The American Bahá’í/Volume 13/Issue 9/Text
| ←Previous | The American Bahá’í September, 1982 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
[Page 1]
Part of a model showing the interior of the downstairs area at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette as it will look after renovations are completed sometime next year.
House of Worship’s downstairs area to receive complete facelift[edit]
The remodeling of the lower level of the Bahá’í House of Worship, in the planning stages for nearly four years, has finally entered the construction phase.
When completed, it will usher in an exciting new period of teaching and proclamation at the House of Worship.
“WHEN the House of Worship was dedicated in 1953,” says Bruce Whitmore, secretary of the House of Worship Activities Committee, “it was not complete, for the downstairs area was largely unfinished.
“Since then improvements have been made periodically, but never in a coordinated fashion and never as the result of studies to determine how the lower level could facilitate and promote our teaching efforts.
“You see,” he adds, “that’s our big problem. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave this House of Worship a special teaching mission that we have not carried out.
“No one would deny that the House of Worship is one of the major symbols of the Faith in the eyes of the world. But the environment within the building itself, within the downstairs area (the upstairs is primarily for worship), has never been arranged in a way that encourages and supports our teaching activities.”
In October 1978 the House of Worship Activities Committee began to evaluate the existing downstairs facilities and their effect on visitors. Two redevelopment plans, compiled in 1968 and 1974, also were studied.
THE COMMITTEE then began working with two Bahá’ís: Joon Chung, a highly creative interior designer who has broadly applied his skills in the field of communication arts including work in graphic, photographic, video, display and print media; and Albin Kubala, an architect for 30 years whose most recent work has involved probably the most complex of all building types, large-scale hospitals.
As the project expanded, two other Bahá’ís were added to the team: Tom Kubala and Allen Washatko, talented young architects who have been partners for four years.
One of their important accomplishments has been to create for the National Spiritual Assembly of India a master plan and building design for the 75-acre Rabbani School in central India.
| What’s inside
YOUTH make great strides toward winning goals of the National Youth Plan. Page 7 COMPLETE list of individual U.S. district goals for second phase of present Plan. Page 10 DISTRICT Conventions to feature a video tape of Bahá’í testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations. Page 14 THE NEW Louhelen Bahá’í School schedules its inauguration ceremonies for October 30-31. Page 19 |
“Our studies showed that the existing environment in the downstairs area at the House of Worship in Wilmette not only failed to support the teaching work, but actually hindered it,” says Mr. Chung.
“We found that the area left people with a number of misconceptions about the Faith, among them that it was neither progressive (because so much of the area appeared old) nor unified (because of a lack of architectural continuity throughout the area).”
THE PROCESS of analyzing what was wrong in each part of the downstairs area, notes Tom Kubala, “defining solutions for these problems and then creating an architectural design to support those solutions, was a unique
Another Bahá’í is martyred in Iran[edit]
SADDENED REPORT YET ANOTHER STALWART SUPPORTER GREATEST NAME IRAN ‘ABBÁS-‘ALÍ ṢÁDIQÍPÚR EXECUTED 15 JULY SHÍRÁZ. CHARGES PUBLISHED LEADING NEWSPAPER IRAN WERE BASED HIS CONNECTION FAITH, INCLUDING BEING ACTIVE BAHÁ’Í. SUCH CHARGES SIMILAR THOSE RESULTING EXECUTION OTHER PROMINENT BAHÁ’ÍS CONFIRM EVIL INTENTIONS AGAINST FRIENDS CRADLE FAITH. REQUEST YOU INFORM GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MEDIA AS BEFORE.
AUGUST 2, 1982
Dr. Kazemzadeh named secretary
Delegates elect Chester Kahn National Assembly member[edit]
Chester Kahn of Houck, Arizona, has been elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in a by-election to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Glenford E. Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell, who served as secretary of the National Assembly for the past 14 years, was elected to the Universal House of Justice in July in a by-election called to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Body caused by the death May 14 of Amoz Gibson.
AT ITS meeting of August 13-15, the National Spiritual Assembly elected Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh secretary, replacing Mr. Mitchell.
Dr. Daniel C. Jordan was then chosen by the National Assembly to assume Dr. Kazemzadeh’s position as vice-chairman.
Mr. Kahn, a Navajo Indian who is chairman of the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Project Committee, was responsible for the design and construction of the first structure erected at that site.
He is a member of the “Camino del Sol” (Trail of Light) international teaching team that was formed following the first Intercontinental Indigenous Council meeting and that traveled this summer to Central and South
CHESTER KAHN
With the Bahá’í House of Worship looming in the background, a crane begins the demolition August 2 of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at 536 Sheridan Road in Wilmette. The building, constructed as a temporary quarters and studio by architect Louis Bourgeois while he worked on the Temple design, serves as a residence for the national secretary and meeting place for the National Spiritual Assembly. It is to be completely restored by early next year.
Gala ‘homecoming’ to mark Gregory’s 10th anniversary[edit]
A gala “homecoming conference” will mark the 10th anniversary observance October 22-24 of the dedication of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.
The Institute, named after a South Carolinian whose many distinguished services to the Faith earned for him the posthumous designation of Hand of the Cause of God, was dedicated Sunday, October 22, 1972.
SINCE then it has grown to become an important cog in the teaching and consolidation machinery in a state in which the number of Bahá’ís has grown dramatically in the last decade.
Everyone who has been at the Gregory Institute during the past 10 years is invited to return to share in the warmth and excitement of its 10th anniversary celebration.
The homecoming conference will be held at the National Guard Armory in Florence, South Carolina, with the anniversary observance set for 2 p.m. Sunday, October 24, at the Institute.
The conference theme is “South Carolina—Challenges of Growth.”
[Page 2]
VIEWPOINT
Editorial
Bahá’ís should promote cause of peace[edit]
Recent events around the world bring into sharper focus Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the necessity of eliminating war.
His clarion call to the rulers of the world to meet together to formulate a binding covenant or treaty for the establishment of a permanent peace has never been more crucial than it is at this dangerous point in the history of mankind.
EXPOUNDING ON this important issue, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that
“In this all-embracing Pact the limits and frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the principles underlying the relations of governments towards one another definitely laid down, and all international agreements and obligations ascertained. In like manner, the size of the armaments of every government should be strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the military forces of any nation should be allowed to increase, they will arouse the suspicion of others. The fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government later violate any of its provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe and secure.”—The Secret of Divine Civilization, pp. 64-65
In light of these teachings, it is certainly both natural and proper that Bahá’ís should be interested in promoting the cause of world peace and the elimination of the implements of war.
In fact, as the proponents of God’s Plan for world peace, the Bahá’ís should be in the forefront of those leading the world toward that vital and inevitable goal. Already, the Bahá’í International Community has taken important steps to bring Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on disarmament and peace to the attention of the world’s leaders.
ADDRESSING a committee of the United Nations General Assembly on June 30, 1982, the Bahá’í representative at the UN, Dr. Victor de Araujo, said:
“It is important, in the view of the Bahá’í International Community, to understand that what must occur to eliminate the arms race is a very basic reorientation in the thinking of governments and peoples, requiring commitment to the organic oneness of mankind. All people must rid themselves of their prejudices, superstitions, and limitations. This can only be done when they are willing to regard humanity as one entity ...”
Recently a number of groups have emerged as part of a growing world-wide movement advocating this goal of nuclear disarmament. It is understandable that as this movement gains momentum, a large number of Bahá’ís are attracted to it.
Many of these groups are quite praiseworthy, and in their own way are promoting many noble ideals that are compatible with Bahá’í teachings.
On the other hand, there are groups who, while espousing the same noble aims, utilize methods that may not be acceptable within the teachings of the Faith and indeed may even violate civil law. Certainly this would include the destruction of property, “sit-ins,” picketing and the like. Furthermore, some of these groups are heavily involved in partisan politics, especially in the endorsement and promotion of political candidates.
ULTIMATELY it rests with each individual believer to decide whether or not to associate with any particular group or organization. It would be advisable, however, if before becoming involved with any such group, an interested Bahá’í would first scrutinize carefully its aims and methods in light of the teachings of the Faith in consultation with his or her Local Spiritual Assembly.
As the old world order is thrown daily into greater confusion and chaos, the need to turn to the remedies prescribed by the Divine Physician becomes ever more apparent. We should turn to the Sacred Texts and study them closely, so that we will be equipped to be in the forefront of those leaders of thought who are trying to rid mankind of the scourge of armed conflict.
For as Bahá’ís, we should be intensely concerned with promoting the cause of world peace, all the while remembering, however, that genuine peace, that is, the Most Great Peace, will be achieved only when the world turns to God and accepts the teachings of His most recent Manifestation.
75 attend 3rd Byron summer camp in Wisconsin[edit]
In early July, 75 Bahá’ís from the Northern and Southern Districts of Wisconsin attended the third summer camp held at Camp Byron, just south of Fond du Lac.
Classes and deepenings were conducted by Kurt Kreager, Mrs. Sue Khavari, Robert Amerson and Dr. Steve Suhm.
Free time was spent meeting people, swimming, and playing volleyball.
Another camp is scheduled to be held this winter, from December 30 to January 2.
Janet Marks (front), a Bahá’í from Wilmette, Illinois, leads a group of wives of state legislators from across the U.S. through one of the gardens at the Bahá’í House of Worship. A total of 300 wives of state lawmakers visited the Temple July 28 as part of a sightseeing tour of the Chicago area. Mrs. Marks was one of a number of local believers and National Center staff members who helped guide the large group of visitors, who were in Chicago for a convention of the National Council of State Legislators.
Comment
Greatest event in human history started with a one-to-one fireside[edit]
| This month’s article, “It Started With a Fireside,” was written by Auxiliary Board member Khalil A. Khavari of Bayside, Wisconsin. |
The greatest, most marvelous and most exalted event in human history began not with a thunderbolt, but with a gentle whisper.
The inauguration of the Bahá’í Dispensation and the dawn of the Age of Fulfillment took place at a fireside.
IT WAS the Manifestation of God Himself, the Blessed Báb, the Prophet-Martyr, who held the first fireside of the Bahá’í Dispensation when He revealed His Cause to a single seeker—Mulla Husayn.
A Bahá’í fireside is a meeting that ordinarily takes place at the home of a believer. It is a place where people are invited and shown Bahá’í hospitality and, in a friendly, informal way, are introduced to the Faith.
This is precisely what the Báb did when He lovingly invited the travel-weary seeker, Mullá Ḥusayn, to His home.
The beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, tells us that the fireside is the most powerful and effective method of teaching.
He states further that “individual firesides will bring the knowledge of the Faith to more people, under favorable circumstances, and thus constantly enrich its circle of friends, and finally its numbers.” (Bahá’í News, No. 317, July 1957, p. 4)
According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a fireside held in one’s home is clearly an excellent way of serving the Cause of God and of attracting blessings to that household: “Know that in every home where God is praised and prayed to, and His Kingdom proclaimed, that home is a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness.” (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. 1, pp. 68-69)
LET US briefly recall the indescribably beautiful events of that first fireside.
A seeker named Mulla Husayn was drawn, as if by a magnet, to the city of Shiraz. He was searching for signs of the anticipated new Revelation of God.
Near the gate of the city, a few hours before sunset on May 22, 1844, he was warmly welcomed by a Youth Who seemed to be expecting the traveler.
The Youth invited Mulla Husayn to His home where the traveler washed off the dust of his long journey and was given food and hospitality.
His exalted Host then began gently and lovingly to inform the seeker of the Cause of God. That first fireside, conducted by the Blessed Báb Himself, lasted approximately 16 hours—from a few hours before sunset until dawn of the following day.
In retrospect, it seems incredible that the Manifestation of God Himself would spend 16 hours of His precious time giving the Message to one solitary soul.
THE MAGNITUDE of that investment becomes even more overwhelming when we consider the very brief tenure of the Prophet-Martyr on this earth.
The Blessed Báb is our example. He, with infinite love, generosity and patience, spent those priceless hours to quicken one soul.
Therefore, we who aspire to serve this Cause must also lovingly, generously and patiently give the Message to the waiting souls.
We should never become disheartened or impatient with what may seem to be a slow and time-consuming process. Look what happened to Mullá Ḥusayn when his soul was gently awakened by the sweet melody of his Beloved!
He, transformed, had found the Object of his longing, and was set afire with the love that would eventually cost him his precious life at the hands of a misguided populace.
This seeker, who was immortalized as the first to believe in the new Revelation, recounted how he felt on that historic evening:
“EXCITEMENT, joy, awe, and wonder stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant among these emotions was a sense of gladness and strength which seemed to have transfigured me ... I felt possessed of such courage and power that were the world, all its peoples and its potentates, to rise against me, I would, alone and undaunted, withstand their onslaught ... I seemed to be the Voice of Gabriel personified, calling unto all mankind: ‘Awake, for, lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, for His Cause is made manifest. The portal of His grace is open wide; enter therein, O peoples of the world! For He who is your promised One is come!’ ” (The Dawn-Breakers, p. 65)
That is how the first fireside took place. Given by the Manifestation of God, at His home, and with one seeker.
That was the beginning. Today, Bahá’ís everywhere follow the example set for them by the Central Figures of the Faith. Thousands of firesides are held in the homes of individual believers to carry forward the same kind of sanctified work that the youthful Prophet-Martyr inaugurated.
Indeed, what a lasting bounty it is to follow His example in service to the Cause of God. Hosting regular firesides is one way to reach our friends, neighbors and acquaintances, and family members who are longing for spiritual rebirth.
[Page 3]
LETTERS
Bahá’í Women’s Conference a splendid event[edit]
| The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any subject of general interest. Letters should be as brief as possible, and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. |
To the Editor:
The theme was “Women Achieving the Balance the Bahá’í Way,” and it was dedicated to our fearless, towering and saintly sister, Ṭáhirih. Were you there?
I’m speaking about the Bahá’í Women’s Conference held in Evanston, Illinois, over the Independence Day weekend. I would like to share a few thoughts that I had upon my return.
AS ARE all Bahá’í conferences, it was joyful and full of spirit, and demonstrated beautifully the Bahá’í approach to the equality of men and women.
In noticeable contrast to the political activist groups, the mood at our conference was always warm and loving.
Many men helped with the administrative tasks and did baby/child care while women attended the workshops. Some men also attended workshops. We were there to learn from each other, not to quarrel. GREAT!
Some women in some workshops had, in the past, been associated with demonstrations and/or marches in the fight for ratification of the ERA.
I sincerely hope that the conference will have given all of us assurance that as loud and persuasive as these political groups and lobbies are, they can of themselves have only a limited success.
First the hearts must be touched, and then the idea must penetrate our souls very deeply before we can understand the true meaning of equality.
PRAISE be to God that Bahá’u’lláh has made the equal rights of men and women mandatory in this Dispensation!
When we learn to love one another because we love Bahá’u’lláh, we shall, no doubt, also learn some humility.
Then, it seems to me, we will most certainly strive to help our dear Bahá’í brothers and sisters, and the community at large, to more fully understand this somewhat frightening mandate for equality.
Actually, I believe that the men will be overjoyed at the outcome, for that is what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us in Paris Talks, p. 133:
“ ...As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.”
Isn’t that wonderful! So, dearly beloved brothers, I don’t think Bahá’í women really need a bigger or faster “wing.” We don’t want to WIN—alone.
What we want is an “equal” wing, with our flight-feather intact! We want to help our struggling bird to fly!
Collinsville, Illinois
To the Editor:
Every now and then we need to be reminded of the importance of observing our Holy Days.
At a time when our brethren in Iran are dying because they chose to be Bahá’ís, our Holy Day observances should be paramount among our activities.
When they are not observed, we display a lack of unity that weakens our spiritual strength.
Granted, it is no small task asking for Holy Days off from a non-Bahá’í job or from school, so we must begin within the center of our hearts and act fearlessly as an example if we are to achieve world unity and justice.
“ ...if thou goest according to the teachings of El-Abd and followest the steps of Him who is annihilated in God, thou shalt see that the cohorts of the Kingdom of God will come to thy help, one after another, and that the hosts of the Might of God will be in thy presence in steady succession, the gates of the great victory opened and the rays of the brilliant morning diffused!” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Bahá’í World Faith, p. 363)
Portland, Oregon
To the Editor:
Since becoming a Bahá’í seven years ago I have read the many wonderful things in the writings about the future of America and how it will lead the world spiritually.
But until recently I wasn’t able to understand these writings; that is, in light of the America I saw in my day-to-day living.
I ALSO had trouble with what I considered the slow growth of the Faith in this country and the degree to which the American Bahá’í community (myself included) seems to be caught up in the excesses of this culture.
What changed this for me is the letter of July 28, 1954, from the Guardian to the American Bahá’í community, which appears in Citadel of Faith.
Since reading the letter I feel for the first time connected to this time and place, and see myself as part of history, compelled into action and not a mere spectator.
I won’t quote from the letter, as it is nearly 4,000 words long and should be read in its entirety.
In it, the Guardian describes in detail the moral decline in America and the increase in materialism (this was 28 years ago!).
He writes of how the American Bahá’í community is not immune to the evils that permeate our society.
The Guardian also writes about the fiery tribulations America must suffer before it can lead the world spiritually.
He also says that it will be then (after these tribulations) that America will finally put aside racial prejudice along with those other illnesses that have kept it from fulfilling its spiritual destiny.
