community asks those who wish to participate to set aside two uninterrupted days (usually a weekend) for the workshop.
The purpose of the sessions is explained at the outset, after which participants are urged to express themselves freely about any concerns they might have and to share any methods they use to transcend daily living experiences and attain “that mystic feeling that unites man with God” (as described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Bahá’í Prayers, Page 93).
Each session is punctuated by intense prayer, meditation, and music.
Communities who feel that they might benefit from such a workshop and would like to receive a packet of materials explaining its method and purpose are invited to write to the Eastern New York District Teaching Committee, c/o Kathleen Nawi, 150-38B Union Turnpike, Flushing, NY 11367, or to Richie Pellegrino, RR1, Meadowview Farm, Bombay, NY 12914, or phone 518-358-4862.
Fund Contributions $500,000 Below Goal[edit]
As of January 1, the National Spiritual Assembly reported that contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund since last April had fallen short of the budgeted goal by more than $500,000.
Contributions from Assemblies and Groups are somewhat lower this year than they were at the same time last year. This is attributed by the National Treasurer’s office to the fact that more monies are being spent locally on the teaching work.
Contributions from individuals are slightly higher, however, helping total contributions to the National Fund to remain slightly above last year’s level.
According to Geoff Wilson, comptroller of the National Fund, the fact that contributions are below budget has created a serious problem:
“It has been necessary,” he said, “to use some of our revenue from estate bequests to meet our budgeted expenses. The National Spiritual Assembly would, however, prefer to use estate income for developing capital projects such as the Archives Building and the Louhelen School.”
Mr. Wilson pointed out that if every believer in the United States were to make an effort to contribute directly to the National Fund every Bahá’í month for the remainder of the Plan, the deficit could easily be wiped out.
National Bahá’í Fund
Contributions
Shown here is one of the offices on the second floor of the recently acquired Bahá’í National Administrative Office Building in Evanston, Illinois. On the second floor alone are 30 offices comparable in size to this one, as well as two conference rooms, a library, and a receptionist area. One of the building’s assets is the fact that many of its office clusters are formed by movable partitions, allowing maximum flexibility of arrangement and efficient use of available space. More than $2 million is needed to replenish the funds used for the purchase of this building. Any questions regarding contributions or loans to help finance the building should be directed to the Office of the Treasurer. Contributions should be over and above one’s regular support of the Fund.
Letters to Treasurer Show Ways of Giving[edit]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá frequently asked the believers: “Are you happy?” Recent letters to the Office of the Treasurer have been a source of great happiness for the National Spiritual Assembly.
Wendy Rutledge, a believer in Michigan, wrote that she joined Michigan’s full-time traveling teaching team last June, and since that time has had little of her own to contribute to the Fund.
CONCERNED about the present condition of the National Fund, she wrote: “I pray that those Bahá’ís who cannot contribute their time to the Faith, such as I am able to do, will increase their financial contributions, as I am unable to do.”
Recalling the admonition of the Universal House of Justice in its Five Year Plan message to “... surge forward eagerly, and with ever-increasing energy, to build those new, God-given institutions ...,” Miss Rutledge pledged an increase in her contributions of physical energy devoted to winning the goals of the Plan.
Other happy news came from Joanne Marian, who has been traveling in North Carolina. She forwarded a contribution to the National Fund from a believer in Cerro Gordo.
She wrote: “We met him when we were out forming Assemblies. He had declared five years ago, but hadn’t seen any Bahá’ís since then.
“WE VISITED in the dark, in the light of car headlights, and said prayers together. He was so touched by the prayers that he said he wanted to give some money to the Fund.
“I began to explain about it, but he said, ‘I know, I know—I read The American Bahá’í.’ ” The spark of this man’s faith had remained kindled for five years through the power of God and by receiving communications from the National Spiritual Assembly.
Jean Comstock White of Playa Del Rey, California, wrote: “Since I am on welfare, the only money I can give to the Fund is money that I earn. I did babysitting for three days last week, so here is my contribution.”
An elderly Persian woman, longing to teach the Faith but frustrated by her inability to speak English, sent $500 to the National Fund saying that, in this way, she felt that she could participate in the teaching work.
SEVERAL Bahá’í communities have written that a fund-raising event enabled them to increase their regular contributions to the National Fund.
The Assembly in Providence, Rhode Island, recently sent $100 to the National Fund. The Treasurer wrote: “This contribution was raised by a craft sale. Bahá’ís made gifts, cut plants, etc., and then donated them for sale. It was a fantastic event.”
The Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, California, held a banquet and auction on the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. The event, attended by more than 700 believers, raised $17,000 for the Fund.
Items auctioned included books, paintings, photographs and other Bahá’í memorabilia donated by believers in the community. Entertainment was provided by Seals and Crofts and other Bahá’í performers.
Support of Fund Duty of Every Bahá’í[edit]
Whenever a new Assembly is formed, be it Local or National, an auxiliary institution is immediately brought into being—the Local or National Fund. With this new level of administrative growth, believers under that Assembly’s jurisdiction become obliged to obey its decisions and support its activities. They also have the duty to support that Assembly financially by contributing to its Fund.
This duty was explained by Shoghi Effendi, who wrote: “It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund.” (Bahá’í Administration, pp. 41-42)
The Teachings of the Faith prohibit Assemblies and their Treasurers from exerting any pressure whatsoever upon the believers to contribute. For this reason, it is easy to forget that giving to the Fund is obligatory. One often hears an inquirer being told: “The work of the Bahá’í Faith is supported by voluntary contributions to the Fund.”
In one sense this is true; each believer has complete discretion over the regularity and the amount of his or her contributions. But in another sense, this misleads seekers into thinking that a Bahá’í does not need to contribute to the Faith if he is not so inclined.
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Great Gift Idea A contribution to the National Fund makes a wonderful Ayyám-i-Há gift. Be sure to include the name and complete address of all persons you wish to have notified that they have been honored in this way. |
Seekers and new believers should be fully informed of the Bahá’í principles relating to the Fund. These include the teaching that, regardless of one’s financial condition, contributing to the Fund is obligatory for all Bahá’ís.
According to Shoghi Effendi, “All, no matter how modest their resources, must participate.” (From a letter dated August 8, 1957, to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa)
Pioneers Report Teaching Work[edit]
In the last six months, according to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’ís from the U.S. have made 274 teaching trips to 67 goal countries and 17 non-goal areas, 84 countries in all. The time spent on these trips is equivalent to a total of 14.3 years teaching the Cause around the world.
Since the beginning of the Five Year Plan, 1,505 teaching trips have been made by 1,077 Bahá’ís from the U.S. Three hundred sixty-five of these trips have lasted longer than a month.
THIS IS a record we can be pleased with. As Bahá’u’lláh said: “They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause—these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power. A company of Our chosen angels shall go forth with them, as bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise.” (Quoted in a letter to pioneers from the Universal House of Justice, November 29, 1970)
The value of this expenditure of time, effort and resources is best seen through the experience of the travelers themselves, as reported to the International Goals Committee.
Most of their reports are glowing, even though in some cases difficulties were met or hardships endured. A few of them speak of disappointments, poor planning or missed opportunities to teach.
We can learn from them how to improve the planning and enrich the experience of future traveling teachers. No experience is without value, even those that appear unsuccessful. At the least, the pioneers and local Bahá’ís were visited and encouraged while getting caught up on news from home. At best—well, better to let the teachers speak for themselves:
“PAUL (Kingsbury, a pioneer) and I (Tom Beers) set out hopefully for Musawas (Nicaragua), a Sumo Indian center in the jungle. We met Feliciano who agreed to show us the way. He later accepted the Faith in Musawas, and spoke about Bahá’u’lláh for us in Miskito.
“Our goal was to open Musawas to the Faith. Only one soul came to our meeting there, but he accepted Bahá’u’lláh. Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá! I’ve never prayed so much in my life as I did during those three weeks.
“Next we went to Siuna-La Luz to help them form an Assembly. We used a teaching book styled after Dr. (Hidáyatu’lláh) Aḥmadíyyih’s suggestions. Feliciano was doing most of the talking. Seven people declared on Sunday, and five more on Monday, and they were all neighbors.
“One elderly Bahá’í hadn’t seen other Bahá’ís for nine years, and was thrilled to have us there. All the new declarants were within three houses of hers. Consolidator’s paradise!
“MONDAY WE set out for Waspam where the main employment is school teaching. We met about 15 seekers who’d been invited to the meeting by the Bahá’ís. I gave a presentation using the teaching book. Then came questions aplenty. My Spanish wasn’t good enough to understand them, but Feliciano and the Waspam Bahá’ís answered, and after a spirited discussion, three teachers and two students declared.
“The National Teaching Committee immediately planned an institute for the Christmas holidays in Waspam. Real action!”
From the National Teaching Committee of Sweden: “The National Teaching Committee is very glad that Sue Foroughi and Vafá Mavaddat came to Sweden.
“We, and many believers in our goal areas, were inspired to see that two youths, only 16 and 17, had the courage and faith to travel to another part of the world to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
“Their visit provided an opportunity to advertise and publicize the Faith in seven of our nine goal areas. We are sure their reports will provide valuable guidance for future traveling teachers in Sweden...”
TWO ESKIMOS from Alaska also made a successful teaching trip to Sweden. They were given excellent coverage by the news media, which opens the possibility of American Indians having similar experiences because of the publicity they would receive in other countries.
Victoria DeLeon writes about Denmark: “Toward the end of my stay, I ventured out on my own. I was at a churchyard praying when a French couple approached me, became friendly and invited me to supper.
“The supper was at a Pentecostal Bible college, in the middle of an international conference of 1,000 people. Our discussions were friendly, and I was invited back if I ever returned to Denmark. On my return visit, I met again with these students, and am corresponding with some of them now.
“Also, on my second trip to Kolding, a Bahá’í Center was opened. I found this impressive, as there are only three Bahá’ís there. There is also a Center in Viborg, another town with three Bahá’ís.”
WHEN THE International Goals Committee can convey information about a person’s experience and capacity to the receiving National Assembly, that institution can make more efficient use of his or her time in that country. The committee learns as much as possible about them through the volunteer form and an evaluation form filled out by the Local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee. So it is well to inform the International Goals Committee office several months in advance of an intended trip.
Even when adequate preparations have not been made, however, something significant can often be accomplished.
Doug and Patty Reingold write: “When we arrived in London we went to the Bahá’í National Office and offered to help. We only had a week to spend there.
“They asked us to go to Porth, in South Wales. We traveled from town to town, saying prayers, meeting people, putting up posters for public meetings, working with the local friends. We also helped at some firesides where several youth came almost every night.
“The most successful fireside was one where we told stories from The Dawn-Breakers. That seemed to hold the youths’ attention longest.
“OUR OVER-ALL impression of South Wales is that though it’s very cold and damp, there is great potential for the spread of the Faith there.”
Peggy Trotta reports from Norway: “On my first night in Stavanger I went to Sandnes to visit Ursula Fredricks, an isolated believer. She had invited me to become the first traveling teacher to Sandnes.
A Bahá’í display set up on a busy street in Viborg, Denmark.
“She made me feel as if ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself had come to visit her. This can be one of the most valuable functions of a traveling teacher—to deepen isolated individuals.
“In Bergen, the rector at the university had become interested in the Faith, and set aside 1½ hours to give the entire school an introduction to it. He had bought all the books available in the Scandinavian languages, which he displayed.
“A local friend who accompanied us had become a Bahá’í during a Summer School at that same university some 20 years before. Many people were interested and took books and pamphlets. The Bahá’ís were invited to return whenever they liked.”
