The American Bahá’í/Volume 12/Issue 8/Text

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[Page 1]

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

August 1981

The American

Bahai

What’s inside

THE DEFICIT in the National Fund approaches one-half million dollars. Page 5

THE RACE Unity page returns. Page 10

THE DATA Processing Office is profiled in our continuing series ‘on the National Center. Page 11

AN URGENT appeal for pioneers is made by the International Goals Committee. Page 13

A NEW paperback edition of Some Answered Questions is now available. Page 15

House issues call for greater sacrifice

To the Baha'is of the World Dear Baha’i Friends,

At the outset of the Seven Year Plan, faced with tremendous tasks to be accomplished by the Baha’ world, and confronted by the seemingly crippling financial losses that resulted from the savage onslaught of inveterate enemies upon the valiant believers in the Cradle of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice turned with fervent hope to the believers in the rest of the world, calling upon them to arise and champion the cause of their persecuted brethren in the international arena and, through self-sacrifice and the exercise of wise stewards’ ip of. the funds of the Faith, to

enable its work to go forward unhindered by the sudden inability of the believers in Iran to continue their major role in providing the lifeblood of the Cause. In both fields, these past two years have witnessed astonishing victories.

THE MANNER in which the case of the persecuted Faith of Baha'u'llah has been blazoned in the media, conveying its message to millions of souls who had scarcely if at all heard of it before; and the degree to which world authorities have risen to plead its case and call for its vindication, have both been witnessed with eager and uplifted hearts by Baha'is in all lands.

Now the Universal House of Justice has instructed us to inform you that in supporting the Baha'i International Fund the selfsacrificing followers of the Blessed Beauty have won similar victories.

The manifold acts of devotion and service that have been so distinctive a mark of progress in the opening phase of the Seven Year Plan have not only laid a firm foundation for the development of the institutions of the Faith worldwide, but have also been manifested in an outpouring of financial substance that has made possible the setting of goals for

Please See MESSAGE Page 14

WITH HEARTS BURNING WITH ANGUISH SHARE NEWS SOULS ANOTHER FOUR DISTINGUISHED BELIEVERS NOW GATHERED ABHA KINGDOM ON BEING MARTYRED YESTERDAY BY FIRING SQUAD: DR. MASIH FARHANG!, MEMBER BOARD COUNSELLORS WESTERN ASIA; BADI"ULLAH FARID, YADU’LLAH PUSTCHI, VARQA TIBYANIYAN. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JUNE 24, 1981

TRAGIC NEWS JUST RECEIVED THREE MORE PROMINENT PERSIAN BAHA'IS, BUZURG ALAVIAN, HASHIM FARNUSH AND FARHANG MAVADDAT EXECUTED TEHERAN YESTERDAY. CHARGES COMPLETELY MISREPRESENT BAHA'I SERVICES AS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED ACTIVITIES ... OFFERING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES BLESSED BEAUTY MAY CONFIRM ALL EFFORTS ALLEVIATE SUFFERINGS OPPRESSED INNOCENT COMMUNITY UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JUNE 23, 1981

WITH STRICKEN HEARTS SHARE NEWS SEVEN MEMBERS LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY HAMADAN MARTYRED AFTER BEING TORTURED. EXECU 14 more believers executed in Iran

3,000-plus at 1st Continental Youth Conference

TIONS CARRIED OUT DAWN JUNE 14 WITH APPROVAL SUPREME JUDICIAL COUNCIL ON USUAL TRUMPED UP CHARGES. THIS FRESH BLOW ANOTHER STEP IN PROSECUTION SCHEME TRADITIONAL ADVERSARIES UPROOT FAITH IN LAND ITS BIRTH ... NAMES OF SEVEN MARTYRS ARE AS FOLLOWS: MR. HUSAYN MUTLAQ, MR. SUHAYL HABIBI, MR. SUHRAB HABIBI, DR. NASIR VAFA'l, DR. FIRUZ NA’IMI, MR. HUSAYN KHANDIL, AND MR. TARAZULLAH KHUZAYN. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE . JUNE 15, 1981

.

Following the martyrdoms in Hamadan the National Spiritual Assembly sent the following message to UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim:

His Excellency Kurt Waldheim United Nations Secretariat 1 United Nations Plaza New York, N.Y. Dear Mr. Secretary-General: We have learned with horror of yet another group execution of leading Baha'is in Iran. At dawn on June

Firuz Na’imi, Tarazullah Khuzayn, and (kneeling left to right) Suhayl Habibi, Husayn Mutlaq. The seven were executed by a firing squad at dawn on June 14.

The seven martyrs of Hamadan, Iran, are shown in prison in a Photo taken between March 21 and April 21. They are (standing left to right) Husayn Khandil, Dr. Nasir Vata’l, Suhrab Habib, Dr.

Please See MARTYRS Page 20

More than 3,000 Baha'i youth from every one of the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and at least 10 other countries gathered July 2-5 in Kansas City, Missouri, for the first Continental Baha'i Youth

Conference of the Seven Year Plan.

, Participants in the first Continental Baha’i Youth Conference of the Seven Year Plan gather for dawn pl rs with the Kansas City skyline as a backdrop. More than

{cme ES ES ESS SE SS 7 PO ES ES ES STE GSR ESP OO

The historic conference was blessed by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rablyyin Khanum and Zikrullah Khadem.

AMONG THE OTHER guests at the conference were two members of the Continental Board of Coun 3,000 Baha'i youth from Alas! Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, the U.S. and 10 other countries attended the historic conference July 2-5.

sellors for the Americas, Farzam Arbab and Velma W. Sherrill; seven members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; and members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahamas, the French Antilles and Mexico.

Visitors also came from Bermuda, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, India, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The National Youth Committee, which together with the National Teaching Committee and other offices at the Baha'i National Center helped plan and organize the conference on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, used the occasion to unveil the National Youth Plan for the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan.

The new plan, which emphasizes promoting the Faith, prayer and deepening, contributing to the Fund, and serving the Faith in one’s community, was received enthusiastically by the young people in Kansas City. (Details of the plan are on Page 7.)

Conference highlights included:

• Two addresses by Amatu’lBaha Rublyyih Khanum and another by Mr. Khadem.

• A gala public meeting and

fireside Saturday evening that featured Baha'i entertainers Seals & Crofts, Danny Deardorff, Leslie and Kelly and John Ford Coley, England Dan Seals, and the McPhersons.

• THE PREMIERE of a new oneact drama, “Sou! Wars,” written

by Dan Ware, a staff member at the National Treasurer's Office.

• More than 20 special workshop sessions whose subject matter ranged from developing effective communication skills and

planning one's career to preparing for marriage and conducting effective firesides.

• Two separate presentations

of the film, “The Pilgrimage,” written and narrated by Amatu’l-Baha Rublyyih Khanum, and one of an audio-visual program, “The Heri tage of the Martyrs.” Please See YOUTH Page 7

Since the staff at the Baha’ National Center often does not have an opportunity to attend conferences, Summer Schools, or Winter Schools, the National Spiritual Assembly has decided to close the National Center from August 26-30 for a staff retreat.

This will be a period of spiritual rejuvenation for the staff, a time for prayer, meditation

and contemplation In a quiet

Center schedules staff retreat

and secluded setting near the National Center.

While the switchboard at the National Center will remain open during the retreat, most staff members will not be workIng.

The National Spiritual Assembly asks that the friends please cooperate by deferring any calls except those of an emergency nature until the following week.

[Page 2]VIEWPOINT

The American Bahai

Editorial

Martyrdoms sow seeds of victory

As the persecution against the Baha'is in Iran increases in severity, Baha'is in other lands grow increasingly angry over the senseless and wanton attacks upon their fellow-believers.

For guidance on how we might best channel the energy aroused by our indignation, we can turn to the letters sent to the American Baha'i community by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, when in 1955 the Iranian Baha'is were under attack.

IN 1955 A PROGRAM was launched against the Iranian Baha'i community that was similar in many of its features to the campaign of oppression being waged today.

Holy places were desecrated, homes, shops and farms plundered, adults and children beaten and ridiculed, and pressure exerted to force Baha'is to recant their faith. In the hamlet of Hurmuzk, a family of seven was hacked to pieces by a frenzied mob, and in Tehran the dome of the central administrative office building was demolished.

In response to these outrageous attacks, the Guardian directed the Baha'i world’s appeal to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and various government officials of international stature. His advice to the American Baha’! community is especially pertinent to us now:

“Faced with this organized and vicious onslaught on the followers, the fundamental verities, the shrines and administrative institutions of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the land of His birth, the American Baha’t community cannot at this hour relax for a moment in the discharge of the multiple and sacred responsibilities it has pledged itself to fulfill ... and must indeed display a still greater degree of consecration and a nobler spirit of self-sacrifice in the pursuit of the goals it has set itself to achieve.”

Instead of lamenting the opposition the Faith was encountering and regarding it as a tragedy, Shoghi Effendi encouraged us to look at it asa blessing in disguise:

“INDEED THIS FRESH ORDEAL that has, in pursuance of the mysterious dispensations of Providence, afflicted the Faith, at this unexpected hour, far from dealing a fatal blow to its institutions or existence, should be regarded as a blessing in disguise, not a ‘calamity’ but a ‘providence’ of God, not a devastating flood but a ‘gentle rain’ on a “green pasture,’ a ‘wick’ and ‘oil’ unto the lamp of His Faith, a ‘nurture’ for His Cause, ‘water for that which has been planted in the hearts of men,’ a ‘crown set on the head’ of His Messenger for this Day.”

He then told us precisely what we should do: proclaim far and wide the Faith's existence, publicize its history, defend its verities, unveil its truths, demonstrate the character of its institutions, and advertise its aims and purposes.

The Guardian's advice is a relevant today as it was in 1955.

We can only expect that the situation in Iran, unless stayed by the Hand of Providence, will worsen. But if we view every fresh attack as unleashing a new infusion of spiritual power upon the world and as sowing seeds that we in the West are to reap, we will have the strength to respond in the only befitting manner possible; namely, by resolving to raise up, for every believer who has been cut down, a hundred—nay, a thousand—new believers who will champion the Cause of Bahá’u’ll4h and lead it triumphantly onward toward the fulfillment of its glorious destiny.

National Assembly OKs bid for radio license

The National Spiritual Assembly has announced its intention to authorize the filing of an application for a radio station to be located at the Louis G. Gregory

Baha’i Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

The application for the radio broadcasting license is to be filed with the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C.

K. Dean Stephens, a consultant on radio in the Americas for the

The American Baha

(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual ‘Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, 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 items of interest from individuals. and the various institutions of the Faith. Arti: cles should be written in a clear and concise manner; black and white glossy photos should’ be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, ‘The American Bahá’i, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright ©1981 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Audio-Visual Department at the World Centre in Haifa, will be involved in planning the Baha'i radio station in South Carolina.

Mr. Stephens has played a large part in the construction of Radio Baha'i in Otavalo, Ecuador, and is involved in developing the newest facility, “Radio Baha'i of Lake Titicaca,” near Puno, Peri.

The FCC requires a one-year “construction permit” period for new broadcasting stations in the U.S. before an applicant's final broadcasting license is granted.

A memorial service for slain black children in Atlanta, Georgia, was held May 10 in Walla Walla, Washington. The candlelight vigil and

prayer service at Whitman College was organized by Kathy Teren

tleff, a member of the Baha’i community of Walla Walla, with help from the Multi-Ethnic Cultural Association (MECCA). A Baha'i jer for unity was read during the service.

Michigan Baha’is back UNICEF

On May 23, the Baha'is of Escanaba, Michigan, held a proclamation in which the Faith showed its support for UNICEF.

Displaying Baha'i and UNICEF posters, Lorraine Landau-Vader and John and Linda Walbridge sold UNICEF cards at a local shopping mall. Also available were “Love That Child” pamphlets.

Prior to the card sale, Mrs. Walbridge spoke for 45 minutes on a popular local radio interview program, with much of that time de voted to speaking about the Faith.

Baha'(s in a town 30 miles from Escanaba reported that seekers were calling them after having heard the program.

Press releases about the card sale and the Baha'i support of UNICEF appeared in three local Papers, and posters were displayed in the downtown area.

A UNICEF representative in New York City later phoned the Escanaba Baha'is to congratulate them on the amount of publicity they had obtained for UNICEF.

Here are copy and photo deadlines for The American Baha’i for September-December 1981:

September—Copy deadline, August 5; photo deadline, August 13.

October—Copy deadline, September 1; photo deadline, September 14.

November—Copy deadline, September 30; photo deadline, October 8.

December—Copy deadline, October 28; photo deadline, November 5.

Please submit articles, letters and other materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’i, Wilmette, IL 60091,

Gathering honors Greatest Holy Leaf

On April 11, the Baha'is of University Place, Washington, sponsored a conference in memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf.

Fifty-four people including some seekers attended the event.

The speakers included Auxiliary Board member Opal Conner and assistants to the Auxiliary Board Rouha Rose, Velda Piff, Olga Ruys, Jack Tingstad and Clyde Johnson.

PROFILE

Name: Linda K. Jones

Community: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Occupation: Psychotherapist

Background: Linda Jones has always had a special interest in the preventive and holistic treatment of mental, emotional and nervous disorders, a fact that is reflected in the title of the book she is now writing: Preventive Courtship.

A psychotherapist with her own practice in Hilton Head, Ms. Jones has designed and conducted numerous seminars on courts! consultation, marriage and family life, and effective communication for parents and for small companies. ‘Aiding Behavioral Change” is the title of a program she designed for disabled and disturbed elementary school children.

Ms. Jones began her professional career 17 years ago as an adoption case worker in Binghamton, New York. Later, she was employed by St. Luke's Hospital in New York City as a medical social worker before joining the Hackensack, New Jersey, Hospital's mental health center as a psychotherapist.

A graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, Ms. Jones did graduate work in the schools of social work at Columbia and Fordham universities. She has had additional training in nutrition and clinical ecology in approaching mental problems from a psychological standpoint.

Her Baha'i activities include service for the last five years on the National Education Committee, and service on several Spiritual Assemblies, most recently in Hilton Head.

Her article, “Raising Children of the Kingdom,” appeared in the October 1978 issue of Bahá’i News. She has also contributed to Child’s Way magazine (‘The Lonely Billy Goat,” Spring 1978), and her article entitled “Consultation: A Process of Family ProblemSolving,” was used as part of the 1975 Family Life Conferences sponsored by the National Education Committee.

Ms. Jones has two sons, Christopher and Craig. Her hobbies include writing and tennis.

[Page 3]LETTERS

August 1981

Do ‘non-Baha’is’ feel excluded by the term?

To the Editor:

After a recent fireside | had a wonderful opportunity to speak to a Hindu about his feelings toward the Faith.

First, he said he believed completely in Baha’u'llah, His station and His teachings.

THAT DIDN'T surprise me. As a former Hindu myself, | know how easy it is for Hindus to accept the Faith of God.

He went on to say, however, that he did not like the idea of joining a particular religion or denomination since, in a subtle way, this removes one somewhat from the rest of humanity. «

He said he was committed to the idea of being a world citizen. | thought to myself, “You can’t be worried about that in the Baha'i Faith!”

Then he said, “Take, for instance, the Baha'i habit of referring to others as ‘non-Baha’is.’ Does this not set them apart when they hear the term?”

| had to admit that it had never occurred to me.

Two nights ago, the Phoenix community discussed the issue of race unity with Allan Ward and Albert Porter of Little Rock, Arkansas.

DR. WARD suggested that one obstacle to increasing the number of minorities in the Faith could be the aloofness of the Baha’! community toward “non-Baha’is.””

Imagine, if you will, the impression a minority seeker receives when he is addressed as a “nonBaha’i.”

If the Baha'i community is primarily white, the translation of “non-Baha’(” in the seeker's mind could easily be “‘non-white” if the term were accompanied by any degree of aloofness.

Remember that “Baha’i” means “of the Glory.” Do we ever want to refer to another soul as not being “of the Glory”?

Please have compassion for people who are on the verge of starting the final earthly mile in their spiritual journey on this planet and give them credit for the miles they have come.

Let the term “non-Baha’i” be one that is used by the enemies of the Faith to describe themselves. They are the only ones who could ever deserve such a condemnation, and if so, it should come only from their own lips. .

Ron Frazer Phoenix, Arizona

To the Editor: 1 am deeply moved by the suffering of our brothers and sisters

Two Baha’is speak

On March 13, “Religious Emphasis Week” at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, featured two Baha’i speakers.

‘About 25 people heard Muin Afnani and Peter Bruss of Ogden present a talk that was followed by a question-and-answer session.

in Iran.

Each day my mind pictures the horror and grief that must surely grip the roots of the Iranian Baha’i community.

1 SEE proud men and women deprived of their means of livelihood, bright students whose minds lie neglected, and worst of all, the eyes of children, scarred within, that plead for that bit of security that we in this country so often take for granted.

There is no heroism in this. There is not glory. There is only painful, gnawing suffering.

And there is no doubt that the blood of those oppressed souls in Iran that is so often lauded as a sort of “spiritual fertilizer” will nurture fruits whose hearts will be indelibly marked by a profound experience of horror.

This is the human side of the degradation of our brothers and sisters in Iran today.

If we ignore it through that form of “detachment” that so often betrays a rank indifference, how can we as a religious community assert ourselves as a beacon of justice or a protector of the weak as we are exhorted to do in the Writings of Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu'l-Baha?

We must pray for our brethren in Iran, but our prayer must not be the fatalistic product of perceived impotence.

We must remind ourselves that martyrdom is, in the end, a euphemism for unjustified death, and that death has little meaning in a climate of public ignorance and indifference.

IT MAY WELL be the will of God that Iranians suffer in this period of political turmoil, but it may also be the will of God that the American Baha'i community arise to protect and aid its own people.

| hope that by reading these brief thoughts, the American Baha'i community will be moved to champion aggressively and consistently the cause of human dignity in Iran and in every other nation, including our own, in which the degradation of the defenseless exists.

William Pleasant Chicago, IIlinois

(The American Bahá’i community has followed the directives of the National Spiritual Assembly in responding to what Is an extremely delicate and dangerous situation for the Baha'i community In Iran. The National Spiritual Assembly Is In turn guided in its response by the Universal House of Justice, the supreme administrative body of the Faith.—Ed.)

To the Editor:

I'd like to pass along some thoughts to the friends who are planning a Baha'i Persian/American wedding.

Since Iran has been in the news to the extent that some Americans have built up a strong prejudice toward Persians, a Baha’! wedding, always a wonderful oppor 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, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

tunity to teach the Faith, could do much to help put aside some of these prejudices.

| HAVE attended several weddings, however, where the American customs, music, and dances were completely ignored.

The wedding itself is strange to non-Baha’is, and when the American guests and parents are relegated to the sidelines while the Persians express their joy by dancing in a strange and often sensuous manner, feelings of alienation can build up.

| have experienced such feelings myself, and I'm a Baha'i!

I've also found myself put’ on the spot to explain what is going on to American non-Baha'is.

While Iran is very much in the news, there are still many parts of the U.S. where Americans only know Persians through the news.

I remember that I met a Persian for the first time in my life when I attended a Feast long after I had become a Baha'i.

| HAVE SINCE come to love my Persian brothers and sisters, and their customs delight me. But | can easily put myself in the shoes of an American parent who knows nothing of this wonderful Faith ... who does not know that Persian Baha’ts are different from the revolutionary forces in Iran.

| can picture myself listening to my daughter asking permission to marry an Iranian, if | were not a Baha’i.

And | can see myself at the wedding, listening to the Persian music, watching the men and women dancing, and feeling like a stranger there.