Most important, the Guardian tells us that while the immediate future is full of trials for America, we should look to the future with hope and assurance, which is what I am now doing—looking forward with confidence and understanding, not confusion and mixed emotions.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
To the Editor:
I would like to share some of my thoughts and feelings about the Bahá’í Women’s Conference that was held July 2-5 in Evanston, Illinois.
An atmosphere of great spiritual attraction and Bahá’í love permeated the conference. This alone would have been enough for me. Talking and sharing with my Bahá’í sisters was a deepening all its own.
THE conference theme was “Women Achieving the Balance the Bahá’í Way.”
After attending various workshops I wondered to myself, “Did I find the balance, or for that matter, did my Bahá’í sisters find the balance needed?”
From my observation, the women who supported this conference were doing the best they could with the “know-how” they had.
But where do we go from here? How do we learn to improve?
Let us start by asking ourselves questions such as, Should we allow the pressures of our peers to bring us to doubt our beliefs?
Should we allow the old world order to lure us to follow instead of lead?
Can we fail to boldly assert and proclaim the Source of our inspiration?
WILL WE fail in discovering what is our true reality?
On Page 108 of the new book, Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf answers these questions for me. The words I have emphasized are especially good to ponder:
“I earnestly hope that you may ever abide in peace and security within the shelter of the lovingkindness of the One true God, may labour diligently in those regions to serve His Cause and to diffuse the fragrances of holiness, that you may be confirmed at all times through His gracious assistance, and that, at the gatherings of the handmaids of God, you may shine forth as a bright candle, directing those loved ones of the Beauty of the All-Merciful to the path of divine guidance, exhorting them to be firm and steadfast, to be sanctified and detached so that they may, one and all, arise to fulfill that which is deemed worthy of these days, and by manifesting a goodly character and noble conduct cause that country to vie with the blissful Paradise.”
Alton, Illinois
To the Editor:
“You got a deficit? Too bad! No one ever gave to a fund because of a deficit!”
That is how the instructor began my nine-week course in “The Art of Fund-Raising” at UCLA. He went on to explain that a deficit is perceived to be the result of poor management; also, that a deficit is interpreted as the sign of a losing cause—and who wants to give to a loser?
I BELIEVE these points are relevant to our national and local treasurers’ frequent citing of the deficit in their communications about the Fund.
Of course, the deficit needs to be discussed openly, but not coincident with the subject of giving.
I suspect that in most cases, chastisement of the believers for not giving to the Fund is similar to the preacher who scolds the congregation
Gregory[edit]
Continued From Page 1
At least one member of the National Spiritual Assembly will be present for the ceremonies along with members of the Auxiliary Board and other notables.
The anniversary commemoration comes only a few months after the release by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Gayle Morrison’s biography of Mr. Gregory, To Move the World.
In assessing the impact of the life of Louis Gregory, it would be well to recall the words of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears in his message to the dedication ceremony 10 years ago:
“Beloved friends, the memory of the Bahá’í hero we honor here today has just begun its journey into the galaxy of the immortal figures of our Faith.
“As the fame, reputation, and glory of the figures which the world around us today praises and reveres, fade, diminish and vanish from the pages of history forever, the name of Louis Gregory will increase in honor, majesty and wonder, and the whole world will come to love him as we do here today, and this Institute will flourish, for it is merely the spring that will in time become a stream, a river, and a sea, offering the water of life to a bewildered and disillusioned humanity, as Louis Gregory did every day of his life.
“There is nothing happening today in this entire hemisphere as significant or as important as the dedication of this Institute. Appreciate every minute of every hour of this day and this occasion, and the power of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, Who has raised up a native son of this state to become higher than the kings, the rulers, and the leaders of men.”
A desert tale of adventure and daring for 5- to 11-year-olds!
ZAHRA’S SEARCH
written by
GAIL RADLEY
illustrated by
WINIFRED BARNUM NEWMAN
Zahra, the only gazelle in the herd concerned about her brother’s disappearance, takes a chance that brings a surprise.
- Available in paper only
- 32 pages, 5½ x 8¼ inches
- pen-and-ink illustrations
- Catalog No. 353-018
- $3.00*
Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
World NEWS[edit]
Three new Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed and 94 people were enrolled in the Faith during a recent teaching campaign in the northwestern area of the Dominican Republic by a group of 23 Bahá’ís.
The teaching effort began following a teacher-training session at a Bahá’í school ...
One hundred-eighty people embraced the Cause and 20 new localities were opened to the Faith near the port of Guayaquil, Ecuador, during the first nine days of a recent teaching campaign by a group of six Bahá’ís ...
Members of a new tribe were enrolled in the Faith during the first Bahá’í Summer School in Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras State) in southern India, bringing to more than 60 the number of tribal groups represented in that country’s Bahá’í population.
The teaching was dedicated to Amoz Gibson, a member of the Universal House of Justice who died last May ...
More than 110 people including 25 youth attended a Bahá’í conference May 29-30 in Wildwood, Alaska, whose theme was “Excellence in All Things.”
Among the speakers were two members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, Jetta Brewer and John Kolstoe ...
An “Association for Bahá’í Women” was established during a recent regional conference at Benin’s Ouémé Bahá’í Center.
The association was formed in response to one of Benin’s goals for the Seven Year Plan, that of encouraging the participation of women in Bahá’í activities ...
A commercial company in the United Kingdom that produces audio-visual materials for schools recently issued a filmstrip series on religions that included one complete program on the Faith ...
The first mention of the Faith in the official record of the government of Brazil appears in the May 1, 1982, issue of “Diário Oficial,” the record of Brazil’s National Senate, the upper chamber of that country’s Congress.
Entitled “Situation of Extreme Persecution in Which the Sect of the Bahá’ís of Iran Is Now Encountered,” the article includes the transcript of a speech made in the Brazilian Senate by Sen. Leite Chaves ...
Ghana has witnessed a 70 per cent increase in the number of Local Assemblies in one year—from 97 to 165. Localities increased by 80, and the number of believers rose from 5,810 to 8,350—a 44 per cent gain ...
By-election[edit]
Continued From Page 1
America.
Mr. Kahn served on the American Indian Service Committee, a forerunner of the present American Indian Teaching Committee, and has undertaken several teaching trips on behalf of that committee, traveling to Indian communities in Wyoming, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and as far as the Mohawk Reservation in New York state.
An artist and silversmith by profession, the 46-year-old Mr. Kahn has held various administrative positions for his tribe including work in local community development for the Office of Navajo Economic Opportunity.
DR. KAZEMZADEH is a professor of Russian history and chairman of the Committee on Middle Eastern Studies at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
He is a former master of that university’s Davenport College.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history, Dr. Kazemzadeh was a research fellow at Harvard University before joining the faculty at Yale in 1956.
Since then, he has served as the university’s director of graduate studies in history, director of graduate studies in Russian and East European studies, and chairman of the Russian and East European Council.
Dr. Kazemzadeh, who is the author of several books and numerous articles on Russia and the Middle East, has been a visiting professor at Columbia University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Lewis and Clark College, and the University of Southern California Law School.
He has been a member of the National Spiritual Assembly since 1963.
DR. JORDAN, who also was first elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1963, is chairman of the department of education at National University in San Diego, California.
He previously served as a professor of education and chairman of the Center for the Study of Human Potential at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and is the founder and director of the American National Institute for Social Advancement (ANISA).
Dr. Jordan, a Rhodes scholar, holds degrees in music from the University of Wyoming and Oxford University in England, and in human development from the University of Chicago.
Bahá’í prayers read at Nantucket interfaith services[edit]
For about five years the Bahá’í Group of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, has sent representatives to the monthly meetings of the Nantucket Council of Churches.
The Council’s constitution was recently revised, and its name changed to the Nantucket Inter-Faith Council.
One of the Council’s functions is to have an interfaith service on Thanksgiving eve, at which time Bahá’ís have read a Bahá’í prayer. Special services are held during Lent, and a Bahá’í prayer read at one of them.
In the past, a Bahá’í has sung in the community choir for the Christmas pageant and other services.
Many years ago the Rev. Mr. Pickett, a Unitarian-Universalist minister, and a Catholic priest organized the first Nantucket Inter-Faith Council.
Mr. Pickett was the father of Mrs. Laurel Pickett Stackpole, a member of the Bahá’í community of Nantucket.
Bradenton Bahá’í wins national poetry awards[edit]
Janet Rodgers Kaye, a member of the Bahá’í community of Bradenton, Florida, has won first and second place awards in a national poetry contest sponsored by Pteranodon magazine.
Her poem entitled “Counterpoint” won top honors in the magazine’s ninth annual contest. Another of her efforts, “Transition,” won second place, while a third poem, “Winter Kill,” was second runner-up.
Before moving to Florida in 1968, Mrs. Kaye studied journalism at Penn State University and worked for Encyclopaedia Britannica Films in Chicago, where she was coordinator of the Basic Life Sciences film program for children.
Don’t miss a major publishing event of the 1980s!
Treat yourself, your family, and friends to the completely new, expanded, redesigned edition of
BAHÁ’Í PRAYERS
Available in softcover and hardcover editions
Highlights—
- ■ 56 more prayers than in current prayer book—176 in all, including ...
- ■ More prayers by the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
- ■ The Tablet of the Holy Mariner
- ■ The Fire Tablet
- ■ The Long Healing Prayer
- ■ Prayer for Families
- ■ More prayers for Children and Youth
- ■ Prayer for the Fund
- ■ A third prayer for Spiritual Assemblies
- ■ Topical table of contents
- ■ Index to first lines of prayers
- A must for yourself!
- An excellent gift for family members, friends, and seekers close to the Faith.
Hardcover, 264 pages, Catalog No. 115-070 $7.00*
Softcover, 264 pages, Catalog No. 115-071 $3.00*
*Valid only in the United States. All others write for prices and ordering and shipping instructions.
- Available from
- Bahá’í Publishing Trust
New Organization: The new prayer book has been reorganized to make categories of prayers easier to find and use.
- ■ Obligatory prayers come first to make it easier for you to locate them.
- ■ General prayers, the second and largest category, now contains the prayers for Marriage, Firmness in the Covenant, and the prayers for Teaching from the Tablets of the Divine Plan, plus new sections of prayers for Assistance with Tests, Families, the Fund, and the Triumph of the Cause.
- ■ Occasional prayers conclude the new book: The Tablet of Aḥmad, the Fire Tablet, the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, the Tablets of Visitation, and the prayers for Intercalary Days, the Fast, and Naw-Rúz.
New Design: The hardcover edition is bound in rich tan leatherette with “Bahá’í Prayers” stamped in gold and a nine-pointed star blind embossed on the front cover. The softcover edition features an exceptionally sturdy, flexible blue cover on which “Bahá’í Prayers” and an elegant design are stamped in silver.
[Page 5]
THE FUNDS
Man must free himself from material concerns[edit]
Mankind’s proper relationship to material things is a fundamental theme in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Although his lower nature is drawn to acquiring and holding possessions, Bahá’u’lláh has called on each individual to free himself from attachment to material things.
“Rejoice not in the things ye possess,” He admonishes His servants, “tonight they are yours, tomorrow others will possess them.”
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH further states: “Had the world been of any worth in His sight, He surely would never have allowed His enemies to possess it, even to the extent of a grain of mustard seed.”
By these statements, however, it should not be inferred that wealth is inherently bad. Bahá’u’lláh also adds that “should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him.”
The key to man’s proper relationship to material things, of course, is to maintain, above all else, his relationship to God, and use such wealth as has been given to him in service to God and His Cause.
In this way, possessions are put in their proper perspective. Bahá’u’lláh has testified: “The peoples of the world are fast asleep. Were they to waken from their slumber, they would hasten with eagerness unto God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. They would cast away everything they possess, be it all the treasures of the earth, that their Lord may remember them to the extent of addressing them but one word.”
Man’s dealings with worldly goods can then be seen as a spiritual test, through which he can grow, or become hopelessly ensnared.
A story in The Delight of Hearts, from the memoirs of the devoted early believer Hájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-‘Alí, recounts an episode that highlights this point:
Hájí Muḥammad Báqir was a prominent believer and merchant in Qazvín. He wrote to Bahá’u’lláh requesting wealth so that he might use it to serve the Cause with greater capacity.
HIS REQUEST was granted, but he also was warned not to allow prosperity to come between him and God.
Ḥaydar-‘Alí recalls: “Bahá’u’lláh also said to those in His presence at the time that Muḥammad Báqir would soon be drowned in wealth, but material success would close his eyes to the realities of life to such a degree that he would turn his back on the Cause and even deny God. But he would suffer tremendous losses and would return to his Lord in repentance.
“Because of his repentance, God would change his losses into ample profits to such an extent as to enable him to become the leading merchant in Tabríz and Constantinople.
“This time he would become even more proud and would again ignore the Faith, and then his wealth would be gone forever. He would no longer be able to trade and would become helpless.
“He would then return in repentance once more and remain poor but content. In this state, he would serve the Cause and achieve great success in his service to God.”
EVENTS quickly unfolded as Bahá’u’lláh foresaw. In time Muḥammad Báqir recanted his Faith. His great wealth was diminished when he acquired large quantities of cotton which suddenly dropped in price.
After writing to Bahá’u’lláh in repentance, his wealth was returned when the price of cotton rose sharply. He was, in fact, even 10 times wealthier than before.
But once again Muḥammad Báqir became a victim of his desires, and cut himself off from the Cause. During one visit from a representative of Bahá’u’lláh, he even went so far as to point to a coffer in his office and state, “My God is in this box!”
Finally, Muḥammad Báqir lost all his possessions. He wrote to Bahá’u’lláh, again repenting.
This time he remained a steadfast believer, although he was never to regain his material wealth. Bahá’u’lláh addressed a Tablet to him, indicating that God had removed his wealth so that he might become steadfast in his Faith.
Freedom from attachment to material things, whether one is rich or poor, is a prerequisite to establishing a firm relationship with God. This is the secret of a true wealth that lies beyond the influence of the physical realm.
“Be not troubled in poverty, nor confident in riches,” Bahá’u’lláh
Plans laid for estate seminar[edit]
On July 17 a meeting was held in Wilmette to help prepare the groundwork for a one- to two-hour seminar on Wills and Estate Planning to be offered to the American Bahá’í community by the Office of the Treasurer.
Recognizing a widespread interest among believers around the country for information on wills, the Treasurer’s Office invited a team of six Bahá’ís from various areas of the U.S. to meet with staff members to discuss various factors involved in undertaking such a program.
These individuals included lawyers, National Treasurer’s Representatives and others active in local programs encouraging Bahá’ís to draw up a will.
The day-long gathering was extremely helpful in shaping the direction to be taken in creating the course. Especially helpful was the legal advice that emphasized specific concerns, such as the importance of consulting a lawyer, the dangers of general will forms, and the legal implications of presenting such a seminar across the entire country.
Other points covered in the discussion were: the need to have a will, the importance of hiring an attorney and how to select one, estate planning, special Bahá’í implications for drawing up a will, and how to present the course to the community.
The Treasurer’s Office will now begin drafting the seminar, which will undergo further review before its release. The material, which will eventually be presented by National Treasurer’s Representatives throughout the country, will be tested by a few NTRs in the coming months.
It is hoped that the program will be offered to the entire body of NTRs at their annual training conference in September 1983.
Treasurer’s Office: Goal of 20,000 contributors well within our reach[edit]
The following question was received by the Office of the Treasurer from a local community:
“This past Feast the friends in our community were discussing the plight of the Fund. Our basic question was: why is individual participation so low? We wonder how many Bahá’ís there are in the United States, and what percentage the 20,000 are of the total? ...Could you answer these questions for us, as well as comment upon how a goal number is established?”
Since there are about 80,000 Bahá’ís in the U.S., the goal of 20,000 contributors represents 25 per cent of the entire community.
At this time individual participation is at about 4,300 believers per Bahá’í month, or about 5 per cent of the community.
YOU SHOULD know that the 4,300 figure represents a monthly average, and does not necessarily mean that the same individuals are giving each month.
We believe the total number of individuals contributing to the National Fund at least once during the year is about 18,000, or 23 per cent of the community.
There are probably a number of factors involved that result in a low monthly participation figure. Among them is lack of knowledge among individuals about their responsibilities, including the fact that some believers are not deepened in the Teachings of the Faith.
Also, some individuals find it difficult, or financially inefficient, to contribute each month, and choose instead to contribute at less frequent intervals (this choice is left to the individual—no one can determine what “regular” giving is for someone else).
In drawing up goals for the community, the National Spiritual Assembly considers practical aspects such as our past performance and present condition. However, there are more important spiritual considerations.
WE BELIEVE, especially in the case of the goal for 20,000, that directing the friends’ attention to the spiritual significance of the goals helps to increase participation and the total amount contributed.
While we did not expect to win the goal for 20,000 contributors instantly, we know from statements by the Universal House of Justice that “contributing to the Fund is a service every believer can render.”
We are confident, therefore, that the goal of 20,000 can be reached and surpassed, and we know that there will be a corresponding release of divine power to assist our community’s activities when our participation grows.
We hope you will not be discouraged by present participation levels. In fact, we see very positive signs of growth in this area.
Average Bahá’í monthly participation for the fiscal year ending 1980 was 2,336. This increased in 1981 to 2,845 per month, and last year to 4,358. We are hopeful that this year’s average will exceed 5,000.
During this same time period, total monies received from individuals increased over the previous year by $750,000 in 1981 and by $1 million in 1982.
We are confident that with continued educational efforts the base of support for the Fund will continue to grow in the future as it has in the past.
