The American Bahá’í/Volume 11/Issue 12/Text
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Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizí dies[edit]
HEARTS FILLED WITH SORROW PASSING INDEFATIGABLE SELF-SACRIFICING DEARLY LOVED HAND CAUSE ABU’L-QASIM FAIZI. ENTIRE BAHÁ’Í WORLD MOURNS HIS LOSS. HIS EARLY OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN CRADLE FAITH THROUGH EDUCATION CHILDREN YOUTH STIMULATION FRIENDS PROMOTION TEACHING WORK PROMPTED BELOVED GUARDIAN DESCRIBE HIM AS LUMINOUS DISTINGUISHED ACTIVE YOUTH. HIS SUBSEQUENT PIONEERING WORK IN LANDS BORDERING IRAN WON HIM APPELLATION SPIRITUAL CONQUEROR THOSE LANDS. FOLLOWING HIS APPOINTMENT HAND CAUSE HE PLAYED INVALUABLE PART WORK HANDS HOLY LAND TRAVELLED WIDELY PENNED HIS LITERARY WORKS CONTINUED HIS EXTENSIVE INSPIRING CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIGH AND LOW YOUNG AND OLD UNTIL AFTER LONG ILLNESS HIS SOUL WAS RELEASED AND WINGED ITS FLIGHT ABHA KINGDOM. CALL ON FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS HIS HONOUR. INCLUDING SPECIAL
Another believer is martyred in Tabriz[edit]
SORROWFUL NEWS JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER BELIEVER REZA FIRUZI MARTYRED TABRIZ TENTH NOVEMBER. NEWS ITEM ISSUED PARS NEWS AGENCY AND REUTERS AND PUBLISHED IN TEHERAN PAPERS CHARGES HIM WITH BEING PROMINENT BAHÁ’Í AND INFIDEL AND INCLUDES USUAL LIST TOTALLY UNFOUNDED ACCUSATIONS. WHEREABOUTS NINE MEMBERS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND FEW OTHERS STILL UNCERTAIN. STRONG FEARS HARASSED COMMUNITY ONCE AGAIN FACING AFTER BRIEF LULL FRESH WAVE OPPRESSION LEADING TO SHAM TRIALS MERCILESS ATROCITIES.
November 14, 1980
ABU’L-QÁSIM FAIZÍ
Europe Parliament decries oppression of Bahá’ís in Iran[edit]
On September 19 the European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, Germany, unanimously adopted an extraordinary resolution condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís and other minorities in Iran and calling upon the community of European nations to impose an embargo on all sales of surplus agricultural products to Iran until full human rights are restored to all the citizens of that country.
The Parliament, composed of more than 400 representatives of the free nations of Europe, expressed its deep concern over what it termed “the systematic campaign of persecution directed in Iran against the 300,000 members of the Bahá’í community ... and the accompanying violations of elementary human rights” including:
- THE REFUSAL of any legal protection to the Bahá’í minority.
- The summary arrest, detention and execution of leaders of the Bahá’í community.
- The confiscation or destruction of the resources and means of subsistence of the Bahá’ís and the arbitrary dismissals or refusal to employ Bahá’ís.
- Threats and acts of violence against Bahá’ís in an effort to force them to repudiate their Faith.
The resolution condemns the violation of the human rights of all religious minorities in Iran, and “more particularly (those of) the members of the Bahá’í Faith” whose rights as a religious minority, it points out, are not recognized by the Iranian Constitution.
It then calls on the government of Iran to grant the Bahá’í community the legal recognition and protection to which all minorities
Iran sufferings free ‘spiritual energies’[edit]
MEMBERS VENERABLE COMMUNITY OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S FOLLOWERS IN HIS NATIVE LAND ARE FACING WITH UTMOST NOBILITY HEROISM AND IN TRADITION THEIR ILLUSTRIOUS FOREBEARS ORDEALS SEVERITY OF WHICH IS REMINISCENT OF FEROCITY PERSECUTIONS HEROIC AGE OUR FAITH. INNOCENT BLOOD THEY ARE SHEDDING ALTAR SACRIFICE, INTENSE SUFFERINGS THEY ARE SERENELY BEARING IN LOVE HIS PATH ARE RELEASING SPIRITUAL ENERGIES WHICH ARE ACCELERATING MOMENTUM PROGRESS FAITH OPENING UP NEW HORIZONS AS IT IRRESISTIBLY FORGES AHEAD TOWARDS ITS ULTIMATE DESTINY. UNITED NATIONS SUBCOMMISSION ON PREVENTION DISCRIMINATION PROTECTION MINORITIES MEETING IN GENEVA FOLLOWING PRESENTATION MADE BY REPRESENTATIVE BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DISCUSSED APPROVED ON 10 SEPTEMBER RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND CONCERN OVER SAFETY BAHÁ’ÍS IRAN AND REQUESTING UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL CONVEY THIS CONCERN TO AUTHORITIES IRAN AND CALL ON THEM PROTECT FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEETING IN STRASBOURG AND COMPRISING OVER 400 MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 19 HISTORIC RESOLUTION WHICH DENOUNCES SYSTEMATIC CAMPAIGN PERSECUTION IRANIAN BAHÁ’ÍS AND VIOLATION THEIR ELEMENTARY HUMAN RIGHTS, CALLS UPON GOVERNMENT IRAN GRANT BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY LEGAL RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION, AND UPON FOREIGN MINISTERS EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES MAKE URGENT REPRESENTATIONS TO IRANIAN AUTHORITIES CEASE PERSECUTION BAHÁ’ÍS ALLOWING THEM PRACTISE THEIR RELIGION FREELY AND ENJOY FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS, AND REQUESTS MEMBER STATES IMPOSE EMBARGO ON ALL SALES OF SUBSIDIZED SURPLUS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO IRAN UNTIL FULL HUMAN RIGHTS ARE RESTORED TO IRANIAN CITIZENS.
THIS REMARKABLE DOCUMENT ENDS WITH STATEMENT THAT EVIDENCE SUGGESTS ARRESTS EXECUTIONS OF BAHÁ’ÍS ARE CONTINUING AND INCREASING ACCORDING TO PRE-ARRANGED PLAN AND ONLY SPEEDY RESPONSE BY EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CAN STOP THESE DEVELOPMENTS. REPORTS RECEIVED FROM ALL CONTINENTS ELOQUENTLY BEAR TESTIMONY TO SENSE OF UNITY FELT BY FRIENDS EVERYWHERE IN FACE DEPRIVATIONS THEIR PERSIAN BRETHREN, GENEROUS OFFERINGS OF TIME, EFFORT, AND RESOURCES IN MEMORY MARTYRS AND ON BEHALF IMPRISONED FRIENDS, AMONG WHOM ARE A COUNSELLOR, AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS. ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AS WELL AS MEMBERS SEVERAL LOCAL ASSEMBLIES.
House of Justice announces important property acquisitions[edit]
WITH HEARTS BRIMMING WITH GRATITUDE FOR BOUNTIFUL CONFIRMATIONS BLESSED BEAUTY ANNOUNCE FOLLOWING RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS HOLY LAND:
IN BAHJÍ JUST ACQUIRED STRIP OF LAND 13,150 SQUARE METRES IN AREA BORDERING DRIVEWAY FROM WESTERN GATE BAHÁ’Í PROPERTY. AREA ACQUIRED ADJACENT TO AND SOUTH OF PRESENT BOUNDARY OLIVE GROVE ENABLES SOUTHWEST QUADRANT GARDENS SURROUNDING MOST HOLY SHRINE TO BE COMPLETED. THIS ACQUISITION WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY EXCHANGE AGAINST PROPERTY ON MAIN ROAD TO NAZARETH DONATED WORLD CENTRE BY DESCENDANTS LATE HUSAYN BAQIR KASHANI.
ALSO PURCHASED NEARLY 50,000 SQUARE METRES AGRICULTURAL LAND ADJACENT TO AND NORTH OF MAZRA’IH PROPERTY AS PROTECTION TO MANSION IN RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AREA.
SHIPMENT OVER 1,000 PIECES COMPRISING 120 CUBIC METRES KATRINA CEDAR WOOD FROM TURKEY JUST CLEARED FROM HAIFA PORT FOR USE RESTORATION HOUSE ABDU’LLAH PASHA IN ‘AKKA.
Department of the Secretariat
September 24, 1980
‘Operation Befriend’ aims to win community’s heart[edit]
“Let them (the lovers of God) at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help.”
•
This quotation, on the very first page of Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, inspired the beloved Hand of the Cause of God William Sears on the eve of his departure for his new post in Africa to conceptualize a service project that he named OPERATION BEFRIEND.
| What’s inside
PRAYER service caps week-long World Peace Day observance in Houston, Texas. Page 4 NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly taped message recounts Fund crisis. Page 5. YOUTH Committee outlines new plan to win goals of the opening phase of the Seven Year Plan. Page 7 MORE SOUTHEAST Asians enter the Faith in California and Texas. Page 11. SPECIAL visit programs are a memorable experience for many Bahá’ís. Page 14 COUNSELLOR Leonora Armstrong of South America dies. Page 25. |
IN MR. SEARS’ words: “Operation Befriend is designed to win the allegiance, respect and affection of all our neighbors, and the civil authorities in the places where we dwell, because of our loving service on their behalf; so that they, in turn, will arise to support and defend us against our enemies in those critical and challenging days of crisis yet to come.”
The National Teaching Committee, moved by the potential force of such an undertaking to attract the hearts and win respect for Bahá’ís in their communities, invited the Assemblies in Washington, D.C., and the goal states of California, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York to
72nd Bahá’í National Convention, April 1981—Details on Page 6!
[Page 2]
VIEWPOINT
Editorial
Iran spurs community response[edit]
The response of the American Bahá’í community to the National Spiritual Assembly’s efforts to publicize the recent events in Iran has been most gratifying and the community deserves a hearty commendation.
As of the third week in October, 1,009 column inches of newspaper coverage on the nationwide memorial services had been reported.
THE PUBLIC Affairs Office estimates that this is only a small percentage of the total coverage and reports that clippings continue to pour in.
From the accounts received so far, it appears that the memorial services helped communities establish strong lines of communication with local news media and were instrumental in winning greater recognition for the Faith as a bona fide religion in the eyes of editors and reporters.
Throughout the country the media have shown a greater interest in the Faith. A number of editors, prompted by the news supplied to them by local Bahá’ís, have written editorials about the persecution being waged against the Bahá’ís in Iran, and the National Spiritual Assembly has received numerous requests for radio and television interviews.
At the House of Worship, more than 1,000 Bahá’ís and their friends rallied to honor their martyred brothers. One visitor, moved by the power of the occasion, declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh and joined the ranks of the faithful.
With respect to the crisis in the National Bahá’í Fund, the initial response to the National Assembly’s message to the District Conventions has also been encouraging.
RESULTS just tallied for the month of Mashíyyat, ending October 16, show high water marks were reached for the year with respect to the number of participants and amount of contributions.
The continuing attacks against the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the land of His birth and the campaign of proclamation launched by the Bahá’ís of the West demonstrate once again the beloved Guardian’s description of the Divine dynamic that propels the Cause of God ever forward:
“The resistless march of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh ... propelled by the stimulating influences which the unwisdom of its enemies and the force latent within itself, both engender, resolves itself into a series of rhythmic pulsations, precipitated, on the one hand, through the explosive outbursts of its foes, and the vibrations of Divine Power, on the other, which speed it, with ever-increasing momentum, along that predestined course traced for it by the Hand of the Almighty.”
Kenneth and Mary Zemke, Bahá’ís from Woodland Hills, California, and their children, Kris, 9 (second from left), Kirsten, 15 (seated), and Erica, 13, performed October 11 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The appearance was one of 30 ‘singing firesides’ the Zemkes presented in 11 states while on the first leg of an around-the-world teaching trip the family is making en route to a pioneering post in New Zealand. In California, Mrs. Zemke served as choral director for Bahá’í singing groups including ‘The Children of Bahá’í.’ Kris, the youngest member of the family of performers, spent six months in the National Company production of the hit musical, ‘Evita.’ Ken Zemke, an Emmy Award-winning film editor, plans to make a documentary film of the family’s teaching trip as well as films about the growth of the Faith in India. The Zemkes left the U.S. for Europe during the first week in December.
New ID cards to be ready in February[edit]
The green Bahá’í Identification cards that American believers carry in their wallets or purses are due to expire January 31, 1981.
New identification cards are being prepared, but will not be ready before the present cards expire.
The new blue and white cards are made of plastic and will be valid for a three-year period.
Watch for further details about the new Bahá’í credentials in the January issue of The American Bahá’í.
Comment
Education: Parental responsibility for Bahá’ís[edit]
By RONALD S. GILPATRICK
Public schools and professional educators have been severely criticized throughout the last decade by the press, business community, legislators, and the general population. In some instances, Bahá’ís have contributed actively to the criticism.
Because American secular education quite obviously is not rooted in spiritual concepts, Bahá’ís often discount the value of our public schools, longing for the day when we can build Bahá’í tutorial schools.
IT IS of paramount interest that the Universal House of Justice directly addressed the issue in its Naw-Rúz 1979 message to the Bahá’í world:
“At the heart of all activities, the spiritual, intellectual, and community life of the believers must be developed and fostered requiring ... Bahá’í education of children, including the holding of regular Bahá’í classes and, where necessary, the establishment of tutorial schools for the provision of elementary education ...”
As Bahá’ís perceive it, there is a need to strike a balance between secular and spiritual education. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has told us we must:
“...see to it that the children are raised up to embody the highest perfections of humankind, to such a degree that every one of them will be trained in the use of the mind, in acquiring knowledge, in humility and lowliness, in dignity, in ardor and love.” (Bahá’í Education: A Compilation, p. 32)
Thus, the establishment of Bahá’í tutorial elementary schools is most certainly a noble goal.
As a public school educator, however, I must take exception to some of the criticism directed toward our schools.
IN THE ABSENCE of Bahá’í tutorial schools, the friends must make the best of the educational tools that are available to them.
Unfortunately, what many Americans frequently do too much of is criticize or blame without taking the responsibility for the objectives they wish to achieve.
| This month’s article, “Education—A Parental Responsibility,” was written by Dr. Ronald S. Gilpatrick, an elementary school principal in San José, California, who is a member of that city’s Spiritual Assembly, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Margaret Gallagher, and a member of the Bosch Bahá’í School Council. |
Bahá’ís must be careful that they do not become a part of the “criticize/blame” syndrome.
Bahá’ís are in a unique position to bring a more balanced perspective of parent-school cooperation to the learning process.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá has given us a clear direction as to the responsibility for education that devolves squarely on the shoulders of parents:
“...it is enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty, to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son, to nurse them from the breast of knowledge and to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts. Should they neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern Lord.” (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 578-579)
IT HAS BEEN my observation that many parents, in the last decade, have handed over to the schools the entire responsibility for educating their children.
These same parents pursue their own adult interests, are consumed with the pursuit of their careers, and use television as an opiate to drown out the realities of their hectic, chaotic world.
The time they devote to their children in general, let alone to educational matters, is minimal. For example, the findings of a recent sociological study indicate that the average American father spends less than one-half hour per week in direct contact with his children.
If we are to accept, as Bahá’ís, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s admonition to parents regarding their responsibility for the education of children, we must recognize the vital role parents should play in the educative process.
Children, no matter how well they are taught to read in school, will be poor readers if little or no reading is done in the home—not only by the children themselves, but by parents.
Parents, after all, serve as the child’s first and most important role models.
If parents seldom or never read, little can be expected of their children in this regard. What is learned at school must be put into practice at home.
IF PARENTS provide little or no classroom reinforcement, the child’s chances for educational success will be greatly diminished.
Even with the establishment of Bahá’í tutorial schools, the need for parental involvement in and assumption of responsibility for their children’s education will be required.
|
The American Bahá’í
(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL. Editor: Jack Bowers The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other articles of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; black and white glossy photos should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1980 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. |
As long as we do not have the resources to build our own Bahá’í schools, it is even more critical that we take an active role in our children’s education, because we must provide the spiritual instruction our public schools are unable to offer.
As Bahá’ís, we are in a poor position to criticize public education if we fail to do all we can to meet our responsibilities as parents.
Actually, most public schools have much to offer children—and parents—who work cooperatively with teachers and staff to secure a meaningful education.
It is that spirit of cooperation, understanding, and acceptance of responsibility that fosters a good public school educational climate.
Who but Bahá’ís are in the best position to promote such harmony and understanding?
[Page 3]
LETTERS
Attendance at Bahá’í events really a matter of priorities[edit]
To the Editor:
I would like to add a note to the editorial that appeared in the September 1980 issue of The American Bahá’í.
It is certainly true that some Bahá’ís avoid District Conventions because they think those events are “boring.”
Some of us avoid other activities including Feasts, firesides, committee or Assembly meetings, Holy Day observances—you name it, and someone will think it is not exciting enough for him or her to attend. After all, we’re usually busy with numerous other commitments and responsibilities.
| The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any subject of general interest. Letters should be as brief as possible, and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. |
But the question is not really how busy we are. After all, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a busy Person, but He always found time for everything and everyone—especially when it pertained in even a remote way to the Faith.
So as we strive to pattern our lives after the True Exemplar, let us keep in mind the real issue that is at stake: priorities.
Shouldn’t Bahá’u’lláh and all He has revealed for us be our first priority? Shouldn’t our goal be to see that everything we do with our lives is in harmony with His Teachings, and, whenever possible, to be of service to humanity in some way?
It seems to me that there’s nothing boring about that. Nothing could be more exciting than to know you are an instrument for carrying out the Will of God on earth!
Grass Valley, California
To the Editor:
All over the country one hears “principles” stated as reasons for action or excuses for inaction that are nowhere to be found in the Bahá’í Writings.
Let’s stop corrupting our communities and our institutions with these statements.
For instance, let’s stop saying and hearing that we would teach about Bahá’u’lláh and His Message if we had someone to come to our firesides.
The Writings require that we teach actively, find interested, receptive souls, and not judge, but teach all.
Children expect immediate gratification, but mature Bahá’ís should look to the Writings and not keep waiting for results or rewards to do what is required of us and really gives us joy—teach!
San Rafael, California
To the Editor:
My daughter, 10-year-old Heidi Lanier, came home from school one recent day all excited about a film the children had seen.
The film dealt with the handicapped employees at a telephone company in Michigan. In one scene, my daughter noticed a hand at a typewriter, and on the hand was a Bahá’í ring!
My daughter realized at that moment that she was the only one in her school who knew what it meant. What excitement!
Largo, Florida
To the Editor:
So many times we hear pleas for pioneers to go to those places where the Faith has not been mentioned or established.
I became a pioneer to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation as a result of such a plea by the beloved Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Muhájir.
THE FIRST Spiritual Assembly of the Southern Ute Reservation was formed 10 months later, in November 1977.
Since then many local people have enrolled in the Faith; some have already gone on to the Abhá Kingdom, while others are relatively inactive.