THIS IS only a small sample of the reports. The International Goals Committee also receives valuable advice and suggestions to pave the way for future teachers and pioneers, such as:
“It isn’t always possible to have local believers traveling alongside visiting teachers. Sometimes they must go from town to town on their own, and rely on local friends who may not be able to help because they have to work during the day. This means the visiting teachers have to take the initiative to meet people and talk about the Faith.” Or:
“When traveling teachers come to a goal town, they often are asked to hold a public meeting or fireside that is publicized in newspapers, on radio and by posters. Because of a lack of manpower, preparations for visiting teachers aren’t always made ahead of time. Sometimes the visitors are involved in the very basic arrangements of putting up posters, renting halls for meetings, etc.”
Feeling thwarted from teaching effectively by a lack of Spanish-language skills, William German offered his work skills instead, and typeset most of the Spanish prayer book for the friends in El Salvador.
Dr. Hamilton Niss writes: “Slide shows of any kind are a great attraction anywhere in Lesotho (and in most other places!). Music also is a great attraction.
“Deepening is one of the community’s greatest problems. If you have any samples of new deepening materials, charts, visual aids, etc., please bring them.”
Hans and Ann Velk add: “We found bus teaching a sure-fire thing—the Bermudians are so friendly and happy to talk with you.”
Tom Beers sums up the spirit of the reports with this: “The people (in Nicaragua) have warm, open hearts and open minds.
“All the struggles, tests and trials encountered while teaching seem to be perfectly engineered to help the Bahá’í teacher grow in areas that he or she needs to develop most. You set out to teach, and become the one taught. It has had such a powerful effect.
“And this too must be said: It was an adventure, and it was fun!”
Some of the friends are shown in front in Viborg, Denmark, of the recently opened Bahá’í Center
Two Books in Persian, Arabic Released by Publishing Trust[edit]
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust released two new books in Persian and Arabic at the conference for Persian believers in Los Angeles, December 22-25. Both are clothbound and stamped in gold.
The first book, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh (Catalog No. 7-89-43, 416 pp., $12 NET), first published in Egypt some 60 years ago but out of print for many years, contains many of the major Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. Most of the volume is in Persian.
THE SECOND new book, Selections from the Writings of the Báb (Catalog No. 7-89-41, 160 pp., $9 NET), is identical in content to the English book of the same name. Written in Arabic and Persian, the book begins with two Tablets to Bahá’u’lláh and Tablets and addresses to the first Letter of the Living; Muḥammad Sháh, the Sherif of Mecca; and Muslim divines. It includes excerpts from the Qayyumu’l-Asmá’, the Persian Bayán, the Dalá’il-i-Sab’ih, the Kitáb-i-Asma’, and other Writings.
While the supply lasts, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and Selections from the Writings of the Báb will be available at a package price of $19.50 NET (Catalog No. 7-89-45).
The Publishing Trust found it necessary to reprint these books for the large Persian population in the U.S. due to the difficulty of importing large quantities of Bahá’í books from Iran. Each of the volumes was reprinted with the permission of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran.
1978 was the second consecutive year that the Publishing Trust produced books for the Persian friends. Prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was published in 1977 in time for that year’s conference for Persian believers (cloth, Catalog No. 7-89-39, $4; paper, Catalog No. 7-89-40, $2.25).
All three books may be ordered through Bahá’í librarians or directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please send full payment, and enclose 75 cents for postage and handling with orders under $5.
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VANGUARD Youth News |
200 Youth Attend Western States Meeting[edit]
Two hundred Bahá’í youth and their friends gathered December 16-18 at Pacific Grove, California, for the second Western States Youth Conference.
The conference was sponsored by the California Regional Teaching Committee. Its theme was “Each One Bring One.”
Among those attending were National Spiritual Assembly member Richard D. Betts; Auxiliary Board member Jalil Mahmoudi; David Clayborne, secretary of the National Youth Committee, and three other members of the Youth Committee.
THE CONFERENCE was designed to offer the young people an opportunity to visit with one another, to deepen, and to become more involved in teaching activities. Afterward, many of the participants traveled to various parts of the state to take part in organized teaching projects as spinoffs of the conference.
The conference opened on a somber note Saturday evening as Dr. Mahmoudi read a bulletin from the Universal House of Justice concerning the dire events that have faced the friends in Írán in recent weeks. Prayers were offered on their behalf.
Later, the evening assumed a lighter tone with a well-performed music and dance program about teaching the Faith presented by a group of San Francisco Bahá’ís, “Friends and Company.”
Mr. Betts spoke to the youth on Sunday morning, then answered questions from the audience about deepening, setting priorities, and other concerns of youth.
SUNDAY afternoon, Dr. Mahmoudi spoke on the importance of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh as the foundation of Bahá’í life. Later, participants broke into small discussion groups to talk about personal priorities and how they correspond with priorities found in the Writings.
After supper, the youth were treated to a lively talent show with mime, singing and dancing.
Monday morning, the National Youth Committee conducted a panel discussion and question-and-answer session. Participants shared their ideas and concerns about college clubs, youth clubs, the Two Year Youth Program, and youth activities in the U.S.
Seventeen Bahá’ís were present October 17-19 for an institute for children’s teachers at Sarh in Chad, West Africa. Among them was Peter Bruss, a Bahá’í youth from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Youth Reports From Chad[edit]
Dear Youth Committee:
Alláh’u’Abhá! I am writing to you from Chad, Africa. I thought you might be interested to hear how the Bahá’í activities are coming along over here.
Bahá’u’lláh prepared the way for my being able to do this in such a beautiful way that it’s hard to explain. I’m spending my senior year of high school here in service to the Faith.
The Faith here is sweeping through the villages like wildfire. The people are so open to what one has to share with them. We are so fortunate to be free to teach here, because in some of the West African countries there are restrictions.
The photo was taken at the Bahá’í institute for Children’s Teachers in Chad, October 17-19. About 17 people attended the institute. The spirit of unity was a joy to all. Some believers had walked over 50-60 kilometers just to come.
Each day started with dawn prayers at 6 o’clock. The days were long but fruitful. We had our meals together after classes; some Chadian ladies served as cooks.
This was during a 1½-month trip to the south of Chad. It continued when I left with Auxiliary Board member Tom Rowen for Lai. We opened some new localities there and encouraged Bahá’ís and Assemblies wherever we went.
As of now, my future plans are to spend January in a village where a Bahá’í Center will be constructed. I plan to stay in Chad until March or later, then I must return to graduate from high school. There will be a National Youth Conference in Chad in February.
It’s difficult to say it all at once, but here is a glimpse of the Bahá’í life in Chad. I send my warmest regards to the Bahá’í youth in America and encourage them to seize the opportunity to serve in the path of Bahá’u’lláh. In the twinkling of an eye it will vanish, only to be looked upon as a part of the history of mankind. What some would have given to be martyrs in the days of the Báb!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Texas A&M Bahá’í Club Backs Week-Long Drive[edit]
The Bahá’í Club at Texas A&M University in College Station used this sign to publicize its ‘Bahá’í Club Week’ on campus October 30-November 2.
The Texas A&M University Bahá’í Club sponsored a “Bahá’í Club Week” October 30-November 2 whose theme was “One Planet, One People... Please.”
The week’s big event was an “International Food and Dance Night” attended by about 100 people.
The Bahá’í Club obtained a large dance hall for the event, and gave away more than 150 tickets at tables set up on campus. Those who attended were treated to an ample supper followed by Persian and Israeli dances.
Other events included a talk by a representative from the Peace Corps, a public meeting that featured the filmstrips God Speaks Again and The Bahá’ís in the Holy Land, and campus firesides.
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The Guardian Writes of Fund “As the activities of the American Bahá’í community expand, and its world-wide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in their individual capacities, and through their collective efforts...” (Postscript in the Guardian’s handwriting from a letter written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada dated July 29, 1935) |
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Arise! |
The Bahá’í College Club of the University of Texas at El Paso set up this display as a part of its two-week-long proclamation effort on campus in October. Its theme was the International Year of the Child and United Nations Universal Children’s Day.
Two-Week Proclamation Fires Response at Texas-El Paso[edit]
The Bahá’í College Club of the University of Texas at El Paso, responding to a request from the National Youth Committee for a teaching campaign, held a two-week-long proclamation on campus in October.
Starting October 13, a major effort was made to cover the campus with Bahá’í posters and notices of events, so that as many people as possible would be exposed to the Bahá’í Message.
On October 22, a party was held in honor of the Birth of the Báb. Also celebrated were the spiritual and physical birthdays of Bahá’ís and friends of the Faith.
INSTEAD OF presents, guests brought flowers to build a bouquet for the Báb. Although the party was mainly a social event, there were many opportunities between the ice cream and cake to learn about the Faith. The event was well attended, and was followed by a fireside that evening.
Five days later, a literature table and walk-through display room were set up on campus, manned by college Bahá’ís and a seven-year-old friend. Their theme was the United Nations Year of the Child and the observance of UN Universal Children’s Day.
More than $100 worth of literature in English and Spanish was handed out, mostly through the efforts of the hardworking youngster. One of the more popular items was a poster with the caption, “In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love.”
On October 29, an introductory slide show on the Faith was presented to an audience of 25 including 13 non-Bahá’ís.
THE SLIDE show was followed by a day-long fireside near the campus attended by four adults. The interest generated at the fireside led to a weekly deepening session on the life of Bahá’u’lláh.
On October 31, prayers of thanksgiving were said on campus to close the proclamation... and open the hearts!
The success of this proclamation, and the joy and unity felt in carrying it out, have inspired the planning of a similar effort next semester. Especially vital to its success, according to the Bahá’í Club, was the support offered by the Spiritual Assembly of El Paso.
‘Intercalary Days’ a Time for Rejoicing, Charity[edit]
When the Báb declared His Mission on May 23, 1844, the Bahá’í Era was begun. After the Báb came Bahá’u’lláh, the Promised One of all religions, and among the gifts bestowed on mankind in this new Dispensation is a new calendar, called the Bahá’í Calendar. Its first year began in 1844.
The Bahá’í Calendar is based on a solar year of 365¼ days divided into 19 months with 19 days in each month. This adds up to 361 days. Four “intercalary days” (five during leap years) are added to the calendar to adjust it to the solar year.
The intercalary days, called Ayyám-i-Há, take place between the 18th and 19th months of the year. The Bahá’í New Year falls on March 21, the first day of spring, and is called Naw-Rúz, which is Persian for “new year.” Each Bahá’í day begins at sunset and continues until sunset the following day.
BAHÁ’ÍS throughout the world observe nine Holy Days connected with the lives of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh on which work associated with trade, commerce, industry and agriculture is suspended and children are excused from school when possible.
Two other Holy Days, the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, are commemorated by Bahá’ís, although work is not suspended.
Ayyám-i-Há is a time of feasting, rejoicing and charity. It begins on February 26 and is immediately followed by a month (19 days) of fasting.
During the period of fasting that begins on March 2, the friends must abstain from food or drink from sunrise to sunset. The beloved Guardian explained the significance of the Fast as follows:
“IT IS essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purposes are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.” (Principles of Bahá’í Administration, page 9)
Shoghi Effendi again clarified the importance of fasting when he said, “As regards fasting, it constitutes, together with the obligatory prayers, the two pillars that sustain the revealed Law of God. They act as stimulants to the soul, strengthen, revive, and purify it, and thus insure its steady development.” (Principles of Bahá’í Administration, page 8)
Fasting in the 19th month, or month of ‘Alá’, is binding on all believers who are 15 years or older except those who are sick, those over 70, travelers, and expectant or nursing mothers.
