The American Bahá’í/Volume 16/Issue 1/Text

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The American Bahá’í January, 1985

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[Page 1]

U.S. continues to press Iran on human rights issue

"The Gist," a monthly reference aid on U.S. foreign relations published by the State Department's Bureau of Public Affairs, devoted its October 1984 issue to a discussion of "the plight of Iranian Bahá’ís."

MEANWHILE, in November, Richard Schifter, a U.S. representative to the United Nations, told a UN committee discussing religious intolerance that the refusal of Iranian Bahá’ís to renounce their faith, even under pressure of torture and possible execution, is "one of the most amazing stories of heroism of our time.

"If any set of human rights violations in the world today cries to high heaven," said Ambassador Schifter, who also serves as the U.S. representative to the UN Commission on Human Rights, "this one surely is it."

The ambassador's remarks, and the summary of conditions in Iran included in the State Department's newsletter, are the latest in a series of statements and actions by U.S. government officials decrying the brutal mistreatment of Bahá’ís by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The UN Commission on Human Rights responded recently to continuing reports of the persecution of Iran's Bahá’í community by appointing a Special Representative to investigate human rights conditions in Iran.

Hand of Cause of God Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í dies

GRIEVED ANNOUNCE PASSING HAND-CAUSE SHU’Á’U’LLÁH ‘ALÁ’Í 16 NOVEMBER THUS ENDING MORE THAN 70 YEARS UNINTERRUPTED DEDICATED SERVICES THRESHOLD BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

HE WAS TOWER STRENGTH CRADLE FAITH WHERE HE SERVED EMINENTLY, DEVOTEDLY IN ITS EMERGING ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTIONS SINCE THEIR INCEPTION. HIS MEMBERSHIP MANY DECADES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, FREQUENTLY AS CHAIRMAN, BEARS WITNESS TRUST BAHÁ’ÍS IRAN PLACED HIS NOBLE PERSON. HIS EXEMPLARY COURAGE REPRESENTING INTERESTS FAITH HIGH PLACES, HIS INTEGRITY PERFORMING OFFICIAL DUTIES ENHANCED PRESTIGE BELOVED FAITH HE SO DILIGENTLY SINCERELY CHAMPIONED ENTIRE LIFE.

HIS MANIFOLD ACHIEVEMENTS CROWNED HONOR APPOINTMENT HANDCAUSE 29 FEBRUARY 1952. THIS ENABLED HIM TO EXTEND SERVICES FAITH INTERNATIONAL ARENA. SUPPLICATING SACRED THRESHOLD PROGRESS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS BAHÁ’Í WORLD INCLUDING ALL MASHRIQU’L-ADHKÁRS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 18, 1984

‘Month of Firesides’ huge success!

The Month of Firesides (November 4-23) provided not only the opportunity to test our strength and stretch our muscles as Bahá’í teachers; it gave the U.S. Bahá’í community a chance to learn more about itself.

ALTHOUGH the focus appeared to be on the number of individual firesides we could give, the end result was heartening knowledge of the enthusiasm and capacity of our community to reach the goal given to us the Seven Year Plan to "strive to achieve an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed adherents of the Faith throughout the country and from all levels of society..."

Over-all, there were 1,200 individual efforts toward this goal.

The winning district, as announced at the Feast of Sharaf (December 31) by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, was Kansas, which had 2.293 firesides per capita during the month of Qudrat.

Kansas also walked away with the honors for the total number of firesides given: 830.

Underscoring the fact that a unified approach toward participating in all facets of the Faith provides the most consistent progress, three districts in particular - Nebraska, Iowa and Northern Minnesota - showed a positive correlation between individual contributions to the National Fund and individual response during the Month of Firesides.

AS A RESULT of its splendid effort, Kansas has "won" Mr. Sears and his wife, Marguerite, for one full week of teaching in that district sometime during the coming year.

They’ll be coming to Kansas to conduct firesides for five evenings.

Assembly in Texas has ‘GOOD’ idea

The Spiritual Assembly of Round Rock, Texas, has hit upon a "GOOD" name for a campaign to restore the National Fund to good health.

IT IS a "GOOD" name because it stands for "Get Out of Debt" - something the National Spiritual Assembly is quite eager to do.

The suggestion delighted the members of the National Spiritual Assembly as they met in November. They decided at once to launch a "GOOD" campaign with the aim of exceeding our National Fund goal so that money will be available to repay the $1.3 million that is presently owed to banks.

Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, announced the campaign in a taped message to the American Bahá’í community at the Feast of Masá’il, December 12.

Describing the National Assembly's reaction to the suggestion, Dr. Henderson said, "We could hardly control the impulse to run out and invite everybody to 'have GOOD'."

Florence, S.C., TV newscast features segment on WLGI’s philosophy, format

Television newsman Al Erwin (second from left) is video taped during an interview November 1 with WLGI management team members Mark St. Clair (left) and Dell Campbell. The two-minute interview was broadcast November 5 on Charleston's Channel 15.

WLGI Radio in Hemingway, South Carolina, was the topic of a two-minute segment November 5 on WPDE-TV's (Florence) evening news program.

DURING the interview, WLGI management team members Dell Campbell and Mark St. Clair discussed the purpose of the Louis Gregory Institute and the philosophy and format of WLGI.

Also shown were volunteer Roya Campbell taping a public service spot and staff announcer James Schell in the control room.

Said WPDE-TV's Al Ervin: "The mixture of music (on WLGI) runs counter to the highly specialized formats created by slick radio consultants.

"It's not a bad-jamming soul station or a hard-driving rocker."

National Assembly establishes Office of External Affairs

The National Spiritual Assembly recently announced the establishment of an Office of External Affairs in New Haven, Connecticut.

The new office is in charge of the National Assembly's relations with the government, national news media, the United Nations, and leaders of thought throughout the country.

The need for such an office was dictated by the gradual emergence of the Faith from obscurity as well as by the need to defend our Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Iran.

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, has been appointed to direct the work of the office, assisted by another member of the National Assembly, Dr. Wilma Brady.

At present, the External Affairs Office has three branches - in New Haven, New York City and Wilmette. The three offices are managed by Mrs. Janet Rubenstein.

Questions concerning refugees should continue to be directed to the Persian Affairs Committee, and questions about local publicity to the Public Affairs Office, both at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Other pertinent communications can be sent to the Office of External Affairs, 258 Church St., New Haven, CT 06510. The telephone number is 203-787-0303. [Page 2]

Louhelen residential college on Council's '86 drawing board

In a letter dated October 31 to parents of Bahá’í youth, the Louhelen Bahá’í School administrators say the Louhelen Council is "giving serious consideration to establishing a residential college in September 1986."

THE COLLEGE, says the letter, "would initially involve a group of about 26 students living in our lodging units while taking courses in degree-earning programs at either the University of Michigan-Flint or Mott Community College, which are about 12 miles west of Louhelen."

Such a residential college, it goes on to say, "would give Bahá’í youth, at the beginning of their college and university experiences, an opportunity to live in a Bahá’í environment.

"Students at the Louhelen Residential College would take a course in Bahá’í studies, receive instruction in study skills, and assistance and encouragement in their college studies from Bahá’í counselors...

"It is our hope that a program of this nature would help youth to become firm Bahá’ís, well-grounded in the fundamentals of the Faith and possessing a strong sense of their identity and purpose in life.

