The American Bahá’í/Volume 15/Issue 10/Text

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[Page 1]October 1984

The American Bahá’í

November to witness nationwide ‘month of firesides’

As a part of its Campaign of Unified Action, the National Spiritual Assembly is calling on the American Bahá’í community to launch during the month of Qudrat (November 4-22) the greatest wave of fireside teaching ever seen anywhere in the Bahá’í world.

EVERY Spiritual Assembly, Group and isolated believer in the country is being asked to vie with every other fellow-believer in a tremendous “spiritual competition” whose purpose is to assure an overwhelming victory in the final phase of the Seven Year Plan.

It’s a competition whose tangible rewards go even beyond the satisfaction of knowing that the goals set forth by the Universal House of Justice have been secured and that we can move toward the next Plan from a position of utmost strength and confidence.

For example, the district whose resident Bahá’ís hold the most firesides per capita during the month of Qudrat will win, among other things, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and his wife, Marguerite, for one full week.

Mr. and Mrs. Sears will come to that district to conduct firesides for five evenings before joining the friends for a special weekend victory rally.

And that’s not all:

• As many other Hands of the Cause of God as possible will take part.
• THE members of the Continental Board of Counsellors resident in the U.S. will participate along with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. They’ll also hold firesides throughout that district.
• The National Spiritual Assembly will meet that weekend in See FIRESIDES Page 4

‘Youth Movement’ enkindles Canada conference

By DAVID E. OGRON

The Youth Movement and its impact on the Faith in North America was the centerpiece August 25-27 as nearly 2,000 young people from 52 countries gathered at Canada’s first International Bahá’í Youth Conference to rededicate themselves to securing a resounding victory in the final months of the Seven Year Plan.

THE conference, whose theme was “If you only knew ...,” was blessed by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, John Robarts and ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá.

Registration figures showed that about 800 youth from the U.S. and another 800 from Canada were among the 1,972 participants who also included four youth who traveled all the way from the Philippines, 10 who came from Germany, and six youth from Japan who are members of that country’s National Teaching Committee and National Youth Committee.

India and Australia were represented by youth who are now attending college in the United Kingdom.

Conference speakers, in addition to the three Hands of the Cause, included Counsellors Farzam Arbáb and Lloyd Gardner; four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; and Auxiliary Board members Carol Bowie, Reginald Newkirk and David Smith from Canada and Robert Harris from the U.S.

THE PROGRAM included original music composed for the See CONFERENCE Page 17

The Hands of the Cause of God (left to right) John Robarts, ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá and ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan address the nearly 2,000 young people at the 1984 Bahá’í International Youth Conference at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.

UN representative to study rights violations in Iran

On June 25, the Bahá’í International Community announced that the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) had decided on May 24 that a special representative should be appointed to make a thorough study of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

IN making its decision, the BIC announcement said, ECOSOC was endorsing a recommendation submitted to it by the UN Commission on Human Rights which, in its resolution 1984/54 of March 14, 1984, had expressed its “deep concern at the continuing serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Islamic Republic of Iran ... and particularly at the evidence of summary and arbitrary executions, torture, detention without trial, religious intolerance and persecution, in particular of the Bahá’ís, and the lack of an independent judiciary and other recognized safeguards for a fair trial.”

In view of the gravity of the situation in Iran, the BIC said, the Commission had requested its chairman to appoint a special representative to carry out an investigation. The ECOSOC decision provides the necessary approval for the appointment.

The mandate of the special representative will be “to establish contacts with the government of See UNITED Page 9

Newcomers, veterans receive ‘fresh vision’

74 NTRs attend 7th annual Training Institute

Seventy-four National Treasurer’s Representatives from across the country gathered at the seventh NTR Training Institute held during the Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 3, in Evanston, Illinois.

THIRTY were newly appointed NTRs. Among the veterans, a number had served since the program’s inception in 1976.

The intensive four-day conference balanced inspiration (five devotional programs at the House of Worship, a special archives exhibit), instruction (presentation techniques for all the deepening courses NTRs offer their communities), intellectual stimulation (talks by Robert Henderson, Glen Eyford, Bud Polk and Robert Harris), consultation on the components of a nationwide Fund education program, and recreation (a hilarious “NTR Follies” show, special tours of the national administrative offices and House of Worship, and free time for swimming and socializing).

“The objective of the Institute,” said Dan Ware, a Treasurer’s Office staff member and conference organizer, “was to inspire the NTRs with a fresh vision of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and to create a sense of identity as representatives of the National Treasurer.”

The tone for the Institute was established by Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, in his opening address.

“WE DON’T need money to do things,” he said. “We do things that require money.”

The difference between those two points of view made a deep impression on the NTRs, and will certainly have an impact on their future work.

Mr. Henderson expressed great pride in the sacrifices and the financial accomplishments of the American Bahá’í community in recent years, pointing to the increase in contributors and total contributions.

At the same time, he said, while the workload has increased dramatically at the National Center, the over-all administrative costs have declined.

Mr. Henderson also gave high praise to the community for its unfailing strong support of the International Fund, enabling the Universal House of Justice to help other nations that are unable to become self-sufficient at this time—such as India, where 73,000 persons recently embraced the Cause.

THE National Treasurer’s Representatives considered their role See INSTITUTE Page 25

Plan’s goal for Reservations won

The following cable was sent September 6 by the National Spiritual Assembly to the Universal House of Justice to announce that the Seven Year Plan goal of raising 50 Local Spiritual Assemblies on Indian Reservations in the U.S. has been achieved: JOYFULLY REPORT EIGHT NEW ASSEMBLIES SIOUX RESERVATIONS SOUTH DAKOTA BRINGING TOTAL 50 SEVEN YEAR PLAN. PLANS CONTINUE TEACHING WINTER MONTHS. SUPPLICATE PRAYERS.

Said Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly: “This is the second consecutive Plan in which the Native American believers have been the first to achieve a major goal.”

Charleston paper profiles WLGI Radio

WLGI Radio in Hemingway, South Carolina, was profiled August 6 in an article in The News and Courier of Charleston.

The article, headlined “Bahá’í Ventures into U.S. Broadcasting from Radio Station in Hemingway,” includes a brief history of the Faith, mentions some of its principles such as the oneness of mankind, equality of the sexes, and universal peace, and describes some of the programming concepts of WLGI and Bahá’í Radio in Ecuador.

Index

Viewpoint	2
Letters	3
The Funds	5
IGC: Pioneering	6
Youth News	7
Education	8-9
Teaching	10-11
Race Unity	12
Distribution Service	13
Classifieds	16
Persian	18-20
Publishing Trust	21
The Media	23
Spanish	24
In Memoriam	27

[Page 2]

N. Hampshire Bahá’í named consultant to senior citizens

Dorothea M. Reed, a member of the Bahá’í community of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been named a consultant to the board of directors of that city's Community Council of Senior Citizens Inc.

THE appointment was made June 11 by Eileen Foley, who is the mayor of Portsmouth and president of the Council.

In making it, the mayor said that Mrs. Reed and her late husband were "responsible for initiating many of the services for the elderly that we have in the Seacoast area."

Those services include transportation for senior citizens, a discount program, a job placement service for those 55 and older, an Elder Abuse program, support groups for those who have the care of elderly patients, and information and referral service (known as CARE), and a monthly bulletin, the Voice.

Mrs. Reed, who is secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Portsmouth, was recently appointed to the advisory committee of the State Council on Aging for Long Term Care, and is a board member of the Portsmouth Community Health Services.

She has received many awards for her volunteer services to the community.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) singled her out in the New England area for her "significant and valued contribution to the enrichment of retirement living."

In addition, she has been the recipient of the "Woman of Achievement" award of the Piscataqua Business and Professional Women's Club, the Joseph Vaughn award from the State Council on Aging, the Richard Lockhart memorial award from the Seacoast United Fund, Seacoast Woman of the Year award from "Seacoast Woman" (Portsmouth Magazine), and was named New Hampshire "Woman of the Year" by the Manchester Union.

Last year, Mrs. Reed received national acclaim when President Ronald Reagan said of her, "Nancy and I congratulate you for your outstanding and dedicated volunteer services to your community. Our nation is enhanced because of caring people like you."

Counsellor Pereira given D.C. 'farewell tribute'

A special "farewell tribute" was held July 29 at the Bahá’í Center in Washington, D.C., to honor Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira who moved in September to Charlotte, North Carolina, after living for 22 years in the Washington area.

ONE hundred-eighteen people, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, friends and professional colleagues of Dr. Pereira, were present for the "afternoon of appreciation and love" which was hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Washington and the assistants to Auxiliary Board members Albert James and Dr. Sam McClellan.

Dr. Pereira was praised for her contributions to the field of education by Dr. Paul Cooke, president of D.C. Teachers College (now a part of the University of the District of Columbia), and for her years of outstanding service to the Faith by Mr. James.

Two of her fellow Bahá’ís, Dr. Elsie Austin and Theodies Washington, lauded Dr. Pereira's sense of discipline and purpose, her sweetness of speech, and her wise and loving counsel.

Mrs. Velma Sherrill, who was unable to attend the program, sent a heart-warming message on behalf of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas.

The tribute was chaired by Mrs. Anita Ioas Chapman, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Washington.

INCLUDED in the program were poetry readings by Donna Denise and musical selections by vocalist Lucinda Finch.

There were special words of appreciation for two of Mr. James' assistants, Sheila Cowan and Shirley Grammer, who played a major role in planning the gala event.

Dr. Pereira first came to Washington in 1941 as a teacher of French and Spanish at Miner Teachers College.

Four years later she returned to Cleveland, Ohio, her home town, where she taught at two colleges before becoming a homefront pioneer in West Virginia where she served as chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages at West Virginia State University.

Dr. Pereira was named an Auxiliary Board member in 1954, was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1960, and returned to Washington two years later as chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages at D.C. Teachers College.

In 1973, Dr. Pereira was appointed a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America, whose responsibilities have since been expanded to encompass both North and South America.

While shouldering her many duties for the Faith, Dr. Pereira carried out her professional responsibilities at D.C. Teachers College, and later served as Acting Academic Dean at the University of the District of Columbia, Harvard Campus, before her retirement in 1980.

Persian family an example to every pioneer

In the spring of 1979 a Bahá’í family (grandmother, mother, and two grown children) moved to a small town in the Midwest as homefront pioneers.

IT WAS a reasonable move, close to the children's colleges and entirely in keeping with the spirit of this family.

The grandmother, now 89 years old, had given many of her children to pioneering posts around the world, and wished to spend the remaining days of her life doing her part.

The mother had been a homefront pioneer almost her entire married life; how could she do differently now?

The post they selected was a college town with a small but active Bahá’í community and an Assembly that hovered on the brink of jeopardy.

Although the family had in the past been quite well off financially, they readily moved into the only available apartment, a small converted office that was barely adequate for the four of them.

They had almost no material possessions, and the grandmother and mother spoke only Persian.

WHILE the children were away at school, there was no one to translate for them, but nevertheless the two women faithfully attended Feasts and other meetings, and opened their home for firesides and deepenings.

The mother began taking English lessons and talked to everyone she met, always remembering to offer an English-language pamphlet on the Faith and an invitation to attend a fireside.

The local Bahá’ís were kind, but sometimes mentioned how difficult it was to incorporate "the ladies" into the community as they had known it.

Although the town was only an hour's drive from several metropolitan areas, the Persian believers in those areas found it difficult to visit more than once or twice, so the two women found themselves for the most part cut off from the culture they knew so well.

This month's column, "On Remaining Steadfast," was written by Rhonda S. Palmer of Plano, Texas.

Meanwhile, in Iran, the revolution began, and their chancy income suddenly became non-existent. The children were forced to leave school.

The mother, who had been a capable accountant in Iran, could find no work in a town that resented Iranians.

IT WAS mentioned more than once that their chances of finding employment or other help might be better in a larger city, but the response was always the same: "We are pioneering. We are here for the Assembly."

Eventually, the children went to places where jobs were available, and even today they are working their way through school while supporting the family at its pioneering post.

The mother has learned to speak English beautifully (although, she says, not well enough) but now she can't practice what she has worked so hard to learn because the grandmother (now in her 90s) has had several strokes and a heart attack and must be cared for 24 hours a day.

The grandmother slips in and out of confusion. She wants no one but her daughter to care for her, but doesn't always remember who her daughter is.

During her more lucid moments she pleads with Bahá’u’lláh to let her join the rest of her family in the Abhá Kingdom. She has made her desire very clear, that she be allowed to die as a pioneer as did her son in Africa, her daughter in Greece.

I WAS a member of that community. I loved those women, but I really had no way to judge the enormity of their sacrifice.

Today I live in an area with a large Persian Bahá’í population, and now I've had a glimpse of the world those women left behind. Not just the food and music, not just the language, so melodic and familiar, but a different way of looking at the world, almost a different rhythm to their life.

I have seen the efforts made to ease the pain of homesickness and have caught a glimmer of the effort it takes simply to go on, day after day, in this strange new land.

So I would like to pay tribute, however inadequate, to these women, mother and grandmother; to their children, and to all those Bahá’ís who find themselves pioneering in these United States, by choice or by the Will of God.

The beloved Guardian has given them the highest praise:

"To the band of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, who have forsaken their homes, who have scattered far and wide, who have willingly sacrificed their comfort, their health and even their lives for the prosecution of this Plan; ...I myself, as well as the entire Bahá’í world, owe a debt of gratitude that no one can measure or describe.

"To the sacrifices they have made, to the courage they have so consistently shown, to the fidelity they have so remarkably displayed, to the resourcefulness, the discipline, the constancy and devotion they have so abundantly demonstrated, future generations viewing the magnitude of their labors in their proper perspective, will no doubt pay adequate tribute-a tribute no less ardent and well-deserved than the recognition extended by the present-day builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh to the Dawn-Breakers, whose shining deeds have signalized the birth of the Heroic Age of His Faith." (Messages to America, p. 70) [Page 3]

LETTERS

“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 and opinions, never to derogate another’s opinion or attack anyone on a personal level.

Letters should be 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:

If there are other Bahá’ís who share the trepidation toward what one writer (August) saw as an apparent preoccupation of many Bahá’ís toward exclusively renouncing the persecution of their fellow believers, the following information may be of interest.

Amnesty International’s two-year Campaign for the Abolition of Torture (CAT Campaign) is providing international channels in which to focus world opinion regarding instances of torture and persecution wherever they may occur.

Bahá’ís who wish to participate in a global effort to protest persecution and torture may want to consider this non-partisan campaign.

I would hope that whether or not they choose to participate in the CAT Campaign, however, they make sure that someone in their area is spearheading efforts to publicize the Iranian situation effectively. And if that is not us Bahá’ís, with the information which the National Spiritual Assembly and its Office of Public Affairs disseminate, then who, and with what information?

Those friends who wish to disseminate news of the plight of Iranian believers in a direct and active manner will more than likely find receptive audiences and even co-workers in AI.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the CAT Campaign can write to Campaign for the Abolition of Torture, Amnesty International USA, 304 W. 58th St., New York, NY 10019.

Lewis V. Walker

Knoxville, Tennessee

To the Editor:

The notion that the Bahá’í Faith has somehow become a “statistical religion” stems from the notion that statistics are, in themselves, inimical to religion.

THIS, in turn, stems from the dichotomy of “spirituality vs. administration.”

Yet one of the things that attracted me to this marvelous Cause was (is) the very way that it deals with such dichotomies: “two wings of a bird,” and so on.

In a slightly different connection, the Blessed Beauty said: “Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him” (emphasis mine).

Now consider this quotation from the Guardian: “To dissociate the administrative principles of the Cause from the purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings would be tantamount to a mutilation of the body of the Cause, a separation that can only result in the disintegration of its component parts, and the extinction of the Faith itself.”

A further quote from the Guardian may, I hope, serve to bring these elements together:

“IT IS surely for those to whose hands so priceless a heritage has been committed to prayerfully watch lest the tool should supersede the Faith itself, lest undue concern for the minute details arising from the administration of the Cause obscure the vision of its promoters, lest partiality, ambition, and worldliness tend in the course of time to becloud the radiance, stain the purity, and impair the effectiveness of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.”

It should be apparent that, inasmuch as we do not wish for such an event to occur, we must be prayerfully watchful.

At the same time, we should remember that, without some way to evaluate our collective progress (i.e., statistics) we would be drifting in the area of religious chaos with no clear direction.

If the community wishes to avail itself of the aids that technology affords us (which, incidentally, can be said to have been “created in the earth”), then no harm can befall us. The same proviso applies: “...if (we) allow nothing whatever to intervene between (us) and God ...”

Friends, without the development of both wings, the bird jus’ don’t fly!

Martin R. Flick

San Mateo, California

To the Editor:

After several years of loving and devoted service, Mr. Moussa Mostaghim, the deputy of Huqúqu’lláh for the central and eastern areas of the U.S., has resigned because of ill health.

With the approval of the Universal House of Justice, Dr. Daryush Haghighi has been appointed in his place.

S. Varqá

Montreal, Canada

To the Editor:

In spite of the significant achievements of the American Bahá’í community over the years, we have experienced less than satisfactory progress in two vital areas: teaching and support of the Fund.

WHILE it must in all fairness be said that the efforts that have been made have been successful, nevertheless there must be something amiss when the Universal House of Justice finds it necessary to note the “sad lag in the pace of enrollments” and a national “Day of Unity and Sacrifice” draws the participation of only half the number of Bahá’ís that was hoped for.

Many ideas have been set forth in this forum concerning these problems, but I believe that most of them miss the root of the problem.

The underpinning of the advancement of the Cause of God, Bahá’u’lláh tells us, is the spiritual development of the individual.

He tells us further that if we do not attend to this development, our efforts must fail.

I believe it is precisely this problem which has arrested our progress in the above areas, and that until we take action to improve and purify our lives we will continue to be disappointed. When all is said and done, God will grant the ultimate victory through us, not for us.

WHAT can be done? I must admit I am somewhat at a loss for ideas.

Certainly we should deepen on the relationship of spiritual qualities to teaching. We must pray for such qualities and try to reshape our lives around the principles of the Faith.

But I feel that some form of program of spiritual development—an active program as opposed simply to deepening—is needed to help individuals learn the practice of living more fully a Bahá’í life.

If this can be done on a large enough scale, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. Bahá’u’lláh also promises victory to those who rely solely upon God.

Dale E. Lehman

Hanover Park, Illinois

To the Editor:

The New Orleans Metro-Media Committee, on behalf of the Bahá’í communities in the New Orleans area, wishes to thank the friends for their suggestions for World’s Fair media activities.

As you know, we’ll be proclaiming the Faith through posters on the famous St. Charles Street trolleys in New Orleans during July, August and September.

Thank you again, and please pray for our success.

Davis Stanley Jones

Secretary, Metro-Media

Slidell, Louisiana

To the Editor:

I wish to respond to the letter (July) on statistical religion.

It is necessary that we bear in mind the purpose and spirit with which we are given goals, facts and figures regarding the growth and progress of the Cause of God.

I believe the following quote from Shoghi Effendi in Principles of Bahá’í Administration (p. 23) explains in part that purpose and spirit:

“Whilst consciously labouring towards the attainment of this end (helping mankind to recognize the uniqueness and supreme station of the Bahá’í Revelation), he (the individual believer) should, by supporting every branch of the administrative activities of his national and local Assembly, seek and obtain the fullest information on the character and extent of the world-wide progress of the Cause, and strive to contribute his share towards the strengthening of the spirit of solidarity among the component parts of the Bahá’í world.”

Perhaps someone will devise a better way for us to glimpse the character and extent of the world-wide progress of the Cause. Perhaps there is a better way to provide information that will help us evaluate whether we are really contributing our share to the Bahá’í world.

But until we find these better ways, let’s spiritualize goals and statistics for ourselves in light of our true aim and purpose, to acquaint the body of humanity with the sublime Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Larry Scott

Port Arthur, Texas

To the Editor:

The eyes of the world are upon us. We need to clean up our way of living by taking a close look at ourselves to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.

Sincerity is lacking in many of us in the way we dress, act, study, live and associate with others.

MORE of us need to step forward and improve the Faith in areas that need improvement. Resignation to the status quo or simply giving up does not improve anything.

“We” need explicitly to “practice” what Bahá’u’lláh preached.

We are not allowed to turn away from the Word of God just because of the hypocrisy and exploitation we see in religion, or because it interferes with our play, or whatever excuse. We must make religion a part of our lives and practice what is preached to bring about peace and unity.

All the prophets of God have warned us not to treat religion as something vain or unimportant.

The Bahá’í religion can and should not be ignored if we are truly serious about solving the world’s problems.

Larry Pedersen

Hood River, Oregon

To the Editor:

Hooray for your “letters” column. Freedom of expression is the inherent weakness resulting in poor enrollments.

Bahá’ís are greatly engendered by the consultative process, and if Bahá’ís never have a chance to express their concerns—their ideas on how to teach—how is it possible to identify the appropriate “varied approach” so necessary for reaching every stratum of society? Hence, we don’t. No consultation, no enrollments.

For 30 years as a Bahá’í, I’ve wondered what will cause American Bahá’ís to arise to the destiny of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement, “The continent of America is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the righteous will

See LETTERS Page 28

Mark Tobey / Art and Belief

The purpose of this book is to illustrate a theme — the connection between the work of this major artist and his religious belief as an active member of the Bahá’í Faith. The book includes poems and essays by Mark Tobey himself, numerous illustrations of his work, and a series of articles about aspects of the artist and his art, including contributions from two distinguished American art critics.

Of special interest to Bahá’ís, as well as a valuable book for those interested in art, and the work of Mark Tobey particularly, but not yet familiar with the Bahá’í Faith.

128 pp, 9 x 8 1/2 in, 79 reproductions (17 in colour) Hardcover $16.95* (332-139), Softcover $8.95* (332-140)

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

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

• This title not exported by the Publishing Trust

[Page 4]

WILLIAM HENRY RANDALL

WILLIAM HENRY RANDALL

’Your heart is a magnet that attracts the bounties of God. Your purpose is pure. I am greatly pleased with you. ...’

These words were addressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to William Henry Randall who was visiting the Master during a pilgrimage in 1919.

WHEN ‘Abdu’l-Bahá invited Mr. Randall to ‘ask anything you wish,’ he replied: ‘My Lord, I want only the flame of your love eternally in my heart to make me steadfast and to serve Thy Cause and the friends of God.’

The Master then said, ‘Your wish is granted.’

William Randall was born into a Roman Catholic family in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1863. He studied with tutors abroad and at Harvard University.

He developed at an early age an interest in history, science and religion that remained with him throughout his life.

In 1905, Mr. Randall was married to Ruth Wales Pratt. Their children, Margaret Peregrine and William Henry Jr., were later given the names ‘Bahíyyih’ and ‘Bahá’í’ by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

During the last adventuresome days of the clipper ships, Mr. Randall entered the shipping business, working his way up from office boy to president of his company.

A FEW years before the outbreak of World War I, he organized a firm that owned a large fleet of steamers. During the war, Mr. Randall was a member of the U.S. Shipping Board, and as such appeared on several occasions before the U.S. Senate.

Business was for him secondary in importance to the great ‘spiritual business,’ and his greatest endeavor was the study of religion.

Mr. Randall first heard of the Faith from a visitor from England, Alice Buckton, who told a group of friends about the Bahá’í martyrs in Iran.

She introduced him to Harlan Ober who gave him Bahá’í literature and spent many hours explaining the teachings. It was not

See RANDALL Page 26

Firesides

Continued From Page 1

the winning district, and its members will take part in as many firesides as they can.

• As many radio and television programs and newspaper interviews as possible will be scheduled in advance to take place during that exciting week. All of the participants will make themselves available for such opportunities in various parts of the district.
• The finest Bahá’í musical groups and choruses in the country will be made available to provide concerts and supporting music for every occasion.
• There will be an unforgettable “Victory Weekend” for the Bahá’ís and seekers in the district, with a special victory rally on Saturday for the Bahá’ís and a public meeting on Sunday for everyone.

’Shoghi Effendi didn’t say the fireside was one of the most powerful methods to use (in teaching),’ Mr. Sears said in announcing his intention to participate in the week-long ‘victory celebration’ after the month of firesides. ‘He said it was the most powerful.’

’HE didn’t say it was one of the most effective. He said it was the most effective method yet found.’

’Haven’t we always been looking for something like that? If it’s the most powerful and the most effective, why should we look for anything else?’

’Why aren’t we using this method? Every nineteen days. Far more than we are doing now?’

The Universal House of Justice, said Mr. Sears, has written the following:

’It is now imperative for every Bahá’í to set for himself individual goals. The admonition of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá’í fireside in one’s home every Bahá’í month are examples of individual goals. Many have the capacities to do even more, but these alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.’

IN VIEW of the many incredible promises we have from the Central Figures of the Faith, the Guardian, and the Universal House of Justice, said Mr. Sears, ‘let us arise under the leadership of the Continental Board of Counsellors and our National Spiritual Assembly with an enthusiasm never before attained, and show them we are ready to carry out, and ‘vie with each other’ in the Campaign of Unified Action.’

’I believe we shall have such a downpour of individual firesides that we shall astonish, not only ourselves, but the entire Bahá’í world when they hear the news.’

’We, in the Cradle of the Administrative Order, can ‘show the way’ until we have this ‘vast increase in the number of new believers’ in every part of the planet too.’

’Prepare, beginning this moment, for a November filled with such a burning fire of enthusiasm, sacrifice and devotion that it will bring about that wondrous day of victory our beloved Guardian longed to see in this field of Bahá’í firesides, but never did.’

