The American Bahá’í/Volume 15/Issue 1/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í January, 1984

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]January 1984

Pressures, persecutions continue in Iran despite disbanding of Bahá’í institutions

To all National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Recent events in Iran following the banning of the Bahá’í administration indicate, unfortunately, the continuation of intense pressures against the defenseless Bahá’í community in that country.

Many of these pressures are being exerted by the authorities in the hope that the Bahá’ís will recant their faith and trade their love of Bahá’u’lláh for the comfort and security which the authorities offer them in exchange.

WITH GREAT sadness the Universal House of Justice announces that many friends in prison are being tortured when they refuse to submit to the will of the authorities to deny their love for Bahá’u’lláh.

In addition, while it is true that no Bahá’ís have been executed since the statement calling for the disbanding of the administration of the Faith was made by the Attorney General on August 29, it has been reported that on September 19 a Bahá’í farmer in the town of Khuy, Mr. Akbar Haqiqí, died as a result of a beating by a mob instigated by the clergy.

Moreover, at least 140 Bahá’ís have been arrested in all parts of the country following the Attorney General’s statement, 50 of whom were detained on October 30 in the Caspian Sea area.

Although a number of the friends have been released, the total number of Bahá’ís still imprisoned in Iran, according to our records, stands at over 450.

Three believers who were advanced in age have died in prison and thus have joined the ranks of those who have laid down their lives in service to the Cause. They are:

• Mr. Husayn Nayyirí-Isfahání, 64 years old. Imprisoned in Isfahán and died just as he was going into court for his trial on November 29, 1982.
• Mr. Ahmad-‘Alí Thábit-Sarvistání, 67 years old.

See PERSECUTIONS Page 14

President cites Iran’s Bahá’ís in human rights message

In an official proclamation issued December 8 marking the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, President Ronald Reagan cited the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran as one of the most serious violations of human rights in the world today.

Participating at the invitation of the White House in the Human Rights Day observance were Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Assembly; and Mrs. Ramna Mahmoudi Nourani, whose parents are among the more than 150 Bahá’ís who have been executed since the Islamic revolutionary government came to power in Iran four years ago.

Last May, the President issued an appeal on behalf of the Iranian Bahá’í community, urging the Ayatollah Khomeini to spare the lives of 22 Bahá’ís who had been sentenced to death. Despite appeals from the President and other world leaders, those Bahá’ís—including 10 women and teenage girls—were executed last summer.

Congress is presently considering a second resolution, sponsored by more than 40 senators and 70 representatives, urging actions to relieve the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

House of Worship restoration seminar a resounding success

Examining possible structural damage near the top of the dome of the House of Worship are Ezatollah (Ezzy) Rohani of Woodinville, Washington (left), and Teck Chua of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Twenty-three Bahá’ís from 14 states and Canada who have expertise in a variety of areas encompassing the fields of science, engineering, architectural design, and construction-related enterprises responded to an invitation from the National Spiritual Assembly to participate November 18-20 in a Temple Restoration Seminar at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

THE 23 participants, who were chosen from a larger number of applicants, were assisted by a group of facilitators that included other invited guests and staff members at the Bahá’í National Center.

Following an orientation session that included a slide presentation on early construction phases of the House of Worship and an historic overview from archival documents related to the Temple’s construction, the seminar participants were assigned to small working groups that carefully examined the Temple from the top of its dome to its basement boiler room.

Their goal, as set forth by the

See TEMPLE Page 12

Index

Viewpoint	2
Letters	3
The Funds	5
IGC: Pioneering	6
Youth News	7
Education	8-9
Teaching	10-11
Native Americans	13
Publications	15
Classifieds	16
Persian	18-21
The Media	23
Spanish	25
In Memoriam	27

Resolutions condemn Iran

On November 15, concurrent resolutions were introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives condemning the government of Iran for its brutal treatment of Bahá’ís and urging the President to work with other nations in drafting an appeal to save the Bahá’ís from further persecution.

THE SENATE resolution, introduced by Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania, was co-signed by 33 members of that body.

The House version of the resolution was introduced by Reps. Tom Lantos of California, Jim Leach of Iowa, John Porter of Illinois and Gus Yatron of Pennsylvania.

Earlier that day, Sen. Heinz and Reps. Lantos and Porter appeared at a Capitol building press conference with Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, to voice publicly their support for the Bahá’ís in Iran and to express their outrage at the edict issued August 29 by Iran’s Revolutionary Prosecutor General declaring membership in Bahá’í institutions a criminal act.

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, discusses the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran at a press conference November 15 in Washington, D.C. With him are Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania (left) and Rep. John Porter of Illinois.

A part of the press conference was telecast nationwide that evening on the “‎McNeil MacNeil‎/Lehrer News Hour” on public television.

Dr. Kazemzadeh appeared on that program and also was interviewed in English and Persian by the Voice of America.

CALLING the open letter of September 3 from the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran to government leaders in that country “extraordinarily moving and terribly saddening,” Sen. Heinz said, “It appears ... that the Iranian

See MEMBERS Page 4 [Page 2]

Feast letter: Radio station WLGI a fitting memorial to work, vision of the beloved Guardian

Beloved Friends:

This is the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears speaking to you from beneath the dome of the holiest House of Worship ever to be raised to the Name of Bahá’u’lláh.

I was deeply moved when I heard that radio station WLGI would soon go on the air.

WHEN I FIRST HEARD the wonderful news, that very night in my dreams, I saw the "call letters" of that unique and heaven-blessed instrument of the Cause of God. This is what they meant to me:

W-With L-Love G-Goes I Involvement

This particular radio station has a very special place in my heart. To me, it will always be the beloved Guardian's radio station.

After all, it was he who first approved the building of a radio station in the Cradle of the Administrative Order. It was he who pointed out the unimaginable greatness of the service which such an instrument could render the Cause of God. He urged us to go ahead and win the victory.

That was nearly 40 years ago. Time passed. Later, with a poignant and plaintive note in his words, the beloved Guardian asked us what had happened to that fine idea of acquiring a radio station and putting it to work for the glory of the Blessed Beauty.

I wept. Being in the radio business myself, I knew only too well the power and effectiveness it would place in our hands. I beseeched Bahá’u’lláh to hasten the day.

LATIN AMERICA beat us all to the goal, and I rejoiced for them.

Yet the "great work" of raising up what will always be to me the beloved Guardian's radio station still remained unaccomplished.

Now at long last that day is here! Small wonder I am so overjoyed and eager to participate. It is ours! Almost ours. If we want it badly enough.

I am told that we still need $500,000 to make this dream come true. So I merely repeat the "call letters" of his station:

W With L- Love G-Goes I-Involvement

Let your own Bahá’í spirit tell you what part you can play in raising up Shoghi Effendi's radio station. I echo the words of the beloved Master Who could see the end in the beginning when He stood on that barren field in Wilmette and turned a spade of earth on behalf of all the peoples of the earth.

He assured us in those hours to be confident and radiant. "In the unseen world," He said, "the Temple is already built." "Make a beginning," He told us, "and all will come well."

We have made the beginning. Now is the time for us to arise and ensure a triumphant conclusion.

WHEN I CONTEMPLATE all that the beloved Guardian has done for us, I yearn to do something for him—something to add to our teaching—something tangible that we can see and hear, and thus be certain we have rejoiced his heart.

The older believers now reading these words will recall the many joyous years when, day after day, we recited the only prayer our beloved Guardian wished us to say on his behalf:

"(We) cherish the hope that, from now on, the Beloved may bestow upon (Shoghi Effendi) all the strength and vigor that will enable (him) to pursue over a long and unbroken period of strenuous labor the supreme task of achieving, in collaboration with the friends in every land, the speedy triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh." (Bahá’í Administration, pp. 51-52)

Shoghi Effendi did it all. To his last breath. For 36 years! Every year a "light year" filled with wonders, victories and gifts for you and for me—for the entire Bahá’í world.

As one of his "remnants," I now cherish the hope that we have not forgotten—that we will arise like Lions of the Covenant and seize our chance to demonstrate how much we still love him.

Let us arise with such a mighty cry of "Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá!" that he will hear us in the Abhá Kingdom. Let us make sure by our actions that he knows how grateful we are. Let us, his heroes and heroines on earth, make sure he hears the music that will perfume the air from his radio station, speaking and singing the Words of God at last, at last.

With warmest, tenderest grateful love to each one of you for all you so heroically, so generously, so constantly do on behalf of our precious Cause: the One, the Single, the Sole, the only hope of a bewildered and despairing humanity.

Tell them about it. You are now on the air!

William Sears Hand of the Cause of God

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly and Continental Board of Counsellors

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly met with five members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas during the National Assembly's meeting November 30-December 3 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California. Pictured (left to right) are Counsellor Velma Sherrill, Counsellor Hidáyatu’lláh Ahmadiyyih, Alberta Deas, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Counsellor Fred Schechter, Counsellor Farzam Arbáb, Robert Henderson, Chester Kahn, James Nelson, Dorothy Nelson, Dwight Allen, Soo Fouts, and Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira. The ninth member of the National Assembly, Wilma Brady, arrived later.

Comment: Knowledge of one's true self indispensable in conquering problems of spiritual growth

It is my belief and observation that many of the problems we encounter in our spiritual growth result from a lack of knowledge of our true selves.

"True loss," Bahá’u’lláh says, "is for him whose days have been spent in utter ignorance of his true self." (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 142)

AS BAHÁ’ÍS we often witness the eagerness with which people seek out answers to their problems in the forms of pseudo-psychological groups or cults; many people are uninformed as to the nature of their beings, yet want desperately to know more about themselves and their relationship to reality.

Even among Bahá’ís there is a great deal of confusion as to what the "self" is, for many of the problems that plague society as a whole also plague us.

Through the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá we are given a valuable guide toward finding our true selves, and ultimately toward finding God.

This month's article, "Unity Begins with Inner Harmony," was written by Melanie Black of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Bahá’u’lláh writes, "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value." (Gleanings, pp. 259-60)

The Bahá’í Faith speaks so clearly about the worthiness and nobility of mankind. Why then do we seem to hate ourselves so much?

PERHAPS a part of the reason is that as a people we believe it is somehow wrong to like ourselves; we misunderstand the true meaning of selflessness.

Many of us believe that to be selfless we must deny our selves; we feel guilty if we attend to our needs.

True selflessness, however, is a state in which we are freed from our selves and in harmony with God and the universe. Our needs are naturally met because there are no veils between our selves and God's Will.

Too often, though, we enter into conflicts with our selves; we painfully deny that certain aspects of our nature exist, which is rather like denying that we have arms or legs.

With forgiveness and gentleness toward ourselves, we need to discern the difference between our true self and that self which is attached to pride or ego.

WE MUST, either alone or with help, look at the darker side of our nature—not with the intent of giving in, but with the intent of becoming informed about this aspect of our selves.

I believe this is a task that Bahá’u’lláh has enjoined each of us to do, for only knowledge of the self can spur us on to greater personal growth.

Many people are afraid to look closely at themselves; they fear that they might uncover some profound psychological illness, or find that they are indeed unworthy.

The truth is that any behavior or attitude that stems from our ego self is illusory and has no basis in reality. Bahá’u’lláh has said:

"Say, O friends: Why fear and whom shall ye dread? These clay pieces of the world shall be disintegrated by a slight moisture." (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 173)

Our pride and our ego are largely creations of our selves, born of an unwillingness to abide by God's Will or of ignorance.

MANY times, the reason that our pride seems so stubborn or our ego seems to have such power is because we have not taken the time or effort to explore these aspects of ourselves and to see that they are actually clouds that veil the sun of our true selves.

Many of the ills that we suffer could be alleviated if we were to learn about our own darker nature and commit ourselves to self-improvement and progress, even though it may at times be painful.

As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said, "This test is just as thou hast written: it removeth the rust of egotism from the mirror of the heart until the Sun of Truth may shine therein." (Bahá’í World Faith, p. [Text ends])

Publication Information

The American Bahá’í (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, letters and 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 Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Copyright 1984 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

LETTERS

Martha Root was courageous, fearless woman

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The American Bahá’í 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.

Letters should be kept as brief as possible (a maximum of 250 words is suggested). Letters are subject to editing for length and style.

Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

To the Editor:

I wonder how the myth got started that Martha Root was a simple, plain, shy little woman of modest background. Let's look at the facts:

AT A TIME when few women entered a university, Martha Root enrolled in September 1889 at Oberlin College in Ohio and while there studied Latin, Greek, French, German, English literature, elocution, rhetoric, psychology, mathematics, and the Bible.

She was a member of the Aeolian Society, a literary club for women students, at Oberlin.

She transferred to the University of Chicago, and while studying there had several literary essays published. She was graduated from the University of Chicago in June 1895 with a baccalaureate degree.

Both Oberlin and the University of Chicago are prestigious schools of learning, among the finest in the U.S. (Lucky are those who manage to get in!)

The Root family came to this country in 1640 from Cambridge, England. They were a good and substantial family.

Martha's cousin, Sidney Hart, was a student at Oberlin while she was there. The best known member of the family was Elihu Root, who was Secretary of State under President Theodore Roosevelt and who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1912. The press often mentioned that Martha Root was a relative of Elihu Root.

MARTHA Root was endowed with self-confidence and met many distinguished leaders, monarchs, writers, professors, and statesmen around the world.

Eight times she was received by Queen Marie of Rumania and was deeply loved by this great monarch who accepted the Bahá’í Faith and wrote historic statements about her belief in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh (see Some Early Bahá’ís of the West, by O.Z. Whitehead, pp. 181-195).

Martha Root was an educated, articulate, urbane world traveler at a time when few women traveled on their own. She was a distinguished speaker for the Faith and was a journalist who wrote for newspapers all over the world.

She wrote a book, Táhirih, a biography of the poetess of Qazvin. She was spiritually and intellectually a magnificent teacher of the Faith. Her memory will inspire us for many years to come.

In the book Martha Root, by M.R. Garis, we can read of Martha's exploits and adventures in Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, Bucharest, South America, and on and on.

She was daring, adventuresome, courageous, fearless, talented, and, most important, a totally devoted servant of Bahá’u’lláh.

Shoghi Effendi called her "the greatest teacher in the Bahá’í world" (see The Bahá’í World, Vol. XIV, p. 77).

Margaret Ruhe Haifa, Israel

Comment

As each of us fights this most personal of battles, he will see a transformation in his life and in that of the larger community.

People will be attracted to the Faith because Bahá’ís will radiate sanity and spiritual health:

Problems with the Fund will end because those who are in harmony with themselves will also be in harmony with God's plan.

And too, many of the problems and tests we encounter in our communities will be surmounted because we are in harmony with the Will of God.

It is well worth our while to explore our self, for in doing so we will not only encounter the veils of our pride, but if we press onward we shall also behold those "gems of inestimable value" that sparkle with the clear reflection of God's attributes.

As the veils of self fall away we will be able to see and to love each other more clearly, and thus the light of unity will grow ever brighter.

To the Editor:

In the October issue, a letter writer suggested that you "adopt a policy of refusing to publish letters, or parts of letters, that border on backbiting or slander..."

Censoring opinions or, worse, deleting parts of letters which, in someone's opinion, do not conform to "Bahá’í standards"—such ideas are frightening.

Bahá’u’lláh gives everyone the right of self-expression. That our opinions may at times be worse than (forgive me) bad breath is the risk we take to make a public statement.

We can presume that this "right" includes the idea that others can read or listen to the opinion, else the right would be merely the privilege of mumbling to oneself without an audience.

Any news organ is capable of propaganda. It is particularly refreshing to read cogent ideas put forth courteously, but unfortunately, some of us don't write that well, nor are our motives always that pure.

On the one hand, we can become fanatical trying to make all other Bahá’ís conform to the divine standard; on the other, we can become so compassionate and loving as to forgive a misspelled word.

Moderation is not mediocrity. The American Bahá’í seems to be striving for very high standards. Keep it up!

Leo Baldwin Arcata, California

To the Editor:

As my simple part in the continuing dialogue in these columns, I wish to say three things:

1. We seem unable or unwilling to admit that the way in which letters of response are written has as much or more to do with "controversy" as the editorial policy of The American Bahá’í itself.

2. Simply to agree or disagree with someone does not, of and by itself, indicate that we are sitting in judgment of the person. It was Thomas Jefferson, I believe, who said, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." This carries no less weight in the Bahá’í community than it does elsewhere.

3. Though it would be the easiest solution, I hesitate to propose it: all letters could be submitted anonymously. That way, no one would ever know who said what, and the entire question would be eliminated.

The problem with this, as I see it, is that it becomes tantamount to censorship of a sort.

As to referring to previous letter writers by name, if we wish to refer to a previous letter, we should remember first the admonition that if one has a pearl of wisdom of which another is deprived, that wisdom should be shared in a loving manner; the listener (as well as the readers) should not be overburdened.

Friends, we surely have better things to occupy our minds, pens and/or typewriters than this. May God help us to get on without further delay.

Let us encourage each other, rather than wasting precious time with old rationales and fantasies. Our greeting says it all: "God is the All-Glorious." May the victory be His!

Martin R. Flick San Mateo, California

To the Editor:

I have read with interest the letters appearing in The American Bahá’í in response to the series of articles on "The True Feminism," and would like to respond to a point made in one of those letters.

IN IT, the writer states: "Women must not limit their achievements and deprive the world of their special talents and skills. Indeed, the writings specifically state that all persons (women and men) are obliged to undertake an occupation: 'Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession... (Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Bahá’í Administration, p. 12)."

The writer further states: "Surely it is a sad waste of human resources if we confine all women to the household when they are capable of taking their place in the world side by side and equal to men,"

I feel that the way in which these statements are made implies that the work traditionally done by women, such as mother and homemaker, is not considered as having the status of a "profession," "occupation," or "calling."

If men and women are to be regarded as equals in this new age, why can't we elevate the traditional work done by women to equal status with that traditionally done by men?

I don't mean to imply that women should not have a choice of profession, only that, according to my understanding of the Bahá’í writings, the work of motherhood has been elevated in value and importance—certainly above what is the current popular view.

The stereotypical picture of a woman confined to the household would not apply to the woman who has chosen of her own free will to be a homemaker and mother.

As I see it, the problem is not that the work of motherhood and homemaking is confining and limiting, but rather that current opinion labels it so.

As the writer stated: "We need to rise above the limitations placed on us by society, rather than use the writings to justify them."

Jan Jackson Torrance, California

To the Editor:

I was saddened after reading (October) of the progress of the National Fund. Having been a pioneer to Cameroon for three years, I did not know of the serious problem.

The degree of our spiritual progress can be measured by the health of the Fund.

SURELY there are more than 4,000 conscientious Bahá’ís in the United States. Where are the rest of the 20,000?

How can anyone who truly believes in Bahá’u’lláh fail to contribute to the advancement of His Cause?

I've heard Bahá’ís say that the way we handle our contributions, on a voluntary basis, is what sets us apart from the other religions. That is certainly true now—it sets us apart in that the other religions have money to carry on their work while we, who are doing the real work of God, do not!

How sad for us as "the Bearers of the Name of God in this day."

I realize times are hard, but each of us must sacrifice some

New from George Ronald, Publisher

Some Bahá’ís to Remember O. Z. Whitehead

This book, like its predecessor Some Early Bahá’ís of the West, is a collection of short biographical sketches, including Hands of the Cause Horace Holley and Clara and Hyde Dunn, with a fascinating account of the early days of the Bahá’í community in Manchester covering the period of Shoghi Effendi's residence in England. Once again the author has recaptured the heady atmosphere of those early days.

304 pp, 5⅜ x 8½ in, 24 illustrations Hardcover $14.95* (332-112), Softcover $7.50* (332-113)

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to: Bahá’í Publishing Trust 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

• This title not exported by the Publishing Trust

[Page 4]

Champion Builders: MARIAM HANEY

In 1912, while on board the steamship "Celtic," Mariam Haney had the responsibility of recording the never-to-be-forgotten words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá upon His departure from the U.S. Her notes comprise the final address by the Master published in The Promulgation of Universal Peace.

TEN years earlier Mariam had accompanied Lua Getsinger to Paris where, at the bidding of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lua presented to the Shah of Iran a petition from the Master on behalf of the persecuted Bahá’ís in Iran.

Mariam Haney was born Mary Ida Parkhurst on November 13, 1872, in New York City. As a young woman she moved from church to church searching for truth, but never being satisfied that she had found it.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, she met Charles Freeborn Haney. They were married in 1893 and together continued to search for spiritual reality.

Seven years later, in Chicago, the Haneys met Charles and Elizabeth Greenleaf. The Greenleafs, finding them receptive, told them about the Bahá’í Faith, and soon the Haneys declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Not long afterward, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave Mary Ida the name "Mariam," which she used from that time on.

During her first five years as a Bahá’í, while living in New York City, Mrs. Haney worked closely with Ellen (Mother) Beecher, the grandmother of the future Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Beecher Baker.

MARIAM began to make copies of the many Tablets revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to see that they were distributed to the American Bahá’í community. Very little Bahá’í literature had been translated into English at that time, and Mrs. Haney continued to perform this valuable service until the Ascension of

Members of Congress condemn persecutions

... government is about to embark on a program of oppression reminiscent of the Nuremberg Laws that started Nazi terror on its way.

"The stage is being set," he continued, "for the next step toward the complete repression and possible annihilation of the Bahá’ís in Iran."

Rep. Porter, who with Rep. Lantos is co-chairman of the House Human Rights Caucus, said, "We debated a long while whether introducing a resolution and drawing public attention to the plight of Bahá’ís in Iran would help them or hurt them.

"We finally decided it would help them. Even fanatical and tyrranical regimes like the Ayatollah Khomeini's have some sensitivity to world public opinion. If they are allowed to murder in the dark, the murders may never end.

"Women, children and older people haven't been spared, and we are afraid that this will go on and on unless we take an open, public stand against it and draw the attention of the people of the world to what is happening in Iran.

"WE HOPE that by doing so... we can somehow bring to an end this murderous pogrom against the Bahá’ís."

It is especially poignant, said Rep. Lantos, "that it is the Bahá’í community which should be the object of such blatant and total persecution—a community that is dedicated to peace, to the recognition of the authority of civil government in all secular affairs, to the equality of men and women, and whose members wish only to practice their faith.

"... We already have 150 Bahá’í martyrs in Iran. We are calling on the government of Iran to stop this monstrosity, lest it be condemned by the civilized world for all eternity."

There is some indication, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, "that when the world speaks, the Iranian government listens.

"It listens because it knows... that the Bahá’ís have been guilty of no crimes; that they have not served as agents of foreign powers; that they have not been subversives; that Bahá’í women are not prostitutes—these are charges that have been flung against the Bahá’ís in so-called trials held in Iran in the last two or three years.

"KNOWING all this, the perpetrators of the persecution must indeed be uncomfortable themselves...."

The open letter to the government of Iran, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, "gains additional poignancy from the fact that the men who signed that letter were the successors of two sets of members of that same body, the first having disappeared without a trace in 1980, and the second having been executed in 1981.

SEN. JOHN HEINZ

"So these men lived for years under the sword, and they still had the courage to write and to make their position clear..."

Sen. Heinz, in introducing the Senate resolution, said:

"On August 29 of this year, the revolutionary prosecutor general of Iran, during an interview with one of Iran's leading newspapers, declared that Bahá’í religious institutions were now illegal and membership in them was a criminal act.

"This edict formally and officially outlaws the Bahá’í National Assembly in Iran, its 400 local assemblies, and all other governing bodies of the Bahá’í community.

"IN ONE swift moment, with the utterance of a few words, the prosecutor turned thousands of men and women into criminals, open to persecution and punishment at the whim of the government.

"... the Iranians have moved to establish the legal grounds for mass arrests and executions. They have brought the survival of the Bahá’í faith and its followers in Iran into question, and if the history of the treatment of the Bahá’ís under the present regime teaches anything, the future of more than 300,000 may well be in jeopardy.

"It is particularly sad, and quite ironic, that the Bahá’ís have been singled out by the Iranian authorities for such mistreatment and, I might add, treatment bordering on genocide, for it is a basic tenet of the Bahá’í faith that they remain unattached to any specific political philosophy.

"In fact, it is non-interference in politics and an unparalleled obedience to government that guides their faith. Solely because of their refusal to recant their faith in favor of Islam have they had to endure constant and unceasing hardship.

"The Bahá’ís of Iran represent the only case in the world today in which people are being persecuted and killed based only on their religious beliefs, and not because of their opposition to the regime in power.

REP. JOHN PORTER

"IT IS because the light at the end of the tunnel for the Bahá’ís is little more than a flicker that we must maintain our interest, our opposition, and our hope.

"... I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. I urge them to co-sponsor it. I urge them to do so at the earliest possible opportunity—hopefully today."

Three days later, on November 18, Rep. Michael Barnes of Maryland spoke in the House of Representatives on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Iran, saying, "This gentle, peace-loving community has no way to fight back against the hostile Iranian regime.

"Many Iranian Bahá’ís have accepted the fate of death rather than to recant their faith. They live with the confiscation of property, the destruction of holy shrines, the murder and imprisonment of their leaders, the incitement of mobs against them, the desecration of graves, false accusations of espionage, and now an all-out attack on Bahá’í religious institutions leaves no doubt of the ultimate aim of the current regime: the elimination of the Bahá’í faith from Iran, the country of its birth 139 years ago.

"The magnitude of the governmental assault on the Bahá’í community cannot be overstated. At stake is the survival of an independent religion.

"To make matters worse, the Bahá’ís have no recourse for redress of grievances. For this reason, it is critical that those outside Iran vigorously protest—in a public way—the actions of the Iranian government.