[Page 6]
YOUTH NEWS
Opinion
Youth must introduce peers to Faith[edit]
If we are to reach our goal of doubling the number of Bahá’í youth in the U.S. during this phase of the Seven Year Plan, we must each make a concerted effort to get our peers to attend more Bahá’í events.
The National Youth Committee encourages each Bahá’í youth to bring one or more friends to Bahá’í events, especially to Regional Youth Conferences.
MANY YOUTH may be a little wary about bringing their non-Bahá’í friends to youth conferences because they are afraid their friends won’t like them, or perhaps they may think the conferences aren’t the right place for pre-Bahá’ís. Or they may think their friends will become indifferent to the Faith if the conference is less than ideal.
However, this is usually not the case. If Bahá’ís can go to these conferences and get fired up by the spirit and joy of being a Bahá’í, there is no reason they should not expect their friends to enjoy them just as much!
Not only are youth conferences the right place for our friends, but in many cases these are the events at which they confirm their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
And if we come from smaller Bahá’í communities, a youth conference may be the only place for our friends to get to meet other Bahá’í youth.
These conferences also offer excellent opportunities for our friends to see that Bahá’ís are ordinary people and that we believe in and practice the principles that Bahá’u’lláh brought.
HERE IS a chance for your friends to discuss certain aspects of the Faith with others their own age—maybe aspects that they’ve been hesitant to discuss with you.
The youth of America are being recognized—at all levels of Bahá’í administration—as a vibrant and vital part of the Bahá’í community.
With this recognition come certain responsibilities. We should, for instance, be fully aware that the Writings ask us to bring at least one friend into the Faith each year, and that the National Spiritual Assembly has urged Bahá’í youth “ ...to reach in ever increasing number your non-Bahá’í peers with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.”
What better place for this than at conferences designed especially for youth?
Michigan Bahá’í youth garners top scholastic, sports honors[edit]
Bahá’ís in the Flint, Michigan, area are understandably proud of Tamera Lynn Cooke, an 18-year-old member of the Bahá’í community of Grand Blanc.
Tammy, who has been a Bahá’í since November 1979, is a 1982 honor graduate of Grand Blanc High School.
AMONG her recent acquisitions is a Certificate of Recognition from the Michigan State Board of Education for “Outstanding Academic Achievement in the State of Michigan Scholarship Competition.”
She also holds a certificate of membership in the 1981-82 State Honors Choir of Michigan, awarded by the Michigan School Vocal Association.
In 1980 Tammy received a Certificate of Appreciation “in recognition of faithful service to education and to the community as a member of the Youth Volunteer Services.”
In 1977 she was officially recognized for participating with 59 other teen-agers in a tandem 4,000-mile, 15-day non-stop bicycle race on behalf of a muscular dystrophy telethon.
A superb athlete, Tammy holds white, purple and green belts in karate, has won numerous track awards, and swimming awards that include 41 trophies, 57 medals and hundreds of first-place ribbons. She has been swimming, and winning, since she was eight years old.
Her scholastic and music awards date back to her earliest years in school. She played in the stage band (electric and bass guitars), sang in choirs and composed her own music.
TAMMY has attended the famous Interlochen School of Music, and this year will begin her higher education at Michigan State University, which has awarded her two renewable music scholarships.
In mid-June Tammy left with the State Honors Choir of Michigan for a two-week singing tour of Europe.
In addition to her many services, achievements and other activities, Tammy found time to attend the Continental Youth Conference in Kansas City last year, and she never loses an opportunity to teach the Faith to those who are interested.
She also has helped in teaching Bahá’í children’s classes.
In her “spare time,” Tammy, the youngest of three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cooke, works in the family business.
As spectacular as her achievements have been, Tammy has managed to keep them in perspective. When a reporter from the Grand Blanc News asked her and other members of her graduating class what they feared most, Tammy replied, “I’m afraid to be spiritually alone ...My biggest fear is that I might go away from God.”
TAMERA LYNN COOKE
Bahá’í College Clubs play vital role in teaching[edit]
In this season of “the emergence of the Faith from obscurity,” the vital importance of Bahá’í College Clubs also has emerged.
The teaching role of these clubs is truly unique. Only they have access to the American college community, a community that includes the formally educated of our nation as well as the developing leaders of other countries who are in the U.S. being trained.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly has asked the Bahá’í College Clubs to take their role in the forefront of the teaching effort.
Surrounded by people whose main interest during this period of their lives is the acquisition of knowledge and its application in the world, the Bahá’í College Clubs can provide the needed information and guidance.
The fundamental characteristic of the Bahá’í Faith is that it works ... works in a world where powerlessness to change the tide of destruction is the common cry.
As Bahá’ís, we offer the individual and the world a new direction, to find meaning in chaos and an effective alternative to helpless apathy.
The contribution that Bahá’í College Clubs can make in presenting the principles and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is tremendous.
The suffering of Bahá’ís in Iran has provided an opportunity to teach the Faith that was before clouded by the Faith’s lack of public exposure. The U.S. Congressional hearings on human rights violations in Iran has dissolved that cover. A public platform has been unveiled.
BAHÁ’Í College Clubs, by virtue of their youthful members and the academic community in which they operate, can use this platform to draw interest as never before.
The National Youth Committee is developing resources to support Bahá’í College Clubs in every way possible.
An action manual covering everything from college student “burn-out” to camera-ready ads will be available in September. A “Campus Plan” has been drawn up specifying teaching goals and tools.
Video tapes of the Congressional hearings are in stock at the committee office along with copies of A Cry from the Heart, ready for College Clubs to fulfill the National Youth Committee’s goal of a tape presentation and book distribution on every campus where a Bahá’í College Club exists.
Press releases, t-shirts, speakers, guidance, program ideas, audio/visual materials, “Network” information, love, support, radio series, proclamation information, television shows, publicity kits, buttons, books, posters ... the committee can supply them or refer you to where they can be found.
There are presently 254 Bahá’í College Clubs in the U.S. The opportunity provided by the Iranian crisis is a fleeting and priceless moment that must be seized by all Bahá’ís, especially those on college campuses. Next spring is too late. The time is now!
Illinois Bahá’í school begins fall ’82 term[edit]
The Bahá’í School of the Western Suburbs, a year-round Sunday school in Wood Dale, Illinois, began its fall 1982 term in August.
For information about the school, please write to the secretary, James Percic, ________ Westmont, IL 60559, or phone 312-325-2329.
Guide for giving to India Temple[edit]
As was noted in the April 1982 issue of The American Bahá’í, the Universal House of Justice requests that contributions to the Fund for the House of Worship in India be made in the following manner:
1. National Assemblies that are free to mention the name “Bahá’í” on their checks should make contributions payable to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India and mail them to Syndicate Bank, Foreign Exchange Branch, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001, India, for deposit to A/c Temple Fund, S.B. A/c No. 239.
2. National Assemblies that cannot use the word “Bahá’í” in their communications should make contributions payable to R.N. Shah or Zena Sorabjee and mail them to Syndicate Bank, Foreign Exchange Branch, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001, India, for deposit to A.B. A/c No. 592.
In all cases, you should notify the National Spiritual Assembly of India of amounts contributed and dates transmitted to the above-mentioned accounts. The address is: National Spiritual Assembly of India, P.O. Box 19, New Delhi 110001, India.
Wealth[edit]
Continued From Page 5
wrote, “for poverty is followed by riches and riches are followed by poverty.
“Yet to be poor in all save God is a wonderful gift, belittle not the value thereof, for in the end it will make thee rich in God, and thus thou shalt ... abide secure on the throne of wealth.”
[Page 7]
YOUTH NEWS
Youth make big strides toward winning goals[edit]
The National Youth Committee is pleased to note the significant progress being made in achieving the goals of the National Youth Plan.
“The goals of the plan were unveiled to the youth at the Continental Youth Conference in Kansas City last summer,” says Charles Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee.
“ONE year later, we note that several of the quantitative goals will readily be met during the course of the three-year phase of the Seven Year Plan.
“The youth have made great strides in building the Youth Network, that collective group of Bahá’í College Clubs, local and high school clubs, and District Youth Committees, and we expect that many more clubs will form when the school year begins in the fall.”
The goals for international youth pioneers and international traveling teachers also are close to being won.
More and more youth are considering studying overseas as a means of service to the Faith, and a cadre of youth has been teaching in foreign countries during the summer vacation.
“While the committee hopes to see more progress made in the area of youth enrollments,” says Mr. Cornwell, “we feel that the public response to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran will attract more and more seekers to the Faith.
“The youth are using this issue to attract the sympathy and win the affection of their friends. Youth also have been asked to make a special effort to hold youth-oriented firesides.”
THE GOAL of 75 homefront pioneers also has begun to show some progress, but a concerted effort must be made to place youth in areas of need—isolated localities and on college campuses where no Bahá’í club has yet been formed.
“The National Youth Committee stands ready to help any youth who will arise to serve in this capacity,” says Mr. Cornwell. “We have compiled information on these goal areas and hope to hear from youth who are interested in moving to a goal town.
“Youth have a special ability to serve as homefront pioneers.”
The Universal House of Justice, in its message dated June 10, 1966, and published in Wellspring of Guidance (pp. 92-97), said youth are faced with a unique challenge in this regard:
“Not yet having acquired all the responsibilities of a family or a long-established home or job, youth can more easily choose where they will live and study or work ...Bahá’í youth can harness this mobility into service for mankind and 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.”
THE National Youth Plan also includes qualitative goals—goals that are more difficult to measure.
Youth have been asked to take personal steps to contribute to the Fund on a regular basis, to deepen, pray, and develop sound spiritual habits, and to be of service to the Faith in the community by supporting local programs.
Any youth interested in taking specific steps to help fulfill the goals of the Youth Plan is urged to contact the National Youth Committee.
“We are certain that there are many youth who are actively working to win these goals,” says Mr. Cornwell, “especially that of homefront pioneering, and the National Youth Committee looks forward to hearing from these individuals so that their contribution can be officially noted.”
Youth may contact the committee at Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, or phone 305-462-1919.
Three Year Phase
Regional gathering at Louhelen reset for November 5-7[edit]
The Regional Youth Conference scheduled for October at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan, has been rescheduled for the weekend of November 5-7.
The conference will be the first program held at the newly opened school after its formal dedication on October 29-31.
Youth attending the conference will have the opportunity to hear presentations by Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; and National Youth Committee members Marianne Smith and Charles Cornwell.
The National Teaching Committee will be represented by Keyvan Nazerian.
Complete details of the conference will be published in the October issue of The American Bahá’í and in the Youth Hotline, the monthly news bulletin for Bahá’í youth.
One-week tour of duty
Ohio youth serve as National Center volunteers[edit]
Four of the five teen-age members of the Bahá’í youth group of Mentor, Ohio, volunteered their services August 2-7 at the Bahá’í National Center, a project that they conceived and worked to earn the necessary funds to carry out.
Last year, the four youngsters earned enough money to attend the National Youth Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
“After that,” says 17-year-old Kendra Hatfield, “we started earning money to attend other Bahá’í conferences and activities.”
The youth have raked leaves, cleaned houses, washed cars, done clerical work for a newspaper, and put on a craft sale.
Last summer, says 15-year-old Kristen Elliot, “we sponsored a barn dance and dinner that was attended by 75 families from the Cleveland area.”
The other members of the hardworking group are Jeff Knaus, 17, and Kevin Hatfield, 15.
At the National Center, the young volunteers worked in the offices of Membership and Records, the National Archives, Public Affairs, Personnel, and the National Teaching Committee. They also guided at the House of Worship.
Three of the four youth who spent a week at the National Center were making plans to attend the International Conference in Montreal, and, as a future fund-raising goal, the group is considering a trip to the World Centre in Haifa.
Individual youth or youth clubs that are interested in offering their services at the National Center next summer or at any of the permanent Bahá’í schools should contact the National Youth Committee or the Personnel Office at the National Center and begin making plans now to assure that their experience will be a valuable and rewarding one.
A computer terminal at the Bahá’í National Center draws the attention of four Bahá’í youth from Mentor, Ohio, who volunteered their services at the National Center for one week in August. Standing (left to right) are Kendra Hatfield, Kevin Hatfield, and Kristen Elliot. Seated is Jeff Knaus.
Youth Committee developing volunteer ‘internship program’[edit]
Have you ever thought about setting aside some time to serve the Faith?
Would it be feasible to sacrifice a year or perhaps a summer working as a volunteer at the Bahá’í National Center or at a Bahá’í school or institute?
The National Youth Committee is developing an “internship program” for such service.
The National Spiritual Assembly, in its directives to the National Youth Committee for the execution of the Seven Year Plan, has called for the establishment of “a fellowship program at the National Center for training youngsters in Bahá’í administration.”
The National Youth Committee hopes to attract a cadre of youth to serve both at the National Center and at permanent Bahá’í schools in administrative capacities.
Youth interns would serve as volunteers in the various offices and departments and would undertake various projects according to their interests and skills and the requirements of the individual offices.
Plans are being made for year-long and summer-long internships.
Housing arrangements would be made through the National Youth Committee and the Office of Personnel, but general expenses would be met by the individual.
Internship applicants are also encouraged to secure funding from their families and local community, whenever possible.
To apply, write to the National Youth Committee, c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Assembly sponsors marriage seminar in Lake Oswego[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Lake Oswego, Washington, sponsored a day-long seminar April 3 on “Marriage and Family Relationships.”
The team moderators were Bahá’ís Dan Popov, a psychologist, and Linda Kavelin-Popov, a clinical psychiatrist.
During the month before the seminar, the Popovs spoke to more than 100 people in two PTA groups and one Home Extension group.
Their topics at the Bahá’í seminar included “The Family in Crisis: How Can We Survive?” and “The Family in Potential: What We Can Be!”
[Page 8]
IGC: PIONEERING
‘Project Vahid’ sets hearts ablaze in Panama[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Panama recently saw the completion of a special monthlong teaching project.
The highly successful campaign, known as “Project Vahid,” was carried out in July and covered the major areas of the San Blas Islands, the jungles of Darien, Chiriquí Province, and a number of other cities in the interior of the country.
THE PURPOSE was primarily consolidation aimed at expansion with special emphasis on deepening and strengthening Local Spiritual Assemblies as well as individual indigenous believers.
The following extracts are taken from a report sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama by Eric Mandel, a Bahá’í from the U.S. who joined the project during the final two weeks.
“To all my Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Panama:
“Alláh’u’Abhá! This report is more an impression from the heart than an objective evaluation, but I will also try to be as accurate and factual as I can.
“All of you welcomed me to Panama most warmly. I sensed a lively spirit and vitality among both youth and adults, especially in Panama City itself. I saw many people of capacity, and was impressed.
“Perhaps Project Vahid lent a special stimulus to the Bahá’í community which would not otherwise be so active. Many Bahá’ís were involved in activities ranging from travel to providing housing and arranging public meetings, and I believe these are signs of a community that cares about the Faith and is striving to grow ...
“THE TOWN of Soloy was unquestionably the highlight of the project. For an American Bahá’í who has lived in cities in the U.S. all of his life, visiting the Guaymi Indians was an absolutely unprecedented experience.
“The picture of the Indians of Otavalo, Ecuador (in the orange teaching book) could easily be mistaken for the Guaymis. The dress is different, but the same qualities of purity, nobility and character are etched on all of the faces.
“We were warmly welcomed with greetings of ‘Alláh’u’Abhá,’ often accompanied by handshakes and embraces.
“Our accommodations were a large, circular cement structure with a corrugated metal roof. Makeshift beds were made from hardwood benches, bedrolls and blankets.
“Other members of the team, including myself, strung up hammocks and enjoyed quiet nights with brilliant white stars twinkling in the dark sky.
“All of our food was prepared over a small fire in a wooden hut, and most of us ate there. Rice is a staple at every meal, and sweet black coffee is the Guaymis’ beverage. There was also a delicious lemon tea, made from leaves of the ‘lemon herb’ or ‘yerba de limón.’
“LARGE jugs of drinking water supplied from local wells were usually available. For bathing, we went down a steep path of rocks and mud to a river with many stepping-stones. The river was fit only for bathing, not for drinking.
“I found that my canteen, towel, soap, flashlight, work boots, and sandals were essential. One Bahá’í had told me, ‘Think mud!’ and we did indeed have to walk a muddy road when we left, singing and laughing along our way.
“The conference that ended the project was light upon light! The day after I arrived a group of Indians from Costa Rica, as well as the ‘Camino del Sol’—the Trail of Light projecteers—joined us.
“The next few days were spent in frank discussion about teaching, overcoming our weaknesses, and living the Bahá’í life.
“Camino del Sol shared prophecies about Bahá’u’lláh’s coming and presented several dances and songs of welcome, nature and life. The Guaymis, in turn, performed several of their own native dances, and both Americans and Panamanians formed strong bonds of friendship.
“The Guaymis love music, and they eagerly listened to the cassettes we had brought with us. Many of us were asked to say prayers before meetings, and several of us sang and played our instruments.
“FOR anyone traveling to teach in this area, cassette players and musical instruments, especially wooden flutes, are a must. Any potential Bahá’í musicians visiting the Indians should also have a good repertoire of children’s songs and prayers in Spanish.
“Of course, just as we had been warmly welcomed, so we were warmly sent off with farewells of ‘Alláh’u’Abhá’ and many loving embraces ...
“It was a joy and bounty to participate in Project Vahid, and it was a joy to get to know all of you. This has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
“I learned that the best tools for teaching are fervent prayer and a pure heart that trusts in Bahá’u’lláh. He guided me every step of the way.
