The American Bahá’í/Volume 13/Issue 11/Text
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Teaching Committee develops traveling teacher corps[edit]
The National Teaching Committee has developed a nationwide program of traveling teachers whose function will be to inspire the friends to fulfill the remaining goals of the Seven Year Plan.
Emphasis will be placed on what the individual believer can do to successfully teach the Faith. The traveling teachers will encourage the friends to arise and bring others into the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
TRAVELING teaching was encouraged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, who repeatedly urged the believers to “ ...travel throughout the length and breadth of that vast continent ... and, fired with enthusiasm and detachment hand on the torch of God’s undying flame to the waiting multitudes of a sadly stricken world.”
The new corps of traveling teachers will visit Assemblies, Groups and isolated believers, discussing teaching, encouraging the expansion of the Faith, and helping with deepenings, public talks and firesides.
Two training sessions for the traveling teachers already have been held.
Appointees in the Central States were trained in Skokie, Illinois, where they were visited briefly by Glenford E. Mitchell, the newest member of the Universal House of Justice, and Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, was the training site for teachers from the Northeastern States who were able to discuss their new activities with Robert Wilson, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.
THE TRAINING Institutes included sessions on the importance
Vice-chairman of National Assembly
Dr. Daniel Jordan found slain in Connecticut[edit]
Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, was found stabbed to death October 16 in a parking lot in Stamford, Connecticut.
Dr. Jordan disappeared October 15 while en route to New York City from California on business connected with his position as dean of the School of Education at National University in San Diego, California.
WHEN he failed to keep a speaking engagement the following day, his wife, Nancy, was notified.
She flew immediately to New York from their home in Escondido, California, with Dr. Donald Streets, a Bahá’í who is a professor at National University and a close friend of the Jordans.
On Wednesday, October 20, police in Stamford wired a photo of an unidentified body to the New York City police department’s missing persons bureau.
After making a tentative identification from that photo, Mrs. Jordan was accompanied by police to Stamford where a positive identification was made at 5:30 that evening.
Dr. Jordan had been stabbed once in the neck and his spinal column severed.
A spokesman for the Stamford police said Dr. Jordan probably was slain late Friday, October 15, or early the following morning.
IT IS known that he placed a phone call Friday evening to a member of the Association for World Universities, the organization to which he was scheduled to speak Saturday, and said he would be staying with friends that night.
Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, said, “As far as we
DR. DANIEL C. JORDAN
U.S. House passes anti-Iran resolution[edit]
Following the lead of its colleagues in the Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved and readied for President Reagan’s signature a concurrent resolution that strongly condemns the persecution of Bahá’ís by the government of Iran.
The resolution, sponsored by more than 20 congressmen representing a wide spectrum of political opinion, was passed by the House on September 30.
IT WAS introduced by Rep. Don Bonker (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations.
An identical resolution was approved by the Senate on June 30 at the urging of Sen. John Heinz (R-Pa.) and others.
Following the completion of some technical details, the resolution was to be sent to the White House. The President would then have 10 days (not counting weekends) in which to sign or reject the resolution, or allow it to take effect without his signature or comment.
In expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Bahá’í community for the congressional action, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, said the resolution “once again condemns the unjustified and savage persecution of a peaceful and law-abiding minority.
“International protest may not resolve the problem,” said Dr. Kazemzadeh, “but it certainly creates an atmosphere in which it is more difficult for the Khomeini
National Fund deficit reaches $800,000 mark[edit]
The past three Bahá’í months have seen a marked deterioration in the condition of the National Bahá’í Fund.
The “minimum needs” goal established this year by the National Spiritual Assembly is $341,000 in contributions each Bahá’í month.
DURING the month of Asmá (August 20-September 7) contributions were $229,000.
That amount dropped even further, to $209,000, during the month of ‘Izzat (September 8-26), and increased only to $268,000 during Mashíyyat (September 27-October 15).
The number of individuals contributing to the National Fund had been averaging 4,500 during the opening months of the present fiscal year, but during the month of ‘Izzat that number fell to 3,872.
As a result, the National Fund is now approximately $800,000 short of the minimum amount needed to support the activities of the National Spiritual Assembly.
To ease the strain, the National Assembly has had to borrow money and postpone our community’s regular contributions to the World Centre.
IN ADDITION, the National Assembly has fallen behind in its scheduled repayment of some of the bank loans taken out last year to cover a similar shortfall in contributions.
The critical shortage of funds comes at a particularly significant moment in the development of the Faith.
The persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran has created an unprecedented awareness of the name “Bahá’í” among the general public. We have seen a great increase in media coverage, and the congressional hearings have resulted in a statement of support for Bahá’ís by the U.S. government.
The Universal House of Justice has said that such developments are indicative of the emergence of the Faith from obscurity.
This emergence, the second stage in the unfolding evolution of the Faith as it moves inexorably toward the establishment of a Bahá’í World Commonwealth, is a step that was eagerly anticipated in his writings by the beloved Guardian.
ANY EFFORT that is exerted at such a critical period in the development of the Faith has the potential to yield great results.
| What’s inside
SIXTEEN district coordinators for the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) attend a training session in Wilmette, Illinois. Page 11 THE NATIONAL Assembly meets with the friends in New Mexico and Arizona at the Southwest Bahá’í Institute. Page 17 |
This is especially true because of the divine power released by the sacrifices of our Persian brothers and sisters.
This point is especially important for each American believer. For if these are indeed our brothers and sisters—our own family—then we must find a way to participate in their sacrifice, to make it our own.
Engineers, technicians and supervisory construction personnel are shown on the steps of the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent in this photo taken in July. Fariburz Sahba, the architect and project manager for the erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, is standing third from left in the top row. Mr. Sahba reports that the dome of the Temple can now be seen from every corner of the city of New Delhi.
[Page 2]
VIEWPOINT
Feast letter
Adversity a challenge to move forward[edit]
(This month we begin a new feature in The American Bahá’í: Feast letters to the American Bahá’í community from the National Spiritual Assembly. Following is the letter for the Feast of Qudrat.)
•
The news of the tragic death of our dear brother, Daniel Jordan, has plunged all of us in deep sorrow. A precious life has been destroyed in a senseless act of an unknown killer.
Daniel Jordan devoted his knowledge, his energy, all the resources of his creative and subtle mind, to the service of humanity.
HIS EDUCATIONAL WORK, his Bahá’í activities, his uncounted deeds of kindness to those who needed support and help, testify to the quality of his spirit and the depth of his commitment.
Daniel, and with him all of us, has suffered a blow at the hand of the forces of evil and corruption that are engulfing modern society. No one is immune to their deadly influence, no one is safe.
Yet we, like Daniel, know the remedy. While we pray for him, for his bereaved wife, and for his children, we are determined to redouble our efforts and to rededicate our lives to the service of the Cause so that the healing spirit of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh may dispel the darkness through which humanity is now groping.
With loving Bahá’í greetings.
the Bahá’ís of the United States
Two-page article in Maine newspaper recounts Dr. Cobb’s service to Cause[edit]
An extensive article about Dr. Stanwood Cobb, a 101-year-old Bahá’í who now lives in Eliot, Maine, appeared September 8 in the York County (Maine) Coast Star.
The two-page article, which began on the first page of the paper’s second section beneath a large photo of Dr. Cobb, discussed his many years as a Bahá’í including his meetings with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Constantinople and Haifa, in the U.S. in 1912, and in Paris in 1913.
Dr. Cobb, a well-known educator, founder of the Progressive Education Association, and author of some 30 books, embraced the Faith at Green Acre in 1906. He celebrated his 101st birthday on November 6.
On Friday, October 1, one day before his departure for Haifa, Israel, to assume his duties as the newest member of the Universal House of Justice, Glenford E. Mitchell was the guest of honor at a reception in the cafeteria of the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette. Here Mr. Mitchell examines one of his going away presents, a complete bound set of World Order magazine, on which he worked for more than a decade. The gift was presented by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Another highlight of the reception was a ‘proclamation’ saluting Mr. Mitchell’s 15 years of service on the National Spiritual Assembly, which was read by the assistant secretary of that body, Dr. Magdalene M. Carney.
Book review
Louis Gregory: Portrait of devotion and service[edit]
| This review of To Move the World, the biography by Gayle Morrison of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, was written for The American Bahá’í by Dr. Johney Brooks of Citrus Heights, California. |
For several months the Bahá’í Publishing Trust has been promoting the book To Move the World: Louis G. Gregory and the Advancement of Racial Unity in America by Gayle Morrison. Any Bahá’í who has not yet read this book should make it a priority to do so.
To Move the World is an important book, perhaps one of the most important books of the decade.
ITS PRIMARY task is to chronicle faithfully the life of Louis Gregory, a black man born to ex-slaves who earned his LL.B. degree and thus became one of the rare elite of well-educated black Americans in the early years of the 20th century.
He knew and was influenced by the social activist Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, and for a time was, like Dr. DuBois, an agnostic and activist, a fact that is quite significant.
In 1909 Louis Gregory became a Bahá’í, and his biographer realistically portrays his growth in the Faith and the constancy of his exemplary Bahá’í life that resulted in his posthumous elevation to the ranks of the Hands of the Cause of God.
Of equal significance is the book’s candid portrayal of the evolution of the Bahá’í Faith in the United States—the early faithful, the communities and institutions—set against the background of social change as the nation progressed, sometimes violently, through the early decades of the 20th century.
A third major element in the book, brought vividly to life, is the destructive force that inexorably weaves together the destinies of a quiet man, a tiny and somewhat obscure religious community, and the world’s most powerful nation.
THAT FORCE is none other than American racism, a peculiarly unique and chronic aberration, sometimes virulent and bloody, sometimes quiescent and insidious, but always present to infect the interrelationships of the nation’s races with its deadly germs.
The importance of To Move the World lies in the importance bestowed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the roles to be played by this chosen black man, by the American Bahá’í community, and by this thriving nation.
As reiterated by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, the Master linked the unity of blacks and whites in America to the cause of universal peace, and Louis G. Gregory was His anointed standard bearer.
To Move the World must be read with sensitivity. The reader must remain attuned to several underlying factors and the continuous interplay of choices.
Examine, for example, an early choice faced by Louis Gregory. To do so with comprehension, it is necessary to realize how attractive the world of the black American elite can be.
A separate kingdom, in a sense, with a life of its own, indifferent to and largely unaffected by the majority society, it offers pride, prestige, wealth and power to the initiated. This was, potentially, the world of Louis Gregory.
THE GIFTED Dr. DuBois, poised as mentor to Mr. Gregory, rested uneasily in the world of the black elite. During one of the bloodiest flare-ups of the worst phase of American racism, Dr. DuBois touched the hearts of many, including Louis Gregory, with his angry and impassioned prayer on behalf of brutalized black America:
“Bewildered are we and passion lost, mad with the madness of a mobbed and mocked and murdered people; straining at the arm-posts of Thy Throne, we raise our shackled hands and charge Thee, God, by the bones of our crucified Christ: What meaneth this? Tell us the plan; give us the sign; whisper—speak—call, great God, for Thy silence is white terror to our hearts! The way, O God, show us the way and point us the Path!”
At first, Louis Gregory was only mildly attracted to the Bahá’í Faith. He had “come upon it inadvertently and attended his first meeting reluctantly.”
He wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, then met Him personally, both on pilgrimage and in the U.S.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed to Louis Gregory in His first letter to him that He hoped Louis would become “the means whereby the white and colored people shall close their eyes to racial differences,” and “the cause of the guidance of both races.”
LOUIS Gregory was transformed by those words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and accepted the Faith as the answer to the prayer of Dr. DuBois. The Faith became for him “the plan,” “the sign,” “the way” and “the Path.”
Louis Gregory responded to that message and to every subsequent message from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and, later, from the Guardian, addressed to himself or to the Bahá’ís as a whole, in a deeply personal and literal sense.
He realigned his priorities and his life so that they paralleled the “plan,” and he trod “the way,” “the Path” until his death.
Throughout the pages of Mrs. Morrison’s book, his constancy stands in sharp contrast to the inconstancy, the cyclic bursts of responsive productivity falling off
[Page 3]
LETTERS
Let’s be clear about meetings ‘for Bahá’ís only’[edit]
| The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any subject of general interest. Letters should be as brief as possible, and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. |
To the Editor:
Your “opinion” article on the Youth News page (September) cleared up some confusion about regional youth conferences for me—and I hope for others too.
I have three non-declared youth (children from a previous marriage who were not raised in the Faith) who would love to go to youth conferences. They were told they couldn’t go because these conferences are for “Bahá’ís only.”
I was told the same thing by friends who offered as “proof” that all registration forms require a Bahá’í I.D. number.
This question has arisen at other Bahá’í-sponsored events as well including the National Women’s Conference which I attended in July.
There is a lot of confusion as to which meetings, conferences, and so forth are closed and which are open.
You would be doing us all a big favor if you could suggest that whenever a Bahá’í event is planned, the sponsors make it clear in publicity and on registration forms whether it is for “Bahá’ís only” or open to Bahá’ís and their friends from other religions.
Issaquah, Washington
- (Consider it suggested.—Ed.)
To the Editor:
The “you got a deficit?” letter by Gail Meyer Selcuk (The American Bahá’í, September 1982) was marvelous. Bravo!
As a Bahá’í of 44 years, I am still waiting for the day when we don’t have a deficit and can meet our budget goal every month.
If I live that long I’ll know we are then on the road to the millennium.
How long we take to get there is going to be the key to our spiritual success in every aspect of our endeavors.
Montclair, New Jersey
To the Editor:
In the August issue of The American Bahá’í (page 23) there appears an article about developments stemming from the work of the Sister Cities International Committee for Wilmette, Illinois.
The article states that the adoption of Mona Vale, Australia, as Wilmette’s “sister city” was the idea of the Spiritual Assembly of Wilmette.
The statement is in error. In fact, we are especially delighted that the idea came from citizens of Wilmette who are not Bahá’ís.
Our Assembly has sent representatives to serve on the committee since late in 1980 but they have refrained from trying to engineer the selection of the sister city.
Since August, Mrs. Soo Fouts has presented the president of the Warringah Shire Council in Australia with a history of the village of Wilmette that was inscribed by the present village president with a message to the residents of Mona Vale.
Mrs. Fouts, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was serving the residents of Wilmette as a “good will ambassador” and carried with her other items that portray present day life in Wilmette.
To the Editor:
I am writing to share with your dear readers some of my experiences with regard to distributing the wonderful new book by the beloved Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.
I heard Mr. Sears speak at the National Convention and encourage the friends to read A Cry from the Heart and give as many copies of it as possible to their non-Bahá’í friends, relatives and acquaintances to read, so that the whole world might become aware of this cruelty and of the steadfastness and devotion of the dear Bahá’ís in Iran.
IN FOLLOWING his guidance, our family has purchased at least 50 copies of the book, and we are constantly giving them to people we know. I want to share a few responses we have received from these friends.
One of them, a professor from Illinois, wrote: “Thanks very much for the copy of the book about the sad circumstances for the Bahá’ís in Iran. I looked at a couple of pages of the book by Mr. Sears already. This certainly is an international tragedy. I hope things will improve soon ...”
Another friend, a professor at the University of Washington, wrote: “Thanks for your note and A Cry from the Heart. It was horribly fascinating and I couldn’t put it down! I should give it to others who should know of this situation. As one who grew up very close to the Bahá’í temple in Evanston, Illinois, I have known something of the Faith since childhood ...”
A third friend, a professor at the University of Oregon, wrote: “Thanks for the letter and the book. I want you to know that I haven’t ignored your letters and the book about the persecution of Bahá’ís. I believe it, and you know for sure that I am no admirer of the present (situation), ...However, I am perplexed as to what to do ...I personally felt frustrated and also a little guilty because I believe that a good person should do something ...”
This is only a sample of what the blood of the beloved martyrs is doing all over the world.
Reno, Nevada
To the Editor:
The perennial Fund deficit presents a persistent challenge to the Bahá’ís and to their national administrative body.
Among the contributing factors in this deficit may be the unwillingness of the friends to take the few moments that are required each month to write a check and post it within a few days of each Nineteen Day Feast.
For those of us who share this problem an automatic bank draft program may be a solution.
The friends may choose to commit themselves to a specific contribution for a specific period of time and authorize the National Bahá’í Fund to deduct that contribution from a checking account.
The automatic bank draft program enables the “lifeblood” of the Cause to flow without constant conscious effort. The effect is the same as the beating of a healthy heart.
Goodrich, Michigan
To the Editor:
Concerning the letter from Gail Meyer Selcuk (September 1982), I was incensed by the comparison of the Bahá’í Faith to “ ...a losing cause,” even though the letter expressed it as the words of the UCLA professor who gave a class on the art of fund raising.
The professor was also quoted as saying that money is raised most effectively when “someone of influence asks, through personal contact, someone of substance to give a sacrificial gift.”
The voluntary nature of the Bahá’í Fund overrides any consideration of personal solicitation. As we progress spiritually, I am sure that each Bahá’í will want to give the “sacrificial gift.”
Lindo, Texas
To the Editor:
We’ve just left the States to pioneer in the Leeward Islands, but we’ve had in mind a long time our indebtedness in the area of teaching, to the “seed-sowers” who went before us, and wanted to share our appreciation to the anonymous lovers of Bahá’u’lláh whose seeds we’ve been able lo water and help grow. So, thank you to:
• The college student at Drake University whose roommate was later ready to investigate Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings when we met in graduate school.
• The young black Bahá’í men who had the courage to visit a Mormon meeting in the South in the 1960s, and who impressed one young Mormon enough to allow for a meaningful dialogue with him as our neighbor in Utah in 1980.
• The couple who spoke to an adult Sunday school class in Utah and made the point of loving unity so effectively that a co-worker sent us on our way pioneering with her admiration and best wishes in “doing God’s work.”
• The staff members at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Germany in the mid-1960s who paved the way and helped ready the mind and heart of a dear friend of ours for later study and commitment.
• The staff member at our National Center who opened a door to sharing with a long-time friend by impressing him with counsel about a Bahá’í marriage ceremony for him and his non-Bahá’í lady friend.
• The Bahá’ís of St. Paul, Minnesota, whose participation in a fair celebrating the Holy Land held at a Jewish synagogue in the ‘70s made our Jewish friend respond with delight to our declarations of faith and watch with careful
Comment[edit]
Continued From Page 2
into creeping inertia and dormancy of the American Bahá’í community.
That is one disturbing aspect of the book: its elusive questions, unexplained gaps, and challenges.
Such a “disturbance” can be an asset to the degree that it forces the reader to make a closer study of the work. For each reader the disequilibrium will, no doubt, differ, but some questions and challenges merit a complete examination.
THE WAYS of the Master are complex. Did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Exemplar of the Faith of His Father, deliberately appoint for our guidance and emulation an unlikely candidate to become a consummate Bahá’í?
If not, what is a more rational meaning of His tribute to Mr. Gregory: “That pure soul has a heart like unto transparent water. He is like unto pure gold. This is why he is acceptable in any market and is current in every country.”
Is it possible that the acid test for the present-day Bahá’í of any race, class or nation is the ability to accept and to emulate this black man who rose from humble origins and from agnosticism to become a Hand of the Cause of God, and made it all seem so easy?
We—individually and collectively—frequently fall short of our goals by deliberately making poor choices, and by our hesitation, reluctance or inability to follow through and sustain activities based on the right choices.
Viewed from this perspective, perhaps the greatest challenge of To Move the World could simply be to read this important volume, accept the ray of “pure gold” from the Master, and use it to help transform our individual spheres into here-and-now aspects of the Golden Era, as did Louis G. Gregory from 1909 to 1951.
A desert tale of adventure and daring for 5- to 11-year-olds!
ZAHRA’S SEARCH
written by
GAIL RADLEY
illustrated by
WINIFRED BARNUM NEWMAN
Zahra, the only gazelle in the herd concerned about her brother’s disappearance, takes a chance that brings a surprise.
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Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
House resolution condemns Iran persecutions[edit]
Continued From Page 1
regime to justify its systematic persecution of the Bahá’ís.”