I'd like to suggest that Local Spiritual Assemblies who have been asked to witness the marriages of Persians and Americans take some time to consult with the future bride and groom, and advise them on these delicate matters.

It’s just that we should be aware of these kinds of things and exercise moderation and balance in all things, or so it seems to me.

Jene Bellows Skokie, Illinois

To the Editor:

1 would like to suggest two effective ways for believers to put Baha’ principles into action while meeting people with similar interests.

First, contact your local Literacy Council. With 12 hours of training, you can be certified in the Laubach method, an internationally recognized method of

teaching reading and writing.

AN ADDITIONAL three hours of training certifies one to teach English to the foreign-born. No teaching experience is necessary, only a sincere desire to tutor one person a few hours each week.

The training classes provide excellent opportunities to meet people who are serving others while the tutoring promotes the independent investigation of truth through education.

For information about a literacy program in your area contact: Laubach Literacy International, Box 131, Syracuse, NY 13210.

A second means of serving is through UNICEF.

UNICEF volunteers are concerned with the welfare of the world’s impoverished children. Their efforts help provide food, water, clothing, shelter, education and health care for children and their parents so the child may attain his birthright of a healthy, productive life.

UNICEF is a great way to work with people who already promote the principle of the oneness of humanity.

For information, check your phone book for a local United Nations Association office or contact the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, 331 E. 38th St., New York, NY 10016.

My husband and | are working

Now you can enjoy

The Baha’i World

Volumes 1 through 12

through our Easy Payment Plan

Just $25.00 down $18.00 per month

Vols. 7, 8, 9 a

Ship to:

My name is (please print)

Quantities are Limited ORDER YOUR SET TODAY! Vols. 1-6 available May 1981

Vols. 10, 11, 12 available November 1981 “Deferred payment price includes $176.00 NET for books, $17.60 postage and handling charge, $11.40 deferred payment charge (APR 14.49%). Total price equals $205.00.

YES! Please send me The Baha'i World, Vols. 1-12 (333-000-10) through the Easy Payment Plan at $25.00 down and $18.00 per month for the next 10 month: enclosing my check or money order for $25.00 made payable to the Baha'i Publishing Trust. I agree to pay $18.00 per month for ten months beginning July 1, 1981. Valid only in the 48 contiguous states of the United States.

in both these programs and have found the experiences most rewarding. Our opportunities for teaching the Faith while making friends in the community are almost limitless.

Jackle Hagan

Dayton, Ohio

To the Editor:

During consultation at Feast we decided to suggest a plan to help increase participation in donating to the Fund. We are sure that the coupons we recently received will be an invaluable aid in this matter.

We were appalled by the low number of believers participating. Why not set aside a special day, we thought, perhaps a Feast day, and make it a “100 per cent contribution day”?

Think of the spiritual power released! Imagine the feeling of complete unity in this vital undertaking to advance the dearly loved Cause of Baha'u'llah!

Think too of the heartfelt thanks of our persecuted brethren in Iran. They have made the ultimate sacrifices—loss of jobs, property, and even their lives.

Let us rejoice in the hope that our donations will advance the Cause of God!

The Baha'i Communities

of Fort Gratiot Township,

Marysville, Port Huron, and Michi

for ten months*

blé August 1981

5

Baha’i ILD. No.

Street, Rural Route, or P.O. Box Number

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TAB-S-8/81

5 Zip J Send onder with payment: Baht Publishing Trust 923 Green Bay Road/Wilmette, IL 60091 ee

‘pascrarctane rues NS EET OTT DIETS RAT SE TS PET RES SN HOE ened

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[Page 4]CLASSIFIEDS

The American Baha'i

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

publication. .

THE BAHA'I National Center is presently accepting applications for a variety of positions. With the ever-increasing needs of the Seven Year Plan it is even more imperative than ever that mature, devoted individuals step forward and offer their services. Opportunities exist for switchboard support, secretarial and typist support, experienced receptionists and administrative aides. Skilled tradesmen and individuals in the financial and legal professions are also welcome to apply. For more information, please contact the Office of Personnel Affairs, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, 1L 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INCORPORATED Assembly in pleasant New Jersey suburb 12 miles from midtown New York City is in jeopardy and needs two or three homefront pioneers. Excellent schools. Four miles from the Wilhelm properties in Teaneck visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912. Write to the secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Dumont, 14 Pine St., Dumont, NJ 07628, or phone 201-384-6799.

TEACHERS! There are many good jobs for teachers at the American School in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. The superintendent prefers to hire Baha'is because they tend to stay longer and make better teachers. Teachers are needed for all grades, from pre-school through 12th. The need is especially great for third through fifth grade teachers and middle and high school English teachers. Salaries are adequate to support a frugal family of four. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required. Jobs start in August and September 1981. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’! National Center, for further information.

CHILD’S WAY magazine would like songs suitable for children (ages 6-11) or youth (12-15) that teach definite aspects of the Baha'i Faith in an original and delightful way. For example, songs about the importance of tests, or that we must know of our own knowledge and not through the knowledge of our neighbors, or that work can be worship, or a song about the spiritual transformation of Fred Mortensen, or about Mr, Samandari and the orange given to him by Baha'u'llah. Please write out the music as well as lyrics. No tapes, please. Send materials to Mimi McClellan, Route 2, Box 328, Danville, KY 40422.

ZHABLE ESPANOL? A small semi-rural Bahá'l community in Southern California needs your help to meet the goals of the second phase of the Seven Year Plan. Needed are fluent Spanish-speaking pioneers or traveling teachers

to help deepen Spanish-speaking believers and reach a large nonEnglish speaking population. Employment is available in all areas. The city is within an hour's travel of 20 colleges and universities,

-sunny Pacific Ocean beaches,

mountain ski slopes, Hollywood, Los Angeles, and two hours to San Diego and the Mexican border. For help in relocating, phone the Spiritual Assembly of Corona, California, at 714-734-1237 or 714-734-9593.

SINGLE Baha’| would like'to relocate to the Rocky Mountain area or the Pacific Northwest, preferably to a community that has about nine Baha'is. Would work until state residency was acquired, then continue education. If interested, please contact Ted Browne, c/o RR 1, Box 30, Wilber, NE 68465 or phone 402-821-2027.

AN ACTIVE Baha'i community in Salem, Massachusetts, needs Baha'is to help develop this residential center and to teach in extension goal areas. Shared living space includes use of a substantial library of Baha'i books and other related materials. Salem is near an excellent state college and graduate school. Help will be provided in finding employment. Contact Steve Hemingway, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Salem, 1 Fairfield St., Salem, MA 01970, or phone 617-744-4586.

THE RAINBOW project needs ideas, sources and materials for teaching love and unity, racial harmony, and religious tolerance. Especially wanted are ideas for community action programs and integrated curriculum designs that would be applicable in schools and communities with small minority populations. Correspondence with anyone who is knowledgeable in this field would be most welcome. Please contact Vonnie Lincoln, 44494 W. McCully Mtn. Drive, Lyons, OR 97358.

PACIFIC University in Forest Grove, Oregon, needs another Baha’! student so that a Baha'i Club can be formed. Liberal arts, optometry school, physical therapy. If you speak Spanish you could be of great use in minority teaching work in the area. For more information please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Forest Grove, P.O. Box 332, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

FIFTH GENERATION American Baha’f author is searching for information about Baha’i relatives: Mrs. Leonora Georgianna Stirling of Boston, Massachusetts, and Hudson, New York; George A. Holsapple Jr. and Edith M. Holsapple of Hudson, New York. Their names are listed in Star of the West, Vol. 6, p. 156, as having signed the letter to ‘Abdu’l-Baha from all the believers in the U:S.

- dated August 1, 1919. Also search ing for personal accounts of visiting, traveling or teaching experiences with Mrs. Leonora Stirling Holsapple Armstrong, “spiritual mother” of the Baha'is of Brazil. Any information would be most

appreciated and gratefully acknowledged. Please write to Mrs. Kristine Leonard Burgess, 2432 Cork Circle, Pearland, TX 77581.

RELOCATING to New Mexico. Ohio farm house, with or without land, for sale—3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, basement, 37 1/2 acres. Close support from active Baha'is in the area, which is on the edge of the Charles Mill recreational area near Mansfield and Mifflin. For details please phone Larry or Alice Twitchell, 419-368-8193.

WE NEED YOU in lovely Vernon County, Wisconsin, which has only three isolated Baha'is in 805 square miles, and they are 10 miles apart. Room and board is available plus some pay in exchange for work on a small farm and in a woodworking shop. Vernon County has forested valleys, picturesque hillsides, dairy farms, wonderful friendly people, peaceful winters and good healthful living. Please join us! Write to Cherry Grove Farm, Route 3, Box 273A, Viroqua, WI 54665, or phone 608-637-2477.

HOMEFRONT pioneer in Regina, New Mexico, 90 miles from Albuquerque, near Cuba and the Apache and Navajo Reservations, must move for wife’s health. This person has a modern twobedroom chateau for sale and would like to see a Baha'i retired couple enjoy and cultivate the seeds that have been planted. For more information, please phone 505-892-6061.

THE VALENCIA County Baha'i community in sunny central New Mexico is soon to lose several members, leaving its numerical strength dangerously low (nine adults). A Baha'i who must move would prefer to sell a large country home (including two fireplaces and stables) to Baha'is who are interested in homefront pioneering to this area. The home is 35 minutes south of Albuquerque. Assumable 11 I/2 per cent mortgage. Send replies to the Spiritual Assembly of Valencia County, P.O. Box 608, Peralta, NM 87042, or phone 505-869-2261.

Local Bahá’i Fund (local address). Supports teaching, consolidation and administrative work of a local Baha'i community.

National Baha’i Fund (Wilmette, IL 60091). Supports the efforts of the National Spiritual Assembly to direct, coordinate and stimulate Baha’ activities throughout the country.

Continental Baha'i Fund (418 Forest Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091). Enables the Continental Board of Counsellors and its Auxiliary Boards to perform their missions of protection and propagation of the Faith in the Americas. Baha'i International Fund (P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel 31-000). Enables the Universal House of Justice to assist the work of National Spiritual Assemblies around the world, to maintain and beautify the Holy Shrines at the World Centre, and to provide services to pilgrims.

In memoriam

Elva P. Allen Willie Goodman Sr. Katherine S. Pickett Waterbury, Conn. Bennettsville, S.C. Albuquerque, N.M. April 6, 1981 1973 March 14, 1981 Willie Begay Isabell Hunter Thelma Powell Houck, Arizona Philadelphia, Pa. Rock Hill, Mo.

Date Unknown Date Unknown June 3, 1981

Moisa Bulcoaca Cora Jackson Angela Quow Shreveport, La. Gresham, S.C. Oxon Hill, Md.

Date Unknown August 12, 1980

April 24, 1981

Haskie Burnside Benjamin James Esther W. Rees

Houck, Arizona Houck, Arizona Upland, Calif. Date Unknown Date Unknown May 6, 1981 Hilario Chavez Will M. James Tom Roan Surprize, Ariz. Sumter, S.C. Houck, Arizona

May 18, 1981 Date Unknown Date Unknown J.D. Jeffcoat Swansea, S.C. December 31, 1980

Ruth D. Roberts Kansas City, Mo. Date Unknown

Willie Cheeseboro Elloree, S.C. September 1980

Florence B. Seker New Castle, Pa. February 1, 1981

Merrill Jiggetts Baltimore, Md. Date Unknown

Dave Crokett

El Paso, Texas Date Unknown Zahra Shaidai-Menesh

Luther Dash Elizabeth Katzoff

Cameron, S.C. New York, N.Y. Denver, Colorado Date Unknown June 4, 1981 January 1, 1981 Carl M. Daugherty Veeda Koch Babak Shayan Westerville, Ohio San Diego, Calif. Northridge, Calif. May 1981 April 21, 1981 March 19, 1981 Eugene Davis Max Kopel Gertrude Spahr Gresham, S.C. Del Ray Beach, Fla. Lima, Ohio

April 14, 1981 December 16, 1980 April 30, 1981 Lucius Deberry Bernadine Lee Will Staford Franklin, Va. Nichols, S.C. ‘Sweet Home, Ark. Date Unknown Fall 1980 Date Unknown Jose Dominguez Cleo Lindsey Locricha Stevens Rodgers, Ark. Decatur, Ga. Florence, Arizona

November 1980 March 25, 1981 August 1, 1980

Curtis Love Cameron, S.C.

Dorothy L. Thomas

Louetta Engelder Seattle, Wash.

Phoenix, Arizona

May 25, 1981 Date Unknown April 2, 1981

John Evans Judy Missouri Harry Thompson Temple, Texas Sweet Home, Ark. Novato, Calif. December 1980 Date Unknown May 11, 1981

Rose Louise Ewald Kenneth Morais Anne Wells Morgan, Minnesota New York, N.Y. Indianapolis, Ind. May 24, 1981 May 23, 1981 September 26, 1980 Pearl Feldmeyer George Morgan John White Geyserville, Calif. Sweet Home, Ark. Winnsboro, S.C. May 6, 1981 1980 Date Unknown Thomas Frazier Mary Morris Sallie Williams Summerton, S.C. Nesmith, S.C. Swansea, S.C. Date Unknown July 1980 December 30, 1980 Herbert Fulmore Peggy Nez Anna E. Witschi Lake City, S.C, Indian Wells, Ariz. Chicago, Illinois June 20, 1980 1980 May 20, 1981

Kenneth E. Wurzer Kenosha, Wisconsin _

Willie Eva Patrick Harlem, Florida

Ruben Garcia Hatch, N. Mexico

February 11, 1981 April 9, 1981 May 17, 1981 Cecil Gibson Edward Pharo Jr. Dorothy Zucker Franklin, Va. Philadelphia, Pa. Chapel Hill, N.C.

Date Unknown May 28, 1981 February 26, 1981

San Antonio believer Mary Crocker dies at 92

Mary Ellyn Crocker of San An- sembly for nine years. tonio, Texas, who became a Baha'i in 1946 at the age of 60, died January 23. She was 92.

Mrs. Crocker was a member of the first Spiritual Assembly of San Antonio and served on that As In 1977 she was an honored guest at a state convention for Texas Baha’/ history at which the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears was present.

oc eT RR SE UAE A AN TS SLAG TST A A eT

aia Si,

[Page 5]THE FUNDS

August 1981

Many encouraging reports have been coming into the Office of the Treasurer regarding special efforts of individual believers and local communities on behalf of the Louhelen Baha'i School.

The reports have come in from all parts of the country, indicating fund-raising projects or special goals set to assist the reconstruction project.

THE BAHA'IS of Ferndale, Michigan, established a plan to encourage the believers to double their contributions to the local Fund, while earmarking the extra funds for Louhelen.

The Spiritual Assembly of Baltimore, Maryland, offered a special presentation to its community at a recent Feast, recruiting “construction workers” for the school and also mentioning the project in the local bulletin.

Among the communities that have held fund-raising events are Schaumburg and Mt. Prospect, IIlinois.

Schaumburg held an all-day event, including a silent auction as well as offering crafts and other items for sale. The Mt. Prospect event was centered around a potluck dinner.

Other Louhelen fund-raising events have been held in San Diego and Los Angeles.

In addition to community events, many individuals have taken action by purchasing promissory notes and making loans or contributions for Louhelen.

Two Baha'i hair stylists set up shop at an outdoor cluster gathering in Kentucky, donating the proceeds from their work to the school.

WILMETTE, IL 60091

Fund of $_

(hour),

| pledge $__t

Promissory Notes.

$100,000, etc.

City/Stat

| have enclosed a gift to for the Louhelen Baha’! School.

Check here if you wish your gift to go to the Faizf Endowment for Education.

to purchase a Promissory Note (i. to the National Spiritual Assembly) to be paid back in (choose one) 10 years at 6 per cent interest, 15 years at 7 per cent interest, 20 years at 8 per cent interest. Please send me an Offering Circular which describes the project and the

Baha’is rally to assist Louhelen School effort

BELIEVERS from outside the country also were inclined to get into the act. Two pioneers to the island of New Britain, near Papua New Guinea, who read of the proJect in The American Bahá’i, forwarded a contribution to the Faizi endowment to help support the Louhelen reconstruction.

These believers expressed their awareness of the need to develop the features of Baha'i education, especially regarding the parent and teacher training.

This heartwarming response has moved us closer to the $1.25 million needed to begin construction.

However, only a few days remain until the August 31 deadline. Universal support from the body of believers and local communities can help get the new Louhelen School started.

What Can You Do?

There are four ways in which a believer can help build the Louhelen School:

1. Through a contribution to the National Fund earmarked for the Louhelen Baha'i School.

2. Through a contribution to the “Faizi Endowment for Education.”

3. Through a capital gift (i.e., stocks, property, etc.).

4. Through the purchase of a promissory note (this is a loan to the National Spiritual Assembly that will be repaid in 10, 15 or 20 years).

Those who would like more information about how to help build the Louhelen Baha'i School, or about any aspect of the project, are invited to return the coupon to the Office of the Treasurer indicating that interest.

(cut and mail)

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER BAHA’| NATIONAL CENTER

the National Baha’f

| wish to make a capital gift, i.e., stocks, property, etc. Please call advising how to make the gift.

The best time to phone is (day) . Tel. (_)

, aloan

Notes are offered in denominations of $500, $1,000, and multiples of $1,000. For example, Notes may be purchased for $500, $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $25,000, $50,000,

Baha’i ID No.

MAEMO 2 te Sa ae 1 a a a kN

Aipisie tabs

New crisis looms

Large Fund deficit nears half-million dollar mark

The present level of contributions to the Natlonal Fund has created a deficit now approaching one-half million dollars. To meet its current expenses, the National Spiritual Assembly has had to go to the bank to borrow money—an action that it had hoped would not be necessary in light of present interest p

These financial difficulties have come about because monthly contributions have fallen well short of the goal set by the National Spiritual Assembly at Ridvan. Expenses are usually higher during the summer months thai the year due to increased throughout the country, and this year, expenses have increased substantially as a result of a

Fund — National Baha’i ,

number of special Ivities, Including the Continental Youth Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri, in July.

Success with the National Fund depends upon our ability to achieve universal and sacrificial support from individual Baha'is ell as collective contributions from Assemblies and Groups.

The present imbalance between Income and expenses presents us with a challenge similar to that faced last November. The National Spiritual Assembly hopes It will not have to curtail its vital activities at this critical time In the history of the Faith, but that the believers will instead rally to meet the pressing financial needs of the Cause.

Mercy—Rahmat 138 B.E

Individual Participation Se, vl

goal—6000 individuals

2885 2000 0 Contributions $ [i Assemblies and Groups $400,000 IN individuals goal—$316,000

$240,000

200,000

100,000

We're doing better! Bot

THU have #0 call for

Some special hele! *

• stay TONED FoR NEXT MONTH

[Page 6]YOUTH NEWS

The American Baha’i

soo WOMDAR uaF

Opportunities for summer teaching are still available for youth. Several projects are planned for late August and early September. Among them are:

Poplar, Montana: August 17-29. This project will be held on an Indian Reservation and projecteers will participate in a pow-wow designed to attract Native Americans to the Faith.

It is being sponsored by the National Teaching Committee in conjunction with the National Youth Committee and American Indian Teaching Committee. For details on this effort, teachers should contact the National Youth Committee office at 305-462-1919 or Lillian Torres-Beatty at 406-768-5230.

Grand Portage, Minnesota: August 29-30. This effort will be a special proclamation to open this Indian Reservation to the Faith.

Sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Northern Minnesota, it is being held at the Grand Portage Inn near the U.S.Canadian border. The program will feature speakers, entertainment and a pow-wow.