There have been real growing pains. Sometimes I gasp for “spiritual breath,” and sometimes I cling to the Cord of the Covenant with such desperation that I can’t help but cry out in agony.
What enables me to hang on is a ferocious desire to see this Cause firmly established in every corner of the world.
It’s true, pioneers are needed everywhere. But the pioneers who are already in the field need sustenance to maintain their posts.
All we ask is your prayers. And your love. There are so many ways we can manifest the cooperation and unity the Faith embodies.
Those who can’t pioneer, for whatever reason, can pray for those who are able to go. Please say a prayer for us.
Ignacio, Colorado
Members of the first class on the Personal Transformation Program conducted by the Bahá’ís of Irvine, California, are shown during graduation exercises March 30. Graduates were (front) Neda Ghiami, first row (left to right) Saeed Danandeh, Faranak Danandeh, hostess and host Mrs. and Mr. Ghiami, class facilitator Ida Thomas, Jan Smith, and back row (left to right) Ralph Farrington, Siamak Danandeh, Nosrat Danandeh, facilitator Jim Thomas, Ghodsieh Danandeh, Ingrid Farrington.
Four permanent Bahá’í Funds
- Local Bahá’í Fund (Local address)—Supports teaching, consolidation and administrative work of the local Bahá’í community.
- National Bahá’í Fund (112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091)—Supports the efforts of the National Spiritual Assembly to direct, stimulate and coordinate Bahá’í activities throughout the country.
- Continental Bahá’í Fund (418 Forest Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091)—Enables the Continental Board of Counsellors and its Auxiliary Boards to perform their missions of protection and propagation of the Faith.
- Bahá’í International Fund (P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel 31-000)—Enables the Universal House of Justice to assist the work of National Spiritual Assemblies around the world, to maintain and beautify the Holy Shrines at the World Centre, and to provide services to Bahá’í pilgrims.
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SPECIAL Volumes 1 through 12 $150NET
The Bahá’í World, Volumes 1 through 12, covers the years 1925 through 1954, almost the entire period of the Guardianship. For a limited time, through midnight January 31, 1981, you can purchase Volumes 1 through 12 of The Bahá’í World at the special pre‑publication price of $150 NET.
You can also reserve individual volumes of The Bahá’í World in a special pre‑publication offer, through midnight January 31, 1981. After February 1, 1981, individual volumes will not be available. Volumes will be printed and shipped three at a time:
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[Page 4]
PROCLAMATION
DR. KHALIL AKHTAR KHAVARI
Bahá’í given teaching award in Wisconsin[edit]
Dr. Khalil Akhtar Khavari, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, has received the 1980 Award for Teaching Excellence, the only one given by the university.
The award letter said in part: “...this Award is presented upon the nomination and recommendations of your former students, who have had the opportunity to reflect on how they were influenced by your teaching.”
Dr. Akhtar Khavari maintains an active research program and is the author of nearly 50 research publications.
He also serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member D. Thelma Jackson.
The University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee is the state’s second largest university with a student body of nearly 25,000. Its academic program spans all levels from bachelor’s degree to doctorate in a wide variety of subjects.
Joliet is host to Auxiliary Board Team Conference[edit]
An Auxiliary Board Team Conference, one of 47 throughout the U.S. this fall, was held October 18-19 in Joliet, Illinois, site of the “Project Olinga” teaching campaign.
Participants in the conference included Counsellor Edna M. True; Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board members Stephen Ader, D. Thelma Jackson and Javidukht Khadem, and their assistants.
By mid-October the number of enrollments in Project Olinga had reached 134.
The project, named in honor of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, began last July and has been extended until Riḍván 1981.
Virginia believers in Israeli festival[edit]
Bahá’í communities in Tidewater Virginia participated September 2-20 in “Israel the Beginning,” a celebration sponsored by a fashionable Norfolk department store.
The three-week program presented the culture, customs and products of Israel to Tidewater residents.
BAHÁ’ÍS in Norfolk, who were told of the upcoming celebration by one of the friends in nearby Suffolk, approached the sponsors, pointing out that the Bahá’í World Centre is in Haifa, Israel, and that the Holy Land is especially revered by Bahá’ís.
The sponsors were so impressed that they offered to construct a special wall for the Bahá’í exhibit and to secure anything else that was needed.
John Higgins, a Bahá’í from Norfolk who had built a small scale model of the Shrine of the Báb, took a week off from work to get the model ready for display.
Meanwhile, the sponsors had arranged for a shipment of priceless Yemenite jewelry and other articles to be sent from the Israel Museum for the celebration.
Strangely, the jewels were stolen from the museum before they could be taken to Tel Aviv for shipment, and the Bahá’ís were offered the exhibit space originally designed for these precious articles.
The Bahá’í display featured photos of the World Centre on a deep blue backdrop with special lighting that seemed to cause the model of the Shrine of the Báb to glow.
Live cypress trees lined the passageways leading to the area in which the Shrine sat, thus adding to the authenticity of its appearance.
Several thousand people viewed the exhibits during the celebration, and many of them—including the sponsors—remarked that the Bahá’í display was the most striking and successful of any that were there.
Bahá’ís in Norfolk, Virginia (left to right) Pepper Oldziey, Steve Hailey, John Higgins and Peter Oldziey with the model of the Shrine of the Báb used September 2-20 in a Bahá’í exhibit at ‘Israel the Beginning,’ a celebration sponsored by a Norfolk department store. The model of the Shrine was built by Mr. Higgins.
Public prayer service caps Houston ‘Peace Day’[edit]
A multi-lingual prayer service at the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, was the capstone of a week-long series of activities sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Houston leading up to its World Peace Day observance September 21.
Artist David Villaseñor was in Houston from September 12-22 and was instrumental in opening many doors and helping the Bahá’ís re-establish friendships in the Hispanic and Indian communities and with the media.
TEN OF Mr. Villaseñor’s sand paintings were hung at the Adept New American Folk Center, a nonprofit center dedicated to black and Indian arts and culture.
The paintings were hung a week before his arrival and were still being viewed in mid-October.
On the opening day of the exhibit, Mr. Villaseñor demonstrated sand painting and explained its spiritual significance, weaving the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh into his presentation. More than 175 people, most of whom were non-Bahá’ís, witnessed the demonstration.
The local public television station sent a crew to film for 10 minutes, but they were so impressed by what they saw that they video-taped the entire 45-minute presentation.
The film, “Sands of Time,” was shown 11 times during the week to various groups that Mr. Villaseñor visited including three schools (two of which are bi-lingual), the Indian Inter-Tribal Council, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Mexican-American Community Center, and the C.G. Jung Educational Center.
Mr. Villaseñor spent one evening demonstrating sand painting to some recent arrivals to Houston, refugees from Laos who are fast becoming friends of the Faith.
MR. VILLASENOR also spent time at a nursing home, many of whose residents are Spanish-speaking; at an Inter-Tribal Council dinner; and at Hispanic Cultural Week festivities at the Veterans Administration Office.
He was a guest speaker at the Mexican-American Community Center following the Fiestas Patrias performance by the Houston Pops orchestra.
The audience of 50 included a priest who had met Mr. Villaseñor in Houston a year ago and who said after the concert that he would go home and write a wonderful sermon about everything Mr. Villasenor had said.
Mr. Villaseñor also gave a deepening, two firesides, and two public talks on Indian prophecy and symbolism.
On Saturday, September 20, the Bahá’ís participated in the Fiestas Patrias parade, part of an observance by the Hispanic community in appreciation of its culture and marking its release from oppression.
The Bahá’í float, whose theme was “Una planeta, un humanidad ... por favor,” had thousands of handmade tissue paper flowers surrounding a large globe with children of several races in native costume seated among the flowers.
THE FOLLOWING day, World Peace Day, the Bahá’ís sponsored a picnic in a Spanish-speaking area of the city.
Later, the Bahá’í community held prayers for world peace at the Rothko Chapel, a non-denominational edifice that is the site of many religious activities attended by many segments of Houston society.
The prayers, all of them Bahá’í prayers, were offered in Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, Ewe, German, Italian, Japanese, Ponopaen, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, sign language for the deaf, and chants in English, Persian and Zuni.
Mr. Villaseñor’s visit and the prayer observance were covered by both large Houston daily papers as well as by the Texas Catholic Herald and the Jewish Herald-Voice.
One of the local TV stations filmed a part of the prayer service.
More than 200 invitations were sent along with a brief explanation of the Faith to various dignitaries, religious and humanitarian organizations, and friends of the Faith.
Another 100 were handed out to visitors to Rothko Chapel in the week prior to the observance.
Among the results of these activities have been more inquiries about the Faith along with words of appreciation and enthusiastic invitations for the Bahá’ís to return.
The Bahá’í communities of Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Nevada Judicial District, California, joined forces August 21-24 to present this display booth at the Nevada County Fair. There was no Bahá’í literature in front of the booth; those who were interested were free to walk around the booth where they could choose literature from a table, see additional display materials, and ask questions. One to three Bahá’ís were present at the booth during the hours the fairgrounds were open.
Iran[edit]
Continued From Page 1
are entitled under provisions of various UN pacts and conventions on human rights.
The resolution urges foreign ministers of the European communities to make “urgent representations to the Iranian authorities” to end the persecution of the members of the Bahá’í community there and allow them to practice their religion freely without fear of reprisal or persecution.
It goes on to recommend an embargo on sales of surplus agricultural products to Iran where subsidies by European taxpayers are involved “until full human rights are restored to Iranian citizens.”
[Page 5]
THE FUNDS
National Assembly outlines Fund revenue crisis[edit]
For the Feast of Qudrat (November 4), the National Spiritual Assembly released a taped message to the American Bahá’í community describing the present status of the National Fund and the financial picture facing the National Spiritual Assembly.
The message was presented by the secretary of the National Assembly, Glenford E. Mitchell, at the Assembly’s request.
MR. MITCHELL began by describing the memorial service for the seven martyrs of Yazd, held September 27 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
The event received wide publicity including coverage by two major Chicago area television stations.
“The National Assembly,” said Mr. Mitchell, “was meeting that same day in Wilmette, and... all the actions it had to take were greatly influenced by the everpresent thought of the innocent blood shed by the heroic martyrs of Yazd.”
Among the matters brought before the National Assembly for its consideration was the condition of the National Fund, which had reached a deficit of $360,000 by the end of August.
Expenses were running at 94 per cent of the budget while income had reached only 71 per cent of anticipated revenue. Fewer Assemblies and fewer individuals were giving to the National Fund when compared to last year’s figures.
The situation was quite serious, and the National Assembly met with its senior staff to determine what cutbacks could be made.
YET THE $5 million budget was already very lean, and could scarcely cover the basic needs of the Faith.
“Our Assembly was then faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma,” Mr. Mitchell explained. “How could it reduce a budget that already was not enough? Worse still, how could it entertain the idea of limiting the activities of the American Bahá’í community when the members of the Persian Bahá’í community were paying such a high price—the highest price, their life’s blood—to uphold the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”
The National Spiritual Assembly decided to make the situation clear to the American Bahá’í community, certain that the friends would arise to meet the challenge.
Mr. Mitchell went on to explain some of the many activities supported by the National Fund.
Foremost, he said, is the $1 million contribution to the International Fund, an “irrevocable allocation” that is given top priority.
Temple maintenance to keep the House of Worship operating and in good repair costs $500,000 a year. There is also a long-delayed renovation taking place on the apron of the House of Worship at a cost of $570,000.
OTHER AREAS of support cited by the secretary include public relations, International Goals activities, National Teaching Committee expenses (slashed in half from the previous year), and the need to furnish the new administrative office building.
“How then could we cut back?” Mr. Mitchell asked. “From what would we cut back?
“It would be like asking us to cut the marrow of the bone ... To cut back would simply mean to us a diminishing of possibilities to answer the opportunities of the moment. And the opportunities, friends, are very very great at this time.”
Mr. Mitchell further explained that we live in a free country, and are able to act at a time when there is a great openness to the Faith.
The opportunities for teaching and proclamation are unprecedented, and the victories must therefore be unprecedented as well.
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The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith 112 Linden Avenue, |
The secretary then referred to the messages of the Guardian, emphasizing the paramount position of the American believers as “the one chief remaining Citadel, the mighty arm which still raises aloft the standard of an unconquerable Faith...”
HE QUOTED a Message from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, encouraging us to extend our efforts a thousandfold, for “...the scope of your exertions must needs be extended, the wider its range, the more striking will be the evidences of divine assistance.”
Mr. Mitchell pointed out that the answer to our present crisis lies, not in the plans of the Institutions of the Faith, but in the hands of every individual believer.
Thus the National Assembly looks to each of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in America to arise and meet the pressing needs of the hour.
“Delicate and strenuous though the task may be,” the Guardian wrote, “however arduous and prolonged the effort required, whatever the nature of the perils and pitfalls... the all conquering potency of the grace of God vouchsafed through the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh will undoubtedly, mysteriously and surprisingly enable whoever arises to champion His Cause to win complete and total victory.”
Universal participation is “...the dedicated effort of every believer in teaching, in living the Bahá’í life, in contributing to the Fund, and particularly in the persistent effort to understand more and more the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.”—The Universal House of Justice
Death of martyrs releases immeasurable spiritual power[edit]
To an uninformed person the death of a martyr may seem to be a great loss, a needless waste of human life.
Yet seen through the eyes of faith, martyrdom is an act of heroism that releases immeasurable spiritual power.
ON SEPTEMBER 8, seven Bahá’ís in Yazd, Iran, including an 85-year-old man, were executed for no other reason than that they professed a belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
The avowed enemies of the Faith saw in this grievous crime the highly commendable removal of “enemies of Islam” and “spies for the U.S. and Israel.”
However, through the act of their martyrdom, and in the videotape of the trial, the persecution of the martyrs served to
Notes ... from the Treasurer[edit]
Receipts sometimes delayed ...
It is typical for several weeks to pass between the time a contribution is mailed to the National Fund and the arrival of a receipt for that contribution.
Some believers have established the habit of waiting for a receipt before making another contribution, since the receipt also includes a return envelope. This habit could result in a Bahá’í month passing before the receipt arrives, interrupting the monthly flow of contributions to the National Fund.
We would like to remind the friends that any envelope can be used to send a contribution, whether the believer addresses an ordinary envelope himself or uses a preprinted National Fund envelope or a receipt-return envelope.
Please be sure to include your Bahá’í ID number with your contribution. The address for the Fund is: National Bahá’í Fund, Wilmette, IL 60091.
National Assembly’s loan program explained ...
Some of the friends have asked recently about the National Spiritual Assembly’s loan program. Briefly, it is a way in which Bahá’ís can make money available to the National Spiritual Assembly at lower interest rates than commercially available.
The minimum for such loans is $2,000, and the minimum term is one year. The interest rate is individually negotiated and paid semi-annually.
Where there’s no will ...
At a recent Bahá’í gathering with 30 believers present a survey was made to determine how many of them had prepared a will. It was shocking to learn that only three people in the room had done so!
Research has shown that Americans in general do not devote sufficient time to planning for the disposition of their assets. One study reported that people spend an average of 85,000 hours during their lifetime amassing their assets, but devote only about 10 hours to making plans for distributing those assets at the time of their death.
Preparing a will is a Bahá’í law. It is not optional.
It might be interesting to take a confidential survey of those in your Bahá’í community (have them write “yes” or “no” on a blank piece of paper) to determine how many of them have or have not prepared a will.
If a significant number have not yet done so, the Assembly or Group might consider ways in which it could assist the friends to comply with this law, such as providing a list of several lawyers along with their fees for preparing a simple will; obtaining a list of information that should be gathered before seeing a lawyer to facilitate writing the will; inviting a lawyer to make a presentation to the community about the steps involved in preparing a will, etc.
Planned Giving Program progresses ...
The Planned Giving Program, initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly through the Office of the Treasurer, provides information to the friends concerning the nature of estate planning and giving to the Fund from accumulated assets.
The Planned Giving newsletter and the previous booklets have been well received by the community. One believer wrote: “I thank you for the splendid information you have sent me on Planned Giving ... It is a splendid service that the Treasurer’s Office is giving. To have our attention called to numerous details is most helpful.”
To help the believers understand the relationship between contributions to the Faith and the complicated U.S. tax structure, the Office of the Treasurer is offering a booklet entitled “Minimizing Your Income Taxes.”
To receive this booklet, and other information about the Planned Giving Program, please write to the Office of the Treasurer, Wilmette, IL 60091, to be placed on the mailing list.
[Page 6]
NATIONAL CONVENTION
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1981 BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION The National Spiritual Assembly cordially invites you to attend the 72nd BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION at the BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP and the McCORMICK INN
The convention site will be the McCormick Inn. 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 limited number of rooms are available at the nearby Essex and Ascot hotels. Shuttle bus service will be provided between the three hotels. Room Rates at the McCormick Inn range from $44 per day single to $58 for four persons. Rates at the Ascot and Essex Hotels are approximately $10 less. There will be no charge for children 16 and younger if accompanied by two adults. Room reservations should be made directly with the hotels. Don’t forget to indicate “Bahá’í convention” on your request. TOLL FREE reservations at any of the three hotels: (800) 621-6909 In Illinois call collect (312) 791-1901 Child care services will be provided at the convention; parents need not arrange for the care of their children on an individual basis. Please list the name, sex and age of each child on your reservation request. Since seating at the 72nd Bahá’í National Convention will be limited, those who wish to attend should notify the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 as soon as possible. Seating reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Youth Committee notes[edit]
Youth Energy Zone scheduled
A week-long Youth Energy Zone school is being planned in Southern California from December 28-January 3.
The school, open to youth ages 13-16, will be held at the Idyllwild School of Music and Arts (ISOMATA) at the University of Southern California in Idyllwild.
Youth Energy Zone will be limited to 60 participants, and the fee for the week is $115.
Southern Wisconsin youth plan winter institute
The District Youth Committee of Southern Wisconsin is planning a three-day institute December 26-28 at Camp Bryon, near Fond du Lac.
The program will cover teaching, deepening and social interaction for Bahá’í youth. Cost for the weekend is about $35.
To register, please contact Kooroush Saeian, 5034 North Woodruff, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217.
Florida youth plan Disney World conference
The District Youth Committee of South Florida is planning a statewide conference at Disney World, near Orlando, from December 26-28.
The youth will camp at the Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney World, enjoy the rides and other attractions at the theme park, and share in campfire deepenings at night. Seekers are welcome too!
For information, please contact Margaret Randall, 2219 S.E. 13th St., Pompano Beach, FL 33062, or phone 305-781-8993.
Peer pressure is discussed by a group of pre-youth at the South Florida District Convention held October 5 in Clewiston, Florida.
[Page 7]
YOUTH NEWS
Youth respond warmly to committee’s new plan[edit]
Young Bahá’ís at District Conventions across the country in October learned details of the new National Youth Plan designed to win the goals of the first two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan.
The new plan was developed by the National Youth Committee, a subcommittee of the National Teaching Committee.
“WE’RE VERY pleased with the response from the Bahá’í youth community to the new plan,” said Charles C. Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee.
