The American Bahá’í/Volume 14/Issue 11/Text

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November, 1983

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[Page 1]

November 1983

The American

Baha’i

More than 500 attend S. Carolina Race Amity Conference

Historic gathering dedicated to memory of Hand of Cause of God Louis Gregory

By DAVID E. OGRON

More than 500 people from 20 states gathered October 14-16 in Charleston, South Carolina, for an historic Bahá’í Race Amity Conference whose theme was ‘‘Race Amity ... A Vital

EES GREEN LAKE CONFERENC

REDEEMING

ARTICULARLY TOWARDS

SACRIFICES HARD PRESSED IRANIAN CO WORKERS. DELIGHTED PRESENCE HANDCAUSE KHADEM THIS SPIRITED GATHERING. HOLY THRESHOLD AMERICAN BELIEVERS MAY FULLY SEIZE EXTRAORDINARY TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED CURRENT FAVORABLE PUBLICITY FAITH THEIR COUNTRY ENABLING THEM ACHIEVE UNPRECEDENTED

VICTORIES.

ARDENTLY SUPPLICATING

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

A record audience of 1,305 was present September 16-18 at the 24th annual Green Lake Baha’i

Index

Viewpoint Letters . The Funds. Goals Committee. Youth News Education Teaching. Race Unity. Special WLGI insert Publications Classifieds . . Native Americans. Persian .

SEPTEMBER 19, 1983

Conference in Wisconsin.

“‘Mirror Forth My Beauty’’ was the theme of this year’s conference, which was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem.

MR. KHADEM spoke on three occasions, twice to the general audience and once to a special optional session for those who speak Persian.

Other guest speakers included Counsellor Carmen de Burafato; Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Hossain B. Danesh, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Auxiliary Board members Stephen Birkland, Khalil Khavari and Paul Pettit; and Robert G. Wilson, sec i

Record number present at

DEEPLY IMPRESSED HIGH RESOLVE EXPRESSED ATTEND retary of the National Teaching Committee.

Gilbert Smith, chairman of the National Youth Committee, organized and helped implement a special Youth Leadership Program, presented for the first time ever at Green Lake.

_. A dozen optional sessions were

offered Saturday afternoon including those on ‘The Most Challenging Issue,’’ ‘“Teaching,”’ ‘‘Individual Responsibility Within the Family,’’ ‘‘Baha’i Basics,’’ and one entitled “We Are Not a Church.””

The optional session for Persian-speaking friends was coordinated by the Persian Affairs Committee.

DURING the course of the weekend eight of the non-Baha’is attending the conference declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

For the first time, a special area at the conference site, the American Baptist Assembly in Green Lake, was set aside for artists and exhibitors as well as for publishers.

Nearly $5,000 was contributed to the National Baha’i Fund, a part of which was earmarked for WLGI Radio in South Carolina.

24th Gree

Path to Progress.’’

Among the participants were Counsellor Sarah M. Pereira; all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly, who were meeting in Charleston that weekend; and Auxiliary Board members Joyce Dahl, Elizabeth Martin, Dr. Sam McClellan, Dr. Adrienne Reeves, Nathan Rutstein, Dr. William Tucker, and Ruth Harnesh from the Cook Islands.

THE conference, which was sponsored by the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee, followed by 62 years the first U.S. Race Amity Conference called for by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and held in Washington, D.C., in May 1921.

One of the organizers of that seminal conference was the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, to whose memory this most recent gathering was dedicated.

At the close of the conference, members of the National Spiritual Assembly and many other participants traveled to the Louis Gregory Institute near Hemingway for

Carmen de Burafato, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in. the Americas, was

the official groundbreaking ceremonies for WLGI Radio, the first Baha’i-owned and operated radio station in North America.

The spirit of Louis Gregory, a native of Charleston, was very much a part of the conference as several speakers paid loving tribute to this remarkable man who devoted much of his life to teaching the Cause of God and championing love and amity between the races.

Counsellor Pereira shared warm memories of Mr. Gregory, whom she had seen on several occasions when she was a young girl.

A PORTRAIT of Mr. Gregory, painted by Baha’i artist Theodore Weiss of Monticello, New York, was presented to the Gregory Institute by a representative of the “Friends of Green Acre’’ and the Green Acre Baha’i School Council in Eliot, Maine.

The life of Dr. Alain Locke, another early black American Baha’i who was a renowned educator and author, was reviewed by Dr.

See S. CAROLINA Page 12

n Lake Conference

Said sidan

among the speakers at the 24th annual Green Lake Baha’i Conference in Wisconsin.

[Page 2]VIEWPOINT

The American Baha'i

Feast letter

In adversity, Cause marches onward

To the American Baha’i community Dear Friends,

When on August 29 Iran’s Chief Revolutionary Prosecutor announced that his government had outlawed all Baha’i organized acti ties, the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, faithful to its own principles, disbanded all Baha’i institutions in that strife-torn country.

ONE CANNOT EXAGGERATE the severity of the blow that has been dealt the Baha’i community. Hundreds of local Assemblies, raised up with such loving care and at such great sacrifice, have ceased to exist. The National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, one of the mightiest pillars of the Uni ersal House of Justice, has fallen at the hands of bigoted fanatics.

“O people of the Qur’án,’’ Bahd’u’ll4h wrote, ‘‘Verily, the Prophet of God, Muhammad, sheddeth tears at the sight of your cruelty. Ye have assuredly followed your evil and corrupt desires, and turned away your face from the light of guidance. ... O concourse of Muslim divines! By your deeds the exalted station of the people hath been abased, oe standards of Islam hath been reversed, and its mighty throne hath

fallen.””

The history of the Faith is rich in martyrdom. Thousands upon thousands of believers gave up their lives so that the Cause of God might live, spread, and lead mankind to its golden age.

Now, institutions have joined-individuals in offering themselves up on the altar of sacrifice. Their martyrdom, like the martyrdom of men, women and children, fills us with grief. Yet we are aware that the sacrifice is not in vain.

For every Assembly disbanded in Iran, several will be formed elsewhere. The Tabríz Assembly will return to life in Idaho, the Shiraz Assembly in Alabama, the Karaj Assembly in Oklahoma. Hundreds upon hundreds will spring up over the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the islands of the vast Pacific.

WHO CAN DOUBT that the distressing news from Iran will only strengthen our resolve to compensate for the losses in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land by exceeding the goals of the Seven Year Plan?

We are certain that in the Campaign of Unified Action the American Baha’i community has found an instrument that will enable it to achieve resounding victories which will show the world the futility of all efforts to stay the triumphal march of the Cause.

With loving greetings,

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

California’s Joint Resolution urges intercession on behalf of Iran’s Baha’is

On August 30, the California state legislature passed Joint Resolution No. 81 relative to the Baha’is of Iran:

WHEREAS, Religious intolerance and freedom are precepts which have been accepted and enjoyed by Americans for hundreds of years; yet at this time, predicated on misconceptions and misunderstandings, a great tragedy is being unfolded—the atrocious and heinous persecution of members of the Bahá’í faith by the Iranian government; and

WHEREAS, One of the great religions in the world, the Baha’is have been traditionally supportive

The American Baha’i

(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class Postage paid at Wilmette, IL.

Editor: Jack Bowers ‘Associate Editor: David E. Ogron

‘The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letiers ana ‘other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black and white glossy photos should be included. whenever possible. Address all materials to the Editor, The American Baha’, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1983 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World tights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

of human rights, the United Nations, world peace, and other projects for the advancement of mankind; and

WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan has issued an appeal to the Iranian government to desist in these crimes against humanity which the American people find intolerable and which have provoked anguish and concern for the safety and well-being of the Baha’is in Iran; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of California, Jointly, That the Legislature of the State of California respectfully memorializes the President and the Congress to continue efforts to intercede on behalf of the Bahá’{s of Iran and to put a stop to further persecution in order to establish peace to all peoples of the world; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.

ie AY a important =" .o@@e all over the world. for Oe yee and for

oer

To help commemorate Universal Children’s Day, Baha'is in the greater Doylestown, Pennsylvania, area presented this large display poster to the Melinda Cox Children’s Library. This marks the fifth year that this has been

Muskegon marks 80th year with ‘coffee house’

To celebrate the 80th anniversary, of the establishment of the Faith in Muskegon, Michigan, that community hosted a special “coffee house’? at Muskegon Community College on the eve of this year’s District Convention.

Phillip Schott, treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Muskegon, served as master of ceremonies.

Marcella Wilder, the Assembly’s secretary and historian, told the more than 100 Baha’is and their guests how in 1899 Mrs. Corinne True brought the Faith to Fruitport, Michigan, and the friends there then introduced the Faith to the first three Muskegon Baha’is, Josephine Bail, Elizabeth Bail and Lizetta Figgee.

Douglas Allen, secretary of the District. Teaching Committee, spoke on the theme ‘The Baha’i Faith—Uniting Mankind, One Heart at a Time.”

There were songs by the Vanas family, from the Church of the Brethren in Onekama, and by Bob Simms and Ray LaBelle of Ludington, and story-telling by Walt Manderfield of Fremont.

done, and each year the display travels to at least seven other libraries for one-month stays. The display was designed and executed by Rita Leydon, art director of Brilliant Star magazine, with help in the ‘scissors department’ from

area Bahá’ís. Children in the photo are (left to right) Roya Mahboubi, Kevin Mikesell, Lars Leydon, Krispin Leydon, Christi Mikesell, Bobby Cerruti, Noushin Mahboubi and Neda Mahboubi.

Summer teaching in Boone, N. Carolina, leads to 18 declarations, new Assembly

Inspired by the spirit engendered at the most recent Baha’i National Convention, the friends in Boone and Watauga County, North Carolina, proposed during a post-Convention report that a door-to-door teaching campaign be held in Boone.

In early July, following approval of the plan by the Spiritual Assembly of Boone, the first effort to reach residents of that city with the Message resulted in nine declarations.

In mid-July, supported by Baha’is from Watauga County, the campaign was extended to Avery County, a former extension teaching goal of Watauga County and Boone’s present extension goal.

On the first visit to Avery County, four . people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Return visits in August and early September resulted in five more declarations.

Preparations are now under way to form the first Spiritual Assembly of Avery County.

These efforts have been actively supported and encouraged by the National Teaching Committee, which in August sent a representative, Robert Ferguson, who is coordinator for the Southern

states at the National Teaching Committee office, to speak at a day-long teaching/deepening conference on ‘‘Reaching the Masscir 4

Mr. Ferguson also was invited to speak at a public meeting at Appalachian State University in Boone, and participated in teaching activities in Watauga County.

The Assemblies in Boone and Watauga County have set a goal to have universal participation in their respective teaching campaigns.

So far, the teaching has been actively supported by ongoing firesides, resulting in several declarations; by publicity; and by community support through prayers, food preparation, and children’s classes.

MUSICIANS: WLGI needs you! Musicians are encouraged to compose and, if possible, record “station I.D.’s’” (i.¢., musical introductions) for WLGI. These should be forwarded to WLGI at the Baha’i National Center. The National Spiritual Assembly will then select the one(s) to be used on the air in South Carolina.

SEAR SRE EDERAL NY ITP RRS AS ET ETT OOP ETE RE EEE ST Ee ETT ES

[Page 3]LETTERS

November 1983

3

Every Baha’i can pray, study Writings each day

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.’’—‘Abdu’lBaha

The American Bahi’i welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the ‘‘letters’’ column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas, never to derogate another’s opinions or attack anyone on a personal level.

To assure publication of your letter, please keep it as brief as possible (a maximum of 250 words is suggested). Letters may be edited to conform to length and style. Please address letters to the editor, The American Baha’i, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

°

To the Editor:

I think there are two easy, concrete things that each Baha’i can do that would do wonders for our spiritual growth.

We have often been asked to do these things, but many of us still need reminding.

THE FIRST is to pray and read a portion of the Writings every morning and every night. Everyone can do this to some degree, from the time he is old enough to read until he dies. And it can be done every day, no matter how much of a hurry we are in.

It’s not hard to take the time to recite something when we realize it’s probably the best thing we'll do for ourselves all day. It can be something quite short, such as a passage from The Hidden Words.

The second thing that would be most helpful is universal participation in giving to the Fund.

I know many people are tired of this topic, but evidently it needs to be addressed again and again.

It makes my heart ache to think that more than 100,000 Baha’is in one of the most prosperous nations in the world don’t contribute enough to the Cause of God to reach our monthly goals.

IF EVERY Baha'i would contribute something every 19 days there would be no financial problems. We would have the money to make the much-needed repairs ‘on the House of Worship, to build the first Baha’i radio station in North America, and to contribute our share to the International Fund.

Perhaps our problem is that we are still too attached to the world around us and to our material comforts to be able to give on a regular basis, but I don’t like to think that.

I think rather that the main problem is that many of us simply haven’t realized the importance of contributing every Baha’i month.

It is easy to reach our goals; all it takes is for every one of us to be sure and contribute something every 19 days.

The American Baha’i community, and in fact the whole Baha’i world, is steadily maturing and has made great strides in the past few years.

I feel that as every Baha’i takes these two steps, and even further steps toward dedicating their lives to the Cause, we will grow at a tremendous rate in the future.

John Foster Orangeburg, South Carolina

To the Editor:

Why is it that as Baha’is, we so often take each other for granted?

If I were a non-Baha’i answering the classified ads in The American Baha’, the response to my effort would no doubt be most courteous.

I have answered the classifieds on and off for the past three years by sending tapes, music sheets, children’s visual aids, and arts and crafts materials, and not once have I received a “thank you’’ or even ‘‘we received your material.””

Can it be that we teach our children and non-Baha’is the attributes of God and have become so self-involved that we have no time to respond with a simple “thank you’’ to another Baha’i?

In August, I again answered several ads requesting materials on music and children’s arts and crafts. This time, I asked for a i "* because of the and mailing.

You guessed it ...no response!

Each of us has something to share, and most are eager to share it with other Baha'is. It may be good, bad or indifferent.

But the principle involved here is not whether the material is acceptable, it is one of courtesy, which can be manifested in something as simple as a “‘thank you.””

John W. Behrens Clearwater, Florida

To the Editor:

In the August issue of The American Baha’i, I read a letter from someone who was having trouble dealing with a conflict between the Baha’i Faith and individual Baha’is.

The sentence that caught my eye and compelled me to write asked why Bahá’ís feel they have the answers to problems that have plagued mankind from time immemorial.

WELL, while individuals may not have the answers, Bahá’ís do have them in the World Order prescribed by Bahd’u’ll4h. *

The purpose of creation and of sending Messengers in each age has been to prepare mankind for the coming of Baha’u’llah. It is His Revelation that has brought us the Kingdom of God.

His Most Holy Book, the Kitabi-Aqdas, wasn’t written to be just one of the books among the Baha’i Writings. It was written to provide the laws and pattern for life on this plane in the Day of

God.

The confusion between Divine Truth and personal claims can only be resolved by immersion in the Writings.

I would encourage the writer to seek his answers and find solace in ings and avoid becoming personalities.

Everyone understands according to his or her own capacity. To accept or condemn another won’t solve anything. The proper point of view is to accept the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

It is important to remember that this is a time of purging; everyone must choose between obedience to God and the dictates of his ego. We need to modify our behavior, language and character and acquire heavenly virtues to remove the dross from our souls.

We must encourage, not criticize, each other.

» This is a tall order. It is thus necessary for us to focus our attention on these matters so that the job given to us can be performed and the answers to humanity’s problems, provided for us by Bahda’u’llah, can be implemented.

Lynnea Prochnow Wilmette, Hlinois

To the Editor:

I would like to recommend to parents and teachers a book entitled Home Guide to Early Reading by Toni S. Gould.

It is a Penguin book and can be ordered through a bookstore or borrowed from the public library.

For teaching reading in grades K-3, the Structural Reading Program by Stern, Gould and Stern is available through the Random House school division.

Briefly, lower case letters and their sounds are taught first. The child then goes on to sound out simple, regular words such as “cat,” “pan’? or “map.”?

Later, consonant blends, long vowel sounds, etc., are introduced in a structured sequence. Thus the child learns to think out the process of reading for himself.

This material has been a valuable tool for me as a mother and “first educator’’ of my children.

Donna M. Landau Greer, South Carolina

To the Editor:

Barbara L’Heureux’s article in the June issue, “‘Man must cherish, protect world of nature,’’ brings to mind a subject rarely given priority in our discussions, yet few of us would deny that improving our attitude and actions toward nature is as crucial to the survival of mankind as establishing the Lesser Peace.

IN THE Teachings of Baha’u’llah, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

“Humanity is like a bir: says, ‘‘the wings of which are a man and a woman.”

If man and woman are only the wings of the bird, what then is its body?

In another: passage we read: “Regard the world as the human body which, though at its creation whole and perfect, hath been afflicted, through various causes, with grave disorders and maladies. Not for one day did it gain ease, nay its sickness waxed more severe, as it fell under the treatment of ignorant physicians, who gave full rein to their personal desires, and have erred grievously.”’ (Baha’i World Faith, pp. 57-58)

Abdu’l-Baha says, ‘‘Now, if

we imagine a time when man belonged to the animal world, or when he was merely an animal, we shall find that existence would have been imperfect; that is to say, there would have been no man, and this chief member, which in the body of the world is like the brain and mind in man, would have been missing. The world would then have been quite imperfect.”’ (Baha’i World Faith, p. 301)

SUDDENLY, our true relationship to the planet dawns upon us with excruciating clarity: We are its mind and brain.

Could we imagine a baby born into the world without a mind or brain? No, it would be dead and meaningless.

Just as the body responds to our every thought, so also does the earth respond to the thought and will of humanity.

And just as the human body reflects to us the consequences of good nutrition, exercise, and an absence of vices, so also does the

planet mirror to us its proper use.

Everywhere, the analogy of the earth as the body of humanity holds true. But we have never known how to properly use the human body, and we haven’t yet learned how to coordinate our use of the planet. In fact, the planet reflects to us a being ignorantly bent on suicide.

And if our civilization is the collective expression of our adolescent arrogance, which we inflict upon our body, then we should pay heed to these words of Baha*w'llah:

“If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation ... All other things are subject to this same principle of moderation.” (Baha’i World Faith, pp. 138-39)

Moderation is the hallmark of maturity, but the quality and effectiveness of our moderation depends upon our intelligent observance of “‘that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation.”

John Nicol Sarasota, Florida

To the Editor:

I would like to share some thoughts about teaching:

Recently the Baha’is in a nearby town received a call from a 77-year-old woman who wanted to know more about the Faith.

Since the woman lived in my town, that Assembly asked me to pay her a visit.

As I entered her apartment she

See LETTERS Page 24

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Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order

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A treasure trove awaits the reader of this book from one of the foremost Baha’i authors and translators, which is laden with the delightful, witty, profound, heart-searching distiJlation of a lifetime's dedication to one overmastering theme: the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

288 pages, 51 x 8% inches.

[Page 4]

The American Baha'i

4

e erdag: igen MARION LITTLE

“Excellent production eminently satisfactory every respect abiding gratitude.’’

Such were the sentiments cabled April 12, 1932, by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to Marion Little, secretary of the Baha’i Publishing Committee, upon its publication of The DawnBreakers.

MRS. LITTLE, who was in effect the business and production manager of the Publishing Committee in New York City, had worked for more than a year under the close supervision and direction of the Guardian on the challenging task of publishing The Dawn-Breakers.

It was she who suggested to the Guardian that instead of a photograph of the inner Shrine of the Bab for use as a frontispiece in the book, that he consider using an artist’s rendition, a suggestion that was graciously accepted by Shoghi Effendi.

Marion Mellen, born October 2, 1891, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was reared as a Roman Catholic and was educated at the Sacred Heart Convent in New Orleans.

Marion was in her 20s when, after hearing of the Faith in New York City from Loulie Mathews, she immediately accepted Baha*u’llah.

Marion and Loulie carried out several Baha’i-related tasks together including successful summer school sessions at Mrs. Mathews’ “‘Temerity Ranch’ in Pine Valley, Colorado, which had been established especially to prepare Bahá’í pioneers for Latin America.