"The program would also prepare them to continue their studies at a college or university to which they would transfer, and to be capable of meeting successfully the moral, intellectual and spiritual challenges youth face on college and university campuses today."

UNDER the Louhelen plan, 13 students would be admitted in the fall of 1986 to a one-year program and 13 to a two-year program. In the following years, 13 new students would be admitted each year, assuming that students would want to enroll for two years.

To ascertain the degree of interest in such a program, the parents to whom the letter is addressed are asked to complete and return a survey form that accompanies it.

The letter is signed by William A. Diehl, Louhelen's director of administrative affairs, and Geoffry W. Marks, director of academic affairs.

Bahá’í wins award for service to school

Esther Singer, a Bahá’í who is employed as a secretary in the physics department at the University of California-Santa Barbara, has been given a Special Performance Award for her "outstanding service" to the school.

The cash award of nearly $1,000 was approved last June by the UCSB chancellor.

Karl Ory (seated), the mayor of Chico, California, signs a petition designating September 16 'World Peace Day' in that city as Bahá’ís Sue Schreiber and Charles Jenkins of the Chico community look on.

The Bahá’ís of Chico observed World Peace Day with a public meeting at which Abdullah Brooks of Sacramento spoke on 'The Political Peace and Universal Peace to Come.' More than 50 people attended including 25 non-Bahá’ís.

The National Spiritual Assembly has named Mrs. Anna Lee Strasburg of Wilmette, Illinois, director of the Department of Community Administration at the Bahá’í National Center. She replaces Dr. Donald T. Streets who left the National Center on October 5 for reasons of health. Mrs. Strasburg, a second generation Bahá’í who was born in Bahia, Brazil, has worked in Community Administration for seven years, and was named acting head of the department after Dr. Streets' departure.

Community Administration deals with violations of Bahá’í law that are referred to the National Spiritual Assembly by local communities, helps guide and strengthen Local Spiritual Assemblies, and coordinates arrangements for pilgrimages to the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel.

For a better tomorrow, we must work today

Throughout the writings of the Guardian—and now the Universal House of Justice—we discern a sense of urgency. We are constantly being made aware of the conditions that surround us.

MANY of these conditions would depress and disturb us were it not for the magnificent and reassuring promises of victory made in the writings.

Nevertheless, we cannot help but feel that there is a clock, somewhere, where time is running out.

The "old world order" is crumbling before our eyes.

The American Bahá’í (USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: David E. Ogron The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black and white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1985 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Even the most casual viewer of media news must be aware of the inability of the world powers to really resolve global problems. Self-interest and ruthless disregard for the needs of humanity preclude any solution.

As Bahá’ís, we have been commissioned to provide answers to the world's problems. We have been mandated to prepare a new way of life—a "new World Order."

And we have been directed to do it now while there is still time, while there is still freedom, and while there are still resources available to us.

OUR LIVES and our minds must be redirected toward this magnificent task—the creation of a new society.

That greatest of all goals has been set for us by Bahá’u’lláh.

First Shoghi Effendi, and now the Universal House of Justice, have established intermediate goals—we call them Plans—by which the greatest goal can be achieved.

Each believer must, if he is to fit into the Plan, set his own smaller goals. The Guardian has written:

"The field is indeed so immense, the period so critical, the Cause so great, the workers so few, the time so short, the privilege so priceless, that no follower of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, worthy to bear His name, can afford a moment's hesitation." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 39)

This month's article, "Do It Today for Your Tomorrows," was written by Marion West of Boulder City, Nevada.

What we do today establishes a pattern for all our tomorrows. If we set for ourselves a pattern of procrastination, we will procrastinate tomorrow.

IF, HOWEVER, we do as Bahá’u’lláh has urged us to do in the following passage, our tomorrows will succeed one another in glory and achievement:

"O ye beloved of God! Repose not yourselves on your couches, nay bestir yourselves as soon as ye recognize your Lord, the Creator, and hear of the things which have befallen Him, and hasten to His assistance. Unloose your tongues, and proclaim unceasingly His Cause. This shall be better for you than all the treasures of the past and of the future, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth." (Gleanings, p. 330)

What further motivation do we need to get us to do it now?

What's the rush? Well, listen again to the words of the Guardian:

"If the friends always waited until they were fully qualified to do any particular task, the work of the Cause would be almost at a standstill!... Today the need is so great... that the believers must plunge into the work... heedless of their own shortcomings..." ("The Individual and Teaching," pp. 24-25)

But what, you ask, can I do now?

I can begin in my own family. How would they respond to a nicer me—to a more thoughtful and considerate me?

IF THEY could see the regenerating influence of the Teachings on me, would they be more open to the Message? Isn't this worth thinking about and working on?

Suppose I were to develop or repair good relationships with my neighbors.

Is it possible that I could create a real friendship with a neighbor and become so loveable that in time he or she would be willing to listen to what I believe? Isn't this worth thinking about and working on?

Some behavior modification may be helpful:

1. I could set aside a time and place for daily prayer and accept this as a firm commitment.

2. I could keep a copy of The Hidden Words at my bedside, or breakfast table, and read and try to memorize at least one passage at a time.

3. I could keep a log of everyone who responded with any interest to the Message and invite them to suitable meetings, and certainly could pray for them.

4. I can set short-range and long-range goals; i.e., to find 30 people this month to whom to give the Message, to find seven people this week, to find one today,

5. I could support the Bahá’í activities in my area—firesides, deepenings, social events.

6. I could set aside some time each day for prayers and set as a goal for my children and myself learning at least one prayer every week.

In short, I could begin to capitalize on the bounties and blessings of being a Bahá’í, and I could do it today so that my tomorrows would be filled with success and grace. [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:

Before you read my brief letter, I have a favor to ask: first, obtain a watch or clock; second, please count off the next 60 seconds.

DURING that one minute the nations of the world have spent more than $1 million for weapons of destruction.

In contrast, the yearly budget of the National Spiritual Assemblies of North America is less than $15 million.

Considering the difficulties in Iran, considering the state of the world and its urgent need for the medicine the Divine Physician alone can provide, and considering what the Bahá’í Faith has to offer, please consider what is being spent each and every second for destruction, and consider what might be utilized by an Army of Light, an army bent not on destruction but on the construction of a new world, a new era.

Now consider that the average rate of individual contributions to our local and National Funds has been below 20-30 per cent.

Please, can we challenge ourselves and each become part of a constructive future?

Can we each pray, consult with our Assembly, with each other, and strive at least to increase, perhaps even to double the percentage of contributions given joyfully to the local and National Funds?

FINALLY, which is more important: let's say we have 100 friends. One gives a large amount every Bahá’í month; 10 give moderate amounts; 20 give small amounts, and the remainder include some who give nothing and several who give every once in a while.

Now imagine another group in which all cheerfully donate and there is 100 per cent participation. Does the amount matter?

Dennis M. McDonnell Englewood, Colorado

To the Editor:

Is child-beating by teachers illegal in your area yet? Do you feel it should be?

Surprisingly (perhaps), the predominantly Anglo-Saxon societies such as Australia, Great Britain, South Africa and the U.S. have been the slowest to recognize the psychological and physical harm of corporal punishment in the schools.

Physical punishment of children has been abolished by law or by regulation in every country in continental Europe including eastern Europe and the USSR. It is illegal in Japan, Israel, the Philippines and in most other countries of the world. Ireland is the most recent country to have abolished the practice.