For more information about this project, contact Nanette Graves, Project coordinator, at 218-751-7292, or the District Teaching Committee secretary, Jerry Wetterling, at 612-363-4479.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania: August 22-23. The District Teaching Committee of Eastern Pennsylvania will host a summer teaching effort in Franklin County on these dates.

Those who are interested in taking part should make arrangements by contacting Susan Troxel

at 717-323-7860, or John Grinder at 717-323-4830.

A part of the crowd estimated at more than 6,000 who attended a

Saturday evening public meeting at the Kansas City Municipal Au ditorium during the first Continental Baha’i Youth Conference.

‘Lark Skyrunner (Merrill Miller, left) battles ‘Dark Invader’ (Tom Ukinskl) In a scene from ‘Soul Wars,’ a one-act drama presented

by the National Treasurer’s Office at the first Continental Baháa’i Youth Conference in Kansas City.

Southern California to welcome Leadership Training Program

The first in a series of Youth Leadership Training Programs is scheduled for August 31-September 4 in Southern California.

The program, sponsored by the National Youth Committee and the Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, California, will be held at Asilomar.

The Youth Leadership Training Programs have been developed by the National Youth Committee to help youth recognize and strengthen their skills for service to the Faith.

A pilot program, held last Janu ary in South Carolina, has been expanded and revised by the committee, and the program to be held in California will be the first in a series of YLT programs that will ultimately be held in most areas of the country.

Youth who are interested in attending a YLT program should contact the National Youth Committee to find out when a session might be held in their area.

Anyone who would like to attend the YLT program in California may contact the Youth Committee at 305-462-1919.

18th Youth Work/Study Project set at Baha’i National Center in August

The Mother Temple of the West will be the site in late August of the 18th Work/Study project sponsored by the National Youth Committee.

The project, which will begin August 24 and end August 30, will be held at the Baha'i National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

THE YOUNG people participating in the project will work at various offices at the National Center and attend a number of

6 Regional Youth Conferences slated

The National Youth Committee recently announced the scheduling of six Regional Youth Conferences to be held during the fall and winter of 1981.

These conferences are being planned to carry out the instructions of the Universal House of Justice which called for the holding of at least five Regional Youth Conferences during each year of the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan.

The conference schedule is as follows:

• Green Acre Baha'i School,

Eliot, Maine—September 18-20.

• Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina—November 27-29.

• Disney World, Orlando, Florida—December 25-27.

• Navajoland (site to be announced)— December 25-27.

• Michigan (site to be announced)—March 26-28,

• (Site to be announced)—April

10-12.

deepening activities that have been specially arranged for this event.

“The Work/Study project gives youth a priceless opportunity to learn more about the. activities at the National Center,” says Charles Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee. “It’s also a wonderful chance for youth to make some new friendships with their peers from other parts of the country.”

The National Youth Committee will be taking applications for the project on a first-come, first served basis. All interested youth should contact the Youth Committee at 305-462-1919 at once to get their applications processed.

Costs for the project are estimated at.$12 per day for meals. The National Youth Committee will provide housing and transportation in the Wilmette area, and all youth must make their own travel arrangements to and from the project.

Youth who require financial assistance should contact their Local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee.

More than 100 youth attend conference at Fresno State U.

More than 100 youth including several non-Bahd'is, attended a conference April 11-12 at Fresno (California) State University that was geared toward the application of the Writings of the Faith in our daily lives.

The conference was sponsored by the Central California No. 2 District Youth Committee.

The purpose of the conference was reflected in such topics for discussion as the Covenant, teaching, and living the life.

The speakers included Harlene Lang, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, and Fernando Huerta, who, recently returned from pioneering in Bolivia.

After each talk, participants broke into groups of about 15 each to discuss in depth the topic, its ramifications in their personal lives, and the implications in the

Writings for the world as a whole.

One exciting outgrowth of the conference was a commitment by the members of the District Youth Committee and campus club members to establish a network ‘of communication for youth within the state.

Sunday, April 12, was spent teaching in Madera, a local goal area. Approximately 45 youth . handed out more than 800 invitations to a public fireside that evening.

The response to the conference was quite positive, with many youth expressing an interest in having more conferences of this kind.

One declaration was recorded at the conference.

Entertainment was provided by Arie Summit and Don Reed.

| ens 2: NES A a

[Page 7]YOUTH NEWS

August 1981

Youth

Continued From Page 1

• A panel discussion during

which the members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly answered questions from the youth.

• Addresses by youth speakers

Gisu Muhéjir of Brookline, Massachusetts, and Mark Sisson of Los Angeles, California.

• Special presentations by the

National Teaching Committee, Race Unity Committee, Public Affairs Office, Southwest Baha’ Institute Committee, Baha'i Publishing Trust, and representatives

Alaska, Canada and Mexico.

• Three late-night social events

that featured entertainment ranging from bluegrass music to modern jazz along with dancers from several countries.

Conference sessions and the public meeting were held at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium, with workshops and exhibits in nearby H. Roe Bartle Hall.

A comprehensive program for the estimated 350 children attending the conference was planned and carried out by the National Teaching Committee and a large staff of volunteers.

THE KEYNOTE address Thurs

of the Baha'i communities of day evening was given by Glen National Spiritual Assembly’s Message to Youth Conference

To each youth attending the Continental Youth Conference in North America for 1981, we extend our warmest love and best wishes.

The fiery tribulations which greeted the dawn of the Baha'i Revelation in Iran more than one century ago have been rekindled. Just as with the illumined youth of that borning time, the heroes of today are yielding with astonishing joy and saintly selflessness their material substance, even their life-blood, once again to proclaim by their deeds the signal truth that a new Revelation has come, a new Age begun.

We who currently witness the miraculous fortitude of the Iranian Baha'i community in the face of these calamities may well question ourselves as to what might be our response should we be subjected to similar tests of faith. But not finding ourselves in such circumstances, we might better ponder what should be our action, here where we stand, to redeem this suffering and sacrifice.

The freedoms we enjoy in North America enable us to proclaim our Faith and live the Baha’ life without fear. These freedoms enable us to prepare without hindrance for a future whose prospects are brightened or dimmed by wht we who claim to possess the fruits of the Tree of Knowledge now do with our lives.

The youth are particularly endowed with the potentialities to make our tomorrows better, for they will surely inherit the future. But their numbers are as yet too few for them sufficiently to aid in the spiritual transformation for which Western society, indeed the entire planet, craves.

Thus, we address to you this urgent plea from the uttermost depths of our longing: that you, the Baha'i youth of today, take serious note of the vital challenges which a woefully troubled world presents to the enlightened followers of Baha'u'llah and resolve to carry out to the full the specific charge given to the youth by the Universal House of Justice, namely, that you teach the Faith, particularly to your own generation, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world.

May the fresh spilling of the martyrs’ blood infect your spirit with the zeal, enthusiasm and determination to realize the ideals and noble intentions which your commitment to the Lord of the Age has awakened in your breasts.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

lar entertainers at (left to right) Dash Crofts, Danny the first Continental Baha’i Youth Deardorff and Jim Seals. Conference in Kansas City were .

ford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Amatu’l-Baha Rublyyih Khanum spoke at both the Friday and Saturday morning sessions, while Mr. Khadem spoke Friday evening.

Saturday's public meeting, also at the Municipal Auditorium, drew an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 nonBaha'is.

The fireside that followed also was well-attended, with at least eight declarations reported afterward.

A large scroll with hundreds of signatures was sent from the conference to the Universal House of Justice.

At the Friday session, Amatu’lBaha Rublyyin Khénum read the following cablegram to the conference:

“Recalling beloved Guardian's high hopes Baha'i youth America would participate both teaching administrative spheres Baha'i activity, his firm conviction such participation would demonstrate to critics enemies Faith alike that Cause God is intensely alive, sound to its very core, its destinies in safekeeping, and sensing that time has come tap eager enterprising spirit animating today's youth, we call on you, spiritual inheritors of youthful followers of Blessed Bab seize opportunity presented this significant moment offer services National Local Spiritual Assemblies in ardent emulation spirit devotion martyrs

Cradle Faith. Be assured fervent ~

loving prayers fruitful conference. “Universal House of Justice”

ence held July 2-5 in Kansas City, Missouri. Below: A comprehensive

program for the estimated 350 children through age 11 at the conference was provided by the National Education Committee.

The Three-Year Youth Plan

At the first Continental Baha'i Youth Conference, held July 2-5 in Kansas City, Missouri, the National Youth Committee unveiled the National Youth Plan, outlining the goals for American Baha'i youth for the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan.

The goals are divided into four specific areas: promotion of the Faith; prayer and deepening; the Fund; and service to the Faith.

IN ITS PREFACE to the plan, the National Youth Committee recalled the beloved Guardian's request that the youth of America “raise the Banner of the Faith to ever higher and more glorious heights. The youth should become severed from all things of the world and, filled with the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, arise to spread the Message and quicken the hearts.”

In return, the Guardian promised that “...the Divine Confirmations will surely come to each and every one of you who arise to teach the Faith.”

The new plan, the Youth Committee writes, “gives each individual fresh opportunities to fulfill the Guardian's heartfelt wish. The National Youth Committee stands ready to assist you in any way possible. Please call upon us. We are praying for your success.”

The specific goals of the plan include:

Promotion of the Faith

• Increase the number of youth enrollments

within the Baha’ community aiming at doubling the number of youth from 3,000 to 6,000, paying special attention to teaching youth from minority groups.

• Provide 25 international pioneers who will

stay at their posts for a minimum of one year. Incorporate study abroad with pioneering.

• Provide 50 international traveling teachers to

assist in developing the Faith in foreign lands.

• Provide 75 homefront pioneers to assist in forming College Clubs, paying special attention to

well-known minority-oriented colleges, and settling in towns with large groups in order to help the

locality reach Assembly status in conjunction with the “Rhythm of Growth” theme.

• Expand the youth network to 500 functioning

clubs, including College Clubs, High School Clubs, local Youth Clubs and District Youth Committees.

• Make a special effort to participate in at least

one of the five Regional Youth Conferences and in special holiday and summer teaching projects. Prayer and Deepening

• Pray and read a portion of the Creative

Writings daily. Develop the habit of memorizing portions of the Sacred Texts.

• Participate in youth study classes designed to

broaden your understanding of the history of the Faith, the Covenant, and the Administrative Order.

The Fund

• Contribute to the Fund regularly, striving to

do so every 19 days. Service to the Faith

Excel in your classwork and strive to obtain proficiency in a foreign language, especially Spanish, French, Russian and Chinese. Your education should be aimed toward training for a trade or profession that will assist you in providing a lifetime of service to the Cause of God.

• Be of service to your local community by participating in service projects, teaching events,

supporting the local Fund, hosting Feasts, holding children’s classes, and supporting activities of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

“We are called upon by our beloved National Spiritual Assembly,” the Youth Committee said in its letter to the American Baha’ youth, “to teach the Faith to our generation as never before with renewed and sustained enthusiasm.

“This is our opportunity to win many victories for the Faith and to bring the world closer to the time when humanity will live together as one family.”

[Page 8]EDUCATION

The American Bahai

District Conventions vital part of electoral plan

This Is the fifth in a series of articles on the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies prepared by the National Education Committee. District Conventions will be taking place in October, and the subject of this installment is the importance of encouraging the friends to attend these annual Bahá’i events.

1. How can Local Spiritual Assemblles help prepare the friends for District Convention?

“Local Assemblies can explain to the friends the purpose of the District Convention, inform them of the date and time of the convention, and organize transportation to it.” (The Development of Local Spiritual Assemblles, p. 50)

2. What is the primary purpose of a District Convention?

“At the annual District Convention the adult members of the Baha'i community elect the delegates who in turn elect the National Spiritual Assembly.” (The Development of Local Spiritual

Assemblies, p. 49) 3. Why Is It necessary to have a two-step election process for the

National Spiritual Assembly? Shoghi Effendi has explained, “It is expressly recorded in

‘Abdu'l-Baha’s Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.” (Baha'i Administration, pp. 39-40)

4. |s the election of delegates then the only purpose of a District Convention?

“The District Convention consists of more than the casting of ballots. It also provides an opportunity for consulting on issues vital to the progress of the Faith and for making recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly.” (The Development of Local Spiritual Assemblies, p. 50) 5. How vital is it for an indi

cate? “ar

vidual to attend the District Convention in person?

The Guardian, through his secretary, wrote: “He... wishes to stress the importance of reminding the believers that they should make every possible effort to attend the meeting for the election of the State or Province delegates, in order to stimulate a larger group consciousness which will greatly facilitate the process of the believers becoming acquainted with each other, and provide an intermediary stage—which will become increasingly valuable and necessary between the local organization, represented by the group or Assembly, and national

Baha’i given Foundation award in ‘search for geniuses’ program

Roy Mottahedeh, a Baha'i who is a professor of Islamic history and Near Eastern languages at Princeton University, has been chosen by the John D. and Catherine MacArthur Foundation of Chicago as one of 21 “exceptionally talented individuals” who. are to receive awards of from $24,000 to $80,000 annually for the next five years.

The awards are being made, according to the donor, in the hope that the winners will come up with “discoveries or other significant

contributions to society.”

The “search for geniuses,” as the foundation has labeled the program, leaves the winners free to spend their prize money and time as they choose. They are not obligated to produce a scholarly paper or artistic work.

The awards cannot be canceled or called back at any time over the five-year period.

Dr. Mottahedeh, who also has won a Guggenheim fellowship, is the son of Rafi and Mildred Mottahedeh of New York City.

recelved a trophy for their entry May 9 In the 100th anniversary parade of the American Red Cross. The professionally bullt float, about 30 feet long, included a large globe and a stalrway ind gold.

Bahá’is from Roanoke City and Roanoke County who rode the floa P' nted five tlonalities and a diversity of The parade was seen live on a local television station that covers a large area of southwestern Virg!

Clone year © issues) $6.00 Litwo years $11.00

name street

city.

state & zip.

send to:

child's way i

Baha'i Subscriber Service §23 Greenbay Road fsstleatpel Il. 60091

eee

51 attend deepening in Eugene, Oregon

Fifty-one Baha'is from Il communities attended a special deepening April 5 in Eugene, Oregon, on “The Mystery of Sacrifice.”

The deepening, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, was conducted by National Treasurer’s Representatives Steve Toussaint, Joe Ferguson and Theresa Ganong.

collective action, represented by the activities of the Convention (National) and the institution of the National Assembly.” (Baha’i News, No. 168, March 1944)

6. How di ding and participating in the District Convention contribute to the growth of the Baha'i community?

The National Spiritual Assembly has written, “Unlike the former faiths, one is a Baha'i not merely by accepting certain truths and principles, but rather by expressing them in one’s daily life; and also by direct service in establishing the World Order of Baha'u'llah

“These are days of uncertainty and dire peril. As we participate wholeheartedly in the activities of the Faith, so do we create the Kingdom on earth which no on

slaught nor disaster can overwhelm.” (Baha'i News, October 1959)

7. Should every adult believer take part in the electoral process for Convention delegates?

Shoghi Effendi has stated, “! feel | must reaffirm the vital importance and necessity of the right of voting—a sacred responsibility of which no adult recognized believer should be deprived ...” (Baha'i Administration, p. 198)

District Conventions across the nation are scheduled for Sunday, October 4. The National Educatlon Committee hopes that you will note this date on your calendar and make a special effort to tend and participate in this vital fep toward building the Kingdom of God on earth.

= z The Baha’is of Nassau County, New York, participated May 25 in the annual Memorlal Day parade in East Meadow, Long Island. For the first time, Baha'is were invited this year to provide a speaker. The prayer for America was recited, and Christopher Hoina, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Hempstead, read these words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha:

‘The greatest desire of all of you is for peace. Today one can render no

greater service than to work for peace. War is darkness, peace is light; war is death and peace Is life; war Is misguidance and peace is guidance; war is devil and peace is God.’ The Bahd’is were presented a citation for their annual participation in the observance.

Last vocabulary quiz presented for ‘The Promised Day Is Come’

This Is the last in a series of vocabulary quizzes prepared by the National Education Committee to help the friends become familiar with some of the more challenging words used in The Promised Day Is Come (1981 edition). Simply choose the word or phrase that is word in question. Correct answers are on Page xx along with the actual sentence In which the word was used. Have fun!

.

4. Inexorably. (a) inefficiently; (b) unknowingly; (c) relentlessly; (d) deceitfully.

2. Incarceration. (a) imprisonment; (b) cremation; (c) collapse; (d) trial.

3. Implacable. (a) innocent; (b) dissatisfied; (c) unyielding; (d) wretched.

4. Progenitor. (a) disciple; (b) parent; (c) forbearance; (d) ruler.

5. Adamantine. (a) flexible; (b) valuable; (c) natural; (d) inflexible.

6. Imbued. (a) drunk; (b) embar

rassed; (c) imitated; (d) saturated.

7. Inviolable. (a) invincible; (b) profane; (c) peaceful; (d) unseen.

8. Discernment. (a) prejudice; (b) insight; (c) epistle; (d) desecration.

9. Machinations. (a) graceful movements; (b) tools; (c) automated equipment; (d) evil schemes.

10. Recompense. (a) thoughtfulness; (b) reward; (c) meditation; (d) harmonize.

11. Incalculable. (a) mathematical; (b) abacus; (c) innumerable; (d) difficult.

12. Sanctioned. (a) approved; (b) protected; (c) joined; (d) chained.

13. Denunciation. (a) double talk; (b) apology; (c) precise explanation; (d) public condemnation.

14. Impunity. (a) poison; (b) accusation; (c) freedom from punishment; (d) dross.

15. Paramount. (a) predominant; (b) matched steeds; (c) hobby horse; (d) equivalent.

[Page 9]EDUCATION

August 1981

These world leaders received Tablets from Baha’u’llah. Can you name them?

He Who Is the Lord of Lords Is come over. shadowed with clouds...this is the day whereon the Rock (Peter) crieth out and shouteth... saying: ‘Lo, the Father Is come, and that which ye were promised in the Kingdom Is fulfilled.’ ”

“God hath, truly, destined a reward for thee ... He, verily, will pay the doer of good his due recompense...thou hast entrusted the reins of counsel into the hands of the representatives of the people. Thou, indeed, hast done well, for thereby the foundations of the edific of thine affairs will be strengthened, and the hearts of all that are beneath thy shadow, whether high or low, will be tranquillized.”

“O King of Paris! Tell priest to ring the bells no longer... The Most Mighty Bell hath appeared ... We have desired for the naught except that which is better for thee than what thou dost possess and all the treasures of the earth ... For what thou hast done, thy kingdom shall be thrown into confusion, and thine empire shall pass from thine hands...We see abasement hastening after thee, while thou art of the heediess ...”

VOCABULARY QUIZ ANSWERS

1. () Relentlessly. “The mighty process already referred to had to pursue inexorably its course.” (p. 54)

2. (a) Imprisonment. “It was during his (‘Abdu'l-Azziz’) reign and that of his nephew and successor, “‘Abdu'l-Hamid Il, that the Center of the Covenant of God had to endure, for no less than forty years, in the fortress-town of ‘Akka, an incarceration fraught with so many perils, affronts and privations.” (p. 60)

3. (c) Unyielding. “His (Nasiri’dDin Shah's) reaction to the Divine Message borne to him by the fear

In September, the National Education Committee is inviting Baha'i communities across the nation to organize study groups on The Promised Day Is Come, Shoghi Effendi’s masterful analysis of the crisis of our age. The Promised Day Is Come tells of Baha’u'llah's proclamation of His Mission to the world leaders of His day, a proclamation that was met with derision and silence. Shoghi Effendi shows how the rejection of the principles and spirit of the new Faith led to the religious, political, economic and moral turmoil

ore

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“The promised day is coime. 1y when tormenting

trials will have surged

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that has since engulfed the entire planet. Written in 1941, The Promised Day Is Come continues to be relevant to the resolution of concerns and fears that beset our own era. The National Education Committee hopes that each Baha'i community will make a special effort in September to study and discuss The Promised Day Is Come, and to reflect upon the message of hope and ultimate spiritual redemption that it offers humanity.

