←Previous

The American Bahá’í
May, 1980

Next→

[Page 1]

‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Baha’u'llah

May 1980

can aha |

American

Naw-Ruz message from House of Justice

To the Baha’is of the World Dearly-loved Friends,

The successful launching of the Seven Year Plan and the advances made in the first year of its opening phase mitigate, in some degree, the disasters and calamities which in the past year, have assailed the struggling Faith of God. The newest wave of persecution unleashed against us in the Cradle of our Faith has been compounded by Divine decree afflicting the entire Baha'i world community. In the full tide of their brilliant services to the Faith of God, and within the short span of twenty weeks three Chief Stewards of Baha’u’llah’s embryonic World Order, the Hands of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, Rahmatu’llah Muhajir and Hasan Balyuzi were summoned to the Abha Kingdom, leaving the rest of us bereft and shocked by the enormity of our loss and the tragic brutality of the circumstances attending

the murder of beloved Enoch Olinga and members of his family.

In Iran, the confusion which has seized the whole country opened the way for the fierce and inveterate enemies of the Faith, unrestrained by any effective authority, to indulge their fanatical hatred. The Holy House of the Bab has been demolished and proposals have been made to erase its very site. The Siyah-Chal and Baha’u’llah’s Home in Tihran have been seized, together with all other Holy Places and properties. One member of the National Spiritual Assembly and two of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tihran have been kidnapped and the whereabouts of two of them is still unknown, while the third is in prison. Also, a Counsellor and some friends who are associated with the National Office or are members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tihran have been imprisoned. Baha’is have been heavily pressed to re cant their faith and in one case a believer, who refused to do so, followed the glorious path of the martyrs and was executed. Beyond all this a campaign of vilification and false charges has been conducted against the friends in an effort to make them the scapegoat of unrestrained mobs.

And yet, as ever in the Cause of God, the beneficent operation of the dialectic of disaster and triumph is clearly apparent. The unwavering faith of the dearly-loved, severely-tested, ever-steadfast Persian Baha’i community, guided by the heroic stand and example of its National Spiritual Assembly, supported and inspired by the Counsellors and their Auxiliary Board members, has effected a_ spiritual revitalization of the beloved friends. They have united as one man to present a front of refulgent spirituality and assurance and appear, as one observer reports,

Please See NAW-RUZ Page 23

Dr. Asimov main speaker

at New York symposium

Several representatives from NonGovernmental Organizations at the United Nations were among the audience of close to 600 at a Baha’i-sponsored symposium March 29 in New York City at which wellknown scientist and author Dr. Isaac Asimov was a featured speaker.

The symposium, entitled ‘Science and the Future of Mankind,” was held at Pace University. It was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of New York City with the cooperation of the UN Office of the National Spiritual Assembly.

THE PROGRAM, which took the form of a trilogy addressing the possibilities of future civilization, was moderated

by Dr. Wilma Brady, a consultant for.

the Baha’i International Community at the UN.

Speakers in addition to Dr. Asimov were Jesco von PuttKamer, program manager in the advanced programs office at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Dr. William S. Hatcher, a Baha’i who is a professor of mathematics at the Université Laval in Quebec, Canada.

Introductory remarks were made by Eliane Hopson, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City. They were followed by the reading of excerpts from the Baha'i Writings on the essential harmony of science and religion.

Dr. Asimov, the first speaker, is a professor at Boston University’s School of Medicine and author of more than 200 books, most of them written for the general public on various scientific subjects.

What’s inside

TWENTY-SEVEN enrollments follow a February teaching campaign in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Page 4

HUNDREDS of believers respond to an appeal from the National Spiritual Assembly to help erase an estimated $400,000 deficit in the National Fund. Page 5

MORE THAN 100 people attend a two-day deepening conference planned and hosted by the Baha'i youth of Newport Beach, California. Page 7

THE FIRST in a series of profiles of committees and offices at the Baha’i National Center begins with a look at the International Goals Committee. Page 9

Dr. Asimov had spoken at the New York City Baha'i Center in February 1978, offering a commentary on the film, “Fantastic Voyage,” on which he served as technical adviser.

HIS ADDRESS on this occasion focused on the question of whether mankind has a future.

His premise was that through technological advancement, man is continually playing with ever-greater natural power. Dr. Asimov sees man eventually destroying himself unless there is a corresponding increase in his wisdom.

The difficulty, he said, is that mankind as a whole does not perceive the developing crisis.

Each person, he pointed out, is consumed with some smaller, more immediate problem. Individuals tend to think of present world political crises as having great magnitude, he said.

In the end, said Dr. Asimov, it won't matter if we win at these smaller chessboards if we also lose at the larger chessboard of the world.

He sees one answer to man’s problems in the exploration of space, because the difficulties and expense of so doing would require a global effort.

DR. ASIMOV ended his talk by challenging our generation to be “the first of an adult civilization.”

Next, Mr. von Puttkamer gave the audience a realistic glimpse, through the use of a slide program, into what science can hope to achieve to benefit mankind in the use of space.

The gateway to space, as he sees it, is NASA's current “space shuttle’ program.

The pillars that support this gateway, said Mr. von Puttkamer, are technology and dedication. Through their use, he said, man can “humanize” space; that is, bring it to the people.

Following Mr. von Puttkamer’s presentation, Dr. Hatcher provided the final link in the trilogy—the necessary link between what mankind needs to do and what it is capable of doing if only it will act.

That link, said Dr. Hatcher, lies in the Bahai teaching that religion and science must agree.

MODERN RELIGION, he said, generally perceives change in a negative manner, while science stresses the relativity of truth.

Religion, said Dr. Hatcher, needs to adopt science’s investigative methods,

ia .

Among those who discussed plans for the reconstruction of the Louhelen Baha'i School at a meeting held March 14 in Ferndale, Michigan, were (seated left to right) Barbara Marino, a member of the National Education Committee, and Louhelen Project Committee members

Fred McCoy and Bob Armbruster, and (standing left to right) Sam Clark, secretary of the Louhelen Project Committee; David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee; and David Pauls of the Louhelen Project Committee.

Louhelen meeting in Michigan

More than 100 Baha’is from communities throughout southeastern Michigan attended a special meeting March 14 in Ferndale, Michigan, to learn about plans to. rebuild the Louhelen Baha'i School near Davison.

The meeting, sponsored by the National Education Committee, began with devotions and a potluck supper.

Portions of a letter from the Universal House of Justice outlining the activities that should be incorporated in the new Louhelen Baha’i School were read by David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee.

THE FORMER Louhelen School, opened in 1931, was closed in 1974 for reasons of safety.

Samuel Clark, a member of the recently-appointed Louhelen Project Committee, presented reconstruction plans as originally proposed to the National Spiritual Assembly by that committee.

The plans include construction of an attractive school center building, a classroom building, and two units for lodging, to be built on the original campus property.

The Eggleston home and the library are to be preserved. The remaining frame buildings will be razed, and the area they now occupy will be landscaped.

The spiritual significance of the school was described by Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem who

stressed the importance of universal participation to make the reconstruction project a success.

Stephen Jackson, assistant to the National Treasurer, explained the need to raise $1.6 million through contributions and the expected sale of promissory notes to finance the project.

A question-and-answer session followed the formal presentations.

Hand of Cause Khadem buoys Ohio believers

The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem, speaking to more than 200 Baha'is last December 16 at an inspiring one-day conference in Toledo, Ohio, reminded the friends that this is the day for justice.

Mr. Khadem urged everyone to study The Advent of Divine Justice as an aid to understanding one’s station and duty.

The Hand of the Cause, joined by Auxiliary Board member for protection Javidukht Khadem and recentlyappointed Auxiliary Board member for propagation Robert Harris, both of

Please See MR. KHADEM Page 14

[Page 2]

VIEWPOINT

| Editorial © The Feast: a bringer of joy

“The primary purpose” Of ‘the Nineteen Day Feast, ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote, “is to kindle these stirrings of the spirit”; to bring “‘bliss and unity and love to the lovers of God”; to be ‘‘a bringer of: joy” and “the key to affection and fellowship.”

“The object,” He explained, “is concord, that through this fellowship hearts may become perfectly united, and reciprocity and mutual helpfulness be established.”

SHOGHI EFFENDI describes the Feast as “the foundation of the new World Order,” and as “the very heart of our Baha’i community life.”

We might pause for a moment to reflect on the purpose of the Feast as described by ‘Abdu'l-Baha and consider ways in which to make our Feasts “a bringer of joy.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha gives us a number of suggestions: ‘ee yourselves from all that you have in your heart, free your thoughts and your minds from all else save God, and speak to your heart.”

“Each one of you,” He says in another passage, “must think how to make happy and pleased the other members of your Assembly, and each one must consider all those who are present as better and greater than himself, and each one must consider himself less than the rest.

“Know their station as high, and think of your own station as low. Should ye act and live according to these behests, know verily, of a certainty, that the Feast is the Heavenly Food. That supper is the ‘Lord’s Supper!’ | am the Servant of that gathering.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha also has given us a prayer to say before entering the Feast. (The prayer and other references cited here are found in the booklet, Baha’i Meetings and the Nineteen Day Feast.)

BESIDES PREPARING ourselves mentally and spiritually in the manner suggested by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, we can plan and carry out activities that bring us joy.

Such activities vary from culture to culture and group to group. The range of activities appropriate for a Feast is quite broad. It includes such things as sharing refreshments or a meal, conversing on uplifting and pleasing subjects, singing, dancing, relating humorous stories, playing parlor games or other games that the friends enjoy. The point is, of course, that we need to create and sustain an atmosphere of joy and to do those things that are joyful and fun.

Some Baha’i communities have altered the way in which their Feasts are conducted so as to introduce a greater feeling of happiness, love and unity.

The business portion is shortened by reducing the length and number of reports; bulletins have been instituted or put to more productive use to reduce the time spent in making announcements and reporting information. Punctuality is stressed so that time is not lost. The intention has been to allow more time for

. true fellowship.

Throughout the U.S. people are crying out for moral support, comfort and succor. Baha’is have the same yearnings. We also have the perfect vehicle for the expression and fulfillment of these yearnings: the Nineteen Day Feast.

Let us give ourselves the succor for which we hunger.

Larry Cooper (left) and Isaac Speed use a special machine to clean the draperies inside the Baha'i House of Worship in

Wilmette, Illinois. The cleaning process took more than a month to complete.

Month-long effort refurbishes House of Worship’s draperies

It took two men, working eight hours a day, more than a month last winter to clean the draperies on the main and gallery level windows in the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The draperies range from 25 to 40 feet in length.

Isaac Speed, a 26-year veteran at the Baha'i National Center, and Larry Cooper, a National Center employee for five years, used a new machine that dry cleans draperies as a special nozzle is drawn over them.

The use of the machine saves the time and expense involved in having

the draperies removed, cleaned and reinstalled by a private firm. ~

Regular cleaning of the draperies, which were installed four years ago, not only keeps their appearance bright, but is vital to their preservation as well, as moisture and airborne dirt eat away at fabrics.

Drapery cleaning is only one aspect of the continual maintenance schedule at the House of Worship.

Last summer, for example, 120 gallons of paint and four months were needed to patch and repaint the ceilings, walls and alcoves surrounding the inside of the dome.

Comment

The Baha'i community is as yet only trade and communications, to

a small part of the world’s population. Nevertheless, when the history of our times is written, there can be no doubt that the Seven Year Plan of the Universal House of Justice will be shown to have been of supreme importance to the well-being of mankind and the development of civilization.

During the last hundred years or so, despite the horrors of almost constant war and revolution, it is possible to detect a slow but steady growth in the general level of spiritual awareness and the understanding that mankind is one.

MANY BARRIERS founded on prejudice have begun to crack, and through the cracks can be seen a growing sensitivity to the needs and circumstances of others.

One striking aspect of these developments has been the establishment of international organizations to coordinate a wide range of significant matters such as efforts to preserve peace, to provide economic assistance to the poorer nations, to develop world

The American Baha’i welcomes columns of commentary from Baha'is throughout the country. If you have something you’d like to say, we would be happy to consider it for publication in this space. Address typewritten double-spaced manuscripts (no more than four pages, please) to The Editor, The American Baha’i, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. All articles are subject to editing, and none can be returned.

eradicate illiteracy and improve health standards, to protect human rights, and to safeguard the integrity of the environment.

And yet, as we read the newspapers each morning, it is only too obvious that the progress made thus far has been far too little in relation to the pressing needs of humanity, and that unless there is a great acceleration in the growth of spiritual awareness, the chances of major catastrophes are very high indeed.

In the international arena, efforts at cooperation are continually thwarted and undermined by suspicion, trickery, or a mean-spirited concern for immediate short-term gains at the expense of far more significant longerrange considerations.

Gestures of generosity even on matters of peripheral importance are rarely made, even though the reward in terms of improved goodwill and trust would far outweigh any sacrifices to be made.

AT THE NATIONAL level, there are many countries where small and privileged groups ignore the crying needs of their fellow countrymen and hold onto their riches by military force.

In other countries, those who are trying to create a more just and equitable society, convinced of their own righteousness, impose their frequently rigid views on their fellow citizens, often in such a brutal manner that the result is widespread misery and destruction, rather than justice.

In open societies, outmoded standards of morality, increasingly

This month’s column, ‘World History and the Seven Year Plan,” was written by John Huddleston of Vienna, Virginia, who is chief of the Budget and Planning Division of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. Mr. Huddleston, a frequent contributor to World Order magazine, authored the book, The Earth Is One Country.

associated with hypocrisy and needless harshness, have been swept aside by more liberal forces, but there has been no consensus on what should replace the old standards, and as a result there is confusion, an obsession with material possessions, violence, anarchy, and escapism into drugs and alcohol. S

There is no solution to the immense problems that we face at this crucial point in history apart from the Teachings of Baha'u'llah.

As Baha'is, we have the urgent and vital task of spreading the knowledge of Baha'u'llah to all mankind, and of demonstrating in our personal and community lives that His Teachings are practical as well as spiritual and do make a difference that counts.

ONE IMPORTANT ASPECT of the Teachings is their emphasis on the highest ethical and moral standards, reflecting a profound love and respect for all mankind.

A second is the new system of government that is based on frank and open consultation and universal participation, as well as on the spiritual principles of objectivity and justice.

Seven Year Plan crucial to well-being of mankind

Finally, there are those Teachings that set forth the main features of a future world commonwealth, including the means for the establishment and maintenance of the “Most Great Peace,” and an economy that will benefit all of mankind.

The new Seven Year Plan provides the guidance we need on the most effective way in which to carry out our assigned task of delivering the Message of Baha'u'llah to all people everywhere.

With an all-out effort by the entire Baha'i community, this Plan can truly become such a brilliant success that it will shine with a brilliant lustre across the pages of history.

The American Baha’i

(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL.

Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: David E. Ogron

The American Baha'i 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 Baha'i, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

amram 22 0 SS AE FS AT 2 A A RTE SA

[Page 3]LETTERS

May 1980

Valid criticism must have a place in Faith

To the Editor:

| write with no strong desire to join the furor that has been evident in the “letters” page in response to Sidney Morrison's review of Dr. Allan Ward's book, 239 Days, out rather because | feel | should offer encouragement to you for having printed the review in the first place.

My initial response to its appearance, unchanged by the objections that followed, was: “Thank God, there is hope after all that we may achieve some freedom of the press in this Faith!”

THE CONTROVERSIAL review, along with the small debates on the status of women and attitudes toward children that have been appearing in the “letters” column, as well as the rather daring editorials in recent issues, have been most encouraging, indeed an absolute breath of fresh air.

The apparent storm of protest stirred by the review, however, indicates that the issue of freedom of expression may be far from settled.

Therefore, | write to encourage you, and those to whom you must report, not to be intimidated into retreating into the posture of blandness and predictability that for years had made The American Baha’i unreadable.

The propriety of literary criticism in the World Order of Baha'u'llah has been questioned by a number of the critics of Mr. Morrison’s review.

| submit that such criticism must have a place, not only to provide writers with some honest feedback that they may put to good use, but also because when a product is released to the public, it then belongs to the public, and must be open to public scrutiny and discussion.

IT IS THE critic's job to say, ‘In my opinion, this product is good for these reasons,” or, “...this product is inadequate for these reasons, and if our tastes agree, you may well respond to it as | did.”

Such evaluations apply to the product, not to the producer, even when the product is something so personally expressive as scholarship or art.

The distinction doesn’t seem to be clear to some who wrote objecting to Mr. Morrison's review. Rather, they apparently assume that Mr. Ward's feelings must be hurt because the review

was less than laudatory.

| have met Dr. Ward, but don’t know him well enough to know whether his feelings are hurt or not.

He seems to be a mature individual, and in view of his position in academia, where criticism can be brutal, | suspect he is ahead of his self-appointed defenders in grasping the fact that detachment from self must include detachment from one’s work.

Jane Russell Homewood, Alabama

To the Editor:

Thank you for your editorial, “Are Fifteen Enough?’ (The American Baha'i, January 1980).

It brings up the question of whether any limitation of numbers should be a part of the Baha'i vocabulary at this point in our development. As we all must agree, there can’t be too many Baha’is, regardless of how they are distributed geographically.

The Guardian placed great emphasis on incorporating Assemblies for the purpose of acquiring endowments, Haziratu’l-Quds, and so forth (Citadel of Faith, pp. 9, 128, 142 for example).

Among the things to consider when reading these directives is that they were given around 25 years ago and were a large part of the preparation to be made for mass conversion.

As members of a world community, Baha’is must be cognizant of the idea that “the whole is only as great as its parts.”

Alfreda Way American Fork,-Utah

To the Editor:

What our beloved Iranian believers are going through is similar to what the Japanese and Japanese-Americans in America went through during World War Il.

It is also similar to what was experienced by blacks in undeveloped areas of the country, especially those who married interracially.

Just as the Baha'is were so kind, understanding and sympathetic to me during the war, when people used to ask me whether | was Chinese or Japanese (but in more derogatory terms), | now encourage the friends to show love and warmth to the Iranian believers.

You no doubt love them, as | do, but what | am saying is that we should

Members of the Baha'i children's class in Colorado Springs, Colorado, presented a play entitled ‘The Light at the Edge of the Forest’ during the Feast of ‘Ala’ (Loftiness) on March 2. Each child was dressed in a costume of one of the world's religions for the play. The children, who range in age from 8 to 13, are (standing

left. to right) Herald Ostovar, Angela Karlene, Mitra Khanjani, Erik Fallahi, Andishe Samandari, and (seated left to right) Shawn Fallahi, Pearl Karlene, Nafys Samandari, Monir Khanjani. The portrait of ‘Abdu'l-Baha is by Fritz Mann of the Colorado Springs Baha'i community.

The American Baha'i 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 Baha'i, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 6009:

make a special effort to show that love.

As has been said many times, in trials there are hidden blessings. Had it not been for the war, and the decree that Japanese and JapaneseAmericans leave the Pacific Coast, | might never have heard of the Faith.

Because we moved from California to Reno, Nevada, | was able to meet my dear “spiritual mother,” Mrs. Myrtle Robinette, and her daughter and sonin-law, Florence and David Mayberry.

In such troubled'times, the love they showed me shone like a Star.

| wish to say to the Iranian believers that | recently received a phone call from my mother in California, saying that many Japanese-Americans there are making sure that Iranians, American citizens or not, are not being treated as they were treated during World War Il.

If you, as an Iranian believer in America, are experiencing difficulty in teaching, it is more important than ever that you carry out the desires and wishes of the Universal House of Justice and reach out and touch the people of the Far East in your communities.

Robert Takashi Imagire Dumfries, Virginia

To the Editor:

All of us, as Baha'is, should remember that anything one does or says could be done or said in a better way. The human condition can always be improved in any of its aspects.

If | should write a book on a Baha'i theme, | am not going to feel that it is the definitive work on the subject, and! am not ing to take umbrage if the work is criticized. Each of us perceives life around us, but we react in our own individual manner.

If an editorial in The American Baha'i happens to use the illustration of someone making his career as some kind of banker, this must be taken as an example of our lives, as we must live them in a non-Baha’i world.

My own work, when | had to earn a living, was in government service. There wasn’t always fairness or consideration or empathy shown toward me, although it served my purpose for a livelihood.

For more than three decades, my job enabled me to contribute to the Baha'i Funds.

Nowhere in our Divine instructions is there approval for ‘‘sorehead” or “‘crybaby” attitudes. In this world, as it is, we must all take a pounding—whether we're Baha’is or not.

Paul Pearsall Jersey City, New Jersey

To the Editor:

The announcement of the appointment of Dr. Floyd Tucker as Personnel Affairs officer at the Baha'i National Center (The American Baha’i, March 1980) should be marked as a great occasion in the continuing development of the Administrative Order.

The combination of the science of personnel management with the principles of Baha'i Administration is a great achievement, the outcome of which will set even firmer the logical progression of the Master’s Plan.

As a student in public administration, | am aware of the struggles presently being fought within other administrative systems over how to approach the equitable use of “people

power.” It is apparent that the National Center continues to move steadily forward from discussion to action in the most practical and beneficial ways. | applaud Dr. Tucker's appointment and send him prayers and best wishes in his new position. Linda L. Jensen University of Colorado at Denver

To the Editor:

Regarding the article “The Guardian on Psychic Phenomena” (Baha’i National Review, February 1980), | believe it is only fair to state that the Blessed Beauty Himself spoke on behalf of education and development on all fronts. Why should the psychic frontier be an exception?

We must use all means in order to propagate the Faith in whatever realm.

Susan V. Jones South Burlington, Vermont

To the Editor:

After reading a letter in your December 1979 issue criticizing the idea of reviews of Baha'i books, | had to write.

The very essence of the Baha’i Faith is independent investigation of truth. This means information must be allowed to flow.