In many areas of the U.S., South Africa, England, and throughout Australia, violence against school children by teachers is still legal and prevalent. In these countries, abolitionists are continually confronted by the legacy of colonialism, militarism and racism.

The prevailing wisdom is that corporal punishment "builds character," "teaches right from wrong," and is "good discipline."

We as Bahá’ís know better. The Writings are full of statements supporting the idea that only by treating children with love, respect and openness will they grow into well-adjusted, moral and enlightened adults.

Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education (PTAVE) was established in 1978 to help put a stop to corporal punishment in the schools.

PTAVE's sole aim is to help speed the progress of education toward a high level, by world standards, of quality and humaneness. It is independent of any government body, political faction, economic interest or religious creed.

To find out more about this organization, Assemblies, Groups, committees or individuals can write to PTAVE, 560 South Hartz Avenue, Suite 408, Danville, CA 94526.

Michael Banister Walnut Creek, California

To the Editor:

Our community (Salt Lake City) has about 50 members. They are wonderful souls who love to serve Bahá’u’lláh; but I have been hearing the same old story from almost every one of them over and over again: "Our Bahá’í community is not united and does not show forth true Bahá’í love."

Community. I've heard it being used and blamed so frequently for all our troubles that I wonder whether "community" is an abstraction and we, the individual members, do not make up the community.

Aren't we a part of that entity? I've seen people leave the Faith or become inactive, and the reason is that "our community doesn't support us or show us the true Bahá’í love we deserve."

Friends, don't you think it's about time we got in touch with reality? I am not denying the importance of the community—but the community consists of you and me.

When we are not deepened, enthusiastic, devoted and dedicated to the love and unity advocated by Bahá’u’lláh (not by our own personal standards), our community will not grow and prosper.

So if in some future meeting we feel that true Bahá’í love is lacking, let us search our own hearts and souls. I guarantee that we'll find the solution.

What others do or say is not important; what is important is what I do and say. The emphasis should be on "I," not "they."

I have a suggestion. This is an exercise for shaping up our spirits: At the next Feast, we will not sit next to our best friends, but next to those members of the community to whom we have uttered no words but "Alláh’u’Abhá" (perhaps not even that).

We will tell them that we love them and care a great deal about them (believe me, language won't be a barrier).

I am sure the situation won't become worse, and it may even become much better. If not, we'll at least be striving. Please!

Homeira Sobhani Salt Lake City, Utah

To the Editor:

The words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on marriage, sometimes called the "Marriage Tablet," are among the most beautiful and cogent ever written on the subject.

They are superb in content and counsel. The insight, wisdom and advice are so magnificent that all married couples would do well to re-read them at regular intervals.

For years there was uncertainty about whether or not we should use this talk. Now the Universal House of Justice has settled that for us with these words: "The friends may use this talk, but it is not to be considered as scripture." (Quoted in Lights of Guidance by Helen Hornby, p. 289)

Here in Haifa at the World Centre, this talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is frequently read at weddings. Recently I had the pleasure of reading it in its entirety at one of our marriage ceremonies.

It is printed in Bahá’í Prayers (British, 1951 ed., pp. 46-50) and in Counsels of Perfection (pp. 126-129)

Our Bahá’í marriages will be stronger, happier and more enduring if we follow the counsel which the Master gives us in this talk on marriage.

Margaret Ruhe Haifa, Israel

To the Editor:

I would like to address the topic of Bahá’ís’ attitudes toward other Bahá’ís during times of tests.

DURING my earlier years as an enrolled Bahá’í, I tended to follow a pattern I see duplicated many times among the friends.

When a believer is experiencing such tests as bereavement, serious illness, financial loss, or something else beyond his control, the friends are usually warm and understanding.

The Assembly offers its help, and individuals take it upon themselves to perform acts of kindness.

But when a believer undergoes other kinds of tests, and appears outwardly to be "failing" those tests—i.e., breaks Bahá’í law or acts in a manner unbecoming to a Bahá’í—it is a different story.

In such instances the Assembly typically acts with more justice than mercy, and individual Bahá’ís tend to become cold, unforgiving, and often cease to associate with the believer who is being tested.

My own thoughts about such people, in my early years, were that they couldn't have made a very sincere commitment to the Faith in the first place.

AFTER all, I reasoned, the laws of the Faith are perfectly reasonable and not difficult to follow.

Then Bahá’u’lláh decided to bring me down from my perch of superiority. He sent such tests into my life as I never would have imagined—not one, but several, and all at once.

How revealing it was to be on the receiving end of the way I had treated my troubled Bahá’í friends!

For a period of months, the strength of my faith was tested to its very limits. For a while, I was too ashamed of my conduct to let anyone know I was a Bahá’í, let alone do any teaching.

I began even to wonder if I was a Bahá’í. Finally the light dawned and I realized that, yes, I still felt that Bahá’u’lláh has the only answers for the problems of mankind. Yes, I was still a Bahá’í.

Gradually, I was able to bring my conduct back into harmony with Bahá’í teachings.

THE experience taught me a number of things—and I know I'll be tested again ... and again... and again.

Hopefully, my strength will increase over time. But I don't think I'll ever judge my fellow Bahá’ís quite so harshly.

We all have our varying capacities, and we grow at different rates.

If we are to build a sense of oneness with each other, as the Writings say is necessary, then the best treatment of one who is in distress (no matter what kind!) is understanding and love.

We can help nurse our spiritually sick brothers and sisters back to health much more quickly that way than by harsh judgments and ostracism.

Loralee Notley Spokane, Washington

To the Editor:

As we gathered at our District Convention in South Dakota, we were filled with excitement and praise as we discussed the Amoz Gibson Project.

We would like to thank all the projecteers who have participated in the project, whether directly in the teaching or indirectly through prayers and support.

Winter is setting in now and the consolidation work is left to a bare minimum of inspired and dedicated souls. Please remember us in your prayers and be assured that we thank you for your efforts in His Name.

Barbara Rudolph For the Amoz Gibson Project

To the Editor:

Even before becoming a Bahá’í, I subscribed to the idea of trying to eliminate prejudice, the most obvious forms of which are ethnic, social and religious.

HOWEVER, as I've become

See LETTERS Page 27

New from George Ronald, Publisher

The March of the Institutions A Commentary on the Interdependence of Rulers and Learned by Eunice Braun

The term 'rulers and learned' was used by Bahá’u’lláh to define the two lines of administrative authority and responsibility in His Faith. This book explains the relationship of rulers and learned to each other through a fascinating account of the rise and development of Bahá’í institutions.

112 pp, 5⅜ x 8 in. Hardcover $7.50* Softcover $3.50*

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to: Bahá’í Publishing Trust 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 This title not exported [Page 4]

Champion builders: HOWARD MacNUTT

It was Howard MacNutt, an early believer from New York, who collected the published and unpublished talks that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had delivered during His U.S. tour in 1912 and compiled them in the form of a book that the Master instructed should be titled The Promulgation of Universal Peace.

Mr. MacNutt’s deep concern for future generations of Bahá’ís also led him to work with J.G. Grundy in making two motion pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and recording the Master’s speaking voice on an Edison Talking Machine.

About these projects, the two believers wrote: "The beloved friends 100 years from now will be able to see the form, face and actions of the Beloved Centre of the Covenant; and even more, listen to the actual tone of his voice speaking the words which the pictures so eloquently portray."

