The American Bahá’í/Volume 13/Issue 1/Text

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[Page 1]

January 1982

The

American

Baha'i

SITUATION FRIENDS IRAN STEADILY DETERIORATING. ALTHOUGH REVOLUTIONARY COURT YAZD ORDERED RELEASE FOUR OF THOSE DETAINED PRESSURES IN DIFFERENT FORMS ARE MOUNTING IN YAZD.AND IN OTHER PARTS COUNTRY. BAHA’{ WORKERS BEING INCREASINGLY EXPELLED FROM FACTORIES, BAHA’{ SHOPKEEPERS IN

DOWN FOLLOWING WITHDRAWAL BUSINESS LICENCES, SCHOOL AUTHORITIES SCRUTINISING RELIGION STUDENTS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION RESULTING IN REFUSAL REGISTER BAHA’{ STUDENTS IN ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. DECREE ANNOUNCED BY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION PUBLISHED IN KAYHAN DAILY NUMBER 11397

" ONE PROVINCE ORDERED CLOSE

DATED 9 MEHR 1360 (SEPTEMBER 30, 1981) LISTS CRIMES WHICH BAR PROFESSORS AND STUDENTS FROM BEING EMPLOYED OR REGISTERED AT UNIVERSITIES. AMONG CRIMES LISTED IS WHAT TEXT OF DECREE DESCRIBES AS MEMBERSHIP IN SECT WHICH IS RECOGNIZED BY MOSLEMS AS THE MISLED AND HERETICAL SECT. THIS IS OBVIOUS

House of Justice: ‘Situation friends Iran steadily deteriorating’

REFERENCE TO MEMBERSHIP IN BAHA’{ COMMUNITY. BAHA’{ CHILDREN AND YOUTH EXEMPLIFYING HIGH SPIRIT HEROISM STEADFASTNESS PREFERRING DEPRIVATION FROM SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY EDUCATION TO RECAN TATION FAITH. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE OCTOBER 16, 1981

The Master’s prayer for the Fund

“All the friends of God ... should contribute to the extent possible, however modest their offering may be. God doth not burden a soul beyond its capacity. Such contributions must come from all centres and all believers ... O Friends of God! Be ye assured that in place of these contributions, your agriculture, your industry, and your commerce will be blessed by manifold increases, with goodly gifts and bestowals. He who cometh with one goodly deed will receive 2 tenfold reward. There is no doubt that the living Lord will abundantly confirm those who nd their wealth in His path.””

weanee

O God, my God! Ilumine the brows of Thy true lovers and support them with angelic hosts of certain triumph. Set firm their feet on Thy straight path, and out of Thine ancient bounty open before them the portals of Thy blessings; for they are expending on Thy pathway what Thou hast bestowed upon them, safeguarding Thy Faith, putting their trust in their remembrance of Thee, offering up their hearts for love of Thee, and withholding not what they possess in adoration for Thy beauty and in their search for ways to please Thee.

O my Lord! Ordain for them a plenteous share, a destined recompense and sure reward.

Verily, Thou art the Sustainer, the Helper, the ‘Generous, the

Bountiful, the Ever-Bestowing.

(‘Abdu’l-Baha, in Words of God: A Compilation of Prayers and Tablets from the Bahá’í Writings)

The funeral procession for Baha'i martyr Ḥabíbu’lláh Azizi in Tehran, August 29, 1981.

Sixty-three people declared their belicf in Bahd’u’ll4h as a result of weekend teaching efforts in October that launched ongoing teaching projects in Toledo, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; and Houston, Texas.

The Houston project, whichrbegan October 24-25 under sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Houston, resulted in 27 declarations and the opening of four new localities to the Faith.

What's inside

NEW GOALS for overseas pioneers assigned by the Universal House of Justice. Page 4

BAHA’t YOUTH continue to make impressive gains toward the goals of the Youth Plan. Page 7

THE NATIONAL Education Committee presents a study session on The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah. Page 8

TWENTY-SIX new districts are set to participate in the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP). Page 9

ELFIE Lundberg of Wilmette recalls her meetings with the Master during His visit to the U.S. in

ONE OF THOSE previously unopened localities—E] Campo, Texas—now has 18 new believers, more than enough to form a Spiritual Assembly.

Baha'is from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma participated in the ongoing teaching campaign that began October 17-18 in Kansas City.

The project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Kansas City, will continue throughout the winter months with door-to-door teaching each weekend.

Fifteen people embraced the Faith during the first two days of the project, which is focused in minority neighborhoods.

In addition, nearly 100 residents

63 are enrolled in Ohio, Missouri, Texas

of areas visited expressed an interest in having another visit by a Baha’i, firesides, or Baha’ literature.

Twenty-one people declared their faith in Baha'u'llah and one new locality was opened to the Faith during the teaching effort that began October 31-November 1 in Toledo, Ohio.

Under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Sylvania, Ohio, the project has goals of 200 new believers and the formation of nine new Local Assemblies by next Ridvan.

It began with teams traveling to five communities in Ohio and two

Please See TEACHING Page 20

73rd Convention at House of Worship

The 73rd Baha’i National Convention will be held April 29-May 2, 1982, in Foundation Hall at the Baha’ House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

For this reason seating will be limited, and only those who have pre-registered will be admitted to the sessions (delegates excepted).

All non-delegate registration

will be handled in the order that requests are received. There will be no provisions for children at any of the sessions, nor will there be any child-care facilities,

Additional details about this important event will be forthcoming in the February issue of The American Bahá’í.

In calling for individuals to support the National Fund through regular contributions each Baha’i month, the National Spiritual Assembly has requested the friends to arise in service to the Cause in numbers equal to the 20,000 who gave their lives in the early days of the Faith.

As we strive to attain this participation goal we would do well to recall the events that unfolded during the time of the Dawnbreakers, and learn from their example of love and devotion as manifested in many forms of sacrifice, and also from their complete detachment from material things.

RENUNCIATION of worldly attachments and a desire to use material resources in service to the Faith were characteristics constantly demonstrated by these early believers. Many stories, es pecially those in The Dawnbreakers, underscore this theme.

Consider, for example, Mull4 Husayn’s appeal to his companions on their trip to Mazindaran under the Black Standard, a journey that would end in their martyrdom at the fort of Shaykh Tabarsi:

Dawn-breakers’ exemplary conduct warrants similar sacrifices today

ings,” he urged them, ‘and content yoursélves only with your steeds and swords, that all may witness your renunciation of all earthly things, and may realize that this

Aittle band of God's chosen com panions has no desire to safeguard its own property, much less covet the property of others.’ ”*

The Babjs instantly obeyed, ridding themselves of their possessions. Among them was the father of Badi’, who threw aside a purse filled with valuable turquoise.

Another example of detachment from worldly things was demonstrated by Vahid.

As the vehement attacks of the avowed enemies of the Faith grew in Yazd, he advised his wife to take their children to safety in the home of her father. He encouraged her to take all their belongings, but to leave behind his personal property.

In The Dawn-breakers, we read:

“““This palatial residence,’ he informed her, ‘I have built with the sole intention that it should be eventually demolished in the path of the Cause, and the stately fur

1912. Page 17 ave behind your belong- P ge 5

[Page 2]

VIEWPOINT

The American Baha'i

Editorial

The art of ‘spiritual conference’

“In this Cause,”’ ‘Abdu’l-Baha explained, ‘‘consultation is of vital importance; but spiritual conference and not the mere voicing of personal views is intended.””

What is meant by “‘spiritual conference’?

WHILE IT WOULD BE presumptuous to attempt an exact definition, since this is something we now can only dimly understand, it seems safe to say that “spiritual conference”’ does not involve discord, wrangling, insisting on one’s own views, and belittling the opini of others. If any of these things are present, one can be sure that ‘‘spiritual conference” is not.

Referring to consultation, ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote: ‘‘The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the Assembly ... The second condition: —They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden.”

As Baha'is become experienced in the art of consultation, we will grow ever closer to the high standards set for us by the Master. In so do

ing, we will find the key to collective happiness.

“No power can exist,

Baha’u’ lah explained, ‘‘except through unity.

No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consul tation.””

What, then, is “‘spiritual conference’?

The question might well be raised at Feasts, at Assembly and committee meetings, and at deepenings. Perhaps our examination of this question will yield insights that will bring us to the brink of discovery.

Comment

Members of the Baha’i community of Washington, D.C., are shown as they received a proclamation by Mayor Marion Barry of Washington declaring October 17, 1981, ‘Universal Unity Day’ in the nation’s capital to highlight the ‘flagrant violation of the most

basic of human rights’ of Baha’is in Iran. The proclamation was presented on the mayor’s behalf by his executive secretary (third “At). It closed with these

the Mayor of the Dis trict of Columbia, ... call upon all

of our residents to join with me in supporting the alms, goals and programs of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the City of Washington, D.C., during this day and throughout the year for the benefit of all mankind.’

Strong support can help marriage break bars of race

When one has been married for 11 years or more, she doesn’t often think about being ‘‘interracially married.’’

Individuals meet, become attracted to one another, fall in love, get married. ‘‘Races’’ don’t do that.

THE DAY-TO-DAY existence of a marriage includes coping with children, helping with homework, packing lunch boxes, doing laundry, balancing the budget, paying bills, ‘‘bringing home the bacon,” etc. This is the routine in every marriage, ‘interracial or not.

It is only when someone outside the family asks, ‘‘Isn’t it difficult to be married to someone of another race?” or makes some other equally perceptive observation that I really stop to think about it.

My first reaction has always been, ‘‘Yes, it’s difficult to be married—period!”’ Being ‘‘interracial’’ has nothing to do with the degree of difficulty.

But I suppose that isn’t entirely true. There are those in society

a The American Baha'i

postage paid at Wilmette, IL

Editor: Jack Bowers

Associate Editor: David E. Ogron

‘The American Bahs'l welcomes news, letters and

‘other items of interest from individuals and the institutions of the Faith. Articles should be

a in a clear and concise manner; black and

white glossy photos should be included whenever

Copyright © 1982 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahs'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

who frown upon the marriage with varying degrees of rudeness or vulgarity.

Quite frankly, I never notice them. I’ve always been so convinced that I’m right in anything I do that ‘‘what people say’’ has never bothered me.

In many instances, this has been an annoyance to many and quite a flaw in my character. In this case, however, I think it has been a great source of strength and a definite asset.

A REAL PROBLEM for those considering marriage to someone of a different race can be family support. As Baha’is, we must have parental consent to get married. As a _dyed-in-the-wool liberal, I could see no sense in this at all.

I was willing to obey, but I really didn’t understand it until I saw the impact of that gesture on my mother. She would have supported my marriage in any case, but being drawn into the process in such a significant way had a special effect. By this process the foundation for family unity is established.

Our wedding was a shock to many of our friends, who were used to the sort of strained acceptance, brittle smiles and ominous tension in the air at many interracial weddings where “‘skeletoh crews’’ represent each family and the occasion is bittersweet, at best.

Not so our celebration! Our families—aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, grandparents—were all in attendance.

This month’s article, ‘Some Thoughts on Interracial Marriage,” was written by Mrs. Marcia J. Smith of Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Maybe they were confused, but they were happy!

This family closeness and support has continued, and it is so vitally important to our family’s sense of strength and security.

Many interracial families do not experience the added ingredient of extended family support. In the absence of this kind of support, the Bahá’í community should form a cushion of love and strength for the interracial couple.

NO COMMENT on interracial marriage would be complete without mentioning that age-old question, ‘What about the children?” What do people expect—Pintos? Zebras?

The children of any marriage seem to embody the best of both their parents. This is especially true of interracial children.

Physically, they are often just as beautiful as any others. They are free from diseases that afflict members of certain racial groups, such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell anemia.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá apprised us of this fact, which is verified by scientific evidence, when He said, “God's wisdom hath decreed that partners to marriage should be of distant origins. That is, the further removed the relationship between husband and wife is, the stronger, the more beautiful and the healthier will their offspring

be.’’ (From an unpublished Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá researched by the Department of the Secretariat at the Universal House of Justice)

Each parent brings to the child the best from his or her culture. As Bahá’ís, we try to train our children properly, to educate them and encourage their best traits.

When I look at these bright, talented, beautiful children, I think that they are our ‘‘new race of men.””

WE MUST raise our children to be strong and steadfast in the face of a not always friendly world. If there is one character trait necessary for an interracial marriage to survive, I think that this is it—strength of character.

As a community or as individuals, we cannot be wishy-washy

and weak. Racism, with materialism, is probably America’s most predominant negative characteristic. Only through spiritual strength and steadfastness can we rise above this and follow the path we know to be right.

In the Bahá’í community, we have an obligation to share these precepts with our children and our fellow believers.

We face the tremendous challenge of overcoming our own feelings of superiority and suspicion while presenting the concept of interracial marriage as one of the integral elements of a vibrant, allembracing way of life essential to the well-being of the Baha’i community and the establishment of a new World Order.

A Florida media conference will take place February 6-7 in Orlando.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Orlando and the Office of Public Affairs at the Baha’i National Cente lorida District. Teaching Committees plan to assist and support the conference.

All Spiritual Assemblies in the northern, central and southern districts of Florida are being encouraged to send to the meeting Baha’is who are interested in working with the

Florida media conference slated to be held in Orlando in February

media.

The two-day gathering will explore the critical relationship between use of the media and teaching. Attendees will hear presentations ‘on organizing media committees, the effective use of print and electronic media, and proclamation strategies.

‘Anyone who is interested in attending the conference may contact the Spiritual Assembly of Orlando, c/o Genevieve Suganuma, secretary, 3604 Clemwood Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

SESS PE SEY [Page 3]LETTERS

January 1982

3

American Baha’is deeply touched by sacrifices in Iran

To the Editor:

It was with great indignation that I read the editorial in the October issue of The American Baha’f.

To imply that the American Baha’{ community does not daily feel the plight of our Iranian brothers and sisters is a gross misjudgment, and an insult to those who are making their lives a martyrdom to the Cause.

THE NEWS and special letters from the National Spiritual Assembly informing us of the daily suffering of the Iranian Bahda’is touch us deeply—it tears us apart to think of the sacrifices that these valiant souls so willingly make for the love of Bahá’u’lláh.

We wept openly at the account of the last days of one martyr, and news of each new death makes each of us suffer as if the bullets had passed through our own bodies—as indeed they have, for we are of one body and one soul.

You fail in your editorial to recall that, as the most recent wave of persecution began, we were cautioned by the National Spiritual Assembly not to respond publicly to these indignities.

We were assured that steps were being taken, that we were going through proper channels to assure the safety of the friends.

We were further admonished to “soft pedal’’ our distress so as not to complicate the plight of the U.S. hostages at the Embassy in Tehran.

We obeyed the National Assembly, even though it was difficult to remain still. Even when the hostages came home, we continued to suffer in silence, knowing as we did of the hostages still remaining in Iran who had no bargaining power of funds to freeze or powerful governments to be their advocates.

How much longer must we be silent? When may we express openly our grief, anger and outrage at the senseless slaughter of our loving friends?

GIVE US but a word and we could make the world aware of the

Baha’is invited to Ecuador conference

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Ecuador is extending a special invitation to Bahd’{ artists, scientists, educators and the like to attend the Baha’i International Conference to be held August 6-8, 1982, in Quito.

The conference, one of five to be held in 1982, is dedicated, as are the others, to the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of her passing.

The Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney will represent the Universal House of Justice at the Quito conference.

stinking, festering wound-on the face of humanity.

Give us back our voice and we will give a great shout that will resound around the world—Let my people go!

All it takes is a sign from the National Spiritual Assembly, and we will so deluge the media and the powers that be with news of the martyrs that they will no longer be able simply to ignore us.

The tide of public opit is force to be reckoned with. The only thing we have to be ashamed of is that here, where we have no legal constraints on freedom of speech or freedom of religion, we have imposed these constraints on ourselves.

We have abandoned the very thing that our brothers and sisters in Iran are dying for!

I beg the National Spiritual Assembly prayerfully to consider this issue. Please, consider permitting an organized media blitz involving the entire American Baha’i community.

Let us rise up with one voice so that the blood of our brethren in Iran does not dry up unnoticed in the dust. Some of our momentum has been lost, but it could be regained,

Please, let us make the world aware of our plight—that is the only response that will justify their sacrifice!

Bonnie L. Peters Woodbury, Connecticut

(A word of explanation is needed if the role of the American Baha’f community in responding to the crisis in Iran and the point of October’s editorial are to be properly understood.

The defense of the Iranian Bahá’{ community and publicizing the persecution it is undergoing lies outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. It would be altogether improper for the American Baha’i community to strike out on its own and take action without the approval of the institutions responsible for making decisions on these matters.

The best way to defend the Baha’fs in Iran is to teach the Faith and to do all that is required to hasten the establishment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. The more the Faith expands throughout the world and the stronger its influence is felt, the more futile will be the efforts to eradicate it.

The National Assembly fully appreciates the intense feelings of anxiety and frustration of the American believers and understands their desire to express those feelings in various actions. However, the only actions that will have any lasting effect are those that channel their anxiety into the service of the Cause and further its rapid advancement.—Ed.)

To the Editor: I would like to call your attention to the article about Baha’i

The American Bahda’t welcomes letters to the editor on any subject of general interest. Letters should be as brief as possible, and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Baha'i National Center, Wilmeite, IL 60091.

activities in Oklahoma in the September 1981 issue of The American Baha’i,

The name of the pioneer family who went to Oklahoma City at the request of the Guardian is Entzminger, not ‘‘Emslinger’’ as stated in the article.