"Our greatest leverage is the weight of public pressure and criticism. We must publicly put the Iranian government on notice and expose its genocidal, systematic pattern of persecution against the Bahá’í community."

S. Con. Res. 86

Whereas more than 150 members of the Bahá’í faith have been brutally executed by Iranian authorities since the 1979 Islamic revolution;

Whereas many Bahá’ís in Iran have disappeared and others have been tortured, persecuted, and deprived of their fundamental rights to personal property and employment;

Whereas an edict issued by Iran's Revolutionary Prosecutor General on August 29, 1983, has far-reaching implications that threaten the lives of 300,000 Bahá’ís residing in Iran and places the future practice of Bahá’ísm in jeopardy by dismantling the administrative structure of the Bahá’í religion; and

Whereas these actions for the first time establish an expressed national policy which lays the level foundation for executions, arrests, the confiscation of property, denial of jobs and pensions, expulsion of Bahá’í children from schools, and other pressures which may be brought to bear by Iranian authorities on the Bahá’ís in Iran: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives Concurring), That the Congress—

(1) holds the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals, including the Bahá’ís;

(2) condemns the recent decision taken by the Government of Iran to destroy the Bahá’í faith by labeling as "criminal acts" all Bahá’í teaching and organized religious activities, including the attempts by Bahá’ís to elect their own local and national leaders, to meet in assemblies, to communicate among themselves, and to work for volunteer committees; and

(3) calls upon the President—

(a) to work with appropriate foreign governments and the allies of the United States in forming an appeal to the Government of Iran concerning the Bahá’ís;

(b) to cooperate fully with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Bahá’ís and to lead such efforts whenever it is possible and appropriate to do so; and

(c) to provide, and urge others to provide, for humanitarian assistance for those Bahá’ís who flee Iran.

Sec. 2. The Secretary of the Senate shall transmit a copy of this concurrent resolution to the President. [Page 5]

Consistent support of Fund remains bedrock of National Bahá’í Fund

The fund-raising campaign to raise $1 million for the Louis G. Gregory Institute and radio station WLGI ended December 31. Printing schedules required that we go to press long before that deadline, so we are unable to report in this article the outcome of that drive. Of course, we'll get the word to you as soon as we can.

REGARDLESS of how much money was raised by the December deadline, WLGI and the Institute will continue to need your financial support.

The funds collected will go a long way, but if the radio station—a non-commercial station—is to remain on the air, and the Institute facilities are to meet the hoped-for increase in use, then support for the project will have to continue, becoming "long-term."

This will no doubt mean drawing some support from the National Bahá’í Fund.

Why is this an important point to understand? Because we now must switch our financial focus away from the novel, the exciting, the once-in-a-lifetime goal for which sacrifice comes more easily, and turn to the ongoing, the normal, the not-always-so-thrilling regular support of the National Fund.

Your sacrifices through the years, over and over the "normal," for such projects as WLGI, the Louhelen school, and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice have no doubt left you warmed, joyous and secure in the knowledge that you have had a hand in taking the Cause of God into a bright new era.

THE POINT we need to recognize now is that "normal," regular giving can also be very exciting.

What is so exciting? For the answer, think about what your contributions to the National Fund do: operate a National Center, keep the lights burning in the Temple, send a national program coordinator to train new groups of volunteers, enable a National Spiritual Assembly member to accept a speaking invitation on national radio or television...

Over the long run, it is these simple, everyday events that have an exciting, even thrilling impact!

We all know that it's easier to save for something specific such as a new car or a vacation than it is simply to save money "for a rainy day."

The difference is that one is a specific goal, while the other is a general goal—both are necessary, but each in a different way.

Contributing to the National Fund is long-term. It is our lifeblood. It enables us to achieve success in all our endeavors. It needs support from everyone. Everywhere. Every 19 days!

Treasurer's Office to provide monthly record of individual participation in Fund by district

The Office of the Treasurer recently completed arrangements to provide a monthly breakdown of individual participation by district in giving to the National Fund.

THE NEED for such statistical information became apparent at the National Convention last May when the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears challenged members of the American Bahá’í community to "vie with one another" in giving to the Fund. FLES

It then became necessary to find a method for monitoring individual contributions, and the district level was chosen as a workable unit.

Participation figures are available beginning with the month of Kamál (August 1-19).

The first four months of statistics have already been analyzed by the Treasurer's Office and reported to both the National Spiritual Assembly and National Treasurer's Representatives.

With this information, the NTRS can determine for their districts the percentage of adults and youth (combined) who are contributing to the National Fund on a regular basis, and can use that information to encourage participation.

EACH district can strive within itself or with another district to achieve a higher percentage of participation than the previous period.

The final analysis of this report (for Kamál-Asmá-Izzat-Mashíyyat) showed that only 55 of the 94 districts achieved a level of participation of 10 per cent or better.

From this one fact, it can be seen that many possibilities for improvement in participation exist, as the great majority of individual believers have yet to establish the goal of contributing to the National Fund every month.

During the first reporting period, the Southern Minnesota district recorded the highest participation with 22 per cent, followed by Eastern Tennessee (21 per cent), and Southern California No. 3, Iowa and Southern Wisconsin (each with 19 per cent).

Plenty of "vying" opportunities on the way to 100 per cent! Perhaps those districts not mentioned here can strive to overtake Southern Minnesota by the next reporting date.

The goal of finding 20,000 individuals within the American Bahá’í community who will contribute regularly to the National Fund remains a priority of the National Spiritual Assembly.

This district participation report is another tool for the community to use in striving to meet that goal.

Some important points to remember before undertaking that fund-raiser

How many ways are there to hold a fund-raiser?

The answer is: as many ways as there are people to plan them!

THERE will always be new ideas, new wrinkles, new twists. As long as the fundamentals of unity are preserved and spiritual principles upheld, a fund-raiser can take many forms.

We've learned a lot about fund-raising this past year due to the American Bahá’í community's enthusiastic, creative and innovative support for radio station WLGI.

Because of the needs of the National Fund and concern for the House of Worship, it looks as though the many fund-raising activities will continue. Thus, a review of the important points of fund-raising seems in order.

(NOTE: You won't find any "don'ts" listed here—they aren't as important as the "do's." If you

See FUND-RAISING Page 27

WELL-WE'VE LET THE WLGI DOUGH RISE

AS LONG AS WE CAN IT'S IN THE OVEN NOW! WE'LL SHOW YOU WHAT'S BEEN "COOKED UP" AS SOON AS WE CAN! UNTIL THEN- THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ADDED THEIR INGREDIENTS TO THE POT !!

National Baha’i Fund

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION GOAL 20,000 Individuals 140 B.E. Power-Qudrat 4450

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED. YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS $305,628 GOAL $527,000 GOAL—$10,000,000

TINE FOR SOME CATCHING UP !

20,000 10,000 5,000 0

$600,000 500,000 400,000 Jug 300,000 This 200,000 100,000 0 [Page 6]

Returning pioneers can be tremendous asset

Returning pioneers are a tremendous asset to the American Bahá’í community, one that is under-utilized as well as misunderstood.

When pioneers return after a number of years abroad, they face a readjustment period that is quite difficult.

THEIR home communities can help by being aware of some of the changes these returned pioneers may be experiencing.

On the other hand, the pioneers themselves must realize that the communities to which they are returning will not be exactly the same as the ones they remember.

While the pioneer may need some time to readjust, he should strive not to allow his activities for the Faith to diminish.

Rather, he should try to make use of his teaching skills and the experience he has gained overseas, which can widen the range and increase the effectiveness of local teaching.

The community where the returned pioneer now lives can help him by seeking to use his services, allowing him to share what he has learned. It would help everyone if he were appointed to committees and encouraged to speak.

A GOOD basic principle is, Never leave a returned pioneer alone. He is often tired and discouraged, facing new tests the reasons for which he may not be aware.

The friends can stand by him, helping in his readjustment, and the entire community will benefit.

Sometimes a returned pioneer feels almost unwelcome in his present community. Also, some community members may feel guilty because they haven't pioneered.

This is the wrong attitude. It is not possible for everyone to serve abroad.

Many things can contribute to a pioneer's feeling misunderstood, because the friends usually are busy with many other things: their homes, jobs, families, social activities, committee meetings, and so forth—so much so that the pioneer sometimes feels ignored.

Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, Local Spiritual Assemblies and their committees, and District Teaching Committees would do well to make concerted efforts to seek out returned pioneers.

THEY may find themselves inspired by the pioneer's devotion and insights, as well as gaining much from his teaching experiences. The result can be a more unified community and an upsurge in local teaching and deepening activities.

An example of the kinds of things a returned pioneer can do is Don Addison, who recently returned temporarily to his home in Eugene, Oregon, to complete his PhD. dissertation after having pioneered to Nigeria.

Don is a specialist in African musical cultures, a pianist, composer and author of numerous works on ethnomusicology, the study of the various musical cultures of the world. While in Nigeria, he did extensive field research in traditional African music.

Many Bahá’í communities in Oregon and California have asked Don to give firesides, deepenings and public proclamations. A Methodist church in Eugene asked him to speak on Africa and the Bahá’í Faith.

Using color slides, explanations of African cultures, and inspiring stories of the progress of the Faith in Africa, Don embarked on a busy schedule this fall, visiting many cities.

HE WAS contacted for interviews by many radio and television stations and newspapers. He eagerly drew the attention of the public to the fact that the Faith is not found only in America, but all over the world.

Some interviewers, thinking that the Faith could only be found in Iran (because of media attention given to the plight of Iranian Bahá’ís), were surprised to find how widespread it is in other countries.

They also learned that there are many functioning Bahá’í communities far removed from so-called "civilization," and villages that are completely Bahá’í.

Don proclaimed the Faith in new and refreshing ways, obtaining media coverage in towns where little publicity for the Faith had been acquired in the past.

Numerous seekers including many Africans were attracted to these programs, especially large numbers of Nigerian students who attended firesides throughout Oregon.

THEY were attracted by Don's appreciation for their indigenous art and culture, and by his great love for their people.

In Florence, Oregon, he told his stories at music classes at the Siuslaw Middle School, starting by analyzing a song about Bahá’u’lláh in the Igbo language, translating it, writing the musical notation on the board, and playing the recorded version of the song on one of the authentic traditional musical instruments he learned to play in Africa and brought back with him to the States.

More than 200 music students soon were singing this and other African songs in the halls as they went from class to class.

An even more direct teaching event took place in Philomath, Oregon, where several Nigerian students at colleges in the Portland area, on their own, drove for an hour and a half to attend a fireside and see Don's slides of Nigeria.

After the talk on the Faith, several members of the Nigerian student organization said they were so impressed by the Faith and its spread throughout Nigeria that they might also become Bahá’ís.

ONCE back in Portland, they phoned Don and asked him to participate in a statewide celebration of the 23rd anniversary of Nigerian independence.

At first, Don was asked to speak only on Nigerian music, but after the Philomath fireside and another talk at Oregon State University, the executive committee altered its program and invited him to speak about the Faith and to show slides of Bahá’í communities and activities in Nigeria.

"The teachings and growth of this new religion will be the most significant contribution to be featured on the program," Don was told by the students.

He was the only American on the program, and received enthusiastic applause when he began speaking in Igbo and translating his talk, line by line, into English. He presented some Bahá’í songs in several Nigerian languages, using them to illustrate the basic Bahá’í principles such as the oneness of mankind and that the Promised One of all ages has come.

After the talk, more than 30 people requested literature, and more than 200 Nigerian students, lecturers and businessmen, as well as their families and a number of special guests, heard about the Faith that day, many for the first time.

"It is such a bounty to be able to teach so many waiting souls here and in the pioneering posts around the world," Don writes. "We must do all we can, now, to ensure that the suffering of the Iranian Bahá’ís will not be for nothing."

The International Goals Committee salutes those communities in Oregon who know how to use a returned pioneer to his, and their, benefit.

Pioneer to Africa records inspiring songs

Joany Lincoln, a Bahá’í pioneer to Africa for 13 years who is well-known for her inspiring and heartfelt songs about the Faith and pioneering, has produced a cassette tape featuring several of her songs in English, French and African languages including the Persian pioneering song.

The tape is now available from the International Goals Committee. To obtain a copy, write to the committee c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, and include $8 for the tape and postage costs.

Manual for Pioneers an invaluable guidebook for those who plan to serve the Faith overseas

Do you have plans to pioneer in the future? If so, an excellent book to read is A Manual for Pioneers by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

Read what some of our pioneers in the field have to say about the book, Quentin Farrand from El Salvador writes:

"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 illustrate some points.

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

Dorothy Treadwell of Peru says, "Our precious Rúhíyyih Khánum took time from her inhuman schedule to prepare A Manual for Pioneers, a mine of practical information, help and warnings."

Amatu’l-Baha Rúhíyyih Khánum herself writes:

"In the course of my travels in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands I have met a great number of pioneers and learned to admire their consecration and fortitude in the face of many difficulties and problems.

"I SAW them sometimes run-down, ill, discouraged and disillusioned, and occasionally heartbroken and hopeless, and longed to be able in some way to help them, to lighten their load and cheer them up and perhaps through suggestions make their road a little smoother and assist them to a better understanding of their task and of the peoples they will live with and teach, for I believe a great many of their hardships, heartaches and problems are caused by their own ignorance and improper orientation to the tasks they have undertaken with so much devotion and enthusiasm.

"That is why this book is such a mixture of quotations, findings, suggestions, recipes and admonitions, and what may appear to be aphorisms and even platitudes!

"Often I wish people would spell things out clearly for me; I have tried here to at least say what I mean in unambiguous language that perchance it may be of help to others."

A glimpse of some chapter headings shows "The Pioneer and the Administration," "Culture Shock," "Your Personal Environment," and "Some Basic Recipes."

To order your copy of A Manual for Pioneers by Rúhíyyih Rabbani, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Send $5.25 (which includes book rate postage) with your name and address. The Bahá’í Publishing Trust no longer stocks this book, which is indispensable to anyone who plans to pioneer, and it can be obtained only through the International Goals Committee.

Photo Caption

Don Addison (right), who recently returned to the U.S. from a pioneer post in Nigeria, is shown with Obie, one of the executive officers of the Nigerian Student Association in Oregon, at a recent observance of the 23rd anniversary of Nigerian independence at which Mr. Addison was one of the speakers. Mr. Addison, whose talk on the Faith was given to an audience of more than 200 Nigerians, is dressed in traditional Igbo clothing. [Page 7]

Youth arise to serve as homefront pioneers

As we approach the closing months of the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan, more and more valiant youth are arising to serve the Cause.

Since September 1983, 12 youth have arisen to serve as homefront pioneers, bringing to 52 the national total—and the remaining goal to be won is for 23 more youth homefront pioneers.

Service on the homefront is a unique way in which to teach the Faith, one that requires special sacrifice and leads to special bounties and rewards. Praise and prayers are offered for these 12 youth:

Kendra Hatfield and Debby Jackson who saved the Bahá’í College Club at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Marzieh Schwandes who is presently the only Bahá’í attending Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Lisa Fulkerson and Toni Brown who saved the College Club at Clemson University in South Carolina.

Rowena Dalloul who is attending California State University in Long Beach to teach the large number of Native Americans who are registered there.

Lisa Molin who is living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Wanblee, South Dakota, and attending Oglala Sioux Community College.

Deborah Lay, Geoff Lay, Julie Lindstrom and Joanne Schoen who are serving as homefront pioneers to Tualatin, Oregon, where they hope to help an Assembly to form.

Joe Basso who is attending Williamsport Junior College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he is an isolated believer.

"O Lord! Assist those who have renounced all else but Thee, and grant them a mighty victory. Send down upon them, O Lord, the concourse of the angels in heaven and earth and all that is between, to aid Thy servants, to succor and strengthen them, to enable them to achieve success, to sustain them, to invest them with glory, to confer upon them honor and exaltation, to enrich them and to make them triumphant with a wondrous triumph." (From Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 192)

Among the many target areas for youth to consider for homefront pioneering are colleges whose enrollment is predominantly black. The Race Unity Committee urges Caucasian youth to attend these schools as a visible means of reflecting Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings on the elimination of prejudice.

Among such schools are Howard University in Washington, D.C., a prestigious college whose Bahá’í Club is in jeopardy, and these schools with no Bahá’í College Club: Fisk University (Tennessee), Bethune-Cookman (Florida), Tuskegee Institute (Alabama), Bishop College (Texas), and Virginia Union University.

The National Youth Committee stands ready to help any young person who is interested in serving as a homefront pioneer. For details on goal communities and colleges, contact the committee at Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, or phone 305-462-1919.

‘Importance of Deepening’ splendid compilation

The new compilation, "The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith," prepared by the Universal House of Justice from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, should be at the top of every youth's to-be-read list.

This is a splendid compilation that will inspire each of us to read more and more of the vast writings that are available to us.

Among the emphases made in the compilation is the importance of memorizing the sacred texts. In a letter written on his behalf, the Guardian says, "to deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form."

Memorization is a skill that will surely enhance our ability to teach, as we can readily share the words of Revelation with others—a sure way to win their hearts!

Teaching, when supplemented by the words of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will, the Guardian explains, "... save the Cause from being misinterpreted by individuals" and will help us "to prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master."

In addition, we are told that "... the Master used to attach much importance to the learning by heart of the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb. During His days it was a usual work of the children of the household to learn Tablets by heart..."

There are a number of ways to get started on our own personal memorization campaign. One youth from Ohio writes quotations on small cards and carries them with her when she jogs so she can learn the passages at the same time.

Another young person from California has adopted a personal goal to memorize one of The Hidden Words each day.

Youth clubs and groups might also have memorization contests to maximize their ability to share the Writings in their purest form.

N. California college club conference marks Master’s 1912 visit to Stanford

About 80 Bahá’ís from California and Nevada attended a Northern California Bahá’í College Club Conference held October 8 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. The conference was held exactly 71 years after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic visit to Stanford in 1912.

This event, which drew Bahá’í youth from the greater San Francisco Bay area as well as from more remote localities in California and Nevada, served the dual purpose of addressing issues that confront Bahá’í college students and commemorating the 71st anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Stanford.

Some 80 Bahá’ís attended the day-long conference, and were joined by a number of interested Stanford students at an evening proclamation program.

In the morning, representatives of the National Teaching Committee, the National Youth Committee, and the Auxiliary Board spoke on such topics as increasing enrollments, participating in organizations with compatible principles, and coordinating service projects.

Outdoor workshops were held on combating racism and working with the college media.

In the afternoon, there was a moving talk by Vida Bertrand, a member of the Stanford faculty and Stanford Bahá’í community, remembering the visit by the Master exactly 71 years before.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s speech in 1912 was given, at the invitation of the university's first president, to an audience of more than 2,000, and dealt with international peace and universal brotherhood.

Following the commemoration, the film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1912 was shown, and the friends assembled afterward for a group picture at the same spot where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s picture was taken in 1912.

Highlighting the evening program was an address by Auxiliary Board member Jalil Mahmoudi entitled "The Earth Is But One Country and Mankind Its Citizens."

The talk, which had been publicized on campus, was favorably received by an audience of Bahá’ís and other interested students.

Youth Committee introduces brand new correspondence course for Bahá’í youth

The National Youth Committee is pleased to announce the introduction of a correspondence course for Bahá’í youth, making it possible for them to deepen at their own pace at home with guidance.

The course, entitled "The Standard: A Correspondence Course for Bahá’í Youth," consists of 12 monthly lessons designed for home or group study. Topics include "Youth and the Spread of the Faith," "The Nature of God and the Manifestation," "The Covenant," and "Bahá’í Administration" along with several others.

Those who subscribe to the course will receive a monthly lesson that includes an introduction, learning objective, topic content, and study questions. Answers will be enclosed with the following month's lesson. Also provided will be program evaluation cards so that the Youth Committee can receive feedback from students.

Subscriptions for "The Standard" are available from the Youth Committee for a $5 registration fee to cover postage and handling.

The first segment of the year-long series will be mailed to all registrants in March 1984, but youth may enroll in the course at any time by sending the $5 fee to the National Youth Committee, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

While the program is designed specifically for youth who are newly enrolled in the Faith, it can also serve as a useful review and study guide for youth who have had more deepening experience. The course is also highly recommended for group deepenings and classes for youth and other Bahá’ís.

Stanford Bahá’í Club sets Bosch conference

The Bahá’í Association at Stanford University is sponsoring the third annual West Coast Bahá’í College Club Conference January 27-29 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California.

The speakers will include Dr. Amin Banani, a professor at UCLA, and Dr. Vida Bertrand, who teaches at Stanford.

A $15 deposit is required on the total conference cost of $46 which includes room and board at Bosch. Deposits should be sent to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

For more information, phone Ehsan Talebi (evenings) at 415-322-3371.

Canada to host youth conference in ’84

Early plans have been announced for a 1984 Bahá’í International Youth Conference to be held August 24-28 in London, Ontario.

The conference is to be sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and hosted by its National Youth Teaching Committee. It will be open to youth ages 14-24 inclusive, but attendance will be limited to 2,500.

It's not too early to begin making your summer plans NOW, Bahá’í youth! Why not spend the summer teaching and bring your victories to Canada?

Mark your calendars for this special conference. And check future issues of The American Bahá’í and the "Youth Hotline" for details as they develop. [Page 8]

EDUCATION

• Assembly Development Program
• Bahá’í Schools
• Brilliant Star (Child’s Way) Magazine
• Local Education Adviser Program
• Personal Transformation Program

Last year the Spiritual Assembly of Cambridge, Massachusetts, began organizing children's classes for the greater Boston area using a new approach. Instead of having only one teacher responsible for regular classes (which had resulted in overcommitment and frustration), the Assembly decided to use a monthly format of guest teachers. Every second Sunday of the month, all children between the ages of 5 and 12 get together to enjoy puppet shows, cultural workshops, slide presentations and discussions that stress Bahá’í teachings. The emphasis is to have fun while learning, and one result has been that all the children now look forward to their Bahá’í classes. Shown here are some of the children and teachers of the Cambridge children's classes.

Louhelen schedules institute on teaching music to children

A week-long institute on teaching music to Bahá’í children will be held June 8-16 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.

The primary purpose of the institute is to train teachers to teach children music in Bahá’í classes so that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s instruction may be fulfilled:

"... THEREFORE you must exert yourselves to make them (the children) proficient; teach them to sing with excellence and effect. It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of their art, the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed. Likewise, it is necessary that the schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 49-50)

The hope is that this first music training program will mark the beginning of a long-range plan to provide our children with an excellent foundation in music—one that will begin at the nursery level and progress through the 8th grade (at least) and that will inculcate in our children a love for and knowledge of music; that will raise them up by learning to sing (and for many, to play) and to read music proficiently and become excellent in their musical endeavors.

Side effects should include good memory training, learning to listen, discipline which becomes ingrained and habitual if maintained regularly, confidence through the joy of accomplishment, and experience in working in groups.

The principles upon which the course is to be based were enunciated and developed by Zoltan Kodaly and his associates in Hungary over a 50-year period and are now being used successfully in many countries throughout the world.

SOME of the instructors at the institute will be Sister Lorna Zemke, head of the music department at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, who is a highly trained Kodaly expert; Charlotte (Sharley) Richardson, a graduate of Western State University in Colorado with a B.A. in music performance; Georgine Fountain Borden and Patricia Getz, graduates of the school of music at the University of Indiana; Grace Porter, who teaches music in public schools in Michigan; and Mimi McClellan, a graduate of the Yale Music School.

Requirements for participants include (1) ability to sing—basically in tune; (2) ability to read music—if not proficiently, at least to have some acquaintance with notes and rhythms; and (3) some experience in teaching children, or a desire to learn how to do so.

Those who are interested in attending may send a $10 (non-refundable) deposit to the registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

Education Committee offering two workshops

The National Education Committee would like to call to the attention of the friends two education workshops that are available from the National Education Committee office upon order. The workshops are:

• Developing Bahá’í Lesson Plans: Workshops I and II. The morning portion of Workshop I is devoted to the philosophical framework of Bahá’í education; the afternoon is devoted to developing specific lesson plans that are then carried out in the classroom and home community. Workshop II is held 4 to 6 weeks after the first, during which lesson plan results are shared and evaluated and new ones developed. Special resources to these workshops are the Bahá’í Curriculum Guide and the Bahá’í calendar.

When ordering, please specify the anticipated number of participants at the workshops so the correct number of materials can be sent. The workshop materials cost $5. Participants will buy their own copy of the Bahá’í Curriculum Guide ($3) at Workshop I.

• Politeness and Manners: Children and the Nineteen-Day Feast. The Local Spiritual Assembly is the point of unity in establishing and implementing a standard of behavior for children attending the local Nineteen Day Feast. This workshop for community members results in recommendations to the Local Assembly in setting a children's behavior standard. Workshop materials include:

Convener guidelines, agenda, and workshop handouts.

Letters on the topic from the Universal House of Justice.

A cassette tape prepared by the National Education Committee.

A Feast questionnaire that can be used to obtain feedback from parents, youth and children about how local Nineteen Day Feasts are presently perceived.

The workshop costs $5. Please specify the approximate number of persons who will be attending so the proper number of materials can be sent.

The cost covers mailing. Since workshop materials are sent UPS, the return street address (rather than a post office box number) is requested.

Checks should be made payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund" with orders sent to the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Test your skill in math!

But first, be sure you've got your facts straight! Many thanks to those who "caught" the error in last month's quiz.

Now, what's the numerical increase? Can you fill in the blanks?