“From various parts of the country we’ve learned of the enthusiastic and sacrificial reaction to this charter for action. Seminars are being held, conferences are being planned, and teaching efforts are being devised to meet the objectives of the plan. The American youth community is poised for action!”
Mr. Cornwell explained that the Youth Committee is eager to learn of efforts by individual youth and by youth clubs and committees that are being made to help accomplish the assigned goals.
The deadline for successful completion of the plan is Riḍván 1981.
The goals of the plan include the formation of at least 500 functioning college clubs, local youth clubs and District Youth Committees, with each of them sponsoring at least four teaching events and enrolling at least four new Bahá’í youth by Riḍván.
Special emphasis is to be placed on reaching minority groups. In addition, District Youth Committees have been asked to sponsor at least 10 traveling teaching trips in their area.
MR. CORNWELL also explained that the Youth Committee designed personal goals for each Bahá’í youth to achieve.
Youth are being asked to set personal goals for teaching that include telling a fellow youth about the Faith each week and enrolling at least one new young believer into the Cause.
Youth have also been given a reading assignment and are encouraged to make a special effort to attract members of minority groups to the Faith.
Progress reports on the status of the National Youth Plan are to appear in future issues of The American Bahá’í.
National Youth Plan goals[edit]
The individual
To win the assigned goals of this and subsequent plans, every Bahá’í youth must apply himself to two sacred responsibilities: sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with his fellow-youth and personal deepening in the Writings.
The Bahá’í National Youth Committee calls upon each youth to undertake the following tasks—tasks that are designed to meet these responsibilities:
1. Reach and teach your peers. Each week, tell someone you are a Bahá’í. Strive to share not only the facts of the Faith with your friends, but endeavor also to impress them through your example, your radiant spirit, your deeds.
2. Welcome at least one youth into the Faith before Riḍván 1981. When you find that seeking friend, invite him to become a Bahá’í.
3. Make a special effort to attract members of minority groups to the Faith.
4. Read and study The Advent of Divine Justice and pages 1-26 of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh before the Feast of Sharaf, December 30. (When you’ve finished your reading, please send the Youth Committee a note letting us know!)
The youth network
If you belong to or support a Bahá’í college club, high school club, District Youth Committee or local youth club—you are part of a network of Bahá’í youth working in groups.
Each of these special groups, under the supervision of a sponsoring Assembly, has a role to play in the successful completion of the youth plan.
The Bahá’í National Youth Committee has called for the formation of at least 500 functioning clubs and youth committees by Riḍván 1981.
Each of these clubs or committees should undertake the following tasks:
1. The sponsorship of at least four teaching events by Riḍván 1981. These events might be teaching trips, firesides, canoe trips, or social activities open to seekers ... in short, any event that will involve the interaction of Bahá’ís and seekers.
2. The enrollment of at least four new Bahá’í youth by Riḍván 1981 ... that’s one new Bahá’í for each sponsored event!
3. At least 10 traveling teaching trips to be planned by District Youth Committees by next Riḍván. Remember... teaching trips can be as simple as going to the next town to give a fireside or as vast as organizing a team to reach the masses across the state.
4. Place special emphasis on reaching minority youth, and, on college campuses, make special efforts to reach foreign students.
Bahá’í youth at the South Florida District Convention discuss the new National Youth Plan designed by the National Youth Committee to win the goals of the first two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan.
Site is chosen for ’81 National Youth Conference[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has chosen a site for next summer’s National Youth Conference to be held over the Fourth of July weekend.
From July 2-5, youth from across the U.S. will gather in Kansas City, Missouri, for this special event.
Details about the conference will be reported in future issues of The American Bahá’í.
The Bahá’í children’s class of Green Bay, Wisconsin, hosted the Twelfth Day of Riḍván with a festive party that featured songs, decorations, presents and refreshments—all planned and carried out by the children themselves. Preparation for the day began four weeks earlier with study of the Twelve Days of Riḍván. In each weekly class the story of the First, the Ninth and finally the Twelfth Day was read and discussed. One week before the celebration the presents and decorations were made and the menu planned. The children made roses of brilliantly colored tissue paper to share with their guests, as Bahá’u’lláh had shared roses with visitors to the Garden of Riḍván. Members of the children’s class are (back row left to right) Ben Rayome, Kristina Ogron, Tonya Cappasola, Scott Yuron, and (front row left to right) Angela McCotter, Max McCotter, Melissa Grych, Jamal Block, J.R. Cappasola, Jamil Belknap.
Reading assignment a vital part of plan[edit]
... have YOU read the Youth Reading Assignment?
As a part of his personal contribution to the goals of the National Youth Plan, every Bahá’í youth has been asked to read The Advent of Divine Justice and pages 1-26 of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
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Teaching Fever Is CONTAGIOUS! — |
When you have finished these readings, please fill out the coupon below and send it to the National Youth Committee office.
The Youth Committee is eager to record the names of those Bahá’í youth who have successfully completed this important personal goal.
Thirty Bahá’í youth and pre-youth attended a conference last May that was organized by the Albuquerque, New Mexico, youth group to elect a District Youth Committee and involve youth from isolated areas in the district in teaching and social activities. The conference theme, ‘How Bahá’í Youth Can Deal with Anxiety in Today’s Society,’ was the subject of workshops and discussion groups. Auxiliary Board member Ernest Bruss also addressed the conference.
Youth in San Jose establish special ‘Quest’ meeting group[edit]
The Bahá’í youth of San Jose, California, have developed a special series of meetings to meet a variety of youth needs.
The youth have formed a “Quest Group,” and meet weekly on Sunday evenings with programs rotating throughout the month.
The group was formed to share some of the problems common to Bahá’í youth in a crumbling world order; consultation is held on possible solutions to these dilemmas.
Each month, the youth enjoy a guest speaker whose topic is then discussed at the following Sunday’s meeting.
Other weekly meetings are held to consult on youth activities. A youth fireside also is held each month.
The youth of San Jose have planned a wide variety of social events that are open to non-Bahá’í guests. Movie nights, camping trips and teaching programs are among their activities.
The youth also helped with registration at children’s classes and entertained the children as a special service to their younger Bahá’í counterparts.
[Page 8]
IGC: PIONEERING
Letters... from pioneers[edit]
Dear Friends:
Bahá’u’lláh has really blessed us over and over since we came to Ghana.
First, of course, is the bounty of pioneering, which I am not literate enough to describe adequately.
The experience certainly entails “going away from an old self to a new one,” as Horace Holley is reported to have said, but I think going to a new place, moving for the Faith and forsaking one’s homeland helps.
PIONEERING is a kind of protection or “fortress for well-being,” like marriage. It forces one to face and overcome self through the tests, trials and difficulties it brings, and at the same time there are less preoccupations and distractions, less materialism, to deflect one from the spiritual course.
I sometimes wonder why more American Bahá’ís don’t pioneer. There is no limit to the opportunities for growth and service that one finds in the pioneer field.
I read in The Priceless Pearl that the Guardian said that not a few Americans should go forth, but that troops should settle in other countries and establish the Faith.
And what fertile ground this is for the growth of the Cause. Here the soil is so fertile, the hearts so receptive, that one can mention the Faith to anyone (in any stratum of society) and he or she will be interested—and not two per cent are ready to enter the Faith, but 20 per cent.
When I read the letters from the Guardian, I wonder if we are really fulfilling our spiritual destiny, if we are truly being “the executors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will” and the chief prosecutors of the Divine Plan.
Notwithstanding the above, or our personal inadequacies, the Faith is advancing at a rapid pace in Ghana.
THE LOCAL believers share fully in the work, and we are truly co-workers. In fact, they do most of the teaching.
A three-month teaching campaign this summer has netted 30 new Spiritual Assemblies and more than 1,000 new believers so far.
We have also been blessed materially since coming here.
When we first came I had a contract with the Ghanian government. The work placed me in the category of the underemployed, since I couldn’t use or develop my skills as an economist.
At the same time I wasn’t being paid enough to feed my family or make ends meet. Now, however, through the aid of the Blessed Beauty, I am starting a new job as technical adviser provided by the American Agency for International Development.
No need to recount the tests we’ve faced in the last two years, but it certainly has been worth it. We would do it over any time.
Ashanti, Ghana
2 young U.S. believers recount summer teaching trip in Chile[edit]
From July 22 through September 1, Angie and Margie Diliberto, Bahá’ís from Long Beach, California, taught the Faith in Chile. Here is a brief report of their activities there:
Chile is a long, narrow country on the southwestern coast of South America.
Teaching the Faith in Chile is of two kinds, urban or rural, and there is a great difference between the two.
Urban areas are much like the U.S.: the people are drowning in a sea of materialism and are reluctant to accept the Faith.
IN RURAL AREAS, the people are far more receptive. Many of them live in huts, usually without electricity or running water, and can be reached via dirt roads by bus or car, or on horseback.
The things these rural people cherish most are their families, their brotherhood, and their crops.
There are no barriers between them and others; many do not belong to any religion because they choose not to. So it is relatively easy to introduce the Faith to them.
As we approached one house, the man asked who we were. When we said we were Bahá’ís and had a new Message from God, he swung wide his gate and invited us into his yard.
The man said many religious people had come past his house, and the Bahá’ís were the only ones he had let through his gate.
One woman told us she had been waiting to become a Bahá’í but no one had told her what time the Bahá’í meetings were! Another woman said she had dreamed of the Bahá’ís and was waiting at her hut for them to arrive.
TEACHING the Faith to these people is the easy part. The hard part comes with consolidation, establishing Local Spiritual Assemblies, deepening them in the Writings (many are illiterate), and encouraging them to arise and teach the Faith to others.
One successful teaching aid the Bahá’ís in southern Chile have is a Bahá’í school, supported and funded by the Chilean government.
The teachers there are Bahá’ís, and the 60 or so elementary school students come from Bahá’í families.
The long term goal is that in 10 years these children, who are Mapuche Indians, will be strong Bahá’í youth and it will be natural for them to teach their fellow Mapuches.
In fact, one can already see signs of change among the indigenous peoples.
One day, two of us went out among the village huts to invite the people to a meeting at the Bahá’í school.
We were approached by a Mapuche Indian who said, “You must always keep oil in your lamp so the light won’t burn out. And you know what will keep your lamp burning, don’t you? Our Lord, of course—Bahá’u’lláh!”
I SIGHED and thought to myself, “Who’s teaching who here?”
Some of the Chilean Bahá’í youth presented an interesting theory to me.
They said they’d been teaching the Faith in the Mapuche zone for 10 years. If they had begun teaching 40 years ago all of the larger cities would know of the Faith, because the Indians migrate to the cities.
In 30 years, they said, all of Santiago will know of the Faith—“that is, if they aren’t Bahá’ís already!”
These youthful Chileans realize what an honor and bounty it is to be able to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh to others.
One young girl asked me to encourage more pioneers from the U.S. to come and participate in harvesting these fruits and take advantage of the God-given gift of teaching His Cause.
During our stay in Chile, we had the opportunity to meet with three Continental Counsellors: Raúl Pavón from Ecuador, Mas’ud Khamsi from Peru, and Athos Costas from Argentina.
They suggested that any pioneers who come in the future should strive to live either in the rural areas of the south or the
On September 19, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Miami, Florida, donated $230 to the city’s Olive B. Alexander Day Care Center to replace educational materials stolen or destroyed during recent riots in the Miami area. Mrs. Lydia J. Neasman, Early Childhood Development Program administrator at the center, shows the check to the children as Mrs. Gladys Stuart and George Savitt, members of the Spiritual Assembly of Miami, look on.
Goals Committee announces project in Belize[edit]
The International Goals Committee is pleased to announce a consolidation project in Belize, Central America, during August 1981.
The project will be similar to the highly successful consolidation effort held in Belize last summer.
The objective of the project is primarily consolidation aimed at expansion. Teachers will be involved in deepening and strengthening the believers, activating Local Spiritual Assemblies, and conducting children’s classes.
For more information please send the form below to the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a British territory that attained its independence in 1964. It has a multi-racial population with inhabitants from African, Mestizo, Mayan Indian, Oriental and European backgrounds.
- Population: 140,000.
- Capital city: Belmopan.
- Language: English is the official language of Belize and is almost universally spoken. In the north and west, particularly, Spanish is the preferred language.
- Climate: The rainy season lasts from June to October with a short dry spell, usually about two weeks, in August. It will be hot and humid in Belize City with daytime highs in the 80s and 90s.
- Visa requirements: No visa is required for a visit of less than six months. Proof of citizenship is required, not necessarily a passport (a valid driver’s license or notarized affidavit of birth will suffice).
- How to get there by air: The international airport is nine miles outside of Belize City. Regular service from the U.S. is available via Miami and New Orleans.
[Page 9]
TEACHING
BE A FRIEND TO YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH OPERATION BEFRIEND.
Befriend[edit]
Continued From Page 1
participate in Operation Befriend.
As a first step, the Teaching Committee recommended that they consult with the friends at Feasts and Assembly meetings, and with their Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, to decide how they could best serve their fellow-men locally to create new respect for the Faith and attract new believers.
These communities were encouraged to see themselves as part of an Army of Light, engaged in a great campaign, with each community participating at its own pace but cognizant of the fact that its members are soldiers in the same spiritual army, engaged in the same overall campaign.
Although only the Assemblies in the goal states and District of Columbia were asked initially to join Operation Befriend, at Riḍván 1981 all other states will be invited to join and swell the ranks.
OPERATION Befriend will reach its climax at Riḍván 1982, the beginning of the year marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of the beloved Guardian, the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf, and a time when Mr. Sears hopes to return to the U.S. on a teaching mission.
The National Teaching Committee has prepared a simple set of guidelines using a genial character known as “General Love” to introduce Operation Befriend to the believers.
Should any community outside the goal states wish to receive this plan before Riḍván, the committee will be happy to send a copy.
Write to the National Teaching Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Dr. Nguyen Van Chau (left) receives the Enoch Olinga Memorial Award for Human Service from Kirk Reddock, representing the Beaumont, Texas, Bahá’í community.
Beaumont Bahá’ís give Olinga award to doctor[edit]
On October 3, the Bahá’í community of Beaumont, Texas, presented the Enoch Olinga Memorial Award for Human Service to Dr. Nguyen Van Chau, an educator and nationally recognized figure in refugee resettlement and human service programs.
Dr. Chau is executive director of a Beaumont-based refugee resettlement operation that is responsible for the successful relocation of thousands of Southeast Asian refugees.
A graduate of the Sorbonne in Paris and former deputy director of Vietnam’s National Rural Development Training Center, Dr. Chau was a partner in an ambitious social service effort sanctioned by the Vietnamese Council of Bishops and administered by his friend, Bishop Nguyen Van Thuan.
After emigrating to the U.S., Dr. Chau was named a special assistant to the U.S. Catholic Conference Director while at the Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, relocation center.
He moved to Beaumont with the first mass relocation group, and within a few months was named to his present position.
Among the programs initiated under Dr. Chau’s direction are the Indochinese Social Services for Southeast Texas, a mental health service, two day care centers, a Special Business Bureau, and the Indochinese Employment Service.
The Olinga award honors the Hand of the Cause of God who was murdered with his wife and two of their children in September 1979 at their home in Kampala, Uganda.
Teaching ... Questions and answers[edit]
Question: So much talk is heard about project teaching (“team” or “street”) with articles in The American Bahá’í about its success and the large number of enrollments, but very little attention is given to the Bahá’í who hosts a small fireside in his home once every 19 days. Does the National Teaching Committee feel that “street” teaching is the better method that the friends should be using?
Answer: Certainly not. All methods of teaching should be used. Large teaching campaigns receive attention because of the excitement of having many new believers come into the Faith at one time. But this does not imply that fireside teaching is not as important or as exciting. On the contrary, the beloved Guardian himself told us that the fireside is the most effective way of teaching: “...It should not be overlooked, however, that the most powerful and effective teaching medium that has been found so far is the fireside meeting, because in the fireside meeting, intimate personal questions can be answered, and the student find the spirit of the Faith more abundant there.”
We must remember that “street teaching,” “mass teaching,” “door-to-door teaching” and so on are quite irrelevant terms. It is all teaching. It doesn’t matter what one calls it or what “method” is used; what matters is that we teach the Faith and that we do so continually. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has explained that every individual must adopt the teaching method and manner that best suits his or her character.
Another thing to keep in mind is that regardless of how many teaching projects we are involved in, we are still enjoined to conduct a fireside at least once every 19 days, and to lead at least one soul into the Faith each year.
Statistically, if each believer fulfilled this obligation, and brought one soul into the shelter of the Faith, the Cause would increase geometrically in such a way that the entire world would become Bahá’ís in 10 years. Therefore, we should not worry about the “best” teaching methods, but should concern ourselves with the act of teaching.
Q: After reading The American Bahá’í I was shocked to learn how far the U.S. is behind in its Seven Year Plan goals. What does the National Teaching Committee plan to do to help win the goals?
A: It should be kept in mind that neither the National Teaching Committee nor the National Spiritual Assembly is itself capable of winning the goals. It is through individual efforts that goals are won. Too often, it seems, the friends wait for some “plan” to come from the National Assembly before going out and bringing people into the Cause. Teaching shouldn’t be dependent on a national plan or project. During the days of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, there were no National or Local Assemblies to guide the believers. Yet it was these devoted souls who established the Faith.
The beloved Guardian, speaking of the duty of the individual, stated: “Without his (the individual’s) support, at once wholehearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted, and every plan formulated, by the body which acts as the national representative of the community to which he belongs, is foredoomed to failure. The World Centre of the Faith itself is paralyzed if such support on the part of the rank and file of the community is denied it.”
Faizí[edit]
Continued From Page 1
COMMEMORATIVE MEETINGS HIS NAME IN HOUSES WORSHIP ALL CONTINENTS. MAY HIS SHINING EXAMPLE CONSECRATION CONTINUE INSPIRE HIS ADMIRERS EVERY LAND. PRAYING HOLY SHRINES HIS NOBLE RADIANT SOUL MAY BE IMMERSED IN OCEAN DIVINE MERCY CONTINUE ITS UNINTERRUPTED PROGRESS IN INFINITE WORLDS BEYOND.
November 20, 1980
[Page 10]
TEACHING
San Luis Obispo communities cooperate to proclaim Faith[edit]
Soon after the Seven Year Plan was launched in 1979, the Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups in San Luis Obispo County, California, agreed to plan and sponsor proclamation activities together, mindful of the direction by the National Spiritual Assembly to use a systematic approach rather than to pursue “spasmodic ill-conceived campaigns.”
The Bahá’í Inter-Community Association (BICA), the name adopted by this group, is comprised of public information representatives of Bahá’í communities in San Luis Obispo County who meet regularly to plan and sponsor the observances of annual proclamation days such as Race Unity Day, World Peace Day, World Religion Day, and so on.
THE BICA HAS been highly successful not only in the number of non-Bahá’ís it has attracted to its programs, but also in its impact on the Bahá’í communities themselves, creating a stronger bond between them and a deeper commitment to serve our beloved Faith.