“May Bahá’u’lláh always guide you and shower you with confirmations upon confirmations!”
Satellite Conferences are set[edit]
Satellite Conferences are being held throughout the world in conjunction with the five International Bahá’í Conferences that are taking place during the months of June to September.
These special meetings are designed for those believers who are unable to attend one of the five major gatherings called for by the Universal House of Justice.
It is hoped that these mini-conferences will convey the spirit generated at the International Conferences and will also emphasize the importance of teaching the Cause and the many bounties and rewards that will come to those who arise to serve at this significant time in our Faith’s history.
Satellite Conferences already have been held in such areas as Panama City, Panama; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and Bénin, West Africa. The remaining Satellite Conferences and the dates for each are as follows:
- Bermuda
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Guadeloupe, French Antilles
- Martinique, French Antilles
- September 22
- September 25
- September 25
- September 26
The International Goals Committee encourages the participation of the friends in these conferences and hopes that the American Bahá’ís will also consider lending their assistance to the ongoing teaching work being carried forward in these areas.
For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
PIONEER GOALS
Riḍván 1982—Riḍván 1983
| AFRICA | Arrived at Post | |
| (P) | Angola | |
| (F) | Burundi | |
| (F) | Chad | |
| (F) | Congo | |
| *(E) | Gambia | |
| (P) | Guinea Bissau | |
| *(E) | Liberia | |
| (F) | Madagascar | |
| (F) | Mali | |
| *(F) | Mauritania | |
| *(A,F,S) | Morocco | |
| (P) | Mozambique | |
| (F) | Réunion | |
| (F) | Rwanda | |
| (E) | Sierra Leone | |
| (A,E) | Somalia | |
| (E) | Tanzania | 2 |
| (F) | Tunisia | 1 |
| (F) | Zaire | 1 |
| 4 | ||
| EUROPE | ||
| (F) | Belgium | |
| (Gr,E) | Cyprus | |
| *(D) | Denmark | |
| (F) | France | 2 |
| (E) | Malta | |
| (P) | Portugal | |
| Azores | ||
| Madeira | ___ | |
| 2 | ||
| ASIA | ||
| *(J) | Japan | 1 |
| *(P,E,C) | Macau | 1 |
| *(E) | Nepal | |
| (E) | Sikkim | |
| (E) | Sri Lanka | |
| *(E,T) | Thailand | 2 |
| 4 | ||
| AMERICAS | ||
| *(E) | Bahamas | |
| (S) | Colombia | 4 |
| *(F) | French Guiana | |
| Arrived at Post | |||||
| (F) | Guadeloupe | ||||
| (F) | Haiti | ||||
| *(E) | Leeward Islands | 2 | |||
| *(F) | Martinique | ||||
| (E) | Trinidad and Tobago | ||||
| (E) | Windward Islands | ||||
| *Dominica | 1 | ||||
| Grenada | |||||
| St. Vincent | 4 | ||||
| 11 | |||||
| AUSTRALASIA (Pacific Islands) | |||||
| (E) | Caroline Islands | ||||
| Belau | 1 | ||||
| *Kosrae | |||||
| Ponape | |||||
| Yap | |||||
| (E) | Chatham Island | ||||
| (E) | Cook Island | ||||
| *(E) | Fiji | ||||
| (E) | Kiribati | ||||
| (F) | Loyalty Islands | 2 | |||
| (E) | Marianas | ||||
| *Guam | 6 | ||||
| *Rota | |||||
| *Saipan | |||||
| (F) | Marquesas | ||||
| *(E) | Marshall Islands | 3 | |||
| *(F) | New Caledonia | ||||
| (E) | Niue | ||||
| (E) | Papua New Guinea | ||||
| (F) | Society Islands | ||||
| (F) | Tuamoto Archipelago | ||||
| (E) | Tuvalu | ||||
| (F,E) | Vanuatu | ___ | |||
| 12 | |||||
| GOALS FILLED BY U.S. | U.S. Goals | 19 | |||
| Goals assigned to other countries | 15 | ||||
| Non-goals and reffils | 54 | ||||
| 88 | |||||
| GOALS NOT COMPLETED (1981-82) | |||||
| *Denmark—3 | |||||
- RE-OPENED GOALS
- Bahamas 1
- Denmark 2
- Kosrae 1
- Malawi 2
- Morocco 1
- New Caledonia 2
- LANGUAGE KEY
- A—Arabic
- C—Chinese
- D—Danish
- E—English
- F—French
- Gr—Greek
- J—Japanese
- P—Portuguese
- S—Spanish
- T—Thai
400 attend L.A. service for Greatest Holy Leaf[edit]
About 400 Bahá’ís attended a memorial service July 17 in Los Angeles, California, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf.
A special guest at the observance was Mrs. Marzieh Gail, a translator and author of many books, among them Khánum: the Greatest Holy Leaf, who recalled the life and times of Bahíyyih Khánum.
The program also included a buffet brunch, musical entertainment, and a filmstrip about the Greatest Holy Leaf.
Louisville Bahá’ís invited to speak at church, proclaim Faith at theatre[edit]
Within a span of nine days, the following events recently occurred in Louisville, Kentucky:
• March 17. A Catholic church, St. Francis of Assisi, invited a Bahá’í couple (Ron and Shahin Carrigan) to speak on the Faith.
• March 25. The Rev. John Morgan, who has his own weekly radio program, “The Catholic Hour,” interviewed three local Bahá’ís for half an hour about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. The interview, carried on the local CBS-affiliated station, was positive and sympathetic.
• March 26. A local theater featured a movie about religious persecution and allowed the Bahá’ís to set up a table in the lobby and distribute literature about the persecutions in Iran.
The 100 to 150 people who attended were very supportive of the Bahá’ís and seemed to be well-informed about the present situation in Iran.
In addition to accepting copies of a fact sheet and Bahá’í pamphlets, many people signed petitions to the President and Congress.
[Page 9]
EDUCATION
UN Teacher’s Packet is available from Education Committee office[edit]
Bahá’í parents can obtain a UN Teacher Packet from the National Education Committee office.
The packet is a suitable gift for a Bahá’í child’s classroom teacher. It contains UNICEF materials especially designed for use by children and teachers and the UNICEF calendar for 1983, which shows all the Bahá’í Holy Days.
The packet provides a tangible means of sharing the Faith with the child’s teacher, and helps to establish in a dignified and effective way the child’s Bahá’í identity in the classroom and among classmates.
The packet contains:
- A 1983 UNICEF calendar.
- A special packet of lesson plans, maps, etc., for grades 4 through 6 (teachers can adapt the materials for younger children) entitled “Big World, Small World, My World.”
- U.S. Committee for UNICEF materials for children, courtesy of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF (posters, decals, etc.).
- A fact sheet entitled “The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community” (for the teacher’s information).
The UN Teacher Packet can be obtained by writing to the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. The price is $6. (Checks should be made payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund,” and earmarked “UN Packet.”)
Five Bahá’í communities in Washington state’s Yakima Valley have begun the ‘One World School,’ a fruit of the National Education Committee’s Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP). Classes, which started last November, are held for an hour and a half twice each month at the Bahá’í Center in Wapato. The other communities involved are Yakima, Yakima CCD No. 1, Yakima Indian Reservation, and Toppenish. The school offers classes at five levels from nursery to youth, as well as an adult class. Shown are preschool class teacher Karen English with students Aubrey Taylor and (pointing) Jenny Waters.
Overcoming tests, difficulties is focus of Child’s Way issue[edit]
A striking cut-paper representation of the Shrine of the Báb, by Barbara Francioso, adorns the cover of the September/October issue of Child’s Way magazine.
The issue itself focuses on tests and difficulties and how to overcome them—an apt topic for us all!
The test of uniting a new family through remarriage is poignantly examined by the editor, Mary K. Radpour. Bahá’u’lláh offers a model and it is reviewed in a concrete manner.
UNIPAR presents us a puzzle, Barbara Carr explains how the “Remover of Difficulties” prayer by the Báb can give us strength, and two pieces of fiction relate specific difficulties and how they were overcome.
Book Nook, a craft activity, a poem, a science story by Guy Murchie, a lively song, and a healing prayer in Persian and Arabic round out this full issue. Subscribe now!
A one-year subscription is $9, and two years are $17. Send to: Child’s Way Subscriber Service, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Chattanooga, TN 37343.
YOU CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE THIS OCTOBER
... That’s because October 31st, Halloween, is National UNICEF Day by Presidential Proclamation. It’s the largest volunteer-supported effort in the United States today—a time when over one million youngsters will be trick or treating for UNICEF and thousands of community volunteers will be organizing local activities to benefit UNICEF’s work for children in over 100 countries.
It’s also a time when you can become involved, a time when you can make a world of difference in the life of a child who may have nowhere else to turn. Right now, there are millions of them—100 million children who go to bed hungry every night, 200 million who can’t go to school, 10 million who become disabled every year, and five million who could die because they aren’t receiving the childhood immunizations they require.
This year, Danny Kaye will be leading a group of entertainers and over two million volunteers in this national celebration of hope and help for the neediest children in the world. Is this the year you get involved? Call 800-228-1666.
NATIONAL UNICEF DAY
October 31
U.S. Committee for UNICEF 331 East 38th Street, New York, N.Y. 10016
[Page 10]
TEACHING
The homefront pioneer[edit]
Seventy-two years ago this month, John H. Wilcott, a homefront pioneer in Kendall, Montana, wrote a letter to the Bahá’í News about his experiences as a pioneer in the West.
Mr. Wilcott had traveled to Montana from the Kenosha, Wisconsin, Bahá’í community with his mother, who was also a Bahá’í.
MR. WILCOTT’S letter is still representative of the hardships and joys of pioneering on the homefront, and we would like to share it with you.
“Dear Servants of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:—I know you will be pleased to hear from this part of the West.
“Although the work of giving the Message is rather slow, we allow no opportunity to pass. Mother and I are the only Bahá’ís around here that we know of, and up to this time we have only had cowboys, shepherds and a few ranchers to talk to, who live many miles apart.
“My nearest ranchman owned 27 miles long of land which has now been sold to the railroad company. This is the way I reach these people, which may seem strange to you:
“First of all, my claim is just where every one has to make their roundup. Hundreds of cattle are around us all the time. I have a full cowboy’s suit, and I am out with the boys and seem to be as tough as they are, so not to be a tenderfoot.
“From one to eight come to my tent daily and I am now called “the preacher” for miles around.
“WELL, this is something new to the boys—some one to talk of God to them—and yet I seem like one of them. They tell it over and over and I frequently meet a new one who has heard of us.
“One old sheep-keeper, who used to come and rest under a tree in my yard while watching his sheep eat, and to whom I would then talk, regretted so greatly the life he had lived that he told me he was going away from this life after living here thirty years. Before leaving, he came to bid us goodbye and we gave him a good meal. I think the seed had started to grow.
“Many of the cowboys shoot game and bring it to us. Of course
U.S. Goals by District for Second Phase of Seven Year Plan
| DISTRICT | END 5-YR. PLAN | END 1ST PHASE | RIDVÁN ’82 FORMATIONS | LOST AT RIḌVÁN | 1983 GOAL |
| Alabama, Northern | 8 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 10 |
| Alabama, S/Florida, NW | 9 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 12 |
| Arizona, Northern | 20 | 24 | 25 | 0 | 26 |
| Arizona, Southern | 15 | 9 | 10 | 1* | 11 |
| Arkansas | 4 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 12 |
| California, Central No. 1 | 60 | 75 | 74 | 6 | 82 |
| California, Central No. 2 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 1 | 16 |
| California, Northern No. 1 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 5* | 31 |
| California, Northern No. 2 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 1 | 18 |
| California, Southern No. 1 | 58 | 58 | 57 | 6 | 65 |
| California, Southern No. 2 | ** | ** | 41 | 2 | 45 |
| California, Southern No. 3 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 3 | 21 |
| California, Southern No. 4 | ** | ** | 22 | 4 | 28 |
| Colorado, Eastern | 22 | 23 | 21 | 2 | 24 |
| Colorado, Western | 10 | 12 | 9 | 3* | 12 |
| Connecticut | 19 | 15 | 13 | 4 | 18 |
| DelMarVa | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1* | 5 |
| Florida, Central | ** | ** | 13 | 0 | 14 |
| Florida, Northern | ** | ** | 10 | 1 | 12 |
| Florida, Southeast | ** | ** | 46 | 2 | 49 |
| Florida, Southwest | ** | ** | 19 | 3 | 23 |
| Georgia, Northeast | ** | ** | 18 | 0 | 19 |
| Georgia, Northwest | ** | ** | 35 | 8 | 44 |
| Georgia, Southern | 31 | 30 | 25 | 7 | 32 |
| Idaho, N/Washington, E | 17 | 16 | 18 | 0 | 19 |
| Idaho, Southern | 6 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| Illinois, Northern No. 1 | 27 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 22 |
| Illinois, Northern No. 2 | 35 | 28 | 30 | 0 | 32 |
| Illinois, Southern | 25 | 25 | 24 | 1 | 27 |
| Indiana | 14 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 18 |
| Iowa | 12 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 14 |
| Kansas | 11 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 12 |
| Kentucky | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| Louisiana, Northern | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Louisiana, Southern | 9 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 12 |
| Maine | 8 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| Maryland/D.C. | 23 | 24 | 26 | 1 | 28 |
| Massachusetts | 29 | 28 | 26 | 4 | 32 |
| Michigan, Mainland | 36 | 33 | 32 | 4 | 37 |
| Minnesota, Northern | 6 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| Minnesota, Southern | 10 | 13 | 13 | 1 | 15 |
| Mississippi | 5 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 13 |
| Missouri | 19 | 16 | 14 | 3 | 18 |
| Montana | 12 | 13 | 13 | 1 | 15 |
| Navajo-Hopi | 12 | 12 | 14 | 0 | 15 |
| Nebraska | 9 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 12 |
| Nevada, Northern | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Nevada, Southern | 5 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 8 |
| New Hampshire | 13 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 13 |
| New Jersey | 17 | 15 | 17 | 1 | 19 |
| New Mexico, Northern | 12 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 14 |
| New Mexico, S/Texas, W | ** | ** | 25 | 0 | 26 |
| New York, Eastern | 23 | 21 | 21 | 1 | 24 |
| New York, Western | 22 | 17 | 16 | 3 | 21 |
| North Carolina, Central | 11 | 18 | 20 | 0 | 21 |
| North Carolina, Eastern | 5 | 15 | 17 | 1 | 19 |
| North Carolina, Western | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 10 |
| North Dakota | 6 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| Ohio, Northern | 13 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 16 |
| Ohio, Southern | 10 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 9 |
| Oklahoma, Eastern | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| Oklahoma, Western | 8 | 9 | 15 | 0 | 16 |
| Oregon | 44 | 50 | 51 | 1 | 53 |
| Pennsylvania, Eastern | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania, Western | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| Rhode Island | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| South Carolina, Central | 34 | 44 | 45 | 0 | 46 |
| South Carolina, Eastern | 85 | 105 | 109 | 0 | 110 |
| South Carolina, Northern | 25 | 29 | 28 | 1 | 30 |
| South Carolina, Southern | 32 | 40 | 43 | 0 | 44 |
| South Carolina, Western | 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| South Dakota | 7 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 |
| Tennessee, Eastern | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| Tennessee, Western | 3 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
| Texas, Central No. 1 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 1 | 16 |
| Texas, Central No. 2 | ** | ** | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| Texas, Eastern No. 1 | 34 | 45 | 43 | 3 | 47 |
| Texas, Eastern No. 2 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 2 | 22 |
| Texas, Northern | 5 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 8 |
| Texas, Southern | 6 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 8 |
| Utah | 4 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
| Vermont | 4 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
| Virginia, Northern | 19 | 21 | 23 | 0 | 24 |
| Virginia, Southern | 11 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 18 |
| Washington, Northwest | 36 | 41 | 41 | 3 | 45 |
| Washington, Southwest | 21 | 17 | 15 | 5 | 21 |
| West Virginia | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
| Wisconsin/Michigan | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Wisconsin, Southern | 22 | 20 | 20 | 1 | 22 |
| Wyoming | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| TOTALS | 1,489 | 1,622 | 1,615 | 130 | 1,844 |
District goals set for second phase[edit]
In accordance with the goals of the three-year phase of the Seven Year Plan, the National Teaching Committee has established individual district goals for the coming year.
Each district has been assigned the goal of maintaining all Assemblies presently in existence (1,615), restoring all Assemblies that were lost at Riḍván (125), and bringing in at least one new Assembly (two new Assemblies were assigned to each of the goal states).
If each district accomplishes its goals, we will have 1,844 Assemblies in the U.S. by Riḍván 1983.
* Indicates Assemblies that were lost because of boundary changes.
** Indicates districts that have had significant boundary changes. Due to these changes, statistics prior to this year are not available.
220 at Pennsylvania service for Holy Leaf[edit]
Two hundred-twenty people from at least 12 states attended a weekend conference June 11-13 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College.
The gathering, which was dedicated to the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf, was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg.
Among the speakers was Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem.
Special entertainment Saturday evening was provided by singer Suzette Aleci of Lititz, Pennsylvania, and by Ann and Bob Atkinson of Dover, New Hampshire, who presented a unique slide-and-music dance routine to Bahá’í themes.
A reminder[edit]
Please remember that the National Teaching Committee is keeping a count of homefront pioneers so that we will know when we have reached our goal of 200.