In Column A: Of 1,000 children born to Bahá’í parents in 1975, all remain Bahá’ís. At age 25, each marries a person who is not a Bahá’í, but each couple brings up its children as Bahá’ís. Also, one-half of the spouses become Bahá’ís. All couples have two children who remain Bahá’ís. Everyone lives to be older than 75 years. Column B: Same as Column A, except only one-half of all children remain Bahá’ís.

Year	A	B
1975	1,000	1,000
2000	3,500	1,750
2025	?	?
2050	?	?
2075	?	?
2100	?	?
2125	?	?
2150	?	?
2175	?	?

Now, see if your figures correspond with the figures to be given in next month's issue of The American Bahá’í.

Decatur, Illinois, community sponsors 1st American Education Week banquet

On November 19, the Bahá’í community of Decatur, Illinois, sponsored its first American Education Week banquet.

About 40 people, half of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the banquet whose purposes were to proclaim the Bahá’í teachings on education, to show appreciation for educators in the community, and to emphasize the role of parents and teachers in encouraging excellence in students.

Dr. Darlene Hoffman, associate professor of education at Millikin University in Decatur, spoke on "How Parents and Teachers Can Encourage Excellence in Students."

The host for the banquet was Dr. Vahid Alavian, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Illinois and a member of the Bahá’í community of Champaign.

At the request of the Bahá’í community, mayor pro-tem Carol Brandt of Decatur proclaimed November 19 "Excellence in Education Day."

To publicize the banquet, 1,600 invitations containing quotations from the Bahá’í Writings were distributed among public and parochial school teachers and principals, city officials, and prominent residents.

Bahá’ís were invited to talk about the banquet and the Faith on two local radio programs.

Forty-five column inches of publicity were generated in four newspapers, and two issues of the Decatur Education Association's bulletin contained news releases about the banquet.

Education Committee seeks 50 to undergo training as directors

The National Education Committee is seeking 50 persons to attend a Youth Directors' Training Session to be held April 14-15 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

These persons will be trained to serve as youth directors for Bahá’í schools and for special events programs.

Those who are interested are asked to submit their names and a statement of their background either by mail or telephone to the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Individuals who are selected will be responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the training session.

Kids mark Halloween with WLGI trick-or-treat

Four Bahá’í children in Kirkland, Washington, ages four to eight years, celebrated Halloween this year by trick-or-treating among Bahá’ís for WLGI radio.

Using a large decorated can with a slot in the top, the youngsters asked the believers to contribute generously to the proposed new radio station in South Carolina.

At the Feast of Qudrat, the can was opened and $24.25 was given to the Assembly treasurer to be forwarded to the Office of the Treasurer for WLGI. [Page 9]

Child's death an affirmation of eternal life

The funeral took place on a cool, sunny morning. On entering the funeral home, the first sensation was of great poignancy. Where one would expect a room festooned with flowers and funeral wreaths, there was only a tiny white casket on the top of which sat a small teddy bear swathed in bandages, who clung to three helium-filled balloons. ONE could practically hear the catch in the breath of those coming in.

Soon the room was filled to overflowing by the more than 150 Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í children, youth and adults who had come to pay their respects to Dana Russell, the youngest son of Michael and Marlene and brother of Emma and Ben.

Dana Russell came into this world the victim of grievous congenital handicaps. He lived only 11 months and four days, and spent all of his life, with the exception of the 10 days he was able to be in his family's home in East York, at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Compared to a normal life's span, 11 months and four days is brief. We'll never know what it was to Dana, whose life did not extend four full seasons but nonetheless included eight major operations and several other life-threatening crises.

But Dana had a life rich in love and affection, which were showered on him by the scores of people who came into contact with him, whether as the result of kinship or acquaintance, or in connection with professional care and treatment.

MOST particularly, Dana Russell was blessed with a Bahá’í mother and father who struggled to find meaning and purpose in the life of their afflicted child through the Teachings of the Faith.

That they were able to do so was demonstrated clearly yet simply through the funeral they planned for Dana.

The character of this event was nothing less than an affirmation of the wonder of Dana's life and an expression of confidence about his glorious future.

Moreover, every single aspect of the funeral was designed so as to share with the many non-Bahá’ís present something of the Teachings of the Faith.

When everyone had arrived at the funeral home, Dana's casket was led out and the group proceeded to the cemetery.

THE SERVICE at the graveside began with the passage from pages 155-158 in Gleanings in which Bahá’u’lláh describes in clear and exquisite terms the manner in which a pure soul is received into the Abhá Kingdom and then goes on to explain the purpose underlying the Revelations of the Manifestations of God.

When this reading was completed, Dana's mother took the three balloons from the teddy bear and handed one each to her young daughter and son.

She then released the third balloon, which was carried swiftly aloft and disappeared into the morning sky as the friends stood breathless, many moved to tears by this simple act which expressed far better than words the generosity of spirit with which Dana's family was able to accept God's Will and say goodbye to him.

The sensitivity of this family, and their openness to the assurances of Bahá’u’lláh concerning the future of this child, were further conveyed through their choice of the final reading at the graveside, which was the prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in which we ask God to "make (this child) a child of the Kingdom and lead it to the Divine World," and assert that God is "the Giver, the Bestower, Whose blessings transcend all else."

Dana's sister Emma then offered the friends rose petals, from a small basket she carried to be scattered over Dana's casket. In Dana's small hand, his parents placed rose petals from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.

THE RUSSELL family then invited everyone present to the Toronto Bahá’í Center for a memorial service, which was followed by a luncheon.

As the guests entered the Center they had an opportunity to see something of Dana's life through an extensive array of photographs set out in chronological order in a gaily decorated album that was placed near the entrance of the Center.

The front of the room, where the service took place, was brightened and cheered by dozens of helium-filled balloons, and the service itself reflected the joy they imparted.

There were, again, moving readings from the Writings and prayers that spoke to the heart, and Jack Lenz spoke about Dana's life and death in a presentation that was at once so sensitive and so illumined that one felt he was responding on an intimate, personal level, with delicacy and wisdom, to all of those questions and doubts that arise when one hears of the suffering of an innocent child.

For many, the service was highlighted by the gift of music from the children present, who sang a prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed for children, and closed the service with the song "We Are Bahá’ís."

AFTER this, each child was given one of the balloons, and a delicious lunch was served.

It was especially moving to know that all of the desserts for the meal had been prepared by the nurses and staff of Dana's ward at the hospital. Indeed, many of Dana's nurses were present for the entire funeral.

Each person who attended was given a memorial card on which was printed, over a background of a bandaged teddy bear, the prayer for children which had been recited at the graveside, and the following passage from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which had been read at the memorial service:

"O thou kind Mother, thank divine Providence that I have been freed from a small and gloomy cage and, like the birds of the meadows, have soared to the divine world—a world which is spacious, illumined, and ever gay and jubilant. Therefore, lament not, O Mother, and be not grieved; I am not of the lost, nor have I been obliterated and destroyed. I have shaken off the mortal form and have raised my banner in this spiritual world. Following this separation is ever-lasting companionship. Thou shalt find me in the heaven of the Lord, immersed in an ocean of light."

So many people asked the Russells for extra copies of this memento, to share with families and friends, that they had to arrange a second printing.

Since the funeral, more than a hundred people have been invited to firesides held regularly by the Russells.

It is natural to grieve. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that "in this world separation is inevitable and bringeth with it burning grief."

In the midst of their grief, at the time of their mourning, this Bahá’í family shared with us not their sorrows but their belief; no despondency, only certitude and faith in God's Teachings.

"When the human soul soareth out of this transient heap of dust and riseth into the world of God, then veils will fall away, and verities will come to light, and all things unknown before will be made clear, and hidden truths be understood."

On the day of his funeral, we all had a chance to know, as Dana does, of his parents' exceptional capacity for love, because we each received a share of it from them.

—This article was reprinted from Bahá’í Canada.

Lakewood, Ohio Public Library Presentation

Bahá’í children Rebecca Franklin, age 10 (left) and 6-year-old Sean Burns are shown presenting Bahá’í books October 3 to Richard H. Joslin, head of the children's department at the Lakewood, Ohio, Public Library. One of the books presented was a second copy of The Secret in the Garden to supplement the library's other copy, which, says Mr. Joslin, 'is almost always out.' Also present was 2-year-old Louis Gregory Burns who was so excited he couldn't stand still for the picture.

San Dimas Universal Children's Day

The Spiritual Assembly of San Dimas, California, observed Universal Children's Day with a public meeting October 3 at which four UNICEF films for and about children were shown. The friends also offered refreshments and gave out balloons on which was printed 'Happy Universal Children's Day from the Bahá’ís of San Dimas. About 75 people including around 60 non-Bahá’ís attended. Shown here are Bahá’ís (left to right) Steven Stoll, Doris Short and Jeri Evans presenting a copy of the book The Wonder Lamp to librarian Mary Noonan (right).

Child Education Conference set in May

The National Education Committee invites children's class teachers, local education advisers, and LEAP district coordinators to attend the first National Child Education Conference sponsored by the Local Education Adviser Program.

The conference will be held Saturday/Sunday, May 26-27, 1984, at Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois (near the Bahá’í House of Worship).

This first National Bahá’í Child Education Conference will feature:

• Workshops on a variety of educational topics.
• An activities fair (to display Bahá’í educational activities developed by friends throughout the U.S.).
• A special guest keynote speaker.

Cost for overnight dorm rooms (doubles) is $25 ($12.50 per person). Meal arrangements will be as economical as possible. There will be no child care services. Pre-registration is required. Make plans now to attend.

Additional information will be provided in the next issue of The American Bahá’í. [Page 10]

The homefront pioneer

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

A revised Homefront Pioneer brochure is available from the National Teaching Committee. The brochure lists and explains the National Teaching Committee's priorities for homefront pioneers as well as helpful information for all Bahá’ís regarding pioneering.

You'll want to have this brochure for yourself and your Assembly to be knowledgeable about the Homefront Pioneer program and how we can use it to help win the goals of the Seven Year Plan. For free copies of the brochure, write to the National Teaching Committee or phone 312-869-9039.

Following is a listing of goal localities for homefront pioneers. Included are jeopardized Assemblies, large Groups, and communities that need special help, such as mass-taught areas and those with non-functioning Assemblies.

Alabama, Northern: Decatur, Homewood, Cottondale, Mountain Brook, Green County, Jerusalem Hts., Triana.

Alabama, South/Florida, NW: Auburn, Hunter Station, Macon County North, Mobile County, Mt. Vernon, Panama City, Phenix City, Prattville, Prichard, Selma, Shorter, Tuskegee, Union Springs.

Arizona, Northern: Coconiño, Las Ligas, Cashion, Yuma County, Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Komatke District, Somerton, Surprise, Tolleson, Wellton, West Buckeye, Yuma.

Arizona, Southern: Lakewood, S. Tucson, Casa Grande, Eloy, Nogales, Sells Chapter.

Arkansas: Fayetteville, Searcy, Arkadelphia, Cotton Plant, Dumas, England, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Lonoake, Pine Bluff, Pulaski County, Stuttgart, Sweethome, Woodson, Wrightsville.

California, Central 1: Belmont, Los Altos, Burlingame, Carmel, Daley City, Millbrae, San Bruno, California Orchard, Camphora, Campo Guzman, Campo Murphy, Campo 21, Castroville, Chualar, Freedom, Cupertino, Gonzales, Greenfield, Hollister, King City, North Gonzales, Parajo Valley South, San Ardo, San Lucas, Soledad, Antioch.

California, Central 2: Manteca, Tuolumne, Fresno, Mariposa, Modesto.

California, Northern 1: Alturas, Anderson J.D., Nevada City, Oroville, Oroville J.D., Ponderosa, Suisun City, Vacaville, Paradise.

California, Northern 2: Eureka, Eureka.

'Plan for growth' teaching conferences are held

The 1983 National Teaching Committee "plan for growth" calls for teaching conferences in the goal states of California, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts as well as in other selected locations.

THESE teaching conferences are designed to address the specific goals of the Seven Year Plan and what individuals can do to help win them.

Among topics for workshops, discussions and consultation are homefront pioneering, direct teaching, traveling teaching, forming Friendship Teams, identifying and teaching specific minorities, holding personal firesides, individual teaching, and proclamation.

Three such conferences have been held to date, with good attendance and active personal commitment by attendees to help win the goals of the Seven Year Plan.

Dr. Eugene Andrews of New York represented the National Teaching Committee at a conference held November 20 in Massachusetts. The event was sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Massachusetts and the Spiritual Assembly of Worcester.

Dr. Keyvan Nazerian, chairman of the National Teaching Committee, attended the Missouri teaching conference November 20 in St. Joseph.

AUXILIARY Board member Robert Posthlethwaite and Bahá’ís from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska also attended the conference, which was sponsored by the District Teaching Committee.

On that same day, Robert G. Wilson, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, traveled to the conference in Albany, New York.

Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem also was present at that gathering.

Each of the conferences set specific teaching goals.

FREE LITERATURE The earth a be country and d Bo power to furth KERNE LAKEPORT LOWERLAKE

Bahá’ís in Lake County, California, joined forces over the Labor Day weekend to man this booth at the County Fair in Lakeport where more than 150 people, many of whom said they had recently seen articles or heard about the Faith, accepted Bahá’í pamphlets. Shown here are (left to right) Bahá’ís Nanette Resller, Gordon Craig and Ruth Abbott.

Remember to pre-register for the 75th Bahá’í National Convention, April 26-29, 1984!

Teaching efforts honor Bahá’ís in Iran

Bahá’í communities, large and small, have been deeply touched by the dissolution of the Bahá’í administrative bodies in Iran.

The following excerpts from a letter recently received by the National Teaching Committee serve to illustrate the impact on the American Bahá’í community:

"In response to (the National Assembly's) soul-stirring message at the Southwest Washington District Convention, we voted to dedicate our teaching efforts in honor of Yazd, one of the Assemblies lost in Iran on October 5, 1983.

"We lost our Assembly here several years ago, but in the past seven months our numbers have increased to eight. Yazd was chosen because of a recent article in Brilliant Star. If we hold their fine actions in front of us like a beacon, we will surely be nine by Ridván."

We have since learned that the teaching work is being further accelerated by the Bahá’í Group of Pierce County, in peninsular Washington, which now wishes to be known by its chosen name, Yazd.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the Central Florida District Teaching Committee has adopted three additional goals to honor Bahá’ís in Iran whose Assemblies have been dissolved. They are as follows: Deland, to replace Tabriz; Altamonte Springs, to replace Isfahan; and Apopka, to replace Zahedan.

When these Assemblies are formed, the District Teaching Committee requests that they be named Deland-Tabriz, Altamonte Springs-Isfahan, and Apopka-Zahedan until the government of Iran permits the re-establishment of all Bahá’í institutions in that country.

At the National Teaching Committee, teaching is our middle name; our duties consist of helping District Teaching Committees, Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and individuals with their teaching.

All the goals of the Seven Year Plan can be won if we teach everyone with the attitude of helping them recognize the Cause of God for this day.

Of course, a good measure of successful teaching is enrollments. The purpose of this column is to keep you informed of the progress of teaching and enrollments in your state and area.

The National Teaching Committee has also been keeping track of the cities with the highest number of enrollments. Los Angeles, California, leads the way this year, but not far behind is little Boone, North Carolina, demonstrating that successful teaching is possible in rural areas as well as in the larger metropolitan centers.

If your area has experienced teaching success this year, please don't hesitate to share your ideas and news of your victories. The national enrollment totals for November: Adults, 107; youth, 44; total, 151. Enrollments in November 1982 totaled 192.

State	Adult	Youth	Total
Alabama	0	0	0
Arizona	2	2	4
Arkansas	7	8	15
California	2	3	5
Colorado	1	0	1
Connecticut	0	1	1
Delaware	4	0	4
Florida	0	0	0
Georgia	1	0	1
Idaho	3	1	4
Illinois	1	0	1
Indiana	0	0	0
Iowa	1	0	1
Kansas	0	0	0
Kentucky	1	0	1
Louisiana	1	0	1
Maine	1	1	2
Maryland	2	0	2
Massachusetts	6	4	10
Michigan	2	0	2
Minnesota	0	0	0
Mississippi	1	2	3
Missouri	0	0	0
Montana	3	0	3
Nebraska	1	1	2
Nevada	0	1	1
New Hampshire	7	0	7
New Jersey	1	0	1
New Mexico	11	0	11
New York	3	0	3
North Carolina	0	0	0
North Dakota	0	0	0
Ohio	1	0	1
Oklahoma	1	0	1
Oregon	10	4	14
Pennsylvania	1	1	2
Rhode Island	0	0	0
South Carolina	2	0	2
South Dakota	2	8	10
Tennessee	0	0	0
Texas	0	1	1
Utah	1	0	1
Vermont	7	0	7
Virginia	0	0	0
Washington	0	0	0
West Virginia	2	1	3
Wisconsin	0	0	0
Wyoming	1	0	1
Washington, D.C.	1	0	1
TOTAL	107	44	151

[Page 11]

TEACHING THROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAMS

The mail this month has brought lots of good Friendship Team news. Teams are forming everywhere with as many good ideas as they have eager members. Our count grows larger every day with 360 teams in more than 200 cities and towns.

SURELY there must be some Friendship Teams in Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Vermont, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., but we have yet to hear from any of them.

The National Teaching Committee has been keeping track of all Friendship Teams formed, and finds the greatest number in California. Illinois, Texas, Washington state, Michigan and New York state also have many active Friendship Teams to their credit.

Last month we reminded you what a Friendship Team is; this month, we promised to emphasize what a Friendship Team is not.

It is not a new and improved teaching plan. Teams are not responsible for keeping minutes, electing officers, or making reports; they are not committees. Friendship Teams are not rigid, mandatory, or exclusive. They should be diverse, with Bahá’ís making new friends within their Friendship Teams.

EVEN if your community has no minorities, it can still have Friendship Teams. Friendship Teams can cross community and locality lines.

Friendship Teams are meant to be fun, but they are not a social club. Their goal is to teach the Faith as a team.

Friendship Teams are not an activity that should place an extra burden on you, neither should they take the place of your usual Bahá’í activities.

Remember, no one is keeping track of how often you meet, just as no one is placing a limit on how much fun you can have.

Friendship Teams from North Dakota to New Mexico have written this month with news of their activities:

From Fargo, North Dakota: "Thank you for the Friendship Team plan. Through it we have increased our teaching activity almost 100 per cent. Three teams have been formed in Fargo with Persians, Indians and one child."

Nine seekers have attended one team's firesides, and Bahá’ís who reka J.D., Greater Sebastopol, Cloverdale, Lakeport, Willits, Fortuna.

California, Southern 1: Calabasas. Topanga, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Compton J.D., El Segundo, Inglewood J.D., Lomita, Malibu J.D., La Verne, Norwalk, Rowland. Hts., San Gabriel, Signal Hill, Whittier, La Canada Flintridge, Canyon County.

California, Southern 2: Laguna, Niguel, Colton, Lake Elsinore, Norco.

California, Southern 3: Goleta, San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Pismo Beach, Guadalupe.

California, Southern 4: South Bay J.D., Del Mar, Imperial Beach, National City, Solano Beach, Brawley, Calexico.

Colorado, Northeast: Commerce City, Douglas County, Golden, Lafayette, Northglen, Thornton, Westminster.

Colorado, Southeast: Fremont County, Canon City.

Colorado, Western: Delta County, Durango, Fort Garland, La Jara, Pagosa Springs, Palisade, Center, San Luis, Southern Ute Reservation.

Connecticut: West Hartford, Willamantic, Bridgeport, Guilford, New Canaan, Tolland, Wallingford, Waterbury, Westport Twp., Manchester.

DelMarVa: Kent County, Newark, Dover, Wicomico County, Atlantic District, Crisfield, Eden, Greater Berlin, Milton, Salisbury East, Salisbury West.

Florida, Central: Casselberry, Daytona Beach, Greater Kissimmee, Lake Worth, South Daytona, Winter Springs.

Florida, Northern: Atlantic Beach, Leon County, Jacksonville Beach.

Florida, Southeast: Delray Beach, Lauderhill, Coral Gables, Hendry County, Hialeah, Miramar, Tamarac.

Florida, Southwest: Sarasota, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Citrus County, Gulfport, Largo.

Florida: 50 mass-taught and/or non-functioning localities.

Georgia, Northeast: Columbia County.

Georgia, Northwest: Decatur, Cobb County Southeast.

Georgia, Southern: Edison.

Georgia: 100 mass-taught and/or non-functioning localities.

Idaho, North/Washington, East: Ellensburg, Pullman, Nez Perce Reservation, Richland, Greater Walla Walla, Franklin C.C.D. 3, Kennewick, Moses Lake, Okanogan, Lapwai.

Idaho, Southern: Ada County, Fort Hall Indian Reservation.

Illinois, Northern 1: East Moline, Freeport, Mundelein, Naperville, Oak Brook, Woodstock, Elmhurst, North Chicago, Villa Park.

Illinois, Northern 2: Arlington Heights, Harvey, Northbrook, Northfield Twp., Schaumburg, Wheeling, Hanover Park, Riverside, Schiller Park, South Holland, Blue Island, Chicago Hts., Hoffman Estates, Palatine Twp.

Illinois, Southern: Limestone Twp., Danville, Carbondale Twp., Edwardsville, Joppa, Macomb, Matoon, South Jacksonville, Urbana Twp., Wood River, Cairo, Centerville, Colp, East St. Louis, Jacksonville, Mound City, Mounds, Sandusky, Ullin.

Indiana: Columbus, Mishawaka, Terre Haute, Vincennes, Warsaw.

Iowa: Fairfield, Marion, Bettendorf, Dallas Center, Lynne County, Muscatine, Warren County.

Kansas: Derby, Lenora, Overland Park, Dodge City, Garden City, Independence, Norton, Prairie Village, Salina, Winfield, Newton.

Kentucky: Danville, Franklin County, Lancaster, Richmond.

Louisiana, Northern: Bossier City, Desoto Parish, Quachita Parish.

Louisiana, Southern: Gretna, La Place, Thibodaux, La Fourch Parish, Bogalusa, Covington, Gretna, Hammond, Lafayette Parish, Lockport, Lake Charles, Metairie, Kenner, Port Sulphur, Slidell, St. Martinville.

Maine: Gorham, South Portland.

Maryland West/Washington, D.C.: Gaithersburg, Calvert County, Annapolis, College Park, Harford County.

Massachusetts: Arlington, Belchertown, Greenfield, Braintree, Danvers, Dartmouth, Falmouth, Medford, Lowell, Northampton, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Ipswich, Lynn, Scituate, Watertown.

Michigan, Mainland: Battle Creek, Fruitport Twp., Pittsfield Twp., Pontiac, Saginaw Twp., St. Claire Shores, Meridian Twp., Allen Park, Alpena, Bay City, Benton Twp., Canton Twp., Dearborn, Grand Blanc Twp., Ludington, Farmington Hills, Middlebury Twp., Niles, Port Huron, Romulus, Saginaw Twp., Taylor, W. Bloomfield Twp., Traverse City, Midland.

Minnesota, Northern: Moorhead, Bemidji, St. Louis County South, Virginia, Ponemah.

Minnesota, Southern: Falcon Hts., Mankato, Coon Rapids, Arden Hills, Eden Prairie, Edina, W. St. Paul.

Mississippi: Biloxi, Canton, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Harrison County, Hinds County, Jefferson Davis County, Lucedale, Prentiss, Tugaloo, Yazoo City.

Missouri: Missouri River Twp., Clayton, Concord Twp., Grandview, Roch Twp., Rogersville, St. Louis County, Warrensburg, Cape Girardeau, Kirkwood, Marshall, Sedalia.

Montana: Kalispell, Missoula, Flathead County, Sidney.

Navajo-Hopi: Houck Chapter, Kaibeto Chapter, Kayenta Chapter, Klagetah Chapter, Oak Springs Chapter, Red Lake Chapter, Rock Point Chapter, Ship Rock Chapter, St. Michaels Chapter, White Cone Chapter.

Nebraska: Crete, Sarpy County, Gehring, Kearney, Bellevue, Scottsbluff.

Nevada, Northern: Lovelock, Washoe County South, Winnemucca.

Nevada, Southern: Clark County West, Winchester.

New Hampshire: Bristol, Peterborough, Claremont, Epping, Laconia, Lebanon, Rochester, Woodstock.

New Jersey: Glen Rock, Middletown, Bloomfield, Camden, Cherry Hill, Cliffside Park, Dumont, East Orange, Midland, Newark, Orange.

New Mexico, Northern: Jemez Pueblo, Taos Pueblo Indian Reservation.

New Mexico, South/Texas, West: Artesia, Placetas, Ruidoso, Anapra, Alpine, Anthony, Canutillo, Deming, Eunice, Columbus, Fabens, Lovington, Magdalena, Marfa, Moon City, Portales, Rincon, Roswell, Presidio, San Migual, Socorro, Van Horn.

New York, Eastern: Longbeach, Poughkeepsie, Cortland, Fishkill, Monticello, Mount Vernon, New Paltz, Ossining, Plattsburg City, Ramapo, Riverhead, Rockville Centre.

New York, Western: Binghamton, Geneva, Greece, Olean, Sodus Point, Hilton, Jamestown, Potsdam, Tonawanda.

New York, Eastern: Longbeach, Poughkeepsie, Cortland, Fishkill, Monticello, Mount Vernon, New Paltz, Ossining, Plattsburg City, Ramapo, Riverhead, Rockville Centre.