’Let us give that victory to him now, at long last.’

’Shoghi Effendi praised the friends for every victory, however incommensurate with the Holy Spirit that surrounded them every day of their lives. Just as our Universal House of Justice praised us in its Riḍván message. Let us become worthy of their love and praise, as we hear again those poignant words of the Sign of God on earth. He said:’

’“...a little effort on our part is so richly blessed by Bahá’u’lláh—we can only wonder what the rewards would be for a great, concerted, truly inspired effort by all members of the community.”’

’Isn’t it long past time we found out? I say, yes! And I say: November!’

Archives seeks volunteer help

The National Bahá’í Archives is looking for volunteers to help in a project to catalog its reference library.

Presently needed are volunteers to search for cataloging copy in the Library of Congress National Union Catalog and/or on-line bibliographic data bases.

Also needed are librarians with an interest in doing original cataloging.

Those with library experience, a background in library science, or a willingness to learn bibliographic searching are asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bahá’í woman earns spot on U.S. Precision Flight Team

Christine Kurianowicz (second from left), a Bahá’í from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is one of five members of the U.S. Precision Flight Team. Other members are (left to right) Ray Heyde, Brian Caldwell, Marvin Ellis and Douglas Kuck.

Christine Piech Kurianowicz, a member of the Bahá’í community of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, earned a spot last May as one of the five best U.S. civilian flyers in competition to select the 1984 U.S. Precision Flight team.

MRS. Kurianowicz, the only female on the five-member team, flew in August in an international precision flying competition near Dublin, Ireland.

She earned the right to fly in the prestigious event by competing at ‎DeQueen De Queen‎, Arkansas, against 29 regional championship flyers from around the country including four from last year’s team.

’While precision flying isn’t an Olympic event—it takes place every two years instead of four,’ says Chris, ‘international participants compete as enthusiastically, and it’s an honor to represent one’s country.’

Pilots using single engine light planes are tested for precision skills in three areas: flight planning, navigation, and landings.

’Concentration is important,’ says Chris, ‘because every minute or so there’s a checkpoint on the map. To maintain correct flying time, each checkpoint must be passed within five seconds of the estimated time.’

’That’s what I love about the competition; it depends solely on your skill as a pilot. Men and women compete equally.’

Chris, a native of Elmhurst, Illinois, became interested in flying as a student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

After her husband, John, gave up scuba diving and took up flying, Chris said, ‘If I’m going to be up there flying around, I want to know how to handle the plane.’

She learned so well that soon she and John had qualified for the SIU flying team, the “Flying Salukis,” who have won six of the last eight annual National Intercollegiate Flying Competitions.

In 1978, John won first place in local Cessna precision flight competition, and Chris placed second.

A year later, while pregnant, Chris qualified to compete in the national U.S. Precision Flight finals, and placed 10th.

Now, five years later, she is the only mother of two to represent the U.S. in the international Precision Flight competition.

Frank W. LaQuier

Frank W. LaQuier (left), an American Indian and fifth generation Bahá’í who is vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of St. Cloud, Minnesota, was one of 50 minority students chosen from several hundred applicants to attend an introductory workshop on biomedical research February 28-March 1 in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Institute of ‎Allergies Allergy‎ and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Mr. LaQuier is employed at the ‎Rock Rocky‎ Mountain Laboratory where he is involved in genetic research. With Mr. LaQuier in this photo is Dr. Bennett, one of the instructors at the workshop in Washington.

Food drive praised

Young Bahá’ís in Pendleton, Oregon, were lauded in the local newspaper in August for a drive in which they collected canned goods for the Salvation Army to help its efforts to feed transients and the poor.

The Faith was mentioned prominently in an article in the East Oregonian, which was accompanied by a large photograph of seven of the Bahá’í children.

In the first two weeks, the youngsters brought in more than 140 cans of food for the needy. [Page 5]

NTRs consult on social, economic development program

A major emphasis of the seventh NTR Training Institute over the Labor Day weekend was the topic of social and economic development, which has come to the fore as a result of the message of October 20, 1983, from the Universal House of Justice (see The American Bahá’í, December 1983, p. 1).

THE KEYNOTE speaker on this topic was Dr. Glen Eyford, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Dr. Eyford first addressed the Institute on Saturday evening in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship.

An interesting note about the presentation is that, for the first time, a session of the NTR Institute was opened to the public and advertised throughout the greater Chicago area.

A reception followed the talk, giving those who attended an opportunity to meet with Dr. Eyford and ask further questions.

Dr. Eyford spoke to the NTRs from his international and academic perspective. Addressing the Institute on two occasions, he stressed the need for knowledge, volition and action in social and economic projects.

The Radio Bahá’í project in Ecuador was highlighted by Dr. Eyford as an example of success in the area of social and economic development.

Robert Henderson (above), secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Bud Polk (below) address the NTR Institute.

“THEY speak to people about the things people are interested in,” he said. “Radio Bahá’í started several years ago with the simple desire to help the villagers—who are largely illiterate—to understand what’s going on in their world, their small world where the most important thing is survival.”

Dr. Eyford pointed to several elements present in the Radio Bahá’í project that should be incorporated in any successful social and economic development effort.

Before proceeding, he said, the following aspects should be considered:

• It must be grassroots, springing from the needs of the people.
• The people need to be involved as participants in the program. “You don’t do it to them, you do it with them.”
• Participation should equally involve men and women.
• It should be low-cost and/or labor intensive.
• The recipients’ culture needs to be respected and involved in the project.
• THERE needs to be access to knowledge and information.
• There should be local control and local benefit.
• It needs to be integrated.
• Finally, and most important, the goal must be spiritual enrichment of the community.

According to Dr. Eyford, Radio Bahá’í began talking to the people, giving them instructions that were really appreciated.

“The people then began talking back to the radio station,” he said, “telling it what they wanted to hear. The radio personnel found that they could speak directly to the needs of the people.

“A dialogue was created—it was like a small town newspaper which really responded to the needs of the people.”

INTERESTINGLY, what the people wanted most to know about was themselves: their music, their culture, their mythology, all of the past.

“Our job,” said Dr. Eyford, “is to help set loose in individual human beings that potential which is most under-utilized in the world today: the human potential.”

But knowledge alone, he said, “has never been enough to change people.”

Volition—the part that is often overlooked because it takes time—must be present; then “the people must be led to action,” said Dr. Eyford.

Today, he said, Radio Bahá’í is about 85 per cent music, “but the music is all indigenous. It is all played by villagers.”

A REMOTE van, he said, is used by the station, which goes from village to village recording music to be played on the air the next day. Thus, it is the will of the people—the villagers—that keeps the station alive.

“Each year they have a huge festival which attracts thousands of people, and where the best musicians come,” said Dr. Eyford. “They become proud of the stories, the myths, and the images of the past.”

Concerning Bahá’í involvement in social and economic development projects, he said the approach must be “scientific, it needs to be practical, and it has to consist of applied spirituality.

“We are introducing, at Bahá’u’lláh’s request, a new paradigm; a new model; a new image of the world—a way to become united; a new order of human relations.”

Bud Polk, another Bahá’í professional in the area of social and economic development, spoke of his work in urban Chicago areas.

“Grassroots Bud,” as he referred to himself, said social and economic development is any organized activity that will better the lot of our fellow-men.

HE SAID further that three general areas of existing services are available for Bahá’í involvement: social services and welfare; voluntary organizations; and economic development organizations.

Any project undertaken by a Bahá’í community, said Mr. Polk, should be fun. Social and economic development projects shouldn’t be regarded as “chores,” but rather as a means to uplift the spirits of our fellow-men through the positive influence of the Bahá’í teachings.

Nevertheless, he added, Bahá’ís should be practical in their approach to such projects by assessing the cost of failure. The biggest failure, however, is to do nothing at all.

Mr. Polk suggested a step-by-step plan for implementing a social and economic development program in a local Bahá’í community:

• Read and study available literature on the subject.
• Interview the social and economic development organizations in your community.
• Volunteer to work with one of those organizations.
• Make clear your understanding of the people and environment that the organization serves.
• Assess the needs of the people in the area chosen.
• Catalog the resources that are available in the Bahá’í community.
• Design the project by setting modest, achievable goals.
• Implement the plan.
• Manage the project.
• Evaluate the project.

Mr. Polk suggested several works that Bahá’ís can read to increase their knowledge and understanding of the subject. They include: The Secret of Divine Civilization, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Circle of Unity, compiled by Anthony A. Lee. Small Is Beautiful—Economics as if People Mattered, by E.F. Schumacher.

Mr. Polk presented a clear and concise method for success that could aid Bahá’í communities in successfully implementing a social and economic development project.

Tapes of the talks by Dr. Eyford and Mr. Polk will soon be available from your National Treasurer’s Representative.

AVAILABLE FROM NATIONAL TREASURER’S REPRESENTATIVES

DEEPENING PROGRAMS

America’s Spiritual Destiny: A course on the spiritual destiny of America and the role that the Fund plays in helping this community to fulfill that destiny.

The Individual Believer and the Rhythm of Growth: A course on the spiritual importance of universal participation, the conditions that must be present before it can be achieved, and the specific duties that every Bahá’í is called upon to fulfill in the areas of teaching, living the life, contributing to the Fund, and deepening.

The Secret of Wealth: A practical course that teaches participants how to prepare a personal budget and manage family finances.

The Mystery of Sacrifice: An in-depth examination of the Bahá’í Writings regarding this fundamental element of Bahá’í life.

Where There’s a Will ...: Practical guidelines to help individuals comply with the Bahá’í law to leave a will.

FILMSTRIP PROGRAMS

A Call to Remembrance: An inspiring account of the life and sufferings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Rich Ones on Earth: A brief sketch of the lives of the Hands of the Cause of God Martha Root and Amelia Collins.

The Greatest Undertaking: A stirring look at the construction of the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Material Man: An exploration of the relationship between man’s material and spiritual natures.

A Testimony of Love: The history of the Bahá’í Fund in America.

The Day of God: A meditation on the nature and greatness of this Day.

In Loving Memory—The Greatest Holy Leaf: A tribute to the life of this treasured member of the Holy Family published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of her passing. [Page 6]

16 U.S. pioneers needed in 6 African countries

In 1957 the beloved Guardian said, “Africa is truly awakening and finding herself and she undoubtedly has a great message to give and a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilization. To the degree to which her peoples accept Bahá’u’lláh, they will be blessed, strengthened, and protected.” (From a letter written February 16, 1951, on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in “Living the Life,” a compilation of the Universal House of Justice, November 1972)

EVER since the Ten Year Crusade, pioneers have been settling in Africa, working diligently amidst the rising tide of conflicting forces, materialism, and nationalistic passions which are all about them.

Their voices are “raised in a universal song of praise to the Glory of God and the oneness of mankind, calling on their fellow-men to forget and forgo their differences and join them in obedience and service to God’s Holy Command in this Day.” (The Universal House of Justice, February 8, 1970, to all National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa)

This year the Universal House of Justice has called for 78 more pioneers to the African continent. Sixteen must come from the United States and must go to six countries.

It shouldn’t be difficult, if there are those who heed Shoghi Effendi’s words:

“Let them dedicate themselves—young and old, men and women alike—and go forth and settle in new districts, travel and teach, in spite of lack of experience, and be assured that Bahá’u’lláh has promised to aid all those who arise in His name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.” (“A Special Measure of Love,” pp. 1-2)

AFRICA	GOALS ASSIGNED
Benin	4*
Lesotho	2
Liberia	2
Mauritania	2
Tanzania	4
Uganda	2
TOTAL	16

• Iranians preferred

BENIN (four pioneers, preferably Iranians)—The People’s Republic of Benin is a small country on the southern shore of the “West Africa bump,” similar in area to Pennsylvania. Its population of 3.3 million is primarily rural, scraping out a living by farming. The chief crops and staple foods are maize, sorghum, rice, millet and cassava. The official language is French, and several African languages are also commonly used.

Benin gained its independence from France in 1960 and established its constitution in 1979. Its Marxist-Leninist government has moved steadily toward the models of the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries.

Benin’s climate ranges from hot and humid in the southern coastal region to hot, dry and dusty in the craggy, rugged river border with Niger to the north.

Unless one has secured a job before arriving in Benin, it is best to enter on a tourist visa, which can be extended. Although there are few job possibilities, it is legal to look for work while in the country, and if one finds a job the tourist visa can be changed to a residence/work permit without his having to leave the country.

Perhaps the best chances for work come through the Peace Corps or UN Volunteer or other UN-affiliated organizations. People hired from outside the country have much better benefits. Retired people or those with independent incomes are encouraged to go to Benin.

There are no particular problems there for single pioneers, either men or women.

Education is compulsory in Benin. There are secondary schools and one technical high school with all instruction in French. The university offers liberal arts, sciences, medicine and law degrees, and there is also a technical college.

The Bahá’í community in Benin is thriving. Many native people have become dynamic teachers, and wonderful results have occurred. Pioneers who are knowledgeable about the Christian or Muslim faiths would be a great asset. Also, the elderly are greatly respected in Benin.

For cost of living and other particulars, contact the International Goals Committee.

LESOTHO (two pioneers)—Lesotho, a small, mountainous country in southern Africa, is slightly larger than the state of Maryland. It was opened to the Faith in 1954 and has its own National Spiritual Assembly.

A land of spectacular and beautiful mountains, it is divided into lowlands, foothills and highlands, and has a pleasant climate with sunshine more than 300 days each year.

With a population of 1.4 million, only about five per cent of whom live in the cities, Lesotho boasts one of Africa’s highest literacy rates. The official languages are English, Sesotho and Afrikaans. The people greatly respect pioneers who take the time to learn the language. Books are available, and tutors can be readily hired.

Lesotho (pronounced La-SOO-too) is a relatively poor country whose economy is based on subsistence agriculture, livestock, and the earnings of its people who are employed outside the country in mines. It is heavily dependent economically on the Republic of South Africa.

There are two ways of pioneering to Lesotho. One is to go with sufficient cash to invest in a business. The government encourages this, as there is a large labor pool but few jobs. A minimum of $20,000 capital is needed.

A second way to go is as a professional in fields such as accounting, engineering, teaching or medicine, generally through U.S. AID contracts or similar agencies.

It is best to be hired from the U.S., as work permits must be obtained before entering the country. Most teaching posts are in villages away from the capital of Maseru, where there is the greatest need for pioneers.

There are about 3,000 Bahá’ís in Lesotho. All aspects of the Faith’s development need help, but there is a special need for help in consolidation and administration.

Single people, retired people and families are welcome.

LIBERIA (two pioneers)—Liberia, on the west-central coast of Africa, is a tropical country with two seasons: rainy and dry. The coastal area is hot and humid with heaviest rainfall; the interior highlands usually have cooler nights and somewhat less rainfall.

The country is governed by the military, and is relatively underdeveloped with rice and cassava the principal crops grown for food and rubber, coffee and cocoa grown for export. Other important industries include logging and iron and diamond mining.

Monrovia, the capital, also is the seat of the National Spiritual Assembly. There are 10 counties in Liberia, each of which has at least one large town.

English is the language common to all, and the one that is taught in the schools. There are also many local dialects.

Employment is scarce, but possible for those with the resources to open their own businesses, especially in such technical areas as auto mechanics or printing.

Teachers for vocational or technical schools also have a chance of getting jobs, but the pay is low and irregular.

It’s possible to find work with U.S. AID, UN agencies, the Peace Corps, or other agencies, and the bush areas can use clinics, pharmacies, schools, drugstores, ice cream shops—the field is wide open and foreign investment is encouraged.

Pioneers who are self-supporting have the best chance of settling in Liberia.

The most pressing need is for pioneers in rural areas. In the 10 counties of Liberia, only four have pioneers. There is a challenging opportunity for those who are willing to live a simple African way of life with minimum conveniences.

The government is friendly toward the Faith. There are no problems or restrictions for Persians, but it is recommended that one have at least $1,500 U.S. a month income for subsistence. There are about 2,500 Bahá’ís in Liberia, with a great need for consolidation and deepening.

TANZANIA (four pioneers)—The United Republic of Tanzania is in the Indian Ocean south of Kenya and north of Mozambique. Two other islands, Zanzibar and Pemba, also lie off the coast.

The country boasts some of the largest lakes in Africa: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa. Of its total area, more than 23,000 square miles consists of inland water. The climate can be divided into four areas: the hot, humid coastal plain; the hot, arid central plateau; the high, moist lake regions; and the temperate highland areas. Lightweight tropical clothing is worn year-round, although in the cooler seasons a light wrap is also worn.

It is difficult to estimate the cost of living, as it changes rapidly, but it is best to work on an expatriate contract for the best pay.

If you are retired and in good health, you could live in Tanzania depending on your income.

For school teachers who may be interested in applying for jobs, it is best to contact IGC and work through recruitment fairs, a list of which can be supplied by the committee.

Those who have money to invest, without the need to recover the investment, can probably secure a residence visa. The pioneer’s willingness to make such an investment and see it through is looked upon favorably by the government, which must approve any project in advance.

Raising products for export is another possible way of obtaining a residence visa. It is illegal to work on a visitor’s or tourist visa.

The people of Tanzania, easy-going by nature, speak English and Swahili. The Bahá’í community is relatively large, but many of the Bahá’ís do not take part in community activities; there is a great need for deepening and consolidation.

UGANDA (two pioneers)—Uganda, site of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Africa, gained its independence in 1962. After Idi Amin was overthrown in 1979, a military commission headed by a civilian was established, paving the way for a presidential election. It is now a republic patterned after the British system of government.

The country is about the size of Oregon, and English is the official language. Some 40 tribal languages also are spoken.

Agriculture accounts for nearly all of Uganda’s export earnings, especially coffee and cotton.

As a people, the Ugandans are generous and hospitable. Pioneers are needed who can help rebuild the country materially as well as spiritually.

While there is still some unrest,

See GOALS Page 26 [Page 7]YOUTH NEWS October 1984 / 7

Photography contest is second in series for Youth Year

The second in a series of contests for artistic and scholarly expression in celebration of International Youth Year 1985, which began last month with a song writing category, continues this month with photography.

THE contests are sponsored by the National Youth Committee.

Entries should reflect the theme "YOUth Can Move the World," which was chosen by the Youth Committee for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan, or the United Nations theme for International Youth Year, "Participation, Development, Peace."

All entries should be submitted as 9 x 12-inch black and white or color photographs with name, address and age of the contestant marked clearly on the reverse side.

One prize will be awarded in each of the following age groups: 12-15 years, 16-20 years, and 21-24 years. A grand prize also will be awarded.

Prizes will be gift copies of Lights of Guidance: A Bahá’í Reference File, and the grand prize will be tuition to the Bahá’í school of one’s choice.

All prizes will be awarded at the International Youth Conference next summer at Ohio State University where the winning photographs will be displayed. The deadline for the photography category is December 3, 1984.

Additional categories for artistic and scholarly expression will be in the media of essay and poster design. Details will be published in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í.

YOUth can move the world!

BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Ohio State University

July 3-7, 1985

Galveston Bahá’í youth has superb high school record

Arash Tirandaz, a 17-year-old Bahá’í youth from Galveston, Texas, was graduated from high school with honors in June and began his studies this fall at the University of Texas where he plans to major in chemistry.

WHILE in high school he excelled at chess and in speech, was an active member of the math club and team, and two years ago was admitted to the national mathematics honor society, Mu Alpha Theta.

As a senior, Mr. Tirandaz was chosen because of his many achievements to represent the school in Washington, D.C., on the Close-Up Foundation’s annual tour of the nation’s capital.

Also this year, he won second place in the local science fair in chemistry and was elected president of his school’s Key Club.

For the second year in a row, his biography was published in "Who’s Who Among American High School Students," and he won the Group W Cable Youth Leadership Award for his performance in the areas of scholastic achievement, physical fitness, cultural awareness, and community service.

An honor roll student many times, Mr. Tirandaz completed many college classes while still in high school and was able to enter the University of Texas as a sophomore.

OUTSIDE of school, he is in the Boys’ Club and is a member of the city tennis team.

He is a member of the local Bahá’í Youth Club, has attended many Bahá’í conferences, and was named at age 17 by the Galveston Island Spiritual Assembly to be its public relations officer.

Mr. Tirandaz, who came to the U.S. six years ago from Iran, is the son of Dr. Houshmand Tirandaz and Mrs. Shiva Amirkia Tirandaz of Galveston.

Bahá’í one of 45 named to Illinois Council of Youth

Scot McLemore, a 17-year-old Bahá’í who is a senior at Batavia (Illinois) High School, is one of 45 young people chosen this year for a two-year membership on the Illinois Council of Youth.

The council, which grew out of the 1960 White House Conference on Children and Youth, meets four times a year and hosts a leadership seminar each summer.

Mr. McLemore, who carries a 3.71 grade point average and plans to study robotic and computer engineering in college, also excels in sports and music.

He was named last year to the All-Conference football team, plays point guard on the school’s basketball team, and is a member of the school band.

Summer youth projects marked by resounding successes

Exciting news continues to filter in to the National Youth Committee office about the summer teaching projects held across the country.

"THE summer of 1984 was definitely a resounding success," says Karen Pritchard, secretary of the National Youth Committee.

"Countless numbers of victories, large and small, were achieved as the youth marched into the fields of service and teaching.

"Among the most exciting of these achievements was the spread of a fresh spirit of dedication that appears to be establishing ‘a mighty mobilization’ called for by the Universal House of Justice."

Teaching projects in South Carolina, South Dakota, Oregon, and on the Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservations resulted in more than 400 declarations, while a service project in Southern California resulted in unprecedented publicity for the Faith.

One of the distinguishing features of these efforts is that each sprang from the grassroots of the Bahá’í community.

"EACH of these projects, both service and teaching," says Ms. Pritchard, "was born from a local desire to serve the Cause, and each was supported by a strong local response of manpower, funds and other resources.

"Individual initiative was tapped by local institutions, and while in most instances youth arose from many parts of the country to help, the Bahá’í community at the local level played the major role in planning and executing the activities."

The National Youth Committee and National Teaching Committee will be working closely with communities and districts that are planning winter holiday and/or summer projects to recruit volunteers. Interested sponsors are encouraged to contact either of these offices soon to arrange for early publicity and recruitment.

The Youth Committee can be contacted at its offices at 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or by phoning 305-584-1844.

More regional College Club conferences

Did you miss the regional Bahá’í College Club Conference in your area? Don’t despair ... there are four more conferences that you can attend.

October 13 at the University of California at Berkeley. They’ve lined up some great speakers including Counsellor Fred Schechter and Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto. Contact Brian Miller, 415-843-6346, or Bijan Irani-Najad, 415-540-8592.

October 13-14 at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Speakers include Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and Smokey Ferguson, a member of the National Youth Committee. The program includes a public discussion of the United Nations International Youth Year theme, "Participation, Development, Peace." Contact Sharareh Vafai, 803-791-7555, or Dick Hatch, 803-254-9857.

October 19-29 at Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Jackie Eghrari of the National Youth Committee will be among the speakers discussing the College Campus Plan for 1985 as well as plans for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan and International Youth Year. Contact Babak Etemad or Mary Louise Roy through the campus operator, 215-447-7000.

October or November (exact dates unavailable at press time) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Please note that this is a change; the conference was to be held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Contact Anooshiravon "Anoosh" Mostaghemi or Mrs. Mostaghemi, 608-274-0995.

U.S. Bahá’í youth begin preparations for International Youth Year events

Youth across the country are beginning preparations for International Youth Year 1985.

Government agencies at the national, state and local levels are planning observances for this commemorative year, so efforts are under way to include Bahá’í youth in the plans.

The National Youth Committee has asked all local youth clubs to contact officials in their localities to ascertain what plans, if any, are being made for an IYY observance and to volunteer their help.

If no plans have been made, Bahá’í youth are offering to make them.

For instance, the "Tree Project," a campaign to plant 20,000 trees in memory of the early martyrs of the Faith, is an appropriate service to offer any community in the U.S.

Aiding in the proceedings of the Youth Year is a marvelous opportunity for youth to serve the Cause, proclaim the Faith, and render services to mankind.

If your community doesn’t yet have a youth club, please contact the National Youth Committee for help in forming one. Let’s work together to seize this opportunity!

Time is at hand to make your plans for annual Disney World conference

It’s that time of year again ... time to get ready for the annual Youth Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

This year, the conference has been expanded an extra day, from December 27-31, and the program promises to be extra special as it serves as the kickoff for the Bahá’í observance of International Youth Year 1985.

The theme is "Let Deeds, Not Words, Be Your Adorning." The speakers will include two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Dwight Allen and Dr. Alberta Deas; Mildred Mottahedeh, a member of the International Goals Committee; Jack McCants, and Dr. Hussein Ahdieh, all speaking of the kinds of deeds we can perform in service to the Cause and to humanity.

Want more information? Simply clip the coupon and mail it to the National Youth Committee ... and complete details will be returned to you quickly.

See you at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center this winter!