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less Badi’, the ‘Pride of the Martyrs,’ who had spontaneously dedicated himself to this purpose, was characteristic of that implacable hatred which, throughout his reign, glowed so fiercely in his breast.” (p. 65)

4. (b) Parent. “Islam, at once the progenitor and persecutor of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, is, if we read aright the signs of the times, only beginning to sustain the impact of this invincible and triumphant Faith.” (p. 99)

5. (d) Inflexible. “Well might he muse upon the havoc which the rising tide of nationalism and skepticism has wrought in the

adamantine traditions of his country.” (p. 94)

6. (d) Saturated. “Man must now become imbued with new virtues and powers, new moral standards, new capacities.” (p. 94)

7. (a) Invincible. “The colossal events that have heralded the dissolution of so many kingdoms and empires have almost synchronized with the crumbling of the seemingly inviolable strongholds of religious orthodoxy.” (p.

8. (b) Insight. “Among these ‘veils of glory’ are the divines and doctors living in the days of the Manifestation of God, who, because of their want of discern

ment and their love and eagerness for leadership, have failed to submit to the Cause of God, nay, have even refused to incline their ears unto the Divine Melody.” (p. 79)

9. (d) Evil schemes. “They (leaders of religion) have placed their sordid machinations above the Divine decree, have renounced resignation unto the will of God, busied themselves with selfish calculation, and walked in the way of the hypocrite.” (p. 80)

10. (b) Reward. “He, verily, will pay the doer of good his due recompense, wert thou to follow what hath been sent unto thee by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the

All-Informed.” (p. 35)

11. (c) Innumerable. “Know thou that though My body be beneath the swords of My foes, and My limbs be beset with Incatculable afflictions, yet My spirit is filled with a gladness with which all the joys of the earth can never compare.” (p. 34)

12. (a) Approved: “Turn away from that which ye lay hold of, and which the Book of God, the True One, hath not sanctioned, for on the Day of Resurrection ye shall, upon the Bridge, be, in very truth, held answerable for the position ——————————

Please See ANSWERS Page 20

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[Page 10]RACE UNITY |

The American Baha’i

‘When the racial elements of the American nation unite in actual fellowship and accord, the lights of the oneness of humanity will shine...’ ((Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 54)

No race or culture holds a monopoly on prejudice

Comment History sheds light on oppression

The study of relatively recent history can be quite useful to us in gaining a broader perspective on the matter of superiority and suspicion.

In the not too distant past, a group of Europeans arrived on the shore of a distant land. They found the natives backward and savage by their standards, wearing animal skins for clothing, decorating their bodies with colored clays, carrying spears, steeped in superstition and practicing all manner of rituals.

THEY WERE A PEOPLE comprising many tribes at war with one another, each group intent on the annihilation of the others.

The invading Europeans looked down on these people, calling them barbarians and placing little or no importance on them as human beings, expressing by word and by deed the contempt that they felt for a race of people that they considered inferior and mentally not competent to attain a very high level of civilization.

Nevertheless, these newcomers imposed their culture and religion on the natives, forcing them to cast aside their traditions, culture, beliefs and even language, the most precious of all cultural assets—an asset so prized by them that even to this day a few of those natives retain their native tongue.

The invaders worked with the natives, commingling blood and establishing a new nation that even now expresses clannishness and tribal attitudes in its social interactions.

From this new nation have come many peoples who have forgotten the historical significance of the humiliation and denial of human rights and human dignity that was so harshly meted out to them without compassion.

These people now look back on their country with great pride and a new sense of superiority borne out of the recognition of the greatness and the achievements of its people—for that conquered land became a great nation with an illustrious history, with the power to conquer and rule over a vast portion of the earth.

THESE ORIGINALLY DESPISED and oppressed natives are members of the Anglo-Saxon race who were conquered and set on a new path, against their will, to a glorious destiny.

How tragic it is that a people who arose from such humble beginnings should have utterly forgotten their own suffering and the bitter taste of humiliation that they now often inflict on the peoples that they have conquered and dominate.

The valuable lesson which history, that harsh educator of mankind, has repeatedly given to all of us is easily forgotten, and superiority and suspicion enter the arena of life to perform their chief function—keeping people apart and holding back the progress of the entire human family.

2nd Tennessee Institute set

Featured speakers at the second Tennessee Baha'i Conference to be held September 4-6 at Monteagle include Dr. Wilma Brady, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Jane Faily, a clinical psychologist at the University of Ottawa, Canada; and Mary Kay Radpour, editor of Child’s Way magazine.

The conference theme is “Building a Baha'i Society.” A staff of teachers will provide a separate children's program.

Housing includes dormitories, a Holiday Inn, and cabins. For registration information contact Zia Ahmadzadeh, Route 1, Box 835, Morristown, TN 37814, or phone (evenings) 615-586-9247.

Dear Friends:

| would like to commend you on this task of opening a channel of communication with respect to this disturbing issue, rightly called by Shoghi Effendi “the most challenging issue.”

The universality of prejudice, whether based on differences of culture, religion, color or caste, is one of the vilest diseases of mankind.

No race or culture holds a monopoly on prejudice. According to ‘one well known scholar, “One of the most common themes of literature through the ages has been that of the prejudiced person or that of the person or persons prejudiced against. World literature is replete with such examples, supporting what must be called a most disturbing premise: no culture holds a monopoly on prejudice. Given the proper time and the right conditions, prejudice will reappear like the plague ...”

My only offering to this complex problem is a reiteration of the words of ‘Abdu'l-Baha concerning the mission of those blessed souls, the Bab and Baha'u'llah:

“These two blessed souls devoted their lives to the foundation of international peace and love among mankind. They strove with heart and soul to establish the teachings by which divergent people might be brought together and no strife, rancor or hatred prevail.

“His Holiness Baha'u'llah, addressing all humanity, said ... that man must recognize the oneness of humanity, for all in origin belong to the same household and all are servants of the same God.

“Therefore mankind must continue in the state of fellowship and love, emulating the institutions of God and turning away from satanic promptings, for the divine bestowals bring forth unity and agreement whereas satanic leadings induce hatred and war.” (Baha'i World Faith, p. 233)

Within our human family,

Your Turn

“some are asleep; they need to be awakened. Some are ailing; they need to be healed. Some are immature as children; they need to be trained. But all are recipients of the bounty and bestowals of God.” (Baha’i World Faith, p. 246) A. Ron Bashir

Browns Mills, New Jersey

Dear Friends:

| must compliment you for your good intentions in producing a page in The American Bahá’i devoted to the issue of racial uni y Unfortunately, racial antagonism cannot be overcome by good intentions alone.

It is valid that a key to at least understanding the phenomenon of bigotry lies in education and self-evaluation, but at the same time we must acknowledge that racial prejudice and racism are not synonymous.

One may choose to approach racial conflict as simply the result of learning or the lack of it, but in such a distinctly racist nation as ‘ours, that perception betrays not only a gross naiveté but a collective myopia of the worst sort.

Racial antagonism may be an affair of the heart and mind on the pages of The American Baha'i or in our Baha'i communities, but in the slums, barrios and Reservations that dot the country it is clear to their inhabitants that they are the victims of racism, an institutionalized and pervasive program of domination and exploitation of minorities to the ends of the dominant strata of society.

Racism is deeply rooted in the economic and social history of this country. Its basis is material, not spiritual.

All of the good intentions and high-minded platitudes placed upon the altar of racial justice will

not make a dent in American racism.

Until the American Baha'i community grasps the reality of racism and begins to offer some concrete alternatives to the exploitation that it produces, we will be forever dismissed as pie-in-thesky dreamers.

If we wish to change racial antagonism into racial unity, we must go to the source—racism itself.

William Pleasant IV Chicago, Illinois

Dear Friends:

| must admit that it puzzled me greatly when | first read the passage in The Advent of Divine Justice regarding the expressions of “gratitude and appreciation” between the races referred to by the Master.

As a member of a minority group, | felt that it was the only passage | had read in the Writings that really disturbed me.

Recently, | read the passage again, and | still felt that | could not bring myself to the point of expressing gratitude or appreciation to any of my white friends simply for having treated me as a human being.

After spending more time thinking about it, however, | began to feel that perhaps it had a broader meaning than the one | thought it had as | read it.

Then | remembered how eager | had been to express my gratitude and appreciation to Sen. Hubert Humphrey after he had worked hard for the passage of some important civil rights legislation during the Johnson administration.

That made me realize that there are many white people who have taken a strong stand for the equality of the races, even when they have had to suffer for it. To them, | feel that | could easily express my gratitude and appreciation.

Alma Goodrich St. Paul, Minnesota

Teacher training under way at Gregory Institute

The Louis G. Gregory Baha’t Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, has begun a summer series of teacher-training programs.

The weekend programs, each lasting two weeks, are designed to train teachers to teach at the preschool, elementary and middie school levels.

The first programs were held in July and August. The dates of future programs will be announced later.

Teachers in the programs are engaged in the preparation of units for a given subject and daily or weekly lesson plans. The field

aspect involves teaching children’s classes, conducting firesides, and helping to deepen Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘$1 Institute’ slated

The second Western Colorado $1 Summer Institute will be held September 5-7 at a campground in the Rio Grande National Forest.

For a registration form and complete institute plans, please send a legal-sized stamped selfaddressed envelope to Box 877, Alamosa, CO 81101.

From the Writings

“We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; yet they deem us a stirrer up of strife and sedition, worthy of bondage and banishment... that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; it the bor yf affection and unity between the sons of men s! be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease, and differences of race be annulled. What harm Is there in this?

It be; these fruitless strifes, these away and the ‘Most Gre Peace’ shall come. Is not this that which Christ foretold? Yet do we see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind... these

strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and ail men be as one kindred and one family.

“Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country. Let him rather glory In this, that he loves his kind (humanity).

“O ye discerning ones of the people! Verily, the Words which have descended from the heaven of the Will of God are the source of unity and harmony for the world. Close your eyes to racial differences and

of humanity. This handful of dust, the world, is one home; let It be in unity. Forsake pride; it is a cause of discord. Follow that which tends to harmony.” —Baha’u’llah (quoted In Star of the West, Vol. 12, No. 5, June 5, 1921

[Page 11]NATIONAL CENTER

August 1981

Data Processing has big job at National Center

Because they are capable of performing so many sophisticated functions, it is often thought that computers themselves possess a high level of intelligence, and are somehow reponsible for the data that they produce.

The fact is, however, that computers are mere load carriers. They do not “think” as we do, but are useful work and time savers.

WHAT COMES out of a computer, says Shahpur Sohaili, manager of the Data Processing Office at the Baha'i National Center, is only as good and as useful as what is fed into it.

At times, says Mr. Sohaili, the people who work with computers refer to them as “donkeys,” because a donkey carries the load and does not think about it.

The National Center's new “donkey” —that is, its new computer—is a Univac V77/800.

The V77 has a 147-megabyte disc drive and a 600-line/minute printer plus seven operational terminals and one operator console terminal.

What that means, says Mr. Sohaili, is that the computer is a “mini-computer,” the second largest variety (next to large main frames) manufactured.

“The interesting thing about this computer,” he says, “is that in its power, flexibility and expansion capabilities it is comparable to the largest main frame variety, and this is why it was selected.”

The National Center’s computer is, in fact, capable of performing many of the functions that a main frame computer can perform, and at a significantly lower cost.

THE RECENT changeover to the new computer, says Mr. Sohaili, was a major undertaking because it also involved a change in the way that information, called “data,” is processed.

The new “on-line” data processing system allows instant updates of computer-stored data by several people addressing the computer simultaneously through

A workman installs ceiling panels in the new Data Processing Office

at the Baha’i National Center's ad its several terminals.

This was not possible, says Mr. Sohaili, under the “batching” system that was used with the National Center's previous leased computer.

The conversion to the on-line system used with the new computer took more than a year for programming and detail designing following the initial period of planning and design, says Mr. Sohaili.

“It is the sort of major conversion,” he says, “that will hopefully not be required in the future.”

During the year-long design and programming of the new system, Mr. Sohaili and his three-member staff continued running the other computer system.

“THIS WAS only possible with so few people,” he says, “because of the dedication of the staff and careful organization.”

Data Processing staff members in addition to Mr. Sohaili are Ronald £. Greene, senior analyst/programmer;’ Hossein Kian,

analyst/programmer, and Marian Schmidt, data entry and computer operator.

While the changeover to the

new system was taking place, they had to gain a detailed understanding of operations in each office at the National Center that is concerned with the computer system to properly design the new system with their particular needs. in mind.

“This was necessary,” says Mr. Sohaili, “because each office at the National Center concerned with the data processing system is looking at a part of the system, while we in the Data Processing Office are looking at the whole.

“The proper integration of the system is one that meets the service requirements of all its users.”

Membership information for Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups,

istrict Teaching Committees, and individual Baha'is supplied to the Data Processing Office by the Office of Membership and Records presently makes up more than 80 per cent of the data pro

ministrative office building in Evanston, Illinois.

cessed by the National Center's computer, says Mr. Sohaili.

OTHER computerized information at the National Center, such as Treasurer's receipts, Baha'i subscriber service data, and mailing labels for The American Bal rely on the basic Baha'i membership data base supplied through the Office of Membership and Records.

What is done, says Arthur Conow, director of planning and coordination at the National Center, is that information provided by the Office of Membership and Records is taken and processed for use by all departments at the National Center and, in fact, all of the country.

Every believer has some connection with the Data Processing Office. If that individual subscribes to Baha'i News, World Order magazine, or Chil Way, there is yet another connection with Membership and Records’ data stored in the computer, says Mr. Conow.

Every believer's name, address and Baha'i identification number is a part of the membership data base.

Mailing labels for The American Baha'i come directly from this membership data, supplied to the Data Processing Office by the Office of Membership and Records.

A turning point in planning for data processing at the National Center occurred about five years ago, says Mr. Sohaili, when the then-existing Data Processing Committee took a close look at future growth.

AT THAT TIME, he says, there was no computer at the National Center. The National Spiritual Assembly was renting time on a computer at the University of IIlinois’ engineering department in Urbana.

Once the decision was made to have a computer at the National Center, an IBM System 3 Model 12 computer was leased to bring the computer operation within the Center itself.

It was while looking into a suitable replacement for the IBM system that the National Spiritual Assembly approved the concept of “distributed processing” as a philosophy for future planning and growth in data processing, says Mr. Sohaili.

Purchasing a newer and larger computer every few years, he says, would not only be expensive, it would mean that the Data Processing Office was reacting to growth rather than anticipating future needs of the American Baha'i community.

Distributed processing allows for volumes of work to be processed at various places and then brought together for use at a central point instead of processing all data at one point.

By using the distributed processing philosophy, says Mr. Sohaili, computer equipment and processing can be spread in a variable fashion for greatest flex

Shahpur Sohaili (second from right), manager of the Baha'i National Center's Data Processing Office, talks things over with

ibility.

“This concept of planning and developing data processing operations,” he explains, “allows, for example, for use of regional or state computers that would be duplicates of the system at the National Center. These computers could communicate among themselves or within their own areas.”

ANOTHER possibility, he says, is that the computer system at the National Center could be extended by the addition of computer terminals at various locations interconnected with it.

“Flexibility,” says Mr. Sohaili, “is the key to the whole idea. The concept allows the Data Processing Office to be ready to meet various needs with less expense.”

The new computer is not physically large. Yet its present 512,000 information piece (or ‘“byte”) memory capacity can be increased four-fold to two million bytes of

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senior analyst Ron Greene while staff members Hossein Kian and Marian Schmidt tend to the new Univac V77/800 computer.

memory. This potential for future expansion can be housed within the present equipment cabinet, says Mr. Sohaili.

An important part of the mandate for the Data Processing Office is effective utilization of data processing.

“This,” he says, “is a much larger area of responsibility than merely receiving data and producing print-outs of it on request. Unless the system is effectively coordinated, the data processing operation will suffer seriously.”

The new computer with its online data processing system represents a significant step forward in the effective operation of data processing at the National Center.

“Jt means,” says Mr. Sohaili, “that the Data Processing Office is poised for service in whichever direction the National Spiritual Assembly and its offices at the National Center wish to move.”

Reversible. 50 pieces

[Page 12]IGC: PIONEERING

The American Bahai

12

A “100-Day Teaching Plan” sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Pera that ended at Ridvan resulted in the election of 125 Local Spiritual Assemblies, the enrollment of 700 new be lievers, and the acquisition of a local Haziratu’l-Quds ...

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá RGhiyyih Khénum spoke to a large audience of Baha'is in Guatemala during her visit to that country in early March ...

Approximately 50 people participated April 9-12 in the first Baha'i Youth Conference ever held in eastern Nigeria.

The conference, organized by Nigeria’s National Youth Committee, was held at the Afikpo District Baha'i Center in Ndibe Village, Imo State ...

Two declarations took place during a Naw-Ruz observance sponsored by the Baha'i community of Dublin, Ireland.

More than 200 people, most of whom were non-Baha’is, attended the event...

The first Cantonese-language broadcast to mention the name of Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i Faith was presented March 21 by acommercial radio station in Hong Kong that can be heard in Canton, China, as well as in Hong Kong and Macao.

That same evening, the broadcast was repeated in English ...

Eighty people including 30 nonBaha'is were present May 9 at the first meeting on the Faith ever held at the University of Coimbra, Portugal.

Speakers included Saiid Jalali, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Portugal, and Auxiliary Board member Fernando Mesauita ...

More than 75 students at a teacher training college in Afikpo, Nigeria, expressed their desire to become Baha'is and the first Spiritual Assembly of Etiti Ama Oso, Nigeria, was elected during a teaching campaign last February by a group of about 30 believers from nine Nigerian cities ...

Fifty Baha'is and their guests participated February 27-March 1 in a youth conference in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The conference focused on study of the Tablets of the Divine Plan and individual goal-setting ...

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom has announced the acquisition of the first Haziratu’l-Quds in Wales.

The purchase of the property in Bangor completes the outstanding goal of the Five Year Plan for the United Kingdom that called for the establishment of four more Haziratu'l-Quds—one in each in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales ...

Thumbnail sketches of goal countries

Here are thumbnall sketches of some of the South and Central American countries designated by the Universal House of Justice as goal areas during the first year of the second phase of the Seven Year Plan.

The numbers of pioneers needed In each country can be found on the goals list printed on these pages. More Information about Jobs and about the countries themselves can be obtained by writing to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

Uruguay—Once called the “Switzerland of South America,” Uruguay and its warm and friendly people now need your help.

The people are mainly of Spanish and Italian descent and most follow the Roman Catholic religion. Spanish is the official language, but English is the second language of Uruguay.

A basic command of Spanish makes job hunting much easier.

According to the National Pioneering Committee of Uruguay, there are many opportunities there for someone to independently start his own business.

The rolling hills and grassy plains of Uruguay, the smallest country in South America, are ideal for farming and cattle raising.

The seasons, though temperate, are the opposite of those in the U.S., with June the coolest month (40° average temperature) and January the warmest (95° average).

The standard of living is comfortable, and no great health hazards exist. Housing and utilities are reasonable.

Study in public schools and universities is free. Good public health care is available, and postal and telephone service is generally good:

Sound interesting? If you are ready, willing and able to help the 1,200 Baha'is in Uruguay, there is a real need for your help in the slow process of deepening and consolidation.