New York, Western: Binghamton, Geneva, Greece, Olean, Sodus Point, Hilton, Jamestown, Potsdam, Tonawanda.

New York, Eastern: Longbeach, Poughkeepsie, Cortland, Fishkill, Monticello, Mount Vernon, New Paltz, Ossining, Plattsburg City, Ramapo, Riverhead, Rockville Centre.

North Carolina, Central: Elrod, Durham County, High Point, Carrboro, Fairmont, Greater Orrum, Greater Rowland, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Maxton, Pembroke, Rowland, Tabor City, Wadesboro, Whiteville, Maxton East.

North Carolina, Eastern: Apex, Clayton, Elm City, Farmville, Henderson, Kinston, La Grange, Macedonia, Mt. Olive, Plymouth, Robersonville, Rocky Mount, Roper, Wake Forest, Washington, Wilson, Windsor, Zebulon.

North Carolina, Western: Cabarrus County, Cherokee Reservation, Creek, Cornelius, Derita-Mallard, Marion, Mathews, Old Fort.

North Dakota: Devils Lake Sioux Reservation, Mandaree, Bismarck, Minot, Fort Yates.

Ohio, Northern: Sylvania, Port Clinton, Warren, Willoughby, Lima.

Ohio, Southern: Beaver Creek, Airdeville, Yellow Springs.

Oklahoma, Eastern: Tulsa County, New Lima, Okm Igee, Ada, Adair County, Bartlesville, Chouteau, Greater Jay, Greater Sasakwa, Muskogee, Redbird, Tahlequah, Wagoner.

Oklahoma, Western: Noble, Spencer, Yukon, Altus, War Acre, Weatherford, Anadarko, Chickasha, Clinton, Duncan, El Rino, Enid, Frederick, Guthrie, King Fisher, Langston, Lawton, Watonga.

Oregon, Eastern: Wallowa, Baker, Crook County, Hood River, Burns, The Dalles.

Oregon, Western: Illinois Valley, Lincoln County, Roseburg, Newport, Tillamook, Woodburn.

Pennsylvania, Eastern: Bethlehem, Cheltenham, Radnor, Swarthmore, Upper Darby, Allentown, Haverford Twp., Pottstown, Springfield Twp.

Rhode Island: Newport, Cranston, East Providence, Warwick, Pawtuckct.

South Carolina, Central: Branchville, Caperstown, Elloree Circle, Holly Hill, Lynchburg Twp., West Elloree.

South Carolina, Eastern 1: Society Hill, Antioch, Chesterfield, Carterville, Chesterfield County South, Florence, Gaddys Mill, Greater Hartsville, Johnsonville, Olanta, Vox.

South Carolina, Eastern 2: Hemingway, Marion County North, N. Myrtle Beach.

South Carolina, Northern: Blackstock, Buffalo, Greater Cowpens, Hickory Grove.

South Carolina, Southern 1: Charleston County, Monks Circle, Mount Pleasant, Summerville.

South Carolina, Southern 2: Beaufort County, Colleston County, Vemasee.

South Carolina, Western: Abbeville, Anderson County, Clarks Hill, Easley.

South Carolina: 185 mass-taught and/or non-functioning localities.

South Dakota: Bismarck, Bullhead District, Parmalee, Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Little Eagle Voting District, Lower Brule Indian Reservation, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation East, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation West.

Tennessee, Eastern: Cookville, East Ridge, Hamblen County.

Tennessee, Western: Arlington, Rutherford County, Allens, Greater Arlington, Greater Oakland, Greater Somerville, Longstown, Rossville, Somerville.

Texas, Central 1: Cedar Park, Travis County, Williamston County, Winson.

Texas, Eastern 1: Denison, Hurst, Tyler, University Park, Ennis, Mesquite.

Texas, Eastern 2: La Porte, Dayton, Guy, League City.

Texas, Northern: Canyon, Hereford.

Texas, Southern: Laredo, Mission, Port Lauaca.

Texas: 50 mass-taught and/or non-functioning localities.

Utah: Bountiful, Murray, San Juan County, Sandy, West Valley City, White Mesa.

Vermont: Montpelier.

Virginia, Northern: Frederick County, Augusta County, Fredericksburg, Vienna, Manassas.

Virginia, Southern: Petersburg, Portsmouth, Blacksburg, Chesapeake, Farmville, Franklin, Newsoms, South Hill, Southampton County, Suffolk, Virginia Beach.

Washington, Northwest: Kingsgate, Tukwila, Orcas, Bothell, Marysville, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, Renton, Greater Renton, San Juan Island, Lummi Indian Reservation, Port Madison Indian Reservation.

Washington, Southwest: Olympia, Richland, Sumner, University Place, Aberdeen, Franklin County C.D., Lewis County C.D., Pierce County C.D., Pierce County Penn., Raymond.

West Virginia: Monongalia, Kanawha County, Montgomery, Raleigh County, Wetzel County, Bluefield.

Wisconsin/Michigan: Chippewa Falls, Gibraltar Twp., Wausau.

Wisconsin, Southern: Delafield Twp., Brookfield, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, Monona, Muskego, Sheboygan, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Wilson Twp.

Wyoming: Riverton, Mills, Newcastle, Rock Springs.

January a good time to check library for books

The National Teaching Committee receives several letters a month requesting information about the Faith.

Many of the writers mention that they could find no information at their local public library.

January is a good month to check the libraries in your extension teaching goal. If you find that they lack basic information about the Faith, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust has a Library Proclamation Kit that is a good start for any library.

The kit consists of three hardcover books for $21. The books are Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Some Answered Questions, and Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Presenting the books to the library will give your community an opportunity to ask to set up a display for an upcoming Holy Day, to offer information on the persecutions in Iran, to contribute Bahá’í children's books or records, and to present a catalog from the Publishing Trust for future orders.

For more information and ideas on teaching in your extension goal, please contact the National Teaching Committee or the Publishing Trust. [Page 12]

Temple Restoration Seminar charts course for success

National Spiritual Assembly, was to assess the over-all condition of the House of Worship, identifying specific problem areas, their probable causes and degree of severity; to recommend any immediate temporary measures that appear necessary; and to recommend a long-range plan for the over-all restoration of the House of Worship including any specific tests or studies required, priorities, scheduling of work, and estimated costs.

The findings for each area of the Temple by the six working groups were analyzed and recorded with the help of computers.

THE RESULT is a one-inch thick report to the National Spiritual Assembly that includes three pages of recommendations and 14 appendices which cover each area of the Temple structure.

The final report was presented to Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, who thanked the participants on behalf of the Assembly and gave each of them a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a prayer revealed by the Master for the House of Worship.

The National Assembly has appointed a six-member Temple Restoration Committee to proceed with more detailed studies, restoration scheduling, and implementation of plans.

The National Assembly also has approved the expenditure of funds for the initial phase of the Temple restoration.

While the report indicates that the damage is serious and does require repairs, said Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, the building is not threatened by collapse.

WHAT is required in light of the experts' findings, he said, is a several year long program of restoration.

Participating in the Temple Restoration Seminar were:

Discussing the structural condition of the Bahá’í House of Worship are (left to right) Mohammad Aazami of Glendale, California; Mehran Sattarzadeh of Orange, California; Teck Chua of West Lafayette, Indiana; and John Bruton of Simi Valley, California.

Mohammed Aazami, Glendale, California: a construction engineer and general contractor with 20 years' experience in high-rise steel and concrete structures.

• Robert Armbruster, Oak Park, Michigan: a member of the Louhelen Bahá’í School Project Committee who is a civil engineer and project management specialist.

Robert Basso, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: an architect, technical administrator and master specifications writer.

John Bruton, Simi Valley, California: a mechanical engineer and project manager.

Teck Chua, West Lafayette, Indiana: a specialist at Purdue University in the repair and restoration of concrete.

• Dennis Davis, Wilmington, Delaware: a senior safety inspector, plans examiner and waterfront administrator.

David Haddon, Port Hope, Ontario, Canada: a civil engineer who has been involved in previous studies of the House of Worship.

Cyrous Khalilian, Aptos, California: an architectural engineer for high-rise structures.

Joseph Marcial, Pembroke Pines, Florida: an architect who specializes in the design and building of domed structures.

William Maslauski, Springfield, Illinois: an architect who participated in previous studies of the House of Worship.

• Frederic McCoy, Ferndale, Michigan: an architectural coordinator and project manager who served on the Louhelen Bahá’í School Project Committee.

Calvin Pritchard, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida: a general contractor.

Ezatollah Rohani, Woodinville, Washington: a construction manager and senior estimator.

James Reinoehl, Columbus, Ohio: a metallurgical engineer and corrosion specialist who has done research in corrosion cracking of steel and has developed a computerized data system for bridge and rail safety inspection.

Mehran Sattarzadeh, Orange, California: a construction engineer who specializes in design, layout, underground storage, concrete reservoirs and concrete foundations.

Robert Shaw, Middleton, Wisconsin: a civil engineer, builder and developer with 30 years' experience who served on the Rabbani Bahá’í School (India) Project Committee.

Walter Steiger, averton, Oregon: a member of the Army Corps of Engineers for 30 years who is involved in the design, construction and renovation of major composite buildings and aircraft hangars and who designed the Bahá’í National Center in Alaska.

Cyrus Varan, Albuquerque, New Mexico: a structural engineer with 30 years' experience who is a senior designer, publisher, researcher and educator.

John Wilson, Somerville, Massachusetts: a specialist in computer-aided design.

Dudley Woodard, Willoughby, Ohio: a metallurgist for 30 years who specializes in the deformation and fracture of metals.

Shinji Yamamoto, Madison, Wisconsin: an architect for the State of Wisconsin who has been involved in previous studies of the House of Worship.

Cengiz Yetken, Oak Park, Illinois: an architect and designer of high-rise steel structures who designed the Bahá’í Centers in Muncie, Indiana, and Vienna, Virginia, and is a consultant on the Louis Gregory radio station project.

Robert Yoder, Rock Hill, Missouri: a chemist who specializes in protective coatings and is involved in research and development of corrosion resistant sealants.

Sam Clark of Ferndale, Michigan, who served as a member of the Louhelen Bahá’í School Project Committee, was convenor and chairman of the Temple Restoration Seminar.

Serving as seminar documentor was Frank Lucatelli, an architect from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

John Weiss, a liability insurance adviser from Greenfield, Wisconsin, and Stephen Koehl, acting general manager of NSA Properties Inc., also took part in the seminar.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly was so pleased by the splendid work done at the Temple seminar that it has announced plans for a similar gathering of Bahá’ís with expertise in financial planning to explore methods for raising capital and financing various Bahá’í building projects.

The Financial Planning Seminar, scheduled for January 26-29 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina, will begin by focusing on WLGI, the first Bahá’í-owned radio station in North America, and the properties at the Gregory Institute.

The National Assembly hopes that financial strategies developed at the seminar can be applied to other projects planned by the Assembly.

Methods and opportunities for investments and financing will be looked into along with ways to maximize savings and investment profits of Bahá’ís who are in a position to invest funds that could be used to help develop or improve Bahá’í properties.

Bahá’ís in law, real estate, financial planning, investment, land development and related fields were invited to apply for participation in the seminar.

Archives seeks papers of early N.Y. Bahá’ís

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking the personal papers of early New York City Bahá’ís including those of William Hoar, Arthur P. Dodge and family, Howard MacNutt, James Brittingham and Roy C. Wilhelm. The Archives is especially interested in original letters, diaries, personal recollections, manuscripts and photographs. Anyone having information about the personal papers of these or other early New York City Bahá’ís is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Above: Corrosion and rust in the House of Worship come under the scrutiny of chemist Robert Yoder (kneeling) and metallurgist Dudley Woodard. Below: Climbing high into the dome of the Temple is John Wilson of Somerville, Massachusetts. [Page 13]

'Trail of Light' makes many friends in Arizona res

By REGINA ANCHONDO

The members of the Trail of Light teaching team for the United States arrived in Tucson, Arizona, from north and south. Sabino Ortega, Egon Nieto, Clemente Pimantel and Leopoldo Richard came in from Central and South America.

COUNSELLOR Lauretta King, representing the Board of Counsellors in the Americas and the Tlingit people of southeastern Alaska, arrived from a short visit to Mexico.

Ann Miller Jorgensen, a pioneer to Ecuador and Panama, flew in from Canada where she had served as translator for the Trail of Light team traveling there.

Regina Anchondo, another translator and member of the National Teaching Committee staff, arrived from Chicago.

On the morning of September 28 everyone met together for the first time. Following breakfast and prayers, we reviewed the day's schedule, and would later find that it was light compared to what would follow.

The day began with a half-hour Spanish-language radio interview on KXEW during which three team members (Clemente had stayed behind to rest) spoke about the purpose of their visit, the Faith, and played a few songs representative of their people.

The interviewer continually repeated the time and place of the public meeting that would take place later that week, challenging the Hispanic community of Tucson to turn out and welcome its brothers from the south.

A LUNCHEON hosted by the Bahá’ís of South Tucson was followed by a newspaper interview with photographs and a dinner hosted by the Spiritual Assemblies of Tucson and Pima County. In retrospect, it was an easy day.

The second day was more typical of the tour as a whole. After a whirlwind visit to San Xavier Mission on the Papago Reservation for prayers at the shrine (and an opportunity to speak with a young Papago man about the shrine and the Faith), we were whisked off to meet with the spiritual and administrative chiefs of the Pascua Yaqui.

This meeting was special for a number of reasons. For one thing, it was the team's first meeting with tribal leaders in the U.S. Since the two leaders are trilingual, speaking English, their Indian language, and Spanish, it was the only interview with tribal chiefs for which translators were not needed.

The discussion was open and frank, with the spiritual leader speaking of the continued practice of the Indian religion in addition to Catholicism.

HE SAID he personally had no desire to change his own religion, but certainly would not interfere with any members of his tribe who might wish to become Bahá’ís. During a luncheon that followed the meeting, he invited members of the team to return after the tour and spend some time on the Reservation as his guests.

Our next engagement was the first of many visits to elementary schools, this one on the Papago Reservation. The focus of the program was somewhat different when presented at the schools, mainly because the subject of religion could not be raised.

Instead, the team would concentrate on presenting songs and dances, and on encouraging the children to be proud of their heritage and to learn the traditional songs and dances of their people. Leopoldo was always especially touched by the children; in their brown, round faces he saw himself as a child. One could almost touch the love he felt for them, and they always responded to him with smiles and laughter.

AT THE end of this particular presentation, they filed past the team and translators and shook our hands. The standing joke among Bahá’ís in the Tucson area and the team was that Egon Nieto would usually perform a rain dance at the presentations.

The rainy season had ended a week or so before we arrived in Arizona, and the weather was hot with a deep blue, cloudless sky and an almost blinding sun. Consequently, whenever Egon gave his audience a chance to choose between a dance for rain and one for sun, everyone would laughingly shout that they wanted rain.

Following the presentation at the school that day and a brief shopping trip, we went to the community college on the Reservation where we would have dinner, prepared by the Papago Bahá’ís, and give another public presentation.

After the traditional dinner the Trail of Light Team gave its first full presentation on a Reservation, including Egon's second rain dance of the day.

AND it rained. And rained. In fact, it rained so much we weren't sure we could return to Tucson that night—there are large dips in the road that, when filled with water, can immerse a vehicle. We did get back to Tucson, but it continued to rain for the duration of our stay there.

The next afternoon we participated in a cultural exchange with the American Indian Student Association at the university. Only the Navajo members of the club were able to attend, and they shared their dances with the team and then watched dances from Chile and Bolivia.

Sabino talked about the purpose of the visit (he was our team "orator"), and invited them to attend the public meeting that night. Several non-Indian students also came, and there was ample opportunity to talk to them on a one-to-one basis about the Faith and about the Indians in South America.

DURING this time there also was another newspaper interview. The term to be "run ragged" took on a brand new meaning for the translators.

Two things happened that made the evening's public meeting worth mentioning. First, the spiritual and administrative leaders of the Pascua Yaqui came to the presentation with their families. Although fervently prayed for, it had not been expected. The result was the reinforcement of the friendship between certain team members and these two gentlemen.

The second event was the appearance of one of the Navajo women who had taken part in the afternoon's activities at the university. The woman, Una, asked permission to present traditional gifts to the team members in the traditional Navajo way, pausing from time to time as she approached them.

The gifts included sacred plants such as tobacco, and articles that she had made herself by hand. She was in turn given gifts by the South Americans. Later, we learned that she had had a long talk with Ann about the Faith, among other things, during a social period that followed the presentation.

We were satisfied with the results, and hoped that Tucson was too. As we left Tucson at dawn the following day, it was still raining. As we approached our next stop, Albuquerque, it looked like it was going to rain. Someone must have told them Egon was coming.

NEXT: New Mexico and Northern Arizona.

Visit to the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian Reservations

Lauretta King, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas who is a Tlingit Indian from Alaska, made an historic visit July 28-29 to the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian Reservations in southeastern Florida where she was received by several tribal leaders. After her visit to the Seminole Reservation, which was arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Hollywood, Florida, the Counsellor remarked that she had never received a nicer welcome on any Reservation or had a more complete tour. Mrs. King made the visits while en route to a meeting of the Board of Counsellors in Antigua.

Image Captions

Above: Indian dances are performed for the Trail of Light team in Neah Bay, Washington.

Below: A part of the large audience at a meeting in Neah Bay.

A traditional drum ceremony welcomes the Trail of Light team to Neah Bay, Washington. Franklin Kahn, a Navajo from Arizona, is second from right in dark shirt. To his right is Seymour Arkette, a Bahá’í from the Yakima tribe in Washington state. [Page 14]

Persian Relief Fund offers needed help in many ways?

Supporting the Persian Relief Fund is one way in which the friends can demonstrate the Bahá’í principle of the unity of mankind and the humanitarian nature of the Bahá’í community, says Dr. Manouchehr Derakhshani, secretary of the Persian Affairs Committee.

ONE example of how the fund is used, he says, is to help members of the immediate families of Bahá’í martyrs who are in the U.S. and suddenly find themselves without financial support.

Elderly Persian Bahá’ís who were living on their pensions from Iran also are in need of help from the fund, for as Dr. Derakhshani points out, "practically all of those pensions have been discontinued."

Those in need include elderly Bahá’ís who cannot work and are without family members. Often they are in need of medical help and have no health insurance.

"There are a number of people in this country who more or less regularly receive assistance (from the Persian Relief Fund)," says Dr. Derakhshani, "while there are others who may need occasional help."

In many cases, he says, help is offered in the form of an interest free loan. The total outlay in the U.S. from the Persian Relief Fund is about $6,000 to $7,000 each month in addition to one-time disbursements for emergencies such as hospitalization.

AT THIS time, Dr. Derakhshani explains, it is not possible to send funds to Iran. But although contributions to the fund cannot be used to help Bahá’ís in Iran itself, they can be used to help those in other countries who have suffered either directly or indirectly during the present wave of persecutions.

The Persian Relief Fund was established in January 1979 by the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran to help the persecuted Bahá’ís in that country.

When the attacks on the friends continued, the situation deteriorated, and the National Assembly no longer was able to administer the fund, the Universal House of Justice began to administer it on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran.

Bahá’ís in many countries then began contributing to the fund to provide financial assistance to the relatives in other lands of those who were martyred or imprisoned in Iran.

In early 1981, says Dr. Derakhshani, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly began to publicize the existence of the Persian Relief Fund so Bahá’ís in this country could contribute.

ALL contributions to the fund in the U.S. and in other countries are in fact administered by the Universal House of Justice. The various National Assemblies may hold whatever contributions they receive pending instructions from the World Centre.

"Because the money is so limited," says Dr. Derakhshani, "this fund can help only a small number of those who need help." Only in cases of extreme emergency, he says, is the fund able to provide assistance.

The National Spiritual Assembly through its Persian Affairs Committee attempts to get local U.S. Bahá’í communities involved to see how much of the financial needs of Persians in those communities can be met locally through the friends in that locality and social service agencies in the area.

It is only when no other help is available, says Dr. Derakhshani, that a case is presented to the Universal House of Justice for a decision on the use of the Persian Relief Fund.

"U.S. Bahá’ís are encouraged not only to support the Persian Relief Fund," he says, "but to see if they can be of some help at the local level to those Persian friends who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the persecutions in Iran."

Bahá’ís in this country may contribute to the Persian Relief Fund simply by sending their contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund earmarked "Persian Relief Fund."

World Peace Day

About 100 people attended a World Peace Day observance September 18 at Lithia Park bandshell in Ashland, Oregon, whose theme was 'World Peace Through the Children. The program included music by area musicians, two Bahá’í speakers, and a performance by the children based on the book The Secret in the Garden. The mayor of Ashland proclaimed September 18 World Peace Day,' and the Bahá’í community presented a copy of The Secret in the Garden to the public library.

Persecutions

Died in prison in Shíráz on June 30, 1983.

Mr. Muhammad Ishraqí, 81 years old. An Auxiliary Board member who died in prison in Tehrán on August 31, 1983.

WORD HAS ALSO recently been received that in the city of Dizfúl, a Bahá’í woman, Mrs. Irán Rahimpúr (Khurmá’í), was executed on May 12, 1983, after giving birth to her child. The baby was taken away by the Muslims and his fate is unknown.

One of the most obvious examples of persecution and proof of the evil intention of the Iranian authorities to uproot the Faith in that land is the destruction and desecration of Bahá’í cemeteries. Recently there was an official advertisement in the newspapers in Iran indicating that the tombstones in the Bahá’í cemetery in Tehrán were being put up for sale. Since all markers on the graves are apparently being eliminated, it is possible that no trace of the Bahá’í cemetery will remain in future.

You may share the above information with the friends in your jurisdiction, and if you have been doing so in the past, with government authorities and the media.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat November 7, 1983

Mission Is Possible

On Sunday, October 23, the Bahá’í community of Carrollton, Georgia, sponsored the first interracial variety show ever held in that city. About 125 people participated in the program, whose theme was 'Mission Is Possible' and whose purposes were to promote better race relations in Carrollton and to raise money for three local charities. As a result of the show, the Bahá’ís were able to present checks for $152.22 to each of the charities.

Friendship

...hadn't attended activities for several months were contacted and have attended recent events.

Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in Nebraska have been offered the services of the "Unity in Diversity" Friendship Team.

They write: "This team of Bahá’ís of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds has been formed specifically to travel to your area and support your teaching activities,"

They say they will "conduct classes, firesides, teach door to door, appear on TV, interview on radio, or do anything you like."

A Friendship Team in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is helping its teaching committee in "carrying out and implementing its ideas, on an on-call basis."

Santa Fe also has adopted its extension teaching goal in the name of the lost Assembly of Yazd, and hopes that its Friendship Team can help raise the goal of El Rito to Assembly status.

Look for more news and information about Friendship Teams in this column—and don't hesitate to send in news of your victories.

National Assembly approves computer association, names steering committee

In September, the National Spiritual Assembly approved the establishment of the Bahá’í Computer and Telecommunications Association (BCTA) and appointed a committee to oversee its operations.

Members of the committee are Roger and Sheryl Coe of Navajo, New Mexico; Herbert Forman of Rochester, New York; Stephen Gaudin of Hawthorne, California; Jerry Hummel of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Janis Rogers of Navajo, New Mexico.

The committee has drafted a mandate for the organization of the Association and submitted it to the National Assembly for its consideration.

The National Assembly has asked that the Association focus primarily on two project areas: (1) experimentation with computer networking, and (2) service-type projects for Local Assemblies, local and national committees, and communities.

If you would like to contact the Association, you may do so by writing to P.O. Box 95, Navajo, NM 87328, or by phoning 505-777-2230.

Deepening

Some study classes lend themselves to memorization assignments.

Youth are encouraged to adopt this healthy practice and make it a learning habit. The resulting ability to quote Tablets and verses verbatim can only lead to more effective teaching, and to one's increased understanding of the deeper meanings of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. [Page 15]

Prayers and Meditations; Charging Our Spiritual Batteries

When Prayers and Meditations was first published, Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf, expressed pleasure that the book would be available to the friends in time for that year's Fast. He said that "such a precious volume will help to deepen, more than any other publication, the spirit of devotion and faith in the friends..."

Prayers and Meditations is one book that seems to receive extra attention during the Fast—because it contains the prayers of Bahá’u’lláh for the Fast and because it is one of the largest collections of prayers and meditations by Bahá’u’lláh available in English.

How much more attention must we give this and other Bahá’í sacred texts during every month remaining in the Seven Year Plan—a Plan that has as a primary objective the centering of our individual lives around the Creative Word?

Shoghi Effendi's letter goes on to say that perusal of Prayers and Meditations by the friends will help "charge them with all the spiritual power they require for the accomplishment of their tremendous duties towards the Cause."

The Fast is coming close upon us. It is a time for us to recharge our spiritual batteries. It is a time for us to try to draw ourselves closer to the "spiritual power" of the Creative Word. Then, as Bahá’u’lláh enjoins, we will truly be ready to "translate that which hath been written into reality and action."

(Hardcover, Catalog No. 103-010, $11)

New 1984 calendars, date book available from Publishing Trust

The 1984 date book and wall and pocket calendars, produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, are now available, according to Terrill Hayes, production manager of the Publishing Trust. (See "News from the Publishing Trust" on Page 24 for descriptions of each.)

The delay on the wall calendar resulted from the Publishing Trust's efforts to secure photographs of the Samoan and Indian Temples.

But when photographs arrived, says Mr. Hayes, it was clear that the construction of neither building was advanced to a point at which a photograph suitable for a calendar could be made at this time.