My thanks to you for noting this, and my appreciation and admiration for our fine newspaper, The American Baha’f.

Mrs. Alice Entzminger Sebastopol, California

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to the editorial in the October issue of The American Baha’.

The question was raised as to why the American Baha’i community’s response to the situation in Iran has been so muted. The answer given was that perhaps we have become too ‘‘Americanized,”’ too ‘‘desensitized” by our diet of raucous art, sex- and violence-prone TV; too involved in our own material well-being.

PERHAPS SO. I don’t know. But I would suggest another answer.

To become a Baha’i means that one has awakened more than all others. It means that, at great odds, one has rejected the “‘paths of delusion” and chosen to think for himself. It means that one judges knowledge in the light radiated by Bahá’u’lláh.

To become ‘‘awake’’ means, among other things, to become aware of the problems of evil; to see the darker side of life on the collective as well as the individual level.

As Bahda’is, we can dare to see because of the strength given to us through Baha’u’llah. The forces of darkness have multiplied during my lifetime to such an extent that imagining them is like trying to imagine a billion stars in a billion galaxies.

The television that purveys the sex and violence also shows me, in the comfort of my living room, the starving children of five continents; the thousands tortured at the hands of their “‘benevolent’’ leaders; the millions mangled by incessant war.

All around me, I see the ‘‘comfortable” living in their private hells of ignorance and corrupt desires. A full stomach matters little to the starving soul.

THE LACERATIONS that these millions of cries for help have cut into my mind and soul must, of necessity, be staunched by scar tissue. Otherwise, I'd bleed to death,

To be “‘insensitive’’ is something that occurs on the neurological level. It is part of an organism’s system of self-defense. None of us can remain as open as a new-born babe.

T have literally been on the edge of death several times. It isn’t so hard to die. Without the knowledge of the Lord that the suffering of Bahd’u’ll4h has enabled me to have, I could not live today.

Only the knowledge of my own incompleteness and the necessity of doing His bidding keeps me on this “‘darkling plane where ignorant armies clash by night’’ (Matthew Arnold).

Mrs. Joann Taylor Cape Girardeau, Missouri

To the Editor:

About the term “‘non-Bahá’í as mentioned in your ‘‘Letters’’ column:

I’ve held many firesides and inevitably the expression ‘“‘non-Baha’f”’ would be overheard by a guest. This has always made me feel uncomfortable.

I had two non-Baha’is who regularly attended my firesides, and both said they found the term offensive and discriminatory.

How about the word “‘seeker’’?

Barbara Darr Staten Island, New York

To the Editor:

Due to the terrible conditions in Tran, we American Bahd’{s are now almost the sole financial support of all Baha’i activities and projects worldwide.

Our own National Baha’i Fund has shrunk to the point at which I fear the National Spiritual Assembly may either have to go into bankruptcy or sell off some of the Baha’i properties to pay our debts.

I am no different from other American Baha’is—I do not like to sacrifice my creature comforts.

But I cannot stand idly by and see the condition of our National Fund and the International Fund get even worse.

So, in the spirit of sacrifice, I have decided to sacrifice one day of free time each week, at a second job, and to send all of the take home pay from that job to the National Fund.

As a senior cit health, I find it isn’t easy to do so. But I am doing it!

I sincerely and lovingly challenge other American Bahá’ís to do likewise.

E. Corson Lawndale, California

To the Editor:

The ongoing calamitous events in Iran have resulted in a crisis in the Fund, as we were informed at our District Conventions.

As an “American”? Baha’i, I cannot help but feel that the crisis should be properly viewed as an indication of another problem that must be constructively addressed.

IF IN FACT the Baha’is that comprise the American community were truly able to perceive that the Iranian Bahá’ís are our family, I am certain that the response would be a demonstration of the unity that our Faith exhorts us to strive for.

I believe that our lack of unity, and our languishing response, are symptoms of our ingrained western and old world order thinking.

Our indoctrination and upbringing is, for the most part, one of belief in rugged individualism and “‘national’’ pride.

Please See SHARING Page 20

Baha'is from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula area sponsored this booth August 28-30 at the annual Houghton County Fair. They were helped by Baha'is from Detroit and Ann Arbor. More than 150 prayer cards and copies

of the booklet Communion With

God were accepted by visitors to the booth, many of whom stopped to ¢ with the friends. Shown here are Baha’fs Jan and Tara McGrath (seated) and Camilla Hutchinson (standing, partially hidden).

[Page 4]IGC:PIONEERING

The American Baha'i

4a

Since May 1981, Brazil has accepted some 3,000 new believers into the Faith in many parts of the country. Nine new Indian tribes are represented by 21 persons who

have entered the ranks of the Faith in recent months ...

In St. Lucia, Windward Islands, the first week of a teaching campaign that ended early in August saw 300 enrollments in the Faith with many family units included among them ...

“The Dawnbreakers,”’ a Baha’i musical group from Austria, appeared in concert last July in Steyr, Austria, to support a selfhelp group of disabled people and their families. In the audience of 330 was the observer representing, the Austrian Baha’i community at the Vienna office of the United Nations Information Service who gave an informative talk on the International Year of the Disabled ...

A weekly Baha’i radio program, ‘The Glad Tidings”? was first broadcast July 28 on the only radio station in Barrow, Alaska. The Barrow community had prayed and planned for years to make the program a reality ...

The National Spiritual Assembly of Spain has begun a campaign aimed at helping the friends to reach various levels of Spanish society with the Baha’i Message.

The Assembly has suggested to the believers that for a threemonth period they concentrate on proclaiming the Faith to physicians, medical students and faculty at medical colleges in Spain ...

On July 22, 1981, the occasion of his diamond jubilee, His Majesty King Sobhuza II of Si land was given a beautifully illuminated scroll bearing several quotations from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh on the subject of kings and kingship by the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland ...

The Baha’is of Paraguay have dedicated their new National Information Center in Asuncion to the memory of the Hand of the Cause of God Raḥmatu’lláh Muhajir. A plaque on the building states that it is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Muhi “because of his inspiring and tireless teaching of the Baha’i Faith,”’ ...

More than 950 people from 20 countries attended a Baha’i Youth Conference last July 16-19 at Chigwell in Sussex that launched the second phase of the Seven Year Plan for Baha’i youth in the United Kingdom ...

Eighteen Bahá’ís from Denmark, Iceland and the United Kingdom attended a teaching conference last August 8 in Thorshavn, the largest town in the Faeroe Islands

Conferences offer chance to teach Faith

This is the year to make our Baha’ presence felt in the world. For our fellow Baha’is in Iran, dedicate your attendance at one of the International Conferences, teaching en route, and raising high the Banner of Baha’u’llah.

Please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, for help with your travel plans.

Manila, Philippines May 7-9

Air fare: $950 (round trip) Los

Angeles to Manila.

Accommodations: $49-$150 depending upon hot includes: 4 nights, 4 breakfasts, service charges, tax, transport to and from airport and conference site. $5 per day/dormitory, includes: breakfast and dinner, transport to and from conference site.

Teaching: Traveling teaching projects are planned for all areas of Australasia; a two- to four week minimum length of stay in each area is suggested. Teachers staying one or more weeks will be met at the airport and receive hospitality.

Climate: Hot and humid; cooler in the evenings. Conference site is air-conditioned.

Clothing: Light, casual clothing; wear native dress/costume during conference.

Health precautions: Typhoid immunization; immune serum for hepatitis A; precautions for cholera (contact Board of Health), antimalarials (Chloroquine).

Address: The Manila International Conference Committee, c/o Mr. Nelson I. Sapad, secretary,

corner Bautista St., Singalong Subdivision, Manila, Philippines. Dublin, Ireland June 25-27

Air fare: $650 (round trip) New York City to Dublin (Aer Lingus flies direct).

Conference site: Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland.

Climate: Seasonal, yet unpredictable.

Clothing: Lightweight; be prepared for rain.

Address: Conference Committee, Mr. Patrick O’Mara, secretary,

County Wicklow, Ireland. Quito, Ecuador August 6-9

Air fare: $506 (round trip) Miami to Quito.

Climate: Temperature varies with altitude, not season.

Clothing: Spring/fall weight clothing is useful all year in the Sierra, while summer cotton clothes are necessary in the coastal and eastern areas.

Health precautions: Typhoid immunization; immune serum for hepatitis A; antimalarials (Chloroquine); contact Board of Health for yellow fever immunization

House of Justice assigns U.S. 46 new pioneer goals

Only a few short months remain until Ridvan. During that time, 46 additional pioneers must arrive at goals assigned to the United States in November by the Universal House of Justice.

This goal can be won only if each believer sincerely ponders in his heart whether he can person ally arise to help meet this challenge.

Bahá’u’lláh has written that pioneering is ‘‘the prince of all goodly deeds,” and He has elevated this form of service to such heights that He attests, ‘‘ ...no act, however great, can compare

with it.””

The International Goals Committee is confident that the American believers will respond to this latest call for pioneers quickly and with determination, and will make whatever sacrifices are necessary to fulfill this divine mandate.

U.S. Pioneer Goals—Revised November 23, 1981 Second Phase of Seven Year Plan—To Be Filled by Ridvan 1982

AFRICA

(E) Gambia

(E) Liberia

(F) Mauritania (A,F,S) Morocco

Assigned

aloe et

ASIA

(J) Japan (P,E,C) Macao (E) Nepal (T,E) Thailand

eas

EUROPE (D) Denmark 7:

AMERICAS

(E) Bahamas 1 (F) Fr. Antilles Martinique 1 (E) Leeward Is. (F) Fr. Guiana (E) Windward Is. Dominica

=

Qs 7

LANGUAGE KEY A—Arabic C—Chinese D—Danish E—English F—French J—Japanese P—Portuguese S—Spanish

‘Thai

AUSTRALASIA

(E) Caroline Is. Kosrae

(E) Fiji

(E) Marshall Is.

(E) Marianas Guam Rota Saipan

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TOTAL ASSIGNMENTS

Africa Americas Asia Australasia Europe TOTAL

er

Reopened Goals

• Bahamas
• Fr. Antilles

“Botswana “Austria

• From first phase of Plan

Y—Youth

and information on precautions for cholera.

Address: International Baha’i Conference, Quito, General Conference Committee, Tarasieh Werle, secretary,

Quito, Ecuador.

Lagos, Nigeria August 19-22 Air fare: $1,112 (round trip) New York City to Lagos.

Conference Site: The Lagos National Theatre.

Teaching: Arrive one or two weeks before the conference; teaching teams will receive hospitality with local Baha’is.

Local travel cost: Air flights within Nigeria $50-$125, bus or taxi cheaper. vy

Climate: Humid, 85° average temperature.

Clothing: Wear mostly cotton, bring a sweater for evenings.

Health precautions: Typhoid immunization; immune serum for hepatitis A; antimalarials (Chloroquine); contact Board of Health for yellow fever immunization and information on precautions for cholera.

Visa application: Allow ample time to procure a visa. Two names will be asked for. You may use: Mr. Fred Assam, P.O. Box 2029, Lagos, Nigeria; Mr. Edet Ekerendu, P.O. Box 2029, Lagos, Nigeria.

Address: International Conference Committee, c/o Mrs. M. Garman, _ Ibadan, Nigeria.

Montreal, Canada September 3-5

Air fare: $123 (round trip) New York City to Montreal.

Accommodations: Suggest the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Can. $50-$80 per night (single), Can. $60-$90 per night (double). For reservations, write to: Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Montreal, Box 889, Place Bonaventure, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Attention: Housing Committee.

Teaching: Plans will be forthcoming.

Local transportation: Montreal’s Metro is quick and easy travel to the conference site.

Climate: 60°-70° daytime; 40° evenings.

Clothing: Light weight clothing recommended; do bring raincoat and a sweater.

For further assistance with your teaching or travel plans, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.

The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 5]THE FUNDS

danuary 1982

[nent

5

NOTES .. .from the Treasurer

Response from the friends ...

We have been receiving a steady flow of letters from the friends since November, expressing their concern about the condition of the National Fund, sharing stories of sacrifice, and pledging their determination to contribute each month to the Fund.

The letters are quite moving, and although we are unable to answer each one directly, we wish to thank all of the friends who have written.

These letters have given us an indication of the devotion of the American community. The growing support for the Fund is another measure of the eagerness of the ‘‘spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers”’ to champion the Cause.

We extend our deep love and appreciation to those believers who have made special efforts on behalf of the Fund.

The letters have shared a wide variety of ideas and comments, as you can see from the excerpts that follow:

“Dear Friends: I pray for 20,000 contributing Martyrs to counteract the atrocities being perpetrated on our brethren in the Cradle of the Faith. May the American community arise, teach, and sacrifice.”

“I will endeavor to do my part, and have rededicated myself to attempt to achieve a deeper appreciation of Bahd’u’ll4h’s Writings in order to apply these principles in my life. Thank you for this opportunity to give.’”

“The enclosed contribution is from our son, who is 8 1/2. He would like to count as one of the 20,000 individuals contributing regularly to the National Fund.”

“I often think of the ‘Letters of the Living’ and their clarity of purpose. This conference (Sears meeting) has again assisted me to remember the shortness of our days and the bounties that are bestowed upon us by the mercy of God alone.’”

“We cannot vindicate the martyrdoms, but we need to meditate upon the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh as well as the reason for which He suffered and gave His life, and see if there aren’t reasons for which we might all personally sacrifice—not for the short term only, but in an ongoing way for a lifetime.’’

Carefully seal blue envelopes ...

We have found that a number of the blue envelopes being received in the Treasurer’s Office have come unsealed during mail handling. Although no contributions have been lost, in some cases the glue is not holding the flap closed.

We would suggest that you make sure your contribution envelope is securely closed, even by using a piece of tape if necessary. This will ensure that your gift reaches its intended destination.

Indian Temple contributions ...

The Universal House of Justice has informed us that it would be helpful if the funds contributed for the House of Worship in India were to be sent directly there rather than collgcted in and dispatched from the World Centre, Donations for the Temple project in India should now be sent to:

Baha’i Temple Project

Savings Bank, a/c No. 592

Syndicate Bank, Foreign Exchange Branch

Connaught Circus

New Delhi 110001

India

Contributions will be acknowledged by the Temple Project Committee, which will provide the World Centre with a periodic accounting of contributors and amounts received.

In the case of the Temple in Samoa, it is preferable that contributions continue to be sent to Haifa. As always, the National Spiritual Assembly will be happy to forward contributions for either or both of these projects to the proper destination.

Regular receipts necessary ...

A number of the friends have written suggesting that we do not send them a receipt for each contribution because their canceled checks can serve as a receipt. This, they suggest, would save postage costs.

Other believers have requested that we send only one receipt at the end of the year—again the object being to save funds.

The National Spiritual Assembly is grateful that the friends are eager to find ways to reduce expenses. However, in outlining the duties of the Treasurer, the beloved Guardian stated that the Treasurer ‘holds and disburses the funds of the Faith to (the National Assembly’s) satisfaction, keeping proper accounts and issuing receipts for all contributions.””

Following this directive to receipt all contributions, the National Assembly feels that at the present time, the best method is to continue to send a receipt in return for each gift.

To try to keep a record of a few individual requests for special handling would cost more, in the long run, than would be saved by one yearly receipt. Also, regular receipts allow for the return of Fund envelopes, which many of the friends find helpful in establishing a regular pattern of participation in giving to the National Fund.

Support of Baha’i Funds is vital to Faith’s Administrative Order

(This is the third in a seven-part series on important aspects of the Bahd’{ Fund. Although man functions in a material world through material expressions, he is called upon to acquire divine attributes and to manifest spiritual behavior. The Fund, as a Divine Institution, provides man with a means to grow spiritually and to demonstrate that growth through action. The purpose of this series is to highlight the spiritual principles that underlie the outwardly material act of giving to the Fund.)

°

In the Faith there are several levels of administrative institutions, each devoted to a particular area of responsibility for the growth and development of the Cause,

Shoghi Effendi explained that “the progress and execution of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means.”’ He therefore determined that each institution should have a Fund to support its activities.

The four major Funds are:

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

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

Continental Baha’i Fund ( Wilmette, Illinois 60091)—Enables the Continental Board of Counsellors and its Auxiliary Boards to perform their missions of protection and propagation of the Faith for 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.

These are not the only Funds of the Faith. From time to time a Fund is established for a specific purpose, such as the Persian Relief Fund or Temple construction Funds. However, these are generally temporary, lasting until a particular goal is accomplished.

Support for the four major Funds was called for by the beloved Guardian, and by the Universal House of Justice. They encouraged both individual and collective contributions to these Funds, a distinction that will be examined more closely in the next article in this series.

We are all generally familiar with the need to support the local and national Funds. After the establishment of a local or National Assembly, the Guardian said, a

Fund should be immediately established, and placed under control of the Assembly.

“It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance,”’ the Guardian explained, ‘‘to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund.”’

In the same way, the believers are encouraged to support the Continental and International Funds. “‘Urge the initiation of five Continental Baha’i Funds,”’ Shoghi Effendi cabled in 1954. ‘‘Appeal to the twelve National Assemblies and individuals to insure a steady augmentation of these Funds through annual assignments in National budgets and by individual contributions.”