Many communities and families plan activities for Bahá’í children during Ayyám-i-Há and the Fast. In this way, children gain an appreciation for the spiritual and historical basis of the Faith. By taking part in these events, they develop pride in their Bahá’í heritage and strengthen their identification with the Cause.
“Holy Days must come alive for Bahá’í children,” said the National Education Committee in its handbook for Child Education Consultants. “On these days parties may be planned, gifts exchanged, and deeds of service and generosity performed.”
CHILDREN should be taught how and why Bahá’ís fast even though they don’t fast themselves. They can prepare now for fasting at their maturity by participating in its spiritual and social aspects.
Bahá’í parents have expressed concern about not celebrating the traditional holidays such as Christmas or Easter in their Bahá’í homes. These holidays are often eagerly awaited by their children, extended families and sometimes the parents themselves. They are times of great excitement. Some children feel deprived when their families don’t take part in them. One Bahá’í couple offered their solution to the question:
“After studying the importance of breaking with the religious celebrations of a faith other than our own, the big chance came about for us when we realized that we would have a very hard time if we just detached ourselves from these holidays without filling the void with something else. This, for us, was a yearly spectacular family Ayyám-i-Há party—something exciting and meaningful that our children would become attracted to. Our community began working to promote more excitement for our Bahá’í Holy Days, thereby helping to reinforce our sense of Bahá’í identity.”
They decided to diversify their Ayyám-i-Há celebrations by doing something new every year. This family chooses a group of people and its culture to salute each year, and they decorate their home in that motif.
SOME families make Ayyám-i-Há greeting cards or bake cookies to give to people as gifts. One family makes a game that children and adults play together every year during Ayyám-i-Há. The game consists of a tree puzzle with 19 leaves made of poster board. The children ask questions about the Faith. When a person answers the questions correctly, he is allowed to put a leaf on the tree. In this game, the child takes what he has learned about the Faith and applies it in a new and rewarding situation.
Communities may decide to plan special activities in which everyone participates and to which children may bring their non-Bahá’í friends. Puppet shows, flannel-board presentations, piñatas, games, and folk dances are just a few ideas.
For the Fast, the children in one family decorate sunrise-sunset schedules with colorful yarn and designs. They present one to each adult member in the community during Ayyám-i-Há.
The festive time of the Bahá’í year is quickly approaching. It offers great potential for fun and fellowship. We are fortunate to have the opportunity and freedom to try many new ways to foster the holiday spirit in the community.
Children enjoy a ‘Native American’ Intercalary Days party in Brookhaven, New York.
Youth Conference In Pacific Canceled[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Solomon Islands regretfully reports that the Bahá’í Youth Pacific Conference scheduled for March 2-4, 1979, has been canceled.
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Catch a Spark of the love of Bahá’u’lláh READ STAR STUDY PROGRAM BOOKLETS Now Available at Special Package Price! The five booklets shown here are part of the Star Study Program. The aim of this program, the National Spiritual Assembly has written, “is to help believers catch a spark of the love of Bahá’u’lláh and become deepened in the basic teachings of the Faith.” By reading the booklets, you can:
To order: Order through your local Bahá’í librarian if possible. Isolated Bahá’ís and Bahá’ís in communities with no librarian may use the coupon order form below. |
Bahá’ís in North Georgia Host Gala Victory Party[edit]
The Bahá’ís in North Georgia hosted a gala victory celebration December 9 to honor all those whose sacrificial efforts helped to establish 35 new or restored Local Assemblies in North Georgia in a two-month period beginning with the District Convention on October 1.
During the evening, the gathering of more than 150 of the friends received, via telephone, personal thanks and congratulations from Magdalene Carney, the National Spiritual Assembly’s assistant secretary for administration, and John Conkling, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.
A BRIEF report on the present status of the Faith in North Georgia was presented by the District Teaching Committee.
The victory celebration was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Ashburn Searcy in North Fulton County.
The following Sunday, December 17, some 40 of the friends gathered for an institute conducted by Larry Miller of Roswell, Georgia, a member of the National Teaching Committee. Its purpose was to prepare a three-month consolidation plan for North Georgia to begin in January.
Several communities have been organized into clusters that will receive deepening in the coming months.
Plans also have been devised to help Bahá’í communities begin an active community life. For North Georgia, this means the believers in each community will hold at least one meeting each month with at least two Bahá’ís attending.
Children who participated in classes provided for them at the Western New York District Convention in Syracuse on October 1 made paintings, drawings, collages and other works of art, sold them for 50 cents apiece to Bahá’ís attending the Convention, and donated the money to the National Bahá’í Fund. In the photo, children in the primary and pre-youth classes proudly display some of their work.
The ‘Ebony Lights,’ a four-member teaching/singing team from the three special goal states and the District of Columbia embarked December 22 from Los Angeles on a four-month tour of Fiji, New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific. Members of the group are (left to right) James Isham (New York State), June Ritter (Washington, D.C.), Mark Sisson (California), and Darrel Pugh (Illinois).
Bahá’ís from the Groups in Houghton, Stanton Township, Hancock and Bohemia Township in the ‘copper country’ of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula surround their first display at the Houghton County 4-H Club Fair this fall. There was a declaration at the Fair the day before this photo was taken, and more than 40 people stopped to talk and took Bahá’í literature at the booth. Hundreds more saw the name of Bahá’u’lláh, many for the first time.
Reviewers Are Complimentary to New Bahá’í Books[edit]
In the world of books, one of the most sought-after forms of publicity is the book review. The people who buy books—librarians, bookstore buyers, and individual consumers—often rely on book reviews for objective opinions of the thousands of new books published each year.
It is for this reason that the Bahá’í Publishing Trust sends complimentary copies of new books to various magazines and newspapers for possible review.
Last summer, for example, the Publishing Trust sent copies of John Huddleston’s The Earth Is but One Country (7-32-31, cloth, $11) and Udo Schaefer’s The Light Shineth in Darkness (7-32-28, paper, $4.75) to a number of reviewers. The result to date is that two highly-regarded magazines—Library Journal and Choice—reviewed Bahá’í books in the fall.
A review in Library Journal (October 1, 1978) described The Earth Is but One Country as “a straightforward, systematic, and objective introduction to the Bahá’í Faith.” The magazine recommended the book “for general collections.”
Library Journal is the largest and most comprehensive magazine in the library field and is used by librarians as a source of information on new books.
Another library-oriented magazine, Choice (October 1978), reviewed Udo Schaefer’s The Light Shineth in Darkness: Five Studies in Revelation After Christ, and described it as “an exceptionally informative book on Bahá’í thought.
“The unique feature of this well-expressed, scholarly presentation,” wrote the reviewer, “is the comparative treatment of the Bahá’í Faith, Judaism, Christianity, and Islám.
“This sharpens what is understood to be distinctive about the Bahá’í Faith and demonstrates the author’s ability to participate in interfaith conversation on an impressive level.” The review recommended The Light Shineth in Darkness as “a valuable holding for a wide range of libraries.”
The publication of these reviews has led to a dramatic increase in the number of orders for these two books from library book wholesalers and academic and public libraries.
Bahá’ís may order the books through Bahá’í community librarians or directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Add 75 cents postage and handling on orders under $5.
As a part of its Universal Children’s Day activities, the Spiritual Assembly of Little Rock, Arkansas, sponsored a swimming party and carnival. One hundred children and adults participated in the observance. A report of the events was broadcast on the 78-station Arkansas Radio Network, and the major Arkansas newspaper carried an announcement.
Bosch School Sets Summer Schedule[edit]
Here is the summer school schedule for the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California:
- June 16-22—Family Week.
- June 23-29—Junior Youth Week for 12- to 15-year-olds. (Mature 11-year-olds if space is available, with Bosch Council approval.)
- June 30-July 6—General Session (all ages). Special invitation to those doing historical research.
- July 7-13—General Session. Optional classes in Persian.
- July 14-20—General Session. Special classes for new believers in Spanish and other languages.
- July 21-27—Family Week.
- July 28-August 3—General Session. Emphasis on group processes in communities, Assemblies, and families.
- August 4-10—General Session. An optional class in Persian.
- August 11-17—General Session.
- August 18-24—Youth Week for 15- to 25-year-olds.
- August 25-31—General Session.
Publishing Trust Reprints ‘From Strength to Strength’[edit]
From Strength to Strength: The First Half Century of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Era, by Eunice Braun, has been reprinted by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. First released in May 1978, the initial printing sold out in less than six months. (Catalog No. 7-32-30, paper, $3.75)
From Strength to Strength recounts the first responses to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan and describes the exciting developments that have taken place since the systematic promulgation of the Faith began in 1937 with the first Seven Year Plan.
In a moving account, the book details the growth of the Bahá’í Faith throughout the world, from the establishment of the Bahá’í World Centre on Mount Carmel to the spread of Bahá’í institutions around the world and the growth of a diverse worldwide community. From Strength to Strength inspires the reader with the knowledge that no obstacle—however great—can stop the unfoldment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan.
The book’s title was inspired by a passage from the Riḍván 1974 message of the Universal House of Justice launching the Five Year Plan: “The Cause of God, impelled by the mighty forces of life within it, must go on from strength to strength, increasing in size and developing greater and greater powers for the accomplishment of God’s purpose on earth.”
From Strength to Strength can be ordered from Bahá’í librarians or directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Enclose full payment, plus 75 cents for postage and handling on orders under $5.
The Bahá’í community of Lawndale, California, participated in the city’s annual Circus Days program October 18 with a table at which Bahá’í literature was displayed and offered to the public. Visitors to the table were asked to register for a free copy of Tokens of Bahá’u’lláh that was given away at a drawing that evening. A life-sized stuffed clown, made by a member of the Lawndale Bahá’í community, also was given away. Five people filled out interest cards asking for more information about the Faith.
N.Y. Believers Produce New Deepening Package[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly’s Special Project Committee for Westchester County (SPCWC) in eastern New York has produced a series of deepening materials that will complement the street teaching efforts taking place in that area.
“There are two things the committee has worked on,” said SPCWC member Meg Saul. “The first is a series of basic lessons on the Bahá’í Faith that can be mailed to new believers. The second is a booklet called Bahá’í Faith: Spirit of the Age. It’s a consolidation booklet the teachers take with them during follow-up visits with new Bahá’ís.
“The consolidation booklet is similar to the special teaching booklet that the National Teaching Committee recently produced,” said Ms. Saul. “It has black and white sketches in it, and goes into a little more detail about things like the exiles of Bahá’u’lláh, the Nineteen Day Feast, and the laws of prayer and fasting.”
Similar to material found in the Star Study Program, the 11-part series, which will be mailed to new believers in eastern New York, includes lessons on:
- the love of God
- prayer
- the Covenant
- teaching
- community life
- the Central Figures of the Faith
- Shoghi Effendi
Each lesson is four to five pages long, and encourages new believers to study further with other Bahá’ís.
National Center Offices Reviewing Procedures[edit]
Many offices at the Bahá’í National Center are currently reviewing their internal operations in preparation for the large influx of new believers anticipated during the last few months of the Five Year Plan.
As the goals of 1,400 Assemblies and 7,000 localities are won, the focus of the teaching work will turn to initiating the process of entry by troops and saving jeopardized Assemblies.