Venezuela—The first Spanish conqueror after Columbus’ historic journeys to the New World named the land Venezuela, or “Little Venice,” because the houses on stilts reminded him of Venice,

Baha’is hold car wash

As a part of “Operation Befriend,” the Baha’is of Springfield, Oregon, sponsored a free car wash May 31.

The event was advertised on local radio and television, and the Baha'is were able to use a large area parking lot on a busy downtown street corner.

The reaction from non-Baha’is was delightful. Everyone was extremely friendly and wanted to talk at length about the Faith. Some tried to pay for the car wash, and a large number accepted pamphlets.

Italy.

The country is about the size of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho combined, and most of its 12.4 million people are “mestizos” (mixed white and Indian).

Spanish is the official language, but increasing numbers of people speak and understand English. The constitution, adopted in 1961, provides for a president, senate, and chamber of deputies, all elected for five years by popular vote. Religious freedom is guaranteed under the constitution.

Venezuela is the richest and most urban of the South American countries. While it is one of the world’s leading producers of petroleum, it also has stressed industrial development. Exports include petroleum, petroleum products, and iron ore.

Coffee is the major agricultural product. Although Venezuela is a country in which changes and improvements are occurring almost daily in every phase of life, it is not uncommon to see the old and new side by side.

People who have technical skills, such as engineering or computer technology, are most in demand in Venezuela. Some English teachers have started their own schools and are teaching the Faith while teaching English. All education, including university, is free in government-supported institutions. Elementary education is compulsory from ages 7 through 14.

The people are outgoing and have a good sense of humor. Their largest celebration is the weeklong “carnival” with water fights,

parades, dancing in the streets, and many other activities.

There are more than 200 Local Spiritual Assemblies in Venezuela. In the villages, people are quite receptive to the Faith, but in Caracas and other cities the teaching is more difficult.

Almost all of Venezuela is lovely, and all of it needs pioneers.

Paraguay—Paraguay is in the heart of South America surrounded by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. It is divided into two regions by the Paraguay River.

In the west is the arid, sparsely settled region of the Chaco; the eastern plateau region, where most of the people live, is sub

Children from the village of Sabana Larga, Falcon Sta’ Venezuela, are shown with their

tropical, with a warm, humid and rainy climate.

The people of Paraguay are quite friendly. About 95 per cent are of mixed Spanish and Indian (Guarani) descent. Spanish is the official language and spoken by about 75 per cent of the people, but Guarani is spoken universally.

Society in Paraguay is centered around the extended family. Young and old attend most activities together. Meals together often last two hours or more. Families spend hours talking together.

Roman Catholicism is the state religion, but there is religious freedom in practice.

Please See SKETCHES Page 13 - RIO TARTE

teacher following a Ba children’s class there.

Some practical advice on teaching in Panama

By CYNTHIA ALLEN

How to teach in Panama? Just teach!

The people there are highly receptive. They will listen to the Message in the streets and stores, at bus stops, fruit shops, and on their “porches.”

At the Temple site, visitors are always asking questions.

ON THE PRACTICAL side,

traveling teachers and the people they visit would benefit from learning some Spanish. A

ae

A group of Bahá’i women and children at the Indian Baha’i Institute

prepared program would also be useful.

Unless one speaks Spanish and knows where to go, it is essential to notify the Baha'is in Panama of his arrival before departing from the states.

Remember, the climate is quite hot, so do take light clothing (100 per cent cotton is the coolest).

Finally, currency is not a problem. The monetary unit in Panama is the Balboa, which is worth exactly one U.S. dollar. The dollar is also legal tender.

In the Republic of Panama.

There were many inspiring events for me in Panama.

One Panamanian Baha'i woman who goes to work each day at 2 p.m. goes out teaching until 12:30 or 1 o'clock. Then she rushes home to get ready for her job. What impressed me most was her spirit and dedication.

| met another woman who has been holding children’s classes for the past five years. She gave the children a Naw-Ruz party. | watched her cook and make ready for about 25 children. The love and attention she gave to each of them made it so special.

THE MOST impressive part of my visit was a trip to one of the Indian Reservations.

These Indians gave a four-day institute that was well presented. They focused on the Central Figures of the Faith—the Bab, Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. It was so beautiful being there with my Baha’! “family.”

These friends have almost nothing to eat but rice, three times a day. But the spirit is high.

| learned a lot from my Indian friends. | can’t wait to return and help with the teaching work in any way that | can.

[Page 13]

IGC: PIONEERING

August 1981

By Mary Louise Suhm Secretary, International Goals Committee

Time is running out. An urgent appeal is being made by the International Goals Committee to all those believers who have thought about pioneering, even to the point of applying to the committee, but for one reason or another have procrastinated

about leaving for their posts.

Only eight months remain until Ridvaén 1982, when 279 world pioneering goals must be filled. The friends must make their plans now to perform the “prince of all goodly deeds” and ensure the victory.

While it may seem that the new goals are assured, based on the successful settling of pioneers

Auer ee

Terry Madison, a Baha'i pioneer from the U.S. to Suriname, a country on the northeastern coast of South America, was Instrumental In arranging a five-hour telethon May 2 on national TV for the benefit of that country’s handicapped

people. Here Ms. Madison (standing left of center) faces her co-host on the telethon, Guno Maye (left). Entertainment provided by many of ‘Suriname’s top performers, some of

themselves physically han

Sketches

Continued From Page 12

Paraguay’s economy is based primarily on agriculture, cattle raising and forestry.

At the present time, conditions are excellent for starting one’s own business there. The country is experiencing an economic boom that should last at least 10 years, or until a $10 billion hydroelectric plant is completed.

It is difficult to obtain employment outside of the capital city that would support a pioneer, except in construction work.

Paraguay has a National Spi tual Assembly, and in the fall of 1980 there were 42 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the country.

Colombla—Colombia lies on the northernmost tip of South America.

Its diversity of altitude, temperature and rainfall produces an extraordinary variety and abundance of vegetation and topography.

It is legal for an American citizen to work in Colombia, and it is usually possible to arrive on a tourist visa and later change it to a residence visa when work is obtained.

The easiest job for an American with virtually any background to acquire is that of teaching English as a second language.

The International Goals Committee office maintains a list of schools and institutes in Colombia that hire Americans for this purpose—regardiess of whether or not they have any sort of

teaching degree or certificate.

It is not necessary to speak Spanish to secure employment teaching English, but it does help. In addition, for those who do speak some Spanish, there are usually jobs for engineers, chemists, and teachers of other subjects.

Bolivia—Bolivia lies in the central part of South America, covering an area about the size of Tennessee.

The country has a wide variety of land and climate conditions, ranging from hot and humid tropical lowlands to the Andes mountains, which are cool and windy.

The people of Bolivia are primarily Indian, and are receptive to the Faith.

Past experience indicates that it is not difficult for Americans to find work in Bolivia. There are a number of jobs each year for those who can teach English as a second language, and these jobs usually do not require a teaching certificate.

In addition, there are jobs in technical schools, construction work, laboratories, electronics, electrical repair and maintenance, public health, medicine, the import/export business, and hotel management.

Self-employment is also a good possibility for those with a little capital and the proper skills.

Educational institutions of all kinds are available, from primary schools to graduate universities.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia has specifically mentioned that Bolivia is a country to which a single woman can safely pioneer.

during the initial two-year phase of the Plan, the committee points out that only 76 of the 400 or so people who pioneered actually filled assigned goals. This means that only 38 goals per year were filled.

During 1981-82, the committee has decided to fill 50 goals, believing that at least 100 pioneers will go to non-goal areas. It would seem that this should be a simple task to fill 50 goals when, in fact, one of the reasons that the goal countries are chosen by the Universal House of Justice is because of the relative difficulty in finding people who have the qualifications, professionally, physically, and spiritually, to fill these posts.

Therefore, greater emphasis must be placed on these countries to ensure a broad cross-section of people from various backgrounds and nationalities living there, thereby hastening the unification

of and demonstrating the oneness of mankind. Another reason is that there is a tremendous need in these countries for extra hands to help do the work.

While most countries have wonderfully deepened Baha'is and don’t need anyone to teach them anything about the Faith, our presence in these countries is a learning and a growing experience for everyone concerned.

The people who benefit most are the pioneers, a fact attested to by the pioneers themselves in letters received daily from all over the world.

Many of the pioneers who have arisen to serve have been amazed by the doors that have opened for them after making the decision to pioneer and contacting the International Goals Committee. While it takes a longer time for preparations to be made for some, others have been able to leave for posts

Sal

Friends must act now to gain pioneering victory

in as little as two weeks.

The committee may have heard of a job that is just right for a particular person, and that person is able to take care of his or her personal affairs on short notice. For others, especially those with families, there are more things to be taken into account.

The point to remember is that with prayer and consultation with the committee, marvelous things can happen that will surprise all of us, and fill the goals with room to spare.

The committee urges you not to look at your weaknesses and frailties, or at your savings account with its lack of large sums, but father to contact it as soon as possible if there is even the slightest chance that you can be in a goal country by next Ridvan.

Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha'i National

PIONEER GOALS ASSIGNED TO THE WORLD

For the second phase of the Seven Year Plan

AFRICA

Filled Assigned by (P) Angola (F) Benin (E) Botswana (F) Burundi (F) Chad (F) Comoro Is. (F) Congo (S) Equatorial Guinea (F) Gabon (E) Gambia (E) Ghana (E) Lesotho (E) Liberia (F) Guinea (F) Madagascar (E) Malawi (F) Mali (F) Mauritania (A,F,S) Morocco Sénégal (P) Guinea Bissau (P) Cape Verde Islands (E) Sierra Leone (F) Somalia (E) So. & West Africa (E) Bophuthatswana (E) Namibia (A,E) Sudan (F) Djibouti (E) Tanzania (F) Togo (E) Transkei (F) Tunisia (E) Uganda (F) Zaire (E) Zambia

nS ORNNUVNVSEENNNN NNKVONNNN

BSRO=NENaNN & BEN

3|

AMERICAS

(E) Barbados 2 (S) Bolivia 4

1981-1982

Filled

by Assigned U.S.

(S) Colombia

(S) Dominican Republic

(F) Fr. Antilles

(S) Guatemala

(F) Haiti

(E) Jamaica

(E) Leeward Is.

(S) Paraguay

(S) Puerto Rico

(D,F) SurinamFr. Guiana

(E) TrinidadTobago

(S) Uruguay

(S) Venezuela

(E) Virgin Is.

(E) Windward Is.

3| Boson 2 aagnoaan o

ASIA

(C,E) Hong Kong (K) Korea

(E,C) Macao

(E) Nepal

(E) Sikkim

(E) Sri Lanka (E,1) Thailand

3| ANNNNEA

AUSTRALASIA

Caroline Is. (E) Yap (E) Palau (E) Truk (E) Fiji Is. (E) Kiribati (E) Mariana Is. (E) Marshall Is. (F) N. Caledonia (F) Loyalty Is. (F) Marquesas Islands (F) Society Is. (F) Tuamotu Archipelago 1

VNENENAG=

no

Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. Filled by Assigned U.S. New Zealand (E) Cook Is. 6 (E) Niue 1 (E) Papua New Guinea 10 (E) Samoa 3 (E) Solomon Is. 6 (E) Tuvalu 4 (F,E) Vanuatu 6 65 EUROPE (Gr,E) Cyprus 2 (Dn) Denmark 10 (Fn) Finland 6 18 World Goals 3 Non-Goals, Overfills, Refills 13 Total 16

Re-opened Goals (from first phase of Seven Year Plan)

Bahamas 1 French Antilles 1

LANGUAGE KEY

A-Arabic C-Chinese Dn-Danish D-Dutch E-English F-French Fn-Finnish Gr-Greek K-Korean P-Portuguese S-Spanish T-Thai

[Page 14]

PUBLICATIONS

The American Bahai

In their treasury of Baha’i Sacred Writings, literature, and documents from 1936 through 1944, Volumes 7, 8 and 9 of The Bahá’i World offer glimpses into the lives of Baha'u'llah and three heroines of the Faith.

Volume 9 includes an article by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahaé Ruhlyyih Khanum on “The Prayers of Baha'u'llah” in which she remarks on how much of Himself Baha'u'llah has revealed to us in His prayers and meditations.

National Center seeks help to win Plan goals

The second phi of the Seven Year Is under way, and individuals are needed to help in many areas.

If you find yourself in a position to relocate, please contact the Baha'i National Center to consult about the most effective way for you to particlpate in winning the goals of the Plan.

International or homefront pioneering, working at the National Center or the World Centre are examples of ways in which one might serve the Cause.

Individuals giving prayerful consideration to serving in these ways should consult with their Local Spiritual Assembly for advice about their plans. For specific opportunities, please refer to the classified advertisements on Page 4.

Mrs. Park, former pioneer, dies at 46

Mrs. Rentha G. Park of Ottawa, Kansas, a Baha’i since 1963 and a former pioneer to American Samoa, died June 12 at the age of 46.

Mrs. Park, a native of Decatur County, Indiana, was an educational consultant. She earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Mrs. Park served on Spiritual Assemblies in Clearwater, Florida; Durango, Colorado; Norman, Oklahoma; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Manhattan, Kansas, and on District Teaching Committees in Wisconsin and Kansas.

Morgantown sponsors Race Unity Day picnic

Twelve adult Baha'is, nine children, and 16 non-Baha’is from five counties celebrated Race Unity Day on Saturday, June 13, with a picnic at Krepps Park in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The event included games, talk, and delicious foods from several countries.

SHE WRITES: “At times it is as if, in some verse or line, we are admitted into His own heart, with all its turbulent emotions, or catch a glimpse of the workings of a mind as great and deep as an ocean...”

Such turbulent emotions can be seen again in Volume 8, in the reproduction and translation of a Tablet revealed by Baha'u'llah in ‘Akka as His son, Mirza Mihdi, the Purest Branch, was being prepared for burial in His presence.

Volume 8 also focuses on the lives of threeearly heroines of the Faith.

A section on Munirih Khanum, the Holy Mother, wife of ‘Abdu’lBaha, on the occasion of her passing in 1938, contains excerpts from her autobiography and articles by believers that describe encounters with her and praise her exemplary life. c

A talk by Martha Root on “Tahirih's Message to the Modern World” portrays Tahirih’s brilliance of mind, independence of thought, and love for the Bab. The talk relates how her life and martyrdom advanced the cause of the equality of women.

A section on Queen Marie of Rumania, commemorating the first anniversary of her passing in

1937, includes passages from her writings and articles about her that show the effect of the Faith

on her life. “Queen Marie of Rumania and the Baha'i Faith” by George

Townshend movingly depicts her acceptance of the Faith amid great emotional turmoil.

AMONG THE MANY illustrations in the three volumes, Volume 7 contains a photograph of ‘Abdu'l-Bahaé at Green Acre in 1912, surrounded by many distinguished early believers, and a photo of early believers in Chicago around 1900.

These and other items make The Baha'i World an absorbing chronicle of the Faith. Volumes 7, 8 and 9 will be available this month.

To order The Baha'i World, Volumes 1-12 (Catalog No. 333-000-10, $176 NET), see your local Baha’( librarian or order directly from the Baha'i Publishing Trust Distribution Center, 523 Green Bay Road, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Baha'i World is also being offered through a special payment plan that is sure to suit your budget. For details, see the ad in this issue of The American Baha’.

Message

Continued From Page 1

second phase of the Plan that will enhance the prestige of our beloved Faith and hasten the day of its complete emergence from obscurity.

The financial needs of the first phase of the Plan have been fully met. The teaching work has continued with unabated zeal.

The Seat of the Universal House of Justice is now nearing completion and the funds required for that tremendous task are in hand. The Mashriqu’l-Adhkér of the Indian sub-continent is rising and the work on that for Samoa will shortly begin.

Now the Universal House of Justice turns with loving confidence to those beloved ones of God who have responded with such zeal to fulfill the commitments that it has been guided to undertake, and has asked us to lay before you the needs of the year which has just begun.

ALTHOUGH THE TASK of raising the Seat of the House of Justice on God's Holy Mountain is now well-nigh behind us, the work on the two Mashriqu’l-Adhkars has acquired additional urgency.

The unstable condition of the world and rapidly rising prices make it essential to complete these two enterprises at the earliest possible date. Thus, major expenditures which it had been hoped could be spread over a number of years must be met within the next twelve months.

The public attention drawn to the Faith by the Iranian situation

and the many valuable friendships and contacts that have been made with those in authority demand, if the ground now gained is not to be rapidly lost, expansion and intensification of the activities of the representatives of the Baha’i International Community with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, as well as with other international bodies such as the Parliament of Europe.

The Universal House of Justice has therefore taken the decision to establish an office of the Baha’i International Community at Geneva, with a full-time representative. It has also become necessary to allocate large sums to the provision of a wider range of Baha'i literature in many languages and to develop the Baha'i use of radio.

The Universal House of Justice has estimated that to meet all these urgent goals as well as carrying on the current work of the Faith during the year 1981-82, an increase of 50 per cent over the amount ‘of contributions for the year just past will be required.

It therefore asks every believer and every community to consider prayerfully the degree to which they can take part in this mighty effort, and to strain every sinew to ensure that the tasks placed by an omniscient and all-wise Ordainer ‘on the shoulders of His privileged lovers will be worthily and speedily performed.

The House of Justice assures you all of its loving, fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines for your guidance and assistance.

With loving Baha'i greetings,

The Universal House of Ji Department of the Secretariat June 8, 1981

‘Baha’i World’ an absorbing chronicle of Faith

‘Pilgrimage’ film now available for sale or rental through Trust

The Pligrimage, a 16mm color film that was written and directed by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum, is now available for sale or rent from the Publishing Trust.

This two-hour film takes the viewer on a remarkable tour of the Baha'i Holy Places at the World Centre of the Faith, including the Shrines of Baháa’u'llah, the Bab, and ‘Abdu'l-Baha, and retraces the footsteps of Baha'u'llah during His years of imprisonment in the Holy Land.

The Pligrimage will not only give Baha'i communities an inspiring evening, but will present them with an opportunity to proclaim the Faith in an interesting and dignified manner.

The Pligrimage is available for sale in English, French or Spanish. The purchase price is $700 (Canadian) plus air mail postage.

To order, please make check or money order payable to the Baha'i Distribution Service, 7200 Leslie St., Thornhill, Ontario L3T 2A1, Canada.

The English version of The Pilgrimage is available for three-day rental for $55. Communities that wish to rent the film must send a letter to the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. The letter should include (1) the name of the film; (2) your first, second and third choices of dates desired; and (3) a rental fee of $55 (includes 10 per cent for postage and handling).

The rental fee must accompany the letter and cannot be charged toa librarian’s account.

For more information about film rentals, please phone the Baha'i Book Store at 312-256-2957 any working day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

Association for Baha’i Studies schedules 2 U.S. conferences

The Association for Baha'i Studies will hold two conferences in the United States this fall at which a number of scholars will present papers on aspects of Baha'i studies.

The first of these conferences will be held over the Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, at the Green Acre Baha’ Schoo! in Eliot, Maine.

THE SECOND will be held October 9-12 at the Bosch Baha'i School in Santa Cruz, California.

Papers already scheduled for the Green Acre conference include presentations on psychiatry and spirituality by Hossain Danesh, a psychiatrist and member of the National Spiritual Assembly

of Canada; on economics and moral values by William Hatcher, a professor of mathematics at Laval University in Quebec; on Thornton Chase by Robert Stockman of the Harvard Divinity School; and on Baháa’u’llah’s Four Valleys by John Walbridge, a doctoral candidate in Islamic studies at Harvard.

The schedule for the Bosch conference has not yet been announced.