Just because a negative review of a certain book is published, that doesn't mean | won't buy the book. It is simply an aid to critically analyze the work.

Take, for example, Jamshed Fozdar’s book, Buddha MaitryaAmitabha Has Appeared. A critical, review of the book might have pointed out its obviously insulting tone when dealing with present day Buddhism.

Less obvious are the quotes. One finds his sources difficult to check. Upon further investigation, it can be seen that Paul Carus’ book, The Gospel of Buddha, is Mr. Fozdar's primary source.

Many references in Carus’ work are referenced as “EA’—that is, explanatory analysis—the words of Carus, not Siddhartha.

Even Mr. Fozdar’s correct references are out of context or misreferenced; in one instance, he obviously did not know what the abbreviation SDP stood for, so he made up a phrase.

| would have appreciated someone's pointing out such errors before | purchased that book. Not all books written by Baha'is are “prayers”; only prayers are prayers.

Let’s keep things in perspective, and keep ourselves well-informed.

Robert Moldenhamer Madison, Wisconsin

Dr. Carney speaker at Chicago meeting

Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, was among the participants February 10 in a “solidarity conference” in Chicago.

Dr. Carney addressed the gathering of about 60 believers at the Chicago Baha’i Center.

Other speakers were Dr. Richard Gzerniejewski of Park Ridge, Illinois, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Stephen Ader, and Dr. Rexford C. Parmelee of Wilmette, Illinois, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member D. Thelma Jackson.

Each of the speakers focused on achievement of Seven Year Plan goals.

The Spiritual Assembly of Chicago described its goals. for the first twoyear phase of the Plan, which include teaching youth and upgrading children's classes as well as extension teaching and consolidation.

[Page 4]

The American Baha'i

Texas-N. Mexico effort leads to 27 enrollments

Twenty-seven enroliments in small Spanish-speaking communities in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico resulted from team teaching efforts there on February 9-11.

The campaign included participation by the Spanish Teaching Committee, recently appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly. It followed teaching institutes in Deming and Anthony, New Mexico, that were conducted by the Spanish Teaching Committee and hosted by the District Teaching Committee.

THE INSTITUTE at Anthony was well attended by Baha'is from Canutillo, Texas; Albuquerque, Anapra, Anthony, Las Cruces, Mescalero, and Socorro, New Mexico; Fort Collins, Colorado; and a family of homefront pioneers from Anthony, Texas.

Participating in the Deming institute were friends from Arizona and New Mexico along with two members of the Spanish Teaching Committee, two members of the District Teaching Committee, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, and two Baha'is from New Zealand.

Maud Grasselly of Zion, Illinois (center), a member of the Spanish Teaching Committee, outlines teaching strategies during an

This latest campaign came less than two months after another highly successful team teaching effort in that same general area whose results included 76’enrollments.

The most recent enrollments included 13 in Placitas, four in Rincon, six in San Miguel, two in Anthony, one in Rodey and one in Deming.

Buoyed by the enthusiasm and success of these recent efforts, the District Teaching Committee has set a goal of raising the number of believers in the District to 1,000—roughly double the present number— by Ridvan 1981.

The next intensive team teaching phase planned by the District Teaching Committee was to begin with a youth conference March 22-23 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, followed by a month-long teaching and consolidation effort in eastern New Mexico and West Texas.

Those who are interested in teaching in that area should contact the District Teaching Committee c/o Richard Gurinsky, secretary, P.O. Box 239, Mescalero, NM 88340, or phone 505-671-4640.

ico. A team teaching effort following the institute resulted in 27 enrollments.

Non-Baha’i school teacher has West Virginia Ayyam-i-Ha party

A pre-school teacher in Morgantown, West Virginia, who has been studying the Faith, asked the mother of one of her Baha'i students if it would be all right to give the children an Ayyam-i-Ha party. She wondered whether the theme of “the oneness of mankind” would be appropriate.

Teacher, mother, and Baha'i child worked together to plan the event. The teacher selected books about children around the world—their houses,

Correction in article

on Assembly agenda

In the article headed ‘Well-Planned Agenda a Real Time Saver” in the February 1980 issue of The American Baha’i (page 13), the statement appears that the Guardian suggested—on page 49 of Principles of Baha’i Administration—that an Assembly's business agenda should include certain items, which were then listed.

Although that section of the booklet was approved by the Guardian, he did not actually write it. It was written by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom.

clothing, etc. The Baha'i mother and son prepared party name tags for each child as a small gift.

The tags, in the form of yellow flowers, carried the inscription, “Ye are all the flowers of one garden—Baha’u'llah. Happy Ayyam-iHa!”

At the party, each child selected a different flower from a seed catalog. These were pasted in the center of the name tags.

A poster had been prepared as a gift to the school. It featured a large tree below which was written, “Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.—Baha’u’llah.”

Joyfully, with paste flying in every direction, the children pasted fruits and leaves on the tree.

Afterward, the youngsters were fascinated by the picture books of people in other countries. When the morning ended and mothers came to collect their “flowers,” the children ran to them, shouting, “Happy Ayyam-i-Ha! Happy Ayyam-i-Ha!””

‘The teacher's husband, hearing the commotion, came into the classroom. He said he and his wife are both interested in the Faith, and would like more Baha’i literature.

As x y

Some of the Baha'is who participated February 9-11 in a team teaching effort in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico that resulted in 27 enrollments.

Cliff Corcoran and Nadya Gear from New Zealand brave the snowstorm that hit New Mexico on February 8, the day before the teaching institute at Deming.

N.Y. community changes marked by steady growth

Nightly firesides in New York City, coupled with a new spirit of unity anda stronger dedication to teaching, produced an average of one declaration a week for a 16-week period that began last December.

Most of the recently-enrolled believers are young and _ selfsupporting, according to Nancy Mondschein, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City.

“We seem to have acquired a number of very stable, well-integrated young people who may have heard of the Faith before,” she says, ‘but it has suddenly caught on for them.”

ONE REASON for their attraction to the Faith, says Mrs. Mondschein, is that “there is a transformation taking place in this community.”

Other members of the Assembly and the New York City Baha’i community also report a number of significant changes in community life.

For one thing, they say, there has been a noticeable improvement in the quality of the Nineteen Day Feasts, and a change in the feeling and emphasis placed on the Baha’i children’s school.

There is also, they say, an increased awareness of the power of the Covenant and what it means to individuals and the community as a whole.

There is greater teaching activity and a firmer commitment to the teaching of young people, according to Mrs. Mondschein, who made an informal survey of the feelings of some members of the community.

“There is a growing warmth and sociability," she says, ‘especially among our young people, those in their teens through early 30s, regarding their commitment to the Faith, assuming responsibilities, and the teaching work.’

MRS. MONDSCHEIN reports that attendance at public meetings has increased in recent weeks.

The changes in the quality of Baha’i community life in the City of the Covenant followed a recent decision by the Spiritual Assembly to shift the emphasis of its meetings away from personal problems, which had taken the bulk of its time, and toward teaching plans and community activities.

On more than one occasion, the Assembly has scheduled special meetings to consult on nothing else but teaching.

Another change in priorities for Assembly members that has aided the new spirit of unity was the decision to reinforce and support the activities of every person in the community.

“It's not what the Assembly members say, but is reflected in their actions,” Mrs. Mondschein explains. “It is an attitude extending outward from the Assembly that declares that every individual is an essential part of the whole.

“There has been great courtesy among members of the Assembly, and there is a refusal to tolerate any form of personal criticism. That had to be worked on; we had to make it a definite no-no,’ because it is an American

“This attitude,” she adds, “has radiated out from the Assembly into the entire community.”

There is no special technique or “gimmick,” says Mrs. Mondschein, with which to explain the changes that have been experienced within New York City’s Baha'i community.

“It is simply a result of our taking care of business as we are supposed to,” she says. “We are doing what the Writings tell us to do; no more and no less.”

Arise!

[Page 5]

THE FUNDS

May 1980

Hundreds respond to appeal to erase Fund deficit

Faced with a $400,000 deficit in the annual contributions goal, the National Spiritual Assembly sent a massmailed appeal in March to the Baha’is throughout the country.

Hundreds of responses to the appeal soon arrived at the Office of the Treasurer as believers responded immediately to the challenge.

Individual contributions ranged from $1 to hundreds of dollars. This spontaneous outpouring of funds, above and beyond the normal contributions of the friends, significantly affected the financial picture during the final months of the Baha’/ year.

OFTEN A BRIEF NOTE accompanied a donation. Each one reflected the love and devotion that prompts every contribution to the Fund.

“Please accept this small sum in honor of my precious little ones,” said one typical note. “ ...the three of us are fervently praying that it will help in overcoming the fund deficits and that every other Baha'i will come to know the joy of participation, of sacrifice, and of sharing in the building of our new World Order ...””

Another believer expressed this thought: “I pray that God will accept this as a sacrifice from me. Thank you for the letter because it reminded me that the money | have in my life is from God so that we can support the Cause of Baha'u'llah.”

As the National Spiritual Assembly pointed out in its letter, the most important aspects of giving to the Baha’i

Fund are the spirit of sacrifice and the unity that are involved in the effort.

When these principles are practiced, an immense spiritual power is released throughout the entire Baha'i community.

THE POTENTIAL power of the participation of every individual cannot be underestimated. A believer from Texas commented:

“| had told myself that my contribution was really insignificant, but the sentence ‘no one should hesitate to contribute because he considers his gift too small’ made me embarrassed to use that as an excuse.

“Everyone these days has financial problems, but maybe if we realized that the fund is the only permanent thing on which we spend our money, we would be able to make a few more contributions.”

Even before the recent surge to reach the contributions goal, the Baha'is had responded to the financial crisis facing the Faith.

The March letter from the Treasurer pointed out that-income for the National Fund from individuals had risen 21 per cent above the previous year, while nearly $2.5 million earmarked for the International Fund had passed through the Treasurer's Office.

These contributions serve to strengthen and expand the Faith through teaching, education, and the support and construction of Baha’u’llah’s divinely-ordained institutions throughout the Baha’i world.

Fund contributions prove ‘character’ of one’s faith

(This is the first in a series of articles Prepared by the Office of the Treasurer outlining the major principles of the Baha'i Fund.)

.

“Contributions to (the) Fund constitute ... a practical and effective way whereby every believer can test the measure and character of his faith, and to prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion and attachment to the Cause.” (Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i News, No. 88, pp. 1-2)

The Test of Faith... People are attracted to a religion for

a variety of reasons. Perhaps the attraction is the people who are active in

recently appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly, are (standing left to right) Behruz Hedayaty of Burbank, California; Annamarie Honnold of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; Carole Allen of Norfolk, Virginia; William Smith of Sudbury, Massachusetts (chairman); and (seated left to right) Ann Carpenter of Palisades Park, New Jersey; Ernest Lopez of Winnetka, Illinois (secretary).

it. They may be lonely and enjoy its program of social activities. Or perhaps the particular doctrines it teaches may closely match their own personal beliefs about God.

There is, however, only one valid reason for becoming a Baha’i—the recognition that Baha'u'llah was a Messenger sent by God, followed by the humble promise to obey His Laws.

FOR EVERY Baha'i, the moment we recognized Baha'u'llah marked a new beginning in our lives as we began working to conform our daily actions to the high standards He has set.

Some of the things expected of us as Baha'is might be difficult to understand at first, but they will never cause serious problems if, from the beginning of our Baha'i life, we have a clear understanding of Baha’u'llah’s Divine authority as the “King of Kings”:

“Were He to decree as lawful the thing which from time immemorial had been forbidden, and forbid that which had, at all times, been regarded as lawful, to none is given the right to question His authority. Whoso will hesitate, though it be for less than a moment, should be regarded as a transgressor. ...He that hath acknowledged this principle will be endowed with the most perfect constancy.” (Gleanings, p. 87)

Baha’u'llah’s relationship to material things during a lifetime of adversity established the foundation for the principles that today govern contributing to the Cause of God: solicitation of individuals is forbidden; a believer's gifts to support the work of the Cause must be motivated by his love for Baha'u'llah and a desire to sacrifice for His Faith; such sacrifices help the spiritual growth of the individual.

Today, as in the days of Baha'u'llah, it is the giver who benefits most from presenting a gift to God.

To be continued

F National Baha’i ;

ne Individual Paricpaton (hike 2000 ~ 0 8 iS

$200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000

NOTES ... from the aoaeeer

About those new receipts ...

The new receipt being issued by the Office of the Treasurer is prompting a number of questions about its use.

In recent years the friends have become so accustomed to returning a portion of their National Fund receipt with subsequent contributions that now, faced with new receipt forms that eliminate this step, some people just don’t quite know how to react.

Convinced that something is amiss, they search frantically for a slip of paper to return. Some send back the receipt itself; others resort to folding and returning the envelope in which the receipt was originally mailed.

With the new receipt system, individuals do not need to return the pre-printed form found in the packet. That is their receipt, for their permanent record.

The individual's name and Baha'i 1D number are pre-printed on the return gnveloee: We also request that the contributor put his Baha'i ID number on his check,

All a person then has to do is place his check in the return envelope and mail it to the National Center.

One problem with the new form is that it is difficult to seal the flap of the return envelope due to misplaced perforations. This problem will be corrected with the next printing of receipts.

‘Mr. and Mrs.’ counted twice ...

Modifications have recently been made in our computer program that allow a contibutlen that is recorded as “Mr. and Mrs.” to be counted as two contribu‘ions.

Henceforth, if couples enclose only one identification number and indicate that it is a joint contribution from a husband and wife, the computer will issue one receipt to “Mr. and Mrs.” with the husband's name following, but both individuals will be counted in our participation figures.

Couples desiring separate receipts should continue to provide both of their names and ID numbers with their contributions.

.

‘Lifeblood’ in action ...

Every organization depends upon communications if it is to function smoothly. Without strong lines of communication it would be difficult for our national community to make any progress. :

Aside from the regular communications from the National Spiritual Assembly to Assemblies and Groups, The American Baha’i is the primary news-sharing organ that binds our national community together.

The National Spiritual Assembly considers this such a vital link that The American Baha'i is made available to every believer free of charge even though each issue costs approximately $6,000 to produce and mail.

This is an excellent example of how your contributions to the Fund constitute the lifeblood of the Faith.

[Page 6]

PROCLAMATION

The American Bahai

Milwaukee club sponsors proclamation

A proclamation effort entitled “In Search of Purpose: A Week of Baha’i Lectures, Movies and Informal Discussions” was sponsored February 4-8 by the Baha'i Club at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

The 11 club members who participated were aided by Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland, five believers from nearby communities, and one non-Baha’i in carrying out the planned activities.

A BAHA’ BOOTH set up in the

university's union concourse and staffed by believers was visited by an average of 20 interested people each day during “Baha'i Week” on campus.

Baha'i speakers discussed how the Faith has added a deeper sense of purpose to their lives and careers. These lectures were followed by discussion periods that often led to an explanation of more specific aspects of the Faith.

One person declared his belief in Baha'u'llah during a “unity feast” that was attended by six non-Baha’is. Forty

MOVIES

Cm Awe Re AN

Kooroush Saeian (right), chairman of the Baha'i Club at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and club member

Harrisburg host

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, assisted by the Spiritual Assembly of Elizabethtown, hosted the first Harrisburg World Religion Day Festival last January 26-27. ;

The festival had a combined theme of “One World Under God” and “Love That Child.” Proceeds ($171) were donated to UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

For the entire month of January, a “Love That Child” billboard welcomed people coming into Harrisburg by its

Diane Peterman display one of the posters designed for ‘Baha'i Week’ on campus Februery 4-8.

to festival

main route while advertising the festival. Radio, television and newspaper

coverage was obtained. More than 100 churches were invited to participate.

The festival, which included prayers of five faiths, displays about the needs and rights of children, and_performances by a professional dance company and a local Gospel singing group, made many new friends for the Faith in the Harrisburg area as it educated the residents about the Baha'i principles of religious and racial unity.

Youth Committee slates essay contest

ATTENTION ALL YOUTH ages 15-20: The National Youth Committee announces an ESSAY CONTEST on “Why Be a Baha'i?”

Simply write, in 250 words or less (two typewritten pages, double-spaced), why you feel it is meaningful to be a Baha’i.

Ten winners will be chosen. Each of them will receive the new book by H.M. Balydzi, Baha’u’llah: The King of Glory—PLUS the winning entries will appear in a future issue of The American Baha’i.

The Baha'i community of Largo, Florida, entered this float in a parade in Largo on February 24. The float is in the shape of a boat with banners on its sides reading ‘Please God Ye May Achieve It’ and ‘One Planet, One People... Please.’ On

Bafa Bae! se Faith Fail

If you use quotes from the Baha'i Writings, please footnote them in the body of the paper. Whether you are of high school or college age, judging will be based on content, thoughtfulness, and the excellence you strive to bring to your essay.

All entries must be typed and double-spaced, and must be received no later than July 1, 1980. Include your name, address and phone number.

Send essays to the National Youth Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

February 15, the Prayer for America was read before 450 people at the annual mayor's prayer breakfast in Largo. On February 29, the Largo community hosted a dinner for the city's Cultural Arts Group that was attended by 32 people.

non-Baha’is attended a performance by the International Folk Dancers who had donated their talents to the Baha’i Week effort.

Jean White, performing in a coffeehouse on the first night of Baha'i Week, sang some of the songs she has written that tell how the Faith has influenced her life and art.

Students and faculty members were invited to three movies and a slide presentation, and the Baha'i Club offered a display of Baha’i literature.

PUBLICITY included large and small posters advertising the event, notices in the campus newspaper, public service announcements on radio and television, and a large sign announcing “Baha'i Week” on the front of Milwaukee's City Hall building.

The booth proved to be one of the more effective teaching tools, according to Michael Moutrie, secretary of the Baha’ Club.

Other club members said such efforts require a considerable investment of time and energy, and suggested that they be held early in the semester to avoid heavy class assignments and exams.

“The week of on-campus activities drew the club members closer together,” said Mr. Moutrie. ‘Returns were well worth the input because the Faith received considerable positive exposure.”

A singing group entertains during the first Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) World Religion Day Festival held January 26-27. The festival was sponsored by the Spiritual

‘Baha'i Week’ was announced by a sign on the front of City Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the start of the week-long event sponsored by the Baha'i Club at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Assembly of Harrisburg with the help of the Spiritual Assembly of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and other believers in that area.

Showing of ‘Oh,

God" highlight

in L.A. Religion Day observance

The Baha’is of Los Angeles observed World Religion Day on Sunday, January 20, with a free public showing of the film, “Oh, God!” followed by a panel discussion of the movie and the Faith by nine Baha'is who are working in the entertainment industry.

The program was held at the Norris Theatre on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

An announcement was made at the outset of the program to make clear that the showing of “Oh, God!” did not constitute an endorsement of the film by the Faith.

However, the movie, which stars George Burns and John Denver, presents a number of Baha’i principles and concepts, including progressive revelation, that set the tone for the interesting discussion that followed.

The panel was composed of actresses Carol Carrington-McGrath and

Lois Hall-Willows, actors Stu Gilliam and Alex Rocco, cinematographer Tony Gonzales, writer George Hill, producer Richard Lewellen, executive producer for Prism Productions (which specializes in audio-visual materials for the Baha'i Faith) Lisa Janti, and Emmy Award-winning film editor Ken Zemke.

The program’s moderator was television talk show hostess Muhtadia Sallaam.

Tom Bradley, the mayor of Los Angeles, proclaimed January 20 “World Religion Day” in that city, and sent a representative from his office to the program to present a lovely copy of the proclamation to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Los Angeles.

Besides representatives from the mayor's office and the press, about 250 people attended the event, including a number of non-Baha’is.

[Page 7]

YOUTH NEWS

May 1980

Newport Beach youth host deepening conference

Inspired by the National Youth Committee, and working closely with the institutions of the Faith, half a dozen Baha'i youth from Newport Beach, California, planned and hosted a twoday “Intensive Deepening Conference” last October 20-21 that was a wonderful experience for more than 100 people.

The conference, held in the beautiful Oasis Center hall, drew youth from all over Southern California to its discussions on Baha’i history.

The weekend was highlighted by excellent presentations by Auxiliary Board member Fred Schechter, Tom and Farrah Kavelin, and Maurice and Lois Willows on “Youth in the Time of the Bab,” “The Holy Family,” and “Our Part in the Seven Year Plan,” respectively.

THE DEEPENINGS were augmented by workshop discussions on “Love of the Faith,” “The Tablet of the Holy Mariner,” and “The Administration,” conducted by an outstanding set of group leaders.

More than 100 people including youth from all over Southern California attended

In consultation with the Local Spiritual Assembly, the youth met every week, each time making sure that some planning and further steps were taken toward having the conference ready.

The filmstrip, “‘Abdu'l-Baha: Glimpses of Perfection,” was shown, and for recreation there was a beach barbecue Saturday evening complete with Frisbees and singing around the campfire.

Planning for the conference began last May with a letter from the National Youth Committee asking that Newport Beach host a “Touchstone Weekend.””

A date was set, speakers and topics chosen, and an outline made of everything that was to be done.

THE YOUTH ENLISTED the help of

a weekend deepening conference last Oc: tober 20-21 that was planned and hosted

the community with registration and housing. Baha'is with experience in institutional cooking handled the meals.

Paulette Pappas, the Assembly's liaison, was quite helpful in contacting the speakers. A nearby Baha'i community, Glendora, brought its Baha'i library, and the youth bought more than $300 worth of books during the conference.

The Spiritual Assembly of Newport Beach loaned the youth committee the

Bi the Baha'i youth of Newport Beach, California.

money used to rent the hall and cover other costs, such as mailing, to be repaid through materials fees.

From the first discussions in May, tinged with fear and excitement, the idea of a serious and joyous conference emerged into a tangible and positive experience.