THE concurrent resolution had its genesis May 25 when four Bahá’ís—Dr. Kazemzadeh; Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Glenford E. Mitchell, then secretary of the National Assembly and now a member of the Universal House of Justice; and Mrs. Ramna Nourani—testified before the House subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations chaired by Rep. Bonker.
During that hearing Mrs. Nourani testified about the death of her mother, Mrs. Gínís Mahmoudí, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran who was secretly executed in December 1981 with seven other members of that body, and the disappearance of her father, Houshang Mahmoudi, a member of the previous National Spiritual Assembly of Iran who was abducted in August 1980 with the rest of its members and is presumed dead.
The subcommittee also was given an historical overview of the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran since the Faith’s inception in 1844, and a review of specific incidences of repression and violence following the Islamic Revolution in 1978.
Besides Rep. Bonker, those who spoke in favor of the House resolution included Reps. Jim Leach of Iowa, Edward Derwinski of Illinois, Fortney “Pete” Stark Jr. of California, and Clement Zablocki of Wisconsin.
“ ...the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations has conducted a series of hearings on religious practice throughout the world,” Rep. Bonker said in supporting the resolution. “We have been particularly concerned about the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
“TESTIMONY has revealed that the grossest violations of human rights of the community have been committed by the Iranian Government.
“ ...the resolution before us holds the Government of Iran responsible for this behavior, and expresses the hope (that) the Government should immediately cease its discrimination (against) the Bahá’í community.”
“ ...it is shocking,” said Rep. Zablocki, “that religious persecution of the most barbarous kind still exists in the world.
“Despite the standards observed by our Government and many other governments throughout the world, the principle of the freedom of conscience and religion is more honored in the breach than the observance in certain states—Iran’s persecution of the Bahá’ís is a case in point.”
Rep. Derwinski said, “ ...Bahá’ís are a special target of the religious fanatics who now run the Government of Iran, and this savage persecution continues without world attention to it.
“Outside Iran this resolution, therefore, could have special significance. Certainly it is not going to change the policies of the Iranian Government, but perhaps it will alert the sleeping conscience of the world to the terrible condition of the Bahá’ís in Iran and the immense suffering borne by the faithful in the name of their religion.”
“WHILE this resolution falls short of incorporating some of the suggestions which emerged from our subcommittee hearing,” said Rep. Leach, “it is identical to Senate Concurrent Resolution 73 as passed by the Senate and thus is certain of final passage without referral to conference.
“I would like to note for the record, however, several facts which this resolution does not make clear.
“First, the Iranian Government is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which states, in article 18, that everyone shall have the right to freedom of religion and, in article 27, that persons belonging to religious minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of their group, to profess and practice their own religion.
“The Constitution of Iran recognizes only the Zoroastrians, the Jews, and the Christians as religious minorities which are free to practice their religion and does not so recognize the Bahá’í faith.
“Second, it should be made clear to the Government of Iran that history will record the acts for which they have responsibility and that they may, at some time in the future, be held accountable under international law for their persecution and extermination of these religious people.
“THIRD, I would draw the attention of the Members of this body to a resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission in March 1982, expressing deep concern over human rights violations in Iran and requesting the United Nations Secretary General to establish direct contact with the Government of Iran and to continue his efforts to insure that the Bahá’ís are guaranteed their basic human rights.
“Also, the United Nations General Assembly, of which Iran is a member, adopted by consensus in November 1981 the ‘Declaration of the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance or Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.’
“Finally, while the resolution before us does not specifically call on the President of the United States to take any specific action in response to this human rights tragedy, I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the administration to do all in its power, in spite of the absence of formal diplomatic relations with the Government of Iran, to back up the efforts of the UN Secretary General and the UN Human Rights Commission in addressing the persecution of the Bahá’ís, to use opportunities in international forums to express the moral outrage of the American people over what is happening, to urge foreign governments to make urgent appeals to the Iranian authorities to cease the execution and persecution of the Bahá’ís, and to render all appropriate, feasible humanitarian aid to Bahá’ís victimized by this tragedy.
“Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to give this resolution their strong support as an unmistakable signal to the Government of Iran that the Congress of the United States, and the people it represents, will not countenance the continued persecution and repression of this peaceful religious group.”
Shown are members of the tutoring program coordinated by the Spiritual Assembly of Jackson, Mississippi. Seated (left to right) are students Ronnie Terry, Delisia Bracey, Fatima Bracey, Ken Fortenberry, Larry Lackey. Second row (left to right) are Kevin Howard, Mrs. Margera Willis (teacher), Rhonda Davis, Katrina Lackey (peer tutor), Kemsye Smith, Willie Ray Willis (peer tutor), Ronda Shinal, Karamo Ford, Jabari Fogg. Back row (left to right) are Hilliard Lackey (project director) and Shirley Long (tutor). Not pictured is tutor Robin Longino.
Tutoring proclaims Faith in Jackson, Mississippi[edit]
This past summer the Spiritual Assembly of Jackson, Mississippi, sublet its meeting rooms on weekdays to the Three R’s Tutoring Service.
The effort was coordinated by the chairman of the Jackson Assembly, Hilliard Lackey.
A professional special education teacher, a graduate student and an undergraduate from nearby Jackson State University were retained as tutors. Two peer tutors, a seventh grader and an eighth grader, also were engaged.
Those who were tutored were 11 fourth, fifth and sixth grade students from the neighborhood. Only peer tutor Katrina Lackey, age 13, and one other child, Larry Lackey, were Bahá’ís at the beginning of the sessions.
Although the curriculum dealt solely with reading, writing and arithmetic, there were some favorable side effects.
The professional teacher, Mrs. Margera Willis, is now an ardent seeker. Her son, Dino, age 12, became a Bahá’í child and attends Feasts, deepenings and other events.
Another of the children, 9-year-old Jabari Fogg, attends Bahá’í children’s classes on Sundays.
Although no overt effort was made to teach the Faith, the participants were in daily contact with Bahá’í literature, pictures and, occasionally, members of the Bahá’í community.
The two Bahá’í children were often asked about the Bahá’í pictures and their meaning.
With the opening of school, the self-supporting tutoring service was changed from a morning program to an after-school homework program.
For a modest fee, all children are welcome to participate.
W. Chicago Bahá’ís participate in city’s ‘Railroad Day’ fest[edit]
The Bahá’ís of West Chicago, Illinois, participated in that city’s annual Railroad Day observance with a booth at the four-day fair and an entry in the parade.
Since the theme was “Storybook Trains,” the Bahá’ís centered their designs around the book The Secret in the Garden.
The booth featured a large backdrop painted with a scene from the book that reflects racial and cultural unity. Story tellers read from the book to children who gathered in front of the display.
About 50 children entered a drawing for copies of The Secret in the Garden and El Regalo (The Gift), which was selected to attract the interest of the city’s large Hispanic community.
The Assembly presented The Secret in the Garden and A Cry from the Heart to the local library.
The librarian praised The Secret in the Garden as an excellent book for children. A newspaper article mentioned that children who did not win a copy of the book could find it at the library.
The Bahá’í float displayed the backdrops from the booth with “Ye are all flowers of one garden” and “The Bahá’í Faith” written in English and Spanish.
|
The Fund Is the Bahá’í National Center |
As a final touch to this proclamation, the Bahá’ís planted a garden at the local community center as a gift of thanks for its use.
[Page 5]
THE FUNDS
Fund[edit]
Continued From Page 1
We can do this to the degree that our efforts and resources are directed toward serving the Faith.
The Guardian has said that the National Fund is the bedrock upon which all the activities of the Cause ultimately rest. It follows, therefore, that restoring strength to this vital institution must be one of our highest priorities.
In fact, the following quotation from the Guardian indicates that anything less would be unworthy of the cherished memory of today’s martyrs:
“NO LESSER tribute can be paid the memory of the glorious Báb, the immortal Quddús, the lion-hearted Mullá Husayn, the erudite Vahíd, the audacious Hujjat, the illustrious seven martyrs of Tihrán and a host of unnumbered heroes whose lifeblood flowed so copiously in the course of the opening decade of the first Bahá’í century, by the privileged champion builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh during the present critical stage in the unfoldment of the Formative Age of His Dispensation, than a parallel outpouring of their substance ...”
The effect of universal participation in this effort cannot be underestimated.
Contributing to the Fund is a spiritual obligation that each believer must prayerfully consider in his heart, for it is only when the steadfast and sacrificial response by those who have already become regular contributors to the National Fund is reinforced by the initiation of regular contributions from thousands more of their fellow believers that the National Fund will regain the strength that is needed to carry out the manifold activities that depend upon it.
As Bahá’ís, we know that there is a mysterious power in the Cause that will enable it to spiritualize the entire structure of civilization. It is our privilege to be able to participate in this epic and triumphal process through our contributions to the Fund.
The Cause of God will prevail, with or without our help. However, the success of our efforts to progress spiritually in this lifetime depends to a large extent upon the degree to which we can incorporate into our daily lives the following principle given to us by the beloved Guardian:
“There should be a continual flow of funds to the National Treasury ...Every Bahá’í, no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a Believer in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the Divine institutions of His Faith.”
Local Bahá’í Fund (local address). Supports teaching, consolidation and administrative work of a local Bahá’í community.
National Bahá’í Fund (Wilmette, IL 60091). Supports the efforts of the National Spiritual Assembly to direct, coordinate and stimulate Bahá’í activities throughout the country.
Continental Bahá’í Fund (418 Forest Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091). Enables the Continental Board of Counsellors and its Auxiliary Boards to perform their missions of protection and propagation of the Faith in the Americas.
Bahá’í International Fund (P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel 31-000). Enables the Universal House of Justice to assist the work of National Spiritual Assemblies around the world, to maintain and beautify the Holy Shrines at the World Centre, and to provide services to pilgrims.
OBSCURITY
|
Chicago conference designed for general public[edit]
The Chicago Area Teaching Conference to be held Saturday, November 27, at the Bahá’í House of Worship, is specially designed to allow the general public to experience Bahá’í fellowship, attend a large Bahá’í gathering, and ask questions in small discussion groups.
The conference, sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Chicago and the House of Worship Activities Committee, will include among its topics life in the Bahá’í community, Bahá’í administration, and how the Faith’s social teachings relate to the Bahá’í view of the future.
Members of all Bahá’í communities are invited to come and to bring seekers.
For more information please phone the Chicago Bahá’í Center, 312-236-7771, or the House of Worship Activities Office, 312-256-4400.
First in a series
Fund used to support Faith’s teaching work[edit]
(This is the first in a six-part series on how monies contributed to the National Fund are used. Shoghi Effendi described the National Fund as “the bedrock upon which all the activities of the Cause ultimately rest.” The National Fund’s ability to support these manifold activities depends upon the degree to which the believers, in ever-increasing numbers, contribute regularly to it with a spirit of sacrifice. The purpose of this series is to explore, with fresh vision, the activities for the growth and development of the Faith that are supported by the National Fund.)
•
‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: “Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice for the Abhá Beauty and teach the Cause of God.”
Many similarly emphatic statements can be found in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb. All of them assure us that teaching the Cause is of primary importance in this Dispensation.
IT SHOULD come as no surprise, then, that the teaching work is first among those activities of the Faith that are supported by the National Fund.
Shoghi Effendi highlighted the connection between the teaching effort and the Fund. “That you may reinforce this Teaching Campaign,” he wrote to the National Assembly as early as 1923, “ ...it is urgently necessary to establish that Central Fund, which if generously supported and upheld by individual friends and local Assemblies, will soon enable you to execute your plans with promptness and vigor.”
At first one might wonder what expenses are required in teaching. Certainly, on the individual level, to speak out and share the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with another soul would seem to cost nothing. Yet the scope of the teaching work takes on a different perspective at the national level.
The National Spiritual Assembly is charged with the duty of encouraging and stimulating the local Assemblies and individual believers to become involved in spreading the Faith.
139 B.E.
National Bahá’í
Fund
Individual Participation
- 4963
CONTRIBUTIONS
$268,000
YEAR·TO·DATE TOTALS
challenge
for growth
$8,000,000
minimum needs
$6,480,000
received minimum needs shortfall:
$2,275,907 $793,093
[Page 6]
YOUTH NEWS
More than 140 at Green Acre youth conference[edit]
More than 140 youth and young at heart attended a Regional Youth Conference held September 17-19 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School near Eliot, Maine.
The conference, sponsored by the National Youth Committee, was one of a series of eight regional gatherings for youth being held this year in response to a directive from the Universal House of Justice.
The conference at Green Acre had a special significance since the school was visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912.
During the Master’s stay at Green Acre, He welcomed a new believer, Stanwood Cobb.
Dr. Cobb, who is now 101 years old, addressed this year’s youth conference and made reference to the special energy and strong spirit to be found in today’s young believers.
Also speaking at the conference were Katherine McLaughlin, whose service as an Auxiliary Board member spanned more than 25 years, and Hussein Ahdieh of New York City, whose reflections on the heroism of Bahá’í youth in the early years of the Faith underscored the conference theme, “Be a Bahá’í: It Makes a Difference.”
A major emphasis for the weekend was the formation and functioning of college and local youth clubs, and it is expected that the Spirit of Green Acre will charge the Northeastern states to undertake even bolder and more effective activities on college campuses and in local communities.
Shown are many of the more than 140 Bahá’í youth and others who attended a Regional Youth Conference held September 17-19 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.
257 College Clubs now a part of growing Youth Network[edit]
The Bahá’í National Youth Committee is happy to announce that 257 Bahá’í College Clubs are presently on record with the Youth Office as functioning components of the Youth Network.
All college students are encouraged to review the list below to see if your club is included in our records. Please let us know of any club that should be recognized ... we would also like to know if any of the clubs listed here are not functioning.
BAHÁ’Í COLLEGE CLUBS
(As of August 26, 1982)
Alabama (3). Alabama A&M, Huntsville; Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee; University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Arizona (8). American Graduate School of International Management, Glendale; Arizona State U., Tempe; Central Arizona College, Tucson; Cochise College, Douglas; Northern Arizona U., Flagstaff; University of Arizona, Tucson; Yavapai College, Prescott; Navajo Community College, Tsaile.
Arkansas (3). Arkansas State U., Jonesboro; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
California (35). Cabrillo Jr. College, Aptos; California Polytechnic State U., San Luis Obispo; California State U., Bakersfield; California State U., Chico; California State U., Fullerton; California State U., Long Beach; California State U., Los Angeles; California State U., Northridge.
Chabot Community College, Livermore; Cuesta Community College, San Luis Obispo; Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill; California State U., Fresno; Grossmont College, El Cajon; Humboldt State U., Arcata; College of Marin County; Mills College, Oakland; Palomar College, San Marcos.
Sacramento City College; Saddleback College, Mission Viejo; San Diego State University; San Francisco State College; San Jose State University; Santa Monica Jr. College; Santa Rosa Jr. College; Stanford U., Palo Alto; University of California, Berkeley.
University of California, Davis; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Diego; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of the Pacific, Stockton; University of Southern California, Los Angeles; West Valley College, Saratoga.
Colorado (7). Adams State College, Alamosa; Colorado State U., Fort Collins; University of Colorado, Boulder; University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; University of Northern Colorado, Greeley; University of Southern Colorado, Pueblo; Western State College, Gunnison.
Connecticut (2). University of Hartford; Yale U., New Haven.
District of Columbia (2). George Washington U., Howard U.
Florida (8). Broward Community College, Fort Lauderdale; Florida A&M, Tallahassee; Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne; Florida Jr. College, South Campus, Jacksonville; Florida State U., Tallahassee; Polk Community College, Winter Haven; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of South Florida, Tampa.
Georgia (2). Georgia State U., Atlanta; University of Georgia, Athens.
Idaho (3). Boise State U., Idaho State U., Pocatello; North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene.
Illinois (10). Illinois State U., Normal; Loyola U., Chicago; Northeastern Illinois U., Chicago; Northwestern U., Evanston; Northern Illinois U., DeKalb; Roosevelt U., Chicago; Southern Illinois U., Carbondale; University of Illinois, Chicago Circle; University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago; University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
Indiana (6). Ball State U., Muncie; DePauw U., Greencastle; Earlham College, Richmond; Indiana U., Bloomington; Indiana U., Fort Wayne; Purdue U., West Lafayette.
Iowa (7). Grinnell College; Iowa State U., Ames; Maharishi International U., Fairfield; Morningside College, Sioux City; University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls; Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport; University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Kansas (2). Johnson County Community College, Overland
Orlando site of next Regional Youth Conference[edit]
Once again the National Youth Committee will host a Regional Youth Conference in December at Disney World near Orlando, Florida.
This year’s conference, to be held December 26-29, is expected to draw a capacity crowd of Bahá’í youth and their friends and families, with representation from all over the country.
“LAST year’s conference was a huge success,” says Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee, “and special arrangements have been made to accommodate an even larger group this year.
“The committee also has been able to secure less expensive accommodations in some cases, and the camping prices have been held to last year’s level.”
Those who attend will enjoy special presentations by Dr. Dwight Allen, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Robert Wilson, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; and other well-known Bahá’í speakers.
Youth will also participate as speakers, and a children’s program is being planned as well.
A conference highlight is a visit to the “Magic Kingdom,” and this year many of the attendees will tour the newly opened EPCOT Center that has drawn critical acclaim as a model of 21st century life.
Because of the high demand for accommodations at Disney World, everyone is encouraged to register for the conference as soon as possible. Registrations should be received by the National Youth Committee by mid-December at the latest.
A complete packet of information about the conference will be mailed along with registration receipts.
Registration fees, which must be paid fully in advance, include the cost of housing and registration.
Restaurants are plentiful at the site and all price ranges are available.
Those camping at the group campsite may prepare their own meals.
The following housing plans have been arranged by the Youth Committee:
Plan A, campers with own tents, $12.50 per person; Plan B, campers renting tents, $20 per person; Plan C, motel (four to a room), $32.50 per person; Plan D, motel (two to a room), $59.75 per person.
[Page 7]
YOUTH NEWS
MEHR MANSURI
California youth listed in Who’s Who for high schools[edit]
Mehr Mansuri, a 16-year-old Bahá’í youth from Glendora, California, is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students for 1982-83.
Mehr, who last year was a finalist in the Miss Southern California and California National Teen-Ager Pageant, is a member of the California Scholarship Federation, is an honor roll student, and participates in all school sports.
An active Bahá’í, she is a member of the Southern California No. 1 District Youth Committee and the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop, is an actress in the newly formed Bahá’í production company, “EastWind Productions,” and is a member of the “Brilliant Stars,” a group of nine youth who since August 1981 have been preparing to give classes to other youth at Bahá’í summer schools.
Mehr, a senior at Western Christian High School, plans to attend the California Institute of the Arts, majoring in drama.
College Clubs ‘move out’ to proclaim Faith[edit]
Bahá’í College Clubs are “moving out,” proclaiming the Faith with enthusiasm, confidence and effectiveness.
New Mexico State University is setting a record for diverse activities. They’ve tripled their numbers since the spring 1982 semester (they now have 20 members), have 19 Bahá’í books in the university library (18 were checked out at last count), participate in all the foreign student activities, have given A Cry from the Heart and To Move the World to department heads to read (and recommend to students), and are planning a benefit concert with Danny Seals performing.
They’ve made their presence so well known that an instructor in comparative religions recently asked the club to make a presentation on the Faith to his classes.
Most exciting is the integration of the club within its Bahá’í community. The campus was made its community’s extension goal and the club members’ teaching contributed to the 100 new believers (yes, 100!) in the community last year. The club reports that the community is on its way to another hundred new believers this year!
Bloomington College Bahá’í Club is steadfast and active. Twice a week they have literature tables in the school’s main library. A public meeting is held every Saturday night on campus, and street teaching is a regular Sunday morning activity.
Weekly deepenings are given on the Kitab-i-Iqán and last February the club sponsored a panel discussion on the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
George Mason University and the University of Maryland college clubs have found an ingenious outlet for Bahá’í publicity—the campus bookstore. Both clubs have had book marks printed with information about their club, and the bookstore distributes them on the counter or automatically includes them in outgoing packages.