YES! I’d like details on the Disney World annual Youth Conference
Name _____________________________________	Phone (_____) / ______________
Address __________________________________________________	City _____________________
State _________________	Zip ______________	Mail to: Bahá’í National Youth Committee 1371 Sunset Strip Sunrise, FL 33313

[Page 8]

EDUCATION

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

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER: BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER/HOUSE OF WORSHIP. Thought for the week: “The source of all learning is the knowledge of God—exalted be His Glory.” (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Triumph, p. 202. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 99-100, No. 64. 2. Bahá’í Administration, pp. 184-187. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 94, No. 58; p. 93, No. 55; p. 95, ‎Nos, Nos.‎ 59, 60; p. 96, Nos. 61, 62. 4. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 414-416. 5. The Dawning Place, pp. 83, 76-86, 59-60 (quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá). 6. If possible, learn and sing the “Temple Song” by Louise R. Waite (found in The Dawning Place, pp. 266-67). Activity: 1. Show pictures of and talk about the Mother Temple and the administrative buildings. Familiarize yourselves with it and other Houses of Worship in the world. Include those that are under construction and the site of the Temple on Mt. Carmel. 2. Have fun blowing soap bubbles. Use a straw, pipe, large or small wands. How many bubbles can be blown in one blow? The largest and the smallest? 3. Recite favorite poetry, or read together a favorite family story. Refreshments: Gingerbread. Top with either fresh whipping cream or tangy lemon sauce.

SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER: BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. Thought for the week: “Our Cause is but One.” (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Praise, p. 123, or Spiritual Qualities, p. 153 (middle). Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Arabic Hidden Words, No. 63. 2. Days to Remember, pp. 125-132. 3. The Blessed Beauty—Bahá’u’lláh, by Mahnaz Afshin, pp. 1-8. 4. Gleanings, pp. 50-56, No. XXII. 5. God Passes By, p. 93 to bottom of 96. 6. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 400. 7. The Bible, Isaiah 11:1-10; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 60; Ezekiel 1:28. Activity: Begin a family tradition. 1. See cupcake decorating refreshments. 2. Each make a white tissue paper flower (rose). Use the flowers for a centerpiece at evening meals throughout the week to remind you of this special celebration. Save the flowers from year to year to bring out only at the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Some families may wish to use silk roses for this tradition, or purchase one fresh white rose for the occasion. 3. Together, make a list of the many names that refer to Bahá’u’lláh. How many can you think of? God Passes By is a good resource. Refreshments: Bake cupcakes. Everyone decorate them as desired. Have available various toppings such as vanilla and chocolate icing, M&Ms, chopped nuts, candy sprinkles, red hots, coconut, raisins, etc. Share decorated cupcakes with family, friends, neighbors—makes a good teaching/sharing opportunity!

THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER: QAWL/SPEECH. Thought for the week: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14) Prayer: Teaching, p. 174 (center); or p. 175. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. Keep in mind the power of one’s speech and choice of words; the tongue can be a two-edged sword. 1. Bible, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7; Psalms 39:1; 37:30-31. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 105. 3. The Koran, Sura XLIX, pp. 468-70 (Rodwell’s). 4. Arabic Hidden Words, Nos. 27, 29, 43. 5. Persian Hidden Words, Nos. 76, 66, 5, 44. 6. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 139, No. 115; p. 92, No. 53; p. 93, No. 54; p. 134, No. 108. Activity: 1. Word Guess game. Needs two clue givers; guessers; several guess words written on slips of paper. Object: “Guessers” try to guess the word that the “clue givers” try to communicate. Clue givers choose a word from a slip of paper, and without consulting, begin to create a complete sentence that would describe the word. They should alternately give clues in sentence. Example: A, “Something” B “that” A “you” B “scramble” A “for” B “breakfast.” The fun comes when the clue givers aren’t thinking along the same lines and must quickly adjust their thinking. 2. As weather dictates, roller skate outside (or in the basement) together; or take a trip to the local roller skating rink for family fun. Refreshments: Pudding Native American Style. 1 qt milk scalded; 5 TBLS stone ground corn meal; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ginger; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 TBL butter; 1 cup molasses; 1/2 cup raisins. Place corn meal in saucepan, pour milk over, stir until it boils, continue to cook on low heat until thick and creamy, about 15 minutes. Mix rest of ingredients with beaten eggs and pour corn meal mixture over. Mix and pour into greased baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Serve warm with ice or whipped cream.

FOURTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER: THE MASTER/DAY OF COVENANT/ASCENSION. Thought for the week: “Be happy. Be as I am.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Firmness in the Covenant, p. 70; or prayer from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 319-320. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. Note the importance of the last will and testament for purity of the Covenant. 1. God Passes By, pp.

See FUN Page 9

Louhelen to host Thanksgiving conference

The Louhelen Bahá’í School will host a Thanksgiving weekend conference November 23-25 that will focus on acquiring the attribute of gratitude.

THE conference, titled “In His Praise and Thanksgiving,” will explore how developing a pervading sense of gratitude to God for His many blessings contributes to mental and spiritual health.

The speakers will be Dr. Jane Faily, a senior psychologist at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Dr. William Smith, president of WNBS-TV in Derry, New Hampshire; and Mrs. Marcia Smith, a former teacher who is active in the arts and in human relations work.

The conference will seek to stimulate a deeper awareness of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s counsel, “Be thou happy and well pleased, in order that thanksgiving may conduce to the increase of bounty.”

Other aspects of the event will include recreational activities, group singing and devotions, arts and crafts, and organized social activities designed to stimulate a sense of unity and spiritual fellowship.

A program for children and youth ages 0-18 will be offered.

The cost for adults is $46 (for a room shared with two or three others). Rates for children and youth are lower. Those registering less than two weeks in advance pay $4 more.

To register, send a $10 non-refundable deposit to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

5th Kentucky Institute to be held at Morehead

The fifth annual Kentucky Bahá’í Institute will be held October 25-28 at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.

This year’s theme is “Service to Humanity: An Agenda for Action.”

Speakers will include Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem; Mary Kay Radpour, editor of Brilliant Star magazine and a member of the national Race Unity Committee; Nancy Branham Songer, an agricultural educator specializing in development; and Mimi McClellan, a music educator.

The program includes classes for pre-youth in grades 6-8 and for youth in grades 9-12. The featured youth speaker will be Almitra Henderson, a member of the “Brilliant Star” youth group in California.

The registration fee is $12 for adults, $4 for children. Registration will be at Adron Doran University Center on the Morehead State campus.

Dormitory rooms are $6 per night. There are facilities for 150 people.

For more information, please contact Julia Rome, Rt. 4, Box 518, Frankfort, KY 40601, or phone 502-227-7434.

Shown are young Bahá’ís preparing the ground for a tree planting ceremony at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan. The Bahá’í observance of International Youth Year 1985 calls for youth to plant 20,000 trees in memory of the early martyrs of the Faith.

EDUCATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE

Child/parent education materials that are presently available from the National Education Committee of the United States. (Checks should be made payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund,” earmarked “Children” and sent to the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091):

AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS

Developing Bahá’í Lesson Plans—If Bahá’í lesson plans are to be different from and better than other lesson plans, they must be formulated within a broad and unique philosophical framework. The morning part of this workshop is devoted to this larger framework, while the afternoon is devoted to developing specific lesson plans which are then carried out in local programs. A second workshop is held 4-6 weeks after the first, and lesson plan results are shared and evaluated. Special resources to lesson planning are the Bahá’í Curriculum Guide and the Bahá’í calendar.

Workshop II also introduces the use of New Games as an education tool. $5.

Politeness and Manners: Children and the Nineteen Day Feast—A local community workshop designed to help the community in setting and implementing a behavior standard for children at the Nineteen Day Feast. The material looks to the Spiritual Assembly as the point of unity for establishing the behavior standard. $5.

TV in the Home—Designed to help parents in their efforts to be properly vigilant about the effects of television on their children, and to make informed choices about the use of TV in the home. Included as a topic in the “Bahá’í Parent Program,” the material is available as a separate workshop. $4.

Programs for youth (ages 12-20) available as of September 15, 1984:

Handbook for the Summer Garden Bahá’í School (a daily summer school program for children). The goal of having spiritually enriching educational experiences for children and youth during the summer is not unique. For many Bahá’í communities the pursuit of this goal has included such diverse activities as weekend classes, week-long day camps, weekend camp-outs, field trips, and community retreats at summer schools. Perhaps the latest, but certainly not the last, approach to this goal is a daily, several-week (five weeks works well for Summer Garden) summer school program. This handbook outlines the efforts of ordinary people in ordinary circumstances to carry out a successful program. $6. [Page 9]

More than 100 attend Oregon Summer School

More than 100 people attended this year’s Wallowa Lake Bahá’í Summer School, held July 21-24 at the Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp six miles south of Joseph, Oregon, at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains.

Classes were planned for age groups ranging from four years to adult. Topics included: A New Day; To Know God; Spiritual Dawn; To Worship God; Under One Tree; Our Inner Life; Spiritual Response; Our Private Character; Spiritual Descendants of the Dawn-breakers; Becoming a Pure Channel; Mirroring Forth Those Eternal Principles Proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh; Our Spiritual Destiny; Responding to the Needs of the Age; and Bahá’í Writings on Health and Healing.

The teachers were Sherrie Reiswig, Polly Helmhout, Ted Hayes, Pat Jacobsen, Karleen Trueax, Jules Vautrot, Katherine Young, Steve Ellis, Dorothy Pedersen, Ruth Hall, John Lang, Martha Warren, Barbara Haloapo, Barbara Rosenkranz, Donna Postlewait, Jewell La Belle Hart, and Craig Bornmann.

A presentation of the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) was made by Mary Thompson, while Marcia Lang spoke about the upcoming Eastern Oregon District Convention in Bend.

Other highlights of the school included singing by M.L. Johnson; a talent show; a presentation of the film “Gandhi”; hiking, volleyball, and other group participation games.

The Bahá’í youth performed a service project at the close of the summer school, planting a flowering tree at the monument and resting place of Chief Joseph, the famous chief of the Nez Perce Indians, at the head of Wallowa Lake.

Youngsters and adults enjoy a game of ‘drop-the-hat’ (with Frisbees) during the Wallowa Lake (Oregon) Bahá’í Summer School which was held July 21-24 at the Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp.

The Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp, site of this summer’s Wallowa Lake (Oregon) Bahá’í Summer School. In the background are the Wallowa Mountains.

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS—WINTER SESSIONS

Bosch

1. October 26-28: Fireside Weekend. Bring inquiring friends, or for new believers and others to renew their vision of the Faith. Adults 15 and over, with child care for ages 1-10 during class periods by pre-registration only. Teachers: Maury and Lois Willows, Abdullah Brooks, Robert Malouf. Rates: $46 adult, $22 children 1-10 years.

November 23-25: Youth Weekend. Theme: Reaching Out. A session for youth to help them in teaching friends from other religious backgrounds and in becoming involved in the Youth Movement. Rates: $69 session for ages 15 and older.

November 23-25: Thanksgiving Session. Theme: Vision of World Order, the Writings of Shoghi Effendi. General session, classes for all ages. Teacher: S. Pattabi Raman. Rates: Adult, $54; youth 15-20, $46; junior youth 11-14, $39; children 1-10, $27.

December 22-26: Winter I. Theme: One God, One Family. Social and economic development; implications for the family and the community. Workshops about careers relevant to developing countries. Teachers: Richard DaBell and Hoda Mahmoudi DaBell, David Rutstein, Richard Martin, Missy Martin. General session, classes for all ages. Classes and activities for children. Rates: Adults, $100; youth 15-20, $84; junior youth 11-14, $72; children 1-10, $48.

December 28-January 2: Winter II. Social and economic development: new possibilities in the evolution of the Bahá’í world community. Teachers: Nathan Rutstein, William Davis, David Rutstein, Richard Martin, Missy Martin. Adult session, ages 15 and older. Rates: $100 per person.

Registration: Two weeks before session starting date; send $20 for each person enrolling to: Bosch Bahá’í School, Jeremy Phillips, registrar, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, phone 408-423-8093.

Florida Winter School

November 22-25, Camp Alfia, 22 miles south of Lakeland off Hwy. 37. Theme: Bahá’ís Arise—The Role of the Individual in the Progress of the Faith.

Meals and lodging: Camp dining hall. Cabins with 10 bunks each, also two dorms and four bedrooms. Facilities: 325-seat auditorium, two 60-seat classrooms, classes held in dining hall. Recreation: canoeing, bonfires, softball, swimming, tennis, ping-pong, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, and nature trails.

Rates: per day including room, meals and facilities: adults $12 per day; youth 15 and older, $12; junior youth 5-14, $10; children 2-4, $7; infants, no charge. Day students $3 plus meals.

Registrars: Gale and Kitty Hurley, Gulfport, FL 33707. Phone 813-343-2468.

Missouri Bahá’í School

November 23-25. Theme: The Imperishable Dominion. Site: See SCHOOLS Page 21

UNICEF packets are available

UNICEF packets that can be presented to children’s school teachers by Bahá’í parents are available from the National Education Committee office.

The packet is a welcome gift to the teacher and helps to establish the child’s Bahá’í identity in the classroom. Each packet contains:

• A 1985 UNICEF calendar (which includes Bahá’í Holy Days).
• A special packet of lesson plans, maps, etc., for grades 4 through 6 (teachers can adapt the material for younger children) entitled “Big World, Small World, My World.”
• A fact sheet entitled “The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community” (for the teacher’s information).

Packets are $7 each from the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

United Nations

Continued From Page 1

the Islamic Republic of Iran and to make a thorough study of the human rights situation in that country based on such information as deemed relevant, including comments and materials provided by the government, containing conclusions and appropriate suggestions, to be presented to the Commission at its 41st session.”

One of the matters that the special representative will be investigating is the plight of Iran’s 300,000 Bahá’ís.

Louhelen School schedules weekend gathering for junior youth ages 11-14

The Louhelen Bahá’í School will host a weekend conference October 26-28 for junior youth 11-14 years old.

The conference is co-sponsored by the National Youth Committee and the Louhelen Council.

Teachers will include Mrs. Carol Dickson; a member of the National Youth Committee; and older youth from Michigan and other states.

The conference will feature a balanced program of classes, recreational, social and devotional activities.

“This is the first in a series of conferences for junior youth that the National Youth Committee will be conducting throughout the country,” says Gilbert Smith, chairman of the National Youth Committee.

“We’re eager to extend the work of our committee into the junior youth age group, and we’re pleased to be having the first of these conferences at Louhelen because of the fine series of programs for junior youth the Louhelen Council has been offering.”

Those who are interested in registering for the conference may contact the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

The cost for the weekend is $36.60 for those who register at least two weeks in advance. Those who register less than two weeks before the conference pay $4 more.

FUN

Continued From Page 8

237-243. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 438-40. 3. Persian Hidden Words, No. 63. 4. Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 49. 5. The Koran, sura CX-Help, p. 468 (Rodwell’s). 6. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 70-71 (“O army of God!”) 7. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 79-80; p. 248 (middle); pp. 357-59. Activity: 1. Dictionary game (ages 6 and up). a. “It” chooses an obscure word from the dictionary and verifies that none of the other players knows its meaning. b. Each player invents and writes a plausible sounding definition, and “it” writes the real definition. c. “It” gathers and reads all the definitions and players cast one vote each for the definition they think is the real one. d. Players score one point for each vote their definition gets from other players, and one point for each time they guess the correct definition. 2. Sing and play young children’s games such as “The farmer in the dell,” “Ring around the rosie,” “Hokey pokey,” etc. Refreshments: Sliced cheese, sliced apples and crackers. [Page 10]

The homefront pioneer

It’s always such a pleasure to read the letters that are received by the National Teaching Committee from homefront pioneers.

WE encourage pioneers to let us know about their experiences on the homefront so that these may help us to prepare new pioneers.

Also, we ask that potential pioneers and those who are already at their posts contact the National Teaching Committee so that they can be counted toward the goals of the Seven Year Plan.

You may have noticed such ads in the most recent issues of The American Bahá’í: “H.F.P. (homefront pioneers) please call home!”

What a thrill to read of the blessings that Bahá’u’lláh has showered upon our homefront pioneers. Below are excerpts from two letters received before and after Riḍván 1984 by the National Teaching Committee, from one of our many homefront pioneers.

February 1984: “...writing to keep you informed of our progress. On January 26 we had another declaration which brings us up to nine!

“We have gained three new declarants since June. Come Riḍván you can take me off your homefront pioneer list. We’ll have an Assembly here again. ...

“I wish to note that our teaching activities have been seriously curtailed due to illness, injury, and people out-of-state visiting. But our DTC (District Teaching Committee) asked us to pray at 7:00 each day, the Tablet of Aḥmad and our regional teaching prayer.

“It works! Of course! ...

June 1984: “...I read the statistics on homefront pioneers were sent out last year and how many achieved their goals, so I thought I’d better contact you.

“I was sent by the Wheaton, Illinois, Assembly to the Pierce Peninsula area of Washington state. With my arrival we were six.

“Now we are 10 and elected our Assembly at Riḍván in the name of Yazd. We received so much help from our District Teaching Committee, were ‘adopted’ by another Assembly, Lakewood, and most important, prayers by the dozens were sent up for our success. ...

“I’m convinced that continual prayer is the most important help, since our declarants tended to ‘pop up,’ not attend many firesides or whatever.

“I pray that this Assembly will never dissolve again, and that other homefront pioneers will dedicate themselves to prayer.

“It was nice to see prayer listed as the first thing in your article in the June issue.

“Your friend, Diana Moore-Cason Pierce Peninsula, Washington

Gregory Institute hosts special ‘youth week’

A special Youth Week was held July 15-22 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute to launch the Army of Light’s Campaign of Unified Action in South Carolina.

ONE ‎HUNDRED-ten hundred and ten‎ youth participated in the conference during the weekend including some who had never before attended a large Bahá’í gathering.

About 50 youth and adults went to more than 20 localities to teach and consolidate in the Eastern district of the state.

More than 30 declarations were made during the week including eight youth and one person who was born in 1897!

Also, several youth announced their intention to become homefront pioneers to South Carolina, which is calling for 40 homefront pioneers this year.

The week’s teachers were Stan and Florence Bagley who presented a course on public speaking and research, and Regina Anchondo who discussed commitment and action, and how to increase them for the Faith.

During the weekend, the youth heard Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee, speak on the nation’s teaching needs and opportunities for youth to serve including working in Haifa as gardeners or guards, the two-year service program, the International Year of Youth in 1985, and college clubs and homefront pioneering.

DR. ROY Jones of the national Race Unity Committee spoke on “From Creative Word to Creative Action,” and discussed the need to read the writings of the Guardian more intensely to understand the forces of history that are affecting our lives and the ways in which we can respond to them.

Auxiliary Board member Elizabeth Martin also addressed the conference.

Trudy White and Amber Spahn told the youth of teaching in the early years in South Carolina, discussed present teaching methods, and accompanied the youth to the towns when the teaching work began.

Dr. Alberta Deas, administrator of the Gregory Institute, also addressed the youth during the week and spoke about the need to deepen as we teach in the essentials of the Covenant.

South Carolina was blessed by the active participation of so many excellent young teachers from the Virginia and Washington, D.C., areas, some of whom remained to teach in the state for several weeks after the conference.

Sharon Allen (standing at right), a member of the National Youth Committee, chaired the special Youth Week conference July 15-22 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Pictured (left to right) are some of the ‘older youth’ who participated July 15-22 in a special Youth Week conference at the Louis Gregory Institute in South Carolina: Leon Sternberger, Carey Murphy, Amber Spahn, Mike Gearhart, Dr. Alberta Deas, and Susan Sternberger.

Twin Cities meeting moves Campaign of Unified Action into higher gear

The Campaign of Unified Action rolled into high gear in the Midwest following a meeting July 14 in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota with Counsellor Farzam Arbab.

The Counsellor, who was invited by Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland to meet that weekend with Board members and their assistants in that area, also agreed to meet with all the Bahá’ís to discuss the Campaign of Unified Action.

Among the more than 120 Bahá’ís present at the meeting were Auxiliary Board member Khalil Khavari and several of his assistants, assistants to Auxiliary Board members Stephen Birkland, Thelma Jackson and Ron Parsons, and U.S. pioneers to Honduras and the Cameroons.

In his remarks, Counsellor Arbab amplified the themes contained in the letter of May 27, 1984, to the American Bahá’í community from the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas.

The Counsellor exhorted the friends to forget the past. What was impossible seven or 10 years ago, he said, is now possible, largely as a result of the sacrifices made by the Bahá’ís in Iran.

The National Assembly and the Counsellors, he said, are emphasizing individual initiative in teaching. Local Assemblies are being asked to encourage such initiative from the friends.

Communities are likewise being encouraged to develop plans for teaching that take into account the unique resources and needs in their area.

The campaign, said the Counsellor, calls for a broad-based, grassroots move toward realistic plans tailored to each community’s needs.

In summing up, he said, “The only ‎definition failure definition of failure‎ is if we stop acting.”

Dr. Arbab’s talk was followed by a spirited question-and-answer session.

The Bedrock of All Other Institutions National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

A New Champion Builder Book Who is North America’s greatest teacher and foremost Hand of the Cause of God? Find out in

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 11]

Unified Action theme of large Green Acre conference

More than 140 Bahá’ís participated August 25-26 in the first conference on the Campaign of Unified Action to be held at the Green Acre Bahá’í School.

DR. WILMA Brady, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the keynote speaker.

Other speakers were Robert Wilson, former secretary of the National Teaching Committee; Linda Giardina, chairman of the National Education Committee; and Shirley Lee, national Public Affairs Coordinator.

The purpose of the conference was to acquaint the participants with the many resources available from the offices at the National Center, and to stress the importance of integrating the processes of proclamation, expansion and consolidation in a systematic way to increase the effectiveness of local programs.

Fortified by the speakers with inspiration and a knowledge of the wealth of resources at hand, individuals were assigned to one of 10 workshops.

Each group was given the description of a city or region and the current status of its Bahá’í community. Workshop members then imagined themselves as the Bahá’ís in the “situation community” and were asked to devise a plan to increase the number of adherents to the Faith.

EACH group began by grasping the vision of the roles to be filled by the worldwide and American Bahá’í communities.

They then surveyed the given situation, reviewed available national, regional and local resources (people, equipment, facilities and finances), established and prioritized the short-range objectives (strengthening the Bahá’í community, increasing its visibility, etc.), and selected their prime target audience (the Bahá’ís, the general public, the media, etc.).

Each workshop was assigned a different situation. This format allowed individuals to review a panorama of possibilities and became a vehicle for stimulating creative suggestions.

In Workshop Session II, a strategy for achieving the objectives was devised, a course of action was outlined, and provision was made for feedback and review of the impact made on the target audience.

Reports given at the final session highlighted a variety of new approaches and inspired more than one participant to exclaim, “I can’t wait to get back home and share all these wonderful ideas!”

More than 140 Bahá’ís took part August 25-26 in the first conference on the Campaign of Unified Action to be held at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.

Asians enjoy buffet dinner at San Francisco Bahá’í Center

The Kearney Street Workshops being held at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco came to a lovely end-of-summer close when, following the last session, the Asian guests including photographers, poets, dramatists and artists were invited by the Asian Teaching Committee of San Francisco to enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by the committee.

THE evening afforded a wonderful opportunity for Bahá’ís and Asians to exchange thank-you’s and, in such a relaxed atmosphere, to become better acquainted with one another. The Bahá’ís had an opportunity to learn more of the Asians’ own viewpoints, terminologies and feelings.

Two weeks later the committee received a call from George Leong of the Kearney Workshop group, asking if once again they could use the Center to host a special program featuring Eric Chock, a poet/author from Hawaii.

The Center was also requested for use for a concert of Chinese music performed by American students of master musicians visiting from the People’s Republic of China. The concert was the first to present the results of a cultural exchange between the U.S. and China.

About 375 people, most of them Asians, attended the concert. The musicians were delighted to be able to perform in the Center, and mentioned many times that the acoustics were excellent for their music.

The Bahá’ís furnished the site and the flowers, took care of lighting and other such related items. The Chinese and their auxiliary group took care of the refreshments.

Perhaps the most meaningful aspect from the Bahá’í point of view was the happiness expressed by the Asians; several said that they felt the evening was really successful and that a wonderful exchange between the two groups had taken place.

On April 19, Bahá’ís from the Hmong tribe in Laos who are now living in Portland, Oregon, hosted for the first time that community’s Nineteen Day Feast. The Hmong also participated for the first time in the annual election of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland.

Radio panel show keys Bridgeport, Texas, Bahá’í school

The first major media event ever held in connection with the Bridgeport (Texas) Bahá’í Summer/Winter School took place August 14.

The only radio station in the county was the medium for a Bahá’í panel discussion which was broadcast throughout Wise County. Five Bahá’ís who were attending the school participated in the discussion.

The hour-long program was supported by the Dallas/Fort Worth area Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs.

The Bahá’ís in Bridgeport sent invitations to more than 40 churches, and posted invitations on several store front windows.

Invitations to listen also were placed in the local newspaper and in a bulletin that is distributed throughout the county.

At their weekly meeting at the Dallas Bahá’í Center, some youth from around the district contributed one-third of the money needed to pay for the broadcast.

‘Indispensable medium for growth’ National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Reaching farmers is discussed at Nebraska Summer School

Bahá’ís from eight states and three countries at the Nebraska Summer School held three special meetings to discuss reaching farmers and rural people with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

AMONG those present were Mrs. Judy Heikes, winner of the 1984 Kansas Master Sheep Producers Award; Kenneth Krapf, winner of the 1983 Conservation Farmer of the Year Award for the Will and South Cook Water and Soil Conservation District; and Hal Maggiore, a professional photographer for “Successful Farmer” magazine.

The conference was opened with a discussion of the importance of family life on the farm, after which teaching plans were discussed.

It was generally concluded that a door-to-door approach would not work on Midwestern farms. Since farmers participate in religious services on Sundays, as a family, it was felt that direct teaching might be regarded as an intrusion of privacy.