Anyone who is interested in giving a paper or a literary or artistic presentation at one of these conferences should submit the paper or an abstract thereof to the Asso Please See STUDIES Page 20

[ees SR ROT SSS IE IS ES SS SEE ETE

[Page 15]PUBLICATIONS

August 1981

Stage 2 in ‘Rhythm of Growth’ plan

focuses on building a Baha’i Group

» The “Rhythm of Growth” is the program adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly to guide the American Baha'i community during the last five years of the Seven Year Plan.

The “rhythm” is the systematic pattern of expansion and consolidation essential to the growth and health of every Baha'i community.

TO KEEP the “rhythm” going, a community must have the knowledge required to function properly at whatever stage of growth it finds itself.

To aid in providing that knowledge, the Publishing Trust has designed packages of materials to suit communities of every size from one to 30 or more.

These packages were outlined in the “Rhythm of Growth” catalog that appeared in the June issue of The American Baha'i.

In the July issue of The American Bal we examined “Stage One: Organizing Yourself” to give the friends an idea of the reasoning behind the organization of these materials, so that they might receive the maximum benefit from their use.

In this issue we will look at “Stage Five: Building a Group.”

According to the rhythmic pattern of growth set by the National Spiritual Assembly, a Group of five or more Baha'is has the responsibilities of building toward and preparing for Assembly status.

These twin responsibilities call for two important activities: teaching the Faith, and learning how to become organized.

THE FIRST package in Stage Five is “SA: Organizing Your Group” (Catalog No. 505-011-10, $3.50 NET).

The four Group Seminar Outlines in this package will help your Group to organize itself. These seminars will prepare your Group for the duties and responsibilities of a Local Spiritual Assembly, help increase its cohesion and ex

ecutive ability, focus its attention on the important status of teaching endeavors, allow it to discern between administration and procedure, and help it in studying and deepening on the Covenant.

As your Group pursues its teaching endeavors, The Seven Year Plan will help it to realize how its efforts are contributing to winning the goals of the worldwide Baha'i community.

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi will help inspire those efforts with the Guardian's insights into the moral and spiritual disintegration of our present day society and his call for action in stressing the dire need for the establishment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah.

The next package in Stage Five, “5B: On the Road to Nine” (Catalog No. 505-021-10, $3.50 NET), will help your Group to function more effectively as it moves toward Assembly status.

Consultation: A Compilation provides guidance for the Group's decision-making from Baha'u'llah, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.

The writings of Bahá’u'llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi, included in Bahá’i Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, discuss the purpose and significance of Baha'i meetings and Feasts, emphasize the humility, submissiveness and unity that should be exemplified by the friends, and provide specific guidelines for the manner in which meetings and Feasts should be conducted.

The Continental Boards of Counsellors compilation will increase your Group's understanding and appreciation of the Administrative Order. It may also. suggest ways in which your Group can consult with the Auxiliary Board member or assistants in your area.

With the last package in Stage Five, “5C: Preparing to Elect Your Assembly” (Catalog No.

B. Dalton to distribute four Baha’i books throughout U.S.

Four Baha'i titles will soon be available in 110 bookstores in the U.S., according to Greg Weiler, marketing manager of the Baha'i Publishing Trust.

B. Dalton, a nationwide book seller, recently purchased large quantities of four Baha'i books to be offered for sale in its bookstores in various parts of the country.

The four books are The Hidden Words of Baháa’u’llah (paper edition), The Divine Art of Living, Baha'u'llah and the New Era (paper edition), and The Baha'i Faith: An Introduction.

This is the first time in the history of the Publishing Trust, says Mr. Weiler, that a major commercial book chain has acquired

Baháa’l books for sale.

Mr. Weiler believes that if these books generate enough sales, B. Dalton will increase its stock of Baha’ titles.

This, he says, will depend largely upon the assistance of the friends in purchasing these books from B. Dalton outlets and encouraging seekers to do the same.

On behalf of the Publishing Trust, Mr. Weiler is asking the friends to help make this venture into the commercial book selling field a successful one.

The promotion and sale of Baha'i literature in bookstores will be an effective means of proclaiming the Faith throughout the country.

505-031-10, $13.50), you are completing your preparatory education for becoming a Local Spiritual Assembly.

The Local Spiritual Assembly is a compilation. of the writings of Baha'u'llah, ‘Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi that sets forth the spiritual foundations of the Local Assembly, focuses on the qualifications, election and participation of its membership, offers guidelines for its consultation, and examines the relationship between the Local Spiritual Assembly and the Baha'i community as a whole.

Acassette tape presentation on The Majesty and Greatness of the Local Spiritual Assembly allows your Group to join a study and deepening session with the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

Your preparation for Assembly status is completed by The

Trusted Ones of God: Tho Local Spiritual Assembly, which is the title of an illustrated booklet and 17-minute color filmstrip that take a comprehensive look at the functions and duties of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

The fruit of your efforts as an organized and active Baha'i Group is the establishment of a Local Spiritual Assembly. In the next is 32

ee oo 63

KD

sue of The American Baha'i we will look at the materials provided for “Stage Nine: Building a Local Spiritual Assembly.”

To order the packages of materials in Stage Five, use the order form on Page 4 of the mini-catalog in this issue, or the coupon on Page 16 of the “Rhythm of Growth” catalog in the June issue of The American Bahá’i.

‘Questions’

The new paper edition of Some Answered Questions (Catalog No. 106-038-10, $4), now available from the Publishing Trust, makes this series of talks by ‘Abdu’l-Baha accessible to every Baha’i.

The subjects addressed by the Master touch many aspects of our daily lives.

HIS TALKS on proofs of the existence of God, the soul’s progress after death, and the differences between men and animals relate to those fundamental questions that lead human beings

now available in paper

to seek spiritual education.

His discussions of the growth and development of the human race, the limits of free will, and the relations between labor and management concern us as members of a society enmeshed in scientific, moral and political controversies.

A major portion of the book is devoted to the Divine Manifestations, a topic that is especially significant to us as followers of Baha'u'llah and as Baha'i teachers.

‘Abdu'l-Baha’s clarifications of biblical prophecies and Christian doctrines, which occupy another large segment of the book, help us to relate the Faith to those whose religious background and training is centered primarily in Christianity.

Each of the answers in Some Answered Questions is like a Jewel, small but brilliantly detailed. ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s use of language makes spiritual concepts as vivid as the world around us.

In discussing man’s potential for spiritual growth, the Master says: ‘He Is at the last degree of darkness, and at the beginning of light ... at the end of the night and the beginning of day ...”

IN SPEAKING of the perfections of God, He asks: “Can the creation be perfect and the creator imperfect? Can a picture be a masterpiece and the painter imperfect in his art? ... Moreover, the picture cannot be like the painter; otherwise the painting would have created itself.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha’s discourse on “Spiritual Proofs” is a comparison between the seasonal changes on earth and the spiritual cycle of the appearance of a Prophet, the spread of God's teachings throughout the world, and the gradual corruption of the religion of God into empty forms, until a new Prophet comes to refresh the spirits of men.

Some Answered Questions is a work to be studied and cherished by every Baha'i as a model for everything. spoken or written ~

about the Teachings of Baha'u'llah. To order your copy of Some An swered Questions (Cloth, Catalog No. 106-037-10, $11; paper, see Catalog No. and price above), see your Baha’i community librarian or use the handy order form on Page 4 of the mini-catalog in this issue of The American Baha'i.

[Page 16]PAGINA HISPANA

The American Bahai

Mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia

A los baha’is del mundo Querldos amigos baha’is,

Al comienzo del Plan de Siete Anos, frente a tareas formidables que el mundo baha’i debia realizar, y enfrentados por las pérdidas financieras aparentemente lisiadoras que resultaron de la embestida feroz de enemigos empedernidos a los creyentes valientes en la Cuna de la Fe, la Casa Universal de Justicia se volvié con esperanza férvida a los creyentes en el resto del mundo, llamandoles a levantarse y, en la arena internaclonal, ser campeones de la causa de sus hermanos perseguidos, y, mediante la abnegacidn y el ejercicio de la sabia administracién de los fondos de la Fe, permitir que su trabajo siga adelante sin que sea un impedimento la repentina incapacidad de los creyentes en Iran de continuar con su papel principal en lta provisién de la sangre vital de la Causa. En ambos campos estos dos anos pasados han atestiguado victorias asombradoras.

La manera en que se ha prociamado el caso de la perseguida Fe de Baha'u'llah en los medios de

comunicacién masiva, llevando su mensaje a milliones de almas que antes apenas se habian ofdo hablar de él; y el grado en que autoridades mundiales se han levantado para abogar por ella y pedir su vindicacién: ambos han sido atestiguados por baha’is en todos los paises con corazones anhelantes y alentados. Ahora la Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha indicado que debemos informarles a ustedes que en apoyo del Fondo Internacional Baha'i los abnegados seguidores de la Bendita Beldad han ganado victorias similares.

Los miltiples actos de devocién y servicio que han sido una

marca tan distintiva de progreso

en la fase inicial del Plan de Siete Anos no solo han provisto una base firme para el desarrollo de las instituciones de la Fe en todo el mundo, sino que también se han manifestado en un derramamiento de peculio que ha hecho posible el fijar metas para la segunda fase del Plan que enaltecer4n el prestigio de nuestra amada Fe y adelantaran el dia de su emergencia total de la oscurl dad.

Las necesidades financieras de la primera fase del Plan se han cumplido completamente. El trabajo de la ensenanza ha seguido sin disminucién de celo. La sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia ahora se acerca a su terminacién y los fondos requeridos para esa tarea formidable estan disponibles. El Mashriqu’l-Adhkar del sub-continente Indico esta elevandose, y pronto comenzara el trabajo en el de Samoa.

Ahora la Casa Universal de Justicia se vuelve con confianza carinosa hacia los amados de Dios que han respondido con tanto celo para cumplir con los compromisos que ella se ha sentido guiada a emprender, y nos ha pedido poner delante de ustedes las necesidades del ano que acaba de comenzar.

Aunque la tarea de elevar la Sede de la Casa de Justicia sobre la Montana Sagrada de Dios

ahora nos queda practicamente por detras, el trabajo de los dos Mashriqu'l-Adhkér ha adquerido mayor urgencia. La condicién inestable del mundo y los precios

Los Consejeros y miembros de la

Asamblea Espiritual Nacional en

Lincolnwood, Illinois.

Métodos de expancion y consolidacion

Un equipo constituido por cuatro Consejeros Continentales para las Américas y tres miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional se reunieron el 28 y 29 de Mayo en Lincolnwood, Illinois, para explorar métodos de expansién y consolidacién con la meta de determinar lo que trabaja mejor en la ensenanza directa a minorias y la ensenanza en el limite internacional.

La reunion de dos dias, asistida por Consejeros Continentales Dr. Farzam Arbab, Dra. Sarah Pereira, Fred Schechter, Velma Sherrill y miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional Dr. Dwight Allen,

Asamblea Espiritual Nacional el 21 de febrero en Wilmette, Illinois.

La meta es de tomar toda la ventaja de lo que se ha aprendido en las Américas acerca de los procesos gemelos de expansién y consolidacién.

Asistentes a la reunién conjunta del 21 de febrero sintieron que el éxito de los esfuerzos en los EE.UU. ejercerian una influencia favorable en similares esfuerzos de ensenanza directa en otras partes del mundo y que la colaboracién de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional y los Consejeros Continentales en este trabajo seria vital para su éxito.

Dra. Magdalene Carney y Soo Fouts, incluyé una revisién de todos los materiales disponibles sobre expansién y consolidacién.

El equipo trazé planes para campanas de ensenanza experimentales en localidades especificas en los EE.UU. Los resultados de su consulta seran reportados al Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros y a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional.

La creacién de este equipo fue uno de los resultados de la reunién conjunta de los 10 miembros del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros para las Americas y todos los nueve miembros de la

que suben rapidamente hacen que sea esencial completar estas dos empresas en la fecha mas cercana posible.

Por ende, gastos principales que se habia esperado podrian espaciarse a lo largo de varios anos deben enfrentarse dentro de los préximos doce meses. La atencién publica dirigida hacia la Fe por la situacién iranea y las muchas amistades y contactos valiosos hechos con personas en posiciones de autoridad exigen, si el campo ganado no ha de perderse rapidamente, la expansion e intensificacién de las actividades de los representantes de la Comunidad Internacional Baha'i con las Naciones Unidas y sus agencias especializadas, asi como con otros organismos internacionales tales como el Parlamento Europeo. Por ende la Casa Universal de Justicia ha decidido establecer una oficina de la Comunidad Internacional Baha'i en Ginebra, con un representante de tiempo completo. También se ha hecho necesario asignar grandes sumas de dinero a la provisién de una gama mas 4mplia de literatura

baha'i en muchos idiomas y al desarrollo del uso baha'i de la radio. $ La Casa Universal de Justicia ha hecho la estimacién que para hacer frente a todas estas metas urgentes y también realizar el trabajo corriente de la Fe durante el ano 1981/82, se requerira un aumento del 50 porciento sobre el monto de las contribuciones del ano que recién termind. Por ende pide a todo creyente y a toda comunidad considerar con espiritu de oracién el grado en que puede participar en este gran esfuerzo, y forzar cada fibra de su ser por asegurar que las tareas colocadas por un Ordenador omnisciente y sapientisimo sobre los hombros de sus amantes privilegiados sean realizadas digna y rapidamente. La Casa de Justicia les asegura a todos ustedes de sus oraciones carinosas y fervientes en los Santuarios Sagrados para que sean guiados y ayudados. Con carinosos saludos baha’is, Casa Universal de Justicia Departamento de Secretaria 8 du junio de 1981

Ritmo para el cercimiento y desarrollo de la comunidad

“La comunidad mundial Baha’i, creclendo como un saludable nuevo cuerpo, desarrolla nuevas células, nuevos érganos, nuevas funcion

medida que

El crecimiento tiene una pauta. Cuando una pauta se expresa a traves del tiempo, produce un ritmo. Si la comunidad Baha'i es como un nuevo cuerpo que crece, también tendré una pauta, un ritmo. Sentir el ritmo de la Causa es sentir su vitalidad y poder, y responder a su ritmo es encajar nuestra vida en esta pauta.

La pauta es esencialmente una alternaci6n ritmica de expansién (lo que produce nuevas células) y consolidacién (desarrollando huevos 6rganos, que son muchas células organizadas o consolidadas para que puedan generar nuevos poderes y nuevas funciones).

Cada Baha'i es como una minuscula célula cuyo trabajo es multiplicarse (expandir) y al mismo tiempo llegar a integrarse con las otras células (es decir, consolidar) para formar nuevos 6rganos, tales como Asambleas Espirituales.

La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional ha marcado el compas para una pauta-ritmica para el crecimiento y desarrollo de la comunidad Baha'i durante los anos que vienen:

De uno a cinco: Dondequiera que haya un creyente aislado, la meta inmediata es traer nuevas almas a la Fe y preparar el camino para un grupo activo de cinco. Una vez de que esta meta se haya

cumplido, el grupo puede empezar a echar los cimientos para una Asamblea Espiritual Local. El grupo querré elegir oficiales, establecer metas de ensenanza, metas de reuniones hogarenas, metas para el Fondo, y empezar a trabajar para elevar el numero de creyentes en la comunidad a nueve para formar su Asamblea Local.

De grupo de cinco a nueve: Una vez que el numero alcance los nueve, se debe formar la Asamblea, elegir los oficiales, y debe empezar a trabajar en nuevas metas; metas de asistencia a la Fiesta, metas para el Fondo, metas de profundizacién, proyectos de ensenanza, proclamacién, y cosas por el estilo ayudaran a formar una comunidad Baha'i bien profundizada y con s6lidos fundamentos. El primer objetivo de la Asamblea, entonces, es la preservacién y crecimiento de aquella Asamblea, lo que significa mas expansién dentro de la comunidad. El préximo paso es alcanzar los 15 miembros.

De una Asamblea Local a una comunidad de quince: Una vez que la comunidad esté firmemente basada y ha ya alcanzado los 15 creyentes adultos, se deberian establecer tres nuevos obJetivos: (a) la incorporacién; (b) adoptar una meta de enseanza de extensién; y (c) aumentar el numero de creyentes a 30. En esta etapa, la comunidad puede empezar a enfocar en metas mas detalladas, tales como abrir nuevas localidades a la Fe, ayudar a comunidades Baha'is mas

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[Page 17]ys

PROFUNDIZACION

August 1981

Consejos para la familia

La Educacion de los Hijos

Cada nino al principio de la vida es como una rama verde y tierna en las manos de sus padres. Su padre y madre pueden entrenarle de la manera que ellos escojan. No deben ser negligentes en este asunto, no deben ser deficientes.

Nota Para El Padre:

Usted tiene un papel muy importante en la educacion de sus hijos. No debe dejar ésta, en manos solamente de su esposa. Es importante estudiar y consultar sobre las ensenanzas de la Fe Baha'i. Traten de pensar en ejemplos praticos que podrian ocurrir en sus vidas y con sus hijos, y en la forma en que responderian a ellos. De esta manera llegaran a estar mas de acuerdo en sus ideas y mejor preparados para educar a sus hiJos.

Aunque su trabajo no le permita pasar much tiempo en el hogar, he aqui algunas sugerencias que peden contribuir mucho a la educacién de sus hijos.

A. Orar con ellos.

Desde el principio del embarazo oren por su hijo, ya sea individualmente o juntos. Especialmente la madre debe orar mucho; las oraciones tienen una gran influencia y efecto en el nino desarrollo.

Cuando sus hijos crezcan, permitanles oir sus oraciones. Aunque estén jugando sin poner atencién, oiran us palabras; la case se Ilenara de la vibraciones de la Palabra de Dios; y el espiritu de la oracién envolvera sus almas.

Durante Ia tarde, entre otras oraciones, siempre repitale la Oracion Obligatoria del Mediodia. Asi, desde el principio de la vida, su hijo se acostumbrara a “Cumplir’ con decir esta Oracién Obligitoria, y a la vez “se dara cuenta” del proposito para el cual naclo.

B. Platicar con ellos.

Permitales que le cuenten de sus intereses y experiencias; y comparta con ellos algo de su propia vida, su trabajo, su infancia y sus intereses. También platique con ellos acerca de Dios, de Baha'u'llah y de Sus Ensenanzas.

C. Escucharles a ellos y contestar sus preguntas con explicaciones amplias, veraces, y adecuadas a su edad.

D. Darles la mejor educacién posible. Su hijo tiene muchas capacidades y talentos latentes. Por medio de! aprecio y de! estimulo,” ustedes pueden ayudarle a desarrollarios. Asi pues, es importante que ustedes presten atencién a los intereses y aptitudes de su hijo y que le den la oportunidad de ejercer y mejorar sus facultades.

E. Disciplinarles por medio del amor y Ia firmeza y no a golpes. “Los ninos deben ser esmeradamente cuidados, protegidos y entrenados. En eso consiste la verdadera paternidad y maternidad y la misericordia paternal y maternal’ —‘Abdu'l-Baha

Baha'u'llah y ‘Abdu’l-Bahd ensean un nuevo método de disciplina basada en una combinacién de amor y de firmeza. Amen mucho a sus hijos y demuéstrenselo. Sus hiJos corresponderdn a ese amor y querran complacerlos, cumpliendo con sus deseos. Si sienten su amor lo suficientemente, no querran lastimarlos desobedeciendo sus preceptos.