To prepare for dealing with a dramatic increase in the number of individual believers, the National Spiritual Assembly has asked certain offices at the Center to review the way they do their work and prepare plans for streamlining and simplifying their operations.
Departments most affected are Membership and Records, the mailroom, the records room in the Secretariat, and Community Administration—the department in the Secretariat that responds on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly to a large percentage of the National Spiritual Assembly’s correspondence with Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals.
The review was triggered by the visit of Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, to South Carolina last October 27-29.
Speaking to various department heads at the National Center immediately after his return, Mr. Mitchell said that the Center should begin to prepare to deal with entry by troops so that it can respond adequately to the needs of the friends throughout the country and not become a bottleneck.
The Spiritual Assembly of Westerville, Ohio, was formed November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Assembly members are (standing left to right) David Brown, Julie Brown, Neil Rohrbaugh, Shelly Rezin, Keith Kresge, and (seated left to right) Bonnie Phillips, Gene Phillips, Elaine Kresge, Andrew Rezin.
The Bahá’í children of Norman, Oklahoma, designed this Universal Children’s Day billboard that was displayed at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Education. The college asked that the billboard be displayed throughout the month of October. The children who were responsible for the design and artwork are Helen Danesh (age 11), John Danesh (10), Richie Eshraghi (13), Saeed Eshraghi (9), and Ramin Zachraie (10). The billboard includes the words of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Ye are all the flowers of one garden,’ a montage of children’s faces representing many races and cultures, and a listing of five of the 12 ‘rights of the child’ as defined by the United Nations.
Ventura Assembly Helps Open Town of Fillmore, California[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Ventura, California, announced in December the happy news that it had accomplished its plan to open the nearby town of Fillmore to the Faith. The enrollment of three resident believers and the subsequent arrival of two homefront pioneers secured the victory.
To help win its goal, the Ventura Assembly established a $2,000 budget and opened a Bahá’í Center in Fillmore on October 2. On November 1, the town of Fillmore witnessed its first declaration.
The Bahá’ís of Ventura manned the Center each day and hosted special events that included speakers, music, slide presentations, and entertainment. They held special observances for the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh on November 11 and 12.
They displayed sand paintings by Bahá’í artist David Villaseñor during the week with a talk about the sand paintings by Gary Ellison at the Fillmore Center.
During the three months the Center was open, the Bahá’ís were the object of criticism and negative publicity sparked by members of some other faiths. One church even offered public classes on the Faith.
Law Career Offers a Chance for Service[edit]
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two articles on law as a career for young people, written by Dorothy W. Nelson, dean of the University of Southern California Law School and treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S.)
The Universal House of Justice has told us we must consider the best ways we can develop and use our abilities for the service of mankind and the Cause of God. Therefore, the first question we should ask ourselves is, “How may I, as a Bahá’í lawyer, be of service to the Cause?”
While Bahá’u’lláh has written that “the greatest of all things in My sight is justice,” lawyers alone aren’t going to bring this about; however, legal training helps one to discover the meaning of justice.
IN LAW school, the concepts of fairness, due process, honoring one’s obligations, and the need for obedience to law are examined and critiqued. Having the Faith to draw upon is a tremendous advantage in law school; on the other hand, learning to think critically helps one to become a better Bahá’í.
In consultation, one learns how to separate the relevant from the irrelevant, to discover the facts in a situation, to look at alternatives, and to apply principles to facts. This is most helpful to individual Bahá’ís, and is especially useful when one serves on an administrative institution.
Legal training gives one knowledge that may prove beneficial in helping the Faith in the acquisition of its properties, incorporation of Local Spiritual Assemblies, and its relationships with the government.
Legal training may especially qualify one to represent the Faith at local, national or international conferences dealing with subjects of interest to the Faith such as human rights.
THE FAITH sends representatives to most United Nations conferences dealing with subjects ranging from “world health” and “world peace through law” to “the equality of men and women.”
There are career opportunities for lawyers within the administration of the Faith. Many National Spiritual Assemblies (as in the U.S.) have various positions requiring the services of lawyers, such as Personal Status departments dealing with marriage, divorce and other such matters, or Properties departments that oversee the acquisition and maintenance of Bahá’í properties.
In the local communities, lawyers who are Bahá’ís can help to bring about the realization of some of the social principles in which Bahá’ís believe.
For example, some Bahá’ís in California worked on the state’s “no-fault” divorce law based on Bahá’í principles, and are working with neighborhood justice systems that are based on the concept of the Local Spiritual Assembly.
Bahá’ís may help to write and implement laws that help bring about the abolition of poverty, a genuinely progressive income tax, universal education, and equality between men and women.
BAHÁ’ÍS AS lawyers may serve on international bodies that are working toward the establishment of a true system of international law, a world government with a supreme tribunal, a world executive and world legislature.
In short, legal training may lead to a career as a teacher, as a practicing attorney for private individuals or the government (such as a district attorney or public defender), into a business for which training in law is an excellent background, to work in the international field (such as the UN), or into a non-political government position such as legislative counsel to a state legislature.
As in choosing any career, you should first make an evaluation of yourself, free from any preconceived notions gleaned from others as to what career they may think is best suited to you. Self-knowledge is extremely important in choosing a career.
Next: Preparing for a career in law
On October 13, the Bahá’í community of Berkeley, California, presented 14 Bahá’í books to the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) library. Shown making the presentation to Betty Roszak (seated) of the GTU are Marion Yazdi (center) and Dorothy Frey of the Berkeley Bahá’í community. The Bahá’í donation was made in conjunction with a Program for the Study of New Religious Movements begun late in 1977 by Prof. Jacob Needleman of the GTU. The books will be added to the library’s regular collection, and the titles, along with brief summaries of their contents, will appear in the next GTU list of recent acquisitions. The donation was timed to coincide with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Berkeley on October 9, 1912.
Teaching Committee Aims At Preserving Assemblies[edit]
One of the three major objectives of the Five Year Plan is “preservation and consolidation of the victories won.”
Although the Assembly formation goal of the Plan has been won, at this time of the Bahá’í year many communities have dropped below the nine members required for an Assembly. Without immediate remedial action, these Assemblies are not likely to reform at Riḍván.
The National Teaching Committee encourages each Assembly in this situation to try to help itself through increased efforts at teaching and through recruiting homefront pioneers. The District Teaching Committee and other Assemblies in the District should offer assistance to the jeopardized Assembly as well.
The National Teaching Committee will also be in direct contact with the Assembly to see what assistance the Assembly may need.
The approaches that are most helpful in preserving an Assembly with low numbers are:
- Steadfastness. The friends are urged to stay at their posts. If they need to move away, efforts should be made to replace themselves.
- Teaching. New methods may be needed or the tempo of old ones stepped up. Teaching teams using the new teaching booklets may quickly bring the community to strength.
- Homefront pioneering. Taking steps to find those who can relocate.
Every effort must now be made to preserve the hard won victories. The great joy of winning the Assembly goal will be eroded should we lose a large number of Assemblies at Riḍván.
Teaching[edit]
Continued From Page 1
teaching booklet that has been used with great success in the South, along with guidelines for its use.
WITH THE number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S. now above the 1,400 mark (the total as of January 10 was 1,419), the National Teaching Committee has placed heavier emphasis on completing the Five Year Plan goal of establishing 7,000 localities in which Bahá’ís reside in this country.
In December, the number of localities rose above 6,000 for the first time since the start of the Plan. On January 10 the total was 6,425.
The National Teaching Committee emphasized in its consolidation booklet that what is most important is that “the momentum be maintained, the twin processes of expansion and consolidation be harmonized into one coordinated teaching effort, and the scope of this endeavor be widened continuously until every locality within the United States is blessed by the presence of a functioning institution of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.”
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1979-BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION-1979 The National Spiritual Assembly 70th BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION Join in the celebration of the April 26-29, 1979 BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP Wilmette, Illinois
Mannheim & Higgins Rds. Des Plaines, Illinois 60018 (312) 827-6131 The convention site will be the Ramada O’Hare Inn near Chicago’s international airport. Devotional programs and some other activities will be held at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Shuttle bus service will be provided between the hotel and the House of Worship. A special room rate has been established for Bahá’ís at the Ramada O’Hare Inn: Singles—$30 per day Room reservations should be made directly with the hotel. Don’t forget to indicate “Bahá’í conference” on your request. Child care services will be provided at the convention; parents need not arrange for the care of their children on an individual basis. Since seating at the 70th National Convention will be limited, those who wish to attend should notify the Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 as soon as possible. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. |
[Page 10]
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Livermore, California, was formed Sunday, November 19, following the enrollment of a young couple from El Salvador. The couple, Andres and Miriam Monga, had never heard of the Faith until they were visited by a Bahá’í teaching team from California’s Central District No. 1. They accepted Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings immediately. Members of the Assembly are (left to right) Sandi Dunbar, Robert Wilson, Andres Monga, Patricia Freeman, Miriam Monga, Sharon Madry, Marguerite Wilson, Jerry Crissinger, Barbara Crissinger. The child in front is Herman Monga.
New Training Program Could Assist Pioneers[edit]
One of the more pressing problems faced by Bahá’ís who have decided to pioneer is how to find a job in the country of their choice, or the country where they are most needed by the International Goals Committee.
This is especially difficult for prospective pioneers who have no training or experience in the areas of expertise most needed by the country to which they plan to go.
A UNIQUE opportunity for Bahá’ís who are considering pioneering is now available through the International Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Technology (IIBBT) in Chicago, a new training facility for laboratory technologists in biochemistry and biomedicine.
Dr. Riaz-ul Haque, associate professor of microbiology at the University of Illinois and founder and director of the IIBBT program, says, “The vastness of the job areas opening up in future years is only now being fathomed by thoughtful and farsighted persons.”
On the homefront, graduates of the one-year basic technicians’ training program are prepared for jobs in such widely diversified areas as medical and paramedical fields, sanitation and environmental control, terrestrial biology, space exploration, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food technology.
As important as such technical training is at home, it is even more vital to the economies of countries that have a limited supply of experienced personnel in many of these areas.
THE INSTITUTE relates strongly to the Faith. Dr. Haque’s wife, Nellie, a native of Chile, is a Bahá’í. Their son, Fred, a youth, declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh following the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Conference earlier this year.
The IIBBT method criss-crosses many subject areas, producing an integrated curriculum that streamlines the amount of time a student needs to learn the basics that may qualify him for many jobs in biochemical or biomedical technology.
The course can be a stepping stone to higher education and later specialization. Also offered to high school juniors and seniors is a summer course in microbiology, an excellent introduction to the field for students who may be interested in pursuing a science-oriented career.
For more information about the courses and a brochure, write to IIBBT, 729 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, or phone 312-243-7716.
Walnut Creek Assembly Honors Four Educators[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Walnut Creek-Danville J.D., California, held their third annual Educators’ Award Dinner Friday evening, October 20, the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb.
The dinner meeting included a talk by Dr. Donald T. Streets of Escondido, California, a member of the National Education Committee, and a presentation of awards in appreciation of the teachers’ outstanding service to the community.
Honored with the awards were Allen Petersdorf, superintendent of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and three of his colleagues. Each was presented with a plaque that includes a quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the importance of education.
The Bahá’ís of Walnut Creek-Danville J.D. served as hosts for the evening to eight non-Bahá’í guests.
Mrs. Braun at Bosch School[edit]
Students at the winter session December 21-25 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, had the bounty of studying under the direction of Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun who spoke about the events and personalities of the first half-century of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Era.
Mrs. Braun’s course was based on her recent book, From Strength to Strength.