The youth in Newport Beach are so pleased by the result of their hard work and planning that they may hold another conference next year.

Cc i ——

Waris Zz —

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Evanston, ng 4 Fort Collins, Colorado arco Pensa |& San Diego, California Bs ‘ sg E \. ABirmingham, Alabama

ae

A Fort Worth, Texas

ax eS

REGIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCES: CURRENT SITES

Editorial

Summer School: an opportunity for growth

Dear Baha’i Youth:

The summer will soon be arriving, and many of you will be attending the Baha'i Summer Schools in your respective areas.

The National Youth Committee is concerned that you take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the Summer Schools for personal growth, for, as the beloved Guardian wrote, in reference to the Green Acre Baha'i School, these Summer Schools “should serve as a testing ground for the application of those ideals and standards that are the distinguishing features of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah.” (Baha’i Administration, p. 131, from a letter dated April 12, 1927)

THE NATIONAL Youth Committee has stressed in guidelines to District Youth Committees that recreation, teaching, and deepening should take place together, since each is an important element of one’s individual Baha’i development.

In many ways, the Summer Schools provide the best opportunity for activities in each of these areas. Since each of them constitutes an important part of your development, we hope that you will devote time and effort to all of them in a balanced fashion.

The temptation to devote one’s energies toward one or the other of them is compelling, since the summer season is generally a relaxed period in which to pursue personal interests. While encouraging individual youth to engage in those activities that most interest them, we nonetheless wish that you should gain competency and experience in all of the aforementioned areas.

As the Summer Schools are such an important part of your Baha’i life, we hope that you will make every effort to attend one or more of the sessions this summer.

If you have financial needs, we encourage you to take advantage of work-study programs that are available. If work-study isn’t available, and the opportunity to earn money for summer school isn’t available, we suggest that you contact your Local Spiritual Assembly or Baha’i Group for assistance.

Bahi

<a

Warmest Regards, a’i National Youth Committee

Facing challenges theme of 7 regional conferences

“Meeting the Challenges of a Changing World—Individual and World Perspectives” is the theme for the seven Regional Youth Conferences to be held in June, and local communities are busy preparing for the 150 to 200 people who are expected to attend each of the conferences.

Most of the gatherings are to be held on the weekend of June 27-29, although some, such as that hosted by Fort Collins, Colorado, are scheduled for the weekend of June 20-22.

EVERY BAHA'l youth will be notified by mail of the exact location and dates of the conference in his or her region.

The present sites for the Regional Youth Conferences are San Diego, California; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Fort Collins, Colorado; Fort Worth, Texas;

Wisconsin; and Philadelphia,

Madison, Alabama; sylvania.

The three-day conferences will feature a member of the National Youth Committee, representatives of District Youth Committees, workshops, audio-visual presentations, and entertainment and social activities.

The primary aim of the conferences will be to inform Baha’i youth of the projects available this summer—homefront teaching, international teaching, work/study—and to prepare them to participate in one or more of these projects.

Make plans NOW to attend the Regional Youth Conference in your area!

Birmingham, Penn

Latest issue of ‘World Citizen’ has translation of ‘Fire Tablet’

The first authorized translation of the so-called ‘Fire Tablet’ of Baha'u'llah appears in the March-April 1980 issue of World Citizen magazine.

The staff of the magazine was both surprised and delighted when the Universal House of Justice sent them the Tablet and gave them permission to publish it.

“This should prove to any skeptics that we're a legitimate magazine,” said one staff member. “We've been getting a good response to World Citizen, and printing the so-called ‘Fire Tablet’ has encouraged us to raise the quality even more.”

World Citizen has received praise from many quarters including the Universal House of Justice. In a letter from the World Centre dated January 17, 1980, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly was told that the Universal House of Justice “has perused the publication, is pleased with its content

and layout, and kindly requests you to commend the editorial staff for the excellence of this initial edition.”

Suggestions for improvement are taken seriously, and the staff carefully considers all contributions to the magazine for possible publication (including articles, poems, cartoons, etc.).

“We need more people to submit articles,” says Shervin Hawley, one of the editors. “We're especially interested in youth writing about their own experiences as Baha'is. And we particularly need good photos of youth activities to increase the magazine’s visual appeal.”

If you are interested in subscribing or otherwise contributing to World Citizen magazine, write to Shervin Hawley, 10110 Margate Drive, Houston, TX 77099. The subscription price is $8 per year for six issues.

[Page 8]

[HOUSE OF WORSHIP

RAEI ERT NE te

The morning sunlight streaming through the east windows and the voices of the choir floating down from the high gallery above marked the opening of what was to become the most exciting Naw-Ruz celebration ever witnessed in the Mother Temple of the West.

The planning for this unique occasion began early this year when the House of Worship Activities Committee, in an effort to “elevate the standard of excellence for Holy Days observances” at the House of Worship, formed a Holy Days Committee.

ONE OF THE AIMS of the Activities Committee was to experiment with the idea of all-day multi-event programs for Naw-Ruz and the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u'llah.

“We wanted to address several concerns,’ says Bruce Whitmore, secretary of the Activities Committee, “including the shortness of the ‘evening program’ format that had precluded development of stimulating activities for children and youth; our desire to capitalize on the unique opportunity of allowing daytime visitors to see large numbers of Baha’is actively engaged in their religion; and the growing (and happy) prospect of not having room enough to accommodate all the Baha'is wishing to attend the Holy Day activities at the House of Worship.

“It is my hope that by the end of the Seven Year Plan we will be able to offer Holy Day observances that will last from sunset to sunset.”

The 12-hour Naw-Ruz celebration began with sunrise devotions at the House of Worship at 6 o'clock.

Following breakfast at nearby restaurants, Baha'is returned to the House of Worship to see the film “Sands of Time.” It was followed by a presentation by Baba Alabi Ayinia, a

Children enjoyed performances by ‘The Sheltering Branch Puppet Theatre’ during

House of Worship sees day-long Naw-Ruz fest

Nigerian by birth, who recounted with puppets, native instruments and native dress the history and beliefs of his tribe.

AS THE CHILDREN sat captivated at the edge of the stage in Foundation Hall, Baba Alabi, who is legally blind, stressed the importance his people place on their tribal elders. He then performed several of his tribe's dances.

This extraordinary show provided everyone with a fascinating glimpse of a distant people's ancient culture.

The afternoon offered “The Sheltering Branch Puppet Theatre” for the children, featuring Dick Schaub and Phil and Denise Schott, and a music festival for adults presented by Donna Kime, Bob Reneau and the Roland Ashby Trio.

Other highlights of the day included a multi-lingual information center, a children’s activities center that featured videotapes of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears in Hawaii, devotional programs at noon and in the late afternoon, adult and children’s art displays, and a hospitality center that was operated throughout the afternoon.

Although the House of Worship did not close until after sunset, even then the celebration was not complete; two days’ later, the Sunday afternoon program featured a talk on the meaning and significance of Naw-Ruz by Iraj Ayman, a Continental Counsellor for Western Asia.

“The success of the celebration was far beyond our expectations for this first attempt,” says Ouida Coley, a member of the Activities Committee.

“It was especially rewarding,” she says, “to see how happy the various programs made the children. They will remember that day for a long time to come.”

THE SHELTERING BRANCH PUPPET THEATRE

et Cd

ali

the day-long Naw-Ruz observance at the Baha'i House of Worship.

Among the highlights of the day-long Naw: Ruz observance at the Baha'i House of

Worship was music by the Roland Ashby Trio That's Roland at the piano.

Auditorium

Visitors Center

Book Shop

Sunday Activities

Public Meeting

Baha’i House of Worship

Summer Hours: May 15 to October 14

6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Open for Worship) 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Open to Visitors)

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Devotional Program—3 p.m.

Information on transportation, food and lodging is available from the Baha'i House of Worship Activities Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Wilmette, Illinois

in Foundation Hall

—3:45 p.m.

5 Special Visit programs slated

One of the National Spiritual Assembly's goals for the Seven Year Plan is to expand the Special Visit Programs to the Baha'i National Center.

The House of Worship Activities Committee has responded to this goal by planning five programs during the summer of 1980 for the American Baha'i community:

June 19-22; July 3-6 (for the family); July 31-August 3; August 14-17; August 28-31.

FAMILY PARTICIPATION is the distinguishing element of the July 3-6 Special Visit Program that will include special sessions for children that are being planned with the help of the National Education Committee.

While the children’s classes are in

session, adults will be attending presentations on national administration, the Baha'i Fund, the spirit of teaching, the institution of the Continental Board of Counsellors and more.

Children, and adults will participate in a tour of the entire National Center, a special history and tour of the House of Worship, a viewing of the National Archives, a luncheon in the meeting chambers of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Independence Day activities, among other things.

“We are very excited about the Family Special Visit Program,” says Douglas Belzer, chairman of the House of Worship Activities Committee. “We encourage as many families as possible to attend this historic event.”

Registration Form: Special Visit Programs 1980

Name

Address

City. State Zip. Telephone (Area Code ) Program attending Housing

O June 19-22

List additional name here:

For Office Use Only

| am arranging

Share Double Evanston Holiday Inn

Single

Other.

Special Family Program 0 July 3-6 (Please check one of the above)

Return to: Special Visit Programs, Baha'i House of Worship

Acceptance Sent Pre-Arrival Sent. Double Remarks

Activities Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

EE SRE SOR SRE 8 REE REN RO TS

[Page 9]ee ae enna nea aE Ree ae en Ee Ree Te NT aT IGC: PIONEERING

May 1980

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a series of profiles of offices and departments at the Baha’i National Center.)

.

The winter sun is still low in Chicago’s morning sky. Inside a onestory brick building in northwest Evanston, not far from the Baha'i House of Worship, the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility as the thoughts of the men and women there reach out to small villages in Africa and South America, to the Eskimos of the far north, to large cities in Europe, to the islands of the Pacific—everywhere that Baha’i pioneers are living.

The Blessed Beauty is invoked on behalf of the pioneers and international traveling teachers. A special prayer is offered for the health of an ailing pioneer in West Africa; another prayer is recited for the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assemblies.

THIS IS THE SCENE each morning, winter and summer, in the offices of the International Goals Committee where the day begins with close to 30 minutes of prayers for pioneers, individuals requesting prayers on their behalf, and the institutions of the Faith.

Most. members of the International Goals Committee staff have been pioneers themselves. They've experienced the tests and trials as well as the confirmations of pioneering, and some will become pioneers again.

After morning prayers the staff begins its work, but each staff member | knows the chances are good that there will be frequent interruptions in the

au De

Goals Committee staff member Kim King uses the microfiche to check the status of a U.S. pioneer.

work he or she has planned.

“There is a set pattern you try to follow,” says Goals Committee secretary and office manager Mary Louise Suhm, “but it seems there is always something to interrupt you.”

Mrs. Suhm and her five-member staff spend a lot of time answering phone calls, primarily from believers in the U.S. who are interested in pioneering or are preparing to do so.

The staff also initiates many calls around the country to make needed pioneering arrangements.

THE WORKLOAD at the Goals Committee office has tripled recently, according to Mrs. Suhm, with three times as many believers applying as prospective pioneers than had done so during the previous year.

The Seven Year Plan is one reason for the increased workload, says Mrs. Suhm, adding, ‘Many people are catching on to the idea that long-term planning is good, so they might contact us as many as three years in advance.

“We now have about 800 active, potential pioneer files that are divided among three staff people who are working with these friends toward completing their plans to pioneer.”

There are about 1,200 U.S. pioneers at their posts worldwide. Mrs. Suhm describes the figure as fairly stable, with some pioneers returning to the U.S. while others are arriving at thejr posts.

Simply stated, the International Goals Committee's mandate is to recruit, train and send pioneers and international traveling teachers.

THE COMMITTEE and its staff at the National Center also help people of pre-college age in selecting careers that can help them in their long-range pioneering goals.

One recent day, Mrs. Suhm began making a list of the many tasks she and her staff carry out.

“We are a travel agency, a personnel agency, an employment agency, a schools and college guidance and career counseling agency,” she says.

“We recruit and train. We have to Know about world affairs, political science, sociology, and the Baha'i climate everywhere. That means we should know about anything that happens anywhere, because there is probably going to be a problem, or it will at least indicate a trend.

“We must be familiar with different cultures, which means we must be amateur anthropologists too. We do a lot of deepening at the Pioneer Training Institutes and by phone. We conduct classes on the Covenant and on

The 30 participants at the Pioneer Training Institute held February 8-10 at the Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina, included several believers who planned to join an international teaching trip to Belize in August along with five representatives of Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees. The pioneer

destinations of the participants include Belize, Costa Rica, South Africa, and the Windward Islands. One of the pioneers, Sara Frye, arrived in February at her post in the Falkland Islands. The Training Institute was conducted by Mary Louise

Suhm, secretary of the International Goals Committee, and Doug Allen, a member of its staff.

Goals Committee serves U.S. pioneers from A to

Mary Louise Suhm (above) is secretary of the International Goals Committee. Staff members include (clockwise from left

opportunities for teaching.

“We also undertake counseling and morale-building. We have a tremendous amount of record-keeping, trendsetting and fact-finding to do. We handle some financial matters for the pioneers. Others are deputized, which often necessitates help with the cost of travel.

“ON BEHALF of our National Spiritual Assembly, we interact with all the other National Assemblies, as well as with the five Continental Pioneer Committees. We keep all of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and Pioneer Committees well informed with copies of our correspondence.

“We publish Pioneer Post, a quarterly newsletter for pioneers, and we try to keep in touch with every pioneer via letter, telephone and cable. Sometimes we handle more than 100 letters in a single day.”

Mrs. Suhm’s list of tasks carried out by the Goals Committee staff does not end there.

“We're deeply concerned with the training of children of pioneers,” she says. “We do a good deal of community organization; that is, we try to get other people involved in the pioneering process.

“We try to do some public relations work. And we also handle crisis intervention.”

Here is an example offered by Mrs. Suhm of a recent problem faced by the Goals Committee staff:

SHE RECEIVED a phone call from someone in New York State who said

below) Doug Allen, Valerie Smith, Clare Katz, and Karen Wood (seated).

the wife of a close friend, pioneering in The Gambia, was quite ill. No other details were available concerning the nature of the illness or how the pioneers could be reached.

Mrs. Suhm made some calls and learned from other committee members about an excellent hospital in London. She then phoned the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

Although it was 11 p.m. in London, she was fortunate to reach someone who was at the office at that hour. Working from her Evanston office, Mrs. Suhm arranged for airline tickets to London for the ailing believer, while the secretary in London arranged for an ambulance to take the pioneer from the airport to the hospital upon her arrival from Africa.

Pre-paid tickets were arranged for. All this was accomplished on very short notice and without any direct communication with the pioneers themselves. This is often the case, as many pioneers cannot be reached by phone.

“It does get a little hectic because many times we have to do things ina big hurry,” says Mrs. Suhm.

BEFORE COMPLETING the list of duties carried out by her office, Mrs. Suhm adds conference and convention planning and management, volunteer management, hosting guests from other countries whose number might reach 300 a year, referral work with the National Teaching Committee and Na Please See GOALS Page 20

[Page 10]SUMMER SCHVOLS

The American Baha’i

Complete listing of Baha’i |

Summer Schools in U.S.

Arizona Baha’i School

Dates: July 6-12.

Location: Arizona Church Conference Center, Prescott, Arizona.

Natural environment: The Conference Center is located on 20 acres of wooded rolling hills with lovely outcroppings of rocks. The days are warm, the evenings cool.

Recreation: Areas are provided for volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball, horseshoes and table tennis. There are swings and a nearby tetherball post.

Registrar: Ms. Pamela Hawley, 6542 West Keim Drive, Glendale, AZ 85301. Phone 602-931-1305.

Accommodations: Facilities include rustic quarters for as many as 110 people in dorms and cabins. A professional cooking staff operates the kitchen and dining hall. A large assembly room is included. Beds with mattresses only are provided. School participants must provide their own bed linens or sleeping bags, pillows, towels and toilet articles.

Access: Exit from U.S. 89 or Arizona 69 at East Gurley, continue to West Gurley, turning south onto either Park Avenue or Plaza Drive (both lead to the Conference Center).

Bosch Baha’i School

Dates: 12 sessions 14-September 5.

Location: Santa Cruz, California.

Theme: ‘Now Is the Time.”

Natural environment: Sixty-seven acres, mostly wooded, with redwood, fir, oak and madrone trees. Many hiking trails. Open meadow, wildflowers. Elevation: 2,200 feet. Views of the ocean five miles away. Expect warm days, cool nights.

Recreation: Swimming pool, wading pool, volleyball court, horseshoes, table tennis, softball, hiking, nature study, table games.

Registrar: Peggy Brocius, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387.

Accommodations: Participants are housed in cabins nestled among redwoods that accommodate four to six persons. Each cabin has its own bath. Meals are cafeteria style, served in the dintng room of the main lodge.

Access: Located 15 miles from Santa Cruz. Take Highway 17 from San José. Map will be sent upon registration. The nearest airport is at San José, 40 miles away. Pick-up service can be furnished for an additional fee. There is a bus to Santa Cruz, with city bus connections to Comstock Lane.

from June

Baha’i School of Southern California

Dates: June 29-July 5. Location: Idyllwild Pines Camp, Idyllwild, California.

Theme: ‘Spiritual Transformation: Our Baha’i Gift.”

Highlights: Excellent teachers for all ages; talent show; children’s presentation; outstanding crafts teacher; music classes. Reasonable rates, accommodating staff, and excellent menu.

Natural environment: Jacinto Mountains at 5,000 feet elevation with clear,

bracing air. Accommodations: Dormitories with bathroom facilities in separate

building. Some cabins for families. Good classrooms and auditorium.

Recreation: Large swimming pool, sports field, campfire amphitheatre, and crafts room.

Number who can be accommodated: 350.

Access: Exit from Freeway No. 10 or 91 to Highway 74.

Address: 26375 Idyllwild, California.

Registrar: Gerald Healy, 202 Neptune Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024. Phone 714-436-9914.

Idyllwild Road,

Carolinas Baha’i School

Dates: June 29-July 5.

Location: Lander College, Greenwood, South Carolina.

Theme: “Arise to the Challenge.”

Highlights: ‘Arise to the Challenge of the Present Turmoil” —Dr. Farhang Holakouee; ‘‘Arise to the Challenge of Teaching’—Dr. Robert Henderson; “Arise to the Challenge of Spiritual ing the Family’—Dr. Wilma Brady; “Arise to the Challenge of the Seven Year Plan’ —Mrs. Soo Fouts.

Natural environment: The campus of Lander College, a small college in Greenwood, has modern facilities including a pool and gymnasium.

Accommodations: Modern dormitory rooms, all air-conditioned; a new dining hall.

Costs: Adults, $73; children (ages 11-14), $54; children (ages 2-10), $39.

Registrar: Celeste Hicks, 2107 Arden Drive, Monroe, NC 28110. Phone 704-289-6274.

Number who can be accommodated: 208 adults and 208 children.

Colorado East Baha’i School

Dates: August 8-14.

Theme: “Building From Within.”

Location: Long Scraggy Ranch, Buffalo Creek, Colorado.

Conifer Hill Baha'i School

Dates: Work/Study Camp, June 27-July 2; Family Camp, July 3-9; Children’s Activity Weekend, August 1-3.

Location: 12 miles west of Lyons on Colorado Highway 7 and four miles back in the mountains.

Theme: ‘Accent on Unity.”

Work/Study Camp—In addition to deepening classes on the Faith, we will be building solar energy equipment for use at Conifer Hill.

Highlights:

Family Camp—For the first time familigs will be working and studying as a unit. Persons coming alone will become part of a “camp” family. Work/Study is primarily for youth and young adults; Family Camp is for all ages. The Family Camp will have only one class in which people are segregated according to age—the first class of the day, on internalizing the Baha’i Writings. Each real family will be together to consult as a unit about real problems in its life. In the afternoons, the real families and ‘‘camp” families will work as_units on nature craft projects. In the evening, we hope to have Auxiliary Board member Dennis Jenkyns with us for two or three days. Other evenings will be spent enjoying “new games.” There will be a campfire after 8:30 each evening.

Natural environment: Conifer Hill is a primitive camping area 8,000 feet above sea level in the Colorado Rockies. It has 240 acres of pines, firs, spruce, aspens, wildflowers, rock formations and two small lakes.

Accommodations: Dormitory building with bunk beds and mattress pads. No indoor plumbing. Kitchen and shower houses have hot and cold running water. Meals are served cafeteria style. Eating is done outside on picnic tables or in a classroom tent in the event of rain.

Recreation: No facilities—mountains, meadows, trees.

Number who can be accommodated: For Work/Study Camp, 32 dorm beds; for Family Camp, 100 tents are brought for family shelter.

Access: Twelve miles southwest of Lyons on Colorado Highway 7; four miles off that highway on a dirt road.

Registrar: Mrs. Josephine Fleming, 29107 South Fleming Road, Evergreen, CO 80439. Phone 303-674-4344.

man-made rocks,

South Florida Baha’i School

Dates: August 4-10.

Location: Eckerd College, Petersburg, Florida.

Theme: “The Baha'i Connection.”

Highlights: The Baha'i connection to. the world society, the role of the Hands of the Cause, experimentation with multi-generational activities, and considerable exposure to the arts and sciences. :

Natural environment: A sprawling campus on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Accommodations: Modern airconditioned dormitories. Students must bring bed linens, towels, blankets, and toilet articles. An excellent selection of meals served cafeteria style.

Classrooms: Excellent facilities including two large auditoriums with audio-visual accessories.

Recreation: Excellent facilities for

St.

swimming, tennis, volleyball, bicycling, etc.

Number who can be accommodated: 300 to 400.

Access: Twenty miles from Tampa on South Route No. 19.