In their eagerness to arrive at their posts and win the goals, many of the friends have neglected to inform the National Teaching Committee of their departure and destination. The station of the homefront pioneer is a high one, and we’d like to be sure that each and every one is counted.
If you are planning to pioneer on the homefront or have already arrived at your post and have not yet notified the National Teaching Committee, you are urged to do so.
You may write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 232.
[Page 11]
TEACHING
the Champion Builders[edit]
VICTORIA BEDIKIAN
In spite of deafness and a lack of material possessions, Victoria Bedikian’s artistic and writing talents resulted in teaching work that reached children and adults all over the world with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
Born February 9, 1879, in Boise, Idaho, Victoria Bedikian’s loss of hearing as a child caused her to abandon her musical training and turn instead to art.
BECAUSE her husband, Madris, admired Abraham Lincoln, Mrs. Bedikian painted many portraits of President Lincoln that were given to the mayors of cities in New Jersey for their city halls.
In 1912 she met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when the Master visited her husband’s oriental art shop in Montclair, New Jersey. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked that she devote her art work to the Faith, which she did from that time until the end of her life.
Although Mrs. Bedikian had no children of her own, she adopted a son and cared for as many as 40 orphans in her home.
It was one of this group of children who first called her “Auntie Victoria,” a name that she cherished and was known by for the remainder of her life.
In a Tablet addressed to Mrs. Bedikian, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: “None is more favored in the Abhá Kingdom than thee for the work thou hast done for the children ...”
In the early years of her Bahá’í activities Auntie Victoria wrote to children in many countries, and organized children’s “Gardens of Fellowship,” naming each garden after a particular flower.
THE GUARDIAN, Shoghi Effendi, told her that these gardens of fellowship would serve as seeds for future Bahá’í communities.
Auntie Victoria also inspired the editing and publishing of a magazine entitled “Children of the Kingdom” that featured articles about and photographs of children’s gardens in all parts of the world.
Regional Asian, Hispanic Committees named[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has again appointed four Regional Asian and Hispanic Teaching Committees.
The purposes of these committees are to develop teaching materials; to stimulate conferences, institutes, seminars and training sessions designed to reach all strata of the Asian and Hispanic populations; and to assist in the assimilation of these peoples into the Bahá’í community.
The Regional Asian and Hispanic Teaching Committees met August 28-29 in Wilmette for an intense briefing about their role in the Bahá’í community and to discuss and lay the foundation for the further expansion of the Faith among Asians and Hispanics.
The contact persons for the Regional Committees are:
ASIAN
- Northeastern States—Mr. Hong T. Foo, ________ Centereach, NY 11720.
- Southern States—Mr. Khai Do Linh, ________ Langley Park, MD 20783.
- Central States—Mr. Bijan Bayzaee, ________ Skokie, IL 60076.
- Western States—Mr. Tekseng Lee, ________ San Marcos, CA 92069.
HISPANIC
- Northeastern States—Ms. Julia Acaba, ________ E. Setauket, NY 11733.
- Southern States—Ms. Rafaela Nicole, ________ Sarasota, FL 33581.
- Central States—Mr. Robert Ferguson, ________ Glenview, IL 60025.
- Western States—Ms. Francine Marquez, P.O. Box 6127, Alhambra, CA 91802.
- Regions of Jurisdiction
- Regional Asian and Hispanic Teaching Committees
Wilcott[edit]
Continued From Page 10
we have to feed many of them at times, but that is the only way we can reach them.
“At first some of them did not want to hear anything of God—said there was no God—but after some of the great hidden mysteries were explained to them, they became interested, and you would be surprised to see us sitting on a log outside, or in the tent, until 10 o’clock at night.
“My dear mother is the only doctor around here for forty-five miles. The land is now all taken up and settlers are coming in rapidly.
“THE COWBOYS told them that mother was a diploma doctor, so they have started to come after her, traveling from fifteen to twenty miles. She is not a bit slow in giving the Message.
“A few weeks ago when it was warm, a cowboy came by and was resting by the tent. He asked mother if she had anything to read. She gave him one of our Bahá’í books. He cursed and said: ‘That is religion. Haven’t you any papers?’
“So she gave him a newspaper from Santa Anna, which was sent to us by a missionary there, to whom I am trying to give the Message, but who has not yet been able to grasp it.
“Well, this paper told about God, and the cowboy, after looking at it for a while, said: ‘Why this is religion—just as bad as the other book.’ Mother said: ‘This is all we have here. We live for God.’
“When I came in with a bunch of prairie chickens he said to me: ‘Hello, preacher! This is a great place—nothing to read.’ I replied that I had just what he wanted, and going to my trunk, brought a book called ‘Indian Wars and Brave Deeds.’
“Well, you should have seen that man! He was very much pleased and called for a few days until he had finished reading it. He then said: ‘If there is a God, why did He let those Indians kill those poor people in such a way?’ That gave me an opportunity, and now the man begins to read Bahá’í books and does not curse any more in our tent ...
“ANY literature regarding the Cause will be gladly accepted and handed to some of the new settlers here. These cowboys are all good fellows and tired of this life. They are seeking for something and do not know where to get it—it is this Message.
“So when any one goes out to try to give the Message, let us encourage them. In a place like this God is not known. They believe there is no God, no heaven or hell, because they have been taught so. It is not easy and one should be encouraged.
“This country is wild with rattlesnakes and wolves. I have killed many snakes, but as the country is now being settled the snakes are disappearing.
“One was in our tent last night. We heard him rattle. We dare not sleep with an arm outside of the bed.
“It is getting cold; the mountains are covered with snow and we had four inches of it. We are still in a tent, but I am building a log house. Frost killed nearly all we had, but God giveth and God taketh away—praise His Name! When I go for mail, I carry a gun because of wild steers. Every one carries a gun because of cattle and snakes.
“My mother is 70 years old and keeps up quite well. We have lots of hay on the ground in the tent to keep our feet warm, but we have been laid up with colds.
“EVERYTHING here has to be hauled from Lewistown, forty-five miles. Our nearest place is Kendall, a small town, 5,800 feet high in the mountains—a gold mining town—about ten houses built on rocks on the side of the hill.
“Oil costs 50 cents a gallon, potatoes 4 cents a pound, etc. Before this cold weather came I used to lie in bed in the morning and take my gun from the side of my pillow and shoot sage hens or prairie chicken. They destroyed my garden, and four or five times a day I used to go around the garden to drive them out and also the rabbits ...
“Here comes another old shepherd who likes to come here—I can hear his voice over the hill calling the sheep, so I must stop writing.
“We send all our Bahá’í love and ask your earnest prayers. Your servant in His Name,
•
We’d like to think that Mr. Wilcott and his mother would approve of this column. If you haven’t guessed by now, Mr. Wilcott is the gentleman whose picture appears each month above it!
Shown here are some of the approximately 100 Hmong people from Laos who participated July 24-25 in the first Regional Asian Teaching Conference ever held in the Western states. The gathering took place in Monterey Park, California.
1st Asian Teaching Conference in western states big success[edit]
More than 300 people gathered July 24-25 in Monterey Park, California, for the first Regional Asian Teaching Conference ever held in the western states.
Among the speakers were Soo Fouts, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Juana Conrad, chairman of the National Teaching Committee; and Auxiliary Board members Joyce Dahl, Edward Diliberto and Anthony Lease.
A complete report of this historic conference will be presented in the October issue of The American Bahá’í along with a report of the first Regional Hispanic Teaching Conference, which was held August 21-22 in San Fernando, California.
Bahá’í National Center Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time)
Monday—Friday
Phone 312-869-9039
[Page 12]
PÁGINA HISPANA
El aniversario de la Ascension de Bahíyyih Khánum[edit]
El 15 de julio de este año se conmemorará un aniversario más de la Ascension de la Hoja Más Sagrada, Bahíyyih Khánum. Esta sobresaliente mujer era la hija mayor de Bahá’u’lláh.
El rentó una casa cerca a la Puerta de Shimrán donde residió durante Su exilio en Iraq. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, la Hoja Más Sagrada y la Rama Más Pura nacieron en esta casa.
LO QUE la Hoja Más Sagrada había hecho para Shoghi Effendi cuando falleció el Maestro, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, y en los años siguientes es incalculable.
Como él lo dijera, ella había jugado un papel sin duda durante las turbulentas etapas de la historia Bahá’í, entre los que no había sido el menos importante establecer el propio ministerio de Shoghi Effendi después de la muerte de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
El dice que; para él; ella había sido una encarnación de la ternura y amor de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, que todo lo abarcaba.
Después del fallecimiento del Maestro y cuando se conoció su Ultima Voluntad y Testamento donde nombraba a Shoghi Effendi, su nieto y biznieto de Bahá’u’lláh, el Guardián de la Causa de Dios hizo tal impacto en Shoghi Effendi que después de dos meses apenas de tomar la Guardianía él decidió alejarse por un tiempo.
La tensión era más que la que podía soportar. Él nombró a un cuerpo de 9 personas para que actuase como tentativa de Asamblea y el 7 de abril de 1922 este cuerpo anota en sus actas que se había recibido una carta de la Hoja Más Sagrada en la cual ella declara que:
“EL Guardián de la Causa de Dios, la Rama elegida, el Jefe del pueblo de Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, bajo el peso de pesares y sufrimientos ilimitados, se ha visto obligado a irse de aquí por algún tiempo, con la finalidad de descansar y restablecerse y luego volver a Tierra Santa para rendir sus servicios y cumplir con sus responsabilidades.”
Ella agrega, de acuerdo con su carta, que adjunta, que la ha nombrado para que, durante su ausencia, administre todos los asuntos Bahá’ís, en consulta con la familia de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, y una Asamblea seleccionada la carta del Guardián publicada en Star of the West dice:
“El es Dios! Después de aquel lamentable acontecimiento y gran calamidad la ascensión de Su Santidad ‘Abdu’l-Bahá al Reino de Abhá—, este siervo se ha visto tan sobrecogido de pena y dolor y tan enmarañado por los trastornos (creados) por los enemigos de la Causa de Dios, que considero que mi presencia aquí, en este momento y en tal atmósfera, no está en concordancia con el cumplimiento de mis importantes y sagrados deberes.
“Por este motivo, sin poder hacer otra cosa, he dejado por un tiempo los asuntos de la Causa, tanto en casa como en ultramar, bajo la supervisión de la Sagrada Familia y la jefatura de la Hoja Más Sagrada—que sea mi alma sacrificada por ella—...” El Siervo de Su Umbral! (firmado) Shoghi.
El 8 de abril la Hoja Más Sagrada escribió una carta general a los amigos. Ante todo acusa recibo de las cartas de apoyo que han enviado y dice que Shoghi Effendi confía en su cooperación en la propagación del mensaje.
POR MUY fieles y tiernas que hayan sido durante su vida las relaciones de Shoghi Effendi con los que estaban más cerca de él, su relación suprema era con la hoja Más Sagrada.
Cuando ella falleció en 1932 a la edad de 82 años, él cablegrafió a América anunciando que su espíritu había emprendido el vuelo hacia ese Gran Más Allá y lamentándose por “la repentina desaparición de mi único apoyo terrenal, la alegría y consuelo de mi vida,” e informando a los amigos que “una pérdida tan dolorosa hace necesario suspender por nueve meses en todo el mundo Bahá’í todo tipo de festividad religiosa”; era necesario que se efectuasen reuniones conmemorativas en todas partes, tanto locales como nacionales, para ella, “el último remanente de Bahá’u’lláh.”
Pero fue el 17 de julio cuando escribió una carta a los creyentes americanos y canadienses en la que hace un elogio de la vida, rango y obras de la hermana de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
Muy querida Hoja Más Sagrada! A través de la niebla de las lágrimas que llenan mis ojos puedo ver claramente tu noble figura ante mí, mientras escribo estas líneas, y puedo reconocer la serenidad de tu bondadoso rostro.
Aún cuando nos separa la sombra del sepulcro, todavia puedo contemplar tus ojos azules, de profundo amor, y puedo sentir, en su serena intensidad, el inmenso amor que tenías por la Causa de tu Padre Todopoderoso, el apego que te ligó al más humilde e insignificante de entre sus seguidores, el cálido afecto que tenías por mí en tu corazón.
El recuerdo de la belleza inefable de tu sonrisa por siempre seguirá alegrando y estimulándome en el sendero lleno de espinas que es mi destino seguir. El recuerdo del toque de tu mano me espoleará para seguir firmemente en tu sendero.
La dulce magia de tu voz me recordará, cuando la hora de la adversidad esté en su punto más negro, que me aferre a la cuerda que sostuviste con tanta firmeza todos los días de tu vida ...
Este amor que tenía el Guardián por la Hoja Más Sagrada, quién lo había cuidado durante más de 35 años, quien era mucho más que una madre, lo siguió demostrando por el resto de su vida.
En cada acción de su vida asociaba a la Hoja Más Sagrada con sus servicios a la Fe. Comprendiendo el significado oculto de la Tabla de Carmelo de Bahá’u’lláh, el Guardián sepultó a la Hoja Más Sagrada cerca del Santuario del Báb.
LA HOJA MAS SAGRADA
Curso de estudio número 8: Una idioma auxiliar[edit]
“Por medio del esplendor de la unión, se han iluminado, en todos los tiempos, las religiones del mundo, y el medio más eficaz para conseguir este objetivo es que todos puedan comprender la escritura y el lenguaje de los demás.”—Bahá’u’lláh
•
Uno de los principios fundamentales que permitirá la unidad de la humanidad es el de un idioma auxiliar universal.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá explica:
“Los hombres ya no están aislados como en los tiempos antiguos. Hoy en día, para estar en estrecha relación con otros países es necesario hablar sus idiomas.
“Una lengua universal haría posible el intercambio entre todas las naciones. En esta forma sería necesario aprender dos idiomas: el de origen y el idioma universal. Este último nos permitiría comunicarnos con todos los hombres del mundo.
“La unidad de idioma transformará a la humanidad en un solo mundo, eliminará las disenciones religiosas y unirá al occidente y el oriente en espíritu de hermandad y amor ...
“Hasta que tal lengua comience a usarse, el mundo seguirá sintiendo la intensa necesidad de este medio de intercambio.
“La diferencia de idiomas es una de las causas fundamentales del descontento y de la desconfianza que existen entre las naciones, las que están separadas por la imposibilidad de entenderse unas a otras, más que por ninguna otra causa.
“Este idioma internacional auxiliar reunirá a las naciones bajo un mismo estandarte, como si los cinco continentes del mundo se hubieran convertido en uno solo, ya que entonces será posible para todos el mutuo intercambio de pensamiento ...
“Si tuviéramos un lenguaje universal, todos los libros occidentales podrían ser traducidos a ese idioma y los pueblos de oriente se enterarían de su contenido. Del mismo modo, los libros de oriente podrían traducirse a ese idioma, para beneficio de los pueblos de occidente.
“El mejor de los medios hacia el progreso de la unión de oriente y occidente será el idioma universal. Este idioma convertirá al mundo en un solo hogar y será el más fuerte impulso hacia el progreso humano.
“Levantará el estandarte de la unidad de la humanidad. Convertirá al mundo en una nación universal. Será la causa del amor entre los hijos de los hombres. Será la causa de la confraternidad entre las razas.”
La cultura, literatura y arte nacionales deben ser conservados y desarrollados; pero toda la gente aprenderá además del idioma nativo, el lenguaje universal. La necesidad de esto lo resume ‘Abdu’l-Bahá de la siguiente manera:
“En todo el mundo no hay nada más importante que ser comprendido por el prójimo, ya que de ello depende el progreso de la civilización misma un Tribunal Internacional de Justicia ...Pero el tribunal Supremo que ha descrito Bahá’u’lláh cumplirá con esta tarea (de establecer la justicia y Paz mundiales) con la máxima capacidad y poder.”
Los principios Bahá’ís, tienen su culminación y aplicación práctica en la creación de un Tribunal Internacional de Justicia.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá explica:
“En el Libro de Leyes (escrito en 1873) Bahá’u’lláh ordenó a los pueblos del mundo que establecieran la paz universal, e invitó a todas las naciones a un arbitraje internacional, para que las cuestiones de fronteras, de honor nacional y los asuntos de vital interés entre las naciones, fueran arregladas por una Corte Arbitral de Justicia, para que así ninguna nación rehusara las decisiones resueltas ...
“Un Tribunal Supremo será establecido por los pueblos y gobiernos de todas las naciones, compuesto por miembros elegidos por cada país y gobierno. Los miembros de este Gran Consejo se reunirán en unidad. Todas las disputas de carácter internacional serán sometidas a esta corte, cuyo trabajo será resolver, por medio del arbitraje, todos los asuntos que, de otro modo, serían causa de guerra.”
Complementando lo dicho por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi explica, en sus escritos, lo siguiente:
“Bahá’u’lláh no sólo infundió a la humanidad con un Espíritu nuevo y regenerador. No sólo enunció ciertos principios universales.
“Además de todo esto, y a diferencia de las Manifestaciones (Profetas) del pasado, El sentó en forma clara y específica, un código de Leyes, e instituciones definidas y proveyó los requisitos esenciales de una economía divina. Todo esto está destinado a ser el modelo de la sociedad del futuro, el supremo instrumento para el establecimiento de la más Grande Paz, y un medio para la unificación del mundo y la proclamación del reino de rectitud y justicia sobre la tierra ...
