The American Bahá’í/Volume 13/Issue 12/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í
December, 1982

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

December 1982

The

American

Baha'i

House of Justice appeals for help for Persian Relief Fund

To all National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Baha’i Friends,

On January 12, 1979, all National Spiritual Assemblies were informed that the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran had instituted a special fund for the relief of the needy and suffering from among the believers in that country. The Universal House of Justice contributed $135,000 to that fund, which is now being administered on behalf of that body from the World

Centre.

AT THAT TIME the House of Justice called upon the friends throughout the world ‘‘to offer their substance . . . to help their tormented brethren in the Cradle of the Faith.” The response to this appeal was overwhelming, and from the generous outpouring of funds from the friends all over the world hundreds of our Persian coworkers have been assisted.

Since oppressive measures against the

Faith have intensified over the years, the number of Persian Baha’is who are in need of temporary assistance has correspondingly increased, and the Persian Relief Fund balance is now perilously low. The Universal House of Justice deems it necessary to again inform the believers throughout the world of the urgent need to replenish this Fund. This letter is sent with the assurance that the spirit of self-sacrifice will once again be manifested in resolving this grave

problem.

The House of Justice implores the dear friends the world over to continue their prayers on behalf of our oppressed brethren in Iran that their suffering will come to an end and they will once again be free to practice their Faith.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat September 26, 1982

‘New’ Louhelen School has a

grand reopening

Nearly 1,000 Baha'is from the Midwest and other areas of the country were present October 29-31 at the long-awaited opening of the newly reconstructed Louhelen Baha’ School near Davison, Michigan.

Among those attending the gala celebration were the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly who held their regular meeting that weekend at the Louhelen school.

ALSO meeting at Louhelen were the National Teaching, National Education and Persian Affairs Committees.

The inaugural celebration included a Friday evening banquet that was attended by some 480 Baha’is including several whose memories of Louhelen stretched back to the early 1930s when the “Louhelen Ranch’’ was converted by its owners, Lou and Helen Eggleston, to a Bahá’í school that they hoped would one day become the standard by which all such

days of the Louhelen Baha’i School were Mrs. Florence Mattoon Zmeskal of Toledo, Ohio, and Mrs. Sylvia Paine Parmelee of Wilmette, Illinois.

About 700 were present for the Sunday program that included the official ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by Dr. Geoffry W. Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs, and Dr. William Diehl, director of administrative affairs.

Among the speakers Sunday afternoon were Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National

> Spiritual Assembly, and the Na tional Assembly’s assistant secretary, Dr. Magdalene M. Carney.

THE WEEKEND’S events began Friday morning with a tour of the new facilities, followed that

Dr. William Diehl (top left), director of administrative affairs, and Dr. Geoffry Marks, director of

academic affaii oversee the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony during the grand opening

Situation worsens for Baha’is in Iran; three more believers are martyred, many others lose jobs, possessions

CRUEL SYSTEMATIC OPPRESSION LONG-SUFFER) IRANIAN FRIENDS HAS REACHED NEW LEVEL IN’

VATE PROPERTIES UNABATED. ANDS THROWN ON MERCY RE SCHOOLS CLOSED TO INCREA: FRESH BLOOD WANTONLY SPILLED AFTER LULL EXECUTIONS.

WITH HEAVY HEARTS ANNOUN( ENTHUSIASTIC ACTIVE B , HA <D SHIRAZ 16 NOVEMBER. RE! iT EVIDENCE CONFIRMS MARTYRDOM SOME TIME AGO OF TWO STEADFAST UPHOLDERS CAUSE: YADULLAH SIPIHR-ARFA EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD TEHERAN. MANUCHIHR VAFA’I MURDERED IN HIS HOME TEHERAN BY UNKNOWN ASSAILANT WHO ATTACHED NOTE TO BODY GIVING AS REASON FOR DASTARDLY DEED INNOCENT VICTIM’S BAHA'I BELIEF.

KINDLY INFORM AUTHORITIES MEDIA LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.

- HABIBULLAH AWSI,

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 18, 1982

Photo by Michael LaFramboise celebration October 29-31 of the newly reconstructed Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan.

schools are measured. afternoon with a program whose

theme was ‘‘The Hand of the

Sharing at the banquet their dePlease See LOUHELEN Page 4

lightful reminiscences of the early

Gregory Institute marks its 10th year

By DAVID E. OGRON

One hundred eighty-five people including 19 youth and 24 children attended a gala ‘‘Homecoming Conference’’ in Florence, South Carolina, October 22-24 that was held in connection with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute near Hemingway.

Participants came from eight states stretching from Maine to Florida and from the District of Columbia.

DR. FIRUZ Kazemza retary of the National S Assembly, addressed the approximately 160 people who gathered at the Gregory Institute on Sunday for the anniversary celebration that followed the Homecoming Conference.

Speakers at the Homecoming, which was held at the National Guard Armory in Florence, included Auxiliary Board members Albert James, Elizabeth Martin and Nat Rutstein; Dr, Alberta

mittee; and Gail Curwin of the Regional Teaching Committee.

See GREGORY Page 11

MY

Deas, director of the Gregory Institute and secretary of the South

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses the audience at the

10th anniversary observance October 24 for the Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute.

[Page 2]VIEWPOINT

The American Baha'i

Feast letter

Youth play big role in advancing Cause

To the American Baha’i Community For the Feast of Masa’ il

Dear Bahd’{ Friends:

From its inception, the Baha’i Faith has attracted the youth. The Bab was 25 when He declared His mission. Quddús was 22 when he recognized the Bab and completed the exalted band of the Letters of the Living.

Among the early heroes of the Faith were teenagers such as Badi’ and children such as Ruhu’llah Varga.

THE YOUTH have taught the Faith, spread the Teachings, served on its institutions, defended its ideals, and made uncounted sacrifices to its growth. Their energy, strength, enthusiasm and endurance have always been precious assets of the Baha’i community.

Today, as we mobilize our spiritual and material resources to win the goals of the Seven Year Plan, our thoughts turn to the Baha’i youth who have contributed a mighty share to the success of earlier Plans and who will, no doubt, contribute greatly to the success of this one.

It was during the first Seven Year Plan that Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Cause of God, addressed to the Baha’i youth words that are as fresh and relevant now as they were in 1938.

We are confident that in time the youth will find keys that will unlock the doors to new triumphs in the service of the Cause of Baha’u’llah.

“To the Bahá’í youth of America, moreover, I feel a word should be addressed in particular, as I survey the possibilities which a campaign of such gigantic proportions has to offer to the eager and enterprising spirit that so powerfully animates them in the service of the Cause of Bahd'u’lláh.

“Though lacking in experience and faced with insufficient resources, yet the adventurous spirit which they possess, and the vigor, the alertness, and optimism they have thus far so consistently shown, qualify them to play an active part in arousing the interest, and in securing the allegiance, of their fellow youth in those countries.

“NO GREATER demonstration can be given to the peoples of both continents of the youthful vitality and the vibrant power animating the life, and the institutions of the nascent Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, than an intelligent, persistent, and effective participation of the Bahá’í youth, of every race, nationality, and class, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahd’( activity.

“Through such participation the critics and enemies of the Faith, watching with varying degrees of skepticism and resentment, the evolutionary processes of the Cause of God and its institutions, can best be convinced of the indubitable truth that such a Cause is intensely alive, is sound to its very core, and its destinies in safe keeping.

“T hope, and indeed pray, that such a participation may not only redound to the glory, the power, and the prestige of the Faith, but may also react so powerfully on the spiritual lives, and galvanize to such an extent the energies of the youthful members of the Bahd’{ community, as to empower them to display, in a fuller measure, their inherent capacities, and to unfold a further stage in their spiritual evolution under the shadow of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.””

With loving Baha’i greetings,

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

Indiana Baha’?i honored as one of top students in big Midwest Talent Search

Kevin Dinkens, a young Baha’i from Cumberland, Indiana, was honored recently as one of the top 275 students of 9,000 surveyed in

or mathematics component of the SAT test. Kevin, an eighth grader, scored in the 1,100 range.

a Midwest Talent Search.

These 275 scored better than 90 per cent of college-bound high school seniors on either the verbal

EET The American Baha’i

Published monthly by the National Spiritual Ax sembly of the Bahi'is of the United States, $36 ‘Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL. 60091.

Editor: Jack Bowers

Associate Editor: David E. Ogron

‘The American Bahd' welcomes news, letters and

The top students, including Kevin, were the guests at a special award ceremony at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. At the ceremony, he and the other winners were given certificates of recognition and a book award.

Kevin, a freshman at New Palestine High School, enjoys science, social studies, building models and working on electronics projects.

He says he hopes to attend Rose Hulman Technical Institute after high school and to become an electrical engineer like his grandfather.

An overflow audience of Baha’is from the New York City metropolitan area was present August 10 at the Baha’ Center in New York City to hear a wide-ranging talk by the Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone who spoke about the recent Interna

tional Conference in Dublin, Ireland, the station of the Universal House of Justice, the greatness of the Cause and the prominent station conferred upon the American Bahd’{ community, and the progress being made in constructing

the House of Worship in Samoa. Mr. Featherstone (in light suit and _ wearing glasses) is in the center of this photo. Mrs. Featherstone is to his left, and to his right is Dr. Wilma Brady, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Comment

Tragedy casts long dark shadow over observance of Birth of Bab

It was a bright, sunny Southern California day. What a lovely day, I thought, on which to celebrate the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab!

With the children home from school, we thought we’d take a ride up to the mountains where the apple orchards are—and the apples are ready too.

SO INTO the van we piled and off we drove.

But wait! The van really needs to be cleaned. Why don’t we stop first at the self-serve car wash.

Recognizing us, the attendant

asked the children why they weren’t in school. Melissa, age seven, replied,

a use it’s the Bab’s birthday.” “The Bab? Who is the Bab?’”

“The Bab is a Messenger of God, and we are Baha’is, and we follow His teachings.’”

“Oh, I see. Well, that’s very nice. Have a good day.”

I cannot describe the joy on Melissa’s face as she ran to me saying, ‘‘Mom, I just got to teach about the Bab!”’ She was beaming as she told me everything that had happened.

“I FEEL so happy,”’ she said. “My heart is jumping up and down. I feel like a grown-up Bahai.”

Melissa could hardly contain herself. Her face was lighted by a huge smile, the kind that makes your face hurt after awhile.

“Mom,”’ she asked, ‘‘is this

This-month’s article, ‘It Happened on the Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab,”’ was written by Kathy Peterson of Redlands, California, and is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Daniel C. Jordan.

what teaching is? Is this how the first ones who went out to teach for the Bab felt? Is this how Tahirih felt?”’

“Yes, sweetheart,’’ I said, ‘I’m sure it is. I’m so happy that you can feel that way, and I am so proud of you for teaching.’’

She sat on the front seat for a while. By this time we were on our way to the mountains, and I could tell she was thinking. I could also tell she was feeling good, because she was sitting so tall.

Finally she turned to me again. “This is it!’’ she announced. “This is what I want my life to be. I want to feel this happy all the time. I want to always teach.””

I TOLD Melissa I thought that was wonderful and that there was nothing better she could do with her life.

She sat silently for a few moments more, then asked, “‘Mom, if I teach and teach, if I teach hundreds of people, will someone kill me?”

“I don’t know,”’ I replied.

The question surprised me somewhat, but we had been learning about the early heroes of the Faith and had talked about how they gave their lives, so I understood why it was asked.

1 I SA eR EE SSS EET SE SSE

,a bit nippy. We had some fresh

I never suspected, however, that the question foreshadowed what was to come later that day.

Melissa continued: ‘‘Well, I wouldn’t care if I was killed. I know the Bab would be proud of me.

“You know, I gave the Bab a birthday present by telling someone who He is. I’ll bet that’s the best present I could give Him.”’

I assured her that was so, and we continued on our way.

THE AFTERNOON was marvelous—the sun bright and the air

apples and hot apple cider, and even a caramel apple.

We searched for a just-right pumpkin in the pumpkin patch and finally found the one to take home. After a few hours we began our homeward journey, feeling very good about the day.

Once home, the telephone rang. It was David Langness, reminding me of a District Teaching Committee meeting.

“Have you heard about Daniel Jordan?”’ he asked.

“No, what about him?’’

“*He has been missing for about five days,’”’ said David, adding what few facts were known thus far.

I FELT shocked, perplexed, numb. David suggested that we say prayers for Dr. Jordan’s safety, and we hung up.

No need here to explain my Please See COMMENT Page 7

[Page 3]LETTERS

December 1982

3

MOUNTFORT MILLS

Attending sessions of the League of Nations in Switzerland, visiting Professor Edward G. Browne at Cambridge University, having an audience with King Feisal of Iráq, and preparing a resolution for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, all on behalf of the Faith, make Mountfort Mills’ activities seem like those of a roving ambassador.

BY THE END of 1909, just three years after embracing the Faith, Mr. Mills, a resident of New York City, had made two pilgrimages to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Early in 1921 he made a third pilgrimage to Haifa to see the Master:

In 1912 he was a member of the committee that arranged public addresses for ‘Abdu’l-Baha during His visit to New York City.

In 1922, shortly after the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, invited Mr. Mills and Roy C. Wilhelm to a conference in Haifa to discuss the affairs of the Faith that were so deeply affected by the Master’s passing.

It was during that same year that Mr. Mills, who had served as a member of the Bahá’í Temple Unity since its inception in 1909, was elected the first chairman of the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada. He served as a member of the Assembly until 1937.

Mr. Mills, a graduate of the Harvard Law School, contributed to the final draft of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws that was approved by the Guardian and subsequently adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly.

HE SERVED on the committee that appeared before the village board in Wilmette, Illinois, to apply for a building permit for the Baha’i House of Worship.

Other assignments for the Faith took Mr. Mills abroad. For example, he represented the Faith at

Please See MILLS Page 20

Friends should lay aside‘negative thinking,’ arise

To the Editor:

It was disheartening to be present at a recent District Convention at which the first topic offered for consultation suggested that the problem in the American Bahda’i community regarding teaching, Fund contributions, Feast attendance, and so forth was due in large part to poor communication from the national level.

THIS KIND of negative thinking, which I believe to be without basis, needs desperately to be battled within our communities.

Having served as a delegate to the National Convention in April 1982, I had the bounty of sharing in the most inspiring event that I have experienced in my Baha’i life.

The thought that our National Assembly put into that interaction, as well as the open and loving communication that took place between the members of that body and the delegates elected by the Baha’ fs of our country offered a glimpse into the future of mankind under the auspices of Baha 'u’llah’s Teachings.

It is erroneous to assume that the Administrative Order is responsible for any lethargy that may be found in the American community. Rather, we must as individual Baha’ is recognize that:

1. The greatest work within the Faith has always been and will always be the result of individual transformation and effort.

2. THE LAYING of the foundation and the rearing of the Administrative Order of the Faith was done with little or no communications system, but rather with an abundance of love and dedication.

3. By comparison, our channels of communication are light years beyond what they have ever been in the history of the Faith.

4. The only way to enrich and improve the communications system (as well as any other aspect of the Faith) is through applying ourselves, rising above our lethargy, and spreading the Message to ever larger numbers, among whom will be found the great talents necessary to solve today’s problems.

I submit that the U.S. Baha’i community is well on its way toward realizing its potentialities, which the beloved Guardian indicated “‘ ...will entitle it to vindicate, in the fullness of time, its right to be acclaimed as the chief creator and champion of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.”” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 9)

Now it is our turn to arise. I believe the Guardian said it best:

“The community of the organized promoters of the Faith of Bahda’u’llah in the American continent—the spiritual descendants of the dawn-breakers of an heroic Age, who by their death proclaimed the birth of that Faith—must, in turn, usher in, not by their

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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

death but through living sacrifice, that promised World Order, the shell ordained to enshrine that priceless jewel, the world civilization, of which the Faith itself is the sole begetter.”’ (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 6) David Hoffman Canoga Park, California

To the Editor:

Because of our mutual interest in the Baha’i community in Iran, I am sure that you will want to know that the Voice of America broadcast an excellent editorial on the plight of the Bahá’ís on its worldwide radio service 10 days ago (October 8—Ed.).

The editorial, which reflects the views of the U.S. government, brings attention to one of the most appalling excesses of the Khomeini regime.

The editorial notes that the Baha’is are a peaceful people who have been relentlessly persecuted, and urges that humanity not remain silent about the vigorous campaign to eradicate the Baha’i faith in Iran.

I continue to be in communication with the State Department about the Baha’is, and I will monitor their situation very closely. I believe that the Voice of America broadcast will be useful in mobilizing public opinion around the world against the threat to the Baha’is in Iran.

And, as Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh has stated on behalf of the National Assembly of the Baha’is in this country, such protests create an atmosphere in which it is more difficult for the Khomeini regime to justify the systematic persecution of the Baha’is.

Sen. Charles H. Percy Washington, D.C.

To the Editor:

Our family belongs to an organization that promotes world understanding and peace through person-to-person contacts by providing hospitality to international travelers.

This week, for instance, we have as our guest a young man from Germany. During the past year we've hosted a husband-andwife team of economists from Germany, two young men from Denmark, a family from New Zealand, and a young woman from Israel.

Our interests and the organizations to which we belong are included in the host list, so our guests have usually chosen us precisely because we are Baha’iis and they want to learn about the

Faith.

This hospitality is reciprocated when we travel. On our recent trip to the conferences in Ottawa and Montreal, we stayed with SERVAS hosts, and had the opportunity to become acquainted and to speak about the Faith to our hosts, who, of course, knew the purpose of our visit.