BY 1928, Mrs. Little had become involved in serving the Faith as secretary of the Baha’i Publishing Committee.

As such, she was responsible for the production of Volume III of The Bahdé’i World, for which

See MARION Page 22

| Reeve:

Reception honors Greensboro’s first Assembly

On May 8, the Baha’i community of Greensboro, North Carolina, honored members of that city’s first Spiritual Assembly on the 40th anniversary of its establishment at a public reception at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

One hundred-fifteen people attended the gathering including the three surviving members of that first Assembly: Eva Bishop of Milpitas, California; Adrienne of Summerfield, South Carolina; and Louise Sawyer of Greensboro.

The city government was rep

| resented by Councilwoman Dor} othy Bardolph, who spoke favor| ably of the Baha’is as a group | dedicated to racial unity.

She mentioned specifically her satisfaction in working with Mrs Terah Cowart-Smith in removing

signs from segregated water fountains.

In honor of the occasion, the Spiritual Assembly of Asheville presented the Spiritual Assembly of Greensboro with a copy of the book, The Babi and Baha’i Religions, 1844-1944: Some Contemporary Western Accounts.

, Dr. Reeves, who is now an Auxiliary Board member, and Ms. Bishop both spoke of their experiences as newly declared Baha’is making the trip to Greensboro in thearly 1940s.

There were songs by Dirk Anderson of Mount Airy, Pedro Castillo of Elkin, and Frank Kelleher of Greensboro, and music by a woodwind quintet.

The event was catered by Kathy Davison, a Baha’i from Greensboro.

| World Centre has short-term gardening positions for youth

|

| Several short-term gardening | positions have been established at the Baha’i World Centre. These positions are for fourto six-month periods year round, and are especially appropriate for self-sufficient, energetic youth who want to take a temporary break from schooling or give themselves a broader perspective of the Faith before making a career choice. | Applicants must be prepared

to pay their own travel expenses, but will be given room and board during their stay. Due to local customs, males will be given priority placement.

Experience with gardening or groundskeeping would be helpful.

For further information please contact the National Youth Committee,

~__ Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

‘The three surviving members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Greensboro, North Caroli were the guests May 8 at a pu

ual Page sembly of Greensboro, established April 21, 1943. The three surviving members of that Assembly were guests May 8 at a public re

reception sponsored by the Babi

community of Greensboro to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its establishment.

ception sponsored by the Baha’i community of Greensboro to commemorate the 40th anniversary of that Assembly’s formation.

Maine adopts joint resolution condemning persecutions in Iran

Encouraged by the National Spiritual Assembly to contact local leaders and make them aware of the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, the Spiritual Assembly of York, Maine, presented acopy of the book A Cry from the Heart to state Representative Niel Rolde of York.

As a result, Mr. Rolde offered to draft a resolution condemning the persecutions and submit it to the state House of Representatives.

On September 7, a joint resolution introduced by Rep. Rolde

and co-sponsored by Rep. McPherson of Eliot was passed by the state legislature. It reads as follows:

“WE, your Memorialists, the House of Representatives and Senate of the State of Maine of the First Special Session of the One Hundred and Eleventh Legislative Session assembled, most respectfully present and petition the “United States Congress, as follows:

WHEREAS, the persecution of members of the Baha’ religious

community in Iran has received world-wide attention; and

“WHEREAS, most recently, the entire civilized world was shocked by the news from Iran of the execution by hanging of women members of the Baha’i faith; and

“WHEREAS, reports of attempted forced conversions to Islam of Baha’is in Iran and wholesale deliberate starvation of Baha’i communities have been. made public; and

“WHEREAS,

executions of

Faith

This billboard is painted on the je of a building owned by a Ba ha’{ businessman in Spencer, Ok lahoma. When it was deter:

the cost of a

billboard was too hi

member Baha’

‘Uniting the world = one heart a

Tee ee FIRESIDE CHAT

7:90re ~ 1 & 9 WED.

4620. N. DOUGLAS

Spencer, whose Assembly is in jeopardy, ‘created’ the 14- by 36-foot billboard to let people in the town know they are having regular firesides twice each month.

Baha’is participate in ‘church history’ program in Rochester

Baha’is in Rochester, Minnesota, participated August 7 in a program entitled ‘Histories of Rochester Churches’ that was a part of the city’s 125th anniversary celebration.

Each of the religious groups carried a large banner onstage, and each was represented in a brochure that chronicled the history of the various religious organizations in Rocheste!

‘About 1,500 people attended the observance.

Baha’is for no other reason than their religious preference continue in Iran; and

“WHEREAS, these violations of human rights on the part of the Iranian authorities constitute violations against all civilized norms of behavior, as incorporated in such expressions of world opinion as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and, indeed, violate the very principles of Islam itself; and

“WHEREAS, the Baha’i religion has a long and continued association with the State of Maine through the Green Acre Center at Eliot, and other official groups; now, therefore, be it

“RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the First Special Session of the 111th Legislature, do hereby denounce the inhuman and genocidal treatment of the Baha’ is in Iran by the present government of the Ayatollah Khomeini as a ‘crime against humanity,” and we do further resolve that copies of this expression of our outrage and concern be sent to members of our state’s delegation in Congress, the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations and the Permanent Iranian Delegation to the United Nations.””

[Page 5]THE FUNDS

November 1983

%

Current budget reflects health, vitality, growth of Cause

It came as no surprise that a frequent concern voiced at this year’s District Conventions was the massive responsibility we face with our present $10 million contributions goal.

Frankly, the questions just flew: How can we win this goal? Why was such a large increase made? How can we get more Assemblies to give? How can individual participation be increased? And how can we not become disheartened when we consistently fall so short of the goal?

TO BE honest, when seen in this light, our $10 million goal could appear as negative, depressing, crushing, and so on.

So why view it in such a light? The reality of the matter is that what we have is a ‘‘good news budget”’!

Yes—it’s good—because the change in our contributions goal to $10 million came in response to our needs, both planned and unanticipated.

The sheer number of goals,

NOTE: An updated directory of National Treasurer’s Representatives will be published and distributed in November—so if you don’t kfiow who your NTR is this year, please refer to this listing when you receive it, or feel free to contact the Office of the Treasurer, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Fu Baha'i '

campaigns, building projects, plans and programs that the American Baha’i community is undertaking this year is awesome.

We have developed ambitious plans for ourselves, both locally and nationally, and an increase in ambitious plans always results in an increased need for the means to complete them—materials, personnel, energy and, yes, money!

Now, how have these increased plans and needs come to be? That’s easy to answer.

The American Baha’i community—that’s you—has been out there, proclaiming and teaching the Faith. The blood of the martyrs in Iran has unlocked a floodgate of unprecedented opportunity, and you have taken advantage of it.

IT’S called “emerging from ob”? and we’ve been waiting 0 why are we surprised?

We've been anticipating the changes such an emergence would bring to our beloved Faithchanges in recognition, in status, in prestige, in membership and services—so how can we be taken aback or disconcerted, or even concerned to find that this emergence also requires a change in our means? We have more to dopraise God—and we need more money to do it!

We repeat, dear friends—this $10 million budget is good news. Don’t become dispirited when you look at the Fund chart—don’t see

140 BE. ‘Will—Maghiyyat

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION

ON

YEAR:TO-DATE TOTALS

it through the eyes of frustration. Instead, see it with the eyes of aspiration.

Remember, we need to expand the facilities at the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute and build a radio station there to serve a greater number of believers, it is because you went to South Carolina on a teaching project during the ’70s; if a national committee’s budget needs to be increased to publish a new study course or manual, it’s because your appetite for growth has expanded and the need for deepening must be met; and if extra funds are needed to repair and maintain the House of Worship, it’s because you have proclaimed the Faith in your area, and more people than ever before want to come and see the Temple when they are in the area.

Isn’t all this good news?

We may not feel victorious, because we aren’t winning all our goals as long as the contributions goal is unmet, but we must surely feel strong, healthy, and vital.

Is there room or time, then, to feel disheartened, or frustrated, or dispirited? No!

And should you find yourself worrying or asking questions like, “1m giving all I can regularly and so is everyone in my communityhow can we increase participa tion? How can we give $10 lion?’’ remember the good news, then go out and find someone to teach who will then give to the National Fund—or help your community or extension teaching goal to deepen in the spiritual principles of the Fund so that participation will increase—or help ensure that your Assembly is a regular supporter of the National Fund.

After all, as long as you are “‘at

Please return your surplus cookbooks!

Any District Teaching Committee or NTR or individual who handled book sales at a District Convention is encouraged to return leftover Baha’i cookbooks to help fill orders!

Please consider this request, especially if you have quite a few books left (10-20-50?). If, however, you only have a few left and are confident that you will have an opportunity to sell them before December 31, please feel free to keep them.

But if you have many left, we have orders we need to fill, and you may not be able to sell them all by December 31.

Please return extra cookbooks to the Treasurer’s Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Be sure to include a note showing your “‘accounting’’—District name and number, number of cookbooks ordered, number sold, number returned, number kept, etc. Thanks!

fault’’ for these increased needs, you may as well take some of the

“blame”? for a healthy National Fund—right

Walk:

area. The

sas City, walkers walked a collective total

Missouri,

of 120 miles and ‘earned’ more than $600 for the National Fund. The walk-a-thon included a noon cookout, fun and fellowship. Shown here are two of the younger walkers, Eric Hill (left) and Chris Metzler.

But don’t panic; help is on way

WLGI Radio ‘cooking’ leaves no ‘leftovers’—cookbooks, that is!

It stands to reason that all the “cooking”’ that’s been going on with this WLGI isi cookbook, ‘‘Let’s Get Cookin, would lead to some “‘left-overs.

And that’s exactly what this article is—a little bit of this, a smidgen of that, a taste of something else—but all important to “digest.’”

We are officially out of cookbooks. But wait—don’t panic—all is not lost if you’re among those who just sent in your order!

First of all, a number of large consignment orders are being returned, so we expect some stock shortly. We are keeping track of orders and will fill them on a firstreceived, first-served basis.

Second, should we scour the countryside for books and still come up short, we will order enough more to cover your orders!

Rest assured, all of you cooks

who've ‘“‘forked over’’ for the book will receive a copy. Please be patient, though, while we “‘sift”” through your orders—all of you who are in this situation, by the way, will be notified of the expected delay by letter.

Please look at this like it’s one of those especially tasty recipes that you make and then have to put away and forget about for a couple of months.

If this has happened to you, please let us know. In some cases we can send you the missing pages, and in others we’ll have to ask you to return the book and we'll replace it. Write to the Office of the Treasurer, Attention: Janet Bucknell, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

¢ Errata. Actually, considering the number of recipes in ‘‘Let’s Get Cooking” and the speed with

See COOKING Page 14

GoaL—$10,000,000

[Page 6]IGC: PIONEERING

The American Baha’i

6

Letter provides intimate picture of pioneer life PIONEER POST

Quentin (Tim) Farrand is a pioneer to El Salvador. He went there 27 years ago with his wife, Jeanne. They were joined later by Jeanne’s mother and father, Rene and Peter Welsh, and by Tim’s mother, Jean Farrand. Pete Welsh died. at his pioneering post, and the rest of the family is still going strong.

THE STORY of how Tim was chosen to be the companion of President Eisenhower once when the President was quite ill, and of the outcome of that friendship, is one that deserves telling in a future issue of The American Baha’.

For now, a recent letter from Tim to the International Goals Committee is shared with you

here. It will give you the rich and full flavor of his pioneering experiences in his own words. Particular note should be made of his references to the importance of the children.

Dear Friends, Since reading in The American -Bahá’í of the course on pioneering to be held at Louhelen ... I felt a strong confluence of place and theme.

Louhelen is my ‘‘alma mater’ in the real sense of the term, and pioneering has been our life since Jeanne and I came to El Salvador in September 1956. I am prompted to share some thoughts that might be useful in such a course.

First, the pioneering institutes are of obvious merit. From what I

PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE of the NATIONAL SPIRITUAL A‘

see and hear, the friends are better prepared and able to face the challenges, and I suspect it has lowered the attrition among pioneers considerably.

Second, Ruhiyyih Khanum’s A Manual for Pioneers is an important book, both before and.during this venture.

THERE Is little I can add except to confirm and perhaps to illustrate some points. Many errors

Deputization enables those who can’t pioneer to help underwrite others to go in their place

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise dnd promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation ...’” (Baha’u’llh, Gleanings, p. 196)

°

Pioneering is fundamental to carrying out the mission given to the U.S. and Canada in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

It requires believers who are willing to make their homes in foreign countries. The responsibility for carrying the Faith to other countries is one that has been placed on every believer:

“THE duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all believers.”” (From a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly dated February 7, 1965)

“Through all the resources at their disposal, they (the administrators) are promoting the growth and consolidation of that pioneer movement for which the entire

machinery of their Administrative Order has been primarily designed and erected ...’’ (Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 22)

For those who are unable to pioneer, Bahá’u’lláh has provided the option of appointing another in their stead. This responsibility is carried out collectively by the community through’ donations to the various Baha’i Funds, both national and international.

A particular bounty for the individual is to be able to contribute directly to the International Goals Committee, permission for which was given last year by our National Spiritual Assembly.

Since that time, 156 individuals have earmarked. contributions over and above their regular contributions to be used for the pioneering effort at the discretion of the Goals Committee. Their checks are earmarked “IGC Deputization’’ or ‘‘Pioneering.””

THE FAITH was born through sacrifice. Our Persian brethren are giving their lives that this Faith might grow and be given to the

TO: International Goals Committee

Bahd’{ National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

I (we) want to help deputize a pioneer. 1 (we) will send a contribution Ed every Bahá’í month Clevery Gregorian month [one time only

in the amount of $. for $ is Name(s).

Addr

. Enclosed is my

check money order

Baha’i 1.D. Number(s). uleoy conor.

Please make checks payable to the National Bahd’{ Fund. Mark on check “IGC deputization.”” Thank you. :

peoples of other countries.

Through sacrifice, the finer qualities of character unfold and the world can see our sincerity as Baha’is.

The American believers are engaged in a world teaching mission given them by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Through the Fund this work is carried forward in many countries. The sacrificial and regular support which each believer gives hastens the world triumph of the Faith.

We must never think that if a pioneer leaves our community that the community will be impoverished, any more than we should think that by giving sacrificially to the Fund, our own purses will be diminished.

Instead, we should engrave in our minds and hearts the words of Shoghi Effendi:

“WE MUST be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellow believers undeterred by fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living.”” (Quoted in the Baha’i News Letter, No. 13, September 1926, p. 1)

The International Goals Committee is profoundly grateful to the 156 Bahá’ís who have contributed over the past year and a half to the IGC deputization fund. Their gifts, large and small, have enabled pioneers to reach their posts, to live while they looked for jobs, and, in some cases, sustained them when it was not possible to work.

The stories are too numerous to print here. For those who may have missed knowing of this precious opportunity to help deputize a pioneer, a coupon is provided here for your convenience.

could have been avoided had this book and the institutes come on the scene earlier, but these errors became object lessons for the book and the courses.

In 1956 we had The Advent of Divine Justice, which is the spiritual constitution the Guardian's letters of encouragement to earlier pioneers who, truer to the etymological sense of the term, almost literally ‘went in on foot’’; and visits from the Hands of the Cause of God.

The love and encouragement of these wonderful souls was like a long battery charge. But we had precious little practical advice in the daily living sense.

How different it is now, and how much more mature and informed are the friends we meet and hear about in the field. Earlier, the maturing and informing had to be done on the scene, and there were some needlessly hard times.

Hard times are, of course, a part of Baha’i life and growth anywhere, but as a pioneer, they come in unaccustomed surroundings where there might be a dearth of support from family, friends and institutions.

SOME tests are so private, so intimate, that not even those who are near and dear are aware, and human support is scarce. Other tests are dramatic and overt, and it is easier to find spiritual shelter with one’s friends.

In any case, I don’t know of any pioneer of outstanding service who has not passed through times when his or her survival as a useful pioneer seemed seriously in doubt. Ask them to tell their own stories.

The reasons for this process, and the apparent necessity of “‘go

Committee offers pioneering manual

The International Goals Committee is now the only supplier in the United States of the invaluable guide, A Manual for Pioneers, written by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum. The Baha’i Publishing Trust no longer stocks this book, which is indispensable in preparing to pioneer.

To obtain the book, please send $5.25 (which includes book rate postage) to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National. Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

08a Aamo

BLY OF THE BAHA'IS of the UNITED STATES

ing through the mill,’”’ are well treated in the Writings. Yet some persist in thinking that their tests are an indication of unworthiness or failure.

I believe we should see it this way: If .we are sincere, and our main motive is to serve, then we must have prayed long and hard to be useful servants.

Bahá’u’lláh knows our longings, our weaknesses, and our barriers to useful service: self, impatience, rigidity, insistence on our way—habits of thought and action that impede rather than promote a graceful flow of creative and fruitful service.

So the “‘tests’? are a kind of megadose of answered prayer. Instead of years or decades of struggle with these defects, we get a few months of real anguish in which our obstacles are swept away and we are different. A few months later we find ourselves marveli “Wow, did He ever know me!

DURING such reflection, we sense the worth of Horace Holley’s words: ‘‘Pioneering is not just going from an old country to anew country. It is going from an old self to a new self.””

If you know your motives are sincere and you have implored God’s aid in your service, then all tests are to that end, and all victories confirm it. This is promised in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

Pioneering experiences are so varied, countries and communities and societies so different, that general advice of a practical nature is not easy. This is the value of A Manual for Pioneers. I have a few observations from our experience: ‘i

Moderation is a must for health and balance.

We once were advised not to fill every weekend with activities for the Faith when our children were young. We were warned that they might resent the Faith.

We resolved to set aside one Sunday a month for a special trip

See PIONEER Page 21

Panama schedules

youth conference

Word has just been received that an International Youth Conference will be held next January 6-9 in David, Panama.

The National Youth Committee of Panama is making the arrangements. Please set aside the dates and start making your plans.

Further details will be reported as they are received.

| ese ERS, FE IE SRE CPE SL EN AS

[Page 7]YOUTH NEWS

November 1983

7

Youth Committees accept mandates, gather momentum

District Youth Committee activity is picking up all over the country,

The National Youth Committee recently gave the DYCs a mandate to serve as a target for minimum activity between now and Ridvan 1984.

NEW guidelines, clarifying the role of the District Youth Committees as part of the Youth Network, have also been sent to all DYCs and their sponsors.

In the new mandate, the YButh

Committee has asked that all DYCs plan and carry out these activities:

These are minimum goals for DYCs. Many districts are buzzing with activity and achievement.

Oregon, Washington, California, Minnesota, Iowa, South Carolina, Maryland/D.C., to name a

retreat and

Wage Peace

The Baha'i Faith

CS

few, have ongoing activities that easily surpass these goals.

Some areas are just getting started. We welcome Mainland Michigan, South Georgia, and Southeastern Florida as newly formed DYCs whose enthusiasm and energy will surely lead them soon to great victories.

DYC plans are arriving now at the National Youth Committee office, which is pleased and encouraged by the great response. In the spirit of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears’ call for us to vie with one another, the National Youth Committee will commend the District Youth Committee that achieves the

greatest number of youth enrollments by Ridvan 1984,

All youth who are not yet involved in DYC activities, and all adults who wish to help with this wonderful work, are urged to contact their District Youth Committee and offer their assistance. You will surely be rewarded!

WORKSHEETS outlining the

DISNEY WORLD ‘89

Annual Youth Conference - December 29 - January 1 Write to the National Youth Committee for details!

- Fort Lauderdale, FL - 33315

A complete fact sheet on the conference along with registration information will be sent to you.

Sacrifice, dedication spur youth to victories in S. Dakota’s Amoz Gibson Teaching Project

The victories won during the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project this summer in South Dakota were many and diverse.

Not only were many new souls confirmed as believers, and new Spiritual Assemblies raised, but the participants who made the sacrifices to teach reaped a rich harvest of rewards.

STORIES of the youth projecteers continue to be told and retold, and reports of their sacrifices and dedication continue to inspire their peers.