During the past year the following positive developments have been realized:
- County-wide proclamation on a systematic and regular basis.
- Initiation of county-wide media coverage.
- Elimination of costly duplication of effort.
- Closer communication with and stimulation of Groups.
- Strengthening the bonds of love and affection among the believers.
To assure harmonious interaction among the participating communities and ascertain the responsibilities and functions of member localities, certain agreements and guidelines had to be set up.
THE COMMITTEE therefore compiled an “Agreement of Cooperation” and “Guidelines” for the procedures and direction of the BICA.
The key element in the smooth functioning of the BICA appears to be the fact that its sponsorship is set up on a yearly rotating basis. This assures each locality equal rights and equal responsibilities.
The BICA has thus far conducted the following proclamation events with an inspiring degree of success:
Race Unity Day 1979
This proclamation was a music festival that featured artists of differing racial backgrounds presenting their ethnic heritage in song and play. Participants were mostly non-Bahá’ís with whom Bahá’ís had been in contact for some time.
Overa-ll attendance was 86 including 31 non-Bahá’ís. The event showed great organization, and showed residents of the area the Bahá’í ideal of the oneness of humanity.
World Peace Day 1979
This event began with a talk on world peace in which David Villaseñor explained the Bahá’í concept of world unity and peace. During his presentation, Mr. Villaseñor displayed a large (4 feet in diameter) colorful Aztec calendar, and explained the deeper meanings of its intricate symbols.
The BICA later presented the calendar to the county Board of Supervisors and the people of San Luis Obispo County. That night the presentation of the calendar was reported on a local television station. It is now on display at the county courthouse and bears a plaque with the quotation from Bahá’u’lláh: “This handful of dust, the earth, is one home—let it be in unity.”
United Nations Day 1979
This event, a Child Information Faire, was conceived, organized and hosted by the Bahá’í community of Morro Bay with the full cooperation of the BICA.
It was a service project, designed to acquaint families with the agencies and organizations in the area that provide activities and services for young families and children, and was successful in helping to establish the “good reputation” of the Bahá’ís mentioned by the Universal House of Justice in its 1979 message on
Geneva, N.Y., Bahá’ís honor 2 women[edit]
More than 30 people, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, were present May 24 at the fifth annual Women’s Awards Luncheon sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Geneva, New York.
This year’s recipients of special awards for service to the citizens of Geneva were Mrs. Shirley Thibault and Mrs. Helen Stepowany.
MRS. THIBAULT has been active in community affairs since moving to Geneva about 10 years ago. Her most significant contribution has been her involvement as three-term president of the Center for Concern, the purpose of which is to help meet the needs of the disadvantaged.
A former member of the sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Committee and the Community Action Committee (COMAC), she helped institute the Youth Employment Service and serves on the advisory committee for the Department of Social Services’ Head Start program.
Mrs. Stepowany is a home services director of the Fingerlakes Affiliate of the state United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, working with handicapped preschoolers and infants in a four-county area.
The awards luncheon was begun in 1976 in conjunction with the United Nations International Women’s Year.
At that first gathering, a one-day symposium on “Women Today and Tomorrow” was held. It included seminars, workshops and panel discussions on the many facets of women’s changing roles.
It was decided at that luncheon to present an annual award to two women to recognize their significant contributions to the Geneva community.
Each year, a prominent member of the U.S. Bahá’í community is invited to speak. This year’s speaker, Robert Rosenfeld of Rochester, New York, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, spoke on “The Role of Women in Today’s World.”
Award recipients Mrs. Shirley Thibault (seated at left) and Mrs. Helen Stepowany chat with speaker Robert Rosenfeld (right) during the fifth annual Women’s Awards Luncheon May 24 sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Geneva, New York.
Willie Big George of Lake of the Woods, Canada, performs a traditional Indian pipe ceremony during the North American Native Institute held August 23-24 on the Ojibway Reservation in Grand Portage, Minnesota.
150 learn of Indian traditions at Minnesota Native Institute[edit]
About 150 people from the U.S. and Canada participated August 23-24 in the Grand Portage North American Native Institute held on the Grand Portage Ojibway Reservation in northeastern Minnesota.
The event was sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Northern Minnesota. Its purpose was to give those who attended a better understanding of the life, spiritual teachings, and cultural heritage of Native Americans.
EMPHASIS was placed on providing an environment of spiritual unity and love so that, through speakers, films and other presentations, non-Indians could learn about the original inhabitants of our continent.
Joining keynote speaker David Villaseñor were local Native Americans, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, who spoke on many topics including traditions, the meaning of ceremonies and symbols, prophecy, honor, our relationship to the earth, the challenge of our age, the awakening of the Native American people, and their relationship to the Bahá’í Faith.
Gracing the walls of the conference room was a collection of sand paintings by Mr. Villaseñor, each one a holy book in itself, understood through the language of symbols.
A key figure at the conference was Willie Big George, an Ojibway Bahá’í from Lake of the Woods, Canada, who is widely known among the Native Americans as a traditional man, a former chief who lives in accordance with the old ways.
The presence of this man and his family showed clearly how the traditional Indian spiritual path is in essence akin to the spiritual path of the Bahá’í Faith.
Mr. Big George performed pipe and drum ceremonies, and spoke throughout the weekend, reminding everyone that we are all being watched by the Great Spirit, “Git-chee Manitou.”
PRESENT AT a Saturday evening pow wow were the four races of humanity: red, yellow, black and white. All danced in a circle of unity accompanied by a drum, the heartbeat of the Native American people.
Mr. Villaseñor, offering his opinion about the best way to teach the native peoples, said, “This must not be forced, but rather any practical method of service to their community would be a wise approach.
“To offer yourself because of your belief in the duty of service and the oneness of humanity will be respected, and will allow for teaching through example and opportunity to serve the Cause of God.”
The next day, following a pipe and drum ceremony, prayers in Ojibway, Persian and English, and a presentation of the film, “The Sands of Time,” Mr. Villaseñor demonstrated the art of Navajo sand painting, explaining its meaning and purpose, and how the paintings are used by medicine men for honoring and healing.
The institute then closed with a traditional Indian “give-away.” As Mr. Big George performed an honor song, gifts were given on behalf of the Bahá’í community to all the Native Americans present.
[Page 11]
TEACHING
Laotian believers renewing friendships in U.S.[edit]
Abolfazl “Bijan” Bayzaee was a young man of 21 when he arrived in Laos in February 1964 as a pioneer from Iran.
By the time he left Laos in August 1968 at the ripe old age of 25, he had participated in an untold number of teaching projects, had seen the entry of many Laotians into the Faith—especially among the Hmong tribal people of northern Laos—and had witnessed the formation in 1967 of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Laos.
LAOS IS a country that has been wracked by war since 1954. The doors to Laos were closed totally to Bahá’í pioneers and traveling teachers in 1975, some 19 years after the arrival of the first Bahá’í pioneer.
‘BIJAN’ BAYZAEE
Refugees by the thousands have fled Laos in recent years. Some of these refugees are Bahá’ís, and some are now living in the U.S.
Mr. Bayzaee, too, now lives in this country, in Skokie, Illinois.
When the National Teaching Committee learned this fall of the presence of substantial numbers of Laotian refugees who are Bahá’ís living in Portland, Oregon, and San Diego and Long Beach, California, as well as of exciting teaching activities among refugees in Houston, Texas, it sent Mr. Bayzaee to visit these communities in October as its representative.
His first stop was Portland, where the Spiritual Assembly has estimated that there are more than 160 Laotian refugee Bahá’ís in the community and is working to identify them and place them on the rolls.
Mr. Bayzaee was able to meet more than 40 of these Laotian believers during his three-day visit to Portland.
ALL OF THE refugees there are Hmong. It was the Hmong, a minority people who lived in mountain villages, with whom Mr. Bayzaee had had the most contact during his stay in Laos.
Of all the ethnic groups in Laos, the Hmong have been subjected to the most incredible suffering in recent years.
Magazine articles, such as one in the October 1980 issue of Reader’s Digest, estimate that in 1960 there were as many as 500,000 Hmong in Laos, but that there are probably only 70,000 left there today, with another 50,000 in refugee camps in Thailand and another 35,000 relocated to other countries including the U.S.
One of the Hmong believers, now living in Portland, had served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Laos.
Although Mr. Bayzaee did not recognize the name, he soon recognized the face of this believer when he entered his home and was greeted.
Among the photos of the friends in Laos he had known in the 1960s were many photos of this man, Chong Khue Cha.
Mr. Cha had demonstrated time and again while in Laos that he was a person of exceptional capacity.
ALTHOUGH a guerilla war was raging, he had been a traveling teacher for years, ranging through many especially dangerous areas in an effort to nurture and maintain contact with the friends in outlying communities.
While visiting with Mr. Bayzaee, Mr. Cha recounted how often he had thought of the possibility of being killed during these trips, and how he had always said to himself that he would trust God to protect him while he was doing God’s work, and that if he were killed while on this path, it would be the will of God.
There were others in Portland besides Mr. Cha whose faces were to be found in the 14-year-old photos Mr. Bayzaee had brought.
It was an exquisite reunion for Mr. Bayzaee and the friends. There was so much catching up to do, so many plans to be made.
During his stay, Mr. Bayzaee was able to meet with the Spiritual Assembly of Portland and its Teaching Committee, and to encourage them to strive to identify the Laotian believers and to integrate them into the Portland Bahá’í community.
Mr. Bayzaee’s Portland experience was repeated in San Diego. Of the Laotian believers who had recently been found and placed on the rolls, there were several, such as Mr. Cha Hu, whom Mr. Bayzaee had known in Laos.
Mr. Cha Hu had been a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the village of Bon Nam Than, and Mr. Bayzaee had the photos to prove it.
MR. CHA HU and the others like him were the product of 24 years of effort by the Hands of the Cause, Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and other dedicated traveling teachers and pioneers in Laos.
Every week more Laotian believers are being rediscovered in the San Diego area. While Mr. Bayzaee was there the friends contacted another former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Laos, Mr. Cha Lao Chu. Once again, Mr. Bayzaee’s photo album was the catalyst.
In his position with the local refugee center in San Diego, Mr. Chu is involved night and day with the situation of Southeast Asian refugees.
He has distinguished himself in the U.S. with his leadership, as he had distinguished himself as a leader among the Hmong people in Laos. Mr. Bayzaee and Mr. Chu talked at length about the past and the future.
The San Diego community is involved not only in recontacting Laotians who already are there, but also in teaching others—Laotians, Vietnamese and Cambodians.
If you have served as a pioneer to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam or Thailand and would like to help with teaching and consolidation work among Southeast Asians in the U.S., please contact the National Teaching Committee. Phone (toll free) 1-800-323-4390.
Mr. Bayzaee was able to visit with many of these new friends as well as with his old friends.
Mr. Chu mentioned that he had five brothers, all Bahá’ís, who lived in Long Beach.
SINCE MR. Bayzaee was scheduled to visit that community as well, he made a special point of visiting these believers—all 14 of them, including wives and other family members.
In addition to several believers who accompanied Mr. Bayzaee from San Diego, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Long Beach was able to participate in this joyous meeting.
From Long Beach, Mr. Bayzaee traveled to Houston, the last stop on his itinerary.
The community there includes several refugee believers from Vietnam. But as far as the friends knew, there were no Laotian Bahá’ís in Houston.
There were, however, a number of Laotian seekers who had come to the Bahá’í Center in Houston to request information.
Through the efforts of a non-Bahá’í from Laos who has a close friend in Los Angeles who is a Bahá’í, word was spread among the Laotians about a Bahá’í-sponsored pot luck and party to be held at the Houston Bahá’í Center on the occasion of Mr. Bayzaee’s visit.
At least 70 refugees attended that party, some of whom had been in the States for a matter of weeks or days.
THERE WAS food, songs in English, songs in Lao, Bahá’í songs, and Lao and Thai dancing that evening.
After a Bahá’í prayer was read in Lao, someone came forward and identified himself as a Bahá’í. He had, he said, become a Bahá’í in 1968 when traveling teachers visited his village. His wife also had become a Bahá’í, and their son became a Bahá’í in 1978.
The potential for growth of the Faith among the refugees in Houston is considerable. There are perhaps other Bahá’ís there waiting to be found.
The members of the Spiritual Assembly of Houston and the local Teaching Committee with whom Mr. Bayzaee met appear ready for the task.
Portland, San Diego, Long Beach, Houston—these aren’t the only communities in which there are Laotians or other Southeast Asian Bahá’ís.
Mr. Bayzaee will undoubtedly be called upon to make other trips to other communities to help the friends with teaching work among these peoples. He, too, stands ready.
Some of the Southeast Asian refugees who have contacted the Bahá’ís in Houston, Texas, in recent weeks gather for a meeting at the Bahá’í Center in Houston.
Welcome![edit]
The following is a partial listing of more Asian Americans who have been enrolled in the Faith on the West Coast of the U.S. The total number of these believers, most of whom were Bahá’ís in Southeast Asia, has passed 60.
Bakersfield, California: Dang Van Nguyen.
San Diego, California: Thor Lee Cha, Va Seng Cha, Chong Yeu Cha.
Portland, Oregon: Chaing Lao Cha, Yee Vang Cha, Chai Va Cha, Po Kou Cha, Vue Yer Cha, Pao Lee Cha, Siong Deux Cha, Tsu Chao Cha, Lee Khue Cha, Neng Cha, Tou Fu Cha, Mee Vang Cha.
Chile[edit]
Continued From Page 8
cities of the north.
There are many opportunities to teach the Faith in all areas of Chile and South America. The bounty is out there waiting for us.
To serve Bahá’u’lláh is to teach His Cause—wherever the opportunity arises.
13 Bahá’ís enjoy weekend institute[edit]
Thirteen Bahá’ís and three seekers participated August 15-17 in a weekend Youth Institute at the mountaintop home of John and Michael Fanning near Kermit, West Virginia.
The theme of the Institute, which included discussions of alcohol, peer pressure, and Bahá’í marriage and courtship, was “The Challenge of Youth.”
[Page 12]
PUBLICATIONS
‘Bahá’í World’ volumes reflect painstaking care[edit]
In November the Bahá’í Publishing Trust announced a special limited printing of volumes 1 through 12 of The Bahá’í World. You may be asking yourself what all the fanfare is about.
The beloved Guardian has left us many magnificent evidences of an emerging world order—his incomparable history, God Passes By; his many letters, such as those collected in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Administration, and The Promised Day Is Come; the meticulously planned gardens surrounding the Shrines in Haifa—and the superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb itself.
BUT ONLY IN the volumes of The Bahá’í World did Shoghi Effendi collect the scraps and pieces of our Bahá’í lives and weave them into the pattern of an emerging world religion.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum, in The Priceless Pearl, notes that the Guardian “dramatized the progress of the Faith in these volumes” and made “a mass of scattered facts and unrelated photographs... testify to the reality of the claim of that Faith to be world wide and all-inclusive.”
She goes on to relate how the Bahá’í World volumes came about and how they were prepared:
“It is interesting to note that the actual suggestion for a volume along the lines of The Bahá’í World came to Shoghi Effendi from Horace Holley in a letter he wrote in February 1924—though I have no doubt that it was the breadth of vision of the young Guardian and the shape he was already giving to the work of the Cause in his messages to the West that, working on Horace’s own creative mind, stimulated him to this concept.
“Shoghi Effendi seized on this idea and from then on Horace became Shoghi Effendi’s primary instrument, as a gifted writer, and in his capacity as Secretary of the American National Spiritual Assembly, in making of The Bahá’í World the remarkable and unique book it became.
“Volume One, published in 1925 and called Bahá’í Year Book—which covered the period from April 1925 to April 1926 and comprised 174 pages—received its permanent title, in Volume Two, of The Bahá’í World, A Biennial National Record, suggested by that National Assembly and approved by Shoghi Effendi.
“AT THE TIME of the Guardian’s passing twelve volumes had appeared, the largest running to over 1,000 pages. Although these were prepared under the supervision of the American National Assembly, published by its Publishing Committee, compiled by a staff of editors and dedicated to Shoghi Effendi, it would be more in conformity with the facts to call them Shoghi Effendi’s Book.
“He himself acted as Editor-in-Chief; the tremendous amount of material comprised in each volume was sent to him by the American Assembly, with all photographs, before it appeared and his was the final decision as to what should go in and what be omitted.
“As six of these books were published during the period I was privileged to be with him I was able to observe how he edited them. With his infinite capacity for work Shoghi Effendi would go over the vast bundles of papers and photographs forwarded to him, eliminating the poorer and more irrelevant material; the various sections, following the Table of Contents which he himself had arranged, would then be prepared and set aside until the entire manuscript was ready to be mailed back to America for publication.
“He always deplored the fact that the material was not of a higher standard. It is due solely to his determination and perseverance that the Bahá’í World volumes are as brilliant and impressive as they are.
“The editors (some of whom he had nominated himself), struggling against the forces of inertia that beset any body trying to achieve its ends through correspondence with sources thousands of miles away, and seeking to work through often inexperienced and inefficient administrative organs, would never have been successful in assembling the material required without the drive and authority of the Guardian behind their efforts.
“An interesting sidelight of this work is that Shoghi Effendi, after the book was published, had all the original manuscripts returned to Haifa and stored at the World Centre.
“AS SOON AS one volume was published he began himself to collect material for the next one. In addition to the repeated reminders he sent to the American National Assembly to do likewise, he sent innumerable letters and cables to different Assemblies and individuals.
“In one day, for instance, he cabled three National Assemblies: ‘National Assembly photograph for Bahá’í World essential’; he cabled such isolated and out-of-the-way outposts as Shanghai for material he wanted. ‘Bahá’í World manuscript mailed. Advise speedy careful publication’ was not an unusual type of message for the American Assembly to receive.
“It was Shoghi Effendi who arranged the order of the volume, had typed in Haifa the entire Table of Contents, had all the photographs titled, chose all the frontispieces, decided on the colour of the binding of the volume to appear, and above all gave exact instructions, in long detailed letters, to Horace Holley, whom he himself had chosen as the most gifted and informed person to write the International Survey of Current Bahá’í Activities, to which he attached great importance. ‘Detailed letter mailed for International Survey confident your masterly treatment collected data’ he cabled him.
“An example of how comprehensive and painstaking Shoghi Effendi’s letters on this subject were is provided by the following excerpts from a letter to Horace, written by Shoghi Effendi’s secretary, but I have little doubt dictated by the Guardian himself: ‘This material Shoghi Effendi has carefully examined, altered, arranged, enriched by adding fresh material that he has collected, put them in their final form and will mail the entire manuscript to your address before the end of this month ... He has devoted considerable time to its minute examination and arrangement and has found the work very exacting and arduous ... He wishes to stress the importance of adhering strictly to the order he had adopted. He hopes that, unlike the previous volume, nothing will be misplaced.’