The search for the photograph that was ultimately used (the entrance to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh) took an unusually long time.

The delay on the date book, according to Mr. Hayes, was even more complicated.

First, there were misunderstandings between the typesetter and printer that the Publishing Trust selected. The miscommunications took several weeks to resolve. Then, the printing process required for the gatefold cover on the date book created additional delays.

The format of the 1985-86 date book probably will be altered, says Mr. Hayes, to eliminate the printing problems and to keep the price as low as possible.

The Hawaiian history calendars have not yet been received. Watch the February issue of The American Bahá’í for details.

Use the order form at the right to order any of the titles on the publications page or elsewhere in The American Bahá’í.

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 mail; a VISA or MasterCard account number and expiration date must be included. Send orders to Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Trust notes top 10 best sellers

Top Ten Best Sellers from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for the first 6 months of 1983 (ranked by no. of units sold)

1. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (pocket-size) 2. The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction (Faizi) 3. The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith 4. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (Esslemont, softcover) 5. Bahá’í Prayers (softcover) 6. From Behind the Veil (Demas) 7. B.J. and the Language of the Woodland (Deibert) 8. The Spotlessly Leopard (Newman) 9. Martha Root (Garis, softcover) 10. To Move the World (Morrison, softcover)

Publishing Trust has high-quality lithographs of only known color photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

High-quality lithographic copies of the only known color photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are now being made available by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

The photograph was taken in Paris in 1911 as a part of early experiments in color photography.

"The only place where this color photograph of the Master has appeared is in Crown of Beauty," says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust.

"Once we learned of its existence," he says, "we contacted the World Centre to learn if we could borrow it for reproduction in the United States.

"The early color process used only three colors, and we weren't sure if we could get the kind of quality we hoped for in the lithographic process. I think we've been successful."

The original of the photograph was brought to this country from the Archives in Haifa to ensure an exact duplication of colors.

When the printers began printing the lithographs, Publishing Trust staff members went to watch the prints come off the press and to approve the colors.

"We were a little like excited parents," says Mr. Bucknell. "We wanted to see just how good the picture would be.

"In the past there have been color paintings of the Master and photographs that have been tinted. I don't think it's fair to compare them. Let's just say this photograph is unique."

Only recently did the existence of the photograph become known. A researcher into early attempts at color photography discovered the picture. The researcher is the nephew of a Bahá’í and recognized the importance of the photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The photograph employs a rather primitive process compared to what is common today. Only three colors are used, instead of the four that are used in today's color photography.

Two sizes of the photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are available for sale from the Publishing Trust. One is 5 x 7 inches (Catalog No. 875-020, $5); the other is 11 x 14 inches (Catalog No. 875-019, $12).

TITLES from around the world NEWS... from the Publishing Trust

New Days to Remember Guidance and appropriate readings for each Holy Day assembled under one cover by Dr. Baher Forshani. Excellent for deepenings; essential for planning Holy Day celebrations and commemorations. (Australia) (SC, Cat. No. 315-087, $7)

Back in Stock Táhirih (South Africa) (SC, Cat. No. 352-093, $3) Mullá Husayn (South Africa) (SC, Cat. No. 353-091, S3) Quddús (South Africa) (SC, Cat. No. 352-092, $3)

Coming Soon The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. III (George Ronald) See the February issue of The American Bahá’í for ordering details.

New Color Lithographs of the Master

‘Abdu’l-Bahá color lithograph, 11 x 14 Just in time for Intercalary Days and Naw-Rúz gifts—a new full-color lithograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (suitable for framing) reproduced from the only known color photograph of the Master, made in Paris in 1911. Makes an excellent gift. You'll want one for your home and office, and for your Bahá’í Center or meeting room. (Cat. No. 875-019, $12)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá color lithograph, 5 x 7 The full-color lithograph described above is also available in a small desk-top size—5 x 7 inches. A splendid gift for Intercalary Days, Naw-Rúz, or anytime. You won't believe the detail and the life-like color. (Cat. No. 875-020, $5)

Bahá’í Proofs

New Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl's much-loved treatise addressed to 20th century Christians. Bahá’í Proofs discusses the teachings of the Faith, describes the coming of the new age, and affirms the unity of the great world religions. Also contains A Short Sketch of the History and Lives of This Religion—biographies of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. New preface by Juan Ricardo Cole plus an index. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, 288 pages, plus 17 pp. index. (HC, Cat. No. 332-116, $14)

Pocket-size Kitáb-i-Íqán

For your teaching and proclamation efforts—a portable, inexpensive, handsome edition of the Kitáb-i-Íqán. Excellent for study classes on progressive revelation. (PS, Cat. No. 103-032, $3.50)

Coupon for Ordering from the Publishing Trust

Qty. Title Price Kitáb-i-Íqán, PS $3.50 Prayers Meditations, HC 11.00 Bahá’í Proofs, HC 14.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá litho, 11 x 14 12.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá litho, 5x7 5.00 Days to Remember, SC 7.00 Bahá’í Answers 10/4.00 Wall Calendar, 1984 1.00 Date Book, 1984 2.00 Pocket Calendar, 1984 10/1.50 Táhirih, SC 3.00 Mullá Husayn, SC 3.00 Quddús, SC 3.00

Enclosed is my check or money order for $ (including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50).

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

Name Address: City State Zip

Bahá’í Publishing Trust 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 (All orders are NET—no discounts. No charges on librarians' accounts accepted. Credit card orders accepted by phone: 1-800-323-1880.) TAB 1/84 Prices good through March 15, 1984 Prices valid only in 48 contiguous states of the United States [Page 16]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is seeking applicants for the following summer positions: Recreation director to plan and coordinate recreational and some social activities for people of all ages. Child education director to plan and coordinate children's classes and to develop curriculum plans and materials for the school's future use. Program coordinator to help with planning and running adult sessions. Librarian to staff the library and work on developing the library and archives. Maintenance/grounds assistant to help maintain and clean the buildings and to direct volunteers in grounds development. Assistant secretary/registrar to serve as registrar at sessions and to help with secretarial and clerical needs. The school is seeking qualified people in these areas. Married couples without children are preferred. Employment would be from mid-June (exact date can be negotiated) to Labor Day. Although the school would like one person per position for the entire summer, consideration will be given to qualified individuals for part of the summer. Lodging, meals and a weekly stipend of $50 will be provided. If you are interested in any of these positions, please send a letter stating your interest and including a resumé of professional activities and Bahá’í service to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.

A GENERAL surgeon is needed in a 12-ward, 140-bed hospital on the Caribbean island of Dominica. Food and housing provided along with some travel expenses. Dominica, in the Windward Islands, is a goal of the U.S. that must be won by next Ridván. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

IF YOU are considering homefront pioneering, please look into western Pennsylvania, a goal area that has seven counties yet to be opened to the Faith. For more information please write to the Western Pennsylvania District Teaching Committee, c/o Art Leopold, Erie, PA 16502.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Clatsop County, Oregon, is initiating a campaign to open Seaside, Oregon, to the Faith—and ultimately to establish a Spiritual Assembly there. We ask your help through prayer to focus the spiritual energies of the Divine Concourse on that city and open the hearts of some of its residents to the Faith. We also request that Bahá’ís who have friends or family living there make every effort to renew or increase contact with them, or even come to visit whenever possible, to further open the divine channels through direct action of the believers. If you would like to help with teaching or proclamation in Seaside, or can help us to identify seekers, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Clatsop County, P.O. Box 524, Warrenton, OR 97146.

A VARIETY of English-language teaching jobs in Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia are known to the International Goals Committee. If you would like to pioneer and have a degree in English or a degree or certification in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, the International Goals Committee encourages you to contact its office at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039.

GRANDVIEW, Missouri, a Bahá’í Group of four adults and two children which has set a goal of reaching Assembly status before Ridván 1984, needs you! Grandview offers small town life plus the benefits of being a suburb of Kansas City. There are good schools in Grandview and many colleges and universities in the area. Most kinds of business and industry are represented, with varied possibilities for employment. Housing and utility costs are reasonable. For more information about this opportunity to serve the Faith, please contact Mrs. Jeanette C. Brewer, secretary, Grandview Bahá’í Group, Grandview, MO 64030, or phone 816-765-6176.

IF YOU plan to consider homefront pioneering or travel teaching in North Dakota, the District Teaching Committee suggests that you check the following communities first: Bismarck (capital), six adults. Patricia Schulte, Bismarck, ND 58501 (phone 701-223-8473). Devils Lake (Sioux Reservation), jeopardized Assembly. Dr. Faye Gooden, Devils Lake, ND 58301 (phone 701-662-5648). Dickinson, four adults. Mary Hetts, P.O. Box 317 RR7, Morningside Heights, Dickinson, ND 58601 (phone 701-225-0074). Fort Yates Sioux Indian Reservation. John Halsey, Box 441, Fort Yates, ND 58538 (phone 701-854-7556). Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, six adults. James La Rock, Box 445, New Town, ND 58763. Please note that youth are needed throughout the state. All college-bound students are urged to find out more about North Dakota schools whose tuitions are comparatively low. Residency could be established after six months. For more information, please contact the North Dakota District Teaching Committee, c/o Richard Cote, corresponding secretary. Bismarck, ND 58501; phone 701-222-3596.

WORK-STUDY positions in maintenance, kitchen and office and in teaching children's classes are available this summer at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Individuals are sought who want to work full-time during one session and come to a second session as a student at no charge. There are a limited number of openings for any particular program. Interested individuals can apply by sending a letter stating their interest in a work-study position, the sessions they would like to work and attend, and their qualifications (applicants must be at least 17 years old). Letters, or requests for more information, should be sent to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.

PAPUA New Guinea has teaching positions open at the high school and university level. Needed are teachers in math, science, music and home economics. A position as head teacher at a high school also is available. The university vacancies are in electronics and electrical and communications engineering. The latter requires specialization and experience in the field of power. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NEEDED: An active, retired couple to pioneer to Pahrump, Nye County, Nevada, a wholesome farming and ranching community of 1,500 in a picturesque valley about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Ideal for those who enjoy a desert climate and outdoor life. Must be financially secure. Pahrump is only 90 minutes from the finest shopping, financial and medical facilities in southern Nevada. Also close by is Tecopa Springs spa and mineral baths. For more information, please contact the District Teaching Committee of Southern Nevada, c/o Dr. Jeff Andrews, Boulder City, NV 89005, or Bill Garbett, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Telephone 702-293-6663 or 702-361-3502.

SEVERAL teacher placement agencies, both public and private, which offer overseas employment for qualified teachers are known to the International Goals Committee. For more information, please contact the committee, c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A TEACHER of conversational English is needed at a university in Korea. The post involves 10 hours a week plus private lessons (average class size is 25, private classes one to five students). One need have only an associate, bachelor or masters degree in any subject. Pioneers already in Korea will help in finding housing. For information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania, a lovely and historic town surrounded by hills and farmland but only two hours from Philadelphia or New York, needs homefront pioneers to help save its Assembly which was formed last Ridván. Bethlehem is part of the rapidly growing tri-city area (Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton) of the Lehigh Valley, which has five universities and several major industries. The Bahá’ís of the Lehigh Valley are a dynamic, caring, active community of 19 adults, three youth and 12 children, but the Bethlehem Assembly is the only one in the area. Lehigh University in Bethlehem is presently looking for minority faculty members; the business school there has three openings, and there may be openings in other departments. We need you! Come join us. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem, c/o Bridget George, secretary, Bethlehem, PA 18015, or phone 215-867-1689.

BAHÁ’Í-owned printing company on the Pacific island of American Samoa has openings for a graphic artist and electrical technician. The technician must have knowledge of the repair of Apple computers. Knowledge of programming would also be helpful. The owner will help in obtaining your visa. Write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED: Photographs, biographical sketches, anecdotes and any other information or materials about famous black American Bahá’ís for use in a Black History Month presentation in February. Contact Gwen Sisson, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of North Las Vegas, P.O. Box 4408, North Las Vegas, NV 89030, or phone 702-399-3187.

JAPAN needs a software engineer with systems design and sales support capabilities. This person will use the MSC ANVIL 4000 package and will work with clients and their particular design needs. Fluency in Japanese is not necessary, but the individual should be willing to learn. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) about filling this important U.S. goal of the Seven Year Plan.

CHILDREN'S teachers who wish to teach during the months of June, July and August at the Louhelen Bahá’í School are asked to send a letter indicating what ages they would like to teach and a resumé of their teaching experience to the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Applications from those who are interested in serving as Child Education Director for the summer are also welcomed.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives Committee wishes to locate original Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following early Bahá’ís: Miss Elizabeth Ambrose, Ida Brush, Mary Jane Churchill, Esther Davis, E. Elizabeth Dunlop, Robert Ferrell, O.S. Greenleaf, and E. Maria Hay. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these or any other original Tablets is requested to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

LEBANON, Oregon, a goal city of 10,500 which once had an Assembly, is waiting for you, a dedicated Bahá’í, to come, make friends for the Faith, and open your home for Bahá’í activities. For more information please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Linn County, Scio, OR 97374, or phone 503-394-3914.

A LAWYER is needed in Nigeria for criminal and civil cases against cassette and record piracy. Duties would include investigation and collection of evidence as well as prosecution. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

RECREATION and music directors are needed at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. If you have a background in recreation or music and would be able to serve as a recreation or music director at Louhelen during the summer or winter sessions, please send a letter and resumé to the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The recreation director should be able to plan and carry out diverse recreational activities for children, youth and adults that involve traditional games and sports as well as new, cooperative games. The music director should be able to lead groups of children, youth and adults in singing songs. The Louhelen School is building a resource file of individuals with skills in these areas and would appreciate hearing from you if you are able to serve in either capacity.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Oyster Bay, on southern Long Island less than an hour from Manhattan, is in jeopardy. Long Island, which has one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates,

Georgia Winter School

The Georgia Bahá’í Winter School will be held February 18-19 at Rock Eagle 4-H Camp in Eatonton.

For more information, contact Debra Darrell, Athens, GA 30606 (phone 404-353-3612). [Page 17]

Bahá’ís should conduct meetings in English

It has come to the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly that a serious situation has developed in some American Bahá’í communities; that is, that meetings are being conducted exclusively in Persian.

IF THIS report is only partly true, says the National Assembly, it still reveals "a grave departure from the principles and the spirit of Bahá’í community life."

The paramount purpose of any Bahá’í event or activity, the National Assembly has written in a recent letter to the friends in this country, is the expansion and consolidation of the Cause of the Blessed Perfection.

"It is inconceivable," the National Assembly writes, "that in a Bahá’í community conditions should exist that would frustrate the new believers and discourage them from participating in Bahá’í community life.

The National Spiritual Assembly suggests that communities conduct special deepening sessions in which the need for conducting meetings in English is fully discussed.

The guiding principle was set forth by the Universal House of Justice in a letter dated February 6, 1983, to the National Spiritual Assembly of Spain:

"THE Local Spiritual Assembly of (city) is correct in its decision to conduct the Nineteen Day Feasts in Spanish and not to translate the proceedings in Persian, especially in view of the fact that some of the Spanish friends are becoming alienated from the community.

"Although the Iranian believers should make every effort to attend the Nineteen Day Feasts, they should not expect such meetings to be conducted in Persian.

"They should try to learn Spanish, particularly if they are planning to make their home in Spain. There is no objection, however, to Persian friends if they so wish having special meetings for fellowship and deepening conducted in Persian."

The principles to be kept in mind when discussing this topic, writes the National Assembly, are:

1. The language of the country is English; therefore, all formal administrative meetings are to be conducted in English.

2. The main purpose of Bahá’í meetings and community activities is the advancement of the Cause and teaching.

3. A spirit of courtesy and cordiality should prevail in Bahá’í gatherings, which means that the needs of the members of the community should not be ignored if at all possible.

"Given these principles," the National Spiritual Assembly writes, "and the explicit instructions of the Universal House of Justice, it is clear that Nineteen Day Feasts, local Assembly meetings, annual meetings and the like, which are integral parts of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh, should be conducted in English."

Issaquah garage sale nets $642 for Fund

On October 29, the Bahá’í community of Issaquah, Washington, which includes 12 active members, rented a hall and conducted a "giant multi-family garage sale" that netted $642 for the National Fund to help restore the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

Participants included the six Bahá’í families in Issaquah and half a dozen members of other communities.

After the sale, all left-over goods were donated to a local thrift store.

His Highness Nana Akuoko Sarpong (standing in center), one of the rulers of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom, was the special guest at a reception given in his honor September 28 by a close friend of the Faith, Mrs. Priscilla Kruize, and her Bahá’í mother, Mrs. Lottie Houston, in Central Dade County, Florida. Among those attending were many distinguished members of the black community of Greater Miami and visitors from other states and countries. Mrs. Houston is standing at the left in this photo; Mrs. Kruize is at the right, and her son, Molke Kruize, is seated in front.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken in Boston, Massachusetts, date unknown. Possibly it is a picture of the Spiritual Assembly of Boston.

Please send any information you may have about the individuals in the picture or the date the photo was taken to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Georgia youngsters deepen while raising funds

The youth and children of Cobb County, Georgia, have found a splendid way in which to raise money for the Fund while deepening themselves.

The Youth Club there sponsored a "Read-a-Thon" at which $1,034.84 was donated to the National Fund.

Twenty-four Bahá’í readers participated. Divided into two categories-under 7 years and over 7-each reader had at least one adult sponsor who paid a set contribution to the Fund for each Bahá’í book that was read.

At the end of the established time period, a prize was given to the person in each category who had read the most books.

First place in the under-7 age group went to Joanna Haynes who read eight books and collected $20. In the over-7 category, the winner was Sheila Varner who read 19 books and collected $287.25.

A Read-a-Thon can be sponsored by a District Youth Committe, a local Youth Club, an Assembly, a Group, or a Bahá’í community school. What a terrific way to involve the entire Bahá’í community in an effort to support the National Fund!

Any Bahá’í can give to the Fund-adult or child

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

ARCHIVES MANUAL ORDER FORM

The Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives (59 pages) covers in detail the organization and functioning of a Bahá’í Archives. It is highly suitable for communities faced with the need to organize a local archives. Price $7.50.

TO ORDER: Send this form with a check for $7.50 per copy made payable to "National Bahá’í Services Fund" to:

National Bahá’í Archives Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

For overseas orders add $4.50 per copy for air mail or $2.00 per copy for surface mail.

Please send me ______ copies of Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives. I am enclosing a check for $______

Name Address City State Zip [Page 18]

ترجمه خلاصه ای از مرقومه ایادی عزیز امرالله جناب ویلیام سیرز خطاب به ضیافات شهر المسائل

هر سخن کز دل برآید لاجرم بر دل نشیند

یاران محبوب:

ویلیام سیرز ایادی امرالله از زیر گنبد مقدس‌ترین مشرق‌الاذکار عالم با شما سخن می‌گوید. اطلاع از قرب زمان شروع به کار فرستنده رادیو Bahá’í WLGI مرا عمیقاً تحت تاثیر قرار داد. شب آن روزی که میکروفن باز است این بشارت را شنیدم در عالم رؤیا حروف کد فرستنده را دیدم و بنظرم آمد که معنی آن حروف چنین است:

(لازمه عشق درگیر شدن است) W with L love G goes I involvement WLGI

این فرستنده را در قلب من مکانی است خاص. من دیگر در رادیو و تلویزیون کار نمی‌کنم و همواره آن را فرستنده رادیو حضرت ولی امرالله خواهم دانست چه که آن حضرت برای اولین بار بنای چنین فرستنده‌ای را در مهد نظم اداری تصویب فرمودند و اهمیت آن را در خدمت به آئین یزدانی یادآور شدند. بعدها نیز از تحقق نیافتن این طرح ابراز تأسف فرمودند. پس از قریب به چهل سنه در این مرحله از تاریخ روحانی عالم بشری مقدمات اجرای آن فراهم گردیده است و من که خود در این رشته کار کرده‌ام و بخوبی می‌دانم چه وسیله مؤثری می‌تواند باشد پس از سال‌ها حسرت اکنون با کمال اشتیاق برای مشارکت در ایجاد این فرستنده رادیو Bahá’í آماده‌ام. همچنانکه حضرت مولی‌الوری در زمان نصب سنگ بنای مشرق‌الاذکار ویلمت با بیل مشتی خاک را برگرداندند و فرمودند مشرق‌الاذکار در عالم غیب ساخته شد فرستنده رادیو حضرت ولی امرالله نیز بشرط آنکه حقیقتاً در معنده الهیه بخواهیم فی‌الحین ساخته شده است.

شنیده‌ایم که هنوز پانصد هزار دلار دیگر برای اکمال بنای فرستنده لازم است که فرستنده را یکبار دیگر بیاد می‌آوریم لازمه عشق درگیر شدن است. هرگاه پانصد نفر از باسلان غیورش قد برافراشته و در این سبیل به ما تأسی نموده‌اند تا بیک حرکت، فتح و فیروزی نهایی قبل از خاتمه ماه دسامبر نصیبمان شود. امیدواریم کلیه کسانی که امشب صدای ما را می‌شنوند، نه تنها پانصد نفر برگزیده بلکه پنجهزار یا ده هزار یا بیست هزار نفس حتی همگی عاشقانه تبرعی تقدیم آستانش کنند.

آن روز که فرستنده WLGI صدای مؤسسه Bahá’í لوئیس گرگوری از همینگوی بروی آنتن می‌رود مخاطب من فرد فرد شما عزیزان خواهد بود و زمانی که بوسیله آن میکروفن مقلب ارواح با کلمات "یاران محبوب" شروع به سخن خواهم کرد قلبم با قلوب شما گفتگو خواهد کرد.

قدمی برداریم که بالاخره موت رنان تلاوت آیات حضرت رحمن از فرستنده رادیوی آن مولای مهربان به عنان آسمان رسد. با تقدیم اطیب تحیات و تشکرات بحضور فرد فرد شما عزیزان که با چنین شهامت و سخاوت و ثبات و استقامت در سبیل امر محبوبمان، امری که امید منحصر بفرد بشریت مأیوس و مستأصل است، خدمت می‌کنید. این بشارت را به بشریت ابلاغ کنید میکروفن باز است.

حاشیه: ویلیام سیرز ایادی امرالله

فقط جمال اقدس ابهی عالم است که من و شما تا چند صباح دیگر در این حیز فانی مالوف و مانوس خواهیم بود. آنچه در استطاعت داشته‌ایم کوشیده‌ایم تا بمصداق بیان حضرت مولی‌الوری چون شمع بسوزیم و سبب روشنی این عالم ظلمانی شویم. مارگریت و من تصمیم گرفته‌ایم چون فشفشه‌ای باشیم که باوج آسمان بلند می‌شود و یکباره خزائن خود را بصورت جرقه‌های رنگارنگ در دل شب می‌ریزد تا شاید کسی ببیند و راه را بیابد.

دوره رفاهیت سپری شده است. ناچاریم از ممر بیمه اجتماعی امرار معاش کنیم و چون بسیاری از شما صرف مبلغی غیر منتظره برایمان مشکل است. ولکن مانند عموم شما در ماوراء این نگرانی قدرت خلاقه آن عشق الهی را که در اثر قیام بخدمت در حیات انسان را تقلیب می‌کند احساس می‌کنیم. بنابراین از محفل روحانی ملی خواهش کرده‌ایم که این نامه و نوار همراه آن را از جانب ما بجهت تکمیل تأیید کوشش‌های قهرمانانه آنان بجهت تکمیل فرستنده رادیو برای شما بفرستند. بعلاوه مارگریت و من چکی بمبلغ یکهزار دلار همراه با محبت و امتنان قلبی خود برای کمک به این سرداران نقشه هفت ساله در تحقق بخشیدن به یکی از نوایای قلبیه حضرت ولی محبوب امرالله تقدیم می‌داریم.

قسمتهایی از یک نامه

۱۴۰ بدی

عازم شهر ... شدیم و در آنجا به شغل کفاشی مشغول شدم و مدت یکسال مدام کار کردم و مغازه‌ای خوب و آبرومند داشتم حدود پانصد تا ششصد هزار تومان سرمایه و سرقفلی داشتم که یک روز پاسداران شبانه به منزلم آمدند من همسر و فرزندانم با یکی از احبای دیگر دستگیر شدیم ما را مستقیماً به سپاه پاسداران ... بردند و سئوالات فراوانی از ما دو نفر کردند و به ما گفتند که شما از گروه مارکسیسم بدترید و خواستند ما را زندان ببرند و چشمان ما را بستند و دست هر کداممان یک چوب دادند و سر چوب دیگر را یک نفر سپاهی گرفته و روانه زندان کردند ساعت حدود ۲ بعد از نصف شب بود گفتیم برادر چرا دست ما را نمی‌گیرید ما با چشمان بسته نمی‌توانیم با شما باشیم و می‌خوریم زمین می‌دانید آن برادر پاسدار در جواب به ما چه گفت؟ گفت چون شما نجس هستید لذا چوب دست شماها دادیم.