The National Youth Committee is happy to share one of these stories, sent to us by Roha Taaid of Norman, Oklahoma:

“The Faith had been taught in the little town of Kyle (population 300) for three days. Usually, two or three teams of three to four Ba

ha’is would go to teach and consolidate.

“On this day, two teams had met accidentally, and one young Indian man (who had declared a week before and was on fire with the Faith) insisted that we go to see the chief.

“We drove out of town for 10 miles, arriving at a small pink wooden house. Our young Indian friend went inside first to see if the chief was there, then ushered us into the back yard.

“*WE approached a bed outside under a large shady tree, where a man was lying. He was very old, yet still strong and of big stature. Two long gray braids rested on his chest.

“Still not knowing who he was, we nevertheless felt a sense of nobility in him, and respectfully

9 conferences held to kick off 1983-84 Campus Teaching Plan

Baha’is from colleges across the U.S. kicked off the 1983-84 Campus Teaching Plan at nine VICE (Vast Increase in College Enrollments).Conferences on October 8.

‘An estimated 150 Baha’i College Clubs were represented at the conferences, along with an additional 30 to 40 Bahda’is from schools without a club.

The National Youth Committee has challenged the Baha’is attending college in each of the four regions of the country (as indicated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan) to vie with one another by region to win the goals of the three-year phase of the Seven Year Plan with an emphasis on increased enrollments.

“Once the friends start out to win the goals set in their Plan, they will find the Divine confirmations sustaining them and hastening its consummation.” (Shoghi

Effendi, in The Power of Di Assistance)

Each conference, hosted by a Baha’i College Club, had three key speakers including representatives of the Nat’onal Spiritual Assembly or National Teaching Committee, the National Youth Committee, and the Auxiliary Board.

Media materials supporting the theme ‘‘Wage Peace Through the Elimination of Prejudice’? were sold at the conferences and are now available for general sales, while they last, for 50 cents per item. Funds generated by these sales will be used to produce additional materials.

To purchase these materials, simply fill out the coupon on Page 13 and send it to the National Youth Committee office with a check made payable to ‘‘Bahá’í Conference Fund.’

Second annual U.S. All-Youth Pilgrimage to World Centre set for June-July 1984

The second annual All-Youth Pilgrimage is scheduled for the summer of 1984, and the National Youth Committee is now accepting applications for the 18 spaces that will be open for Baha’i youth in the U.S.

The pilgrimage to the World Centre and Holy Shrines in Haifa will begin June 25 and end July 3, 1984.

Interested youth should write to the National Youth Committee, i , Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, expressing their ility to take part in the pilgrimage and their willingness and

ability to serve in follow-up teaching and service projects in the international or domestic fields.

It should be noted that youth are welcome to apply for pilgrimage through the Baha’i National Center, but that these specially arranged pilgrimages are made up of youth only, and those who are to participate will be chosen based on their availability to serve on these summer projects.

Additional youth pilgrimages have been scheduled for the summers of 1985 and 1986.

We Lg

Find out MORE in future issues

of The American Baha’

formed a circle around his couch, and each of us in turn shook his hand.

“‘His interpreter came, and we asked him to kindly translate for the chief. Thus a young man started teaching with the green book, and ‘The Spirit Way.’

“Soon the interpreter stopped translating for the chief, having himself become interested in what was being taught. We then asked

See WANBLEE Page 23

Youth-oriented deepening guide in this issue

A special youth-oriented deepening guide is available in this month’s issue of The American Baha’i. Interested youth are urged to turn to the Education Page now!

The National Youth Committee suggests that local Youth Clubs and ict Youth Committees use this study guide to help youth study the new compilation, ‘‘The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith,” from the research department of the Universal House of Justice.

Included in the study guide is the June 23 cable to the youth of the world from the Universal House of Justice, which was the subject of consultation at District Conventions across the country in October.

Reports from the special youth sessions, geared toward the definition of youth needs in each area, indicate that the sessions were fruitful and inspiring.

The National Youth Committee hopes that youth will underscore their participation in these District Convention youth programs by a follow-up deepening as outlined on the Education Page of this issue of The American Baha’i.

{eos te psa ESET TS a ane gr SS li i sa ET a mesa

[Page 8]EDUCATION

jaha'i Schools

Assembly Development Program

Brilliant Star (Child's Way) Magazine cal Education Adviser Program Personal Transformation Program

The American Baha’i

“We Are Bahi’js’ was the theme as the Spiritual Assembly of Lakewood, Colorado, sponsored its first Summer Vacation Baha’i School in August. Nineteen Baha’i children between the ages of three and 10 from five communities in the metropolitan Denver area attended classes on the Guardian and what it means to be a Ba

ha’i, shared prayers and songs, made ceramic eagles, held a swi

ming party, and took a field trip to see paintings and sculpture by black pioneers and cowboys. Above: Children hold their ‘Vacation Baha’i School’ sign. Below: Robin Campbell (left) and Tandy

May Brilliant Star cover design in N.Y. exhibit of graphic arts

The cover design for the MayJune 1983 issue of Brilliant Star magazine was accepted in an exhibition of graphic arts that ran from September 6-October 21 at the Master Eagle Galleries in New York City.

The exhibit, entitled ‘‘Calligraphy in the Graphic Arts,’’ is an annual juried competition sponsored by the Society of Scribes of New York.

The Brilliant Star cover design was executed by Michael W. Hughey, a Baha’i from Asheville, North Carolina.

Mr. Hughey, who has a B.A. in art and design from El Camino College in California and is completing work on a master’s degree in letterforms at Norwich University, has his own graphic design business, teaches calligraphy parttime at the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Greenville County Museum of Art, and serves as a handwriting consultant to local school systems.

Since becoming a Bahá’í in

California in the early 1970s, Mr. Hughey has served on Spiritual Assemblies in that state and in North Carolina, is the Baha’i representative to the United Nations Association in western North Carolina, and is a member of the District Teaching Committee.

He lives in Asheville with his wife, Sherrill Ann Davis, and their son, Matthew Windust. Ms. Davis does a weekly Sunday morning radio program about the Faith.

Mr. Hughey’s work can be seen in Visible Language, Vol. XVII, No. 1, in Modern Scribes and Lettering Artists, and in various magazines and journals.

“The work I enjoy most,”’ he says, “is for Child’s Way/Brilliant Star. It’s such a good publication, and is getting better all the time!’”

You can share his enthusiasm by subscribing to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park,

. Hixson, TN 37343. One

year, $9; two years, $17.

LEAP arranges well-planned children’s classes at 80 District Conventions across the country

Eighty of this year’s District Conventions had children’s programs that were arranged through the National Education Committee’s Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP).

Reports received at the National Education Committee office indicate that the children’s programs were well-planned and effectively executed.

“The Education Committee is delighted with the quality of Baha’i experiences that are being provided for children at District Conventions,” says David Smith,

secretary of the National Education Committee.

“Providing an excellent children’s program is one of the goals of the Local Education Adviser Program,”’ he adds. “‘What made them successful this year was the level of commitment demonstrated by the advisers and other adult volunteers. These friends began planning the programs last summer.

“Everyone benefits from a quality program. It reinforces the Baha’i identity of the child, it sharpens the skills of the volun teers, and it supports the efforts of parents.’’

Since ‘Abdu’ l-Baha has told us, says Mr. Smith, that ‘tamong the greatest of all services that can be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, the National Education Committee wishes to acknowledge the important contribution these dedicated advisers and other volunteers have made, and to express to them our deepest appreciation for a job well done.””

Life, achievements of Guardian are recreated at Missouri’s fourth annual Baha’i Institute

Through the theme “In. the Days of the Guardian,”’ the life, qualities and incomparable achievements of Shoghi Effendi were vividly recreated for the 76 adults, 19 youth and 48 children who gathered August 11-14 at the fourth annual Missouri Baha’i Institute at Potosi.

AS IN the days when the beloved Guardian himself sent messages designed to guide and motivate the Baha’is of the world, the friends were infused with a fresh spirit and a renewed determination to “‘bestir themselves and arise with heart and soul and in one accord, to diffuse the sweet savors of God, to teach His Cause and to promote His Faith.’”

Workshops and_ presentations covered the emerging institutions of the Faith, guidance for th

Four Baha’is attend UNICEF conference

Four Baha’is were among about 100 people who attended a western regional UNICEF conference September 12-14 in Santa Barbara, California.

The conference was called to discuss areas within the UNICEF program that are in need of improvement.

The keynote address by television personality Hugh Downs was followed by a_ stimulating discussion led by Dr. Eva Schindler-Rainman.

Shown are many of the 143 adults, youth and children who attended

the fourth annual Missouri Baha’i

dividual, the importance of daily study of the Creative Word, and the meaning to each Baha’; of the work and example of the beloved Guardian.

The workshops were led by Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy; by her assistant, Alex Resnick; and by Alvin Deibert.

Fresh insights into the inseparability of the spiritual and administrative centers of the Faith were provided by Joyce McCord who spoke on the World Centre.

Mrs. Alice Dudley shared her personal experiences of pil; during the Guardian’s and brought tears to many eyes

1,000 at Children’s Day gala in Sparks

An_ estimated 1,000 children and adults attended a gala Universal Children’s Day celebration October 1 sponsored by the Baha’i community of Sparks, Nevada.

The theme for this festive occasion was ‘Children Are the Friends of Lov.

Among the highlights were a speech by the mayor of Sparks and the presentation to the mayor and his family of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh by the Spiritual Assembly of Sparks.

Two of the area’s most popular television news programs covered

the event, presenting the Message of Baha’u’llah and the tenets of the Faith to residents of northern Nevada.

The following day, the Sunday edition of the state’s largest newspaper included a front page article and photo of the celebration.

A week before the event, the mayor of Sparks had invited members of the Sparks Baha’i community to lunch at city hall and had issued a proclamation on behalf of the Baha’is for World Peace Day.

tute held August 11-14 at Potosi.

with her moving description of his funeral, which she attended.

Unable to participate in person, Edna True and Auxiliary Board member Thelma Jackson cenveyed via a tape recorded message their loving greetings and guidance.

The well-organized youth and children’s program included classes on communication and service and daily devotions.

Besides Baha’is from Missouri, the Institute drew friends from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Oklahoma.

N.J. hosts its first business seminar

New Jersey’s first Business and Professional Seminar was held September 27 in Piscataway.

Its main purposes were to encourage the establishment of a network of Baha’is in the field of communications, and to promote the principles of the Faith in business.

Lectures and workshops were led by David Rosser, Henry Omah, Michael Hampton, Paul Turko, Eugene Andrews, and Shahab Fatheazam of New York City, a member of the Business and Professional Affairs Committee. d

[Page 9]

EDUCATION

November 1983

Introduction

“Tn the years that lie ahead, in order to accomplish the tremendous tasks entrusted to our care by the Master, young people ... will be required to carry the work forward and fill the places left vacant by the older generation of believers; indeed they must do more than that, they must create new places and functions for themselves.’’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Baha’i Youth: A Compilation, p. 22)

This study session, entitled “‘Youth: Deepening and Arising to Teach,”’ is the third in a series of classes on the importance of deepening being published in The American Baha'i by the National Education Committee. Like the September study session, it relies heavily on quotations from the Writings which are printed in the new compilation, The Importance of Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith.

‘Questions in this month’s session are based upon themes presented by the Universal House of Justice in its letter dated June 23, 1983, to the Baha’i youth of the world. Referring to the recent martyrdoms of three Baha’i youth in Iran, the Supreme Body called upon youthful believers around the world to rededicate themselves and to not allow ‘‘...this fresh blood shed on (the) very soil where (the) first wave (of) persecution (of the) Faith took place (to) remain unvindicated or this sublime sacrifice unavailing.”

The House of Justice urged youth to “*,_.recall (the) blessings which He promised those who in (the) prime of (their) youth will arise to adorn their hearts with His love and remain steadfast and firm ...’’ Youth were also asked to ‘‘...meditate over (the) unique qualities (of the) youth so graphically mentioned (in the) writings (of the) Guardian who praised their enterprising and adventurous spirit, their vigor, their alertness, optimism and eagerness, and their divinely appointed, holy and enthralling tasks.””

The National Education Committee offers this study session to Baha’i youth to help them direct their vital energies and to ensure that, as in the words of the Universal House of Justice, an ‘‘...army of spiritually awakened and determined youth may immediately arise (in) response (to the) needs (of the) present hour (and) devote in ever greater measure their valued energies to promote both on homefronts and in foreign fields (the) Cause (of) their all-watchful and expectant Lord.’’

Class format

This study session has been designed especially for Baha’i youth. They should have little difficulty conducting the program themselves with help from an older youth or adult. Afterward, it is suggested that the youth offer to conduct a deepening class for the rest of the community based upon these same materials and the results of their prior discussions.

In areas where a separate youth deepening is not feasible, a community-wide deepening should be arranged, and the youth and pre-youth should be given special encouragement to participate. The goal is to help Baha’ youth recognize their essential role in assisting the building of Baha’u’llah’s new World Order, and to encourage them as they develop their unique

talents and abilities in preparation for their future years of service.

The class is designed to last for 1 1/2 to two hours. Each study question should be read aloud by the appointed group study leader and then discussed. The quotations should be used to stimulate discussion. The numbers preceding the quotations refer to the reference numbers in the compilation The Importance of Deepening.

It is recommended that after the opening prayers and welcome by the host(s), the study group leader or some other member of the group should read aloud the previous section marked ‘‘introduction’’ before beginning work on the first study question.

I. How can we be among those who ‘‘adorn their hearts with His love and remain steadfast and firm’?

67. ‘The first thing to do is to acquire a thirst for Spirituality, then Live the Life! Live the Life! Live the Life! The way to acquire this thirst is to meditate upon the future life. Study the Holy Words, read your Bible, read the Holy Books, especially study the Holy Utterances of Bahd’u’ll4h; Prayer and Meditation, take much time for these two. Then will you know this Great Thirst, and then only can you begin to Live the Life!’’ (‘Abdu’l-Baha)

111. ‘‘It is, however, very important that these newcomers should study the teachings and become thoroughly familiar with them, otherwise their faith will be established upon shifting sand and could be easily demolished. The words of Baha’u’llah and the Master, however, have a creative power and are sure to awaken in the reader the undying fire of the love of God.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

135. “‘You Bahá’í children and young people have both great privileges and great obligations ahead of you, for your generation will be the ones to help build up a new, better and more beautiful world ... You should prepare yourselves for this great task by trying to grasp the true meaning of the teachings and not just merely accepting them as something you are taught. They are like a wonderful new world of thought just beginning to be explored, and when we realize that Baha’u’llah has brought teachings and laws for a thousand years to come, we can readily see that each new generation may find some greater meaning in the writings than the ones gone before did.”’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

117. ‘‘His brotherly advice to you, and to all loyal and ardent young believers like you, is that you should deepen your knowledge of the history and of the tenets of the Faith, not merely by means of careful and thorough study, but also through active, wholehearted and continued participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community. The Baha’i community life provides you with an indispensable laboratory where you can translate into living and constructive action, the principles which you imbibe from the teachings. By becoming a real part of that living organism you can catch the real spirit which runs throughout the Baha’i teachings. To study the principles, and to try to live according to them, are, therefore, the two essential mediums through which you can insure the development and progress of your inner spiritual life and of your outer existence as well.”’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

134. ‘‘The responsibility of young believers is very great, as they must not only fit

themselves to inherit the work of the older Baha’is and carry on the affairs of the Cause in general, but the world which lies ahead of them—as promised by Bahd’u’llah—will be a world chastened by its sufferings, ready to listen to His Divine Message at last; and consequently a very high character will be expected of the exponents of such a religion. To deepen their knowledge, to perfect themselves in the Baha’{ standards of virtue and upright conduct, should be the paramount duty of every young Baha’i.”’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

II. How can we prepare ourselves to be effective teachers?

25. ‘‘The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman.” (Baha’u’llah)

64. “It is very good to memorize the logical points and the proofs of the Holy Books. Those proofs and evidences which establish the fact that Baha’u’llah is the fulfillment of the Promises of the Holy Books. These proofs ought to be collected and memorized. As soon as someone will ask you— What are your proofs?—you may cry Out at the top of your voice and say: ‘Here they are.’ ’’ (‘Abdu’l-Baha)

114. “The second point which the Guardian wishes you to stress and to keep always in mind is the necessity for every loyal and active member of your committee to fully concentrate on the thorough study and understanding of the spiritual and administrative principles of the Faith, as a necessary step for active and fruitful teaching. You should first equip yourselves with the necessary amount of knowledge about the Cause and then, and only then, try to teach.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

“137. “The Cause needs more Bahá’í scholars, people who not only are devoted to it and believe in it and are anxious to tell others about it, but also who have a deep grasp of the teachings and their significance, and who can correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people of the world.

Baha’i Youth: Deepening, arising to teach

“The Cause has the remedy for all the world’s ills. The reason why more people don’t accept it is because the Baha’is are not always capable of presenting it to them in a way that meets the immediate needs of their minds. Young Baha’is like yourself must prepare themselves to really bring the Message to their generation who needs it so desperately and who can understand the language it speaks so well.

“He would advise you among other books to study the Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, as His method of approaching the mind of the public cannot be surpassed.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

139. ‘Young men and women in the Faith must be deep and thoughtful scholars of its teachings, so that they can teach ina way that will convince people that all the problems facing them have a remedy. They must grasp the Administration, so that they can wisely and efficiently administer the ever-growing affairs of the Cause; and they must exemplify the Baha’i way of living.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

III. How can we “‘...arise (in) response (to the) needs (of the) present hour, devote in ever greater measure (our) ... valued energies to promote both on (the) homefronts and in foreign fields (the) Cause (of our) allwatchful and expectant Lord’?

The study group should address this question by discussing the following points: (a) ways to intensify their personal teaching efforts; (b) ways to increase participation by Baha’i youth in local and di tivities; and (c) various kinds of deepening goals that will help youth in their service to the Faith.

The National Youth Plan includes youth enrollment goals, homefront and international pioneering and travel teaching goals for youth, and the formation of Youth Networks. In addition, there is a College Club plan. Detailed information can be obtained by writing to the National Youth Committee or National Teaching Committee, c/o the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

“We assure the youth that we are mindful of the many important decisions they must make as they tread the path of service to Baha’u’llah. We will offer our ardent supplications at the Holy Threshold that all will be divinely guided and that they will attract the blessings of the All-Merciful.’’ (The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 154)

|S SSS

[Page 10]TEACHING

The American Baha’i

10

The homefront pioneer

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

This is the first in a series of questions and answers on home front pioneering prepared by the National Teaching Committee. °

Q. What does Shoghi Effendi say about homefront pioneering?

A. “The need of the Hour is Teaching on the Home Front. Its goals can only be won, by a new spirit of dedication and consecration on the part of the friends, each in his own country, in his own home. Miraculous victories are being won, in the difficult virgin areas, because the pioneers have consecrated their lives to the noble mission they have embarked upon. The friends at home must display this same consecration and dedication. Never must they let a day pass without teaching some soul, trusting to Baha’u’llah that the seed will grow. The friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence, and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Baha’i, and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith.’’ (Shoghi Effendi, quoted by the American Hands of the Cause in Baha’i News, January 1957, p. 1)

Q. What is the homefront piomeer program?

A. The National Teaching Committee has established priorities for homefront pioneering. The program is a system for recruiting, advising and directing these pioneers.

Q. Why do we have a homefront pioneering program?

A. The program has been established to help win the goals of the Seven Year Plan. Homefront pioneers do not replace bringing in new believers; they do, however, lend maturity and experience to goal areas.

Q. What is a homefront pioneer?

A. A homefront pioneer is any Baha’i who moves to another locality and fills a National Teaching Committee goal.

Q. What are the National Teaching Committee’s priorities for homefront pioneers?

A. 1. To move to mass-taught areas to teach and consolidate; 2.

See HOMEFRONT Page 11

Questions, answers on extension teaching goals

Following are questions and answers prepared by the National Teaching Committee about extension teaching goals:

.

Q. What is extension teaching?

A. Extension teaching is carrying the Word of God beyond the boundaries of one’s home community.

Q. What is an extension teaching goal?

A. It is a locality adopted by a Local Spiritual Assembly to be raised to Assembly status, helping an isolated believer form a Group, or opening a new locality.