The college club at Southwestern Louisiana University combined efforts with its brand new District Youth Committee for a fund-raising picnic and auction.
The picnic, attended by 40 people, raised $150 for the college club, and the auction produced $600 for the Youth Committee. That’s what you call teamwork!
The National Youth Committee wants to congratulate all of the Bahá’í College Clubs. You’re terrific!
Holidays offer great chances for teaching[edit]
Looking for a way to serve the Faith during the upcoming holiday season?
What better way to spend your school break in December/January than teaching the Cause. Now is the time to make plans to participate in teaching projects around the country.
HOLIDAY teaching projects are being set up by District Teaching Committees, and District Youth Committees have been asked to recruit youth to support these important programs.
Youth are urged to contact these agencies for details and to lend their time and talents to the successful completion of these projects.
Several exciting conferences are being planned for the holiday school break. Among them is the Regional Youth Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, sponsored by the National Youth Committee.
In addition, the District Youth Committee of Southern Wisconsin is hosting its third annual Winter Institute at Camp Byron near Fond du Lac from December 30-January 2. For details, contact the committee c/o Katherine Khavari, secretary, ________ Chadbourne, Madison, WI 53706.
A special Youth Conference also is planned for December 30-January 2 in Tucson, Arizona, sponsored by the local Youth Committee in Tucson. Registration details can be obtained from the committee, c/o Robert Moshrefzadeh, P.O. Box 41011, Tucson, AZ 85717.
Another exciting program being planned for the holidays is an in-depth study week for youth at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.
For more information about that conference, to be held December 19-24, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, ________ Davison, MI 48423.
Every Bahá’í youth can play an active part in serving the Faith during the winter school break.
In addition to the activities noted here, many areas will be holding Bahá’í Winter School programs, and youth are encouraged to support the plans of the Spiritual Assemblies under whose jurisdiction they live.
Shown are most of the more than 25 Bahá’í youth from three states who attended the third annual Bahá’í Youth Weekend held July 16-18 in Huntington, West Virginia. The event is sponsored by the West Virginia District Teaching Committee. The speakers, Tim Anderson of Kentucky and Leo Misagi and John Fanning of West Virginia, discussed the principles of Bahá’í administration, the role of Bahá’í youth, and the importance of the Funds.
Mansour Ridvani (left) and Nosratullah Mosbat, Bahá’ís from Evanston, Illinois, have been working full-time in the mail room at the Bahá’í National Center on a voluntary basis for more than eight months. They fold, insert, seal and stamp a wide variety of materials including Feast letters, Fund receipts, news releases from the Office of Public Affairs, and various mailings to Assemblies, District Teaching Committees and individuals, according to Mark Eaton, assistant to the secretary for National Center Services. The two are assisted on occasion by a third volunteer, Houshang Moshtael of Park Ridge, Illinois.
Homefront pioneers needed to help win Youth Plan goal[edit]
Are you interested in serving as a homefront pioneer? What does a pioneer on the homefront do? How can youth provide this unique service to the Cause?
Answers to these and other questions are readily available to Bahá’í youth, and the need is urgent. The National Youth Plan calls for the settlement of 75 youth as homefront pioneers, and at the midpoint of the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan, only 21 per cent of that goal has been reached.
HOMEFRONT pioneering for Bahá’í youth involves relocation to a goal area—whether far away or close by.
Goal areas are defined as those communities that are unopened to the Faith, those that are numerically jeopardized (and where a Spiritual Assembly may be lost), or those communities where no Bahá’í College Club yet exists.
A homefront pioneer moves to that area with the intention of remaining there until specific teaching/consolidation goals are met.
To serve as a homefront pioneer is a position of honor in the Cause, and entails sacrifices that, as promised, result in many spiritual rewards.
The National Youth Committee hopes that many youth will soon arise to serve in this important capacity in the remaining months of the three-year phase, and stands ready to help those youth who are considering this challenge.
Youth are encouraged to contact the committee to apply for information on homefront pioneering (use the coupon below) and the committee will do all it can to assist you in reaching your personal goal.
[Page 8]
THE MEDIA
the Champion Builders[edit]
HELEN M. GOODALL
Helen S. Mirrell, a native of Maine, moved to San Francisco in 1864 where she became a teacher and where, in 1868, she married Edwin Goodall. Her daughter, Ella Frances, who later was to share many of her mother’s Bahá’í experiences, was born in 1870.
By 1898 Mrs. Goodall and her daughter had heard enough about the Faith to be quite attracted to it and eager to learn more.
BECAUSE Lua Getsinger had left California for the Holy Land in the party of Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, Mrs. Goodall and her daughter were left without a Bahá’í teacher.
So they traveled by train to New York City where they were able to learn more about the Faith from a Syrian believer.
By February 1899 Mrs. Goodall had returned to Oakland, California, while Ella had sailed for Cairo to join Mrs. Hearst’s party who were making the first pilgrimage by Westerners to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
When Ella returned home in the spring of 1899 she found that her mother had already attracted a small group of people to the Faith.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá often revealed Tablets for Mrs. Goodall and her daughter that included advice, encouragement and praise.
IN ONE of them, the Master warned Mrs. Goodall of a disaster that soon would strike San Francisco. Four years later, in 1906, the San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed a large part of the city.
With ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s permission, Mrs. Goodall and her daughter traveled to ‘Akká, arriving there for a two-week stay on January 4, 1908.
The two women later wrote a brief account of their experiences entitled Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká. They described how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Montana sees Rocky Mountain media gathering[edit]
Even “amateurs” can set up and run a successful media campaign and place the name of the Faith in the forefront of the local public’s mind, more than 70 Bahá’ís at the Northern Rocky Mountain Media Conference learned September 25-26 in Helena, Montana.
But the challenge, they were told by national Public Affairs Officer Parks Scott, is “to create a favorable awareness of the Bahá’í Faith and to arouse interest.”
BAHÁ’ÍS from Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and as far away as Houston, Texas, and Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada took part in a lively exchange of ideas at the conference.
Twenty-one children participated with their own program.
The conference, the first indepth public affairs seminar ever held in a sparsely-populated area in the U.S., featured a wealth of materials and advice from Mr. Scott; Burl Barer of Walla Walla, Washington, producer of the “Jeff Reynolds” radio program; Dave Notley of Spokane, Washington, a member of the Inland Empire Mass Media Team; and a number of the friends from Montana.
Also participating was Dr. Dwight W. Allen, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, who presented a Bahá’í perspective on the mass media.
Plans for district-wide media committees in Montana and southern Idaho were sparked and developed at the conference, with the Spiritual Assembly of Yellowstone County pledging to guarantee the Montana committee’s sponsorship.
Sneak previews of a new Jeff Reynolds radio series, a Seals and Crofts radio special, and the “Light of Bahá’u’lláh” video tape were presented to participants.
Many of the materials the friends may need for their local media campaigns are available through the Public Affairs Office at the National Center, Mr. Scott said.
Burl Barer of Walla Walla, Washington, producer of the ‘Jeff Reynolds’ radio programs, was among the speakers at the Northern Rocky Mountain Media Conference held September 25-26 in Helena, Montana.
The visit to Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 10-13 of Reginald Newkirk, an Auxiliary Board member who is western regional director of the Human Rights Commission of Canada, resulted in heavy press and television coverage that brought the name “Bahá’í” into the homes of several hundred thousand Colorado residents. Mr. Newkirk, who was the keynote speaker at a Race Unity Day seminar at Pikes Peak Community College sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Colorado Springs, was interviewed by all three local TV stations for their evening news programs. The Colorado Springs Sun carried an interview with Mr. Newkirk headlined ‘Racism battle in our souls.’
2 regional media conferences set in December[edit]
Two media conferences scheduled for December will not only include Bahá’í speakers but will also have members of the working press involved in helping those in attendance learn more about the effective use of newspapers, radio, television and special media.
On December 10-12 a conference will be held on the campus of the University of Minnesota cosponsored by the Twin Cities Bahá’í Public Affairs Office and the national Office of Public Affairs.
THE KEYNOTE speaker at that event will be Nathan Rutstein, a former newsman for the NBC and ABC networks.
Mr. Rutstein, an Auxiliary Board member for propagation, is now a professor of communications and a media consultant.
For more information about the conference please contact the Bahá’í Public Affairs Office, 400 Groveland Avenue, Suite 912, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
The following weekend, December 18-19, a media conference for Missouri, Kansas and parts of Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas and Nebraska will be held at the Radisson Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City.
That conference also will use media professionals to give the Bahá’ís information on successful techniques for proclaiming the Faith.
Child care will be available at a cost of $10 per child for the weekend. For those traveling long distances to the conference, there are special rates for rooms at the hotel ranging from $30 to $45 a night.
Co-sponsors of the conference are the Bahá’í Public Affairs Office for Greater Kansas City and the national Office of Public Affairs.
New TV spot, Seals & Crofts radio program now available[edit]
A 30-second public service television announcement and a special two-hour radio program featuring Seals & Crofts are new items now available from the Office of Public Affairs.
“The television spot is one of the most ambitious projects we’ve ever undertaken,” says national Public Affairs Officer Parks Scott.
THE announcement, created by Sharon Solomon, a Bahá’í from southern California, is an animation of Danny Deardorff’s version of the song “Over the Rainbow.”
Its theme is that the reality of man is his spirit. This point is made with narration and live action film of Danny Deardorff at the end of the film.
The spot has been produced on two-inch video tape for local Bahá’í communities to take to their television stations. Each tape costs $20 but one tape can be used by more than one TV station.
“While the initial cost may seem a little high,” says Mr. Scott, “these public service announcements are run dozens or perhaps hundreds of times by local television stations once they are accepted.”
The new two-hour radio program available from the Office of Public Affairs combines a discussion by Seals & Crofts of their music with a discussion of their Faith.
THE PROGRAM is hosted by Seattle radio personality Burl Barer who put together the two-hour segment from hours of interviews with Seals & Crofts.
“One of the unusual aspects of the program,” says Mr. Barer, “is that Jimmy and Dash did a number of their songs live. The chemistry was terrific. They hadn’t performed some of those songs in years, but they did them beautifully.”
The tape also includes a number of the records that were hits for Seals & Crofts as well as the recordings made for this program.
“The program is a complete fireside,” says Mr. Scott, “and it’s also very entertaining in the process.
“We think communities should have success either running the show for two hours on a local radio station or running an hour of it one week and the other hour during the same time period the next week.”
The cost of the four half-hour reel-to-reel tapes is $35 (including postage) and orders for the video tape or the Seals & Crofts special should include payment in full.
Send orders to the Office of Public Affairs, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
[Page 9]
IGC: PIONEERING
As costs rise, so does need
Deputization Fund helps pioneers[edit]
The International Goals Committee reports that contributions to the special Pioneer Deputization Fund have assisted its work immeasurably this year.
Since last March, when the fund was established, 66 individuals, 36 couples/families, and seven Local Spiritual Assemblies/Groups have sent $6,129 in earmarked gifts over and above their regular contributions to the National Fund, while one-time gifts have totaled $11,235.25.
SINCE last Riḍván, 139 U.S. pioneers have settled in posts around the world. Twenty-three of them have filled U.S. goals, 22 have filled goals assigned to other countries by the Universal House of Justice, and the remainder have replaced returning pioneers or gone to non-goal countries.
Most of these pioneers are self-supporting. However, there are times when it is necessary to assist pioneers to get to a country because of the need to be on the spot to obtain jobs.
To convey some idea of how much it costs to travel to and settle within a country, the recent settlement of a pioneer in the goal country of Liberia will be used as an example:
Transportation, one adult and two children, $3,762; shipping, residence permit, school tuition, $1,200; six months’ rent in advance (required), $1,500; food for one month (2-3 people), $600; stove, $900; refrigerator, $650; utilities (one month), $150.
IT IS plain that $9,000 for settling into a country in Africa is not unreasonable. Six months’ deputization ($4,000) must be added to allow time to find work and obtain the proper visas, bringing the total for one pioneer and two children to $13,000 minimum.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá is quoted as saying, “Affairs depend upon means.” Results from the outlay of amounts such as these invariably bring joyous letters such as the one recently received from James and Becky Fairley in Tanzania:
“We’ve been in Tanzania for five months now. Our tests have been few and our bounties great.
“Already we feel at home and we laugh about the fact that the gas cylinder for our stove has been empty for 2 1/2 weeks, with no gas available in town. We’ll have gas again someday.
“We (my family, Becky, Elizabeth, 10, Mariah, 6, and myself) and a local believer went to the city of Singida August 14-20.
“The first morning we walked 1 1/2 hours out to a village and talked with the primary school teachers for 2 1/2 hours. Three of the five teachers joined the Faith and asked for materials to help them teach the Faith in their village.
“IN ANOTHER village we addressed a village meeting and then talked with the primary teachers for three hours. The villagers were amazed that white people with children would walk to their village to bring them news of a religion. The children were a main attraction and really loved by the people.
“A Group was formed in Singida town and four new areas were opened. Everyone was interested to know what we had to offer, and all thanked us for bringing the Message.
“A teaching team of nine, including Greg and Virginia Kintz and Greg’s mother, visiting from the U.S., as well as our children, went to Dodoma, which will soon be the capital of Tanzania. The Universal House of Justice gave Tanzania the goal of establishing a large, active community in Dodoma and building a Center in three years.
“With such spiritual power behind us, it was amazing how receptive the people were to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
“We showed a movie to the girls’ secondary school, with all 700 students attending, along with the faculty and about 200 people from the area. The students asked questions for two hours.
“FIVE workers from the nearby Bible College joined the Faith. The government offices were fertile ground where all the workers would gather to hear about Bahá’u’lláh for one or two hours. People outside the office building would ask us what we were doing.
“Classes at one primary school were dismissed for two hours so the teachers could learn about the Faith and then set up another two-hour session two days later.
“We held deepening classes every day that were well attended, and had a successful teaching conference on the last day of the project. The spirit was so good and the people so eager and excited about going out to teach.
“While there we got the Regional Teaching Committee functioning and set into motion an administrative committee that will reform the Spiritual Assembly of Dodoma at Riḍván.
“In Singida we proclaimed the Faith to more than 300 people; in Dodoma to more than 3,000. There is no TV in Tanzania and Dodoma and Singida have no newspapers or radio stations. This was all done by word of mouth, without any mass media.”
Shigeyuki Hayashi (right), vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan, and his daughter, Mrs. Kazuko Bray of Los Angeles, are given a first hand look at National Center computer operations by staff member Michael Carr during their visit in September to the Bahá’í administrative offices and House of Worship.
BULLETIN! News of the following job opportunities has been received at the International Goals Committee office: In the Caroline Islands, the position of state’s attorney for Truk. The governor is looking for someone with administrative and criminal law experience. The office staff consists of one American-trained lawyer, a law student, two or three paralegals, and a secretary. Also in the Caroline Islands, there are positions for law clerks to work for three newly hired associate justices in Palau in the areas of general jurisdiction, appellate and trial law. In the Mariana Islands, several law clerks will soon be needed to serve the three judges of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. All of these areas are very much in need of pioneers, both for teaching and consolidation. The goals issued in November 1981 by the Universal House of Justice call for pioneers to all the Caroline and Mariana Islands, and the House of Justice has asked that we continue to strengthen all these posts. If you are qualified for any of these positions, please delay no longer—arise now to serve our beloved Cause. To be a pioneer is truly the greatest bounty one can achieve. The International Goals Committee will do its utmost to help you in attaining your goal and fulfilling the call of the Universal House of Justice. Write to the committee c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
| Bahá’í National Center Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 312-869-9039 |
Physician recounts ‘miraculous, surprising’ South Pacific trip
Anselm Schurgast, a Bahá’í from Meriden, Connecticut, who is a physician, sailed recently with two non-Bahá’í colleagues on a 44-foot cutter sailboat through the islands of the South Pacific, visiting Tonga; Vava‘u and Pago Pago in American Samoa; and Apia, Western Samoa.
“The trip proved to be miraculous as well as surprising,” Dr. Schurgast wrote in a report to the International Goals Committee.
“THE ENTIRE area is an island paradise with tropical breezes, marvelous scenery, and palm trees and flowers of all kinds. One feels as if he had stepped out of the pages of the National Geographic.
“The people almost without exception were warm, friendly and loving. They are Polynesians with a rich mixture of racial blending, very handsome people.
“They lacked many of our amenities, but had plentiful food, beautiful children, and a spirit of neighborly cooperation in the villages.
“Naturally, we spoke of the Bahá’í Faith and the future of civilization. I’ve been telling the two physicians who have accompanied me for several years on similar trips that someday all the world would be a brotherhood, and that one would be able to travel anywhere in peace and safety.
“They had always considered me a hopeless dreamer, but on this trip I think they began to believe it.
“After my two companions set sail back to the U.S., I began to look up the Bahá’ís in the area. They were most gracious and invited me to a party.
“THERE WAS a feast of assorted Polynesian foods, music, and native dancing. I was greeted by some pioneers to American Samoa who had been there for 18 years.
“The next day I was taken to Western Samoa, a short plane ride away, and introduced to the friends there. I had the bounty of spending some time with Persian pioneers and was treated to a sumptuous Persian meal.
“I also watched the pouring of concrete for the foundation of the House of Worship for the Pacific Islands, while saying a silent prayer.
“The following day we visited a village where a large Bahá’í family resides. They were obviously of limited means, but nevertheless treated us to another sumptuous feast of Polynesian foods.
“They told us how the grandfather of the family and his wife had become Bahá’ís. It seems the grandfather had a dream that someone was coming for lunch.
“WHEN he awoke he asked his wife to prepare a nice lunch for some guests. She replied that they were not expecting anyone, but he persisted, and she obediently prepared the lunch.
“Sure enough, around 12:30
Dr. Anselm Schurgast (center) of Meriden, Connecticut, is shown with Lena Kava (left), a native believer of Pago Pago, and Mrs. Ala’i, a pioneer to Pago Pago.
[Page 10]
EDUCATION
The enthusiasm is apparent as more than 50 children sing during the Saturday evening talent program at the third Missouri Bahá’í Institute at Trout Lodge in Potosi.
3rd annual Missouri Institute draws 150 Bahá’ís and guests[edit]
One hundred-fifty Bahá’ís and their guests enjoyed a weekend of study, fun and fellowship September 10-12 at the third annual Missouri Bahá’í Institute at Trout Lodge in Potosi.
The theme of this year’s institute, “Strength Through Service—Reflecting the Light,” was developed by each speaker in relation to a particular aspect of Bahá’í individual or community life.
The speakers included Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy, L. Naomi McCord, Farzaneh Guillebeaux, Alex Resnick, and Dr. Ebrahim Amanat.
Well-organized classes were held for more than 50 children who entertained participants Saturday evening with their songs.
Also presented were an original skit on racial prejudice prepared by a group of youth from Columbia, Missouri; a lively talent show; and a presentation of the film “The Pilgrimage.”
Swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding amid the lovely natural surroundings made the weekend an event to remember.
Plans already are being made to hold the fourth Missouri Institute at the same site from August 11-14, 1983.
Teacher training institute scheduled at Louhelen School[edit]
The National Education Committee and the Louhelen Council are sponsoring a teacher training institute December 3-5 at the Louhelen School in Michigan for teachers of children.
The institute will include workshops on a variety of topics such as how to start child education programs and classes in local communities, the spiritual development of the child, developing suitable materials, arranging educational environments for children, developing lesson plans, and organizing learning centers.
There will also be a panel discussion on discipline and classroom management.
“We’re especially excited about this institute,” says Dr. Geoffry Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs, “because it is the first of what will be many teacher training conferences at Louhelen.
“One of the central purposes of the school is to offer programs on how to organize and conduct Bahá’í classes for children, and this is our first attempt to fulfill that aspect of our mandate.”
Those who are interested in attending the conference may send a $10 non-refundable deposit per person to the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.
Bosch to include sessions for general public[edit]
The Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California, will expand its programming next spring to include sessions for the general public.
Elderhostel, a worldwide organization that promotes learning and adventure for older citizens, will hold a week-long program at the school.
INSPIRED by youth hostels and folk schools of Europe, Elderhostel is geared to the needs of senior citizens.