As early as 1951 the Guardian cabled: ‘‘Emergence of independent sovereign state in Holy Land, synchronizing with the rise and consolidation of the Administrative Center of the World Faith of Baha’u’llah ... demand henceforth reorientation and necessitate increasing financial support ... The extent of appropriations from national and local budgets of communities in both hemi Service

Continued From Page 1

nishings with which I have adorned it have been purchased in the hope that one day I shall be able to sacrifice them for the sake of the Beloved. Then will friend and foe alike realize that he who owned this house was endowed with so great and priceless a heritage that an earthly mansion, however sumptuously adorned and magnificently equipped, had no worth in his eyes... Would that such compelling evidence of the spirit of renunciation were able to open the eyes of this perverse people, and to stir in them the desire to follow in the steps of him who showed that spirit!’ ””

An eloquent testimony to the spirit of financial sacrifice for the Cause came’ from Manitchihr Khén, the governor of the province of Iṣfahán in Iran.

The governor provided sanctuary in his home for the Bab for 40 days, despite the demands of the Shah for the Bab’s presence in Tihran.

One day Mantichihr Khan admitted that he recognized the Station’ of the Bab, and informed Him of his plans to do everything in his power to spread the Faith, including dedicating his vast wealth and striving to win the allegiance of the Shah to the Cause of God.

“May God requite you for your noble intentions,” the Bab re

spheres is regarded as a spiritual obligation ... Moreover participation of individual believers ... (is) imperative and beyond the scope of the jurisdiction of National and local Assemblies.’”’ (Messages to the Baha’i World, pp. 13-14)

These quotations clearly outline the importance of participation in contributing to the four major Funds by individuals as well as communities.

Though at first one might consider his resources too meager to allow for support of all of the Funds, we must remember that there are spiritual principles involved.

The frequency of giving to each of the Funds is left to the discretion of the individual believer, based on his understanding of the needs as expressed by the Institutions of the Cause.

It is certainly not necessary to give to every Fund each time one makes a contribution. However, every Baha’i has the privilege to give to each Fund directly, and is encouraged by the Guardian to do 80. Certainly by following the guidance of Shoghi Effendi, regardless of the amount given, the best spiritual results are obtained.

sponded. ‘‘So lofty a purpose is to Me even more precious than the act itself.””

HE THEN informed the governor that it was not God’s plan that the Faith be established through his great wealth. However, he said, Mantchihr Khan’s gallant intentions would be greatly rewarded, though his earthly days were soon to draw to an end.

Manichihr Khan, resigned to the Will of God, rejoiced, and made preparations for his departure from this world.

The words that the Bab addressed to the self-sacrificing Mantchihr Khan hold special significance for us today as we consider the subject of financial support for the Cause of Baha’u’ lah:

“‘Not by the means (the great wealth and stature of one individual) which you fondly imagine will an Almighty Providence accomplish the triumph of His Faith. Through the poor and lowly of this land, by the blood which these shall have shed in His path, will the omnipotent Sovereign ensure the preservation and consolidate the foundation of His Cause.””

The privilege to give for God’s Faith is one that He has preserved for the body of His followers. No better time is there than now for each of us to demonstrate the same degree of renunciation and detachment from material things, that characterized and animated the efforts of our spiritual forebears.

[Page 6]YOUTH NEWS

The American Baha’i

UNICEF helps child tell teacher about Holy Days

Five-year-old Adam Mondschein started kindergarten this fall in Elsmere, New York. Adam, his father and mother, and Adam’s 2-year-old sister are the only Baha’i family in his community.

As the holidays approached, Adam’s classmates talked of gifts and lighting Chanukkah candles and trimming Christmas trees.

ADAM felt left out, for no one had heard of Ayydm-i-Ha. A 5-year-old has trouble understanding the Bahd’{ Faith, much less explaining it.

So Adam’s mother, Ginny, thought of a way to share their gift of the Faith with his teacher and classmates.

She consulted with the U.S. Baha’i Office at the United Nations about using the UNICEF calendar for 1982 that shows all the Baha’i Holy Days and U.S. Committee for UNICEF materials especially designed for use by small children and their teachers.

Mrs. Mondschein sent a note to school with Adam requesting an appointment with his teacher to explain the family’s religion and Holy Days.

Adam told his teacher that he was a Baha’i and that his family exchanged gifts on the days of Ayyaém-i-Ha.

‘When the day of the appointment came, Adam, his mother,

and sister Emily Anne visited the +

teacher and presented the gift packet that contained the UNICEF calendar (so mother could explain the Bahá’í Holy Days); a Baha’i fact sheet and related material for the teacher’s information; and a special packet of classroom lesson plans and materials that focus on the concept of one world, one family.

THE TEACHER was delighted with these unique and well-designed materials. Before this, she had never heard of the Baha’i Faith.

Adam and his mother also presented her with the book The Secret in the Garden as a gift from the Mondschein family to the class.

Adam’s identity as a Bahá’í is now firmly established in his classroom. As Adam explained to his classmates, ‘‘We believe in God and His Teacher, Bahá’u’lláh, Who said all of us in the whole

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world belong to one family.””

If you would like to obtain this packet to help your child establish his Baha’i identity at school by presenting it to his or her teacher, you may do so by requesting it from the National Education Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. The complete packet the Mondschein family used costs $6 postpaid. It con (D0 you know-—why food Is important? ‘good? ‘enough’

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¢ A UNICEF calendar for 1982.

¢ A special packet of lesson plans, maps, etc., for Grades 4 through 6 (teachers can adapt the materials for younger children) entitled ‘Big World, Small World, My World.””

¢ U.S. Committee for UNICEF materials for children, courtesy of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF

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A fact sheet entitled ‘‘The Baha’{ Faith and Its World Community’’ (for the teacher’s information).

Checks should be made payable to Bahda’{ Services Fund earmarked “UN Kit.’’ A kit will be mailed to you immediately upon receipt of your order.

Youth and the Fund!

In an effort to increase the flow of contributions from Baha’i youth to the National Fund, the National Youth Committee has mailed to every youth a speciallydeveloped Fund envelope.

“At its most recent meeting,’’ says Charles Cornwell, secretary of the committee, ‘“‘the National Youth Committee consulted at length on the critical state of the National Fund.

“THE COMMITTEE is confident that the youth are eager to do. their part to help alleviate this difficult situation, and felt that a special envelope would serve to remind youth of their responsibility to contribute directly to the National Fund on a regular basis.”

At the District Conventions in October, the National Spiritual Assembly announced a goal calling for 20,000 believers to con tribute regularly to the National Fund.

“The American Baha’i youth can make a sizable dent in that goal,”” says Mr. Cornwell, “by their individual donations. The Youth Committee felt that the Fund envelope would be a useful aid in assisting the youth to contribute.’”

The envelope, he says, also makes it possible to keep track of the number of donations received from youth, and the National Youth Committee will be announcing results of the special Fund effort in future issues of The American Baha’i.

Anyone who would like additional envelopes may contact the National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091. ;

World Order pays tribute to poet Robert Hayden

The Fall 1981 issue of World Order magazine pays loving tribute to Robert Hayden, a major American poet who served as that magazine’s poetry editor from 1968 until his death in February 1980.

Articles include a biographical sketch of Mr. Hayden, an essay on his religious poetry, an ‘‘in memoriam’’ tribute, and two poems deilicated to his memory.

The issue is, in a sense, a double tribute to Mr. Hayden, for most of the authors who are represented stepped forward unsolicited to pay homage to a friend and teacher who evoked love and admiration in them as he did in others.

The biographical sketch, “A Life Upon These Shores,” is by Pontheolla Williams.

The poems are ‘‘Words for Ro

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Forty-six Baha’is from the New York City area marched September 27 in the Atlantic Avenue parade in Brooklyn. The Bahi’i youth and children, wearing ‘One Planet, One People ... Please’ T-shirts, carried three brightly colored banners, one of which informed the thousands of onlookers that the Baha’is were observing UNICEF’s International Children’s Day. The parade climaxed a busy summer in New York that included booths at nine street festivals and a Star Trek convention, month-long library displays, street teaching in many areas of the city, and a Children’s Day picnic at Flushing Meadows.

bert Hayden’’ by Jacob Miller, and ‘‘Toward the Silence’? by Donna Denizé.

Julius Lester’s tribute is entitled

“In Gratitude for Robert Hayden.’’ Gerald Parks writes on “The Baha’i Muse: Religion in Robert Hayden’s Poetry.”

Exciting story of a boy’s pilgrimage is recounted in Child’s Way article

Do you know the story of the cloud of locusts at the Ridvan Garden?

It is told in ‘‘Naysan’s Journey,’’ which describes a pilgrimage through the experiences of a child in the lead article of the Sharaf-‘Ala 138 B.E. (January/February 1982) issue of Child’s Way magazine.

In this exciting story, written by Child’s Way editor Mary K. Radpour, the reader is taken to Haifa and ‘Akká in the words of a boy’s journal, kept for his teacher, Miss Milly.

Accompanying his parents and grandfather, the youngster visits

the Shrine of the Bab, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, and the International Archives. Keith Kresge illustrated the journal.

A bonanza of craft projects can also be found in this issue. ‘‘Connect the Dots,”’ a planetary mobile to make, an Intercalary Days pocket wall hanging and ‘Draw Me and Take Me Home,”’ an activity for younger readers, will keep the whole family delightfully busy!

For Child’s Way subscription information, please write to Subscriber Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Remember steps for successful teaching!

In the December issue of The American Bahá’í, the National Youth Committee encouraged every Baha’i youth to welcome at least one new Baha’i into the Faith by Riḍván 1982. Do you remember the steps for successful teaching that were recommended?

1. Pick a person.

2. Pray for that person every day without fail.

3. Be of service to your friend.

4. In your conversations, slip in the word ‘‘Baha’i”’ from time to time.

5. Invite your friend to a Baha’i function.

6. Keep praying!

7. Be persistent and loving!

8. Invite your friend to become a Baha’.

9. When your friend becomes a Baha’i, don’t stop there—go back to Step 1 and start all over again!

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[Page 7]YOUTH NEWS

- January 1982

7

New momentum propels youth toward Plan victory

A new momentum is animating the American Baha’i youth as they make greater and more audacious strides toward winning the objectives of the National Youth Plan.

From across the country, reports of victory continue to filter in to the National Youth Committee, allowing in some instances the assignment of additional goals for specific areas.

“We continue to be inspired by the deeds of service to the Cause being demonstrated by the youthful Baha’is,’’ says Albert Huerta, a member of the National Youth Committee. ‘‘There seems to be a fresh new momentum sweeping the country, allowing us to meet the goals of the Plan in record time.”

More than 70 percent of the goal for the establishment of a Youth Network had already been won by the end of November, and the goal calling for 50 interna Youth Network adds first Bahá’í high school club

The first Bahd’{ high school club was recently added to the roster of clubs in the Youth Network!

The youth of Ashland, Oregon, formed the first high school club of the three-year phase of the Seven Year Plan, and many more high school clubs are expected to be added to the list in the next few months, as the Youth Committee has sent out dozens of club formation packets to communities and individuals who have requested them.

These club formations are an essential part of the National Youth Plan that was launched at the Continental Youth Conference last July.

The youth in Oregon were asked to form a total of six college clubs and at least four local or high school youth clubs during the course of the three-year phase. After consulting on these goals, the District Youth Committee felt that the Oregon youth could achieve even greater victories, and pledged to form two more college and two more local clubs.

In addition, they are aiming to raise up two international pioneers, two international traveling teachers, and four homefront pioneers. They’ve also decided to double the number of Baha’i youth in Oregon by Ridvan 1984!

The National Youth Committee is certain that this high level of energy and dedication will attract many blessings, thus enabling the Oregon youth to readily win their goals.

Their inspiring degree of commitment is only one of the many examples of zeal and enthusiasm that are being displayed by the Ba‘ha’{ youth in America. >

tional traveling teachers should be won by the end of next summer, according to the Youth Committee.

“Bach day,” says Mr. Huerta, “the Youth Office receives news from youth who are actively engaged in teaching the Faith and

are bringing the Message of Baha*u’ll4h to the waiting souls.

“We hope that this momentum will continue to grow, and we are

certain that the Baha’i youth will dedicate their talents and energies to the needs of the Faith in these challenging days.””

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Three Year Phase

Local youth clubs help reinforce Baha’i

Q.: What is a local youth club?

A.: At the onset of the Five Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly called for the formation of local youth clubs ‘‘specifically designed to provide youth with a peer group of social support (that would) reinforce the Baha’i youth to the orientation to the Bahda’i way of life ...’’ Local youth clubs are designed to provide an alternative social environment for Baha’i youth that reflects Bahá’í values and beliefs.

Q.: Why should I be a member of a local youth club?

A.: Club activities present excellent social opportunities for Baha’i youth, It is often quite easy to get caught up in the ‘‘old world’’ and to be influenced by the negative and material pressures present in today’s society, As a member of a local youth club, you'll have a chance to socialize with other Baha’i youth and to focus your energies on building the new World Order. Activities sponsored by lo

cal youth clubs are often excellent events to which to invite your friends and to give them an opportunity to share the fun of being a Baha’i!

Q.: How do I get a club started in my area?

A.: Clubs are sponsored by Local Spiritual Assemblies. You might want to ask your Assembly to consider sponsoring a club in your community. Why not bring up the subject at the next Nineteen Day Feast? Formation kits for local youth clubs are available from the National Youth Committee, which will be happy to forward copies on request.

Q.: Who can be a member of the club?

A.: The guidelines developed by the National Youth Committee state that all Bahá’í youth in good standing are eligible to join. In many areas, the membership has been expanded ‘to include young, people ages 12-14. Once the club has been established by the Spiri tual Assembly, youth are asked to apply for membership, which should be granted automatically if the youth meets the age requirements.

Q.: What activities can a local youth club sponsor?

A.: Local youth clubs are encouraged to sponsor events that are conducive to its purpose: the creation of a positive peer group. Some kinds of activities that have been successful include field trips, parties, and sports events. Others might include service projects, hosting Feasts, study sessions, and firesides for youth. Some local youth clubs have held successful teaching projects and fund-raising events. In short, the local youth club should serve as a focal point for youth activities in an area, and the club can organize those activities that will meet the needs of its members while attracting other youth to the Faith.

Q.: Can I be a member of a local youth club and a college or

way of life

high school club at the same time?

A.: Sure!

Q.: How does the local youth club fit into the goals of the National Youth Plan?

A.: The Plan calls for the formation of 500 college, high school and local youth clubs during the second three-year phase of the Seven Year Plan. At present, the youth have achieved more than 70 percent of this goal, but only 62 local youth clubs have been formed. By getting a local youth club started in your community, you'll be making a positive contribution toward winning this important goal of the Youth Plan!

The Baha’i Club Stanford University invites all young Baha’is to attend a special College Club weekend January 22-24 at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California.

For more information about this event please phone Ehsan Talebi at 415-327-0760.

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[Page 8]Li a i Mie re a

EDUCATION

The American Baha’i

Study session on The Hidden Words

Prepared by the National Education Committee

To the American Baha'i Community Dear Baha’i Friends:

In its Seven Year Plan message of January 1981 to the Baha’is of the United States, the Universal House of Justice calls upon the believers to ‘pursue a nationwide campaign, with emphasis on the use of the Creative Word, designed to inspire every believer to live the Baha’i life, thus demonstrating to their fellow-countrymen the beneficent effects of the Baha’i way of life achieved through ad “The Hidden Words’ Study Quiz

The following study quiz covers only a few of the many themes contained within The Hidden Words. Read cach item and select the answer that best completes the sentence;*then identify the verse(s) from The Hidden Words that applies to the item. If your community decides to have a deepening on The Hidden Words using this study quiz, bring your answers and references to share with others.

1. We were all created from a single source so that : HW No.

a. everyone would be recognized as a single species.

b. everyone would have the same capabilities and capacities.

¢. no one might exalt himself over another.

d. true excellence might be distinguished.

2. The company we seek out and the type of activities we enjoy AIR Rare eee ace HW)No. =

a. how open-minded we truly are.

b. what we ourselves are like.

c. what our individual history is.

d. nothing more than what our personal preferences are.

3. God has ordained all that is in heaven and earth for man, exeee een HW No. ____.

a. fame and fortune.

b. the human heart.

¢. comfortable surroundings.

d. his soul.

4. Sorrow and joy ought to result from Se ene avy eee HW No. ____.

a. our proximity to God.

b. our failures and successes.

c. the quality and extent of our knowledge.

d. the circumstances that God has given us.

5. In relation to life on this plane, souls that have left this WONG ese Bee CE HW'No. __

a. see us as we actually are, with all our strengths and weaknesses.

b. are kept informed of all the happenings on this plane.

herence to the Teachings of Baha*u'llah.””

As we strive to fulfill this objective, we cannot but stand in awe at the vast body of literature so richly bestowed upon us by Baha’u'll4h and the Bab.

The Kitab-i-Iqan, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, and Selections from the Writings of the Bab all provide us with ample opportunity for study of the Creative Word.

There is one work, however, that appears ideally suited as a starting point for the sincere believer seeking to reorient his life through study of the Creative Word. That work is The Hidden Words of Bahd’u’llih. Indeed, Baha'u'llah Himself reveals in the opening to The Hidden Words:

“This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of old. We have taken the inner essence _thereof_and

¢. are not informed of our personal failures on this plane.

d. are unconcerned with life on this plane.