Q. What are the priorities an Assembly should consider in choosing an extension teaching goal? A. The National Teaching Committee has established the following priorities:

A Group of seven or more to

be brought to Assembly status.

Increasing the number of Baha’is in any Group.

Q. Why is extension teaching important?

A. The Universal House of Justice requests the adoption and pursuit of extension teaching goals by all Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Q. Should a smaller community consider an extension teaching goal?

A. Many small communities find that obedience to the request of the Universal House of Justice brings unexpected bounties. Unity is created, teaching activity in the mother community increases, seekers are confirmed and goals are often won.

Q. How do we know which are “‘preferred’’ Groups?

A. A preferred goal Group is a Group of seven or more adult Baha’is. These Groups have the most potential to become Local Spiritual Assemblies. District Teaching

members can guide an Assembly in its choice of an extension teaching goal. District bulletins and newsletters frequently report areas that would benefit from the consistent, loving efforts of an adopting Local Spiritual Assembly. What kind of help should be offered to an extension teaching goal?

A. Prayers, as effective as they can be, are not enough. A wellplanned teaching program that includes publicity, regularly scheduled firesides or any campaign of direct teaching, and, where needed, deepening classes should be offered the extension teaching goal. The objective is to raise a strong and deepened Assembly.

Q. Can an Assembly be assigned an extension teaching goal?

A. Yes. The Universal House of Justice states: “Such extension teaching goals should be assigned by the National Spiritual Assembly or one of its teaching committees, or can be spontaneously adopted by Local Spiritual Assemblies, and should be carried out within the framework of the over-all teaching plans of the country.””

Occasionally, the National Teaching Committee will assign an extension teaching goal to an Assembly.

Q. How can the National Teaching Committee help us with our extension teaching goal?

A. The National Teaching Committee has available many resources, such as traveling teachers, homefront pioneers, people to help with mass teaching, and regional and district committees. Also, the National Teaching Committee has given to each Local Spiritual Assembly a suggested month-by-month teaching plan for extension teaching goals.

Q. How should the Assembly report that it has adopted an extension teaching goal?

A. This can be done on a form

Committees and Auxiliary Board

The Spiritual Assembly of Jeffersonville, Indiana, set up this information booth during the city’s annual ‘Steamboat Days’ festival which attracts not only local residents but also people frem nearby Louisville, Kentucky. Many of

those who stopped said they hadn’t heard of the Faith before and took pamphlets with them. Also displayed were posters outlining various teachings and principles of the Faith.

supplied to each Local Spiritual Assembly. by the National Teaching Committee, or through a letter to the National Teaching Committee. It is also important to keep your District Teaching Committee informed of the goal you have taken and the activities that are planned to win that goal.

Q. Does the Assembly have jurisdiction over its extension teaching goal?

A. No. The Universal House of Justice states: ‘It should also be made clear that by being given

such goals a Spiritual Assembly is not being given any jurisdiction over believers outside its area, still less over other Local Spiritual Assemblies, but is being called upon to collaborate with them in their work,”’

For more information about extension teaching goals, write to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-8699039), or contact your District Teaching Committee.

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In the Five Year Plan the Universal House of Justice asked the American Baha’i community to place special emphasis on teaching in four specific areas of the country: California, Illinois, New York state, and Washington, D.C.

These areas, with their large metropolitan populations and three of the largest cities in the U.S.—Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City—have great potential as well as the bounty of having been visited by ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

The National Teaching Committee keeps special enrollment statistics of each of these goal areas as well as for Massachusetts and Michigan. This month, each area enrolled new believers.

The totals for September: adult enrollments, 160; youth, 53; total, 213. In 1982, the totals were: adults, 247; youth, 72, for a total of 319. The yearly totals from April 1: 1982, 1,225; 1983,

Youth Total

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[Page 11]TEACHING

November 1983

11

“‘Mount your steeds, O heroes of God!” is the battle cry of the seven Friendship Teams in Chi cago.

Each team has a goal of establishing a regular fireside. The Spiritual Assembly of Chicago advises them:

“EACH Friendship Team is called upon to host a fireside by inviting friends and acquaintances, giving out door-to-door invitations when appropriate, and using other methods.

“Remember, a fireside without non-Baha’is has no purpose. Also keep in mind that a fireside does not have to be large to be effective. In fact, a smaller, more inti mate gathering with one, two or three seekers is probably to be preferted.’”

Chicago’s ‘heroes of God’? are hosting regular area firesides, and your community’s Friendship Team can also host firesides, plan a children’s class, a Holy Day observance, a deepening or a community service project.

Your Friendship Teams can even vie with one another, reporting at Feast how much fun they are having being friends, teaching the Faith, and serving the Baha’i community.

It is important to remember that Friendship Teams are not committees; they do not elect of

Homefront Continued From Page 10

to save or help form Local Spiritual Assemblies; 3. to move to states that are low in Bahá’í population; 4. to strengthen Groups or open new localities to the Faith.

Q. What special areas are most in need of homefront pioneers?

A. Jeopardized Assemblies, Groups of seven or more, mas: taught areas in states such as Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas; Indian Reservations in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakot: Montana, Idaho and Mississip) and states with a sparse Baha’i population such as Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, lowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Q. What is a ‘‘goal’’ locality?

A. A goal locality is one of those localities identified by the National Teaching Committee which falls within one or more of the priorities listed above.

Q. What is a ‘‘selected’’ com

munity?

A. Certain Baha’i communities with 30 or more believers have been asked to produce one or two homefront pioneers. These are called ‘‘selected’’ communities.

Q. Is international pioneering more important than homefront pioneering?

A. International pioneering is stressed not because homefront pioneering is any less important, but because it is so much more difficult to find people who are in a position to go abroad.

Q. Is there a training program’ for homefront pioneers?

A. The National Teaching Committee is producing booklets to help train homefront pioneers. If possible, homefront pioneer training programs will be held in the future. At present, the homefront pioneering coordinator at the National Teaching Committee office will consult with potential pioneers, answer their questions, offer guidance, and make recommendations.

Q. Do homefront pioneers receive financial support?

A. In the past, the National Teaching Committee has had a homefront pioneer deputization fund. At present, no money is available.

California, members

are (seated left to right) Polly Malby, Cindi Busher, Jim Busher,

and (standing left to right) Duffy Sheridan, Jeannie Sheridan, Cindy Langmade, Terry Ashcraft,

Leanette Ashcraft, Greg Malby.

ficers or take minutes.

ALSO, they need not be confined to a neighborhood or locality. Isolated believers and members of a Group can join the friends in larger communities as a Friendship Team.

It is wonderful if your Friendship Team can be diverse with members of various races, ages, backgrounds and communities, but this is not a requirement for Friendship Teams.

Our guiding light for today is the Seven Year Plan. Friendship Teams, along with all Spiritual Assemblies, Baha’i Groups, and local and national committees should aim their activities toward winning the goals of this Plan.

Friendship teams offer a way to help win these goals, joyfully and with good friends.

This space will be devoted to a regular column about Friendship Teams—their plans, victories, insights and experiences.

If your team has an interesting tale to relate, or a new Baha’j to introduce, please write or phone the National Teaching Committee. We are praying for your success and confirmation.

Chicago’s Friendship Teams ‘mount steeds’

TEACHING THROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAMS

Letter from Baha’i prisoner in Iran an inspiration to everyone

By DR. TAHIRIH FOROUGHI

Some time ago one of the Baha’i prisoners in Iran was able to write a letter from inside the prison and, with the help of another Bahá’í, to send it to a friend outside of Iran.

This letter is an inspiration to those who believe in the Faith of the Blessed Beauty and His teachings.

IN HIS letter, the prisoner reflects upon the true meaning of freedom and asserts that if all the oppressors of the world were to put their forces together, they would never be able to cause the slightest deviation in the heart of a true Baha’i.

When the main purpose of one’s life becomes devotion to the Faith of God, he feels like a free bird which soars constantly in the beautiful and limitless skies of joy and fulfillment and sings the praises of Bahá’u’lláh to the waiting souls.

Nothing can stop this highflying bird from teaching the Cause by deeds as well as by words.

Let us read some of the words of that prisoner and see how he has chosen to be a true Bahai even in those circumstances and how he encourages us—who have apparent freedom as _ well—to spread the Word of God.

“Please give my regards to all of the friends ... and, on behalf of this prisoner, kiss those lovers of the Praised Beloved and inhale their fragrance ...

“GIVE my love to every one of them and tell them that every

dawn and eve I pray that they may gain new and great victories.

“For this servant, all roads apparently are closed but the sacred threshold of the Almighty. If you ask me about the body, it is extremely weak, due to causes which I cannot explain.

“And, if you ask me about the spirit, it is in maximum strength and courage and in utmost happiness and joy which cannot be exchanged for the whole world.’”

He further writes: ‘‘The important point is that at times of prayers and meditation, we (the prisoner and. his fellow Baha’i

prisoners) enjoy such a feeling which cannot be described ... We can feel and touch God’s assistance ...

“What a happy and joyous period this is. I wish I had a hundred lives which I could give in His path ...

‘*..we must be happy and proud to accept sacrifice in the path of that Praised Beloved. Know that God has willed it to be such and it has to be this way.

“The seeds that are being sowed in other parts of the world need to be watered from this land, the

See MARTYRS Page 21

S. Dakota Baha’is discuss consolidation in wake of Wanblee teaching victories

The South Dakota District Teaching Committee hosted a conference October | in Pierre to discuss continued teaching and consolidation in Wanblee, South Dakota, where some 63 people became Baha’is this summer during the Amoz Gibson Project.

Attending the conference with more than 60 of the friends from South Dakota including many Indians from Wanblee were Robert G. Wilson, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland.

There was unanimous agreement that the Gibson project should be continued next summer. The dates were set for June 1 through August 15,

Anyone who wishes to participate should contact the National Youth Committee or the District

Teaching Committee of South Dakota.

It was agreed to hold several conferences and institutes on the Reservation this winter so that newly enrolled believers can deepen and strengthen their belief in Baha’u’llah,

The impending visit of the “Trail of Light’’ teaching team composed of four members from South America was discussed, and preparations were made for their arrival in South Dakota later in October.

Many youth were present at the Pierre conference, exemplifying the deep involvement of youth in the Amoz Gibson project.

One of the youth who took part in the project, Lisa Molin, has remained on the Reservation as a homefront pioneer.

[Page 12]RACE UNITY

The American Baha'i

12

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

S. Carolina Race Amity Conference a resounding | success

Continued From Page 1

H. Elsie Austin, a Knight of Baha*u'llah and former member of the U.S. National Assembly.

The conference agenda included presentations and workshops on avenues leading to the eradication of prejudice.

The role of education in helping to bring about greater harmony and understanding among people of different races was discussed by Dr. Andrew Billingsley, president of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

A panel discussion on the role of religion in fostering racial understanding included as panelists Dr. Glenn Edgerton, a Presbyterian minister in Charleston who. is the associate minister for campus ministries there; the Rev. George D. Exoo of the Congrega

tion of the Unitarian Church in

The African Dance Ensemble from North Charleston, South

Carolina, was among a group of:

Charleston; the Rev. Henry L. Grant of St. Stephens Espiscopal Church in Charleston; and Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

MR. RUTSTEIN, who is chairman of the department of telecommunications at the Community College of Springfield, Massachusetts, discussed the role of communication in race relations.

This was followed by a series of three workshops whose focus was on communication in the family, personalizing the workplace, and personal assertiveness.

Other workshops were entitled “The Emergence of a World Culture,” “Charleston in Blatk and White,” and “The NAACP and Race Amity.””

Children were not overlooked by the conference planners. Some 30 children participated in special

“

stellar entertainers who performed at the regional Race Amity Conference in Charleston.

Linda Bergstrom (right), secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Yarmouth, Maine, presents an award to Lynn Bolles, director of the Afro-American Studies program at Bowdoin College in Brunswick

in recognition of the program’s efforts to promote interracial harmony. The award, along with a copy of the book To Move the World, was presented in honor of Race Unity Day in Jun

classes for three age groups, some of which were taught by specially trained Bah: youth. Nursery care was provided for another 15 younger children.

Entertainment played an important part in the three<day conference, which began with a oneact play about racial attitudes inside two families, one black and the other white, who live next door to one another.

THE PLAY, entitled ‘‘Them Next Door,’’ was presented at the College of Charleston and fea

tured college students in the various family roles. A conference “‘Jubilee”” Satur

day evening included a wide variety of entertainment: music and

a demonstration of Polynesian hula dances; the large choir

from Charleston’s Morris Street Baptist Church, and a rousing performance by the African Dance Ensemble of North Charleston.

Each member of the National Spiritual Assembly spoke Sunday morning during the conference’s closing session.

James Nelson read a message of greeting and well-wishes from Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, a former member of the National Assembly who is now a Counsellor at the International Teaching Centre in Haifa.

Publicity surrounding the conference included television interviews with Dr. Austin, Mr. Rutstein and Dr. Wilma Brady, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; a one article in a local id several speaking appearances by members of the National Assembly.

Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, a member of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and treasurer of the National Assembly, spoke about the Faith during a dinner at the University of South Carolina in Columbia that was attended by the dean of that university’s law school and an appellate judge.

Another member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Dwight W. Allen, spoke to about 100 students at the College of Charleston on equal opportunity. in education.

Above: Some of the children at the Race Amity Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, enjoy seeing who can catch waterfilled balloons without breaking

them. Below: Participants in one

of several discussion groups at the conference (alk over the ramifications of race amity. The conference was dedicated to the memory of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

‘Befriend’ works in New Jersey

In response to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears’ re est_ that Bahá’í communities participate in “Operation Be. friend,” many of the friends Hamilton Township, New Jerse have made serious efforts to become involved in community service activities

On at least two occasions, the efforts of Baha’is have been recognized by the local news media

and mention of the Faith has been made,

One individual was honored for her work with the physically handicapped, and another for his involvement with a service to the elderly and sick who live alone.

Operation Befriend, the Hamilton Township Assembly reports, “has proven an excellent means to create new contacts and to mention the Faith.””

Baha’is participate in Cobb County, Georgia, Interfaith Friendship Service

Baha n Cobb County, Georgia, participated September 3 in an Interfaith Friendship Service and Prayer Vigil at the First Baptist Church in Marietta.

The service was planned to offset a meeting at that same hour in the city square by some 60 members of the Ku Klux Klan.

About 1,200 people attended the prayer service which was well covered by the local news media. One newspaper article impressions of the m

chairman of mbly of West

Mrs. Ann Hayne the Spiritual Cobb County.

In addition to the prayey service, copies of a ‘Declaration of Community Conscience’? were distributed throughout the county for signatures.

Because of their involvement with the Cobb County Ministerial Association, the Baha’is were asked to serve on the steering committee for the service and to parin the progr:

In June, the ministers had asked a Baha’i to serve as their representative to the Cobb County chapter of the NAACP.

Also in June, speakers at the Assembly’s sixth annual Race Unity Day observance in the Marietta Square included the superintendent of schools, the president of the Cobb County NAACP, and a local black minister, marking the first time ever that non-Baha’i speakers had participated in that event.

[Page 13]

The American Baha’i

November 1983

13

World NEWS

More than 5,000 people i in Hon

Baha’u’llah as a result of “‘Operation Badi-Azar,’’ a month-long teaching campaign last July and August that involved a teaching team of 10 to 20 members and the support of more than 50 other Baha’is.

The campaign, encouraged by the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas and supported by the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras, was dedicated to the memory of the martyrs and friends in Iran. It was organized by the National Teaching Committee of Honduras ...

Thanks to a successful teaching campaign in the Lenakel area of Vanuatu, there are now Baha’ is in inland villages around Sidni.

Among the new believers are 11 in Waisisi. Regular children’s classes are being held in six localities ...

About 110 people were enrolled in the Faith last July 9-31 in Trinidad and Tobago during a nationwide ‘‘New Dawn-Breakers’’ teaching campaign. ;

Among the participants in the campaign, which was supported by Baha’is all over the country, were Counsellors Peter McLaren and Donald Witzel and Auxiliary Board member Frank Mann from Venezuela ...

One hundred fifty-eight people embraced the Cause of Baha’u’'lláh during a recent three-week teaching campaign in the Same rict of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region.

Most of the new declarants are members of the Pare tribe «..

A summer school in south Thailand in April witnessed the first Baha’i wedding ever held at a Tha” summer school. The 100 parti pants came from village and city, from all regions of Thailand and from seven other count

Sixty youth from six countri: came to Bophuthatswana on Ju 25-26 for an International Baha Youth Conference. They represented South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana as well as the host country

On July 10, in an official ceremony attended by state authorities, the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia took po: of the land for the Baha’ station in Caracollo.

The foundation has been laid and excavations are ready for the raising of all columns. Construction of the station was scheduled to be completed in early October ...

“The Illustrated Weekly,”’ the most popular English-language magazine in India, published in June a two-page article on the Baha’is in Iran that wi

Connecticut World Peace Day event draws 136 including 80 non-Baha’is

About: 80 non-Baha’is were among the 136 people who attended a World Peace Day event September 18 sponsored by the Baha’i Group of Stafford Springs, Connecticut (four adults, five children).

The event was advertised for four weeks by a banner hung at the Town Hall which gave the time, place and other information and mentioned that it was being sponsored by the Baha’i

There were two Baha’i speakers, Ruth Rosenwald and Wendy Lusa, and three non-Baha’is—Dr. Alison Reeve from Physicians for Social Responsibility; the Rev. Reginald Avery, co-chairman of the Stafford Peace Group; and David Nelson, also from the Stafford Peace Group.

There were musical performances by folk singer Nancy

Tucker, Jackie Odess-Gillett, Sue Berge, Sue Tubito and Jan Rosenburg.

Two American Indians, Tom Garland and Sue Kirsch, delighted the audience with their dances and stories.

Among other highlights was the release of a flock of white birds following the reading of a passage by ‘Abdu’l-Baha concerning doves flocking’ together in the branches of one tree.

At the end of the program, children marched in a ‘‘peace parade’’ with handmade placards that read ‘‘Peace Through Love,”’ “Mankind Is One,”’ and so forth.

A Baha'i ‘‘peace booth’’ and Stafford Peace Group display were at the park.

Governor William O'Neill designated September -18 World Peace Day in Connecticut and is sued an official statement.

Mrs. Lusa, the secretary of the Stafford Springs Baha’i Group, was interviewed on two radio stations before the event, and a television station from Springfield, Massachusetts, covered the day’s activities.

This booth was a part of the World Peace Day observance sponsored September 18 by the Baha’i Group of Stafford Springs, Connecticut. About 80 non-Baha’is were among the 136 people who attended the event.

The B, af Be eet Faudh, omoling Yh orld Peace

America’s spiritual destiny focus of new Treasurer’s course

The Office of the Treasurer is pleased to announce the upcoming publication of its newest study course, “‘America’s Spiritual Destiny.””

AVAILABLE in December through the National Treasurer’s Representatives program, “*America’s Spiritual Destiny’’ follows in the path of courses such as ‘‘The Individual Believer and the Rhythm of Growth,” “The Mystery of Sacrifice,’’ and ‘The Secret of Wealth,’’ exploring the spiritual principles relative to the Baha’i Funds for individual deepening and community consolidation.

In the new course, the true spiritual destiny of both the American nation and the Am Baha'i community through the writ

wllah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha and, most especially, Shoghi Effendi.

The Guardian's writings truly crystalize for us the glorious role which America is destined to play in the unfoldment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah, and draw attention to the particular challenges and opportunities facing “‘Amerighlights this concept and renews in the student a sense of his true destiny.

As with all these courses, the optimum learning benefit comes

when attendees can study the entire course—ideally, over a number of weeks with a couple of hours devoted to each lesson. Each of the five lessons in

, “‘America’s Spiritual Destiny’’ is,

however, a complete encapsulation of one of the Guardian's themes, and can be studied separately if time is limited. Specifically, course sessions focus on five objectives:

LESSON I seeks to awaken the American believers to America’s glorious destiny as the championbuilder of the World Order of Baha'u'llah, and to inspire us to greater levels of self-sacrifice to hasten the arrival of the Kingdom of God on earth.