It is composed of a network of colleges, universities and other educational institutions in the U.S., Canada and Europe that offer low-cost, short-term residential academic programs for those 60 years and over who have spouses or companions who qualify.
James Kelly, Bosch School administrator, said that by encouraging non-Bahá’í groups to use Bosch, the facilities can be of service as much as possible.
He added that Elderhostel is excellent for Bosch because “the program is consistent with Bahá’í goals and the format fits easily within our class schedule.”
Courses in the first Elderhostel session May 8-14 will include Monotheism and Man—the Relationship Between the World’s Great Faiths; Person to Person; World Won or World Lost—Economic and Political Challenges of the 80s; Oriental Acupressure; and Snorkeling.
Evening programs will be similar to those offered during regular sessions such as musical presentations and folk dancing.
Recreation will include exercises, crafts, sports, and nature walks and study.
Bosch plans to have its second Elderhostel session in the fall of 1983. Tuition is $180 per session with enrollment limited to 40.
If Bahá’ís wish to attend the Bosch program or to find out more about other Elderhostel programs, they may obtain a catalog and registration information from Elderhostel, 100 Boylston St., Suite 200, Boston, MA 02116.
Louhelen slates Thanksgiving weekend Race Unity conference[edit]
A Race Unity Conference will be held November 26-28 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.
Among the speakers will be Auxiliary Board member Dorothy Borhani; Dr. William Smith, chairman of the Race Unity Committee; and Fernando Huerta, minority coordinator for the National Teaching Committee.
“We’re excited about the conference,” says Dr. Geoffry Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs. “The need for racial unity has never been stronger. It’s time for the American Bahá’í community to rededicate itself to this supremely important principle.”
The Thanksgiving weekend was chosen, says Dr. Marks, because the history of that holiday seems to suit well the theme of the conference.
“We’d like to see this become an annual event,” he says, “something that would give us a measure against which to gauge the progress we’re making from year to year in promoting racial unity, both within and without the Bahá’í community.”
Those who are interested in attending the conference may send a $10 non-refundable deposit per person to the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.
All this and Dan Seals too!
Big ?s answered in ‘Child’s Way’[edit]
What did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá give His sister Bahíyyih?
See it in Child’s Way.
What happens every year in June at the “cabin” in Teaneck, New Jersey?
Pictures tell the story in Child’s Way.
What can you cook for Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday?
Learn what and how in Child’s Way.
What is Count Dracula doing in Child’s Way?
Find out in the November/December 1982 issue.
Other features include an interview with Dan Seals, a photo essay of building a dog house, stories, poetry and more!
Subscribe now. Send $9 for one year or $17 for two years to Child’s Way/Brilliant Star Subscriber Service, Suburban Office Park, ________ Hixson, TN 37343.
ANNOUNCING a new
Child’s Way, your bi-monthly for Bahá’í children of all ages, has become a “brilliant star”.
Starting with the March/April 1983 issue, Child’s Way will be known as
[Page 11]
EDUCATION
16 LEAP coordinators at Wilmette conference[edit]
Sixteen district coordinators for the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) attended a National Education Committee-sponsored conference the weekend of October 9-11 in Wilmette, Illinois.
Participants met with members of the committee and consulted about materials and strategies of LEAP to help friends in local communities meet the special needs of children.
MATERIALS and strategies included both informal and formal aspects of Bahá’í education—the former being the “natural” educational experiences that take place in the home and the local Bahá’í community, and the latter being organized classroom programs.
The primary purposes of LEAP are to train representatives of Assemblies and Groups on a districtwide basis to serve as education advisers to their respective local communities, and to help meet the needs of Bahá’í children and youth at the district-wide level.
Under the direction of the National Education Committee, three workshops are conducted within a district on the topic of Bahá’í child education.
Upon completion of these three basic sessions, future sessions are conducted twice a year for the purpose of introducing new skills and topics, and to provide opportunities for advisers to share ideas and community experiences.
The LEAP district coordinator is appointed by the National Education Committee from among adviser participants after the third introductory workshop. The coordinator’s primary functions are to:
- Serve as convenor for the two semi-annual education workshops.
- Serve as “trainer” for new advisers integrated into the program.
- Communicate information to the National Education Committee about child education and consolidation activities that are taking place in the district.
According to Mrs. Lily Ayman, a member of the National Education Committee, participants in the adviser program are encouraged to look beyond “classes” as the only means of providing a Bahá’í education experience for children.
Ways of incorporating children and youth into Bahá’í community events, especially the Nineteen Day Feast, are an important focus for consultation.
“In addition to exposure to educational theory, methods and materials,” says Mrs. Ayman, “an emphasis in the workshops is on consultation and communication abilities so advisers can better serve community efforts to help the children love Bahá’u’lláh and identify with His teachings.”
SPECIFIC local adviser functions include:
- Serving as education adviser and children’s “advocate” in the local community.
- Conducting deepenings on a variety of consolidation topics prepared by the National Education Committee.
- Participating in district functions that provide opportunities for children’s programs, such as District Convention.
- Helping to stimulate and develop district-wide events for youth, such as camping weekends.
Individuals selected to serve as adviser representatives for their local community are those who:
- Plan to remain in the area for at least one year.
- Have a personal interest in and a sense of commitment to Bahá’í children and youth.
- Are prepared to attend all program training sessions and complete required homework assignments. Advisers participate in workshop activities which they then conduct, or follow through with in some way, in the home community.
By the end of the 2 1/2-day district coordinator conference, participants summarized some of the implications of adviser activity. They concluded that:
- Adviser work is not part of a program, but of a process.
- The primary goal is to help release the potential and the talents of the friends in the national community to get the education/consolidation work moving.
- As the needs of the children, youth and families are met in the local Bahá’í communities, those communities will become truly “distinctive” and attract hosts of new believers seeking refuge from a disintegrating society.
The LEAP District Coordinator Conference is to be an annual event, according to David L. Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee. Future conferences, however, will be regional because of the expansion of the program.
LEAP has been introduced in 54 of the 90 districts in the U.S., and the National Education Committee hopes to have it functioning in all districts by the end of 1983.
On March 28, the three-member Bahá’í Group of Winona, Minnesota, helped by the District Teaching Committee, presented awards to two professors at Winona State University who have made contributions to education. Shown at the award ceremony are the recipients, Dr. Leland McMillan (standing left of center with beard) and Dr. Lyelle Palmer (seated second from right), Dr. McMillan’s wife (seated right) and mother (seated left), Dr. Palmer’s wife (seated second from left) and Bahá’ís from Winona and the Twin Cities area.
Bahá’í Studies winter session set at Bosch[edit]
The Association for Bahá’í Studies will hold its winter 1983 session next February 25-27 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California.
The conference is open to everyone who is interested in lively and illuminating scholarly investigation and discussion.
The California conference committee invites anyone interested in making a presentation to send a one-page abstract of his or her topic to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, California Conference Committee, c/o Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
For more information please write to the committee or phone 408-423-3387.
House of Justice sets guidelines for children’s proper behavior[edit]
In response to an inquiry about standards of behavior for children at community gatherings such as the Nineteen Day Feast and Bahá’í Holy Day observances, the Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated October 14, 1982, to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, said that “ ...children should be trained to understand the spiritual significance of the gatherings of the followers of the Blessed Beauty, and to appreciate the honor and bounty of being able to take part in them, whatever their outward form may be.
“It is realized that some Bahá’í observances are lengthy and it is difficult for very small children to remain quiet for so long. In such cases one or other of the parents may have to miss part of the meeting in order to care for the child.
“The Spiritual Assembly can also perhaps help the parents by providing for a children’s observance, suited to their capacities, in a separate room during part of the community’s observance. Attendance at the whole of the adult celebration thus becomes a sign of growing maturity and a distinction to be earned by good behavior.
“In any case, the House of Justice points out that parents are responsible for their children and should make them behave when they attend Bahá’í meetings. If children persist in creating a disturbance they should be taken out of the meeting. This is not merely necessary to ensure the properly dignified conduct of Bahá’í meetings but is an aspect of the training of children in courtesy, consideration for others, reverence, and obedience to their parents.”
Louhelen sets special youth session[edit]
The Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan will host a week-long session for youth December 19-24.
The session will feature an indepth study of one of the works of Shoghi Effendi. Ample time will be allowed for discussion and for exploring the application of the teachings of the Faith to everyday problems and events taking place in the world.
“Louhelen has a strong commitment to youth,” says Changiz Geula, a member of the Louhelen Council, “and we’re pleased that our first week-long program is for youth.
“We hope to stretch some minds, inspire the souls and touch the hearts.”
The program also will include strong fellowship and recreational components.
Rates for the session for those who register at least two weeks in advance are $100 for dormitory accommodations (3-4 per room) and $125 for semi-private accommodations (2 per room), space permitting.
Those who are interested in attending the conference may send a $10 non-refundable deposit, per person, to the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.
Asian, Hispanic contacts corrected[edit]
In the September issue of The American Bahá’í, an error was made in listing the contact persons for the Regional Asian and Hispanic Teaching Committees.
The contact person for the Regional Asian Committee in the Central States is Robert Ferguson, 1656-D Greenwood Road, Glenview, IL 60025.
The contact person for the Regional Hispanic Committee in the Central States is Brian Abrom, ________ Northbrook, IL 60062.
We regret the error.
This photo appeared July 16 in The Valley Courier in Alamosa, Colorado, with an article about the city’s South Side Prep School whose principal, William Bright, is a Bahá’í, as is one of its two teachers, Jeanette Barger (left), shown here with fellow teacher Minnie Lopez. The article mentions that the school, which is open to children from kindergarten through sixth grade, ‘is fashioned on Bahá’í principles, but religion will not be taught.’ Instead, Mr. Bright is quoted as saying, ‘We will unteach prejudice and teach children to accept different as good.’
[Page 12]
TEACHING
The homefront pioneer[edit]
Homefront pioneers from Eagle Pass, Texas, have responded to the request for experiences to be shared. They are veteran pioneers and have been successful at their posts. Their positive attitude shines through and most certainly influences the community in which they live.
•
Dear Bahá’í friends,
This is written because of your “reminder” in the September issue of The American Bahá’í, wanting notice of homefront pioneers.
My husband, George, and I have been homefront pioneers here in the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, for two years.
WE WERE homefront pioneers in Lafayette, Louisiana, for nine years.
When that community grew from five to more than 50, we came to Eagle Pass where there were only two deepened Bahá’ís.
We now have seven active believers, a functioning Assembly, and firesides and deepenings.
We have 19 names on the rolls as well as an Assembly in the county with a homefront pioneer from Pennsylvania, Don Greer.
George and I became Bahá’ís in 1969 in St. Louis, Missouri, and were isolated believers in Lebanon, Missouri, for two years.
My husband initiated the first “mass-teaching conference” in Missouri, which was approved by the State Goals Committee (District Teaching Committee today) and held at Lebanon in April 1971.
EAGLE Pass is 98 per cent Mexican-American, and Spanish is the predominant language, although most residents are bi-lingual.
It is a lovely city of 20,000. Teaching possibilities are tremendous. If anyone would be interested in coming here as homefront pioneers, our community would be so excited to welcome them.
Jobs are available for teachers and hospital nurses. Right now there are openings for assistant managers and employees in our 80-store mall that is just opening.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to share this with you.
Warmest Bahá’í greetings.
Eagle Pass, Texas
More than 40 Laotians at weekend deepening[edit]
More than 40 refugees from Laos, most of them Hmong hill tribesmen, attended a three-day deepening institute over the Labor Day weekend in Encinitas, California.
The event was cosponsored by seven Bahá’í communities in the greater San Diego area—Encinitas, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Leucadia, San Diego, Chula Vista and Poway.
MUCH of the planning was done by Bill and Joan Nemour and their daughter, Kelly Bruss, who prepared a weekend of prayer, deepening and recreation the like of which had never been experienced by these Laotian Bahá’ís.
Counsellor Fred Schechter was a special guest at the institute.
Classes on a wide range of subjects were taught in three languages: Laotian, Hmong and English.
Chu Chang taught a simple but effective class on progressive revelation, while Lao Chu Cha taught Bahá’í administration. Bill Nemour provided information on the Covenant and Central Figures of the Faith.
Before the weekend was over the Laotians had participated in the simulated election of a Local Spiritual Assembly and formulated a teaching plan dedicated to sharing the Faith with their friends, neighbors and relatives.
Highly instructive classes taught by Chip and Kelly Bruss and by Leslie Bulkin were provided for the children and youth.
TOPICS covered included Bahá’í history and living a Bahá’í life. Practical arts and crafts activities emphasized spiritual qualities.
Among the weekend highlights were outings to the home of Dr. Robert and Mrs. Jaleh Brunst who donated their swimming pool on two afternoons.
For some of the men, who hadn’t been swimming in more than 10 years, it was a real treat, while the children enjoyed swimming lessons from those who were more experienced.
Evenings were filled with entertainment, songs and films. The film “The Green Light Expedition” was especially well received by the Hmong who showed a particular affinity for the people of the Amazon.
While most of those who attended the sessions were Bahá’ís, some were not. By the end of the session six new believers had been enrolled.
The institute already is having beneficial effects in the San Diego community.
Children’s classes, held every week at the San Diego Bahá’í Center, have grown to include more than 100 youth and children with more than 50 adults also participating.
Above: Bill Nemour (back to camera) teaches a class at the deepening institute for Laotian Bahá’ís in Encinitas, California. Below: Some of the many children who enjoyed stimulating classes conducted by Chip and Kelly Bruss and Leslie Bulkin.
Teachers[edit]
Continued From Page 1
of teaching, the role of traveling teachers as envisioned by the Master and the Guardian, the use of the Creative Word in teaching, strengthening community life, and planning teaching activities.
Representatives from the Office of Public Affairs also participated, updating teachers on the use of newspapers, radio and television as proclamation tools.
Traveling teachers for the Western States will be trained at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, and those for the Southern States at the Louis Gregory Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.
The program is coordinated through the National Teaching Committee, and isolated believers who desire the assistance of traveling teachers are encouraged to write to the committee c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039.
The traveling teachers also have been encouraged to offer their services to the friends rather than waiting for an assignment.
The National Teaching Committee urges the friends to take full advantage of this valuable resource.
New catalog price[edit]
The Bahá’í Service for the Blind regrets that rising costs mean that it must now charge $1 each for its catalogs.
When ordering, please specify which catalog you wish: tapes and cassettes only, or the complete catalog of Braille, tapes and cassettes.
Order from the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 3110 E. Lester St., Tucson, AZ 85716.
Make plans now for 74th National Convention[edit]
Since the members of the National Spiritual Assembly will be in Haifa, Israel, next April to participate in the election of the Universal House of Justice at the fifth international Bahá’í Convention, the 74th U.S. Bahá’í Convention will be held later than usual, from May 26-29 at the McCormick Inn in Chicago.
The friends should note that this is the Memorial Day weekend, when travel is generally heavy and accommodations hard to find, and make their plans early if they wish to attend the Convention.
Following are some facts that should help to make that planning easier:
CONVENTION SITE: The McCormick Inn, 23rd & the Lake, Chicago 60616. Toll free number, 800-621-6909 (in Illinois, phone COLLECT, 312-791-1901).
RATES: $48 per night (plus tax)—1, 2, 3 or 4 in a room (2 double beds). Rollaways are available @ $6 each.
SUITES AVAILABLE: 1 bedroom, $96-$200; 2 bedrooms, $144-$248. (All suites have parlors with sleepers in addition to the bedrooms.)
RESERVATIONS: Must be made directly with the hotel. Please be sure to identify yourself as attending the Bahá’í National Convention May 26-29, 1983. Request confirmation to ensure that your reservation was received. PLEASE (1) give the names of ALL those sharing the room with you, and (2) indicate any special facilities needed for the handicapped (rooms to accommodate wheelchairs, etc.), as the number of these rooms is limited.
SHARING ROOMS: The hotel will NOT find you a roommate. You must make your own arrangements.
TRAVEL: Although you are free to make your own travel arrangements, you may find it helpful to use the “meeting services desks” offered by the following airlines to help ensure that you receive the lowest possible fare for travel to Chicago. Toll free numbers have been provided. When using these numbers, please state that you are planning to attend the Bahá’í National Convention May 26-29, 1983.
American Airlines, 800-433-1790 (Texas, 800-792-1160); Northwest Orient Airlines, 800-328-7747 (Minnesota, 800-552-1290); Continental Airlines, 800-525-0280 (Colorado, 800-332-1375; Texas, 800-392-3390).
There is regular bus service—Continental Air Transport—to the McCormick Inn from O’Hare Airport ($6) and from Midway ($5). Taxis also are available.
Future issues of The American Bahá’í will carry registration forms for seating and for registration of children for the Convention.
[Page 13]
TEACHING
ROBERT G. WILSON
Robert Wilson named new secretary for Teaching Committee[edit]
Robert G. Wilson has been elected secretary of the National Teaching Committee, replacing Rose Lopez, who is now serving at the World Centre in Haifa.
Mr. Wilson, who was appointed to the National Teaching Committee last June, had served a short term as assistant secretary.
HE BECAME a Bahá’í in Seattle, Washington, and was a member of that city’s Spiritual Assembly before pioneering to Nicaragua with his wife, Kristin, and son, Rainn.
On his return from Nicaragua, Mr. Wilson became a homefront pioneer in Lake Forest Park, Washington, and moved earlier this year to Edmonds, Washington, to help save its Assembly before Riḍván.
He was a delegate to the National Bahá’í Convention for several years and has served in Washington on the District Teaching Committee and the Bahá’í Media Northwest Committee.
Regarding the direction of the National Teaching Committee, Mr. Wilson says, “The committee emphasizes individual teaching. Our immediate goal is to have teaching first on the agenda of every Assembly, Group and District Teaching Committee. Only then will teaching be in its proper place.
“The committee members will also have greater visibility in the community, such as meeting with the friends, attending different Feasts, giving firesides.
“The individuals must arise to teach. Teaching is more than an obligation. It is a spiritual need.”
Other members of the National Teaching Committee are Juana Conrad, chairman, Glendale, California; William Davis, Atherton, California; Diane Grych, Princeton, West Virginia; and Keyvan Nazerian, East Lansing, Michigan.
Haitian teaching quickens in Florida[edit]
The past year and a half has seen a marked upsurge in teaching among the estimated 60,000 Haitians who are now living in southeastern Florida.
The focal centers of this activity are in Miami, Wilton Manors and Belle Glade, which borders Lake Okeechobee.
ROUGHLY 30 to 50 souls have embraced the Cause among these people who love to pray, speak of God, and sing His praises.
Most of these new believers work in the vegetable and sugar cane fields, in the sugar mills, or in various humble professions in the towns and cities.
The Spiritual Assemblies of Belle Glade, Miami, Central Dade County and Wilton Manors actively initiate and support the teaching projects, and a good supply of literature, including some in the Creole language of Haiti, has been procured from Publishing Trusts in Belgium, Canada and the U.S.
In the vanguard of Bahá’ís who have distinguished themselves in the teaching and consolidation work are Philippe Bastien, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Haiti; his daughter, Marlene; Leonard La Fata of Miami, and Ms. Marline Levy of Central Dade County.
An encouraging aspect is the consistent involvement of the new believers in teaching others; participating in firesides, deepenings; and new believers’ institutes; and attending District Conventions and other events.
SOME 25 came from the Lake Okeechobee area August 7 to participate in a deepening institute in Fort Lauderdale conducted by Counsellor Artemus Lamb.
Opportunities are presenting themselves at a quickening pace.
Through the visit of a director in “Project Help” to a fireside, Marlene Bastien and Marline Levy were able to speak August 18 in Creole and French to about 100 Haitians at Miami Dade Community College in Homestead, which has a developing Assembly, and to present the filmstrip “Unity in Diversity.”
So numerous were the questions that a second special meeting was held August 25 and was attended by 28 interested seekers.
Shown at a meeting with Haitian seekers August 18 at Miami Dade Community College in Homestead, Florida, are (left to right) Darrell Erwin, a coordinator with ‘Project Help,’ and Bahá’ís Marlene Bastien and Martine Levy.