6. Man as created by God is __ HW No.

a. imperfect and exists only through God’s forgiveness and mercy.

b. noble and imperishable.

c. perfect but incapable of exercising good judgment.

i a mortal being inherently sinful.

7. Prosperity and abasement in this world HW No.

a. indicate how ‘closely we are adhering to the Will of God.

b. are signs of God’s love for us.

¢. are accidents of birth and have no role in our spiritual life.

d. will pass away and cease to exist.

8. In our relationship with one another, we should not , HW.No,

a. practice moderation.

b. seek to gain an advantage.

c. prefer others before ourselves.

d. consider the wishes and desires of others.

9. To help ourselves and others to grow, we must 5 HW No.

a. hear and see no evil.

b. point out others’ mistakes as tactfully as possible.

c. call attention to our mistakes. so that others can learn from them.

d. deal harshly with our own. failures but forgive others.

10. When seeking truth, it is

clothed it in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous that they may stand faithful unto the Covenant of God, may fulfill in their lives His Trust, and in the realm of spirit obtain the gem of Divine Virtue.””

The following study session is designed to assist individuals and communities in their deepening on the Creative Word by focusing on the many themes contained within The Hidden Words of Baha ’u’llah. After reading the back ground information, each believer i vited to take the following 25-item study quiz on The Hidden Words, referring when necessary to the text itself, and taking a few moments with each item to meditate on its implications for living the Baha’ life.

To further assist in this study of the Creative Word, the National Education Committee is sending each Local Spiritual Assembly and Baha’i Group (and anyone else who sends a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the NEC office) a copy of the correct answers to the quiz, along with suggestions

PRE RA TA Opel aeeeras| HW No. ao

a. ask the most ‘earned people around.

b. rely upon the wisdom of those with the most experience.

c. depend on the judgments of those who lead exemplary lives.

d. think for yourself.

11. The pace of an individual’s spiritual development ___-___. HWINe, Soa

a. should be slow and sure.

b. is dependent upon the difficulty of the tests he receives.

c. should be as swift as possible.

d. is irrelevant to God.

12. If you wish to be loved and prrafeed 505g steed Se HW No.

a. be ambitious ‘and productive.

b. seek earnestly the good will of your friends.

¢. acquire the best education that you can.

d. seek contentment.

13. Receiving God’s love reWeeree (MRR ee ee, HW No. ____.

a. you sincerely desire God’s grace and bounty.

b. you first love God.

c. you first show yourself worthy by your good deeds.

d. you become a “‘true”’ Baha’i.

14. The sign of love is

HW No. a. fortitide and patience. b. justice and mercy. ¢. compassion and forgiveness. d. reverence and contentment.

15. The true lover yearneth for HW No. . a. tribulation. b. forgiveness.

for using the quiz as the basis for community deepenings.

As you study The Hidden Words it is important to keep in mind that the meanings and implications for action contained within the Creative Word can never be fully grasped in one deepening session. With each new maturing of the human soul come deeper and more illuminating insights into the Writings of the Manifestation of God, more discoveries of the

‘The Hidden Words’ Background Information

Shoghi Effendi, the beloved Guardian of the Cause of God, in his appraisal of The Hidden Words, refers to it as ‘that marvelous collection of gem-like utterances’ and places it second only to The Kitab-i-Iqan among the Writings of Baha’u’llah.

The Hidden Words was revealed in Baghdad by Bahá’u’lláh in 1858, five years before His public declaration as the “One Whom God would make manifest.”’ Revealed partly in Arabic, partly in Persian, a number of the verses were written by Baha’u’llah as He

c. grace.

d. mercy.

16. The worst of all men are tome reremt tk Sea ea WINGS ee

a. become attached things of this world.

b. fail to live up to their potential.

¢. become distracted by the teachings of the ‘‘unwise.””

d. bear no fruit.

to the

17. Entering the divine court of holiness requires . HW No.

a. a keen awareness.

b. a purging of the heart from malice.

c. extensive memorization of the Writings.

d. the inner peace that comes only from meditation.

18. The calamity that will befall the people of the world is. HW No. ____.

a, massive earthquakes.

b. a third world war.

c. unknown and not specified.

d. clearly predictable from the world’s deteriorating condition.

19. God has pledged not to forQING HW No. ees)

a. mistakes we might make.

b. Covenant-breakers.

c. failure to obey Baha’i laws.

d. any man’s injustice.

20. Today, guidance is given by

HW No. . a. deeds alone. b. words and deeds. c. words alone. d. prayer. 21. The Hidden Words tells us

“pearls of wisdom’? that lie hidden in the Ocean of His words. The following study session on The Hidden Words is only a: vitation for the individual believer to begin to nurture a relationship with the Creative Word, a relationship that will sustain and guide him throughout eternity. With loving Baha’i greetings, The National Education Committee

paced, meditating, along the banks of the Tigris River. As time went on other verses were added. When given to the early believers, disconsolate at the loss of the Bab, the verses were known as the “Hidden Book of Fatimih.””

Fatimih was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and the wife of ‘Ali, the first Imam. According to Shiah Islamic tradition, Fatimih was grief-stricken at the loss of her Father, and the Holy Spirit came to her as the Angel Gabriel and dictated through ‘Alli verses to comfort her soul. It is these verses that Bahá’u’lláh has identified with The Hidden Words.

that the time of our death is __ Ey Noe

a. heralded by clear and evident signs.

b. unknown to us.

c. foreseen through prayer and meditation.

d. a veil between the lover and the Beloved.

22. Those who backbite and gossip are est

a. assured of God's mercy.

b. accursed of God.

¢. ostracized by the group.

d. stricken with new tests and difficulties.

23. The Hidden Words encourage us to free ourselves from the DEAS OML OR oe eee eer ene HW No. __.

a. time.

b. ignorance.

c. acquired knowledge.

d. self.

24. At death we are asked to __ HW No.

a. account for our deeds.

b. follow the light of Guidance.

c. forgive those who have offended us.

d. pray for those who have gone before us.

25. The wise are they that ___

ivine

HW No. ____.

a. teach with the utmost sincerity.

b. do not speak until they have found a listener.

• c. follow current events with a

keen eye.

d. speak boldly and firmly at each gathering.

eS RS ES SSS ETS

se Disc tN

Betis

nail: [Page 9]

EDUCATION

January 1982

26 new districts set to participate in Education Adviser Program

Twenty-six new districts including those in California, Nevada, Texas and most states in the northeastern region of the U.S. will participate this spring in the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP).

The purpose of LEAP is to prepare representatives of Local Assemblies and selected Groups ona district basis to serve as advocates for children and youth in their respective local communities.

IN ADDITION to the role of advocate for children and youth at the local level, Advisers work with other Advisers in their district to Serve as a resource network of adults to plan and carry out special district-wide events for children and youth, such as the children’s program for Convention and youth camping retreats.

Advisers are encouraged to look beyond ‘‘classes’” as the only means of providing Baha’i educational experiences for children and youth. Ways of incorporating children and youth into the ‘‘natural’? Baha’i calendar events, especially the Nineteen Day Feast, is an important focus of consultation.

In addition to exposure to educational theory, methods and materials, an emphasis in LEAP workshops is on consultation and communication skills so Advisers can better serve efforts in the local community to meet the needs of the children and youth.

The structure of the program is this: Under the direction of the National Education Committee, national representatives conduct three workshops on the topic of Baha’i child education. Each Local Spiritual Assembly (and selected Groups) in the district vited to send one representative (sometimes two) to these workshops. Sessions last six to eight hours each and are held once a month for three consecutive months.

After the three basic workshops, ongoing sessions are conducted approximately every six months to introduce new skills and topics, and to provide opportunities for Adviser participants to share ideas and community experiences.

After the first LEAP workshop, the Adviser representative reports to his or her sponsoring Local Assembly about consolidation activities that are available to the community through the program.

SPECIFIC services the Adviser is prepared to perform include:

1. Conducting an Education Planning Meeting designed to help community members become more aware that the Baha’i education of children and youth can be accommodated within the community process through particu

larly (a) the celebration of Baha’i Holy Days and other Baha’i calendar events, and (b) the establishment of a local education curriculum for the children and youth.

2. Using an Inventory Questionnaire to provide information to the Local Spiritual Assembly regarding the expressed needs of the children, youth and families within its jurisdiction.

3. Planning and carrying out a Unity Celebration. This afternoon-and-evening program is especially suited as an inter-community activity. It can help the friends explore creative ways of celebrating the devotional, consultative and social portions of Feast. It emphasizes the full integration of community members of all ages and cultural backgrounds and is especially recommended for integrating new believers into the Bahá’{ community. The Unity Celebration includes a dinner that is prepared and shared by partici

pants.

4. Conducting a deepening entitled ‘‘Responsibilities of Baha’i Parents and Children.’’ The simple format for this deepening can be used for other deepening topics as well.

5. Serving, or recommending another to serve, as coordinator for a local Baha’i parent group, making use of the Baha’f Parent Program materials from the National Education Committee.

TO SUMMARIZE, Adviser functions are to

serve as an advocate for the children and youth in the local community;

© conduct community activities on consolidation topics from materials prepared by the National Education Committee;

© participate in district functions that provide opportunities for children’s programs, such as District Convention; and

© help stimulate and develop district events for youth, such as

Integrating all community me bers—adults, youth and chi dren—in a loving extended-family environment forms the basis for

camping weekends.

According to David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee, an important characteristic of LEAP is the latitude it provides the friends for initiating and carrying out their own activities.

“The diversity that characterizes various regions in the U.S. Baha’i community, and the local

consultation by these participants in the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) in Wausau, Wisconsin.

communities in each region, is taken into account with the flexibility of the program,’’ says Mr. Smith.

One direct result of LEAP cooperative effort at the district level was the high quality of children’s programs at the recent District Conventions in all districts where the program has been introduced.

Quiz reviews

This month the National Education Committee is departing from its familiar question and answer format instead, is providing the friends with an opportunity to review what they have learned about the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the last four articles. After each answer in the following quiz we have listed the past issue of The American Bahá’í in which the subject was discussed.

recent Assembly development articles

. 1. It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s writings that. . a. Local Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends. b. National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends. c. Local and National Assemblies must be directly elected by the friends.

2. Local Assemblies can help prepare the friends for District

{ x his photo taken November 18, construction workers are shown pouring concrete footings for one

of two new dormitory buildings at the Louhelen Baha’ School near

Davison, Michigan. Since the

photo was taken, plumbing fixtures have been installed and the concrete flooring has been poured. Carpenters are now erecting the frame of the dormitory building.

Convention by =

a. explaining the purpose of the Convention.

b. assuring that all ballots are received 15 days before the Convention.

¢. sending a community representative to the Convention.

3. Voting for Convention deleeee Wee

a. the primary purpose of the National Convention.

b. not permissible by absentee ballot.

¢. a sacred responsibility.

4, Membership in a Local Spiritual Assembly carries with it___.

a. the option to attend Assembly meetings.

b. the ability to attend regularly Assembly meetings.

c, the obligation to attend every Assembly meeting.

5. A believer may legitimately resign from the Local Assembly under special circumstances such 5 SEIS ASAE PO STRESS a. personal differences with other Assembly members.

b. prolonged illness.

¢, an over-commitment to other Baha’i activities.

6. The relationship of the Local Assembly to the Auxiliary Board member is one of____.

a. loving collaboration.

b. non-intervention.

c. unilateral cooperation.

7. An Auxiliary Board member does not 4

a. direct the teaching work.

b. report on the proper working of administrative institutions.

c. encourage local communities to meet for the Nineteen Day Feast.

8. Assistants to Auxiliary Board members .

a. are exempt from serving on administrative institutions.

b. are not exempt from serving on administrative institutions.

c. can choose between serving as an assistant or serving on administrative instit \S.

9. Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to...

a. deepen new parents on childraising techniques.

b. submit enrollment cards for all Baha’i children in their communities.

c. keep a register of births.

10. The Baha’i burial law requizes that Tee

a. the body not be transported more than two hours’ journey from the place of death.

b. the body not undergo cremation.

c. the body be embalmed within three days unless prohibited by state law.

ANSWERS: 1.(b) August ’81; 2.(a) August ’81; 3.(c) August ’81; 4.(b) September ’81; 5.(b) September ’81; 6.(a) November ’81; 7.(a) November *81; 8.(b) November ’81; 9.(c) December ’81; 10.(b) December ’81.

[Page 10]NATIVE AMERICANS

The American Baha'i

10

Okmulgee launches Native American teaching plan

Okmulgee, Oklahoma, is in the heart of the old Muscogee (Creek) Indian Territory. From 1868 to 1907 it served as the capital of the Creek Nation and the seat of its government.

It was in Okmulgee that a stone council house was built in which met tribal representatives, judges, and principal Chiefs of the Creek people.

TODAY that same building is an Indian museum owned and operated by the city of Okmulgee. It was from this historic site that the Spiritual Assembly of Okmulgee decided to launch the first phase of its American Indian teaching plan.

The Assembly began by sponsoring a ‘‘Native American Series’’ of seminars during October 1981 to make the Okmulgee Creek Indian community aware of the Faith, its goals and its interests.

Four topics centering on the Creek tribe were chosen and guest speakers selected to present each of them. Non-Baha’is were picked for the first three programs, with the last one reserved for a presentation by the Baha’is.

The. events were publicized in part by 100 large posters in businesses and public places all over town. Local newspapers ran articles about the series, and the Okmulgee radio station aired a lengthy announcement for several days on its daily newscasts.

In addition, direct-mail invitations were sent to some 400 Indian households in the area. All materials mentioned that the series was sponsored by the Baha’is of Okmulgee.

Bruce Shackleford, curator of the Creek Museum and a long On August 22-23, the Baha'is of Mississippi launched a teaching effort among the Choctaw Indians in that state with a teaching weekend at Nahih Waiya State Park near Philadelphia, Mississippi. Cathy Cook, secretary of the American Indian Teaching Committee, came from Arizona to encourage the friends. The weekend

time friend of the Faith, paved the way for use of the council house for the series, presenting the idea to the City Council and the museum’s board of directors on behalf of the Baha’is and convincing, them that it would be in the museum’s best interest.

ON OCTOBER 10, the first program in the series was held with about 50 people present to hear Phillip Deere, a Creek medicine man and town chief, speak on “The Traditional Way.””

The chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Okmulgee opened the program by dedicating the series to the Baha’is of Iran.

The second program, October 17, focused on Creek art forms. Mr. Shackleford presented a talk along with slides of pottery, jewelty, baskets and clothing to an audience of about 15.

Kenneth Childers, Speaker of the Creek National Council, presented the third program ent “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation: the Story of a Sovereignty.

His remarks were preceded by the showing of a color videotape on the subject, produced by Baha’i Gary Robinson, communication specialist for the Creek Na

tion. Again the audience numbered about 15.

The final program in the series, “The Spirit Path,”’ was presented by Mr. Robinson and Michael Jamir, another Okmulgee Baha’i who works with Mr. Robinson at the Creek Nation Tribal Complex.

Although no declarations have so far resulted from the series, many Indian people who had never heard of the Faith became aware of it in a positive way.

In addition, each of the guest speakers received Indian-oriented pamphlets about the Faith. And 6,000 Creek households across the country who receive the monthly Creek newspaper read about the series in an article that mentions the Faith.

Future community teaching plans include a service project for the elderly Creek people in Okmulgee, letters to Indian churches in the area, and continued development of one-to-one contacts with the Indian people.

Assembly secretaries and Group correspondents—Please include your telephone numbers at home and at work on all correspondence sent to the Baha’i National Center.

San Fernando Center ‘open house’ proves dynamic, moving experience

In response to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears’ call to the American believers to end the recent 24-day period of prayer and sacrifice with a 24-hour prayer vigil, the Spiritual Assembly of San Fernando, California, decided to open the doors of the San Fernando Baha’ Center to

events included prayers at a sacred burial mound in the park, a picnic, and teaching with filmstrips. Many Baha'is participated, and two Native Americans declared their belief in Baha'u'llah during the weekend. Shown at the picni are (left to right) Mack Bell, Effie Joe, Mary Joe, Helen Henry, Mavis Henry.

the friends from sunset November 11 to sunset November 12.

What resulted was, for the 30 or so Baha’fs who came, a most dynamic and moving experience of prayer, fellowship and deepening.

Baha’is from San Fernando supplied soup, chili, salads, etc. Others brought favorite prayers and selections from the Writings, and some intensive deepening took place.

Some friends brought sleeping bags while others stayed until dawn, slept at home, then returned to continue the vigil.

A few hardy souls stayed up all night, praying and deepening. In short, the Center was a bee-hive of loving Bahd’{ activity during the entire 24-hour period.

The evening of November 11 included an observance of the Birth of Bahd’u’ll4h that turned into a high-powered deepening and open discussion on the reality of the Station of Bahá’u’lláh.

The evening of November 12 ended with an announcement that more than $350 had been contributed to the National Fund. It was decided to cable the National Spiritual Assembly the news of this unforgettable évent.

Since then the Center has remained open every evening for the friends to share in prayer and fellowship and keep the torch burning.

58-Lords in Px

Gary Robinson, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, makes a point about American Indian prophecies dur rison

ing the fourth in a series of ‘Native American’ programs sponsored last October by that Assembly.