The Guardian’s three ritual prerequisites’’ are reviewed as the means for the successful completion of all activities for the spread of the Faith.

Lesson II examines the destructive forces confronting America along the path to its destiny. The disease of materialism is explored, and the concept of detachment is given as the first of three tools available to the believers whereby they can fight the cancer of materialism.

Lesson III continues to look at ways to combat these destructive forces in the world by utilizing the

Gregory Institute sets special winter session

Practical learning experiences on socio-economic development -d on the teachings of the Faith will be the focus of a winter session December 17-22 at the Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

Facilitators for the program are Dr. Gary Reusche of Cary, North Carolina, and Dr. Ralph Scales of Indiantown, South Carolina.

Youth are especially encouraged to attend this program which

will include two evening concerts in addition to classes that will examine an array of topics including the infinity of the Faith, needs determination, aj tural development, team teaching, and evaluation a

Rooma Institute is $20 per da information or to r the Institute by wri Gregory Bal Institute, Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-5093.

. For more ‘er, contact

principles Bahá’u’lláh has established.

An understanding of the relationship between spiritual progress and material means is gained by studying the role of the Fund in building the Administrative Order.

Lesson IV explores the Covenant ie power that preserves the Faith—and examines its particular influence on America’s destiny.

ELEMENTS of ae Covenant

role of the Covenant in religious

history; the specific role of the “lesser Covenant”’ in the Baha’i Faith; the importance of the transfer of authority within each Dispensation; and the power of the Covenant that is available for each individual believer to use.

In Lesson V, participants will try to gain a perspec on the history of the Faith America and, -from the writings of the Guardian, gain an insight into the

successive stages the country and the Cause will pass through in the future.

This material is presented in a varied format, utilizing quiz questions, small group discussions, “‘homework’’ assignments and audio-visual aids to help and challenge the participants to reach new levels of understanding.

In response to the rising demand for materials for individual deepening, believers who attend the classes will be given a number of printed materials for their future study including copies of the study questions and quotations, a complete review of all references used in the course, and a study guide for further individual deepening.

“*America’s Spiritual Destiny’ is to be published and distributed to all: National Treasurer’s Representatives in December.

To schedule it locally, Assemblies or Groups can call their NTR and set up a time to take this new and challenging course.

WAGE PEACE MATERIALS ORDER FORM

Name 2 Phone Address City State Zip Item Quantity Total price “No Prejudice’” poster 50 “Two Children” poster 1) “Crowd Scene” poster 50 “Wage Peace’” button 50 Enclose check payable to: Sub-total $ Baha'i Conference Fund Postage Total $

Mail to: National Youth Committee

Fort Lauderdale, FL 333

[Page 14] —————————————|

The American Baha’i

14

Archives series spotlights some important Baha’i papers

This is the second in a series of articles highlighting various manuscript collections in the National Baha’i Archives that are open to researchers. This article covers the Mary B. St. Laurent and Ida Finch papers.

.

The decade of the 1920s saw the Baha’i Faith spreading to new parts of the world, as documented in reference works such as The Baha’i World.

Some of the more personal aspects of this period of growth and change are recorded in materials contained in two of the smaller collections in the National Baha’i

Archives has guide to those collections open for research The National Bahá’í Archives now has available a guide to those collections open for research. The 19-page guide covers 149 collections of institutional records, personal papers, community histories and personal recollections, giving the collection title, quantity, and some information about contents and significance. The guide can be ordered for $2 from the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Archives.

IN THE Mary B. St. Laurent papers are fascinating letters from many parts of the world. Mary St. Laurent was an isolated believer who only occasionally met other Baha’is, but the letters written to her demonstrate how an ‘isolated’? Baha’i could be in close touch with events in communities thousands of miles away.

The papers include letters about being a Baha’i in Germany in 1926-27; about being a Baha’ student at the American University in Beirut in 1925; and about the progress of the Faith at that time in South Africa and Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, the Bahamas and Iran.

The papers also contain letters to Mary St. Laurent from Roy Wilhelm and his mother while she was investigating the Faith in 1908-10 which show how they carefully advanced her knowledge of the Faith and nurtured her interest in it.

The personal aspects of the world-wide spread of the Faith during the 1920s are further documented in the Ida Finch papers.

Ida Finch had herself pioneered to Japan, and her papers include letters from Japanese Baha’is written after her return to Wash

House of Worship host to Swiss singing group; Italians pay sentimental visit to Temple

The Basel Madrigal Singers from Basel, Switzerland, recently performed at the Baha’i House of Worship during the regular Sunday devotional program.

The group, consisting of 16 singers, was founded in 1978 by Fritz Naf. They have appeared in many cities in Switzerland and Germany, have taken part in various festivals, and have participated in radio and television programs.

Among their recordings is the record series “‘Dokumenta,’’ which received an award in 1982 from German record critics.

The group’s repertoire includes madrigals, lieder and chansons from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as contemporary works.

According to a letter from the tour company handling the group’s U.S. appearances, the singers were ‘‘most impressed with the beautiful environment in which they sang (at the House of Worship) and the lovely service.

Among other places in the Midwest and eastern U.S., the Basel Madrigal Singers performed at Northwestern University, Yale University, the New England Conservatory of Music, Lowell State University in Boston, and the University of Maryland.

xe *

A group of approximately 20 Italian citizens visited the Baha’i House of Worship on a recent Sunday.

Some of the men had been among a group of pilots who flew a squadron of planes from Italy to Chicago in 1933 as part of the Century of Progress Exposition held in Chicago.

At that time, ornamentation was being applied to the dome of the Temple. Shoghi Effendi was anxious to see the dome completed, declaring that it would “‘stand as a flaming beacon and a symbol of hope amidst the gloom of a despairing world.’’

The Italian pilots were among the many Exposition attendees who also visited the House of Worship. And now, half a century later, they were at last able to see the completed building.

ington state. These letters describe the teaching work being carried out in Japan and the efforts of some North American Baha'is to help in relieving the victims of a serious earthquake.

There is also a letter from

much of the Baha’i world of the mid-1920s, giving us a glimpse into the lives of Baha’is from the relatively newly declared to travelworn pioneers and future Hands of the Cause of God.

Agnes Alexander about a proposed visit to China in 1923 and a printed account in Japanese of a visit by Martha Root to Japan. These two collections provide between them a round trip of

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken in Kansas City, Missouri. The date is unknown. If you have any infor Cooking

Continued From Page 5

which it was produced, it is surprising that we haven’t had reports of more recipe errors!

If you know of one and were just being polite about your recipe being mangled, please don’t hesitate to advise the Office of the Treasurer (Attn.: Janet Bucknell) and we’ll be happy to print a correction. Like this one, with apologies to the Wolcott family:

Pages 57-58, Mother Wolcott’s Original Bread Recipe (omissions in bold face type).

1 qt. milk

1/2 C. sugar

2 level Tbsp. salt

2 yeast cakes

1/2 C. tepid water

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 C. Crisco or margarine 1 tsp. sugar

3 Ib. white flour plus

Archives to be open

Sundays in November

The National Baha’ Archives will be open to researchers on the following Sundays: November 6, 13, 20 and 27.

This is a test program to measure the level of demand from researchers who are unable to use the National Baha’i Archives during weekdays. Researchers are still required to obtain in advance of their visit permission and an appointment.

Researchers who want to work on a Sunday in November should write to the National Baha’s Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

mation about the photo or the people in it, please send it to the National Baha'i Archives, Baha’i

4 C. whole wheat flour (follow directions as in book)

who compiled it) has produced an index to the ‘‘Let’s Get Cooking” cookbook as a fund-raiser for WLGI. It was, we hear, very popular at their District Convention.

The Spiritual Assembly of Eureka has graciously given its consent for the Office of the Treasurer to reprint the index as a service to all of you (6,000) who have purchased the book.

The index will be printed as a page in The American Baha’i which you can then clip out and keep with your book—we hope to print it in the December issue, so be looking for it, with our compliments and many thanks to Eureka!

¢ And finally—remember, all you WLGI assistant chefs, that the December 31 deadline is fast approaching, so keep stirring that pot!

, ‘Order form for Guidelines for Baha’i Archives

Hawaii, Mexico $7.50 U.S. All others add $4.50 .S. per copy (total $9.50 U.S: per

Piéce de Résistance! That was

“Let’s Get Cooking’’ at many of this year’s District Conventions!

Funds raised through the sale of the cookbook were outstanding; we won’t have a final count until all districts have reported, but many thousands of dollars were raised for WLGI through cookbook sales in addition to the other fund-raising activities that occurred.

Fifty-eight of the 94 District Teaching Committees ordered a supply of the cookbooks to selland we thank them and all of you who participated for your support of WLGI!

Price for U.S., Alaska, Canada, U.S. per copy (total $12 U.S.) for air mail or $2 copy) for surface mail

Guidelines for Baha’i Archives (72 pages) covers in detail the organization and functioning of a Baha’i archives. It is highly suitable for larger communities faced with the need to organize a local archives.

Name i 9 iy

Address ____ a Bis 7 a sbcaeeereinierisoniees

_State_ ADs

Order forms with payment should be sent to: National Baha’i Archives Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

See special WLGI pull-out section this issue!

5 RU A SOLER RSENS ACES SATO TE OS EAE RT SSSR STE SSL 7 EE ES TE SET SASS EES [Page 15]PUBLICATIONS

November 1983

NEWS from the Publishing Trust

New Pocket-size edition of the Kitdb-i-Igdn now available. Use it for your own study and for friends interested in progressive revelation. Bound in maroon to match the pocket-size Gleanings. (PS, Cat. No. 103-032, $3.50)

Errata slip for Bahd’¢ Prayers. Gummed to allow you to correct the misprinted line on page 202 and other errors in the new prayer book.

For Studying the Creative’ Word

The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith

Be prepared for the National Education Committee’s series of deepening outlines for studying the Creative Word (see the Education Committee’s page in this issue and in last month’s American Baha’i). The new compilation from the Universal House of Justice will give you

new insights into how the Creative Word is essential for success in all aspects of life. (SC, Cat. No. 215-084, $2)

Back in Stock

The Open Door The popular pamphlet on life after death is once again available. Makes a positive, uplifting, dignified gift for the recently bereaved. Envelope included. (PM, Cat. No. 340-058, 10/$7.50)

Prophecy Fulfilled

Elisabeth H. Cheney’s much-loved pamphlet explaining how the Baha’i Faith fulfills Biblical prophecy.

(PM, Cat. No. 340-043, 10/$4)

New Price Baha’u’llah and the New Era A bargain price for the hardcover edition. Save money while the Publishing Trust reduces stock. Was $10; now $3. (HC, Cat. No. 231-004, $3)

ORDER NOW

For a Successful World Religion Day Observance—January 15

For those who are interested in comparative religion or progressive revelation:

The Kitab-i-iqan

(HC, Cat. No. 103-008, $13) (PS, Cat. No. 103-032, $3.50)

Buddha Maitrya-Amitabha Has Appeared (SC, Cat. No. 332-026, $9)

Islamic Contributions to Civilization (SC, Cat. No. 339-007, $5)

‘The Light Shineth in Darkness (HC, Cat. No. 332-029, $9.95)

(SC, Cat. No. 332-028, $5.95)

The Story As Told (SC, Cat. No. 332-024, $5.50)

One Universal Faith (PM, Cat. No. 340-037, 50/$4)

For your Christian friendschoose with discretion

Some Answered Questions (HC, Cat. No. 106-037, $12)

Christ’s Promise Fulfilled (SC, Cat. No. 106-001, $3)

‘Thief in the Night (HG, Cat. No. 331-060, $6.50) (SC, Cat. No. 331-061, $2.95)

Prophecy Fulfilled P (PM, Cat. No. 340-043, 10/$4)

Trust readies 1984-85 calendars, datebook for December release

Baha’i calendars and a datebook for 1984-85 (141 B.E.) are being prepared, according to Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and will be available in midDecember.

The wall calendar will feature a photograph of the Shrine of Baha*u’llah. The cover of the datebook includes a picture of the Louhelen Baha’j School.

A smaller pocket calendar will also be available.

The popular Baha’s history calendars produced in Hawaii are also on order. This year they feature the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Ordering information on both the U.S. and Hawaiian calendars will be made available as soon as possible. Watch for future announcements.

Everyone will be happy to know, says Mr. Bucknell, that work has already begun on the 1985-86 calendars, which will be ready in mid-1984 for both domestic and foreign shipments.

» Use the order form at the right to order any of the titles ‘on the publications page or elsewhere in The American Bahat.

Cash orders must be accompanied by a check or money order for the full amount (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50).

Credit card orders are accepted by phone (1-800-323-1880) and by mai VISA or MasterCard account number and expiration date must be cluded. Send orders to Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Creative Word

The iqan, a pocket companion for reading over and over again

The recently released pocket-size edition of the Kitab-i-iqan is the second such edition to be released by the Baha’ Publishing Trust this year in its new series of pocket-size editions of works written by Baha’u’llah and translated by Shoghi Effendi.

The Kitab-i-iqan is especially well suited for helping every Baha’i win the goal of the Seven Year Plan that calls for ‘‘a nationwide campaign, with emphasis on the use of the Creative Word, designed to inspire every believer to live the Baha’i life, thus demonstrating to their fellowcountrymen the beneficent effects of the Baha’i way of life achieved through adherence to the Teachings of Baha’u’llah.””

The iqan, Shoghi Effendi wrote, ‘contains the basic tenets’’ of the Baha’ Faith. It will help us grasp the ‘full significance’’ of the scriptures of other religions and help us ‘‘appreciate the true mission of the Bab and Baha’u’ lah.”

The iqan will also aid us by explaining the ‘‘attitude of the Cause towards the prophets of God and their mission in the history of society’’something particularly helpful as we watch the acceleration of the crumbling of our present-day society.

The Iqan, Shoghi Effendi wrote on yet another occasion, is one of several books that ‘‘every Baha’i should master’’ and ‘‘be able to explain”’ to others.

The new pocket-size edition of the Kitáb-i-Íqán makes it especially easy to absorb the contents of the book in the way Shoghi Effendi said we should: by reading it over and over again.

‘That instruction was not merely for a few devoted Baha’is. It was for “every soul who desires to serve the Movement or considers himself an active member ...’”

Pocket-size edition, Catalog No. 103-032, $3.50.

N. Central Distribution Center closes, ending two-year regional experiment

On November 1, 1983, the North Central Distribution Center (NCDC) in Minneapolis was clos Titles from Around the World

BBPT—British Baha'i Publishing Trust Back in Stock

‘Abdu’l-Baha in London (BBPT) (HC, Cat. No. 106-041, $15) Faith for Everyman (BBPT) (SC, Cat. No. 106-042, $3) The Mystery of God (BBPT) (HC, Cat. No. 315-082, $18.50) Inspiring the Heart (BBPT) (SC, Cat. No. 315-081, $4) Unfolding Destiny (BBPT) (HC, Cat. No. 108-040, $40) Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them (BBPT)

(HC, Cat. No. 315-079, $5.50) Anthology for Baha’i Children (BBPT)

(SC, Cat. No. 353-023, $3) Nine Holy Days (BBPT)

(SC, Cat. No. 315-022, $3)

ed. All orders received after that date are being filled by the Baha’i Publishing Trust in Wilmette.

The closing of the NCDC affects Baha’is in six states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

NCDC opened in June 1981 under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Minneapolis. It was a two-year experiment proposed by the Publishing Trust and approved by the National Spiritual Assembly to see if service to Publishing Trust customers could be improved by establishing a series of regional distribution centers.

Initially, NCDC did improve the speed with which orders reached customers. But improvements in handling orders at the Publishing Trust in Wilmette since 1981 have eliminated the reason for experimenting with regional distribution centers.

Coupon for Ordering from tl the Publishing Trust

Price Qty Tite = it -i- tall HC $13.00 __ Buddha Maitrya 9.00 __Kitáb-i-Íqán, PS 3.50 Islamic Contributions 5.00

—Importance Deepening 2.00 Open Door w/envelope 10*7.50 Prophecy Fulfilled 1074.00 Baha'u'llah New Era, HC 3.00

_ Library Package 20.00 _ Other People, Places, HC 13.75 __ Other People, Places, SC 6.75 _Errata, Baha'i Prayers Free

Bahai Publishing Trust

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILM:

__ Light Shineth D’kness, HC $9.95 Light Shineth D’kness, SC 5.95 Story As Told 5.50 — One Universal Faith Some Ans. Questions, HC 12.00 — Christ's Promise Fulfilled __ Thief in Night, HC 6.50 Thief in Night, SC

30/4.00 Visa 3.00 MC_

gos Name Address City

Publishing Trust’s Library Package has attractive new price

The new $20 price on the Library Presentation Package now makes it more possible than ever for Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups to make sure that all the libraries in their communities have basic Baha’i books On their shelves.

The library package contains hardcover editions of Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, Some Answered Questions, and Baha'u'llah and the New Era—all excellent additions to any pul private, college or university library.

The new price of $20 for the Library Presentation Package (Catalog No. 530-040, reduced from $30) is possible because of an overstock on Baha'u'llah and the New Era, which has caused the Publishing Trust’ auditors to write down the cost of the book.

According to Larry Bucknell, the Trust’s general manager, the Publishing Trust wants to reduce its stock.

“Communities and individuals,’’ he says, ‘‘can now make a savings of $8 by purchasing the Library Presentation Package instead of the individual items.’’ Local Spiritual Assemblies may also want to take advantage of the special offer to buy books to present to new Baha’is, It is an excellent way to impress upon new Baha’is the importance of the Creative Word by giving them copies of Gleanings, Some Answered Questions, and Baha’u’llah and the New Era.

Enclosed is my check or money order for $___ Juding 10 per cent for postage and handling, imum $1.50).

Charge to: ($10.00 minimum order)

_____Card expires__

__.Card expires__

__State_—____Zip:

(All orders are NET—no discounts. No ialfes 6 on

TAB 11/83

TTE, IL 60091

librarians’ accounts accepted. Credit card orders accepted. by phone: 1-800-323-1880.)

Prices good through January 15, 1984

Prices valid only in 48 contiguous states of the United States

[Page 16]———VSS ee... 2.0

CLASSIFIEDS

The American Baha'i

16

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’i community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

.

ARE YOU looking for a rewarding and enriching experience? Do you enjoy doing research? Organizing and maintaining records? Have a strong background in Baha’i administration? The Baha’i World Centre is seeking highly motivated, welltrained individuals to serve as executive secretaries, indexers, and general office helpers. Typing and clerical skills, good stylistic sense of English, and some word processing skills are desirable. For applications or further information, please write to the Personnel Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

HANDY MAN or builder needed to live in and maintain beautiful new National Baha’i Institute in Zimbabwe. Should have own tools, be financially independent, employable in a skill or profession—or all three. Will also be needed to help in an ongoing building program. The climate is mild year-round and the location is not far from a major city. Africa awaits you. Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

MANAGER is needed for an audio-visual company producing Baha’i-oriented materials. Business experience necessary. Partowner situation preferred. Business can relocate anywhere in the continental U.S.—a great homefront pioneering opportunity! Write to Greg Dahl, president, Images International,

, Carmel, CA 93023.

HOTEL and restaurant managers: the International Goals Committee has information about job openings on St. Lucia in the Caribbean (for a_ professional management couple to run a 30-room hotel and its restaurant) and in Japan for a restaurant manager fluent in English and Japanese and with a degree or prior experience in food service. If you are interested in either position, please write to the International Goals Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

IF ANY Baha'is are driving to the National Center from the Northeast and would be willing to transport four boxes, the heaviest two about 30 pounds each, please contact either Sandra J. Roth Derry, NH 03038 (603-434-0152) or Charles or Donna McKinney, Main St., Wales, MA 01081 (413245-9326). The boxes contain some of the personal papers and effects of our beloved co-worker, Mrs. Hattie Chamberlin.

THE MAGNET, a Baha'i newsletter on early childhood development sponsored by the Indiana LEAP program, is secking your support. We need articles on any topic connected with carly childhood development and/or Baha’i family life. Please send written materials to Sandie Dapoz, editor,

Greenfield, IN 46140.