خلاصه بعد از مسافت زیادی که از پله‌های فراوان پایین و بالا رفتیم وارد محلی شدیم که مانند سیاه چال و زیرزمین و تا نصف دیوارها نم و رطوبت فراوان داشت هوا سرد بود و رطوبت زیر زمین هم توام بود و خیلی هوای متعفن و بدی بود. جمعاً حدود هزار نفر آنجا بودند که بسیار مشکل بود و هوای بسیار بسیار بدی در زیرزمین وجود داشت. در هر حال ماها تازه وارد بودیم از ما می‌پرسیدند بعلت چی زندانی شدید و باب صحبت و محاوره باز می‌شد. دو سه روز مدام صحبت‌های امری برقرار بود و اجباراً احکام و تعالیم مبارک گوشزد همه می‌گردید. موفقیت بسیار خوبی بود در بازجویی‌های اولیه مدام مورد شتم و ضرب و آزار و اذیت قرار می‌گرفتیم و مدام از ما می‌پرسیدند که اعضاء اصلی محفل‌های Bahá’í را نام ببریم و ما نمی‌توانستیم احبا را معرفی کنیم و نمی‌خواستیم کس دیگری را در خطر آزار و اذیت و گرفتاری ببینیم لذا متحمل همه نوع اذیت می‌شدیم در بازجویی اولیه من، خیلی اذیت کردند و از من اعضای محفل ... را خواستند و گفتم من به این شهر تازه وارد شده‌ام و هیچ کس را نمی‌شناسم در بازجویی دوم وقتیکه چشمانم بسته بود در سئوال اینکه آیا تو هیچ کدام از بهائیان را می‌شناسی اسامیشان را بگو در حالیکه می‌گفتم من مال این شهر نیستم ناگهان سوزش عجیبی پشت دست چپم احساس کردم بطوریکه تمام دستم فلج شد و بعد از آنکه از بازجویی خلاص شدم در داخل سلول اطرافیانم مشاهده کردند رگ و عصب پشت دستم قطع شده و خون زیادی همه جا را فرا گرفته بود و من ابداً در آن حال احساس نمی‌کردم فقط سوزش اولیه را حس کردم دوستان هم سلولی همه دور مرا گرفته بودند و می‌پرسیدند بسر تو چکار کرده‌اند و چطور شده‌ام. [Page 19]آوردند خداوند آگاهشان بکند بعداً با روغن وازلین گفتم در کلاسهای درس اخلاق که مخصوص افراد بهائی است و خلاصه روی من باز شده بود و هر چه میخواستم میگفتم و از همان روز بود که رویه پاسداران نسبت به من و دوستم که بهائی بود عوض شد دیگر کتک نمیخوردیم و آزاد بودیم با صدای بلند به دعا و مناجات خواندن بپردازیم. در بازپرسی ما دو نفر هم همین برادر پاسدار شرکت کرد و به آقای بازپرس که از برادران حقوق دان بود دید که اخلاق و رفتار ما در زندان با دیگران فرق دارد و مدام با تلاوت آیات قرآنی و مناجات سروکار داریم که بازپرسی از من و دوستم سئوالات فراوانی در مورد امر بهائی کردند و پاسخ شنیدند و بعد از دو سه ساعت با بازپرسی فهمیدند که ما فقط جرممان بهائی بودن است و هیچ گناه دیگری نداریم و غیر از این هم نبود در هر حال از ما خواست که در زندان درس قرآن بدهیم و قبول کردیم در ضمن بمن گفتند که چون صدایت بلند است در ماه محرم برای زندانیان نوحه بخوان که هر کس بخواهد سینه بزند و چند شعر هم دادند که بخوانم ولی من گفتم اگر اجازه بدهید اشعاری خودم دارم که بی مناسبت نیست و برای نوحه خوانی هم خوب است و مناجات حضرت عبدالبهاء را خواندم (ای خدای پر عطای ذوالیمن واقف جان و دل و اسرار من) تا به آخر بصورت نوحه خوانی و مورد قبول قرار گرفت از این به بعد دیگر ما دو نفر در میان زندانیان و پاسداران دیگر معروف شدیم دیگر ما را اذیت نمیکردند و خیلی خوشحال بودیم دستم هم کم کم زخمش داشت خوب میشد تا اینکه روز دهم ‎آشورا عاشورا‎ روز شهادت حضرت سیدالشهداء فرا رسید و من از زمان کودکی زیارت نامه حضرت سیدالشهداء را که از قلم حضرت بهاءالله نازل گردیده یاد گرفته بودم و چند صفحه ای از آنرا حفظ بودم و چندین سال نخوانده بودم حتی اول آن زیارت نامه را هم یادم رفته بود ولی گفتم ای خدا امروز مرا یاری ده تا بتوانم غوغائی در این زندان بپا کنم. نگهبان زندان را صدا زدم و با ترس و لرز گفتم برادر امروز روز شهادت حضرت سیدالشهداء است ما بهائیان رسم و عادتمان این است که راس ساعت ۱۲ روز زیارت نامه ای که از قلم مبارک حضرت بهاءالله پیغمبرمان درباره حضرت سیدالشهداء نازل شده بخوانیم و بیاد آن حضرت باشیم شما به برادران پاسدار بگوئید اگر مایل باشند میتوانند ساعت ۱۲ بیایند زیارت نامه را بخوانیم قبول کرد درست ساعت ۱۱/۵ بود که همه پاسدارها وارد زندان شدند و تمام آنهائیکه مایل بودند از دوستان زندانی همه در راهرو زندان نشستیم تا چشم کار میکرد جمعیت بود که همه بگوش بودند حالت اضطراب عجیبی به من دست داده بود در صورتیکه اول زیارت نامه را نمیدانستم چی شروع کردم و خداوند قدرت خودش را نشان داد و برایم ثابت شد که چقدر مهربان است از اول تا آخر زیارت نامه را خواندم هیچوقت در عمرم اینطور خوانده بودم صدایم بسیار قوی و سوزناک شده بود و حدود ربع ساعت بطول انجامید و در این ربع ساعت من خودم نبودم و نمیدانستم چی میخوانم و همینکه چشم باز کردم دیدم صورتی نیست که از اشک خیس نباشد حتی آن برادران پاسدار که در وهله اول مرا مسخره میکردند گریه کرده بودند. همه گفتند انشاءالله قبول باشد و زندان را ترک کردند تا اینکه بعد از چند روز دادگاه ما دو نفر بهائی شروع شد.

بقیه در شماره آینده

میدان خدمت

گاهی احبای عزیز ایرانی بالاخص آنهائیکه در بعضی مراکز تجمع یاران مستقر شده اند گله میکنند که "با این زحمت و مشقت خود را به آمریکا رسانده ایم حالا بما میگویند از اینجا بروید." چه بسا که تذکرات تشکیلات را مبنی بر لزوم انتقال یاران رحمانی به نقاط کم جمعیت بمنظور تقویت محافلی که در خطر انحلال است تعبیر به عدم علاقه احبای آمریکائی نسبت به خود مینمایند. در صورتی که اگر در دارالانشاء محفل روحانی ملی و دفتر لجنه ملی تبلیغ تشریف داشتند و مکاتیب واصله از نقاط مختلفه را ملاحظه میفرمودند که با چه علاقه و محبتی خواستار انتقال حتی یک خانواده بهائی ایرانی به آن نقاط میباشند چنین تصوری نمینمودند. غالباً نویسنده این نوع نامه ها شکایت میکنند و جامعه محلی خود را مغبون میدانند که از برکت وجود یاران ایرانی محروم مانده است. بیت العدل اعظم الهی احبای ایرانی را به شمع های پرفروغ و ضیائی تشبیه فرموده اند که هر کدام بتنهائی قادرند جمعی را روشن کنند ولکن اگر تعدادی از آنها در مجاورت یکدیگر واقع شوند نورشان بهدر میرود و چه بسا که پشت یکدیگر را خم میکنند.

طبق اطلاع واصله از لجنه ملی تبلیغ ایالت داکوتای جنوبی از آن نواحی است که از فیض حضور احبای ایرانی بکلی محروم مانده است. لجنه منطقه ای تبلیغ در آن ایالت کراراً تمایل و علاقه شدید خود و احتیاج مبرم آن منطقه را به وجود احبای ایرانی ابراز نموده اند، شهرهای Pierre, Rapid City, Vermillion, ‎Souix Sioux‎ Falls اگرچه همه دارای محافل محلی فعال و پا بر جائی است ولکن انتقال خانواده های ایرانی به آن نقاط میتواند بر استحکام و موفقیت جوامع بهائی بیفزاید.

ایالت داکوتای جنوبی نیز از مناطقی است که عده احبای ایرانی آن بسیار قلیل است در صورتی که از لحاظ ملایم بودن آب و هوا و چه از لحاظ ارزانی مخارج برای زندگی بسیار مساعد است. مهمتر از همه آنکه هزاران نفر از معتقدین جدید در آن ایالت زندگی میکنند که به راهنمائی و هدایت و ازدیاد معلومات امری و آشنائی به نظم اداری و تشکیلاتی بهائی احتیاج دارند و در آتیه نزدیک که فرستنده رادیو بهائی در آن ایالت شروع به کار میکند این احتیاج مضاعف خواهد شد. [Page 20]آهنگ بدیع شماره ۲۲۵ سال سی و دوم ۱۲۴ بدیع (مرداد ـ شهریور ۲۵۳۶)

مشهدى على قهوه چى

جناب مشهدی علی قهوه چی قهوه خانه‌ای ما بین راه طهران و قزوین داشت و مسافرین اعم از احباب و اغیار به قهوه خانه او برای صرف چای می‌رفتند و این شخص با اغلب مسافرین محبت‌آمیز می‌کرد و آنها را تبلیغ می‌نمود و جناب سررشته‌دار که سررشته‌دار راه طهران و قزوین بود، اغلب با این قهوه‌خانه می‌رفته و در نتیجه صحبت‌های مشهدی علی کم کم مؤمن به امر مبارک می‌شود. یکروز که مشغول صرف چای در قهوه خانه بود در ضمن عریضه حضور مبارک عرض می‌کرده مشهدی علی از او می‌پرسد چی می‌نویسی؟ سررشته‌دار می‌گوید عریضه حضور مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء عرض میکنم مشهدی علی می‌گوید سلام ما را هم برسان. در جواب ‎سلوم سلام‎ ما را برسان این لوح مبارک بافتخار مشهدی علی نازل می‌شود.

هوالأبهى جناب شهیر مشهدی قهوه‌چی جواهری بر عالم احباء از هر فیضی توجهی است. قدرت بالغه خالق اشیاء در هر ذره اثری مستور و در هر قطره بحری در بر و در کمال والائی مشهود و حرکت حیاتی از خدا بر هر کبد این انوار و روح در هر جان موجود من این جواهر گرانبها را که از دریای فضل و عنایت خروج به قدرت الهی قیام نموده و در افق آرزوها روشن است تقدیر و دیانت و تمکنت و غیرت در هر نفسی می‌نمایم الحمد لله که در چنین عهد و عصری بر نظم کبیر اشراقی نمودم. ع ع

آقای نعمت علائی هم که اغلب مسافر راه قزوین و طهران بود به قهوه خانه او می‌رفت و با او دوست و آشنا بود، بعد از مدتی مشهدی علی قهوه خانه را می‌بندد چون ضرر می‌کرده قادر با دامه کسب وکار نبوده. یک شب میرود منزل نعمت علائی و می‌گوید دیگر قادر با دامه این کسب نیستم و یک دینار هم پول ندارم که امشب غذا بخورم نعمت علائی مقداری پول به او می‌دهد و می‌گوید فردا صبح اینجا بیا من تو را با درشکه‌ام بخودم بانبار غله می‌برم ولی نزدیک اداره تو پیاده شو برو و منتظر باش. همین کار را انجام می‌دهد و صبح آنروز علائی او را با خودش می‌برد و مشهدی علی منتظر او می‌شود وقتی علائی در اطاقش پشت میز می‌نشیند پیشخدمت می‌رود و می‌گوید شخصی بنام مشهدی علی می‌خواهد بیاید و کار دارد نعمت علائی می‌گوید بیاید توی اطاق ببینم چه کار دارد میرود و تقاضای کار می‌کند علائی شخص مسئول را صدا می‌کند و می‌گوید همین الان این شخص را بگذارید سر بوجارها که رسیدگی کند فوراً او را می‌برند و کار میدهند بعد از یکماه که حقوقش را میگیرد میآید در اطاق نعمت علائی و پولی که بعنوان قرض گرفته بود پس میدهد علائی با وفاداری میکند سعی کن از حقوقت نگاهداری کنی که پولی داشته باشی بعد از سه چهار ماه مشهدی علی را می‌بیند و می‌پرسد چقدر پس‌انداز کردی می‌گوید هیچ ندارم ایشان می‌پرسد چطور پس‌پولهایت را چکردی می‌گوید که دست از کار می‌کشم ‎فند قند‎ و چای می‌خرم و سماور حلبی بزرگی خریده‌ام رفقا را جمع می‌کنم بساط تبلیغ راه می‌اندازم و چند نفر تا حالا بهائی شده‌اند.

نعمت علائی میگفت در دو سالی که این مشهدی علی در انبار گندم کار میکرد در حوالی انبار غله متجاوز از صدنفر بهائی شدند. بهر جهت این بساط تبلیغ مشهدی علی بوجار بگوش رئیس انبار غله میرسد یکروز که رئیس اداره و معاونش (نعمت علائی) با هم در حیاط اداره راه می رفتند مشهدی علی قهوه چی را در راه می‌بینند رئیس انبار غله به مشهدی علی میگوید "شنیدم در اداره مردم را بابی می‌کنی چرا نمی‌آی مرا تبلیغ کنی" فوراً مشهدی علی در جواب می‌گوید قربان اگر تو آدم بشوی دو سال است با آقای علائی کار می‌کنی آدم شده بودی علائی اظهار میکرد این جناب سرتیپ رئیس اداره تمام صورتش از خجالت سرخ شد و به مشهدی علی هیچ نگفت برگشته بود به علائی گفته بود "دیدی چطور بما زد و نفسمان در نیامد" مقصود قدرت ایمان این مرد و شجاعت در تبلیغ است. مدتی از این مقدمه می‌گذرد علائی می‌گفت یک صبح جمعه مشهدی علی آمد منزل من و گفت تو وصی من هستی دارائی من یک لوح خط امل دو گلدان یاس و دو چراغ گردسوز است که برای تو آوردم هرکاری می‌خواهی بکن علائی می‌گفت آخر ماه خبر آوردند که مشهدی علی صعود کرده است موقعیکه تازه حظیرة القدس طهران را خریداری کرده بودند علائی دو گلدان و دو چراغ را تقدیم حظیرة القدس طهران میکند ولوح امل را نگاه میدارد، تا موقعیکه ایادی امرالله جناب دکتر حباکری طهران بود تقدیم او میکند و قطعاً او هم در محفظه آثار یا نزد خودش نگاهداشته.

با عرض ‎محوبت محبت‎ و فنا قدسیه علائی

از دار فانی بسرای باقی

(ترجمه) از صعود خادم مخلص حضرت بهاءالله نعیم سبحانی محزون. مراتب همدردی محبت‌آمیز ما را به اعضاء عائله ابلاغ. به ادعیه حاره در اعتاب مقدسه بجهت اعتلاء روح در ملکوت ابهی اطمینان دهید. بیت العدل اعظم

پیام تلگرافی فوق از ساحت منیع بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی با عزاء و منتسبین متصاعد الى الله جناب نعیم سبحانی علیه رضوان‌الله واصل گردیده است. جناب سبحانی از یاران مخلص و خدوم ایران که سنوات عدیده در مهد امرالله به خدمت در تشکیلات و نشر نفحات الله مشغول و مالوف بودند در سال ۱۹۷۹ به آمریکا منتقل شدند و در جنوب کالیفرنیا در جوار فرزندان خود مستقر گردیدند.

آن متصاعد الى الله که در قزوین متولد شده در دامان یکی از قدیمی‌ترین خانواده‌های بهائی نشو و نما نموده بود طبع شعر و خطی خوش داشت و علاوه بر فعالیتهای تبلیغی خدمات ذیقیمتی نیز در ترجمه آثار امری به زبان ارمنی نمود و استدلالیه‌ای بزبان فارسی تحت عنوان یک کلمه و یک جویان بر اساس بشارات انجیل و تورات و بمنظور هدایت مسیحیان به آئین حضرت رحمن تألیف نمود. پس از استقرار در کالیفرنیا نیز علی رغم کبر سن و ضعف مزاج و مشکلات مالی ناشی از قطع حقوق تقاعد همواره قائم به خدمت بود، کلاسهای ‎تردید تزیید‎ معلومات بزبان فارسی را اداره مینمود و در لجنه تبلیغ بومیان آمریکائی در آن منطقه عضویت داشت.

از بازماندگان آن متصاعد الى الله همسرشان امةالله هرمون آوانسیان و دو فرزندشان سرکار خانم سوسن سبحانی مهاجر و جناب سیامک سبحانی در آمریکا اقامت دارند و دو دختر دیگر در ایرانند و بحمدلله همگی در ظل امرالله و قائم بخدمتند.

لجنه امور احبای ایرانی خاطره خدمات ممتد جناب سبحانی علیه غفران‌الله را گرامی میدارد و امیدوار است که فرزندان ارجمند ایشان کمافی‌السابق بر اثر اقدام آن بزرگوار مشی فرموده به تقدیم خدمات جلیله‌ای به آستان الهی توفیق یابند. [Page 21]

ترجمه مرقومه مورخ ۷ نوامبر ۱۹۸۳ دارالانشاء ساحت رفیع بیت العدل اعظم الهی شیدالله بنیانه به کلیه محافل مقدسه روحانیه ملیه

باران عزیز روحانی:

حوادث و وقایع اخیر ایران پس از تحریم تشکیلات امری متاسفانه حاکی از ادامه تضییقات شدید نسبت به جامعه بهائی در آن کشور است. بسیاری از تضییقات وارده از طرف اولیای امور به این امید است که احبای رحمانی از امر الهی تبری نموده و حبّ جمال قدم را به رفاه و امنیتی که از جانب آنان وعده میشود مبادله نمایند.

بیت العدل اعظم الهی با کمال تأسف اعلام میدارند که تعداد کثیری از احبای عزیز مسجون چون به تقاضای اولیای امور مبنی بر تبری از محبت جمال مبارک گردن نمی نهند مورد شکنجه قرار میگیرند. بعلاوه اگر چه از تاریخ ۲۹ آگست ۱۹۸۳ که اعلامیه دادستان کل انقلاب اسلامی ایران مبنی بر انحلال تشکیلات امری در ایران صادر شده هیچ فرد بهائی اعدام نگردیده است ولی گزارشهای واصله حاکی است که جناب اکبر حقیقی یکی از دهاقین بهائی خوی در تاریخ ۱۹ سپتامبر بتحریک علمای محل مورد حمله اوباش قرار گرفته و بر اثر ضربات وارده صعود نموده اند. علاوه بر آن حداقل تعداد یکصد و چهل نفر دیگر از احبای الهی در سراسر کشور پس از صدور حکم دادستانی کل انقلاب اسلامی دستگیر و توقیف شده اند که تعداد ۵۰ نفر از آن عده در نقطه دریای خزر در تاریخ ۳۰ اکتبر دستگیر گردیده اند. معذلک طبق اطلاعات و آمار موجود احبای عزیزی که هنوز در زندان بسر میبرند به بیش از ۴۵۰ نفر بالغ میگردد. سه تن از احبای الهی که در سنین کهولت بودند در زندان صعود نموده به صف یارانی که جان خود را در سبیل امر الهی فدا نموده‌اند ملحق شده‌اند. این سه نفر عبارتند از:

۱ - جناب حسین نیری اصفهانی، ۶۴ ساله که در اصفهان محبوس و در تاریخ ۲۹ نوامبر ۱۹۸۲ هنگامیکه آماده حضور در محکمه برای محاکمه میشد صعود نمود.

۲ - جناب احمدعلی ثابت سروستانی، ۶۷ ساله که در تاریخ ۲۰ جون ۱۹۸۳ در زندان شیراز صعود نمود.

۳ - جناب محمد اشراقی، ۸۱ ساله عضو هیئت معاونت که در تاریخ ۳۱ آگست ۱۹۸۳ در زندان طهران صعود نمود.

همچنین اخیراً اطلاع حاصل گردیده که در شهر دزفول یکی از اماء الرحمن بنام خانم ایران رحیم‌پور (خرمائی) در تاریخ ۱۲ می ۱۹۸۳ پس از وضع حمل اعدام شده است. کودک نوزاد را مسلمانان با خود برده و از سرنوشت او خبری در دست نیست.

یکی از نمونه‌های بسیار بارز از تضییقات و فشارهای وارده و دلیل روشن سوء نیت اولیای امور و تصمیم آنان به قلع و قمع ریشه امر الهی در ایران بی‌حرمتی به گلستان‌های جاوید است. در جراید ایران اعلان رسمی ملاحظه شد که سنگهای مقابر گلستان جاوید طهران بمعرض فروش گذاشته شده است. با توجه به این که ظاهراً کلیه علائم روی مقابر از بین برده میشود امکان آن دارد که در آینده هیچ اثری از گلستان جاوید باقی نماند...

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم الهی

توجه مقامات دولتی آمریکا به صدمات وارده بر احبای ایران

ترجمه نامه سرگشاده‌ای که محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایران بمناسبت غیرقانونی اعلام نمودن تشکیلات بهائی در آن کشور منتشر نموده بود در اختیار صاحبنظران و متفکرین و مامورین دولتی کشورهای مختلف عالم قرار گرفته است. در این مملکت نیز سند تاریخی مذکور بجهت قانونگزاران و رؤسا و مسؤولین دوائر دولتی ارسال گردید. از جمله نتایج حاصله این بود که سناتور جان هاینز از ایالت پنسیلوانیا در جلسه ۱۵ نوامبر ۱۹۸۳ طرح قطعنامه‌ای را که ‎با مضای با امضای‎ اقلاً ۳۳ نفر از سناتورها رسیده بود تقدیم مجلس سنا نمود که در آن رفتار دولت جمهوری اسلامی ایران را نسبت به اعضاء جامعه بهائی و تعطیل تشکیلات بهائی را در آن کشور محکوم شده، حکومت ایران مسؤول تأمین حقوق کلیه اتباع خود منجمله بهائیان شناخته شده، و از مقام ریاست جمهوری ایالات متحده تقاضا شده است اقداماتی برای حفظ و حمایت بهائیان ایران معمول دارد. متن کامل ترجمه نامه سرگشاده محفل روحانی ملی ایران نیز به طرح ضمیمه شده و در شرح مذاکرات جلسه (Congressional Record) بطبع رسیده است. روز بعد قطعنامه مشابهی توسط عده‌ای از نمایندگان تقدیم کنگره شد.

بعد از خاتمه جلسه مجلس سنا کنفرانس مطبوعاتی خاصی بدعوت سناتور هاینز در ساختمان مجلس ترتیب داده شده بود که علاوه بر خود ایشان دو نفر از نمایندگان مجلس آقای جان پورتر از ایالت ایلینوی و آقای تام لنتوس از کالیفرنیا و جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده منشی محفل روحانی ملی در آن شرکت نمودند و به سئوالات خبرنگاران پاسخ دادند.

بفاصله کوتاهی پس از این اقدام از جانب هیئت مقننه مملکت، نمایندگان جامعه بهائی جناب جیمز نلسن رئیس و جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده منشی محفل روحانی ملی و خانم رامنا محمودی نورانی صبیّه شهدای عزیز خانم ژینوس محمودی و جناب هوشنگ محمودی علیهما رضوان الله بدعوت دفتر رئیس جمهوری در کاخ سفید حاضر شدند و در برنامه یادبود سی و پنجمین سال صدور اعلامیه حقوق بشر شرکت کردند. در بیانیه‌ای که آقای ریگان در آن جلسه قرائت نمودند ایذاء و آزار بهائیان را در ایران بعنوان یکی از شدیدترین موارد تعدی به حقوق انسانی در دنیای امروز معرفی کردند. گزارش جلسه مذکور و بیانیه رئیس جمهوری در بسیاری از جراید و رسانه‌های گروهی منعکس گردیده است.

لجنه امور احبای ایرانی در نیویورک

هر سال لجنه امور احبای ایرانی یکی دو جلسه عادی خود را در نقاطی که دارای جمعیت قابل ملاحظه بهائی ایرانی است تشکیل میدهد تا از نزدیک با محافل روحانیه و لجنات ناحیه ای تبادل افکار نماید و اطلاعات دقیقتر و جامع‌تری از مسائل مورد توجه دوستان بدست آورد و بتواند براساس این مشاورات طرح‌ها و برنامه‌های آتی خود را تنظیم کند. معمولاً از این فرصت‌ها استفاده میشود و جلسه ملاقاتی نیز با احبای ایرانی منطقه ترتیب داده میشود.

جلسه اخیر لجنه روزهای ۳ و ۴ دسامبر در نیویورک مدینه میثاق تشکیل گردید و بعنایت و همت محفل روحانی نیویورک ولجنه ناحیه ای امور احبای ایرانی جلسه پررونقی با حضور جمع کثیری از یاران آن نواحی ترتیب داده شد. نعمت غیر مترقبه‌ای که شامل حال حاضرین گردید حضور غیر منتظره ایادی عزیز امر الله و امین محترم حقوق‌الله جناب دکتر علی‌محمد ورقا علیه بهاء الله الابهی بود که علی‌رغم وقت کم جلسه را بقدوم خود مزین فرمودند و با بیانات شیرین خود عموم را به اهمیت وقایع کنونی و طرح‌های جدید بیت العدل اعظم الهی در تحقق وعود الهیه و تعیین سرنوشت جامعه بشری متذکر فرمودند. جناب دکتر ورقا ایادی حقوق‌الله مختص به احبای خدوم و جانفشان ایرانی است و این وجهه تقدیمی آنان بابت حقوق الله است که منحصراً در اختیار معهد اعلی قرار میگیرد و صرف نقشه‌ها و طرحهای بدیع آن مرجع منصوص الهی میگردد.