The address of the organization is: U.S. SERVAS Committee Inc., 11 John St., Room 406, New York, NY 10038.

SERVAS members are asked to make an annual contribution of $10, if possible, which pays for the production of host lists and newsletters.

Our family has enjoyed its association with this organization and recommends it as an armchair approach to international travel teaching on a year-round basis.

Beverly Hunsaker Marshall, Virginia

To the Editor:

I suppose that by now you will have received many letters about the article on page 10 of your October issue about Roy Wilhelm.

The article speaks of his residence as being in Englewood, New Jersey. He lived in West Englewood which is a section of Teaneck.

THE ANNUAL Souvenir Feast held to commemorate the picnic in 1912 with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is held there on the grounds of the Teaneck Baha’i Center which Mr. Wilhelm gave to the Baha’is,

I resented the statement that he, one of the early pillars of the Faith, was ‘‘extremely stingy.’”

Roy gave his all to the Faith: time, money, etc. He bought only coffee in restaurants and carried his lunch because he suffered from a stomach condition that kept him from eating most restaurant foods. I remember being with him when he had attacks and saw him drink the sour buttermilk he kept for his problem.

Roy was also the one who sent Curtis Kelsey to Haifa to install the lights on the Shrine of the Bab for ‘Abdu’l-Baháé. I remember Curtis telling me several times about that trip.

Unfortunately for historians, the early Baha’is like Roy Wilhelm were scrupulously conscientious about keeping their gifts and even work for the Faith very private. They refused any personal glorification, which they considered a sin.

They were human like the ‘rest of us, and had human frailties; but their generosity of time and funds in the right place at the best time for the Faith will never be known.

Needless to say, their ‘‘stinginess’’ about not wasting funds on nonessential things and giving sacrificially to the Baha’i Fund is an example we are not following today.

This, I believe, is basically why the Fund is in trouble. Too many of us don’t have the personal dedication that Roy Wilhelm and others of his time had.

I wish to thank the editors for the ‘‘Champion-builders’”’ column which brings back memories of

Please See LETTERS Page 20

Available in paper only 32 pages, 54/2 x 8% inches pen-and-ink illustrations Catalog No. 353-018

A desert tale of adventure and daring for 5-11 year olds!

-ZANKAS 2 FAK

written by ~ GAIL RADLEY illustrated by

af WINIFRED BARNUM NEWMAN f Zahra, the only gazelle in the herd concerned about her brother's disappearance, takes a chance that brings a surprise.

$300*

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to Bahai Publishing Trust

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 ‘Price valid only in the United States

[Page 4]

LOUHELEN SCHOOL

The American Baha’i

Above: Sirouss Binaei, general manager of NSA Properties Inc. who oversaw the Louhelen reconstruction project, chats with the

Louhelen

Continued From Page 1 Cause of God Abu’l-Qasim Faizi, Educator of a New Race of Men.””

The session included remarks by the Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Khadem and by Mohammad Ali Faizi, the brother of the late Hand of the Cause of God in whose memory the Faizi Endowment has been established at Louhelen.

The banquet that evening was a festive and nostalgic occasion that combined warm and loving reminiscences of the school and its founders with good food and excellent entertainment by pianist Negin Mohtadi of Farmington, Michigan, and the Sterling Glenn Chorale from Detroit.

The Saturday morning session was built around ‘‘The History and Reconstruction of the Louhelen Baha'i School’? and included these presentations:

“Lou and Helen Eggleston

and the Early Years of the Louhelen School’’ by Robert Gaines of Rochester, Michigan, a longtime friend of the Egglestons and former member of the Louhelen School Council.

¢ “THE Development of Plans to Reconstruct Louhelen’’ by the Louhelen Project Committee.

“The Reconstruction Pro

Mohammad Ali Faizi, brother of the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qazim Faizi, speaks with the help of an interpreter.

Photo by Michael LaFramboise

school’s director of administrative affairs, Dr. William Diehl. Right: The friends arrive at the school for the grand opening ceremony.

ject’’ by Sirouss Binaei, engineer, NSA Properties Inc.

“Louhelen as a Center of Baha’{ Learning” by Drs. Marks and

Diehl.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday afternoon was followed by a reception and another tour of the school.

The $1.9-million reconstruction of Louhelen was completed in little more than a year, with ground having been broken September 6, 1981,

The reopening of the school marks the completion of the latest chapter in its 51-year history that began with its first modest classes on August 31, 1931.

Primarily responsible for organizing those first classes at the behest of the Egglestons were Mabel and Howard Colby Ives, and Grace and Harlan Ober.

OTHERS who participated in that first historic session included Fanny Knobloch, Mary Collison, and many other friends.

They were heartily encouraged by the Guardian who said the school had the potential to ‘‘gradually develop into a true cultural and educational Baha’i center.””

Forty-three years later, in 1974, the original Louhelen campus had to be closed because the buildings that had served their purpose so well could no longer be considered safe for occupancy.

With the approval of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly made reconstruction of the Louhelen school a high priority item, and two years ago a drive was begun to raise the nearly $2 million in funds needed to carry out its plan.

Thanks to the generosity of many of the friends that fund drive was a resounding success, as anyone who has seen the splendid new facilities will attest.

EARLY in 1981 the Faizi Endowment was established at Louhelen to hasten construction and provide for maintenance of the school.

Mr. Faizi, who died in November 1980, was a scholar and edu

John Nash, chairman of the Louhelen Council, speaks during the Friday evening banquet that preceded the opening ceremonies.

cator whose contributions over many years to the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of children and youth are incalculable.

The Louhelen school marked its 50th anniversary in August 1981. Then last June, the National Assembly announced the appointment of Dr. Marks as director of academic affairs and Dr. Diehl as director of administrative affairs.

Work at the school proceeded on schedule, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Binaei and his associates and the cooperation of the Louhelen Project Committee . and Louhelen Council, and all was made ready in time for the inauguration ceremonies in October.

A week later, the school was host to its first full-fledged event, aregional Youth Conference, and on November 12-14 was the site of the first Midwestern Regional Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies.

Above: Richard Grover, director of the Green Acre Baha’i School, presents a gift to Louhelen on behalf of the school to Bruce Reynolds, a member of the Louhelen School Council. Below left: Mrs. Florence Mattoon Zmeskal of To Mo

Photo by Michael LaFramboise ledo, Ohio, reminisces about the early days of the Louhelen Baha’i School. Below right: Another of the speakers at the Friday evening banquet was Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

[Page 5]THE FUNDS

December 1982

5

Feast tape tells of concern over Fund shortfall

The following is a synopsis of a taped message presented at the Feast of Qawl, which is printed here for those who would like a written reference to that message.

°

The National Spiritual Assembly’s message for the Feast of Qawl (Speech) November 23 was delivered by James and Dorothy Nelson, its chairman and treasurer, respectively, through remarks taped in their home.

The National Assembly chose this more personal means of communicating in order to convey its concern about the shortfall in contributions to the National Fund.

THE NELSONS reminded the friends that the Guardian described the National Fund as ‘“‘the bedrock upon which all the activities of the Cause ultimately rest.’”

Without the National Fund, they said, there would be a great lessening of the coordination of efforts among the thousands of Local Assemblies and Groups throughout the country, and there would be reduced communication, less sense of purpose, and a reduction in the progress of the Cause.

Because the National Fund is the bedrock of all the activities of the Cause, it is essential that it be as strong as the term ‘‘bedrock’’ implies.

“This is not now the case,’’ the Nelsons said, ‘‘but there is great, great promise.’”

Mr. Nelson went on to list some of the vital activities of the Cause that rest upon the bedrock of the National Fund, including:

Proclaiming through contacts

with leaders of thought, diplomatic work and publicity.

Supporting youth activities.

Operating the Bahá’í House

of Worship.

Fund appeal mailed

On November 1, the National Spiritual Assembly mailed to every believer in America a letter of appeal regarding the critical shortfall in contributions to the National Fund. If you have not received this important message by the time you receive this issue of The American Bahá’í, please feel free to request a copy by writing to the Office of the Treasurer, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

iB of the House of Worship designed to be posted and used as a reminder to be one of the 20,000 monthly contributors to the National Fund.

¢ Communicating regularly with the friends through such organs as The American Bahá’í and Feast letters.

Contributing $1 million to the

Baha’i International Fund.

He emphasized that the contributions goal of $341,000 established by the National Spiritual Assembly represents the amount needed each Baha’i month to sustain these activities at a bare maintenance level, ‘‘without taking into consideration the need to expand them during these exciting days when the eyes of so many of our fellow Americans are being directed toward the Faith.

REFERRING to the National Fund chart, which now depicts a shortfall of more than $800,000, Mr. Nelson stated that the ‘‘bedrock upon which all our activities rest is being strained to the limit.

“To ease the strain, we’ve had to borrow money, postpone our contributions to the World Centre, and we have fallen woefully behind schedule in repaying some of last year’s debt.”

To those who would suggest that the solution to our financial problem is to reduce our activities, Mr. Nelson affirmed that the National Assembly already has considered that.

“But when it comes right down to it,”” he asked, ‘“‘which of the activities I have already mentioned could we reduce or eliminate? How could we reduce our efforts in any of these areas and remain true to our station as the ‘spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers’?

“The National Spiritual Assembly has already cut back its operations to the bone, and we see no other alternative than to appeal to all of the followers of Baha’u’llah in America, many of whom are al ready contributing sacrificially, to increase their contributions and their regularity, thereby supplying the strength our bedrock must have.

“IF THERE were anyone else to whom we could turn we would do so, but the principles that protect the Cause of God from schism. clearly state that only those who believe in it and are loyal to it can contribute.

“This is our Faith, its activities are our activities, and the Fund which supports those activities is our Fund, and ours alone.””

Dorothy Nelson then reminded the friends that ‘although the National Spiritual Assembly is. appealing to every believer to contribute to the National Fund, no individual or institution in the Faith can ever insist that you give or even suggest an amount. Your response to the needs of the Cause must be prompted by your own heart out of your love for Baha’u'lláh.

“What the National Assembly hopes will happen is that at least 20,000 believers in America will capture the same spirit of dedication to the Cause that enabled 20,000 Dawn-breakers to give their life’s blood, and that these 20,000 spiritual descendants of those dawn-breakers will contribute every Baha’i month to the National Fund in a spirit of sacrifice.

“It is a wonderful thing to proclaim our love for Bahá’u’ll4h in words, but could there ever be a better way to prove it than through an act of sacrifice which is a private thing between you and God?’’

A point stressed by Jim Nelson on behalf of the National Assembly was the importance of universal participation.

“The Faith derives its power and vitality from the loving and sacrificial efforts of the entire body of the believers,’’ he said, “not from a few. The bedrock of our activities, the National Fund, depends upon the support of every believer for its strength.’”

In conclusion, Mr. Nelson assured the friends of the National Spiritual Assembly’s love for each and every one of them, and of its prayers that ‘‘all our hearts will beat as one, as together we ponder the response that we must make in this hour of greatest need.’”

F National Baha’i 4

EPG eye

CONTRI

Knowledge—‘tim 139 B.E.

$400,000 300,000)" 200,000

100,000

challenge Inia ence er © ee eeee Bekele season

rere Sere V8S)

minimum needs—$341,000

$280,000

BBE

‘minimum needs shortall $853,861

ood

$2,556,139

Public Affairs helps take Message to all strata

This is the second in a six-part series on how monies contributed to the National Fund are used. Since the National Fund is, as described by Shoghi Effendi, the bedrock on which all our activities rest, its ability to support these manifold activities depends on the sacrifi and regular contributions of the believers. This series is intended to provide the American community with a fresh look at the range of activities that are supported by the National Fund.

.

“As the Baha’ world enters the third phase of the Nine Year Plan we are called upon to proclaim once again that Divine Message to the leaders and masses of the world, to aid the Faith of God to emerge from obscurity into the arena of public attention, to demonstrate through steadfast adherence to its laws the independent character of its mission, and to brace ourselves in preparation for the attacks that are bound to be

directed against its victorious onward march. Upon our efforts depend in very large measure the fate of humanity.’’ (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 120)

Fifteen years ago, the Universal House of Justice called the Baha’is of the world to undertake unprecedented efforts in the proclamation of the Faith to all strata of society.

THIS CALL marked the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Baha’u’llah to the kings and rulers of the-earth.

In the U.S., one of the important results of this ongoing effort was the Congressional hearings and the concurrent outpouring of support from our leaders in Congress.

At the foundation of our steady progress in the field of proclamation is the material support provided by the National Fund, which supports a multitude of proclamation activities:

The Public Affairs Office at

the Baha’i National Center coordinates publicity at the national level. Every major news item (i.e., the persecutions in Iran, Glenford Mitchell’s election to the Universal House of Justice) generates a 1,200-piece mailing.

Six hundred religion editors, journalists and leaders of thought are contacted, as are 600 media committees and public information representatives. There have been approximately 20 such mailings since April. A typical mailing costs about $200.

Three hundred “‘interested

others’’ are regularly updated regarding the progress of the Faith. They include university professors, free-lance writers and leaders of thought. This work involves both telephone and mailing expenses.

hity maintains a part-time representative at the United Nations who speaks on behalf of the community to member nations. Staffing and maintaining this office (located with the Bahda’{ International Community at the UN Plaza) costs about $12,000 a year.

The Public Affairs Office provides assistance to the community

at large in any situation in which professional media help is needed. Usually this assistance takes. he form of a letter or phone call. Occasionally it involves travel by a staff member. For example, a member of the staff traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, to help with publicity surrounding a returning pioneer family during the Falkland Islands crisis. Promotional assistance was provided at the recent inauguration of the Louhelen Baha’i School. Again, several members of the office traveled to Connec Please See FUNDS Page 19

[Page 6]YOUTH NEWS

The American Baha’i

&

UNICEF fund to benefit from ‘Gandhi’ premiere

A new movie, “Gandhi,” based on the life of India’s beloved man of peace who was assassinated in 1948, has its Midwest premiere January 11 in Chicago, with all proceeds going to UNICEF, the United Nations children’s fund.

The film, produced and directed by Richard Attenborough, mentions the National Spiritual Assembly of India in its credits.

College Clubs respond to Youth Committee’s request to show video tape of Congress hearings, distribute Cry from the Heart

Baha’i College Clubs have arisen to the call of the National Youth Committee to show the video tape of congressional hearings on the persecutions in Iran on all college campuses where a Baha’{ Club exists.

Across the country, college clubs are showing the video tape, distributing copies of the book A

Cry from the Heart by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, and offering copies of the Spring 1982 issue of World Order magazine (which includes transcripts of the hearings and a review of A Cry from the Heart).

The National Youth Committee

enthusiastic response to the Campus Plan. Clubs that have yet to fulfill this important teaching goal are encouraged to do so in the coming months.

The National Youth Committee will be happy to help any club with its video tape presentation. A phone call to 305-462-1919 will

is excited about this prompt and alert the committee to ways in

which it can be of service.

Baha’i College Clubs are increasing in strength and in their understanding of the important role they play in proclaiming the Faith. In accord with Baha‘u’llah’s instructions, they are learning to teach as “‘unrestrained as the wind.”

Nine ‘Brilliant Stars’ shine as Summer School teachers

After a full year of preparation, a group of nine Baha’i youth from Southern California served as teachers for other youth who attended this year’s Southern California Baha’i Summer School held in August at Pilgrim Pines in Yucaipa.

Members of the youth group, which has taken the name ‘‘The Brilliant Stars,’” are Mehr Mansuri (age 16) and Arya Mansuri (16) of Glendora; Almitra Henderson (16) and Bab Henderson (16) of Arroyo Grande; Ginger Grant (17) of Hawthorne; Vivian Ferguson (16) of Los Angeles; Suzanne Rogers (17) of Crestline; Sean Lurie (17) of Malibu; and Jackie Soopikian (15) of Cypress.

THE YOUNG Baha'is began their ongoing project during the 1981 Southern California Summer School when they realized that youth are the best teachers of other youth.

The school committee encouraged them to deepen in preparation for this year’s Summer School at which they were invited to teach other young people.

The youth studied for a full

Bosch session set for College Clubs

The second Baha’i College Club Weekend will be held January 7-9 at the Bosch Baha’i School near Santa Cruz, California.

Speakers at the event, which is sponsored by the Stanford University Baha’i Club, will include Anthony Lee, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles; Dr. Homa Mahmoudi, of Los Angeles; Robert Phillips of Santa Cruz, and a Stanford faculty member whose specialty is Chinese affairs.

Talks and workshop sessions will focus on topics related to Baha’{ life on college campuses and how to deal with various social issues such as feminism and racism.

Weekend activities also will include music and a talent show.

Registration is $15 per person. Since space is limited, early registration is suggested.

To register, please contact the Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387), or phone Ehsan Talebi, 415-857-9655.

year, meeting one day each month with Baha’i Schools Coordinator Blanche Grant, who acted as their resource person.

“The Brilliant Stars’’ further prepared for this year’s Summer School assignment by trying out their teaching skills during the 1981 Southern California Winter School.

The group has adopted a set of guidelines for teaching at Baha’i schools: teach a subject that you really want to know about, no exceptions; base your teaching on the Creative Word; memorize quotations and use them in class; accept that you are not expected to know everything; give the students something to do that they can handle, don’t just lecture; develop your own teaching style; depend on your fellow peer-teachers for support and love; keep your commitment, see the end in the beginning; use your adult helper anytime for anything; prepare, practice, and pray.