JOB OPENING exists for a quality control person for shoe production in Korea and Taiwan. Must be familiar with the production and manufacturing process and preferably have some experience in direct importing. If interested, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

HOMEFRONTS pioneers are needed in Great Falls, Montana, whose Assembly is in jeopardy. Great Falls,.in a mountainous

The Baha’i community of Jersey City, New Jersey, had a display booth at the eighth annual Jersey City festival which attracted an es

timated 15,000 people. Shown preparing the Bahd’{ display is Nayer Bushrui, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Jersey City.

area of the state with many recreational facilities and an abundance of fresh air, is an excellent place to live, especially for those who are retired. Glacier Park and three Indian Reservations are within a moderate distance. Please send inquiries to Helen Shane,

» Great Falls,

MT $9401.

CARPENTERS, electricians, painters, plumbers: skilled and experienced tradesmen are lovingly urged to apply for service at the Baha’i World Centre to help maintain the new Seat of the Universal House Of Justice. For applications or further information, please contact the Personnel Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

GAMES, puzzles and ideas are needed for “‘fun nights’’ that are being held on the Pacific island of Tuvalu. There is little entertainment on the island besides bars, and these fun nights are being used to teach and consolidate the Baha'is and their friends. If you would like to send games or puzZles, it would be greatly appreciated. Air mail takes two weeks, surface mail six months. Mark all items for “‘personal use.’’ Send to. Anna Buckner, Box 48, Funafuti, Tuvalu.

WASHINGTON state (northwest)—waterfront property for sale by Baha’i who must sell lovely 3-bedroom Victorian home before leaving for an international pioneering post. On two acres with fruit trees, 255 tide lands and no bank, the home on Marrowstone Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Good schools, shopping, cultural activities in nearby Port Townsend; less than two hours to Seattle. The Baha’ Group of five boasts a new declarant. Terms for sale of the house are negotiable at $149,500. Write to Redling, P.O. Box 65, Nordland, WA 98358, or phone 206385-4387.

THE NEW edition of the directory of ““Baha’i Book Collectors, Bibliophiles, and Researchers” is: now being compiled. If you would like to be included in the direc

of interest to i) in, 835 San Vicente Blyd ita Monica, CA 90402. Copies of the directory will be mailed free upon request.

CHIC California living awaits you—across the bay from beautiful San Diego. Swim, sail and enjoy the good life as a homefront pioneer to lovely Coronado! For more information, please contact the District Teaching Committee, Southern California Distric 4, Cai CA 92008, or phone 619-942-; 2440,

TRINIDAD nas need of a crown and bridge dental technician experienced in ceramics. If you are interested in pioneering to this Caribbean goal of the Seven

Year Plan, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

PAPUA New Guinea needs a caretaker for its National Center. The caretaker need not be a carpenter/repairman, but will prevent intrusions on the grounds and help at the Center. A couple is preferred, but a single male will do. Must be self-sufficient or able to find employment. Housing is provided. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone "312-869-9039).

WANTED: Personal papers of early Baha’is, especially original letters, diaries, photographs, manuscripts and personal recolkections. The National Baha'i Archives Committee would like to learn the names of descendants of early Baha’is, whether they are Bahá’ís or non-Baha’is, so that they may be contacted about these papers. Among the papers being sought are those of Robert Abbott of Chicago, James F. Brittingham of New York City, Louise Divon Boyle of Washington, D.C., Arthur P. Dodge of New York City, and Howard MacNutt. Anyone having information about the personal papers of these or other early Baha’is should contact the National Baha’i Archives Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

HONG KONG firm needs a graphic designer for a new line of gift packaging. Salary is around $20,000 U.S. and may include housing and other benefits. Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.

SPEND your winter vacation teaching the Faith in a district that has scen continued success and growth over the last six years. The sixth annual Winter Teaching Project in Southern New MexicoWest Texas will be held December 17 through January 4. Teaching in

northern Mexico is a part of this *

year’s project, as is teaching in Hispanic communities in southern New Mexico. Spanish-speaking teachers are needed! Contact the District Teaching Committee of Southern New Mexico/West Tex Alamagordo, NM 88310, or phone 505-437-0173.

GABON, Africa, needs Frenchspeaking neers to help teach and consolidate. A Persian couple would help lend stability to the community. Jobs are available for math teac! and those who can teach English as a second language. Since Gabon is an oil-rich country, many jobs related to production and refining are available. Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039,

ATTENTION former residents and associates of the Lafayette, Indiana, Baha’i community: Reserve the weekend of December 9-11! Plans are in the making for the fifth anniversary celebration of the Spiritual Assembly of Lafayette, and you are invited!

FORMER residents or visitors to the Mariana Islands (Guam, Rota,

Tinian, Saipan, Pagan,

we need your help to prepare a commemorative booklet

for our 30th-year-in-the-Marianas anniversary celebration (1984). If you have information about imtant events (especially ts’’) in the Marianas, and/or pictures (sharp black-and-whites or negatives of same) with identification of people, places and events, please send them as soon as possible. For instance, there is a story (rumor, myth, legend?) that a Baha'i Feast was held on Tinian before the Enola Gay took off to drop the first atomic bomb on Japan. Does anyone know? tures will be returned at your request. Please share your memories with us. Send to Barbara Newhouser, P.O. Box 21661, GMF, Guam 96921.

RURAL living, good clean air... if you enjoy this kind of lifestyle, we have the place for you! Mollala, Oregon, is a short (40-60 minute) drive from Portland or Salem, and has a smalltown spirit. The area needs a couple or family willing to settle and help provide a base for Baha’i activities. Much groundwork, love and prayers have gone into Mollala, so if you are thinking of a move—think Mollala! For more information contact the Spiritual Assembly of Gladstone, P.O. Box 125, Gladstone, OR 97027, or phone 503-655-4179.

REGULAR information about jobs in the fields of medical and nursing services, health and nutrition, agriculture and agricultural training, and all levels of education is received by the International Goals Committee. If you are interested in serving as a pioneer to fulfill a goal of the Seven YearPlan, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

A UNIVERSITY in Japan has an opening for an sation teacher. The teaching load light, the pay reasonable, Extra me can be obtained through

pri ¢ teaching, Housing. may be Bede: Send inquiries to the In

“ternational Goals Committee, Ba ha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039,

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in the historic Salinas Valley of Central California in the towns of Gonzales, Soledad and Greenfield. Large-scale teaching efforts there have resulted in numerous enrollments. These new Baha’is now await consolidation.

See ADS Page 23

[Page 17]NATIVE AMERICANS

November 1983

17

Cortez ‘Peace Day’ focuses on Anasazi Indians

As a part of its commemoration of World Peace Day, the Spiritual Assembly of Cortez, Colorado, arranged a public meeting September 10 entitled ‘The Anasazi Civilization and World Peace.””

THE ANASAZI were a prehistoric tribe of Pueblo Indians who, inhabited the 52,085 acres of mesas and canyons that now comprise the Mesa Verde National Park.

The Anasazi inhabited Mesa Verde from the time of Christ to about 1300 A.D. when they abandoned the area after a 24-year drought.

The ruins and artifacts they left behind them draw thousands of visitors each year to the national park whose entrance is 10 miles from Cortez (population 8,000).

In September 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) chose Mesa Verde National Park as a ‘‘World Heritage Cultural Site’? because of its importance in preserving the global heritage of mankind.

Prompted by this fact, the Spiritual Assembly of Cortez asked its Media Committee to plan a public meeting in connection with World Peace Day.

AS speakers, the committee chose Robert Heyder, superintendent of Mesa Verde National

Park, and Auxiliary Board member Dennis Jenkyns.

The meeting, held in the auditorium of a local school, drew an audience of Baha’is and non-Baha’is from the entire Four Corners area of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, and from as far away as Costa Rica, Iran, Japan and Scotland.

Representing the Southern Ute Indian Reservation was Lilian Seibel of Ignacio, Colorado, a member of the Southern Ute Tribal Council.

From the Navajo Reservation came Mitchell Silas of Aneth, Utah, who opened the meeting with a Navajo prayer.

Serving as a backdrop for the discussion was an 8- by 4-foot painting by a local Baha’s, ““Ancient Ones Encounter ant Ones,”’ in which members of the Anasazi tribe gaze skyward at two hovering extra-terrestrial spacecraft.

“WE ALL have a history, no matter who we are or where we come from,’’ said Mr. Heyder, “and we're all going to leave a history.

“I think that through a better understanding of each other—in this room and throughout the world—that’s the way the future is going to be charted, and that’s the way world peace is going to be charted—through understand

Auxiliary Board member Den

Jenkyns (standing) and Robert C. Heyder, superintendent of Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, were the speakers September 10 at

ing.””

The Anasazi conit world peace, Mr. Jen! out, has much to do fillment of ancient Indi ecies about a promised spiritual leader who would come from the

a World Peace Day public m sponsored by the Sp

of Cortez, Colorado. The

ing at the left, rendered by a

, was used as a back:

East to unite the world (often characterized as the return of the ndary Meso-American prophigure, Quetzlcoatl, or the Hopi’s mythical Bahanna, or “Purifier,”’ who would come from the East wearing a red coat).

(o world peace prov cient Anasazi Indians of Colorado. (Photo by F.A. Mann)

“Whether we're Siberian, Af rican, European or Native Amer

ican,’’ said Mr. Jenkyns, ‘‘it will be the similarities we look for and find in each other that will ultimately unite us along the road to world peace.”’—Fritz Mann

South Dakota scene of large Great Plains Council Fire

Bear Butte, South Dakota, long sacred to the Plains Indians as a place for prayer and fasting, was the site July 8-10 of a Great Plains Council Fire hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Rapid City and Native American Baha'is in South Dakota.

THE COUNCIL Fire brought together Baha’is from 20 states including Lakota (Sioux) from South Dakota, Navajos from Ari Happy faces were very much in evidence at the Great Plains Council Fire held July 8Bear Butte, South Dakota.

zona and Utah, other Native Americans from the Northwest, and even a Seminole from Florida.

The American Indian Teaching Committee was represented by. John and Cathy Cook of St. David, Arizona.

Among the dynamic speakers who touched the hearts of those attending was Woody Black Cloud of Standing Rock, South Dakota, who spoke of the spiritual ways of the Lakota people, of the Sacred Pipe, the sweat lodges, the customs and traditions that are held sacred by the Sioux.

A special ceremony Saturday morning for the Iranian martyrs was covered by television station KEVN in Rapid City and broadcast on its nightly news program.

Conference workshops on overcoming personal difficulties in

teaching, parenting, and child education were a time for sharing and learning more about one another’s cultural heritage.

On Saturday evening, a feast was held, followed by a pow-wow, dancing, and a give-away of many handmade items by native believers in South Dakota.

At the close of the Council Fire, a silent auction was held for the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project in Wanblee, and there were special prayers for the martyrs in Iran.

From the Council Fire, almost 40 Baha’is including Persians, Lakota Sioux and Navajos returned to the Amoz Gibson project to proclaim to the Lakota people the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Next year’s Great Plains Council Fire will be held July 6-8.

A large tent forms; a@ canopy to shield participants from the hot July sun during this summer's

f “Ob & vile.

eA

Great Plains Council Fire at Bear Butte, South Dakota.

Fourth annual N. American Native Institute held in Grand Portage, Minnesota

About 50 Bahda’is participated August 14 in the fourth annual Grand Portage (Minnesota) North American Native Institute at the Grand Portage Lodge and Conference Center.

The purpose of the conferences is to endow those who attend with a better understanding of the life and spiritual teachings of the original inhabitants of North America and to create a feeling of spiritual unity and faith in the

oneness of humanity. “

The key words this year w spoken by Billy Blackwell, a medicine man of the Grand Portage branch of the Ojibway tribe, who. said to the Bahda’is, ‘‘When you first came here four years ago, we did not know you. Now, after we have observed you for this period of time, we decided to come and be with you.’’

The meeting was chaired by

Larry Mitchell, an Ojibway from northern Minnesota.

Echo Mitchell, a non-Indian Baha’ i, expressed her happiness at being asked to share her views and feelings, and gave a moving demonstration of “the circle of love.””

Kendall Rice, a Potawatomie medicine man, told of the struggles of his people and of their yearning to live the Indian way of life.

Another Native American, Lillian Rice, described the needs and wants of Native American women and spoke of the progress made through their united efforts.

Following the institute, which was organized by the Northern Minnesota District Teaching Committee, the Balid’is were able to observe the traditional Powwow held to celebrate Rendezvous Days at the Grand Portage Reservation.

[Page 18]

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The American Baha'i

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[Page 19]

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November 1983

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[Page 21]

The American Baha'i

November 1983

ae

White Dove flying high

Teli me what you see.

If you would talk to me What news would you bring to me

of voices in the sky.

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Tennessee Baha’is hold finai statewide District Convention

Baha'is in Tennessee gathered October 2 for their last statewide Dis! Convention.

Beginning next year, the friends in the eastern and western areas of the state will have their own conventions, making this year’s event a celebration of further growth and a bittersweet reunion of Baha’is from across the state for the last time.

This year’s convention was marked by enthusiastic support for the National Fund and the WLGI radio project.

After a report from the National Treasurer’s Representative and the district’s delegate to last year’s National Convention, .a spontaneous auction was held for WLGL in which about $4,200 was raised.

Meanwhile, the Baha’i youth in Tennessee raised another $350 for WLGI Radio in South Carolina.

On March 22, the three-member Baha’i Group of Lander, Wyoming, met with the mayor of that city to acquaint him with the persecution of Baha'is in Iran and present him with copies of the book A Cry from the Heart and

the issue of World Order magazine that contains the transcript of Congressional hearings on Iran. Shown making the presentation to Mayor Del Mcomie are Baha'is Sharon Z. Tubman (left) and Mary J. Churchill.

Pioneer

Continued From Page 6

or some recreational activity with the children, and special hours during the day. It was wise in many ways.

TOO MUCH of any one kind of activity—teaching trips, committee meetings, may cause “burn-out,” and we can do more harm than good to the Faith.

Pace yourselves. Show your children or friends how a balanced Baha'i refreshes your loving nature and your attention to their needs. Our late teen-age twins and 21-year-old son are active and sincere believers.

I cannot say too much for a spouse who is also an enthusiastic pioneer, or an enthusiastic believer, if one marries in the field. It is truly a “fortress for wellbeing” and multiplies the effects of service. I have been very fortunate.

Beware when coming to a new land of negative stereotypes, a form of prejudice. You'll be amazed at how obvious and how delightful the exceptions to stereotypes are.

Patience is hard for: many North Americans, but is is one of the signs of love, and if we don’t develop it we may not make it as pioneers.

Martyrs

Continued From Page 11

homeland of the Almighty. When the seeds are watered with the blood of the Iranian friends, then they will become prosperous and will bear fruits.

‘ y drop of this blood will yield great results and will build a new world ...

Dear friends, the blood of the martyrs is the water of life; it is too precious to waste. Let us sow the seeds now while the field of teaching is still open to us.

It helps to see things in a historical perspective. If it takes five or 10 or 20 years to get a Local Spiritual Assembly to function, what is that in time compared to 500 years of passive religion and priestly rule? Such changes take time.

MANY people are supersensitive, and even mild backbiting can kill a spirit. We should be strong in stopping it anywhere. Serious problems should go to the Assembly and not be treated outside. We have seen Assembly consultation work wonders of correction and stimulate the entire community.

If 1 were to change anything in these 27 rich and fulfilling years, it would be to have paid much more attention to the children of the Baha’is and to have taught much more around the children—that is, to have concentrated on fam, Not just on individual youth or adults.

The elders are attracted to what makes children spiritual and different. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends would be attracted to the Faith.

At first, we were hanging on by our fingernails, just keeping the Assemblies alive, and didn’t seem to have time for children’s activities. Now I think it would have been easier had one of the principal functions of the fledgling Assemblies been to train and nurture the very young—even if there were only one or two. Who knows what one child nourished in the Cause might become?

I remember hearing the Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi say that if we don’t train and guide the children, we'll be constantly building communities from scratch—like constructing a house from the roof down.

OF the real delights of this fter so many years, is to

watch an Assembly in action, or consultation at a National Convention, the friends teaching with zeal and knowledge, to hear acute and considered observations, to see tests passed, heartfelt prayers, steadfastness, large and happy gatherings, wise consultation, and to realize that the friends can do it and do it quite well.

You are not needed as you were before, but you are loved, and your service is that of any other believer. You are one of them.

You came from another land with a different language and culture, but that has long passed. Their children are as yours, their aged are as your parents, and when they pass on, you weep and pray for them as you would your own.

The countryside, the villages are as your own. You feel the anguish and the joys, with no sense of separation or removal. You see in the suffering the growth of self-persuasion that this Cause is truly God’s Cause and the light out of this darkness.

Apart from settling in as a pioneer, this service is not so much a series of great shining deeds as it is the repetition of countless and forgotten acts of kindness and gentleness; sacrificing time, energy and funds; putting up with all kinds of vexations; prayer and study, weariness, late nights, hard travel, high risks, and blind trust; worries about money, jobs, education, not enough time; illness, struggles, and victori

Yet underlying it all is a sweetness and joy beyond expression. There is no way to give befitting thanks, and there is the abiding

iness for having made the FS ago to go pioneering Cause of God.

for the The opportunities and the qualities and the victories are from Him and return to Him. With much affection and gratitude,

Quentin Farrand

| gene 9a peste ea RRO PS EE SE EE EP I AO YSERA SNORT)

[Page 22]PAGINA HISPANA

The American Baha'i

22

Excelencia en todas las cosas

La importancia del caracter Baha?

Extractos de los Escritos de ‘Abdu’l-Baha

ioh vosotros amigos de Dios! Mostrad tal empefio que todas las naciones y comunidades de la tierra, incluso los enemigos, pongan su confianza, certeza y esperanza en vosotros; que si una persona incurre en error cien mil veces, atin asi pueda volver su rostro hacia vosotros, esperanzado en que le perdonaries sus pecados; pues no debe sentirse deshauciado, ni afligido, ni abatido. Esta es la conducta y el modo de ser del pueblo de Baha. jEsta es la base del mas alto sendero! Debéis ajustar vuestra conducta y modales a los consejos de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, pag. 436)

wae

Ademas sabed que, verdaderamente, el pueblo de Baha debe distinguirse en todos los aspectos de los otros, hasta convertirse en lamparas del Verdadero entre las criaturas y en estrellas de guia brillando desde el Concurso Supremo. (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, pag. 682)

wae

El deber fundamental, es hoy dia purificar vuestros caracteres corregir nuestros modales y me jorar vuestras conductas. Los amados del Todo Misericordioso deben manifestar tal caracter y conducta entre sus criaturas, que la fragancia de su santidad pueda derramarse sobre el mundo entero y pueda revivir a los muertos, dado que la finalidad de la Manifestacién de Dios y de la alborada de la claridad: ilimitada del Invisible es la de educar a las almas de los hombres y la de afinar el caracter de cada persona viviente ... (Citado en Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina, pags. 41-42, EBILA 1972)

En este momento yo también pido muy urgentemente a los amigos de Dios que se esfuercen al maximo en este sentido, tanto como sus capacidades les permitan. Cuanto més se esfuercen en ensanchar el campo de su colos amados de Dios, ya sean jévenes 0 viejos, varones 0 mujerés, cada uno de acuerdo con sus potencialidades, se afane y no escatime esfuerzos para adquirir los diversos ramos actuales tanto del saber espiritual como del secular, y de las artes. Toda vez que se congreguen en las reuniones, que su conversacion se limite a temas ilustrados y a la informacién sobre el cono

This float was entered July 2 by the Baha’is of Jamestown, North Dakota, in that city’s Centennial Parade. ‘Float’ was an appropriate mame for it, as it almost

‘floated’ away with other floats and bands beneath a torrential downpour that dumped threequarters of an inch of rain on the city in less than an hour.

Pioneer produces cassette of songs

Joany Lincoln, a pioneer to Africa for 13 years, is well-known for her inspiring and heartfelt songs about the Faith and pioneering. She has produced a cassette tape featuring several of her songs, in English, French and African languages, which is now available from the International Goals Committee.