Mr. MacNutt and his wife, Mary, both embraced the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in 1898, and their two New York homes soon became Bahá’í meeting places.

It was early in 1905 that the MacNutts and their good friend, Julia Grundy, first met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Mr. MacNutt’s study of Persian and Arabic allowed him to help with the first English translation of the Kitáb-i-Íqán.

He also took an active interest in the development of the Green Acre Center where he spoke on a number of occasions. Mr. MacNutt was a member of the first Board of Council, forerunner of the Local Spiritual Assembly, in New York City.

IN THE spring of 1911, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent a Tablet to Juliet Thompson in which He wrote: "Announce on my behalf to Mrs. MacNutt: 'I do not forget thee and my beloved friend, Mr. MacNutt, for one breath; nay, rather, I beg continually for your divine confirmations and supreme assistance.'"

Government

He is to report his findings and recommendations to the February 1985 session of the Human Rights Commission.

"The Gist," a two-page newsletter, offers a monthly condensation of the main points on a given foreign policy issue including an introduction, a statement of the relevant facts, and a summary of what the U.S. government has done about the issue.

BEGUN in 1969 as an in-house publication, it is now sent on request to about 13,000 agencies and individuals.

Its list of readers includes the U.S. Information Agency, U.S. embassies and consulates, some foreign embassies in the Washington area, selected parliamentarians throughout the world, philanthropic organizations, members of Congress and some assistants, newspaper editorial writers and managing editors, and selected schools and universities.

In the October issue, "The Gist" briefly surveys the background of the current persecutions, notes the relationship between the Bahá’í Faith and Islam, outlines the mistreatment of Bahá’ís by the government of Iran, and summarizes U.S. government actions taken on behalf of Iranian Bahá’ís.

"The Khomeini regime," it says, "has virtually outlawed the Bahá’í faith, creating one of the gravest human rights situations in the world today."

The government of Iran, it further states, "consistently has violated the basic human rights of Iranian Bahá’ís."

THE publication quotes the President of the Revolutionary Court of the city of Shíráz who said early in 1983: "It is absolutely certain that in the Islamic Republic of Iran there is no place for Bahá’ís and Bahá’ísm."

Since August 1983, when the Bahá’í administrative order in Iran was dissolved in response to an edict by Iran's Prosecutor General that "activities of Bahá’ís are banned in Iran," the newsletter points out that "the Iranian government has intensified its persecution."

In summarizing the U.S. response to these developments, the State Department newsletter says: "Public pressure is one of the few tools available to the U.S. government when serious human rights violations take place in a country, such as Iran, where the U.S. has little influence."

The U.S. government has, it says, condemned the persecutions in a number of statements by the President and other administration officials, "in the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices submitted annually to Congress, in comments on the Voice of America, in two concurrent resolutions, and in a number of statements to the press..."

In addition, "the U.S. has given refuge to more than 10,000 Iranian Bahá’ís during the last four years.

"FINALLY, the U.S. has supported international efforts on behalf of the Bahá’ís, including those undertaken by the UN Secretary-General, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the UN Human Rights Commission."

In commenting on those efforts, Ambassador Schifter expressed the hope that, after receiving the report of its Special Representative, "it will be possible for the (Human Rights) Commission to take steps which can lead to the amelioration" of religious persecution of Iranian Bahá’ís.

Noting that differences between the U.S. and the Soviet Union are not involved in this instance, he cited the Bahá’í case as a true test of the UN’s ability to deal with human rights violations.

"If this organization finds itself unable to do anything about a set of violations so free of East-West implications," the ambassador said, "we indeed have a right to wonder whether it can be expected to accomplish much in the field of human rights."

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, noting that three years have passed since the UN General Assembly approved a Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, said the Bahá’í community "hopes that the Special Representative will be able to complete the thorough and impartial study which the Human Rights Commission's 1984 Resolution mandated," and looks to the Commission "for vigorous actions to protect the rights of these innocent people, whose only 'crime' is their desire to follow their own religious beliefs."

Reader's Digest notes persecutions in Iran

An excellent article on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, "Their 'Crime' Is Faith," appeared in the December 1984 issue of The Reader’s Digest.

The article, written by Fergus M. Bordewich, discusses the background of the persecutions, offers personal glimpses into the deprivations suffered by the believers, and outlines the response by the United Nations and world governments including the U.S.

WLGI

It’s certainly not a laid-back easy sound. It’s, well, different!"

Unlike many religious stations, Mr. Ervin told his audience, WLGI gets across its Bahá’í message discreetly.

The day after WPDE-TV’s coverage, two media people phoned the station and said they would like to work for WLGI because they liked what the Bahá’ís were trying to do.

ON October 15, the Creative Word went over the air for the first time as the Bahá’í community of Williams Hill broadcast the Feast of ‘Ilm.

The Feast of Qudrat, the second in what is to become a regular series of Feasts broadcast on the station, was aired November 3 with the Bahá’ís of Johnsonville as hosts.

Following the Feast broadcasts, the station plays 15 minutes of music while inviting Bahá’í communities to use the time for consultation on matters of local concern.

WLGI also plans to broadcast observances of Bahá’í Holy Days.

Tree planting ceremony

On August 19, the Bahá’ís of Pittsfield Township, Michigan, presented a potted Norway maple tree to representatives of the Township in recognition of its 150th year of existence. On September 16, the Bahá’ís rededicated the tree and planted it in Montebeller Park as a part of their World Peace Day observance. In return, the Spiritual Assembly was given a citation for "Outstanding Community Participation." Shown at the tree-planting ceremony are (left to right) Anjou Golden; Marvin Holladay, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Pittsfield Township; Michael Morehouse of the Township’s Parks Commission; Assembly member Erma Hayden; Carol Aldrich, chairman of the Parks Commission; Ronald Van Pelt, an Assembly member and Tree Committee chairman; and Maryellen Wall of the Parks Commission.

Following the ceremony, Bahá’ís and their guests from Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Township, Chelsea, Salem Township and Pittsfield Township enjoyed a picnic, folk music, dancing and fellowship.

Committee seeks course information

The National Youth Committee is seeking information on correspondence courses designed to deepen new believers. Any information (course outlines, curriculum designs, etc.) would be welcomed. Please send any pertinent materials to the National Youth Committee, Sunrise, FL 33313. [Page 5]

Fireside teaching, giving to Fund can help unify family

Fireside teaching and giving to the Bahá’í Funds are two family activities that contribute much to solidifying family bonds.

THERE are many ways in which your family can become involved in these projects.

Mom and dad can collaborate and come up with some fine Fireside Fare (take a peek in the WLGI cookbook for details); children can invite their friends for special children's activities (see Brilliant Star magazine for inspiration).

Everyone can help clean the house in preparation, and recite prayers together for assistance from the Divine Concourse.

Giving to the Fund can be an extra special activity for young children. Junior can earn money around the house for the Fund. One mother in Arizona lets her three-year-old have the job of checking pockets for loose change before putting them in the washing machine, which, along with money earned for "very good deeds," becomes his offering to the Fund—"he's always so proud to be earning something for the good pleasure of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!"

FROM the many letters we've received from youth, we know that young people take the privilege of contributing to the Fund seriously.

By encouraging and praising them for their consistency in giving, you are helping to instill at a young age the feeling of joy that comes when we fulfill our obligation to contribute to the Fund.