The newly-released book, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, was the subject of a class presented by Dr. Ronald Gilpatrick. Students reviewed Teachings found in the book and learned of events in the life of Bahá’u’lláh at the time He wrote the Tablets.
Participants from California, Oregon, Utah, Illinois, Texas, Panama, Surinam and Alaska were present at the session. Information about the summer session at the Bosch School appears elsewhere in this issue.
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What the critics are saying... Guy Murchie The Seven Mysteries of Life
—Clifton Fadiman
—Chicago Tribune
—Los Angeles Times
—New Age
To order: Order through your local Bahá’í librarian if possible. Isolated Bahá’ís and Bahá’ís in communities with no librarian may use the coupon order form below. |
The Bahá’ís of Bergen County, New Jersey, presented four county residents with awards for humanitarian service to the community during their ‘Proclamation Week’; September 17-24. Recipients are shown here with Bahá’ís Ann Carpenter (left) and Benjamin Kaufman (right).
Bergen County Bahá’ís Hold ‘Proclamation Week’[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Bergen County, New Jersey, brought their “Proclamation Week” September 17-24 to a successful conclusion with a gala awards dinner in New Rochelle Park.
More than 130 Bahá’ís and guests attended the dinner, at which four non-Bahá’ís were presented plaques recognizing their humanitarian services to their communities. The plaques bore the inscription, “Work performed in the spirit of service is equal to worship.”
The awards dinner was sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Dumont, Englewood, Hackensack and Teaneck, New Jersey. The speaker was Dr. Wilma Brady of New York City, the U.S. National Assembly’s representative to the United Nations.
The week preceding the dinner witnessed intensive Bahá’í activity in several towns as seven Assemblies and seven Bahá’í Groups collaborated in a large-scale teaching effort.
Individual Bahá’ís participated in street teaching, gave firesides and musical presentations, and presented slide shows.
A public picnic was held in a park, and the film, “Paso a Paso” (Step by Step) was shown in a Spanish-speaking area of the county. More than 2,000 pieces of Bahá’í literature were distributed.
[Page 11]
The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Vicksburg, Mississippi, was formed November 17, 1978. Assembly members are (seated left to right) Linda Jobe-Greaux, Nezzie Harris, Lillian Wiggins, Leola Sims, and (standing left to right) Larry Sims, Henry Harris, Burnelle Smith, Gerald Greaux, Billy Wiggins.
The Mail Bag
Believer Finds Questions About Non-Bahá’í Spouse Are Painful[edit]
Dear Friends:
I have wanted to write to The American Bahá’í for some time to discuss a problem of importance to all the friends. This is the matter of Bahá’ís such as myself who are married to non-Bahá’ís.
When I am asked if my husband is a Bahá’í, and I say “no,” I am frequently met with a look or attitude of pity, and sometimes even the question, “You are praying for him, aren’t you?” Then I am usually quizzed about his level of attraction to the Faith.
PERHAPS these people are well-meaning, but I wonder if they realize how much hurt and embarrassment they can cause.
During my first few years of marriage, this attitude from others placed a great strain on our marital relationship, and caused me to be almost apologetic about my husband. Now, I realize there is nothing to apologize about, for my husband is as honest, loving and caring as anyone can be, Bahá’í or not.
He has a great deal of respect for my membership in the Faith, and knows how important it is to me. I have respect for his beliefs, too, and realize that his attitudes are affected by a rigid, dogmatic religious upbringing and an aversion to overbearing members of several religious persuasions.
A person cannot be coerced into belief; a successful marriage requires mutual respect and faith in a spouse’s ability to choose for himself. My husband and I have achieved this mutual love and respect; our life together is joyous.
Balance and happiness are difficult enough to achieve in any marriage without outside pressure from well-meaning Bahá’ís. Hopefully, these remarks will cause the friends to be more tactful in their dealings with non-Bahá’ís and spouses of non-Bahá’ís. My marriage has taught me a measure of tolerance and openness toward people with different beliefs from my own. Let us approach others from where they are, not from where we think they should be.
Wellston, Oklahoma
Dear Friends:
After reading the November issue of The American Bahá’í, I was inspired to write a letter about our experience as homefront pioneers in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Fort Smith is a small but growing city on the border between Arkansas and Oklahoma. We have received support from some Bahá’ís from Rogers, Arkansas, and Cameron, Oklahoma, and others from as far away as Little Rock and Searcy, Arkansas.
We’ve had two public meetings since October. More important than the number of people who attend are the individual teaching opportunities that happen in normal conversation about such topics as what the meetings are about, holidays, and news events that affect each of us.
Teaching the Faith is a long, slow process here, because it is example that is the teacher, and words must be proved by example.
Our successes have included a warm reception from the police department when we presented the kit for public officials from the National Office; a fine article in the local paper for United Nations Day; a good turnout for a picnic in Cameron, Oklahoma, on the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb; the unity of the friends and blossoming personal friendships around the state; warm firesides, and teaching trips that bring us ever closer to each other and our Bahá’í friends.
Being a small Group is often difficult, but it is exciting and worthwhile to be involved in planting the seeds.
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Dear Friends:
Living in a goal area and participating in a Group that is faced with the big challenge of making the Faith known to the public locally, I admire the efforts reported in The American Bahá’í (November 20) of the friends in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Gibbsboro, New Jersey.
However, I can’t help feeling shocked that billboards are being used for Bahá’í teaching!
Shoghi Effendi said teaching should be done with dignity and good taste. In a society saturated with neon crosses and publicity-crazed gurus, this was one of the qualities that strongly attracted me to the Faith when I was a new seeker.
To many people who are sensitive to the beauty of God’s Creation, billboards are an ugly blot on the landscape. It seems more worthwhile to keep one’s eyes on the road than to read them (the message is almost always some form of materialistic greed). How can we expect people to look for a new Revelation from God in such an Old World Order medium?
Personally, I’m thankful that I did not first see the name of the Faith on a billboard!
Orange, Virginia
Classified Ads[edit]
CLASSIFIED ADS in The American Bahá’í are intended as a service to the U.S. Bahá’í community and are printed free of charge.
THE DEPARTMENT of Publishing at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel, has been requested to gather original poetry, essays and music with or inspired by Bahá’í themes for consideration by the Editorial Committee in compiling the volumes of The Bahá’í World. Believers who have composed poetry, essays or music that they feel has merit are invited to submit their compositions, whether or not they have been published previously, together with a letter consenting to their publication by the World Centre if they are selected for inclusion. Copyright clearance should be obtained where necessary. Submission of material to the World Centre does not preclude submission of the same material to other sources of publication, Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í. Although only a small selection can be used, a necessity dictated by the limited size of the international record, all material will be considered and its receipt acknowledged. Kindly address submissions to the Department of Publishing, Bahá’í World Centre, P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel.
WATCH REPAIR business is needed in the Caroline Islands; also, medical personnel and someone who is interested in setting up a newspaper business. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
HOMEFRONT PIONEERS are needed to save the jeopardized Spiritual Assembly in Broomfield, Colorado. Broomfield is a community of 20,000 between Denver and Boulder at the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Jobs are plentiful, especially in energy-related fields, as is housing — especially in middle-range prices. There are exceptional educational opportunities in the vicinity. The climate is mild. For more information, contact Douglas Hartman, 3155 W. 134th Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020, or phone 303-466-7092.
NEEDED: ADULT homefront pioneers to help save the jeopardized Spiritual Assembly of Bemidji, Minnesota. One is needed by Riḍván, possibly two more shortly thereafter. Bemidji, a city of about 11,000, is in the beautiful Minnesota north country, 220 miles north of Minneapolis. It is the recreational, educational and cultural center of a woods and lakes region with good shopping in a brand new mall and downtown, and employment possibilities with the U.S. government, a state university, state offices, public schools, a hospital and clinic. New medical facilities now being built will be completed by fall 1979. For information write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bemidji, P.O. Box 56, Bemidji, MN 56601.
A SPEECH PATHOLOGIST is needed to serve children of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe in central South Dakota. A Bahá’í serving in that capacity could help strengthen the two-year-old Spiritual Assembly of the Crow Creek Reservation or open the nearby goal locality of Chamberlain. If interested, please contact Karen Rambo, Box 611, Fort Thompson, SD 57339, or phone 605-245-2337 (days) or 605-245-2389 (evenings).
THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School Children’s Committee is looking for talented and experienced people to teach children’s classes during the summer of 1979. Sincere, patient people who love children and who are interested in teaching at Green Acre should send a resumé to Sally Eiler, program director, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903.
TONGA IS IN NEED of pioneers. Possible employment opportunities exist for medical personnel, and qualified radio, communications, bank and office workers. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
HELP WANTED in Kansas, the geographic center of the 48 adjacent states. Less than a dozen Bahá’ís in the right places can help form four new Assemblies. Two are in or near metropolitan areas: Prairie Village (five Bahá’ís) and Shawnee County (six). Two are smaller towns: Dodge City (seven Bahá’ís) and Lenora (seven). Only nine more Bahá’ís could restore two lost Assemblies: Hays and Newton. Employment is readily available in or near all of these areas. The environment is clean, the atmosphere friendly. Come to Kansas and be farmers of the Kingdom! For more information, write to the Kansas District Teaching Committee, c/o Richard Vore, 54 Fordham, Topeka, KS 66619.
THE GREEN ACRE Youth Program is looking for talented people with experience and training to teach youth at Green Acre Bahá’í School in the summer of 1979. Candidates should be enthusiastic and willing to guide and assist youth in independent study projects, in addition to teaching classes. Please submit a resumé and dates of availability to Sally Eiler, program assistant, c/o Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903.
THE FALKLAND ISLANDS needs to form two more Groups before the end of the Five Year Plan. Employment opportunities include jobs for mechanics, handymen, sheep shearers, and heavy-duty equipment operators. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
HOMEFRONT PIONEERS needed in East Mesa, Arizona, 20 miles from Phoenix. East Mesa attracts thousands of retired people. The weather is sunny and mild the year round, and many homes and apartments are available to rent or buy. If you are nearing retirement and would like to move to “the valley of the sun,” please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mesa, P.O. Box 2417, Mesa, AZ 85204, or phone 602-962-1022.
HAMILTON COUNTY, New York, in “the heart of the Adirondacks,” needs you! Homefront pioneers are needed to open this locality in a rural area of upstate New York. Hamilton County, a goal area of the Spiritual Assembly of Brookhaven, Long Island, has forest-covered mountains and crystal-clear spring-fed lakes. There are employment opportunities in agriculture and recreation, and a possibility of financial assistance to aid your move. The Five Year Plan soon will end. Will YOU be the one to take this historic step? For further information, contact the Bahá’ís of Brookhaven, 30 Marimar Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772, or phone 516-289-2006.
THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY of Santa Fe County, New Mexico, is planning an art show, “Dawn of a New Day,” in March to bring the Faith to the attention of its arts-oriented community. The show will be held at the Santa Fe Armory for the Arts. Works of all genre, in any medium, by Southwestern Bahá’í artists are welcomed. The works shown will be selected by a Bahá’í committee and the gallery management. Simple hospitality can be provided for artists who wish to accompany their work. Please send carefully packaged slides or prints of the works you would like considered for the show to Nancy P. Greenman, coordinator, Route 6, Box 110, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
HOMEFRONT PIONEERS and traveling teachers are desperately needed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where there are presently no Local Spiritual Assemblies. The area is largely rural and forested, suitable for those who enjoy camping and winter activities. Physicians are in great demand. Northern Michigan University (Marquette) and Michigan Technological University (Houghton) are excellent schools for education, business administration, and engineering. Ironwood has five Bahá’ís, and is a goal locality for Assembly status this year. For information, contact Pam Lasazen, 943 Summit, Apt. 2, Hancock, MI 49930 (906-482-6154); Trudy Erwin, 720 Sutherland, Ironwood, MI 49938 (906-932-0177); Mike Battaglia, 1004 Pine, Marquette, MI 49855 (906-226-6964).