Registrar: Ms. Margaret Randall, 2219 S.E. 13th St., Pompano Beach, FL

33062. Phone 305-781-8993,

gym,

Georgia/Alabama Baha’i School

Dates: August 18-22.

Theme: Undecided.

Location: West Georgia College, Carrollton, Georgia. _

Registrar: Joyce Kendall, 126 Bush Road, Huntsville, AL 35803. Phone 205-723-2560.

Great Plains Baha'i School

Dates: June 30-July 6.

Location: Nebraska Youth Leadership Development Center, Aurora, Nebraska.

Theme: Unity.”

Highlights: Excellent classes for children and youth; Teaching Workshop; classes on the Covenant especially for seekers and new believers; “World Crisis and Mankind’s Future. Youth should bring copies of The Advent of Divine Justice and “Baha'i Youth: A Compilation”; adults should bring materials on teaching and the Covenant.

Natural environment: Private, near the edge of a small town. Typical Midwestern plains area with a few trees and an area for active sports.

Accommodations: Air-conditioned eating and sleeping facilities; dormitory type rooms with a few smaller rooms to accommodate small families (sleep four) assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own bedding, towels, swimsuits, etc. Also flashlight and musical instruments.

Recreation: Swimming pool, volleyball, horseshoes, area for other outdoor sports; indoors, ping-pong and large area for other sports.

Number who can be accommodated: 156 for sleeping purposes and more as daytime students.

Access: Four miles north of Interstate 80 and one-half mile east of Aurora on Highway 34.

Registrar: Dave Clarke, 11912 Amerado Blvd., Apt. 315, Omaha, NE 68123. Phone 402-291-0275.

“Organic and Spiritual

Green Acre Baha’i School

Dates: July 4-September 1.

Location: Maine Route 103, Main Street in Eliot, Maine.

Theme: “At the heart of all activities, the spiritual, intellectual and community life of the believers must be developed and fostered ...” “This is the magnet which will attract ...and the leaven that will transform...” (The Universal House of Justice, Naw-Ruz letter, 1979)

Highlights: Special Junior Youth Week; pioneer preparation/language

[Page 11]

SUMMER SCHOOLS

May 1980

Baha’i Summer Schools

program; special classes for Persians. Green Acre is the only Baha'i school visited by ‘Abdu'l-Baha (in 1912). His room is open for prayer and meditation.

Natural environment: A 60-acre campus’in a small New England town on the Piscataqua River five miles from the ocean.

Accommodations: Double rooms, family rooms, dorms, campgrounds; cafeteria-style dining room.

Recreation: Large fields, children’s playground, mid-week outings to lake/picnic area; recreation and arts and crafts directors.

Number who can be accommodated: 150.

Access: One hour north of Boston by car. Route 95 to Route 103 in Eliot. Bus service from New York City/Boston to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, taxi to Eliot; plane to Logan Airport (Boston), limousine to Portsmouth.

Registrar: Registrar, Green Acre Baha'i School, Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903. Phone 207-439-0019.

Green Lake Conference

Dates: September 12-14.

Location: American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Theme: “Our Brightest Visions ... Our Highest Hopes.”

Highlights: Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland; surprise speakers, workshops, music and fellowship.

Natural environment: 1,000 acres of wooded hills and fields. The conference room overlooks a lake; the grounds include a golf course, hiking trails, an indoor pool, etc.

Accommodations: Range from dorm style to private rooms to luxury homes or cabins. Meals can be purchased or you may cook your own if you are camping or staying in a home or cabin. Sleeping accommodations range from $9 a night to $205 for an entire house. Meals will run about $11.70 a day for adults and $7.15 for children.

Recreation: Indoor swimming pool, hiking, bicycling, etc.

Number who can be accommodated: 1,400-1,500.

Access: Green Lake is in south: central Wisconsin, three miles west of the city of Green Lake on State Highway 23.

Registrar: Assembly, Green Lake, WI Phone 414-294-3323.

American Baptist 54941.

Louhelen Baha'i Schoo!

Dates: Not firm yet because no site has been found. Two five-day sessions are hoped for. We are working within the parameters of August 3-23.

Location: No site available yet. Will be somewhere in Michigan.

Theme: “The Community of the Most Great Name.”

Highlights: Full children's program including open house exhibition for adults and parents; talent show; adult and child recreation program, plus three adult classes.

Registrar: (Temporary) Mrs. Paula A. Drewek, 29503 Dover, Warren, MI 48093. Phone 313-574-0054.

We wish to convey to the friends that Louhelen will sponsor two summer school sessions within the dates specified above, but that because no site has yet been found, further information will be forthcoming later. Interested persons should write to the temporary registrar; they will be mailed a brochure and registration information as soon as they are available.

Montana Baha’i School

Dates: July 20-26.

Location: Lions Club Camp, 10 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana.

Theme: “Improving the Quality of Baha'i Life.”

Natural environment: 7,200 feet above sea level among Beartooth Mountains.

Accommodations: Unheated cabins with cots for about 100 people. There is a central kitchen and dining room where meals are prepared and served. High altitudes and unheated cabins necessitate warm clothing and sleeping bags. Benches in the adult classrooms are hard, so a pillow on which to sit is welcome.

Recreation: Equipment for indoor and outdoor recreation is provided.

Number who can be accommodated: Approximately 100.

Access: Transportation to the camp can be arranged for persons flying into Billings or arriving by bus. Please contact the registrar if this service is needed.

Registrar: Miss Gail Abbott, P.O. Box 61, Milltown, MT 59851. Phone 406-258-6352 or 406-728-2578.

New York Baha’i School Dates: August 2-10.

Theme: “Security in a Failing World.” Registrar: Robert Arrington, 105

Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536. No phone.

Washington West Baha'i School

Dates: August 10-15.

Location: Seabeck, Washington.

Theme: “Do not be satisfied until each one with whom you are concern: ed is to you as a member of your fami

Naw-Ruz supper draws 50 in lowa

More than 50 people, at least half of whom were not Baha'is, attended an international potluck supper in Pierson, lowa, to celebrate Naw-Ruz.

The guests, who were invited to bring dishes representative of other cultures, participated with a great deal of pleasure, enjoying a variety of interesting and delicious foods.

A brief after-dinner program included a talk about the Faith and the meaning of Naw-Ruz, and a slide presentation on South America by a local school teacher.

The party was co-sponsored by the Baha'i Groups of Pierson and Kingsley, lowa, and was attended by several of the friends from Sioux City.

Aye Natural environment: Located on a lagoon overlooking the Hood Canal.

Accommodations: Cabins, cottages, rooms for 2-3 people. Family style meals.

Recreation: Boating, tennis, swimming, ping-pong, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes.

Number who can be accommodated: Approximately 200.

Access: Public roads.

Registrar: Cynthia Walcott, 7605 South “‘C,” Apt. 7, Tacoma, WA 98408. Phone 206-474-4766:

Prayer reaps musical harvest

Often the smallest seed planted for the Cause of God bears the most extraordinary and unexpected fruits.

Last fall, for example, Baha’is Sheri Dressler and Marianne Smith traveled throughout the Caribbean area teaching the Faith.

After returning to the U.S., Sheri received the following letter from Marianne, who is still traveling in the Caribbean:

“Remember Shirley Yarborough in Barbados and how much she loved the musical version of ‘Is there any remover of difficulties’ you taught her to play?

“Well, Shirley taught the song to her choir and subsequently to the whole of St. Leonard's Girls School, more than 1,100 students and the staff. The choir has ‘sung it on radio and TV, and all the girls know it’s a Baha’i prayer.

“The best part is that the girls themselves ask to sing it—to start rehearsals, during rehearsal breaks, and to close rehearsals.

“The girls love the song, the other teachers love it, even another church choir director, hearing it over the radio, asked Shirley to teach it to him so he could teach it to his choir to sing as an opening song at one of their church conferences!

“wish you could hear the song sung by a choir. What is especially moving to me is that hundreds of the future mothers in Barbados know, love and understand:some of the power of this prayer because, in part, of the efforts of a traveling Baha'i teacher.”

[Page 12]

PAGINA HISPANA

The American Baha'i

“En nombre del Guardian, deseo acusar recibo de su carta fechada el 15 de diciembre y expresar el pesar que él sintié por la desarmonia que existe entre usted y su esposo. Su pesar se ahonda al saber que la situacién ha llegado a tal estado que usted se siente compelida a pedir separacién de su esposo...un paso que aunque sea valido segun la ley, sin embargo desde el punto de vista de la Causa, es muy triste y doloroso para todos los afectados.

“El Guardian, sin embargo, valoriza el hecho de que usted, en conformidad con las Ensefianzas, ha puesto el asunto ante la Asamblea Espiritual Local. El espera sinceremente que bajo la guia de ese cuerpo y, también por sus propios esfuerzos, las condiciones existentes entre Ud. y su esposo mejoren poco a poca y que no sienta la necesidad de pedir un divorcio después que termine el afio de separacion. El pide fervorosamente a Baha'u'llah que El los guie a Ud. y a su esposo el Sr. ... para resolver este problema tan delicado de su vida, y que la solucion a que Ileguen pueda ser de tal naturaleza que traiga paz y satisfaccién a su corazon, y asi traerles felicidad asi como proteccién para la Causa cuyos intereses han servido con devocién durante tantos afios.” (De una carta fechada 14 de enero de 1933, escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“Respecto a las ensefianzas baha’is sobre el divorcio: Aunque Baha'u'llah lo permite, sin embargo disuade enérgicamente su practica, pues si ello no cesa y si no es controlado seriamente, poco a poco conducira al trastorno de la vida familiar y a la desintegracién de la sociedad.” (De una carta fechada 16 de noviembre de 1936 escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“El divorcio es un asunto vergonzoso y ofensivo y es contrario al beneplacito de Dios. La Asamblea debe hacer circular los pasajes revelados por ‘Abdu'l-Baha sobre el particular para los amigos y llamarles la atencién mas que nunca sobre este asunto.

“La aplicacién de la ley del divorcio

De todos los Mandamientos Divinos uno de los mas importantes es: (Palabras ocultas No. 27) Baha'u'llah advierte ademas que ‘la murmuracion apaga la luz del corazon, y extingue la vida del alma.” En Su Voluntad y Testamento ‘Abdu’l-Baha agrega: “Seguin el mandato directo de Dios, se nos prohibe calumnial

En Agosto de 1913 ‘Abdu'l-Baha escribid lo siguiente a un creyente norteamericano: “...la peor calidad humana y el mas grave pecado es la murmuracion, especialmente cuando emana de la boca de los creyentes de Dios. Si se pudiera idear la manera de cerrar eternamente las puertas de la murmuraci6n, y si cada uno de los creyentes en Dios desatara su lengua para hablar bién del otro, entonces las Ensefianzas de Su Santidad Baha'u'llah se difundirian, los corazones se iluminarian, los espiritus serian glorificados y el mundo humano lograran eterna felicidad.

“Espero que los creyentes en Dios eviten totalmente la murmuracion, cada uno alabando cordialmente al otro y que crean que la murmuracion es causa de la ira Divina, a tal punto que si una persona murmurase aunque fuera una sola palabra, ella quedara deshonrada entre toda la gente, pues la caracteristica mas odiosa del hombre es la mania de criticar. Uno debe

depende del permiso y aprobacién de la Asamblea Espiritual. La Asamblea Espiritual debe hacer una investigacién cabal e independiente en tales casos. Si hubiera justificacién legitima o si a la pareja le es imposible vivir en unidad y armonia y no se encunentra la forma de superar su aversién mttua, entonces la Asamblea puede aprobar el divorcio.” (Traduci6én de una carta fechada 7 de julio de 1938 a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de Persia)

“Con respecto a la accién que Ud. contempla de divorciarse de su esposo: El le deja la decisién final de este asunto a Ud. y su esposo, aunque por supuesto, desde el punto de vista de la Causa, cree que es preferible que ustedes no recurran a una accion tan drastica, a menos que ello sea absolutamente inevitable.” (De una carta

-fechada el 24 de febrero de 1940, escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“En el Aqdas, el matrimonio esta descrito como un lazo muy sagrado y permanente, y los baha’is deben darse cuenta que el divorcio es considerado como ultimo recurso, a evitarse a toda costa si es posible, y no debe ser concedido facilmente.” (De una carta fechada’el 17 de octubre de 1944, escrita en nombre do Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“El matrimonio es considerado por Baha'u'llah como un lazo muy sagrado, que bajo ninguna circumstancia debe romperse, a menos que el motivo sea muy grave. El espera y ruega que usted y Su esposo, como creyentes, reconsideren este asunto y hagan el mejor esfuerzo por vivir juntos en el servicio a la Causa que aman tanto.” (De una carta fechada el 17 de octubre de 1944, escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“El estaba muy apenado al saber que usted y su esposo atin estan muy infelices en su unién. Siempre es motivo de pesadumbre en la vida cuando un matrimonio no se lleva bien, pero el Guardian siente que usted y su esposo, al contemplar el divorcio, deben pensar en el futuro de sus hijos y en qué manera un paso tan grave de su parte pueda afectar la vida y

Las leyes Baha’is sobre la murmuracion

almas y no sus defectos. Los amigos no deben notar sus faltas y debilidades de ellos y debian mencionar solamente sus virtudes y no sus defectos.”

Para distinguir entre informes legitimos a un cuerpo administrativo baha’i (que puedan afectar el bienestar de una comunidad baha’i o de uno de sus miembros) y rumores sin fundamento, la murmuracién negativa y “cuentos,”” calumnias y maldiciones que circularan ya sea por intencién o por descuido, la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional ofrece las siguientes normas para la guia de las Asambleas Baha'is bajo su jurisdicci6n:

1. En ningun caso deben los amigos hablar a otros creyentes en la comunidad sobre cualquier asunto que tenga que ver con las faltas personales, ya sean reales 0 no, ni deben permitir que otros creyentes les hablen sobre tales asuntos. Si hay queja legitima, debe ser presentada directamente a la Asamblea Local para su consideracion.

2. Una Asamblea Local debe asumir jurisdiccién solamente cuando las acciones 0 palabres de un miembro de la comunidad amenacen la integridad de la Causa misma o socaven el buen nombre y reputacién de un creyente.

3. Esta norma de procedimiento también es aplicable a la proteccién de los creyentes de cualquier discusién de sus supuestas faltas en otras com

felicidad de ellos.

“Si usted siente la necesidad de consejo y consulta, él sugiere que consulte su Asamblea Local, sus amigos baha’is seguramente haran todo lo que puedan por aconsejarles y ayudarles, protejer sus intereses y los de la Causa.” (De una carta fechada el 16 de noviembre de 1945, escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“Shoghi Effendi desea que agregue esta nota respecto a su matrimonio: El no cree que ningun creyente, bajo ninguna circumstancia cualquiera, pueda jamas usar. la Causa o el servicio a ella como motivo para abandonar su matrimonio; el divorcio, como sabemos, es fuertemente condenado por Baha'u'llah, y solamente motivos de extrema gravedad lo pueden justificar.” (De una carta fechada 7 de april de 1947 escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente_ individual)

“Como Baha'u'llah estaba tan enérgicamente opuesto al divorcio (aunque lo permite) y consideraba el matrimonio una responsabilidad muy sagrada, los creyentes deben hacer todo en su poder por conservar los matrimonios que han contraido, y hacer de ellos uniénes ejemplares, gobernados por los motivos nobles.” (De una carta fechada el 19 de octubre de 1947 escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a un creyente individual)

“Baha'u'llah ha dicho claramente

Cartas del Guardian sobre el divorcio

que para un casamiento baha’l se requiere el consentimiento de todos los padres vivientes. Esto es aplicable sean los padres baha’is o no, divorciados hace afios, o no. El ha establecido esta gran ley para fortalecer la estructura social, para agradecimiento los lazos del hogar, para implantar cierto agradecimiento y respeto en los corazones de los hijos para aquellos quienes les han dado vida y lanzado sus almas en el eterno viaje hacia su Creador. Nosotros los baha’is debemos estar conscientes de que en la sociedad actual ocurre un proceso totalmente al contrario: A los jOvenes les importan cada vez menos los deseos de sus padres, el divorcio es considerado como un derecho natural, y es obtenido bajo los mas débiles e indefendibles y viles pretextos. Los individuos separados uno del atro, especialmente si uno de ellos ha tenido pleno custodio de los hijos, estan muy listos para menospreciar la importancia del cényuge que también es responsable como padre o madre por traer aquellos nifios al mundo. Los baha’is deben, por medio de la rigida adherencia a las ensefianzas y leyes baha’is, combatir estas fuerzas corrosivas que estan rapidamente destruyendo la vida hogarefio y la belleza de las relaciénes familiares, y derruyendo la estructura moral de la sociedad.” (De una carta fechada el 25 de octubre de 1947 escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi a la Asamblea Espiritual de los Estados Unidos)

Cindy Christiansen y Tom Ukinski de South Kingstown, Rhode Island, presen: tan un drama durante la celebracion del

mu ” anniversario cuarentenal de Rhode Island. (Historia y mas fotos, Pagina 23)

Contestaciones a las preguntas para profundizacién del mes pasado.

1. Si no creemos en Dios no podemos ser Baha'is.

2. La palabra Baha’i significa seguidor de la Gloria de Dios. Baha'u'llah quiere decir ‘La Gloria de Dios.’

3. La Fe Baha'i fué establecida en Persia (Hoy conocida por el nombre de Iran) en el afio 1844.

4. El Bab es el precursor de Baha'u'llah. El Bab quiere decir ‘La Puerta.’

5. El Bayan es el libro sagrado del Bab. En Su libro prometié la venida de Baha'u'llah y profetiz6 donde y cuando viniera. Baha’u'llah dice que el Bayan es el Libro Madre.

6. La Fe del Bab inicia la Era Baha’i. EI propésito de la Fe del Bab fué de preparar los pueblos para la venida de Baha'u'llah.

7. El Bab era distinto por Su pureza, piedad y conocimiento innato. Quedo huerfano desde nifio y su tio que lo crié fué uno’ de Sus primeros sequidores. Por Su amor a Dios y a Baha’u'llah El Bab sacrificiéd Su vida y sufrié un extraordinario martirio para que se cumpliera' la voluntad de Dios. Los sacerdotes y governantes persiguieron alos seguidores del Bab y en menos de

mil personals. Con su propia sangre el Bendito Bab nos mostro el verdadero desprendimiento, sacrificio y devocién a la causa de Dios.

8. Despues de tomarlo preso los sacerdotes trataron de humillar al Bab con bastonearle las plantas de Sus pies encerrandolo en la fortaleza de Maku negandole tan solo una luz y en fin con mucha humillacion derramando Su preciosa sangre el la Plaza de Tabriz delante de mas de setecientos fuciles.

9. Las letras de los vivientes (Nombre dado a los dicipulos de! Bab), fueron las dieciocho almas primero a conocerlo y dedicar sus vidas a Su causa. Cada una guiada por el Espiritu Santo @ su primer encuentro con El.

Una maravillosa excepcién fué Tahiréh la tnica dama entre los dieciocho dicipulos. Tahiréh desde un principio era sobresaliente en su pureza y devocién a Dios. Ella le pidio a Dios que la guiara y Tahiréh tuvo una vision en la cual vio al Santisimo Bab. Poco después sufriéd martirio en los pasos del Bendito Bab.

10. Esta es una oracién revalada por el Bab: “ZQuién libra de las dificultades Salvo Dios? Di: !Alabado sea Dios! !E} es Dios! Todos somos Sus siervos y

exponer las calidades laudables de las _unidades baha’is. cinco afios matayon a mas de veinte todos nos atenemos a Su mandat [Page 13]

FEATURES

May 1980

Chris Cholas of Hatch, New Mexico, who

is chairman of the West Texas/Southern ~

New Mexico District Teaching Commit. tee.

To Chris Cholas, service, teaching are synonymous

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The United Nations has designated 1981 as the Year of the Disabled. Some people, however, are determined not to let a handicap upset them or slow them down. People like Chris Cholas, for example.)

.

Chris Cholas was 18 when he first heard the name “Baha'i” at a coffeehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado.

“As soon as | heard the name,” he recalls, ‘I knew that | wanted to find out all about it.”

Mr. Cholas found out about it by attending Baha'i study classes for the next nine months.

“FINALLY,” he says, “I was given a copy of The Hidden Words and a prayer book, and whatever doubts | may have had quickly vanished.”

Having declared his belief in Baha'u'llah, Mr. Cholas lost no time in becoming an active Baha’i teacher.

An earlier bout with polio. that had left his legs withered, causing him to walk with the aid of crutches, slowed him down hardly at all

“Everyone has the same goal,” he says, smiling. “The real goal is approaching God, and each of us has to do it in his own way.” Y

Now 29, Mr. Cholas lives with his wife, Linda, and their five children in Hatch, New Mexico, a town of about 1,000 some 40 miles north of Las Cruces.

He is chairman of the West Texas/Southern New Mexico District Teaching Committee, and has _participated actively in two highly successful teaching efforts in that area during the past two years.

The most recent of these resulted in the enrollment last December of 76 new believers, most of them in small Mexican-American communities.

On the day she was to leave Namur, Belgium, her pioneering post for the last five years, for a teaching trip to Switzerland, 76-year-old Jeanne Janus fell and broke her hip.

That fall, in December 1979, required extensive hospitalization, followed by therapy, but Mrs. Janus now walks again without aid, and she is more than ready to continue teaching the Faith.

SINCE SHE BECAME a Bahai 1953, Mrs. Janus, who was born in Tiflis, Georgia, in the Soviet Union, has made teaching trips to France—her home for 20 years—italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England, Monaco, Corsica, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces of Canada, as well as to New York, Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

She and her husband taught at the Green Acre Baha’i School in Maine and at a former Canadian Baha’i summer school.