Family members are encouraged to consult on how much to give to each Fund, and to discuss ways to increase their capacity to give through sacrifice and special projects.

One family, for example, sponsors a FUNd day at their house each year, selling and auctioning the fruits (and plants) of their labor from the past year and donating the proceeds to the National Fund.

Fireside teaching and contributing to the Fund are two constructive endeavors to nurture family ties while fulfilling our needs as individuals to teach and to give regularly to the Fund.

Make it a family affair!

‘VIE’ chart modified

For one month only we are modifying the chart that reports the statistics of the National Fund's "VIE" campaign in order to show the results of the nationwide "month of firesides."

Next month we'll return to reporting the "starting block" information and the "most improved" category.

For your information, the top five districts in the "most improved" Fund participation category for the month of Qudrat were:

1. Oregon, Eastern; 2. South Carolina, South No. 2; 3. South Carolina, East No. 1; 4. North Carolina, Western; 5. Colorado, Southeast.

An active program of teaching leads to greater participation in other areas of Bahá’í life.

Take a few minutes to compare the relationship between fireside activity and individual contributions to the Fund in each district.

Congratulations to the Bahá’ís of Kansas for winning the national Month of Firesides contest! We look forward to more headlines from Kansas.

HELP!! No!. D. NUMBERS! OUT

AHHH-- NUMBERS

Remember the Buck twins UNIPAR introduced to you last May? Well, here they are again, working for two organizations that accept donations from their membership. They both issue receipts according to I.D. numbers.

Mr. No Bucks, on the left, is struggling with a growing backlog of contributions. Many of the members of his group forget to include their I.D. numbers on their checks. He has to look up the I.D. number for each of these gifts. It takes him longer to issue receipts, and it is difficult to deposit the money in the bank promptly.

Mr. Hav Bucks, on the right, is proud of his group's membership. They always remember to include their full names and I.D. numbers on every check. His receipts are issued promptly, and often he gets the morning's contributions in the bank the same day.

Your National Treasurer's Office can sympathize with Mr. No Bucks, as our situation is similar to his. With your help, however, we can make our bookkeeper's job more like Mr. Hav Bucks.

Please remember—include your I.D. number on every Bahá’í Fund check. Thanks for your help!

Persian Relief Fund

The Persian Relief Fund, which assists our persecuted Iranian brothers and sisters, is in urgent need of support.

Initially created by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran, the fund has since been transferred to the World Centre. A branch of the Persian Relief Fund has been established in the U.S. under the National Fund, and contributions for this purpose can be made to the National Bahá’í Fund earmarked "Persian Relief." Contributions made in this way are tax-deductible.

An average of $10,000 a month is being disbursed, under the direction of the Universal House of Justice, from the U.S. Persian Relief Fund to help those who are in need.

Recently, there has been a drastic drop in the level of contributions to this fund, and there is genuine concern that some necessary aid may be delayed.

Local Assemblies and area Persian Affairs Committees have been asked to work with their communities to provide greater support for the Persian Relief Fund. Together we can restore strength to the fund!

Free ‘water booth’

On September 1-3, the Bahá’í community of Hermosa Beach, California, sponsored a free water booth at the city's annual Labor Day weekend fair.

About 10,000 people passed by the booth, and more than 2,500 cups of water were given out. Many passersby stopped to ask questions, take flyers giving fireside information, or simply to compliment the Bahá’ís and say thank you.

The Winners’ Circle

National Fund 1. Iowa 2. Tennessee, Eastern 3. Nebraska 4. Minnesota, Northern 5. Georgia, Northeast 6. Kentucky 7. Nevada, Southern 8. Vermont 9. North Carolina, Western 10. Colorado, Southeast 11. Pennsylvania, Western 12. Maine 13. Utah 14. Washington, Southwest 15. Rhode Island 16. Ohio, Southern 17. Wisconsin, Southern 18. Ohio, Northern 19. Massachusetts

Firesides 1. Kansas 2. Nevada, Northern 3. Minnesota, Northern 4. Nebraska 5. Idaho, Southern 6. Maine 7. Iowa 8. North Dakota 9. Rhode Island 10. Vermont 11. Florida, Northern 12. Wisconsin N/Upper Michigan 13. Utah 14. Washington, Southwest 15. Wyoming 16. Louisiana, Northern 17. California, Northern No. 1 18. Oklahoma, Eastern 19. Colorado, Western

Fund Participation and Firesides by District for the Month of Qudrat

NATIONAL FUND District Name Membership as of 11/10/84 Number of contributors Percentage of participation

FIRESIDES Number Per capita

Alabama S/Florida NW Alabama N Arizona N Arizona S Arkansas California C No. 1 California C No. 2 California N No. 1 California N No. 2 California S No. 1 California S No. 2 California S No. 3 California S No. 4 [Page 6]

Bahá’í in Honduras praises Pioneer Training Institutes

Every two or three months, the International Goals Committee holds four-day Pioneer Training Institutes to prepare prospective pioneers for service in other countries.

INSIGHTS and information culled from the committee's many years of experience, and from its relationships with thousands of pioneers, are an invaluable source of practical instruction and spiritual inspiration to those who attend, both before leaving and, later, at their posts.

Each person has another story to tell. Here is an open letter to prospective pioneers from Jenny Link-Bower, a pioneer to Honduras who attended a Pioneer Institute with her husband, John, last August.

Dear Friends,

IGC asked me to write you about my experiences at the Pioneer Training Institute. They want to stress its importance, and I am happy to comply with their wishes.

I'd gone off to my post without attending a PTI and had had, for the first few months, a very hard time.

The point at which my pioneering experience began to be fulfilling and exciting coincided with a short return to the States and attendance at a PTI, so I am probably an ideal person to write about its importance.

I DON'T think I can necessarily claim exact cause and effect, for there were a lot of factors both inside me and outside that contributed to making pioneering difficult at first and intoxicating later, but the coincidence of the Pioneer Training Institute being the watershed does seem at least a little significant.

I'd like to describe as briefly as possible the Institute I attended, because I believe its essence was a spiritual experience and that all the possible words I could put to it would convey only inadequately its impact.

On one level, the PTI was just like any other well-planned, inspiring Bahá’í conference. The IGC staff made the same phenomenal sacrifices of time, effort, sleep and comfort that organizers of countless Bahá’í schools and programs regularly and devotedly make.

The Institute was addressed by a quantity and quality of servants of Bahá’u’lláh that was both heart-warming and inspiring—just like the many large conferences and conventions in the Bahá’í world.

The Institute was both practical and spiritual, as are all the ideals of our Faith. It was attended by a diverse lot of all backgrounds, types and colors: prospective pioneers, vacationing pioneers, pioneers between posts, and traveling teachers, all united in this one means of serving the Cause, and all seeking the necessary knowledge and power to serve to the best of their ability.

ON THIS one level alone, the PTI was an exceptional experience. On another level it was even more so, and this is the level that is so impossible to describe.

I went through a private soul-searching process during the days and nights of the PTI, and I'd be surprised if this private experience was unique.

It seemed to be a micro-experience, a symbolic and instantaneous foretaste of the life of a pioneer. It was a test and a blessing.

My perceptions of my own areas of weakness were sharpened dramatically during the first days of the Institute. When the discomfort of this awareness reached a peak, sources of spiritual strength within me began to be released.

As in all times of magnified spiritual perception, the personal impact was overwhelming.