“El propósito de la Ley Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh no es el de ahogar la llama de un sano e inteligente patriotismo en los corazones de los hombres, ni abolir el sistema de autonomía nacional, tan esencial si los peligros de una centralización excesiva han de ser evitados.
“No ignora, ni trata de suprimir, la diversidad de orígenes étnicos, clima, historia, lenguaje, tradición, pensamiento y costumbres que sirven para diferenciar entre sí a los hombres y naciones del mundo.
“Pide una lealtad más amplia y una aspiración mayor de todas las que hasta hoy han animado a la raza humana ...
“La unidad de la raza humana, anunciada por Bahá’u’lláh, implica el establecimiento de un estado mundial en el que todas las naciones, razas, credos y clases estarán estrecha y permanentemente unidos y en el que la autonomía de los estados miembros y la libertad e iniciativa personal de los individuos que la compongan, estarán definitivamente y completamente resguardadas. Este estado mundial, tal como lo podemos visualizar, habrá de consistir en una legislatura mundial, cuyos miembros, como depositarios de la humanidad entera, controlarán todos los recursos de las naciones que lo compongan y promulgarán tales leyes como sean necesarias para regularizar la vida, satisfacer las necesidades y concertar las relaciones
[Page 13]
RACE UNITY
‘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-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 54)
The Master’s address at Howard University[edit]
The following address by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was given April 23, 1912, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and is taken from The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 41-43.
•
Notes by Joseph H. Hannen
Today I am most happy, for I see here a gathering of the servants of God. I see the white and colored people together. In the estimation of God there is no distinction of color; all are one in the color and beauty of servitude to Him.
Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It matters not what the exterior may be if the heart be pure and white within. God does not behold differences of hue and complexion; He looks at the hearts.
HE WHOSE morals and virtues are praiseworthy is preferred in the presence of God; he who is devoted to the kingdom is most beloved. In the realm of genesis and creation the question of color is of least importance.
The mineral kingdom abounds with many-colored substances and compositions but we find no strife among them on that account.
In the kingdom of the plant and vegetable, distinct and variegated hues exist but the fruit and flowers are not in conflict for that reason. Nay, rather, the very fact that there is difference and variety lends a charm to the garden. If all were of the same color the effect would be monotonous and depressing.
When you enter a rose-garden the wealth of color and variety of floral forms spreads before you a picture of wonder and beauty. The world of humanity is like a garden and the various races are the flowers which constitute its adornment and decoration.
In the animal kingdom also we find variety of color. See how the doves differ in beauty yet they live together in perfect peace, and love each other. They do not make difference of color a cause of discord and strife. They view each other as the same species and kind. They know they are one in kind. Often a white dove soars aloft with a black one.
THROUGHOUT the animal kingdom we do not find the creatures separated because of color. They recognize unity of species and oneness of kind.
If we do not find color distinction drawn in a kingdom of lower intelligence and reason, how can it be justified among human beings, especially when we know that all have come from the same source and belong to the same household?
In origin and intention of creation mankind is one. Distinctions of race and color have arisen afterward.
Therefore today I am exceedingly glad that both white and colored people have gathered here, and I hope the time will come when they shall live together in the utmost peace, unity and friendship.
I wish to say one thing of importance to both in order that the white race may be just and kind to the colored and that the colored race may in turn be grateful and appreciative toward the white.
The great proclamation of liberty and emancipation from slavery was made upon this continent. A long bloody war was fought by white men for the sake of colored people. These white men forfeited their possessions and sacrificed their lives by thousands in order that colored men might be freed from bondage.
THE COLORED population of the United States of America are possibly not fully informed of the wide-reaching effect of this freedom and emancipation upon their colored brethren in Asia and Africa where even more terrible conditions of slavery existed.
Influenced and impelled by the example of the United States, the European powers proclaimed universal liberty to the colored race and slavery ceased to exist.
This effort and accomplishment by the white nations should never be lost sight of. Both races should rejoice in gratitude, for the institution of liberty and equality here became the cause of liberating your fellow-beings elsewhere.
The colored people of this country are especially fortunate, for, Praise be to God! conditions here are so much higher than in the east and comparatively few differences exist in the possibility of equal attainments with the white race.
May both develop toward the highest degree of equality and altruism. May you be drawn together in friendship, and may extraordinary development make brotherhood a reality and truth. I pray in your behalf that there shall be no name other than that of humanity among you.
For instance we say “a flock of doves,” without mention or distinction as to white or black; we apply the name “horse,” “deer,” “gazelle” to other creatures, referring to species and not to their variance in color.
IT IS my hope that through love and fellowship we may advance to such a degree of mutual recognition and estimate, that the oneness of the human world may be realized in each and all present in this meeting.
Therefore strive earnestly and put forth your greatest endeavor toward the accomplishment of this fellowship and the cementing of this bond of brotherhood between you.
Such an attainment is not possible without will and effort on the part of each: from one, expressions of gratitude and appreciation; from the other, kindliness and recognition of equality.
Each one should endeavor to develop and assist the other toward mutual advancement. This is possible only by conjoining of effort and inclination.
Love and unity will be fostered between you, thereby bringing about the oneness of mankind. For the accomplishment of unity between the colored and whites will be an assurance of the world’s peace. Then racial prejudice, national prejudice, limited patriotism and religious bias will pass away and remain no longer.
I am pleased to see you at this gathering, white and dark, and I praise God that I have had this opportunity of seeing you loving each other, for this is the means of the glory of humanity. This is the means of the good-pleasure of God and of eternal bliss in His kingdom.
Therefore I pray in your behalf that you may attain to the fullest degree of love and that the day may come when all differences between you may disappear.
The National Race Amity Conference will be held Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12, 1983, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Articles on race unity in volumes of The Bahá’í World:
Vol. I (1925-26)—“A Conference for World Unity at San Francisco, March 20-22, 1925,” by Prof. J.V. Breitwieser (pp. 95-97); “The Unity of Civilization,” by Y.S. Tsao (pp. 141-47); “Racial Amity,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 165-69).
Vol. II (1926-1928)—“Inter-Racial Amity,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 281-85).
Vol III (1928-1930)—“Green Acre and the Bahá’í Ideal of Interracial Amity” (pp. 170-83); “The Races of Men—Many or One?” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 330-39)
Vol IV (1930-1932)—“Unity Through Diversity: A Bahá’í Principle,” by Dr. Alain Locke (pp. 372-74); “Light on Basic Unity,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 486-89)
Vol. V (1932-1934)—“Religion and Social Progress,” by Keith Ransom-Kehler (pp. 533-39)
Vol VI (1934-1936)—“Racial Likenesses and Differences: The Scientific Evidence and the Bahá’í Teachings,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 659-64); “‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Historic Meeting with Jane Addams,” by Ruth J. Moffett (pp. 680-83)
Vol. VII (1936-1938)—“Racial Amity in America,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 652-66); “Changing Race Relations,” by Maxwell Miller (pp. 698-700); “Unity of Races,” by Genevieve L. Coy (pp. 712-15).
Vol. VIII (1938-1940)—“Faith and the Man,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 901-03)
Vol. IX (1940-1944)—“The Bahá’í Faith in the Colleges,” by Dorothy Baker (pp. 773-76); “The Bahá’í Faith and Problems of Color, Class and Creed,” by Elsie Austin (pp. 829-31); “Accelerated Progress in Race Relations,” by Louis G. Gregory (pp. 876-80)
Vol. X (1944-1946)—“Social Basis of World Unity,” by Elsie Austin (pp. 694-98); “Oneness of Humanity,” by William Kenneth Christian (pp. 757-61)
Vol. XI (1946-1950)—“Prejudice,” by A. Johansson (pp. 401-02); “New Hope for Minority Peoples,” by Emeric Sala (pp. 688-91); “World Unity as a Way of Life,” by Elsie Austin (pp. 694-98); “An Experiment in Race Relations,” by Bob Powers (pp. 707-12).
Vol. XII (1950-1954)—“Louis G. Gregory” (In Memoriam), by Harlan F. Ober (pp. 666-70); “The Bahá’í Faith in Backward Africa,” by Dunduzu K. Chisiza (pp. 921-25)
Vol. XIII (1954-1963)—“Races and Tribes Represented in the Bahá’í World Community” (pp. 464-68); “Louisa Mathew Gregory” (In Memoriam), by Joy Hill Earl (pp. 876-78)
Vol. XIV (1963-1968)—“One God, One Truth, One People,” by Ugo G. Giachery (pp. 612-19)
Vol. XV (1968-1973)—“The Spiritual Revolution,” by Douglas Martin (pp. 773-79)
Vol. XVI (1973-1976)—“Bahá’u’lláh’s Model for World Unity,” by Douglas Martin (pp. 675-86)
Racial misconceptions hinder Gypsies’ acceptance of Faith[edit]
|
Your Turn |
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The advancement of any racial group classified as a minority depends on two means: individual and group motivation for status improvement, and public awareness of racial misconceptions and knowledge of the real facts.
Since the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, minority races have advanced in various stages to differing levels of recognition.
UNFORTUNATELY, this is not true of the Gypsy race. As an American citizen of Italian and Czechoslovakian families who are of the Gypsy race, and as a Bahá’í who has lived in various countries and states, I am engraved with an awareness of prejudice and misconceptions from the general population.
The Universal House of Justice has listed teaching Gypsies among the European goals of the Seven Year Plan.
Europeans are more commonly aware of the daily sufferings, hardships and prejudices against our race; but Americans—including Bahá’ís—are not informed of the slights endured not only by the more than five million Gypsies throughout the world, but also by the 100,000 and more Gypsies in the U.S.
As a Gypsy, I do not simply believe, I know that the Bahá’í Faith and its administration offer the sole hope for our race.
But Gypsies cannot and will not accept the Faith unless the Bahá’ís themselves gain some understanding of the Gypsy people. I testify that the Gypsies will accept the Faith when it is given to them by Bahá’ís who know of and understand the personality, history and traditions of our people.
Bahá’ís need not look for clusters of traveling vagabonds to find Gypsies; we don’t all live in wagons or caves in Spain or Hungary.
IT IS my daily prayer that God will create His plan for the Bahá’í Teachings to reach my people soon. At the same time, the Bahá’ís should eliminate the continuing misconceptions and “media folk-tales” given to them and others about the Gypsies.
Forty-odd years ago some 500,000 Gypsies perished in the concentration camps of World War II. Today, conditions have changed radically, yet daily barriers of racial stereotyping hinder my people from advancing in the sight of the public and from gaining self-motivation and self-esteem within the race.
In 1979 the U.S. government recognized the Gypsy race as a legal minority.
Hopefully, the time will come
[Page 14]
PUBLICATIONS
Adventure, surprises highlight Zahra’s Search[edit]
Zahra’s Search, a new book by Gail Radley for 5- to 11-year-olds, is now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
Used as a bedtime story, or as a springboard for a discussion of spiritual qualities in a children’s class, the tale of a young gazelle’s journey to find her brother is both exciting and satisfying.
ZAHRA discovers many things when, with a sinking heart, she realizes that her brother will not return to the herd where she anxiously awaits him.
Among her discoveries are the strength of her own courage and her willingness to sacrifice her familiar surroundings, and the comfort of being one of the herd, to search for the brother she loves wholeheartedly.
Adults will find in the story echoes of the Layli-Majnun story in The Seven Valleys. Children will enjoy the tale now and discover the old story as they grow up.
The creative talents of two Bahá’ís were combined to create Zahra’s Search. The story was written by Gail Radley who has had three books for young people released by Crown Publishers: The Night Stella Hid the Stars, Nothing Stays the Same Forever, and The World Turned Inside Out.
Mrs. Radley has been writing since she was nine years old, drawing on her travels, her varied work experience, and her association with the Bahá’í Faith for ideas. She has a number of works in preparation, and lives with her husband and two children in Virginia.
Winifred Barnum Newman, a talented artist in many mediums, is the illustrator of Zahra’s Search. Her work will be familiar to Bahá’í parents and children, as The Secret in the Garden, a book written and illustrated by Mrs. Newman, was released by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in 1981.
Zahra’s Search is available only in paper (Catalog No. 353-018, $3). The pen-and-ink illustrations, rendered in brown ink on beige stock, heighten the suspense of this heartwarming tale told in 32 pages.
Buy copies now and save them as Intercalary Day surprises for friends and family. Or, if you can’t resist, order one for your child’s new bedtime story, and discover for yourself what Zahra finds during her days of search.
To order Zahra’s Search, see your local Bahá’í librarian; phone the Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880; or send a check or money order for the total amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
GAIL RADLEY
Conventions to showcase historic video tape[edit]
One highlight of the annual District Conventions, most of which will be held October 3, will be the showing of a video tape of testimony given May 25 by Bahá’ís before the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations of the U.S. House of Representatives.
As a result of that testimony, the U.S. Senate passed on June 30 a Concurrent Resolution condemning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
THE SENATE debate, involving Senators Heinz, Sarbanes, Denton, Kennedy and Sasser, and the full text of the Concurrent Resolution will appear in the Summer 1982 issue of World Order magazine, due from the printer shortly.
The complete text of the written testimony presented to the House Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations is already available in the Spring 1982 issue of World Order.
Reading the text of the Bahá’ís’ testimony before seeing the video tape at the District Convention will help increase your understanding of the import of the occasion.
And seeing the video tape will add an extra dimension to your sharing the story of the violation of the human rights of the Bahá’ís in Iran with your friends and acquaintances.
Included in the Spring 1982 issue of ‘World Order’ are:
- an editorial on the persecutions in Iran;
- the opening statement at the Human Rights hearing by Congressman Don Bonker of Washington state;
- statements made on behalf of the Bahá’ís by Congressmen Edward Derwinski of Illinois and Fortney J. Stark of California;
- Judge James F. Nelson’s overview of the discrimination against the Bahá’ís in Iran;
- Prof. Firuz Kazemzadeh’s explanation of the historical roots of the hatred of the fundamentalists among Iran’s Shiite clergy for the Bahá’ís;
- Mrs. Ramna Nourani’s testimony about the executions of her parents, both of whom were members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, and of friends and relatives;
- Glenford E. Mitchell’s testimony about the steps the National Spiritual Assembly has taken to protest the persecution of the Bahá’ís;
- the National Spiritual Assembly’s overview of the persecutions;
- photographs of the hearings;
- a review of William Sears’ book, A Cry from the Heart.
The Bahá’ís in Iran: A Report on the Persecution of a Religious Minority also will provide you and your friends with updated information on the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
A revised and updated edition of the white paper prepared by the Bahá’í International Community, The Bahá’ís in Iran contains many photographs and copies of newspaper articles and public documents, as well as ample text to explain the systematic nature of the persecutions and the false charges leveled against Bahá’ís.
Of special importance is the section on international reaction to and media coverage of the persecutions.
Both the Spring 1982 issue of World Order and The Bahá’ís in Iran are excellent for personal gifts to friends and acquaintances and, when left on coffee tables, are sure to spark questions from guests.
Local Spiritual Assemblies have received letters encouraging them to order copies of both publications and to make plans to bring them to the attention of prominent persons, organizations and libraries in their areas.
The Spring issue of World Order (Catalog No. 555-163, $3) and The Bahá’ís in Iran (Catalog No. 555-100, $3) can each be ordered separately, or they can be ordered as a set at a $1 saving (Catalog No. 555-200, $5).
To order the Spring 1982 issue of World Order and/or The Bahá’ís in Iran, see your local librarian; phone the Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880; or send a check or money order for the total amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Rising costs force World Order price increase[edit]
Rising costs for typesetting, paper, printing and other services have caused the editors of World Order reluctantly to raise the subscription price of the magazine, effective September 15.
A one-year subscription in the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) is now $10; a two-year subscription, $18.
A one-year foreign subscription is $12; a two-year subscription, $22. Single copies of the magazine will now be $3.
Subscriptions may be obtained by writing to World Order, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please include check or money order in U.S. dollars for the correct amount, together with your name, address and zip code.
Senate debate among highlights in World Order summer issue[edit]
The Summer 1982 issue of World Order, due from the printer in the near future, will put the magazine back on its normal schedule.
The Summer issue contains a number of treats, the first being an editorial on the Greatest Holy Leaf, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing.
Another treat, of another order, is the complete U.S. Senate debate on June 30 in connection with the passage by that body of a Concurrent Resolution condemning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
Speaking on behalf of the resolution, which had 22 co-sponsors, were Senators Heinz, Sarbanes, Denton, Kennedy and Sasser.
For your friends and acquaintances, this testimony will provide excellent follow-up for the Spring 1982 issue of World Order, which contains the written testimony presented by the Bahá’ís in May before the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Concluding a trilogy of essays is Nosratollah Rassekh’s ‘The Bahá’í Era: The First 138 Years’.
Dr. Rassekh’s essay on the first 138 years of Christianity appeared in World Order’s Spring/Summer 1980 issue, and his essay on the first 138 years of Islam in World Order’s Fall/Winter 1981 issue.
Finally, reviews of Roger White’s Another Song, Another Season and Witness of Pebbles conclude the issue.
The editors of World Order are most grateful to the magazine’s subscribers for their patience when the issues have been behind schedule.
Gayle Morrison’s honest, loving, and provocative biography of Louis G. Gregory, holds the answer—and much more!
Available only in cloth. $16.00* Catalog No. 332-072
Order through your local librarian, or send $16.00 (plus 10% for postage and handling) to Bahá’í Publishing Trust
[Page 15]
PUBLICATIONS
District Conventions to see many new releases[edit]
With the 1982 District Conventions just around the corner (October 3), you should be making plans to attend the one in your district—and making notes about what new books you can purchase at the Bahá’í bookstore being planned for every Convention.