ONE OF the 18 youth who attended classes taught by members of “The Brilliant Stars’’ had this reaction:

“Fantastic, this has been the best year ever. I learned a lot here. Having the students teach was a terrific idea. I actually think it was better than having a regular teachyan Another student exclaimed: “‘Wonderful! Beautiful! Utterly fantastic! This summer school was one that I’ll cherish in my heart forever.

“Working with the youth teachers was the best experience. Every class was brilliant ...It is easier for youth to listen to deepened, inspired youth who have a motivating power to uplift their hearts, to challenge other Baha’{ youth .

“The Brilliant Stars’? are now undertaking a year-long study of Baha’i administration and plan to travel and teach next summer.

They have been thinking about ways to finance their traveling plans and are considering starting their own business for that pur

pose. If you have any ideas about the kind of business they might start, please write to Blanche Grant, , Hawthorne,

CA 90250.

Calling themselves ‘The Brilliant Baha’i School in August at Yu Stars,’ these Baha’i youth from California taught 18 other youth attending the Southern California

caipa. Standing (left to right) are Suzanne Rogers, Ginger Grant, Mehr Mansuri, Vivian Ferguson,

For Baha’i youth Calendar of events

Upcoming events of interest to Baha’i youth are abundant in the next several weeks. Youth are encouraged to make every effort to attend some or all of these programs.

Louhelen Youth Week, Davison, Michigan, December 19-24. Contact the Louhelen Baha’ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

Regional Youth Conference, Disney World, Florida, December 26-29. Contact the National Youth Committee, - ~—_- y Fort

Lauderdale, FL 33315.

Regional Youth Conference, Tucson, Arizona, December 30-January 2. Sponsored by the Youth Committee of Tucson, c/o Robert Moshrefzadeh, P.O. Box 41011, Tucson, AZ 85717.

Third Annual Winter Institute, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, December 30-January 2. Sponsored by the District Youth Committee of Southern Wisconsin, Lorraine Shahrokh, secretary, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

Bahd’{ College Club Conference, Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California, January 7-9. Sponsored by the Baha’i Club of Stanford University. Contact the club at P.O. Box 9843, Stanford, CA 94305.

Baha’i College Club Conference, Green Acre Baha’i School, Eliot, Maine, January 28-30. Contact the school at P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

Fourth Annual Babs’ Youth Seminar, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, January 28-30. For details, contact the Texas A&M Baha’i Club, P.O. Box 4806, Texas A&M, College Station, TX 77844.

Arya Mansuri, Bib Henderson. Kneeling (left to right) are Almitra Henderson, Sean Lurie, Jackie Soopikian.

Stanford remembers ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s visit

About 180 people attended a meeting in October at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, that commemorated the 70th anniversary of the visit to Stanford of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

The meeting, sponsored by the Baha’i Club at Stanford, featured talks by two alumni of that university—Marion Carpenter Yazdi, the first Baha’i student at Stanford and author of the recently released book, Youth in the Vanguard, and Dr. Amin Banani, a professor of Near Eastern studies at UCLA.

Each of them addressed the topic ‘‘Universal Peace,’’ which also was the central point of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s speech at Stanford in 1912.

The Baha’i Club publicized the event with 7,000 flyers, numerous posters, newspaper ads and radio spots.

One result was a comprehensive article about the meeting in the campus newspaper, the Stanford Daily.

eer er SS STS RSS ESOS

[Page 7]YOUTH NEWS

December 1982

Youth Plan calls for settlement of 75 young people as homefront pioneers

The National Youth Committee has established some specific goals for settling homefront pioneers on college campuses across the country.

The National Youth Plan calls for the settlement of 75 youth as homefront pioneers during the course of the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan. A conscious effort must be made now so that this goal will be won before Ridvan 1984.

Youth who are interested in arising to this praiseworthy form of service should contact the National Youth Committee for complete details on the needs at the following campuses.

These schools have Bahda’{ Clubs that will lose their status unless Baha’i students enroll:

Navajo Community College, Arizona; University of California Medical Center, San Francisco; University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh; University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point; Southeastern Massachusetts University, North Dartmouth.

These schools have a high enrollment of Native Americans and clubs are to be formed there:

Brigham Young University, Utah; Northeastern OklahomaState University; Haskell Indian Junior College, Kansas; Ft. Louis College, Colorado; Phoenix College, Arizona; Black Hills State College, South Dakota; Eastern Montana College; Southeastern Oklahoma State University; East Central Oklahoma State Univer Versatile, award-winning young Baha’i in Ventura, California, is high school’s valedictorian

Baha’is in Ventura County, California, are understandably proud of 17-year-old Stacey Lynn Phelps who was valedictorian of the 1982 graduating class at Rio Mesa High School in Ventura.

Stacey, who now attends the New Mexico Institute of Technology in Socorro, had a 4.0 grade point average at Rio Mesa and was captain of the school’s “Knowledge Bowl.”

A student of piano for the last eight years, she participated in the Ventura County branch of the Young Pianists’ Competition.

While in high school Stacey won the Bank of America General Fields plaque in science and math, the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, the Rio Mesa High School Scholarship Foundation certificate, and a National Merit Scholarship to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

In addition, she was a Bank of America Awards Zone winner, California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer and 100 per cent Life Member, a Presidential Scholar finalist, and won appointment to the Honors Program at the New Mexico Institute where she is pursuing a major in engineering with

A REMINDER TO BAHA'I COLLEGE CLUBS: Monies raised by college clubs can only be used for college club activities. They cannot be donated to Local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Fund, or any other institution or committee associated with the Faith.

If there are any questions about this policy, please contact the National Youth Committee at 305-462-1919.

STACEY LYNN PHELPS

a pre-med curriculum.

With the help of a Baha’i professor on campus, the Baha’is of Socorro, and her brother Scott, who is also an honor student at New Mexico Tech, that school’s Baha’ Club is now a reality.

Besides her other activities, Stacey had the bounty of attending the National Youth Conference in Kansas City last year and the Regional Youth Conference held in July 1982 in Santa Barbara, California. i

She was chairman of the Southern California District No. 3 Youth Committee during her senior year in high school and served in her home community of Ventura as a member of the Children’s Education Committee.

When asked about the future, Stacey replies, ‘‘The world seems to have gotten itself into a mess, but I’m optimistic about the new world leaders who see the need to become unified.””

sity.

Finally, these schools need to establish Bahd’{ College Clubs, and homefront pioneers are encouraged to consider attending:

Fitchburg State College, Massachusetts; Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington; Johns Hopkins University, Maryland; Johnson Community College, Kansas City, Missouri; The University of Missouri at Rolla; the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

The National Youth Committee looks forward to hearing from Baha’i_youth who are interested in serving as homefront pioneers, and stands ready to help youth in relocating to a goal college or university.

More than 300 people (half of whom were not Bahá’ís) attended a Universal Children’s Day celebration October 2 sponsored by the Baha’is of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Featured at the event was the Baha’ music and dance troupe ‘Live and On Stage!’ It was publicized at booths in two area shop Louhelen hosts Regional Youth

More than 110 youth and “young-at-heart”’ attended a Regional Youth Conference held November 5-7 at the newly reopened Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan.

It was the first event held at the new facility, and as such, was truly a history-making youth gathering.

DR. MAGDALENE M. Carney, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke of the significance of the occasion, and everyone who attended signed a conference program that the National Assembly is to forward to the Universal House of Justice as a souvenir of the first gathering at Lowhelen.

Dr. Carney also spoke to the youth about how they can make a difference in their Baha’i lives.

Through the quality of his deeds, and by serving as a model for his peers, she said, every Baha’i youth can have an important impact on his friends.

Asked what the Faith needs most in these challenging days, Dr. Carney answered with one word: commitment.

She encouraged every Baha’i youth to find ways in which to increase his commitment to the Cause and to continue to express that commitment through excellence in deeds of service.

EXPANDING on the importance of excellence, a program on

ping malls where Bahá’ís gave out balloons with the words ‘Tomorrow Belongs to the Children’ on them. Among those who attended the program was the mayor of Lauderdale Lakes. More than 20 adults stayed after the program for a fireside.

Conference

“Youth Excellence,’’ dedicated to the memory of Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, was held.

Young musicians were featured along with speakers including Camille Khodadad of Winnetka, Illinois; Saied Mirafzali of Jackson, Michigan, and Merrill Miller of Urbana, Illinois,

Other speakers at the conference were Keyvan Nazerian, a member of the National Teaching Committee; and members of the National Youth Committee and its staff who presented talks on the goals of the National Youth Plan, the Youth Network, and the “most challenging issue,’’ which the Guardian defined as the elimination of racial prejudice.

Comment

Continued From Page 2

thoughts, my fears. I prayed that what I was thinking couldn’t be true.

Why, I wondered, had we heard nothing about it? After all, this was not just any man. This was the vice-chairman of our National Assembly, a wonderful, accomplished person, important not only to Baha’is but to the world as a whole.

After talking with a friend, I decided to phone the newspaper to ask if there were any more information.

My call was answered by a pleasant man who checked the national wire and “verified what David had told me. But they had no further information.

ABOUT an hour later that same man called me back. ‘I’m sorry to have to relate such sad news,” he said, “‘but they have found Dr. Jordan’s body in Stamford, Connecticut. There are no clues as to what happened. I’m very sorry.””

A feeling of helplessness overwhelmed me. My heart went out

to the Jordan family, and I wished that there were something I could do.

In my sorrow I remembered what Mr. Sears had said at the start of his book, A Cry from the Heart: ‘That is why I am writing this book. There is nothing official about it. It is strictly personal. It is exactly what the title says it is: a cry from the heart!”

I called the children over and told them what had happened. We said some prayers.

Louhelen sets first week4ong session for youth

The Louhelen Baha’i School’s first week-long session for youth will be held December 19-24.

The program will include intensive study of one of the works of Shoghi Effendi, with reading assignments and private study as well as group discussions.

Also included in the program will be a course on the meaning of sacrifice and ample time for recreation and fellowship.

“We intend to offer youth a serious and intensive immersion in the study of the Faith during this youth week,’’ says Changiz Geula, a member of the Louhelen Council who will serve as one of

Melissa said, ‘‘When he gets to heaven the Bab and Bahd’u’ll4h are going to throw their arms around him and thank him for his life.””

It was quite a day for all of us—a day on which a seven-yearold Baha’i had dedicated her life to the Faith, while we learned that an older—and greatly cherished—Baha’i had given his.

Quite a day indeed, And it all happened on the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab.

the instructors for the week.

“Intensive study of the Writings is something that most youth in the U.S. haven’t been exposed to, and’ we feel strongly that young people need ‘this experience, particularly with the writings of the Guardian, which shed such a bright light on the troubled times in which we live,’’ Mr. Geula adds.

Also teaching during the youth week will be Doug and Samira Samimi-Moore of Highland Park, Illinois.

Youth who wish to attend may tegister by phoning the Louhelen School at 313-653-5033.

PERE SL RE ES SNES SE SEO SAT SESS TEE ETS SWS SN a on aes [Page 8]IGC: PIONEERING

The American Baha’i

Answers for young people about pioneering field

Three fields of service are open

to youth, as described by the Uni_ versal House of Justice in Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 94-95.

Not only must they study the teachings and spiritualize their lives, they must teach their peers.

THE YOUNG people ‘‘can choose their places of residence, their areas of travel, and their types of work with the goal in mind of how they can best serve the Faith.””

In preparation for their later years, they must “‘acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and ... learn a trade or a profession whereby they, in turn, can earn their living and support their families. This for a Baha’i youth, is in itself a service to God, a service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering.”

The International Goals Committee answers here some of the questions often raised by Baha’i youth as they strive to live in accordance with God’s Will for today.

Question: I have always dreamed of pioneering to another country one day, and am trying to plan my life’s work so as to be of maximum service to the Cause. How should I go about deciding which skills to acquire?

Answer: The first fact to appreciate is that you do need a skill or profession to offer another country. It is not always necessary to have an advanced academic or university degree, but you must have something to offer the country that workers in that country aren’t yet able to offer.

Most countries have a policy of hiring their own citizens, wherever possible. You must be able to render a service that none of the local people are trained to do. Advanced degrees, of course, often command higher salaries and offer more opportunities, but it is perfectly possible to pioneer with a trade or skill that can be learned in a technical or trade school.

Question: I have a number of areas of interest. How can I find out what I’m best suited for?

Answer: It is important to evaluate yourself as systematically and objectively as possible. Realize the fact that the world was planned perfectly by God, and that part of

‘Rhythm of Growth’ program reorganized

The “Rhythm of Growth’’ program for systematically adding books to personal and community libraries is now being reorganized.

Orders for the original 21 Rhythm of Growth book packages are no longer being accepted.

Details about the new Rhythm of Growth packages will be announced in a forthcoming issue of The American Baha’i. Watch for details.

that perfection was the creation of all kinds of people with wide ranges of interests and aptitudes.

In most cases, those who are most effective in their work are those who enjoy what they are doing. Whatever skill or profession you choose, it is important that you do it to the best of your ability in a spirit of service to your fellow man.

To aid the “systematic, objective self-evaluation,” put key items about yourself on paper and consider questions like these:

1. What is my mathematical ability or numbers orientation?

2. Do I like to read? To write?

3. Am I an idea person? Am I good at thinking of new things?

4. Do I need to see immediate results or can I wait for a long time to see them?

5. Do I enjoy desk work?

6. Do I prefer being outdoors, and need to be physically active?.

7. Do I like to work with my hands, such as carving, metal work, or with stone? Do I prefer tinkering with motors, electrical work, carpentry, plumbing, etc.?

8. Do I prefer structured work where duties and responsibilities are clearly defined and I know exactly what is expected of me?

9. Do I like working with animals, with plants, or trees?

10. Do I like working with other people, or would I rather work alone?

11. Do I enjoy talking? Would I like sales work or lecturing?

12. Does being in business for myself appeal to me, or would I prefer to be in a salaried position?

13. Do I crave hustle and bustle, or do I require periods of quiet and solitude?

14, Do I have a head for details? Could I be a manager?

15. Do I enjoy having responsibility, or does the idea give me stomach cramps?

16. What fields/jobs/subjects do I want to avoid? (Make a list of these. Analyze it. It will be helpful to know what you do not want to do when you develop a list of things that might be done.)

Question: How would I find out whether a particular field in which I was interested would be something that would land me a job in another country?

Answer: Follow the trends of hiring in other countries by reading professional journals, trade journals, newspapers, civil service lists, job bulletins and the like at a good library. At the IGC office, we keep a “‘job log” of leads from various sources. Entries for the past two months show that teachers are in high demand for all grades. In many cases, it is possible to secure a teaching position even without a teaching certificate. Teaching English as a second language is in high demand. University positions are presently open in computer science, statistics, public administration, history, fine arts, finance, math,

pharmaceutics, animal production, plant production, soil science, agricultural economics, physical education, English, etc. Other jobs are advertised for computer programmers, engineers, accountants, architects, midwives, nurse-educators, community health workers, citriculturalists, law clerks, attorneys, foresters, wells technicians, and beekeepers, to name a few.

Question: Are there any fields I should avoid?

Answer: You probably won’t be able to find a job as a nurse in another country, because most countries train and hire their own people. If you are a nurse-educator or a public health educator, you have a good chance for a job. Psychology and social work, while useful, are not very marketable in other countries unless one has a Ph.D. and can lecture at a university in the language of the country. Low skill jobs usually go to the citizens of the foreign country.

Question: What about the trades? Can people in those fields find jobs in a pioneer country?

Answer: There is a demand in many areas for the practical trades, for plumbers, carpenters, cabinet makers, pipe fitters, machinists, electricians, repairmen, auto mechanics, small and large

specialists, printers, builders, brick masons, and the like. Sometimes, employers overseas want to see a journeyman’s license or a union card or its equivalent. In these fields, it is usually necessary to be in the foreign country to find a job, so you will want to save money for transportation. Experience or on-the-job training is important.

Question: Could a young person go to a high school or college in another country?

Answer: Certainly. There are many schools that would be happy to have Americans enroll to study. Some colleges are accredited by American universities that have exchange programs. It is not uncommon to have a sophomore or junior year abroad as part of the regular program of the college in this country, for which one receives full credit. The IGC has some information about the subject. High school and college counselors are another source.

Question: Suppose I already have a skill or profession. What can I do to make it more marketable in the pioneer field?