Treasurer Offers New Finance Course[edit]
HAVE YOU EVER bought something you really didn’t want? Do you want to know more about money? Do you ever wonder what happens to your contribution to the National Fund? If so, then you won’t want to miss “The Surest Way”—the new course from the Treasurer’s Office. To arrange a presentation of the course in your area, contact your nearest National Treasurer’s Representative or the Office of the Treasurer, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Early School Years See Rapid Changes[edit]
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of six articles on children and learning written by Deborah H. Christensen of London, Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Christensen has a master’s degree in education, specializing in early childhood, and has served on the U.S. National Education Committee.)
The school age child, hopefully, greets the world with an extraordinary amount of knowledge about it and skills for manipulating it.
Beginning formal education marks a major transition in a child’s life. It is probably his first extensive contact with the outside world. This is a mixed blessing, providing a host of new challenges and new opportunities.
Intellectually, his major tasks are reading and acquiring some basic math/science skills. Furthermore, these must develop in the midst of the social challenges of associating with other children.
LIKE LEARNING a language, learning to read is an incredibly complex process. Parents can support the teacher’s efforts by providing the child with a rich language environment, by reading to him, by listening to him read, and by patiently applauding his attempts.
It is also important to be sensitive to his struggles. Some children are developmentally ready to read at five, some not until seven, and some have special problems. Parents should be wary of their expectations and try not to put pressure on children to do something they are, as yet, incapable of doing.
This applies equally to computation skills. Children should have many opportunities to work with concrete materials in relation to math and science concepts (such as counting, adding, and subtracting with raisins, blocks, fingers, etc.). Only after much practice can a child do math problems in his head.
All through these early years, but particularly with school age children, parents should be on the lookout for each child’s individual strengths. Of course, some are more obvious than others.
ONE CHILD’S gift will be intellectual brilliance, another’s will be physical coordination, or artistic ability, or deep sensitivity to the feelings of others. These capacities need to be encouraged through formal training, opportunities to practice them, and general support.
The basic aim is to help each child understand and love himself, develop his spiritual, intellectual, and physical capacities, compete against himself to improve, and learn how to use his abilities to serve his fellow man.
Helping Our Children: Some Techniques
The most important reason for finding out more about how children learn is so that we can help them. Many techniques exist to help parents educate their children—some good, and others that teach undesirable qualities.
A brief statement by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about what children should learn will help to put such techniques into perspective:
“My hope is that your parents may educate you spiritually and give you thorough moral training. May you develop so that each one of you shall become imbued with all the virtues of the human world. May you advance in all degrees material and spiritual. May you become learned in sciences, acquire the arts and crafts, prove to be useful members of human society and assist the progress of human civilization. May you be a cause of the manifestation of divine bestowals; each one of you a shining star radiating the light of the oneness of humanity toward the horizons of the east and west. May you be devoted to the love and unity of mankind and through your efforts may the reality deposited in the human heart find its divine expression. I pray for you, asking the assistance and confirmation of God in your behalf.” (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Vol. I, Page 88)
JUST AS a brief article such as this cannot do more than highlight a few basic principles about learning, it cannot hope to offer a comprehensive list of everything parents should do. It can, however, offer a few suggestions and encourage you to develop other possibilities on your own.
One of the most effective teaching techniques is the power of example. Deeds have a far greater impact than words. The two most important examples, or models, for a Bahá’í child are ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his or her own parents.
The Master, of course, is God’s unique gift to mankind, the Perfect Exemplar. Children can and should be taught about Him in a comprehensive way. They should learn about the qualities He exemplified—love, courtesy, justice, patience, honesty, courage, happiness, etc.
Hearing stories and seeing devotion to Him by Bahá’ís can help children understand ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The approach should be positive so children don’t feel threatened by Him, or come to think of Him as an imposing Figure Whom they frequently disappoint and Whose forgiveness they cannot seek. Children should know the Master’s unfailing love for them so that He becomes an inspiration.
PARENTS are also an important example to their children, for good or ill. Indeed, for younger children they are the most important example. Children will imitate what they see and hear, eventually forming their own habits and behaviors based largely on this modeling.
Children who see parents serving others will learn to serve too, without the need for lectures on the subject. Children who do not see their parents as servants will have a much harder time acquiring this attribute. Children who see their parents pray will learn to love prayer.
Children who see their parents argue will argue more readily. This principle can be applied in hundreds of different ways. Its importance cannot be overemphasized.
Developing good habits is another way to support learning. A habit is an action that is repeated over and over until it becomes second nature. We can develop good habits (spiritual habits) in the same way that we acquire bad habits, by practicing a virtue repeatedly until it no longer requires any conscious effort.
As already stated, example is one way to highlight habits children should develop. It is best to develop good habits as early as possible. Parents can aid children to develop spiritual habits by taking guidance from the Writings. Morning and evening prayer should become an eagerly expected part of the child’s day, as should opportunities to be of service, to think of others, to contemplate the Teachings, and to strive for excellence.
ONE OFTEN overlooked habit that should be developed as early as possible is persistence—the ability to stick to something and carry it through to completion.
Our world with its constantly distracting barrage of stimulation makes acquiring this ability difficult, to say the least. At its root lies our will, or volition.
Learning how to set goals and achieve them is critical to becoming an effective human being. We must be aware of this, and as early as possible help our children set and attain realistic objectives. We can help by not unnecessarily interrupting them at play, helping them with daily music practice, or assisting them to learn how to break difficult tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
Another technique for teaching children is the use of analogy. We know that children learn from concrete to abstract. Concrete examples are needed to help clarify abstract concepts (“God is like the sun,” and so forth). This is true for material as well as spiritual principles.
IN AN article reprinted in the June 1953 issue of Child’s Way, the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan said that we must teach our children the way Christ taught the people of His time, through the use of the familiar in the form of parables and the like. “A rose has the innate capacity to grow but it cannot without the sun. The bounty of God is like the sun; it makes things grow.” He gives another example for older children about the Administrative Order:
“There is a fountain here, and we are standing at a distance from it. How can we get the benefit of the water? We must build a canal to bring it to us. If we throw dirt into the canal, the water will become muddy. Our own opinions and the things which we do that are wrong are like throwing dirt into the water. They block the passage.”
A child is reported to have asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá why all the rivers in the world eventually flow to the ocean. He replied that the ocean sets itself lower than the rivers. Is this not also a perfect description of humility?
Parents must strive to explain physical and spiritual principles in language such as this, so that their children will understand the concepts involved.
Frank Myers (center), a Bahá’í since 1915, was given special recognition recently at a ceremony recognizing the Spiritual Assembly of Trenton, New Jersey. The ceremony was hosted by the Bahá’í community of Hamilton Township, New Jersey. Others in the photo are (left to right) Auxiliary Board member Albert James; Elizabeth Caran, secretary of the Trenton Assembly; Virginia Unwin, chairman of the Trenton Assembly, and Anna Mikuriya.
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Bosch School Has Openings The Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, is accepting applications for employment for its summer program June 16-August 31. Positions available include assistant cook, lifeguard, recreation director, children’s pre-school teacher, dishwasher, and maintenance helper. Room and board are provided in addition to a small stipend. Transportation costs to and from school will be the responsibility of employees. Applicants should send a resumé and a letter of recommendation from their Local Spiritual Assembly to the Bosch Bahá’í School Administrator, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. |
On November 12, the Bahá’í Group of Washington Township, Ohio, celebrated the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh with a program that included readings from the Bahá’í Writings, music, and a slide show of Africa presented by a Bahá’í who has recently returned from there.
[Page 13]
More than 60 people were present at a public meeting in September at the White Plains, New York, YMCA to hear a talk on the need for world unity by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. Here Dr. Kazemzadeh (right), chairman of the College of History at Yale University, chats with Dr. Victor de Araujo (center), representative of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations who is a resident of Hartsdale, New York, and Solomon Hilton, a member of the Bahá’í community of White Plains. White Plains recently formed its first Spiritual Assembly.
A Recognition Ceremony for the recently-formed Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lancaster, California, was held September 9 in Lancaster. Among the friends from several communities who attended was Auxiliary Board member Anthony Lease. Members of the Assembly are (top row left to right) Darlene Miller, Joe Seny, Pat Fishback, Glenn Johnson, Mitra Khorvash, and (bottom row left to right) Dennis Fishback, Mildred Brackett, Firuz Khorvash, Nayirih Khorvash.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Emma Adamson
- Denton, Texas
- December 13, 1978
- May H. Anderson
- Westchester, Pa.
- February 27, 1978
- Mrs. Hannah Ant
- Lame Deer, Montana
- September 1978
- Miss Yula Saboor Khalifah Aquil
- Atlanta, Georgia
- September 1978
- Mrs. Elnora Austin
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Dale L. Bechtol
- Glendale, California
- October 31, 1978
- Clarence Bellamy
- North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Lucious Belvin
- Elko, Georgia
- July 1978
- Boot Bishop
- Society Hill, S.C.
- 1977
- Charles J. Boatman
- Pasco, Washington
- January 3, 1977
- Mrs. Elsa Boesch
- Menlo Park, California
- November 28, 1978
- Hortense J. Bredehorst
- Olney, Illinois
- October 27, 1978
- Mrs. Bertha Brown
- Avon Park, Florida
- Date Unknown
- Sam Bryant
- Richland, Georgia
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Rosie Carey
- Birmingham, Alabama
- June 26, 1977
- Mrs. Mary Clark
- Bishopville, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Robert Coleman
- Union, S.C.
- March 1976
- Mr. N. L. Coleman
- Hubbard, Texas
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Gladys Cook
- Toledo, Ohio
- November 25, 1978
- George Daniel
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- November 30, 1978
- Robert Davidson
- Edgemoor, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- C. L. Davis
- Swansea, S.C.
- 1976
- Johnny Davis
- Centenary, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Jasper Davis
- Centenary, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Clifton Durant
- St. George, S.C.
- June 1978
- Willie Dorby, Jr.
- St. Matthews, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Price Derief
- St. George, S.C.
- 1977
- Miss Rachel Fillmore
- Summerton, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Mellow Dee Foster
- South Haven, Michigan
- December 14, 1978
- Mrs. Vivian Furtick
- Swansea, S.C.
- 1973
- Buster Gadson
- Walterboro, S.C.
- October 31, 1978
- Mrs. Daisey Gissentanner
- Swansea, S.C.
- 1972
- Mrs. Robbie L. Goodson
- Darlington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- William L. Goodwin
- Gadsden, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Jack Gordon
- Mansfield, Ohio
- November 14, 1978
- Kathryn Mortensen Gosselin
- Sun City, Arizona
- April 1978
- Mrs. Cresie Halloway
- Batesburg, S.C.
- 1977
- David Hammond
- Bowman, S.C.
- 1977
- Mrs. Mary Harrison
- Marion, S.C.
- 1978
- George Hart, Sr.
- St. Matthews, S.C.