Among the special new books that will be available at the District Conventions will be:
• Bahá’í Prayers, a completely new, revised, reorganized and redesigned edition available in a handsome tan leatherette cased edition (Catalog No. 115-070, $7) and in a sturdy, elegant blue paper edition (Catalog No. 115-071, $3).
The new edition contains 56 more prayers than the current prayer book, including more by the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and favorites such as the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, the Fire Tablet, and the long healing prayer.
• The Promulgation of Universal Peace. The new edition of the much-loved volume contains many of the addresses given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He visited the U.S. in 1912 (Catalog No. 106-039, $16).
• Bahíyyih Khánum: The Greatest Holy Leaf, a new volume containing 92 of her own letters and letters to and statements about her by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi (Catalog No. 315-074, $10 cloth; 315-075, $5 paper).
• Zahra’s Search, a new tale of adventure and daring for 7- to 11-year-olds written by Gail Radley and illustrated by Winifred Barnum Newman (Catalog No. 353-018, $3).
• Youth in the Vanguard, Marion Carpenter Yazdi’s memoirs of the early days of the Faith in California and of her years as the first Bahá’í student at Stanford and Berkeley—a must for youth and adults (Catalog No. 332-089, $14).
• To Move the World, the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory and the illuminating story of the growth of the Faith and its administration in the U.S., written by Gayle Morrison (Catalog No. 332-072, $16).
• The Bahá’í World: Vol. XVII, 1976-1979, the newest in the series and a must for all collectors, Local Spiritual Assemblies, and history buffs (Catalog No. 233-017, $22.50).
• The Light of Bahá’u’lláh, the new introduction to nine facets of the Faith, useful for those close to the Faith and for new Bahá’ís (Catalog No. 332-074, $3.50).
• 1983 Calendars. Pick up copies for yourself and your family.
• Arohanui, a new volume of letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand (Catalog No. 308-052, $6.95).
• A Cry from the Heart, William Sears’ popular book on the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran (Catalog No. 332-087, $2.50).
• Spring 1982 World Order, containing the written testimony presented by Bahá’ís at the House of Representatives’ human rights hearings on May 25 (see article on this page). (Catalog No. 555-163, $3).
• The Bahá’ís in Iran: A Report on the Persecution of a Religious Minority, an updated white paper prepared by the Bahá’í International Community (Catalog No. 555-100, $3).
Also available at the District Convention Bahá’í bookstores will be coupons for ordering:
• Bahá’í Prayers, a deluxe edition bound in maroon leather with elegant grey endsheets. It also has a ribbon and gilded edges. Proceeds from sales of the deluxe edition will help finance books for children.
• The Light of Bahá’u’lláh cassette tape program.
• The Light of Bahá’u’lláh video tape program.
To order any of these publications, see your Bahá’í librarian; phone the Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880; or send a check or money order for the total amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Gregory biography an excellent book to offer to public, school libraries[edit]
Has your community offered To Move the World, Gayle Morrison’s biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, to your local public or university library?
As part of recent efforts to help you bring the issue of racial prejudice to the attention of people in your area, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust wrote to Local Spiritual Assemblies suggesting creative ways in which to publicize To Move the World.
One suggestion involved presenting the new biography of Mr. Gregory to public libraries and publicizing the event as one way to generate interest in the elimination of racial prejudice.
To help you carry out such a plan, Diedre Conkling, a professional librarian in Selah, Washington, has made a checklist to consider when attempting to place To Move the World, or any book, in libraries:
1. Find out what the fate of the donated books may be. Some do not reach the shelves, as public libraries often are part of a county-wide system, and it may not be possible for a local library to decide what actually happens to donated books. Some gift books are eventually given to secondhand stores or simply discarded.
2. Create a demand for To Move the World by filling out request forms found in the reference department or at the circulation desk in your library.
3. Address a letter, from your Local Assembly or from an individual Bahá’í, to the director of the library, or to whoever is responsible for purchasing biographies or materials written about black history, explaining the importance of To Move the World, which describes the post-Reconstruction black civil rights movement.
4. Offer to purchase To Move the World for the library. Writing a letter is suggested, as opposed to personal contact alone, for the library director does not have time to interview everyone with book-purchasing suggestions. The director could construe such an interview as a confrontation.
These guidelines may also help you in placing books in your local libraries to help meet the demands from patrons for general information about the Faith arising from publicity about the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
Offering books such as Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Bahá’í World Faith, and volumes of The Bahá’í World to your library will help correct any misinformation the media may have presented.
Putting to use the suggestions in the checklist outlined above when placing books in libraries will help to assure the availability of accurate information to the public.
Two UN special event days for children offer many chances to proclaim Faith[edit]
The United Nations has set aside two special event days in October—United Nations Day and Universal Children’s Day—that Bahá’ís are encouraged to support.
United Nations Day (October 24) offers many opportunities for proclaiming the Faith. You might, for example:
1. Prepare a book display for your library or university. Feature Foundations of World Unity, Call to the Nations, Universal and Lasting Peace and/or One World, One Family. All of these titles call to mind the fundamental reasons for the establishment of the UN and the urgent need for world peace.
2. Present books to local dignitaries. Call to the Nations by Shoghi Effendi and The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Kings and Leaders of the World were compiled by the Universal House of Justice and were published specifically for presentation to public officials.
For Universal Children’s Day (October 1), your community could:
1. Plan a children’s event to raise funds on behalf of UNICEF or a local organization that benefits children.
2. Distribute Children’s Prayer Cards to attendees.
3. Make a colorful display illustrating the oneness of mankind using The Secret in the Garden, Come and Sing and Happy Ayyám-i-Há.
To order any of the items listed above, see your local Bahá’í librarian; phone the Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880; or send a check or money order for the total amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
1983 Bahá’í wall, pocket calendars available[edit]
The 1983 Bahá’í Wall Calendar (Catalog No. 769-043, $1), commemorating two anniversaries connected with the House of Worship in Wilmette (the 80th anniversary of its inception and the 30th anniversary of its dedication) is now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
The full-color spring photograph of the House of Worship featured on the front of the calendar clearly reflects the majestic beauty of the Mother Temple of the West.
The 11- by 17-inch format allows ample room for a 15-month calendar on the front, plus detailed information regarding Bahá’í Holy Days, Feast days, the Fast and Intercalary Days on the back.
The 1983 Pocket Calendar (Catalog No. 769-063, 10/$1) is also available now. The type has been enlarged to make this 12-month calendar easier to read. Small enough to fit in a wallet or purse, the pocket calendar can travel with you anywhere as a handy reference to the Bahá’í months.
The availability of the new Date Book will be announced in an upcoming issue of The American Bahá’í.
To order the 1983 Bahá’í Wall Calendar and/or the 1983 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar, see your local Bahá’í librarian; phone the Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880; or send a check or money order for the total amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
- The delightful new story
- of the first Bahá’í student
- at Berkeley and at
- Stanford University
- at Berkeley and at
- of the first Bahá’í student
YOUTH IN THE VANGUARD
by
Marion Carpenter Yazdi
Draw up a chair, and find out how a fellow student, whose academic career was shaped by letters from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, arranged meetings, placed speakers, put up posters, secured newspaper publicity, drew seekers to firesides. You’ll find the tales of yesterday as contemporary as your last fireside or public meeting.
Available in cloth only
Catalog No. 332-089 $14.00*
[Page 16]
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.
•
THE DISTRICT Teaching Committee of West Tennessee requests the help of Bahá’ís who are able to relocate to teach and consolidate in or near Arlington (pop. 1,778); Greater Arlington, or Longtown (pop. 471) to help restore them to Assembly status. Well-deepened families and individuals will be of great benefit in working with the friends in this area. All localities are within 30 miles of Memphis (pop. 646,356) where numerous kinds of employment, housing and recreation can be found along with colleges and universities. If you want to teach or deepen on a regular basis with heart-warming receptivity, this is a great place for you! A considerable need also exists for adult reading teachers. The Bahá’í community of Memphis and the District Teaching Committee will be happy to help you in any way possible. Please contact Mrs. Andrea Seals, secretary, West Tennessee District Teaching Committee, Box 70, Hendersonville, TN 37075, or Mrs. Lucille Brown, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Memphis, ________ Memphis, TN 38104.
SWARTHMORE, Pennsylvania, needs homefront pioneers to help save a well-established but numerically jeopardized Assembly. The community has regular teaching activities and supports the Bahá’í Club at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore is a lovely residential suburb of Philadelphia with transportation that makes the city easily accessible. Housing in Swarthmore is limited but available. If you would like to make Swarthmore your home, please contact Joyce Perry, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Phone 215-543-5921.
THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Millwood, Washington, a small incorporated city bordering Spokane, is in jeopardy. The area is pleasant with a good school system—great for children and parents too. There are many outdoor activities—lakes and forests nearby, as well as “big city” advantages in Spokane. We would be happy to help any and all pioneers to our area become established. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Millwood, P.O. Box 141013, Spokane, WA 99214.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Haiti must sell a house in an excellent residential neighborhood. Haiti is a splendid country for people with an outside income, such as retired persons who do not have any serious health problems and who like a colorful and interesting place to live. Labor is extremely inexpensive (household help is about $30 a month). The house was designed for use as a Bahá’í Center on the ground floor with living quarters on the upper floor (three bedrooms). Priced at around $40,000, but needs some finishing. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
NEW MEXICO—Northern District has many small localities where Assemblies are needed and can be formed through unified efforts. These places are 10 to 15 minutes from Albuquerque, which has a strong and supportive Assembly. You can choose country style living with easy access to the city. Plenty of housing of all kinds for renters or buyers. The economy is stable, with business expansion now going on. Diversified employment. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pajarito, P.O. Box 25852, Albuquerque, NM 87125.
HOMEFRONT pioneering opportunity in scenic mid-America. Bellevue and Sarpy County, Nebraska, offer a wide range of professional employment opportunities including Bellevue College and Offutt Air Force Base. The area is within easy commuting distance of metropolitan Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Bellevue College, which offers a wide variety of courses at low cost ($42 per semester hour for non-residents), has an active Bahá’í Club and a Bahá’í on staff. The annexation of areas of Sarpy County by the city of Bellevue has moved half of the members of the Spiritual Assembly of Sarpy County into the city. Help us to form the Spiritual Assembly of Bellevue and maintain the Assembly in Sarpy County. If you are interested in a good community with a low cost of living, and in working with 15 adults and 12 youth to form two Assemblies, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Sarpy County, c/o Ms. Laurie E. Mason, P.O. Box 766, Bellevue, NE 68005, or phone 402-734-4245.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Venezuela is extending an open invitation to all interested Bahá’ís to participate in its Summer School to be held December 24, 1982 through January 2, 1983. Friends who can give a talk, show slides, play musical instruments or give similar presentations would be most welcome. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not mandatory. Coordination of travel teaching work throughout the holiday vacation period is also being arranged. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
A RECENTLY jeopardized Assembly in DeKalb, Illinois, 60 miles west of Chicago, needs one or two Bahá’ís as homefront pioneers. There are potential job opportunities in industry and at Northern Illinois University. For more information contact Gerald Helt, P.O. Box 702, DeKalb, IL 60115, or phone 815-756-3252.
ROSSMOOR, California, needs Bahá’ís. It’s a buyer’s market for co-op apartments in this secure Walnut Creek adult community (ages 45-plus) with a country club atmosphere. Everything one could want is close at hand, from Bahá’í friends already here to shopping facilities, swimming, tennis, golf, dancing, 200 clubs, good local transportation and access to the greater Bay Area (San Francisco or San Jose). Consider Rossmoor for yourself or for your parents, and contact Gerrie Gaffney, ________ Walnut Creek, CA 94595.
WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives Committee is seeking diaries and personal recollections of pilgrimages to Haifa, especially for the period 1898-1957. Anyone having such materials which they would be willing to donate to the National Bahá’í Archives should write to the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
A HOMEFRONT pioneer is needed in Manor, Texas, to help its developing Assembly with consolidation and other work of a soon-to-depart foreign pioneer. Manor, 15 miles from Austin in central Texas, is within easy commuting range of the University of Texas, various industries, and verdant rolling hills. Temperatures range from the 30s to the 90s with rivers, lakes, a good variety of entertainment and excellent teaching opportunities. Housing is scarce but cheap and available. For more information and assistance contact the Spiritual Assembly of Austin, Texas.
BAHÁ’ÍS in the Birmingham, Alabama, area are asking for help in obtaining professional quality photographs, suitable for enlarging, that illustrate the principles of the Faith, to be used in a Bahá’í information display. Any materials and/or suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated. Please send to Nancie Tyler, ________ Birmingham, AL 35226, or phone 205-822-7351.
WORK in Tonga, a small Polynesian island in the Pacific Ocean. Two immediate employment opportunities now exist. A clerical worker is sought to handle customs entries and stock control at a Bahá’í-owned electrical appliance and electronics store. The same employer also needs a workshop manager/technician who is qualified to repair electric appliances such as calculators, televisions, radios, photocopiers, etc. Excellent chance to become self-supporting at a pioneer post. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
An artist’s conception of one of the reading areas in the soon-to-be-remodeled downstairs area at the Bahá’í House of Worship.
Revamp[edit]
Continued From Page 1
challenge.
“The limitations imposed by the unusual shape of the area and the dozens of support columns for the main part of the building created formidable problems.”
But the results, says Mr. Whitmore, “are fantastic. Every problem, every frustration we have ever encountered has been considered.
“The new center will not only be beautiful but extremely functional. Just one example of this is that even during the National Conventions the public will be able to come into the Visitors’ Center and learn about the Faith, something that simply has not been possible in the past.”
The Activities Committee is developing several new audio-visual programs for the new center as well as a program to train guides to be able to take advantage of the new facilities.
“LAST YEAR the visitor count was 202,827, the second highest ever recorded,” says Mr. Whitmore. “The first two months of this summer—June and July—had attendance figures 14 per cent above last year’s.
“Given the right environment and an effective way of approaching people—which are the primary goals of this project—we anticipate hundreds of people enrolling at the House of Worship each year. When that happens it will be a powerful stimulus to the teaching work throughout the country.”
The National Spiritual Assembly announced at the most recent National Convention that more than $400,000 will be needed for the remodeling project.
Since it is a capital improvement project, it is not a part of the general Fund budget. Contributions need to be earmarked to a special account established by the National Spiritual Assembly.
The account is called the “Foundation Hall Remodeling Project.” Contributions received so far have enabled phase one (a new entryway and new restrooms) to be completed.
PHASE two (a theatre) will be started shortly. However, the third and final phase, which represents nearly three-quarters of the entire project, still requires complete funding.
“ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá declared that this building is ‘the evident standard waving in the center of that great continent of America,’ ” says Mr. Whitmore, “and that its founding marked ‘the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth.’ Shoghi Effendi stated that the building of the House of Worship represented the ‘noblest of the exploits’ of the American Bahá’í community and ‘the crowning achievement of the Administrative Order... in the first Bahá’í century.’
“Each of them made significant monetary contributions toward building the House of Worship. For a very short time we all once again can have the bounty of contributing to this marvelous edifice so that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s directives finally will be fulfilled and the vast potential of the Mother Temple of the West finally realized.”
Knight of Bahá’u’lláh teaches Faith in Flint[edit]
Jenabe Caldwell, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and well-known Bahá’í teacher who lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, helped with the teaching work in the Flint, Michigan, area while visiting his son-in-law and daughter, Dr. Aspi and Mrs. Layli Khorsandian, from June 26 to July 2.
On June 28 Mr. Caldwell appeared for 15 minutes on the popular and widely seen Delta College (Saginaw) television program, “Day by Day.”
The following day he spoke for more than an hour at a reception attended by 38 Bahá’ís from 14 southeastern Michigan communities.
On June 30 Mr. Caldwell met with a group of seekers in Flint, one of whom expressed his desire to become a Bahá’í.
From Flint, Mr. Caldwell flew to Guyana for three months of teaching work.
[Page 17]
NATIVE AMERICANS
Two Bahá’í sisters win valedictory honors in schools[edit]
Shawn Belshaw of Window Rock, Arizona, and Mrs. Sheryl Coe of Crystal, New Mexico, Bahá’í youth and sisters, were graduated this year from Window Rock High School and Navajo Community College, respectively, as valedictorians of their class.
Shawn, who posted a 3.98 grade point average, was active on the speech team that won the Arizona state championship.
She also received many personal awards including those for her original oratory on the independent investigation of truth.
After returning from a traveling teaching trip to Ecuador, she planned to attend Reed College in Oregon.
Like her sister, Sheryl has been in the forefront of Bahá’í teaching work since coming to the Reservation 10 years ago. They are the daughters of Joan and Tom Belshaw of Window Rock.
Sheryl, who lives with her husband, Roger Coe, in Crystal, completed her studies in business and computer skills while helping to form the first Bahá’í Club at Navajo Community College.
Traditional ceremony unites Utah believers[edit]
Bahá’ís Robin Shover and Mitchell Silas were married May 16 in a traditional hogan on a mesa outside of Aneth, Utah.
Traditional Native American customs were combined with the Bahá’í ceremony in a manner that attracted the hearts of the nearly 100 people who attended.
There were many inquiries about the Faith and two declarations.
Following the wedding, the Bahá’ís gathered to hear Chester Kahn give the National Convention report.