The following ideas were considered:

• Mail a Bahá’í “teaching kit” to each farm. It would consist of a coupon for the book, Thief in the Night, an invitation to attend a public meeting, a list of telephone numbers of local Bahá’ís, a list of firesides, information about the Faith including the pamphlet “The Open Door,” and a photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
• OFFER a correspondence course through the mail. One is available from the Bahá’í community of Phoenix, Arizona.
• Advertise the Faith on the radio and on television after the morning farm report.
• Become involved in local 4-H, women’s clubs, the American Legion, Toastmasters, etc.
• Attend and participate in local craft festivals. Invite Bahá’í craftsmen to come to your town and participate in the shows.
• When people move to a small town, go to their home and welcome them to the area. You may even wish to organize a “welcome wagon.”
• Offer a public service, such as a workshop dealing with stress, or a free blood pressure check; offer to conduct classes at a local community college.
• INVITE local Sunday school classes, and their teachers, to your farm. Serve refreshments.
• Request traveling teachers from the National Teaching Committee.
• Celebrate World Religion Day. One way to do this is to visit the ministers of local churches, explain the purpose of World Religion Day, and ask that they speak to their congregation on a pre-chosen topic such as “God Is the Supreme Physician.”
• Send to rural homes mailers that contain something of value such as a book or photograph.
• Hold “firesides” by inviting local townspeople, craftsmen or farmers who can speak on their particular interest, art or skill. Do not discuss the Faith at this meeting, but when people express an interest or curiosity about the

See FARMERS Page 26 [Page 12]

RACE UNITY

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

S.C. Bahá’í earns top honors for work in domestic violence

Annette Reynolds, a Bahá’í from Orangeburg, South Carolina, puts the Faith’s message of the unity of mankind into practice as she helps individuals and families in the area of domestic violence.

AS AN extension home economist with Clemson University’s Extension Service, Ms. Reynolds has helped form two groups: Sisters Reaching Out (a peer counseling group), and Sisters United (a group of concerned citizens which provides services for battered spouses and those close to them).

She has provided emergency housing, meals and counseling for abused women and their children. Once past the crisis period, she “adopts” the women as sisters.

Ms. Reynolds has developed two leaflets, one for abused spouses and those close to them, the other for community groups.

In an effort to raise community awareness of the problem, she has spoken many times at churches, before civic clubs and other groups, and has conducted a survey to assess the need for the shelter that Sisters United hopes to establish.

A 24-hour crisis hotline has been set up, and she is one of several volunteer counselors on call evenings and weekends.

Later this year she’ll be in New York City to accept the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension Home Economists.

The award, for exceptional program development and leadership, is one of the highest given by that organization.

She’ll also give an overview of the domestic violence prevention project—Reach Out, Stop the Hurt—as a part of the Home Economics Exchange Workshop.

“It’s essential to eliminate the violence between family members if we are to have any hope of achieving a less violent society,” says Ms. Reynolds. “I’m just doing what I can to help.”

ANNETTE REYNOLDS

Dr. Nasir Bashirelahi (center), who served as master of ceremonies at a Race Unity Day program sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Howard County, Maryland, is shown with the two speakers—Thom Thompson, a Bahá’í who is featured on ‘Crisis Counselor’ on the Cable Health Network, and Dr. Harriette McAdoo, dean of the School of Social Work at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Each speaker was given a copy of the book To Move the World. The public program was held at the Central Library in Columbia, Maryland, in which a display promoting Race Unity Day was presented for one week.

Distinguished panel highlights Wisconsin race unity program

A state Supreme Court Justice, two community leaders and an educator participated August 12 in a panel discussion on the advantages of race unity at the first Race Unity Conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Madison and Middleton, Wisconsin.

The conference, which was attended by more than 50 people including many non-Bahá’ís, was moderated by Douglas Samimi-Moore, a Bahá’í from Highland Park, Illinois.

Its theme—The Advantages of Race Unity—was chosen to promote a positive discussion and to avoid reviewing old-order conflicts between the races.

Panelists were encouraged instead to share their vision of a better, racially unified world.

It was a novel approach, said panelist Betty Franklin, executive director of the Madison Urban League, and one she said she had never previously considered.

The other panelists were Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice William Callow; Charles Matthews, the Dane County Affirmative Action officer; and Dr. Frank Evans, a Department of Instruction specialist and the only Bahá’í on the panel.

Media coverage of the event was excellent and included a quarter-page article in the largest local newspaper as well as television and radio reports.

On Sunday, June 10, the Bahá’í Assemblies of Baltimore City, Bel Air, and Baltimore County-West, Maryland, cooperated to sponsor a Race Unity Day observance at the Baltimore Bahá’í Center. The speaker (left photo) was Mrs. Marilyn C. Greene, a member of the national Race Unity Committee, whose topic was ‘How Religion Can Help Foster Race Unity.’ Musical entertainment was supplied (right photo) by the ‘Welcome Travelers’ Gospel group of Baltimore. Dr. Fred Lee of Baltimore County-West served as master of ceremonies. A Race Unity Day proclamation was issued by William D. Schaefer, the mayor of Baltimore.

Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice William Callow (left) and Charles Matthews, Dane County Affirmative Action officer, were among the panelists August 12 at a Race Unity Conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Madison and Middleton, Wisconsin.

100 attend Race Unity Day picnic in Virginia

About 100 people, many of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a Race Unity Day picnic in June sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Mecklenburg County, Virginia.

The public was invited through newspaper ads, radio public service spots and letters to local churches.

A local disc jockey volunteered to serve as master of ceremonies and another man offered to set up a sound system.

The program, at the state park amphitheatre, featured Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í musicians, break dancers, puppeteers, and a Bahá’í speaker. [Page 13]

Assemblies, Groups urged to open BDS accounts

The newly formed arm of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, the Bahá’í Distribution Service, is urging all Assemblies and Groups to consider opening accounts to purchase books and other materials.

“THERE are a number of good reasons to establish an account, even in the smallest communities,” says Robert Blum, marketing manager for the Distribution Service.

“Even if you seldom order books from the Distribution Service, having a Distribution Representative (formerly called librarians) on file means your community will receive regular informational mailings about new books and other materials that are either in production or newly available,” says Mr. Blum.

“Distribution Representatives also will receive order forms and updated price lists on a regular basis. When the time comes to order books, or you have a pending event for which you need materials, your community will be prepared.”

One of the most obvious reasons to have an account with the Distribution Service, he adds, is that “you receive a 10 per cent discount on purchases of more than $25.

“The discount usually covers the costs of shipping the books, with a little left over. As the community grows and more books are ordered, the proceeds from book sales can be used to establish a lending library or to purchase books to place in public libraries. The money accumulated from the discount can be used in any way the Group or Assembly chooses.”

THERE are other advantages too, says Mr. Blum:

“Our accounts are billed only for those books which they receive. If an individual sends a check for a book that is out of stock we must send back a credit invoice.

“Then the individual may either use the credit for another purchase or return the invoice to receive a check. Accounts are saved that extra step.”

Also, he says, Groups and Assemblies that have accounts can take advantage of two other services, back order and standing order.

If a Distribution Representative requests it, any item that is out of stock will automatically be back ordered. The back order is noted on the invoice he receives.

Accounts may also request a standing order and receive a specified number of copies of any new title, says Mr. Blum.

AN individual who orders books must pay the list price of each book plus a percentage for shipping and handling. The Distribution Service is able to charge communities with established accounts the exact shipping charge.

“We’re able to charge accounts less for shipping,” says Mr. Blum, “because it’s simply much less work to deal with an account which is already on our records.

“Every time an individual orders, all the paper work must be repeated because we have no existing file for that person on our data base. It’s like starting over.”

There may be a time, he says, “when we’ll consider opening an account for individual Bahá’ís, but for now the best possible situation is to have Distribution Representatives in every community.

“As with any business, we ask that Bahá’í communities pay their bills as promptly as possible. The Distribution Service is an independent business and must pay for the books it buys, so it is essential that Bahá’í communities deal with us as they would any other creditor.”

Any recognized Group of two or more adult Bahá’ís, and all Assemblies, are eligible to open an account with the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

IDEAS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Presentation Book

Call to the Nations An ideal book for presenting to congressmen or local dignitaries that examines the worldwide social and moral chaos, explains the principle of the oneness of mankind, and foretells a future world commonwealth in which human rights are ensured. (HC, $6.00)

Pamphlets

Building a Unified Community Explores the purpose of human life and describes how unified communities can emerge when that purpose is realized and acted upon. (PM, 10/$3.00)

Divine Law: Source of Human Rights Describes how justice—the cornerstone of human rights—is a central concern of the Bahá’í Faith. (PM, 10/$3.00)

The Environment and Human Values: A Bahá’í View Delineates the basic illness of our society and environment and outlines Bahá’í principles that will help restore a balance within the environment and within the sphere of human values. (PM, 10/$3.00)

Equality of Men and Women: A New Reality Discusses the Bahá’í teachings on the equality of men and women. Excellent for groups that are interested in the status of women. (PM, 10/$3.00)

Trust remodeling under way; brief services slowdown seen

Remodeling is now under way on the building that houses the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

THE FIRST stage of the remodeling operation was to be completed by about October 15.

“First, we’ll ‎gutting be gutting‎ the back of the building and remodeling it to accommodate the warehousing operation,” says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust. “By the first of November we expect to begin moving the shelving and hardware into the building at 415 Linden Avenue, and shortly after that we’ll begin transferring our inventory.

“While the inventory is being transferred,” he says, “we expect to have a noticeable slowdown in order processing.

“Our intention is to do all we can to make the slowdown as brief as possible. Since we haven’t had to move this many books and materials before, it’s a little hard to predict how long service will be affected.”

According to Mr. Bucknell, the remodeling of the Publishing Trust and Distribution Service will reduce the overhead costs of maintaining a separate warehouse, and ultimately will help keep a lid on the rising costs of book publishing.

“We can only hope,” he says, “that the remodeling and transfer of our inventory goes as smoothly as the installation of our new computer system.

“We’re already seeing an improvement in the speed with which we are processing orders. These two significant changes in the way we do business should result in better service to our customers and much greater efficiency in our internal operations.”

U.S. Bahá’í Directory for June ’84 available

The June 1984 issue of the United States Bahá’í Directory has been published and is available upon request to Spiritual Assemblies and Groups.

The directory contains information on how to contact Spiritual Assemblies, Auxiliary Board members, District Teaching Committees, and selected schools and institutes.

Once a community requests a directory, it will automatically receive one every six months.

To request a copy of the directory, simply write to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

LAST CHANCE! SPECIAL DESTINY PACKAGES OFFER!

(Expires October 31, 1984)

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh The American Bahá’í is a dynamic talk by Counsellor Peter Khan on the challenges and promises of America’s glorious destiny 60-minute cassette Catalog No. 831-047 $7.00

PLUS

America’s Spiritual Destiny a guide for personal or group study; 104 pages Catalog No. 363-026 $4.50

ORDER NOW AND SAVE

Call 1-800-323-1880 before October 31, 1984

Destiny Package A contains Apostles cassette tape America’s Destiny guide Catalog No. 560-101 $8.00 now ($10.00 after Oct. 31, 1984)

Destiny Package B contains Apostles cassette tape America’s Destiny guide The Advent of Divine Justice, HC Catalog No. 560-102 $19.00 now ($23.50 after Oct. 31, 1984)

Destiny Package C contains Apostles cassette tape America’s Destiny guide The Advent of Divine Justice, SC $13.00 ($18.00 after Oct. 31, 1984)

ORDER FORM

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, IL 60091

Quan.	Item	Amt.	Quan.	Item	Amt.
____	America’s Spir. Destiny, SC	$4.50	____	Destiny Package C	$13.00
____	Apostles Bahá’u’lláh, CS	7.00	____	Divine Law, PM	10/3.00
____	Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E.	1.85	____	Env. and Human Values, PM	10/3.00
____	Pocket Calendar 142 B.E.	10/1.75	____	Equal. Men Women, PM	10/3.00
____	Wall Calendar 142 ‎B.C. B.E.‎	1.00	____	From Behind Veil, SC	3.25
____	Build. Unified Comm., PM	10/3.00	____	Mark Tobey: Art & Belief, HC	16.95
____	Call to the Nations, HC	6.00	____	Mark Tobey: Art & Belief, SC	8.95
____	The Dawning Place, HC	20.00	____	Martha Root, HC	20.00
____	The Dawning Place, SC	12.00	____	Martha Root, SC	12.50
____	Destiny Package A	8.00	____	O God, My God ..., HC	5.00
____	Destiny Package B	19.00	____	Secret Div. Civilization, HC	10.00

Total plus 10 per cent postage (_____ $1.50 minimum for postage) _____

Enclose a check for the full amount, or

VISA/MC (CIRCLE ONE) EXP. DATE _______________

CARD NO. _________________________________

Name ____________________________________

Address __________________________________

City ___________________ State _____ Zip _____

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

TAB: 10/84

Prices good through November 30, 1984 [Page 14]

List of National Treasurer’s Representatives by district

WHO ARE THE NTRs? NTRs are representatives of the Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly. Their mandate is to help the believers in their area of service understand the relationship between the use of material resources and spiritual growth.

In addition, they are available to train local treasurers in the technical, educational and spiritual aspects of administration of the Bahá’í Fund. NTRs are not fund-raisers!

The following individuals have been selected to serve as NTRs through August 1985. They are listed according to the Districts in which they serve. Every community is encouraged to meet with its NTR at least once a year.

NTR DIRECTORY

Alabama, Northern—#028 Bobbie H. Piper Birmingham, AL 35243 205/967-0334

Alabama S/Florida NW—#019 Pamela Taylor Eglin AFB, FL 32542 904/651-8095

Arizona, Northern—#072 Reed Amadon P.O. Box 193 Tsaile, AZ 86556 602/724-3371 602/724-3311 James and Patricia Harris P.O. Box 111 Clarkdale, AZ 86324 602/634-5685

Arizona, Southern—#066 Barbara De La Cruz South Tucson, AZ 85713 602/882-3041 602/745-5588

Arkansas—#033 Becky Doan Little Rock, AR 72204 501/227-7002 501/371-3485

California, Central No. 1—#076 Vern Allie PO Box 429 Redwood Estates, CA 95044 408/353-1261 415/961-2550, X3070 John J. Gallagher Hayward, CA 94544 415/537-0575 Robert Lewis Richmond, CA 94804 415/526-3956 415/524-4342 Debra Taylor Newark, CA 94560 415/794-3461 415/657-6300

California, Central No. 2—#077 Leland and Marie Carlson Hanford, CA 93230 209/582-5830 209/582-2541 (Leland) Claudette Varnado Fresno, CA 93726 209/252-3569

California, Northern No. 1—#075 Harold E. Moore Sacramento, CA 95820 916/452-0109 Keith Stahl Sacramento, CA 95842 916/344-3704 Ken Turner Broderick, CA 95605 916/372-3387 916/371-8789

California, Northern No. 2—#074 Mike Bryan Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707/584-0679 707/585-1723 Karen Wilson PO Box 297 — Star Route Kneeland, CA 95549 707/445-3430

California, Southern No. 1—#078 Nigel Austin-Weeks El Segundo, CA 90245 213/322-2899 Farshad Berjis S. Pasadena, CA 91030 818/441-4834 Brian Mealey Long Beach, CA 90803 213/431-1141 213/615-0311, X1198 Charles White Los Angeles, CA 90008 213/290-1062 213/649-6693

California, Southern No. 2—#079 Judith and Shad Afsahi Anaheim, CA 92804 714/956-1889 213/236-5862 (Shad) Melvin Chester Newport Bch, CA 92663 714/645-2557 714/836-8042

California, Southern No. 3—#080 Ralph P. Neal PO Box 3150 Shell Beach, CA 93449 805/546-9382 Albert A. Okuma, Jr. Ventura, CA 93003 805/642-0822 805/646-6860/2231

California, Southern No. 4—#069 Keith Fuller Carlsbad, CA 92008 619/729-6110 714/831-0900 Michael and Nancy Lavach Lakeside, CA 92040 619/561-7336 619/696-4217 (Michael)

Colorado, Northeast—#037 Sue Christianson Greeley, CO 80631 303/356-2228 Chuck Hall Englewood, CO 80100 303/781-2586 303/329-9335

Colorado, Southeast—#065 Sevilla Caldwell Colorado Springs, CO 80904 303/636-2847 303/475-5129

Colorado, Western—#036 Mark A. Reddy P.O. Box 1728 Durango, CO 81301 303/259-1538 303/259-2890

Connecticut—#005 Adair Luciani Woodbridge, CT 06525 203/397-0867

DelMarVa—#020 Bill Winters Claymont, DE 19703 302/798-3895 302/999-9805

Florida, Central—#058 Michael J. Reimer Casselberry, FL 32707 305/695-7808 305/423-2261

Florida, Northern—#027 Nahid Venus Jacksonville, FL 32207 904/396-4885

Florida, Southeast—#018 Covey Cantville Royal Palm Bch, FL 33411 305/793-1184 305/583-6044 George G. Savitt Miami, FL 33134 305/448-5228 305/592-3423 Kurt Wells Boca Raton, FL 33433 305/482-3892

Florida, Southwest—#015 Bobby Thaggard Tampa, FL 33617 813/988-1399 813/253-2207 John Wing Lakeland, FL 33801 813/665-1933 813/665-1451

Georgia, Northeast—#025 Joe Ferguson Stone Mt., GA 30088 404/469-9829 404/897-5887 Kevin Schuler Athens, GA 30606 404/353-7298

Georgia, Northwest—#026 Catherine McDonald Tucker, GA 30084 404/496-0979 404/420-8112 William F. Varner College Park, GA 30337 404/766-2696 404/530-2593

Georgia, Southern—#017 Cecile Bigatin ‎Savannnah Savannah‎, GA 31401 912/236-0051 William F. Varner College Park, GA 30337 404/766-2696 404/530-2593

Idaho N/Washington E—#085 David Gregory Okanogan, WA 98840 509/422-5334 James W. Workman PO Box 366 Lapwai, ID 83540 208/743-1535

Idaho, Southern—#083 Gerry Albright Nampa, ID 83651 208/467-7223

Illinois, Northern No. 1—#050 Elizabeth and Gerald Heit DeKalb, IL 60115 815/756-3252

Illinois, Northern No. 2—#044 Charlotte George Tinley Park, IL 60477 312/532-5939 312/798-4600 Leslie A. Wilder Prospect Heights, IL 60070 312/541-5237

Illinois, Southern—#051 Debora and Scott Martin Monticello, IL 61856 217/762-9759 217/762-2908 (Scott) Jim Weik ‎Webster Grove Webster Groves‎, MO 63119 314/968-9699 314/631-4400

Indiana—#057 Lawrence H. Dwyer South Bend, IN 46601 219/287-5463 219/288-4655 Peter Jones Muncie, IN 47304 317/284-0023 317/284-6696

Iowa—#059 Edith M. Elmore Bettendorf, IA 52722 319/332-5525 309/794-1515

Kansas—#064 Kenneth R. Hollingshead P.O. Box 327 Lenora, KS 67645 913/567-4449 913/567-4885 Genay H. Snyder Emporia, KS 66801 316/343-3135

Kentucky—#031 Debra and Dennis Reid Danville, KY 40422 606/236-7034 606/236-8400 X259 (Debra) 606/236-9220 (Dennis) Jim Wilde Lexington, KY 40509 606/268-3261

Louisiana, Northern—#032 Kim Bowers Kilgore, TX 75662 214/984-2915 Nezzie Harris Vicksburg, MS 39180 601/638-5537 601/636-5221

Louisiana, Southern—#088 Bernice Dormio Westwego, LA 70094 504/436-1581 504/341-2273

Maine—#001 Samuel Brown Cambridge, ME 04923 207/277-3724 Manny Reimer Eliot, ME 03903 207/439-3632 207/439-4515

Maryland/D.C.—#021 James L. Sturdivant Greenbelt, MD 20770 301/345-2918 202/245-0024, X0009

Massachusetts—#003 Norma Gimlin P.O. Box 989 Northampton, MA 01061 413/586-5193 413/586-9440 Mike Hoffman Milford, MA 01757 617/478-4604 617/528-8600, X2306 [Page 15]

TREASURER’S REPRESENTATIVES

October 1984

Ray Schmucker Boxboro, MA 01719 617/263-6823 617/493-8775

Michigan, Mainland—#054 Zander Krowitz Cadillac, MI 49601 616/775-1763 616/775-2421

Tom Rykwalder Manchester, MI 48158 313/428-9454 313/995-7854

Sally Singer Saginaw, MI 48603 517/792-8416 517/893-3961

Minnesota, Northern—#056 Timothy M. Crawford Virginia, MN 55792 218/749-3609

Minnesota, Southern—#089 Mike Terenzio Minneapolis, MN 55403 612/870-8801 612/339-8894

Soheil Zebarjadi Bloomington, MN 55437 612/835-4074 612/874-5298

Mississippi—#029 Frances Falvey Gulfport, MS 39501 601/863-6856

Nezzie Harris Vicksburg, MS 39180 601/638-5537 601/636-5221

Margaret Quance Gulfport, MS 39501 601/863-6856 601/868-2311

Missouri—#060 Badi Eshraghi Kansas City, MO 64155 816/734-8735 816/274-1367

Joyce E. Smith King City, MO 64463 816/535-6215 816/535-4319

Jim Weik Webster Grove, MO 63119 314/968-9699 314/631-4400

Barbara Wisman Union, MO 63084 314/583-8887

Montana—#082 George H. Belshaw Bozeman, MT 59715 406/586-1225

Carol Koelzer Billings, MT 59105 406/232-1798 406/252-4874

Navajo/Hopi—#098 Reed Amadon P.O. Box 193 Tsaile, AZ 86556 602/724-3371 602/724-3311

Barbara Tong PO Box 395 Tuba City, AZ 86045 602/283-5675

Nebraska—#063 Carol Jean Befort North Platte, NE 69101 308/534-8434 308/534-6780

Jo Ellen Clifton Grand Island, NE 68801

Don Schneider Fremont, NE 68025 402/727-5708 402/721-1562

Colin Taylor North Platte, NE 69101 308/534-4939 308/532-8980

Nevada, Northern—#073 Richard Bush Reno, NV 89502 702/329-3982 702/784-5236

Nevada, Southern—#068 Joan McWhirter N. Las Vegas, NV 89030 702/642-6272 702/649-3137

New Hampshire—#002 Geoffrey G. Martin Concord, NH 03301 603/225-9257 603/228-1345

New Jersey—#008 Corinne A. Manogue Institute of Advanced Study Princeton, NJ 08540

Rodney Richards Yardville, NJ 08620 609/585-6120 609/984-7861

New Mexico, Northern—#070 James Hopper III Santa Fe, NM 87501 505/988-2157

New Mexico S/Texas W—#071 Gary Worth El Paso, TX 79912 915/542-3505 915/532-5421

New York, Eastern—#009 Bob Arrington Katonah, NY 10536 914/232-8344 212/683-3500

Gary J. Dunn Hempstead V., NY 11550 516/481-7860 516/595-5825

John Hilton Albany, NY 12208 518/436-8230 518/477-2100

John D. Marlow Greenwich, NY 12834 518/692-7694 518/584-4100

Robert Scheidet Rocky Point, NY 11778 516/821-0141 516/473-8400

New York, Western—#010 Brydon J. B. Grant East Amherst, NY 14051 716/688-1417 716/898-3377

Bruce Watson Syracuse, NY 13224 315/446-0360 315/456-3509

North Carolina, Central—#013 L. Douglas Johnson Greensboro, NC 27407 919/852-0845 919/275-4578

Anne H. Respess Tobaccoville, NC 27050 919/983-2356 919/983-2356

North Carolina, Eastern—#024 Robert Ruby Raleigh, NC 27609 919/847-2885 919/872-9500

North Carolina, Western—#012 William C. Wachob, Jr. Charlotte, NC 28205 704/537-8762

North Dakota—#061 Earl Henrikson ‎Bismark Bismarck‎, ND 58501 701/224-8690 701/258-6672

Ohio, Northern—#053 Frank S. Jenkins Warrensv’l Hts OH 44122 216/283-8526 216/687-3021

Ohio, Southern—#055 Terry A. Krasko Athens, OH 45701 614/592-6366 614/592-6644

Oklahoma, Eastern—#034 Mary Ellen Baker Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918/258-3795 918/744-2505

Oklahoma, Western—#091 Polly and Rudy Koskie Edmond, OK 73034 405/341-0233

Oregon, Eastern—#016 Ruth Hall Pendleton, OR 97801 503/276-1868

Oregon, Western—#084 Norman C. Ives, Jr. Springfield, OR 97477 503/741-0996

Chris O’Donnell Gladstone, OR 97027 503/656-0524 503/249-4556

David Phelps Tigard, OR 97223 503/639-0750 503/639-8612

Steve Toussaint 12319 SE Oatfield Road Milwaukee, OR 97222 503/654-7129

Pennsylvania, Eastern—#038 Laura Lawrence Bethlehem, PA 18017 215/868-5604

Pennsylvania, Western—#007 Craig A. Parke Donora, PA 15033 412/379-5625 412/379-8727/6222

Rhode Island—#004 Bud Phelps Coventry, RI 02816 401/397-5536

South Carolina, Central—#039 Dorothy Biering Holly Hill, SC 29059 803/496-7038

S. Carolina, Eastern No. 1—#040 Roya Anvar-Campbell Florence, SC 29501 803/662-0662 803/558-2977

S. Carolina, Eastern No. 2—#094 Roya Anvar-Campbell Florence, SC 29501 803/662-0662 803/558-2977

Anthony Mockabee Moncks Corner, SC 29461 803/761-3106 803/743-3733

S. Carolina, Northern—#011 Rob McKie Pickens, SC 29671 803/878-6664 803/859-3695

S. Carolina, Southern No. 1—#041 Anthony Mockabee Moncks Corner, SC 29461 803/761-3106 803/743-3733

S. Carolina, Southern No. 2—#042 Amber Spahn Walterboro, SC 29488 803/549-2186 803/524-8473

South Carolina, Western—#043 Rob McKie Pickens, SC 29671 803/878-6664 803/859-3695

South Dakota—#062 John Luthy Brookings, SD 57007 605/692-7321 605/692-6030

Tennessee, Eastern—#030 Dorothy C. Edwards e. #H East Ridge, TN 37412 615/867-3384

Gail Humpston Knoxville, TN 37922 615/966-4601 615/482-0101

Tennessee, Western—#093 Marcia Lample Nashville, TN 37211 615/833-3676

Texas, Central No. 1—#047 Ruben Betancourt Austin, TX 78750 512/250-9391 512/244-4062

Texas, Central No. 2—#045 Michael Kelly Lubbock, TX 79410 806/793-2728 806/763-4213

Texas, Eastern No. 1—#035 Kim Bowers Kilgore, TX 75662 214/984-2915

Margaret Menking Rowlett, TX 75088 214/475-8570 214/437-2400, X2483

Carole Trout Richardson, TX 75080 214/690-4540

Texas, Eastern No. 2—#049 Irvin Hanks Missouri City, TX 77489 713/437-7514 713/850-7244

Texas, Northern—#046 Gisela Webb Lubbock, TX 79424 806/794-7359 806/742-2261

Texas, Southern—#048 Gilbert L. Rucker Victoria, TX 77904 512/575-2708 512/578-3571

See NTRs Page 22 [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.