If you would like a copy of the tape, please write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, and include $8 for the tape and postage costs.

cimiento y ciencias actuales.

Si hacen esto, inundaran el mundo con la Luz Manifiesta y transformaran esta tierra polvorienta en jardines del Reino de Gloria. (Compiliacén sobre “Educacién Baha’i, EBILA, 1978)

wae Es claro que la erudicién es el

q conocimiento y su adquisicién es una bendicién del cielo. Por lo tanto, incumbe a los amigos de Dios poner empefio y esforzarse con ahinco para promover el conocimiento divino, la cultura y la ciencia, pues dentro de poco, aquellos que hoy son escolares se convertiran en los mas eruditos de todos los sabios. Este es un servicio rendido a Dios mismo, y es uno de sus ineludibles mandamientos. (Compilacién sobre “Educacién Baha’i,”’ pag. 48, EBILA, 1978) eae

joh amigos amorosos! Haced esfuerzos para adquirir los diversos ramos del saber y del verdadero entendimiento. Esforzaos al maximo para lograr realizaciones tanto materiales como espirituales.

Estimulad a los nifios desde sus mas tempranos afios a dominar toda clase de ciencia, y haceles deseosos de ser idéneos en todas las artes; la meta es que mediante la favorable gracia de Dios, el corazén de cada uno Ilegue a ser como un espejo que devele los secretos del universo, penetrando la recéndita realidad de todas las cosas; y que cada uno gane fama mundial en todos los ramos del

imiento, ciencia y artes. ion sobre ‘‘Educacién pag. 33, EBILA, 1978)

Iran: Asambleas perdido por decreto gobierno

A todas las asambleas espirituales nacionales Queridos amigos baha’is

La Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha pedido trasmitirles el siguiente

mensaje que hoy se ha cablegrafiado a asambleas espirituales nacionales seleccionadas: MUY ATRIBULADA COMUNIDAD MAS GRANDE NOMBRE. IRAN EN DIAS RECIENTES HA SUFRIDO AUN OTRO GOLPE CRUEL ABRIENDO NUEVO CAPITULO SU HISTORIA TURBULENTA. EL 29 DE AGOSTO EN ACCION SIN PRECEDENTE GOBIERNO REVOLUCIONARIO MEDIANTE ENUNCIADO EMITIDO FISCAL DEL ESTADO ANUNCIO PROSCRIPCION ADMINISTRACION BAHA’i, RECITANDO ACUSACIONES FALSAS ACOSTUMBRADAS DICIENDO EXISTENCIA ADMINISTRACION SE CONSIDERA OFICIALMENTE EN CONTRA LEYES CONSTITUCION PAIS. SIN EMBARGO ENUNCIADO DIJO BAHA’[S PUEDEN PRACTICAR CREENCIAS COMO INDIVIDUOS PRIVADOS SI ES QUE NO ENSENAN NI INVITAN A LOS DEMAS A ENROLARSE FE, NI FORMAN ASAMBLEAS NI TIENEN NADA QUE VER CON ADMINISTRACION. SERVIR EN ADMINISTRACION BAHA'I AHORA SE ESPECIFICA COMO ACTO CRIMINAL. ESTE ULTIMO ATAQUE A COMUNIDAD INDEFENSA DEMUESTRA CLARAMENTE IMPLACABILIDAD ELEMENTOS FANATICOS EN SU CAMPANA SOFOCAR LUZ Ne FE DE DIOS EN PAIS DONDE POR PRIMERA VEZ BRILLO.

EN CONFORMIDAD PRINCIPIO LEALTAD OBEDIENCIA GOBIERNO ASAMBLEA ESPIRITUAL NACIONAL IRAN DE INMEDIATO TOMO ACCION DISOLVER ADMINISTRACION BAHA’[ EN TODO PAIS, DE ESTA MANERA MANTENIENDO INTEGRIDAD COMUNIDAD NO OBSTANTE YUGO PESADO CRUELDADES SOPORTADO POR SUS MIEMBROS POR VARIAS GENERACIONES. SEGUROS QUE AMIGOS FIRMES PROBADOS Y DEVOTOS ESE PAIS QUE HA ESTADO AGITADO POR TANTO TIEMPO HARAN FRENTE A NUEVA SITUACION CON FORTALEZA RADIANTE. A LA VEZ BAHAIS OTRAS PARTES GOZANDO LIBERTAD PRACTICAR FE SE VEN EXTRAORDINARIAMENTE DESAFIADOS A VINDICAR, POR SU RENOVADA CONSAGRACION, A TAREAS SAGRADAS._INMEDIATAS, SUFRIMIENTO CONTINUO SUS HERMANOS IRANIES MUY AGRAVIADOS. DE HECHO SE URGE A TODAS LAS ASAMBLEAS NACIONALES A DAR PASOS FORTALECER CIMIENTOS INSTITUCIONES BAHA’IS SU PAIS COMO TRIBUTO A SACRIFICIOS ACEPTADOS VALIENTEMENTE POR MIEMBROS COMUNIDAD TIERRA NATIVA DE BAHA"U’LLAH.

CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA 13 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1983

Marion Continued From Page 4 Shoghi Effendi expressed his

“... unqualified gratitude ...”” In 1931 Mrs. Little’s husband, Raymond, a prominent New York publisher, died unexpectedly. She then returned to Louisiana and became known throughout the Southern states as an able and dedicated traveling teacher.

When the Guardian announced the second Seven Year Plan, which began in 1946, Mrs. Little was among those who responded. She left for war-torn Europe as a traveling teacher in 1947, and remained in Europe as a pioneer for the rest of her earthly life.

Serving in Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and France, she helped form the second Local Spiritual Assembly in Spain, and, in 1949, the first Spiritual Assembly of Florence, Italy.

THE 1953 Convention that brought into being the Italo-Swiss Regional National Spiritual As sembly was held in Mrs. Little's apartment in Florence. She was elected a member of that historic National Assembly.

Later, she pioneered to Vevey and Lausanne, Switzerland, and helped organize the annual international conferences and Summer School sessions for Europe.

Mrs. Little’s last pioneering post was in Metz, France, a difficult teaching goal. Although her health was failing, she helped bring about the formation of the first Spiritual Assembly of Metz.

Upon receiving news of her passing in 1973, the Universal House of Justice sent the following cable dated March 12:

“Ascension Abhd Kingdom Marion Little steadfast devoted servant Bahá’u’lláh more than 50 years teaching publishing pioneering United States South America Europe deprives American Baha’

community one its brightest orna-”

ments Europe one most radiant pioneers. Her loyalty cheerfulness courage uplifted spirits friends as sures bounteous reward. Offering prayers sacred threshold progress her soul recommend German National Assembly hold befitting memorial service Mother Temple Europe.”

Flint community participates in Bluegrass Festival

The Baha’i community of Flint, Michigan, participated August 6-7 inthe sixth annual Bluegrass and Country Music Festival at the University of Michigan campus in Flint.

Several thousand people attended the festival, whose theme was “Country in the City’’ and whose music was supported by exhibits of crafts, agriculture and energy, as well as by dancing and other competitions.

The Baha’i booth was entered in the ‘‘country crafts’’ section. Six people signed an ‘“‘interest book”’ to receive more information about the Faith and notices of local Baha’i events.

[Page 23]The American Baha'i

November 1983

Te = NGO...

.. in The American Baha’i

The Universal House of Justice announces that the number of Auxiliary Board members around the world is being increased to 270 and that the Continental Boards of Counsellors are being authorized to appoint assistants to the Board members in areas where they feel the circumstances warrant such a move.

The letter from the Supreme Body states that 81 Auxiliary Board members will be assigned to the Western Hemisphere including North America. Fifty-four Board members will serve in Africa, 81 in Asia, 36 in Europe and 18 in Australasia ...

Two members of the Universal House of Justice, Hugh Chance and Dr. David Ruhe, visit the Baha’i National Center in Wilmette and spend an evening with the hundreds of Baha’is who travel to the House of Worship to be with the distinguished guests.

Dr. Ruhe’s arrival is followed one week later by Mr. Chance’s visit to Wilmette ...

Among the speakers at the 13th Green Lake Baha’i Conference in Wisconsin are the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem; Magdalene M. Carney, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Peter Khan; Marguerite Sears; and Dr. Philip Christensen, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Nearly 1,000 Baha’is and their guests attend the three-day gathering ...

The National Teaching Committee announces a plan to use homefront pioneers and traveling teachers to help consolidate victories already won in preparation for the next global teaching campaign.

District Teaching Committees are to coordinate homefront pioneering and traveling teaching within their districts during the remainder of the Baha’i year ...

About 200 Baha'is attend the 61st annual memorial service for Thornton Chase, the first American Baha’i, held at his gravesite in Inglewood, California ...

A new round of seminars for Local Spiritual Assemblies is begun throughout the country.

Their purpose, according to the National Spiritual Assembly, is to “assist. Local Assemblies to meet their responsibilities more effectively at a time when greater demands are being made upon them to fulfill the objectives for which they were created.””

Each of the 49 seminars lasts one full day ...

Ads

Continued From Page 16

Friendship teams regularly visit the people in that area to help fulfill strategic goals of the Seven Year Plan. Employment as a teacher or with the federal government is possible; ability to speak Spanish is desirable. For more information, contact Jim Johnson, P.O. Box 22, Pleasanton, CA 94566, or phone 415-846-9212.

SECURITY guards are urgently needed to protect the Shrines and gardens at the Baha’i World Centre. Positions require shift work, good health and fitness, and an ability to learn some Hebrew. Due to the nature of the work, single men only should apply. For applications or further information, please contact the Personnel Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

NEED ‘statistical information on the number of Bahá’ís who came from the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. Anyone who knows where such information can be obtained, please write to Jeff Williams, Box 330, West Liberty, IA 52776.

COMPUTER program is needed to print national Baha’i mailing list labels and store a master list of the Baha’is of El Salvador. A Radio Shack TRS 80 Model 16 computer with 132-column printer is available to the National Office in El Salvador. We are requesting, someone to design, prepare and mail a program for use in El Salvador as a service to this steadfast, active and growing national community. Programmer may suggest other equipment available to him. Please send offers or inquiries to Marvin Dreyer, c/o Centro Baha’i,

, San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America.

THE PACIFIC island of Fiji has openings for university professors in history and administrative studies, also for a computer programmer at the university. There are also jobs for project di Wanblee

Continued From Page 7

him to tell the chief what he had heard, and ask the chief for his opinion.

“When the interpreter had finished speaking, the chief rolled his eyes upward and raised his hands to the sky in a form of supplication.

THEN, as he spoke words i the Lakota language, he joined hands in the shape of a pyramid.

“The interpreter explained that the chief believes in what we said, and that he also believes that one day the four races of man will join together in one family:

“We then invited the interpreter to join with us in this great family of man, and after some hesitation, he signed his card.

rectors for trade development, energy planning, and conservation. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THERE ARE two job openings on the Pacific Island of Tonga. The first, for a credit union officer with experience in co-op and credit union bookkeeping and accountancy, is needed with the Ministry of Commerce, Labor and Industry. The position involves considerable travel on the island. The other position is that of a secretary to a general manager. A good command of English is necessary, and the secretary would supervise a small staff. If you are interested in either position, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. *

TEACHER is needed immediately at an English Institute in Mexico to replace a pioneer there. The position does not require a knowledge of Spanish, but applicants must be able to read, write and speak English well. Teaching degree or certification is not required. The present pioneer is willing to share boarding with another woman until more permanent arrangements can be made. She will also help the person learn Spanish, if needed. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-8699039).

Martha Root author M.R. Garis to be guest at Louhelen reception

M.R. Garis, author of Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold, will be honored with an autograph party and reception Wednesday, December 28, at 8 p.m. at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan. :

Mrs. Garis will be teaching a course on the life of Martha Root at Louhelen’s December 26-31 session.

“We then asked the chief if he would like to become a Baha’i.\He raised two fingers, said, ‘Good, agree’ in Lakota, and also declared.

“Later, we were told that this man, Chief Fool’s Crow, had been taught for perhaps 20 years by many prominent Baha'is, among them Vinson Brown and Chester Kahn. He also played an important role in the history of the Sioux, and there is at least one book I know of which is his biography.

“A few days later, the chief chose the man to lead the ceremonial Sun Dance. Traditionally, these leaders must be full-blooded Indians, but the chief instead chose a man who is part Japanese, part black, part white and part Sioux!’”

an Mayor John J. Malone of New Berlin, Wisconsin (seated) signs a World Peace Day proclamation as Bah: (left to right) Mary Jo Mineau, Ed Piotrowski and Ellie Kolehouse look on. Standing at right is librarian Paul Sotirin. The

Teaching conference slated in Delaware

toddlers.

Spiritual Assemblies in New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania are encouraged to consider sending representatives to help develop inter-community cooperation in the New York-Washington corridor.

A fee of $5 ($7.50 at the door) will cover materials and refreshments. To register, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Newark,

Newark, DE 19711, or phone 302-762-2803.

Baha'is of New Berlin presented the city with $100 for trees to be planted in front of a new library | addition, and gave the library a copy of The Promulgation of Universal Peace.

The Spiritual Assembly of Newark, Delaware, is sponsoring a Regional Teaching Conference to be held January 14 at the University of Delaware in Newark.

The conference will focus on practical applications of teaching methods including firesides. Friendship Teams, teaching Christians, and direct teaching. The day-long conference will include workshop sessions.

A special children’s program is planned for 5- to 10-year-olds, and child care will be available for

In Memoriam

Bahy Rassekh Council Bluffs, [A September 15, 1983

Marguerite Rodgers Bradenton, FL October 1, 1983

James Ross Darlington, SC

Alberta Brunson Andrews, SC November 1982

Alberthea Brunson Andrews, SC November 1982 1981

Martha Candidus Pauline Hanson Huntington Station, NY Denton, TX

Mildred Gerardy Sacramento, CA August 13, 1983

James Green Andrews, SC

September 8, 1983 1983 June 20, 1982 Livio Castelli Amelia Jacobson Edith L. Ryder Los Angeles, CA Portland, OR Chula Vista, CA September 14, 1983 September 1, 1983 May 20, 1983 Victorine Chanderbhan Richard Kimber John A. Santo

Van Nuys, CA September 19, 1983

Marco M. Conte Penrose, CO Date Unknown

Albert Danner Jacksonboro, SC Date Unknown

Anne Davidson Maitland, MO September 27, 1983

Gloria M. Denny North Miami, FL August 17, 1983

Jean A. Erhart

Mountlake Terrace, WA Malden, MA August 30, 1983 September 1983

Mohamed Labib Arthur Schulte Hilton Head, SC Topeka, KS Date Unknown September 2, 1983

Julia H. Lehman John Singletary Middletown, NY Florence, SC Date Unknown May 1983

Efrem Z. Stepter Baton Rouge, LA September 16, 1983

Clemmie Timmons Avondale, AZ Date Unknown

Kathleen Williford

Marguerite Loveless Topeka, KS August 6, 1983

Olevia Mackey Baton Rouge, LA October 2, 1983

Thomas Owen

Moline, IL. Fallbrook, CA Tampa, FL April 21, 1983 August 21, 1983 1981 Julian Fierro Juan Pena Ned Yazzie Alpine, TX Pagosa Springs, CA Chinle, AZ Date Unknown October, 22, 1982 1982

[Page 24]

The American Baha'i

Letters Continued From Page 3

offered me refreshments. Such hospitality!”

Well, to make a long story short, I did my best to tell her of the Glad Tidings, talking for two hours to her and an 82-year-old friend who joined us later.

As I arose to leave she said, “Where do I sign?’’

“What was that?’’ feebly.

“T want this Baha’i religion!’’ she responded firmly.

Needless to say, that woman is now a part of our growing community. She was enrolled the next evening at a party honoring another enrollee from the week before.

Why, you may ask, am I sharing this story? Because too many times I have heard fellow believers say it isn’t possible to teach the elderly because they are set in their ways.

Not true! This Faith is for the old as well as the young, and we must never judge a group. This woman had been searching since she was a little girl.

So teach the senior citizens.in your area. Among the elderly are many waiting. souls. Look for them!

I asked

Patrick C. Labbe Pawtucket, Rhode Island

To the Editor:

I became a Bahda’i in 1969. There was a joy, a caring, a vitality in the community which attracted me to the Faith. I had decided before ever meeting a Baha’i that the Faith was real and valid. Those I finally met convinced me that it had not, like so many others, been corrupted by personal opinions, etc.

IN RECENT years, however, I have observed a tremendous change.

In our prayers, we are exhorted not to dwell on ‘‘the unpleasant things of life,” to be “a happy and joyful being.”’

Each of us is constantly assailed by negatives—the economy, international relationships, violence, hatred, revolutions, budget cutbacks, unemployment—the list goes on and on.

‘When we go to our Baha’i community to be healed and revitalized, we are faced with budget problems, tales of persecutions and martyrdoms, threats of loss of programs because of money shortages, and the general depression of our fellow community members.

1 am not implying that we should stick our heads in the sand and pretend that such things do not exist; but if the Baha’i community is to be a haven for all the troubled souls of the world, we must not ‘‘dwell on the unpleasant things of life.’”

EVEN in the most negative aspects of whatever happens, within the Faith or without, we must look for the positive.

If we Baha’is are troubled, how can we display the qualities that would reassure those who are looking for direction that we have found it? s

Even in letters from the Baha’i community one can see a great deal of anxiety and unhappiness, and a lack of love and understanding.

The American Baha’i is not, in my limited understanding, to be a forum for controversy and interpersonal harassment. I have read things in recent letters that have shocked and disturbed me. Imagine how they must wound the tender new Baha’i!

Please, friends, love one another, support one another, look for a positive aspect to every negative thing in your life.

Please do not let the Baha’i community fall victim to the negativism by which we are surrounded. Instead, let the Baha’i community be a place where all those who are sorely tried by the outside world can come to find comfort, caring, support, and a positive outlook—a refuge for the troubled multitudes including our own community members.

Helen Kreling Pierce County, Washington

To the Edit

I would like to respond to a letter that appeared in the August issue of The American Bah:

The writer notes that his individual Baha’is, i Faith itself, is wavering, and that he is considering alternatives in the worship of God.

I BELIEVE that it is healthy to question one’s faith from time to time, and that through such questioning his faith gains strength.

The principle of the independent investigation of truth does not end when one becomes a Baha’i. People who never question their faith become rigid and unable to accept new ideas.

As to the writer’s wavering faith in individual Baha’is, all I can say is that I empathize with him. But he should remember that -becoming a Bahda’i is only a first step, and that we all have much growing to do. Our greatest tests come from within our own membership, as do our greatest rewards.

The writer notes that some Baha’is seem to imply that they are somehow superior to others. Sometimes I ‘also feel this, especially at firesides where the group is divided into Baha’is and “seekers.”

When Baha’is use the term “seeker,”’ they imply that they have something the non-Baha’i is seeking, whereas the ‘‘seeker’’ may actually have something valuable to offer us.

CAN’T we all just be children of God without additional labels?

I disagree with the writer when he says we shouldn’t discuss racial problems. If Dr. Martin Luther King had taken that attitude 25 years ago, America would have been deprived of one of its great

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est leaders,

The writer notes that some Baha’is project a subtle superiority in assuming that they alone have answers to the world’s problems.

Obviously, many individuals, not just Bahá’ís, have arrived independently at many of the solutions proposed by the Faith. However, the Baha’i Faith offers those individuals a place where their beliefs will be given credence through the Word of God.

Finally, the writer says he finds such terms as “‘enemy of the Faith’’ disturbing. I am also sensitive to similar statements which enjoin us to enter the “‘ranks”’ of Baha’u’llah’s ‘‘army’’ and win “victories” for the Cause.

I believe that our language should be more peaceful, reflecting our approach to life: thoughtful, accepting, forgiving, modest ... and non-aggressive.

Bahá’u’lláh reminds us that a kindly tongue is ‘‘...the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding ...””

I hope you will accept my remarks as constructive criticism. My strongest belief is that the Faith is our hope for the future.

Richard V. Crume Hillsborough, North Carolina

To the Editor:

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Baha’i parents today is the awesome responsibility of educating their children.