It was in Ipswich, Massachusetts, that Mrs. Janus first heard of the Faith from John Sheircliff, a Baha’i who was employed by her husband. One month later, following a visit from William DeForge, she accepted the Faith.

“As soon as | heard about the Cause | had accepted it and begun teaching,” she recalls, “but my husband and | did not wish to join any organized religion.”

Told that, Mr. DeForge replied, “If you play q violin alone, you cannot play a symphony.”

“That,” says Mrs. Janus, “was very convincing.”

Jeanne Janus: at 76, busy as ever

IN 1970, she and her husband left the U.S. to pioneer to Arion, Belgium, only four miles from Luxembourg and close to the French and German borders.

They remained in Arlon for four years, helping to raise an Assembly before moving to Namur, Belgium.

While living in Belgium Mrs. Janus made three trips each year to visit relatives in Paris. On each occasion, she devoted a part of her time in France to teaching the Faith.

After consulting with one of her two sons while she was recovering from her hip injury (her husband had died in Belgium in 1976), Mrs. Janus decided to return to the U.S. and move to the Baha'i Home in Wilmette, Illinois.

“| thought all the people in the Baha'i Home would be Baha’is,” she says, “but | was mistaken.”

In fact, Mrs. Janus is one of only two Baha'is presently residing at the Home. The other is Mrs. Sophie Loeding.

In spite of failing eyesight and dietary restrictions dictated by diabetes, Mrs. Janus is eager to resume her Baha'i teaching work. To that end, she has volunteered to guide at the House of Worship and is a frequent speaker at firesides in the Wilmette area.

Mrs. Janus is now looking for a more permanent place to live. Her only requirements, she says, are a need to be at least partly independent and the freedom to continue serving the Cause. “Teaching,” she says, “is the only thing that really matters.”

MRS. JEANNE JANUS ‘Teaching Is All That Matters’

ADDRESSES OF FUNDS

National Baha’i Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

Continental Baha’i Fund 418 Forest Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

Baha’i International Fund P.O. Box 155 Haifa, Israel 31-000

(Note to Persian believers: The obligation to contribute to these Funds is separate from the of Huquq’u'llah. For information on Huqiq’u'llah, write to K. Kazemzadeh, 15276 De Pauw St., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.)

AT THE CLOSE of the Five Year Plan, Mr. Cholas spent three months in South Carolina helping to consolidate and deepen newly-formed Local Assemblies.

He and his wife, who is an Isleta

Pueblo Indian, were homefront pioneers from 1975-1979 on the Southern Ute Reservation in

southwestern Colorado.

Last Ridvan, Mr. and Mrs. Cholas joined seven other Baha'is in helping with the formation of Assemblies in Georgia.

Shortly afterward, they spent four months participating in a teaching campaign in the “Four Corners” area of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

Asked for photos to accompany an article about him, Mr. Choas wrote: “Reluctantly we send them, feeling that attention should be given to the victories in teaching and consolidation, not to individual merits which are nothing compared to the collective endeavors.”

The only thing special about Baha'is who have won victories for the Faith, he says, is that they have arisen.

““Abdu'l-Baha says that the only service is service at the Divine Threshold,” says Mr. Cholas. “That is the only thing that is important in life.”

Bosch School sets summer dates, themes

The dates and themes of this summer’s classes at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California, are as follows:

June 14-20 (Youth 15-25)— Now Is the Time to Speak Out (preparation for teaching).

June 21-27 (Junior youth 12-15)—Now Is the Time to Become a Magnet (developing one’s Baha’i identity).

June 28-July 4 (Parents and their children)—Now Is the Time to Be a Family (family unity; Baha’i parenting).

July 5-11 (General, all ages)—Now Is the Time to Reflect the Light (spiritual transformation).

July 12-18 (General, all ages)—Now Is the Time to Understand the East and the West (understanding each other's culture; some classes in Persian).

July 19-25 (General, all ages)—Now Is the Time to Examine Our History (Baha'i history, heritage).

July 26-August 1 (Parents and their children)—Now Is the Time to Be a Family (family unity; Baha’i parenting).

August 2-8 (General, all ages)—Now Is the Time to Understand the East and the West (understanding each other's culture; some classes in Persian).

August- 9-15 (General, all ages)—Now Is the Time to Reflect the Light (spiritual transformation).

August 16-22 (Youth 15-25)—Now Is

the Time for Me to Be (personal growth). August 23-29 (General, all

ages)—Now Is the Time to Secure and Protect the Trust (Covenant and Administration).

August 30-September 5 (Adults, 15 and older)—Now Is the Time to Seek the Pearls of Wisdom (intensive study, research; one class in Persian).

Registrar: Peggy Brocius, Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387

A RN PE RRR STA SE EEE SS ESE ASSAD ES CEP SS NCP

[Page 14]

The American Baha’i

Publishing Trust releases a new album for children

“Come and Sing,’ an album of children’s songs that the whole family can enjoy, was recently released by the Baha'i Publishing Trust.

This is the first record produced by the Publishing Trust to help families with the moral training of their children.

The album includes Baha’i prayers set to music, an aid to their memorization, and songs about Baha'i attributes.

Song titles include “Equality Song,” “Truthfulness,” “Courtesy,” ‘‘Obedience,” “‘Reverence,” “‘Hidden Word,” “Morning Prayer,” “Children’s Prayer,” and ‘“‘Noonday Prayer.”

The record was the idea of two Baha'i mothers, Susan Engle and Jean

White Marks, who wrote most of the songs and perform them on the album.

Other vocalists heard are Michael Moutrie and Warren Kime. Mr. Moutrie also plays guitar on the album, while Mr. Kime plays horns, recorders and a synthesizer.

Other musicians appearing on the album are Andy Marks and Jerry Lerner (piano), Bob Blom and Andy Marks (synthesizer), Wayne Welch (percussion), and Jean White Marks (guitar).

“Come and Sing” is suitable as a gift for non-Baha’i families and friends. It is available through Baha’i community librarians or from the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. The price is $7.50 NET (Catalog No. 6-35-21).

Mr. Khadem

Continued From Page 1

whom serve the Baha'is of Ohio, spoke of the significance of the ‘day of justice” and of the turmoil that is presently raging in the world.

HE REMINDED the friends that “Baha'u'llah has upset the equilibrium of the world to prepare it for God’s justice. “Saha’u’llah addressed the rulers of the world and told them they would be helpless to administer their affairs ...and isn’t this what we are seeing today?”

Mr. Khadem advised the believers to study The Advent of Divine Justice so that they can better understand what their primary duty is right now: to teach the Faith.

Most of the people of the world, he said, are upset and confused, but the Baha'is know that God's merciful justice is at work, and can be assured and happy—even as the world goes from bad to worse.

The Hand of the Cause also spoke of the rapid spread of the Faith to all parts of the globe.

He mentioned the importance of Panama and alluded to the beautiful House of Worship that sits high on a hill there. Its shape, he said, reflects light in such a way that all over the country, everyone can see the glow, “like a glow of fire.”

MR. KHADEM also recounted his many meetings with the beloved Guardian. On his first pilgrimage, in 1925, the Greatest Holy Leaf was in Haifa

Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem (left) and Robert Harris address the believers at the Toledo, Ohio, teaching conference last December.

but was not feeling well. Shoghi Effendi had such love for her that he asked all of the pilgrims to go to the Shrine of Baha'u'llah in ‘Akka and pray that she would recover.

The Hand of the Cause spoke of her with great love and admiration, saying, “She shared all the sufferings of Baha'u'llah, all of His exiles.”

She also served her Brother, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, during the 29 years of His ministry, and she served Shoghi Effendi for 11 years of his Guardianship before her passing in 1932.

The program included talks by the Auxiliary Board members. Mrs. Khadem spoke of the importance of enthusiasm in teaching the Cause, and of the urgency of arranging our lives so that we can contribute to winning the goals of the first phase of the Seven Year Plan.

She said we need “the enthusiasm that the youth bring to teaching, because there is not much time left.”

Mr. Harris spoke of “sharing” the Faith with our friends, neighbors and co-workers as we share good news about a big sale, or news about something wonderful that has happened to us.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT that we thank God that the one who “shared” the Faith with us was teaching the day we learned about Baha'u'llah. Thank God, he said, that person did not take that particular day off!

The conference featured a presentation of goals by the Northern Ohio District Teaching Committee and offered a well-planned children’s program coordinated by Mrs. Khadem's assistant, Mrs. Sundra Moyyad, and several of the friends from Michigan.

The Spiritual Assembly of Toledo hosted the conference, which was held at the Scott Park campus of the University of Toledo.

Mrs. Dolly Haghighi, Mrs. Khadem’s assistant for northern Ohio, chaired the conference. She and her husband, Dr. Dariush Haghighi, shared some inspirational stories from their recent pilgrimage.

After speaking twice and spending an exhausting day with the many friends, Mr. Khadem gave generously of his time to meet with more than 20 of the Persian-speaking believers.

He spoke to them for nearly an hour, offering assurance during this perilous time for their friends and relatives who remain in Iran.

The Hand of the Cause related how he would walk with the Guardian on Mt. Carmel near the Shrines, and how Shoghi Effendi would raise his voice so that his words could be heard all over the mountain:

“Baha'u'llah has said: ‘The Cause of God has been uplifted and has become victorious, and there is no choice for the people but to come into this Cause.'”

Susan Engle (seated) and Jean White

Marks, who wrote most of the songs on the new children's album,

‘Come and

Sing,' with Bahiyyih Phillips (left) and Layli Phillips (Ms. Engle’s children), and David Marks (in his mother’s arms).

Chinese-Americans told of Faith

Last November The American Baha’i chronicled Jim Keenan's rapid rise from guard to area supervisor with a security firm after he had made a decision to pioneer. Recently a large number of Chinese-Americans in West Virginia have learned of the Faith thanks to the efforts of Mr. Keenan, who lives in Huntington.

Although he is not Chinese, Mr. Keenan is fluent in Mandarin, having had two and qne-half years of training in the Chinesé language while he was in the U.S. Air Force.

Late last year, he began’'a campaign

aimed at reaching many of the Chinese-speaking people in West Virginia.

MR. KEENAN’S plan involves making personal contacts with ChineseAmericans in Huntington, Charleston, Parkersburg, Marietta and Clarksburg.

His approach is to eat in a Chinese restaurant, after which he strikes up a conversation with employees or writes a note in Chinese to the restaurant owner, or to a waitress or cook.

“They're usually quite surprised to meet an American who speaks Chinese,” says Mr. Keenan.

That first contact, he adds, is ordinarily short. “Then, after | come back a second and third time, I’m like an old friend.”

On one occasion, the wife of a restaurant owner spoke with him for an hour and a half.

Mr. Keenan took a Chinese-language book with him to one restaurant where he hadn't gotten much response.

AS HE OPENED the book, a waitress noticed it. “Before | knew it,” he says, “every Chinese in the place had gathered around my table.”

One of them was a university student from Taiwan who invited Mr. Keenan to meet with a group of 40 Taiwanese students at the local university.

There have been visits to Mr. Keenan’s home by one of the cooks, and the friendship has reached the point at which the man is reading The Hidden Words in Chinese and English.

“| wouldn’t be surprised if he were to become the first Chinese Baha’i in West Virginia,” says Mr. Keenan, adding that this could open the door for many other Chinese-Americans to hear about the Faith from a fellow Chinese.

“It’s somewhat difficult to teach the Faith to Chinese-Americans, or to anyone who is outside the mainstream of American life,” says Mr. Keenan, who now takes local believers with him when he visits his many Chinese friends. “But everyone responds to love, warmth and friendship.”

At some point, he says, he would like to pioneer to a Chinese-speaking area of the world. ‘In the meantime, he'll soon be leaving West Virginia for a position in the Statistics Department at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel.

. Symposium Continued From Page 1 while science needs to develop a greater sense of conscience.

A lack of conscience, he pointed out, can lead to a persistent tendency to misuse science, as well as a confusion of progress with mere technological achievement.

Dr. Hatcher concluded his remarks with a quote from Lewis Mumford that the God Who saves us won't descend from the machine, but will rise up

- again from the human soul.

Each of the three speakers was presented with a commemorative medal featuring a representation of the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, IHinois.

A brief question-and-answer period followed the formal program.

[Page 15]

COMMUNITY LIFE |

May 1980

Idea Exchange Detroit has FUN time;

L.A. Baha’i’s ‘clean up’ ©

The Family Unity evenings at the Baha’i Center in Detroit, Michigan, have been extremely successful, with excellent attendance each week. Planned activities have ranged from folk dancing to movies and card playing. Friends also are welcome.

.

The Baha’is of Victorville, California, are utilizing a motor home belonging to one of the friends to visit isolated believers in the area and to hold a Unity Feast. .

In Los Angeles, California, the Baha’is organized a work crew to offer help in cleaning up one of the streets inundated by the recent flood waters.

.

More than a dozen people are now receiving the new Seeker’s Newsletter sent out by the Spiritual Assembly of Fort Collins, Colorado, to those who show a sincere interest in the Faith.

The newsletter lists Baha’i Teachings along with social events in the area, and includes brief quotations from the Writings. In addition, the Fort Collins Assembly offers public speakers to local religious, civic and philosophical groups as well as to college clubs.

.

“I felt the strength of the institution come to life.”

“For the first time, | have a sense of the importance of the Baha'i Assembly.”

This was the atmosphere that permeated the Recognition Ceremony for the Spiritual Assembly of Orcas Island, Washington.

Through the unity of the planning, the transformation of the meeting room into a garden of flowers and candles, the unfolding of the history of the community as each member of the Assembly was introduced, the uplifting talk by an Auxiliary Board member, the prayers, the music, and the obvious fellowship and love among the friends, the Recognition Ceremony became not only an effective teaching endeavor, but also helped to weld the Baha’i community together in a new appreciation of the majesty of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

.

Does your community have any thoughts or ideas it would like to share with other Baha'i communities? If so, we would welcome them for possible publication in this column. Please send them to the Idea Exchange, c/o the Office of

Community Administration, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

PERSIAN CLASS

Gazzal Towfiq (at the blackboard), a staff member at the House of Worship Activities Office, teaches the Persian alphabet to a group of Baha'is from the Wilmette, Illinois, area as part of an ex perimental nine-week course in the Persian language being offered this spring by the Activities Office at the Baha'i House of Worship.

Publishing Trust releases new children’s books at Convention

The Publishing Trust released at the National Baha'i Convention a number of new items for children. My Baby Book is for parents and young children. Handsomely illustrated,'the book features a page for the Baha’ Certificate of Birth and pages for the child's spiritual education and growth. It also features traditional information such as birth announcements and records of growth. The price is $14.50 (Catalog No. 7-52-53). The birth certificate (Catalog No. 7-68-55) is $1.50 NET, five for $6.25 NET.

For three- to seven-year-olds (and their parents) there is a special surprise— Deborah Christensen’s Sunflower Books for young children. The four Sunflower Books are titled My Baha'i Book (Catalog No. 7-53-01), My Favorite Prayers and Passages (Catalog No. 7-53-02), God and Me (Catalog No. 7-53-03), and Our Bahai Holy Places (Catalog No. 7-53-04). They offer basic information, give children a good feeling about the Faith, and provide simple activities—coloring, drawing, matching, pasting—that can be shared by parents and young children. Each book is $2.75. The set of four (Catalog No. 7-53-05) is $10.00.

The Birth of the Baha'i Faith, written and illustrated by Debbie Wittman, will delight ten- to fifteen-year-olds. It is an illustrated history of the Baha'i Faith, 1844-1921, ina magazine format. The booklet is also suitable for consolidation work. The price is $1.25 (Catalog No. 7-52-55).

To order these new titles, see your Baha’ librarian or send a check or money order to the Baha'i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please add 75 cents for postage and handling on orders under $5.

A ‘last word’

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the last ina series of five articles on improving the efficiency of the Local Spiritual Assembly written for the National Education Committee by Ronald S. Gilpatrick of San José, California.)

.

A Last Word

We have discussed, in these articles, a number of concepts relative to the smooth functioning of a Local Spiritual Assembly.

There are a few loose ends we need to sew up before closing out the series. First, let’s take a closer look at the consultative process. Shoghi Effendi has stated:

“Baha'u'llah has given the promise that in every Assembly where unity and harmony prevail, there His glorious spirit will not only be present, but will animate, sustain and guide all the friends in their deliberations.” (The Local Spiritual Assembly: A Compilation, p. 16)

BAHA’U’LLAH Himself reminds us:

“If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My sake and as a token of your love for My manifest and resplendent Cause.” (Gleanings, p. 315)

Overlooking the faults of others and maintaining unity and harmony are tall orders for many Spiritual Assemblies.

Wrangling, argumentation, faultfinding, and disharmony are often present at Assembly meetings. Assembly members, when they have served together for a period of time, often begin to treat one another as though the relationship were a marriage—and married people do occasionally argue.

There is a technique all Assembly members can master that will help maintain unity and reduce needless argumentation.

In whatever topic is being discussed, the Assembly should always strive to

on Assembly consultation

talk about the “issue” or “task,” not “personalities.”

IF, FOR EXAMPLE, the financial records of an Assembly are simply inadequate, the Assembly should discuss the kind of procedures that would help the treasurer to develop a better system—and it should also discuss how other members of the Assembly can assist the treasurer in this process. It would be a disastrous mistake to condemn the treasurer for his or her inefficiency.

The more Assembly members avoid personalities and stay with issues, the less likely it is that there will be arguments.

When things go wrong, an Assembly will always fare better if it talks about “How we can improve it next time” rather than “You really let us down this time. Why couldn’t you have put a little more effort into it?”

Another problem common to many Assemblies is that some members feel they do a disproportionate share of the work while others are content to do a minimal amount.

Experience has shown that some Assembly members, despite their complaining about being overworked, continue to volunteer for almost everything.

If those who are always doing everything will learn the art of restraint, and occasionally not volunteer, others will be forced to take up the slack—or the job won't get done.

WHEN IT BECOMES apparent to all nine Assembly members that tasks aren't being completed, the Assembly can then discuss how the work load can be more equitably shared.

A rather serious problem for some Assemblies is that members sometimes miss meetings—sometimes several meetings—or, worse, are

simply inactive. This is often true in communities with a dozen or less Baha’is. ow

Those members who do attend have a responsibility to work for full and active Assembly participation.

Almost invariably, the non-attending Assembly member feels guilty about not attending. The Assembly must be careful not to condemn or criticize, but rather should make a concerted effort to meet with the non-attendee and talk about “how Assembly meetings can be improved; what steps can be taken to make the meetings more attractive; is it necessary to change the Assembly's meeting time’’—in other words, the Assembly uses the principle of discussing the issue of nonattendance rather than condemning the non-attendee.

A loving, nurturing attitude by the Assembly will often rescue an inactive member and cause that individual to become productive again.

It is important for Assembly members to discuss occasionally the spirit of sacrifice. The Guardian reminds us:

“THE GREATER the pressure on those who shoulder... Assembly

Please See ASSEMBLY Page 20

Articles are sought

The National Baha’i Archives Committee is seeking copies of newspaper articles on the Baha’i Faith published during the years 1893-1963.

The committee is not interested in paid ads or Baha’i announcements of local meetings. The committee would also like to hear from Baha’is who are researching early newspaper articles.

Please send articles to Mrs. Jane Shum, P.O. Box 132, Monroe, WI 53566.

[Page 16]CLASSIFIEDS

The American Bahai ©

CLASSIFIED notices in The American Baha'i are printec free of charge as a service to the Baha'i community. These notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no commercial or personal messages can be accepted for publication

GREEN ACRE Baha'i School has summer jobs. Needed are an innkeeper to supervise the entire registration, food service, and housekeeping functions; program directors for adult, youth and children’s programs; arts/crafts supervisor; cooks; kitchen help; housekbepers; librarian; night watchman, and others. Must be available from June 20 to Labor Day. Apply to the Green Acre Baha'i School, Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

ARE YOU AN IMP? Would you like to be an IMP? What is an IMP? IMP is short for “Instituto Mdévil de Profundizacién,” or Mobile Deepening Institute, established by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Puerto Rico. If you know Spanish and are willing to spend at least six months in Puerto Rico deepening the believers by driving, with basic expenses paid, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.

BAHA’i COLLEGE youth! Pembroke State University, the first state-supported Indian school in the country, is a wonderful place to obtain an education while helping to strengthen a mass-taught Baha'i community. The school, community and Baha'is are of black, white and Indian backgrounds. Pembroke State is a state-supported fouryear university of about 2,300 students with emphasis in general studies, liberal arts, and education. Especially strong are programs in Indian studies, education, the performing arts, and physical education. There are presently no Baha'i students on campus, but one of the administrative staff is a Baha’i. If interested, contact Greg Myers, Grenada Terrace, Apt. 19, Laurinburg, NC 28352, or phone 919-276-6194.

FACULTY POSITION, while’ you homefront pioneer, is available for fall 1980 at St. Bonaventure University, Olean, New York. Management (policy, organizational behavior, or quantitative analysis) and marketing (chairperson position open); doctorate or ABD. Olean is in the southwestern part of the state, two hours from the nearest Assembly. The Group has seven

adults. Write immediately (enclosing resumé) to Dorothy Hai, Box 68, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778, or phone

716-372-7021 (home) or 716-375-2111 (office).

THE NORTHERN Cheyenne Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana needs homefront pioneers. Mature Baha'is who can settle on the Reservation are sought There are more than 20 Native American believers on the Reservation, but they need help in organizing and carrying forward the work of the Faith. Although isolated, the Northern Cheyenne Reservation receives periodic visits from traveling teachers from three Spiritual Assemblies in the area. Financial assistance is available for

relocating on the Reservation. A limited number of teaching and medical positions are available, but openings are not predictable. Multi-skilled individuals in the trades (carpentry, plumbing, auto mechanics, etc.) have the best chance of finding work. Individuals who can commit themselves for a number of years are preferred, but those who are willing to come for three or more months also will be considered. Please direct all inquiries to the American Indian Teaching Committee, clo Mrs. Cathy Cook, Box 399, St. David, AZ 85630.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY for a homefront pioneer. Wanted: manager for a restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Must be experienced. Write to Parviz Dadressan, 228 Fairview Avenue, Mount Airy, NC 27030, or phone 919-789-3930 and ask for John Bradley.