Nevada friends co-sponsor 2-day education workshop

“Education for Worldmindedness’’ was the theme of a recent two-day workshop in Reno, Nevada, that was co-sponsored by the Baha’is of Northern Nevada, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the University of Nevada’s Global Studies Board and International Club.

The workshop, which was offered for both undergraduate and graduate credit, was attended by 10 school teachers and two university students. Among the participants were six university professors, a social studies curriculum adviser for the local school district, and an elementary school teacher.

Only one of the workshop leaders, Dr. Tahirih Foroughi, a professor of accounting, is a Baha’i.

The workshop was organized by another Baha’i, Harry Massoth, who is director of the regional chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Highlights included an international dinner attended by nearly 200 people representing about 40 countries; an evening panel discussion attended by 30 people including representatives of a group

of peace marchers who are trekking across country to the United Nations building; a display of Baha’i and UN posters focusing on the theme ‘*One Planet, One People ... Please’; and a_ special audio-visual presentation entitled “A Tour of Earth, Space, and Our Place’’ that introduced a world-wide global education project that is being coordinated by Planetary Citizens, a non-governmental organization of the UN.

A packet of workshop materials offered a variety of pamphlets and articles on global education including a reprint of the article “Baha’u’llah’s Model for World Fellowship” by Douglas Martin, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Please ask for IDs

The National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico has asked the National Assembly of the U.S. to inform the friends in American communities that they should ask for identification cards from the Baha’is of Mexico who visit this country. These ID cards should be dated 1981-82.

SR RS SS SS SE 2 SESS SI

[Page 11]

TEACHING

11

January 1982

ion

CRHhe bul ders

HORACE HOLLEY

Horace Hotchkiss Holley, who was named a Hand of the Cause of God in 1951, served as secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly for 34 years, beginning one year after the formation of the Assembly in 1922.

Born April 7, 1887, in Torrington, Connecticut, Mr. Holley studied literature at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. In 1909 he left college to travel and study in Europe. It was there that he met Bertha Herbert who introduced him to the Baha’i Faith and whom he later married.

IN 1911, while living in Italy, Mr. and Mrs. Holley heard of “Abdu’l-Baha’s arrival in France. Mr. Holley had the bounty of

ion, and again later in Paris.

His first book on the Faith, Baha’ism—The Modern Social Religion, was published in 1913. A second book from the Baha’i viewpoint, The Social Principle, appeared three years later.

In 1921 Mr. Holley edited Baha’{ Scriptures, the first comprehensive compilation of the Writings in English. He later revised the book, which was published in 1943 as Bahá’í World Faith. He also contributed a number of articles to the Baha’i magazine, “Star of the West.”’

In 1924 the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote to Mr. Holley: “‘My most precious brother: The recent activities of the Publishing Committee with you as its central figure and moving and directing force, are indeed worthy of the highest praise. Words are inadequate to express my admiration, gratitude and appreciation.”

One year later, in writing to the National Spiritual Assembly, the Guardian referred to him as “your distinguished secretary,” and again as “that indefatigable servant of Bahá’u’lláh, my es Please See HOLLEY Page 19

meeting the Master on that occas

More than 12,400 Baha’is attended the 24 meetings in 24 U.S. cities proposed by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears during the 24-day period from October 20, the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab, through November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah. In addition to his appearance at the meeting in Los Angeles, Mr. to attend the gatherings in Miami, Florida, and (shown here) Charlotte, North Carolina. The friends who gathered in Charlotte were able to greet the friends at the San Francisco meeting via a special telephone hook-up. Other that received telephoned gs from Mr. Sears were St. id Kansas City, Missouri; Arizona; Denver, Colo

ton; Minneapoli Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The friends at the conferences contributed more than $65,000 to the National Fund and $325 to other Funds.

Teaching Committee names Asian, Hispanic Regional Committees

To provide more effective assistance to Baha’i communities in reaching the Hispanic and Asian population, the National Teaching Committee has appointed four Regional Asian and Hispanic Committees.

Their primary purpose is to provide the believers with any assistance and advice they may need to carry out teaching, proclamation and consolidation activities at the local level that are directed toward Asians and/or Hispanics.

Following is a list of contact

people for these committees: ASIAN TEACHING

Northeastern States—Mr. Farzam Kamalabadi,

, Watertown, MA 02172 (phone 617-924-0296).

Southern States—Mr. Khai Do Linh,

, Langley Park, MD 20783 (phone 301-445-1895).

Central States—Mr. Bijan Bayzaee, 6 60076 (phone 312-674-4013).

Western States—Mr. Tekseng | San Marcos, CA (phone 714-744-9123).

SPANISH TEACHING

Northeastern States—Ms. Marjorie Corrales, '~ Astoria, NY 11105 (phone 212-626-3360).

Southern States—Ms. Selph,

___, Gainesville, (phone 904-373-2296).

Central States—Ms. Angelica C. Huerta,

Northfield, IL 60093 (phone 312-441-7908).

Western States—Mr. Abrom, » Los Angeles, CA 90044 (phone 213-756-5212).

92069

Shirin FL 32601

Brian

STATE

Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Idaho

Illinois Indiana

Iowa

Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada

New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas

Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

District of Columbia

met a 4 oa Assembly/Locality Goals — December 1, 1981 LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES LOCALITIES END FIRST GOAL 5 END FIRST GOAL PHASE TYP RIDVAN 82 CURRENT PHASE 7YP RIDVAN 82 CURRENT 18 1918 107 109 102 41 42 41 175 177 173 ll 12 1 87 88 87 270 274 271 619 623 612 35 36 35 113 114 110 16 17 1S 95 96 91 2 3 2 1921 21 WON _ 87 89 87 268 271 277 WON 89 90 89 302 304 302 9 10 9 57 58 63 WON 72 76 72 368 372 380 WON 7 18 17 117 119 119 WON 13 14 13 94 97 96 10 12 10 1 74 80 WON 6 8 6 54 S7i 54 12 13 A 86 87 88 WON 7 8 z at 72 81 WON 24 25 24 112 113 107 29 32 29 182 186 184 33 35 34 269 272 284 WON 21 22 21 119 121 127 WON ll 12 12 WON 77 719 78 16 18 16 145 147 147 WON 3 14 13 57 58 60 WON 10 12 il 53 55 57 WON i 12 Bt 35 37 36 aT 12 VER 72 73 a 15 17 14 199 201 193 33 35 33 133 136 127 38 42 37 342 346 355 WON 40 41 40 214 215 213 6 7 6 26 28 25 22 25 21 214 217 226 WON 17 1921 WON 116 119 113 49 50 49 176 178 176 13 16 14 240 244 241 3 4 a 29 30 29 224 226 224 484 485 489 WON 9 10 9 46 47 44 14 16 14 75 78 79 WON 96 98 96 348 351 362 WON 6 8 6 49 51 48 mY 4 3 51 52 53 WON 38 39 38 144 146 143 70 7 71 WON 220 221 225 WON 5 6 5 57 59 5S 24 25 24 217 219 234 WON ma 5 2 39 40 35 1 1 1 1 1 1 1,622 1,700 1,628 7,244 7,344 7,353 WON

ee eee eee ee eee ee

[Page 12]eee Sp |

RACE UNITY

The American Baha’i

12

‘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)

Glencoe, Illinois, Bahda’is help present race prejudice seminar

Opinion

Word of God changes hearts of men

“You cannot change white people,” said a black professor at an eastern university. He had been denied tenure and attributed the action to racism.

Be that as it may, his statement is a challenge. If one did not believe in the power of religion to change hearts, he might reluctantly accept the man’s statement. For the Baha’i, it is unacceptable.

THE BAHA’I FAITH was born to change the world by changing attitudes. It was born to create a new race of men. Only the Power of God Himself is capable of this creation.

‘Abdu’ l-Baha said, ‘‘There is no greater tie to bring about the affection between the white and the black man than the influence of the Word of God.’’ (Race and Man, pp. 97-98) In a talk in London He declared, ‘People get together and talk, but it is God’s Word alone that is powerful in its result.”” (“‘Star of the West,” Vol. XII, No. 6, p. 122)

And again the Master observed, ‘“There is need of a superior power to overcome human prejudices; a power which nothing in the world of mankind can withstand and which will overshadow the effect of all other forces at work in human conditions. That irresistible power is the love of God.” (‘‘Star of the West,’ Vol. XXI, No. 3, pp. 71-72)

The skeptic may ask, “‘But do people really change?’’ The Master spoke of ‘Abdu’ll4h Baghdadi, who in his youth was ‘‘devoted to pleasure”’ and was seen as one “‘mired down in his physical passions.” But ‘‘the moment he became a believer, he was carried away by the sweet savors of God, and was changed into a new creation.’’ Transformed, he then lived ‘by the Spirit.’”

The non-believers were truly amazed by the change—he who had been tainted became pure. His mind was consumed with divine love. He traveled to ‘Akká on foot. There the Master asked him how he was. He replied, ‘‘I was in darkness; now, by the favor of the Blessed Beauty, I am in light. I was a heap of dust; He changed me to a fertile light!” (Memorials of the Faithful, pp. 129-130)

We, too, can change if we truly wish to do so and try hard enough. Once ‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke to a learned man, and said, ‘*You should follow the teachings. Now you merely read them.”’ (‘‘Star of the West,’’ Vol. XII, No. 6, p. 122)

We are assured that confirmations will constantly reach the “‘ ‘person who strives after the conciliation of the colored and the white.’ ” (‘Star of the West,’’ Vol. XIX, No. 8, p. 248) If even a vestige of prejudice is tucked away in our minds and hearts, let us change that to conform to God’s Divine way.

Members of the ad hoc committee that planned a seminar last October 25 in Glencoe, Illinois, entitled ‘Prejudice: Barrier to the Development of Our Human Potential’ included members of the Spiritual

Assembly of Glencoe Bonnie Taylor (left) and Dr. David Clayborne (right) and Bill Hendrix of the Glencoe Department of Public Safety.

Seven community organizations including the Baha’is of Glencoe, Illinois, presented a seminar October 25 in Glencoe whose theme was ‘‘Prejudice: Barrier to the Development of Our Human Potential.””

About 60 people attended the program that included a keynote address by Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly who is chairman of the Department of Education at National University in San Diego, California.

Florence Boone, president of the Glencoe Village Board, opened the seminar by welcoming those who attended. Its moderator was Dr. David Clayborne, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Glencoe.

In his keynote address, Dr. Jordan spoke of prejudice as an emotional commitment to an error that, when translated into action, is usually harmful.

HE DESCRIBED how prejudices are formed, and how difficult they are to eradicate. Then he spoke of the beauty of diverse groups and relationships if trust is present, and of how stimulating to growth and creativity such experiences can be.

The first objective of our school systems, Dr. Jordan said, should be the elimination of prejudice.

Following Dr. Jordan’s address, three panelists offered ideas for individual action toward eliminating prejudice and discrimination.

Panelists were Owen Thomas, director of the Evanston Human Relations Committee; Nelson Armour, principal at a Glencoe school; and Clayton Taylor, supervisor of security at the Baha’i National Center in Wilmette and a member of the Baha’i community of Glencoe.

THE SEMINAR was initiated by the Spiritual Assembly of Glencoe. Community groups that supported the program were the Human Relations Committee, Department of Public Safety, North Shore Congregation Israel, Glencoe Montessori School, St. Paul

Materials are sought

Can you recommend the names of appropriate non-Baha’i

Books, films (address and cost) Slide programs (address and cost)

dealing with racial amity?

If so, kindly inform the Race Unity Committee

Readers, please watch our page for news of such offerings!

Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and director of the Department of Education at National University in San Diego, California, addresses a seminar entitled ‘Prejudice: Barrier to the Devel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and Glencoe School District.

When organizations were approached about the program, they were presented with an outline of its goals along with a selection of Baha'i writings on “the Most Challenging Issue.”

Among the results of the seminar was more than 130 inches of publicity in several area news

opment of Our Human Potential’ that was held October 25 in Glencoe, Illinois. The seminar was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Glencoe with cooperation from six community groups.

papers including a full-page follow-up report covering in detail Dr. Jordan’s address and the panel presentations.

In addition, local organizations carried announcements in their newsletters, and 2,500 flyers were distributed in the community, so the contents of the program went much further than the 60 people who attended.

‘Race’ is an often misused word

To the Editor:

“Race,”” as in “‘racism,”’ is probably one of the most misused words in the world. Let’s see if we can’t once and for all lay the problems and fears to rest (at least for Bahda’is) that accompany this widely misunderstood concept.

“‘Race’’ can be properly defined as ‘‘any human population, large or small, which can be distinguished as a distinct group by genetically transmitted physical char

Interact

acteristics.””

THESE genetically transmitted characteristics must distinguish a racial group from all others.

Anthropological evidence strongly indicates that up to about 50,000 years ago there were many easily distinguishable races on

Please See INTERACT Page 13

Your letters, cards are welcome

The Race Unity Committee has received mail from many parts of the country concerning ‘“‘The Most Challenging Issue.’’ The ‘‘year of awareness’’ appears to have been a great success.

Mail expressing interest, concern and hope toward the eradication of the last of lingering prejudices has come from such places as Lansing, Michigan; Belford, New Jersey; Taylorsville, Mississippi; Rialto, California; Austin, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Kent, Washington; Highland Park, Illinois; Charlottesville, Virginia; Champaign Township, Illinois; Lyons, Oregon; and Duluth, Minnesota.

Please continue to write to the Race Unity Committee c/o Dr. Carole Allen, secretary, Norfolk, VA 23508.

Reports of your plans to help eradicate prejudice and foster racial amity are most welcome. Please be aware that your letter might reach The American Baha’i, on the Race Unity Page, unless you specify that you do not want it published. Published letters may not be anonymous.

[Page 13]

The American Baha’i

13

January 1982

Mime artists Bill George, a Baha’i from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Lorraine Zeller, a non-Baha’i from Allentown, display the Fringe First Award presented to their five-member mime/theatre company, Touchstone, at the

world’s largest international arts festival held last August in Edinburgh, Scotland. These two members of the company created and performed the © award-winning program.

House of Worship manager shares history during visit to West Coast

Bruce Whitmore, secretary of the Baha’ House of Worship Activities Committee and manager of the Baha’i House of Worship, spoke to nearly 700 Baha’is during a recent visit to the West Coast.

Included in his itinerary were stops in Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon; San Jose, Fresno, Los Angeles and San Diego, California; and the Bosch and Southern California Baha’i schools.

“THE PURPOSE of the trip was twofold,” said Mr. Whitmore. “The first was to share with Baha’is a sense of the history of the House of Worship and a realization of its unique position in religious history.

“Among the more important aspects of that history,”’ he said, “‘is that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and later Shoghi Effendi, used the project as a tool to establish unity within

UN Day observance

More than 100 people from 15 countries participated last October in a United Nations Day celebration sponsored by the Baha’{ community of Hamblen County, Tennessee.

The Baha’fs and their guests enjoyed food, costumes, handicrafts and dances from China, the Philippines, Iran, Argentina, India, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Micronesia, France, Belgium, Pakistan and Germany.

the American Baha’i community and to lay the foundation for the erection of the Administrative Order in this country.

“The 50-year history of building the Temple is primarily a story of individual and collective sacrifice and struggle—and that story can serve as a tremendous source of inspiration for all of us today.”

As a part of his lectures, Mr. Whitmore presented a slide program that included many unpublished pictures of the various stages of construction of the House of Worship.

The second objective of his trip was to begin the process of sharing with Baha’ is the exciting plans for renovation of the visitors’ center at the House of Worship.

In the planning stages for nearly three years, the remodeling is intended to increase dramatically the teaching effectiveness of the Temple.

“““Abdu’l-Baha’s promises concerning the ability of the ‘Mother Temple of the West’ to function as one of the greatest teaching and proclamation vehicles that we have are truly astounding,’’ said Mr. Whitmore.

“We attract nearly 200,000 people a year to the House of Worship, but the environment in the downstairs area has never been conducive to capitalizing on that great potential for teaching. We now plan to change that.’”

Baha’i mime group ‘Touchstone’ captures top award in Scotland

A performance by ‘‘Touchstone,’’ a mime/theatre company started by Baha’is Bill and Bridget George of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has earned a prestigious award at the world’s largest international arts festival, held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The coveted Fringe First Award was presented to Touchstone for its production entitled ‘Of Arrows and Roses,”’ a 90-minute adult mime presentation that ends

with a mime based on the Hidden Word that begins, ‘‘O Children of Men! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust ...’” (No. 68, p. 20, The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah). Touchstone’s was one of only 17 Fringe First Awards presented in August among the 550 new works performed in the festival's Fringe division. The awards are given by The Scotsman, the national newspaper of Scotland.

Writing in London's Daily Telegraph, widely respected dance and mime critic Fernau Hall applauded the Touchstone program, saying it “‘ ...stands out because of the courage and enterprise of the artists in t ling such a wide variety of styl

During its European tour, the five-member Touchstone company also performed in London and Oxford, England, and in the Aberdeen area of Scotland.

Baha@’i presents exhibit of his art

Michael Wayne Sours, a Baha’i from Dallas, Texas, presented a week-long exhibit of his art last September at North Texas State University in Denton.

The oil paintings, graphite studies and calligraphy depict the early history of the Babis and Baha’fs in Iran and especially their suffering at the hands of the Muslim clergy and other enemies of the Faith.