I do not know what were the private thoughts and feelings of others at the Institute, but I could not help noticing that, at the close, more than a few of us were weeping and all seemed reluctant to depart.

ONE thing happened immediately after the PTI for which I believe the main credit goes to the spiritual forces that were generated there.

My husband and I formulated our specific teaching goals to put into effect on our return to our post. The goals were astonishingly simple and clear.

Now, back in Honduras for a couple of months, we are seeing week after week the results of these goals—results which have exceeded our wildest hopes and are still mushrooming.

We certainly would have done something here anyway, but I do believe that the clarity and simplicity of our focus would not have come without the Pioneer Training Institute.

I believe that through the unity and power of the PTI, Bahá’u’lláh put us in touch with the particular spiritual needs of our region and granted us intuition for the purpose of meeting those needs in simple and practical ways.

You are very close to our hearts here, and we are trusting in your prayers and support.

Sincerely, with Bahá’í love, Jenny Link-Bower

There are several ways to do 'prince of all goodly deeds'

"There are several ways of pioneering, and all are entirely valid and are of great help to the teaching work. There is, first of all, the pioneer who goes to a particular country, devotes the remainder of his life to the service of the Faith in that land and finally lays his bones to rest in its soil. Secondly, there is the pioneer who goes to a post, serves valiantly there until the native Bahá’í community is strongly established, and then moves on to new fields of service. Thirdly, there are those, for example youth between the completion of their schooling and the starting of their chosen profession, who go pioneering for a specific limited period." (The Universal House of Justice in a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated May 25, 1975)

Three short months remain before Riḍván 1985, the date when all of the pioneer posts assigned by the Universal House of Justice must be filled. Do you think you belong in one of the categories of pioneers described above? A telephone call or letter to the International Goals Committee and a chat with a pioneer consultant will help make it clear whether there is a chance that you may perform the "prince of all goodly deeds and the ornament of every goodly act" (Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 57).

PIONEER GOALS (As of December 5, 1984)

AFRICA

• (F) Benin: 4*
• (E) Lesotho: 3
• (F) Mauritania: 2
• (E) Nigeria: 4*
• (E) Tanzania: 2

AMERICAS

• (S) Colombia: 3
• (E) Dominica: 2
• (S) Galapagos: 1
• (E) Cayman Is.: 2
• (S) Mexico: 2
• (S) Yucatan, Mexico: 1
• (S) Puerto Rico: 2
• (E) St. Vincent: 2
• (S) Guatemala: 1

ASIA

• (E) India: 3
• (K) Korea: 1
• (E) Nepal: 1
• (E) Philippines: 3
• (Th) Thailand: 1

AUSTRALASIA

• Caroline Islands: 3
• (S) Easter Island: 1
• (E) Kosrae: 1
• (E) Palau: 2
• Mariana Islands: 3
• (E) Tinian: 1
• (E) Marshall Is.: 1
• (E) Western Samoa: 2
• (E) Tuvalu: 1

EUROPE

• (S) Canary Is.: 2
• (GR,T,E) Cyprus: 4
• (E) Ireland: 6*

LANGUAGE KEY

• E—English
• F—French
• GR—Greek
• S—Spanish
• Th—Thai
• T—Turkish
• K—Korean

TOTAL: 64

• Persians preferred but others welcome

Attention travelers

It is extremely important for ALL travelers, whether on business or for pleasure, whether travel teaching, relocating or pioneering, to contact the International Goals Committee before leaving this country. We may have information which could be important and relevant for your trip.

A Sunday morning Bahá’í children's class at the National Center in Ponape, eastern Caroline Islands. In the back row (left) is traveling teacher Dorothy Hansen; back row (right) is longtime pioneer Virginia Breaks, an Auxiliary Board member.

Friends in many other countries hunger for Bahá’í literature we take for granted

We who live in this land of plenty, with beautiful Bahá’í books and other literature always available to us, may not be aware that other countries are hungry for such materials.

HERE IS your chance to help "feed" the souls of the friends in Uganda and help them to teach the Word of God. A pioneer to Uganda writes:

"So many African friends ask for the postcards we used to have which have now been incorporated in the teaching booklet.

"Africans love postcards to put on their walls, and they make lovely gifts for the friends. They can't afford the teaching booklets (nor can I) and they aren't the same as postcards that can be put on a mud wall.

"Most of the Bahá’ís in the world cannot afford our literature. I can't buy many of the books to replace the ones which were lost because they cost too much, but Bibles are only 300 Ugandan shillings, so I buy them for the friends.

"I even get some free from the Baptists, and Qur’áns are 500 shillings, which makes it easy to get them too. But Bahá’í books are far too expensive for most of us. We are supposed to disseminate the Word of God. Tell me, how?

"I wish every American Bahá’í could adopt an African Bahá’í community and correspond so it could be known what the needs are exactly and teach them by correspondence if necessary. Mass conversion is going on here on a shoestring, and two of the mass conversion areas chosen by the Universal House of Justice are in Uganda."

The International Goals Committee would like to know your thoughts about how we in the U.S. can help this pioneer.

Perhaps for a start you can gather the Bahá’í postcards that you have received and send them to the committee for forwarding. Used postcards can be made into teaching books and put on walls as easily as new ones.

Small books or pamphlets containing the Creative Word would also be most welcome.

Please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 7]

CONFERENCE NEWS UPDATE

YOUth can move the world! July 3-7, 1985 Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio

The Bahá’í youth conference next summer will be truly international, with requests for information coming already from many communities overseas. Youth and young Bahá’ís from South America, Europe, Asia and Central America are expected to attend.

The National Youth Committee, which is charged with sponsorship and program planning, is planning an international festival as a part of the late-night programs to be held during the youth gathering next July 3-7. Youth are encouraged to wear international dress, and music and dance from many cultures will be performed.

All artistic and dramatic performances under consideration should be submitted to the National Youth Committee before April 19 for "audition." An entertainment task force will review all submitted materials (cassette tapes, scripts, photos, etc.) and then determine the proper showcase for that talent. Please send materials to the National Youth Committee, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313.

It's not too late to send in your entries for the artistic and scholarly contests... the deadline is set for February 28, 1985.

Awards will be presented at the International Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio, for entries in song composition, essay composition, poster design, and photography; themes to be expressed are "YOUth Can Move the World" or "Participation, Development, Peace" in observance of International Youth Year 1985.

Age categories include 12-15 years, 16-20 years, and 21-24 years, with prizes awarded for each artistic category and age group. All entries should be submitted by February 28 to the National Youth Committee, Sunrise, FL 33313.

One of the highlights of the International Youth Conference will be the FUNd run! This event has been slated for one morning of the program and will include participation by adults, youth and children.

More details will be published in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í, but early plans indicate that the event will be a fund-raising activity that everyone can join. Pledges will be made by Bahá’ís in one's local community, and the participants will run, walk or crawl around the indoor track... with proceeds going to the National Bahá’í Fund.

16 youngsters take part in annual youth pilgrimage

Another "GOOD" idea!

By JOHN FOSTER

Last June and July, six U.S. Bahá’í youth had the special bounty of going on the annual youth pilgrimage.

THE SIX youth—Allison Ashley, Craig Cott, Mehran Dadressan, John Foster, Lisa Molin and Linda Stevens—and their chaperone, Carey Crimmel, first visited the Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy places in and around Jerusalem.