PIONEERING FAMILY in Fairfield, lowa, welcomes Baha'is to this growing university town of 9,000, 60 miles south of lowa City. Could provide room and board for a person to teach our children prayers in Persian and to tutor in various subjects such as French, art, math, etc. Opportunity for employment and college. Diversified agricultural and industrial community offers stable basis for raising a Baha'i Group to Assembly status. Write to Judy and Peter Asheiman, 406 Carpenter Avenue, Fairfield, 1A 52556, or phone 515-472-8275.

TO STUDY or to pioneer? That is the question! But why not do both? (See Wellspring of Guidance, p. 95) Puerto Rico has accredited universities and no visa problems. B.£.0.G. and other financial aid apply as in the U.S. Spanish is the main language, but one can learn it while taking other subject matter courses in English. Op portunities for pioneering service in Puerto~

Rico are abundant. For information, contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.

WANTED: Believers who are interested in forming a Baha'i cooperative community in the northern Rocky Mountain region. Aspects of the community may include organic gardening, vegetarianism, holistic health care, home education of children, home births, self-sufficiency in regard to food and utilities. Would like to hear from anyone with similar ideas. Contact Dave and Helene Van Manen, P.O. Box 43, Beulah, CO 81023, or phone 303-485-3191.

THE IRISH Baha'i Summer School Committee is encouraging the friends from other countries to attend this year's school, to be held August 10-24 at the Newtown School in Waterford. Facilities include swimming, tennis and other sports, large grounds and a spacious lecture hall. As Ireland is a tourist country, air and sea travel is heavily booked during the summer It is therefore suggested that travel arrangements be made as early as possible. Three types of accommodations are

available at the school: private or family room, dormitory, and camping. The school does not provide sheets or towels; these must be provided by those attending the

The first Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Malden, Massachusetts, held its Recognition Ceremony on February 10. Members of the Assembly are (back row left to right) Peter Stein, Susan Crisp, Donna_Yodlin, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Phil Mor

rison, and (front row left to right) Nick Cardoso,- Alexis Garcia, Linda Meccouri, Dave Weigert. Malden, a city of 60,000, was blessed by a visit from the Master, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, during His visit to the U.S. in 1912.

school. Further details are available from the registrar, Eamon Moane, c/o School of Business Studies, Regional Technical College, Sligo, Ireland.

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY is open for a computer scientist who wishes to change his career from industry to college teaching while helping to strengthen a jeopardized Assembly. The University of North CarolinaWilmington has three openings for assistant/associate professorships. They require a master’s degree plus industrial experience. Salary is competitive. The Wilmington Baha'i community, established 60 years ago through the efforts of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, is only 2 1/2 hours from the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in South Carolina, and only 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and all forms of water sports. Those who wish to inquire further about the teaching positions or other opportunities in Wilmington should contact Donald H. House, 216 Keaton Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403.

GREEN ACRE Baha'i School needs teachers for children's and youth classes for any week from July 4 to September 1 Age groups available are 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-18. Patient, enthusiastic, loving people are needed. Please send a resumé of experience with children and/or youth to Sally Eiler, Green Acre Baha'i School, Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS needed in the heart of mass-taught areas of North Georgia. A lovely country hospital has many immediate openings. For further information, contact the North Georgia District Teaching Committee, 3742 Midvale Road, Tucker, GA 30084

TEACHING POSITIONS are available in Belen, New Mexico, a goal community of 10,000 with no Baha'is in residence. Positions should be open for the 1980-81 school year in elementary education (K-6), secondary (7-12 in a variety of subject areas), special education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational training (trades, agriculture, etc.). Housing is available and reasonable, with Baha'i realtors in the area. An excellent community for families, convenient to Albuquerque, with warm and loving Baha'i communities in the surrounding area. For details, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bosque Farms, clo David Bower, P.O. Box 593, Peralta, NM 87042.

BORREGO SPRINGS, California: A Baha'i is needed to open a new locality in this Southern California desert resort area. Borrego Springs has much to offer—clean a excellent’ schools, recreational opportunities. If interested, please write for more detailed information to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of San Diego North County Judicial District, P.O. Box 1221, San Marcos, CA 92069.

PLUMBER WANTED. A_ Baha’i-owned plumbing business in a small rural eastern Oregon town needs a journeyman plumber. This would help us to reach a goal by helping our Group reach Assembly status. Can you help? Do you qualify? For information, write to Solar Mechanical, D.L. Helmhout, P.O. Box 335, John Day, OR 97825, or phone 503-987-2623.

/

BAHA'I YOUTH: be thinking about a work/teaching project for the summer. Nantucket Island, off the coast of Massachusetts, has a large Group that is working to achieve Assembly status. This is a lovely summer resort with excellent employment opportunities. Finding a place to stay is more difficult, but as a Baha'i you are fortunate, since a Baha'i on the island needs to share a rental. For details, please write to Anna Hall, 7-B Eagle Lane, Nantucket, MA 02554, or phone (evenings) 617-228-2904.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! A giant Art Festival traveling to teach the Faith starts in Sacramento, California, in the spring of 1981. Fine arts, crafts, painting, sculpture, performing arts are to be included. For information and entry blanks, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Sacramento, Box 161252, Sacramento, CA 95816.

HOMEFRONTING and homesteading would go hand-in-hand if you would like to join a Baha'i family in the Central District of North Carolina in a venture to establish a rural farm cooperative and Baha'i community. A self-sufficient lifestyle with use of solar technology, organic farming, and

alternative energy forms will be emphasized. Carpentry, farming, or mechanical skills would be helpful, but are not mandatory. The rural area is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute. Reasonably good employment opportunities are available. If interested, write to Greg Myers, Grenada Terrace, Apt. 19, Laurinburg, NC 28352, or phone 919-276-6194.

CLOVERDALE, a small Northern California town about nine miles north of the site of the former Bosch Baha'i School in Geyserville, welcomes anyone who is interested in helping to build a Baha'i community. The present two-member Group can offer help in finding jobs and housing. Please write to Dale and Diana Hudson, 122 E. 2nd St., Cloverdale, CA 95425, or phone 707-894-4172.

INTERNATIONAL CAREERS: The Baha'i Club at the American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona, invites those with a bachelor's degree to investigate the school’s program. All students take courses in world business, international studies, and modern languages (including English as a second language). No previous study in business is required. For more information, write to the Baha'i Club, AGSIM, Box 548 XL, Glendale, AZ 85306, or write directly to the dean of admissions.

HELP STABILIZE a newly-formed Assembly. Gome to Hamblen County, in East Tennessee. Several jobs are available at Walters State Community College: professor of computer science, instructor of journalism/photography, instructor of fire science technology. For any of these positions, you may write directly to Dr. Neal T. Fentress, dean of administrative services, Walters State Community College, Morristown, TN 37814. Also available are positions for social workers at the Cherokee Mental Health Center. Contact Dr. Dennis Freeman, 615-586-5031.

WANTED: Back issues of World Order magazine. Vol. 1, No. 3(Spring 1967); Vol. 1, No. 4 (Summer 1967); Vol. 3, No. 1 (Fall 1968); Vol. 4, No. 2 (Winter 1969-70). Please contact Kurt Hein, 2740 Hampton Parkway, Apt. GH, Evanston, IL 60201

SANTA CLARA COUNTY South-West, nestled 2,000 feet up in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Northern California, offers homefront pioneers the bounty of serving the Faith in a loving and active community with many unique and exciting programs. Santa Clara County South-West is on Highway 17, only 20 miles from the Bosch Baha'i School, 20 miles from Pacific Ocean beaches, 15 miles from San José, and 60 miles south of San Francisco. The weather is mild year-round. Housing isn’t easy to find, but the Baha'i community is ready to help in every way possible. Jobs are available within commuting distance. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Clara County SouthWest, P.O. Box 433, Los Gatos, CA 95030, or phone (collect) 408-353-1261, or 408-353-1345, day or night.

WANTED: People interested in starting a camp in north-central Pennsylvania to serve handicapped people of all religions including the Baha'i Faith during the camp's off-season. Would be happy to hear from anyone—those with experience serving the handicapped, or those who are handicapped themselves. Write to Mike Sullivan, c/o N. Wallace, 463 W. Princess, York, PA 17404, or phone 717-843-5118.

GREEN ACRE Baha'i School summer workistudy program offers two-week se sions: one week work, one week study. Total cost is the $10 registration fee. There are work openings in kitchen, housekeeping, and children’s school. Applicants must be 15 or older, and must apply and be accepted. Please write for application to Sally Eiler, Green Acre Baha'i School, Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

Declaration adds spice

A declaration added spice to the joyous Naw-Ruz celebration hosted by the Baha’i Group of Lunenburg County, Virginia.

Baha'is from Norfolk shared in the festivities that had a marvelous beginning when Katherine Harris of Norfolk declared her belief in Baha'u'llah on the way to the party.

[Page 17]wee eee Sa ee

coma ownseae ABREU ed

The Baha'i community of Morro Bay, California, organized and sponsored a “Child Information Faire” last October 6 as one of a series of activities supporting the International Year of the Child.

The service project at Veterans Memorial Hall in Morro Bay was designed to acquaint families with the agencies and organizations in that area that provide activities and services for children and young families.

THE FAIR FEATURED a variety of activities for children as well as displays and concessions from a number of agencies and non-profit organizations of special interest to parents.

While parents browsed among the displays, children could talk to “Smokey the Bear,’ enjoy a professional mime, pliant a flower, learn about fire safety, listen to a whale, make puppets, pet a puppy or learn how to care for their pets.

Children’s activities were situated near the center of a large room in the hall so the youngsters could see and be seen by their parents.

In the center of the room was a kiosk

ma

PROCLAMATI

nee

OWNER Pe > =

—

‘Child Information Faire’ fetes IYC in Morro Bay

decorated with posters and quotations about children from the Bahai Writings.

Among the displays along the walls was a table with Baha'i children’s books and other Baha’i literature.

Publicity for the event included flyers whose theme was “Love That Child,” public service spots on radio and television, posters, newspaper articles, and a half-page paid newspaper ad.

PLANNING WAS BEGUN last May, and was assisted by Baha’is from throughout San Luis Obispo County.

In evaluating the effort, the Spiritual Assembly of Morro Bay wrote: “ ...the combination of publicity and personal contact that this project...has engendered for the Faith has helped solidify a social standing in the community which we had not before developed.

“And, large numbers of the very people who are most attracted to the Faith found out about us; they are the volunteer workers, who are committed to the very ideals we are: service to mankind.”

On United Nations Human Rights Day last December 10, the fourmember Baha'i Group in Lamoni, lowa, proclaimed the Faith by formally recognizing three area residents for their work in the relocation of Southeast Asian refugees to this country.

Each of the recipients was given a

calligraphed plaque and a copy of The

Divine Art of Living during an award ceremony at the City Hall in Lamoni.

The gathering was given an international flavor by the presence of a large family from Laos who supplied the audience with delicious egg rolls.

Publicity for the Faith was an objective of the event, and this was realized through front page articles in the local newspaper both before and after the ceremony, the publication of a photo of the award recipients with the mayor of

Hannah Rishel (right), chairman of the Baha'i Group of Lamoni, lowa, presents a plaque and copy of The Divine Art of Living cn behalf of the Baha'is of Lamoni to Mrs. Doris Graybill in recognition of her work in helping to relocate refugees from Southeast Asia in this country. Twenty: one non:Baha'is were among those attending the award ceremony last December 10, UN Human Rights Day, at

3 awards for refugee service given by Lamoni, lowa, Baha’i community

Lamoni, a mention in Lamoni’s “Dial-aNews" service, and paid advertising.

It was found, however, that such an enterprise is in itself a significant service that Baha’is can render to their communities.

ener eos

OPES ET TNE TORE TTY

Youngsters are absorbed by a craft project at the ‘Child Information Faire’ last October 6 sponsored by the Baha'is of

‘Daisy,’ a professional mime, delights two youngsters during a ‘Child Information Faire’ last October 6 sponsored by the Baha'is of Morro Bay, California.

Persian believers on the move

Participants at the five Regional Conference for Persian-speaking Baha'is held in February were encouraged to disperse throughout the U.S. as homefront pioneers or to pioneer to other countries.

As a result of that appeal, two Persian pioneers arrived at their overseas posts in March while approximately 50 other families were actively working to relocate as pioneers on the homefront or overseas.

“WE ARE RECEIVING applications daily from people who want to move to homefront or international pioneering posts,’’ says Dr. Manouchehr Derakshani, a member of the Persian Affairs Committee. “Now it is simply a matter of logistics to implement these moves.”

Farid Tebyani, formerly of La Jolla, California, was the first Persianspeaking believer to pioneer after attending one of the regional conferences.

Mr. Tebyani, who had been living with his family while attending college in San Diego, is now at his pioneering

post in Arequipa, Peru.

Monireh (Zowghi) Sedaghat of Davis, California, left for Lima, Peru, on March 23 for subsequent assignment to a post somewhere in Latin America. She had served previously as a pioneer to Spain.

The rest of Mrs. Sedaghat’s family plans to join her later.

A NUMBER OF other Persian families are undertaking fact-finding trips to South American countries with a view toward settling there, says Dr. Derakshani.

“At the instruction of the Universal House of Justice,” he says, “the Persian Affairs Committee is sending pioneers to Nicaragua. A family of three is about to leave for that country from Falls Church, Virginia.”

Other Persian-speaking Baha'is are investigating the possibility of relocating in Bermuda or the Bahamas.

One family has applied for visas to pioneer to Denmark. Another couple has been offered work in Bophuthatswana, in southern Africa, according to Dr. Derakshani.

May 1980

fair

Morro Bay, California. The was organized to help support the Interna: tional Year of the Child.

Lively discussions with ‘Smokey the Bear’ were among the highlights of a ‘Child Information Faire’ last October 6 sponsored by the Baha'is of Morro Bay, California. The service project provided exhibits for parents and a variety of entertainment for their children.

Article profiles pioneers to Tonga

An article about life in the Tonga Islands of the South Pacific as seen by two Baha’i pioneers to Tonga, Don and Nori Blanks, formerly of Lebanon, Oregon, appeared January 3 in the Sandy, Oregon, Post.

The Blanks pioneered to Tonga in January 1979 to fill a goal of the Five Year Plan. Their adopted country consists of an archipelago of about 150 islands in the South Pacific.

Both are teachers in that country’s only institution of higher learning. It provides a high school education for students whose average age is 21.

The article mentions that the Blanks are Baha'is who went to Tonga because of their “commitment to the Baha'i Faith.”

Concert salutes Intercalary Days

Ada Marie Lehman, a member of the Santa Barbara/Goleta J.D. Baha'i community in California, had an unusual Ayyam-i-Ha idea.

Mrs. Lehman, a teacher at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Arts, is an accomplished pianist who has made solo performances with the Santa Maria Symphony Orchestra and has accompanied many soloists in the Los Angeles area.

Mrs. Lehman told her Spiritual Assembly that she would like to present a concert and contribute the proceeds to the Baha’i Fund.

her request led to a public concert sponsored by the Baha’i Club of the University of California at Santa Barbara, with help from the Assembly.

Publicity included 300 mailed invitations, posters, and paid ads and a feature article in the local newspaper.

The concert program stated that Mrs. Lehman was dedicating her performance to the Baha'i Intercalary Days and included a brief explanation of Ayyam-i-Ha.

During intermission, about 10 people asked Mrs. Lehman questions about the Faith. A catered reception was held

Evanston party nets $3,300 for Seat

An Ayyam-i-Ha party last February 23 in Evanston, Illinois, included an auction that raised $3,300 for construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

The party was sponsored by the Persian Consolidation Committee of the metropolitan Chicago area whose first auction, last November, raised $4,200 for construction of the Seat of the House of Justice.

Two musical groups performed for the approximately 200 people attending the February party, held at Kendall

the City Hall in oni The consultation that resulted from _ following the concert. College in Evansto:

[Page 18]PERSIAN PAGE

The American Baha'i 18

(Strate Times) 42 AH! sutsyne ser ya easily S ae, 0 ab ape len geome enka Sa 99S cree SL eI wap Seal Sle BSS. 5 Teme: dene Laces lt Cyt 5st pho aie or

le Slob 5 tle oe Std ava Los TIF 590 settee ee dle ble pb el pls wes Ligeia aa eagoet, o5as e5s algal Casalgs GL page es lcay totreoe 5 leo Sigs yee go gly RAE! 159 5

ag ls erty 518 oe et et gg lane y Jaren aye Le qpels oT catige’s Seyiend aatee ca JE

DY S hy ere ee ber saree 9985 oT 32 9 sore wel oy!

pelo El eet oT, esc!

ele! sage Ba he rl SI Ce et! pesaipaatiey eas laa 30 c 5 as EG lye go

(oiled SUT wy lpn (at ls ee SUT sy! pole GoeS! Solel sb 5! Breer 8 ole UN Le as TS S85 51 hd uc ety yD. LS ye Jae Clee AVA JL el eG Ny tem IS gy! eye eee ee doe ee hl y EL! YE ep de ole EL oe GL le ates Citi Solely! aS Sle ye pe st ek ypee Oia Grads 5) as Senate |

Tea wo bay, rule HIE! poeta aS sh SUT aly Gs Sails eae

fs) CARTER Oy 1G pligar 9 cca igs ES ee feed as [oil-e leas tava: el jieagieeatesy,

ily Glan gies pte Vighatpeys spe see Seal)

el ee IS Ly! ee GL iy ass Sls sire eaesy sa lyaes eeShegs CLN 6 Tee slp S pS, Vaya 95S 92 S05 MI ee JL gb Dessay ioe , ale a pots tele See pe go ey! Seep ren Atlan gs aSwanagr aay ys wjser—s eg BAe gt Seats A ype Se T(r Gundry ) " Tomorrow Belongs to the Children” (a Wo Ses glans tsp)

SasTans. Ue ol laby! Soy pcbasl, jad eb Gs S555 AULT Gnd tee,

»—+")Mid-Ocean News st~ ¢4~—> tart cotast Ey ced 53 (re Lal ey lah GBpipgeremtansy Sos ese tress (Honorable David Gibbons) —S-> Sas GLE Garpeels ys Ngee yeyy eens efteticy Live Nacas Lanne crear tgSov2 ly) pm Lees 9 Gl paees Says pl gar le goss) aa o as yee ae 9) pind Spe sled OSS te

(irs. Georgia Hr! ub lee ee Slope lowed 5+ Sanchez-Stevens) Se cS gan oS Goes LL 8 9 Te Nope 9 So 9S LL! (Dr. Victor Araujo) 9 !2 1 494%3 AS9 o has Wrsicails Gud ieee waxes SAS ys bt gb Styne a gL lasopijdpua tg Ugaes SiS GLE gar Dyer cytes a9 S J Sas

pele ob GS by, 0 so Be S yyy Boe go Wye ete L

eb

wl (sa Sharp) —

laa te Nope le ley, Same LS iy Ves Pees coal ek Jarier ae aie Jaime go7IS eT tgs LE Sent 65) joke Gasietda LUN Lennie Gao) Nae a n elns Ydtine Soi ghs gbine

GLAU po SHU Le Te oie aH! eles CI cel pel Je Ly Lig 30 Toerece yam yo aeslya, aS lings eae pty, RS ey MS ly) base obs a! ed Gharib seat ately Ly tas tas ea aS peas FIRS UMS TAS | gal META

Sy Spe LL ple oh Jin was JUSS UL HENGE pegs 9 SS Clim spe I! lee Gb pe lye oe! Joe

ince

$95 Tac aesy Sig cls)

Hamat Le Gl psi IS IS 9 S55 ue sm een hy doshas ieSe MTL cian anne pS SASHA Nees; Bea /L aie le bp yy! yo S ELS Sp sls CL cl rbse ley thy re er lee Ly tgeles byt pera ora lpeiecael seme taj lS ieans 9 coh baat Sas ccm Nyy lane gee! aad he warys ale Uy! G1 Sa jatley Ly fa) pases Shot VioeSi6 155 pls lal olely! pe bbl! ROS st ele

gle lsat gill cle! jy! slant Slel ek sala Eby sly tle sae ngas 51 iy cohen gS: tye gy bed age) U crete JpSt3 jad 6S plage bby ghee Ses 9 sab ipa yie aS} Eh Aho aly Fl tile geal das Vly ogee st ty ed tidy gp! Lule & ae bss elke bi yy UL, Jane LSI ls ye opps LLG gt oUt en Vel sg VIET 5G lo9! hae 2g tee We le eg ge Gleb rally 1d Gllade oilSadowuyagay, Gast 5p Sam oie amet cen! Ny anet and Gel ce Upp e pte Sy) tl Ss 5 Weel > Paces pels

Olas go le secens 5

Ce Se

ee ae Hg a ey GEG yy ss See ye MELea icity, | eee otne ao eat S asa LUI GT phe yop Ula 52 Flathead County

poe Ube Sse OLD. Maulgee aoa; seat esa Nese Eesti pall ey Mam Ip l l aea Ls

Re Gis

WEST aeseea te heal ac

dere gle Se I pe IL rr lin! er le yo le ep! Dye ay! deem ok Sa NUS pe phe Jat ENDO HC Maas, Sk a eepei Ms cass Spe ee bel ello Le ee UL ke lee el ep pale lp Jy

Social Salto nds gacamrauslad Sg DLE SLES IIL! jo LE SOU Pag is a a a HEL rea lr ple & soy che! be cae bea fac Ld hal ie putes

Lean pgibeets Linh singe Vly aa eee aby bbls sleek ale slaw

yee oe pe Stl ole jot ba PES US Was Coals tages uh eS ye Ut ly RT AS URI a Se Rie as a GSS UT (MAM yao sslphike ges has Us gos POSS Wegener 9 cee) od Sree al BI ;T cbs yen serats ah Leengueet soit Mee taste) tke eta Ncactoteteh cae Wart

EP See aneey BRS ga lee Vechten LoS Oilenlyaidolesa EU IL Sy pogs eens Seo 1k, ile Var LG a I Slenlgas Chl ley AS \ai-4 BULA LH GSUj spe olen VS 5s Laced bose SE eyed oust aly aglas ey Nea go lpg! Ney ees pata tS a gd Shine Nyige Updo Sey) Ng Swale

fabs bbls JIG I!