ATTENTION retired educators: established pre-schools in Swaziland need supervisors by the end of January 1985. One school requires a mature couple to be caretakers for the regional Bahá’í Center and to supervise nearly 60 pre-schoolers under two bi-lingual teachers. Free housing may be available. Also needed is a single supervisor for a small two-teacher school at the National Center in Mbabane; temporary housing may be available. People who are mature and financially independent are needed in both positions, and one’s own transportation is practically a must. For complete details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WHAT a bargain! Back issues of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way magazines are available for collectors, teachers, parents and children of all ages! $1.50 for each issue of Child’s Way, $2 for each issue of Brilliant Star. Please specify dates with your request. Send to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

EMPLOYMENT opportunity on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona for teachers with “special ed and Chapter I” experience or training. Contact Louis Barajas, P.O. Box 211, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039, or phone 602-734-2295. Mr. Barajas is principal of the Reservation school, and is not a Bahá’í.

HELP save an Assembly by becoming a homefront pioneer to Mount Airy, North Carolina, a community of 8,000 near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Virginia border. A one-story, three-bedroom house with bath, large kitchen and two-car garage is for sale. The asking price is $19,000. Contact Shahin Nikoui, c/o Oscar Merritt, Mount Airy, NC 27030, or phone 919-786-8411.

Got a new address? MOVING? Got a new telephone number? Don’t forget to let your local community secretary and the National Spiritual Assembly know about your new address and phone number right away so there will be no interruption in receiving your Bahá’í mail. For your convenience, there is an address form on the last page of this issue of The American Bahá’í. Simply put it in an envelope and mail to: Bahá’í National Center, Office of Membership and Records, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ONLY ONE more Bahá’í is needed to raise Braintree, Massachusetts, to Assembly status. Braintree is within commuting distance of Boston and about an hour from Cape Cod. The Bahá’ís of Braintree will help in any way they can in locating employment and housing. Write to Esther Rastegari, Braintree, MA 02184, or phone 617-848-8663 and leave a message on the recorder.

BAHÁ’Í authors interested in the peace movement are invited to submit articles for possible publication in a compilation similar to Circle of Unity. Please contact Kalimát Press, 10889 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024, or phone 213-208-8559.

FIELD technicians in education with specialties in management, resources, computers, teacher training, and other areas are needed for a project in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Also needed in Lesotho are qualified personnel in health, nutrition, communications, mass media, developing countries, marketing, radio, agriculture, education, training, satellite communications, and research. These are all U.S. government positions. For information about applying, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MOLINE, Illinois, needs Bahá’ís to maintain its Assembly status. Moline, in the Quad Cities area, has an active Bahá’í community surrounded by five other Assemblies. There are two community colleges, four four-year colleges, Palmer College of Chiropractic, the Quad City Graduate Center, and many trade and business schools. The housing situation is excellent for buyers and renters. The job outlook for blue collar workers is poor, but there are openings in service professions and businesses serving the more than 350,000 area residents. Government workers may be able to transfer to the Rock Island Arsenal. For more information, contact Pam Dunbar, Moline, IL 61265, or telephone 319-797-6458.

NEED a homefront pioneer? Help us send one to your locality. Keep us informed about jobs, schools, rooms for rent, homes to share, and a general description of your community. These are most helpful in matching pioneers to posts. Please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

COME live the life in small-town Bridgeport, Texas (population 4,000) about 40 miles from North Texas State University and Texas Women’s University in Denton (many people in the area commute to school) and about 50 miles from Fort Worth. Two adults and their three children are the only Bahá’ís in the county. The oil industry is thriving here, as is the rock-crushing industry. An area college is seeking instructors to teach extension classes in Bridgeport. There are two hospitals and two nursing homes in the area. The economy is relatively healthy, and the small-town atmosphere is great for raising children. The Bridgeport Bahá’í School is held every summer and winter at Lake Bridgeport. For more information, please write to Cindy Bullion, Bridgeport, TX 76026, or phone 817-683-2055.

PETE Jorgensen of Panama, HP1XZB, would like to meet Bahá’í ham radio operators in the evenings on 14313.

WANTED: Information about the location of the personal papers of Miss Olive Alexander, Captain James E. Scott, and Mr. and Mrs. Mabry C. Oglesby. Anyone having information about these papers is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MONTESSORI teacher is needed for a new Bahá’í-owned school in Hendersonville, Tennessee, 20 miles north of Nashville, where the small Bahá’í community is family-oriented but welcomes single Bahá’ís and cultural, chronological and racial diversity. Our goal community is 10 minutes away and has no “found” Bahá’ís yet. We’re looking especially for an energetic teacher of young children and new believers. Please contact Andrea Seals, corresponding secretary, Hendersonville, TN 37077.

HELP! Brilliant Star magazine is always in need of good materials for children, and has a special need for activities, stories and articles for younger children (primary grade ages). Send to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

THE NEW “Homefront Pioneer” booklet is now available from the National Teaching Committee. The booklet lists and explains the committee’s priorities for homefront pioneers and provides helpful information for all Bahá’ís about homefront pioneering. You’ll want to have this information 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, please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

ATTENTION prospective homefront pioneers. Here is your golden opportunity to complete an Assembly. New Hampshire has eight towns with seven or more adult Bahá’ís: Hudson, Epping, Rochester, Bristol, Lebanon, Laconia, Woodstock and Lincoln. For more information, please contact Jon Ring, secretary, New Hampshire District Teaching Committee, Exeter, NH 03833, or phone 603-772-4680.

PROJECT coordinator wanted for Washington, D.C.’s “Project 1000.” Opportunity for a devoted Bahá’í to assist the Faith on a part-time basis. The Assembly is willing to help in finding a part-time job in the D.C. area. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Washington, Washington, DC 20011.

RETIRED couple sought by the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, Oregon, to live in and manage the city’s Bahá’í Center, a turn-of-the-century two-story home located beside the University of Oregon among the fraternity and sorority houses. The main floor is used by the Bahá’í community and the upper floor is the manager’s quarters. There is a large kitchen, one bedroom, a bath and front room with skylight. The $235 monthly donation by the managers covers all utilities and phone. If you are interested, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, P.O. Box 19743, Eugene, OR 97401.

JOBS are available in Grenada for certified teachers, especially at the secondary level, and licensed nurses, preferably with midwife training. Also, a position for a nutritionist with a masters degree in public health. Also needed are dentists, orthopedic surgeons, eye specialists, psychiatrists and specialists in agriculture suited to tropical production. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A TWO-YEAR position as a project manager is available in the North Pacific. Those with architectural or engineering experience in management are needed. Write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BRATTLEBORO, the gateway to Vermont, the four-season state, needs homefront pioneers to keep an incorporated Assembly functioning. Brattleboro is a vital, active town of about 13,000 with growth in light industry; music and crafts abound. There are three colleges within a half-hour travel time, skiing not far away, and a large tourist and restaurant industry. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Brattleboro, P.O. Box 221, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or phone Barbara Guthrie, 802-257-4433, or Barbara Goldman, 802-254-6918.

DO YOU work in an employment agency or related field? Consider helping in a referral network with other Bahá’ís around the country. Please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

UNICEF packets that can be presented to children’s school teachers by Bahá’í parents are available from the National Education Committee office. The packet is a welcome gift to the teacher and helps to establish the child’s Bahá’í identity in the classroom. Each packet contains a

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[Page 17]

Bahá’í Youth Conference

event by Canadian Bahá’í musicians, and dance interpretations ranging from contemporary ballet and classical dances from India to a break-dancing competition.

The conference was opened by Hugh Rooney, assistant vice-president of the University of Western Ontario, who welcomed the participants on behalf of the school. Mr. Rooney was also present at a Bahá’í-sponsored tree planting ceremony on the campus.

Another special guest, Canadian Senator Jacques Hébert, discussed the important contributions to be made in developing countries by youth as a part of his description of Canada World Youth, an international assistance organization which he founded.

Bahá’í speakers focused on topics that included the United Nations International Youth Year 1985; thinking and creativity; free will; dealing with stress; accounts of recent martyrdoms; and of course, the Youth Movement.

Referred to time and again throughout the conference, this "movement," which is in reality a grassroots rededication by Bahá’í youth in Canada and the U.S. to serve the Cause of God, had its inception during meetings of Counsellors, National Assembly members, Auxiliary Board members, members of National Youth Committees, and selected Bahá’í youth that took place last February in Invermere, British Columbia, and in May at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.

THOSE meetings were held in response to the message of January 3, 1984, from the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í youth all over the world (see The American Bahá’í, April 1984, p. 7). Since then, the Movement has manifested itself in an increased level of youth activities that has included service and teaching projects in Canada and in states from California to South Carolina.

Some young people arrived in Canada two days before the conference was to open to attend a special Youth Movement session at which plans for teaching, deepening, proclamation and service projects were set forth and developed.

Many of the youth wore round, solid green lapel buttons devoid of any lettering, the symbol of the Youth Movement.

Throughout the conference, youth signed their names to a scroll addressed to the Universal House of Justice which carried this pledge:

"We, the participants of the Bahá’í Youth Movement in North America, pledge, in response to your message of January 3, 1984, to seize all opportunities, at this portentous hour, to serve the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and to move the world."

THE SCROLL, bearing the signatures of many conference participants, stretched from one end of the stage to the other when it was unrolled by some of the youth during the final conference session.

In a cable to the Universal House of Justice, the youth in London, Ontario, invited young Bahá’ís throughout the world to join the Youth Movement.

Dr. Hossain Danesh, the conference chairman and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, read a letter of greetings from the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador and asked for a committee of youth to draft a reply.

Later, Dr. Danesh announced that it had been decided that the message from the Universal House of Justice would be read each day that the conference was in session.

Speakers at a panel session on International Youth Year included Charles "Cap" Cornwell, secretary of the U.S. National Teaching Committee, and Nancy Mondschein, a member of the U.S. national secretariat's Department of Community Administration and former representative of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly to the United Nations in New York. Other panelists were Canadian youth Vafa Akhavan and Dr. Sharon Hatcher; Ann Datson, director of the International Youth Year secretariat in the Canadian State Department; and Nancy Ackerman, public information officer for the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

A LARGE conference bookstore provided taped copies of conference presentations that were offered for sale while the conference was still in progress.

The agenda, although full and busy, allowed some time for outdoor activities including competitive and non-competitive games and a service project in which a large number of youth cleaned up litter in city parks.

Among the evening activities were a dance and rock concert featuring Canadian Bahá’í singers and musicians.

Mr. Furútan, who spoke on three occasions, delighted the audience with his sharp sense of humor and with marvelous stories of his days as a student when he was the only Bahá’í at his university.

Dr. Varqá spoke on two occasions, during which he drew the attention of his audience to the future opposition to the Faith which was described so eloquently by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and traced the steps outlined by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to reinforce one's inner spiritual life in order to withstand that opposition.

MESSAGE TO THE BAHÁ’Í YOUTH CONFERENCE IN LONDON, ONTARIO

WE HAIL WITH JOY AND HOPE THE ENNOBLING PURPOSES OF YOUR CONFERENCE IN LONDON, ONTARIO.

YOU ARE GATHERED AT A MOMENT WHICH RESOUNDS WITH THE SIGNIFICANCES AND CHALLENGES POSED BY THE WORLD-SHAKING EVENTS ENVELOPING THE COMMUNITY OF THE GREATEST NAME IN BAHÁ’U’LLÁH'S NATIVE LAND. THE OUTPOURING GRACE PROVIDENTIALLY VOUCHSAFED THE ONWARD MARCH OF OUR HOLY CAUSE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THESE EVENTS IS CLEARLY EVIDENT.

OUR HEARTS LEAP AT THE INNUMERABLE IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FURTHER UNFOLDMENT OF THE ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH TO WHICH, UNDOUBTEDLY, YOU CAN AND WILL APPLY YOUR ABUNDANT TALENTS, YOUR ZEST FOR ACTION AND, ABOVE ALL, THE ENTHUSIASM OF YOUR DEVOTION. SURELY, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE HEROIC DEEDS OF SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF YOUR IRANIAN BRETHREN ARE MATCHED WITH CORRESPONDING EFFORTS ON YOUR PART IN THE VAST FIELDS OF TEACHING AND SERVICE LYING OPEN BEFORE YOU.

THE EXHORTATIONS ESPECIALLY ADDRESSED TO YOUTH BY OUR BELOVED MASTER AND THE GALVANIZING INFLUENCE OF THE GUARDIAN'S GUIDANCE WILL ECHO EVEN MORE LOUDLY IN YOUR HEARTS NOW. INDEED, WE WILL PRAY ARDENTLY AT THE HOLY SHRINES THAT YOU MAY REALIZE IN YOUR LIVES THE IDEALS THEY SO PERSISTENTLY UPHELD, THAT YOU MAY THUS 'ACQUIRE BOTH INNER AND OUTER PERFECTIONS' AS YOU INCREASE YOUR STUDY OF THE HEAVENLY WRITINGS, STRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE IN THE SCIENCES AND ARTS, AND BECOME KNOWN FOR YOUR INDEPENDENCE OF SPIRIT, YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND YOUR SELF-CONTROL. MAY YOU, AS ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ WISHED, BE FIRST AMONG THE PURE, THE FREE AND THE WISE.'

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AUGUST 25, 1984

Further Presentations

Mr. Robarts' light-hearted presentation included some of his musings on being among the dwindling number of the Hands of the Cause. Each of the Hands of the Cause was presented with a green Youth Movement button and a red rose.

"DEALING with Stress" was the topic of a presentation by Dr. Jane Faily, a clinical psychologist and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, and Fereydoun Ardestani, an engineering student from Ottawa.

Logical proofs of the existence of God were discussed by Dr. William Hatcher, a professor of mathematics at Laval University in Québec City and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Another member of the National Assembly of Canada, Dr. Glen Eyford, spoke on thinking and creativity, while "Evolution" was the topic addressed by Dr. David Smith, an Auxiliary Board member from Canada.

Robert Harris, an Auxiliary Board member from the U.S., used humor and the theme of youth as Bahá’u’lláh's "spiritual soldiers" to make his points.

Entertainment between the various conference addresses included a performance by Ballet Shayda from Ottawa, which presented a blend of classical and modern dance, and an appearance by the Neda Bahá’í Youth Choir from Detroit, Michigan.

Image Captions

DR. DAVID SMITH Canada's Ballet Shayda performs during a session of the Bahá’í International Youth Conference in London, Ontario.

ROUHI JAHANPUR ternational Youth Conference in London, Ontario.

Reggie Newkirk (right), an Auxiliary Board member from Canada, launches his patented one-hand jump shot during a pick-up basketball game at the Bahá’í International Youth Conference. [Page 18]

پیامهای بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

ترجمه تلکس واصله از ساحت رفیع بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۲۲ آگوست ۱۹۸۴

جناب منوچهر روحی داروساز ۵۲ ساله و مورد احترام عموم پس از ۱۱ ماه زندان ۱۶ آگوست در بجنورد خراسان بوسیله جوخه آتش اعدام شد و کلیه اموال ایشان مصادره گردید. جان ۲۵ نفس دیگر از احباء در خطر است زیرا احکام اعدام آنان صادر شده است...

بیت‌العدل اعظم

(پیام دیگری که در تاریخ ۲۶ آگوست واصل گردیده حاکی است که جمعاً ۳۲ نفر از یاران مسجون در ایران به اعدام محکوم شده‌اند.)

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان منعقده در لندن، انتاریو، کانادا

با سرور و امید مقاصد عالیه کنفرانس شما را در لندن انتاریو تجلیل می‌نمائیم. شما در این مؤتمر سهمگامی مجتمع شده‌اید که حکایت از مسائل خطیره و مجهودات مهمه‌ای دارد که منبعث از وقایع هائله‌ای است که جامعه پیروان اسم اعظم را در موطن جمال قدم احاطه نموده‌است، در نتیجه این وقایع نزول تأییدات متتابعه الهیه جهت پیشرفت امر مقدس بوضوح مسلّم و محقق است.

قلوب ما از فرصت‌های آتی و بی‌شماری که برای تجلی و تقدم بیشتر نظم بدیع الهی موجود است و یقیناً شما استعدادهای سرشاره، ذوق اقدام و از همه بالاتر شور و انجذاب و فداکاری خود را در اغتنام از این فرصت‌ها بکار خواهید گرفت در طپش و هیجان است. محققاً ملاحظه خواهید کرد که جانبازی‌های دلیرانه برادران و خواهران روحانی شما در ایران با مساعی مجدانه شما در میدان وسیع خدمت و تبلیغ که در برابر شما مفتوح است همطراز و هماهنگ می‌باشد.

انذارات و مواعظ حضرت مولی‌الوری که اختصاصاً جوانان را مخاطب قرار فرموده و ارشادات مهیجه حضرت ولی‌عزیز امرالله اینک بیش از پیش در قلوب شما طنین‌انداز خواهد بود. برای شما که دامنه مطالعات خود را در آثار الهیه وسعت می‌دهید و در سبیل تعالی در علوم و فنون مجاهدت میکنید و به استقلال روح، دانشوری و خویشتن داری معروف میگردید در اعتاب مقدسه صمیمانه دعا میکنیم که در حیات خود به غایت مطلوبی که مؤکداً منظور نظر آن هیاکل قدسیه بوده واصل گردید و بالمال بکمال معنوی و کمال صوری هردو نائل شوید.

رجاء آنکه بر طبق آرزوی مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء "در پاکی و آزادگی و خرد سرآمد اقران باشید."

بیت‌العدل اعظم

کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان در لندن، انتاریو، کانادا

قریب به دو هزار نفر از جوانان از ۵۲ کشور مختلف در اولین کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان کشور کانادا که از ۲۵ تا ۲۷ آگوست ۱۹۸۴ در دانشگاه اونتاریوی غربی در شهر لندن، ایالت اونتاریو، تشکیل شد شرکت نمودند. از این عده حدود ۸۰۰ نفر از ایالات متحده و ۸۰۰ نفر دیگر از کانادا بودند.

این مؤتمر از فیض حضور سه نفر از حضرات ایادی عزیز امرالله جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن، جناب جان روبارتس و جناب دکتر علی‌محمد ورقا مستفیض بود. بعلاوه دو نفر از اعضاء هیئت مشاورین قاره آمریکا جناب دکتر فرزام ارباب و جناب لوید گاردنر و چهار نفر از اعضاء محفل روحانی ملی کانادا و چهار نفر از اعضاء هیئت معاونت در جلسات کنفرانس شرکت فرمودند.

موضوعی که کراراً در سخنرانی‌ها و مذاکرات کنفرانس بدان اشاره شد "نهضت جوانان" بهائی آمریکای شمالی بود که عده کثیری از جوانان را در برگرفته است و موجب ایجاد شور و انجذاب جدیدی در قلوب آنان برای قیام و کوشش در خدمت به امر حضرت بهاءالله گردیده است. شروع این "نهضت" در جلساتی بود مرکب از عده‌ای از جوانان با اعضاء محفل ملی، مشاورین و اعضاء هیئت معاونت که در کانادا و ایالات متحده تشکیل شد و از آن زمان فعالیت‌های جوانان و برنامه‌های اجتماعی آنان در سراسر کشور رو بازدیاد بوده‌است. قبل از شروع کنفرانس نیز عده‌ای از جوانان در جلسات خاصی که بمنظور حول برنامه‌های "نهضت جوانان" ترتیب یافته بود شرکت کردند.

قسمت دیگری از کنفرانس مسائل مربوط به سال جهانی جوانان (۱۹۸۵) اختصاص داشت و از جمله سخنرانان آن جلسه جناب چارلز کرنول منشی لجنه ملی تبلیغ بود. موثرترین لحظه در برنامه کنفرانس زمانی بود که روحی جهانپور خانم جوانی که در زمره ۲۱ نفر از نسوان بهائی در شیراز دستگیر و زندانی شده بود شرح شهامت و شجاعت و بلایای وارده بر یاران عزیز‌ش را بیان کرد با لحن وقتی که وصف حالات دوست ۱۸ ساله‌اش مونا محمودنژاد را نمود که همراه با نه نفر دیگر از اماءالرحمن بدلیل اینکه حاضر به کتمان عقیده نشد در ماه جون ۱۹۸۳ در شیراز بشهادت رسید. هنرمند بهائی کانادائی جناب داگلاس کمرون آهنگی بافتخار آن نوجوان شهید ساخته بود ولکن هنگام اجرای آن چنان تحت تاثیر قرار گرفت که قادر به ادامه نبود. حاضران بپاخاستند و اشک‌ ریزان یاد دوستان جوان بهائی خود را که در میدان جانبازی به رفیعترین مقام نائل گشته‌اند گرامی داشتند.

جوانان شرکت کننده در کنفرانس بین‌المللی کانادا

یکی از مناجاتهای جمال اقدس ابهی

الهی الهی تری اولیائک مقبلین الیک و متمسکین بحبل اوامرک و احکامک اسئلک بامواج بحر بیانک و بالذی به زینّت افلاک سما‌ء قدرتک ان تحفظهم بجودک و جنودک ای رب تری احبائک فی ایران تحت براثن الضغینة و العدوان اسئلک برحمتک التی سبقت الامکان ان تبعث من الارض من یقوم علی نصرتهم و حفظهم و اخذ حقوقهم و دیانتهم من الذین نقضوا عهدک و میثاقک و ارتکبوا ما ناح به سکان مدائن عدلک و انصا‌فک انک انت المقتدر العلیم الحکیم.

خروج از ایران

مرقومه مورخ ۱۴ شهرالکمال ۱۴۱ بدیع (۱۴ آگوست ۱۹۸۴) از طرف دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در خصوص خروج احبا از ایران که اخیراً به دفتر محفل مقدس روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده واصل گردیده است جهت اطلاع احبای عزیز ایرانی درج میگردد.