Far too often they are convinced that they are incapable of doing it themselves, and so they

leave the educating to understaffed, overburdened public schools. The first few invaluable years are lost, never to be regained.

I am determined that this. will not happen to my child.

In his books, How to Teach Your Baby to Read and Teach Your Baby Math, Glen Doman, director of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, gives logical arguments for teaching 2-year-old children reading and math, even beginning as early as eight months of agethe time period when they are most eager and most capable of learning and retaining what they learn,

While pioneering in Venezuela 10 years ago, I saw the results of Mr. Doman’s method and instantly became convinced that he is right and that when I had children I would teach them this way.

Time has not altered my determination, only strengthened it.

It takes very little time to teach a small child reading and math. It is a gift that cannot be taken away, but if the opportunity is lost it can never be given again.

- Thomas E. Moore Raleigh, North Carolina

To the Editor:

In exploring various avenues of teaching, one method I’ve found effective is to write yearly ‘‘family letters’? similar to those many people enclose with Christmas cards to keep in touch with friends or relatives.

I usually send the letter around Naw-Rúz; explaining about the Baha’i New Year and including an

account-of my local Baha’i community’s activi as well as an update about my personal activities and plans.

The letters have been well received, and people invariably mention being glad to hear more about the Faith.

Another idea is to put up a large bulletin board in the family room with photos of Baha’i friends and gatherings. People often are struck by the joyful diversity, become curious, and ask questions.

In the display you might include some quotations from the Writings and pictures of Bahá’í Holy Places. In my home, this has been a heartwarming way of opening many discussions about the Faith. It is also a vivid reminder of the reality of our Baha’i family.

For those of you who wish you could find more time to immerse yourselves in the Writings, you might try recording your favorite passages on cassette tapes.

In quiet moments, early or late in the day, on walks, or even in the car if used with reverence, such tapes can provide many hours of rewarding reflection. They also make unique gifts for fellow Baha’is or friends who are close to the Faith—for example, a tape of The Hidden Words.

Elizabeth Bowen Wilmington, Delaware

The Bedrock of All Other Institutions National Baha’i Fund ‘Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 25]NOVEMBER 1983

Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira and Judge James F. Nelson, representing the institutions of the Continental Board of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assembly, respectively, are shown breaking ground for WLGI Radio at the Louis Gregory Institute in South Carolina.

Historic groundbreaking

Sunday, October 16, 1983, will be remembered in history as a momentous day for the fortunes of the Faith of Baha’u’llah in America. At approximately 2 p.m. a group of about 50 believers gathered at the site of the WLGI radio tower for a formal groundbreaking ceremony, and to recall the life and accomplishments of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

THE GROUNDBREAKING was a joint undertaking of the two “senior institutions of the Faith—the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly.

Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira represented the Counsellors and spoke of Mr. Gregory’s efforts to promote unity and racial amity. She said that his spirit was undoubtedly rejoicing over the success of the race amity conference that had just been concluded in Charleston, and the unified action being realized within the Baha’i community which has become the battle cry of the Seven Year Plan.

Dr. Pereira reminded those present that success in the highest degree is assured when the institutions and individual believers work together with single-minded purpose to achieve our goals. Reminiscing about her acquaintance with Louis Gregory, she spoke of the qualities of leadership and devotion that enabled him to sow seeds throughout South Carolina that are now bearing glorious fruit.

Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke of the historical significance of the event, saying: ‘‘If we could look through a ‘spiritual window’ in history to the past, we would be able to see a band of loyal, devoted believers standing beside the shores of Lake Michigan about 75 years ago, with hopes and aspirations to build a House of Worship. They had no money; they had no idea how long it would take them to complete the project; but their faith was such that in the spiritual kingdom it had already been built.

“IF WE WERE ABLE to look through the same window from an equivalent distance in the future, we would be able to see more clearly what it is that we are accomplishing today in breaking ground for the first North American Baha’i radio station. The group that stood by Lake Michigan successfully raised the holiest House of Worship ever to be built—one we all know as the great ‘Silent Teacher.’ Future generations will realize that at this time the great ‘Silent Teacher’ acquired its first North American voice.””

Dr. Pereira and Judge Nelson each turned a spadeful of earth to signalize the initiation of construction of the radio station. Remarks by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, followed, and the event concluded with a moving rendition of the spiritual ‘‘O Lord, I am Your child.’’ Woodrow Jackson, the first person to become a Baha’i in the environs of the Louis Gregory Institute, was one of the two vocalists.

Those who attended the groundbreaking were exhilarated to see the American Baha’i community take a major step toward a new era of using mass media to promote the Faith. There is no doubt that the events which will unfold as a result of this historic rhoment will revolutionize the fortunes of this community forever.

PULL-OUT SECTION

(yp) WLG I Baha'i Radio

Institute’s director describes WLGI potential

Excerpts from a talk given by Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, at the Green Lake, Wisconsin, Baha’i Conference, September 17, 1983.

°

It is extremely significant that the Universal House of Justice has encouraged us to undertake the momentous project of constructing the first Bahd’{ radio station in North America at this time. In its Ridvan message this year, the Supreme Body told us:

“WE MAY therefore be utterly confident that the new throb of energy now vibrating throughout the Cause will empower it to meet the oncoming challenges of assisting ... as maturity and resources allow, the development of the social and economic life of peoples, of collaborating with the forces leading toward the establishment of order in the world, of influencing the exploitation and constructive uses of modern technology, and in all these ways enhancing the prestige and progress of the Faith and uplifting the conditions of the generality of mankind.’”

Do you see how handsomely radio, when put to the service of the Cause of Baha’u’llah, can fulfill these hopes of the Universal House of Justice? A radio station which serves the lofty aims and purposes of the Faith will certainly affect ‘‘the social and economic life’’ of its people, and there can be no question that it represents ‘‘the exploitation and constructive uses of modern technology.’’

It is important that we share this vision, from the very outset, of what WLGI Radio can be, what it must be as an agency of the Faith, reaching out to serve workaday material needs as well as giving the spiritually healing Message of Baha’u’llah. Think of the potential for service of: such a radio station!

WLGL is our station. The House of Justice has directed us to construct it. The National Spiritual Assembly has taken steps to proceed with that construction, and its glorious effects can already be clearly envisioned.

LIKE THE believers of an earlier time during the construction of the House of Worship, the realization of WLGI Radio will demand many sacrifices of us, including financial _ sacrifices—opportunities that are ours alone to advance the Cause of God, For WLGI will be unique. Never again will we raise up the first Baha’i radio station in North America. It is our opportunity as we build WLGI to evince that same high-spirited and unified action which built the Temple and which alone will see this project through to its completion.

The project has progressed rapidly from its inception. In March 1982, general plans were drawn up, and, under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, an application was DR. ALBERTA DEAS made to the Federal Communications Commission for a construction permit to build a non-commercial educational FM broadcast station at the Louis Gregory Institute site near Hemingway, South Carolina.

Discussions between the National Assembly, the National Teaching Committee, the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee, and the director of the Louis Gregory Institute served to outline the purposes

Continued on Page 2

[Page 26-27](«)) WEGL.

Louis Gregory—still moving the world through WLGI Radio

Louis Gregory “has been described as powerful, humble, dignified, moderate and constructive, reasonable, down-toearth, loving, patient, and optimistic. He had an enormous impact on both his Baha’i contemporaries and the non-Baha’i world in which he served. His mission in life was, most of all, one of servitude. Louis George Gregory, Hand of the Cause of God, stands as a unique and apt example for the radio station that, through its parent institute, will proudly bear his name.

THE LIFE and character of Louis Gregory provide us with a standard of service to mankind. If WLGI Radio can achieve such a level of service to its broadcast area, it will fulfill our fondest hopes and aspirations for North American Baha’i radio.

Let us look at Louis Gregory’s life for inspiration, and to find the parallels of service that can be the hallmarks of WLGI.

From the beginning of his life, Louis Gregory quietly yet uncompromisingly laid the groundwork for the changes he knew would occur through the application of God’s plan for mankind. He invariably attracted the attention of his audience with his earnest, powerful and effective speech, his musical tone of voice, and his sweet, personable magnetism.

His written works left an indelible imprint on the reader because he

LOUIS G. GREGORY

was always moderate in tone, down-to-earth and reasonable. Just asservice was the over-riding motivation in his life, the teaching work was the over-riding activity without which Louis Gregory could not have survived.

HE PUT HIS considerable talents to work for the Baha’i Faith for more than four decades, in three distinct but interrelated areas of endeavor: he served as the pre-eminent spokesman of the Baha’i Cause to his people; he fulfilled important but unobtrusive roles within the sphere of Bahá’í administration; and he became a standard-bearer for the cause of racial unity.

Louis Gregory was unique in that, in his own time, his contemporaries recognized in him the stuff of which history is made. As May Maxwell said, ‘‘It becomes increasingly evident in this country ... that our beloved brother Mr. Louis Gregory is a unique instrument ...’”

Following in Louis Gregory’s footsteps, and firmly grounded in Baha’i ideals, radio station WLGI can serve as a constant spokesman for the Bahá’í Faith to its listeners—coming into their homes with a regularity and constancy that few individuals or teaching plans could achieve—and who knows for how many decades WLGI will be teaching the Cause?

There are many other descriptions of Louis Gregory’s character, attributes, aspirations and work. Words and phrases abound, such as: active teacher; commanded love and respect; courteous; humanitarian service; mildness did not mask weakness; formidable in defending principle; common sense; humble servitude; tranquil power; heroic constancy; mature wisdom; tireless energy; patience; honesty; shining love.

Yes, these are all words which describe a man, but what a wonderful prospect awaits WLGI and the dedicated American Baha’is who will bring it to fruition, if, through the station, these lofty characteristics can be exemplified. What an example for this undertaking!

Louis Gregory, in his own words, provides us with the goal to which we can aspire in this great endeavor:

“So, among all the different races and groups and classes of people in the world, the ideal of today is cooperation, mutuality, service. If one

2

WLGI

wants to distinguish himself let him become distinguished as a servant of humanity. Let him stand upon this exalted principle of the oneness of God and the oneness of the entire human race. Whoever stands upon this exalted principle will never be shaken by the shifting sands of time; whoever stands upon this exalted principle, like the lever of Archimedes, will move the world.’” e

Information and quotations from this article were taken from To Move the World, Gayle Morrison’s invaluable biography of Louis G. Gregory. It is a fascinating and illuminating story of the man and his times, and is highly recommended for your study and enjoyment.

Dr. Deas

Continued from Page 1 and goals of the station, and to determine how it would best function in cooperation with the existing Institute.

Finally, last November 24, the FCC granted a construction permit for building the studio and transmitter facilities of WLGI. f

When our Supreme Institution received word that the FCC had authorized construction of WLGI, it sent this cable to the National Spiritual Assembly:

“HEARTY congratulations achievement long awaited step establishment first Bahá’í radio station North America, enabling you’ pioneer model progtam consolidation, upliftment Baha’i community South Carolina. Praying your wise mobilization bountgous resources for media development in the United’States behalf beloved Faith, providing further impetus teaching southern states. Loving greetings, Universal House of Justice.””

The Baha’i community in South Carolina is large, dispersed, and primarily rural. To reach that population, and to serve the general population as well, we will transmit a 50,000-watt stereo signal at 90.9 on the FM dial. That power will allow us to reach out to a radius of some 75 miles from the Institute, thus serving some 5,000 to 6,000 believers.

From the start we must see the station as performing a new role in broadcasting. It will entertain, of course, but it will not be an ‘entertainment’ station; it will inform, but it will not be a newsand-information station; it will not be a strictly educational station, either, though it certainly will educate in many ways.

“So what is left?’’ you may ask. We must view WLGI as a developmental radio station. ‘Abdu’lBaha speaks of universal education for mankind, an education that encompasses the totality of our spiritual and material needs. It is to this end that WLGI will dedicate itself.

The House of Justice views the WLGI project as a sign of the growing maturity of the American Baha’i community. It follows, then, that raising the funds necessary, to construct this station and ensure its daily operation, as well as to expand the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute in preparation for the magnificent effects which must follow, is also a sign of our spiritual maturity.

Let us rise to the occasion! Let us show the Concourse on High, our Supreme Body, and the Baha’is of the world that our community, so richly blessed materially and spiritually, will not miss this unique opportunity to reach out to so many hungry souls through the potent medium of radio.

(p)) WLGI Baha'i Radio

Baha'i Radio

4

| Goal: $1,000,000

‘by 12/31/83

Presently:

i

‘$1,000,000

750,000

500,000

As of October 19, 1983, a total of $340,676 had been raised in the fund-raising campaign for the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute and radio station WLGI.

$1,000,000 IS NEEDED BY DECEMBER 31, 1983, in order to proceed with the plans to:

- Build and equip the radio station.

- Provide programming and staffing funds for the first two operating years of the station. a - Expand the existing facilities at the Institute to:

accommodate 100 people, including families;

provide additional office space;

ARE YOU HELPING TO BUILD WLGI?

WHO: **‘WLGI”’

WHAT: North American Baha’i Radio WHEN: Now!

WHERE: Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute WHY: See below

WHY RADIO? .

As far back as the 1930s, the idea of using radio as a tool for the expansion and consolidation of the Baha’j Faith was a topic of discussion within the Baha’i community. In an article entitled, ‘‘A New Future for Radio,”’ in The Baha’i World, Vol. VI (1934-1936), Shirley Warde made the point that, “Surely such a powerful instrument for the influencing of humanity could not be destined to serve solely as a means of selling produce or of purveying entertainment. The discerning must recognize in radio a divine instrument designed for a divine purpose, obscure though that purpose may be at this time.”

DURING THIS same period, Shoghi Effendi repeatedly advised the American Baha’i community to consider using radio as a means for mass communication of the Baha’i teachings. He wrote, «*’,. such a station would be a very great asset to the cause, not only as a teaching medium and a wonderful form of publicity, but also as an enhancement of its prestige ...’’ And again in 1946, in a letter written on his behalf, ‘‘He hopes that a Baha’i Radio Station will prove feasible during the coming years as he considers it of great importance.’’

Since that time, there has been much discussion in the Baha’i community about the use of radio, but circumstances have not permitted the implementation of the idea until the past decade. With the exciting opportunity of North American Baha’i Radio at hand, a more thorough examination of the answers to ‘‘Why radio?”’ will help to focus our energies on this undertaking.

The most important factor in choosing radio as a means of communication is that it reaches a large audience at a comparatively low cost. This feature is especially significant in any attempt to reach a large and dispersed rural audience. In his paper, “Some Suggested Guidelines for a Rural Baha’i Radio Station,’? Dr. Kurt Hein emphasizes these points by stating, ‘‘Radio is the medium of choice throughout the world. Radio’s audience is larger than that of television, film, magazines, newspapers, or books. Radio ownership has even saturated the most remote and isolated populations; its purchase price is low and it is easy to operate and maintain. Radio facilitates contact with rural Baha’i communities, as regular personal contact is time-consuming and costly. Radio provides a costeffective method of proclaiming the Faith to the masses. Perhaps of even greater significance is that a Baha’i radio station can be an instrument of service to humanity ... (Radio) can support the objectives of the Faith in meeting the Baha’i community needs of proclamation, expansion, and consolidation and in providing service to mankind ... As a result of such motivating influences, it should win friends, attract new believers and enhance the prestige of the Faith.”

OTHER answers to ‘‘Why radio?’’ are limited only by the extent of one’s imagination. Radio can

Continued on Page 4

[Page 28](«p))

WLG Baha'i Radio

WHY RADIO? Continued from Page 3

pave the way for the teacher in the field. It.can reinforce the work of the consolidator, helping to deepen not only the individual but the community and the Spiritual Assemblies as well. WLGI Radio, in particular, can also fulfill the important role of stimulating the friends to attend and take advantage of the activities at the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute. +

- As important as answering the question ‘‘Why radio?’’ is the consideration of what Baha’i radio is and isn’t. The term ‘‘developmental radio’’ is most often used in describing what kind of radio programming WLGI can provide. The developmental approach in mass media offers the possibility of a huge impact simply because it is concentrated on improving the community it serves. Beginning with the basic concept that the folklore, language, customs and traditions of the community—its cultural diversity—are respectable and valid, it follows easily that the development of that culture through modern communications is a desirable and positive service to render.

AND HOW IS THIS accomplished? Baha’i radio tries to understand and identify with all the social and cultural aspects of its community, while at the same time highlighting those aspects that are most positive and most in agreement with Baha’j teachings. Striving for the highest standards of dignity, taste, professionalism and companionship, Baha’i radio can demonstrate its goal to be of service to its listeners, thereby earning their trust and enthusiastic participation.

The type of developmental radio envisioned for use as a basis for Baha’i radio does not impose foreign standards, practices, structures or even sounds on its listeners. It strives to be distinctive but not different by using a natural, unaffected style—even to the voices and music that are aired. The objective is to support an appreciation of the culture—in this case rural and southernwhich it serves.

We have, within the last decade, seen fine examples of how successful Baha’i radio in the developmental vein can be, serving the needs of a rural minority population. The first Baha’i radio station began broadcasting December 12, 1977, in Otavalo, Ecuador, in South America. That station quickly became an immense success not only with Baha’is but with the vast audience of rural Indians, as it mixed Baha’i educational programming with a large measure of culturally supportive materials including local ews, music, and topics of special interest such as

agriculture, health, literacy and Announcing in Quechua tongue, }5me economics.

Radio Baha’i, Otavalo, Ecuador. Again referring to Dr. Hein’s

paper for a specific example, we read, ‘‘Radio Baha’i in Otavalo, Ecuador, has a daily ‘news’ program that broadcasts notices of announcements such as lost children, animals, identification papers, etc., invitations to public dances and non-professional sports events, promotion of vaccination campaigns, special school programs, civic meetings, etc. In 1980, 2,000 listeners visited the offices in person to have messages put on the air. The station now has the reputation of providing a needed community service ...’’

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL Baha’i radio station was established in Peru in July 1981 and presently serves the rural areas of southern Peru, Bolivia and northern Chile. A third station is now being planned in Bolivia. The experience gained at these stations provides a sound basis for developing and operating the new station at the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute.

Perhaps we should also look at the question, ‘‘Why radio in South Carolina?’’ South Carolina has been by far the site of greatest receptivity to the teachings of Baha’u’ lah in North America, leading at the present time to a Baha’i population of 12,300 and the establishment of 233 Local Spiritual Assemblies. In messages to the U.S., the Universal

= 7 Land is cleared for the WLGI Radio tower site at the Lo: ha’i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

ea = uis Gregory Ba House of Justice has lauded the rapid acceleration of the teaching process and called upon the American Baha’is “‘one and all, newly enrolled and believers of long standing”’ to ‘‘continue unabated their efforts to reach the waiting souls, while simultaneously consolidating the hard wor victories.’”

Over the years teaching in South Carolina has been limited only by a lack of human and material resources. The consolidation work, on the other hand, has often been a slow and painstaking process. The opportunity is now presented to the American Baha’i community, through radio station WLGI, to utilize a new method of consolidation as well as to open new avenues for teaching through the establishment of this first Baha’ radio station in North America.

Beaming to a 75-mile radius in the rural southeastern area of South Carolina, Baha’i radio station WLGI will spread its message of service, unity and faith to what will most certainly be an increasingly interested audience. We now have the opportunity to bring into being a project that was enthusiastically supported by the Guardian, and one whose possibilities give new meaning to the exhortation of the Universal House of Justice in 1972 regarding the expansion of the Faith:

“Far from standing aloof, the American believers are called upon now, as never before, to grasp this golden opportunity which has been presented to them, to consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of their endeavors.’

GIFT CARD

Office of the Treasurer Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Dear Friends: Enclosed please find my contribution to the National Baha’i Fund in the amount of $. , in support of the Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute Radio Station. (Make checks payable to the National Bahá’í Fund.)

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

‘best time to telephone is (day) OU se. Telephone (_ ). A

Name Baha’i |.D. No.

Address

City State Zip

Clip and return with your contribution to: WLGI, c/o National Baha’i Fund, Wilmette, IL 60091