The exhibit, sponsored by the university’s Baha’i Association, was dedicated “‘to those Baha’is who today are being imprisoned, tortured and martyred for their faith in Bahá’u’lláh, and to all other people who suffer in the effort to establish universal peace.”’

Pi.

Michael Wayne Sours, a Baha’i

y jad an exhibition of his paintings and calligraphy depicting the early history of the Babi and Bahd’{ Faiths presented September 21-25 at North Texas State University in

Denton. The display of art showing the persecution of followers of the Bab and Bahd’u’llih was sponsored by the university’s Baha’f Association and Union Program Council.

Interact Continued From Page 12

earth.

Since that time, however, there has been so much intermarrying that these various racial characteristics have become so blurred as to completely cease functioning as a differentiator.

For more than a hundred years, anthropologists have been trying everything under the sun (and a few things that aren’t!) to scientifically pinpoint genetically transmitted characteristics that would definitely and defineably distinguish one group from another.

The effort has gone through all the more or less obvious things, such as skin color, but my colleagues keep running into (sometimes embarrassing) facts like finding Caucasians in Ceylon, an island off India; or very white “‘Negroes”’ in northern Japan, before it was decided that the Ainu constituted a distinct ‘‘race”” unto themselves—and before even that theory went out the window!

Things such as the number of pores per square inch of skin were tried. That didn’t work either. The point is that modern science says (far too quietly!) that there is one race on planet earth: the human race.

No longer do we need think of that last statement as mere wishful thinking. It’s for real. It is scientifically provable.

Also, large-scale population studies carried out over a great many years have shown that there is no significant difference among various groups of people at any level of intelligence, from genius to idiot.

Certainly, as people travel the world in ever-increasing numbers, not only will the so-called racial lines continue to blur, but so too will the color lines continue to proliferate until it is possible to postulate that one day every “*flower’’ in God’s garden may be different from every other flower. Talk about unity in diversity!

Jim Walker Overland Park, Kansas

To the Editor:

I believe that one can say with assurance that the Master’s statement on race relations, though based on timeless principles, is best understood within the context of those times and conditions—an American society overtly and unabashedly racist, and the consequent social pressures exerted upon a fledgling Bahd’{ community, struggling to comprehend and internalize those majestic principles enunciated by Baha’u’ lah.

Seen in this light, ‘Abdu’l Baha’s meaning and intention become abundantly clear, though one could expound volumes on the underlying spiritual significances.

What is perhaps more significant for these times is the amount of correspondence generated by those simple statements, indicative of smoldering resentments and real or imagined hurts and slights.

The ‘‘most challenging issue’ remains our most challenging issue. The problem is basically spiritual, and we are no more likely to achieve perfection with respect to this human frailty than with any other (the Fund problem comes immediately to mind).

Making accusations would serve only to increase feelings of guilt and resentment. Conferences can, at best, only increase one’s level of awareness.

But one thing we can do is increase our love for one another, despite our imperfections, and learn to accept one another as something less than absolutely perfect Baha’ is while retaining the hope for an even more brilliant future.

Who knows? If we can achieve this, perhaps the next time we look for the ‘‘most challenging issue,”’ it will have become something else!

James S. Borland Jr. Little Canada, Minnesota

‘errs rc AEN SST RD TEESE ESE TT NE ES ETS EES SE A AI

[Page 14]

PAGINA HISPANA

The American Baha'i

14

§ ® @

El Mas Grande Nombre

««.,Al vencedor le daré del mand oculto; y le daré una piedrecita blanca, y en la piedrecita escrito un nombre nuevo, que nadie sabe sino aquel que la recibe.’’ (Apocalipsis 2:17)

°

El Mas Grande Nombre es el de Bahá’u’lláh (La Gloria de Dios).

Por el Mas Grande Nombre se entiende que Baha’u’ lah ha aparecido en el Mas Grande Nombre de Dios; esto quiere decir que El es la Suprema Manifestacién de Dios. (Baha’i News, 224)

Alláh’u’Abhá es un saludo cuyo significado es Dios El Todo Glorioso.

Este nombre es usado para conmemorar, para suplicar, para la proteccién, para saludar, para orar y adorar. No es en el dar o recibir de una palabra, bien sea hablada o escrita, en lo que consiste su sagrado valor, sino més bien en el uso de ella. Su uso confiere Vida Enterna, si es usada fielmente de acuerdo con las instrucciones divinas. El descuido de su _uso priva al alma de su desarrollo e inmortalidad.

Usale y presérvale en el sagrado santuario de tu corazon, tal y como se mantiene el ardor de las llamas en los altares sagrados. Cantale 9 veces antes de la lectura de las Palabras Sagradas. Cantale cuando estas afligido o en peligro. CAntale siempre como guia divina. Prontinciale al despertar por la majfiana y al acostarte por la noche.

No permitas nunca que se apague su fuego en el altar de tu corazon. Y sobre todo, una vez cada 24 horas, retirate en un lugar donde puedas estar solo, y mirando hacia el Este, recitale 95 veces. Un rosario con cuentas sencillas es lo mds adecuado para este propdsito. (Y con relacién al uso de las cuentas, el propésito ni estd en las cuentas, sino en la ayuda que suponen para poder concentrarse mejor y mantener la mente fija en lo que se esta diciendo.)

El uso del Mas Grande Nombre resultard beneficioso y bendecira el alma hambrienta y sedienta.

Preguntaron a ‘Abdu’l-Baha: ‘‘;Por qué razén todo el mundo tiene que mencionar el Mas Grande Nombre 95 veces todas las mafianas?”’ El contest: ‘‘Es tan sélo para mencionar el nombre de Dios, puesto que el conmemorar su Sagrado Nombre nos hace avanzar hacia El y nos hace mas vigilantes.’’

Saludo Baha’i—Los Baha’fs tienen la libertad de saludarse los unos a los otros, diciendo: Alláh’u’Abha, si cuando se encuentran desean hacerlo asi; pero deben evitar todo aquello que para un extrafio, en un pais occidental, pueda parecer como una contrasefia oriental. Tenemos que ser muy firmes con nuestros principios y leyes, pero también. muy normales y naturales en nuestra conducta, con el fin de poder atraer a personas extrafias. (Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i News, 288)

Esta invocacién, oracién o solemne peticién, destinada especialmente como benedicién, ayuda o intercesién, se usa, cuando el creyente quiere, como peticién al mismo Bahá’u’lláh. Y puede ser usada en cualquier momento que se desee.

ES EL NOMBRE DE LA MANIFESTACION QUE TIENE QUE SER ATESORADO EN EL CORAZON.

ES EL NOMBRE DE DIOS MEDIANTE EL CUAL HEMOS DE ADORARLE.

iYa Bahd’u’l-Abha! Esto es la vida de las arterias, posee pulsacién. Hay otras venas que son activas. Esto es el llamamiento que crea la actividad. Esto es el llamamiento que da la Vida.

Avanza siempre en el Reino de Baha’u’ lah; que tu corazén esté siempre ocupado con la mencidén de Bahá’u’lláh; cuida que tus ojos no contemplen sino a Bahd’u’ll4h; y que Baha’u’llah esté siempre en lo mas intimo de tu corazén.

Cuando te encuentres en dificultades, di: ;Ya Baha’u’l-Abha!

Si alguien se opone a ti, di: ;Ya Baha’u’l-Abha!

Aun cuando estés en tu trabajo, di: ;Ya Baha’u’l-Abha!

Seras acusado por causa Mia; la gente te tratard de infiel por causa Mia; tendras que pasar por muchas dificultades por causa Mia. Se valiente y no temas. Lo mismo ocurrio en los tiempos de Jesucristo.

La musica es una escalera por la cual se puede ascender al Reino

“*Y aquellos que cantan los versos del Misericordioso en tonos de los mds melodiosos, lograran de esta forma aquello, con lo que los reinos de la tierra y de los cielos jamds podran ser comparados.

“E inspiraran de ello la fragrancia de Mis reinos, que ninguno puede percibir en este dfa, salvo aquellos que han sido dotados de vision por esta Belleza sublime.”’—(Baha’u’llah, en el Kitab-i-Aqdas)

“Os hemos consentido que escucheis la musica y las canciones. Guardaos para quel hecho de escucharlo no os haga exceder los limites de la decencia y de la dignidad. Regociajaos de la alegria de Mi Mas Grande Nombre, que encanta los corazones atrayendo las mentes de los agraciados.

“‘Hemos convertido la musica en una escalera mediante la cual las almas puedan ascender al reino de lo alto. No cambiarlo en alas del egoismo y de la pasién. Suplico el amparo de Dios para que no seais de los ignorantes.””—(Bahá’u’lláh, en el Kitab-iAqdas)

“Entre algunas naciones del Oriente, la musica y la armonia no estan autorizadas; sin embargo, la Luz Manifiesta, Bahd’u’ll4h, en esta gloriosa época, ha revelado en Tablillas Sagradas que el cantar y la misica son el alimento espiritual de los corazones y de las almas.

“En esta dispensacién, la musica constituye una de las artes altamente apreciadas, y se considera como un medio para exaltar los corazones tristes y abatidos. Por lo tanto, ... pongan musica a los versos y a las palabras divinas que puedan ser cantados con una melodia conmovedora en las asambleas y reuniones, y que los cora zones de los oyentes puedan animarse y levantarse hacia el Reino de Abha en stplica y en oracién.”’—(‘Abdu’l-Baha, en Bah4’f World Faith, p. 378)

“* ., aunque el sonido no es mas que unas vibraciones del aire que impresiona el timpano de oido, y las vibraciones del aire no son mas que un accidente entre los accidentes que dependen del aire, imirad cudnto unas notas maravillosas o una cancién encantadora influyen en los espiritus;. Una cancién maravillosa de alas al espiritu y lena el corazén de exaltacién.’”’—(‘Abdu’l-Baha, en Baha’{ World Faith, p. 334)

“Oh ti quien has sido atraido hacia el Reino; Acaba tus estudios del arte y sacrificate mas o menos para el Sefior del Reino.’’—(‘Abdu’l-Bahd, en Tablets of ‘Abdu’lBahd, p. 671)

“* ...considera cuan admirado y alabado es el arte de la miisica. Procura, a poder ser, utilizar melodias, canciones y tonos espirituales y armonizar la misica terrenal con la melodia celestial. Entonces te dards cuenta cuan grande es la influencia de la musica y como confiere vida y alegria sublime. Has de tocar tales melodias y tonos como para llenar de alegria y de éxtasis a los ruisefiores de los misterios divinos.’’—(‘Abdu’l-Baha, en una tablilla a un creyente)

“*...por lo tanto, las Ensefianzas de Dios, bien sea la forma de himnos 0 comuniones u oraciones causan mucha impresién cuando son cantadas en voz melodiosa. Era por este motivo, que Su Santidad David cantaba los salmos en el Santo de los Santos en Jerusalén, con dulces melodias.

“En esta Causa el arte de la mu sica tiene una importancia suprema. La Bendita Perfeccién, cuando vino por primera vez al cuartel (en San Juan de Acre), reiteraba esta afirmacié1 entre los primeros creyentes hubiera habido aquellos que supieran tocar algun instrumento musical, por ejemplo la flauta o el arpa, o que supieran cantar, esto hubiera cautivado a_ todos.’ ’’—(‘Abdu’lBaha, en “Table Talk,” ‘Akká, Julio 1909, citado en ‘Herald of the South,”” Enero 13, 1933, pp. 2-3)

“Todo cuanto hay el corazén del hombre, lo conmueve y lo despierta la melodfa. Si se une un coraz6n lleno de buenos sentimientos a una voz pura, se producira un gran efecto. Por ejemplo, si existe el amor en un corazén, mediante la melodia, aumentara hasta que su intensidad apenas se pueda llevar; pero si el corazén abriga malos pensamientos, tales como el odio, se acrecentara y se multiplicara.

“Por ejemplo: la musica que se utiliza en la guerra dispierta el deseo de derramar sangre. El significado de esto es que la melodia hace que cualquier sentimiento, que se encuentre latente en el corazon, aumente. Algunos sentimientos surgen por casualidad y otros tienen su fundamento.

“Por ejemplo: algunas. persomas son amables por su naturaleza, pero pueden encontrarse desconcertadas por casualidad, debido a un ataque de ira. Pero, cuando oyen misica, su verdadera naturaleza se volverd a implantar. La miisica en realidad despierta la verdadera naturaleza natural, la esencia individual.’’—(‘Abdu’lBahá, en unas’ palabras a la Sra. Mary L. Lucas, citado en “A Brief Account of My Visit to

• Akka’”’)

El Consejero Continental Athos Costas junto con Antonio y Caro lina Otero después de una visita a

la escuela baha’i, Green Acre.

[Page 15]err PUBLICATIONS

January 1982

15

Trust package ideal for giving books to libraries

In July the National Spiritual Assembly once again reminded all of us of the growing importance of having Baha’i books available for checkout at local libraries.

Noting that almost every Baha’i book in South Carolina had been checked out of libraries there, the National Assembly urged ‘‘every Group and community, however small or large, to consider obtaining from the Baha’i Publishing Trust a package of materials appropriate for placement in public libraries.””

TO AID the friends the Publishing Trust made available “Proclamation Package A.””

This package - (Catalog No. 530-041-10) consists of three hardcover books suitable for all public libraries and is priced at $20 (an $8 savings).

Included in ‘‘Package A”’ is Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, an introduction to the Faith that is especially pertinent in light of worldwide attention on the plight of Baháa’is in Iran.

Also included are The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah, a succinct and provocative sample of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, and Bahi’{ World Faith, a compilation that will acquaint readers with the wisdom of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Baha on a variety of subjects.

If your community wishes to offer a more complete selection of materials to libraries in your area, one of the following seven pack ages, which are part of the ““Rhythm of Growth’ catalog, may be right for you.

Package 30A1, ‘‘First Fruits’ (Catalog No. 530-011-10, $45), is ideal for public libraries and twoor four-year colleges. It offers some basic Writings of Baha’w'llah, the Bab, and ‘Abdu’lBaha; a compilation of devotional passages; and two introductions to the Faith.

WITH PACKAGE 30A2, “More Gifts’’ (Catalog No. 530-012-10, $20), you can add to public and college libraries Shoghi Effendi’s history of the Faith, God Passes By; another introduction; and three perennial favorites—God Loves Laughter, Thief in the Night, and Prescription for Living.

If you would like to appeal to the children who visit your local library, Package 30A3, ‘‘For Children’’ (Catalog No. 530-013-10, $24), is ideal. It contains a collection of prayers and devotional passages for youth, prayers for small children, two cassettes and one album, as well as The Secret in the Garden with a durable cloth cover.

If there is a university in your area, you should consider Packages 30A1 and 30A2 described above, as well as one or all of the following three packages:

Package 30B1, “A Universal Perspective’ (Catalog No.

Utah Baha’is take part

About 110 Baha’is from Utah and their guests gathered September 19-20 in the Wasatch Mountains for a weekend retreat and conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Murray.

The conference theme, ‘‘Cultural Exchange—Unity and sity,” was carried out in cussion groups, a deepening topic, children’s skit, music, an international potluck dinner, a display of folk tales from around the

in weekend retreat

world, and addresses by Auxiliary Board member Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi and Muin Afnani, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.

Among the highlights was an auction through which more than $600 was raised for the National Baha’j Fund.

Good relations were established with the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, whose camp was used for the conference.

one of its goals for 1981, that of increasing public awareness of the

530-021-10, $45), contains the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and Shoghi Effendi, an eyewitness account of the early years of the Babi era, and a scholarly examination of misconceptions about the Baha’ Faith and Islam.

Package 30B2, ‘‘Biographies’’ (Catalog No. 530-022-10, $45), includes biographies of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi. All will provide valuable resource materials for term papers and dissertations.

Package 30B3, ‘History Comes Alive’? (Catalog No. 530-023-10, $48), contains two histories of the growth of the Faith and an account of Orientalist E.G. Browne’s relationship to the Faith. It also includes a study of Muhammad and the growth of Islam that will provide more resource material for students.

IF THERE IS a seminary nearby, you should consider the 30A and 30B_ packages described above, plus Package 30C, design

What’s going on here ...?

... and all over the Baha’i world!

You'll find the answer in Baha’i News. Now more than ever it’s the news you need to keep you up-to-date on what is happening in Baha'i communities throughout the world. To subscribe, simply complete the coupon and mail it to Baha’i News, Subscriber Service Department, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A.

Please enter my subscription to Bal

. | enclose my chec!

amount indicated (for Baha'is only).

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Contact your National Spiritual Assembly

ank draft, or money order for the

1 year, $8.00; 2 years, $15.00

Address. City. Zip Code.

Please enclose payment and Baha’i identification number with your order. Thank you!

State and Country.

Faith and its principles, by donating books to the Arlington public library system. Shown here presenting books to library assis ed especially for seminaries. Package 30C, ‘‘For the Student of Religions’? (Catalog No. 530-031-10, $48), includes three important works by Bahda’u’ll4h useful for theological studies. The first of these is Baha’u'llah’s exposition of progressive revelation (The Kitab-i-Iqan). The second contains His mystical treatises describing stages in the development of the soul (The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys). The third volume in this package is Bahda’u’llah’s last major

tant Mary Steffen are Baha’fs S. Poursharif (center) and S. Engs (right).