"اخیراً گزارش شده است که بعضی از احباء که از ایران خارج شده‌اند منسوبان و دوستان خود را تشویق به خروج از مهد امرالله مینمایند اگر چنین باشد با روش و دستورالعمل ‎معهدا علی معهد اعلی‎ ‎میباینت مباینت‎ خواهد داشت و یاران باید حتی‌الامکان از این عمل خودداری نمایند زیرا بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی احبای عزیز را در ماندن و یا خروج از ایران مختار گذاشته‌اند و ابداً مایل نیستند احدی را تشویق به خروج از ایران نمایند البته در موارد خاص و نظربه مقتضیات و شرائط زندگانی بعضی از نفوس، از خروج این قبیل یاران نیز ابداً ممانعت نمیفرمایند. حسب‌الامر ‎معهدا علی معهد اعلی‎ خواهشمند است دستورالعمل فوق را باطلاع کلیه یاران عزیز ایرانی در آن سامان بنحو مقتضی برسانند." [Page 19]

داستان باستان

خدمت عمه عزیزتر از جانم الله‌ابهی

انشا‌ءالله که همیشه در ظل تأییدات جمال اقدس ابهی لحظات را با خوشی و شادی بگذرانید و همیشه بذکر حق ذاکر گردید. عمه جان نامۀ پرمحبت شما اول عید نوروز بدستم رسید از شادی دو بال زیبا و ظریف و شفاف در آورده و بوسیله آن هیکل روح را بسوی آن مظهر محبت و عشق پرواز دادم به روح گفتم عزیز دلم بگو به آنها که اگر زمانه نفس‌های ما را از هم جدا کرده ولی چه غم که ارواح و قلوب را جمال مبارک حکم واحد داده است. بقربان فضلش و عظمت امرش گردم که این چنین ما را شیدا و عاشق جمال خود کرده عمه جان شاید باور نکنید که سر تحویل سال فقط برای لحظه‌ای چشمان را بستم و بخود گفتم پریسا نیت کن. آرزو کن در این لحظه سال تحویل تحولی از جمال مبارک بخواه فقط یک چیز در ‎مغرم مغزم‎ گذشت قلبم فریاد کرد یا جمال مبارک از این ببعد دلم میخواهد فقط ترا به جلوی چشمان داشته باشم. میخواهم که اگر عاشق بندگان تو هستم به این دلیل باشد که عاشق تو هستم با جمال مبارک میخواهم دیوانه روی تو، خلق تو و زلف مشکبار تو باشم میخواهم از این جام تلخ بلا کامم را گوارا کنم میخواهم خدمت کنم میبینید موری ضعیف و ناتوان آرزوی پادشاهی دربار سلیمان را میخواهد. عمه جان اینها را برایتان مینویسم که بدانید من افتخار میکنم که بهائی هستم، از آن بیشتر افتخار میکنم که بهائی ایرانی هستم و از آن بالاتر شکر میکنم فضلش را که بهائی ایرانی مقیم ایران هستم به جمال مبارک قسم که اگر الان در خارج از کشور عزیزمان بودم باز همانند کودکی که با وجود تنبیه مادرش به آغوش او پناه میبرد به میهن عزیز باز میگشتم تا در این ایام سختی و امتحانات شدیده سهم سهیم باشم آری جانسازان جمال مبارک از سر و جان گذشته‌اند و بیصبر و بیقرار در آرزوی وصال دوست میسوزند و میگدازند و از ‎حرفت پر برفت بارش فرقت پرگدازش‎ چون پروانه بدور شمع جمالش بی صدا میسوزند و خاکستر میشوند و مفتخر میگردند و شکر میگویند خدا را که جمال مبارک ‎ارجام از جام‎ ایثار شراب و می انقطاع و فداکاری به آنها نوشانیده است. عمه عزیزم بخدا قسم که افتخار میکنم به اینکه در این زمان و در این سن و در این مکان زندگی میکنم عمه جان شاد باشید و سرخوش که برادران در سجن یوسفی سلسله زنجیر سجن را که بفرموده مبارک مسلک باران و مأمن جانان است بر گردن نهاده و سبحان خریده خوشا بحال عمو یوسف بخدا که اگر حسادت حرام نبود بقدر ملکوت به او و امثال او حسادت میکردم، عمه جان اگر من نامه‌ای برای شما نگاشتم (منظورم همان نامه‌ای که برای دوستان خوانده‌اید) به جمال مبارک که برای خودنمائی نبود آن نامه را با قلبم و احساسم نوشتم آنرا عشق مینوشت و تأثر به اینکه شما آنجا دارید رنج را میتراشید و اشک بر دامان میریزید افسوس میخورید در حالیکه اینها تمام وقت تلف کردن است باید وظیفه‌ای را که حضرت بهاءالله بر دوشمان گذارده به نحو احسن انجام دهید حضرت بهاءالله از پیروان خود اشک و غم و اندوه نمیخواهد خدمت میخواهد و سرور فقط همین.

شاعر میگوید:

عاشقی و بیدلی اسرار ما است

کار کار ما است چون او یار ما است

نوبت کهنه فروشان گذشت

نو فروشانیـم و ایـن بـازار ما اسـت

آری نوفروشان سعادت بشریت ما هستیم خدایا این چه فضلی است که عطا فرمودی، یا حضرت عبدالبهاء ترا باید در قلب جست و در روح که همیشه در قلوب حاضر و قائمی فقط انسانها باید سعی کنند ترا ببینند وقتی ترا یافتند دیگر خاکستر از خاک میشوند و محوتر از محو آری این چنین یافتنی ما را آرزوست، چقدر زیبا است حقیقت را یافتن و جان در دم باختن.

همراه با نامۀ شما چند نامۀ دیگر از عزیزان دل و جان احبای شیراز داشتم نامۀ آنها وجودم را به آتش کشید و شعله‌های عشق را در قلبم بیشتر شعله‌ور کرد. عمه جان ببینید جوانی ۲۳ ساله را که در نامۀ خود شهادتی چون سلیمان افتخار که شمع آجین شد را برای خود آرزو میکند و از من میخواهد برایش دست بدعا بردارم. ببینید ببر جوانی را که سراپای نامه‌اش که خطاب بمن است نوشته: "عشقم بهاء است، جانم بهاء است، روحم بهاء است، روانم بهاء است، فکرم بهاء است" آری جوانی شوریده این چنین از خدا سخن به زبان میراند خوشا بحالش. نامه‌ام را برایش با ذکر "یا ابن الملکوت" شروع کردم چرا که واقعاً پسر ملکوتی است خوشا بحالش خوشا بحالش که این چنین آرزوی جانبازی و خدمت را در سر و قلب میپروراند. عمه جان باور کنید آنقدر همه مردم و انسانها را دوست دارم که دلم میخواهد سینه‌ام را بشکافم و بعد فریاد برآرم بیائید بشریت، بیا شیدا انسانها در قلب کوچک و حساس من برای همۀ شماها جا هست بیائید ای دشمنان خونخوار که من شما را چون عزیزانم دوست میدارم و برایتان هر صبح و شام دعا میخوانم خدا حفظتان کند جمال مبارک نور ایمان را بر وجودتان بتاباند. عمه جان ترا بخدا این نامه‌ها را چون انشائی دلنشین نخوانید به ذاتش قسم منظورم کلام‌پردازی نیست واقعیت است آری عمه جان خلق بدیع شده‌ام، دیوانه شده‌ام، عاشق شده‌ام، کاش شما هم میدیدید آنچه را که مـــن می بینم و لمس میکنم کاش شما هم حس میکردید که چقدر زیبا است که انسان هستی خویش را در قدم دوست افکند و بلا را بجان بخرد چقدر قشنگ است زمانیکه انسان استقامت با تمام وجود می بیند و حس میکرد. عمه جان به جمالش قسم اگر از این ببعد باز هم گریه و زاری کنید و افسوس برای ما بخورید تا آخر عمر ما را محزون ساخته‌اید از این ببعد دلم میخواهد هروقت چشمم بروی خطوط نامه‌تان میافتد جز شادی و سرور هیچ نخوانم دلم میخواهد همانطور که من به شما عشق میورزم شما هم مرا دوست داشته باشید و باعث حزن قلب نازک من نشوید من دیوانه و ناراحت میشوم وقتی میبینید شما مسکن اصلی را که مولای محبوبمان تجویز کرده‌اند نگذارده‌اید و به فرعی‌های اعصاب پناه برده‌اید حالت شما مرا بیاد شعر غم‌انگیزی انداخت که میگوید:

افسوس هر آنچه برداشته‌ام باختنی است

بشناخته‌ها تمام نشناختنی اسـت

برداشته‌ام هر آنچه باید بگذاشت

بگذاشته‌ام هر آنچه برداشتنی است

عمه جان بار دیگر داروی آرام‌بخش را به شما تذکر میدهم که فقط اوست حکیم حبیب، طبیب ماهر قلوب حساس و عاشق ما "جمیع علت‌های تو ذکر من است ‎فرامو‌ش فراموش‎ منما" این گفته من نیست سخن و فرموده دلبر دلجو و دلبر آفاق است. اگر ما بهائی هستیم باید عاشق باشیم اگر اشکی میریزیم باید برای عشق به او و شادی داشتن این عشق باشد نه برای تأثر و ‎غمگاری غمگساری‎. اگر تأثری بخوریم باید به حال خود بخوریم که ما هیچ نکردیم و ریگهای بیابان بر ما سبقت گرفتند. اگر غمی داشته باشیم باید برای این باشد که جمال مبارک از ما خواسته اند چـه باشیم ولی ما چه هستیم. چه را باید ببینیم و چـه را می بینیم به چه باید متوجه باشیم و به چه توجه کرده‌ایم.

گر نظر داری به الطاف مولای حنون او بفرموده است که در حین بلامرور باش مسرور باش عمه جان حضرت عبدالبهاء برای سرور خاطر روحانی دو چیز را توصیه کرده‌اند ۱ - تفکر ۲ - دعا

محتاج به دعا برای استقامت تمام احباء . سر بدعا به فضلش جانهایمان فدا و راضی به رضا .

فانی خاطی : پریسا خاک

میدان خدمت

سپاه نور

بار دیگر سپاه نور در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی بحرکت درآمده است و بشارات انتصارات تبلیغی متواتراً بدفتر لجنه ملی تبلیغ واصل میگردد. جناب چارلز ‎کورنو ل کورنول‎ منشی آن لجنه اظهار میدارند که در تابستان امسال اخبار و بشارات مسرت‌بخش فتوحات یاران از گوشه و کنار کشور میرسد و یکی از موفقیت‌آمیزترین وقایع این ایام تشکیل مجدد سپاه نور است. این سپاه اولین بار در دهه ۱۹۶۰ در جنوب شرقی کشور ایجاد گردید و نتیجه فعالیت‌های آن اقبال هزاران نفر از ساکنین آن منطقه به امر الهی بود.

دفتر منطقه‌ای تبلیغ در مؤسسه بهائی لوئیس گرگوری در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی هماهنگ نمودن و اداره برنامه‌های سپاه نور را بعهده دارد و طبق گزارش آن دفتر هم‌اکنون بیش از ۱۲۰۰۰ بهائی و ۲۳۷ محفل روحانی محلی و ۷ لجنه منطقه‌ای تبلیغ در آن ایالت وجود دارد.

با شروع کار رادیو بهائی لوئیس گرگوری امکانات نشر نفحات‌الله و تقویت و تحکیم جوامع بهائی موجود در آن منطقه صدچندان شده است و همزمان با بوجود آمدن این فرصتها احتیاج به مهاجرین و ‎مبلغین و مبلغین مبلغین‎ سیار نیز ازدیاد یافته است و مسؤولین دفتر منطقه‌ای تبلیغ امیدوارند که قبل از تعطیلات سال نو مسیحی اقلاً ۴۰ نفر مهاجر با مبلغ سیار به آن نواحی سفر کنند و آنان را در خدمات تبلیغی و تزیید معلومات ‎نبایاری یاری‎ و معاونت فرمایند. [Page 20]لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی

اولین جلسه لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی در سال تشکیلاتی جدید روزهای ۱۸ و ۱۹ آگست ۱۹۸۴ در ویلمت تشکیل شد. اعضای لجنه در سال جاری عبارتند از: جناب میگل آژیرن، خانم پوران استیونس، جناب منوچهر حقانی، جناب منوچهر درخشانی، خانم راز سمندری و جناب هوشمند طراز. جناب دکتر رابرت هندرسن منشی محترم محفل روحانی ملی در شروع کار لجنه حضور یافتند و شرحی در تمجید و تقدیر از خدمات گذشته لجنه و دفتر امور احبای ایرانی ایراد فرمودند و بالاخص وظائف و مسؤولیت‌های متفاوتی را که از جانب محفل مقدس ملی به هر یک از این دو موسسه محول گردیده است بتفصیل بیان داشتند.

در طی این جلسه برنامه‌های جاری لجنه مورد شور قرار گرفت و تصمیمات مهمه‌ای در جهت نیل به هدف اصلی لجنه یعنی امتزاج و اندماج کامل یاران عزیز ایرانی در جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده اتخاذ شد که بتدریج بمرحله عمل درخواهد آمد و باطلاع یاران گرامی خواهد رسید. از جمله اقدامات لجنه تنظیم نظامنامه جدیدی برای لجنات ناحیه‌ای امور احبای ایرانی بود که امید است موجب ازدیاد کارآئی و حصول موفقیت‌های روزافزون گردد.

استقرار پناهندگان ایرانی در ایالات متحده

بسیاری از احبای ستمدیده ایران در کشورهای مختلف سرگردان و بیخانمان مانده‌اند و در تحت شرایطی کم‌وبیش مشکل در انتظار فراهم آمدن وسائلی برای انتقال به یکی از ممالکی هستند که ایرانیان را بعنوان پناهنده میپذیرند.

اقداماتی که از جانب محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده صورت گرفته موجب شده است که تسهیلاتی در کار صدور ویزای پناهندگی برای جمعی از این یاران مظلوم و بی‌پناه حاصل شود. در تعقیب فعالیت‌های گذشته و تماسهای متعدد و مستمر اعضاء محفل روحانی ملی با مسؤولین امور وزارت خارجه و اعضاء کنگره و سنا، دو نفر از یاران ماموریت یافتند بنمایندگی از طرف محفل روحانی ملی در ماه‌های جولای و آگست به کشورهای مختلف اروپا و خاورمیانه سفر کنند و با پناهندگان بهائی ایرانی و مسؤولین دوائر و ادارات مختلف دولتی و بین‌المللی برای رفع مشکلات موجود و تسریع در رسیدگی بوضع پناهندگان و انتقال آنان به ایالات متحده کوشش نمایند.

بقرار گزارش خانم پوران استیونس عضو لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی و جناب وحید هدایتی که داوطلبانه عازم این سفر شدند و قسمت اعظم مخارج مسافرت را شخصاً تقبل فرمودند در اثر مساعی جمیله محافل ملیه تحت ارشاد و هدایت معهد اعلی رسیدگی لازم به وضع پناهندگان بهائی شده و میشود و بتدریج ترتیب حرکت آنان بسوی محل اقامت جدید داده میشود. اگرچه عده پناهندگان در بعضی نقاط بیش از اندازه ازدیاد یافته و با مقررات کنونی اداره مهاجرت در هر ماه فقط تعداد معینی از یاران میتوانند ویزای پناهندگی دریافت نمایند ولیکن با کمکهای مادی و معنوی بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی و همت یاران کشورهای سرراه حتی‌الامکان وسائل آسایش پناهندگان در مدت انتظار فراهم میشود. متأسفانه این مدت ممکن است تا نزدیک دو سال امتداد یابد.

احبای الهی که نگران وضع پناهندگان بهائی ایرانیند و میل دارند کمکی به تخفیف مشکلات و ناراحتی‌های آنان بنمایند میتوانند تبرعات کریمانه خود را به این منظور به دفتر امین صندوق محفل ملی ارسال دارند تا شاید بیش از پیش وسائل رفاه آنان فراهم گردد. برای کسب اطلاع درباره جریان صدور ویزای پناهندگی نیز ممکن است با دفتر لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی در دارالانشاء محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده مکاتبه نمود.

پیام بدیع

لجنه ناحیه‌ای امور احبای ایرانی نیویورک، نیوجرسی و کنتیکت که تحت نظر محفل روحانی مدینه نیویورک فعالیت میکند از ابتدای سال ۱۹۸۳ اقدام به انتشار نشریه‌ای ماهانه نموده‌اند که از ژانویه ۱۹۸۴ "پیام بدیع" نامیده شد. این نشریه مخصوص یاران مقیم حوزه لجنه انتشار مییابد و شامل منتخباتی از آثار مبارکه، اخبار و بشارات آن منطقه و عالم بهائی، ابلاغیه‌های محفل روحانی ملی، مقالات جالب و مفید امری بقلم دانشمندان و محققین بهائی و سایر مطالب سودمند است.

اخیراً هیئت تحریریه جدیدی از طرف محفل روحانی نیویورک برای نشریه تعیین گردیده است که اعضای آن عبارتند از: خانم دکتر طلعت بمانی (قبله)، جناب دکتر ذبیح‌الله عزیزی، جناب بیژن دادفر، جناب حبیب حسینی، خانم مهین وفائی و جناب هوشنگ برهانیان.

لجنه محترمه همچنین آمادگی خود را برای قبول آبونمان اعلام داشته و حق اشتراک سالانه را ۲۰ دلار تعیین کرده‌اند. علاقه‌مندان دریافت مرتب این نشریه پرارزش و همچنین نویسندگان و محققینی که میل دارند آثار خود را برای نشر در پیام بدیع ارسال دارند میتوانند با هیئت تحریریه مجله به نشانی ذیل مکاتبه فرمایند.

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the City of New York, New York 53 East 11th Street, New York, New York 10003

با بازماندگان شهدای عزیز خواهران و برادران روحانی علیهم‌بهاء الله‌الابهی

چندی قبل پیامی از جانب احبای ایران واصل گردید که طی آن خواسته‌اند محبت عمیق و دلبستگی ابدی آنان بحضورتان ابلاغ گردد و به شما عزیزان اطمینان داده شود که یاران ایران هرگز شما را از خاطر نخواهند برد و همواره در قلوب آنان جای دارید. بالاخص متذکر شده‌اند که اگرچه عزیزانی را از دست داده‌اید که هیچ چیز و هیچکس نمیتواند جایگزین آنان باشد ولیکن خانواده بزرگتری در عالم بهائی دارید که پیوسته با آغوش باز آماده پذیرائی از شماست.

محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده نیز فرصت را مغتنم شمرده با تجدید مراتب تعلق خاطر خود آمادگی جامعه بهائی آمریکا را برای هرگونه کمک و مساعدت به شما عزیزان اعلام میدارد و امیدوار است روز بروز بر شور و انجذاب بیفزاید و هر یک چون شمعی روشن قلوب یار و اغیار را بانوار تعالیم مقدسه الهیه منور فرمائید.

نشانی معاونین محترم امین حقوق‌الله
Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402
Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, Ohio 44116

مناجاتهای اطفال با ترجمه انگلیسی

مؤسسه مطبوعات امری در سال جاری اقدام به انتشار مجموعه‌ای از مناجاتها و الواح مخصوص اطفال همراه به ترجمه انگلیسی نموده است. انتشار این مجموعه با مشورت و همکاری لجنه امور احبای ایرانی تحقق پذیرفته است.

بسیاری از مناجاتها و الواح عیناً از دو جلد کتاب مناجاتهای کودکان "هوالله" که در ایران بطبع رسیده بود عکسبرداری شده و تعدادی نیز توسط جناب سعادت‌الله منجذب خوشنویسی شده است. ترجمه انگلیسی هر مناجات نیز بر اساس متون معتبر و مصوب معهد اعلی در صفحه مقابل درج گردیده است.

قیمت این کتاب نفیس هر نسخه ۵ دلار تعیین شده است و احبای الهی از هر نقطه دنیا میتوانند کتاب مذکور را مستقیماً از مرکز توزیع انتشارات بهائی سفارش دهند. یارانی که در حوزه محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده سکونت دارند بایستی ۱۰ درصد قیمت (حداقل ۱/۵ دلار) برای مخارج بسته‌بندی و پست به مبلغ سفارش اضافه فرمایند. سفارش‌های خارج از ایالات متحده بایستی ۱۵ درصد (حداقل ۱/۵ دلار) برای این منظور اضافه کنند. [Page 21]

THE BAHÁ’Í WRITINGS

The Secret of Divine Civilization—A Bahá’í view of Iran’s glorious future

“This holy land of Persia” will “become in every sense the focal center of human perfection, reflecting as if in a mirror the full panoply of world civilization.”

HOW CAN that be? you are asking. Iran, in the Bahá’í press, only brings increasingly grim accounts of the senseless persecution of innocent Bahá’í men, women and children, and of horrifying torture preceding their execution. In the non-Bahá’í press, the news from Iran is not much better.

It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in The Secret of Divine Civilization, first published in 1875, who was able to see the end in the beginning and to predict the glorious future of the “holy land of Persia.” It is the Master whose voice today, from the pages of an old book, brings hope for a land that seems to have lost its way.

In The Secret of Divine Civilization, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá puts forth a plan for the regeneration of Iran (or of any spiritually impoverished country). The program calls for, among other things, universal education and the eradication of ignorance and fanaticism; for responsible people participating in a representative government; for codified laws, and for institutional justice to safeguard human rights and liberties.

Fundamental to the program ‘Abdu’l-Bahá advocates is the generative force of religion and the degenerative role of priestly power in human affairs.

The conviction of that inevitable triumph of the divine spirit of religion enabled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to see the end in the beginning; enabled Him to implore His fellow countrymen to release themselves from the “blind following of the bigots”; and, finally, enabled Him to envision the restoration of “this withered land to sweet new life.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in The Secret of Divine Civilization, can help us, too, by enlarging our perspective on the future of the land which is now bringing so much suffering to our fellow Bahá’ís.

(Hardcover edition only, $10.00.)

Buying books for older children now helps lower costs, increase volume

(In the September issue of The American Bahá’í, the Publishing Trust announced on Page 15 an ambitious program of books for children and youth and suggested that all those who were concerned about such materials could help make the program a reality.—Ed.)

“My child (niece, granddaughter, favorite youngster) is three years old, and I buy every Bahá’í book that is published for three-year-olds. What more can I do?”

THIS IS an oft-heard question from Bahá’ís who are concerned about more Bahá’í books for children and youth.

There is more that you can do, according to Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Publishing Trust.

You can buy a copy now of every book that is published for 1-3 year olds. And you can buy a copy now of every book that is published for 3-7 year olds, 7-11 year olds, 11-15 year olds, and for those over 15 years old—and put them away until the child in question is ready for them.

“Look at it this way,” says Dr. Fisher. “The print run for an average adult title (for example, To Move the World, or The Light of Guidance) is about 5,000 copies. For these titles, there are around 5,000 book-buying adults one can count on.

“In contrast, the average print run for a book for children or youth is around 2,000 copies. To complicate things further, the book buyers are split among 1-3 year olds, 3-7s, 7-11s, 11-15s, and 15 and older.

“It becomes a matter of mathematics,” says Dr. Fisher. “If every parent of a three-year-old would buy a copy now of every book published for older children, it would increase by several times the given number of persons buying the book.

“THE END result,” she adds, “would be more of a given book sold, lower costs per book at a given age level, more money available for producing other books for children and youth—and, ultimately, more books available in each age group.

“You can procrastinate now,” says Dr. Fisher, “but the book for seven-year-olds probably won’t be available when your three-year-old is seven. Or you can buy that book for older children now—and help ensure that when the child is seven, there are three or four books available—not one or none.

“You can also share the contents of this article with friends and relatives who are concerned about having more books for children and youth,” adds Dr. Fisher.

Here are some new—and old—angles for observing UN Human Rights Day

Let’s face it. Finding a new angle for observing UN Human Rights Day on December 10 is always a challenge.

But there are new angles—and old ones you or your community may not yet have tried.

FOR instance, has your mayor or other local dignitary recognized the efforts Bahá’ís are making to promote human rights, especially those of minority groups, women, youth, children, and those who are persecuted? Honoring such a person with a Bahá’í book or other token of gratitude on Human Rights Day would be well appreciated.

Perhaps your congressman has helped with legislation on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Iran. A similar presentation to show your appreciation is a fitting response when he or she is visiting your area.

Donating Bahá’í books to a school or library is always appropriate on such an occasion.

And if you are planning a public meeting, perhaps the theme of the event could be the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran, or the subject of torture in general.

Consulting on human rights issues as they relate to social and economic development may also lead to ideas about how to celebrate the event in your locale.

Whatever your community chooses to do, Human Rights Day is an opportunity for teaching, for broadening our awareness, and for utilizing Bahá’í literature to proclaim the Faith.

Order now to make sure you have materials on hand well before your Human Rights Day observance on December 10.

Publishing Trust unveils noteworthy new lineup of calendars

Do you have a hard time keeping track of all your Bahá’í and other activities? Has the Publishing Trust got a calendar selection for you this year!

What makes this year’s calendar offerings especially noteworthy is the format for the new Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E.

Each page of the Bahá’í Datebook features seven days; two weeks are visible at a glance. The result is that the Datebook has almost three times as much writing space per day.

The 64-page Datebook also includes more blank pages in the back than in previous years for writing notes.

And the Bahá’í Datebook begins in March with the Bahá’í New Year, instead of in January.

“Starting the Bahá’í Datebook in March ties it more closely to the Bahá’í calendar system,” says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust. “It will help reinforce our Bahá’í identities.”

The Bahá’í days and months as well as the Gregorian days and months are clearly marked in the Datebook. Feasts, Holy Days, special event days, and legal holidays are also noted.

The cover of the Bahá’í Datebook features a photograph of the handsome Bahá’í National Center building in Evanston, Illinois.

All in all, you can’t pass up this new way to organize your Bahá’í year.

== Ordering from Bahá’í Distribution Service == Individuals living anywhere in the world can order titles listed on this page from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at the prices quoted (see the coupon on Page 13). U.S. customers should add 10 per cent for postage and handling (minimum $1.50) for UPS or fourth class mail; foreign customers should add 15 per cent (minimum $1.50) for surface mail. Bahá’í institutions outside the 48 contiguous states should order directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bahá’í Wall Calendar 142 B.E.

The Bahá’í Wall Calendar 142 B.E. features a full-color photograph of the monument to the Greatest Holy Leaf in Haifa. Below the photograph, a 14-month calendar (January 1985–March 1986) is printed. Feasts, Holy Days, and other Bahá’í anniversaries are clearly marked.

On the back of the Wall Calendar more details about the Bahá’í calendar are given including a full listing of the Bahá’í months (with English and Arabic names), Holy Days and anniversaries, with information about when they should be celebrated.

The back of this year’s Wall Calendar also includes a statement by Shoghi Effendi about the significance of the monument to the Greatest Holy Leaf, which is pictured on the front.

You will welcome the Wall Calendar as an esthetically pleasing addition to your home or office.

Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 142 B.E.

The Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 142 B.E. is a 12-month, wallet-sized calendar with Bahá’í Feasts, Holy Days, and anniversaries marked and listed on the back.

Printed in blue-green ink on white, the Pocket Calendar is a handy reference for your purse, wallet, desk drawer, or committee or Assembly notebook.

You needn’t be disorganized if you order these three items to help you keep track of all the events in 142 B.E.!