(J ree gba le PI oI y pel

wish lo oy WB la Se glgs ey lnas Sas Sree yey he IE Le L Ss ee eb > ee pe ae

2 (Miguel Pozo ) 9297 JS~ SLT te gy sob iI SL ers WS ope lays SS LIL eT NS eatin aesa ils ey Cpl ipees aS Ny Slang G1S955 4S aS aS 2 ghn ps dey bl Gps ley ty LIL 3! opt oS pa jhbl Ly Bl Wig BERR | Dad AD aC RE | Fy lew. grec ie besas sel So Corea pe gaye Saas 9 pe we Sle rhe LM byes Le pains WSiaS) Spsie Shae eS Sais, Ua, Ul Magy GAGS ol jag Un Sata

‘ ASS WIE Ni gina ete

LSS wes ia oe sig, Ua OE as eT aa as Beli y Lannie Vans geist ema lne oy tress Ge SasSh.e5) Sceptesiey hess Vasco telt nace Jip Ia pr gas Sg Glo SL yan Aiea QUES ST SB ig tersads, ght Ny ale we lastoes gp © 29S G WSs me enaraaoun gui, sacats masts 9 ONT ew re gs SH Le py rae, (PSS Fog MDM Mgt gs 5° lao Sie) ay SoySiislaagh, “arya. ST ieee ERS SSL en MESHES TSA) (as Lay BE CERN 4); abe Gs sds 0S:

otsT seep be oe eee!

wth SS Slee eee be pL S955 Sips dy at sagen fas AS aM elaeie gli ceLig the ed ea, rhb! gle pol, Isto OTs

at apt su Fee ls labs Wass ps ye Laat

Mae 5

lage oe te ee ele

Peas AS Wan GN kee i ad | naka hol Cy jae eke: JEU ae h igalie pera)

Pas 8 Rca wc ae ak jc

alte!

igi! ie tees amy

A crater dry

> (Gracias a Dios)

S Sila ls a

eyes: eeu

SU BGs Lith ity Ws a

Ses eer i

pred Go anda ea aS

vlelole (Bill Stover) ort | i succes Mass acids Nae ike pine

sols agatha

bape! encvoe ieesia, aigiies gh ass cee eS pe a fa Tyas 3S Ga we i ee Lae ee oe cee EC cat eee Ce els ap aS ah atten Aan east TAS pac) hea lea Fiala eae ey) batite + pleshgnue

fe Nels cpa

Roeerrenerosne

ig ccs Bice Nia pO

Guay eau.

Fy Sch Vib Gd bya ati AMC BMORDN SNe ae ae al Up

as MiSs5 3 (Landaiva): UpeNan vases: errs Je Gee ae als SSS Eas

ay St key the Bees d is, asi iycauyl tees eleStes gy eal: sce salads gallate aii aifg ld) Gh saan al ge SISSY YUM ag Tasha cays | Poet, GL ela a ans RI a aS UN ea oes ae Mau tie Mi st ae Ce aa et ey He Le ogee

SUS yak SS Uda He hal eke eS ae

oe st

SP Osetebe cuss ya pal, cise See |

ep) COIR IAT eae Ry nes FURST es arent, Gees Le Vals sgaeal eas Oi Ts easy Gal 00Ny SULIS Ry ot, Be SU Pan oe eee, se plo

aiTSIk)) Lesa atasanessyes ieee trys Ble ral) ps 6 MUGGa yap, ESMGIDN SOBA AG eee iis. alten Dirac telat diate eal tc PAs De Se Sle pe ans aasee

BS GMM aces yer aS ee ee

phe SS ol cal pen 255 pl, wor vl ogy Jel iS OU Lt ple tegen el OT rns ee ble awe el tee OO we liay ole pat tes aly Ny oye pled SUS ploy 2S Nanri y gt ae pla! Bye le GLb Ne sl poly ps LUss) phe oe,

(Cotama rer bre a Seb slp Sry bSua'ss earns RSS ess a NL ty a aac Spee Subp ee oe le poly y Boban is will, Gacd be ery een AON ras ls ot ds ple wp yale epee ort! eis) be pride ir cease arte acs pao Fier ls 5isip7 Seana pela 9 Gee NN atk: hk pee iat Se Tee call ad aS aN Gaal 13588 Cs SU BIE ins big LN oa a a este pate? 2 AS Sly eth ee ge

POCA eg rca bey

v'—+ Quechua) >t

Sh SU pei, L pet

Syl SoG NS. ol NE, EL US eS SSS ets sas Clas cai) Las Pianta os Sl) aS gute ceamtiens (aeeas eobigeia pani gd atenilaty ist bem araly) dail aS Nay aR ara Gen a oy a a ssapihimie isc ice. Neen roles Ze TD. i)

tt gp HP Sob Me pe iS sesh

SA aac ee peergnas sls

Pee CN atau OSes staan no 5 a ep iatom nmgsin eee? te ya pee Ua jt glee na S LSS saLwtey kyo pe stone y gains palette

eT NPN aie, iN aL,

er SE EE Jb like day 92S eye Sleme sy, Ig! Shae sodas Cele seis a acca tN IS aly Ble Sea eas Guus Stee Teatoy ool Lip bsS se AIS ea MES Nts Ss AT

ay pela a kl sy ele ge 9 aly ashes Gey 25S MeN eta) 3) aye we bey I pe ok ys L Bee Clas! wr egy Jame eal Seed) lat Ped Ngley Sa yS eh Yast yvos yg jaihSill cele ly da oS (Maria Perugachi) ~———an LL eS Ot re 9! Li dyyye Gg Led pL CL

ple nc Seas ST oa

bs (Clemencia Pavon de Zuleta)

gb Ml yas gy ee lel L LS: antes yi legs espn

REO NO Istesias le olen 8 Nore tynay SOS stl gral Soap slanns tee (Anne Miller) pbs GT eG en © Ue Vs lasy yy Ui sayy ably SEs Geis et aay tee gle yp gree pul oe by, eG et ele Sires pl JUbI Geel elt oy py ey Pps Saye dermis Th ages Jay tae Saar SLT 43, LL gh be gh way Sie asi Tay LSB ySielill yy 1

Rac NENENS Sette Maries EA WW ASC as VAN eg ay psig” as be dope ext “(Choza) 'y2—— 7 Sola aemgee tee

Les SL ja oS gabe L gale & any

Penner eB BFS IST EE IR SE TO IELTS TRE ER ESI ET SES ATE EE TT

[Page 19]

PERSIAN PAGE

May 1980

VY,

a » @

=4}{1

SL 4.

SS a by ropes tlhe! 25093,5

SNS ae Jo gees axel pe obs? Gleiowsly 5! GE aTemcgee oly 1 lS Sigal SSN 523) ay 5a csssloal acre oass) ga ot Shr 59317 5900 Oy rely ml comet 5 599 99 2S oe splot gaan Sy s8Iy2 Slay shee LE 2 22's bay a! Se eel y n2') cle! (tavala) Yb! 59 gle wel, GUS LST Ny aergee gt leds oeea!y 9! La See S bse IL 39 Sh Sho Wana pte aS (GL Nae ae b52) (Cutcocha) Se oe sale ST 2 OES cp es (Cajas) or eS oh ah Ot 5! aa S a the petty hepte poe tates Lee Set oe sg pala axel Ncee Vy—* 390 01 ose! om Ie Vem a ly PBS ees ope pS ee y lat (aS NS ss SS 3 G55 ol cle otal yi ess Ce eS st Sedans tS ayy pyY sarcelzyeys 2b! pol, a5 Sage pS 5S (ael 01h Abe = Ue ore Saas ols PEI bly! cetyl goby) Sal WES cp lo sl, Sle ily ph mm aay ays ols G5S It 9 CneedS gM igre poly ps a psy 5 Byte GG yh ane (dey ante olin, Silps GELS YIZGI LI yo 9 MEE 59 ply Ime & ile poly DSI a 0535S Gar polcole’ 51 DN Ade pyr S terpenes GT yl yr yyer RL Jy ples pened See 50 opeye oly Bp S EU Ghose patel as et ee yg er Ie the rem Hl ye TS Sp- yore one S +978 12a! opr Sole ob glys

ty Ng? ey pba S ay PARLE 5h gs La Ds ole 9 97S po es GL Gs LL GT Se Gly 1) eto tortye Gls OS Slap, bla pa wa pI ut as Sys) 0S Ones SL wal, pI EL eso po leas ly pantayayS) NanllGe ys 5S i lpedeyhSam -a5pa)a, gly 0,5 LLe sarjo FSS UI ayy “Tat, US 05 Bacay

eats lyst eylolnnt, ae cone ytd lily, Jum LS 50g gam peel GTS, Us IIL 51 aS 255 DUS Sears oats) oN SMlasp oS saTyoye Lays th OLSl— as50, 10! sda Spel 50

997 —SUIN gpd ey tye Sous as Cd My, 9) SMe GgSp 02ND pgenn'y) epteld ree Gy S09 |g AT yng Sia 90. 49) SHS PSs Gas isle cast nO Sp S/S sigs ues eet Flags Sle poly gael ogeg 9 aloe yale

col

Thee tle” jl ee ae ll

VAYA ge Nye

Pe 5 oe 85m 01ST yo Ee oly PonSee 5145 19 SLs,

Boe eas os AVR; HLS

2219S! SILI Sop ble geal 49 Sysl AWE al) Lass Ss 59p tae 95S Nee Ny ogy sree tae tt gt 50'S! gle obs Jam Gon soe ileheaes, 1 asta SP iL Us) uate IL Seek GET aT en ob Goer ag sagSasay be aly asd, a EeaPliGlas 4S: Ses yo eh Gedy eae Jee wuss

(Sr. Matute)

DIF gl aes aye Ld ess gt ae JL Sans ta Ly tra a es Soe the Wee 9 edly ce wd PL Sins Lane ap lelensle 4 lb! salons slob) pei sh oieg mers Se pe eat ape dere 9 LO! cts (9 asl bmen 5315S go prort ics two Same Sol LS pts ot GIT otc v—r(Dean Stephen) pw eal erp Sole rely le aS eign NO ae pe Demag ees ne pes et pee 99? ote lta yh Sas SUI GL Gal sb ES oS eS oan

ra ly ole we

oreelowsiGhtl

pe ae gato tol ps Gla IS Gane eels & Syl GUT & Ip y bE wat at SLs (Quito) rtS 2 he ba, SEs 00 Ge ae LE ae by gy ap toby UST ote goby, James l alos Le, rn tees rN) Clee tye Sle Sarre p> epee UI See gl cant

wae pag9S ty 3S ey! 1

PS op Pot A GY OSL ab lS 1s 4 55% LS Sp ree GUESS oS 7 7! gees de9 7S Aanne gato gh 9b per hnget SAS 5 peedege 73192 Sa) paceSeeso eo aea iol eloallcad ya <—S 95 (Ralph Dexter) 2-52-42 492 7— D> ge ge gy Jane ther le 9 eet rae ASP SERS ef Sater 5M GMS WKS wales SU Ls Sal ys oaye aay gaol, oS! 8390 ae ea») pS SaaS Soacs Ny tsa Lies Les,

SS re) rere)

Ss? ay IL Sey, ae Sas vols 9 SLs SS rae hee 1 dy 3152 oS at ye eel le Sag a eB 5 Saat eb 5 LN agheg Sa nol ON tg as yy Leta get gy dS 9) 6918 tee eg: 9 22 1S) ole elegy Jame pat lle goes SS rae ae SIT Caer 04S 5 aerate ace oe

Ve pole ol pl Vy ok galyS tls y CN ee Layne 9 tS ees BS Gee SO pee OG galyS pb cede gh bey Get

abl eat ently 54> 5 ahd GS 50 wens jl oll lel

erties ldT 5 eal ys 59 opp oS 51 GS” Eb wassIsalioeyels shGslsaiaesse st WS ts ete g NaS glee pe GMP as Leela estes, Tada pe ce oe! eee eben, le eS iii, esos esc. IE! ele © yt Lae oy pe Seygae ss tal alps, Ls S751 pa Wy) 5S ain Nye Lee aaa alte jo

sas tings WU Gals bes Gail py Le De PI ee lee oy jolene” SSS ko lst cel galls pe ey yt Gn MS yo

Soe Seep USI estes cle pops

hyd y2 S slags jh lanl) SiG 13 VMeeae US Ui aay tae JL Nt pt le by, Same

wt let aL ae Se Jee is FE, SS 5251) ote

Be SesT bys) LNs, Tolga Me ble ge es SS pop le ro Be & a Sa Blot, Gol) stasis Soe I! ley Ja CsI SS 5 ES es! syle ph Sp elas ee bows na SES kas GT plese lies les Sa eo eT oye Jue GT B38 Saves SN penesey Sallie 5) BSacssioasben (5 Joel lle!) 5 was blll sdeySetes pe Ny ye! Joi GTS 55513 oats Sy Le JSum 17 go eae thy aS ply ey aitest ae Ae Glee Neegleeailas yaa Uses te ET jo SSeS Set 12 Sor CON Jos os (ana Up oghaanbersy SI yo aS wes WT wy wl pS ph yp hy ats py Lwtet sha bh yp UL 9 Spy Sy) test,

Beales seems

Tees the wl)

VW 9 SS sleepy gt lanl) pe peryh stay Ky eek bh, ee wt

(seb ea JL,I ote!

SAYA peTtevyte Gyyme eng hyd etn 7S ine ols gt! pel Jato, Lvl te CEL yl enol! Lele gh ky, tile se ltl ene ole pt ag b QJLs b tyhee 22 elie! pest le! eos Ble we otiys lel sh eels tas 545 Vb 5s “Ls! Jr yb ph slab Wate otal Nepane Tyo Sab ppd ate Lame GT piel phpadaolcign Golbailing Gales Spy veasga est

Ws ay oy! gla gop le lanl 5s ort Sls Dalam ot gee 32 S pre Salas yl

pe 1S naman SS I teh Le SI

peel Jad ney gl Songs syle oT

IS heey gytey pel peel ae Sih Ob IS os SL JL! ete Jane el pee yeah 5! WOY 9 oF SLL 59 SI el ok,

LAN GT Syed one cle! eae SILA! vrke Slab cle! Whe ale Ib oe!

Bete S Some ele pet Sle! G pesto g—etas BL pA GT yo pel le wy

saa 3G, !

poke egies lio laays

SS pt Jat ty ts

os VAVA me bo To a Aan Line

glee aay

RAEN aS Coo UMN pall lige totes bens De tp th ee yo ls I WL hye QUIT els a dy SL, Wile UST jo ISLS GIS Gb a pe Os ae SSNS 2 Gabe plod aor (gt bp) FECL Ln! oS 0 Se OT tC

eek ogee Liyy! oo elt sled 5!

pay at lp De oT

o—-@$-_— Le 9p

2, eovey WM

gree el lle ol ley, dim

pe PID See eH hae Ja Loney ae gp Le Sl nene glee pla” syle 9 JUG 5 Stop GEL oT uy! thes Sete S Joly oe Gel 5! 5 aydhee e LS oat U phe gl oTo bay!

byes g cela UT gelpel glo ly ya land vaya a Pepassilg ya ey Deeg 2883, Ud pt GhU ,Usst 53 5 pS, Sse Ty yr elas lyse g Pa JU Nd el gt

ane ge lye 92 gael pte WLCoy Jus

So gh Man LS Js aol yo rn ee ligle 235 5 pelesys lye sles pe Ie ol Las SUI) iy 2s jy Sy ah eng? 9p ny See joe Spe go lye Glee Gls oy peer, ©)? oF Jb yo ty es sale Wary jasc ta,, Some ne obey, dam Signo S 241, 5, L-p! byl Se Nate plat ote BS 6 peas Mayol MoheShaccay eal ~ ipa pS na ase SMa a PN Sb 52 Sp Oyo ty pe AA Lye Ss Se egy Sam shee 9 le 99!) yet! AS

(ov ey bee ph bee elle ey Len ty Jas)

[Page 20]

The American Baha’

Baha'is from the Rocky Mountain area and as far west as California gathered last September 29-30 at the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for the fourth annual commemoration of ‘Abdu'l-Baha's visit to Glenwood Springs during His visit to the U.S. in 1912. The Master stayed overnight at the hotel en route from the East Coast to California. Among those taking part in the commemoration were Auxiliary Board members Margaret Gallagher, Dennis Jenkyns and Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi. A public meeting was held September 29 at the Hotel Colorado.

Assembly

Continued From Page 15 responsibilities, the greater the reward and the richer the blessings vouchsafed to those who willingly and gratefully sustain this... burden.” (Principles of Baha’i Administration, p. 49)

The more we sacriffte our time to our Spiritual Assemblies and for His Cause, the more we are guaranteed the blessings of God. This is our great bounty as Baha’is.

One of the sacrifices an Assembly member must make is to agree to meet regularly. Too often, Assemblies try to get by with as few meetings as possible.

If Assembly members will remember that they have the responsibility of providing spiritual leadership in their city, they will begin to recognize that sucha responsibility requires frequent and regular consultation.

The Spiritual Assembly should discuss its meeting times openly and frankly, aiming toward developing a schedule that will accomplish what Baha'u'llah wants of us, rather than developing a schedule that provides only a minimal opportunity to meet.

IF AN ASSEMBLY does not discuss this matter thoroughly, members may not become sufficiently motivated to make the necessary adjustments in their personal lives so that the work of the Faith can be done.

Finally, Spiritual Assemblies must have fun! Too often, the drudgery of meetings can cause the members’ senses to become dulled. And too often, Assembly members who meet together regularly don’t really Know one another.

Potluck dinners, Assembly retreats, outings, luncheons, prayer meetings, and other social activities can aid tremendously in building Assembly cohesiveness and camaraderie.

Family members of Assemblies should be invited to these events. In other words, it is vitally important for Assembly members and their families to have fun together.

We have presented many issues in this series. Hopefully, you and your Assembly have found the discussions useful. We are all working toward that time when, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha expressed it, we can honestly say:

“We have gathered in this spiritual assembly, united in our views and thoughts, with our purposes harmonized to exalt Thy Word amidst mankind.” (Baha’i Prayers, p. 155) ES

Service for the Blind AVAILABLE NOW: In Braille or on tape—

Tablets of Baha'u'llah

The Priceless Pearl

Selections From the Writings of

the Bab

The Revelation of Baha'u'llah

(Volumes 1 and 2)

plus more than 80 other titles

For a printed catalog write: BAHA'I SERVICE FOR THE BLIND “3110 East Lester St. Tucson, AZ 85716

8-day Oregon

teaching effort is followed by 18 enrollments

An eight-day street teaching effort in March in two counties of Western Oregon resulted in 18 enrollments, most of whom are pre-college age youth.

The formation of two to three new Local Assemblies is anticipated as another result of the special teaching project.

Five to 10 teaching teams composed~ of youth and adults were on the street each day. Participants included members of the District Teaching Committee as well as Auxiliary Board member Paul Pettit and two of his assistants, Kim Kimmerling and Jack Stone. Mr. Stone served as project coordinator.

The teaching effort, suggested for the spring school break by a high school student in Ashland, Oregon, took place in Sandy, a suburb of Portland, and in cities in Polk and Lincoin counties.

Spiritual Assemblies and Groups agreed to carry on consolidation work with the new enrollees who live in their areas.

They were given the names and addresses of individuals who responded positively to the teaching effort

Continued From Page 9

tional Education Committee, providing transportation—especially during Pioneer Training Institutes—and

research into vocational, educational

and travel opportunities.

All but one of the present Goals Committee office staff have served as pioneers.

“While pioneering or overseas teaching experience isn’t essential, | think it helps a lot,” says Mrs. Suhm.

Doug Allen, a third generation Baha'i and a former pioneer, holds a degree in sociology from the University of Rhodesia.

Clare Katz has pioneered to Liberia where she used her degree as a physician’s assistant to run a village health program.

Karen Wood pioneered for 12 years to Barbados in the West Indies. She and her family plan to pioneer again soon,.this time to South Africa.

Completing the present staff are Kim King and its newest member, Valerie Smith, who has worked at the National Center for three years.

MRS. SUHM, who has a master’s degree in social work, pioneered to Morocco during the 10 Year Crusade. Her father, the late Curtis Kelsey, served ‘Abdu’l-Baha by installing electricity in the Holy Shrines at the Baha’i World Centre in 1920-21.

Before coming the the National Center three years ago, Mrs. Suhm was assistant director of an alcohol rehabilitation program in New York State.

Goals Committee profile

From working with pioneers and traveling teachers, the Goals Committee staff has learned about two often neglected but important considerations.

“| think there are many people who. make vacation trips and don’t think about doing some short-term teaching as a part of that trip,’ says Mrs. Suhm.+

Says Miss King: “Many people don’t believe they could be of any help on such a short-term basis, but that simply isn’t true.”

The staff asks that believers who are planning a vacation or other trip out of the country contact the Goals Committee office as soon as possible before the start of the trip so that a teaching itinerary may be planned for them.