Haitian seekers and Bahá’ís are shown at a fireside July 9 in Miami, Florida. Between 30 and 50 Haitians in southeastern Florida have embraced the Cause in the last year and a half.
Ojibway Reservation site of 3rd Grand Portage Native Institute[edit]
Twenty-five people participated August 15 in the third annual Grand Portage North American Native Institute at the Grand Portage Ojibway Reservation in northeastern Minnesota.
The purpose of the institute is to instill in those who attend a better understanding of the lifestyle and spiritual teachings of the original inhabitants of North America, and to create a feeling of spiritual unity and faith in the oneness of humanity.
FOUR Native Americans were invited to speak to the Bahá’ís and their guests about traditional Indian ways: Billy Blackwell, an Ojibway from Grand Portage; Andy Favorite, an Ojibway from Grand Portage; Emma Boshkaykin, an Ojibway from Mine Center, Ontario; and Kendall Rice, a Potawotomie from Superior, Wisconsin.
Throughout the morning the speakers talked candidly about such topics as alcoholism, stereotypes of Indians and their impact on the Indians’ self-image, the impact of Christian value systems on Indian community life, and the challenges and problems facing Indians today, such as high unemployment, violence and high accident rates.
Also discussed were the importance and sacredness of dreams and visions, and the belief in the coming of a time of great upheaval and world change.
The talks were followed by an intensive question-and-answer session.
About half a dozen children participated in a separate class that included a hike and discussion of the contributions of Indians to the Minnesota area.
Most of the participants camped at a nearby campground and attended the Reservation’s weekend event, Rendezvous Days, a celebration and pow-wow.
The Native Institutes are sponsored by the Northern Minnesota District Teaching Committee to help meet this goal of the Seven Year Plan:
“Develop in consultation with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska and Canada cross-border projects giving special attention to Indian reservations.”
Two Bahá’ís chosen as ‘outstanding’ in ’82[edit]
Two Bahá’ís have been selected for inclusion in the 1982 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America.
The two, whose complete biographies will appear in the annual compilation, are Dr. Lawrence N. McCullough of Norfolk, Virginia, and Timothy E. Tyson of Huntsville, Alabama.
Of Chinese, Hispanic teachers
Teaching Committee seeks names[edit]
The Universal House of Justice has called upon the American Bahá’í community to “raise up Spanish- and Chinese-speaking teachers” during the Seven Year Plan.
The National Teaching Committee is enthusiastic about the potential of such an endeavor. In its effort to win this important and unprecedented goal, the National Spiritual Assembly has appointed four Regional Asian and Spanish Teaching Committees and a Chinese Teaching Task Force.
The National Teaching Committee now asks that every individual, whether from a minority background or not, and all Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees that have arisen to help fulfill this goal send their names to the committee so that we can maintain a list of those whose efforts are a contributing factor in winning such a mighty victory for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
Please send names to the National Teaching Committee, c/o Minority Teaching Coordinator, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Let us hear from you![edit]
Please continue to share your experiences as homefront pioneers. They serve to encourage your fellow pioneers as well as inspire others to arise. If you can arise to become a homefront pioneer, phone the National Teaching Committee’s homefront pioneering desk at 312-869-9039.
[Page 14]
PUBLICATIONS
‘Some answered questions’ about new edition of Bahá’í prayer book[edit]
At the Montreal Conference and at the District Conventions the Bahá’í Publishing Trust released a new edition of Bahá’í Prayers, the standard prayer book. This new edition has evoked a number of questions for which Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Publishing Trust, has provided answers.
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“The cover of the hard cover Bahá’í Prayers is now tan, and that of the soft cover edition is blue. But they’re still called Bahá’í Prayers. Why should I buy a new prayer book?”
The title of the old green (and maroon) prayer book is the same as that of the new tan (and blue) one. It is hard to find a title more suitable than Bahá’í Prayers. But the new edition contains many more prayers than the old one—56 new prayers, to be exact. You may find that, for once, all your favorite prayers are printed in one book.
“What new prayers will I find in the new edition of Bahá’í Prayers?”
Prayers appearing in the U.S. prayer book for the first time include the Fire Tablet, the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, the long healing prayer, and the prayer for expectant mothers.
“Those are some of the first ones I noticed. Are there others?”
Among the 56 new prayers are several by Bahá’u’lláh (including the prayer for the dead to be read for Bahá’ís over 15) and quite a number by the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We tried to add prayers of the Báb to as many sections as we could.
“I’ve noticed that the old familiar ‘O God, Guide Me’ prayer for children is worded differently. Which version should I use?”
The Universal House of Justice provided the new translation of “O God, Guide Me.” You will have to decide which version to use. The House of Justice also provided new translations for a number of other prayers, and approved corrections in the punctuation of others. But you can always be sure of one thing: no changes—down to commas—are made in any of the sacred texts without the approval of the House of Justice.
“What other changes does the new Bahá’í Prayers have?”
For the readers’ convenience a number of changes were made. First, the numbers were omitted from the prayers. We found that many people didn’t use them anyway. Now we’re finding people who didn’t even realize they were gone.
Then the book was reorganized to make it easier to find prayers. The three obligatory prayers come first—no more looking for them. The truly occasional prayers—ones that are used on special occasions or only once a year—come at the end of the book.
General prayers make up the largest section and now include the prayers for marriage, firmness in the Covenant, the Local Spiritual Assembly, and prayers from the Tablets of the Divine Plan (in the teaching section).
We’ve also moved some prayers to more appropriate categories. For example, the prayer for the Day of God is now with the teaching prayers, and the old prayers Nos. 75 and 77 for steadfastness are now with prayers for firmness in the Covenant.
And we renamed some categories. Many people didn’t know what “Severance” meant, so we renamed the section “Detachment.” We split the old “Tests and Difficulties” into prayers for Aid and Assistance (when you want help) and Tests and Difficulties (when you wish to pray for tests).
Finally, in the front of the book is a table of contents that simply lists the category of prayers and the page on which that section begins. At the end of the book is an index to first lines of prayers.
“I have only one more question. Where can I get a copy of the new Bahá’í Prayers?”
To order Bahá’í Prayers (Catalog No. 115-070, hard cover, $7; Catalog No. 115-071, soft cover, $3) simply follow the ordering instructions on this page.
How to order[edit]
To order any of the books or other materials listed on this page please see your local Bahá’í librarian or send a check or money order for the full amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
White dove signals new issue of Varqá children’s magazine[edit]
“Dear Children, Alláh’u’Abhá! I guess you are well and have been waiting for my letter just as Topoli, Madam Mittu and I have been looking forward to hearing from you and receiving your stories.”
So begins another letter from Varqá, a snow-white dove, to children all over the world.
Varqá, as well as being the patron bird of this children’s magazine from India, is the title of the publication itself.
Beautifully illustrated, its 33 pages are chock-full of stories, poems, prayers, jokes and, of course, the letter from the dove, Varqá.
Given to second graders and to older children to read on their own, or read as bedtime stories to younger children, or used as supplementary material for Bahá’í classes, the variety of literature presented in Varqá is suitable for children ages 3 to 11 years.
The National Spiritual Assembly of India, which is responsible for the publication of Varqá, writes: “ ‘Varqá’ is flying ... on the wings of spirit, bringing the message of love and happiness, recounting vividly the tales of the Faith’s heroic past, exemplifying the lives of the Prophets of God, educating and broadening the children’s minds’ horizons to love and respect all religions and peoples.”
Now your child can receive another regular Bahá’í children’s publication, companion to Child’s Way magazine, to reinforce and nurture his or her Bahá’í identity.
Annual subscription rates to Varqá include a choice of shipping options. To receive the magazine by air mail, the subscription rate is $15 a year (U.S.); by sea mail, the subscription rate is $10 (U.S.).
Please indicate whether you would like the Persian or English edition of the magazine.
To subscribe, send your check or money order made out to “National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Varqá” and mail to Varqá, c/o P.O. Box 19, New Delhi 110001, India.
Vanguard elicits warm response from Bahá’í, non-Bahá’í readers[edit]
Youth in the Vanguard, Marion Yazdi’s recently released book describing Bahá’í activities in Berkeley and at Stanford University during the 1920s, has elicited enthusiastic response from Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.
“I am enjoying the autobiography ...” one reader, who is not a Bahá’í, says. “I kind of envy you in having the Faith. It has made a wonderful life for you.”
ANOTHER reader comments, “I enjoyed it more than any Bahá’í book I have ever read. I mean it. It’s so human and so real.”
Other readers wrote: “Enjoying it tremendously!” “After I started reading, I couldn’t stop!” “I loved your book. I loved the romance!”
Autobiographical though it may be, Youth in the Vanguard (Catalog No. 332-089, hard cover only, $14) provides, especially to the adult reader interested in the history of the Faith in America, sketches of many of Mrs. Yazdi’s co-workers and acquaintances who were wholeheartedly spreading the Message.
In praising this aspect of the book, one couple wrote: “We are impressed with the way you have made a background of your own story with a tapestry woven from the lives of so many Bahá’ís, whose devotion and service to the Faith might otherwise have never been recorded or published ...We have always felt that those who accepted and acted upon the Teachings in the first decade or so of its announcement in the United States deserve special recognition ...”
Adult readers will appreciate the clarity and accuracy of the historical events related in the book.
ONE reader was particularly impressed with these qualities. She wrote:
“With what intense pleasure I have been reading your manuscript ...It removed many veils of vague knowledge from my mind; the childhood rumors and folklore suddenly all got put in place. Thank you for writing it, and particularly the Stanford story. ...”
The love and respect expressed for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Mrs. Yazdi’s narration of events, combined with her excitement in seeing the development of the Faith in San Francisco and Berkeley, permeate the 249 pages of text and notes.
They moved one Bahá’í couple
[Page 15]
PUBLICATIONS
Author Gayle Morrison visits U.S., Canada[edit]
Gayle Morrison, author of To Move the World, the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, which was published this spring by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, spent 36 days in the U.S. and Canada in August and September discussing her book and the challenge of racial equality with large and small audiences, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, in person and on radio and television.
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Two of Mrs. Morrison’s talks are available on tape. Her talk in Ottawa, “A New Creation: The Power of the Covenant in the Life of Louis G. Gregory” ($4 plus $1.50 for postage and handling) is available from Images International. Her talk at the Green Lake Conference—“The Light of Oneness” (Catalog No. 831-090, $4 plus 10 per cent for postage and handling)—is available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. |
WHILE in Canada she delivered the Hasan Balyúzí lecture at the seventh annual meeting of the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Ottawa. Her talk was entitled “A New Creation: the Power of the Covenant in the Life of Louis Gregory.”
During her tour, reminiscent of some of Mr. Gregory’s own teaching trips, Mrs. Morrison was honored at four autograph parties, spoke at five firesides, was the guest speaker at 10 public talks and receptions (including one at a junior college), gave a week-long course at the Bosch Bahá’í School, spoke at the annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference in Wisconsin, was taped for a television program, and appeared on three live radio programs. Other newspaper and radio publicity heralded her visits.
Mrs. Morrison, an educator and author who lives on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, began her coast-to-coast tour August 20 in San Francisco.
From there she went to San Jose; the Bosch Bahá’í School; Wilmette; Ottawa and Montreal, Canada; New Haven, Connecticut; South Carolina; Evanston, Illinois; Los Angeles, and San Diego.
She ended her visit to the mainland U.S. on September 24 with a fireside in Vista, California, and with many invitations for future appearances to discuss To Move the World.
ONE OF the highlights of Mrs. Morrison’s visit to San Francisco was her autographing a copy of To Move the World for a daughter of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, to whom the book is dedicated.
During her week at the Bosch School, Mrs. Morrison gave a well-received class on “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Louis Gregory.”
In Wilmette, the National Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’í Publishing Trust hosted an autograph party for Mrs. Morrison at the Bahá’í House of Worship.
Many of those who were involved in the publication of the book attended, as well as Mrs. Fran Hannen, who had provided photos of Joseph and Pauline Hannen, the early teachers of Louis Gregory.
Mrs. Morrison also autographed a book for a small blond-haired, blue-eyed boy who is named in honor of Louis Gregory.
Mrs. Morrison’s first stop after the Montreal Conference was in New Haven where some 34 guests including scholars and dignitaries from the black, Jewish, Chinese and Hispanic communities attended a reception hosted by Mrs. Bess Daniels.
THE following evening, Mrs. Morrison appeared with Dr. Howard Garey and Laurie Hutchinson on a two-hour interview program on WELI Radio in Hamden.
Her six days in South Carolina brought a variety of appearances including radio and television interviews, an autograph party, and several public receptions.
Mrs. Morrison also visited Avery Institute, where Louis Gregory studied and later taught.
Besides speaking on “The Light of Oneness” at the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, Mrs. Morrison gave two optional sessions on the need for racial unity.
In Los Angeles, she spoke at a fireside attended by about 70 people, and later addressed members of the NAACP and a large gathering of college club members.
On September 23, she appeared for 45 minutes on a live radio talk show in San Diego, and that evening addressed a public meeting in a black and Hispanic area.
The following day, Mrs. Morrison spoke to 30 students in a class at Southwestern Junior College before ending her tour on September 24 with a fireside in Vista.
Gayle Morrison, author of To Move the World, the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, greets one of the friends during an autograph session in August at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Mrs. Morrison, who lives in Hawaii, was the guest at similar events on the east and west coasts and in Canada during a monthlong visit to the continental U.S. that ended in mid-September.
Other titles distributed by Trust[edit]
The following is a listing of titles presently distributed by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust:
The Bahá’í World: Vol. XVII, 1976-1979, the newest in the series and a must for all collectors, Local Spiritual Assemblies, and history buffs.
Included in this volume are pictorial reports showing the construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and the eight intercontinental teaching conferences held during the Five Year Plan; an international survey of Bahá’í activities including those of Bahá’í women and the use of radio and television during the Five Year Plan; excerpts from the Sacred Writings; in memoriam articles; essays; reviews; verse; music; and much more.
Especially moving is the frontispiece, a full color photograph of the House of the Báb in Shíráz where He declared His mission.
Bound in dark aqua and stamped in gold, 670 pages in length, and illustrated with hundreds of photographs, The Bahá’í World: Vol. XVII, 1976-1979 is a stunning addition to the continuing series of Bahá’í World volumes. (Universal House of Justice; Catalog No. 233-017, $22.50 hard cover only.)
Iran’s Secret Pogrom, by Geoffrey Nash, is a new addition to the growing body of literature written about the tragic position of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
The journalistic account includes a history of the persecution of the Bahá’ís, an overview of Bahá’í beliefs, a summary of present-day persecutions, and a look at the sad possibilities of the future of Bahá’ís in the land of the birth of the Bahá’í Faith. (Neville Spearman Ltd.; Catalog No. 332-093, $5.50, soft cover.)
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh, written by Bahá’u’lláh’s barber and translated by Marzieh Gail, gives Bahá’ís some fascinating pilgrim’s notes of life with Bahá’u’lláh as He faced exile and banishment.
Illustrated with drawings and photographs, My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh provides a glimpse of the love and devotion of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the early days of the Faith. (Kalimát Press; Catalog No. 332-092, $11.95, hard cover only.)
To order any of these books, please see the ordering instructions on this page.
Guardian’s work offers blueprint for racial unity[edit]
The spring 1982 publication of To Move the World, Gayle Morrison’s biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, has brought the issue of racial prejudice to the forefront in a new and compelling manner and has stimulated study classes and conferences throughout the country.
As we take advantage of the unique opportunities opened by the publication of a new study of the advancement of racial unity in America, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of Shoghi Effendi’s The Advent of Divine Justice in coming to terms with racial unity, which the Guardian called “the most challenging issue” for American Bahá’ís.
The publication in 1939 of The Advent of Divine Justice had a tremendous impact on the American Bahá’í community.
In To Move the World, Mrs. Morrison says that the new work by Shoghi Effendi “struck the American Bahá’ís with the force of a tidal wave,” imbued the 1939 National Convention with “ ‘radiant and soaring spirit which so firmly united the delegates and visiting friends,’ ” and inspired the National Spiritual Assembly to reinstitute “a special committee to promote the oneness of mankind.”
The Advent of Divine Justice (Catalog No. 108-002, $5, soft cover) is a handbook that clearly sets forth the steps to be taken before America will fulfill her glorious destiny.
To order The Advent of Divine Justice please see the ordering instructions on this page.
Baby Book makes lovely, practical gift[edit]
“What was I like when I was a baby?” children often ask, for they are always eager to review their personal histories.
My Baby Book (Catalog No. 352-053, $6) was created to begin the process of nurturing the child’s understanding of his or her physical, social and spiritual growth.
The 32 pages of My Baby Book provide spaces for parents to fill in medical records, details of the birth, the family tree, and many milestones reached in the first three years including first tooth, first words, first Holy Days, and first prayer memorized.
Beautifully bound and highlighted with delicate water color illustrations and quotations from the Bahá’í Writings, My Baby Book is a handsome gift for Bahá’ís to give to friends and family who are expecting a child.
What better way for a Bahá’í community to welcome a new Bahá’í baby in its midst than to present My Baby Book to prospective parents?
This book will serve as a reminder to the child of your community’s love and support as he or she reads your warm words of welcome written inside the cover by your Group or Assembly.
To order My Baby Book, contact your local Bahá’í librarian; phone the Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880; or send a check or money order for the total amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
How to order[edit]
To order any of the books or other materials listed on this page please see your local Bahá’í librarian or send a check or money order for the full amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
[Page 16]
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.
•
THE INTERNATIONAL Goals Committee is aware of various job opportunities in the following countries: Solomon Islands—Primary school administrator, math teacher; Congo—Project adviser for CARE, consultant/co-op specialist, agriculture; Singapore—University positions (law, science, dentistry, medicine, arts & social sciences, architecture & building, accounting and business administration); Trinidad and Tobago—Engineers and managers with computer and phone companies; Tanzania—Financial management adviser; Somalia—Soil conservationist, forester; Upper Volta—Agriculture coordinator; Botswana—Agriculture and seed technician, rural community development administrator, business management adviser; Honduras—Art teacher, financial management adviser, health trainer; South Africa (Lesotho, Swaziland, Venda, Ciskei, Transkei)—Various university positions, engineers (not Persians); Nigeria—Managers, teachers, engineers, agriculturists, doctors, dentists, lawyers; Sri Lanka—Engineers; Bénin—French-speaking architect and UN volunteers; India—Primary school teacher; Finland—Live-in governess; Barbados—Engineers; Vanuatu—American physician. For more information about these and other employment possibilities, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.
HELP re-form an Assembly in the friendly, beautiful Adirondack Mountain/Lake Champlain area. State university, community college in lovely lakeside environment with summer and winter sports. Job openings for audio persons with B.S. in electronics and public relations expert to travel with growing company. Please contact the Bahá’ís of Dannemora, New York, c/o Barbara Plymale, ________ Dannemora, NY 12929, or phone 518-492-7698 weekends or after 6 p.m. Eastern time. Hospitality provided during interview period.
MINNESOTA Bahá’í Winter School will be held November 26-28 at the Koinonia Retreat Center, Route 1, South Haven, Minnesota.
HOMEFRONT pioneers needed in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a picturesque residential suburb of Philadelphia. Swarthmore’s numerically jeopardized Assembly would welcome support for any of its regular teaching activities including support for the Bahá’í Club at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore is readily accessible by public transportation to Philadelphia; housing is limited but available. Interested? We need you! Please contact Joyce Perry, ________ Swarthmore, PA 19081. Phone 215-543-5921.
WANTED: Bahá’í couples or individuals to relocate in the goal cities of Monroe and Philomath near Corvallis, Oregon, on the Willamette River in the heart of the Willamette Valley not far from Cascade Mountain and Oregon coastal recreation areas. Corvallis (pop. about 40,000) is the home of Oregon State University. Monroe is 17 miles south and Philomath six miles west of Corvallis. Portland, the state’s largest city, is 85 miles north. Monroe or Philomath would be ideal for retired couples. For information please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Corvallis, P.O. Box 309, Corvallis, OR 97330, or telephone 503-753-3943.