Answer: You can make it more marketable by adding business or educational skills to it. In some

countries, you may not be able to

obtain a work permit for per

Erin Harley, a 7 1/2-year-old Baha’f child from West St. Paul, Minnesota, is one of two children at the city’s Garlough Elementary School to receive this year’s ‘Good Citizen of Garlough School Award.’ Although she says she has no idea why she was given the award, her parents were told that Erin’s positive attitude may have had something to do with it; when other children would complain, they were told, Erin would always

engine repairmen, refrigeration Please See PIONEER Page 9 try to say something positive. PIONEER GOALS Rigvan 1982—Rigvan 1983 Arrived Arrived Arrived AFRICA at Post AMERICAS at Post AUSTRALASIA at Post (P) Angola *(E) Bahamas (Pacific Islands) (F) Burundi (S) Colombia 5 (E) Caroline Islands (F) Chad *(F) French Guiana Belau 1 (EF) Congo (F) Guadeloupe *Kosrae

(E) Gambia 1 (F) Haiti Ponape

(P) Guinea Bissau *(E) Leeward Islands 2 Yap

(E) Liberia *(F) Martinique (E) Chatham Island

(EF) Madagascar (E) Trinidad and (E) Cook Island 2 (FE) Mali Tobago *(E) Fiji

(A,F,S) Morocco (E) Windward Islands (E) Kiribati

(P) Mozambique *Dominica 1 (F) Loyalty Islands (F) Réunion Grenada 2 (E) Marianas (F) Rwanda St. Vincent ues *Guam 12 (E) Sierra Leone 1 17 *Rota (A,E) Somalia *Saipan 2 (E) Tanzania 2 a Marquees ee 5 F) Tunisia 1 jars) islands Zaire a3 EEN Cones *(F) New Caledonia 6 Bahamas 1 (E) Niue EUROPE Denmark 2 (E) Papua New Guinea 1 ( Belgium ' Kouas 1 i) Society Islands (Gr,E) Cyprus Malawi 2 ® pee as ae

(D) Denmark Morocco 1 (&) Tuvalu

He Erne 2 Dominica 1 (F,E) Vanuatu (P) Portugal 21

Azores _

Mince gat LANGUAGE KEY GOALS FILLED BY U.S. ASIA he Reabic U.S. goals 28

() Japan 2 C—Chinese Goals assigned to other
(P,E,C) Macau 2 D—Danish countries 27
(B) Nepal E—English Non-goals and refills 103

(E) Sikkim F—French isa (E) Sri Lanka 1 Gr—Greek

(E,T) Thailand 2 J—Japanese GOALS NOT COMPLETED

P—Portuguese 1981-82) 7 : ¢ ) S—Spanish “GOALS ASSIGNED TO U.S. T—Thai *Denmark—3

a

[Page 9]EDUCATION

December 1982

9

Pioneer

Continued From Page 8

forming your skill, but you could get a work permit for teaching it. Once again, developing countries are most interested in what will contribute to their own development, and if you can teach their people your: skill or profession, you offer them something without taking a job away from a local person.

By the same token, you may be able to start your own business when you cannot get a job in your profession. If you have business knowledge, for example, and some capital saved, you could start a consulting firm, a repair shop, or another service.

Question: Who can help me make decisions as to the direction T should follow?

Answer: Your Local Spiritual Assembly, the National Youth Committee, the International Goals Committee are good sources of information, as are people in the various arts, trades and professions.

Remember, the most effective workers are generally those who have a broad background embracing a few disciplines before they embark on specialization. What you should do is determine the several most likely career paths you will follow and make sure that your preparatory work allows you to pursue a number of courses of action later on and doesn’t close doors or lead to dead ends.

Question: What else can I do to prepare myself?

Answer: In addition to.the guidance given by the Universal House of Justice in the article on pp. 94-95 of Wellspring of Guidance, a good way to learn about the various areas of the world is to take part in a traveling teaching project during school vacation. Learning another language is a goal set for youth by the National Youth Committee, and would be quite useful.

Arkansas Baha’i wins top award for poetry for a second time

Jeff Jentz, a Bahd’{ who presently lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, recently won the Thomas McGrath Poetry Award for his poems ‘‘The Promise,”’ ‘Fruits of Your Night” and ‘After the Traceless Friend.”

The award, sponsored annually by the Academy of American Poets, was inaugurated in 1980 when Mr. Jentz also won the top prize.

His poems have appeared in a number of publications including those of the Association for Baha’i Studies.

Mr. Jentz, who holds an M.A. degree from the University of North Dakota, is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at the University of Arkansas.

Education Committee has UN Teacher Packets

Baha’i parents are reminded that UN Teacher Packets are still available from the National Education Committee office.

The packet contains UNICEF materials especially designed for use by children and teachers including the UNICEF calendar for 1983, which shows all the Baha’i Holy Days.

It provides a tangible means of sharing the Faith with your child’s teacher, and helps to establish in a dignified and effective way the child’s Baha’i identity in the classroom and among classmates.

Included in the packet are:

A special packet of lesson

plans, maps, etc., for grades 4

Louhelen Baha’i School schedules family winter session in December

“How to Be Happy in a Disintegrating Society’’ is the theme of the family winter session to be held December 26-January 1 at the Louhelen Baha’i School near Davison, Michigan.

Teachers for the session will be Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy and Morris Taylor, a member of the International Goals Committee staff.

Leading the workshop sessions will be Dr. Curt Russell, a psychoJogist and faculty member at Mercy College in Detroit.

“We're really looking forward to the winter session,’ says Dr. Geoffry Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs. ‘‘It will be the first week-long family session we’ll have at our new facility, and we're eager to see how families take to the school, since it was designed with the needs of families in mind.”

Those who wish to attend are advised to register by telephone (313-653-5033) as soon as possible in order to reserve space.

The winter schedule at the Louhelen Baha’i School is as follows:

January 7-9: Michigan Teaching Conference.

January 14-16: ‘Child Education for Parents.””

January 21-22: Inquirers’ Conference.

January 28-30: Community Retreats (space available upon request).

February 4-6: Fact or Fiction?

February 11-13: Marriage Enrichment.

February 18-20: Ethics in Business and the Professions.

February 25-27: Persian Cultural Awareness Weekend.

March 4-6: Junior Youth Conference (ages 12-14).

March 11-13; Children’s Conference (ages 8-11).

March 18-20: Youth Conference.

March 25-27: Singles’ Conference.

Those who are interested in attending any of these sessions may write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, » Davison, MI 48423, or telephone 313-653-5033.

World Peace:

through 6 (teachers can adapt the materials for younger children) entitled ‘‘Big World, Small World, My World.”

U.S. Committee for UNICEF

materials for children (posters, decals, etc.) courtesy of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF.

© A fact sheet entitled “The Baha’{ Faith and Its World Com Parachute games, hunting for ‘dinosaur eggs’ in the forest, swimming and singing were only a part of the Universal Children’s Day celebration October 9 at the Bosch Baha’i School near Santa Cruz, California. About 30 children and 25 adults joined the Baha’is of Santa Cruz County North to

munity”’ (for the teacher’s information).

The UN Teacher Packet can be obtained by writing to the National Education Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. The price is $6.

Checks should be made payable

to ‘Baha’ Services Fund’’ and earmarked ‘‘UN Packet.””

honor the rights and needs of children throughout the world. The dinosaur eggs, a special delight, were found in tree stumps, cracked open and devoured. Due to their enormous size (about 15 pounds) and green color, most people thought they resembled watermelons.

National Assembly expresses gratitude for support, messages of condolence following death of Dr. Daniel Jordan

The National Spiritual Assembly has felt the loving concern and support of the entire American Baha’i community during this time of bewilderment and bereavement over the tragic death of its vice-chairman, Dr. Daniel C. Jordan.

Your messages of sympathy have helped to ease somewhat the anguish and pain. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your

Dr. Daniel Jordan’s wife, Nancy, is shown with her daughters, Me understanding and kindness.

Since it is impossible for the National Assembly to respond individually to all of you, we are acknowledging here the receipt of your messages.

Regrettably, we were unable to keep track of the many telephone calls conveying condolences. Please be assured that these, too, were warmly appreciated.

%

lissa (left) and

Sara, at Dr. Jordan’s funeral October 23.

HC—hardcover

The Desire of the World

A Crown of Beauty

E. Chance. (GR)

(SC, Cat. No. 332-094, $2.25)

The Baha’is in Iran

(SC, Cat. No. 555-100, $3.00) Baha’ Studies, Vol. 10

(SC, Cat. No. 332-058, $4.00) To order these titles see your local Baha’

GR—George Ronald BIC—Bahá’{ International Community

Titles Distributed by the Baha’i Publishing Trust

ABS—Association for Baha’ Studies

Prices valid only in 48 contiguous states of the United States

Passages for meditation from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh compiled by Ruhiyyih Khanum. (GR) (HC, Cat. No. 315-076, $8.50; SC, Cat. No. 315-077, $3.50)

The unfolding of the Baha’i Faith in the Holy Land told in words, photographs, and drawings. By Eunice Braun and Hugh

(HC, Cat. No. 332-097, $14.75; SC, Cat. No. 332-098, $9.75)

A Commentary on the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha A revised edition by David Hofman. (GR)

Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Baha Annamarie Honnold’s collection of stories, sayings, and comments about the Master. (GR) (HC, Cat. No. 332-095, $13.50; SC, Cat. No. 332-096, $5.95)

The Baha’i International Community’s revised white paper on the persecution of a religious minority—the Baha’ is. (BIC)

Essays and poems on the theme of creativity. (ABS)

rarian or send a check or money order for

the total amount (plus 10% for postage and handling; minimum $1.50) to

Baha’i Publishing Trust

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

[Page 10]

TEACHING

The American Baha'i

10

The homefront

Pioneer

John H. Wilcott, homefront pioneer from Racine, Wisconsin, to Kendall, Montana from 1910 until his death in 1963.

The National Teaching Committee has set new priorities for homefront pioneers.

The committee decided recently that homefront pioneers should first be sent to mass-taught areas to aid in consolidation work.

A SECOND priority is to save or help form a Spiritual Assembly in any locality; a third priority is to open or help strengthen isolated localities.

The committee defines a homefront pioneer as someone who has moved to serve the Faith in one of the above categories and who con-siders himself or herself a homefront pioneer.

The National Teaching Committee would like to feature some homefront pioneers in this column.

If some of you would like to share your experiences and perhaps inspire others to arise, please contact the homefront pioneering desk, at the Bahd’{ National Center.

You may send in information, or we can interview you by phone. We would also like to have a picture of you and your family to accompany the article.

Several of the 200 homefront pioneering goals announced in the July issue of The American Bahd’{ have forwarded profiles of their communities.

This month, we feature Mountain Brook, Alabama; East Cleveland, Ohio; and Hamden, Connecticut.

More profiles will be included later, and we would like to encourage other goal communities to share profiles with us. Mountain Brook, Alabama

The Baha’is of Mountain Brook, a suburb whose borders touch Birmingham, Alabama, are a spirited Group of five adults and eight children who desire Assembly status.

We are in a lovely valley between two hilly regions about two miles from the largest medical complex in the Southeast. Our village is close to three major universities and has the best public schools in Alabama.

Please See PROFILE Page 11

Portland Assembly celebrates 75th anniversary

Several hundred Bahá’ís and their guests, mostly from the Pacific Northwest, gathered October 15-17 in Portland, Oregon, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland:

The three-day celebration was begun with a ‘‘unity feast’”’ Friday evening at Lewis and Clark College and included an archives exhibit, Saturday evening banquet and Sunday proclamation.

AMONG those present for the anniversary celebration were four members of the Continental Board of Counsellors—Lauretta King, Dr. Sarah Pereira, Fred Schechter and Velma W. Sherrill—and Auxiliary Board members Opal Conner, Joyce Dahl, Margaret Gallagher, Paul Pettit, James Schoppert and several of their assistants.

Keynote speakers at Sunday’s public meeting, which was attended by about 400 people, were Dr. Pereira and U.S. Rep. Don Bonker of Washington state, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations which held hearings last May on the persecution of Baha’is in Iran.

The unity feast drew an audience of more than 300, while more than 500 were present for the banquet on Saturday at which each of the four Counsellors spoke.

Counsellor Velma W. Sherrill speaks during a banquet October 16 honoring the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Spiri

Rep. Bonker said he was ‘‘deeply touched to be with you this afternoon, for I have become truly dedicated to the survival of the Baha’is in Iran.’”

Following his remarks, the congressman was thanked on behalf of Baha'is all over the world by Dr. Nosratollah Rassekh, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, and presented a certificate of appreciation.

MUSIC at the proclamation was provided by two Baha’is from Washington state, Wesley Baker and Marsha Urlacher.

Reminiscences of the early days of the Faith in Portland highlighted the Friday evening unity feast.

Among those who recalled the growth of the community and area were Howard Herrick, Mrs. Virginia Martig, Helen Reed Bishop, and Linda Choquette, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, who told of the introduction of the Faith in Portland in 1906 by Col, Nathan Ward Fitz-Gerald.

By 1907, the city was ready to form one of the first half-dozen or so Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S.

The members of that first Assembly in Portland were J.C. Cramer, J.H. Fisk, Anna Keller, Levi Keller and Livonia Lesourd.

(Note: Assemblies in those early days were not always composed of

tual Assembly of Portland, Oregon. At the dais with her are (left to right) Auxiliary Board member Joyce Dahl, Counsellors Fred

U.S. Rep. Don Bonker of Washington state, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Human Riglits and International Organizations, holds a certificate of appreciation given to him October 17 by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon. Congressman Bonker, whose subcommittee held

nine members as they are now. The Bahá’ís of Portland had written to ‘Abdu’l-Baha asking for permission to form an Assembly, and in January 1907 a letter was received granting that permission and asking for the signatures of the five people who would comprise the Assembly.)

Members of the present Spi

Schechter and Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, and Auxiliary Board member Opal Conner,

Final traveling teacher training sessions held

The peaceful, rural atmosphere of the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California, and the Louis Gregory Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, provided an appropriate setting for the National Teaching Committee’s final traveling teacher training institutes, held in October and November.

The end of the training sessions means that traveling teachers are now active throughout the U.S., and are eager to be of service wherever they are needed.

Some facts about the traveling teachers:

1, They have attended training institutes.

2. They may make their own itineraries, but may also be given assignments by the National Teaching Committee.

3. They are self-supporting, but any hospitality that is offered will be greatly appreciated. You are also free to assist them with other expenses such as gas.

4, They are happy to meet with Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and isolated believers.

5. They encourage love and unity among the friends.

6. They help in the fulfillment of the goals of the Seven Year Plan in whatever ways they are called upon to do.

The National Teaching Committee is confident that the spiritual energy generated by the unity that the traveling teachers have experienced at the four training sessions will inspire the friends across the nation to arise and present our National Spiritual Assembly with a victory to take to the International Conference in Haifa next Ridvan.

If you would like a traveling teacher to help your community contribute to that victory, write to the National Teaching Committee c/o the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

hearings last May on the persecution of Baha'is in Iran, was a keynote speaker at 2 public meeting held to honor the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland. Shown with him is the present chairman of the Assembly, Nosratollah Rassekh.

tual Assembly of Portland are Dr. Rassekh; Mrs. Weslie Gold (secretary); Charles Gold (vice-chairman); Nancy Ganong (recording secretary); Mrs. Mona Rassekh (secretary for committee affairs); Arash Kasaaian (treasurer); Leonard Bell; Mrs. Alicia Cardell; and Ted Cardell.

Fall World Order issue documents Iran martyrdoms

The Fall 1982 issue of World Order magazine affords yet another opportunity for sharing with friends, relatives and acquaintances information about the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran.

Highlighted in the issue are three accounts about or connected with the recent martyrdoms of Baha’is in that country, all introduced and translated by Dr. Amin Banani.

The first account details the martyrdom of Mr. Yustif Subhani in 1980. The second is a moving report of the seven martyrs of Hamadan, written by Mrs. Zhinuis Mahmidi in 1981.

The third account is a touching letter written by Mrs. Mahmidi, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, to her three children (one of whom testified in May 1982 before the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations of the U.S. House of Representatives) before her own martyrdom.

Also included in the Fall issue are two poems inspired by the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran (by Ian Stephen and Sheila Banani); an article on the human soul by Raymond Jeffords; and a review of Geoffrey Nash’s book Iran’s Secret Pogrom by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh.

[Page 11]Pee COB COU EMRE RAIS RETNA TM UY EO Oe OY TE ME TG TTNOW OR RUCT R rea aeR ET ) TEACHING

December 1982

11

Profile

Continued From Page 10

The medical center, affiliated with the University of Alabama, has students and doctors from all over the world. The center specializes in open heart surgery, cancer treatment, and many other newly expanding medical fields.

Ten years ago, Mountain Brook was reported to be the 12th wealthiest community in the U.S. It is an affluent, traditional area (with non-affluent Baha’is) made up of old families and new money, making teaching the Faith a real challenge.

The least expensive housing begins in the low $80s with few rentals available and waiting lists for most. Fortunately, our community is in touch with rental availability.

Unemployment is low in Birmingham, and opportunities are especially good in the medical field. Also, it is possible in our community that a domestic could live with a family and obtain employment. We especially need diversity in our community.

Perhaps a problem area would be the fact that wealth here makes traditional values seem more prevalent; also, we are considered to be in the “Bible belt.”

However, our small Group is highly energized, devoted to the Cause, and loving and supportive of one another.

East Cleveland, Ohio

East Cleveland (population 37,000) is a suburb of Cleveland with easy access to employment, universities, parks and recreational centers.

In East Cleveland are businesses such as fast food outlets, radio and TV repair shops, one bank and one hospital. A minus is the lack of moderately priced housing.

Chinese-speaking believers to be placed in register

One of the goals given to the International Chinese Teaching Committee by the Universal House of Justice is to compile a register of ‘‘avowed’’ Baha’iis who are Chinese-speaking.

To help achieve this goal, we ask that all Chinese-speaking believers submit the following information to the National Teaching Committee:

(a) Name; (b) address; (c) dialects spoken (¢.g., translation, conducting deepenings, public speaking); (d) if you have been travel-teaching, where and how long; (e) serving on what committees/Assemblies; (f) profession; (g) other talents,

Please send this information as quickly as possible to:

The National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

There are some apartments in HUD-financed buildings, for the retired on social security, and in high rise apartments for those with higher incomes, restricted for children.

The East Cleveland Group needs at least four dedicated Baha’is. They may be doctors at the hospital, tellers at the bank, teachers at the universities and colleges, or whatever their skill or job, Our community will be praying for the achievement of this goal. Hamden, Connecticut

“Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place ...””

The place is Hamden, Connecticut, a residential and manufacturing suburb in New Haven County about six miles north of the city of New Haven.