“WHAT SHOGHI Effendi himself thought of The Bahá’í World he put down in writing. As early as 1927, when only one volume had been published, he wrote to a non-Bahá’í: ‘I would strongly advise you to procure a copy of the Bahá’í Year Book ... which will give you a clear and authoritative statement of the purpose, the claim and the influence of the Faith.’
“In a general letter addressed, in 1928, ‘To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout the East and West,’ and entirely devoted to the subject of The Bahá’í World, Shoghi Effendi informs them: ‘I have ever since its inception taken a keen and sustained interest in its development, have personally participated in the collection of its material, the arrangement of its contents, and the close scrutiny of whatever data it contains. I confidently and emphatically recommend it to every thoughtful and eager follower of the Faith, whether in the East or in the West...’
“He wrote that its material is readable, attractive, comprehensive and authoritative; its treatment of the fundamentals of the Cause concise and persuasive, and its illustrations thoroughly representative; it is unexcelled and unapproached by any other Bahá’í publication of its kind.
“This book Shoghi Effendi always visualized as being—indeed he designed it to be—eminently suitable for the public, for scholars, to place in libraries and as a means, as he put it, of ‘removing the malicious misrepresentations and unfortunate misunderstandings that have so long and so grievously clouded the luminous Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.’
“It was a book that he himself often gave as a gift to royalty, to statesmen, to professors, universities, newspaper editors and non-Bahá’ís in general, mailing it to them with his simple personal card ‘Shoghi Rabbani’ enclosed.
“THE REACTION of one of these—an American professor—conveys very clearly the impression the gift Shoghi Effendi had sent him produced: ‘Two copies of Bahá’í World have reached us ... I cannot tell you how much I appreciate being able to study the book, which is exceedingly interesting and inspiring in every way ... I congratulate you especially for developing the literature, and keeping alive such a wholesome spirit amongst the persons of many different groups who look to you for leadership.’
“But perhaps the greatest tribute to the calibre of this publication, into which Shoghi Effendi poured throughout the years so much time and care, was that a proud Queen should write for it special tributes to the Faith and consent that these and her own photograph should appear as frontispieces in its various volumes.
“ ‘No words,’ Shoghi Effendi wrote to Martha Root in 1931, upon receiving from her one of Queen Marie’s specially written tributes, ‘can adequately express my pleasure at the receipt of your letter enclosing the precious appreciation which will constitute a valuable and outstanding contribution to the forthcoming issue of the Bahá’í World.’ ”
The fanfare over the announcement of a limited printing of volumes of The Bahá’í World is fully justified. You have this special opportunity to share in the excitement.
Beginning February 1, 1981, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust will release, three volumes at a time, the first 12 volumes of The Bahá’í World (including Volume I, which was called The Bahá’í Year Book).
THE PREPUBLICATION price for the entire set of 12 volumes (Catalog No. 7-33-00), through midnight, January 31, 1981, will be only $150 NET.
Prepublication orders for individual volumes also will be accepted
Bahá’í History Calendar ready[edit]
The 1981 Hawaii Bahá’í History Calendar is now available.
The unique feature of the calendar is the listing of hundreds of events in Bahá’í history on the dates on which they occurred.
Designed as a deepening and teaching tool, the calendar features artwork inspired by The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, thus combining visual charm with the grace and beauty that sparkle from those gemlike verses of uplifting spiritual power.
The calendar is available for $4 each from the Bahá’í National Library, 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, HI 96817. Payment may be made by personal check, bank draft, or international money order payable to the Bahá’í National Library.
There is a postage and handling charge of $1.50 minimum; however, the exact amount of postage will be billed by the library at the time of shipment.
[Page 13]
LOUHELEN SCHOOL
Most eastern states approve Louhelen Offering[edit]
Approval by most of the states in the eastern half of the country was given in late October to an Offering of promissory notes to be used as a way of raising funds for the Louhelen Bahá’í School reconstruction project.
Bahá’ís in those particular states may invest in the notes as a way to help the National Spiritual Assembly build new facilities at the Michigan school.
A SMALL GROUP of Bahá’ís in those states has been registered with state governments permitting them to represent the National Spiritual Assembly in the sale of the notes.
These volunteer “agents” are presently inviting other small groups of Bahá’ís to meetings to learn more about the project.
They welcome the initiative of Bahá’ís in those states who contact them for information about the project or to purchase a note (see Page 32 of the November issue of The American Bahá’í for a list of names and addresses of these agents).
A great boost to the financing of the construction came in September with the commitment from a Bahá’í for a long-term loan of $100,000.
Other aspects of the project continue to progress. Bids were opened October 28 on the first phase of the project.
That phase includes foundations for four buildings, preliminary site work, underground utilities, and the superstructure of the School Center building.
Construction of Phase 1 can get under way when $1,250,000 of the total of $1.8 million has been raised.
A SPECIAL card expressing the National Spiritual Assembly’s appreciation is being mailed to those who support the project either through direct contributions or the purchase of promissory notes.
The card features a small-scale reproduction of the artist’s conception of the completed school. No doubt these cards will become treasured mementos over the years.
Although there are many difficulties facing the world and the Faith at this time, plans for construction of the school will continue.
Dr. Peter Khan, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia and a former member of the Louhelen School Council, spoke to Bahá’ís at the Louhelen School site September 1, saying that there is a spiritual process involved in moving forward with plans.
The Counsellor explained that the same procedure was carried out by the Guardian when he completed the embellishment of the Shrine of the Báb in the midst of the Arab-Israeli war.
Dr. Khan pointed out that now, when the Faith is facing renewed persecutions in Iran, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice is being brought to completion while throughout the world National Assemblies are embarking on new ventures with renewed vigor.
These acts, he said, demonstrate that the Cause of God can never be stopped by any opposition or difficulty—not in Iran, not in Israel, not in America, not in any part of the world.
Sam Clark of Ferndale, Michigan (standing at left), a member of the Louhelen Bahá’í School Task Force, explains the architect’s plans to Bahá’ís who are helping in the sale of promissory notes to help underwrite a $1.8 million construction project at the school. The meeting was held August 30-31 in Wilmette, Illinois.
This card expressing the National Spiritual Assembly’s appreciation is being sent to those who support the $1.8 million construction project at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan.
Bahá’í workshop is part of education convention[edit]
Bahá’ís participated July 17-19 in “Space for the Future,” an international convention on education in the Space Age at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
The conference was organized by the Amicitia (Friendship) International School for the Future, a non-political organization.
REPRESENTATIVES of more than 50 educational groups participated in the informative conference that included general sessions and creative workshops.
The Bahá’í participation was a follow up to the Symposium on Science and the Future of Mankind at New York’s Pace University last March that was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of New York City.
At that symposium Mrs. Nancy Kobryn, president of the Amicitia School, had been introduced to the Bahá’ís by one of the speakers, NASA scientist Jesco von Puttkamer.
Mrs. Kobryn, who was familiar with the Faith, having read several Bahá’í books, invited the friends to participate in the “Space for the Future” convention.
“I feel that we need spiritual guidance at this time,” she said, “and I recognize that the Bahá’í Faith represents the spiritual leadership of the future. I’ll be very glad to have the Bahá’ís represented at our convention.”
The Bahá’í workshop, listed in the convention agenda under the title “Spiritual Development in the Future,” was presented by Harvey Wiener, a retired professor of science and mathematics.
THE BAHÁ’Í message was warmly received by those at the conference including Mrs. Evelyn Gonzales, special assistant to Mayor Marion S. Barry Jr. of Washington.
Guests at a private banquet following the conference included film producer/writer Gene Roddenberry (Star Trek and other works).
Mr. Roddenberry conversed at length with the friends and said he was quite impressed with the Bahá’í teachings on arts and sciences.
As a further result of the conference, Mrs. Eliane Hopson, a Bahá’í from New York City, was invited by Mrs. Kobryn to serve on the Board of Advisers of Amicitia International.
Mailing reminder[edit]
Whenever an Assembly or Group does not receive mail from the Bahá’í National Center for more than a few weeks, there is most likely a mailing problem. If this happens, please contact the Office of Membership and Records, Wilmette, IL 60091.
For Universal Children’s Day, and in anticipation of the United Nations Year of the Handicapped in 1981, Bahá’ís from two communities in southeastern Pennsylvania presented this bulletin board with alphabets in Braille and sign language to the Melinda Cox Library in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, along with a copy of the children’s book, The Gift. Mary Ann Crozier (left), the children’s librarian at the Cox Library, accepts the board from Rita Leydon of Lahaska, Pennsylvania, who created the display with Kathy Cerruti of Chalfont.
West Chicago Bahá’ís sponsor 4th music festival[edit]
The Bahá’ís of West Chicago, Illinois, sponsored their fourth annual Music Fest on August 17.
In spite of unexpected rain, attendance was good, with several seekers enjoying the music and asking questions of the friends.
Local Bahá’í musicians participating were Gary Allain, Jerry Holt, Brad Smith, Fran Wilmot and Doug Edwards.
Music included Bahá’í songs, popular songs, and a bluegrass sing-along.
Adults and children enjoyed a magic show by Doug Edwards that also included an explanation of principles of the Faith.
The West Chicago community is planning now for its next Music Fest to be held the third weekend in August 1981.
The planning committee welcomes musicians, dancers, singers, theatre groups, mimes or other entertainers who would like to participate.
If interested, please contact Gary Allain, 1215 Kings Court, Apt. 12, West Chicago, IL 60185, or phone 312-231-5665.
[Page 14]
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
185 believers enjoy ‘Special Visit’ tours[edit]
The 1980 Special Visit Programs are now history, although the happy memories and the spiritual energy they released will be felt for a long time to come.
The programs, held at the Bahá’í National Center this past summer, were attended by 185 Bahá’ís from 26 states and five foreign countries.
THE VISITORS experienced three full days of activities while in Wilmette.
They toured the offices of the Secretariat and those of all National Committees, visited the Bahá’í Home for the aged, participated in a special presentation at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and viewed the National Archives.
In addition, they had an opportunity to speak at length with Glenford E. Mitchell, the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, the assistant secretary.
Other highlights of the program included stories of the early days of the Faith in America by Continental Counsellor Edna M. True, and presentations on the Institution of the Boards of Counsellors and the history of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
There was also time for prayer, shopping at the Bahá’í Book Store, and getting to know their fellow program participants.
All in all, the Special Visit Program proved to be a time to confirm one’s commitment to the Faith and to grow spiritually.
This past summer witnessed, in addition to four regular Special Visit Programs, one designed especially for families.
THE PROGRAM was held over the Independence Day weekend with 36 adults and 33 children participating.
Wrote one of the younger participants: “I liked meeting new friends, seeing the House of Worship, having the picnic, seeing the fireworks, seeing the carpet in Foundation Hall, and I especially enjoyed the musical programs.
“I liked my classes and seeing the cornerstone. I got a Bahá’í ring. I liked the gardens, and I liked being a part of the Special Visit Program.”
In a note, the youngster’s father said: “I think it was great because it was a family visit. The day after we returned home my 8-year-old son said to me, ‘Dad, I can’t wait until I become a Bahá’í.’ ”
This was the first time an extended family program has been held at the National Center. Its success has ensured that it will become an annual event.
Perhaps the easiest way to describe the Special Visit Program is to let those who participated speak for themselves:
“THE SPECIAL Visit Program, by allowing me a behind-the-scenes view of the work and activities of the National Spiritual Assembly and to take part in Temple devotions, was an invaluable deepening experience,” wrote one believer.
“In understanding and being aware of the activities of the National Spiritual Assembly and the activities of the Bahá’ís concerned with the Temple, I feel much more a part of the greater Bahá’í community beyond the level of the family and local community.
“Last and certainly most important, to be in proximity to the House of Worship for a period of days and to partake of the spirit of the staff and the other participants was truly a profoundly moving experience.”
Another Bahá’í commented: “I’m better prepared to teach the Faith. I’m full of spiritual qualities I never knew I had. I’m better educated in all areas of the work done at the Temple, and the Administration.
“Thank you for all the wonderful things you did for me.”
Yet another participant wrote: “It was so inspiring, I want to be a more spiritual person, and I now feel more motivated than ever.
“JUST BEING with all those wonderful Bahá’ís was a marvelous experience. I felt so close to so many of them, when we left, that it was as if we were leaving our family.
“I wanted so badly to stay. How I wish I could go back for the other four programs this summer!
“The Temple is truly God’s House, and I feel so safe and comfortable and secure there. I sure have a lot to tell my Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í friends, and I haven’t stopped talking since we got home.
“I want everyone in the world to become a Bahá’í, and will try my best to reach as many of them as possible. Thank you for this fantastic program.”
The Special Visit Programs are available to every Bahá’í in the U.S. Four programs are scheduled for summer 1981 and registration forms will be available in the April 1981 issue of The American Bahá’í.
Plan now to attend one of these exciting and informative programs.
The foyer of the new Bahá’í administrative office building attracts some of the Special Visit participants (above) while children (below) take part in one of the classes during the Special Visit Program for families.
Participants in the Special Visit programs toured the new Bahá’í administrative office building (top) and heard talks by Auxiliary Board member D. Thelma Jackson (above) and Dr. Magdalene M. Carney (below), assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.
House of Worship end-of-year attendance soars[edit]
With the persecutions in Iran directing more public attention toward the Faith, attendance at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette showed a significant increase during the first eight months of 1980.
The visitor count at the House of Worship during that time was 138,118, an increase of 18.4 per cent above the 116,617 who visited the Temple during the corresponding period in 1979.
In July and August alone the House of Worship received visitors from every state in the union as well as from nearly 100 other nations.
The Special Visit Program for families included entertainment by the Unity Bluegrass Band during one of the Family Night programs.
[Page 15]
NATIONAL CENTER
Periodicals Office produces newspaper, magazine[edit]
The editor of Bahá’í News and The American Bahá’í, asked to speak at a recent Bahá’í Youth Workshop in Wilmette, began by asking a question: “How many staff members do you suppose are involved in producing Bahá’í News and The American Bahá’í each month?”
Several hands were raised. The guesses ranged from 50 to 100. No one guessed less than a dozen.
“ACTUALLY,” the editor said, smiling, “there are two of us.”
The youth were surprised, as are most Bahá’ís upon learning that the publications are produced by a staff of only two.
“When I arrived at the National Center,” says Jack Bowers, who has been editor of Bahá’í periodicals since June 1977, “what surprised me most was the small number of people who were putting out the publications.”
“I was another of those who imagined quite a large staff here. Actually, the two of us are responsible for almost every aspect of the publications,” says Mr. Bowers.
The editor is assisted by reporter/photographer David Ogron who joined the staff last December. Working together they gather the news, write and edit copy, take many of the photos, and handle layout, scheduling, filing and correspondence.
Editing copy for The American Bahá’í has been done electronically since early 1979.
“I felt that to produce the publications more quickly and efficiently,” says Mr. Bowers, “it was necessary for us to move from the ‘old style’—editing with pencil or pen—to the newer, more modern technique.”
THE CONTENTS of each issue of the newspaper are entered into an electronic terminal that resembles a typewriter keyboard with a “television screen” above it.
As each word is typed it appears on the screen and is recorded on a small, round “floppy disc” similar to those used in computers. Each disc holds up to 86,000 characters.
The size, style and spacing of type is controlled by information typed onto each disc by the editor.
Once completed, the discs are sent to the typesetter, where they are placed into a machine that sets type automatically.
The resulting sheets of type, or galleys, are returned to the Periodicals Office for editing and use in layout.
Layout involves determining the placement of articles, headlines and photos that appear on each page of the newspaper or magazine.
THE GALLEYS of type are cut into pieces and individual articles pasted onto the pages. The completed layout is sent to the typesetter for creation of a camera-ready paste-up—the “master form” of each page that is photographed for printing after a final check by the editor.
Once copy for Bahá’í News or The American Bahá’í has been written, it is carefully reviewed by a special committee established for that purpose at the National Center.
The paste-up of each issue of The American Bahá’í is reviewed by the secretary and assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Much of the news that appears in The American Bahá’í is supplied by Bahá’í communities or individuals around the country.
Articles in Bahá’í News about Bahá’í activities in other parts of the world are sent by correspondents or taken from reports prepared by the Bahá’í International News Service or appearing in Bahá’í newsletters and bulletins.
Whenever the staff learns of a local or regional Bahá’í event of interest, the sponsoring community is contacted and a request made for photos and a written report.
SOMETIMES the information for a news or feature article can be gathered on the phone.
“In some cases the friends who plan to forward reports and photos of an event don’t realize the importance of sending the information as quickly as possible,” says Mr. Ogron.
“Our deadlines are such that we must have material about a month before the paper is actually printed and mailed. If we don’t receive it in time, it has to wait for the next issue.”
The American Bahá’í, first published in 1970, has undergone some recent design changes to give it a more modern and contemporary appearance.
The four-column format has given way to five-column, page headings have been enlarged, body type reduced in size, and news has been “compartmentalized” with certain pages set aside for regular features such as editorials, letters to the editor, classified ads, and articles from various committees and departments at the National Center.
Perhaps the most noticeable change is the size of the paper. It is now a tabloid, making it more compatible with printing processes and bringing about lower printing costs.
“WE’VE RECEIVED a lot of favorable comments about the new look,” says Mr. Bowers. “Our feeling is that we’re moving in the right direction, but we have a long way to go. In other words, we have still more improvements in mind.
“In any case, we love to hear from the friends, whether or not they like what we’re doing.
“When they praise us, it indicates that we’re on the right track, and so we try to think of ways to give them an even better and more interesting paper to read.
“When they don’t praise us, the result is exactly the same—we simply roll up our sleeves and work that much harder to improve The American Bahá’í and Bahá’í News, so that they will become, as the Guardian once said about Bahá’í News, the foremost Bahá’í journals in the world.”
Top left: A pressman looks over a copy of The American Bahá’í. Top right: Editor Jack Bowers (right) and assistant David Ogron check page proofs. Above: David Ogron types an article for the paper. Right: Mary Lubben of Students Publishing Company checks galleys as they are typeset for The American Bahá’í.
The American Bahá’í is printed and ready for mailing (top) but not before it has been carefully edited (above) and the layout completed (below).
Bahá’í World[edit]
Continued From Page 12
through midnight, January 31.
The prepublication prices of individual volumes are as follows: Volume 1 (Catalog No. 7-33-01), $8; Volume 2 (Catalog No. 7-33-02), $10; Volume 3 (Catalog No. 7-33-03), $10; Volume 4 (Catalog No. 7-33-04), $13.50.
Volume 5 (Catalog No. 7-33-05), $17; Volume 6 (Catalog No. 7-33-06), $18.50; Volume 7 (Catalog No. 7-33-07), $16; Volume 8 (Catalog No. 7-33-08), $24.
Volume 9 (Catalog No. 7-33-09), $24; Volume 10 (Catalog No. 7-33-10), $23; Volume 11 (Catalog No. 7-33-11), $17.50; Volume 12 (Catalog No. 7-33-12), $21.50.
As of February 1, 1981, the price of Volumes 1 through 12 will be $176 NET. Orders for individual volumes will not be accepted after January 31, as those orders must be included with the initial print runs.