WE WOULD like to obtain a copy of Khalil Gibran’s drawing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá if one is available anywhere. Please write to Mark Townsend, Garden City, KS 67846.
WANTED for The American Bahá’í: human interest stories about Bahá’í pilgrimage. If you have heartwarming or soul-stirring recollections of your pilgrimage and would like to share them with others, please send your account to the editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091.
THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives Committee is seeking to locate, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following early Bahá’ís: Mrs. Paul K. Dealy, Arthur Pillsbury Dodge, Col. Nathan Ward FitzGerald, William H. Hoar, Arthur James, Annie L. Parmerton, Margaret B. Peeke and Dr. Rufus H. Bartlett. The originals or photocopies of these Tablets are needed by the Universal House of Justice in its efforts to study and compile the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these or any other original Tablets is requested to contact the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Gardena, California, which has a current membership of nine adult Bahá’ís. The Spiritual Assembly of Gardena has set a goal of at least 15 adult Bahá’ís by Riḍván to regain its incorporated status. Gardena, with several junior colleges and state universities within easy reach, is about 15 minutes (via freeway) from downtown Los Angeles and about 15 miles east of Los Angeles International Airport. Two-bedroom unfurnished apartments in Gardena start at $390 a month and range up to $475 a month and up. Traveling teachers are welcome.
WANTED: Bahá’ís to replace others who are going pioneering. A two-bedroom, one-bath house with wood stove, garage, large yard, patio and garden area is available for rent or to buy in San Andreas, in the lovely California foothills. A small but active Bahá’í Group; friendly country people; hot, dry summers, mild winters; close to skiing, fishing, hunting; 150 miles from San Francisco. Employment opportunities small; excellent for retired couple. Phone Paul or Leslie Platner, 209-754-1504.
ATTENTION Bahá’ís in Wyoming and Montana. An elementary school teacher and family wish to relocate to your area as homefront pioneers. Would like information on teaching positions in your locality. If you know of any definite openings in kindergarten, first, second or third grades, please contact Mary Rouhani, P.O. Box 9304, Mobile, AL 36691, or phone 205-344-3701.
WANTED: A copy of your state or community Bahá’í bulletin or calendar. I am gathering information to present a workshop and would greatly appreciate your samples, ideas and pointers. Please write to Donna Sires, ________ Corvallis, OR 97330.
WHAT will the Bahá’í cities of the future be like? If you are involved in city planning, city administration, civil engineering, architecture or a related field, or if you are simply interested, please contact Richard Martin Miller, _______ Casper, WY 82609, or phone (evenings) 307-234-6539.
THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Englewood, Colorado, an older community of 13,000 that borders Denver and lies in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, is in jeopardy. Englewood has an active and cohesive Bahá’í community that has many plans on its agenda but needs bodies (and souls) to help realize its goals and proclaim the Faith. The present community consists of five families with children ranging in age from two months to seven years and one set of grandparents, all of whom live within a mile of one another. Come join our family and become a “Rocky Mountain Bahá’í.” Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Englewood, P.O. Box 1352, Englewood, CO 80110, or phone Cathy or Chuck Hall, 303-781-3586.
BE A guaranteed success! During 138 B.E., in its extension teaching goal of Lebanon, the Spiritual Assembly of Linn County, Oregon, accomplished: eight public meetings, three direct teaching projects, 189 column inches of newspaper publicity (including 10 display ads), letters to 10 “leaders of thought,” donation of a book to the local hospital chapel, and listing the name of the Faith with the Chamber of Commerce, in the telephone directory, and on the newspaper’s church page. Lebanon once had an Assembly; it can have one again. While we undertake to increase our efforts in Lebanon, your success as a homefront pioneer is guaranteed. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Linn County, ________ Scio, OR 97374, or phone 503-394-3914.
LORDSBURG, New Mexico, has lost its Assembly and is looking for pioneers to help it re-form before next Riḍván. Urgently sought are retired couples and/or individuals who would like to live in a small community. Camping, fishing, hiking, early American history and softball are about all the “material” enjoyments available; but if you enjoy spiritual fulfillment, Lordsburg is a real challenge for teachers with much work to be done. There is a great need for Bahá’ís who want to help develop a strong community and be a part of this vibrant southwestern New Mexico area. Inexpensive homes are available for buying, and more rentals are advertised every week. Jobs, however, are nonexistent, unless you can make your own. If you are retired or have your own income, and are looking for a real teaching challenge, we need you in Lordsburg. If you have any questions, please contact Toni Isaac, Lordsburg, NM 88045.
HELP US open California’s Glenn County by homefront pioneering. Glenn County is in northern California’s agricultural heartland; rural living near a state university and community college in Chico. Willows, Orland and Hamilton City offer varying community sizes, industry and employment opportunities. Serve Bahá’u’lláh by reaching a Spanish-speaking minority and relatively conservative population. For more information write to the Spiritual Assembly of Chico, P.O. Box 236, Chico, CA 95927, or phone 916-343-3048.
BAHÁ’Í anesthesiologist is seeking CRNA or MDA to join him in private practice in Gillette, Wyoming, which has a Group of seven Bahá’ís working toward Assembly status. Write to Box 5133, Gillette, WY 82716, or telephone 307-686-9271.
PERSIAN Bahá’í couple, recent university graduates, he with a B.S. in mechanical engineering, she with a B.S. in computer science, would like to become homefront pioneers anywhere in the U.S. where they can work in their professions. Please write to Mr. and Mrs. Asadpour, ________ Beaumont, TX 77705. Phone 713-839-4518.
Southern Illinois Bahá’ís have ‘day’ at Wilmette Temple[edit]
Forty-six adults and children enjoyed “Southern Illinois Day” September 25 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
They were shown a slide presentation on the construction of the Temple and given a tour by the House of Worship Activities Committee; heard a report by Auxiliary Board member D. Thelma Jackson on the recent Bahá’í Conference in Montreal, Canada; and saw the film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made in 1912.
The local newspaper in Decatur, Illinois, the sponsoring community, printed a photo of the House of Worship with an article about Southern Illinois Day.
Bahá’í set to appear on ‘20/20’ TV program[edit]
Reine Pasarow, a member of the Bahá’í community of Encino, California, will appear on the ABC-TV program “20/20” sometime during late November or December, according to the national Office of Public Affairs.
Mrs. Pasarow was interviewed by “20/20” because of a “near death experience.” One of the effects of that experience was her decision to become a Bahá’í, and it is anticipated that the Faith will be among the topics discussed or mentioned in the interview.
Inquiries about Faith on upswing in D.C.[edit]
The Washington, D.C., Bahá’í Information Office reports: “Requests for information about the Faith continue to stream into the D.C. Bahá’í Center.
“Inquirers from all over the metro area place dozens of calls each week to the taped message, to the Center’s resident manager, and attend the Sunday morning meetings.
“Every Sunday this past August we had a declaration from a resident of one of the suburban communities who had been studying the Faith at the Center.”
Trust well supplied with Mr. Sears’ book[edit]
A Cry from the Heart is at last in ample supply at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
The book has been in such demand all over the world that the publisher (George Ronald) has had a difficult time printing a sufficient quantity to cover the thousands of requests.
The Publishing Trust is now able to fill all orders currently coming in for A Cry from the Heart (soft cover, Catalog No. 352-084, $1.90; hard cover, 332-086, $7.50).
To order your copy, please see the ordering instructions on page 14 or 15.
At the UNITED NATIONS[edit]
BRIAN LEPARD
This is the first in what is to become a regular series of articles on developments at the United Nations prepared for The American Bahá’í by the National Spiritual Assembly’s UN representative.
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This year the UN office of the American Bahá’í community will have a first—a student intern.
Brian Lepard, a senior in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, has developed an academic program that will involve working at the UN office one day a week and performing three independent research projects at the UN as a part of his internship.
BRIAN has been officially designated a “Woodrow Wilson Scholar” by Princeton, enabling him to forego a normal academic program and pursue instead the internship and independent course of study that he has designed.
As an intern, Brian will work with Nancy Mondschein, the National Spiritual Assembly’s UN representative.
He will accompany Mrs. Mondschein to meetings of the various UN bodies on which she serves and will himself represent the U.S. Bahá’í community at other UN non-governmental organization (NGO) activities.
He will serve as the National Assembly’s representative to the UN’s NGO Committee on Youth, and will participate in the development of that body’s plans for International Youth Year in 1985.
Brian will also be pursuing three independent research projects at the UN. Two of these deal with the issue of religious persecution and how international organizations (including non-governmental organizations such as the Bahá’í International Community) have dealt with the problem.
HE WILL be able to draw upon the information and expertise
National Assembly at S.W. Institute dedication[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly held its September meeting in Gallup, New Mexico, so that its members could be present September 18 at the dedication of the Southwest Bahá’í Institute.
The Institute is 35 miles from Gallup in the neighboring state of Arizona.
BEFORE the dedication of the Institute, the National Assembly had a Saturday breakfast meeting with the Spiritual Assembly of Gallup at which the teaching work in Gallup was discussed.
The Gallup Bahá’ís said they have been concentrating on teaching by deeds. Afterward, members of the National Assembly said they were impressed by the closeness and unity displayed by the Gallup community and with the Faith’s positive reputation in that city as a result.
That afternoon, the National Assembly members traveled to the Southwest Bahá’í Institute for its formal dedication.
Among the 200 Bahá’ís and their guests who attended the dedication were Auxiliary Board member Ernest Bruss; members of the American Indian Teaching Committee, the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, and the Northern New Mexico District Teaching Committee; and two members of the National Teaching Committee.
The dedication took place in a newly constructed hogan on the Institute property.
Speeches were translated into the Navajo language for the benefit of the many Navajo Bahá’ís and their guests who were present.
NAVAJO elders were courteously addressed by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, after which soil from the Holy Land wrapped in a buckskin pouch was presented on behalf of the National Assembly to the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Project Committee.
Earlier, the soil had been placed in the pouch by members of the National Assembly as prayers were read. A gift of this kind has great significance in Indian culture.
Following the gathering of the friends and their guests, the National Spiritual Assembly met in the hogan with the members of the National Teaching Committee, American Indian Teaching Committee, and the District Teaching Committees.
The discussion centered on the future of the Institute. Several questions about the operation and functions of the Institute were presented, and the National Assembly responded to them.
Later, those who were at the Institute were served a dinner whose dessert was a large cake decorated with an icing version of the hogan and various Indian symbols.
The evening ended with the presentation of a video tape entitled “My Love Is My Stronghold,” produced in Alaska and featuring scenes from the second North American Bahá’í Native Council, held in the summer of 1980 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses elders and other guests in the hogan at the Southwest Bahá’í Institute.
This group photo was taken during dedication ceremonies September 18 at the Southwest Bahá’í Institute. All members of the National Spiritual Assembly attended the dedication.
During its September meeting in New Mexico, the National Spiritual Assembly met with the Spiritual Assembly of Gallup. Standing (left to right) are National Assembly members James Nelson, Dr. Daniel Jordan, Chester Kahn, Soo Fouts; Richard Birkey of Gallup; National Assembly members Dr. Wilma Brady, Dr. Magdalene Carney; Mary Trautmann of Gallup; National Assembly member Dr. Dwight Allen; Laurie Arsenault of Gallup; National Assembly member Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh; David Freeth of Gallup; National Assembly member Dorothy Nelson; David Trautmann of Gallup; and (seated left to right) Roan Stone and Jim Stone of Gallup.
Robert Pasca, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Babylon, New York, has had his fourth book of poetry, ‘Directions to My House,’ published. The 104-page book includes poetry written over a 19-year period, much of it dealing with Bahá’í concepts and the search for spiritual meaning. Mr. Pasca’s work has appeared in numerous literary magazines and newspapers, and one of the poems from this latest collection is to be published in the prestigious 1982 American Poetry Anthology.
Sierra Madre Bahá’ís ‘befriend’ with kebabs[edit]
As a part of “Operation Befriend,” Bahá’ís in Sierra Madre, California, sold fruit kebabs at the city’s Fourth of July parade and celebration.
Proceeds were given to the city to purchase playground equipment for city parks.
Four hundred forty-one fruit kebabs—consisting of watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe—were sold for 50 cents each.
[Page 18]
PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 19]
GREEN LAKE
980-plus attend 23rd Green Lake Conference[edit]
“Points of Light” was the theme of the 23rd annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference held September 17-19.
More than 980 Bahá’ís and their guests attended the three-day gathering whose speakers included Auxiliary Board members Khalil Khavari and Ronna Santoscoy.
ANOTHER special guest at the conference was Glenford E. Mitchell, former secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, who was making his final public appearance in this country before leaving for Haifa to assume his duties as the newest member of the Universal House of Justice.
Gayle Morrison of Kauai, Hawaii, author of To Move the World, the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, spoke on “The Lights of Oneness,” and Bruce Whitmore, secretary of the House of Worship Activities Committee and manager of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, gave an audiovisual presentation entitled “The Dawning Place of the Mention of God.”
In keeping with the conference theme, national Public Affairs Officer Parks Scott spoke about “Shedding New Light on the Situation.”
Thirteen optional workshops, each of which was presented twice Saturday afternoon, covered such topics as the Creative Word, racial prejudice, working with special media, a Bahá’í perspective on health and healing, energy and communications, public speaking, proclamation, teaching the Cause, Bahá’í Holy Days and family life, the Louhelen Bahá’í School, and pilgrimage.
As usual, a comprehensive and enjoyable program was planned for the 190 children at the conference with nine teachers and seven assistants (including four non-Bahá’í adults) in charge.
Mrs. Jo Welter of Madison served as children’s conference coordinator.
MUSIC at the conference was excellent with a number of artists lending their considerable talents. The conference theme, “Points of Light,” was written by Jerry Johnson of Shorewood, Wisconsin.
“The Light of Music” featured Persian and Arabic chanting by Shokouh Rezai-Davis accompanied by pianist Mark Ochu.
Other special presentations at the conference were made by the National Education Committee and the Louhelen School Council.
Workshop teachers included a psychologist, a law librarian, a physician, a nurse, an author, several professional teachers, representatives of the District Youth Committees of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, and members of the staff of the national Office of Public Affairs.
Children’s classes had the same over-all theme as the conference itself (“Points of Light”). Teachers discussed the meaning of that phrase as used by the Universal House of Justice and ways in which children can help make their communities stronger “points of light.”
Special presentations for the children included a magic show by Douglas Edwards of Roselle, Illinois; a musical program by Jerry Johnson; and a narrative and song about the family tree of the Holy Family by Kathleen Racki of Arcadia, Wisconsin.
Besides classroom activities that included arts and crafts, the older children went hiking while the younger ones went to a nearby playground.
Above: An outdoor workshop session at the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference taught by Auxiliary Board member Khalil Khavari. Below: A youngster identifies the word ‘Bahá’u’lláh’ during one of the lively and instructive children’s classes.
Glenford E. Mitchell, the newest member of the Universal House of Justice, is surprised by his ‘going away’ present at the Green Lake Conference—a briefcase!
Indonesian-born Bahá’í sculptor is profiled in newspaper article[edit]
A comprehensive article about sculptor Ahmad Osni Pelii, an Indonesian-born Bahá’í who now lives in Norwalk, Connecticut, appeared June 24 in the Norwalk News.
Besides reviewing Mr. Pelii’s distinguished career as a sculptor, the article mentions his personal philosophy as a Bahá’í and his interest in “the dynamic, harmonious unity of a work as a whole.”
Mr. Pelii received a Connecticut Commission on the Arts award in 1978, and an Artist-Craftsman of New York award in 1972.
He has had exhibitions at GE in Fairfield (1977), the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford (1978), Wesleyan University, Middletown (1979), and the New York Botanical Garden (1981) as well as others in the United Nations Gallery, New York (1967) and as far away as the Minneapolis International Art Exhibit (1972).
Mr. Pelii is a member of the International Association of Art, UNESCO, France, and the Sculptors Guild and Artist Equity, both of New York, and is listed in “Who’s Who in American Art” and “Who’s Who in Art,” published in Oxford, England.
Bahá’í is honored for ‘love, friendship’ in Salt Lake City[edit]
On August 14, Alice Kasai, a Bahá’í from Salt Lake City, Utah, was given the “key to international understanding” by Bruce Parry, Utah’s director of Indian affairs, during the first Intercultural Understanding Day at Saltair Beach.
In presenting the award, Mr. Parry said Ms. Kasai “exemplifies the spirit of love, friendship and understanding” needed when dealing with different cultures.
Ms. Kasai teaches English as a second language to Asian refugees in Utah.
Bahá’ís participate in ‘Target Seattle’ program[edit]
Bahá’ís in the greater Seattle, Washington, area participated September 24-October 2 in a nine-day symposium against nuclear war, “Target Seattle.”
An ad hoc committee from the Regional Media Team of Greater Seattle and the Teaching Committee of Seattle combined to produce a peace pamphlet with a “Wage Peace” button attached.
The pamphlets were given out October 1 to more than 2,000 people at two Information Fairs, and the following evening to some of the 30,000 who attended a “Target Seattle” rally in the Kingdome.
The Bahá’í Public Affairs Media Committee is continuing to follow up on contacts made during the symposium, and has planned a special meeting December 1 for leaders of thought.
The Bahá’í community of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, recently donated a copy of William Sears’ new book, A Cry from the Heart, to the Okmulgee Public Library. Pat Doan (center), the Okmulgee librarian, is shown receiving the book from Bahá’ís Cindy Robinson and Michael Jamir. This photo and an article about the presentation appeared on the front page of the Okmulgee Daily Times.
Study classes set[edit]
Bahá’ís in the Gulf Coast area of Mississippi are sponsoring a series of study classes on world religions from Sabeanism to the Bahá’í Faith at Phillips College in Gulfport, Mississippi.
The bi-weekly Friday evening classes, open to the public, began in October. Besides Sabeanism, the course will include a survey of Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.
BAHÁ’ÍS are needed to participate in the third annual Winter Teaching Project to be held December 18-January 2 in Southern New Mexico and West Texas. Especially needed are bi-lingual (Spanish-English) Bahá’ís. Please contact the Southern New Mexico/West Texas District Teaching Committee c/o Richard Gurinsky, ________ Alamogordo, NM 88310; phone 505-437-0173.
[Page 20]
PÁGINA HISPANA
Historia de constante persecución de los Bahá’ís[edit]
Es a primera vista difícil entender porqué los miembros de una minoría religiosa dedicada a la tolerancia, paz y hermandad universal puede ocasionar el odio de sus conciudadanos.
Las razones se encuentran no sólo en la historia sino también en la psicología de la sociedad persa. Después de más de un siglo de desconfianza y malentendimientos, la hostilidad hacia los bahá’ís ha quedado profundamente arraigada dentro de la conciencia nacional iraní.
LA FE Bahá’í tuvo sus comienzos en 1844, cuando un joven comerciante de Shiraz, más tarde conocido como el Báb, fundó una nueva religión.
Sus seguidores rechazaron la interpretación literal del Qur’án y mantuvieron que la religión del Báb era el cumplimiento de las profecías y que muy pronto un nuevo Mensajero de Dios aparecería sobre la Tierra, trayendo una nueva Ley e inaugurando una nueva era en la historia de la humanidad.
En Irán, durante el siglo XIX, cuando aún la noción de libertad religiosa no existía, las enseñanzas del Báb estaban llamadas a provocar una reacción violenta. Acusado de herejía, el Báb fue aprisionado por varios años y finalmente ejecutado en 1850.
La muerte del Báb no paró la diseminación de sus Enseñanzas ni disminuyó la fe de sus discípulos quienes se defendieron con gran valor contra los ataques unidos del clero y el gobierno.
Esto desató una campaña de exterminación en la cual más de 20.000 babíes perdieron sus vidas.
La crueldad de la represión, la indiscriminada masacre de mujeres y niños y las torturas infligidas a las masas de inocentes han sido elocuentemente descritas por participantes y por observadores (entre estos últimos, el notable diplomático y escritor francés Conde de Gobineau y el distinguido orientalista Profesor Edward G. Browne de la Universidad de Cambridge).