After listening carefully, Mr. Silas said we must do something so that the lives and deaths of our Iranian brothers and sisters would not be wasted.
He suggested that a fund be started to be sent to the Holy Land so that the Iranians would know of the Navajos’ concern for them.
|
Bahá’í National Center Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 312-869-9039 |
With almost everyone contributing, money was given for this fund.
Following the Convention report, prayers were offered in a memorial service for Amoz Gibson, a member of the Universal House of Justice until his death on May 14.
S.W. Institute sees first Bahá’í wedding[edit]
Bahá’ís Tina Soloman and Alfred Kahn were married June 26 in the first wedding ever held on the property at the Southwest Bahá’í Institute in Arizona.
The ceremony combined Navajo traditions with the Bahá’í marriage vow and prayers.
Before the wedding, friends and relatives enjoyed a feast of mutton stew and fry bread.
RAÚL PAVÓN
LAURETTA KING
Counsellors King, Pavón pay visit to Hopi Indian Reservation[edit]
Counsellors Lauretta King and Raúl Pavón visited the Hopi Indian Reservation June 17.
They were accompanied by Elizabeth Dahe, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, and several local Bahá’ís.
Among those who were visited were the chairman of the Hopi Tribe, its enrollment officer, and many of Ms. Dahe’s relatives and friends.
The Bahá’ís received a warm welcome from all of the Hopi people.
More than 80 local Bahá’ís attended a meeting March 26 on the Navajo Reservation in Pine Springs, Arizona. Seated (left to right) are Ben Kahn, Shorty Begay, Ruby Nelson, Barbara Tong, Jeff Kelley.
Spanish[edit]
Continued From Page 12
de todas las razas y pueblos.
“Un ejecutivo mundial, respaldado por una fuerza internacional, llevará a cabo las decisiones a que lleguen y aplicará las leyes promulgadas por esta legislatura mundial y resguardarán la unidad orgánica de toda la comunidad. Un tribunal mundial adjudicará y transmitirá su veredicto final y compulsorio en todas las disputas que puedan sobrevenir entre los varios elementos que constituirán este sistema universal ...”
“El equilibrio del mundo ha sido roto por la influencia de las vibraciones de este grande y nuevo Orden Mundial. La vida ordenada de la humanidad ha sido revolucionada por la influencia de este único y maravilloso Sistema, cuya semejanza jamás han visto ojos mortales.” —Bahá’u’lláh
A ground-breaking ceremony was held last spring at the Southwest Bahá’í Institute in Arizona. Shown (left to right) are planning committee members Roger Coe, Dick Birkey, Chester Kahn and Ben Kahn. In the foreground (back to camera) is Layli Neal.
Bahá’í health agency seeks members[edit]
The Bahá’í International Health Agency, formed last April in Ottawa, Canada, is actively seeking the membership of Bahá’í health professionals.
The agency is presently compiling a world directory of Bahá’í health professionals. An extensive questionnaire has been sent to collect information and data from a world-wide base.
Yearly membership fees are $50 for all health professionals, $30 for students. The fees include a preliminary directory that will be sent free to members.
For information please write to the Bahá’í International Health Agency, c/o Centre for Bahá’í Studies, ________ Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada.
Warning about financial assistance[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to advise the friends not to offer hospitality or financial assistance to Mrs. Rebecca Rouleau.
Mrs. Rouleau’s present whereabouts are unknown, but she is traveling around the country and may contact the believers where she is.
She also goes by the name of Rebecca Seltzer and is traveling with a small child. She may carry a current Bahá’í identification card.
Persons with knowledge of Mrs. Rouleau’s whereabouts are kindly requested to contact the Office of the Secretary, 312-869-9039, promptly.
Promoting the oneness of mankind and the equality of men and women, Navajo, Hawaiian, Persian and Anglo Bahá’ís on the Pine Springs Navajo Reservation prepare a meal at the first “all-men-prepared-meals” conference in Pine Springs.
[Page 18]
PERSIAN PAGE
Ten years ago ...[edit]
The 60th annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in 1912 to the grounds at Evergreen Place in Teaneck, New Jersey, is held in good weather despite flooding in surrounding areas.
Special prayer services are held in the same pine grove in which the Master wished aloud for the friends to live in complete love and fellowship ...
More than 200 Bahá’ís from North and South Carolina and Georgia attend a deepening conference at Clemson University in South Carolina. The speakers include Auxiliary Board members Eunice Braun, D. Thelma Jackson and Thelma Thomas. New believers from South Carolina are well represented ...
About 100 Bahá’ís and 100 non-Bahá’í Indian guests attend a unity festival in La Mesa, California, that is sponsored by the Western Region Indian Committee (formerly the Southwest Indian Teaching Committee).
The program, planned by Indian believers, is held close to many of the 17 Reservations in San Diego County. Participants consult on the spiritual unity of the Indian people, their great destiny, and its fulfillment ...
More than 200 people, half of whom are non-Bahá’ís, attend a Race Unity Day observance in Chicago. The program features readings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, a presentation of the filmstrip, “Unity in Diversity,” and music by the Chicago Bahá’í Singers ...
Plans are under way to form the Spiritual Assembly of Bridgeport, Connecticut, following a summer teaching project that resulted in the enrollment of nine adults and two youth.
A new directive from the Universal House of Justice will allow the new Assembly to form immediately rather than waiting until next Riḍván ...
Seven Bahá’ís from the U.S. and two from Alaska participate in the 57th annual Universal Esperanto Congress in Portland, Oregon, with representatives of the governments of six countries, UNICEF, the American Federation of Teachers, and other organizations ...
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust announces the availability of a new, revised American edition of The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction by Gloria Faizi ...
In Macon County, Alabama, Bahá’ís host an area-wide observance of the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb. The guest speaker is Auxiliary Board member D. Thelma Jackson ...
Louhelen to host gala ‘celebration, homecoming’[edit]
The inauguration of the new Louhelen Bahá’í School will be held October 30-31 at the school in Davison, Michigan, the National Education Committee has announced.
“The inauguration will be both a celebration and a homecoming,” says David L. Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee.
“WE HOPE that many of those who attended Louhelen back in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s will be present.
“There will be plenty of time for socializing and reminiscing,” he adds. “The Louhelen Council very much wishes to make a connection between the old school and the new one, and thus hopes many ‘old-timers’ associated with the old school will attend.”
Several events will be held over the weekend. Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning, there will be tours of the new facility and talks by some of the distinguished guests.
Saturday evening there will be a banquet at a restaurant in nearby Flint.
“The banquet,” says Mr. Smith, “will be a real celebration.”
A public ceremony Sunday afternoon will mark the formal inauguration of the school.
ADDING to the lustre of the weekend, the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching and Education Committees will be meeting at Louhelen.
“We’re expecting anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people,” says Mr. Smith. “About 500 came for the groundbreaking last year, and we expect more for the inauguration.”
Because the school is unable to accommodate such large numbers, and because the dormitories will not be fully furnished, those wishing to stay overnight are advised to make reservations at a nearby hotel or motel.
(See box for information about hotels and motels in the area.)
Tickets for the Saturday evening banquet, priced at $15 each, may be purchased by writing to the Louhelen Council c/o Bruce Reynolds, ________ Oak Park, MI 48237. Telephone 313-398-9636.
Hotels and motels near the Louhelen School
Maple Leaf Motel (fair), ________ Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5726 (on M-21, northwest of town center). Single room, $17.12.
Drake’s Motel (fair), ________ Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-4586 (on M-15 in center of town). Double room, $20.
Howard Johnson’s (good), ________ Flint, MI 48502. Phone 313-743-1250 (off U.S. 69, exit at Center Road North). $29 and up, depending on type of room and number of occupants (children under 18 free when in room with parents).
Walli’s Motor Lodge (good), ________ Flint, MI 48502. Phone 313-743-8850 (off U.S. 69, exit at Center Road South). Single room, $19.75 plus tax.
Autorama Motel (good), ________ Flint, MI 48502. Phone 313-235-6621 (off U.S. 69, exit at Dort Highway South). Single room, $20.33.
Elm’s Motor Lodge (satisfactory), Flint, MI 48520. Telephone 313-743-8800 (off U.S. 69, exit at Dort Highway South). Single room, $15.
Hyatt Regency (excellent), ________ Flint, MI 48502. Phone 313-239-1234 (off U.S. 69, exit at Saginaw St. North). Single room, $35 (children under 18 free when in room with parents).
All rates listed are for one evening.
Mrs. Grassie, former pioneer to Netherlands Antilles, dies at 81[edit]
Mrs. Vida R. Grassie, a member of the Bahá’í community of Grand Rapids Township, Michigan, and a former pioneer to the Netherlands Antilles, died in her sleep July 19, three days short of her 82nd birthday.
Mrs. Grassie, the daughter of a Methodist circuit minister from Wales, was taught by her father that all people are equal and entitled to equal rights, and that all religions are basically true and good.
Early in her life Mrs. Grassie was a teacher in Arizona where she married a former grammar school classmate and moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In the late 1950s Mrs. Grassie, her husband and three children returned to Arizona.
Shortly afterward she learned of the Bahá’í Faith from “Grandma” Braden in Glendale, California, and instantly recognized the ideals of her late father, which had guided her life to that point, in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
After a year of study Mrs. Grassie declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh, and for the next 22 years traveled extensively, always teaching the Faith.
In addition to Arizona, she lived in Gallup, New Mexico, and pioneered to Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles, near Venezuela.
She made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1970, and for the last several years of her life served on the Spiritual Assembly of Grand Rapids.
Mrs. Grassie especially loved and was loved by children, to whom she was “Granny” Grassie.
The first Spiritual Assembly of Lakeside, California, was formed on the first day of Riḍván 139. Its members are (front row left to right) Sandra Peterson (secretary), Linda Gurney, Evelyn Cartwright (librarian), Nancy Lavach; (back row left to right) Leonard Peterson (chairman), Stephen Gurney (vice-chairman), Michael Lavach (treasurer), John Santo, and (inset) Leonard Sooman.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Sophia Bauers
- Milwaukee, WI
- June 1982
- Glenn R. Beers
- Mount Vernon, ME
- February 1981
- Catherine Danielson
- Grand Forks, ND
- June 4, 1982
- Cecil Dennis
- Alturas, CA
- Date Unknown
- Gladys W. Garner
- Castro Valley, CA
- September 24, 1981
- Martha Griffith
- Prentiss, MD
- Date Unknown
- Winford Hargrove
- Eatonton, GA
- October 1981
- Phillip Hinton
- Senoia, GA
- Date Unknown
- Percy B. Jones
- Eatonton, GA
- 1980
- Clarence J. Kubler
- Phoenix, AZ
- May 17, 1981
- Luther Lawrence
- Brimfield, MA
- June 16, 1982
- Mrs. Ada M. Lehman
- Santa Rosa, CA
- May 1982
- Margaret Mawhinney
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- May 14, 1982
- Guadalupe Meza
- Hawaiian Gardens, CA
- July 18, 1982
- J.W. McEachin
- Maxton, NC
- January 19, 1982
- Leo Middlebrook
- Arlington, TN
- July 9, 1982
- Carolyn Polvianov
- Soquel, CA
- August 1971
- Mrs. Gwen Staudigl
- Los Angeles, CA
- June 16, 1982
- Edgar Turner
- Mayville, MI
- July 25, 1982
- Olive Walker
- Phoenix, AZ
- July 24, 1982
- Johnny Watkins
- Henderson, NC
- Date Unknown
- Leman Williams
- Lilburn, GA
- Date Unknown
- Rosa M. Zavala
- Eagle Pass, TX
- April 15, 1982
Victoria[edit]
Continued From Page 11
Mrs. Bedikian was among the editors of Volumes II through X of The Bahá’í World, specializing in the editing of photographs.
Following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Ascension in 1921, the beloved Guardian guided her work for the Cause, as the Master had done previously.
In 1926 Shoghi Effendi wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada regarding the construction of the Mother Temple of the West, asking that Mrs. Bedikian “...concentrate for the present all the resources of her mind and heart upon this vast and vital undertaking.
“I have urged her,” he continued, “to direct her energies to this lofty purpose, and by the aid of her most valuable letters arouse both the East and the West to a fresh consciousness of the significance and urgency of the object you have set yourselves to achieve.”
IN 1927 Auntie Victoria traveled to the Holy Land with Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler where they were the guests of the Guardian during their three-month stay.
In 1945, although she was then 70 years old, Auntie Victoria undertook an extended teaching trip via Greyhound bus that took her four times across the U.S. She visited Bahá’ís individually and in groups, encouraging them in their various activities.
Mrs. Bedikian was obliged to spend the last three years of her life in Atlanta, Georgia, following a heart attack that she suffered in August 1952.
Nevertheless, her inspirational letters and drawings continued to flow to all parts of the world until her death on July 3, 1955.
Upon learning of her passing, the Guardian sent a cablegram to the Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta in which he said, “Praying progress soul indefatigable, wholly consecrated promoter of the Faith. Her services unforgettable.”
Virginians sponsor children’s institute[edit]
From June 14-18 the Bahá’ís of the Eastern Shore in Virginia sponsored a five-day children’s institute.
Classes for the children, who ranged in age from nine months to 15 years, were taught by two mothers, Mary Springle and Barbara Camm.
The children also had ample free time for swimming and playing.
Twelve participants spent the week at the Pringle home and several others attended on a part-time basis.
In addition to classes on many subjects, the children learned to spend independent time in prayer.
Communities interested in sponsoring similar activities are welcome to contact Mary Springle, Star Route Box 54B, Machipongo, VA 23405.
Carmel Shrines shown in ‘IsraelAl’ magazine[edit]
The Spring 1982 issue of “IsraelAl,” a publication of El Al Airlines, includes an extensive article entitled “The Queen of Carmel” with several photos of the Bahá’í Shrines on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, and a cover photo of the Shrine of the Báb.
Your Turn[edit]
Continued From Page 13
when the Bahá’ís will recognize and appreciate the true behavior and history of our race, and in so doing will exert a tremendous teaching effort toward the Gypsies.
The Bahá’ís of the U.S. cannot fulfill the glorious Plan of Bahá’u’lláh to unite all the races while keeping the Gypsies outside the divine fences of racial unity.
The Gypsies must be given an invitation to join in a celebration of racial unity; they cannot invite themselves.
Sparks, Nevada
Letters[edit]
Continued From Page 3
for the smallness of attendance when those who are the cause of his remarks are not there to hear them.
According to my instructor, the number one reason people contribute is because they are made aware of a worthy cause with unmet needs. The Bahá’í Fund is equal to this reason.
I would also like to cite his theory of the most effective method of raising money: Someone of influence asks, through personal contact (italics mine), someone of substance to give a sacrificial gift.
On first reading, this theory does not lend itself readily to Bahá’í philosophy, but I am hoping that by citing it others will ponder it or bring it up in consultation and then create ways to tailor it to Bahá’í use.
ANOTHER of the instructor’s pertinent arguments: Other fundraising methods, such as auctions or bake sales, make friends but not large sums of money.
The last point I’d like to share from my class is how a goal is established.
In addition to the obvious, i.e., the unmet needs, a goal must be based on a feasibility study, a professional survey of what the constituency is actually capable of giving.
I am sure that at the National Convention the delegates discuss the capability of the friends to give, as does the National Spiritual Assembly when the Fund goal for the year is set. (For the purpose of discussion I mean “capability” aside from the spiritual one of the believers, although it can be argued that they are inseparable.)
But I also assume that, owing to the private nature of Bahá’í giving, these bodies have little material knowledge of what the friends actually are capable of giving. And this is what a feasibility study calls for. Again, a sound theory, but how can it be applied to the Bahá’í case?
I hope these ideas will inspire thought and response from other readers of The American Bahá’í.
San Pedro, California
To the Editor:
I have followed with interest the correspondence concerning what constitutes support for Bahá’í parents and would like to share some of the ways in which the friends in our community support my family.
People always talk to our children at Feast and other meetings. I know they treat them as individuals because later people say to me, “Your son is really interested in ...” or the children comment that a certain adult “really knows about guitars” or “used to like Cinderella too.”
THE FRIENDS are sensitive to the possibility that a very young or newly adopted child may be shy and not respond immediately to friendly gestures. Also, people often tell me or my husband that our children behaved well on a particular occasion, or tell the children when they have appreciated their cooperation.
Someone takes the children outdoors, to another room, or, if necessary, to another house during consultation, to play games or hear stories. Sometimes we take turns, but lately one person has offered to do this regularly.
Our children love to go to Feast and are crushed if illness or late hours necessitate staying home.
People express their admiration when our daughters wear their traditional Korean dresses to Bahá’í meetings, which is nice, because otherwise I don’t know where they would wear them.
Some of the friends share their talents such as ballet, piano or photography. Occasionally someone invites our oldest to a movie or other event.
One of the friends is teaching wonderful classes from which my children come home talking about spiritual qualities and the condition of their souls.
Several people are taking care of our children so that my husband and I can attend the conference in Montreal. One heroic soul is even staying with all four of them for four days!
I could mention other things, such as sending greeting cards, holding an “adoption shower,” and just plain putting up with those less pleasant phases of behavior.
Eugene, Oregon
Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Binghamton, New York, are shown during a recent presentation of the book Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era to the Johnson City Library. From left to right are Dorothy Holmlund, Joseph Axelrod, librarian Janet Ottman, and Joseph Noyes. In recent months the Binghamton Assembly also has presented to area libraries copies of To Move the World, Call to the Nations, The Hidden Words, and Bahá’í World Faith.