It has an area of 33.1 square miles, and is approximately four miles wide and eight miles long. The altitude varies from 50 to 880 feet above mean sea level; average annual temperature is 51 degrees, total annual rainfall (normal) 44.49 inches.

Advantages of living, working and playing in Hamden:

1. Accessibility to metropolitan areas via parkways, railroad and airport.

2. Cultural advantages such as symphony halls, libraries, art galleries and a natural history museum in nearby New Haven.

3. Educational and research fe cilities of Yale University, Qui nipiac College, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven College, South Central Community College, and Southern Connecticut State College.

4. Minutes away from Long Island Sound with its many public and private beaches.

5. One of the finest public school systems in the East.

6. One of the largest shopping complexes in New England with vast parking areas makes this an ideal place for the housewife or busy business person.

7. An outstanding residential town—a building boom of apartments continues.

8. Three major hospitals plus the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven offer treatment and research facilities second to none.

In addition, Hamden has its own Mental Health Commission and Mental Health Service. The Quinnipiac Valley Health District (QVHD) also offers a wide range of health services.

There are numerous services available for the elderly, as well as housing facilities and a new Senior Center.

For more information about Hamden, including an original poem by Harriett Bailey Zeeck, please contact the National Teaching Committee.

The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith

National Baha’i Fund

Wilmette, IL 60091

Gregory Institute fetes anniversary

Continued From Page 1

The conference theme, “South Carolina: Challenges of Growth,” served as a springboard for presentations by speakers on the challenges of growth for the individual, for Local Spiritual Assemblies, for Baha’i communities, and for the Deep South as a whole.

At the suggestion of Mr. Rutstein, the entire conference was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, who was found murdered October 16 in Stamford, Connecticut.

Prayers were read at the conference at the time of Dr. Jordan’s funeral in Stamford, and the following message was sent to the friends gathered in Connecticut:

“THOUGH grieved at the loss of dear Dan, we feel his gentle spirit in our midst. And that quickens our resolve to work for the unification of the human family.

“Our conference is dedicated in Dan’s memory. Our deepest love to Nancy and the children. (Signed) South Carolina Homecoming Conference.’’

Dr. Deas reported on the progress of the goals for South Carolina in the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan that were adopted in August 1981 by the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee.

The goals include helping Local Spiritual Assemblies to establish children’s classes, local Baha’i Centers, and Baha'i cemeteries.

The Regional Teaching Committee, she said, has appointed 10 “consolidation task forces’? composed of eight to 10 members each.

After preparing themselves for the consolidation work, these task forces are sent to nearby Baha’i communities on a regular basis.

MARY Gibson, the wife of the late member of the Universal

Dr. Alberta Deas, director of the Louis Gregory Institute, speaks at the 10th anniversary observance in October.

Among the several splendid entertainers at the Louis Gregory Baha’i_Institute’s 10th anniversary celebration were Mary Beckman

House of Justice, Amoz Gibson, was a special guest at the Homecoming Conference.

Speaking candidly about her experiences during her husband’: illness, Mrs. Gibson said that she and her daughter learned much from Mr. Gibson about death and the promise of an eternal happiness.

Mrs. Gibson indicated that she planned to remain in South Carolina after the conference to be of some assistance with the work of the Faith there..

Knowing that she will ‘‘have to face Amoz,”’ she said, ‘‘I would like to do something that will make him happy to see me.’”

Both Mrs. Martin and conference moderator George Frye of Charlotte, North Carolina, traced some of the history of the Faith’s growth in South Carolina.

MR. RUTSTEIN, in describing the ‘challenges of growth for the individual,” stressed the importance of every Baha’i reading and meditating on the Creative Word each day in addition to daily prayer.

Stories and reminiscences of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, were shared at the conference and anniversary celebration by Auxiliary Board member Albert James.

The 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute named. in Mr. Gregory’s honor came shortly after the release by the Baha’{ Publishing Trust of his biography by Gayle Morrison, To Move the World.

Dr. Kazemzadeh, who emphasized the significance of the Gregory Institute and its vital role in preparing the friends to go out and win the spiritual battles that must be faced and overcome as

of Hemingway and her father, Woodrow Jackson. Mr. Jackson was one of the first residents in the area to become a Baha'i.

the Faith develops, was observing a “‘homecoming”’ of his own.

As chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Kazemzadeh was among the speakers when the Gregory Institute was dedicated in October 1972.

IN A message read on that occasion, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears had written: “There is nothing happening today in this entire hemisphere as ignificant or as important as the dedication of this Institute.’”

Dr. Kazemzadeh likened the challenges that lie ahead to a military campaign.

“‘L see the Louis Gregory Institute as the training ground,”’ he said, “‘for those troops who will then go on the firing line and win the battle.””

Entertainment at the Homecoming Conference was provided by two groups of young Baha'is, the Darlington Singers from Darlington and Florence, South Carolina, and Nava, whose members are from various communities in North Carolina.

The anniversary program included vocals by Mary Beckman of Hemingway and by a singing group composed of area Baha’ is.

A special award of appreciation was given by Dr. Deas on behalf of the Institute to William Schramm of Conway, South Carolina.

In presenting the plaque, Dr. Deas said that although Mr. Schramm is handicapped by a serious heart condition, he has volunteered his services for the past six years in helping to improve the Institute’s buildings and physical environment.

Refreshments were served during an informal reception that followed the conclusion of the anniversary program.

[Page 12]The American Baha’i

ee EOE A EEE | RACE UNITY

12

Dear Baha’ Friends,

Everyone is at least the 50th cousin of everyone else in the world!

This exciting news—a conclusion with which leading geneticists agree—is explained by Baha’i author Guy Murchie in his book The Seven Mysteries of Life (Chapter 13, pp. 344-380, ‘Second Mystery: The Interrelatedness of All Creatures”’).

Every Baha'i should read it! Each human being’s family tree includes two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, 16 great-great-grandparents, etc. Mr. Murchie points out that the number of ancestors continues to double for each generation removed, and therefore 30 generations ago, each of us had more than a billion ancestors—which happens to be more than the estimated population of the world at that time.

The branches had to overlap; we are all related. ‘‘It is virtually certain,” Mr. Murchie writes, “that you are a direct descendant of Muhammad and every fertile predecessor of his including Krishna, Confucius, Abraham, Buddha, Caesar, Ishmael and Judas Iscariot.” (p. 357)

Mr. Murchie also discusses the reasons why no American can be

considered 100 per cent white or black, and how, in fact, every human being has a heritage that includes all races.

I feel it is meaningful for Baha’fs to spread this information, which can provide a powerful answer to racist arguments and adda deeper perspective to the widespread interest in genealogy.

Recently, my husband and I arrived late for a Baha’i dinner being held in a restaurant. When we asked a staff member for directions, he said, ‘Oh, the family reunion—it’s that way.”

He was correct! We are a family! And this Faith aims for the “family reunion’’ of mankind.

Chris McNett Orange County, Virginia

Dear Baha'i Friends,

While reading Closer Than Your Life Vein, by Henry A. Weil, I read (on page 17) that one should feel grateful to an offender for causing him to develop new abilities and strengths.

It immediately struck me dumb. This is what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá meant when He said the black people should be grateful to the white!

When in 1972 as a new Baha’i I read that statement by the Master, I was hurt and confused.

I struggled to understand the idea because I knew if ‘Abdu’l

Your Turn

Baha said it, it must be true. But it wasn’t until this year that I allowed my prejudice to wane to a low enough ebb to understand what ‘Abdu’l-Baha was saying.

I used the same principle with my children when they were very

Famous blacks in Baha’i history

Mary Brown Martin was a prominent teacher, women’s liberation activist and the first black woman to be elected to the Board of Education in Cleveland, Ohio.

Born the daughter of slaves in North Carolina in 1877, she attained, by virtue of her high courage, industry, thrift and character, a high standing in the field of music and education and became a peerless civic leader.

Her life and that of her husband, Alexander H. Martin, was motivated by Baha’i ideals. The Mary B. Martin Elementary School in Cleveland is named in honor of her memory.

George Savitt and Brenda Walker, members of the Spiritual Assembly of Miami, Florida, are shown presenting a copy of the book To Move the World to Arthur H. King (right), chairman of the board of trustees of the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida. The

presentation was made October 20, the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab. The Miami Assembly also donated To Move the World to Miami’s main public library, and distributed two copies each of A Cry from the Heart to the main library, 12. branch libraries, and the University of Miami library.

The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith

‘National Bahá’t Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

young, telling them not to feel angry, sad or upset when someone hurt them because it would make them a better and stronger person.

I even applied the principle to the slave-white relations in a paper for an English class before I became a Baha’i—but I couldn’t relate it to race relations as they applied to me.

Finally it has all come together.

Baha’fs and their guests from 10 communities in Mississippi and Alabama attended a Race Amity Conference held on Race Unity Day, June 13, at the city hall in Taylorsville, Mississippi. Speakers included Greg Malby, who lived in

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

Everyone in the world at least a 50th cousin!

But I knew that even if I find the answer in this life, du’l-Baha was right, and I would accept whatever He said.

Now, with His help, my prejudices are finally beginning to fade, to be replaced by love and understanding.

Beverly Nichols Macy, Nebraska

Photo by Herman Fowlkes the Falkland Islands for four years, and Herman Fowlkes. About 500 invitations were delivered to households in Taylorsville, and several ads and a news release were placed in the local newspaper.

The Master praises Universal Races Congress

“The Universal Races Congress was good, for it was intended for the furtherance and progress of Unity among all nations and a better international understanding. The purpose was good. The causes of dispute among different nations are always due to one of the following classes of prejudice: racial, lingual, theological, personal, and prejudices of custom and tradition. It requires a universal.active force to overcome these differences. A small disease which pervades the whole body needs a very strong remedy. A small lamp may light a room, a larger would light a house, a larger still might shine through the city, but the Sun is needed to light the whole world.

“The differences in language cause disunion between nations. There must be one universal language. The diversity in Faiths is.

Interact

also a cause of separation. The true foundation of all faiths must be established, the outer differences abolished. There must be a Oneness of Faith. To end all these differences is a very hard task; the whole world is sick, and needs the Power of the Great Healer.

“These meetings teach us that Unity is good, and that suppres‘sion (slavery under the yoke of tradition and prejudice) is the cause of disunion. To know this is not enough. All knowledge is good, but it can bear no fruit except by action. It is well to know that riches are good, but that knowledge will not make a man rich; he must work, he must put

“If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake and as a token of your love for My manifest and resplendent Cause. We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord within the paradise of My good-pleasure, and to inhale from your acts the fragrance of friendship and unity, of loving-kindness and fellowship.’ —Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 315

his knowledge into practice. We hope the people realise and know that Unity is good, and we also hope that they will not be content to stand still in that knowledge. Do not only say that Unity, Love and Brotherhood are good; you must work for their _realisation.”—From Abdul Baha in London, pp. 52-54

Texas children’s choir proclaims

Faith with music

Baha'is in the Edinburg-McAllen area in Texas have been using a children’s choir (composed of Bahá’ís and non-Baha’is) to sing at local nursing homes and for a community program for the elderly called Amigos Del Valle.

Among the occasions on which the children have sung this year was Race Unity Day.

After the performances, the Baha’is hand out printed cards telling something about the event and the Faith.

[Page 13]NATIONAL CONVENTION

December 1982

PLEASE PRINT

(Mr./Mrs./Miss). (Mr./Mrs./Miss) (Mr./Mrs./Miss).

(Mr./Mrs./Miss),

Address,

74TH BAHA’i NATIONAL CONVENTION (May 26-29, 1983)*

CONVENTION SEATING REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION BY LETTER IS ACCEPTABLE; HOWEVER, PLEASE INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT RESERVE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT THE HOTEL DIRECTLY.

USE ONE FORM PER FAMILY

LIST ALL ATTENDEES 15 YEARS OLD AND OLDER

Baha’i I.D. No.. Baha’i I.D. No.. ___. Baha’ 1.D. No..

_— Baha’ 1.D. No..

Telephone ( ).

Child’s name Sex

Age

CHILDREN’S REGISTRATION

LIST ALL CHILDREN 14 YEARS OLD AND UNDER Please note special needs (medical, emotional, dietary, etc.)

Special needs

A QUALITY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM IS PLANNED. PRE-REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE YOUR CHILD'S PLACE IN THIS PROGRAM.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!

Memorial Day weekend. It is imperative that reservations be. made as early as possible!

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 Baha’i Convention, the 74th U.S. Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ National Convention May 26-29, 1983. Request confirmation to ensure that your reservation was received. PLEASE (1) give

Make plans now for 74th National Convention

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 Bahd’{ National Convention May 26-29, 1983.

American Airlines, 800-433-1790 (Texas, 800792-1160); Northwest Orient Airlines, 800328-7747 (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.

The coupon above includes registration information for seating and for the registration of children at the Convention.

Stu Gilliam, a Baha’i from Southern California who is a professional comedian, ente: ing a banquet June 12

lowed the first Baha'i Business and Professional Conference for the Southwestern States in Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix hosts 1st Southwest. Baha’i Business Conference

Nearly 100 Baha’is were present June 12 at the Baha’i Center in Phoenix, Arizona, for the first Business and Professional Conference for the Southwestern States.

Participants came from as far away as Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and the Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservation.

Speakers at the conference included three members of the national Business and Professional Committee: Farhang Javid (chairman) of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Larry Miller (secretary) of Roswell, Georgia; and Dr. Riaz Khadem of Atlanta.

Dr. Khadem’s morning presentation on ‘‘The Achievement of Personal and Professional Excellence’’ was followed by five work shop sessions.

After lunch, Mr. Miller spoke on ‘‘Teaching Business and Professional Persons.”

Following more workshops and consultation, Mr. Javid summarized the day’s activities.

About 80 people including nonBaha’i representatives of the press, radio, television and advertising attended a banquet that evening at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley.

Entertainment included music and singing by Nancy Carpa of Tempe and Linda Sheehan of Prescott, and comedy by Stu Gilliam from Southern California.

The conference and banquet were hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix.

‘The recently elected Spiritual Assembly of Rigby, Idaho, was honored August 14 at a recognition ceremony and banquet hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Idaho Falls. Among those attending were Auxiliary Board members Opal Conner and Margaret Gallagher and several prominent citizens of the area. The Spiritual Assembly of Rigby was formed July 6, 1982. The Baha'i com munity now includes 13 adults, four youth and eight children. Assembly members are (front row left to right) LaVon Ristow, Gerry Becker, Carol Hudson (secretary), Sherry Perkins (vice-chairman), Audrey Velazquez, Carlos Velazquez (chairman), and (back row left to right) William Becker, Douglas Hudson, Allen Perkins (treasurer).

a A PE RS EE

[Page 14]PAGINA HISPANA

The American Baha’i

14.

Curso de estudio 9: La educacion universal

“Incumbe a todos adquirir conocimientos, pero de aquellas ciencias que pueden beneficiar a los pueblos de la tierra y no de aquellas ciencias que comienzan con puras palabras y terminan en puras palabras.’’—Bahd’u'llah

La educacién, o sea la instruccién y la guia de los hombres y el desarrollo y entrenamiento de sus facultades innatas, ha sido el supremo objectivo de todos los Profetas desde el comienzo del mundo.

En las ensefianzas Baha’is se proclama, en términos muy claros, la importancia fundamental y las posibilidades sin limites de la educacion.

Baha’u’llah declara que la educacién debe ser universal:

“Estd decretado que cada padre tiene la obligacién de educar a sus hijos en ilustracién y escritura ... y agrega: ‘El que educare asu hijo o a alguna otra criatura es como si hubiese educado a uno de Mis hijos.’ ””

La educacién comienza en el vientre de la madre, y sdlo termina al finalizar la vida del individuo. En este dia un hombre verdaderamente educado es un raro fendmeno, pues casi todos tienen prejuicios, ideales y conceptos erréneos, asi como malos habitos inculcados desde la nifiez.

“Abdu’l-Baha dice:

“Es evidente que la educacién .

mejora la moral de la humanidad; confiere las ventajas de la civilizacin y eleva al hombre desde los grados mds bajos hasta niveles de sublimidad. No obtstante,”” agrega “‘hay diferencias en la capacidad intrinseca 0 innata de los individuos. Sin embargo, a pesar de que la capacidad individual no es la misma, cada miembro de la humanidad es educable.

“Vemos que ciertos nifios de la misma edad, nacionalidad y raza, y ain de la misma familia, bajo la tutela de un mismo maestro difieren en su mentalidad y capacidad de entender.

“El adiestramiento no cambia las capacidades innatas del individuo sino, que permite revelar todas las virtudes y capacidades que existen en potencia en él. Es por este motivo que, en este nuevo ciclo, el adiestramiento y la edu

cacién estdn anotados en el Libro de Dios, no como voluntarios sino como algo obligatorio.”’

En este ciclo ninguna parte de la sociedad puede ser favorecida mas en educacién que otra; cada individuo es de valor para la comunidad y debe estar capacitado para tomar parte en le administracén de sus asuntos. La educacién no puede cambiar el cardcter de los individuos, quienes son todos diferentes, pero puede ayudarles a desarrollar su capacidad maxima.

“Abdu’l-Baha dice:

“Todo nifio debe ser educado en ciencias hasta donde sea necesario. Si los padres pueden proveer los gastos de esta educacion, estd muy bien; de otro modo es la comunidad la que debe proveer los medios para ensefar a dicho nifio.””