To order the entire set of The Bahá’í World, Volumes 1–12, or individual volumes, see your local Bahá’í community librarian, or order directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 523 Green Bay Road, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Please include 10 per cent for postage and handling on orders under $100 (minimum $1), or include 10 per cent discount on non-net items over $100.
[Page 16]
EDUCATION
Education Advisers active at District Conventions[edit]
Advisers in 10 districts in which the National Education Committee’s Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) has been introduced were active in planning and staffing children’s programs for District Conventions in October.
Advisers and other volunteers were instrumental in providing meaningful Bahá’í educational experiences for children and youth attending programs at District Conventions in Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Northern Idaho-Eastern Washington, Southern Louisiana, Southern Minnesota, Southern Ohio, and Vermont.
LEAP IS concerned with consolidation efforts within each district, especially with respect to meeting the needs of children and youth.
According to David L. Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee, the program is expected to be introduced in the following districts in spring 1981: Central Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Northern Illinois No. 2, Northern Ohio, Northern Virginia, and Western Colorado.
The following reports were received by the National Education Committee from children’s program directors in time for publication in this issue of The American Bahá’í:
Northern Idaho-Eastern Washington[edit]
Sixty-two children representing 31 families attended classes or the nursery school.
Here’s the numerical breakdown along with names of teachers responsible for each class:
NURSERY, 0-3 years old, 18 students (Karen McConnell); Kinder, 4-5 years old, 14 students (Kathy Schmidt); Primary, 6-8 years old, 12 students (Sandra Hatch); Intermediate, 9-11 years old, 8 students (Judy Reneau); Junior Youth, 12-14 years old, 10 students (Pat Barrett).
Joe Erlacher and Randy Reneau were recreation directors. Cindi Strong directed music for the 4-8 year-olds. The nursery school was treated to a puppet show. About 30 people gave at least an hour helping in the school. Ted Barrett directed the intermediate and junior youth groups in choral reading.
Success? You know it. It was beautiful. Children were involved in purposeful activities all day, had some good thinking times, and enjoyed some real Bahá’í identity working and playing with fellow-Bahá’ís all day.
The program at the end of Convention consisted of a prayer read as a choral selection by junior youth, a portion of the Báb’s address to the Letters of the Living read by the intermediate class and the singing of “The Family of Man” by the 4- to 8-year-olds who were dressed in costumes from around the world.
Everyone had something to take home to remember the Bahá’í Convention school—flowers, pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, or illuminated Writings.
What I’m most impressed with though, is that our teachers, many of whom are Education Advisers, are so happy about what they’re doing.
They know the significance of Bahá’í child education, and they’re devoted to it. As one teacher said: “I’ve learned so much. I won’t make the same mistakes next time.”
We’ve got enthusiasm! ... And we’re gaining more and more expertise.—Joye Lucas, District Convention Children’s School Director
Southern Minnesota[edit]
The Southern Minnesota District Convention children’s program enrolled 43 children, 75 per cent of whom were pre-registered in response to a letter sent to all Southern Minnesota Bahá’í communities via Education Advisers.
The breakdown in enrollment by age groups is as follows: 4-5 years old, 10; 6-8 years old, 9; 9-11 years old, 13; 12-14 years old, 3; nursery school (under 4 years old), 8.
The facilities were excellent. The Convention and classes were held at the Apple Valley Middle School in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
This is an open school—each subject department has an entire area, with classes divided only by furnishings.
The children’s program was able to use the whole language arts area, the gym, and a lecture room. The nursery was housed in the music room with access to its own bathrooms and to a separate exit to the playground.
The class schedule followed closely the guidelines suggested by the National Education Committee. We had a gathering time consisting of music, prayers, an overview of the day, and a time for each child to introduce himself or herself.
Children who arrived early were given a “Getting to Know You” game to occupy them.
Children then went to their respective class areas for the rest of the morning. Each group had two lessons, divided by a snack break and outdoor play. Topics for each group were as follows:
4-5 years old: “Living the Life”—kindness to others and kindness to animals. The stories “The Black Rose” and “The Blue Rose,” and stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s kindness to animals were used for discussion and activities.
6-8 years old: “To Love Mankind”—crafts and activities were arranged around four objectives: knowing and loving God, thinking positively about others, serving others, and the Bahá’í law against backbiting.
9-11 years old: “Bahá’í: A Lover of Mankind”—the story of “The Black Rose” was used as a basis for lessons on the oneness of mankind.
12-14 years old: “Standards of Bahá’í Life”—this group also performed a service project by providing and serving the snack.
In the afternoon the children gathered together for filmstrip adaptations of two children’s stories. Then each group worked on posters to illustrate the songs “Look at Me, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” and “We Are Drops of One Ocean.”
They also made paper flowers to give to the adults after singing these two songs to them at the end of the day!
The nursery program included story times, singing and dancing, and playing with play dough, crayons and paint.
Nine people offered their services as teachers. The same person worked morning and afternoon with the 12- to 14-year-olds, while others spent half the day with their assigned groups. Teachers were asked to get their own assistants.
The program coordinator helped during the large group meetings and with the presentation to the adults.
A nursery-help sign-up sheet was available during registration. An average of two adults, not all parents, signed up for each hour. This, with the session teacher, proved to be adequate.
A fee of $1 per child was charged, producing a total income of $41. Expenses for the children’s program were $31 for supplies, $7 for snacks, and $15 for room rental. The first two items were covered by the fees, the room rental from the amount the District Teaching Committee was requested to budget for the children’s program.
The advisers devised an evaluation form that was given to parents at registration. Seven forms were returned, and all gave favorable responses. The only negative comments were that classes were too large, there were no drinks with the snack, and one of the activities for 6- to 8-year-olds was too hard.
I agree with what was said. I think the program was highly successful.
Each Education Adviser was in charge of a certain age group, planning its curriculum, choosing teachers, and overseeing their progress through the day.
They worked very hard before the Convention and had things well prepared. Most of those at Convention did their best to help whenever needed.
The whole day went quite smoothly because of the preparation and work. It certainly was indispensable to have had the training we had.
There are some improvements I’d like to see next year. First, we should start planning earlier. Classes should be smaller, five to six children maximum. And the starting time should be stringently enforced.
I would also like the Minnesota Advisers to build a greater stock of craft supplies and resource activities so that we can have more to work with next year.—Denise E. Carlson, Southern Minnesota Education Adviser Coordinator
Vermont[edit]
The theme of children’s classes was “The Holy Family.” Besides teaching the children about the lives of the Central Figures of the Faith and their families, the classes would relate the information to their own families.
The program for each age group:
Nursery (age 3 and under), Dawn Staudt, planner—No specific program. There were 14 children registered, though some infants went back and forth with parents. Two 3-year-olds stayed with the 4- to 5-year-old group for several reasons: 1. the nursery was too small to accommodate that many children; 2. the older ones were too active to be around so many smaller ones who were still crawling; and 3. the 3-year-
Local Education Advisers and children’s class teachers at the Michigan District Convention in October included (front row left to right) Kathryn Saylor, Jim Cooke, Fred Pittman, Mark Kranz, and (back row left to right) Rob Voigt, Wes Taborn, Bonnie Mack, Carol Gendein, Dean Silveri.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU GAME
(Southern Minnesota Children’s School)
Find a different person for each category below and write down his or her name. Parents can help you.
- Knows when the next Feast is.
- Knows the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh.
- Wears glasses.
- Can hop on one foot.
- Was born in another state.
- Was born in another country.
- Has gone pioneering.
- Likes spinach.
- Can say a Bahá’í prayer from memory.
- Goes to Bahá’í children’s classes.
- Can play a musical instrument.
- Knows how to count backward from 10 to 1.
- Has a birthday in October.
- Has dimples in his/her cheeks.
- Knows the Birthday of the Báb.
- Has a baby brother or sister.
- Wants to be on the Local Spiritual Assembly someday.
Children carry out a class activity during the Northern Idaho-Eastern Washington District Convention.
[Page 17]
EDUCATION
Children’s programs a success[edit]
Continued From Page 16
olds were interested in the projects that the older group was involved in.
The facilities at Hartford High School were perfect for this age group, with a separate room adjacent to the nursery area for napping, carpeting and bathrooms in each area, and many toys and books already available since the room is used normally for a preschool program.
4-5 years old, Nancy Rogers, planner—There were 10 children including the two 3-year-olds mentioned above, with one teacher and one pre-youth assistant.
In the morning the children discussed family life, the family of man, and the Holy Family, using pictures from magazines, the book The Family of Man, and Child’s Way magazine.
Before lunch the children had an outdoor activity period. In the afternoon they did an art project, making a family coat of arms, and had a nature walk that included talking about the Kingdoms of God.
6-8 years old, Robin West, planner—There were 10 children in this group with one teacher. They discussed what good attributes are and who they know who exemplifies them. Afterward, they made “Family/Friends Attribute Trees” as an art project. They also had an outdoor activity before lunch.
In the afternoon they saw the filmstrip “The Red Velvet Story,” discussed ways in which children can teach the Faith, and did another project in which they made a “Helping Hands” wall hanging to help them think of ways to help their family and friends.
9-14 years old, Barbara Gutherie, planner—There were five children in this group with one teacher. The children discussed in detail stories of the Holy Family from Child’s Way magazine.
They discussed divine attributes in relation to the imprisonment of the Family, Mirza Mihdí’s death, Asíyih Khánum’s wealth, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s marriage.
For a craft project they made family medallions and family trees using splatter painting. After lunch they saw “The Red Velvet Story” and had an outdoor activity time. This group also created a brief skit to present at the end of the day concerning the proper and improper ways for a family to prepare for Feast.
General information: Total attendance, 38 children. Nutritious snacks were served to all age groups in the morning and afternoon. All classes learned the song “O God, Educate These Children” and sang it for the adults at the end of the day. All groups placed great emphasis on courtesy and cooperation.
It was felt that asking parents to contribute $1 per child at registration was not a good idea this year, since the state newsletter had already gone out and there was no way to inform parents in advance.
Instead, a special fund box for those who wished to contribute for the children’s program was made, and $10 was collected by this means.
A major aspect of registration involved a system devised by Education Advisers to help adults sign up to teach the children’s program.
The centerpiece of the system is a large chart on which age groups for the program are written horizontally and specific time slots for each activity period when teachers are needed are written on the vertical axis.
Envelopes containing file cards with directions for each age group and time slot are taped in place. On the outside of each envelope, the person who wishes to be in charge of that time slot writes his or her name.
Directions in each envelope are as detailed as possible. This makes signing up more inviting and facilitates volunteers choosing areas that best suit their interests and capabilities.
Another feature of the system is a brief orientation (10-15 minutes) for all teachers at the beginning of the day. At that time all programs are explained, so that every teacher has an idea of the day’s program—not just of his or her own time slot.
Teachers can ask questions about their activities, and ground rules can be discussed so that teachers hold the same expectations of the children.
Information about emergency procedures also is provided.
Advantages of the system: The friends are quick to volunteer because 1) it’s only an hour (or 45 minutes) out of the adult program instead of half or all day, and 2) they feel they know exactly what is expected of them because of the detailed cards.
Disadvantages of the system: Children, especially the younger ones, may be somewhat confused by so many different teachers. It is hoped that a thorough orientation at the beginning of the day coupled with warmth and understanding from the teachers can minimize the problem.
One other aspect is that the position of a director or coordinator is essential to help keep things running smoothly. It is recommended that the coordinator receive a basic outline of each age group’s program prior to the event to enable him or her to better assist with questions that arise during the day.
The Advisers felt that the registration system worked quite well at Convention. Many of the teachers also expressed enthusiasm for it.
Resource persons: Sarah Keller of Burlington, a talented musician who is experienced in leading children’s singing programs, was asked to teach the children to sing “O God, Educate These Children,” which she did during the morning orientation and during a practice session at the end of the day.
Youth consultation: During balloting, the youth from Vermont met with Margaret Parrott, an Education Adviser and member of the District Teaching Committee, to discuss their concerns and interests.
The youth were enthusiastic and said they would like to see more statewide youth activities, as well as activities planned with youth from neighboring New Hampshire.
Recommendations for future programs: 1. Three-year-olds should not be included in the nursery age group. They seemed to do well with the 4- to 5-year-olds.
2. There should be only one age group activity in a room at a time if it is at all possible to arrange for separate space.
3. Take into consideration that the ratio of boys to girls in the 9-14 age group is uneven. (This was suggested by one of the teachers in that group.)
Some of the 60 children who attended the District Convention for Northern Idaho-Eastern Washington pose for a photo before entertaining the adults with songs.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM SCHEDULE
(Northern Idaho-Eastern Washington)
9:30-10 a.m.—Greet the children in your classroom as they come in. Have independent activities ready for them to work on at various Learning or Activity Centers around the room.
10-10:45 a.m.—Present a prepared lesson or activity around the theme “Bahá’í—A Lover of Mankind,” or you may select a favorite topic you are experienced with that is appropriate. (Part 1 of the lesson)
10:45-11:15 a.m.—A nutritious snack will be brought to your room between 10:30 and 10:45. An “enrichment” activity with a special resource person or an outdoor large-muscle activity.
11:15-noon—Morning lesson (Part 2).
LUNCH
1:15-1:45 p.m.—Greet children in your room as they return from lunch. Have independent activities ready for them at various Learning or Activity Centers around the room.
1:45-2:45 p.m.—Present a prepared lesson or activity that is compatible with the theme, or otherwise appropriate.
2:45-3:15 p.m.—Outdoor activity. Plan something fun (and meaningful). Children will be more tired in the afternoon than in the morning, so provide them with the opportunity for large muscle activity. Please be careful to keep track of all your children when you are outside with them!
3:15-3:45 p.m.—Nutritious snacks will be brought to your room between 3 o’clock and 3:15. A movie, a light-hearted activity or game could be planned for this time.
3:45-4:10 p.m.—Song practice. Classes will be together with a music director to practice a song or two to sing for/with adults at the Convention.
4:10-4:15 p.m.—Walk in an orderly, prescribed manner to the adult Convention entrance. Enter at a signal (nursery excluded).
4:15-4:30 p.m.—Presentation to the Convention.
[Page 18]
EDUCATION
Nearly 5,000 attend Bahá’í Summer Schools in the U.S.[edit]
Nearly 5,000 people attended Bahá’í Summer Schools in the U.S. during 1980, according to David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee.
This information was compiled from reports received by the National Education Committee from the 18 Summer School committees presently serving the American Bahá’í community.
EACH SEPTEMBER the committees submit reports that give information about attendance, number of sessions held, the degree of diversity represented at the school, and number of declarations received.
The reports also analyze the strong and weak points of each session so that the National Education Committee can build upon the strengths and shore up those areas that are weakest.
The reports provide some interesting insights into Bahá’í Summer Schools, Mr. Smith explains.
This year, for example, more than half of those attending were children or youth. The National Education Committee was especially pleased to learn that well over 900 youth—a sizable increase over the past several years—went to Bahá’í schools this summer.
The backbone of the Bahá’í school system continues to be the permanent schools, Bosch and Green Acre.
Between them they held 133 days of school this summer, serving 2,100 students.
THE REMAINING 16 Bahá’í schools are spread throughout the country and hold one- or two-week sessions each summer in rented facilities.
“The committee was pleased to note that there were at least 38 declarations at Bahá’í schools this summer,” says Mr. Smith.
“The Guardian told us long ago that ‘the institution of the Summer School constitutes a vital and inseparable part of any teaching campaign and as such ought to be given the full importance it deserves in the teaching plans and activities of the believers.’ ”
The Education Committee was concerned that the friends may have lost sight of this important objective in recent years, so school committees were encouraged to make every effort to invite non-Bahá’ís to this year’s sessions.
The Education Committee was quite pleased with the results, and hopes that the Bahá’ís themselves will take full advantage of this powerful teaching tool by continuing to invite their interested friends to attend sessions at the Bahá’í schools.
One area of disappointment this summer, from the Education Committee’s viewpoint, was the relative lack of cultural diversity at all of the schools.
REPORTS indicate that of the total attendance 10 per cent was Persian, 3 per cent was black, and 2 per cent were from other minority groups.
Attracting minorities is an ongoing challenge for the Bahá’í schools, and a successful solution will require a broad base of community support.
The presence of an Auxiliary Board member is often cited as a highlight of Bahá’í school sessions.
This summer, according to the Counsellors’ central office, which schedules their school visits, 16 Auxiliary Board members attended one or more Bahá’í schools.
Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem attended the Georgia-Alabama school, the New York Bahá’í School, and a session at Green Acre.
Long a supporter of Bahá’í Summer Schools, Mrs. Khadem feels they are a great source of love and fellowship for the friends and give them a splendid opportunity to draw on one another’s strengths.
After visiting the Washington East Bahá’í School, Auxiliary Board member Peggy Ross said: “I feel the school achieved the objectives expected of it very well indeed, and the spirit, as well as the classroom instruction, will stay with the friends all during the year before another such happy Bahá’í event comes again.”
The National Education Committee is responsible for the over-all administration of the Bahá’í schools and lends its support and encouragement to the committees.
In September, a special training session was held for Bahá’í school children’s program directors in connection with the Green Lake Conference in Wisconsin.
It is expected that these trained directors will become a valuable resource to the schools that will further strengthen their children’s classes and activities.
Two conferences are scheduled in January to train school committees in the South and Midwest.
The training will utilize a new Bahá’í Schools manual prepared by the National Education Committee and will help the committees handle their various responsibilities as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Mr. Smith stresses that the success of the Summer Schools has resulted from the diligent and often sacrificial efforts of volunteer Bahá’ís who labor behind the scenes to attend to the multitude of details involved in producing such an event.
Each year, he says, hundreds of such dedicated believers serve on committees, plan programs, and prepare classes for Bahá’í schools.
“They really deserve the lion’s share of the credit for having accomplished so much this summer,” says Mr. Smith. “The National Education Committee is really proud of their work.”
Bahá’í artist featured in New York fair[edit]
Le Ann Bartok Wilchusky, a Bahá’í artist and sculptor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, participated last July in “Art 1980,” the 15th annual International fair of contemporary art in New York City.
The fair is concerned with the innovative use of public spaces for the creation and presentation of the newest work in every medium available to the contemporary artist.
Mrs. Wilchusky’s participation included a filmed presentation of her Skyworks, 3 and 4 Mile Drops, originally presented in the Southwestern U.S. with sky divers as performers.
Also presented were an installation and performance of welded steel sculpture and wood sculptures called “music boxes” that produce sounds when “played” by the artist, and a monolith double painting collage of acrylic on canvas entitled “Cagey Dreaming.”
Archives seeks personal papers[edit]
The National Bahá’í Archives Committee has undertaken a systematic program to locate and acquire the personal papers of Bahá’ís of national import whose papers are not already in the National Bahá’í Archives.
The committee has identified more than 160 Bahá’ís whose papers would be a valuable addition to the Archives. The Archives Committee has found that personal papers are important to historians as they often contain historical information not found elsewhere.