The Bahá’í Datebook is $1.85; the Bahá’í Wall Calendar is $1.00; and the Bahá’í Pocket Calendar is $1.75 for a package of 10.

MAY 1985	‘Azamat 142
5/18 Saturday	Jalál 4/2
5/19 Sunday	Jamál 4/3
5/20 Monday	Kamál 4/4
5/21 Tuesday	Fidál 4/5
5/22 Wednesday	‘Idál 4/6
5/23 Thursday	Istijlál 4/7 Declaration of the Báb 1844
5/24 Friday	‎Istiqlal Istiqlál‎ 4/8

A sample page (reduced) from the new Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E. which features more writing space per day.

For ordering information, see the box on this page or the Bahá’í Distribution Service coupon on Page 13.

Schools

Continued From Page 9

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, Missouri. Meals and lodging: Rustic cabins and family-style dining.

Recreation: Hiking trails, riding trails, lake, square dancing, bonfires, hayrides, singing, good cheer. Rates: includes two nights lodging and meals. Adults, $66; youth, $56.50; children 3-13, $35.50; infants under 3, $5. Program: To include a variety of topics designed to enhance our personal transformation by enabling us to unfold our true potential and to rediscover the essence of our Faith.

Registrar: Robert Yoder, Rock Hill, MO 63119; phone 314-962-9011. [Page 22]

EYE ON NATIONAL

How many times have you been at a committee or Spiritual Assembly meeting, at a conference or Summer School, when some matter needs referring to the National Center?

Someone says, “Let’s ask National,” and off it goes.

But what is “National”? How many offices are there? Where are they? How many people work there, and what do they do?

These are some of the questions that remain, for the most part, unanswered in the local community.

As familiar as the work is to the National Center staff, it becomes apparent when visitors arrive that what “National” is may not be so familiar to everyone else.

This column is intended to answer such questions—and many more! This is your National Center, the heart of the American Bahá’í community. You should be as familiar with it as you are with your own heart.

We’ll continue this column for some time—and if there are questions you’d like answered, please address them to the Office of Personnel Affairs, ATTN: “Eye on National,” and we’ll try to answer them here. To begin:

What Is Where?

The majority of National Center offices are not in the House of Worship. In 1980 the American Bahá’í community purchased a two-story office building a few blocks south of the House of Worship, and most of the national administrative work takes place there. (Note: There’s a little picture of the building up there in the corner that will be used as the identification for this column.)

Besides the National Center building and House of Worship, there are a number of other buildings: the Bahá’í Publishing Trust (down the street from the Temple in Wilmette); the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (the residence of the National Spiritual Assembly secretary and the Assembly’s meeting place), across Sheridan Road from the House of Worship; 110 and 112 Linden Avenue (headquarters for NSA Properties Inc.); the Bahá’í Home at 401 Greenleaf in Wilmette; and a number of houses.

Who Is Where?

The National Center office building should be considered the administrative headquarters. It houses the offices of Personnel, the Treasurer, National Education Committee, Membership and Records, Purchasing, Mail Services, International Goals Committee, National Teaching Committee, Persian Affairs, Public Affairs, Legal Affairs, Office of the Secretary, Data Processing, Periodicals, and the reference library.

Also, there are daytime maintenance personnel and a 24-hour security guard at the building. In all, about 80 people work in the National Center building.

The House of Worship houses, in addition to its own staff of four, the two-man Archives Department, two-woman Bahá’í bookstore, and one-man audio-visual studio.

The buildings at 110 and 112 Linden Avenue, adjacent to the Temple, house the maintenance, security and grounds personnel for all of the sites, along with NSA Properties Inc. That adds up to about 35 employees.

The Publishing Trust, which is now the Trust and Bahá’í Distribution Service, has a staff of 15, while the Bahá’í Home employs 17 full- or part-time staff and serves 20 residents (Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í).

We’ll take an even closer look at your National Center in the months ahead. You’ll find out who works here, what it’s like to work here, how and why things work the way they do (or don’t!), who answers what questions, how we recruit new employees, etc.

Remember—if you have a question about the National Center, we’ll be happy to answer it.

Keep your “Eye on National” right here, and we’ll learn more about one another so we can serve our Faith even better.

What is a ‘friendship team’?

A friendship team is a group of three to five Bahá’ís who work together to teach the Faith. A friendship team should have at least one member who is from a minority (i.e., Persian, black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, etc.). Make your friendship team as diverse as possible.

The goal of the National Teaching Committee is to have 1,500 friendship teams hosting regular firesides. A brochure has been sent to all Assemblies regarding friendship teams. For more information, contact your Assembly.

Have you formed your friendship team yet?

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken in New York City, date unknown. Anyone who is able to identify any of the children or who knows the date the picture was taken is asked to send the identification to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

NTRs

Continued From Page 15

Utah—#087

Shari Meyer Clearfield, UT 84015 801/776-6048

Vermont—#006

Anne Cook Thetford Ctr, VT 05075 802/649-2989

Virginia, Northern—#014

Robert E. Hunsaker Marshall, VA 22115 703/347-1990 703/367-3607

Virginia, Southern—#022

Kimbal Babcock Ft. Lee, VA 23801 804/732-0307 804/734-3088

Chris Wade PO Box 292 Scottsville, VA 24590 804/286-3838 804/286-3571

Washington, Northwest—#086

Kurt Asplund Seattle, WA 98166 206/242-6608

Joe Bushnell Tacoma, WA 98407 206/752-5399 206/473-2003

Ellen Dodson Everson, WA 98247 206/592-2429 206/592-5351

C. Edward Knight Port Orchard, WA 98366 206/871-2872 206/476-3683

Washington, Southwest—#090

Bill Yates Raymond, WA 98577 206/942-5319 206/875-5707

West Virginia—#023

Leo Misagi Daniels, WV 25832 304/763-2591 304/255-0451

Wisconsin/Michigan—#052

Fred L. Jenner Eau Claire, WI 54703 715/834-0427 715/835-3181

Wisconsin, Southern—#092

Patty Kubala Cedarburg, WI 53012 414/377-5623

Harold R. Moe Holmen, WI 54636 608/526-4118 608/526-3848

Wyoming—#081

William E. Moore Newcastle, WY 82701 307/746-4932 307/746-2717/2269

A. Dale Whiteman PO Box 540 Evanston, WY 82930 307/789-0238

(Note: When two phone numbers are shown the first is the home phone and the second a work number.)

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday—Friday Phone 312-869-9039

Kalimát Press seeks replies to essays on social issues in Circle of Unity book

Kalimát Press is actively seeking replies to the essays in the recently published volume Circle of Unity: Bahá’í Approaches to Current Social Issues.

The replies are to be published as a small book that will contain letters and short essays in support of or in rebuttal to the ideas and approaches found in the first book.

“We see Circle of Unity as the beginning of a process, not the end of one,” says Anthony A. Lee, who edited the volume.

“The whole idea of the book,” he says, “was to begin constructive discussion and debate within the Bahá’í community on the most pressing social issues of our time.”

Circle of Unity is a collection of 10 essays plus an introduction. The essays address such issues as the peace movement, the women’s movement, poverty, racism, human rights, and Marxism.

But the articles represent only the views of the respective authors, and are not intended to be authoritative statements of the “Bahá’í” position on the questions that are addressed.

Rather, it was hoped that the book would open the door to a wider discussion and dialogue within the Bahá’í community.

Contributions to the sequel volume should be sent to Kalimát Press, 10889 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024. [Page 23]

INTERMEDIA

News from the Office of Public Affairs

In Coupeville, Washington, Bahá’ís received nearly a full page of coverage in the Whidbey News-Times, which included an article headed “Coupeville Bahá’ís Agonize Over the Persecution in Iran,” and another headed “What Bahá’ís Believe.” A third article, entitled “One Couple’s Road to the Bahá’í Faith,” included a 6- by 9-inch photograph of the couple who are building an addition to their home to have a larger meeting space for the Bahá’ís.

• * *

In Southern California, Bahá’í youth attracted nine columns of publicity spread over two pages of the Los Angeles Times for their summer community service project, which the paper referred to as “a series of good deeds ranging from washing cars in Westminster to refurbishing the YWCA in Redlands to teaching English to refugees in Santa Ana.” Three photos highlighted the article. Don Addison did a splendid job as public relations coordinator for the project. Coverage about “Green Spots,” a related clean-up project, appeared in Corona’s daily newspaper, The Independent.

• * *

The July-August issue of Amnesty Action (published by Amnesty International) featured a full-page article on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s hearing on torture which mentioned Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh’s testimony and included several photographs.

• * *

El Hispano, a newspaper in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featured a full-page article on “Aniversario del Martirio del Báb” (the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb) that gave the history of the Faith as well as a number to call for more information, and pictured the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa.

• * *

Bahá’í youth in Dayton, Ohio, were pictured on the front page of the Beavercreek Daily News planting evergreen trees and shrubs in front of the new city hall as a memorial to teen-age martyrs executed in Iran.

• * *

The Reporter Dispatch in White Plains, New York, did a feature article on religious holidays that included four paragraphs on the Bahá’í Holy Days.

• * *

The Bahá’í community of Olean, New York, co-sponsored a “Peace in the Home, Peace in the World” conference July 27-31 along with St. Bonaventure University’s Communiversity program. Presentations by Auxiliary Board members Nat Rutstein and Dr. Sam McClellan, who is a psychiatrist by profession, were extensively reported in the Olean Times-Herald.

Wish you could read about your community in The American Bahá’í? So do we!!

Please submit PHOTOS (especially) and WRITE TO US.

Don’t adopt the old ‘we’re too small; they get too many others’ attitude. We’d love to publish your successes!

Reprints available of four-page article on Faith in leading Catholic magazine

If you missed the Fall 1983 issue of Catholic Near East magazine, which featured a four-page article headlined “The Bahá’ís: One of the World’s Newest Religions,” don’t be dismayed—reprints are now available.

A striking silhouette of the Mother Temple of the West graces the front cover of the magazine whose cover intro reads, “The Bahá’ís: Blessed are they who are persecuted for justice sake ...”

The article has evoked so much interest from Catholics that Bahá’ís have been unable to get enough copies to pass around.

After selling out its entire stock in what the publisher calls “an unprecedented demand,” the Catholic Near East Welfare Association has decided to reprint.

Issues are available through local Bahá’í librarians in certain centers. The Office of Public Affairs regrets that the printer’s deadlines were such that we could not adequately survey more localities.

Large quantities have been ordered by librarians in Los Angeles, San Jose, Houston, New York City, and Baltimore.

Copies are also available from the Office of Public Affairs for 50 cents each plus 10 per cent for postage.

State, local resolutions: good idea for a number of reasons

To accelerate the momentum generated by the passage of state resolutions, why not reach out to city and county levels?

DID YOU KNOW that resolutions condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran have already been passed in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois; Carlsbad, New Mexico; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Roanoke, Virginia; Crete, Nebraska; Melbourne, Florida; and in Jefferson County, Alabama; Orange County, California; Genesee County (Flint), Michigan, and that a resolution is pending in Hamilton Township, New Jersey?

Mayor’s proclamations have been issued in Reno, Nevada; Birmingham, Alabama; and Los Altos and Santa Ana, California.

Why seek a resolution?

• It adds weight to the voices of others raised in protest.
• It lets your mayor and city council members know about the Bahá’í Faith.
• It lets your mayor and council know there are Bahá’ís in their constituency.
• It is part of the process that is leading the Faith from obscurity.
• It propels America forward on its predestined path to spiritual leadership.

How to:

First, present the facts to your representative on the city council (or county board). Enlist other Bahá’ís to do likewise.

Second, suggest that he/she sponsor a resolution condemning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran, and supporting actions taken by our government on their behalf.

Strengthen your proposal:

Background materials on the persecutions are available from the Office of Public Affairs. You’ll want to furnish your representative(s) with copies of your state resolution, if one has been passed, and information about resolutions passed in Congress (Senate No. 86 and House No. 226).

If you feel that interest warrants it, you may offer to show the video tape of the most recent Congressional hearings on May 2, 1984. This is available from the Office of Public Affairs ($30 plus $3 postage for 1/2-inch VHS).

Need extra support/ideas?

Call or write the Office of Public Affairs and consult with us. We’ll send you sample resolutions passed in other cities and counties and help you choose the best plan of action for your community.

Suggested materials:

• Background Information Packet—A kit suitable for presentation to leaders of thought, editors, religious and community leaders. It contains The Bahá’ís in Iran and its update, The Banning of Bahá’í Religious Institutions in Iran; reprints of recent news articles and press releases, and fact sheets on the Bahá’í Faith in the U.S. and the world. ($5 plus 75 cents postage)
• Congressional Hearings Video Tape (May 2, 1984)—A 52-minute edited version of the hearing on torture conducted by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
• Statements Made by Public Officials About the Persecutions—Hon. C.N. Dombalis, U.S. alternate representative to the United Nations (11/23/83), 30 cents; President Reagan’s Human Rights Proclamation (12/9/83), 20 cents; New York Mayor Koch’s letter to President Reagan (7/6/83), 20 cents; and statement by the Prosecutor General of Iran re banning of Bahá’í religious institutions in that country (8/29/83), 25 cents.
• Public Officials Kit—A kit containing several of the statements made by non-Bahá’í public officials about the persecutions (listed above), a pamphlet on loyalty to government, reprints and fact sheets. (A must if you have never approached your town council to make an over-all introductory presentation!)

[Page 24]

Siguiendo la senda mística con ‎piés pies‎ prácticos

Shoghi Effendi, el amado Guardián, se refirió a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, así: ‘debe para siempre ser considerado como el Centro y Pivote de la Alianza incomparable, que todo lo abarca, de Bahá’u’lláh, como Su más exaltada obra, como el Espejo inmaculado de Su Luz, el perfecto Ejemplo de Sus enseñanzas, el infalible Intérprete de Su Palabra, la personificación de cada uno de los ideales Bahá’ís, la encarnación de cada una de las virtudes Bahá’ís, la Más Poderosa Rama salida de la Antigua Raíz, el Miembro de la Ley de Dios, el Ser ‘a Cuyo alrededor giran todos los nombres,’ el Resorte Principal de la Unidad del Género Humano, la Insignia de la Paz Suprema, la Luna del Astro Central de esa santísima Dispensación, nombres y títulos que son implícitos y hallan su más real, su más alta y más hermosa expresión en el mágico nombre: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.’ ”

La vida de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ofrece a cada creyente ejemplos de cómo nos debemos comportar para con nuestro prójimo y del amor que siempre debemos llevar en el corazón para la creación entera. En este número y los próximos, se presentará anécdotas de la vida del ilustre “Maestro,” para inspirar nuestros corazones y acciones.

Monevah vino un día donde nosotros para saber si deseábamos ver al Maestro dar socorro a los pobres, como tenía por costumbre hacerlo todos los viernes en la mañana.

CUANDO fuimos a las ventanas que daban a un gran patio vimos reunidos entre doscientos a trescientos hombres, mujeres y niños. Tal variedad de gentes sólo puede verse en estos lugares.

Eran ciegos, cojos, inválidos, personas muy débiles; tal vez la gente más pobremente vestida que existe en la tierra.

Un hombre tenía sus vestidos hechos de una colcha parchada; una anciana llevaba un costalillo como capa; los niños estaban tan andrajosos que sus vestidos apenas se sostenían en sus cuerpos.

Habían dos o tres creyentes con el Maestro. Se le pidió a la gente que se dividiera en dos grupos a los lados del patio y el Maestro comenzó desde cerca de la reja a dar a cada uno de ellos una moneda, pidiéndole después que saliese.

Era una escena inolvidable ver al Maestro ir de un lugar a otro, diciendo alguna palabra de aliento y amor para darles ánimo.

A ESTAS criaturas pobres y sucias solía preguntarles sobre su salud y darles una palmadita en la espalda, y una vez Lo vimos despedir a uno de ellos sin darle nada y reprenderlo por su pereza.

¡Cuán musical y clara sonaba Su voz cuando iba de una a otra persona, dando y alentando!

Los hombres que Le acompañaban mantenían el orden con gran bondad y firmeza, y vigilaban para que cada uno pasara tan pronto como hubiera recibido su porción de manos del Maestro.

¿Dónde, o en qué lugar de este globo, puede duplicarse la escena que tenía lugar todos los viernes en el patio del Maestro en ‘Akká Quien es prisionero de Estado del gobierno turco y ha vivido en la prisión o expatriado desde que tenía 9 años de edad? (From Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká)

Sabiendo que venía una guerra (La Guerra Mundial), el Maestro había enseñado a los habitantes de los ‎villarios villorrios‎ de Mughayb, Samrih y Adasiyyih cómo cultivar maíz para obtener buenas cosechas, tanto en tiempo de paz como en tiempo de guerra.

UNA gran cantidad de este maíz fue almacenado en pozos, algunos de éstos hechos por los romanos, que no habían sido utilizados para este fin.

Así fue posible que ‘Abdu’l-Bahá proporcionara alimentos a numerosos pobres de Haifa, ‘Akká y sus alrededores en los años de carestía de 1914-1918.

Sabemos que cuando los ingleses entraron en Haifa hubo cierta dificultad en el Comisariato. El oficial del turno fue a consultar al Maestro.

“Tengo maíz,” fue la respuesta de Este.

“Pero, ¿para todo el ejército? preguntó el asombrado soldado.

“Tengo maíz para el ejército británico,” respondió ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

El, en verdad, recorría el camino Místico con ‎piés pies‎ prácticos. (From The Chosen Highway, p. 210)

He oído a la Más Grande Rama (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) relatar una de Sus experiencias cuando El se aventuró solo a salir de la casa donde residía, teniendo sólo ocho años de edad.

“HABÍAMOS buscado abrigo en la casa de mi tío, Mirza Isma’il. Teheran se hallaba fuertemente agitado. Algunas veces me aventuraba a salir de la casa y cruzar la calle en camino al mercado.

“Apenas cruzaba el umbral y salía a la calle, cuando los niños de mi edad que se encontraban jugando en los alrededores, me rodeaban gritando, ‘Bábí! Bábí!’

“Sabiendo bien el estado de agitación en que habían caído los habitantes, tanto jóvenes como viejos, deliberadamente no hacía caso a sus gritos y tranquilamente me dirigía a mi casa.

“Pero cierto día, al mirar hacia atrás, percibí una banda de pilluelos que corrían para cogerme, arrojándome piedras y gritando amenazadoramente: ‘Bábí! Bábí!’

“Me pareció que la única manera para evitar el peligro en que estaba era intimidándoles, por lo tanto me volví hacia ellos con tal determinación que huyeron mohinos y desaparecieron.

“A cierta ‎distincía distancia‎ pude oir lo que decían: ‘El pequeño Bábí nos está persiguiendo y seguramente va a cogernos y matarnos todos.’

“Mientras me dirigía hacia la casa, oí a un hombre decir en alta voz: ‘¡Bien hecho, niño valiente! Ningún otro de tu edad podría haber sido capaz de afrontar semejante ataque solo y sin ayuda.’

“Desde aquel día no me volvió a molestar ningún otro niño de la calle, ni oí ningún insulto de sus labios.” (Los rompedores del alba, p. 616)

Una mañana Lo vimos en el pequeño jardín junto al mar. El estaba de ‎pié pie‎ bajo un pequeño árbol, contemplando el ‎Mediterraneo Mediterráneo‎ azul, con su rostro hacia arriba mirando el sol, silencioso, sin movimiento, pensativo, tal vez en oración.

A POCA distancia quedaba de ‎pié pie‎ un grupo de diez creyentes, todos verdaderos patriarcas, santos y pintorescos en su vestimenta y actitud, una reproducción del grupo de discípulos que atendieron a Cristo hace mil novecientos años.

Algunos de ellos vestían mantos de puro blanco y turbantes, algunos con el turbante verde indicando su descendencia del Profeta, Mahoma. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá se vestía en pleno negro con turbante blanco.

Todos se quedaron sin movimiento por un largo tiempo, entonces el Maestro empezó a andar de un lado a otro, inhalando el aire fresco que venía del laboratorio puro de las montañas libanesas.

Cuando El paraba, ellos paraban, cuando El caminaba, ellos Lo seguían siempre manteniendo su distancia y demostrando amor y reverencia en todos sus movimientos.

El amor aureoló el cuadro. Las escenas de antaño habían regresado en realidad vivas ante nuestros ojos, tan acostumbrados estábamos a escenas diferentes en el Oeste.

DESPUÉS de un tiempo Mirza Assadu’llah llegó a la puerta del jardín llevando un gran ramillete de rosas el que dió a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Quien las llevó a un lado, hundió Su cara en ellas por un largo tiempo y entonces las separó despacio, regalando una a cada uno de los hermanos.

Mientras El lo hacía, ellos pusieron Su regalo a sus labios, entonces colocaron la ofrenda floral en la pechera de sus mantos.

En conjunto era un cuadro celestial. . . estas caras bronceadas luminosas con la luz de Amor, hombres de apariencia magnífica y noble y ahora doblemente gloriosos en su belleza espiritual—réplicas de lo que los hombres deben llegar a ser eventualmente cuando la humanidad será elevada por la gracia de Dios a Su Imagen Espiritual.

Estas almas cariñosas habían sido unidas por atracción divina de diferentes sendas de la vida, y, aún más significante, de diferentes formas de creencia religiosa.

Entre ellos habían judíos, mahometanos, parsis y cristianos—ahora todos bahá’ís, amándose los unos a los otros como Cristo había enseñado. (From World Order magazine, junio de 1945, p. 90)

Yo era residente de _______ en Siria. Iba a hacer una visita a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, en ‘Akká, y recogí una cantidad de uvas para llevarlas a El.

En el camino, un amigo, sabiendo de mi visita, me entregó una bolsa de deliciosos dátiles para ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Un poco más tarde, teniendo mucha hambre, no pude resistir la tentación de comer los dátiles.

Al llegar a la Presencia de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, El me recibió con mucho cariño.

Entonces le entregué las uvas que yo había traído, pensando al mismo tiempo con profunda vergüenza en los dátiles que me había comido y que debía entregarle también en nombre de mi amigo.

Entonces ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sonriendo cariñosamente pero mirando directamente a mis ojos, dijo: “Muchísimas gracias, Abrahám, por las uvas, pero ¿DONDE ESTAN MIS ‎DATILES DÁTILES‎?” (Relato al compilador de Abrahám Howie, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1940)

Music conference for Bahá’ís slated for Costa Rica

An International Music Conference for Bahá’ís will be held next January 31-February 7 in Costa Rica.

The event is being co-sponsored by CIRBAL and the National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica.

It will include workshops and classes on composition, instrumental technique, choir directing, music for radio, legal considerations for composers, and effective use of music in the Bahá’í community.

A distinguished faculty of professional musicians is headed by Jim Seals of the well-known duo, Seals & Crofts.

Professional and semi-professional musicians, as well as talented amateurs, will be invited to submit audio cassette tapes and sheet music or lyrics for CIRBAL files and for consideration for studio recording after the conference.

Information about hotel rates and conference registration will be forthcoming.

Virginia Bahá’ís stage charity walk-a-thons

For the past two years the Bahá’ís of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, have sponsored walk-a-thons for charity.

The first year the friends raised $900 for cystic fibrosis, and the second year $370 was raised to help combat sickle cell anemia.

All publicity—posters, newspapers ads, radio spots—included the words “sponsored by the Bahá’ís.”

On the day of each event, signs were posted identifying “The Bahá’í Walk-a-Thon Registration Table” and “The Bahá’í Walk-a-Thon Car” (which patrolled the route).

After each event, thank-you notes were sent to those who helped and there were follow-up newspaper articles to keep the name of the Faith in the public eye a little longer.

On May 26, the Bahá’ís of Lake Elsinore, California, entered this colorful float in the city’s Memorial Day parade. The float, which featured people of diverse races, won first prize in the church division and the sweepstakes award given to the float judged best in the parade. The float was designed by Carolyn Thompson of San Bernardino and Esther Stevenson of Mira Loma, and was built by John Stevenson with finishing touches added by Bahá’ís from several communities. [Page 25]

Institute

(Continued From Page 1)

in the Campaign of Unified Action, which has as its stated objective the achievement of an unprecedented level of enrollments.

The NTRs are committed to assisting the teaching work in every way possible, including adapting such courses as “The Secret of Wealth” (which provides a useful tool for personal financial management) to make them appropriate for presentation to non-Bahá’ís.

The NTRs participated significantly in the regular Sunday afternoon public devotional service at the House of Worship. They had rehearsed two songs to be sung with the House of Worship choir.

It was the first time in memory that the audience had been invited to sing along with the choir. Other innovations were implemented at this service, such as the movement of the choir around the auditorium while singing “Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá.”

Following the Sunday afternoon tour of the House of Worship, the NTRs enjoyed a banquet where they were treated (perhaps subjected) to the “NTR Follies,” an annual event in which NTRs are given an opportunity to sing, cheer, or otherwise perform.

The NTRs also expressed their fond appreciation to Dan Ware who is leaving the Treasurer’s Office to pursue his career.

The light-heartedness of the Follies set the stage for Auxiliary Board member Robert Harris’ humorous address to the NTRs in Foundation Hall.

Mr. Harris assured them that his address would not be a “sermon on the amount.” Afterward, there were devotions in the auditorium at the House of Worship.

To close the conference, some of the veteran NTRs gave inspirational presentations, sharing stories of sacrifices and of successes.

Also, they gave helpful hints that the newcomers could use to help fulfill their objectives. This practical advice—mixed with new materials provided by the Office of the Treasurer—assured the NTRs’ success in the coming year.