- 1976
- Milton Heath
- Rochester, New York
- July 10, 1978
- Mrs. Bertha Heinig
- Scarsdale, New York
- November 1978
- Wayne L. Henry
- Princeton, Wyoming
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Ellen W. Hill
- Oneida, Wisconsin
- May 27, 1978
- Mrs. Lois Hinkle
- Compton, California
- November 21, 1978
- Charles Hoffman
- Bothell, Washington
- December 12, 1978
- Wayne Hoover
- Gorham, Maine
- November 10, 1978
- Mrs. Marie P. Hughes
- Centenary, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- James Humphrey
- Coffeyville, Kansas
- 1976
- Mrs. Elvira Jerido
- Wetumpka, Alabama
- Date Unknown
- Curtis Lee Johnson
- Roberta, Georgia
- 1972
- Miss Mattie Johnson
- Bishopville, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Plummer Johnson
- West Marion, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Robert Lee Johnson
- Mullins, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Miss Bettye Joiner
- Montezuma, Georgia
- 1972
- Lewis Jordan
- Montezuma, Georgia
- 1976
- Charles Larrobie
- Everglades, Florida
- Date Unknown
- James Leroy
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- August 29, 1978
- Mrs. Catherine Lewis
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Dorothy J. Lodge
- Hayward, California
- November 20, 1978
- Eddie Lowery
- Edgemoor, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Johnny Lunn
- Darlington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Mary Mathis
- Buena Vista, Georgia
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Doretha Mavins
- Swansea, S.C.
- 1976
- John M. McCarthy
- North Garden, Virginia
- November 4, 1978
- Mason McCracken
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- October 7, 1977
- Leon McDaniel
- Swansea, S.C.
- November 8, 1978
- John McDonald
- Roberta, Georgia
- Date Unknown
- Willis McNeal, Jr.
- Darlington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Annie McFadden
- Scranton, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Arthur Moody
- Zion, S.C.
- 1972
- Mrs. Irandokht Andieh Moore
- New York, New York
- July 16, 1978
- Raymond I. Moore
- Los Angeles, California
- November 25, 1978
- Mrs. Bianca Moraw
- West Hollywood, California
- November 9, 1978
- Newton Muldrow
- Bowman, S.C.
- 1974
- James Nettles
- Darlington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Anna Page
- Latta, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Corine Patterson
- Wadmalaw Island, S.C.
- 1972
- John Pauling
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Arno (Richard) Peterson
- Atlantic Mine, Michigan
- September 28, 1978
- Henry Peterson
- Fruitport, Michigan
- June 30, 1977
- Cecil Phillips
- Buena Vista, California
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Jessalyn H. Proskaver
- Westbury, New York
- November 17, 1978
- Mrs. Lila Ranage
- Batesburg, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Frankie Redding
- Richland, Georgia
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Margarete Reynolds
- Notasulga, Alabama
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Cora Lee Richardson
- Tuskegee, Alabama
- Date Unknown
- Lawrence Robinson
- Edgemoor, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Eva Hildred Rowe
- Santa Cruz, California
- Date Unknown
- Od Rowell
- Marion, S.C.
- 1976
- Bobby Royals
- Fort Valley, Georgia
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Alice Sanders
- Society Hill, S.C.
- October 14, 1978
- Mrs. Mary Shivers
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Emmie Simmons
- Thomson, Georgia
- April 5, 1976
- Mrs. Katie Bell Smith
- Swansea, S.C.
- 1973
- Mrs. Gertrude Smith
- Irmo, S.C.
- 1978
- Mrs. Meredith Smith
- Bellevue, Washington
- July 1978
- Clabe Spencer
- Birmingham, Alabama
- November 5, 1978
- Mrs. Daisy Stack
- St. Matthews, S.C.
- 1972
- James Stanley
- Little River Neck, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Dan Steward
- Ruffin, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Robert Stover
- Kingston, Maryland
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Helene H. Stute
- Varna, Illinois
- November 1978
- Mrs. Ruth Sutton
- St. Matthews, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Millie Swanson
- Rosewall Heights, Alabama
- August 1978
- Arthur Sylvester
- Cliffside Park, N.J.
- September 1978
- Jessie Tarver
- Richland, Georgia
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Suzanna Thompson
- Lone Star, S.C.
- 1975
- Miss Shirley Wedlow
- Seagoville, Texas
- 1974
- Herbert L. Williams
- Little River Neck, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Della M. Williams
- Phoenix, Arizona
- November 20, 1978
- Mrs. Liza White
- Mullins, S.C.
- 1978
- Mrs. Mary Wilson
- Bishopville, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Edith Inez Wininsky
- Hermitage, Pa.
- October 7, 1978
- Mrs. Mettice Wood
- Villa Rica, Georgia
- November 13, 1978
- Leocadio Yubeta
- Nogales, Arizona
- Date Unknown
[Page 14]
News Briefs
United Nations Magazine Profiles Faith[edit]
The Bahá’í International Community was featured in a special two-page article in the October 31 issue of Secretariat News, a publication of the United Nations staff at UN headquarters in New York. The magazine is circulated to the almost 3,000 delegates and 7,000 staff members working at the UN.
The article included a summary of the history and Teachings of the Faith along with current statistics. There were photographs of Bahá’ís participating in UN-related activities around the world.
Secretariat News cited the efforts of the Bahá’í International Community, which represents the Faith at the UN, in the following areas: human rights, social development, status of women, the environment, human settlements, world food, science and technology, population control, laws of the sea, crime prevention, narcotic drugs, youth concerns, the family, the UN university, literacy programs, and UN special event days (Universal Children’s Day, UN Day, etc.).
“The attitudes and activities of the Bahá’í International Community,” said the article, “represent a ‘grassroots’ involvement in the aims of the (UN) Charter and occupy, therefore, a noteworthy place in its support of the broad aims and programmes of the UN.”...
Albuquerque, New Mexico, celebrated the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in November with a series of events termed “Bahá’í Information Week.”
Activities began with a teaching effort in the goal city of Bernalillo. During the week, the Bahá’í Student Association at the University of New Mexico set up an attractive booth in the Student Union building. The film “Step by Step” was shown to seekers, followed by a question-and-answer period.
Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday, November 12, saw the conclusion of the week’s events as three generations of an Albuquerque Bahá’í family spoke at a public meeting on the life and Mission of Bahá’u’lláh.
During the week, items contributed by the Albuquerque Bahá’í community were sold at a flea market and netted about $650. The money will be used for publicity during the remainder of the Five Year Plan ...
For the fifth year in a row, the Spiritual Assembly of Hutchinson, Kansas, sponsored a booth at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.
This year, instead of a regular exhibit, the Bahá’ís offered free ice water to hot and thirsty fairgoers.
While pausing with their water, many people looked at a map of Kansas that showed the location of every Local Assembly and Bahá’í Group in the state. A number of visitors chatted with the Bahá’ís, and some asked for literature ....
At a recent pow-wow on the Kickapoo Indian Reservation in northeastern Kansas, the Kansas District Teaching Committee’s Indian Teaching Task Force sponsored a Bahá’í booth and first aid station.
Alice Taylor, a Bahá’í from Kansas City who is a Registered Nurse, gave her time to staff the station. Bahá’ís from across the state helped in the venture, and the entire back cover of the pow-wow program was devoted to a Bahá’í display.
Bahá’ís also helped to clean up after the pow-wow was over...
The Bahá’í community of Lawndale, California, has made good use recently of two lighted signs, or marquees, at either end of the city’s main thoroughfare to proclaim the Faith.
The marquees are used by the City Council to display messages of interest, and are seen by thousands of people each day.
The Bahá’ís were given permission to use them to publicize Bahá’í events, and have displayed such messages as: “Bahá’í Faith Week—December 13 to 20,” “Happy Bahá’í Intercalary Days—February 26-March 1,” and “Happy Naw-Rúz—Bahá’í New Year—March 21.”
The marquees also were used to announce a Race Unity Day event at a local park...
At the South Florida District Convention in October, Charles and Valera Rogers volunteered to homefront pioneer in the goal locality of Coral Gables.
Within a week after arriving there they had managed to contact four of seven believers listed on a computer printout as living in Coral Gables. They could not, however, locate three Persian believers who also were on the list.
Soon afterward, at the movie theatre he manages, Mr. Rogers was approached by a Persian who needed directions. Noticing Mr. Rogers’ Bahá’í lapel pin, the man asked if he were a Bahá’í. When Mr. Rogers said yes, the man, Farhang Rouhani, replied, “I, too, am a Bahá’í!”
Not only that, he was one of the three Persians the Rogers had been unable to locate—and the other two, Pari and Ali Muḥammad Rouhani, were waiting in the car!
Bahá’u’lláh had opened the doors again, and the Spiritual Assembly of Coral Gables was formed on Wednesday, November 1.
Public schools in Jefferson County, Colorado, are among the most recent in the country to recognize Bahá’í Holy Days, following a request by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lakewood, Colorado, for excused absences for Bahá’í children on those days.
United Nations Day was commemorated October 22 at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco, California, with a public meeting that featured a talk on the International Year of the Child by Dr. Wilma Brady of New York City, the U.S. National Assembly’s representative to the United Nations.
In Dr. Brady’s address, “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” she told how UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) supports the Bahá’í ideal of unity, concerning itself with the needs of children all over the world.
Posters made by children at the San Francisco Bahá’í School were hung in the lobby of the Center to acquaint visitors with the rights of children as upheld by the United Nations. At a reception following the meeting, the many seekers who attended were able to question Dr. Brady and other Bahá’ís...
The Surfcomber, a newspaper in Del Mar, California, carried in its November 1 edition an article about Habib and Ferdows Sabeti, a Persian Bahá’í couple who are now living in Del Mar. The article identified the Sabetis as members of the Del Mar Bahá’í community, and explained that their purpose in coming to this country was “to spread the word of their religious faith.”...
In December, the Northern Arizona University Bahá’í Club, under the auspices of the Spiritual Assembly of Flagstaff, ran a two-page ad for the Faith in the campus newspaper, the Lumberjack, whose circulation of 8,300 makes it the state’s largest weekly paper.
The Flagstaff community has placed the Jeff Reynolds Show on KCLS Radio at 10:30 each Sunday morning, and is in the process of placing a 30-second spot about the Faith on KOAI-TV...
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Westminster, Maryland, received front page coverage in local newspapers in October when it presented the first local “Rights of the Child” award to the Carroll County Vo-Tech Center as a part of its observance of Universal Children’s Day.
The Vo-Tech Center was recognized with a plaque for its work in equipping graduates with the skills necessary to find a place in today’s job market. The principal of the school requested more information about the Faith, and some 80,000 residents of Westminster had an opportunity to learn of the Faith through the newspaper articles.
The cost to the Westminster Assembly was $30 for the plaque.
The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Arlington, Massachusetts, held its Recognition Ceremony last March 12. Among those attending was Auxiliary Board member Katherine McLaughlin. Members of the Assembly are (standing left to right) Jimi Miller, Michael Hagerty, Rigel Hurst, Pamela Hawley, Deborah Garriss, Kathleen Shure, and (seated left to right) Nora Miller, Grace Bates, Susan Donovan.
Kristina Ogron of Green Bay, Wisconsin is shown (above) as she appeared in April 1976 when the Green Bay Bahá’í community established a goal of raising $1,000 to help with construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, and (right) as she appeared in November when the Spiritual Assembly of Green Bay announced in a letter to the Universal House of Justice that the goal had been won.
Green Bay Bahá’ís Aid House Seat Construction[edit]
In a letter to the Universal House of Justice dated November 14, the Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bahá’í community shared the joyous news that it had won its goal of raising $1,000 to aid construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
In April 1976, The American Bahá’í carried a brief article that referred to a special fund box built for that purpose by the Green Bay Bahá’í Youth Club.