The committee is especially interested in letters, diaries, personal recollections and photographs.
One difficulty the committee has is that most of the early Bahá’ís have been dead for many years, and the location of their papers is not known.
The Archives Committee would like to learn the names of descendants of early Bahá’ís, whether Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í, so that they might be contacted to try and locate these personal documents.
Among the papers being sought are those of Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Soraya Chamberlain, Helen Campbell, Dr. Frederick D’Evelyn, Mary Hanford Ford and Florence R. Morton.
Anyone having information about the personal papers of these or other early Bahá’ís is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
[Page 19]
Children in the Central DeKalb County, Georgia, Bahá’í community celebrated Universal Children’s Day October 1 by collecting aluminum cans, selling them to a recycling plant and donating the proceeds to UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency. The activity was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Central DeKalb County.
Treasurer’s appeal draws response[edit]
Arising to the appeal from the National Spiritual Assembly to overcome the current shortfall in contributions to the National Fund, the American Bahá’í community has begun to send in a stream of contributions.
Also received were letters that shared stories of devotion and sacrifice. One believer wrote:
“I WANTED so much to help the National Fund. I have very little income ... Today I thought of a way I could help. I sold my wedding rings and a ring that was given to me several years ago...
“I love Bahá’u’lláh and I love the Bahá’í Faith and I want to serve both to the best of my ability. Please accept this with my love and prayers.”
Another of the friends wrote: “I was moved by the presentation sent to District Conventions. I am selling some pieces of silver to increase my contributions to the National and International Funds directly, for any ‘treasures’ that we now possess need to be where our hearts are.”
Finally, from another believer: “In realizing the desperate state of the National Bahá’í Fund we’ve set out once more to apply the spiritual quality of sacrifice to our lives and have decided to make the Fund the top priority ...
“We are now sending a contribution to the Fund every time we receive money, be it a paycheck, gift money, or from a sale of something ...
“Our contribution can only put a small dent in the large needs to be met by the National Fund, but it sure helps us realize what’s really important. Even though it’s hard to spare the money, we are truly happier.”
Mayor Lawrence E. Stone of Sunnyvale, California, presents a proclamation designating September 21 ‘World Peace Day’ in Sunnyvale to Vivian Thompson, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sunnyvale.
Sunnyvale hosts Peace Day meeting[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Sunnyvale, California, sponsored a World Peace Day observance September 21 at the city’s Washington Park.
About 50 Bahá’ís from neighboring communities were invited and supported the activities that included a picnic, games, fellowship and a talk by Dick Groger of San Francisco.
Invitations were sent to about 35 city officials and service organization directors, and flyers were distributed in the area. Mayor Lawrence E. Stone of Sunnyvale proclaimed September 21 “World Peace Day” in the city.
Participants in the final Special Visit Program of 1980 held over the Labor Day weekend (August 28-31) at the Bahá’í National Center are shown at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Front row (left to right) are Juliette Wing (in her mother’s arms), Ruth Wing, Janet Richards, Tim Hankins, Mertaz Rouhipour, Nevin Jenkins, Ali Allié, Steve Wisman, Paul Cone, Brett Wisman, Dawn Jenkins. Second row (left to right) are Glenford Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Alice Thaggard, Adam Cone, Mary Lou Jenkins, Riaz Taherzadeh, Sue Chehrenegar, Catherine Betty. Third row (left to right) are Michael Karch, Heather Hankins, Harriet Allié, Loree Foroughi-Gross, Joe Foroughi-Gross, Hossem Rouhipour, Diane Taherzadeh, Zekrollah Chehrenegar, Zinat Chehrenegar, Evelyn Schultz, Ata Foroughi. Fourth row (left to right) are Bruce Whitmore, secretary of the House of Worship Activities Committee; Winnie Merritt, Faranguis Ferguson, Deborah Martin, Barbara Rudolph, Deborah Fenigstein. Back row (left to right) are Gary Hankins, Bruce Barick, Ronald Allen, David Foroughi-Gross, Kenyon Foroughi-Gross, Jean Marc Lepain, Kern Wisman. Not shown are Jared Fenigstein, Melissa Fenigstein, John Hatcher, Lucia Hatcher, Laura Kraft. The visitors came from California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and France.
Bahá’ís from several communities in the Columbia, Missouri, area attended a summer institute held north of Columbia last June 7. The theme was ‘The Power of Unity,’ and the emphasis was on fellowship and sharing. Children at the institute spent the day making a large Bahá’í symbol from rocks in an area prepared for them by the Bahá’í owners of the property where it was held.
Bahá’í House of Worship Wilmette, Illinois[edit]
Winter Hours: October 15 to May 14
- Auditorium
- 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Open for worship)
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Open to visitors)
- Visitors Center (Foundation Hall)
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Book Shop
- 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday Activities
- Devotional Program—3 p.m.
- Public Meeting—3:40 p.m.
Information on transportation, food and lodging is available from the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Why Deepen?[edit]
- “The Sacred Literature
- of the Bahá’í Faith
- conveys enlightenment.
- It inspires life.
- It frees the mind.
- It disciplines the heart.
- For believers, the Word is not
- a philosophy to be learned,
- but the sustenance of being
- throughout the span
- of mortal existence.”
- —Horace Holley
- Religion for Mankind, p. 64
Service for Blind[edit]
AVAILABLE NOW:
- In Braille or on tape—
- Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh
- The Priceless Pearl
- Selections from the Writings of the Báb
- The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh (Vols. 1 and 2)
PLUS more than 80 other titles
For a printed catalog write:
- Bahá’í Service for the Blind
- 3110 East Lester St.
- Tucson, AZ 85716
[Page 20]
PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 21]
PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 22]
PERSIAN PAGE
Martyrs[edit]
Continued From Page 5
demonstrate unswerving faith in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and an attachment to a Truth greater than the precious possession of life.
The deaths attracted the eyes of the world and brought an unprecedented amount of publicity and teaching opportunities to the Bahá’í community.
To help us understand the reality and importance of this sacrifice, we can compare it to a time about 100 years earlier, once again in the city of Yazd.
In God Passes By, Shoghi Effendi relates the story of seven martyrs in Yazd, killed during Bahá’u’lláh’s imprisonment in ‘Akká.
“...AT THE INSTIGATION of the mujtahid of that city...” he reported, “...seven were done to death in a single day in horrible circumstances.” Among those killed was an 85-year-old believer, grimly underscoring the parallel of history.
The seven Bahá’ís were led from place to place in the city. At each stop one of the friends was killed, and the body dragged through the streets to the next destination behind the still living companions.
One by one these detached souls met their deaths, through strangulation, beheading, stoning or other gruesome means. Finally only two brothers remained, and they were beheaded by the crowd.
“The stomach of the latter,” the Guardian stated, “was ripped open and his heart and liver plucked out, after which his head was impaled on a spear, carried aloft, to the accompaniment of music, through the streets of the city, suspended on a mulberry tree, and stoned by a great concourse of people.”
The bodies of the martyrs were taken to the outskirts of the city, viciously pelted with stones, and finally dumped into a pit.
“A holiday was declared by the governor for the people,” Shoghi Effendi wrote, “all the shops were closed by his order, the city was illuminated at night, and festivities proclaimed the consummation of one of the most barbarous acts perpetrated in modern times.”
WHAT WAS THE effect of this persecution and the many similar acts that took place during this time, resulting, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá testified, in the deaths of 4,000 souls in a single year?
The Guardian explained: “...this fresh outpouring of the blood of the martyrs served to further enliven the roots which that holy Sapling had already struck in its native soil.
“Careless of the policy of fire and blood which aimed at their annihilation ... the followers of Bahá’u’lláh were multiplying in number and silently gathering the necessary strength that was to enable them, at a later stage, to lift their heads in freedom, and rear the fabric of their institutions.”
Every grave calamity facing the infant Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has resulted, according to Shoghi Effendi, in “a still more liberal effusion of celestial grace enabling its upholders to accelerate still further its march and win in its service still more compelling victories.”
This was true of the seven martyrdoms in Yazd more than 100 years ago, as it is true of the seven martyrdoms in Yazd last September.
We who survive these martyrs must seize that outpouring of “celestial grace,” and win “still more compelling victories” for the Cause of God.
LEAP[edit]
Continued From Page 17
4. Set up for registration at least an hour before people are due to arrive. Half an hour wasn’t enough.
5. Consider having non-Bahá’í spouses who would be interested help in teaching children’s classes or covering the nursery area. This was suggested by a believer whose wife would have been interested in helping if we had contacted her.—Dawn Staudt, director, children’s program
Michigan[edit]
This year’s Michigan District Convention children’s program served more than 125 children with some 40 staff. It was unique for both its program and its organization.
Planning for the program began three weeks before the Convention at a meeting sponsored by the Local Education Advisers held near the Convention site so that teachers were able to survey the facilities and inventory the resources.
Teachers later reported that the pre-Convention planning session helped streamline planning for teaching teams and made for a well-organized program.
During the Convention itself, a “unity session” provided a time during which the children joined the adults in the main Convention hall.
Following a welcome by Local Education Adviser Program coordinator Robert Voigt, the children led the Convention in singing.
Morning classes for children featured visits by musicians and puppet theatre performances. The afternoon included group games outside and a tour of the lovely Michigan State University campus where the Convention was held.
Policy prohibits publishing poetry[edit]
Recently The American Bahá’í has received several poems from the friends with requests that they be published in the newspaper.
While we appreciate the thoughtfulness of the friends in sending poetry, it has been a longstanding policy of the paper not to include it, as there are no facilities for proper review.
We would suggest that poems be forwarded for consideration to The Bahá’í World or World Order magazine.
[Page 24]
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED notices in The American Bahá’í are printed free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no commercial or personal messages can be accepted for publication.
•
APPLICATIONS are being accepted for the following positions at the Bahá’í National Center: Cook, Bahá’í school—Requires experience in food planning and preparation for 40-50 people. Job includes some housekeeping and maintenance work. Painter/skilled—Prepares, paints and finishes metal, wood and concrete surfaces of buildings, equipment and furnishings. Must have all technical experience required to plan, direct and carry out jobs, such as assembling scaffolding, replacing glass, repairing and refinishing surfaces. Maintains logs and reports. Helps in other maintenance trade areas as required. Executive secretary—Requires superior secretarial skills, typing 70-plus wpm, shorthand, 100-plus. Must have proven ability to work with confidential information, ability to work well under pressure with limited supervision. Must be mature, discreet and well organized. Program coordinator—Under direction of the National Teaching Committee, acts as a liaison with minority teaching committees. Coordinates programs, activities and volunteer services. Must be fluent in Spanish and English; supervisory skills required. Project engineer—Degreed civil engineer. Licensed construction trade inspector preferred. Will supervise all work performed by outside contractors relating to construction, repair or modification of Bahá’í National Center buildings. Requires 12 years experience in concrete, steel. Secretaries—Requires two years office experience, typing 55 wpm, strong organizational skills. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Personnel Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
A WEEKEND Regional Bahá’í Conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Athens, Georgia, will be held December 12-14. For more information, please phone Iraj Khodadoost, 404-543-2951, or Jacquie Jones, 404-543-5150.
JOBS AVAILABLE overseas: teachers, agriculturists and skilled tradesmen are needed for job openings in pioneer areas. El Salvador—high school math teachers and a librarian. Bolivia—English teachers. Guatemala—fifth grade math/science teacher. Guyana—Spanish, English, math and science teachers. Bophuthatswana (South Africa)—high school math and science teachers. South Africa, Venda, and Bophuthatswana—agricultural engineers, agronomists. South Africa also needs bricklayers, plumbers and electricians. For further information please contact the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
THE FIRST Icelandic International Bahá’í Winter School will be held December 27-January 4 at Olfusborgir. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
JOIN A GROWING Bahá’í community approaching Assembly status in upper Michigan. A Bahá’í family with two working parents needs someone to watch two children, ages 20 months and 8 months, for about 30 hours a week. The “granny” will have a private bedroom and half-bath in a large home plus meals and a weekly salary. For more information please contact Dr. and Mrs. Greg Lawton, 113 South Staffon, Ludington, MI 49431, or phone 616-845-7977.
PIONEER to Botswana, one of the goals of the initial two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan. A Bahá’í-owned company there is seeking an experienced administrative secretary who is capable of managing the routine of a business office as well as type letters and do bookkeeping. This individual will also supervise two or three office employees. For further information please contact the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
WANTED! Pioneers to settle in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area. (1) LaPlace, which needs four adults to form its first Spiritual Assembly, is less than half an hour from New Orleans. Jobs are available in chemicals, sales, structural construction, petrochemicals, as well as jobs in New Orleans. Contact Bob Ancker, 1712 Carrollwood Drive, LaPlace, LA 70068, or phone 504-652-6512. (2) Hammond, home of Southeastern Louisiana University, is less than an hour from New Orleans in Louisiana’s Ozone Belt. A growing town, it has opportunities for almost any business. The present Group needs more Bahá’ís. Contact H. Ravanbakhsh, P.O. Box 3341 SLU, Hammond, LA 70402, or phone 504-542-4066.
THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives Committee has undertaken a systematic program to locate and acquire the personal papers of Bahá’ís of national import whose papers are not already in the National Bahá’í Archives. The committee has identified more than 160 Bahá’ís whose papers would be a valuable addition to the Archives. The Archives Committee has found that personal papers are important to historians as they often contain historical information not found elsewhere. The committee is especially interested in letters, diaries, personal recollections and photographs. One difficulty the Archives Committee has is that most of the early Bahá’ís have been dead for many years, and the location of their papers is not known. The committee would like to learn the names of descendants of early Bahá’ís, whether Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í, so that they might be contacted to try and locate these personal documents. Among the papers being sought are those of Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Soraya Chamberlain, Helen Campbell, Dr. Frederick D’Evelyn, Mary Hanford Ford and Florence R. Morton. Anyone having information about the personal papers of these or other early Bahá’ís is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
GIVE-AWAY! Are you pioneering or traveling to Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore or Thailand? We have four two-for-one passes good from October 26 to December 14, 1980, and from January 11 to February 28, 1981, on Pan Am/National Airlines, and will mail them to Bahá’ís who plan to travel to any of these places. If you can use these passes, please phone us at 213-598-8884, or send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Joe and Gwyne Magaditsch, 1856 Lave Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815. These four passes mean that eight adults can travel for the price of four, and of course, priority will be given to those who wish to pioneer on a “first request/first receive” basis.
HOMEFRONT pioneers needed in a lovely retirement community on Florida’s Gulf Coast. We are an active Group of six with the goal of establishing an Assembly by Riḍván. Employment is available in medical and teaching fields. For information, write to Ada Reynolds, 204 5th Avenue High Point, Brooksville, FL 33512, or phone 904-596-3453.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES in the Caroline Islands. Doctors, lawyers and engineers can obtain employment in the Caroline Islands, an area in which pioneers are urgently needed. Also, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Caroline Islands needs an administrator in its national office in Ponape. The job requires an individual with experience in office management, typing and bookkeeping. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
BAHIYYIH Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, is the foremost woman of the Bahá’í Dispensation, but information about her, now stored in the memories of those who met and knew her, will be lost to history if it is not recorded. To prevent this loss, personal impressions, stories and other details that shed life upon the life and personality of Bahíyyih Khánum are being collected. If you have any such gems, large or small, or if you know of someone who has, please write to Diane Taherzadeh, 2620 International Drive, Apt. 913A, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, or phone 313-434-3744.
HELP! The education committee of Phoenix, Arizona, would like to benefit from your experience. We need ideas on how to involve the community, develop enthusiasm, and overcome apathy! How do you handle children at Feast, especially during consultation? What are you doing about children’s classes and youth activities? Please write to us about your successes. Let’s exchange ideas. Send correspondence to Julie Loucks, secretary, 18014 N. 33rd Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85023.
CLINICIANS—Bahá’í physicians are needed for volunteer clinical work in an important goal area, the Turks and Caicos Islands. There is a tremendous need for all disciplines. Spend two weeks to a month on a regular basis. Rich cultural and clinical experience; must be able to provide own expenses. Air fare and out-of-pocket costs tax deductible. Please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
JOBS ARE AVAILABLE in the Dominican Republic for English teachers at Bahá’í-owned English Language Institutes. The salary is sufficient to support a single person but not a family. For further information please contact the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
Y’ALL COME to the Carolinas Bahá’í Winter School, December 5-7 at Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina. The theme is “In the Spirit of Badasht.” For more information please contact Celeste Hicks, 2107 Arden Drive, Monroe, NC 28110.
ATTENTION: plumbers, electricians, carpenters and unskilled but willing workers. No exciting plans for the winter holidays? Come to St. Vincent in the Windward Islands to help restore Ness Cottage, the recently acquired property that is to be the Seat of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Windward Islands, to be elected at Riḍván 1981. Leave winter behind and come teach in the Caribbean! For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
A RESTAURANT in an excellent location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a seating capacity of 72 is being offered for sale at a reasonable price. The local Bahá’í community could use the help of active and deepened Bahá’ís. For more information please phone 919-786-6979.
Some of the friends enjoying the fund raiser June 7 sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Minneapolis, Minnesota, at which $1,000 was raised for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
House Seat given $1,000 from Minneapolis auction[edit]
Bahá’ís from northern and southern Minnesota and from Wisconsin attended an “Amazing Appetite Assuager, Auction and Amusement” sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Minneapolis last June 7 that raised $1,000 to help with construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
Funds were raised through a number of activities. Entrance “admission” was paid at a rate of either 4 cents per inch of height or 2 cents per pound of weight.
Included in the schedule were a silent auction of mementos, books, crafts and jewelry, and a “mexican” auction of contributed items—among them a ceremonial pipe, hand-crafted of pipestone for the event by an Indian believer from northern Minnesota; complete Chinese and Mexican dinners; a banner specially made by the children of the community; a cross-stitch sampler, and other marvelous items.
Baked goods, popcorn and fruit were sold, and fun and fellowship continued throughout the afternoon.
A potluck meal followed, and the evening’s entertainment included a delightful presentation of music and art with Mark Ochu at the piano. (Mr. Ochu declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh shortly afterward!)
Lawton, Oklahoma, reaches Assembly status[edit]
Two declarations resulted from a teaching effort September 27-28 by 17 Bahá’ís in Lawton, Oklahoma, raising that city to Assembly status.
Jack Kahn, head of family of Bahá’ís, dies at age 71[edit]
SADDENED PASSING JACK KAHN HEAD DISTINGUISHED NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY WHOSE MEMBERS ARE SERVING OUR BELOVED CAUSE WITH DEVOTION. KINDLY CONVEY FAMILY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY AND ASSURANCE OUR PRAYERS TO THE GREAT SPIRIT FOR PROGRESS HIS SOUL SPIRITUAL WORLDS BEYOND.
September 18, 1980
•
Jack Kahn, a Navajo believer from Houck, Arizona, who was the father of nine Bahá’ís including Franklin Kahn, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, died September 12 at the age of 71.