F. Darles un buen ejemplo.

G. Consultar frecuentamente con su esposa sobre las ensenanzas de Baha'u'llah y colaborar para ponerlas en practica.

Una oracién mas:

“Oh Dios, refresca y alegra mi espiritu, pufifica mi coraz6n, ilumina mis poderes. Dejo todos mis asuntos en Tus Manos. Tu eres mi Guia y mi Refugio. Ya no estaré triste ni afligido, seré un ser feliz y alegre. Oh Dios, ya no estaré Ileno de ansiedad, ni dejaré que las aflicciones me fatiguen, ni que me absorban las cosas desagradables de la vida.

“Oh Dios. Td eres mas amigo mio, que yo lo soy de mi mismo. A Ti me conssagro Senor.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

Administracion Baha’i

Los principios de la administracién Baha'i fueron dispuestos por el propio Baha'u'llah, de modo que el sistema no puede compararse con otras organizaciones religiosas, cuyos adeptos decidieron el modelo de sus instituciones después de la muerte del Fundador de la Fe.

Hay otro aspecto importante de la Fe Baha'i que la destaca de otras religiones. Baha'u'llah durante su vida, designé a ‘Abdu'l-Baha “centro de su Convenio.” Establecié por escrito que después de su muerte, los seguidores deberlan acudir a ‘Abdu'lBahá para que les aclarase cualquier cuestién. Aunque los Baha'is estan autorizados a comentar las ensenanzas de su Fe y expresar sus puntos de vista sobre cuaiquier tema, ningdn Baha’i por mas ilustrado o santo que sea, tiene derecho a sostener que sus ideas son las unicas correctas ni a esperar que sus correligionarios acepten su interpretacién de las ensenanzas de Baha'u'llah. Sélo ‘Abdu’l-Baha tuvo autoridad para explicar e interpretar los escritos de Baha'u'llah. De este modo, se impidié que la Fe Baha’ se dividiera en sectas y cismas.

En su Voluntad y Testamento, ‘Abdu’l-Bah4 hace un convenio similar con los Baha'is del mundo. A su muerte, habrian de aceptar el orden administrativo de Baha'u'llah y acudir a Shoghi Effendi, el Guardian de la Causa. Baha'u'llah y ‘Abdu'l-Baha tomaron también otras medidas para asegurar la unidad de la Fe Baha’i; éstas seran comentadas al explicar las distintas funciones de las instituciones Baha’is.

La base preliminar de estas instituciones fue creada en la época de ‘Abdu'l-Baha, pero quedaron firmemente establecidas en todo el mundo bajo la direccién del Guardian de la Causa. Seguidamente, examinaremos la forma en que los Baha'[s trabajan unidos para el logro de los ideales que sostienen.

El Orden Administrativo Baha'i, a medida que se expanda y se consolide, llegara a ser considerado no sdlo como el nucleo sino como el mismo modelo del Nuevo Orden Munclay) destinado a abarcar, en la plenitud del tiempo, a toda la humanidad.—Shoghi Ef fendi

Pilares de la vida

En este universo todo esté gobernado por leyes definidas. En la tierra vemos ejemplos de ésto en las estaciones que se repiten, en la vida de las plantas y de los animales que nos rodean. Sélo el hombre tiene la facultad de obedecer o no las leyes que gobiernan su vida. De la eleccién que 6! haga dependera no sdlo su felicidad en este mundo sino también su progreso futuro cuando deje su vida terrenal.

Cuando la naturaleza espiritual del hombre es adiestrada y cultivada, éste sobresale del mundo animal y refleja los atributos de Dios. Sus facultades fisicas y mentales son empleadas en la promocién de la verdadera civilizacién y para alcanzar la verdadera felicidad.

Por lo tanto, observemos por un momento algunas de las leyes eternas que regulan la vida espiritual del hombre y de las depende su progreso.

La Oraclén

Cuando un hombre ha tenido hambre durante mucho tiempo, deja de sentir el aguijén del hambre aunque se cuerpo no pueda vivir sin alimentos. Lo mismo ocurre con el alma. Si 61 no se comunica con Dios por medio de la oracién, puede que no sienta la necesidad de hacerlo, pero su alma necesitar4 este alimento para continuar fuerte y saludable.

Bahd’u'llah dice que el hombre debe aprender a amar a Dios y a communicarse con El mediante la oraci6n.

En la Fe Baha’ la oracién no esta acompanada de ritual alguno. Lo importante es la sinceridad y la concentracién.

Para ensenarnos a orar, Baha'u'llah ha escrito muchas oraciones hermosas que han ayudado a miles de personas, aunque la oracién pueda ser también sin palabras.

Baha'u'llah pide a sus creyentes que recen todos los dias. Ademas de las distintas oraciones que pueden usarse en toda ocasién, Baha'u'llah ha indicado tres oraciones obligatorias de las que el Baha’! debe elegir una para su uso diario. He aqui una de las oraciones de Baha'u'llah:

“Soy testigo, oh mi Dios, de que Tu me has creado para conocerte y adorarte. Atestiguo en este momento mi impotencia y Tu poder, mi pobreza y Tu riqueza.

“No hay otro Dios mas que Td, e! Que Ayuda en el Peligro, e! Que Subsiste por Si Mismo.”—Baha'u'llah

Preguntas y respuestas

Estimados Amigos Baha'is, Con esta edicién de la “Pagina Hispana” comenzara una seccién de contestaciénes a unas Preguntas. Estan Uds. invitados a enviar cualquier pregunta que tengan sobre las ensenanzas Baha’(s o de cualquier tema de interés. Manden sus cartas a la sigiente direccion: PAGINA HISPANA National Teaching Committee Baha’ National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Muchas Gracias, Pagina Hispana

Pregunta Que creen los Baha'is sobre la vida despues de la muerte

Repuesta

Las ensenanzas Baha’ ‘is que se refieren al gran misterio de la muerte y de una vida mas alla de los sobrios umbrales, ofrecen a las mentes perplejas y a los corazones apesadumbrados un mensaje radiante de esperanza, consuelo y estimulo para una vida noble.

Porque Baha'u'llah, el Profeta de Dios para esta nueva era, y Su hijo, el Intérprete de Sus ensenanzas, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, han corrido algunos de los velos que ocultan Io invisible, y han explicado mucho do lo que, hasta ahora, parecia vago y desconcertante.

Pero los misterios del mas alla y los secretos del universo no pueden ser revelados totalmente, ya que el lenguage de los hombres es como el lenguage de los ninos, y tales revelaciones no podrian ser comprendidas correctamente por nosotros en este mundo. Slo algunas verdades necesitan ser Conocidas, con el objeto de aclarar nuestros pensamientos inspirar y guiar las actividades de nuestra vida terrena.

Parece que fuera necesario, antes de que podamos comprendar algo del significado de la existencia en la vida del mas alla, que compredamos el propdsito de esta vida, y cémo deberla ser considerada.

Mundo Embrlonario

Se nos ensena que la vida en la carne es sélo la etapa embrionaria de la existencia. Puede ser comparada con el proceso de gestacién del nino, cuando adquiere y desarrolla gradualmente la forma y los atributos que necesitara para su vida en el mundo fisico. Asi el hombre necesita desarrollar en la vida terrenal aquellas cualidades del espiritu que le permitiran no sdélo funcionar en forma adecuada aqui y alcanzar la felicidad espiritual, sino también le serviran, al morir, para un renacimiento a la vida del mas alla.

El propésito de la existencia terrena es, por lo tanto, permitir al hombre desarrollarse mediante las experiencias de a alegria y del dolor, mediante la lucha, realizacién ye actividad bien dirigida, aquellas cualidades espirituales de amor, pureza, humildad, desprendimiento, veracidad, sabidurla, fe y servicio a la humanidad, que constituiran su vida en las esferas de la eternidad.

“Oh Hijo del Espiritu! Mi primer consejo es este. Posee un corazén puro, bondadoso y radiante para que sean tuya una soberania antigua, imperecedera y sempiterna.”—Baha'u'llah

[Page 18]PERSIAN PAGE

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[Page 20]

The American Baha'i : ce Second Class ae Postage Paid 2 At Wilmette, 9 VA ola Mlinois August 1981 z, I — — Ritmo de la Danny Deardorff Wecues ae 2 ame Mrs - Sereno Ue comunidad profiled in PBS Tell us your = ea Residence new address Address. x a ooo Continued From Page 16 television special Hew edreae, enc an sar a Do on his life, music fecelving your copies “of The aay the te Yast nuevos, etc. (Se debe notar que a amertoen, Se tiaubra al tics ni ‘State Zip Code los 15 miembros, las Asambleas Danny Deardorff, a Baha'i who |) cludes.your 10 number to the Office a ee deben adoptar una meta de en- | lives in Vashon Island, Washing- feb scorers Aipseniagtete = ‘Street, Rural Route, or Post Ottice Box Number senanza de extensién. Esto no ex- | ton, was profiled May fl on a haif- Wilmette, 1 60091, as soon as you cluye, sin embargo, a aquellas | hour public television program Know that you are going to move and City State Zip Code Asambleas firmes de menos de 15 | about his music and his life. | wit ee oes baat to tos thee eee en eats See . que deseen adoptar una meta. The program, entitled “Danny processed quickly so that the Community - ‘i = s a Solo significa que a los 15, se de- | Deardort{'s Rainbow,” was hae IB xsnsiecol met fos ous Beat Fame ceigcaua crest Oars cher Locbny Boece tae person eekaee beria hacer una meta como un | sented shortly before the sched- | bags Ons

paso automatico.)

De una comunidad de 15 con una Asamblea incorporada a una comunidad de 30: Una vez que la comunidad haya alcanzado los 30 miembros, llega a ser una base de recursos humanos de la cual se pueden enviar pioneros (dentro del pais o al extranjero), que puede adoptar metas y trabajos més extensos, organizar conferencias e institutos, desarrollar proyectos especiales de ensenanza (como son los proyectos para las minorias), y continuar de expandir la comunidad, ganando nuevas almas para la Cause de Baha'u'llah.

Studies

Continued From Page 14

ciation for review as soon as possible.

Please send materials to the Association for Baha’ Studies, Box 2577, Station D, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5W6.

Reservations for the conferences should be made through the respective schools:

Registrar, Green Acre Baha'i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

Registrar, Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Several additional conferences will be held in various parts of Canada during December.

uled release of Mr. Deardorff's first solo album, “Chameleon,” which is being completed with the help of Jim Seals, Dash Crofts, Marcia Day and a host of professionals from Los Angeles to Seattle.

A Danny Deardorff fan club is being formed in the Seattle area. For information, write to the club at P.O. Box 448, Seattle, WA 98111.

label should accompany address change form.

Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Clip along dotted line. Mailing label should accompany address change form.

Archival materials must be carefully preserved

This is the fourth in a series of articles on Baha'i archives written by the National Baha'i Archives Committee.

.

Preservation: Paper and most other archival materials have the following enemies: man, fire, temperature and humidity, acid, light, insects and rodents, mold,

The following gives some general advice about dealing with each of these enemies.

Man: Man damages archival material through theft, mistreatment or ignorance. To protect archival material, the archives should be kept under lock and key and no one should use the archives without the permission and under the supervision of the archivist.

A record should be kept of all researchers, and only pencils should be used while working with

the records.

Fire: While Baha'i archives can rarely, at present, be housed in fireproof buildings, the archivist should take every possible precaution against fire.

This might include acquiring fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, or fireproof safes or filing cabinets.

Temperature/humidity: The temperature and humidity in the archives should be kept at a constant level 24 hours a day. Temperature should be kept between 60° and 70°F and humidity. between 45 per cent and 60 per cent.

Wide fluctuations in temperature or humidity can be as damaging as prolonged periods of too high or too low readings.

An air conditioning system is one of the best investments an archives can make, but if it is not

Martyrs

Continued From Page 1

14, seven outstanding and respected members of the local Baha'i governing body in Hamadan faced a firing squad after having been imprisoned and tortured. They were: Mr. Husayn Mutlaq, Mr. Suhay! Habibi, Mr. Suhrab Habibi, Dr. Nasir Vafa’i, Dr. Firuz Na’imi, Mr. Husayn Khandil and Mr. Tarazulla Khuzayn. Similar executions have occurred before this in Tabriz,

Tehran, Shiraz and Yazd.

THE SUPREME Judicial Council in Tehran approved the execution of these men, as it has on prior occasions since March, on the basis of trumped-up charges, including corruption on earth, fighting God and his messenger, and collaboration with world Zionism. These charges bear no relation whatsoever to reality but serve as a refrain in the shrill rhetoric being used by the Shi'ite clergy in their fanatic opposition to the Baha'i Faith, which they regard as a

heresy. ‘

Far more ominous, however, has been the verdict announced for the first time last March in the case of the trial of two Baha'is in Shiraz making membership in Baha’ institutions and teaching the Baha’( religion crimes punishable by death. Since then the Iranian Baha’i community has feared for the lives of the

sons, and of the members of the Baha’/ national governing body who were abducted last August and taken to an unknown destination.

The immediate threat of summary executions

hangs over the scores of prominent Baha'is now being held in prison in a diabolical attempt to force the rank and file of the Baha'i community to recant their faith. Iranian authorities have remained impervious to the thousands of appeals addressed to them by the Baha'is of more than 300 countries and dependencies. The persecution of the Iranian Baha'is, abetted by the recent high court rulings, clearly has as sumed the pattern of a genocidal campaign.

SHAKEN and distressed by the dark fate rapidly enveloping the entire community of our beleaguered co-religionists, we urgently appeal to you, Mr. Secretary-General, immediately to lend the full weight of your influence to arranging to send a special representative or a United Nations Commission to Iran at the earliest possible moment to ascertain the condition of the Baha'is and to take forthright measures to lift the oppression burdening this peace-loving,

law-abiding people, whose only guilt is their belief in

members of some 500 local Baha’! governing bodies

throughout the country, each comprising nine per- the B: f the United chival supplies like folders and

the essential unity of the world religions, the oneness of all the races of mankind, the equality of men and women, and the benefits of compulsory education as necessary means toward the establishment of a universal and lasting peace.

Please be assured of our gratitude and respect.

National Spiritual Assembly of It es,

feasible, then portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers should be used.

Acid: Acid in paper breaks down, its fibers and causes the paper to become brittle. Acid can remain in paper after it is manufactured if the paper is made from groundwood or alum sizing.

The cheapest forms of paper, like newsprint, have groundwood, while most types of bond paper that are not 100 per cent cotton rag or the new “permalife” type will have alum sizing.

There is little that can be done at this time, as an inexpensive and efficient way of de-acidifying papers has not yet been developed.

Acid can also be transferred to paper, whether from another object next to it or from sulfuric acid in the air.

This is why archival material is placed in acid-free containers. Highly acidic material, like newspapers, should not be placed against items that are free of acid.

Light: The ultraviolet rays in sunlight and fluorescent lighting can damage paper and other archival material.

Therefore, an archives should be placed in a windowless room, or windows should be covered up. Plastic filters can be purchased to filter the ultraviolet. rays from fluorescent lights.

Insects and rodents: There are many kinds of insects and rodents that feast on archival material. If any are found in the archives, a pest control company should be called in.

It is important to seal any openings that could harbor pests. Also, the archives should be kept clean and no foods or beverages should be allowed in.

Mold: Mold cannot grow if the humidity is kept below 65 per cent, so it is important to keep the humidity under control.

Sources of archival supplies: (1) Hollinger Corporation, P.O. Box 6185, 3810 South Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206. Ar boxes. Best for bulk orders due to fairly large minimum order quantities.

(2) Highsmith Company, P.O. Box 25, Highway 106 East, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Library supplies.

(3) Light Impressions, 131 Gould St., Rochester, NY 14610. Supplies for storage and preservation of photographs.

(4) TALAS, 130 Sth Avenue, New York, NY 10011. Archival and conservation supplies. Low minimum quantities, so suitable for small archives.

(5) University Products, P.O. Box 101, South Canal St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Archival and library supplies.

For more information on the organization and maintenance of a Bahá’i archives, write to the National Baha’i Archives Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Answers

Continued From Page 9

ye occupied.” (p. 85)

13. (d) Public condemnation. “Not one Prophet of God: was made manifest Who did not fall a victim to the relentless hate, to the denunciation, denial and execration of the clerics of His day!” (p. 79)

14. (c) Freedom from punishment. “Might not that same mulla ponder the torrents of blood which, during the long years when he enjoyed impunity of conduct, flowed at his behest ...” (p. 95)

15. (a) Predominant. “It does insist, however, on the subordination of national considerations and particularistic interests to the imperative and paramount claims of humanity as a whole, inasmuch as in a world of interdependent nations and peoples the advantage of the part is best to be reached by the advantage of the whole.” (p.

[Page 21]August 1981

BahdiPublishingTrust

INICATALOG _

1

at

Order Form (See page 4)

New Books

106-037-10 $11.00 106-038-10 $4.00

NEW Cloth, Paper Cloth

Editions — Paper ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s much loved series of table talks in which He offers traditional and rational proofs for the validity of the Faith, explains some of its fundamental aspects, examines a great variety of Christian doctrines and Biblical prophecies, and discusses the origin and conditions of man and many other topics. Includes new foreword suitable for introducing the Faith

Some Answered Questions:

to seekers and libraries. Also includes new index. a

305 pp. ox

Mothers, Fathers, and Children: Practical Cloth —332-070-10 $9.00

Advice to Parent: NEW for parents Paper 332-071-10 $4.50 A practical and encouraging guide for parents ‘nak

and teachers by the Hand of the Cause of God A. Furtitan on how to train a child according to Baha'i principles while dealing with day-to-day family and classroom situations

Paper — 352-083-10 $2.50

Remember My Days: The Life Story of Baha’u'llah: NEW for youth

By Lowell Johnson. A compact, easily-readable version of the life of Baha’u’ lah, which includes De incidents from His childhood and many touch ing details about His wife and children. Perfect

for youth and non-Baha’is as a brief but personal look at Baha’u'llsh’s life story. 41 pp.

Reriomber F

New ‘for Children and nd Youth

Puzzle Puzzle: NEW for ‘Children Puzzle One side makes a calendar. The other side ° makes a garden! This reversible, 50-piece puzzle teaches children the Arabic and English names for the nineteen Baha’i months and also lets them put together a garden filled with children of alll races. 5-1] years.

840-025-10 $5.00

- Quilt Poster: NEW Poster 859-009-10 $3.00

for Children Brighten your child’s room with this photo- , graphic reproduction of a quilt designed by Vicky Hu. It features quotations from the Writings, beautifully illustrated with a variety of colorful scenes in embroidery and appliqué. Poster includes dark blue border and the words “O God, Guide Me . . .’”” in white. 16 x 22 inches.

O God, Guide Me .

The Scottish Visitors: A Story About Paper 352-076-10 $2.50 “Abdu’l-Baha in Britain: NEW for Children One day, a newspaperman rudely interrupts ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s meeting, with some visitors, cluding two Scottish ladies. The guests are angry and upset, until ‘Abdu’l-Baha shows them—by his patience and human understanding—how a true Baha’i should act. Text by Anthony A. Lee. Illustrated by Rex John Irvine. 25 pp.

Stories from “The Dawn-Breakers”: Back Set of four 831-025-10 $25.00 in Stock! Cassettes The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears retells dramatic incidents from the Heroic Age of the Faith in this series of stories adapted from Stories from The Dawn-Breakers, a book by Zoe Meyer about the early years of the Baha’i Era. An excellent means for introducing children to episodes from Baha’i history. 217

Fly through the Baha’i Year: NEW for

5-10 year olds A ted bird and a yellow butterfly introduce children, in rhymed verse, to the Wilmette House of Worship and to the Baha’i year filled with Holy Days and other observances. Written and colorfully illustrated by Terry Ostovar.

Paper — 352-075-10 $5.00

Role of Baha’i Youth in Today's World:

Back in Stock!