The NTRs left the conference filled with joy and enthusiasm, sure of their mission and confident that their endeavors will lead to new and profound successes for the National Bahá’í Fund.

Dr. Glen Eyford addresses the NTR Training Institute.

Dan Ware, who is leaving the Office of the Treasurer after almost 10 years of service there, flashes his well-known broad smile as other members of the staff let the National Treasurer’s Representatives know in their own inimitable way of his imminent departure.

Photographers visit, photograph Bahá’í House of Worship

The beautiful summer gardens and a brilliant blue sky were a perfect setting for the House of Worship as it was photographed August 20 by almost 100 visiting amateur photographers.

The photographers came from all parts of the U.S. and from several other countries to attend the Photographic Society of America’s 1984 Chicago International Convention.

“I don’t know how many pictures of quality were taken,” wrote Russell Kriete, one of the tour directors for the society, “but I know many who had never heard of Bahá’í were introduced to it in a most pleasant manner through the show in your auditorium and by your attendants at the Temple.”

More than 125 hear Counsellor Sabri at Broward College in Davie, Florida

Isobel Sabri, a Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa, spoke to more than 125 Bahá’ís at Broward Community College in Davie, Florida, while en route to Mexico City to participate in a recent plenary session of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas.

The meeting, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Wilton Manors, marked the first occasion in which a member of the International Teaching Centre had visited and spoken with the friends in Florida.

The Counsellor covered such topics as America’s spiritual mission; the role and activities of the International Teaching Centre; the challenges that lie ahead of us in the areas of social and economic development, and the scope and history of its unfoldment; the readiness of the people of the world to accept the Cause; the aspirations of the Universal House of Justice regarding Bahá’í youth; and how the families of the martyrs in Iran should be honored and respected.

Small-group discussions heighten participation, communication at 7th NTR Training Institute

Kevin Schuler (left), an NTR from north Georgia, takes part in one of a number of small-group discussions at the NTR Institute.

A unique aspect of the seventh National Treasurer’s Representative Training Institute was the time allocated for small-group consultation on various aspects of the work of the Treasurer’s Office.

In keeping with the spirit of the Campaign of Unified Action, in which the programs and activities of the National Center are devised and implemented in response to the stated needs of believers at the local level, the Treasurer’s Office sought the views of the NTRs in the following areas:

• Participation. What can be done to encourage the regular participation of 20,000 individuals in giving to the National Fund?
• Communications. What is the effect of the present communications from the Office of the Treasurer, and how can they be improved?
• Local Fund education. How can the Treasurer’s Office and the NTRs help local treasurers make more effective Feast reports? What other ways can Fund education take place at the local level?
• Deepening courses. How can existing NTR courses be adapted to attract non-Bahá’ís? What new courses are needed?
• Teaching and the Fund. How can the principles of the Fund be used as the basis for a fireside?
• Materials. What special materials could be developed to help the believers to contribute regularly to the Fund, especially in low-literacy areas of the country?
• NTR promotional materials. How should a promotional brochure be designed to inform the community about the nature and scope of the NTR program?

In addition to these topics, the NTRs consulted on the content of the National Treasurer’s report to the District Conventions.

The concrete and practical suggestions produced during these sessions were splendid examples of the power of consultation to bring new insights to the important work of Fund education.

The Office of the Treasurer values comments and recommendations from believers at the local level, and expects to see wonderful results as the recommendations made by the National Treasurer’s Representatives are implemented in the months ahead.

THE DAWNING PLACE

Bruce W. Whitmore’s long-awaited story of the building of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette and the forging of the North American Bahá’í Community

331 pages with foreword, appendices, notes, index 83 black-and-white photographs and illustrations Hardcover Cat. No. 332-119 $20⁰⁰* Softcover Cat. No. 332-120 $12⁰⁰*

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 *Price valid only in the United States [Page 26]

Goals

most of the country is quite safe, particularly the southern and eastern parts. "Europeans" (including Americans) are highly regarded.

Food and water are sufficient, although costs are high in the capital city, Kampala. A family of three can live in a good section of Kampala with air conditioning, three bedrooms, servants’ quarters, and an acre of land for $650 U.S. a month.

The average annual income for a Ugandan is $400 U.S. Food, if one eats as Americans do, can cost $70 a month for a family of three.

The country’s National Spiritual Assembly was re-formed in 1981. Before the Amin regime, Uganda had 78,000 Bahá’ís and 1,545 Spiritual Assemblies, its own National Assembly, and a full complement of national committees, Auxiliary Board members, District Teaching Committees, a Publishing Trust, land holding company, two Bahá’í primary schools, three teaching institutes, and a number of district and local Bahá’í Centers.

To bring such a community back to full Bahá’í spirit and proper functioning is no small task. There are few pioneers now, although there soon may be as many as 10.

Needed are accountants, bookkeepers, business professionals, managers, investors, teachers, auto mechanics, medical personnel, and others.

The International Goals Committee has detailed information about each of these countries, as well as other goal countries. Please contact the committee without delay at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone one of our pioneer consultants, 312-869-9039. We must fill the goals by April 21, 1985.

Teaching Fever Is CONTAGIOUS!

have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

Conference

ONE OF the most poignant and heart-stirring moments came when Rouhi Jahanpur, a 27-year-old Bahá’í who was among a group of 21 Bahá’í women arrested and imprisoned in Shiraz, Iran, described the sufferings and heroism of her fellow-believers including her close friend, Muna Mahmudnizhad, an 18-year-old who was one of 10 Bahá’í women executed in Shiraz in June 1983 for their repeated refusal to recant their faith.

Doug Cameron, a Bahá’í musician from Canada, had written a song in memory of Muna, but when he tried to sing it he was overcome with emotion and was unable to finish.

The audience, many of whom were weeping, arose as one in tribute to a fellow Bahá’í youth who had made the ultimate sacrifice for Bahá’u’lláh.

Although she made no reference to herself, Miss Jahanpur was given 74 lashes with a steel cable for refusing to recant while she was in prison.

About 80 non-Bahá’ís attended an evening proclamation held in downtown London that was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of that city and featured musical presentations by some of the youth at the conference.

Media coverage included reports on local radio stations, a well-written article in a local newspaper, and video taped interviews by a crew from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s news magazine program, "The Fifth Estate," with two Bahá’ís from Iran who had been imprisoned there before emigrating to the West.

The CBC program on the continuing persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran was scheduled to be broadcast throughout Canada near the end of September.

Bahá’í News

SWEDEN—UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Umea, Sweden, are on the cover of Bahá’í News in September. Hailing from Egypt, Iran, Mauritius and Sweden itself, they’re only a few of the interesting people you’ll meet each month in the pages of Bahá’í News.

Bahá’í News connects you with Bahá’ís from around the world. In September alone, you’ll learn about Bahá’í events in St. Lucia, Pakistan, Swaziland, Bangladesh, Portugal and Zimbabwe. And there are major articles about teaching the Faith in Papua New Guinea, the enrollment of American Indians in South Dakota, and social and economic development in Perth, Australia.

You can read about the growth of the Bahá’í world and more by subscribing to Bahá’í News. Send in the form below, with a check or money order, and we’ll see that you receive the September issue, and many more exciting issues to come.

Bahá’í National Center WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 U.S.A.

Please enter my subscription to BAHÁ’Í NEWS. I enclose my check, bank draft, or money order for the amount indicated.

Name Address City State and country Bahá’í I.D. Number Zip code

Within United States: 1 year $12.00 2 years $20.00

All other countries: 1 year $14.00 2 years $24.00

Alumni Hall

An optional evening program featured a lively rap session for 14- to 16-year-olds with Auxiliary Board members Carol Bowie and Reggie Newkirk.

Counsellor Gardner sat among the teen-agers to observe their enthusiastic participation. The youth asked a number of perceptive and penetrating questions relating to specific applications of Bahá’í qualities and standards of conduct.

EVEN though a dance was next on the conference agenda, many of the young people lingered long after the formal ending of the rap session to speak with the two Auxiliary Board members.

Mrs. Bowie later observed that the teen-agers showed a definite knowledge of the Bahá’í writings during the consultation.

Randall

long before Mr. Randall became a Bahá’í.

In 1914 Harry, as he was known, was elected to the Bahá’í Temple Unity, the forerunner of the National Spiritual Assembly, and served on that body for 10 years.

HE WAS an inspirational speaker, and his services were in great demand. One of his happiest teaching experiences came when he accompanied the renowned Bahá’í scholar, Jenabi-i-Fadl, during his first visit to the U.S.

Mr. Randall first met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Boston in 1912, seven years before his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

In 1913 Mr. Randall became a trustee of the Green Acre Fellowship, which later evolved into the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine. In that capacity he made continual physical improvements to the Green Acre property.

It was largely through his efforts that Sarah Farmer, the founder of Green Acre, was released from a sanitarium, thus fulfilling a promise by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that she would pass away in her own home.

Mr. Randall’s interest in Green Acre never wavered, and those who saw him there each summer witnessed the untiring energy, devotion and financial support he gave to the development of the school.

On his death in 1929, a tribute from the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, included these words:

"...The unsparing efforts which he exerted for the promotion of the Faith, the passionate eloquence with which he diffused its teachings, the mature judgment and ripe experience which he contributed to its councils, the liberality with which in days of prosperity he supported its institutions, and above all his upright and generous character, are traits that will long live after him, and which bodily separation can never remove...."

Farmers

Faith, invite them to a Bahá’í fireside.

Make friends with the local ministers. Occasionally, attend local church services.

•Participate in local choirs and other activities. Become known.

Also discussed was the use of local newspapers for advertising. The newspaper should also be read for opportunities to be of service, such as sending letters of appreciation and encouragement to high school students with exceptional grades or to people who have received local awards, and notes of condolence to those who are undergoing hardships. [Page 27]

Ten years ago...

... in The American Bahá’í

The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrulláh Khadem and members of the Continental Board of Counsellors are invited to help inaugurate a special teaching plan for Illinois that is to be in effect until the end of the Five Year Plan.

Invitations to the inaugural program at the Bahá’í House of Worship are mailed to every Bahá’í in Illinois, which is one of three states chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly for intensive teaching and consolidation programs ...

The National Spiritual Assembly announces through its National Teaching Committee a new committee structure for organizing and coordinating the teaching work among American Indians.

At the center of the new structure is the newly appointed American Indian Teaching Committee with headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.

Working under its direction are a cluster of auxiliary committees that are assigned to work in specific geographical areas. Among them are the Navajo-Hopi Teaching Committee and the North-Central Indian Teaching Committee for North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

More such regional Indian teaching committees are to be formed ...

More than 600 people attend the 15th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference whose theme, “Be on Fire with the Love of God,” is taken from a statement made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to the U.S. in 1912.

The speakers include the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears; Douglas Martin, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun; and Dr. Stanwood Cobb, a renowned Bahá’í author and educator ...

Publicity received during the Bahá’í National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, includes articles about the Faith that were published every day of the event by several St. Louis newspapers ...

The New Jersey District Teaching Committee, working with the Bahá’í Group of Glassboro, begins a series of three conferences to explore ways of opening the entire southern tip of that state to the Faith.

With help from the friends in Maryland and Pennsylvania, Bahá’ís in New Jersey open five new areas to the Faith, thus accomplishing the goal of having at least one Bahá’í in each county in the state ...

Ads

Continued From Page 16

1985 UNICEF calendar (which includes Bahá’í Holy Days); a special packet of lesson plans, maps, etc., for grades 4 through 6 (teachers can adapt the materials for younger children) entitled “Big World, Small World, My World”; and a fact sheet entitled “The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community” (for the teacher’s information). Each packet is $7 from the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

INDEXES are available for Brilliant Star magazine, March 1983-January 1984 (140 B.E.) and Child’s Way (March 1981-January 1982 and March 1982-January 1983). Send $2 for each to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

MANHATTAN, Kansas, better known as the “Little Apple,” needs homefront pioneers to stabilize a potentially jeopardized Assembly. Manhattan, the home of Kansas State University, has needed and are encouraged to office work, sales (representatives) and construction. The town of about 40,000 is nestled in the lovely Flint Hills area of the plains, enjoys near access to two lakes, has fine parks and a zoo, and is within reasonable driving distance of a number of larger cities. For more information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Manhattan, P.O. Box 933, Manhattan, KS 66502.

COME to Columbus, Indiana, a clean city with unique architecture. Needed are skilled business people, industrial and technical engineers, and those in all areas of medical work. For more information, please phone the Bahá’ís of Columbus at 812-372-5936.

JOBS are readily available at universities and other schools in the Philippines. Classes are taught in English, and teachers need only a bachelors or masters degree. For veterans, the GI Bill will cover schooling costs at approved schools in the Philippines. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MISSISSIPPI needs you! In Greenwood and Yazoo, Bahá’ís are in need of consolidation (phone 601-636-9439 for information). In Hattiesburg, a Group of five needs help to attain Assembly status (phone 601-544-4332). In Oktibbeha County, home of Mississippi State University, a black couple or family who could help consolidate a community of mass-taught black Bahá’ís would be very welcome (phone 601-324-2424 weekday evenings except Thursdays). And in Philadelphia, near a Choctaw Indian Reservation, someone who speaks Choctaw or has a knack for picking up languages could help teach and consolidate the Faith in that area (phone 601-856-4658).

ATTENTION children: We want your pictures, stories and comments. We want to hear what you have to say. Send to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

SPANISH-speaking or bi-lingual homefront pioneers are needed on any of three Indian Reservations in Washington state: Toppenish, Wapato or Yakima. Please contact the National Teaching Committee at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

H.F.P. please call home! Have you recently arrived at a homefront pioneer post? Remember, you can’t be counted as a homefront pioneer if we don’t have notice of your arrival. Please send your new address, Bahá’í I.D. number, phone number, and previous Bahá’í community to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the committee at 312-869-9039.

NORTH Dakota needs you! Bismarck, Fort Yates, the Sioux Reservation, Fort Berthold Reservation, Devils Lake Sioux Reservation all need homefront pioneers. Youth are especially needed and are encouraged to inquire about the low-tuition schools compared to other states. Residency can be granted after only six months. For details, contact the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday—Friday Phone 312-869-9039

Janet Lindstrom, twice a pioneer to Switzerland

Janet Lindstrom, a Bahá’í for 44 years who twice pioneered to Switzerland with her husband, Edvard, died July 3 at a nursing home in ‎Bedord Bedford‎, New Hampshire.

The Lindstroms, who in 1953 had become homefront pioneers to Yakima, Washington, arrived in 1960 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in response to a request from the European Teaching Committee.

By the following April they had helped to establish the city’s first Spiritual Assembly, one that has functioned continuously since that time.

They returned to this country at the end of the Ten Year Crusade in 1963, then pioneered a second time to Neuchâtel in 1972.

Mr. Lindstrom was elected treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, while Mrs. Lindstrom served from 1972-75 as the Bahá’í International Community’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

As both were members of the National Spiritual Assembly in 1973, they had the bounty of attending the third Bahá’í International Convention and participating in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

Gordon Tong, secretary of Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, dead at 39

The National Teaching Committee was saddened to learn of the death August 18 of one of its valued co-workers, Gordon Tong of Tuba City, Arizona.

Mr. Tong, 39, the secretary of the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, was en route to a planning conference at the Native American Bahá’í Institute at the time of his death.

He had served since 1976 as a member of the District Teaching Committee, and since 1980 as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Ernest Bruss.

Mr. Tong, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, embraced the Faith there in 1968. After graduating in 1974 from the Purdue University School of Dentistry, he became a homefront pioneer to the Navajo Reservation, residing first in Chinle, Arizona, later in Gallup, New Mexico, and finally in Tuba City where he was employed as chief of dental services at the Tuba City Indian Hospital.

Simultaneous memorial services for Mr. Tong were held in Greenfield, Indiana; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Honduras; at the Youth Conference in Ontario, Canada; and at the Tuba City Indian Hospital.

The geographic scope of these memorial services testifies to the hearts Mr. Tong touched during his lifetime. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their four children, Amoz, Ian, Amelia and Ali.

In Memoriam

Rahmatullah Afsahi Anaheim, CA August 21, 1984	Ernest Hill Princeton, WV July 30, 1984	Jeanne C. Peschko Flemington, NJ August 21, 1984
Virgil Anderson Marshall, TX Date Unknown	Lizzie Hilton Kingstree, SC May 14, 1984	Elizabeth Pharo Philadelphia, PA May 10, 1983
Hattie Arthur Sumter, SC Date Unknown	John Hummel Concord, CA Date Unknown	John Riemath Las Vegas, NV 1983
Bessie Baldwin Neah Bay, WA Date Unknown	Walli S. Khan Vacaville, CA August 1, 1984	Beverly Jo Rusich Woodinville, WA July 28, 1984
Lena Becker Belen, NM Date Unknown	William King Milwaukee, WI June 1984	Ezekiel Sanders Smoaks, SC February 1983
Grover Bonaparte Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown	Clyde Lampkin Terrell, TX Date Unknown	Louise Sanders Rembert, SC Date Unknown
Rose Bonaparte Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown	Lee Lopez San Mateo, CA June 14, 1984	Robert Simmons Terrell, TX Date Unknown
Archie Bowman Sumter, SC Date Unknown	Walter Lumby Firth, ID August 4, 1984	Richard Simpson Tampa, FL July 27, 1984
Ben Cheese College Park, GA July 1984	Vickie Magill Pendleton, OR August 19, 1984	Doris Mae Smith Grants Pass, OR April 13, 1984
John Darby North, SC Date Unknown	Ida Medicine Parmelee, SD Date Unknown	Kathryn Spann Sumter, SC Date Unknown
Connie Ann Davis Little Rock, AR July 18, 1984	Marcella McAllaster Las Vegas, NV Date Unknown	Henriette Thompson Wellton, AZ Date Unknown
Virginia Dorris Cleveland, OH Date Unknown	James Mitchell Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown	Genevieve Voelz Wilmette, IL June 5, 1984
Tuba Ehsani-Qamsari Arlington, VA August 1, 1984	Leon Mitchell Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown	Eddie Washington Sumter, SC Date Unknown
Paul Esterling Kingstree, SC Spring 1984	Willie Nesbitt Sumter, SC Date Unknown	Roscoe Whitfield Marshall, TX Date Unknown
John Fair Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown	Clara Orndorff Victorville, CA July 3, 1984	Simon Young Rembert, SC Date Unknown
Walter Haynesworth Maxton, NC June 1984	Anjioustrephn Palma Forest Park, IL July 1984

[Page 28]

Letters

Continued From Page 3 abide and the free assemble.”

Perhaps we are victims of the urban phobia, trying to enroll masses where the masses live, in cities. Perhaps we rely too much on mass media rather than asking how one teaches farmers, ranchers, dairymen, foresters, loggers or fishermen, for example.

Hooray for your letters column. Let me know the next time “the free assemble” somewhere. I want to go. Creative thinking is exciting, an electric process filled with divine energies.

Leo Baldwin Arcata, California

To the Editor: That refreshing viewpoint expressed by Linda S. Epstein (August) certainly deserves a standing ovation from all of us.

Keep reminding us, Linda; we need it.

James E. Pier Belvidere, South Dakota

To the Editor: It was wonderful to see the loving discussion my letter provoked under your bold headline (July) “Teaching the Faith not like selling worldly goods.”

According to the Writings, an individual never converts a soul, it is the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh which does it. But the individual must take the first step.

I have learned to let the Holy Spirit flow through me. I follow ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s admonition to bring one soul to the Faith each year.

I feel that when it comes to teaching the friends should not be critical of anyone’s teaching—even a salesman’s. Our problem is not incorrect teaching, it is that we haven’t enough enrollments.

Richard Hoff Las Cruces, New Mexico

To the Editor: Your “comment” column (June) tells of isolated Bahá’ís without even a prayer book.

Can we who have more books than we need collect them for those believers and for teaching teams to take along with them?

I have two used prayer books in good condition that they could have. Although I am in a Bahá’í community, as a shut-in my contact with the others is limited.

The sense of isolation is often sheer anguish, but my Bahá’í books, especially the prayer book, keep my soul alive. I am deeply concerned for the believers who have none, and who are isolated.

Carolyn des Granges Roxbury, Massachusetts

To the Editor: The internment in 1942 of 120,000 Japanese-Americans on the basis of alleged intelligence reports continues to be a matter of debate.

In February 1983, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians concluded that depriving these Americans of their constitutional rights was motivated by “racial prejudice, war hysteria and failure of political leadership.”

Among those taken from their homes was Kanichi Yamamoto, the first Japanese to embrace the Bahá’í Faith, and his family.

Hiroshi Yamamoto was “relocated” at a race track south of San Francisco. When we visited him, he declined to show us his living quarters.

Shinji Yamamoto was exiled to the salt flats of Utah, and it was from that desolate spot that he sent us his Bahá’í declaration card.

As Marion Yazdi pointed out in her memoirs (Youth in the Vanguard, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982), Kanichi Yamamoto took the relocation philosophically and expressed gratitude for being allowed to take his clothing with him.

His nobility of character was in sharp contrast to the ignobility of those who to this day argue that it was justifiable to send American citizens who were not proved guilty of any crime or misconduct to concentration camps.

These Japanese were the same individuals who had done so much to make California one of the greatest vegetable producing areas in the world.

There is every reason to believe that the Japanese will be among the more prominent promoters of the Cause of God in the Pacific basin, the “eye of the earth.”

Robert L. Gulick Jr. Glendale, Arizona

To the Editor: Rouha Rose wrote (July) in support of writing to congressmen.

I am not aware of any word from the National Spiritual Assembly on this, and would be grateful for their guidance on this important question.

My own conclusion is that letters written in the spirit of constructive, helpful guidance must come under the directive to “behave toward that government with trustfulness, truthfulness and faithfulness.”

As citizens of a representative democracy, it is our responsibility to keep our elected officials informed of our opinions and wishes. Failure to do so constitutes negligence and faithlessness to our government.

Catherine Sullivan Taylor, Arizona

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.
Name	Mr. Mrs. Miss	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
NOTE: Use this form for individual changes only.
[ ] 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

BAHÁ’Í FAITH

To the Editor: For those of you who are interested in children and improving the quality of their lives, I have some information I’d like to share.

The Anis Zunuzi Bahá’í School in Haiti has a sponsorship program. The cost to sponsor one child for a year is $100.

The newsletter in which I found this information is published quarterly by the school. The subscription cost is $6 a year, and subscriptions can be sent to Sub­scription Service, c/o Majzub, 8951 S.W. 85th St., Miami, FL 33156.

Quoting from the newsletter itself:

“In order to give an oppor­tunity for individuals to partici­pate in the exciting work of the Zunuzi Primary School, a spon­sorship program has been estab­lished through which donors may bring education to a Haitian child.

“Each sponsorship will enable one additional child to attend the school. The recipients of the spon­sorships are chosen by the school’s director on the basis of merit and need ...

“The name and address of the sponsor is not given to the child, however, to avoid the possibility of further solicitations ...

“Sponsorships may be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of Haiti, attn: Stuart North, Treasurer, B.P. 1247, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

“Americans wishing a tax de­duction should send their spon­sorship to the U.S. National Bahá’í Fund with a note requesting that the amount be forwarded to Haiti for use as a sponsorship at the Zunuzi school.”

Providencia M. Lord Niantic, Connecticut

To the Editor: Surely it is our obligation to share with one another the in­sights that our personal back­grounds and professions can pro­vide, to help us in the most im­portant work of teaching.

Dick Hoff, in his letter (May) was doing this. I believe that those who reacted to his letter may have missed his point.

I first met Dick in 1971, shortly before my own declaration. I made that decision in a quiet mo­ment by myself, but it was Dick Hoff and others who helped me to understand that sharing a belief in Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í prin­ciples was definitely linked to en­rolling in the Faith and commit­ting myself to the service of this Cause as a member of the Bahá’í community.

Dick was concerned then, as he is today, that many of us fail to carry our teaching relationship with the seeker beyond a point just short of declaration and en­rollment.

Some “would-be Bahá’ís” hes­itate to make the commitment, and in the absence of a guiding hand might retreat from that de­cision and defer it indefinitely.

This is understandable since up to the time of actual declaration they have been “free” to continue their investigation or leave it of­f ... and “free” to retain old habits because they’ve not yet consented to be “bound” by Ba­há’í law. Suddenly, this is about to change.

The presence of a Bahá’í teacher, in a role not unlike that of a midwife, seems desirable: ex­horting, encouraging, suggesting, prompting, coaching, reassuring, and remaining to accompany the newly enrolled believer through the earliest stages of transition that must follow.

Of course, one must be sensitive to the needs of the seeker—a few might resent an intrusion during the intimate process of commit­ment.

But are we afraid that by en­couraging our friend to declare his faith, we might negate the teach­ing that has gone before? If so, we lack confidence in our teaching and in the ability of the seeker to respond positively rather than de­fensively.

A salesman who understands the spirit of service will not press for a sale merely for material re­ward.

He knows that his product is of good quality. He demonstrates its value to those who need it, wins the trust of his customer ... then guides the process to a successful sale (and the customer becomes a buyer).

If he is like Dick Hoff, he offers advice about how to make the best use of the product, and is avail­able for follow-up help.

We are not engaged in selling material goods. We are engaged in the most important work of help­ing others to learn about this Faith and to understand its potential for all mankind, so that they will want to embrace it themselves and be­come its servants.

Let’s not sell our Cause short. Consider the advice of the ‎sales-man salesman‎: effective teaching includes securing enrollments.

John J. Phillips Braintree, Massachusetts

‘The more one can give, the better it is ...’ National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091