Mr. Kahn, a Bahá’í for nearly 20 years, will be remembered as a guest at several Bahá’í National Conventions including that of 1978 during which he chanted the “Navajo Blessing Way” prayer under a large tent that had been set up behind the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in Wilmette.
ACCORDING TO his son, Franklin, Mr. Kahn, who was a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Oak Springs Chapter, Arizona, encouraged his family to actively serve the Faith.
The elder Mr. Kahn, who raised cattle and sheep, lived in Houck during a part of each year, and near Pine Springs, Arizona, the rest of the time.
Survivors include his wife, Alta, who also serves on the Spiritual Assembly of Oak Springs Chapter, and eight of their children: Franklin of Flagstaff, Arizona; Chester of Houck, Arizona; Benjamin of Window Rock, Arizona; Raymond of Window Rock; Alfred of Houck; Eva Kahn Castillo of Ganado, Arizona; Susie Kahn Benally of Greasewood, Arizona, and Della Kahn Woody of San José, California.
Another son, Andrew, died August 12, 1979.
A tribute to Jack Kahn was paid by Amoz Gibson, a member of the Universal House of Justice, who knew the Kahn family for a number of years when he was an American homefront pioneer to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona.
In a letter dated September 21, Mr. Gibson wrote to Franklin, Chester and Benjamin Kahn and their families:
“Oh my brothers! The Great Spirit has called your beloved father into His other realms where beauty will be always before him, beauty behind him and beauty above him.
“Surely he will continue his service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh from these worlds of God. As he was in this life, he will be your guide and your inspiration from the realms above.
“I remember him well in all of my meetings with his great dignity and serene appearance at all times.
“Please extend to your dear mother heartfelt sympathy from Mary and myself. You and he shall be remembered in our prayers on God’s Holy Mountain.
“Your brother,
Jack Kahn (left), a Navajo believer from Houck, Arizona, with one of his nine Bahá’í children, Franklin, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, at the 1978 Bahá’í National Convention in Wilmette. Mr. Kahn died September 12 at the age of 71.
Elise Briskey, a 60-year-old Bahá’í from Tampa, Florida, who began a three-year-long bicycle trip last May through the 48 continental United States and the southern provinces of Canada, died during that trip October 15 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after suffering a stroke. Mrs. Briskey had visited 19 states along the East Coast and two eastern Canadian provinces when this photo was taken near the end of August during a stopover at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois. In making the trip, Mrs. Briskey said she hoped to attract attention to the need for bicycle trails along U.S. highways while encouraging the elderly to fulfill their own dreams and aspirations.
Karen Woodead, pioneer to Trinidad[edit]
TO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY TRINIDAD:
GRIEVED LEARN PASSING DEVOTED PIONEER KAREN WOODEAD. HER MERITORIOUS SERVICES FAITH SOUTH AMERICA ADD LUSTRE HER COURAGEOUS EFFORTS IN UNITED STATES DURING NINE YEAR PLAN. KINDLY CONVEY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY TO DAUGHTER AND ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS MOTHER’S SOUL.
October 22, 1980
Counsellor Armstrong, Herald of Kingdom, dies[edit]
Counsellor Leonora Armstrong is shown here with the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga during the Bahá’í international conference in Bahia, Brazil, several years ago.
TO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY BRAZIL:
HEARTS SADDENED PASSING DISTINGUISHED COUNSELLOR LEONORA STIRLING ARMSTRONG HERALD OF THE KINGDOM BELOVED HANDMAIDEN ABDU’L-BAHA SPIRITUAL MOTHER SOUTH AMERICA. HER SIXTY YEARS VALIANT DEVOTED SERVICES CAUSE BRAZIL SHEDS LUSTRE ANNALS FAITH THAT PROMISING LAND. REQUESTING MEMORIAL SERVICES MASHRIQU’L-ADHKARS WILMETTE PANAMA URGE ALL COMMUNITIES BRAZIL LIKEWISE HOLD SERVICES. OFFERING ARDENT SUPPLICATIONS MOST HOLY SHRINE PROGRESS HER RADIANT SPIRIT ABHA KINGDOM.
October 21, 1980
|
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In memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Tahirih Akrami
- Chester, Virginia
- September 13, 1980
- Mrs. Ruth Chavis
- Danville, Illinois
- September 1980
- Carl Daniels
- Wilmington, N.C.
- 1980
- George C. Gilles
- Kelso, Washington
- September 7, 1980
- Artee Leavell
- Lancaster, Kentucky
- July 1980
- Robert McConnaughey
- Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- October 5, 1980
- Mrs. Sadie McCray
- Norway, S. Carolina
- Date Unknown
- Miss Mary Quillen
- Terre Haute, Indiana
- July 4, 1980
- Mrs. Susan Shepler
- Rochester, New York
- September 22, 1980
- Miss Estelle Suchow
- Brooklyn, New York
- February 1980
[Page 26]
BAHÁ’Í PUBISHING TRUST
For Your Winter Hearth![edit]
| New Fall/Winter | |||
| Prayers and The Hidden Words: NEW Laotian Edition For the Laotian teaching work: a small 54-page compilation of Bahá’í prayers and Hidden Words in Lao. Attractively printed with mustard-color cover. Handy for purse and pocket. Inexpensively priced. 5¼ x4¼ inches. |
Paper | 7-97-01 | $1.00 |
| Spiritual Foundations: Prayer, Meditation, and the Devotional Attitude: NEW Booklet A new compilation that will help us all attain a goal of the Seven Year Plan—nurturing the spiritual life of our community. Contains many passages previously unavailable. Plan a deepening on spiritual foundations. Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. 5½ x 8½ inches. 20 pp. |
Paper | 7-15-66 | $1.50 |
| Centers of Bahá’í Learning: NEW Booklet For those interested in Bahá’í schools and institutes of all kinds—here is a stimulating compilation on Bahá’í summer schools and teaching institutes. Covers importance, purpose, administration, courses, curriculum, teaching the public, attracting ethnic minorities, youth activities, pioneers, pioneering, and prospects for the future. Compiled by the Universal House of Justice. 5½ x 8½ inches. 20 pp. |
Paper | 7-15-58 | $1.50 |
| A Concordance to The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh: NEW By Jalil Mahmoudi. An excellent aid to help you find passages in The Hidden Words. Almost every word in the book is listed in alphabetical order. Every phrase in which the word appears is listed under that word’s entry. Use it to select readings for Feast or to plan an unusual deepening. Foreword by Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizi. 4¼ x 6½ inches. 88 pp. |
Paper | 7-68-52 | $5.00 |
| The Secret in the Garden: NEW A charming new book for 5-10 year olds. An old woman brings a special gift to a lovely but not very peaceful village. A small, observant girl finally helps the villagers see that unity in diversity is the secret in the garden. Excellent for gifts to non-Bahá’í friends and to public libraries. Written and illustrated by Winifred Barnum Newman. Also available in a Secret in the Garden cassette narrated by Susan Engle, who composed a song especially for the book. 32 pp. |
Cloth Cassette Book/Cassette |
7-53-13 6-32-05 7-53-15 |
$5.00 $3.00 $7.50 |
| Come and Sing: NEW Album/Stereo Cassette An appealing collection of songs created to assist children to understand and develop the attributes of God. An ideal gift for children of any age and faith, this charming album will provide hours of entertainment and joy for the entire family. Produced by Warren Kime and Susan Engle for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. |
LP Album Stereo Cassette |
6-35-21 6-32-20 |
$7.50 $8.00 |
| 1981 Calendars | |||
| 1981 Bahá’í Date Book: NEW Need to keep track of all your appointments and meetings, Feasts, and Holy Days? The 1981 Bahá’í date book is a must. Includes 15 months (January 1981–March 1982), larger squares for each day, and Gregorian and Bahá’í days of the month. Weeks begin on Sunday, end on Saturday. New gatefold cover allows you to mark the month or carry extra notes. Metallic silver cover features filigree ornamentation on Wilmette House of Worship. 3½ x 6½ inches. |
Date Book | 6-69-31 | $1.50 |
| 1981 Bahá’í Wall Calendar: NEW New format features a 10-inch picture of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice (suitable for framing) and an 8½ x 11-inch, 15-month calendar that is easier than ever to read. The type is larger than last year’s, Feasts and Holy Days are color coded, and Bahá’í months for the year 138 alternate in white and yellow. Hang the calendar on the wall for easy reference and a conversation piece; fold picture over and carry to meetings. 8½ x 11 inches, folded. |
Calendar | 6-69-41 | $1.00 |
| 1981 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar: NEW Fits conveniently in purse or billfold. 2¼ x 3½ inches. |
Calendar | 6-69-61 | $.10 |
| 1981 Bahá’í Memo Pad Calendar: NEW Back again! A 15-month calendar pad with one Gregorian month per tear-off sheet. Indicates all Bahá’í Holy Days and Nineteen Day Feasts. Includes ample space for writing in dates of your appointments, meetings, and firesides. Use flat on desk, hang on wall, or carry in three-ring binder. Perfect for use at committee and Local Spiritual Assembly meetings. 8½ x 11 inches. |
Calendar | 6-69-91 | $1.50 |
| New Jewelry | |||
| Ringstone Lapel Pins: NEW Wear the Bahá’í ringstone symbol on elegant new lapel pins. Available in silver plate or gold plate. |
Silver/pltd. Gold/Pltd. |
6-61-85 6-61-86 |
$5.00 $6.00 |
| Ringstone Pendant with 18" Chain: NEW The elegant ringstone design may also be purchased as a new pendant. Available in silver plate, gold plate, and in sterling silver, all with an 18-inch plated chain. Enhance your own wardrobe. Give one to a friend. |
Silver/pltd. Gold/pltd. Sterling silver |
6-61-90 6-61-91 6-61-92 |
$ 8.00 $10.00 $20.00 |
Quickeners of Mankind
a new compilation essential for all pioneers and prospective pioneers. See ordering details on next page!
| Back in Stock | |||
| Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era: Revised Edition At long last! Both the paper and the cloth editions of Esslemont’s introductory work are back in stock. Order your copies now. |
Paper Cloth |
7-31-05 7-31-04 |
$ 1.00 $12.00 |
| Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh | Paper | 7-03-21 | $9.00 |
| Selections from the Writings of the Báb | Cloth | 7-05-50 | $7.50 |
| Paris Talks | Cloth Paper |
7-06-15 7-06-16 |
$8.00 $4.50 |
| Paris Talks | Paper | 7-06-16 | $4.50 |
| Call to the Nations | Cloth Paper |
7-08-50 | $5.00 |
| Guidance for Today and Tomorrow | Paper | 7-08-27 | $5.00 |
| Bahá’í Administration | Cloth | 7-08-04 | $10.00 |
| Bahá’í Administration | Paper | 7-08-05 | $5.00 |
| Bahá’í Prayers (British edition) | Cloth | 7-15-12 | $5.00 |
| The Pattern of Bahá’í Life | Paper | 7-15-30 | $1.00 |
| Principles of Bahá’í Administration | Cloth Paper |
7-15-28 7-15-29 |
$6.00 $4.00 |
| The Glad Tidings of Bahá’u’lláh | Paper | 7-15-52 | $2.00 |
| Political Non-Involvement and Obedience to Government | Booklet | 7-15-63 | $1.50 |
| All Things Made New | Paper | 7-32-17 | $7.50 |
| The Earth Is But One Country | Cloth | 7-32-31 | $15.00 |
| The Dawn-Breakers | Cloth Paper |
7-31-53 7-31-54 |
$18.00 $8.00 |
| The Priceless Pearl | Paper | 7-31-48 | $8.00 |
| Dr. J. E. Esslemont | Paper | 7-31-06 | $2.50 |
| Thief in the Night | Cloth Paper |
7-31-60 7-31-61 |
$6.50 $2.50 |
| The Sheltering Branch | Cloth | 7-31-33 | $4.75 |
| The Flame | Cloth | 7-31-81 | $3.95 |
| Some Early Bahá’ís of the West | Cloth Paper |
7-32-20 7-32-21 |
$9.95 $5.50 |
| ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | Cloth | 7-31-36 | $11.95 |
| The Heart of the Gospel | Cloth | 7-31-16 | $5.50 |
| Portals to Freedom | Cloth | 7-31-21 | $7.95 |
| Religion for Mankind | Paper | 7-31-30 | $2.95 |
| Amatu’l-Bahá Visits India | Paper | 7-31-42 | $1.50 |
| Muhammad and the Course of Islam | Cloth | 7-39-01 | $18.50 |
| The Seven Mysteries of Life | Cloth | 7-39-04 | $18.00 |
| The Wonder Lamp | Paper | 7-52-54 | $1.00 |
| Stories of Bahá’u’lláh by Polk | Paper | 7-52-67 | $3.00 |
| Bahá’í Teachings on Economics | Pamphlet | 7-40-61 | D |
| Human Rights are God-Given Rights | Pamphlet | 7-40-25 | A |
| Becoming Your True Self | Pamphlet | 7-40-15 | D |
| The Environment and Human Values | Pamphlet | 7-40-56 | A |
| For Pioneers/Prospective Pioneers | |||
| Quickeners of Mankind: NEW | Paper | 7-15-68 | $4.00 |
| A Manual for Pioneers: Back in stock | Paper | 7-67-13 | $4.50 |
| Meditations on the Eve of November 4th: Back in stock | Cloth | 7-31-44 | $2.00 |
| A Call to Pioneering: Challenge to Bahá’í Youth: Back in stock | Cassette | 6-31-02 | $8.00 |
Dr. Pereira Honored by University of the District of Columbia[edit]
Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, who retired this year as a professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of the District of Columbia, was honored during convocation ceremonies in October for her 22 years of service to the university.
Dr. Pereira, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America, was given a plaque that read:
“Presented to Sarah Martin Pereira in appreciation of the outstanding leadership, scholarly endeavors, effective teaching, years of dedication and devotion to the University of the District of Columbia and its predecessor institutions.”
Dr. Pereira, who taught Portuguese and Spanish, received her master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and her doctorate in Romance Languages from Ohio State University.
She served for 13 years as a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and for 10 years as an Auxiliary Board member before she was named a Counsellor seven years ago.
An accomplished speaker in several languages, Dr. Pereira has lectured widely on such subjects as world unity, the oneness of mankind, the equality of men and women, universal education, race unity, and the need for a universal auxiliary language.
BICA
Continued From Page 10
announcing the Seven Year Plan, and in fostering good relations between the Bahá’ís and local organizations.
Human Rights Day 1979
This event again featured a community service project, initiated by the Bahá’í Club of Cuesta College, and received wide publicity. It involved clean-up, repairs, repainting, etc., of the children’s playground at the college.
Another program, a public address that focused on the rights of children, was held in conjunction with the International Year of the Child.
World Religion Day 1980
This event consisted of a public meeting at the Women’s Club in Grover City where Charles McAllister of Los Gatos spoke on “The Bahá’í Faith—A World-Unifying Force.”
The efforts exerted by this intercommunity group are exemplary, and typify the levels of proclamation that can occur when Bahá’ís involve themselves in community service projects.
DR. SARAH M. PEREIRA
800-plus Attend Massanetta Conference[edit]
Five declarations were among the highlights of the second Massanetta Springs (Virginia) Bahá’í Conference August 29–31 that was attended by more than 800 Bahá’ís and their guests.
For the second year in a row, the conference in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem.
ALSO PARTICIPATING were Dr. Peter Khan, a Continental Counsellor for Australasia, and his wife, Dr. Janet Khan, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia; Auxiliary Board members Robert Harris, Albert James, Javidukht Khadem, Adrienne Reeves and William Tucker; and Dr. Wilma Brady, a member of the National Teaching Committee.
The theme of this year’s conference was “The Covenant: Requirements of the Present Hour.”
Dr. Tucker served as co-chairman with Kathy Jewett of Richmond, Virginia.
More than 100 children attended the conference. Children’s activities coordinators Judith Welman of Front Royal, Virginia, and Roger Davis of Milboro, Virginia, were helped by more than 60 parents and others.
The conference coordinator was Ed Price of Richmond. Mrs. Dorothy Page-Loten of Silver Spring, Maryland, was the registrar.
The audio system was operated by Don Davis. Information about tapes from the 1979 and 1980 Massanetta Springs Conferences can be obtained by writing to Mr. Davis at 396 E. Gay St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
While some of the sessions were being held in the large open auditorium on a hill overlooking the green expanse of trees and grounds at the conference center, simultaneous sessions in Persian were conducted in a nearby pavilion.
MOST OF THE sessions featured lovely music written and performed by many of the talented believers who use their gifts to proclaim the Cause.
Another highlight was a preview showing of a new teaching film made primarily for youthful and college-age audiences by the Bahá’í Media Committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mr. Khadem opened and closed the conference with messages of great spiritual and emotional impact.
The Hand of the Cause told his audience that Bahá’u’lláh knows our hearts, knows our supplications.
“Friends,” he urged, “turn to Him. Bahá’u’lláh is so generous, so kind.”
Comparing the spirit in which the friends had come to Massanetta Springs to receive spiritual food to that of the conference at Badasht, Mr. Khadem stressed the importance of the Bahá’ís coming together to prepare themselves “to go and serve Him (Bahá’u’lláh) and give everything for Him.”
GOD, HE SAID, “has not created any greater joy than being with the friends.”
Mr. Khadem said that for every triumph there is a sacrifice.
Speaking of the power of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Hand of the Cause reminded his listeners that “this is the power ... to use to become victorious ... no one in the whole world can withstand it.”
Responding to requests from the friends, Mr. Khadem told many stories about the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, each of them relating to obedience to the institutions of the Faith.
| Arise! |
“Dear friends,” he said, “read God Passes By, not once, twice, a hundred times would not be too much ... every word is significant.
“If something is not in accord with that book, leave it. This is the standard!”
Counsellor Khan, speaking on “Spiritual Survival in Global Chaos” at a Saturday evening public meeting, said, “Sacrifice is a fundamental element of religion.”
THROUGH sacrifice, he said, the power of the Holy Spirit is attracted, comes to us, energizes us, and transforms our life.
The Teachings of God, he continued, promise us over and over again that through sacrifice and its resulting spiritual development, we will find true happiness.
Pointing out how the Bahá’í Faith has encircled the globe in little more than 130 years, the Counsellor explained that this time of growth is critical to the continued expansion and consolidation of the Faith.
“We must sow the seeds now,” he said, “for harvesting in the next century.”
The one sad note at this year’s conference was the news that the Spiritual Assembly of Staunton, which sponsors the conference, has become jeopardized through the recent loss of three of its members.
Nevertheless, plans for the 1981 Massanetta Springs Conference have already begun.
Lovely late summer weather greeted participants at the second Massanetta Springs Bahá’í Conference held August 29-31 in the Shenandoah Valley.
Newspaper Spotlights Oklahoma Believer[edit]
Alex Resnick, a Bahá’í from Bethany, Oklahoma, who is an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, was the subject of a recent article in Bethany’s shopping newspaper.
The article explained why Mr. Resnick’s franchise printing business closes for Bahá’í Holy Days and how he lets customers know about it.