نشانی معاونین محترم امین حقوق‌الله:

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402

Mr. Moussa Mostaghim P. O. Box 296 Ephrata, PA 17522 [Page 22]The American Bahá'í IS World NEWS Nine hundred fifty-two people in India were treated during the first Bahá'í medical camp for eye patients held last August 17-23 in Maddure, Karnataka State. The complex project, which was spearheaded by one Bahá'í, be- came possible after the head of the local medical college became a Ba- há'i and helped recruit other phy- sicians and medical personnel for the highly successful camp. A similar project was scheduled in September ... Nearly 1,000 Bahá'ís from all parts of the United Kingdom re- sponded to an invitation from the National Spiritual Assembly to gather September 24 at the grave of the beloved Guardian near London to demonstrate their love and support for the Bahá'ís in Iran in response to the recent dis- solution of Bahá'í institutions in that country. Each of the friends placed a white rose at the base of the mon- ument to Shoghi Effendi ... Sixteen Auxiliary Board mem bers from Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, the Dominican Repub- lic and Puerto Rico attended a three-day conference November 4-6 in Colombia that was called by the Continental Board of Coun- sellors in the Americas. Present at the conference, which was held at the Ruhi In- stitute in Puerto Tejada, were Counsellors Farzam Arbáb, Ruth Pringle and Donald Witzel... More than 150 people attended a Bahá'í-sponsored United Na- tions Day conference October 24 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast... Seventy non-Bahá'ís were among the 300 people attending at symposium on the life of Táhirih last September 2 at the Bahá'í Na- tional Center in Karachi, Pakistan... An academic paper on Bábí and Bahá'í history was presented to the 31st International Congress of Human Sciences for Asia and North Africa last September in Tokyo, Japan, by Dr. Amin Ba- nani, a Bahá'í who teaches at the University of California at Los Angeles ... On October 11, the National Spiritual Assembly of the French Antilles sent news to the World Centre of the 11th Local Spiritual Assembly formed on Martinique and of the 17th Assembly ready to form on Guadeloupe.... Media in Benin discussed the Faith and the persecutions in Iran last October as the result of a four-day visit to that country by a Bahá'í couple from Belgium, Mr. and Mrs. Shoghi Ghadimi, who also met with government officials including the president of Benin... 22 |30-day fund-raiser scores in Sacramento County During consultation at the Feast of Kalimát last July, members of the Bahá'í community of North- west Sacramento County, Califor- nia, recommended that the Local Assembly increase the monthly contribution to the National Fund in a manner that would help win the record $10 million national budget goal. AT ITS next meeting, the As- sembly endorsed the recommen- dation and appointed a task force to develop a 30-day fund-raising plan. The Assembly proposed that a community "market place" be es- tablished November 13 to which surrounding communities would be invited. Shops would be set up in the market place by community members. Those arriving at the "market place" found a suburban home transformed into a Soup Kitchen, Soda Counter, Snowflake Ice Cream Parlor, Hollywood Hair- cutting Salon, The Garden, Game Area for children, a boutique, and the Plump Goose, a tea room serving pastry, coffee and de- It began with a buffet lunch Oc- lightful handmade creations. tober 8 at which more than $40 was raised for the Fund. On a bulletin board, commu- nity members listed services they could perform during the 30-day period. These ranged from baby- sitting, haircutting and shopping to typing, crafts, sewing, house- hold repairs and yard work. More than 70 per cent of the community participated in the market place, which raised more than $1,000 in only six hours. More than $1,400 was raised during the 30-day campaign. Of even greater value, says the As- sembly, was the joyous spirit of BALAI FATH DOD FOR THOUGHT Two Bahá'ís look over items in the 'market place,' part of a 30-day fund-raising effort spon- sored in October and November by the Spiritual Assembly of Northwest Sacramento County, California. The campaign raised more than $1,400 for the National Fund. participation and sacrifice felt by of pride and pleasure was im- community members whose sense mense. The Spiritual Assembly of Ba- tavia, Illinois, entered this float in the city's Elburn Days parade in August. The parade theme was 'Old McDonald's Farm.' The As- sembly entered a second float in May in the Batavia Loyalty Day parade, is presently decorating two windows in a downtown store and has received good newspaper- publicity on the martyrs in Iran and World Peace Day. Archives offers guide to open collections 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 rec- ords, personal papers, community histories and personal recollec- Brilliant Star Enclosed is my gift of $ tions, giving the collection title, quantity, and some information about contents and significance. The guide can be ordered for $2 from the National Bahá'í Arch- ives, Bahá'í National Center, Wil- mette, IL 60091. yes I want to receive Brilliant Star, please enter my subscription for one year. $900 (six issues) two years. $17.00 foreign surface, one year $11.00 foreign surface, two years $2100 foreign aur, one year, $1500 foreign air, two years $2800 Please enclose payment name street city state & zip Send to Brilliant Star/Child's Way Subscriber Service Suburban Office Park 27 Hixson, Th 37343 to the Brilliant Star/Child's Way Endowment Fund established in honor of the Bahá'í children of Iran, for the purpose of developing materials for children. I understand that my gift will become part of a perpetual fund whose earnings will support this purpose. [Page 23]

INTERMEDIA

News from the Office of Public Affairs

• State resolutions—Positive responses from selected Local Spiritual Assemblies continue to flow into the Office of Public Affairs confirming their readiness to seek resolutions from state legislatures condemning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

• Open letter distribution—More than 3,000 copies of the “open letter” from the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran to government leaders and prominent individuals in that country have been ordered for distribution by local Bahá’í communities. One Assembly in Pennsylvania is considering preparing a copy as an insert in its weekly newspaper—14,000 copies! Others are sending the letter to government officials and leaders of thought. Copies of the letter are available in English or Persian for 50 cents apiece plus 10 per cent for postage.

• News releases—Three November news releases were issued. Each was sent to more than 700 Bahá’í media committees and representatives and 300-plus religion editors and others. The releases concerned the issuing of the open letter by the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran; persecutions that have taken place since Bahá’í organizations were banned in Iran on August 29; and statements by prominent journalists and a U.S. representative to the United Nations.

• Mini-media conferences are being planned for New Orleans and the North/South Carolina area. What makes these conferences unique is that they are locally originated, guided by local public information consultants, and require only minimal help from the national Office of Public Affairs, a certain sign of growth and maturity.

• Greater Omaha TV series—The ambitious Public Affairs Committee of greater Omaha, Nebraska, has produced its own 13-week television series. One segment, entitled “Spiritual Springtime,” ran on KMTV, the NBC affiliate in Omaha. With little previous experience but lots of hard work, the team actually put it all together! As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has told us, “... look not on the degree of your capacity, ask not if you are worthy of the task; rest ye your hopes on the help and loving-kindness, the favours and bestowals of Bahá’u’lláh.”

• New England telecommunications network—Bahá’ís in Northampton, Massachusetts, spearheaded by Alvin Whaley, are interested in tying together a network of Bahá’ís to speed hard news to the media. Contact Mr. Whaley at 90 New Era, P.O. Box 989, Northampton, MA 01061.

• Jeff Reynolds Show priced to move—Hoping that Bahá’í communities will be eager to present this series of 13 half-hour country and western programs to their local radio stations, the entire set is now available for only $50. It’s perfect for college or high school stations. Contact the Office of Public Affairs, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

• A TV remote van is now available to the Greater Detroit Media Committee. The van is equipped for producing television PSAs and programs and is owned by members of the committee. Great going, Detroit!

• Five “Wage Peace” billboards are ready to go up in Greensboro, North Carolina, whose community raised $200 for this exciting project!

Mayor Thomas Clark of Long Beach, California (second from right) proclaimed September 18 ‘World Peace Day’ in Long Beach and also issued a proclamation on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Iran. With Mayor Clark are (left to right) Fardad Mogharabi, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Long Beach; Nosrat Solhjoo; and Rhea Mealey, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Long Beach.

Thomas F. Armistead (left) presents a copy of the video tape of Congressional hearings into the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran to Robert C. Cox, social studies supervisor for the Milford, Connecticut, school system, on behalf of the Bahá’í Group of Milford. The presentation was made October 20, the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb.

Bahá’í International Health Agency schedules its third conference February 24-26 in Florida

The Bahá’í International Health Agency’s third International Conference will be held February 24-26 at the Desert Inn in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Health: Whose Responsibility?”

Speakers who are tentatively scheduled to appear and their topics include:

• Dr. Hossain B. Danesh, professor of clinical psychology, chairman of the Agency’s administrative committee and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. “An Integrated Approach to Health.”
• Dr. Gity Etemad, pediatrician, Villanova, Pennsylvania. “Physical Health of Children.”
• Dr. A.M. Ghadirian, faculty of medicine, McGill University, Montreal. “Coping with Stress in a Changing World.”
• Jane McKee Lindsay, media specialist on health promotion. “Taking Responsibility for Healthy Aging.”
• Dr. Ethel Martens, executive secretary, Bahá’í International Health Agency. “A Bahá’í Approach to Health Development.”
• Dr. Alfred Neumann, school of public health, UCLA. “International Health and the Bahá’í Faith.”
• Mrs. Elizabeth Rochester, former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. “Spiritual Health of the Community.”
• Dr. William Saunders, director, Holistic Medicine Clinic, Austell, Georgia. “Holistic Medicine and the Bahá’í Faith.”

Workshops are scheduled on the following themes:

The Role of Bahá’í Health Professionals; Medical Ethics; Medical Education; Nutrition and Health; International Health; Healthy Attitudes Toward Sexuality; and Health Delivery Systems of Tomorrow.

Registration is $10 (U.S.) for members of the Agency, $15 for non-members.

For more information or to register, contact the Bahá’í International Health Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 7K4 (phone 613-230-3595).

15 people attend Treasure State media seminar

Fifteen people attended an “Emergence from Obscurity” (EFO) seminar September 25 in Miles City, Montana.

The seminars, given by the Treasure State Bahá’í Media Service, are designed to teach local media teams or representatives to begin or maintain a public affairs program.

Much of the material expands on the concept of the “High Profile/Low Budget” kit available from Treasure State for $5.

The eight communities represented in Miles City were enthusiastic about the “hands on” experience and practical advice that was offered.

The next EFO was scheduled to ‎land {{{2}}}‎ December 17 in Kalispell, Montana.

Public Affairs Office has ‘20/20’ video tapes

The ABC television network has permitted the Bahá’í National Center to purchase a limited number of video tapes of that part of the July 28, 1983, “20/20” program devoted to the Bahá’ís in Iran.

This segment, entitled “In the Name of Islam,” is available for restricted use. Those who may have taped the program on their home video recorders are cautioned that they are not to use the tapes for public showings.

Please contact the Office of Public Affairs for further information about availability of the video tape and restrictions that apply to its use. [Page 24]

Boston area Bahá’ís take part in ‘WalkAmerica’ campaign

Taking their cue from the "Operation Befriend" appeals by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, and with the endorsement of the Spiritual Assembly of Boston, Massachusetts, eight Bahá’ís from that area and one close friend of the Faith participated last April 25 in the 1983 March of Dimes "WalkAmerica."

The group, which made a visible presence among those who walked to raise money for the charity, was identified as a team, "Bahá’ís of Boston."

They were listed among participating groups in the March of Dimes bulletin which is widely distributed in the area.

A photograph of two of the walkers, Tierney Sutton and John Phillips, appeared in an issue of the bulletin with the caption "Bahá’ís."

In July, a plaque of appreciation was presented to Emily and John Phillips, representing "Bahá’ís of Boston."

When the March of Dimes conducted its first national telethon on the Fourth of July, the Bahá’ís were invited to participate.

Twelve Bahá’ís including several youth responded. They were identified by a local news person as a team that had participated in the "WalkAmerica" effort, and one of the friends was interviewed briefly on camera.

One member of a local sponsoring organization remarked that the Bahá’í telethon participation had outdone that of his own group, whose membership exeeds by many times that of the Bahá’ís.

Plans already are under way to become involved in next April's March of Dimes campaign in the Boston area.

Ads

is the home of Grumman Aeor-space Corporation. It is within minutes of renowned beaches, fine school districts, eight institutions of higher learning, and every kind of cultural, recreational and employment opportunity one can imagine. If you're looking for an area in which to relocate, you won't find a finer or friendlier place than ours.

ST. LUCIA, part of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, has several medical and health positions opening now and in 1984. Needed are general practitioners, internists, dentists, radiologists, dermatologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, obstetrics-gynecologists, urologists, pharmacists, a psychiatrist, dental hygienists, lab technicians and nurses. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WEST LINN, Oregon, one of the loveliest towns in one of the loveliest states, and only 20 minutes from downtown Portland, will soon be jeopardized and needs pioneers. We are an active community with regular Assembly meetings, firesides, deepenings, Holy Day observances, and social events. Housing is plentiful. Jobs? Depends on what you do. Please write to the Bahá’ís of West Linn, P.O. Box 349, West Linn, OR 97068, or phone Jaellayna, 503-635-7852, or Marcia, 503-657-2929.

BAHÁ’Í communities in the New Orleans area are preparing for the World's Fair to be held there from May-November 1984. In the spirit of universal participation, we are inviting the friends to send us their ideas and suggestions for cost-effective proclamation of the Faith during that period. As pre-planning is essential, we request that you send your ideas and thoughts as soon as possible to Gai LaMarche, secretary, Metro-Media Public Information Committee, Metairie, LA 70001.

CHIEF of quality assurance is needed for aircraft and helicopter inspection in the Marshall Islands. Should have at least seven years experience with aircraft maintenance and one year quality control experience. Will also be in charge of a small staff of inspectors. FAA and A&P licenses are necessary. For more details about the job and about pioneering to the Marshalls, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BAHÁ’Í pioneer in Africa needs help to find a homefront pioneering post in the U.S. Do you know of an area that needs a Bahá’í (who speaks English, Spanish and French) and also needs a high school, vo-tech or junior college teacher in industrial arts or auto mechanics? Please ask the school districts in your goal area to send an application if they have an opening for September 1984 to Howard Scholey, c/o the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

'LET'S GET Spiritual!' A Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference will be held July 13-16 in Concord, California. Fabulously grand! Truly far-out! And definitely the hottest conference to take place next summer. So... BE THERE! Keep watching for more details, or contact the "Youth Energizing Service" of Contra Costa County, P.O. Box 42, Concord, CA 94522.

PIONEER(S) needed in Olney, Texas, a lovely town of about 6,000. Possible job is available for hearing aid specialist or audiologist. Will train interested people. Send resumé to P.O. Box 175, Graham, TX 76046.

NEWARK, Delaware, a lovely small city on the east coast, only two hours from New York City, Washington, the finest Atlantic Coast beaches, and one hour from Philadelphia or Baltimore, has an Assembly with eight active members that would welcome with open arms any homefront pioneer who would be interested in joining the community. Newark is the home of the University of Delaware, nationally recognized for its programs in chemistry, business and engineering. Delaware is the home of duPont and many other well-known companies. Though brimming with big-city opportunities, Newark is reminiscent of a small New England college town. For more information write to the Spiritual Assembly at Newark, DE 19711.

The Bahá’ís of Portland, Maine

The Bahá’ís of Portland, Maine, won second place for organizations July 22 with this float entitled 'The Family of Man' in the annual Deering Oaks Family Festival Parade, the theme of which was 'Famous Families.' Children and adults in colorful international costumes sat beneath a tree in which two soft sculptured birds of paradise held a banner that read 'Family of Man.' On each side of the float was Bahá’u’lláh's quote, 'Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.' An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people watched the parade.

Information is asked about courses on Faith

News of the Faith is spreading across the land and schools are becoming interested in evaluating the facts. Courses on the Bahá’í Faith or references to it in comparative religion classes are no longer unknown.

The National Youth Committee would like to know where these classes are being held and what is being taught. If you know of a class that is on the Faith or that refers to it, credit or non-credit, college, high school or continuing education courses, please write to us about them at Bahá’í National Youth Committee, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

Mabel R. Garis

Mabel R. Garis (right) presents a copy of her book, Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold to the Williamstown, Massachusetts, public library during a visit to that city in early November. Mrs. Garis, who also writes the "Uncle Wiggily" children's stories that were created by her father-in-law, Howard Garis, was in Williamstown to speak at Williams College about the life of Martha Root.

Trust news

1984 Calendars

Bahá’í Wall Calendar: 1984 Features elegant photograph of the door to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, bordered in rich burgundy. Contains 15 months from January 1984 through March 1985. Feasts and Holy Days clearly marked. (Cat. No. 769-045, $1)

Bahá’í Date Book: 1984 Cover features a photograph of the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The page for each month contains ample space for notes, reminders of Feasts, Holy Days, special event days, and U.S. legal holidays. Covers 15 months from January 1984 through March 1985. (Cat. No. 769-021, $2)

Bahá’í Pocket Calendar: 1984 Handy pocket calendar (2 3/8 x 3 5/8 inches) contains 12 months from January to December 1984. Printed in green ink on white stock, the pocket calendar highlights Feasts and Holy Days. On the reverse side Bahá’í Holy Days, including those on which work is suspended, are listed plus the days of fasting. (Cat. No. 769-064, 10/$1.50)

Our Sacred Obligation National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Back in Stock

Bahá’í Answers Available once again, with an attractive turquoise cover, the popular pamphlet that answers frequently asked questions about the Bahá’í Faith. (PM, Cat. No. 340-002, 10/$4)

House of Justice urges parcels for Vietnamese

The Universal House of Justice is encouraging the Vietnamese Bahá’í friends living in the U.S. to send parcels to their families or relatives who are still in Vietnam. Such parcels may contain clothes, fabrics, medicines, or stationery supplies (paper, pens, pencils, etc.).

The National Teaching Committee has designated the Regional Asian Teaching Committee for the Southern States as the clearing house for these parcels.

Those Vietnamese Bahá’ís who wish to participate may contact the Regional Committee by writing to the following address:

Regional Asian Teaching Committee for the Southern States, c/o Mrs. Jackie Ralya, secretary, Haymarket, VA 22069. [Page 25]

Camino del Sol o camino de la lluvia? Aventuras en Arizona

Los miembros del Camino del Sol llegaron a Tucson, Arizona, de norte y sur.

Sabino Ortega, Egon Nieto, Clemente ‎Pimantel Pimentel‎ y Leopoldo Richard vinieron de América Central, representando a los Kuna, Mapuche y Quechua de América Central y del Sur.

LA Consejera Lauretta King llegó de una corta visita a México, representando el Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros y el pueblo Tlingit del sureste de Alaska.

La traductora Ann Miller Jorgensen, pionera al Ecuador y Panamá, vino de Canadá donde había servido al otro equipo de traductora.

Regina Anchondo, otra traductora y empleada del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza llegó desde Chicago.

En el mañana del 28 de septiembre nos reunimos por primera vez. Después del desayuno y oraciones, revisamos el horario del día.

Más tarde nos daríamos cuenta de que era muy liviano en comparación con los días que vendrían.

Empezamos con una entrevista en español en radio KXEW. La entrevista duró media hora, durante la cual tres miembros del equipo (Clemente se había quedado descansando) hablaron del propósito de la visita, sobre la Fe, y tocaron algunas melodías autóctonas de sus pueblos.

CADA rato el locutor, un señor muy amable, mencionaba la hora y el lugar de la próxima reunión pública, animando a la comunidad hispana de Tucson a que la asistiera para dar la bienvenida a sus hermanos del sur.

Otra entrevista para periódico con fotografías siguió el almuerzo dado por los Bahá’ís de South Tucson. El día terminó con una cena patrocinada por las Asambleas locales de Tucson y Pima County. Mirando hacia atrás, fue un día tranquilo.

Nuestro segundo día era más similar a un día “normal” de la gira.

Después de una visita torbellina a la Misión de San Xavier en la reserva Papago para oraciones en la capilla y la oportunidad de hablar con un joven Papago de la Fe, nos arrebataron a reunirnos con dos caciques de los Pascua Yaqui.

Este encuentro fue muy especial por ‎varios razones varias razones‎. Fue la primera entrevista con líderes tribales en los Estados Unidos. Como los caciques eran trilingües, hablando inglés, su idioma indígena y español, fue la única reunión donde no se necesitó traductores.

LA conversación fue franca y abierta, el cacique tradicional hablando de la práctica ‎contínua continua‎ de la religión antigua junto con el catolicismo.

El, personalmente, no deseaba cambiar su religión, pero tampoco estorbaría a cualquier miembro de su tribu que se quisiera hacer Bahá’í.

La entrevista se cortó como él tenía que recoger a su esposa, pero prometió encontrarnos en seguida donde el almuerzo con los mayores de la tribu, lo cual hizo.

Durante el almuerzo invitó a algunos de los miembros del equipo a regresar después de la gira y pasar un tiempo en la reserva como sus invitados.

Nuestra próxima cita fue la primera de muchas visitas a escuelas primarias indígenas, ésta en la reserva Papago.

El enfoque del programa era distinto cuando se presentaba en las escuelas, principalmente porque es prohibido mencionar la religión.

EL EQUIPO concentraba en los cantos y bailes, y en animar a los niños a tener orgullo de su herencia y aprender las canciones y bailes tradicionales de su pueblo.

A Leopoldo especialmente siempre le conmovían los niños; en sus caras morenas y redondas se veía mismo cuando era niño. Casi se podía tocar el afecto que él les tenía, y ellos siempre lo correspondieron con sonrisas y risa. Al final de este programa nos pasaron en desfile estrechando las manos.

La broma constante entre los Bahá’ís de Tucson y el equipo era el hecho de que Egon siempre hacía un baile para pedir la lluvia durante las presentaciones.

La estación de lluvia había terminado poco antes de nuestra llegada. Hacía mucho calor con ese cielo azul sin nubes y el sol casi deslumbrador que indica que así será por mucho tiempo.

Por consiguiente, siempre que Egon ofrecía al público la oportunidad de pedir sol o lluvia, gritaban riéndose que querían la lluvia.

PASAMOS la tarde comprando tarjetas postales y refrescos y mirando la artesanía típica Papago. Después de una cena tradicional maravillosa, preparada por los Bahá’ís Papagos de la reserva, el Camino del Sol hizo su primera presentación completa en una reserva.

Por supuesto se incluyó el baile de Egon. Y empezó a llover. Y llovía y llovía.

Hasta creímos que no llegaríamos a Tucson esa noche—hay grandes depresiones en la carretera que, al llenarse de agua, pueden sumergir un vehículo completamente.

Logramos llegar a Tucson y seguía lloviendo. La tarde siguiente, después de otra entrevista por radio en español, participamos en un intercambio cultural con la asociación estudiantil indígena de la universidad.

Los miembros navajos eran los únicos que pudieron asistir. Ellos compartieron algunos bailes con nosotros y después observaron unas danzas chilenas y bolivianas.

SABINO dió una pequeña charla sobre el propósito de la gira (él era nuestro “orador”) y les invitó a asistir a la reunión pública de esa noche.

Dos cosas ocurrieron que hacen que mencionar la reunión pública valga la pena.

El cacique tradicional y el cacique administrativo de los Pascua Yaqui vinieron a la presentación con sus familias. Era algo que mucho quisimos pero que no esperamos.

Su presencia fortaleció la amistad entre ellos y algunos miembros del equipo.

El segundo evento fue la participación de una de las mujeres na-

Véase CAMINO Pág. 26

Bahá’ís indígenas de Sur y Centro-américa del Camino del Sol que este año visitaron comunidades desde Panamá a Alaska y participaron en una orientación en Panamá del 27 de agosto hasta el 1 de septiembre son, fila atrás de i. a dra.: Tomás Nelson de León, kuna de San Blas, Panamá; Sabino Ortega, quechua de Bolivia; Andrés Jachakollo, aymará de Bolivia; Egon Nieto, mapuche de Chile; Federico Nelson Sánchez, mapuche de Chile; Luis Peralta Castro, quechua del Perú; Nicanor Torres, quechua del Perú; Feliciano Moreno, guaymí de Panamá, y Fidel Bejerano, guaymí de Panamá. El grupo pié a la dra. incluye: Priseda de León, kuna de Panamá; Leopoldo Richard, kuna de Panamá; Guillermo Bejerano, su esposa e hija, guaymíes de Panamá. Sentados delante, izq. a dra., son: Nemecio Reyes, bribrí de Costa Rica; Mercedes Pilquil, mapuche de Chile; Clemente Pimentel, quechua de Bolivia; Vicenta Currillo, quechua del Ecuador.

Persecución de creyentes en Iran: 140 arrestados, 3 fallecidos en prisión

A todas las asambleas espirituales nacionales Queridos amigos bahá’ís,

Eventos recientes en Iran luego de la prohibición de la administración bahá’í indican, desafortunadamente, la continuación de presiones intensas en contra de la comunidad bahá’í indefensa en ese país.

Las autoridades están ejerciendo muchas de estas presiones con la esperanza que los bahá’ís renieguen de su fe y troquen su amor por Bahá’u’lláh por el confort y la seguridad que las autoridades les ofrecen en cambio.

CON GRAN TRISTEZA la Casa Universal de Justicia anuncia que a muchos de los amigos presos se les está torturando cuando rehusan someterse a la voluntad de las autoridades de que nieguen su amor por Bahá’u’lláh.

Además, aunque es cierto que no se ha ejecutado a ningun bahá’í luego del enunciado hecho por el Fiscal General el 29 de agosto que exige la disolución de la administración de la Fe, se ha informado que el 19 de septiembre un granjero en el pueblo de Khuy, el señor Akbar Haqiqi, murió como resultado de una paliza por una turba instigada por el clero.