“La sabiduria es como alas para el hombre, como una escalera para ascender ...Los que poseen ciencias 0 artes tienen un gran derecho entre los pueblos del mundo.”’—Bahd’u'lldéh

Resolucién Espiritual de los Problemas Economicos ‘

“Los secretos de todo el problema econémico son de naturaleza divina y estan relacionados con el mundo del coraz6n y del espiritu ...””—‘Abdu’l-Baha

El principio de la Educacién Universal Obligatoria esta muy vinculado con el de Solucién Espiritual de los Problemas Econémicos que también fue enunciado por Baha’u’llah.

La Fe Baha’i no es un sistema 0 teoria econdédmica. Plantea principios espirituales de orden general que inciden en lo econdmico y considera que la humanidad’ no debe ser sacrificada con la finalidad de demostrar las teorias que esten de moda en un momento determinado.

‘Abdu’l-Baha dice:

“Las medidas para regularizar las condiciones econdmicas deben ser tales que todos, en la medida de lo posible, segtin su rango y posicién, puedan gozar de comodidad y bienestar.

“Vemos entre nosotros, por un lado, a personas quienes estdn sobrecargadas de riquezas y, por

otro lado, otras que desfallecen por no tener qué comer ...

“Este estado de cosas estd errado y debe ser remediado. Y agreBa: ... eS necesaria una organizacién que controle, y mejore este estado de cosas. Es importante limitar la pobreza. Cualquiera de los extremos es malo.

“Debe dictarse leyes especiales que se ocupen de estos extremos de pobreza y de riqueza ...Los gobiernos ... deben estar en conformidad con la Ley Divina, que da igual justicia para todos. Esta es la tunica manera de abolir la riqueza excesiva asf como la desmoralizadora y degradante pobreza.”’

El nuevo Orden Mundial, que anuncia Bahá’u’lláh, requiere que todos trabajen. El dice:

“El mds despreciado de los hombres ante Dios es aquel que se sienta y pide ...

“El mejor de los hombres es aquel que gana su subsistencia trabajando en su vocacién y gasta en si y en sus seres queridos, por el amor de Dios, el Sefior de todos los mundos ...

“Es obligatorio para todos ocuparse en oficios y profesiones, pues alli esté el secreto de Ia riqueza para los hombres de entendimiento. Los drboles que no rinden fruto han sido y serdn siempre pasto de las llamas.”’

‘Abdu’l-Baha agrega:

“Dios no es parcial y no hace distinciones entre las personas. El ha creado provisiones para todos. La cosecha es para todos. Las lluvias caen para todos y los rayos del sol estan destinados a dar calor @ todos.

“El hombre que piensa solamente en si mismo y no en los demds es, sin lugar a dudas, inferior

al animal; porque el animal no posee la facultad del razonamiento; pero el hombre posee la razon, el sentido de justicia, la facultad de misericordia y de piedad. Siendo poseedor de todas estas facultades, no debiera dejarlas sin uso. Quien tenga un corazén duro y piensa sdlo en su propio confort, no debiera llamarse hombre.”

Para alcanzar el nuevo Orden Mundial enunciado por Baha’u’ll4h debemos tratar de educarnos y de educar a nuestros hijos en aquellas artes y oficios que dignifiquen al hombre y, al mismo tiempo, cultivar las ensefianzas de las Manifestaciones de Dios, quienes son los verdaderos Maestros de la raza humana. Son los Educadores Universales y los principios fundamentales que han proclamado son la causa y factores del adelanto de las naciones.

Finde semana hispano: Asisten mas de 50 Baha’is

El 23 y 24 de Octubre en la escuela Baha’i, Green Acre, Baha’is de habla hispana asistieron al 42 “Fin de semana

Este evento fue organizado por el Comité Regional de Ensefianza Hispana para los estados del noroeste.

EL TEMA de la conferencia fue “‘Caminemos Juntos’’ y fue dedicado al Dr. Daniel Jordan.

La conferencia fue un evento marvilloso. Hemos recibido una carta de un baha’i que asistié y la compartimos con ustedes:

A mis quetidos amigos latinoamericanos:

Con carifio me dirijo a todos ustedes, para manifestarles la alegria que senti y siento de poder participar en todos los asuntos bahavis ...

El “Fin de semana _hispana”’ ...tuvo otra vez mucho exito! Puedo decir con orgullo, pues asi ha sido y asf esperamos que sera en el futuro.

Asistieron, mas de 50 personas de diferentes partes de los Estados Unidos, pero todos hispanos y todos contagiados de la alegria, el carifio y el acercamiento tan grande que da la Fe Baha’ a sus seguidores ...

Las personas que hablaron, baha’is bien cimentados y con un co

Mas de 50 personas escuchan de la

El Concurso Supremo, esas almas iluminadas que circundan los Reinos Divinos de Nuestro Creador, siempre estan dispuestas ha colaborar con nosotros en cualquier esfuerzo por la Causa de Dios.

Una de las situaciones donde estamos mas conscientes de Su presencia es durante proclamaciones.

EL 11 de octubre pasado, dos miembros del Comité Regional de Ensefianza para los Estados del Sur, sefiores Oscar Cardozo y Manuel Marcial, fueron entrevis tados por Union Radio de Miami, Florida.

Esta emisora transmite en espaiiol. El programa al cual fueron invitados, ‘‘Fronteras de la Mente,’’ tiene una duracién de una hora y una audiencia de 5,000 a 5,700 personas.

Varios fueron los temas discutidos durante el transcurso del programa. Durante la ultima porcién del mismo, la lineas telefénicas fueron abiertas al puiblico coyente para comentarios y preguntas.

Estas permanecieron Ilenas desde un comienzo, siendo imposible dialogar con todas las persona que llamaron por falta de tiempo.

El interés por parte del ptiblico latino fue impresionante!

Uno de los momentos sobresalientes de esta porcién del programa fue la llamada hecha por una sefiora, quien con mucha emocién en su voz, confesé que la historia de Bahá’u’lláh le habia llegado al coraz6n; élla habia estado siempre convencida de que el dia que Cristo volviera, El seria

En este foto se ven los participantes del ‘Fin de samana_hispano’ en Green Acre. Green Acre

es la primera escuela bahia’: de las

américas; es digno que este lugar sea la sede de esta conferencia histérica. La semilla para la edu

nocimiento d4mplio de la Fe, tuvieron mucho éxito ...

Se est planeando llevar a cabo otro ‘‘Fin de semana hispano’’ para el mes de mayo del préximo afio ... asi que comienzen desde

cacién de todos los hispanos de las américas y del mundo esta asegurada de atencién y cuidado con estos maestros de la Fe Baha'i, quienes se estan preparando para la tarea que nos espera a todos nosotros.

ahora, queridos amigos, a planear la forma de asistir ...

Saludos y sinceros deseos de felicidad y alegria para todos ustedes, de su amiga baha’i de Boston.

Fe Baha’i en Miami

nuevamente perseguido y crucificado.

OTRO oyente, de nacionalidad cubana, llamé para contar que él habia colaborado extensamente con los Baha’is en Cuba antes de que log comunistas tomaran el poder.

Habia perdido contacto con la Fe cuando se vié obligado a buscar refugio en los Estados Unidos. Dio su numero de teléfono, poniendose nuevamente a la disposicién de los Baha’is para cualquier

servicio que él pudiera prestar. Esta experiencia nos indica la fuerza de los medios masivos de comunicacién, y de que existen cientos, no, miles de personas esperando el mensaje de Dios.

Es indispensable el uso de la radio y, por que no, la television, para llegar a estas almas ansiosas de abrazar nuestra amada Fe.

Recuerden: el Concurso Supremo siempre espera que nos levantemos ha ensefiar. Ellos nos proveeran de audacia y valor!

[Page 15]PUBLICATIONS

December 1982

15

Make these

Baha’u'll:

Co

Treasures to Remember This year good things come in twos. Two works by Bahá’u’lláh or two different sets of books by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. All specially priced when purchased in sets. A perfect gift to help that favorite Sriend or family member start his or her own permanent library.

Gleanings from the Writings

of Baha’u’llah

The Kitab-i-iqin: The Book

of Certitude

Hardcover, set of 2

Regular price $25.00 Sale price $20.00

The Promulgation of Universal Peace

Some Answered Questions Hardcover, set of 2

Regular price $27.00 Sale price $23.00

A Traveler’s Narrative Memorials of the Faithful Hardcover, set of 2

Pee Ohio mE AUEIY Regular price $20.00 Deak

Sale price $16.00

Something for Everyone

Selected Writings of Baha’u’llah

A handsome gift elegantly bound

in red and stamped in silver. The

gray ribbon book mark invites daily reading and meditation on a sampling

of Bahá’u’lláh’s spiritual teachings. Hardcover Catalog No. 303-024

Regular price $10.00 Sale price $8.00

Tablets of the Divine Plan

Abdu’l-Baha’s ‘‘mandate’’ and ‘‘supreme

charter for teaching”’ the Faith of Baha’u’llah. Perfect for anyone devoted to helping win the goals of the Seven

Year Plan.

Softcover Catalog No. 106-111

Regular price $5.50 Sale price $4.00

ORDER FORM

—Gleanings/{qén 20.00

—B.Prayers—HC 71 —B.Prayers—SC 3.00

™= Interca

Qty Book or set Price Qty Book or set —B. Prayers—Deluxe

_—PUP/SAQ 23.00 — Youth Vanguard _—TN/MF 16.00 — Zahra

_— SW Bahda’u’ll4h 8.00 — Farewell —Tablets Divine Plan 4.00 Light of Oneness — Baby Book 10.00 __ Fire with Love — Sunflower — Light of Music

Bahai Publishing Trust

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

My Baby Book

For the precious new baby in your community—the only baby book in existence in which you can record baby’s first words and baby’s earliest Baha’i experiences. Lusciously illustrated in

a rainbow of sherbet colors, it becomes an important tool for reinforcing baby’s Baha’( identity. 0-3 years.

Hardcover Catalog No. 352-053 Regular price $16.00 Sale price $10.00

Sunflower Books, Set of 4

Simple first-person text and suitable activities help children learn simple Baha’i concepts and gain a sense of Baha’i identity. Includes My Baha’i Book,

My Favorite Prayers and Passages,

God and Me, and Our Baha’ Holy Places. 3-7 years.

Set of 4 Catalog No. 353-005

Regular price $7.50 Sale price $5.00

New Items

Baha’i Prayers

The new, expanded, redesigned prayer book, including the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, the Fire Tablet, and the Long Healing Prayer—plus many more prayers by Bahd’u’llh, the Bab, and ‘Abdu’ l-Baha appearing for the first time

in the prayer book.

Hardcover Catalog No. 115-070 $7.00 Softcover Catalog No. 115-071 $3.00 Deluxe Catalog No. 315-072 $15.00

Youth in the Vanguard

A rich feast of memoirs and letters collected by the first Baha’i student

at Berkeley and at Stanford University. Easy and informative reading for adults and youth by Marion Carpenter Yazdi.

Hardcover Catalog No. 332-089 $14.00

The Creative Word—the most important gift you can give

ee eee eee eee eee eee eee eee ee eee eee ee eee ee eee Enclosed is my check or money order for $____ (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50).

Charge to: ($10.00 minimum order) MC. Card expires.

Price

15.00 14.00 VISA 3.00 4.50 Send to: 4.50 450 Name

4.50

lary Days

a festival of the Creative Word

Zahra’s Search

A desert tale of adventure and daring

for 5-11 year olds. Zahra, the only gazelle in the herd concerned about her brother’s disappearance, takes a chance that brings a surprise.

Softcover Catalog No. 353-018 $3.00

Cassette Tapes from the Green Lake Conference Farewell Address

(Glenford E. Mitchell) Catalog No. 631-072 $4.50

The Light of Oneness (Gayle Morrison) Catalog No. 631-068 $4.50

On Fire with Love (Khalil Khavari) Catalog No. 631-069 $4.50

The Light of Music (Mark Ochu) Catalog No. 631-070 $4.50

Shedding New Light on the Situation (Parks Scott) Catalog No. 631-071 $4.50

Set of 5 Green Lake Cassettes Catalog No. 631-073 $17.50

Prices good through January 31, 1983.

17.50 Address.

Clty si thet eens hy arene “State tel wk Zip te

(All orders are NET—no discounts. No charges on librarians’ accounts accepted. Credit card orders accepted by phone: 1-800-323-1880)

TAB 12/82

[Page 16]—_—_——eeeeeeeeeeeeeee ee CLASSIFIEDS

The American Baha'i

16

Classified notices in The American Bahd’( are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’i community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial 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.

°

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Junction City, Oregon, a city of about 5,000 in the Willamette Valley about 12 miles from Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, and Springfield. Most of Junction City’s residents are farmers or commuters who work in Eugene. The people are open and receptive to the Faith; we need a pioneer or family who will open their home for meetings. The Spiritual Assembly of Springfield has placed books in the library; direct teaching has been done; a Baha’i has spoken at the local Methodist church. The community is ready for a residént pioneer. For more information write to the Spiritual Assembly of Springfield, P.O. Box 635, Springfield, OR 97477.

COUPLE with degrees in fine arts, and a young child, interested in homefront pioneering. We would prefer a rural area or Indian Reservation. Available to caretake property. Seek teaching position in art at college level or non-certified school, or work in crafts and photography. Also experienced as computer technicians and draftsmen. Write for resumés to Boksenbaum,

, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

ARE YOU thinking of pioneering tq Costa Rica? Recently, a Baha’i couple from Colombia found it necessary to return home and are offering their newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for sale to any interested Bahá’í(s) for $35,000. The home was completed las. year at a cost of $40,000. It is on a hill with a lovely view of the surrounding mountains and valley in a small ‘‘pueblo”’ called ‘‘Villa Colén”’ only 20 minutes from the capital city of San Jose. This village is the future home of the United Nations-sponsored ‘‘University of Peace’’ that is already under construction. For more information and pictures, please write to Jere and Julie McKinney, Apartado Costa Rica (phone 49-13-72).

WANTED: Personal papers of early Bahá’ís, especially letters, diaries, personal recollections, manuscripts and photographs. The National Baha’i Archives Committee wants to locate and acquire the papers of early Baha’is of national import. The Archives Committee would like to learn the names of descendants of early Baha’is, whether they are Baha’is or not, so that they may be contacted about these papers. “Among the papers being sought are those of Robert Abbott of Chicago, James

F. Brittingham of New York City, Albert Hall of Minneapolis, Alain Locke, Louise Dixon Boyle of Washington, D.C., Howard MacNutt and El-Fleda Spaulding. Anyone having information about the personal papers of these or other early Baha’ is should contact the National Baha’i Archives Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

I HAVE back issues of Baha’i News to give away for the asking. Please cover mailing charge only. Issues range from September 1971 through December 1981. Please write for details to Debi Miller,

Canon City, CO 81212.

PALO ALTO, California: Room, bath and breakfast for one or two traveling Baha’fs or traveling teachers available in return for contributions to the National Baha’{ Fund ($15 suggested). Write to C. Griner, P.O. Box 11336, Palo Alto, CA 94306, or phone 415-494-0412,

TOBEY books available: From

“the personal Baha’i library of

Mark Tobey. In excellent condition with notes. The Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Washington, is taking bids on the following books: 1. The Baha’i World, Vol. V (1932-34); minimum bid $125. 2. Gleanings; minimum bid $195. 3. The Advent of Divine Justice; minimum bid $250. Please send bids by March 1, 1983, to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’ is of Seattle, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111.

WANTED: Poems about the martyrs in Iran over the last three years (in English or Farsi). These poems will be used in the preparation of a proposed compilation to be reviewed by the Association for Bahá’í Studies for possible publication in its Baha’ Studies series or Baha’i Studies notebook. Please send poems about the martyrs, written by yourself or any other poet, to Tahirih Foroughi,

Reno, NV 89503.

PHYSICIANS are in short supply in The Gambia and Thailand. The International Goals Committee urges those in the medical profession to act quickly and investigate these opportunities to pioneer. Phone the committee at 312-869-9039, or write c/o the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

U.S, TEACHERS are currently being recruited by international English-language schools in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. These countries all need pioneers. The minimum requirements ‘include a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. International schools such as these usually provide transportation costs and, often, housing. Although it is advantageous to speak Spanish, it is not necessary for obtaining a position. For more information and addresses, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i

National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. If you have not contacted the Goals Committee office in the past, it would be helpful if you could provide your current Baha’i I.D. number and some background information about yourself and your family when you do.

THE BAHA'I National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Pioneer Counselor—International Goals Committee. Recruits, trains and counsels prospective pioneers, corresponds with pioneers in the field. Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and a high level of organizational abilities. General office experience, typing and recordkeeping required, pioneering experience preferred. Promotions Assistant—Baha’i Publishing Trust. Writes ad copy, jacket copy, newsletter and articles. Corresponds with Baha’i institutions and local community librarians. Maintains marketing files. Requires proven experience writing accurate, effective and persuasive prose and working under deadlines. Department Secretary—Purchasing. Types purchase orders and reports, takes stock inventory, fills supply orders, issues billings to various departments. Requires experience working with figures and the ability to communicate effectively with vendors, suppliers and staff. To apply or obtain more information, please contact the Office of Personnel Affairs, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, extension 265.