TRECE años después del martirio del Báb uno de sus primeros discípulos, el cual había sido exilado a Bagdad por el gobierno persa, se proclamó el mismo Ser Aquél cuyo advenimiento el Báb había precursado. El fue conocido como Bahá’u’lláh.
La mayor parte de los seguidores del Báb aceptaron la declaración de Bahá’u’lláh y se dieron a conocer como bahá’ís.
Las autoridades, ambas religiosas y seculares, mantuvieron a Bahá’u’lláh encerrado y en exilio hasta su muerte en 1892. Durante los cuarenta años de su cautiverio, Bahá’u’lláh produjo el vasto número de obras las cuales hoy día constituyen las escrituras de la religión que El fundara.
Las leyes y principios enunciados por Bahá’u’lláh, de acuerdo a los cuales los bahá’ís a través de todo el mundo viven, son brevemente descritas a continuación.
El clero musulmán en Irán, sintiéndose amenazado por las ideas que desafiaban su autoridad y poder, pidieron sin descanso la exterminación de los bahá’ís a los cuales caracterizaron como “herejes,” “peligrosos creadores de confusión.”
A MEDIDA que su número crecía los bahá’ís se convirtieron en un blanco cada vez más atractivo de los ataques demagógicos de aquellos que deseaban distraer la atención pública y crear desorden.
Dado a que los bahá’ís ponían énfasis en la educación y daban al trabajo un alto valor, ellos alcanzaron relativamente altos niveles de vida lo cual los convirtió en promisorios blancos para las persecuciones. Además la naturaleza tolerante y pacífica de los bahá’ís hacía posible el atacarlos sin temor a una represalia.
Los bahá’ís se tornaron rápidamente en las víctimas de la sociedad persa. En épocas de presión nacional, durante tiempos de escasez, revoluciones e invasiones, los bahá’ís podían ser acusados de las miserias por las cuales atravesaba la nación.
Si alguien no quería pagar una deuda, se podía acusar al acreedor de ser bahá’í. Si una epidemia arrasaba una provincia, se le echaba la culpa a la “magia” bahá’í.
Los ideales bahá’ís de unidad mundial podían ser dados vuelta para aparecer como falta de patriotismo. La aceptación bahá’í de la verdad inherente a todas las grandes religiones mundiales podía ser interpretada como traición al Islam.
CUANDO en 1896 el tirano Nasiri’d-Din Shah fue asesinado por un terrorista Pan-Islámico, los bahá’ís fueron inmediatamente acusados del hecho.
En la breve pero violenta persecución que siguió, muchos bahá’ís perdieron sus vidas. En 1903, más de cien bahá’ís fueron masacrados en Yazd. Atrocidades similares fueron perpetradas contra los bahá’ís en muchos otros pueblos y ciudades de Irán.
El motín revolucionario de 1906 precipitó nuevos ataques contra la comunidad bahá’í en todas partes del país, con particularmente sangrientos episodios en Sirján, Dughabad, Tabriz, Qom, Najafabad, Sangsar, Shahmirzad, Isfahán, Jahrom, Mashhad, Kermansháh y Hamadán.
A medida que el movimiento constitucional se desarrollaba, los bahá’ís fueron falsamente acusados por los reaccionarios de respaldar e inspirar la revolución.
Durante las caóticas condiciones de la Primera Guerra Mundial y de la posguerra, los bahá’ís sufrieron una vez más ataques en varias partes de Irán.
DURANTE los años 30, los ataques a los bahá’ís fueron menos numerosos y menos violentos, pero la presión contra ellos nunca fue dejada de lado.
Las escuelas bahá’ís fueron cerradas; se rehusó reconocimiento al matrimonio bahá’í; la literatura bahá’í fue prohibida; las reuniones de bahá’ís fueron prohibidas; los bahá’ís en servicio del gobierno fueron expulsados; enfermeras y doctores fueron despedidos de los hospitales; se les negó empleo a los maestros bahá’ís.
Algunos bahá’ís fueron asesinados. Esta situación continuó durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial y el período inmediato de posguerra.
En 1955 un ataque en gran escala contra la comunidad bahá’í fue iniciado durante Ramadan, el mes musulmán de ayuno.
En una de las principales mezquitas de Teherán, Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Falsafi, un sacerdote musulmán fanático y antiguo enemigo de la Fe Bahá’í, diariamente urgío a su congregación a levantarse contra la “falsa religión.” Los sermones inflamatorios de este sacerdote fueron transmitidos a través de todo el país por la radio del gobierno, con resultados inmediatos.
Viejas desconfianzas fueron revividas, y todas las invenciones posibles para desacreditar a una minoría religiosa fueron en ese momento dirigidas contra los bahá’ís.
EL 2 de mayo de 1955, la policía cerró las puertas del Centro Nacional Bahá’í en Teherán; Cinco días después, el edificio fue tomado por el ejército. El 17 de mayo, el Ministro del Interior proclamó en el Parlamento que la “secta bahá’í” había sido prohibida. Un informe de ese tiempo describe los hechos:
“Esto fue seguido por una orgía de asesinatos, violaciones, pillajes y destrucciones sin sentido como nunca había sido presenciada en tiempos modernos.
“La cúpula del Hazíratu’l-Quds (el Centro Nacional Bahá’í) en Teherán fue demolida; la Casa del Báb fue por dos veces profanada y dañada; la casa de los padres de Bahá’u’lláh en Takur fue ocupada; la casa del tío del Báb completamente demolida; tiendas y granjas fueron saqueadas, las cosechas quemadas, el ganado destruído, los cuerpos de bahá’ís desenterrados de los cementerios y mutilados; hogares invadidos, dañados y robados; adultos ultrajados y golpeados; mujeres jóvenes raptadas y obligadas a casarse con musulmanes; niños burlados, humillados, golpeados y expulsados de las escuelas; carniceros y panaderos dejaron de servir a pobres desventurados campesinos; niñas fueron violadas; familias enteras asesinadas; empleados de gobierno despedidos y toda forma de presión impuesta a los creyentes con el fin de obligarles a negar su fe.”
UNA campaña mundial de publicidad, expresiones de condolencia hacia los bahá’ís de prominentes personalidades de Europa, Asia y las Américas y finalmente la intervención de las Naciones Unidas, eventualmente trajo algún alivio a los bahá’ís.
De todas maneras tomó muchos años calmar las pasiones y volver a la normalidad. En los años siguientes y hasta la Revolución Islámica, los bahá’ís continuaron viviendo bajo presión en la forma impuesta por las circunstancias históricas y la intransigencia de la tradición religiosa en Irán.
El 9 de septiembre de 1981, la Subcomisión de las Naciones Unidas de Prevención de Discriminaciones y Protección a las Minorías, reunida en Ginebra, Suiza, adoptó su segunda resolución sobre el caso, expresando su “profunda preocupación” por la “situación peligrosa” que enfrentan los bahá’ís en Irán.
Por primera ves en la historia de la Fe, los bahá’ís fueron testigos el 25 de mayo de 1982 cuando el sub-comité de la Cámara sobre Derechos Humanos y Organizaciones Internacionales inició su consideración en Washington, D.C., de ejemplos específicos de persecución religiosa como violación de derechos humanos.
Al terminar la audiencia, el presidente del subcomité, el Republicano Bonker, dijo que dicho subcomité trabajaría en una resolución que se presentará al Comité de Asuntos Exteriores y al Congreso mismo.
Religioso musulmán y oficiales del ejercito participan en un ataque contra el Centro Nacional Bahá’í, Teherán, 1955.
Padre e hijo bahá’ís (izquierda) detenidos con otros bahá’ís, 1896 aproximadamente.
World NEWS[edit]
More than 90 residents of four tribal areas in Bihar State, India, accepted the Faith this year following the first phase of a teaching campaign directed by the State Teaching Committee and aided by Counsellor Shirin Boman.
Mrs. Boman visited members of the Aroan tribe whose headman had been contacted earlier. She found that the people were eager to meet the Bahá’ís and had many questions. The headman and members of his family embraced the Faith, as did other members of the tribe ...
In Nigeria, a new locality, Bama, has been opened to the Faith with the enrollment there of three secondary school teachers.
One of the new Bahá’ís is a teacher of religion who uses his class hours to teach his students the principles of progressive revelation and other Teachings of the Faith ...
Bahá’ís in Upper Volta were surprised and delighted last June 1 to see a documentary film on the Faith presented on the Voltaic National Television network.
The film, made by a French television network and distributed to some of the French-speaking countries in Africa, deals with the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, features Mrs. Christine Hakim Samandarí answering questions about her book, The Bahá’ís: Victory over Violence, and gives a general commentary about the Faith ...
After the International Summer School at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Counsellor Thelma Khelghati stayed for a week during which time she visited the mayor and presented a Bahá’í book, was interviewed for 15 minutes on radio as the “woman of the week,” and spoke for 15 minutes on television ...
The first meeting in the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent was held May 2 for delegates and guests at the Bahá’í National Convention of India.
The meeting, held in the Temple’s outer basement area, was a moving tribute to the memory of Ardeshir Rustampur, the donor of the Temple land ...
The photography of Effie Baker, the first woman Bahá’í of Australia, forms part of an exhibit entitled “Australian Women Photographers, 1890-1950” that is presently touring that country.
Miss Baker’s work is represented by four hand-colored silver prints of wildflowers that were loaned by the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia.
Miss Baker is described as a Bahá’í, and reference is made to her 1930 photographs of historic places of the Faith in Iran ...
Clubs[edit]
Continued From Page 6
Park; Kansas State U., Manhattan.
Kentucky (5). Eastern Kentucky U., Richmond; Kentucky State U., Frankfort; University of Louisville; University of Kentucky, Lexington; Berea College.
Louisiana (4). Louisiana State U., Baton Rouge; University of Southwest Louisiana, Lafayette; Southeastern U., Hammond; Tulane U., New Orleans.
Maine (2). University of Maine, Orono; University of Southern Maine, Gorham.
Maryland (3). Johns Hopkins U., Baltimore; Towson State U.; University of Maryland, College Park.
Massachusetts (11). Boston U.; Greenfield Community College; Harvard/Radcliffe Universities, Cambridge; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley; Northeastern U., Boston; Simmons College, Boston; Southeastern Massachusetts U., North Dartmouth; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Williams College, Williamstown; Worcester State College, Worcester.
Michigan (10). Delta College, Saginaw; Macomb Community College, South Campus; Central Michigan U., Mt. Pleasant; Eastern Michigan U., Ypsilanti; Michigan State U., East Lansing; Saginaw Valley College, University Center; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Wayne State U., Detroit; Western Michigan U., Kalamazoo; Macomb Community College, Center Campus.
Minnesota (7). Bemidji State U.; Mankato State U.; Moorhead State U.; St. Cloud State U.; University of Minnesota, Duluth; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Winona College.
Mississippi (2). Jackson State U.; Mississippi State U., Starkville.
Missouri (3). Northeast Missouri State U., Kirksville; Southwest Missouri State U., Springfield; University of Missouri, Columbia.
Montana (1). Northern Montana College, Havre.
Nebraska (4). Creighton U., Omaha; Kearney State College; University of Nebraska, Lincoln; University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Nevada (1). University of Nevada, Reno.
New Hampshire (1). University of New Hampshire, Durham.
New Jersey (3). Cook College at Rutgers U., New Brunswick; Princeton U.; William Paterson College, Montclair.
New Mexico (2). New Mexico State U., University Park; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
New York (16). C.W. Post College, Brookville; Cornell U., Ithaca; Columbia U., New York City; Fredonia State College; New York U., New York City; Pratt Institute, New York City; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Albany; SUNY, Albany; SUNY, Binghamton; SUNY, Buffalo; SUNY, New Paltz; SUNY, Old Westbury; SUNY, Oswego; SUNY, Purchase; SUNY, Stony Brook; University of Rochester.
North Carolina (7). Appalachian State U., Boone; Duke U., Durham; East Carolina U., Greenville; North Carolina State U., Raleigh; University of North Carolina, Asheville; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
North Dakota (2). North Dakota State U., Fargo; University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Ohio (7). Kent State U.; Bowling Green State U.; Ohio State U., Columbus; Ohio U., Athens; University of Akron; University of Toledo; Wright State U., Dayton.
Oklahoma (3). Central State U., Edmond; Oklahoma State U., Stillwater; University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Oregon (8). Mt. Hood Community College; Oregon State U., Corvallis; Pacific U., Portland; Portland State U.; Reed College, Portland; Southern Oregon State College, Ashland; University of Oregon, Eugene; Western States Chiropractic College, Portland.
Pennsylvania (6). Drexel U., Philadelphia; Pennsylvania State U., University Park; Swarthmore College; Temple U., Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; University of Pittsburgh.
Rhode Island (1). Rhode Island Community College, Cranston.
South Carolina (2). University of South Carolina, Columbia; Clemson U.
South Dakota (2). South Dakota State U., Sioux Falls; University of South Dakota, Vermillion.
Tennessee (4). East Tennessee State U., Morristown; Tennessee Technological U., Cookeville; University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Texas (16). Lamar U., Beaumont; North Texas State U., Denton; Sam Houston U., Huntsville; Southern Methodist U., Dallas; Southwest Texas State U., San Marcos; Tarrant County Jr. College, Fort Worth; Tarrant County Jr. College, Hurst; Texas A&M, College Station; Texas Southern U., Houston; Texas State Technological Institute, Waco; Texas Technological U., Lubbock; University of Houston; University of Texas, Austin; University of Texas, Dallas; West Texas State U., Canyon; Texas Women’s University, Denton.
Utah (3). Utah State U., Logan; University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Weber State U., Ogden.
Vermont (2). School for International Training, Brattleboro; University of Vermont, Burlington.
Virginia (5). George Mason U., Fairfax; Old Dominion U., Norfolk; University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Virginia Commonwealth U., Richmond; Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg.
Washington (5). Central Washington U., Ellensburg; Evergreen State U., Olympia; University of Washington, Seattle; Washington State U., Pullman; Western Washington U., Bellingham.
West Virginia (3). Marshall U., Huntington; West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery; West Virginia U., Morgantown.
Wisconsin (7). Marquette U., Milwaukee; University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire; University of Wisconsin, Green Bay; University of Wisconsin, Madison; University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh; University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.
Wyoming (1). University of Wyoming, Laramie.
About 125 people attended a Race Unity Day program in Norwich, Vermont, that featured a performance by the musical duo ‘Wind and Thunder’—Bill Cole (left) on reeds and Farel Johnson on percussion. Besides the hour-long presentation of music from five continents, selections from the Bahá’í Writings on the oneness of mankind were read by Bahá’ís Emeka Nwadiora of Nigeria and Stephen Brandon. The event was sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Norwich.
A Cry From the Heart
William Sears
powerful and frank book about the
religious persecution of
Bahá’ís in Iran
- ■ Order your copies now
- ■ Plan for community-wide use
paper edition now available
Catalog No. 332-087
$2.50*
Order through your local librarian or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Los Angeles Assembly meets with Board members, assistants[edit]
On July 25, the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, California, met with two members of the Auxiliary Board, their assistants, and nine of the Assembly’s major committees.
The Auxiliary Board members present were Joyce Dahl and Anthony Lease.
Also attending were Mrs. Dahl’s assistants, Mrs. Sheila Banani and Mrs. Gry Kvalheim, and Mr. Lease’s assistants, Mrs. Shirley Macias and Chogollah Maroufikhah.
The fact-finding session was conducted by the chairman of the Los Angeles Assembly, Anthony Lee.
The Assembly secretary, Saeid Khadivian, gave reports on the current membership of each of the committees and their mandates.
On June 12, the Bahá’í community of Wilmington, Delaware, assisted by the Bahá’ís of New Castle County and Newark, Delaware, sponsored its second Race Unity Day Festival at Wilmington’s Market Street Mall. More than 1,000 people came to sample Irish soda bread, Jamaican goat stew, Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cakes, to listen to traditional African music, and to laugh at the antics of ‘Bud’ in the Touchstone Mime Company’s presentation of ‘Peace Train.’ In addition to the Bahá’ís, the black, East Indian and Welsh ethnic groups in Wilmington are represented on the festival’s steering committee. Shown here on the mall is a tepee erected by the Nanticoke and Lenni Lenape Indians of New Jersey who danced the ‘shawl dance’ and invited the audience to join them in their ‘friendship circle’ dance.
Bahá’ís in Portland, Maine, present play as ‘gift’ to that city[edit]
As its gift to the city of Portland, Maine, on the occasion of its 350th anniversary, the Bahá’ís of Portland offered a free public dramatization of the children’s book The Secret in the Garden by Winifred Barnum Newman.
About 125 people attended the performance, which was held May 1 in the Portland Public Library auditorium.
In addition to presenting the play, the Bahá’ís gave a copy of the book and a tape recording to the children’s room at the library.
The “old woman” in the play was portrayed with radiant gentleness by Grace DeCarlton Ross, a 92-year-old Bahá’í who is a well-known local dancer who still gives dance workshops.
The “little girl” was played by Badieh Reardon, and the rest of the cast was composed of a racially and ethnically diverse group of Bahá’ís from the Portland area.
Pictured during a dress rehearsal of the dramatization in Portland, Maine, of the Bahá’í children’s book, The Secret in the Garden, are (standing left to right) Larry Benner, Elizabeth Frey, Badieh Reardon, Robin Doak and Grace DeCarlton Ross. Kneeling in front are ‘flowers’ (left to right) Carter Smith, Stacey KamLosy and Anisa Woodsum.
The Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney responds to questions from the audience during his visit August 22 to Falls Church, Virginia, where he addressed Bahá’ís from the Washington, D.C., area. Shirley Grammer (right), who chaired the meeting, hands the questions to Mr. Haney during an intermission. At the left is Gita External, a member of the Bahá’í community of Fairfax County East, who translated Mr. Haney’s remarks into Farsí. Mr. Haney spoke about the International Conference in Quito, Ecuador; developments at the World Centre; and the Greatest Holy Leaf.
Bedrock[edit]
Continued From Page 5
In the early days of the Faith in this country, this task, and much of the teaching itself, was accomplished by the expenditure of considerable amounts of money for the continuous support of traveling teachers.
IN FACT, Shoghi Effendi noted this as the “chief obligation” of the National Fund at that time.
Today the support of traveling teachers is still an important task of the Fund, although it is now confined primarily to the printing and distribution of teaching aids since most expenses are absorbed by the teachers themselves.
Some specific areas in which the National Fund supports the teaching work are listed here:
• Materials are developed and printed to educate and inspire the individual believers about the importance of teaching to their own spiritual lives. This helps to stimulate those individual initiatives that are indispensable to the progress of the Cause. The printing of manuals for traveling teachers and homefront pioneers, as well as the monthly Feast newsletter on teaching, cost about $5,000 a year.
• The telephone is a vital link between the National Center and the community. It is in almost constant use as the National Teaching Committee staff responds to the needs of Assemblies and contacts those that are in jeopardy with offers of help. Last year approximately $15,000 was spent on teaching-related telephone calls.
• About 100 inquiries about the Faith are received each month at the national office from seekers. Several pamphlets are mailed in response to each request, and if a strong interest in the Faith is indicated a small book also is enclosed. Nearly $1,000 worth of literature is distributed this way each year.
• The 90 District Teaching Committees in the U.S. are trained and supported with an annual budget of $24,000. These committees plan, organize, implement and evaluate many teaching activities throughout their districts.
• A minority teaching committee is working to help believers develop avenues of approach to various ethnic groups. At the present time an educational filmstrip is being developed on how to approach the Hispanic, Asian and Gypsy populations.
• Nurturing new believers into active participation in Bahá’í life is an important aspect of the teaching work. In South Carolina, where thousands embraced the Faith in the 1970s, the Louis Gregory Institute has been established to accomplish this objective. The operation of the Institute and support of the work of the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee requires approximately $125,000 per year.
• In all, the many teaching activities that rely on the National Fund for support will require $400,000 in contributions this year.
THOSE who yearn to travel and teach the Faith, but who are not able to do so at this time, should recognize that they can do much to help accomplish the teaching work through their regular contributions to the National Fund.