A talk by the Hand of the Cause of God Ruhiyyih Khanum in which she discusses how youth can best relate to the political movements, social changes, and morality of this age according to the standards of Baha’u'llah. Includes a question and answer session on a variety of portant issues.

NEW Paper Edition! Cloth — 353-013-10 $5.50 Paper 353-014-10 $3.00 353-015-10 $8.00

The Secret in the Garden: This award-winning story of how a small, observant girl helps the people of her village to _Book/ learn about unity in diversity will delight adults Cassette and children alike with its wit and humor. Writ ten and illustrated by Winifred Barnum New man. Also available on cassette.

The Continental Boards of Gourselors: Paper 215-067-10 $4.00

NEW Booklet A chronological compilation of letters, extracts of letters, and cables from The Universal House of Justice that traces the development of the Continental Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Boards from 1968 through 1981, delineates their duties and responsibilities, and clarifies their relationships to the other institutions of the Administrative Order. Also contains an address on the institution by Counselor Edna M. True. This compilation wiil help us to understand why this institution is vital to the progress of the world Baha’i community. 81 pp.

The Continental Board of Counselors: Its Role Cassette 830-036-10 $7.00 and Station: Back in Stock!

A study and deepening class on the importance ce of the Continental Boards of Counselors con- ok ducted by the Hand of the Cause of God William tis Role Sears. Use with the new Continental Boards of ot, Counselors booklet. 60 minutes.

A Moment with the Institution of the Cassette $7.00 Continental Board of Counselors: Back in Stock! A presentation by Counselor Edna True and four Auxiliary Board Members that contains priceless reminiscences of the Master and early U.S. believers, inspirational guidance for teaching and pioneering, and practical advice on handling opposition to the Faith. 58 minutes.

For NEC's September Study Tape

108-017-10 $11.00 108-018-10 $5.50

The Promised Day Is Come Cloth In the 1941 letter to Western Bahd‘is, Shoghi Paper Effendi analyzes the main trends in the last hundred years, and in forceful terms points to mankind’s rejection of Baha’u’lláh as the under lying cause of the present worldwide social and

moral chaos. An indispensable perspective on

current world events

[Page 22]

2 BahdiPublishingTrust

New Bookplates

Baha’i Library Bookplates: NEW Bookplates Package 842-001-10 $4.00 Are you concerned about losing yourbooks, but —_ of 20

reluctant to mark them up by putting yourname in them? Bahd’i Library Bookplates are the perfect way to put your name into all your books and to proclaim the Faith at the same time. They are attractive green-and-white labels of pre-glued paper that can be placed on the inside covers of your books. The bookplates feature the Greatest Name in the center of a nine-pointed star. Bookplates will not only designate your personal Abrany? they will also prompt questions from non-Baha’i friends who happen to glance through or borrow your books. Each package contains twenty bookplates. 4 1/8 x3 3/8 inches.

New Persian Tape

In Memory of the Martyrs: NEW Cassette! An exquisite selection of chants and songs by the renowned Persian artist Shokouh Rezai, recorded at the House of Worship in Wilmette. Included are Tablets of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’lBaha, odes by Bahd’u’llih, a poem by Tahirih, and more. Both Persian and non-Persian friends will enjoy it as a beautiful background for prayer and meditation and an exhilarating addition to Feasts. 47 minutes.

Cassette 832-025-10 $8.00

New Stereo Cassettes

The Hidden Words of Baha‘u‘llah: New Stereo Cassette. Donna Kime’s lyrical voice brings out the poetic beauty of Baha’u’llah’s Hidden Words. Excellent for Feasts and deepenings.

60 minutes. Catalog No. 832-022-10 $8.50

Flight: NEW Stereo Cassette. A diversity of cultures as well as musical styles is represented in this collection of original songs by Baha’i musicians that includes the soft rock of England Dan and John Ford Coley, the jazz improvisations of Do’a, and the rhythm and blues of John and Sharon Barnes.

60 minutes Catalog No. 832-021-10 $8.50

The Lote Tree: NEW Stereo Cassette. The Central Figures, the Guardian, and the principles and institutions of the Faith are dramatically portrayed with narration by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and with songs by Baha’ artists such as Seals and Crofts and England Dan and John Ford Coley.

60 minutes. Catalog No. 832-023-10 $8.50

Happy Ayyaém-i-Ha!: NEW Stereo Cassette. Between musical selections, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears shares “grandfatherly” talk with a group of children about various aspects of the Faith. For all year long!

60 minutes. Catalog No. 832-044-10 $8.50

Cassettes Back in Stock

Shoghi Effendi: Guardian of the Baha’i Faith: Cassette 831-003-10 $8.50

Back in Stock! A talk by the Hand of the Cause of God Ruihiy- SHOGHEFFEND, yih Khanum in which she describes the Guard- Guapficn

jan’s painstaking precision as a writer, his remarkable perseverance, and his joy upon hearing of the progress of the Cause. She also fs elucidates the importance of his writings as a La source of inspiration and guidance for “bringin; into existence” the World Order of Baha'u'llah. 90 minutes.

Othe Bahai Faith

Prophecies Fulfilled by the Coming of Set of Three 830-004-10 $18.00 Baha’u’llah: Back in Stock! Cassettes A six-part study and deepening session on three

cassettes by the Hand of the Cause of God

William Sears that traces the promises recorded

in the holy scriptures of past ages and shows

how they were fulfilled by Bahd’u'll4h. Total

time: 180 minutes.

PROPHECIES

A Commentary on the Kitab-i-Aqdas: Backin Cassette 830-051-10 $7.00

Stock! any A commentary by the Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizi on the Kitab-i-Aqdas, followed by excerpts from the Most Holy Book of Baha’u’llah. 60 minutes.

The Significance of Covenant-Breaking: Back in Stock! The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears is pc

Cassette 830-091-10 $7.00

featured in a study and deepening session on Baha'i teachings regarding Covenant-breaking. Conversational in tone, this tape is well suited for both individual and group use.

The Majesty and Greatness of the Divinely Ordained Local Spiritual Assembly: Back

Cassette 830-090-10 $8.50

in Stock! nee This study and deepening session conducted by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears a

offers a wealth of information and insight on the Local Spiritual Assembly. 90 minutes.

More Cassettes for Deepening

“Legacies of Service” is an ongoing series of cassettes featuring the Hands of the Cause of God. Five are now available. Buy one, or buy the set at a savings.

Use for: O Gifts for new believers OC Deepening classes O Personal library © Summer schools O Youth classes

“Are You Happy?” The Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga talks of the spiritual quality of happiness and the joy of teaching. 60 minutes. Catalog No. 831-052-10 $7.00

“My only desire . . . was.to serve His Cause.” The Hand of the Cause of God Agnes Alexander shares the story of her introduction to and acceptance of the Faith, her pioneering experiences, and her dedicated service to the Faith.

70 minutes Catalog No. 831-051-10 $7.00

“The Triumph of the Cause.’’ The Hand of the Cause of God Hasan M. Balyuzi, in a recording made at the 1963 World Congress in London, gives a historical perspective of the Ten Year Crusade and leaves us with Shoghi Effendi’s guidelines for winning the goals of the plans generated from the administrative centers of the Faith.

30 minutes. Catalog No. 831-053-10 $6.00

“In the Days of the Guardian.” The Hand of the Cause of God Leroy Ioas shares moments spent with the Guardian that reveal his power, wit, and compassion. 60 minutes. Catalog No. 831-050-10 $7.00

“In His Presence.” His meeting with Baha’u'llah is the focus of the Hand of the Cause of God Tarazu’ll4h Samandari’s talk. Marzieh Gail translates. 60 minutes. Catalog No. 830-099-10 $7.00

“Legacies of Service,” set of 5 cassettes Catalog No. 831-054-10 $30.00

Works on the Bahd’i Faith

Stories from the Delight of Hearts: The Memoirs of Haji Mirza Haydar-Ali j Learn about the fascinating life story of one | who braved the persecutions of family, friends, lis, | and fellow-countrymen to embrace the Babi fig Faith. Haji Mirza Haydar-‘Ali’s commitment to ; ft (@ ni}

Cloth — 331-098-10 $9.00

the new religion finally took him to the Holy Land, where he attained the presence of Baha’u’lláh. Translated and abridged by the Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizi. 163 pp., notes.

|

The Dawn-Breakers Cloth — 331-053-10 — $20.00 An extraordinary eyewitness account of the Sale price $9.00 only when early years of the Baha'i Era, centering around ordered on the order blank on the Bab. Translated and edited by Shoghi page 4 of this August MiniEffendi, this historical work contains ig Catalog.

explanatory footnotes from the w pean historians and scholars. It also contains a genealogy of the Bab, many photographs, a glossary, and a guide to the pronunciation of proper names. Essential for studying and teaching the Faith and preparing for pilgrimage.

aise [Page 23]

For Children

My Baby Book

An excellent tool for reinforcing your small child’s sense of Baha'i identity. My Baby Book provides you with a handy place for keeping records of your child’s physical and spiritual growth. For your child it is a book to which he can return again and again fora personalized account of his first years. 8Y2 x 11 inches. 32 pp. Sunflower Books, Set of 4 ; Simple first-person text and suitable activities help children learn simple Baha’i concepts and gain a sense of Baha’i identity. Includes My Baha'i Book, My Favorite Prayers and Passages, God and Me, and Our Baha'i Holy Places. 3-7 years.

Baha’i Prayers and Tablets for the Young Features 28 prayers revealed by Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha and 10 Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha for children and youth. For younger children, older children, and youth.

Cloth

Paper

Cloth

352-053-10 $16.00

pe

353-005-10 2

315-054-10

$7.50

God and His Messen;

Children learn about the concept of progressive revelation in this collection of stories, written in a warm, conversational style, about the lives of several of the Manifestations of God, including Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. Text by David Hoffman. Illustrated by Zohreh Zahra’i. For grades K-5.

Paper

$3.95

Come and Sing This appealing collection of songs will assist

children in understanding and developing the Cassette

attributes of God. Ideal for children of any age or faith. Produced by Warren Kime and Susan Engle.

LP Stereo

A New World Order: Deepening Portfolio #1 — Paper

Prepared by the National Teaching Committee for youth deepenings, each Deepening Portfolio contains excerpts from the Baha’i writings and concludes each section with questions for discussion. A New World Order introduces three subjects basic to deepening: the mission of Baha’u'llah, the Covenant, and the role of the individual. Also includes a message from The Universal House of Justice detailing three fields of service open to youth.

365-010-10 $1.50

A New Race of Men: Deepening Portfolio #2 This deepening portfolio deals with five of the many spiritual virtues that the Baha’i community is struggling to manifest to the world: sacrifice, courtesy, obedience, cleanliness, and reverence.

The Suffering of Baha‘u’llah: Deepening Portfolio #3

This deepening portfolio focuses on the purpose and significance of the suffering that Baha’u’llah chose to endure during His lifetime. Illustrated by Dale Robison Martin and Thomas Kubala.

Ali’s Dream: The Story of Baha’u’llah: NEW Cloth 352-080-10

for youth By John Hatcher. For 11-15 year olds: a fictional story of 11-year-old Ali, whose life becomes a quest for the meaning of a dream that leads him to an understanding of his Baha’i heritage and his spiritual destiny. Into the story of the search the author weaves scenes from Baha’i history, drawing from them truths about the acquisition of spiritual qualities.

The Birth of the Baha’i Faith

A brief illustrated history of major events in the Heroic Age of the Faith, from thebirth of the Bab to the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Excellent for teaching and deepening youth and new Baha'is of all ages. Text and illustrations by Debbie D. Whitman.

Paper

Paper

Paper

"Paper —352-055-10

365-011-10 $1.50

re

365-012-10 $1.50

$9.95,

352-081-10 $4.95

a

$1.00

Fei PaNieet | ee

hee eke

___ New Stereo Cassettes—See page 2

NEW

Gold This gold-plated, nine-pointed pendant Gold wired 862-059-10

Nine-Sided Greatest Name Pendant: 862-058-10

Gold wigreen 862-060-10

features the Greatest Name embossed on an enamel background that comes in three colors. Includes 18-inch chain. A great conversation starter.

$14.00 $20.00

$20.00

Greatest Name Filigree Pendant: NEW Gold 862-055-10 A delicate filigree border surrounds the Greatest Gold w/

Name embossed on an enamel background that _ green _ 862-056-10 comes in three colors. Includes 18-inch chain. Gold wired 862-057-10 An elegant way to proclaim the Faith.

Ringstone Lapel Pins: NEW Lapel Pins 861-096-10 The Baha'i ringstone symbol in gold color is Sets of

featured on an attractive enamel background. Five Only

Five different colors to choose from. Sold in sets

of five only.

$14.00

$20.00 $20.00

$18.00

Filmstrips Back in Stock

‘Abdu’l-Baha: Glimpses of Perfection: Back Filmstrip 800-007-10 in Stock! ae

An account of the Master's visit to America in 4

1912, showing the profound effect He had on the

early American believers and suggesting the

deep significance of His journey to the West.

Black and white, 16 minutes.

$16.00

Each One Teach One: Back in Stock! Filmstrip 803-003-10 Imaginative cartoon artwork and the song “Each Qi

One Teach One” help demonstrate how the i Faith will grow when every Baha’i works toward bringing at least one person into the Faith each year. Color, 3 minutes.

Filmstrip 800-066-10 368-013-10

The Trusted Ones of God: The Local Spiritual Assembly: Back in Stock!

A deepening program that explains the spiritual foundation, election, and duties and responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly. Features cartoon artwork. Script based on the booklet of the same name. Color, 17 minutes.

Booklet

$15.00

‘$16.00 $.50 10183.00

Out of God’s Eternal Ocean: Back in Stock! An audio-visual account of the first fifty years of the Baha’i Era. Script and photographs dramatically highlight such events at the Bab’s Declaration to Mulla Husayn and the arrival of Baha’u'llah and His followers in ‘Akka. Color, 30 minutes.

Filmstrip 801-058-10

a

Pilgrimage to the House of the Bab: Back in Stock! A priceless record of that sacred spot in Shiraz, Persia, where the Bab declared His Mission. Features a rich selection of photographs of the House of the Bab and a narration that includes two previously untranslated excerpts from the Writings of Bahd’u’llah. In Spanish and English. Color. 20 minutes (English), 22 minutes (Spanish). Land of Resplendent Glory: Back in Stock! A three-part series on the Bab, the Letters of the Living, and Baha’u’llah that shows landmarks and holy places of great significance to the Faith. Written and photographed by Guy Murchie. Black and white, 58 minutes.

Rhythm of Growth: Stages 1B and 1C—See page 4

Filmstrip 801-088-10

Parts I, II 804-005-10 and III rf

$20.00

$40.00

[Page 24]4 BahdtPublishingTrust

August 1981

For Human Rights Day

Building a Unified Community

A proclamation pamphlet essential for Human Rights Day observances. Unified communities emerge, the pamphlet says, when every individual develops characteristics that enable him to interact successfully in his family, in his marriage, and in his local, national, and international communities.

Pamphlet 340-098-10 10/$2.50

Becoming Your True Self Pamphlet 340-015-10 10/$5.00 Dr. Daniel C. Jordan discusses the nature of Bullion

human potential and explains how the Baha’i ys Faith enables the individual to realize his potential. This realization develops a sense of selfworth and a compassionate social conscience, and eliminates the need to express hostility— “all prerequisites of world unity and peace.”

Unified Comantonity

For Your Rhythm of Growth Core Library: Stage 1B

215-060-10 $2.00

The Individual and Teaching: Raising the Paper Divine Call Paper

You will find renewed excitement and purpose

for your teaching work from this compilation of writings from Bahd’u'llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi that offers inspiration, advice,

and guidelines for teaching.

Rhythm of Growth, 1B, all four books Catalog No. 501-021-10 $4.50 NET

For Your Rhythm of Growth Core Library: Stage 1C

Spiritual Foundations: Prayer, Meditation, Paper 215-066-10 $1.50 and the Devotional Attitude =I Package 1C, “Completing a Core Library,” adds #8

the finishing touches to the basic information

through which the individual believer's spiritual

life can flourish. In Spiritual Foundations the writings of Bahd’u’llah, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi will reinforce your daily habits of praying, reading from the Writings, and meditating on the Creative Word as the foundations of spiritual growth.

The Power of the Covenant Parts I, II 365-004-10 $4.00 Package 1B, entitled “Adding to Your Trea~ and III

sures,” continues the Baha'i education of the individual believer. The Power of the Covenant is a series of booklets that will introduce you to the source of the strength and unity of the Faith, Baha‘u'll4h’s Covenant with Mankind. These booklets show how the Covenant is the key to the unity of mankind, discuss the protection of the Covenant from the attacks of the Covenantbreakers, and examine the subject of external attacks on the Faith.

Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Once you understand the place of the Covenant as the “fortified fortress” of the Faith and the souce of its vitality, you can more readily appreciate the significance of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Will | “ | and Testament. This is the fundamental docu ment from which the Administrative Order derives its authority. It outlines the major features of the Administrative institutions, and ensures the protection of the unity and integrity of the Faith, and is the charter of a future world civilization.

The Pattern of Bah’i Life Paper This compilation of the writings of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi will assist you

in your personal growth by offering guidance on

the subjects of purity, kindliness, and radiance—three of the virtues mentioned by Baha’ u'llah in the Arabic Hidden Word No. 1. Within

the context of these attributes, the compilation includes such topics as chastity, sincerity, selfexpression, cleanliness, and unity.

315-030-10 $1.50

The Pattern of

pom me et cat Sem eR A LANNE LY EL I SN Se (CLIP AND MAIL TODAY) Sa A ce a oe toc!

Selected Writings of Baha’u’ll4h Paper An excellent subject for your deepening and meditation is this small booklet bringing you

potent passages from Baha’u’llah’s Writings on

such topics as the path to God, the soul, and

unity, peace, and justice.

303-023-10 $1.50

Tablets of the Divine Plan Cloth Deepening on the Writings will help to provide iw/map you with the competence and confidence you Paper need as you engage in the vital task of teaching the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s teaching mandate to

106-009-10 $11.00

106-011-10 $4.50

the Baha’is of the United States and Canada ater dynamically underscores the responsibilities of the North American Bahá’is in achieving the &

global teaching goals.

The Advent of Divine Justice Paper 106-002-10 $4.50 Ina letter to the Baha'is of the United States and ern:

Canada, Shoghi Effendi provides instructions for carrying out the mandate of the Tablets of the Divine Plan by setting forth the spiritual prerequisites for success in every activity of the Faith. In studying this work, you will understand how your teaching work is contributing to the expansion of the entire world Baha’i community.

332-030-10 $4.50

From Strength to Strength Paper This inspirational history of the Faith from 19211973 will allow you to see the effect of ‘Abdu’l- ope

Baha’s teaching mandate upon the Baha'i world. It details the growth of the Administrative Order under the Guardian and the heroic response that was made to the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Rhythm of Growth: 1C, all five books

Catalog No. 501-031-10 $7.50 NET

Please send me all the materials listed Qy: Number ee oe me on this coupon. Enclosed is my check or money order for $______ (including $1.50 for postage and handling on all orders of $15.00 or less; 10% of total on Ei all orders over $15.00).* Ordered by; (please print) My name is Street, Rural Route, or P.O. Box Number Giy State Zip Senet ea AT AeAGBtciaeABene ates Che sors aa aR aye oJ: tal United States should obtain special Bahai Publishing Trust ——*porisininusine ma rieans POSTAGE & HANDLING from the Baha'i Distribution Center, 523 ORDER TOTAL 523 Green Bay Road/Wilmette, IL 60091 Green Bay Road, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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