They then went on pilgrimage to the Bahá’í holy places in Haifa and ‘Akká.

The experience there was different for each of them, but all came away with lifetime memories, warm feelings, and the energy and desire to serve that is needed to "move the world."

This energy was given a chance to express itself in several ways after the pilgrimage. Two of the youth returned home to teach, one to Baltimore and the other to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, while the others had the "priceless privilege" of traveling and teaching in Europe.

The reward for this could be seen in their smiling faces. They found, as all Bahá’í teachers find, that while there are many tests to overcome, the benefits of striving to serve the Cause of God are always many times greater than any difficulties.

OF COURSE, it's not necessary to travel long distances to have the thrill of teaching.

"Upon every participator in this concerted effort... rests the spiritual obligation to make the mandate of teaching, so vitally binding upon all, the all-pervading concern of his life. In his daily activities and contacts, in all his journeys, whether for business or otherwise, on his holidays and outings, and on any mission he may be called upon to undertake, every bearer of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His Faith..." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 53).

We all have the bounty of being able to teach... now let's use it to move the world!

Shown at the Pilgrim House in Haifa with their chaperone, Carey Crimmel (third from right) are 1984 youth pilgrims (left to right) John Foster, Allison Ashley, Linda Stevens, Lisa Molin, Mehran Dadressan, and Craig Cott.

'Year of Service' beckons to young Bahá’ís

A key goal of the National Youth Plan for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan is for the American Bahá’í community to "provide 19 youth to serve for year-long development, service and teaching programs, both domestically and abroad, in observance of International Youth Year 1985."

THIS GOAL was born from the Universal House of Justice's message of January 3, 1984, when, in addressing the youth of the world, it asked that youth "give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period, say one or two years, to some Bahá’í service, on the home front or abroad, in the teaching and development field. It would accrue to the strength and stability of the community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth."

This generation has been given a special bounty, that of being the first to arise in this particular area of service... and the National Youth Committee stands ready to help youth who are able to fulfill this important goal.

Working closely with the International Goals Committee, the Youth Committee has identified several opportunities for year-long service and teaching programs in international locales. Youth with French- or Spanish-speaking ability are especially needed at this time, although there are some openings for those with other language masteries or those who speak only English.

In addition, several domestic opportunities have been made available for youth who would prefer to serve in the U.S.

THE KEY to this form of service is the ability to set aside the extended period of time and to devote it primarily to serving the Faith, either through a full-time teaching or service project or with a development project.

An essential element in the program is matching the volunteer to the appropriate project or opportunity for service.

The National Youth Committee has prepared an application form for prospective volunteers for the Year of Service, and interested youth are urged to complete it and begin the process of finding the service opportunity that is best suited to their skills, career interests, educational background and financial resources.

To receive an application, send See SERVICE Page 8

Please send me an application form and information kit on the Year of Service.

Name Address City State Zip Age Sex I.D. No. Phone Languages spoken:

National Youth Committee, Sunrise, FL 33313.

Bahá’í youth clubs, committees set to respond as International Youth Year gets under way across United States

This is the first month of International Youth Year 1985. Due to much advance planning, Bahá’í youth clubs and committees are ready to respond with significant deeds that will bring the Bahá’í community to the attention of public officials, leaders of thought and the general public nationwide.

MANY different kinds of public service have been discussed and are ready to be implemented.

In Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin, Bahá’í youth have developed a comprehensive plan for the year that includes educational, service, social and cultural aspects and has involved many other community organizations.

Organized on a national level is the Tree Project, a United Nations-sponsored effort to sensitize the youth of the world to the difficult environmental concerns of this generation and mobilize them to meet these challenges.

The Bahá’í National Youth Committee has set a goal of planting at least 20,000 trees nationwide. The first tree to receive official recognition as counting toward the goal was planted by Miss Charity Rowell of Ginger Blue, Missouri.

Kicking off International Youth Year as a part of the annual Disney World Conference, the Spiritual Assembly of Seminole County, Florida, sponsored a tree-planting ceremony at Turkey Lake Park near Orlando.

Many of the conference attendees took part in the project which has added more than 175 trees to the landscape of the Orlando area, planted in memory of the martyrs of the Faith.

Tree Project information packets and other materials related to International Youth Year including guidelines for meeting with public officials can be obtained by writing to the National Youth Committee office, Sunrise, FL 33313, or by phoning 305-584-1844.

Notice to Bahá’í College Clubs

"More Great GREAT Deeds," the college club newsletter published by the National Youth Committee, has been suspended for lack of funds.

The committee would like to encourage clubs to network with nearby clubs, youth in your area, and/or other Bahá’í clubs. If you need addresses to get started, please contact the Youth Committee office, which will be happy to help.

Meanwhile, please pay close attention to the "Youth Hotline" and The American Bahá’í as activities and events of interest to college clubs will be publicized in these publications.

Don't forget, too, to keep the Youth Committee office up-to-date on your programs and victories. [Page 8]

World NEWS

At the invitation of the Universal House of Justice, His Excellency Chaim Herzog, president of Israel, paid an official visit October 21 to the World Centre in Haifa.

Mr. Herzog was formally greeted at the Amelia Collins gate at Bahjí by the nine members of the House of Justice. At the Mansion, he was welcomed by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan who conducted him to the room of Bahá’u’lláh and showed him some of the Blessed Beauty’s Tablets.

On leaving the Mansion, Mr. Herzog paid his respects at the Sacred Tomb. A motorcade then took him to Haifa where he visited the Shrine of the Báb and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice ...

As a result of the Enoch Olinga Teaching Plan, more than 500 people have been enrolled in the Faith and 20 new localities have been opened during the past eight months in the Cape Verde Islands.

All nine islands have now been opened to the Faith and nine new Local Spiritual Assemblies have been formed ...

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom has officially designated property owned by the Faith on the outskirts of Belfast, Northern Ireland, as a Temple site.

The property was willed to the National Assembly by a Bahá’í who lived in Belfast and passed away some years ago. The house that stands on the property is being restored and will be put to use for the Faith ...

The Bahá’í community of Swaziland has distributed relief funds from Canada to 283 families in 96 communities who were victims of Cyclone ‎Domonia Domoina‎.

The friends volunteered their time and, in most cases, their personal vehicles and gasoline to accomplish the relief mission.

This marked the first time that Bahá’ís in Swaziland have been recognized as a non-governmental organization capable of distributing relief funds through their administrative body ...

More than 229 people from all parts of El Salvador attended a National Bahá’í Youth Conference last August 3-5 which was organized by the three youth committees in El Salvador: the Bahá’í University, International Youth Year, and Art and Graphics Committee ...

Forty members of the Yao hill tribe who are now living in the Phanat Nikhom refugee camp in Thailand have recently become Bahá’ís through the teaching efforts of Yang Yia, a Hmong tribesman who resides in the same camp ...

Assembly in Whitefish Bay exemplifies ‘unity in diversity’

The principle of “unity in diversity” is far more than a mere abstraction to members of the Spiritual Assembly of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.

The principle is an integral part of the workings of an Assembly whose members include three generations of a Persian family and three Bahá’ís from the U.S.

The elder of the Persians, grandfather Ardeshir Akhtarkhavari, is a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh who in 1920 became the first person to pioneer to Saudi Arabia.

Later, he was joined by his wife, Rouhangiz, and daughter, Soroor, both of whom are now members of the Whitefish Bay Assembly, and their three other children.