A PRINTER-business person is being sought by Counsellor Farzam_ Arbab to establish a Baha’i publishing trust in Cali, Colombia. This is a wonderful opportunity to build a thriving business in a lovely city with a wide range of cultural activities and a good business climate. For more information write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ATTORNEYS, law clerks, and others with legal skills are needed in the South Pacific. In the past few months the International Goals Committee has received repeated notices for several positions. For more specific information please phone the committee at your earliest convenience, 312-869-9039, or write c/o the Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

M.A. OR PH.D. student in history seeking a topic for a thesis or dissertation might consider the history of the Louhelen Baha’i School. The school’s 51-year history, with its discernible phases of birth, growth, decline and rebirth, some 50 letters from the Guardian, numerous archival records (minutes, correspondence, old programs, etc.) and many of the individuals instrumental in the development of the school who are

still living give the researcher a tich body of untouched historical data. Students who wish to undertake such a project may write to Dr. Geoffry Marks, director of academic affairs, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, describing their interest and the degree program in which they are enrolled. Please include curriculum vitae.

HAVE back issues of ‘‘Cricket”? magazine? The Louhelen School Library needs the December 1979 issue and issues from June 1981 to date in order to make acomplete set. Copies may be sent to the Louhelen Baha’i School Library, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: A vacant first floor apartment, below Baha’is residing on the second floor, is available (at reasonable rent) in Bolton Landing, New York. Two blocks from the center of town; ideal school, K-12, one block away; 20 miles from Glens Falls. If interested, please write to the Baha’is of Bolton Landing, c/o Walter Gavula, P.O. Box 542, Bolton Landing, NY 12814.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are urgently needed in the beautiful Sierra foothills of California where the air is clean and a great opportunity to teach the Faith exists. The Spiritual Assembly of the Sierra J.D. invites you to help save the Assembly and enlarge the Faith in this area which is still wide open. Eastern Madera County, Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Fishcamp and neighboring villages are within a short traveling distance to larger cities, and within a few hours of high country and the coast. There are many jobs available in the cities ranging from agriculture and trades to technical. The mountain area does not offer many jobs, but does have a full range of summer and winter sports and the opportunity to move away from the city. For more information please contact Guy Shannon, P.O. Box 325, Coarsegold, CA 93614, or phone 209-683-2554.

CARETAKERS are needed for a Baha’i Institute in Papua New Guinea. Excellent pioneering opportunity for a self-supporting or retired couple in the South Pacific. Light support money is available for a couple who can come on a missionary visa. Papua New Guinea is a designated goal area for the Seven Year Plan. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.

THE UNIVERSITY of Madagascar has several openings for native English speaking teachers. Such appointments usually _include housing plus long-term visas and contracts for two years. Madagascar, in French-speaking Africa, has been designated a pioneering goal area by the Universal House of Justice. For more infor mation contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NEWLY formed Baha’i Association of Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colorado, is interested in hosting traveling teachers, and also is looking for musicians and entertainers who could perform on campus. If you can come or stop during a trip (Grand Junction is on I-70 in western Colorado, near everywhere) please contact the Baha’i Association of Mesa College, c/o Mary Frances Pool, secretary,

Grand Junction, CO 81501, or phone 303-245-5737.

THE BAHA’{ Association of Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colorado, needs help and support. If communities or individuals have extra pamphlets, posters, ideas, or anything else they would like to contribute to a campus club, please send them to the Baha’i Association of Mesa College, c/o Mary Frances Pool, secretary, - 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501. The opportunities for teaching on campus are great!

PERSIAN Bahá’í and his family (wife and two children) would like to relocate to a small town or city. He is a civil engineer. Would prefer the Southwest, but is willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. to help form an Assembly or open a county. Since his wife is still attending college, a nearby university would be a great help. Please reply to P.O. Box 89, Chatham, IL 62629, or phone 217-483-5202.

RECENTLY jeopardized Assembly in Tonawanda, New York (a suburb of Buffalo) needs at least three dynamic homefront pioneers. Tonawanda is within easy commuting distance of the University of Buffalo. This is a job-depressed area, but there are 110,000 souls out there ready to become Baha’ is. Please write to L. Kroll, secretary, _

] , Tonawanda, NY 14150, or phone 716-837-3252 (after 6 p.m.).

HELP! The Spiritual Assembly of Noble, Oklahoma, is in jeopardy. We need at least two homefront pioneers before next Ridvan. Noble is only five miles from Norman, home of the University of Oklahoma. We can help you relocate. Write to P.O. Box 577, Noble, OK 73068, or phone (collect) 405-872-5250 or 405-8728217.

LUCRATIVE commissions are possible for homefront pioneers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin who have experience in vehicle sales and knowledge of hydraulics, small engines, material handling and lawn care. Extensive travel with your Class 1 hitchequipped vehicle to golf courses, parks and the like. Send work history to WU’s Power Vehicles, 1131 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.

eres SR ES RST RE RAEN TST RD TERT SO EET

[Page 17]

THE MEDIA

December 1982

17

New TV series produced in Chinese, Spanish

Light Years International of Los Angeles has produced and is distributing two exciting new Bahai television series: ‘‘World Unity ith’? in Chinese (Mandarin dialect with subtitles) and “Crece con Nosotros’? (Grow with Us) in Spanish.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly, which sponsored and guided the production of these programs, recommends that individuals, Groups and Local Assemblies use the series where appropriate in proclaiming the Faith to Chinese- and Spanish-speaking people, which is a high priority goal of the Seven Year Plan.

There are more than a thousand commercial television stations in the U.S. and nearly 5,000 cable television operations. Many TV stations will air Baha’i programs as a public service, and all cable facilities offer free public access, so there are many broadcast outlets for you and your community to use.

Each series opens with a 30-minute program introducing the Baha’i Faith; other programs explore various Baha’i themes.

The Chinese-language series in

cludes 10 half-hour talk shows, the Spanish-language series 12. Guests have varied backgrounds and come from North, South and Central America as well as from the Far East.

THE FIRST step in obtaining either of these series is to purchase a sample program. A 3/4-inch cassette costs $33 and a Betamax copy $26 (this includes the cost of postage and handling).

Although the tape will be used primarily to demonstrate the quality and content of the series to TV program directors, your community can use it in many other ways to proclaim the Faith, such as special firesides, proclamations, or by lehding the program to various clubs or civic organizations with @ Spanish or Chinese membership.

With this first tape you will receive a brochure outlining the contents of each series, instructions for placing it on the air in your community, and suggestions about how to maximize the effectiveness of your local TV teaching effort through advertising, special mailings, etc.

Once you’ve had successful ap

Shown are some of the participants in a program in the Chinese pointments with TV stations or cable programmers and have gotten a commitment from them to air the series, your community can then order an entire set, which will be delivered in three to four weeks after receipt of your order.

language television duced for the National Spiritual

Write today for a copy of “An Introduction to the Baha’i Faith’’ (specifying language and tape format desired). Send a check payable to Light Years International to P.O. Box 17127, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Assembly by Light Years International of Los Angeles.

Remember, too, that a series of 26 half-hour English-language TV shows entitled ‘The Spiritual Revolution’ also is available. For information write to the Office of Public Affairs, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

100-plus at Regional Media Conference in Philadelphia

More than 100 Bahá’ís from along the eastern seaboard were present October 24 at a regional Media Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The purpose of the conference was to enable believers, especially those living in smaller communities, to better understand how the print and broadcast media work and how best to interest the media in Baha’i-oriented news and articles.

DR MAGDALENE Carney, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, who had ad

Acel Moore (standing at left), ®

dressed the Philadelphia Baha’i community the evening before, opened the conference by stressing the importance of sharing the teachings in their pure form when creating slogans or trying to capture the essence of the Writings.

“It is hard,”” she said, ‘‘to improve on Bahá’u’lláh’s own words.”

Dr. Carney also told the group that Assemblies should arrange annual meetings with local officials to acquaint them with the Local Assembly and with Baha’i principles.

quirer, addresses the regional Ba “You are the spiritual center of your city,’ she said. ‘‘They may not know it yet, and you may not

know it, but the Baha’is are the spiritual center wherever they live.””

Parks Scott, the national Baha’i Public Affairs Officer, compared a community’s activity to a threelegged stool—one leg is teaching, another is community development or deepening, and the third is proclamation.

THE STOOL, he said, will topple over if one of its legs is missing.

“Proclamation,’’ Mr. Scott ex Photo by Don Camp

ference was coordinated by the

Pulitzer prize-winning editor and _ ha’{ media conference held Octo- Bahi’i Delaware Valley Public In columnist for the Philadelphia In ber 24 in Philadelphia. The con formation Office.

plained, ‘is the main purpose of the public information office. And proclamation paves the way for teaching.”

Three speakers whose backgrounds are radio, television and print, respectively, gave nuts-andbolts advice on approaching the media with a news idea.

Nick Peters, news director at Philadelphia’s National Public Radio affiliate, WUHY-FM, encouraged the Baha’is to learn a Station’s programming and personnel before sending a public service announcement.

Any communication with a radio station, he said, is more likely to be read if it is addressed to a person instead of to a generic “‘news director.’”

Suzanne Hansberry, a producer at WCAU-TV, gave important advice on submitting slides or video tapes for airing.

AT LEAST a dozen slides should be submitted for every 10-second spot, she explained, even though only two or three would be used.

Acel Moore, a Pulitzer prizewinning managing editor and columnist of the Philadelphia Inquirer and an editor of the nationally syndicated television program ‘‘Black Perspectives,” suggested that Assemblies or media representatives set up a meeting with the editorial board of the local newspaper to explain who the Baha'is are and what they stand for.

He stressed the need for good

communication between a newspaper and the community it serves.

Mr. Moore also suggested freelance feature articles for a newspaper’s Sunday supplement and letters to the editor as other avenues through which Baha’is might get their stories into print.

The conference, held on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, was coordinated by the Baha’i Delaware Valley Public Information Office, a regional media committee serving Philadelphia and its suburbs, southern New Jersey and northern Delaware.

Greenville Baha’is conduct services for Buddhist child

On June 19 the Baha'is of Greenville, South Carolina, conducted a funeral service for the baby of a Buddhist couple who had recently moved to Greenville from Thailand.

The funeral home was at a loss to find someone to perform the graveside ceremony, as the baby was of a non-Christian background.

When a local Presbyterian minister, who is president of the Greenville Ministerial Association (to which the Baha’is have sent a representative for the past year) was called, he suggested that the Baha'is be contacted ‘since they seem to be willing to serve even people of another faith.””

[Page 18]The American Baha'i

eee PERSIAN PAGE

1

oo Ifo

Uae gs SIRE Gs ur Ge Ww Ge

American Airlines: Northwest Orient : Continental +

wo eS Gil Collect

LollsWwo,s

SpS Ge pata Wan Eke oy peso" yng

800/433-1790. (Texas: 800/328-7747 (Minnesot. 800/525-0280 (Colorado:

Sane SIs geo 53555 51 1 rb Continental Air Transport (599 0 aidvay * 9927 5! 5 BY OtHare #159555 5!)

Bp SL (hee FTIR ALE Lc Sas See 9S Se oe 53 SI 555) SL Sages (TITY RINe) 19S Se Nye Spe LIU GSE wel GUS Garis igs Sky bay ye 4S a ze satay 2G Jom Grlo 5s

Sle Seed IO LISS oe lg YO TA DEE SN) She Gye SLI! 2 EG Wd 5S pyahe GL 5a SUSI LOS Gly y orgs SIL 59 62309 9959

Se be by, yx oe!

3h he ee gy 93 ome! ome ee gs ae

Beprenyueccuqconsrcacsy

yeh eS OO, ls WL Si SIS Ll & oS lings Bos ab sls YL ell shas Ls ay 88 US phe ote S p95 y5 aad AS Sano GUI OS wy ales ol

“neeting services desk "

sdey lays 09 alate 4251 we 5!

800/792-1160) 800/552-1290) 800/332-1375) 800/392-3390)

(Texas:

SBoret Breen opens

sae gs JL a! to yes Sa 1, tr ante

ays 9 (IU JL 30) JUS, 5 SaSase LE LI

9 te ee LS ge bl Ly et ed 5 Se loatys Kage JUbl ip gare Ly og hl pli seysay Ly Go Spbok lol seeSeS 55 WU Syl 58 ses yes oN oS gs

SopeS] Sug ae Uieay Jglicused 59)

dee A cent 50 Ling p51 ded allen pe WP tat gy A Saae oh ye ee REN Gla nici Gass sstyees MRLs Lato

syle phe! Jaton ese gelato Gage” LSS tee ort gle Jame JL aS toe Soh oS el gpel gay aS LOT 51.0055 prt gy nga5! on hs Gast | cll Lo ay ls GLI GET gly aS be oye GLa AB! els y elas | creo pl GS ae ySlyyS orl ys hs Le SS 59S ov! wk Sy LS ge yell HS by aS ap Ops aly be ls ob pw ISI NL seer UT Sd oats 5 GS ode 9 Wa) pS LS cle 05S wl OS eet lays Go IS po GYo ae Jobs ( gt ons et ats aye Gj oe Goole Sete GS aL ts lye Se a ol CN td Panel cad Re Peel TPN ESE AS ce es

as olny LU 51 GreS wre! wel Sere 00d ged AIG aw ple LL Relay ged Mee i lee te oy Lenght

Dr. H. Taced

Roseau, Dominica, West Indies

She ASSET ALI a Nan Nand oe be pe 5 We 9S trae eg Le wer le busy Htet ly Gy lste boPLBIS gly soy! JL Lobe SL, AL Ya yaa ys gs a et Sea SHS Le (TIT)ANP ROTA

International Goals Committee

Baha’i National Cénter Wilmette, IL 60092

as gS ov LL

wad sy toe Gate GIS UL 5 EL at yg Gao ye Gene oh oye plSe gto! yc tastes ylge Base 2 se FE ly Se oo ela BE La! y Sey SLY! w aS gol st eels e lps es LETS YL Bipek CIE oby S Shy SL pete ta lp lls gs gy Liyoye AS oj ,yue phot shane 5 3S S59 9,10 oyry SGT slp iS oly Sb y ale Glatys Sreloese St GT IE oy loc! ad Og kL Lt go bite! oy Se

sas Snes chan 9 Soees

ee by ts Sine yg le Sm Gl ly oF BEL pe cploleh y ely why 3 GAs gee Gogh ey pI SE OL) yp AILS waslys 5a yg ly 1, spate pow ot gs eS LI Ly he oy ye ogy SIL GEL je yb ols & bate Jad ole Gs yy holds wy gs eek ging ame G Use! gSu aS) GT &. Peek Stee Gj yb tale, Spt g olay 2S soll oS Sel ot 4a SS

5b) 4g welasts plot 1 oy ces pt! Bye Le gdes See y Jeans y ws ato ge GBH ope eG ols 9 Sypcdoees "ype! gate Jol artes ls 590

sat bs JL! Membership and Records Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Se BSS PLEIN Gig a>

tn

feds Sie ves Letee ry G7

MRAZ Nghe Long fe wt eipjehoss

fp ro Oe Por eS ylat

epee

ONS

hy RAB tech IE

yp PMI

bre GSE lp GS ele We clo! go BahS'£ Huqug =p Ly 1, aU Ge ao pe eg ls 51 Spo a te

aay legs JUS! aU gyi

sane UI 5s Dr. Aain Banani

Santa Monica, California 90402

sane ILI S42 39

Mr. Moussa Mostaghim FP, 0. Box 296 Ephrata, PA 17522

dats lee oy lh tae Nye eS cng! denen doo lgay QOLT yilage |, ols3s ole bgles SUL) Ay U Why ods lged 5 the SUIS a syne ey U DNs abt Hwee tots 9 bss, spe) gleaadgs Wye oS wees al y Sue PS 5h g90 9 Ste lad yyy y UI y ge der yray pladl aye ,S1 50 pes wy es eglyems GEL GLE Gp gle ole gesbo gh gh dary UL AS oyes uals Sha LS gos Geb Jol Lat poTess AUS y By y ROE gs 5 ppg ope a SEL oe 2 pty eplole” yo Ula! Sop PS las clsdli gal” slispal z +S yn any Le

eb ype

sypilcas pp SLS 5 dS sl oI > exes oh bees SN, et yg er bobss 15 Ny elo bbe! gospel opr celoels ey ae an Sy at LT Cl by yous

Slob eo lyass 5! pees y lS ols ib! Probe 5 syns gly 1 U5t y oS Last 1S py cyl cba

wa els Tglasy abso” gl olanys GLE JUL Ion, pee L alas Sle sET 5 Nyt! a game phe le ete lg Ll yyet ated pelt lanes ayes ae pene Gol Gb a plat oye ae el ols & oy JL,I L astye

Uy s9Se US ole ology dime pads 50 tea

BSE" ES, 9S OES Gos 5! Golan gains PE wey, UI tet joe Gol! GUSse PEL ELL she ys kad gel! pads

see Ys yr cy aye EL

a EE

Sih ene eugiyteddin AKG et

Cincher

cy, Soret Senyores

Paes : Zee oy, Linch GAP 4

aiken Be Wh WAB LY EPL SG tC AE

Pig

ln

SSe= SN GID U 5 ae oyten ones oo US, Be SU p ly 9 Slag share ‘Lo! soylae Ub! y rained yb glen ile ta ys Got LE lye Us La el Ube Te oT ped sage pty See oS oy ill, La ES & wel, © als el ge et be oN So 3M mw 9 oy We Dyer Uy oe wc 0305S ane

(goeey cules ge ghey Salo anges OU Bye ge buhe! yolk 5! sole! el Rg tad wal gine Scr! ole See gy ley ve ls Wot als y al aSoble 1, vans ppane 09 Glaaidys y lel yb ols sem lal yyy grlSa55 yo ole vole gly Gly By lo IS yee y et oly oS olptes wpe LI oS oly wl obs wl ColpsY Sly pats 5 Go ots is 9 Lee yOLIS IL 53 bid ot US! Glactys ye tll y Se oes oges bot Sl SEE spe Ny SO Oe Ve AS ke hd ibe yoy, OL (ee joe pols SE Lets)! Selad ohee hls & SEIS ST em 5 055 S55 len pans eee Nea ils eye JSie gFEOWI 4 wLOLIS 51 el) pp Ly sae pltee 9 sade (prs bp y Se 5 co littpleSe wba Ji sly o Jats US yo GEL oy LE Spins sare Grek GY SE py tag plhe 5 rade a vale

Sealy be 5 optap gle Goat, IS BLS Sy Se yo bbs! FCW tts Mdpos Qld oT Uallg tgs Ty ols oly Sco! ape be St ole pine 5 So gob T ope Spd Ve pega Glo GE ple p99 Wig SE ole by Liban U Sy 9 AS yg abate Sy es allen pad SL Ke eC eas oss ab da Uae Gai petoTi sltigs Tess) 5) py Bs gd le GLE Sh QL Job go pts SaeSeepthes 1) elle poUIs pass oye a yaw ipry35ySt0) ey ty) g ey Wary 53) 0S,

soya le Gl soca 9

Sel oe! 51 gecisined) 9 2 9n ne Lee 9 ad line

[Page 19]The American Baha’i

December 1982

rs O...

in The American Baha’i

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears speaks about the importance of unity and universal participation to an audience of more than 100 Baha’is in St. Tammany, Louisiana.