AT TIMES, National Spiritual Assemblies submit requests for traveling teachers, as the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas did last December. In response to that request, eight American believers spent a month there.

The other often-neglected but important consideration has to do with pioneering.

“Prospective pioneers sometimes experience pressure from their families to remain in this country,” says Mrs. Suhm. “They must be careful to resolve any problems with their families before leaving.”

As pioneering provides confirmations and spiritual growth along with its tests, so it is for those believers who labor in the Goals Committee office at the National Center.

When the Baha'i

children of Upton, Massachusetts, met recently for their first class and learned of the inability of the friends in Iran to contribute to the Funds, they decided to make a colorful Fund box and elect a class treasurer to send

regular contributions to the National Fund. Members of the children’s class are (front row left to right) Nickolas Paulson, Badi Salmon, Eric Paulson, and (back row left to right) Tonya Paulson, Toshua Paulson, Heather Paulson.

Benefit supper held

On Sunday, March 2, the Baha'is of Ulster County, New-York, sponsored a benefit supper for Indo-Chinese refugees at the New Paltz campus of the State University of New York.

Proceeds from the event were donated to UNICEF and to a local group, “Citizens Concerned About Indo-Chinese Refugees,” which has sponsored one refugee family and hopes to help more refugees out of their distressing situation.

A “special” dinner was served consisting only of a small portion of plain rice. It served to remind those who attended that hunger is an ever-present concern among the countless thousands of refugees throughout Indo-China.

[Page 21]The American Baha'i

May 1980

Allah-Kuli Kalantar: memories of a rich life

EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW PASSING ABLE LIFETIME SERVANT CAUSE ALLAH-QULI KALANTAR. ASSURE WIDOW FAMILY PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

°

GRIEVED PASSING DEVOTED ENTHUSIASTIC SERVANT BAHA’U’LLAH ALLAH-KULI KALANTAR. HIS DEDICATED FAR-REACHING SERVICES TEACHING FIELD HERE AND ABROAD OVER PERIOD MANY YEARS GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED. SYMPATHIZE LOSS ALL MEMBERS FAMILY. PLEASE BE ASSURED OUR PRAYERS HOUSE OF WORSHIP FOR PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ° News of the death last August in Middletown, Connecticut, of Allah-Kuli Kalantar prompted the editor of The American Baha’j to reprint the following article that he wrote during a visit by Mr. Kalantar to Macon, Georgia, nearly a decade ago. The article was written for a non-Baha’i readership.

He’s a small, quiet man with sleepy eyes and a fringe of gray at the temples—the sort who would be easily lost in a crowd or pass unnoticed on the street.

Nevertheless, Allah-Kuli Kalantar of Tehran, Iran, has led an extraordinarily eventful and abundantly satisfying life—and he shows little sign of slowing down at the age of 70.

Mr. Kalantar arrived in the U.

in

, 1914 with his uncle, Dr. Ali-Kuli Kahn,

who was head of the Persian Embassy in Washington.

YOUNG MR. KALANTAR studied chemistry at the universities of Utah, Chicago and Illinois. He worked for a time as a chemist and later, when his uncle opened the Persian Art Center in New York City, he became its manager.

He continued in that capacity for several years, during which time he gained considerable knowledge of the symbolism of design and color in Oriental art, a subject on which he continues to lecture today.

Mr. Kalantar spent a large part of his adult life on the East Coast, working at the arts center and as a chemist for such large companies as Shell Oil, Texaco, the Socony Vacuum Oil Company, and the DuPont Company.

He married a New Yorker and they had two sons, Alfred and Kenneth. In 1955, when both of the boys were in college, he and his wife decided it was time to honor more fully their lifelong commitment to God.

They sold their modest home and moved to San José, Costa Rica, to

teach religion to the people of that country and to demonstrate by their presence the oneness of mankind and the blessings of unity, harmony and cooperation among all the peoples of the world.

FROM SAN JOSE, the Kalantars moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, and later to Manizales, Colombia. During their 10 years in Central America, Mr. Kalantar served as a member of many regional and national committees.

Meanwhile, son Alfred became an associate professor of physical chemistry at the University of Alberta, Canada, while Kenneth took a position as professor of physics and mathematics at the Inter-American University in San German, Puerto Rico.

The Kalantars returned to this country in 1965 and set up housekeeping in Meriden, Connecticut. Allah-Kuli, however, was soon off on another teaching trip, this time to Canada and then back across the U.S.

He has been on the go ever since, speaking on radio and television, at colleges and high schools and to civic clubs and church groups, while Mrs. Kalantar keeps busy with a full-time job as secretary for a state welfare agency and writes a weekly newspaper column aimed at Meriden’s large Spanish-speaking population.

Allah-Kuli refuses to admit there is a generation gap. He is happiest when addressing groups of young people, as he did Wednesday at Mercer University, Wesleyan College and Macon Junior College.

“THESE YOUNGSTERS,” he says in his throaty voice, “are the hope of the future. We must show them that although cultures may differ, people are basically the same wherever they may be.

“This is what | attempt to do in my lectures on Oriental art. We show that there is a rich cultural heritage flowing from east to west and from west to east.

“There are differences, yes. But these shouldn't divide us. Rather, we should rejoice at the many expressions of beauty that man has been inspired to create.

“And man has been inspired, make no mistake about that. The Source of that inspiration is always the same: the God Who created us all, Who showers His infinite love on us all, and Who shelters us all beneath the tent of His mercy and compassion.”

He'd have said more but | couldn't get him to sit still long enough.

Placing his hat in one hand and his ever-present slides in the other, Allah Kalantar said his goodbyes and left to spread the message of hope and comfort to other people in other cities and towns.

We were sorry to see him go. ...

Archives Committee is seeking papers of prominent believers

The National Baha’i Archives Committee has undertaken a systematic program to locate and acquire, if possible, the personal papers of Baha’is of national import whose papers are not already in the National Baha’i Archives.

The committee has identified more than 160 Baha'is 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 would like to learn the names of descendants of early Baha’is, whether Baha’i or non-Baha’i, so that they might be contacted, to try and locate these personal documents.

Among the papers being sought are those of Robert Abbott, Arthur Agnew, Albert Hall, Alain Locke, Howard MacNutt, Willard and Doris McKay, ElFreda Spaulding, and Chester |. Thatcher.

Anyone who has information about the personal papers of these or other early Baha’is is asked to write to the National Baha’i Archives Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ALLAH-KULI KALANTAR

Dakin memorial held in Laramie

SADDENED LEARN PASSING CHARLOTTE DAKIN ORLICK. HER PATIENT UNASSUMING PIONEER SERVICE WITH HUSBAND MEL IN WyYOMING FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS IS STERLING EXAMPLE DEDICATION CAUSE. OFFERING PRAYERS PROGRESS HER SOUL.

Universal House of Justice

.

A memorial service for Charlotte Orlick, who died last December 27, was held February 2 in Laramie, Wyoming.

Mrs. Orlick, who lived for a number of years in a small cabin in Laramie, had made frequent trips to the Wind River Indian Reservation to teach the Faith and attend gatherings. «+

Mrs. Orlick had taught speech at Northwestern University in Illinois and in Los Angeles before moving with her husband as homefront pioneers to Laramie in the 1940s.

Mrs. Herbert, pioneer to Hawaii

To the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Los Angeles

“Hawaii Baha’i community grieved passing Serrita Camargo Herbert who endeared herself to all in Hawaii as an individual and an outstanding Baha’i. She settled on Kauai Island for nine years and assisted formation Assembly there. She served on Hawaii National Assembly several years and directed international pioneer travel teaching staff served on National Teaching Committee represented Faith on state UNICEF Committee and worked on Hawaii Baha’i TV series. “Her tireless efforts for Faith stirred others to serve more fully. She was friend to all and credit to Faith in its

Mrs. Reynolds dies

Mrs. Irene B. Reynolds of Beverly, Massachusetts, a Baha’i for 30 years, died March 6 following a long illness.

Mrs. Reynolds, whose teachers included Harlan Ober and Dr. Elizabeth Kidder, served on the Spiritual Assembly of Beverly up to the time of her passing. She was well known at the Green Acre Baha'i School in Eliot, Maine, where she served for several years in its bookstore.

community relations. She will be remembered always for happiness she brought wherever she went and for her deep love of Baha’u’llah that guided her all her days. Please convey Leonard our profound sympathy.” National Spiritual Assembly Hawaii

St. Paul Institute

On Saturday, February 16, more than 125 believers representing 37 communities in five states participated ina day-long Spiritual Enrichment Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, sponsored by the Southern Minnesota District Teaching Committee, assisted by the Spiritual Assembly of St. Paul.

Among the speakers were Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland and Or. Khalil Khavari, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.

The friends participated in group discussions whose topics included “Teaching Christians,” ‘“‘Balancing One's Life,” “Woman's Role in the New World Order,” “Mental Health,” “Tests and Difficulties,” and “Individual and Fireside Teaching.”

A highlight was the presentation of the film, “Retrospect,” a tribute to the Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts.

a In memoriam

Mrs. Alice Breitmeier Dunedin, Florida March 10, 1980

Mrs. Nadine Close Joplin, Missouri Date Unknown

Frank Edsall Hamburg, New Jersey January 4, 1980

James Edwards Chicago, Illinois January 15, 1980

Mrs. Nosrat Farzaneh Los Angeles, Calif. February 18, 1980

Clabon Gates Palmetto, Georgia 1979

Mrs. Betty May L. Moore Monrovia, California August 8, 1979

Robert Hayden Ann Arbor, Michigan February 25, 1980

George Hicks Jacksonville, Illinois Date Unknown

Miss Mary E. Hill Jack Pearl Lisle, Ilindis December 1979

Jesse Flickety Kelly Columbia, S. Carolina February 1, 1980

Miss Sarah E. Keogan North Miami Beach, Fla. January 22, 1980

Mrs. Eva Liggins Cleburne, Texas January 25, 1980

Mrs. Pauline Malone Albany, Georgia January 1980

Mrs. Harriet T. Meis Hamilton, Montana February 24, 1980

Mrs. Else Norden New York, New York Date Unknown

San José, Cz.1fornia February 11, 1980

Ferguson Pollycutt Tucson, Arizona December 18, 1979

Paul F. Powell Ann Arbor, Michigan February 9, 1980

Mrs. Lillian Rucker Mineral Wells, Texas Date Unknown

Shokrollah Said West Hollywood, Calif. February 9, 1980

Mrs. Victoria W. Sutphen Flint, Michigan May 7, 1979

Steven V. Terrebone Beaverton, Oregon March 5, 1980

Mrs. Helen Wilks Salisbury, Rhodesia January 3, 1980

Carl Yingling Lincoln, Nebraska October 1979

[Page 22]GREEN ACRE

The American Baha’i 2 2

Lippitts receive Green Acre’s award for service

Edward and Marian Lippitt of York, Maine, are the 1979 recipients of the Reimer Award for exceptional service to the Green Acre Baha'i School presented by the Green Acre Council.

The award, inaugurated in 1978, was created in honor of Emanuel and Janet Reimer whose years of selfless service to the school have set a standard toward which others may strive.

Mrs. Lippitt's classes on “The Worlds of God’ are well known at Green Acre, as is her work with the Na tional Reference Library Committee.

WITH THE HELP of Mrs. Emma Rice and others, Mrs. Lippitt is working to establish a complete reference index of the Baha’i Writings, to be housed at Green Acre.

Ted Lippitt at one time supervised all of the maintenance work done at the school, including an extensive volunteer program to renovate the entire campus. He also handled the bookkeeping for many years.

‘Magnet, leaven’ themes for Green Acre summer

“The magnet which will attract..and the leaven that will transform” is the theme chosen for the Green Acre Baha’i School’s 1980 summer session.

The images of ‘“magnet’’ and “leaven” are taken from the Universal House of Justice’s Naw-Ruz message for 1979, and refer to its statement that “at the heart of all activities, the spiritual, intellectual and community life of the believers must be developed and fostered.”

Three teachers present courses for adults during the Monday through Friday sessions at Green Acre in Eliot, Maine.

THIS SUMMER, one of those courses each week will deal with community living and another with the individual’s life, emphasizing both individual growth and the development of one’s practice of the Faith.

There will be week-long classes and weekend institutes (one course, running from Saturday lunch through Sunday lunch), as Green Acre hosts guests of all ages from July 4 through September 1.

The summer school will be preceded by a week especially for youth ages 12-15.

The friends are encouraged to attend all five days of the. week-long courses. During summer school, classes will be open to people from ages 3 to 103, with nursery care available during adult classes.

Those who are interested in attending are invited to request inclusion on

Green Acre’s mailing list for a summer brochure, giving more complete information.

Throughout most of last summer, Green Acre was crowded with students. Obviously, it is more important than ever to pre-register.

ALSO, TO ENABLE more individuals to attend Green Acre this summer, the Council asks that students limit themselves to no more than two consecutive weeks of classes.

Reunion slated

Did you attend the Green Acre Baha’i School before 1963? Would you like to get together with other people who were there then too?

Come to the gala Green Acre Reunion Weekend from July 4-6. Renew friendships, share memories and consult about the future.

The host and hostess for the reunion will be Manny and Janet Reimer.

Write to the Green Acre Baha’i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903, for a reservation form. On it, indicate that you were at Green Acre prior to 1963, and return the form before June 10.

Rooms will be reserved exclusively for Green Acre “alumni” until that date. If you cannot come, please send a message that can be shared with the friend:

Baha'is preparing for pioneering or wishing to improve their contacts with people whose original language is not English might choose the two weeks from July 12-25.

Separate from the regular Green Acre daytime classes, the following intensive courses will be offered at that time: Cultural Awareness and Adjustment, Teaching English as a Second Language, Preparation for Learning Any Foreign Language, and Intensive Study: French and Spanish.

Rising costs have led the Council to make another change this summer. Green Acre will no longer be able to supply free linen. Instead, guests are asked to bring their own sheets, pillow cases and towels, or they may rent these from Green Acre.

With more and more travelers relying on public transportation, the friends are reminded that Green Acre is in a New England village that is readily accessible via:

Airplane to Boston, then a

limousine to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Train to Boston, then a bus from

the railway station to Portsmouth.

Greyhound and Trailways bus service to Portsmouth.

UPON ARRIVAL in New Hampshire, it is a taxi ride of about six miles across the state line to Green Acre.

With all these changes, some things remain a part of Green Acre’s special appeal to the Baha’is:

This is the only Baha’i school visited by ‘Abdu'l-Baha; His room at the Inn and a tree where He liked to pray are popular spots for meditation.

As a break from classes during midweek, there is a picnic and swimming at a nearby lake.

Some work/study openings are still available for adults and youth over 14. Please write for an application to the Green Acre Baha'i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

A final beauty of the Green Acre Summer School is that here is where friends and family members from all over the country—indeed, all over the world—gather for reunions and to establish new ties that make us “one in the spirit.”

Tennessee schedules Labor Day institute

The Tennessee Baha’i Institute Committee is planning a four-day summer institute over the Labor Day weekend (August 29-September 1) at the Dubose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee.

The center is a lovely facility and is conveniently located. The institute will include guest speakers from all over the U.S. and a special program for the children with professional teachers.

Plan now to attend. For more information, please contact the committee at Route 2, Box 82E, Talbott, TN 3787

Mrs. Rice, a Knight of Baha'u'llah whose many improvements to the Green Acre property are enjoyed by everyone, and whose children’s classes are warmly remembered by many of her former students, was the first recipient of the Reimer Award.

Among those present for that ceremony, held in August 1978, were Hushmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, and the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

Ralph Peterson (seated in photo at right), the mayor of Rigby, Idaho, proclaims October 1 ‘Universal Children's Day’ in that city as Baha'is (left to right) Duane Allen of Jefferson County, Idaho, and Vonnie Ristow, Carol Hudson and Allen Perkins of Rigby look on. Following the meeting with the mayor, the Baha'is visited the Rigby Public Library (above) where two children’s books, The Gift and El Regalo (its Spanish-language version) were presented to librarians C. Lyon and L. Lee (standing in front). The Rigby Baha'i Group, with five adults and 10 children, is working hard to achieve Assembly status for this rural farming community in Idaho's Upper Snake River Valley.

The Green Acre Council, conscious of the fact that the school would not exist had it not been for the countless individuals who have sacrificed their time and energy over the years, will continue to present the Reimer Award whenever it deems it appropriate to do so.

The award will call attention to a few of those devoted believers without whose help and support the school could not operate.

Green Acre winter school memorable

Interesting classes, lovely weather and record attendance combined to make this year’s Winter School at the Green Acre Baha'i School in Eliot, Maine, the most memorable in many years.

Evening programs included performances by the musical group Do’a and the Pease Community Gospel Choir.

Also featured were slide presenta tions on the Holy Land and teaching in Latin America. Special programs were devoted to youth and to the International Year of the Child.

Among the highlights was an evening program by Pierre Vaillancourt and other guests from Canada in which the teaching work in Quebec Province was discussed.

36 youth to participate in new summer program at Green Acre

Thirty-six youth between the ages of 12 and 15 will be chosen for a special program just for them this summer at the Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine. The program will run from June 28 through July 3.

No other guests will be attending the school at that time. If you wish to attend, you must apply and be accepted. Applications are available by writing to the Green Acre School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

THOSE WHO ARE accepted will be notified later this spring. Participants do not have to be Baha’is, but must abide by Baha'i standards of conduct while they are at the school.

The program will help the youth to experience the genuineness of Baha'i life through:

1. experiencing functioning in a Baha'i environment;

2. increasing their awareness of themselves and others;

3. increasing their ability to find help in the Baha'i Faith.

The meaning of one’s Baha’i identity will be explored through classes, group discussions, personal devotions, recreation and fellowship.

Among those who will be serving as teachers and facilitators are Dr. John Hatcher and Craig and Carrie Lewis. The cost for the program is $70 per person.

If you are between the ages of 12 and 15 and are interested in attending the program, please write to the Green Acre Baha'i School for an application right away. Remember, registration will be limited to 36 youth

[Page 23]The American Bahai

May 1980

Four of Rhode Island's earliest Baha'is discuss the growth of the Faith in that state during the ‘Fortieth Anniversary Jubilee’ held in January. The panelists (left

to right) are Mrs. Margaret Searles, Edwin Phelps, Mrs. Edith Carpenter, Mrs. Beth Newport.

Greensboro supports student program

For the third year in a row, the Baha’i community of Greensboro, North Carolina, participated in the Greensboro. International House program last December.

o Soe[edit]

= oo | 1 w 2ess 2855-28" |s aon @ESSS5 ae gs 7 ' we DH O95 eESeBO me 5 al = Peocss > 22s E et I ® ses en=5553- 7 15 g I ou BES Se se8s3s., = a! OO: DT 20905982 SES g ! | SgseoXS259S-— = Sel 1 MHwyd 22552 gZSEV Soe 5 sel 1 £5 WSsce_ofew*slue < 2 4 ras SOR e RS ee oe S se pas RBsoo. i | Oe Bsedesetssesss. |e gy 1 ® Ose € 39052583 =F ea ba © ofsssesacsse als BE i FEefcaKwEoot2g ie all

Michael Fanning (left) and his twin brother, John, became Baha'is two years ago. Since then, they have been sharing the Message of Baha'u'llah with their

palachia; the magazine, Mountain Call, dedicated to ‘the mountains, the people, the culture”; and a land trust that is helpina to provide homes for families with little money.

The Fannings are deeply involved in these and other community activities.

Michael has converted a bathroom in the Big Laurel School into a darkroom to teach photography to seventh and eighth grade students. The school provides individualized instruction for mountain children from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

When the county closed the local school, and children were forced to walk through mud and then ride for miles to reach a school near the knob, local residents decided to do something about it.

THE RESULT of their efforts was the Big Laurel School of Learning.

The Fanning brothers have been working for the creation of a crafts center on the knob to provide useful forms of creative expression and employment for their mountain neighbors.

The Big Laurel School, and the home in which the Fannings live with their great-aunt, are used as workshops for thé crafts center.

The community land trust is another pfoject in which the Fanning brothers are involved. So far, says John, five homes have been built through the trust by people who needed homes.

Mrs. Pepper, who has lived on the knob since 1945 and owns most of it, has put all of her land into a commu ty trust so that it can be used by people who need homes.

“In this area,” Michael explains, “much of the land is owned by corpora

This rambling house of stone and logs, tucked away in the Appalachian Moun

mountain neighbors and a stream of summer tourists to their West Virginia home, known locally as ‘the knob.”

tions who don’t want people building homes, and this limits the amount of land available. The trust has been helping these people by providing badlyneeded land.”

JOHN FANNING is finishing work on his first book, about a mountain man who lives a few miles south of the knob in the same county.

The mountain man, John Robinette, * was angered by constant flooding in his community, the urgent need for a bridge, and government inactivity.

His solution was to write to the governments of East Germany and the Soviet Union to request foreign aid.

Although Mr. Robinette’s actions were merely intended to make the state government aware of the needs of his community, they resulted in the arrival in 1977 of a Russian journalist.

The result was nationwide publicity and a hasty promise from the West Virginia government to build the needed bridge. John Fanning’s book examines the history of this incident and the lives of his mountain neighbors in the southern part of Mingo County.

The Fanning brothers have participated in the teaching work in Logan, West Virginia, a 40-minute drive east of the knob, where there are three Baha'is. John also serves as the National Treasurer's Representative for West Virginia.

Mrs. Pepper, asked why she loves the mountain, replied, “I love the sea too, but because the mountain stands still, | felt | could get to know it better.”

There is no doubt that John and Michael Fanning share the same abiding love for their adopted mountain community.

by John and Michael Fanning and their Id Mrs. Edwina Pep

The American Bahá’í/Volume 11/Issue 5/Text

o Soe[edit]