Tablet, in which He quotes some of His most famous passages and reaffirms the validity of His Cause (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf).

Package 30C also includes historical studies of the Revelation of Bahd’u’ll4h and an examination of His Revelation as the fulfillment of Hindu and Buddhist prophecies.

To order any of these packages please contact your local Baha’i librarian or phone the Baha’i Publishing Trust (toll free) at 800-323-1880.

[Page 16]CLASSIFIEDS

The American Baha’i

16

CLASSIFIED notices in The American Bahd’{ 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.

.

PERSONNEL are needed at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa in several areas including construction foreman with at least 10 years’ experience to assume responsibilities connected with maintenance and repair of Holy Places and other buildings at the World Centre; executive secretary, a highly responsible position requiring composing and drafting letters, conducting research, high level typing skills, shorthand, and accuracy in organizing and maintaining files; inventory control person with experience in organizing and maintaining stock inventory; painter foreman with at least five years’ experience in supervision and familiarity with various painting techniques and materials; photo lab technician with professional experience in processing and printing black-and-white and color film; structural engineer with experience in building construction and architectural design. In anticipation of the occupancy of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the World Centre also is seeking applications for prospective personnel in these areas: maintenance, janitorial and security personnel, bookkeeping, building trades, general office, library assistant, printer assistant, and systems analysts/programmers. If you are interested and qualified for any of these positions, please send the following information to the Department of Organization and Personnel, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel: Baha’i background, education and work experience, personal data (age, marital status, health, nationality, language skills, etc.), Baha’i and professional references, typing speed and other skills, if applicable, and any other relevant information. Please indicate also date available and length of service desired.

DEEPENED homefront pioneers are needed to help restore the Spiritual Assembly of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne, only 1-2 hours from Colorado ski country, has a 30 percent Hispanic population, good schools, and the flavor of the old West. For more information write to the Cheyenne Baha’i Group, Box 2274, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

FOR TEACHERS who want to pioneer: Six organizations and institutions customarily hold fairs for the recruiting of persons who wish to work in an overseas American school. These fairs bring together the job seeker and the overseas administrator responsible for filling positions with qualified persons. The Recruitment Fair schedule for 1982 is: February 12-13, University of California at Los Angeles. For information, contact

the Director, Education Career Services, _ Los Angeles, CA 90024. February 18-22, International Schools Services, New York City. For information, contact P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08540. February 25-28, Teacher Overseas Recruiting Center. For information, contact National Teacher Placement, P.O. Box 9027, Cleveland, OH 44109. February 26-28, University of Northern Iowa. For information, contact the Teacher Placement Office, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. February 28-March 2, the University of Alabama. For information, contact the Dean’s Office, College of Education, P.O. Box 2996, University, AL 34486. March 6-7, Edinboro State College, Pennsylvania. For information, contact the International Placement Coordinator, School of Education, Edinboro, PA 16444. Remember: If you decide to look into teaching jobs overseas for the purpose of pioneering, do contact the International Goals Committee office. The office will have information on other teaching jobs as well as these.

COME homefront pioneering in Frankfort, the state capital of Kentucky, where a Baha’i wishes to share a two-bedroom apartment with a male roommate. Rent is $90 a month. There are employment opportunities in state government in Frankfort and a varied job market in Lexington, a city of 200,000 that is 20 miles away. For information contact Bob Giles,

Frankfort, KY 40601, or phone 502-695-3318 (home) or 502-223-2374 (work).

FRIENDS, if you yearn to serve Baha’u’llah, pray about homefront pioneering to the midlands of South Carolina where the average Bahd’{ community is composed of about 90 percent undeepened Bahá’ís, responsive to the Word of God but often lacking the literacy, transportation or even telephone to keep in touch or to teach themselves through reading the Writings. A tiny handful of workers finds endless avenues of service to these people. Expanding the Faith to all strata must be achieved! This is a scenic, green, peaceful land with abundant employment opportunities for nurses, farmers and teachers. The area is popular for retirees. The state capital, city conveniences and numerous colleges are within this area. Please write to the South Carolina Central District Teaching Committee, c/o Barbara Ferguson, secretary,

1 Columbia, SC 29204, or phone 803-782-0701.

THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives Committee is seeking to locate, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters from the Guardian to the following individuals: Ralph C. Browne, Pearl Burke, Helen Campbell, Dorothy Dent Dopieralske, Walter Guy, Priscilla Hassan, and Laura D. Walsh. The ori ginals or photocopies of these letters are needed by the Universal House of Justice in its efforts to study and compile the letters of the Guardian. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these letters is requested to contact the National Baha’i Archives Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED: Active, enthusiastic Baha’i youth and adults to live in Lowell, Massachusetts, for at least two years and help strengthen the community to Assembly status by Ridvan 1982. Lowell is about eight miles from the New Hampshire border and an hour’s drive from the Green Acre Baha’i Schcol in Eliot, Maine. This historic city offers a full range of studies in engineering science at the local university, city bus transportation, and substantially lower rents compared to surrounding cities in eastern Massachusetts. There are ample employment opportunities in all technical fields, especially electronic/computer technology. Answers to specific questions may be obtained by writing to the Baha’i community of Lowell, c/o Lorraine Matthews, _ MA 01851, or by telephoning 617-459-1604 after 5 p.m. (EST).

SIX NEW pioneer goals have been assigned to the Marshall Islands, These will be impossible to fill unless housing is provided by the pioneer, as there are few places available to rent. A singleperson dwelling costs about $2,000 to build on land that is provided. Anyone wishing to contribute to such a project may contact Elizabeth Anderson, pioneer to the Marshall Islands, c/o the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE REED College (Oregon) Baha’i Club encourages Baha’i students to apply to one of the top undergraduate institutions in the nation. Reed offers many opportunities to teach the Faith while receiving an excellent education in the liberal arts and sciences; the atmosphere is highly academic and the students highly motivated. There are three members of the Baha’i Club, two of whom will graduate in 1982. For more information, please contact Lorri Hendon, Box 660, Reed College, Portland, OR 97202. For information about the college, write to the Office of Admissions, Reed College, Portland, OR 97202.

IMAGINE more than 100 new Baha’is who are waiting for someone to deepen them, are willing to walk an hour to the Local Spiritual Assembly election, and are eagerly awaiting a homefront pioneer to help them understand the Teachings of Baha’u’llah. Imagine Ojinaga, Mexico/Presidio, Texas. Teams are traveling from El Paso (five hours) and Alpine (two hours) to: deepen these new Baha’is. The work could be hastened if there were a Spanish speaking homefront pioneer. Teaching positions usually are available in Presidio schools. Pioneer to Ojinaga/Presidio and render a great service for the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Write to the District Teaching Committee of Southern New Mexico/West Texas, c/o Oscar Arrambide, secretary, P.O. Box 1255, Fabens, TX 79838, or phone 915-764-2743.

BAHA’t music student wants to perform classical, popular, folk or soul vocal music with a Baha’i theme at Indiana University, the country’s largest music school. Soprano range. Will pay for music used or return to sender. Help teach the Faith with music! Send to Georgene Borden,

. Bloomington, IN 47401, or phone 812-339-3886.

JOBS for pioneers! If you are interested in pioneering and need help finding work at your pioneer post, the International Goals Committee may be able to assist with information on jobs such as the following: Health Fields—Nurse anesthetist educator (Jamaica); Critical care nursing consultants (Jamaica); Public health nurses, LPNs, RNs, NPs (Liberia and Somalia); Health educators and media specialists (Liberia); Medical and biomedical technicians (Liberia and Jamaica); Pharmacy educator (St. Lucia, Windward Islands); Occupational therapists (Thailand); Handicapped rehabilitation specialist (Nepal); Lecturer in chemistry, college (Fiji). Engineering/Technology—Mechanical engineer to manage workshop (Sierra Leone); Mechanical/electrical engineers for plant maintenance (Venezuela); Industrial engineer (Liberia); Road engineers (Sierra Leone); Computer repair, sophisticated systems (Botswana). Education/counseling—Instruction materials design (Lesotho); Audiovisual adviser (Lesotho); Vocational education/job counseling, English language (Korea). Agriculture—Horticulture officer (Botswana); many other agricultural jobs (Africa). For details, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

JEOPARDIZED Assembly in Lynchburg, Virginia, on the eastern fringe of the Blue Ridge Mountains, needs help. Lynchburg offers excellent public schools, four fully accredited colleges, two community colleges, and an excellent employment opportunity next fall for an AMI certified teacher in a school that serves children from a variety of backgrounds, on 42 acres with access to nature trails, playground facilities, and a small outdoor porch. Please contact Robin McMurry, ~ burg, VA 24502, or 804-237-0578.

HOMEFRONT pioneering opportunity. The Spiritual Assembly of West St. Paul, Minnesota, is in jeopardy and needs four adult Ba phone

ha’is by Ridvan 1982. The present Baha’i community there includes two married couples, one other adult, and three children (ages 3 to 6 years). The Assembly meets regularly, Feasts and Holy Days are observed, and teaching and proclamation activities are undertaken regularly. West St. Paul is a suburban community of 18,000 only five minutes from downtown St. Paul, 10 minutues from Twin Cities International Airport, and 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. It is close to several colleges and universities, has an excellent school system, many job and cultural opportunities, parks, a small town atmosphere, and a large number of Mexican-American and Lebanese residents. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of West St. Paul, c/o Mrs. Jean Harley, corresponding secretary, P.O. Box 6093, West St. Paul, MN 55118, or phone Jean or Bill Harley, 612-455-7169.

CHILD’S WAY subscription problems? Changes in the Subscriber Service operation during the last year have caused errors in some subscriptions. If you have a problem with your Child’s Way subscription that has not been resolved, please contact Baha’i Subscriber Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

PHILLIPS Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, needs to be opened to the Faith. As an alumnus, I am aware of the strong traditionalism manifested there, and ask that any Baha’i alumni with suggestions contact me immediately. I have February or March 1982 in mind for a public event to which to invite all faculty, and need a respected Baha’i speaker with credentials. Write to Jon Ring, class of ’72, c/o the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Exeter, P.O. Box 384, Exeter, NH 03833 (phone 603-772-4680).

SEVEN two and one-half minute ‘Thought for the Day’’ scripts—suitable for radio or television—have been prepared by the Baha’i Media Committee of Chicago and are being offered to Baha’{ committees and individuals around the country. The scripts cover radiance, patience, health, unity, fairness, family, and education. Four are based solely on Baha’i Writings (one incorporating both English and Spanish); the other three include quotations from other faiths. Request “Thought for the Day Set 1’’ from the Press Secretary, Chicago Baha’i Center, t Avenue, No. 1208, Chicago, IL 60603. If possible, please include $2 per set to cover the cost of copying and postage.

ACCOUNTANTS, engineers and businessmen, take note. There may be a place for you in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Homefront pioneers are needed to help consolidate and to encourage believers who were recently reacti Please See ADS Page 20

[Page 17]The American Baha’i

danuary 1982

17

SS

Elfie Lundberg: Memories of the Master’s presence

On a windy morning in early May 1912, 15-year-old Elfie Lundberg is hurried out the door of her mother’s bakery on the north side of Chicago by her mother, who is in such a hurry that she doesn’t bother to lock the door and forgets to take her

purse.

Mrs. Lundberg explains to Elfie as they walk that she feels drawn to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master, “‘like iron to a magnet.””

AND SO IT IS that young Elfie will soon have the bounty of again being in the presence of ‘Abdu’lBaha.

Miss Lundberg, who now resides in the Baha’i Home in Wilmette, fondly recalls the crowds who jammed hotel lobbies in Chicago during the Master’s stay there in 1912.

She speaks of the excitement, the joyful anticipation each time that she and the other believers were about to be in His presence.

Shortly after Elfie was born in 1896 her mother became a Baha’i, and even as a baby Elfie was taken to Bahá’í gatherings. Later, she attended Baha’i children’s classes and even conventions of the ““Baha’i Temple Unity’’ prior to the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly.

As a teen-ager Miss Lundberg. was frequently among the groups of Baha’is who were with ‘Abdu’lBaha during His visit to Chicago.

San Gabriel Valley enjoys unity feast

The Bahda’i community of South Pasadena, California, sponsored a unity feast September 13 for the San Gabriel Valley.

Its purpose was to encourage the small and largely isolated communities in the valley to unit spirit of love and cooperati: stimulate teaching, fund-raising and social projects, and to allow the friends from the various communities to get to know one another.

As a result of the feast, a San Gabriel Valley Baha'i directory and talent pool was established, an aluminum can drive to aid the Fund was begun, and three new intercommunity committees were set up.

Of the 22 communities invited, 15 were represented at the feast, which was attended by $1 Baha’is.

She walked with the Master in Lincoln Park and was photographed with Him on several occasions.

Miss Lundberg recalls that once she tiptoed shyly up behind the Master and removed a precious hair from His aba to keep as a

venir of her time with Him. is impossible to tell someone what it was like to be with Him,”” she now says with tear-filled eyes. “You should have seen Him walk with His hands uplifted!””

ON HIS LAST DAY in Chicago, ‘Abdu’l-Baha gave Elfie the name ‘‘Azizieh’’ (dear one), and to her mother He said, “You, I shall never forget.””

As a child Miss Lundberg learned about the Faith from her mother and from early American believers such as the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True and Lua Getsinger, as well as from Dr. Zia Bagdadi and ‘Abdu’l-Karim.

Among the Lundbergs’ many welcome guests was the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

“He was such a wonderful man, so gentle and kind,”’ she re“You would never forget

Fujita, the second Japanese believer, who worked for the Guardian as a gardener in the Holy Land and later visited the gardens at the House of Worship in Wilmette, stayed with the Lundbergs off and on for several years, says Miss Lundberg. She remembers that he built a small wooden bench for their back yard.

Marion Jack, who later pioneered to Bulgaria, was another of the Lundberg family’s house guests. Miss Lundberg recalls that Miss Jack, an artist, had her paints and canvases everywhere.

Marion Jack’s portrait of Miss Lundberg’s mother, Emma, now hangs in Miss Lundberg’s room at the Baha’i Home. It is one of her most precious possessions.

MISS LUNDBERG, who watched the House of Worship rise from the laying of its cornerstone in 1912 to its public dedication in 1953, fondly remembers enjoying picnics with other Baha’is at the Temple site in Wilmette.

In the early days, she says, there were never enough guides at the House of Worship. ‘‘Sometimes we guided all day long, rather

Bermuda holds ist Baha’i summer school

‘The first Baha’i Summer School sponsored by the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Bermuda was held last September 4-6 at the Admiralty House Community Center.

More than 30 adult Baha’is and several non-Baha’is attended classes on Bahd’{ history, the Covenant and Administration, and Baha’i laws.

The teachers included Bill and Joan Nemour, pioneers to Bermuda from California.

At least 25 non-Baha’is attended a Saturday evening public meeting and barbecue. Among them was Bermuda’s only opera star, mezzo-soprano Joy Blackett, who accepted the Faith the following evening.

than the two- and three-hour shifts they have for guides now.””

Miss Lundberg has attended almost every National Convention at the House of Worship from the first one convened by the Baha’i Temple Unity.

At the 72nd National Convention last April, she returned to the spot in Lincoln Park where she had spent time with ‘Abdu’l-Baha in 1912 and shared some of her memories of those thrilling days with the children at the Convention.

Over the years, Miss Lundberg has seen great development in the American Baha'i community. One example, she says, is the abundance of Baha'i literature and teaching aids available today.

“We had almost no books in the old days,” she recalls. ‘‘Only a few hand-copied books existed during the Faith’s early years in America.””

And yet, she observes, the importance of teaching the Faith was as great then as it is today.

“Look at everyone!’’ says Miss Lundberg. ‘‘When will they wake

Elfie Lundberg (second from left)

is seated next to ‘Abdu’l-Baha during the Master's visit to Chicago in 1912. As a teen-ager Miss Lundberg had the bounty of being

up? We must help them to realize the Truth for today!”” To encourage the friends to

in the Master’s presence on several

occasions. On His last day in Chicago, He gave her the name ‘‘Azizieh’” (dear one).

pursue the all-important teaching work, Miss Lundberg advises: “Look beyond the horizon!’’

‘Operation Befriend’ catches on in Poway, California, community

The Bahdé’i community of Poway, California, has held a number of recent events in coni with ‘‘Operation Be First, the Baha'is held a ‘‘nutrition tea’? for neighbors and friends. Small cookbooks were printed and shared with those present as well as recipes for goodies served. A brief lecture on good nutrition was enthusiastically received.

Next, a children’s carnival was held at a local park with 140 nonBaha’i children among those attending. Baha'i games were created for the carnival, and local merchants donated prizes for the winners. In addition to the games, there were clowns, balloons, and face painting.

The Baha'is donated a tree to the Weingart Senior Center in memory of Hugh Rouse, the first

‘The Baha’i community of Poway, California, won a second place award for this float last Septem chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Poway. A plaque was placed on the tree, and a special place was made for it in landscaping for the Center.

In September, the Baha’i float in the annual Poway Western Days parade won second place in the religious division.

To carry out the parade theme, “Birth of a City,”’ the Baha’ float had a giant egg nestled on bales of straw from which emerged children dressed as chicks holding aloft signs depicting Baha'i ideals for the new citizens of Poway.

Following the parade, the Baha’is were host to a western-style potluck dinner.