On August 10, Mr. Sears meets with Baha’is and seekers in South Dade County, Florida, encouraging the friends to intensify their teaching efforts among the growing number of Spanish-speaking people in the greater Miami area.

To prepare a tape on the institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Sears had secluded himself in a room for five days while memorizing his part of the tape in Spanish ...

Auxiliary Board member Velma Sherrill conducts a one-day institute on the Covenant in Durango, Colorado, that is attended by Baha’is from southern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico.

While in the area, Mrs. Sherrill visits the Southern. Ute Indian Reservation and presents the Ig The National Spiritual Assembly announces that the third National Bahá’í Youth Conference will be held June 20-24, 1973. Later, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is chosen as the site for the Conference ...

Meanwhile, the Western Colorado District Teaching Committee announces plans for a teaching conference to be held in February 1973 in Palisade and hosted by that city’s Spiritual Assembly. Topics for discussion are to include teaching the masses, living a Baha’i life, and the significance of the Fund ...

The Northeastern Oriental Teaching Committee holds a public meeting in New York City’s Chinatown that is attended by approximately 55 seekers, 25 of whom are Chinese.

Afterward, the Spiritual Assembly of New York City maps plans for further proclamation and consolidation efforts among the Chinese ...

A_nine-sided Baha’i booth stocked with Baha’i literature and surrounded by a garden is a part of the California Exposition and Fair in Sacramento, California ...

Two Bahd’{ musical groups, the “New World Singers’? and the “Baha’i Children’s Chorus,’’ perform at the annual fair in Bell Gardens, California ...

Bahá’ís in Eliot, Maine, honor Martha Heber at a special luncheon marking her 101st birthday.

Miss Heber tells the friends she first learned of the Faith in 1912, and had the bounty of seeing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His tour of the U.S. that same year ...

Te ¥

Funds

Continued From Page 5

ticut for the funeral of Dr. Daniel Jordan to ensure that the Faith would be represented accurately

“clipping” services are retained to provide a record of publicity and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Public Affairs Office, media committees and public information representatives.

One copy of these clippings goes into the National Archives. Another copy is sent to the World Centre at the request of the Universal House of Justice. This service costs about $12,000 a year.

The National Spiritual Assembly is primarily responsible for the

diplomatic work of the Faith. In this regard, if it was not for the National Fund it would have been. difficult to accomplish everything relating to the historic Congressional hearings—from the prehearing luncheon arranged to acquaint the Washington political community with the persecutions, to the travel expenses and reproduction of voluminous reports and materials presented to Congressmen,

There is no way to calculate the total effect of these activities, but it will undoubtedly prove to be many times greater than the dollars expended.

Proclamation of the Faith goes beyond publicity and efforts to reach leaders of thought. It also includes the task of reaching all of humanity with the Message of Baha’u’llh, and involves the entire community, right down to the individual believers. Among the activities supported by the Fund at

Juan Jose Peiia, a Bahá’í from Pagosa Junction, Colorado, who was a member of the Tewa Indian tribe, died October 22 at the age of 104. Mr. Peiia, a rancher and farmer who was widely known as a medicine man, was born May 18, 1878, and became a Baha’i on May 13, 1979.

this level:

MEDIA conferences are conducted by the Public Affairs Office to train individuals, public information representatives and

media committees. The office conducts 1/2-day, one-day and three-day (weekend) conferences.

Day-long conferences cost about $1,500, which covers the production and mailing of hai outs for the individual part! pants, travel and meal expenses, and, although hospitality often is extended, there may be lodging and auto rental expenses.

Weekend conferences cost about $3,000 each. There have been approximately 20 media conferences since April; almost half. have been weekend sessions.

The booklet on the persecus in Iran developed by the Bainternational Community will

be given wide distribution. It provides valuable background material for local Bahdé’i communities to use in their contacts with the local me:

The Public Affairs Office has purchased 2,000 copies of this booklet (at a cost of $2.50 each). It will be included with background materials ordered by Baha’i_ communities. Expenses for press release kits and other such background information are expected to exceed $10,000 this year, some of which will be reimbursed by local communities.

IN ALL, the Public Affairs budget this year is $300,000. Considering that more than one-third of that sum is spent for six fulltime office employees, the money that is left has to be stretched quite far.

An example of a project under development, which hopefully will not have to be shelved for lack of funds, is a proclamation handbook which is to be made available to individuals, media committees and Baha’i communities.

Included will be suggestions for using successful proclamation ideas which the Public Affairs Office has received—everything from sample press releases, tips on how to work with local religion

“ editors, and proven methods for

contacting media professionals, to establishing a working relationship with them, It will be extensive in scope and updated regularly.

In order that the range of proclamation activities may be continued and even increased in the future, the National Fund must be strengthened through the regular support of an increasing number of individual believers and local communities.

The importance of the proclamation work, and therefore the condition of the National Fund which supports that work, can never be underestimated.

IN THE early years of the Ten Year Crusade, in response to the severe outbreak of persecution faced by the Iranian believers, the Guardian addressed the friends in America calling for widespread publicity. With the Baha’is in Iran

again facing extreme persecutions today, the words of Shoghi Effendi have an even greater impact:

“To the intensification of such a publicity ... the members of the American Baha’i Community ... must fully and decisively contribute.””

“Let them remember, as they pursue diligently this sacred task, that such a publicity ... cannot but prove to be a prelude, however slow the process involved, to the emancipation of these same valiant sufferers from the galling fetters of an antiquated religious

orthodoxy ...’”

“Such a consummation will, in its turn, pave the way for the reccognition of that Faith as an independent religion established on a basis of absolute equality with its sister religions ...’’

“That the American Baha’i Community ... may ... seize the present God-sent opportunity ... is a prayer constantly in my heart, and a wish which I treasure above all others.”” *

(Citadel of Faith, pp. 140-42, from a letter written August 20, 1955)

The Baha’fs of Scottsdale, Arizona, recently donated a rose garden consisting of 38 bushes to the city in memory of the Baha’i martyrs in Iran. The garden was planted in front of the Scottsdale city hall. Admiring one of the bushes

ae

is 88-year-old Ann Morris as 6-year-old Joyce Bensch and her 16-month-old brother, Victor, help with the planting. The photo was published with an editorial about the Baha’i donation in the Scottsdale Progress.

In Memoriam

Jalal Aazami Martha Crazymule Glendale, CA Lame Deer, MT October 3, 1982 Date Unknown Pete Adams Denise Davis

Lame Deer, MT Date Unknown

Mrs. Brenda Blount Ayden, NC 1975

Mrs. Jacqueline Brown New York, NY September 26, 1982

Helen Canterbury

Salt Lake City, UT July 3, 1981

Robin DuPre Hallandale, FL August 29, 1982

Mrs. Lucile Ford Roanoke, VA July 12, 1982

Dr. Daniel Jordan

Claude Martin Aberdeen, WA September 1981 Jean Poitra

Lame Deer, MT Date Unknown

Frieda Rautenstrauch Marlborough, NH December 30, 1981 Robert Redfox Ashland, MT

Date Unknown

Dr. Stanley Stutman

Eliot, ME Escondido, CA Rockville Centre, NY Date Unknown October 1982 August 15, 1982

Dr. Samuel Chambers Mrs. Virginia Madsen Ernestine Wheeler Richland, WA Pasadena, CA Lapwai, ID

October 12, 1982 1980

Mrs. Isabelle Clubfoot Crow Agency, MT Date Unknown

September 21, 1982

a SN RRR RS ARS TCT

[Page 20]The American Baha'i

see Usage ccs

YA 4 rdo

December 1982

20

NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE

WILMETTE, IL PERMIT NO. 479

Mills

Continued From Page 3

the Conference of Living Religions Within the British Empire that was held in London.

In 1928 he was the Baha’i representative at the Universal Religious Peace Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, and also served as an unofficial observer at the public proceedings of the League of Nations meeting in Geneva.

Entrusted by the Guardian with another special mission, Mr. Mills made two trips to Baghdad, Iráq, to study the facts concerning Baha’i rights to possession of the House of Baha’u’llah in that city which had been confiscated by Islamic authorities.

Upon his return he presented the Baha’i appeal to the League of Nations which ruled in favor of the Faith.

KING FEISAL of Iráq assured Mr. Mills that his government would carry out the terms of the League’s decision, but the king’s death prevented this from being carried out.

The effects of a brutal attack suffered by Mr. Mills while in Baghdad remained with him for many years.

After hearing Mr. Mills’ description of the evolution of the Faith, Professor Browne of Cambridge, who had been in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and had translated A Trayeller’s Narrative: the Episode of the Bab, realized that he had been too preoccupied with the conflicting claims and disturbances following the Martyrdom of the Bab.

Professor Browne expressed his. desire to translate other Baha’i works, but he passed away before this could be arranged.

It was Mr. Mills who prepared a resolution presented by the National Spiritual Assembly to President Roosevelt in the hope that it would ‘‘ ...in this hour of grave crisis bring him comfort, encouragement and strength.””

The resolution included Baha’u’llah’s Tablet to “The Rulers of America and the Presidents of the Republics Therein” and two prayers for America revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha,

Horace Holley, who served as secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly for its first 34 years, Se scribed Mr. Mills as a “ ...' ning public speaker,”” adding a “his personality gained many influential friends for the Faith in some of its most difficult days in the West.””

1

Moving? Tell us your new address To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copies of The American Babs’ send your new address and your mailing I-bel which includes your ID number to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahs’i National Center, Wilmette, IL ‘60091, as soon as you know that you are going to move and what your new address will be. We will do our best to see that changes are processed quickly so that the transfer of mail to your new home is accomplished with all possible speed

Name

Mai Address New Baha'i ‘Community

Moving Date.

Me Mis i ks

Miss. ~~ Full name—00 NOT use nicknames:

Residence Address —_

City

~ Name of Local Assembly, group.

Please check box.

House or Space Number. Street, or Description "

State”

‘Street, Rural Route, or Post Office Box Number

{solated locality where this person resides:

‘Mailing label should accompany address change form We have been receiving more than one copy

need extra copies, please remove my name from the mailing list for this publication.

Wilmette, Iinois 60091

BAHA’{ NASIONAL CENTER

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

1 | ! ! ! | | ! ! | ! !

of The American Baha'i. Because we don’t : ! 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 | | I 1 1

Spanish-speaking Baha’is guests on Miami program

On October 11, two members of the Regional Spanish Teaching Committee for the Southern States, Oscar Cardozo and Manuel Marcial, were interviewed on “Frontiers of the Mind’’ on the Spanish-language Union Radio in Miami, Florida.

The hour- long program has an audience estimated at 5,000 to Toward the end of the program, telephone lines were opened to the public for comments and questions. The lines stayed busy from the moment they were opened, making it impossible to talk to all the callers for lack of time.

One woman said she had always known that when Christ returned He would again be persecuted and crucified.

Another listener, a Cuban, said he had worked closely with the Baha'is in that country before the Communists seized power and he was forced to seek refuge in the US.

He gaye his phone number, placing himself again at the disposal of the Baha’is for whatever service he could render.

Fund-raisers held

The Baha’i Group of Arlington, Massachusetts, has held two recent fund-raising events for the National Baha’i Fund.

In September, a community yard sale netted $199 for the Fund; in October, $110 was raised at a potluck dinner. *

Letters

Continued From Page 3

those early believers whose sin cerity and selflessness created the

foundation for the formative stage of Baha’i civilization.

Oscar P. Stone

New Haven, Connecticut

(We apologize for moving Mr. Wilhelm’s residence to Englewood. The word ‘“‘stingy’’ was a direct quote from Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, and was clarified immediately by the phrase, ‘‘because he wanted all the money to go to the Faith.’’ As Mr. Stone points out, we might all benefit from more of that kind of ‘‘stinginess.’’—Ed.)

To the Editor:

This is an open letter to our “spiritual parents’’ (including those heavenly souls who aided us, whose patience we tested, whose ears we bent, whose coffee we consumed by the gallon):

From you we heard the precious word ‘*Baha’i.”” Through it, with your loving help, we discovered worlds that dwarf the discoveries of Columbus or Marco Polo; found DeLeon’s coveted ‘‘fountain of youth’; Diogenes’ “‘honest man’’; Lancelot’s ‘“‘holy grail’; and found a Cause to work and to die for, beyond Joan of Arc’s or Florence Nightingale’s finest visions.

For 27 years we have basked in the sunshine of Baha’u’llah, only now realizing that for only one day of that 27 years the prophets of the Hous¢ of Israel, the Apostles of Jesus, the Imams of Muhammad, the Letters of the Living

would have given up their mighty stations.

‘Because of you we have known such precious souls as Shoghi Effendi, Millie Collins, William Sears, and Amoz Gibson, to name only a few.

We beg God to allow us to appreciate and treasure you and this gift sufficiently.

Fred and Geneva Bell Houston, Texas

To the Editor:

I recently ran across the following reference to the Faith in a book by Henry Miller entitled The Air-Conditioned Nightmare, and thought the friends might enjoy reading it.

Henry Miller is a prominent—although highly controversial—modern American author. I would suggest that the friends take a look at some of Mr. Miller's work before mentioning his opinion of the Faith to their focal minister. Publication of many of Mr. Miller’s works was banned in this country (they were considered pornographic) until the 1960s.

The Air-Conditioned Nightmare is an account of Mr. Miller’s trip across America during the 1940s. He had just returned from 10 years in Paris, and was constantly amazed by the spiritual vacuity which was America.

Having left Chicago, he was on his way to ...

- ...Mundelein so that I could

bless the cardinal and all the real estate operations, but we only got as far as the Bahai (sic) Temple. A workman who was shoveling sand opened the door of the temple and showed us around. He kept telling us that we all worshipped the same God, that all religions were alike

in essence.

“In the little pamphlet which he handed us to read I learned that the Forerunner of the Faith, the Founder of the Faith, and the authorized Interpreter and Exemplar of Baha’u’llah’s teachings all suffered persecution or martyrdom for daring to make God’s love allinclusive. It’s a queer world, even in this enlightened period of civilization.

“The Bahai temple has been twenty years building and is not finished yet. The architect was Mr. Bourgeois, believe it or not. The interior of the temple, in its unfinished state, makes you think of a stage setting for Joan of Arc. The circular meeting place on the ground floor resembles the hollow of a shell and inspires peace and meditation as few places of worship do.

“The (Baha’i) movement has already spread over most of the globe, thanks to its persecutors and detractors. There is no color line, as in Christian churches, and one can believe as he pleases. It is for this reason that the Bahai movement is destined to outlast all the other religious organizations on this continent.” (Henry Miller, The Air-Conditioned Nightmare. New York: New Directions Publishing Company, 1945, pp. 56-57)

Joel M. Mikesell Dixon, California

To the Editor:

We of the Bahd’{ Faith have many great responsibilities, the foremost of which is to teach all people about the Cause we are blessed to be a part of.

But we are neglecting the second largest language minority in this country: the deaf and hard of

hearing. /

A few years ago I asked National why there was no teaching committee for the deaf, and was told they would like to establish one, but owing to the condition of the Fund they were unable to do so.

Apparently, that situation has not changed.

We Bahá’ís have many distinctions, but being the largest religion in the U.S. without an organized ‘‘deaf ministry” should not be one of them.

Please consider this need the next time you give to the Fund.

There is one other thing we all can do if we haven’t already—learn ‘‘sign language.’”

It has been my experience that people who are deaf show as much interest in a religion as that religion and its adherents show toward them.

Michael Sullivan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Baha’ is profiled

Ann Kendell, a Baha’i who lives in Coeur d‘Alene, Idaho, was profiled recently by the Idaho Falls Post-Register in an article that told of her many community services.

“Mrs. Kendell gives credit for her community involvement to her religious faith,” the article said. “She has been a member of the Baha’i faith for the past 20 years.””

Mrs. Kendell is founder of K-9 and Friends, a humane society devoted to securing better conditions for unclaimed dogs and other ani- mals, is a member of the local Art Guild, and has participated in city beautification programs.

Notifications

Personal tools

The American Bahá’í/Volume 13/Issue 12/Text