The article was accompanied by a photo of a Bahá’í child, 3-year-old Kristina Ogron, placing a contribution in the house-shaped wooden box. Each time 1/19th of the $1,000 goal was met, a paper strip representing a pillar of the Seat of the House of Justice was added to the little house.
The final pillar has now been added, and the Green Bay community of about 30 adults, youth and children has won its goal.
“We wanted the bounty and privilege of contributing to this historic edifice,” the Spiritual Assembly of Green Bay said in its letter to the Universal House of Justice, “but we never would have achieved this amount had we not first simply set the goal to do so. Who ever could have anticipated the joy and satisfaction this victory has brought us.”
[Page 15]
The Spiritual Assembly of Yakima County (Washington) Commissioner’s District No. 1 was formed August 13. Members (left to right) are Terry Zeutenhorst, Amy Mercy, Randy Reneau, Judith Reneau, Lilly Mae Johnson, Carlton Christiansen, Caroline Christiansen, Hovi Schmeizer. Not shown is Bonnie Charles.
Some Orders Can Be Made Directly—Trust[edit]
Do you have a Bahá’í librarian in your town? If you do, you know who to contact to order books from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. But for many Bahá’ís, including isolated believers and members of newly-formed communities, there is no community librarian and no easy way to order books. That’s why the Publishing Trust is now encouraging some Bahá’ís to order directly from its offices in Wilmette, Illinois.
The need for a change in policy became obvious during the fall. “More than 300 Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in the eight weeks before the Day of the Covenant (November 26),” observed Steve Wilder of the Publishing Trust staff. “Many of these newborn Assemblies are not yet able to appoint a Bahá’í librarian, but we don’t want that fact to stop the flow of Bahá’í literature. We are now inviting the members of those communities to order directly from the Trust until a librarian is appointed.
“WE ARE also urging isolated Bahá’ís to order directly from the Trust,” he explained. “There is no need to wait for months to buy materials at the next Bahá’í conference or convention. Time is too precious for that.”
To make it easier for these friends to obtain materials, the Publishing Trust has begun including coupon order forms in some of its ads in The American Bahá’í.
Even if an advertisement or article does not include a coupon order form, isolated believers and Bahá’ís who live in communities with no community librarian may order directly by sending a brief letter and payment (check or money order) to the Trust.
If your community does have a Bahá’í library, the Publishing Trust asks that you continue to order from the community librarian. Orders from authorized Bahá’í librarians can be handled more efficiently than personal orders and contribute to the growth of the local Bahá’í library.
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is located at 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Orders from individuals should include full payment plus 75 cents for postage and handling on orders under $5.
Letter[edit]
Continued From Page 1
The Times under the headline, “Religions in Írán: What the Bahá’í Faith Is and Is Not,” is part of a nationwide campaign undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly to provide the news media with more accurate information about the Faith. The text of the letter follows:
“To the Editor:
“Your December 10 news article ‘Moslem Revolt in Írán Stirs Fears for Future of Minority Religions’ contains many misstatements and errors. It states, for instance, that ‘the Pahlevis came into power seven decades ago’ when, in fact, Reza Khan, the father of the present Sháh, came to power in 1921.
“The article calls the Bahá’í Faith a sect of Islám. Though the Bahá’í Faith originated in Islám, it has long since become an independent world religion, related to Islám in the same way as Christianity is related to Judaism.
“The article characterizes Bahá’ís as secretive. In view of the historical pressure and persecution it has sustained, the Íránian Bahá’í community is not free to draw public attention to itself.
“That many Bahá’ís have prospered in Írán is true, just as it is true that the members of other religions have prospered. To imply that this was the result of their special relationship to the ruling family is nonsense. It is also true that a few Bahá’ís have achieved prominent posts in the government. But not one of them occupied a political position, because Bahá’ís are specifically enjoined by their religion to stay out of politics. Neither (former Prime Minister) Amir Abbas Hoveida nor any member of his cabinet was a Bahá’í.
“The Bahá’ís have always been loyal to the constituted authorities of the countries in which they reside. However, the quotation from an unidentified Western diplomat that the Bahá’ís have profited by the trust they inspired in the Sháh to ‘expand their power base’ is a rather malicious innuendo, conveying the impression that the Bahá’ís were somehow involved in the struggle for power in Írán.
“The Prophet Muḥammad lived in the seventh, not the 13th century. The Shiites expected the 12th Imám; there was no 13th. Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed the founding of the Bahá’í Faith in 1863, not in 1867, and He never claimed to be an Imám.
“The article says that, technically, Bahá’ís are Moslems. This, too, is erroneous. A majority of Íránian Bahá’ís were born in Bahá’í families and never professed Islám. They can in no way be considered technically Moslems under Islámic law. Taqíyyih, denial of faith, is specifically prohibited in the Bahá’í Faith, though it is permitted among the Shiites.
“The Bahá’í Faith, which is established in 340 countries and dependencies and exists in over 6,000 localities in the United States, deserves at least the same accurate treatment for which The Times has distinguished itself on so many counts as the leading newspaper in this country.”
National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of the U.S.
Wilmette, Illinois, Dec. 21, 1978
A banner with the words, ‘Ye are all the leaves of one branch,’ and symbols of some of the world’s religions was displayed during the Christmas season at a shopping mall in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The felt banner, made by Karen Patterson of Bosque Farms and Karen Phillips of Valencia, was prepared in response to a request from management at the mall that local religious groups create banners for display there during the Christmas season. The banner sponsored by the Bahá’ís was hung in a prominent place with banners from many Christian churches, and received considerable attention.
Richard Vore (right) of the Manhattan, Kansas, Bahá’í community presents the book Call to the Nations to Mayor Robert D. Linder of Manhattan. Mayor Linder proclaimed October 1, the day of the annual Kansas Bahá’í State Convention, ‘Bahá’í Recognition and Welcome Day’ in Manhattan. The mayor, who is a history professor at Kansas State University and has taught courses in comparative religions, encouraged the Bahá’ís to continue working for harmony among religions.
Muskegon, Michigan, Assembly Marks Its 75th Anniversary[edit]
Five years of careful planning were culminated this fall with a month-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Muskegon, Michigan.
The series of public events included an address by Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; a free car wash; displays of literature and posters; an all-night prayer session; an open-air concert, and a day-long conference whose theme was “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” and whose featured speaker was Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Javidukht Khadem.
Shortly after the anniversary observance, three new Bahá’ís were enrolled in the Muskegon area.
Dr. Jordan’s address, at the Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Theatre, was entitled “One Planet, One People ... Please.”
At the final conference, Mrs. Khadem and Pat Chadwick, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, spoke of the present status of the Faith and the exciting prospects for the future. The conference also featured a history in pictures and on tape of the Muskegon community presented by Marcella Wilder, the Muskegon Assembly’s historian.
The open-air concert, at the McGraft Park band shell, featured Bob Simms and Cinnamon, professional musicians from Ludington, Michigan. Other performers included Rene Meave, Odie Lowe, and Baker and the Bird. The emcee was Richard Reid, a Bahá’í from Grand Rapids who is a television announcer.
One of the several public displays of Bahá’í literature set up as a part of the month-long observance in Muskegon, Michigan, of the 75th anniversary of the formation of the city’s Local Spiritual Assembly.
Teaching a Way of Life at National Center[edit]
Two married couples in the Chicago area spend their Saturday mornings at garage sales in an unopened locality in an effort to meet people, make friends with them, and teach them the Faith.
Twelve others, members of the “Thomas Breakwell Teaching Army,” spend their weekends in direct teaching to help raise communities to Assembly status.
One woman teaches children’s classes on weekends and also guides at the House of Worship.
ANOTHER woman helps build and install solar collectors at an ecology center and shares the Faith with her acquaintances there.
All of these people devote their time and energy in the evenings and on weekends to teaching the Faith.
They have at least one other characteristic in common.
All of them are staff members at the National Center in Wilmette.
Many National Center staff members are serving the Faith far beyond their normal working hours through homefront pioneering, teaching in goal communities, and helping to open new localities to the Faith.
Some have moved themselves and their families to outlying communities, often at considerable inconvenience; others spend their spare moments teaching or serving on various committees.
ONE COUPLE, who recently returned to work at the National Center after an absence of more than two years, arrived from California with plans to move to a goal area. They chose Highwood, a community with two adults, and launched a campaign to raise an Assembly there.
“Come to Highwood” became an often-heard phrase at the National Center. The campaign proved so successful that on October 1, the date set by the National Teaching Committee for the formation of its Assembly, Highwood held its formation ceremony and won the goal.
“The most exciting part of what happened in Highwood,” said one of the homefront pioneers, “is the idea of following the guidance of our institutions. The National Assembly wanted it done, and it was done. It worked!”
Another staff member at the National Center says she teaches by becoming involved in organizations whose members enjoy doing the same things she does and who may be receptive to the Faith.
She recently worked as an unpaid teacher giving tours to children at a nearby lighthouse.
“THIS WAY,” she says, “a person can expand his abilities while working in a trusting relationship. The Faith almost always comes up in conversation.”
Teaching the Faith by National Center staff members is something that nearly always takes place after working hours, as the Center itself is staffed almost entirely by Bahá’ís.
“The problem isn’t so much finding non-Bahá’ís,” says one staff member, “it’s finding the time to find them. Before I came here, my coworkers weren’t Bahá’ís. Now I have to make an extra effort after working hours to meet seekers.”
Says one married staff member:
“Teaching is an act of volition. It often takes great effort to find a suitable balance between the time one spends in community activities or on teaching projects and the time he spends with his family.
“WHEN I SAY I’m unable to do something in the community, it’s because I’m working on a long-term goal—my family. I want it to be strong and unified.”
He and his wife make their regular weekend teaching efforts a family affair by always including the children.
“Working at the National Center places a demand on people to balance their lives so they can keep at it,” another staff member asserts. “It’s easy to become worn out without this balance. But when one finds it, the spirit flows strongly and it actually creates greater energy.”
Since staff members come to the National Center from many areas of the country and sometimes from other countries, thoughts and perspectives on teaching reflect that diversity.
Says one staff member who recently returned from a pioneer post in Rhodesia: “Here in the U.S. we have a fantastic amount of unexploited resources.
“IN TANZANIA, for example, there were about five vehicles in the whole country that belonged to Bahá’ís. Two of them were motorcycles. Here, we have far more than that in a single community.
“Five Bahá’ís could make all the difference in the world to the growth of the Faith in that country and others like it. In African countries, one may help in the formation of as many as five Local Assemblies at Riḍván.
“The importance of the individual should never be underestimated. One dedicated person can make a great difference.”
Ernest Lopez, administrator of grounds design and maintenance at the National Center and a member of the Illinois Regional Teaching Committee, summed up the committee’s view of teaching in Illinois in these words:
“We know that Bahá’u’lláh is the fulfillment of prophecy. We know people really want to hear the Bahá’í Message. It’s up to us to be fearless and bold in talking to people, and then to love them into the Faith.
“Teaching must be done on a very personal level. It’s a matter of touching people’s hearts. Even atheists have some expectations. People want something, they’re searching for answers, and the only thing that will really satisfy them is spiritual—it’s love.”
Bahá’ís traveled up to 400 miles in October to Custer, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, to participate in the first of six weekend teaching events planned in response to a plea at the 1978 District Convention for a united effort to win the state’s remaining goals of the Five Year Plan. Each of the six weekends between District Convention and the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12, was spent teaching in a different goal area.
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