For Baha'is only, the Poway community held a fund-raiser for the Louhelen Baha'i School that grossed more than $400 for its reconstruction.

The program included a fashion show as well as a breakfast.

ber in the annual Poway Western Days parade.

Se eee

Music conference slated for February in Bogota, Colombia

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Colombia, in cooperation with the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas, is sponsoring an International Baha’i Music Conference to be held February 12-14 in Bogota.

The conference is directed toward composers, arrangers, and performers of music with Baha’i themes.

Among the features will be proclamation at all levels with concerts offered in parks, theatres, schools, universities, etc., by the groups and individuals who attend.

For more information please write to the Comité Nacional de Radio, Attn: Sr. Galo Vanegas,

- Bogota, Colombia, South America.

Bahá’ís host program at rehabilitation center

About 20 residents of the Mirada Hills Rehabilitation Center in La Mirada, California, including one Baha’, Mrs. Hazel Rawitsch, enjoyed a program November 12 commemorating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh that was planned and carried out by the Bahá’ís of Whittier and Whittier J.D., California.

Seven adult Baha'is and six children participated in the program, which included a brief introduction to the Faith, slides of the Baha’f House of Worship in Panama, entertainment, and refreshments.

[Page 18]|

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[Page 19]The American Baha’i

January 1982

19

Te igo...

in The American Baha’i

In a cable to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, the Universal House of Justice announces that after many years of difficult negotiation, an obelisk marking the site of the future Mashriqu’lAdhkár on Mount Carmel has been erected.

The construction of the obelisk fulfills a project initiated by the beloved Guardian during the early phase of the Ten Year Crusade.

The Supreme Body also announces the extension of the gardens at Bahji and in Haifa by the development of a quadrant lying southeast of the Mansion of Baha*u’llah and the establishment of a formal garden at the southwest corner of the property surrounding the Shrine of the Bab ...

The National Teaching Committee initiates ‘Operation Gabriel,”” a regional teaching campaign in South Carolina designed to establish at least 100 new Local Spiritual Assemblies and to reform Assemblies that were established at Ridvan 1971. The teaching program also calls for the number of Baha’i localities in the state to be increased to 250 ...

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rihiyyih Khanum writes to the Deep South Committee: “* ... The news from your part of the world has been thrilling the hearts of the Baha’is everywhere and proves that when, far too long ago, Shoghi Effendi told the Americans that if they were not meeting with a response in the North, they should concentrate in the South, he meant what he said; but we so seldom listened ...””

Hartford, Connecticut, is the site of the first of 40 Local Spiritual Assembly seminars to be held this summer to strengthen those institutions and help equip them to handle the affairs of the rapidly growing numbers of believers.

The meetings and workshops, attended by Assembly members from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, are conducted by Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mrs. Caterina Kazemzadeh ...

Baha'is from Wisconsin, lowa, South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska participate in “‘Baha’i Week” in Lincoln.

Highlights include a concert at the University of Nebraska by Seals and Crofts, a puppet show given at an orphanage by Baha’i children, and the presentation of Baha’i books to the governor and lieutenant governor, and to the mayor of Lincoln

Holley

Continued From Page 11 teemed brother, Mr. Holley ...’”

IT WAS Mr. Holley who conceived the idea of a publication that would chronicle on an annual basis the international activities of the Faith. The Guardian reacted enthusiastically to the idea, and thus The Baha’i World came into existence.

Until his death in 1960, Mr. Holley wrote every ‘‘International Survey of Current Baha’i Activities’ for the volumes of The Baha’{ World. The material for these articles was usually sent to him by Shoghi Effendi with pages of instructions appended.

Mr. Holley also titled the general letters of the Guardian to America and to the believers in the West, picking from the text such eye-catching phrases as ‘The Promised Day Is Come,”’ ‘‘The Goal of a New World Order,” and “‘The Dispensation of Baha*y'll4h.””

In addition to presenting a great many public lectures to Baha’i and non-Baha’j audiences and participating in various symposiums, Mr. Holley frequently taught Bahdé’i summer school courses, particularly at the Green Acre School in Eliot, Maine.

On Mr. Holley’s initiative the American Bahá’í News was created in 1924 and met with the Guardian’s enthusiastic approval.

Mr. Holley contributed many articles to ‘‘World Order’’ magazine and to various volumes of The Baha’i World in addition to his survey articles.

Working with a Baha’i lawyer, Mr. Holley was responsible in part for drafting the Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly along with the By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, which the Guardian made a pattern for all such legal instruments of the Faith in other countries.

MR. HOLLEY was named a Hand of the Cause of God in 1951. It wasn’t until 1953 that he met the Guardian for the first time, although he had served Shoghi Effendi and the Faith tirelessly for more than 30 years.

Although in poor health, Mr. Holley participated in the first gathering of the Hands of the Cause in Haifa following the death of the Guardian in November 1957.

“It was here,”’ wrote the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’lBaha Ruthiyyih Khanum, the widow of the beloved Guardian, “that Horace crowned his lifetime of service to the Cause of Baha’wllah by producing the finest fruit of his knowledge and understanding of its teachings—the Proclamation issued by the Hands, the first draft of which, and major portion, we owe to his pen alone.”

In Memoriam

Mary Brockington Andrews, S.C. Date Unknown

Rosa L. Burgess Brooklyn, N.Y. 1981

Eddie Dickerson Andrews, S.C. Date Unknown

Henry Domke Branson, Missouri October 10, 1981

Lucille Ellington Fairburn, Georgia June 1981

Kaye Ibatuan Wapato, Wash. November 5, 1981

Robert S. Largin Old Fort, N.C. April 24, 1978

George Robare Bemidji, Minn. November 1981

Archie Tichenor Dumont, N.J. November 7, 1981

Emma Wilson Kalamazoo, Mich. October 10, 1981

Edna D. Meinzer Klamath Falls, Ore. October 29, 1981

Washington area Baha’is observe World Peace Day at Monument

Several hundred Baha’is from Washington, D.C., and from nearby Maryland and Virginia commemorated World Peace Day with music and proclamation September 20 on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

The celebration included prayers in 11 languages; music by the Baha'i group Do'a, whose music blends jazz, folk and classical traditions from around the world; dances and music by Washington-area performers; and an explanation of the principles of the Faith by emcee Mare Towers, a pioneer to the Virgin Islands.

The gathering marked the culmination of months of planning by a committee of the Spiritual

Assembly of Washington and the generous cooperation of Baha’i communities throughout the metropolitan area.

Advance publicity work led to extensive public service announcements on radio and in newspapers, and brought local television crews to the event.

Contributions by Baha’is of literature, refreshments, balloons, banners, stage decorations and a professional sound system were crucial to its success.

Organizers of the event were struck by the contrast between the freedom of the Baha’is to proclaim the Faith openly in the U.S. and the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran.

Roy Williams, companion of Louis Gregory, dies at 93

GRIEVED PASSING DEVOTED SERVANT CAUSE ROY WILLIAMS. HIS PIONEER EFFORTS FOSTER RACIAL AMITY FOLLOWING PASSING MASTER AND TIRELESS SERVICE AS MEMBER NATIONAL AMITY CONVENTION COMMITTEE FROM ITS INCEPTION WARRANT HONORED PLACE ANNALS CAUSE AMERICA. CONVEY WIFE FAMILY LOVING SYMPATHY ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS HIS SOUL.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

SEPTEMBER 17, 1981

REGRETTABLE PASSING ROY WILLIAMS, STAUNCH SERVANT BAHA’U’LLAH WHO DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF AS TRAVELING COMPANION TO GOLDEN-HEARTED NOBLESPIRITED LOUIS GREGORY AND AS PIONEER TO SOUTH CAROLINA FOR OVER THREE DECADES, DEPRIVES AMERICAN BAHA’{ COMMUNITY YET ANOTHER PILLAR TEACHING WORK. HIS SHINING EXAMPLE STEADFAST DEVOTION TO INTERESTS BAHA'I COMMUNITY WILL REMAIN AN INSPIRATION TO SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS. KINDLY CONVEY MRS. WILLIAMS OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OUR DEEP SYMPATHY AND ASSURE THEM OUR ARDENT PRAYER THAT HIS RADIANT SOUL WILL REAP RICH REWARDS THROUGHOUT ITS ETERNAL JOURNEY ABHA KINGDOM.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“The Oneness of Mankind’’ was Roy Williams’ topic when he addressed the second national Race Amity Conference in December 1921.

Mr. Williams was among those who organized that conference as well as the first Race Amity Conference seven months earlier that was planned at the request of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and held in Washington, D.C.

MR. WILLIAMS was also a member of the planning committee for the third national Race ie Conference held in the U.

For three and one-half years, beginning in 1919, he traveled through the South with the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory. The two men spoke about the Faith in 30 cities and towns, addressing audiences in schools and churches.

Educated at Howard University in Washington and at the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Williams served as director of the trades department at the Hampton Institute in Virginia and as a supervisor from 1939-41 in the National Youth Administration.

He retired in 1973 from his position as a teacher of cabinet making and related trades to disadvantaged children.

Service as a homefront pioneer took Mr. Williams and his wife to Greenville, South Carolina, during the first Seven Year Plan where he became the first black member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Williams was of mixed ancestry. Many members of his family were Cherokee Indian, and his father, Charles P. Williams, was a Cajun.

Mr. Williams lived in South Carolina for many years. He passed away September 13, 1981, in

SEPTEMBER 15, 1981

ROY WILLIAMS

Greensboro, North Carolina, at the age of 93, and was buried in Wilmington.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed two Tablets to Mr. Williams, and the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote one letter to him.

The Master also referred to him in a Tablet to Louis Gregory:

“Convey on my behalf to thy fellow traveler, Mr. Roy Williams the utmost kindness. I am greatly pleased with him and my hope is that in future he will be greatly confirmed.””

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Bernice, a member of the Baha’i community of Greensboro.

Notice

Assembly secretaries and Group correspondents—Please include your telephone numbers at home and at work on all correspondence sent to the Baha’ National Center.

[Page 20]The American Baha'i

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Second Class Postage Paid At Wilmette, Minois

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Ads

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vated after a lapse of many years. Yazoo City, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, is the home of Mississippi Chemical Corporation which is actively seeking accountants and perhaps has other openings. Mississippi has been characterized as having an excellent atmosphere for business investment due to availability of labor, raw materials and encouragement from the state government. For more information please contact the District Teaching Committee of Mississippi, c/o Carolyn Reusche, secretary, Route 1, Box 391, Starkville, MS 39759.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed to maintain an Assembly in Morganton, North Carolina, at the base of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has many progressive organizations, plus a two-year college, school for the deaf, and state mental hospital. It is in the center of the textile and furniture industries, with low unemployment. The climate is moderate, the scenery breathtaking. Especially needed are a couple with transportation to help in active plans to promote the Faith. For more details, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Morganton, Route 3, Box 726, Morganton, NC 28655, or telephone 704-433-4407.

THE BAHA'I Group of Nantucket, Massachusetts, has six = members and hopes to have an Assembly by Ridvan 1982. There are good job opportunities in teaching, hospital services, small airlines, and many other small island businesses on Nantucket, a resort island of 6,000 year-round population 30 miles at sea off Cape Cod. Nantucket has local TV and radio stations, many restaurant and guest house jobs, and art galleries and art schools in summer. Anyone is welcome. One Baha’i has an apartment to share for one female. Please write to the Baha'is of Nantucket, c/o Anna Hall, . . . MA 92554, or phone (evenings) 617-228-2904.

THE BAHA‘LS of Comfort, Texas, need people who are interested in relocating to the Texas hill country. Comfort, an unincorporated town of 5,000 about 45 miles from San Antonio and only 22 miles from Kerrville, was recently rated by Newsweek magazine as one of the 10 most desirable small towns in which to live. There are ample employment opportunities in the area. Interested Baha’fs may write to the Kendall County Baha'is, Route 1, Box 184A, Comfort, TX 78013, or phone 512-995-2599.

JEOPARDIZED Assembly in Moorhead, Minnesota, needs strengthening. Moorhead, a city of 30,000, is in the Red River Valley, one of the nation’s richest agricultural areas. Its total popu

lation with sister cities is 100,000. There are two state universities, one liberal arts college, and many job openings for professionals. The quality of life is outstanding. A good place to raise a family. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Moorhead, Box 995, Moorhead, MN 56560.

_ NEEDED: A_homefront pioneer to Naperville, Illinois, who would be willing to work for board and room to help an elderly couple who are both mentally alert. One is bedridden and receives regular nursing care. The other has cancer but is mobile. They need meal preparation and companionship Saturdays, Sundays and weekday evenings. Their home is near North Central College, the train, and downtown Naperville. For more details please telephone Priscilla Hofert at 312-355-4686 or 322-7960.

Sharing news

Continued From Page 3

As Baha'is, we must transcend this myopic old world perception and ascend to the essential unity that will bind mankind together in love and compassion.

To promote the essential unity and to’ expand the scope of our sense of community, it seems to me important that we begin to share information and news of all kinds regarding the activity and lives of Baha’is throughout the world.

We need to hear from and about our Baha’i family all over the world on a regular basis, just as The American Baha'i now shares with the American believers information about our fellow Baha’is in this country.

Perhaps by devoting a page or two of The American Baha'i to news, ongoing events and profiles of our fellow Baha’is throughout

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Moving? Tell us your new address

Meatentig ri National Center, Wilmette, IL 0B), 85 so00 a8 you know that you are golog to move and what your new ‘address will be. We will do oor best to se that changes are processed ‘quickly so that the transfer of mail (o

all possible speed.

Mait Aacess,

Moving Oate Mailing Igbel should accompany address change form

House of Space Number, Steet, Of Descopnion,

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‘Street, Rorai Route, or Post Office Box Number

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Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

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Clip along dotted line. Mailing label should accom,

of worldwide Baha’i activities aids unity

the world, we can begin to engender feelings of true world unity and foster a closeness of spirit that would make impossible and unconscionable the inadequate response to the Fund crisis that has, to this point, been forthcoming from the American Baha’i community.

Mark J. Siemens

Eugene, Oregon

(While The American Bahd’( is primarily a newspaper for and about the American Baha’i community, a column devoted to news from other countries does appear on a regular basis. Those who wish a more comprehensive treatment of international news may subscribe to Bahá’í News, a magazine that reports news of the worldwide Baha'i community.—Ed.)

To the Editor: Let there be no mistake: the

To commemorate Universal Children’s Day in October, the Baha’f community of Butte, Montana, presented a copy of The Secret in the Garden with a cassette tape to the children’s room of the citycounty library. Also, since Jamie Cott, the 10-year-old daughter of Baha’fs Sandra and Don Cott, was chosen to be in a local production of ‘Johnny Appleseed,’ the Baha’i community sponsored

an afternoon at the play followed by supper at the home of a Baha’i family, Shown are the 15 children who participated, nine from four Baha’i families and six guests. George Galinkin of Butte has been able to arrange to present two UNICEF slide programs on children to elementary school social studies classes at his neighborhood school.

martyrs in Iran have given their lives for a noble Cause.

Yet, each of us must remember the small silent war of the “‘spii tual martyr’? that goes on inside of us every day.

The consensus of opinion seems to be that we American Baha’is are always looking for challenges as great as those our brothers and sisters in Iran have faced.

But because we are not killed, that docs not mean we do not fight any “‘battles.’’ Each day we must smile when we want to cry, bring solace to a saddened one, or engage in some other facet of selfsacrifice.

To feel somehow less important than the martyrs in Iran is counterproductive to the underlying principles of the Faith.

Marva Simien Roswell, New Mexico

To the Editor:

As the sun sets on the anniversary of the Birth of Bahd"u'llah, I would like to share a few, thoughts with my fellow Baha'is.

I thought the occasion would be. ‘a good time to send a contribution to the Fund. After meditating about how it could be “‘sacrificed,” 1 decided that, since the income from my oil painting has to go for new supplies of canvas and frames, etc., | wouldn’t worry about it, so I dipped into it. (If Baha'u'llah wanted me to continue to paint, I was sure He would make it possible.)

I went to the mail box to mail my money to the Fund, and in the box was an acceptance check for a painting!

Then I went to pick up another painting that I had hanging in a public place, and as I started to take it down, a woman said she wanted to buy it!

Think of this: Within the hour Bahd’u’ll4h had more than replaced my contribution!

We need never worry about the “empty cup’’—He refills it to overflowing. All we have to do is trust Him!

Alice Beaudette Crofton, Nebraska

To the Editor:

As Baha'is, we are now thinking of our brothers and sisters in Iran and perhaps trying to think of an appropriate response on the part of the American Baha’i community to show our courage in the face of the persecution there.

Bahd’u'll4h says the source of courage is promotion of the Word of God. Many of us have fears to ‘overcome, based on conventional ways of thinking.

From personal experience I can say that the best ways I’ve found to lessen fear and increase courage have been to participate in direct teaching efforts in Texas and Alaska.

There is also no better way to overcome lethargy and materialism.

If the economic problem we face is indeed a spiritual one, maybe we should start channeling our efforts into the very sound methods of direct teaching that have been developed and are sanctioned by the Universal House of Justice.

Sam Kellenberg Nacogdoches, Texas

Teaching

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others in Michigan.

A representative of the National Teaching Committee was present as the projects were launched in Kansas City and Toledo.

Teaching teams in all three areas are using the orange teaching booklet entitled ‘The Baha’i Faith.”