Además, a por lo menos 140 bahá’ís en todas partes del país se les ha arrestado luego del enunciado del Fiscal General, 50 de los cuales fueron detenidos el 30 de octubre en la zona del Mar Caspio.

Aunque a varios de los amigos se les ha puesto en libertad, el número total de bahá’ís que ‎aun aún‎ están presos en Iran, de acuerdo con nuestros archivos, es de más de 450.

Tres creyentes de edad avanzada han muerto en prisión y de esta manera se han unido a las filas de los que han dado sus vidas en servicio a la Causa. Son:

• Sr. Husayn Nayyirí-Isfahání, de 64 años de edad. Preso en Isfahán, murió en los momentos en que entraba en el tribunal para su juicio el 29 de noviembre de 1982.
• Sr. Ahmad-‘Alí Thábit-Sarvistání, de 67 años de edad. Murió preso en Shíráz el 30 de junio de 1983.
• Sr. Muhammad Ishráqí, de 81 años de edad. Un miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar, murió preso en Tehrán el 31 de agosto de 1983.

TAMBIÉN, HACE POCO se ha recibido la noticia que en la ciudad de Dizfúl, a una bahá’í, Sra. Irán Rahímpúr (Khurmá’í), se le ejecutó el 12 de mayo de 1983 luego de ‎dar luz dar a luz‎ a su hijo. Al niñito se lo llevaron los musulmanes, y se desconoce su destino.

Uno de los ejemplos más obvios de persecución y una prueba de la intención maligna de las autoridades iraníes de desarraigar la Fe en ese país es la destrucción y profanación de cementerios bahá’ís.

Hace poco hubo un anuncio oficial en los diarios en Iran indicando que las lápidas en el cementerio bahá’í en Tehrán se estaban ofreciendo en venta. Ya que parece que todos los marcadores en las tumbas se están eliminando, es posible que no quede ninguna huella del cementerio bahá’í en el futuro.

Pueden compartir la información que se da arriba con los amigos en su jurisdicción, y con las autoridades gubernamentales y los medios noticieros si lo han estado haciendo ya en el pasado.

Con cariñosos saludos bahá’ís,

Casa Universal de Justicia Por Departamento de Secretaría 7 de noviembre de 1983 [Page 26]

Traveling teachers choose road to invaluable service

Travel teaching encompasses a variety of activities, and each teaching trip is unique.

Often the goal is to open new localities to the Faith through a sustained teaching effort. Some-times the teacher may be responsible for organizing classes for women and children in existing Bahá’í communities.

THE TEACHER might also visit pioneers living in remote areas. In addition, traveling teachers have spoken at firesides and proclamations, helped form Local Spiritual Assemblies, held press conferences, and met with kings and mayors.

Mary Ann Montague of Davis, California, spent more than two weeks of her vacation in the Yucatán peninsula teaching the Mayan people. Some of her experiences and impressions are recounted here.

Mary Ann joined traveling teachers from Mérida on their planned circuits, and found that spontaneous teaching opportunities abounded.

She also found herself falling in love with the Mayan people, which they immediately sensed and responded to with such spiritual intensity, she says, that she "nearly melted on the spot."

Mary Ann feels that anyone wishing to be immersed in a bath of radiant love should consider teaching the Faith in Yucatán, Mexico. People of any age can be effective there.

"RADIANCE" is the word she recalls when she thinks of the Mayan people. Frequently, she says, there was such intense love and dignity that it would not have seemed out of character to her if they had glowed in the dark.

In one village, a teacher started to teach the prayer, "O God, guide me..." to a group of children, and a mother quietly smiled and pointed to one of her young daughters with great loving pride, saying, "She already knows that prayer by heart."

The girl lowered her head shyly, but had a sweet smile on her face. Many of the youngsters read beautifully and were asking for more materials, having mastered the children's prayers.

In one home in which there was a month-old baby, Barbara Hoover, a Bahá’í pioneer, asked a woman whether she had heard of the Faith.

"I am a Bahá’í," she replied, "and I talk to my baby about Bahá’u’lláh all the time."

Mary Ann's diary is filled with many warm memories and touching events. One that taught her a great deal is recalled here:

"On a walk through one village, a man rushed out. The regular teacher was walking with a resident woman, followed by a group of children. I lagged behind taking photographs.

"Two adults ignored the man, thinking he was drunk. When he approached me he was talking excitedly, but there was no smell of alcohol and his speech was intelligent.

"He identified himself as a Bahá’í and said he had many questions. About that time, we arrived at our destination.

"The man of the house was taking a bath and we were asked to wait. The man who had walked with me asked how to say a sentence in English, explaining that he had bought a book and was trying to teach himself but didn't know how the words sounded.

"As his questions were answered he became calmer. It is easy to assume the worst about people, and in many instances wisdom and experience guide us away from the unusual behavior of our fellow human beings. I am grateful for the circumstances that lead to friendship rather than fear.

"On our return walk, the man called his children to walk with us and we ended up nearly having a Bahá’í parade down the dark street. The other residents were certainly aware of the happy group moving past their homes."

One of Ann's treasured memories was the way in which pioneer Valerie Nichols was received wherever she went.

One Mayan told Mary Ann that the sight of Valerie's car does more teaching than all the banners and proclamations ever held in Yucatán.

Although Valerie is now at least 80 years old, her teaching power and constancy have made her a treasure to these people. She couldn't be more safe in her travels.

Any Bahá’í who is gentle and patient and can speak Spanish or Mayan should consider teaching in Yucatán.

From what Mary Ann saw in the faces of people of all ages, the area soon will be ablaze with a spiritual power sufficient to light the whole of Central America if only the people are given the information they so urgently need and seek.

Gary Dunn, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Hempstead Village, New York, presents a copy of the book To Move the World to Ms. Diane Hawkes, director of the village's Black History Museum. The presentation was made last September 15.

Camino del Sol

De Pág. 25

vajo que había bailado anteriormente en la universidad.

Ella pidió permiso para otorgar regalos tradicionales al Camino del Sol en la manera tradicional de su pueblo. Les acercaba lentamente, parando de cuando en cuando según el costumbre navajo.

Los regalos incluyeron plantas sagradas como el tabaco y artículos hecho a mano por ella misma. También recibió regalos de los sudamericanos.

Más tarde nos enteramos de que ella habló con Ann acerca de la Fe. En junto, nos sentimos satisfechos con los logros, y esperamos que los Bahá’ís de Tucson se sintieran iguales.

Cuando dejamos Tucson en la madrugada del día siguiente, seguía lloviendo. A llegar a Albuquerque, Nuevo Mexico, parecía que iba a llover. Tal vez alguien avisó que venía Egon.

Proximo: Nuevo Mexico y Arizona del Norte.

About 75 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a World Peace Day program September 25 sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Peoria, Illinois. The media committee rented a room at the Peoria Civic Center and invited parents of students at the Learning Tree Day School, a local private school operated by a Bahá’í in Peoria. The school's choir performed in the program, which also included an animated film, "The Question," and a talk relating mankind's search for peace to the Bahá’í principles. At the close of the hour-long program, the children released balloons, each of which contained within it the name of a martyred Iranian Bahá’í.

East Texas launches teaching campaign

The District Teaching Committee of East Texas No. 2, which includes 38 counties in southeastern Texas, has begun an intensive teaching campaign in three phases:

1. Friendship Teams. Nine two-member teams representing eight Bahá’í localities are committed to consolidating new believers with two visits each month for a six-month period using the deepening packet prepared in January 1979 by the National Education Committee.

2. Direct Teaching Teams. Presently composed of 11 Bahá’ís representing seven communities, they are committed to teaching every weekend.

3. Prayers. Sixty-two Bahá’ís are to pray one day each month beginning with Step 1, 500 "remover of difficulties" offered daily from October 17, 1983, through April 21, 1984, for a total of 94,000 prayers for the success of this campaign.

Also, the Tablet of Aḥmad is to be recited three times every 24 hours for the well-being and assistance of the friends.

The committee reports that there is more happening in the district in one month than had happened in the previous year, and looks forward to "spectacular" results from the campaign.

Arizona religion panel has Bahá’í as member

Dr. Robert L. Gulick Jr. of Glendale, Arizona, foreign student adviser and professor of international studies at the American Graduate School of International Studies, has been appointed to the Religious Advisory Committee of the State of Arizona Department of Corrections.

Dr. Gulick, who is vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, was nominated for the appointment by the executive branch of the department and is the only Bahá’í selected to serve on the committee.

Dinner benefits WLGI

In early November, the Bahá’í community of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, sponsored a Persian dinner and auction at which more than $2,200 was raised, nearly all of which was divided evenly and contributed to radio station WLGI and the National Fund.

The 50 diners, who came from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, donated whatever they wished for their dinners.

The friends donated items for the Persian auction and a sale table. The auction itself netted almost $1,000. [Page 27]The American Bahá'í January 1984 27 Ten years ago... ... in The American Bahá'i The American Bahá'í commu- nity is in danger of beginning the next global teaching Plan with a "spiritual and administrative def- icit," says Dr. Philip Christensen, secretary of the National Teaching Committee. Many communities, he ex- plains, have not acted on the in- terim yearly goals outlined in June 1973 by the National Spiritual As- sembly. Dr. Christensen says there are Mariam Continued From Page 4 'Abdu'l-Bahá in 1921. In 1908 the Haneys were given permission to visit 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the Holy Land and spent nine days there in February 1909. Mrs. Haney, a skillful secretary, took stenographic notes of much that the Master said. Later, the Master read her notes and asked that they be published, which the Haneys did under the title A Heavenly Feast. While Charles and Mariam were in His presence, 'Abdu'l- Bahá blessed their unborn child. Mariam showed little emotion as they left the Holy Land, but once on board ship her tears flowed freely from the sadness of leaving more than 100 jeopardized Local Fund-raising Spiritual Assemblies, adding that the number is likely to increase even further when some of the Southern districts make their final year-end reports. Especially needed at this time, he says, are homefront pio- neers ... The Northeast Oriental Teach- ing Committee is superseded by the Asian-American Teaching Committee, one of four national minority teaching committees formed by the National Teaching Committee. Continued From Page 5 have any doubts about your plans, do feel free to contact the Office of the Treasurer.) 1. DO strive for a joyous ac- tivity. Plan something to include the entire community-take into consideration all levels of income, age, understanding and support be inclusive rather than exclusive. And remember, unity within your community is the most im- National photography The new Asian-American Com- magazine spotlights exhibition by Bahá'í mittee is developing literature and audio-visual materials to offer as aids in the teaching work... Bahá'ís in South Dade County, Florida, supported by the friends throughout the Miami area, spon- sor a 10-day proclamation in honor of the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh. Dr. Elsie Austin, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly, is the speaker at a series of firesides and public meetings during the proclamation period. Dr. Austin is interviewed by television and newspaper re- porters, and a half-page article ap- pears in the Miami Herald... Responding to a request from WSMJ, a local radio station, the Spiritual Assembly of Greenfield, Indiana, prepares 20 two and one- half minute programs on the Faith which are broadcast by the station once each week. The brief programs, aired at 4:15 p.m. every Wednesday, focus on topics such as progressive rev- elation, justice, universal peace, and the elimination of preju- dice... The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears presents an auto- graphed copy of his book, God Loves Laughter, to the public li- brary in Thousand Oaks, Cali- fornia... A special program for children attending the St. Louis confer- ence, which is to be held in August 1974, is announced by the Na- tional Spiritual Assembly. The November/December issue of the national publication "Im- ages and Ideas" includes a full- page article on the exhibition "Norwegian Reflections" which was photographed by Mark Sadan, a Bahá'í who is president of Kiva Film/Video Productions in Ossining, New York. The exhibit had its American premiere in the lobby of the World Trade Center during the New York City Summer Harbor Festival's salute to Scandinavia. The same exhibit, which was produced by a grant from Nor- way, is presently on tour in Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. The Norwegian grant followed the receipt by Kiva Films of the Gold Award at the 1982 Interna- tional Film Festival of the Am- ericas for its film, "The New Nor- way," which was directed by Mr. Sadan. Please note We wish to apologize for some unforeseen problems with some of the mailing labels for the December 1983 issue of Bahá'í News. If you were entitled to re- ceive a copy of the magazine and did not, please write to Subscriber Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091- and please include your Bahá'í I.D. number. Thank you. 'Abdu'l-Bahá. After stopping to visit with the friends in Egypt, France and Eng- land, the Haneys returned to the U.S. MARIAM found waiting for her a Tablet from the Master in which He said, "I was with you when you were weeping on the ship."" The Haneys' son, Paul, who was to become a Hand of the Cause of God, was born August 20, 1909, in Washington, D.C. Mr. and Mrs. Haney were living in Washington in 1912 when 'Ab- du'l-Bahá twice visited the na- tion's capital, and thus they had the bounty of participating in many of the events during His memorable stays there. Later, the Haneys moved for a time to Los Angeles, but early in portant factor. It is better to raise $20 when everyone participates, has fun and feels welcome than to raise $1,000 in disharmony. 2. DO keep your plans simple so that everyone knows the "rules." In this way, disappointments and misunderstandings can be avoid- ed. 3. DO remember that fund-rais- ing events to benefit activities or projects that are solely of a Bahá'í nature are for Bahá'ís only. Items that are sold must be owned by a Bahá'í, and entrance fees, purchases, auction bids-all financial participation must come from the Bahá'ís and not their non-Bahá'í guests. 4. You can personally sell be- longings, services, crafts and han- diwork, etc., to the public-and then, as an individual, you can contribute the proceeds to the Fund. THESE activities are individual enterprises, not organized, Ba- há'í-sponsored fund-raising events, and should not be adver- tised as such. Non-Bahá'ís should never be given the impression that they are financially assisting the Faith. 5. DO keep in mind that fund- raising is helpful and has its place-especially in benefitting special projects at the local and national levels. The secret to winning all of our Fund goals, however, is through regular and sacrificial individual participation. We can all participate in fund- raising events, but not as a sub- stitute for individual, monthly support of our local and national Funds. That responsibility should come first. 6. DO feel free to call or write your National Treasurer's Rep- resentative or the Office of the Treasurer with any questions you have, plans you've made, or suc- cess stories you'd like to share. If the importance of unity, joy and dignity is remembered in all of our fund-raising plans, for whichever Fund or project we are working to achieve, then any event created from such love will surely succeed. 1919 business brought them back to Washington where Mariam was elected one of its two delegates to the sixth convention of Bahá'í Temple Unity in Chicago. While they were in Evanston, Il- linois, Mr. Haney suddenly be- came seriously ill. He died in Evanston in the fall of 1919. A YEAR later, the executive board of Bahá'í Temple Unity, which was the forerunner of the National Spiritual Assembly, ask- ed Mariam to serve as secretary of the recently established National Teaching Committee. In 1921 she helped Agnes Par- sons organize, at 'Abdu'l-Bahá's request, the first U.S. Bahá'í Race Amity Conference, which was held in May of that year in Wash- ington. Mrs. Haney served as a member of the editorial committee for publication of the first two vol- umes of The Bahá'í World. In 1924 she was named associate edi- tor of Star of the West, which was soon to become The Bahá'í Maga- zine, serving in that capacity until March 1935. Mariam Haney died September 1, 1965, less than two months be- fore her 93rd birthday. The Universal House of Justice promptly sent the following cable to the U.S. National Assembly: "Grieved announce passing Mariam Haney devoted servant Bahá'u'lláh mother beloved Hand Cause Paul Haney. Her total dedication Faith spanning period more than sixty-five years staunch upholder Covenant earliest days of testing tireless activities cir- culating Tablets Master services national and international level wholehearted loyalty stead- fastness assure loving welcome Abhá Kingdom..." Naim Sobhani, Bahá'í teacher, poet, calligrapher dies at 76 in Los Angeles SADDENED PASSING DEVOTED SERVANT BAHÁ'U'LLÁH NAIM SOBHANI. KINDLY CONVEY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY MEMBERS FAMILY ASSURE THEM OUR ARDENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE the visit of his great-grandfather with Bahá'u'lláh and of his father with 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Naim Sobhani, a former mem- ber of the Spiritual Assemblies of Tehran, Abadan, Gilan and Tú- serkan, Iran, died November 20 in Los Angeles, California. He was 76 years old. Mr. Sobhani, who was born in Qazvin, Iran, in 1907, was an ac- tive traveling teacher in Iran for more than 15 years. He was a poet and calligrapher who was responsible for the trans- lation of many of the Bahá'í Writ- ings into Armenian. Mr. Sobhani's recent work in Persian includes a description of Having left Iran in 1979 due to the recent persecutions, Mr. Sob- hani resettled in Los Angeles where he taught weekly Persian classes and was a member of that community's Native American Teaching Committee. He is survived by his wife, Her- mon Hovanessian Sobhani, and four children: Susan Mohadjer of Mission Viejo, California; Sia- mack Sobhani of San Jose; and two daughters who are living in Tehran. In Memoriam Livio Castelli Los Angeles, CA September 12, 1983 Minerva Cerritos Brownsville, TX May 1, 1983 Allen I. Dunn Los Angeles, CA January 14, 1981 Howard Fancher Key West, FL September 12, 1983 Paul Flannigan Little Rock, AR Date Unknown Gene E. George Sacramento, CA November 11, 1983 Mildred Gordon Augusta, GA June 1980 Augusta Gray Seattle, WA 1982 Dale Harness Little Rock, AR Date Unknown Jack Hogue Huntsville, AL Date Unknown Eugene Howard Pittsboro, NC October 4, 1983 Violet Johnson Woodland, WA October 19, 1983 Jerry Lee King Little Rock, AR Date Unknown Blanche Lawrence Tacoma, WA October 1983 Leslie McCarty Hutchinson, KS July 23, 1983 Alberta Mitchell Fort Wayne, IN Date Unknown Akbar Piraneh Chicago, IL April 1981 Melody Rodriguez N. Hollywood, CA November 3, 1983 Azizullah Sadeghpour Santa Monica, CA November 15, 1983 Charles A. Smith Alamogordo, NM August 27, 1983 Clyde A. Smith East Moline, IL October 17, 1983 Billey J. Tapp Alamogordo, NM October 21, 1983 Fred Walton Wrightsville, AR Date Unknown Rex K. Wilcox Palmdale, CA 1978 Carolyn Williams Jackson, MS Date Unknown [Page 28]

Letters

thing even as our Iranian brethren are sacrificing their very lives. Surely we can give up one small thing (when compared to the Fund) each week, such as a meal or eating less meat. But I still don't think this is the real problem.

The problem, I believe, is a simple matter of taking the time to write a check and put it in an envelope every 19 days.

We know that even a dollar or two given regularly can help win the goals. When you stop to think about it, it is such a small thing to do... only a few moments of our time every 19 days... but it will do so much (and make you feel so good for having done it).

Patti Curry Cameroon, Africa

To the Editor:

There is such agitation, irritation and anger in the world, among all the people, even among Bahá’ís. Why do we sadden ourselves by snapping at each other so?

Why do we dwell on small things, letting them overcome us? We seem to look at the surface of situations instead of delving into them to find motive and substance.

"Bahá’í love"—is this meant to be snobbish or does it come from an intense desire to show forth abundant warmth and understanding and to have it known that Bahá’u’lláh instilled this love within us?

When reading ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's definition of love, it does seem that there is indeed a special meaning to Bahá’í love, that there is a freshening and broadening of the application of the principles of love.

When I first became a Bahá’í I was shy about identifying things, ideas, even myself as a Bahá’í, at least too loudly.

I was happy to be a Bahá’í, but it seemed to be removed from "real life"—I didn't want to offend anyone by too much Bahá’í-ness.

Now, however, I feel frustrated when efforts to teach seem to be met with no visible results. I feel such a burning desire in my heart to be able to do more.

I want to take people in my arms and comfort them, saying not to worry about what is unimportant, that God protects all and will take care of us all.

Now I feel a great need to impress upon others my Bahá’í-ness, to make them understand that my good acts (few as they are) stem from my being a Bahá’í.

I want them to know that the love I feel for them is because I am a Bahá’í; that by being a Bahá’í my life has been made better and my mind has been opened to a much wider perspective; and that they too can become Bahá’ís and have this same wonderful feeling.

This, to me, is "Bahá’í love."

Nancy Niss Guzman Indianapolis, Indiana

To the Editor:

I believe that the reason we can watch a television program such as "The Day After" and know it could happen is because we have failed to recognize that the destiny of the world is its unification.

In the discussion that followed the program, from whatever angle the panelists looked at the problem of preventing nuclear war, they ended in a paradox.

IT IS a paradox that we use the threat of mutual destruction to assure peace in the world.

It is a paradox that we are afraid to decrease armaments because we fear that making war less horrible might increase its probability.

It is a paradox that both sides say they want peace yet both are busy building their stockpile of weapons to prepare for war.

When paradoxes multiply, the one thing you can be sure of is that you are asking the wrong questions.

We cannot move toward peace by threatening destruction. We must move toward peace by working for unity.

What will it take to stir our collective conscience so that we can alter our fundamental concept of society to the degree necessary to regard all men as brothers?

UNTIL we have the means to confer world citizenship upon everyone, I believe the turmoil will continue.

The interdependence of the nations of the world is an established fact; for example, the unity of the world's economy is universally recognized and understood.

What has not been established is the political unity of the world. It is not bombs that cause war, it is politics.

The political unification of the planet into a world government is, I believe, the only way in which a nuclear war can be prevented.

Something more positive and vital than mere peace is needed to assure lasting peace.

That vital force is the awakening of mankind to its essential unity which is a spiritual realization. The creative spiritual activity of searching for enlightenment in the unification of mankind forms the basis upon which our hopes for world peace must rest.

"After a time," Bahá’u’lláh has written, "all the governments on earth will change. Oppression will envelop the world. And following a universal convulsion, the sun of justice will rise from the horizon of the unseen realm."

I hope the "universal convulsion" won't be nuclear war, but something has to happen to turn us from the path we are on and toward world citizenship and peace.

Richard Meier Rolla, Missouri

To the Editor:

In response to the writer who is "considering the various alternatives to worshipping God," I feel that his despair regarding Bahá’ís and their actions is due to a lack of understanding, which in turn is based on a lack of deepening.

DESPITE the writer's statement to the contrary, "Bahá’í love" is more than just love—it is love for all mankind for the sake of God through His Manifestation.

Non-Bahá’ís love others with sincerity, but without Bahá’í love such love may falter at the first disagreement with the loved one. This cannot happen with Bahá’í love because that love is a reflection of God's love within the Bahá’í.

Perhaps the writer is disenchanted with Bahá’ís because he sees them failing to practice Bahá’í love. We Bahá’ís aren't yet perfect. Shoghi Effendi called us the "people of the half-light." We are spiritual infants who are struggling to grow in the Faith.

We are the instruments who eventually (many generations hence) will bring into being the Kingdom of God on earth.

ALTHOUGH we may occasionally stumble while learning to walk spiritually, we needn't despair. As we deepen, we will become sharpened instruments, fit to do our part in forwarding an ever-advancing civilization.

Bahá’u’lláh is sharpening us on the grindstone of life. If we are flexible, we will become instruments to do His work.

But if we are brittle, such as through finding fault with one another, we will surely break.

Deepening is what makes us flexible. The Universal House of Justice has exhorted us many times to persist in our efforts to understand more fully the significance of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation.

After all, a "deepened" Bahá’í is a "deepened"-able Bahá’í; he won't go off the "deep end."

George Savitt Miami, Florida

To the Editor:

It was with great pleasure that I read Kambiz Rouhani's letter (September).

The thoughts set forth so gently and lovingly mirror my sentiments—feelings I've had since I became a Bahá’í in 1971.

I've never been able to understand this "spiritual parenthood" that Bahá’ís often say they feel over each other.

When we give the Message to someone we give it from the heart and, hopefully, with no ulterior motive.

In the Bahá’í communities in which I've lived, we've always felt it was better to have a seeker meet a variety of Bahá’ís so that he or she could have a better idea of the comprehensiveness of the Faith.

With so many people making a contribution, how could one person be sure that he or she had said or done that special thing that helped the individual declare his belief?

As far as I'm concerned, I have only one Spiritual Father, the same one we all have.

The Bahá’ís I knew before I declared were indeed "the wrapping paper on the precious Gift"—all of them.

I would be interested to hear other comments about this. It's something I've thought about for many years.

Lynne Hippler Tana, Norway

Moving?

Tell us your new address

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copies of The American Bahá’í send your new address and your mailing label which includes your ID number to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know that you are going to move and what your new address will be. We will do our best to see that changes are processed quickly so that the transfer of mail to your new home is accomplished with all possible speed.

NOTE: Use this form for individual changes only.

Name Mrs/Miss/Mr. Full name—DO NOT use nicknames. Residence Address: House or Space Number, Street, or Description. City, State, Zip Code. Mail Address: Street, Rural Route or Post Office Box Number. City, State, Zip Code. Home Telephone: Area Code/Number. Work Telephone: Area Code/Number. New Bahá’í Community: Name of Local Assembly, group, or isolated locality where this person resides. Moving Date.

Mailing label should accompany address change form.

[ ] We have been receiving more than one copy of The American Bahá’í. Because we don't need extra copies, please remove my name from the mailing list for this publication. Please check box.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Local Assembly of Stevens Point

The first Spiritual Assembly of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, was elected last July 15. Its members are (left to right) James Stokes, Roberta Stokes (chairman), Mary Rowe, Fariba Bogzaran, Daniel Edelstein, Valerie Konopacky and Thomas Rowe. Steven Myers, Marijean Myers.