Hájí Mírzá Haydar-‘Alí, a prominent Bahá’í teacher who devoted his life to such activity, attributed his ability to teach to the gifts of the other friends. In his book, Stories from the Delight of Hearts, he wrote:
“All that I have comes from the Cause of God. The believers respected me as a teacher, but I did not deserve such respect. They were all the true teachers of the Faith. They would face the problems of the world to earn a living, and then spend their earnings on those like me who could travel and teach.”
The beloved Guardian clearly linked the spread of the teaching work to support of the Fund in his appeal to the friends during the early part of the Ten Year Crusade—an appeal that is no less significant for us today:
“It is therefore imperative for the individual American believer, and particularly for the affluent, the independent, the comfort-loving and those obsessed by material pursuits, to step forward, and dedicate their resources, their time, their very lives to a Cause of such transcendence that no human eye can even dimly perceive its glory.
“Let them resolve, instantly and unhesitatingly, to place, each according to his circumstances, his share on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice, lest, on a sudden, unforeseen calamities rob them of a considerable portion of the earthly things they have amassed.
“Now if ever is the time to tread the path which the dawn-breakers of a previous age have so magnificently trodden. Now is the time to carry out, in the spirit and in the letter, the fervent wish so pathetically voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who longed, as attested in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, to ‘travel on foot and in the utmost poverty’ and raise ‘in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans ... the call of Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá!’ ”
Ten years ago[edit]
in The American Bahá’í
About 800 people attend the dedication and formal opening of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.
Speakers at the ceremony include Counsellors Florence Mayberry and Edna M. True and members of the National Spiritual Assembly as well as Harold Jackson, the recently appointed dean of the institute.
The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears sends a special message of love to the friends who are gathered for the dedication of an institute named in honor of Louis Gregory, a native of South Carolina whose many years of distinguished service to the Cause earned him the posthumous designation of Hand of the Cause of God.
Members of the National Teaching Committee travel to Ganado, Arizona, to meet with members of the Western Regional Indian Committee, the Northern Arizona District Teaching Committee, and the Spiritual Assembly of Ganado.
A focal point of the meeting is a message from the Universal House of Justice to a Bahá’í unity conference that was held June 2-4 at that same location ...
The Jewish Teaching Committee announces plans to hold regional conferences in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami.
The Jewish Teaching Committee was appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly in response to recommendations by delegates to the 1971 Bahá’í National Convention ...
The Arkansas District Teaching Committee reports that recent efforts to publicize the Faith in that state have resulted in more coverage in one 12-week period than in the 30 years since the establishment of the Faith in Arkansas.
The campaign centers around the Arkansas Bahá’í Information Service which supplies news releases of statewide interest to every paper in Arkansas ...
More than 400 Bahá’í pamphlets are distributed during a week-long August proclamation effort in Pleasant Hill, California, that is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Walnut Creek ...
David Kellum, a Bahá’í from Chicago who originated that city’s annual Bud Billiken Day parade and picnic, is honored September 24 at a luncheon sponsored by a scholarship fund for the benefit of Benedict College in South Carolina ...
Goodall[edit]
Continued From Page 4
would come to the door of their room each day to invite them to have lunch with Him.
Following the death of her husband in 1909, Mrs. Goodall moved to San Francisco but continued to use her home in Oakland for Bahá’í meetings.
She was one of the earliest members of the Bahá’í community in San Francisco and helped establish that city’s first Spiritual Assembly in 1910.
AS EARLY as 1903 the Master had given the two women His support in their efforts toward the construction of a House of Worship in America, and Mrs. Goodall served for a number of years as a member of the Bahá’í Temple Unity.
When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in Washington, D.C., in 1912, Mrs. Goodall and her daughter were among the friends who greeted Him.
Staying in the same hotel as the Master, they often were able to be with Him privately. They saw ‘Abdu’l-Bahá again in Chicago, New York City and California.
The Master stayed in a house in San Francisco that Mrs. Goodall had rented for Him and the Persian friends who accompanied Him.
During His stay in California ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke on three occasions in Mrs. Goodall’s home in Oakland.
ON OCTOBER 18 Mrs. Goodall drove the Master to the train depot for His trip to Los Angeles to visit the grave of Thornton Chase, the first Bahá’í in the U.S.
She hadn’t expected to make the trip herself, and had brought nothing for traveling, but ‘Abdu’l-Bahá insisted that she accompany Him, so she traveled with Him to Los Angeles.
During the next few years Mrs. Goodall visited Bahá’í Groups and new Assemblies on the Pacific Coast, speaking to them about the meaning of the Covenant and drawing upon the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in speaking of His station.
In 1914 she and her daughter were among a group of five believers selected by the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco to serve on an executive committee to organize an International Bahá’í Congress to take place during San Francisco’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
In 1916 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent the first five of the Tablets that are now known as the Tablets of the Divine Plan to the American Bahá’í community.
MRS. GOODALL received the Tablet to the Western states. She sent copies to the Assemblies in that area and urged the editors of Star of the West to publish it without delay.
In 1920 Mrs. Goodall and her daughter again received permission from the Master to visit the Holy Land.
Although she was by now quite frail, the joy of being able to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá again gave Mrs. Goodall the strength to make the arduous journey. During that pilgrimage she recovered some of her former strength.
It was not long after their return to the U.S. that word was received of the Master’s passing, and Mrs. Goodall gradually became weaker. On February 19, 1922, less than three months after His Ascension, she passed away.
|
Bahá’í National Center Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday—Friday Phone 312-869-9039 |
In God Passes By the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, mentions Mrs. Goodall as being among those who “ ...stand out as the most prominent among those who, in those early years, awakened to the call of the New Day, and consecrated their lives to the service of the newly proclaimed Covenant.”
Shown with members of the International Goals Committee staff are the 27 people who attended the Pioneer Training Institute held September 23-26 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette. Speakers included Glenford E. Mitchell, the newest member of the Universal House of Justice; the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem; and Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem. Participants were making plans to pioneer to Sri Lanka, Mexico, Macau, Honduras, Korea, Taiwan, Finland, Australasia, Ecuador, Belgium, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Central and South America. Also attending were a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, a Persian family who are pioneering in the Arabian peninsula, and International Goals Committee members Farhang and Kathleen Javid.
Communities in Lehigh Valley present Gregory Award at ‘Rainbow Festival’[edit]
Nearly 125 people gathered July 25 at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania for a “Rainbow Festival” sponsored by the Bahá’í communities of the Lehigh Valley.
The highlight of the event was the presentation to Ms. Rosalee George, coordinator of the Allentown School District’s bilingual program that helps to fund the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, of the Louis G. Gregory Award for the advancement of racial and cultural unity.
Honorable mention awards were given to Thui Le, who works with Vietnamese refugees in Allentown; Jane Harrington, a founder and staff member of the Allentown Area Literacy Council; and Willie Howard, a former worker with the South East Neighborhood Center who now holds boxing and wrestling clinics for young people.
The keynote speaker was Frank Kinder, a Bahá’í from Philadelphia who is a former administrator for that city’s office of housing and community development.
Pacific[edit]
Continued From Page 9
that day a young man came on a motor bike, looking for water. He was invited in and told them of Bahá’u’lláh. They accepted the Faith shortly afterward, along with their entire family.
“That evening there was a Feast at the National Center where I was lovingly greeted by many smiling faces, and gave a talk which was translated.
“I told them that my experience was a miracle, and that if I could be there in the middle of the South Pacific giving a Bahá’í talk, anyone could do anything!
“And it’s true. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this could happen.”
UN[edit]
Continued From Page 17
available to him through the Bahá’í UN offices, and, as an official UN intern, will have access to all open UN meetings and deliberations.
The 20-year-old student hopes to pursue a career in the field of international law and international organization.
Of his upcoming UN experience Brian says, “I’m very excited about this opportunity, because it allows me to add a Bahá’í perspective to my studies.”
Brian is from Virginia where his father, Dr. David Lepard, and sister Julie, 17, also live.
At Princeton he has participated in a number of activities including the Princeton Bahá’í Club, the University Orchestra, and the campus radio station.
He recently returned from a summer in France where he researched a senior thesis, worked as an intern for the French Senate, and worked for two months for a French business firm.
Vanguard[edit]
Continued From Page 14
to write: “Your recounting of your experiences pursuing your teaching commitment convey a warmth and enthusiasm, and a feeling of great value to the teaching effort ...All of this should provide inspiration and guidance for every Bahá’í who reads the book.”
To order Youth in the Vanguard please see the ordering instructions on page 14 or 15.
In Memoriam[edit]
- James Abraham
- Florence, SC
- 1980
- Mrs. Maghbouleh Ashraf
- San Diego, CA
- February 19, 1982
- Miss Marcy Banks
- Mounds, IL
- Date Unknown
- Miss Robin Dupre
- Hallandale, FL
- September 1982
- Charles Faraone
- St. Louis, MO
- September 5, 1982
- Mrs. Vida Grassie
- Grand Rapids, MI
- July 19, 1982
- Mrs. Bertha Henreid
- Tacoma, WA
- August 30, 1982
- Lawrence Jackson
- Norwalk, CA
- September 3, 1982
- Mrs. Alice Kelley
- Moncks Corner, SC
- 1982
- Willie Lee
- Cairo, IL
- 1981
- Thomas Lee
- Houck, AZ
- Date Unknown
- Dr. Alice Loomis
- Lincoln, NE
- September 23, 1982
- Mrs. Adrienne Louberge
- Fond du Lac, WI
- September 19, 1982
- Miss Pauline Meeks
- Cairo, IL
- Date Unknown
- Cannes H. Pettit
- Bucyrus, OH
- August 27, 1982
- Miss Betty Robinson
- Monroe, LA
- Date Unknown
- Leonard Schmahl
- Flagstaff, AZ
- November 8, 1981
- Miss Itlean Shaw
- Raleigh, NC
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Winifred Stevenson
- Pueblo, CO
- September 23, 1982
- Mrs. Anne Stokely
- Stone Mountain, GA
- May 1982
- Mrs. Bernice Whelchel
- Clearwater, FL
- September 13, 1982
[Page 24]
Outdoor square dancing led by T. Auxier (left), a non-Bahá’í from Frankfort, Kentucky, was a popular part of the evening program at the third annual Kentucky Bahá’í Institute at Centre College in Danville.
Third Kentucky Bahá’í Institute held at Danville’s Centre College[edit]
More than 125 Bahá’ís and their guests from 13 states, Canada and Mexico participated July 8-11 in the third annual Kentucky Bahá’í Institute at Centre College in Danville, in the lovely rolling hills of the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Learning Living Sacrifice.” The program centered around presentations by five speakers, each of which was followed by a question-and-answer session.
ONE of the sessions featured an audio-visual presentation on the martyrdoms in Iran by Douglas Martin, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.
It was followed by a talk by Dr. Jane Faily who also is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.
The session was attended by a reporter from a local newspaper who subsequently wrote a favorable and factual article about the Faith and the Iranian martyrdoms that appeared on the front page of the next day’s edition.
The programs for youth, children and pre-schoolers were highlighted by visits from the guest speakers.
The children also worked with the “New Garden Puppet Theater,” operated by the Wilson family of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in making their own puppets and producing their own puppet show.
The youth presented a play, “The Generic Fireside.” Both were performed during an evening program of entertainment.
Two popular features of the institute in years past were repeated: a performance by the “New Garden Puppet Theater” and a workshop for single Bahá’ís, moderated this year by Dr. Faily.
The workshop provided an opportunity for single Bahá’ís to become better acquainted with one another and to share their experiences, ideas and feelings about life as a single Bahá’í.
Letters[edit]
Continued From Page 3
eyes our growth over the years.
• Numerous fair booth staffers—who never see the fruits of their efforts—who have encouraged thought, questions, phone calls and earnest search.
• The dedicated isolated believer whose “meager” act of placing a Bahá’í book in a local library sent a seeker of many years running to learn more about “what I’ve been looking for all these years.”
• The patient family member whose quiet efforts over the years finally caused her resistant daughter’s curiosity to get the best of her.
• The couple in North Dakota whose example of “living the life”—even unaware and at a distance—first attracted our hearts.
• And especially the heroic friends in Iran, whose sacrifices and blood have inspired a growing momentum and provided endless opportunities for us to proclaim the Greatest Name and familiarize many people with His teachings.
Obviously, we could go on and on, as could any of you. The point is to take to heart that those seeds we sow on seemingly desolate ground often do take root and grow, and to remember and appreciate the sometimes plodding and thankless work of the sowers when we have the joy and bounty of cultivating the plants and gathering the harvest.
Leeward Islands
To the Editor:
I am a 19-year-old student at Cal State University in Long Beach. Last May I won a scholarship to go overseas through a foreign exchange program.
I went to Finland for eight weeks, staying with a host-family while there, and also visited Leningrad, Russia, for four days.
THOSE four days changed my life. I learned what it is like to live without freedom.
Leningrad is beautiful—the loveliest cathedrals in the world are there. The Czar’s winter palace (now a museum) is exquisite. But all this means nothing when one sees lines of people waiting to buy bread or milk—or when one sees lines of people waiting to get a drink of water from a pay machine for which there are only four cups from which to drink.
The people are packed in buses like sardines and read their newspapers from a board posted for public view. The apartments and flats people live in are considered elite if they have a refrigerator.
At the Russian border everyone had to leave his Bible, magazines, books and other printed items.
I had to leave my Bahá’í prayer book that I’ve had since childhood and that has been everywhere with me including Haifa and the rest of the Holy Land.
WHILE we were there (I was with 24 other American students) we loved the beauty of the city, but fear was always with us with soldiers and military vehicles everywhere. The government was very much in control of the people, and this was very new to us.
What moved me most was the Russian people. They are the sweetest and most beautiful people I’ve ever met. Often we would go to our hotel rooms and find some of our new Russian friends with gifts for us and a loving message to the American people.
The great relief when we crossed the Russian border into Finland and the happiness of seeing my most precious prayer book again are feelings that will remain with me forever.
I just wanted to share this with the Bahá’í friends, and especially the youth, to encourage them to appreciate their life in America and to teach the Faith without hesitation while they have the freedom to do it.
Anaheim, California
Jordan[edit]
Continued From Page 1
know, Dr. Jordan was in New York on professional business unrelated to his duties with the Faith.
“We are not aware that he contacted any Bahá’ís on this trip,” said Dr. Kazemzadeh, “and we have no evidence to suggest that this tragedy was in any way related to Dr. Jordan’s Bahá’í activities.”
Funeral services for Dr. Jordan, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly since 1963, were held October 23 in Stamford.
Dr. Jordan, the first American ever to receive a Rhodes Scholarship in music, was born June 2, 1932, in Alliance, Nebraska. He earned degrees in music from the University of Wyoming and Oxford University in England, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in human development from the University of Chicago.
BEFORE assuming his post at National University, he served as professor of education and director of the Center for the Study of Human Potential at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
Dr. Jordan was the founder and director of the American National Institute for Social Advancement (ANISA), a comprehensive model of education organized around a philosophical base that is designed to help develop the human capacity to learn, act and communicate.
An author and editor of numerous articles, books and pamphlets on education and human development, he had lectured widely and appeared on more than 200 radio and television programs.
Dr. Jordan served as an educational consultant to a number of institutions of higher education including the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. State Department, and administered many governmental grant programs in education.
He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Educational Research Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the American Psychological Association.
As outstanding as were his professional accomplishments, Dr. Jordan is most fondly remembered by Bahá’ís for his warm and outgoing manner, his keen sense of humor, and his remarkable musical talents.
Besides his wife, Dr. Jordan is survived by three daughters: Melissa, age 18; Sara, 15; and Charlotte, 5.
Table Of Contents
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1.1 Teaching Committee develops traveling teacher corps
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2.2 Dr. Daniel Jordan found slain in Connecticut
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3.3 U.S. House passes anti-Iran resolution
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4.4 National Fund deficit reaches $800,000 mark
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5.5 Adversity a challenge to move forward
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6.6 Two-page article in Maine newspaper recounts Dr. Cobb’s service to Cause
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7.7 Louis Gregory: Portrait of devotion and service
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8.8 Let’s be clear about meetings ‘for Bahá’ís only’
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9.9 Comment
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10.10 House resolution condemns Iran persecutions
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11.11 Tutoring proclaims Faith in Jackson, Mississippi
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12.12 W. Chicago Bahá’ís participate in city’s ‘Railroad Day’ fest
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13.13 Fund
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14.14 Chicago conference designed for general public
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15.15 Fund used to support Faith’s teaching work
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16.16 More than 140 at Green Acre youth conference
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17.17 257 College Clubs now a part of growing Youth Network
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18.18 Orlando site of next Regional Youth Conference
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19.19 <i>California youth listed in</i> Who’s Who <i>for high schools</i>
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20.20 College Clubs ‘move out’ to proclaim Faith
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21.21 Holidays offer great chances for teaching
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22.22 Homefront pioneers needed to help win Youth Plan goal
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23.23 <i>the Champion Builders</i>
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24.24 Montana sees Rocky Mountain media gathering
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25.25 2 regional media conferences set in December
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26.26 New TV spot, Seals & Crofts radio program now available
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27.27 Deputization Fund helps pioneers
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28.28 3rd annual Missouri Institute draws 150 Bahá’ís and guests
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29.29 Teacher training institute scheduled at Louhelen School
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30.30 Bosch to include sessions for general public
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31.31 Louhelen slates Thanksgiving weekend Race Unity conference
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32.32 Big ?s answered in ‘Child’s Way’
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33.33 16 LEAP coordinators at Wilmette conference
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34.34 Bahá’í Studies winter session set at Bosch
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35.35 House of Justice sets guidelines for children’s proper behavior
- 36.36 Louhelen sets special youth session
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37.38 The homefront pioneer
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38.39 More than 40 Laotians at weekend deepening
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39.40 Teachers
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39.1.41 New catalog price
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39.1.41 New catalog price
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40.42 Make plans now for 74th National Convention
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41.43 Robert Wilson named new secretary for Teaching Committee
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42.44 Haitian teaching quickens in Florida
- 43.45 Ojibway Reservation site of 3rd Grand Portage Native Institute
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44.47 Teaching Committee seeks names
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44.1.48 <b>Let us hear from you!</b>
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44.1.48 <b>Let us hear from you!</b>
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45.49 ‘Some answered questions’ about new edition of Bahá’í prayer book
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45.1.50 <b>How to order</b>
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45.1.50 <b>How to order</b>
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46.51 White dove signals new issue of <i>Varqá</i> children’s magazine
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47.52 Vanguard <i>elicits warm response from Bahá’í, non-Bahá’í readers</i>
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48.53 Author Gayle Morrison visits U.S., Canada
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49.54 Other titles distributed by Trust
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50.55 Guardian’s work offers blueprint for racial unity
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51.56 Baby Book makes lovely, practical gift
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51.1.57 <b>How to order</b>
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51.1.57 <b>How to order</b>
- 52.58 Southern Illinois Bahá’ís have ‘day’ at Wilmette Temple
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53.62 At the UNITED NATIONS
- 54.63 National Assembly at S.W. Institute dedication
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55.65 980-plus attend 23rd Green Lake Conference
- 56.66 Indonesian-born Bahá’í sculptor is profiled in newspaper article
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57.68 Bahá’ís participate in ‘Target Seattle’ program
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57.1.69 Study classes set
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57.1.69 Study classes set
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58.70 Historia de constante persecución de los Bahá’ís
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59.71 <i>World</i> NEWS
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60.72 Clubs
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61.73 Los Angeles Assembly meets with Board members, assistants
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62.74 Bahá’ís in Portland, Maine, present play as ‘gift’ to that city
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63.75 Bedrock
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64.76 <i>Ten years ago</i>
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65.77 Goodall
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66.78 Communities in Lehigh Valley present Gregory Award at ‘Rainbow Festival’
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67.79 Pacific
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68.80 UN
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69.81 Vanguard
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70.82 In Memoriam
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70.1.83 Third Kentucky Bahá’í Institute held at Danville’s Centre College
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70.2.84 Letters
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70.3.85 Jordan
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70.1.83 Third Kentucky Bahá’í Institute held at Danville’s Centre College