The name Akhtarkhavari, “Star of the East,” was given to the family by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Ardeshir’s family was originally of Zoroastrian background, while Rouhangiz’ side of the family was Muslim.

Soroor, the Assembly’s vice-chairman, and her husband, Ehsan Saeian, the librarian, have three sons, Kooroush and Kamyar, both members of the Assembly, and Kia, who is in his first year of college.

KOOROUSH is a fourth-year medical student and Kamyar a third-year dental student. All three brothers are fifth generation Bahá’ís.

Samual and Jacqueline Dadian, who have served on the Assembly for 14 years, add a further touch of diversity.

Jacqueline, the secretary, was a Congregationalist before becoming a Bahá’í, while Sam, the chairman, is from an Armenian background.

The Assembly’s other member, Beulah Bruesewitz, has been a member of the Whitefish Bay Bahá’í community for 32 years.

The members of the Spiritual Assembly of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, are (standing left to right) Samuel Dadian (chairman), Kamyar Saeian (recording secretary), Beulah Bruesewitz, Kooroush Saeian (treasurer), Jacqueline Dadian (secretary), and (seated left to right) Soroor Saeian (vice-chairman), Ardeshir Akhtarkhavari, Rouhangiz Akhtarkhavari, Ehsan Saeian.

Several non-Bahá’ís attend public lecture series in Maryland

Several non-Bahá’ís were among those who attended a recent series of Tuesday evening public meetings sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Baltimore County West, Maryland.

The four-week series began October 23 with Thom Thompson discussing “The Oneness of Religion” and ended November 13 with Fred Myers’ talk on “Life After Death.”

In between, Fulton Caldwell spoke on “The Oneness of Mankind” and Clarke Langrall discussed “The Fulfillment of Prophecy.”

Refreshments were served and free literature made available to those who attended.

Service

Continued from Page 7

the coupon below to the National Youth Committee,

Sunrise, FL 33313. If we are to successfully reach the goal of 19 youth serving in this unique capacity, your earliest reply will be necessary.

“The part of the youth is very great; you have the opportunity to really determine to exemplify in word and deed the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and to show your generation that the new World Order He has brought is a tangible reality in the lives of His followers.” —Shoghi Effendi

Bosch School seeks applicants for several key positions

The Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California, is inviting applications from single adults or mature youth for 3-6 month (renewable) positions as student-staff or apprentice staff, and for full-time summer staff.

The positions provide an opportunity for learning, leadership experience, and service in a unique setting secluded in a redwood forest but near a city, community colleges, and UC-Santa Cruz.

There is a possibility for internship or work credit from your college by your own arrangement.

Interviews will be arranged in northern and southern California for those being considered after receipt of a letter of application, résumé, and name, address and phone number of your Assembly secretary.

Positions require service in these areas:

Office/computer/bookkeeping; grounds maintenance; food service; building maintenance; mechanical maintenance; audio and video recording; music, including song leading; environmental studies; folk dancing; child care; activities for children and families; recreational activities for all ages; lifeguard; and teacher for young children.

Please send information about yourself to the School Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Bahá’í News makes splendid Ayyám-i-Há gift

Ayyám-i-Há is on the way! Have you done your shopping for the new Bahá’ís in your community? How about youth away at college, the homefront pioneers down the road, the working couple who can’t attend every Feast? Bahá’í News is the answer for these and other special friends you want to remember during Intercalary Days.

Upon receipt of your check or money order, our staff will mail a special gift card in time to arrive during Intercalary Days, along with a special bonus, the 60th anniversary issue of Bahá’í News.

Give the gift of the best news in the world—give the gift of Bahá’í News.

Bahá’í News

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 U.S.A.

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EDUCATION

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

Family Unity Night (Fun)

PURPOSE: To promote in Bahá’í families a tradition of regular family-centered activities.

FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY: MULK/DOMINION. Thought for the week: “Thou art My dominion and My dominion perisheth not ...” (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Protection, p. 133. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Arabic Hidden Words, No. 14. 2. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 159; 48. 3. Persian Hidden Words, Nos. 6, 37. 4. Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 15. 5. Dictionary—definition of “dominion.” Activity: 1. Picnic in the living room (include everything but the ants!). 2. Water color painting. Paint scenes of nature (trees, mountains, flowers, rivers, etc.). Refreshments: Picnic meal.

SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY: EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN. Thought for the week: “God’s Bounty is for all and gives power for all progress.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Spiritual qualities, p. 152 (bottom) or p. 155. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Paris Talks, pp. 160-63. 2. “Child’s Way,” July/August 1981. 3. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 280-284. Activity: 1. Fishing. Hang a sheet or blanket across the door of a room, about head-high. Make fishing pole from string and a yardstick, tie a clothes pin at the end of string. A parent should stand behind the sheet to hook the “fish.” Each take several turns at fishing. The “catch” could be a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a prayer card, a toy, candy or fruit. 2. Go for a walk together. Observe the winter sky. Refreshments: May incorporate snack in fishing game or choose a gelatin/fruit dessert.

THIRD WEEK OF FEBRUARY: ‘ALÁ/LOFTINESS—THE ROLE OF BAHÁ’Í YOUTH. Thought for the week: “The full measure of your success is as yet unrevealed, its significance still unapprehended.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Youth, p. 38. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 17, 21, 58. 2. Persian Hidden Words, No. 72. 3. Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1968-1973, pp. 18-20. Activity: 1. Do a service project within your town or neighborhood. If possible, use or work with the District Youth Committee. 2. Mat game. Each has towel or carpet square to place on the floor. The leader calls out two body parts to touch to towel (carpet). Example: left ear and right elbow. Refreshments: Individual mini-pizzas. Use English muffins and various toppings or buy ready-made.

FOURTH WEEK OF FEBRUARY: AYYÁM-I-HÁ. Thought for the week: “Fellowship, fellowship! Love, love! Unity, unity!” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Intercalary Days, p. 236. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 71. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 3, 115. 3. Vignettes, p. 37, No. 3; p. 66, No. 43; p. 72, No. 48; p. 91, No. 80. 4. Gleanings, pp. 315-16. Activity: 1. Bake cookies to share with friends and neighbors for Ayyám-i-Há gifts. 2. Visit a hospital or nursing home and sing songs, or read to patients and share gifts of love. Refreshments: Cookies and milk.

October 14 was opening day for the Dane County Bahá’í children’s classes—the first county-wide Bahá’í school in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. Nearly 40 children and pre-youth attended classes the first day; the Spiritual Assembly of Madison, which sponsors the school to serve several isolated Bahá’í families as well as six communities in the Madison area, had expected about 20. Five non-Bahá’í children are enrolled. The classes, which are organized and supervised by an inter-community committee, meet on the first three Sundays of each Gregorian month; deepenings for parents and others are held concurrently with the children’s classes.

LEAP coordinators ready to serve community

If you’re looking for Bahá’í child education materials and strategies for classes, home, or local community, please contact the LEAP coordinator in your district.

IN ADDITION to sharing information about Bahá’í child education materials that are available, the coordinator

• introduces new people into the adviser program;
• convenes workshops on Bahá’í educational topics, with materials provided by the National Education Committee;
• compiles child/youth statistics and monitors Bahá’í educational needs and progress within the district.

The names and telephone numbers of LEAP coordinators in the U.S. are:

Alabama/Florida—Marsha Fowler, Florala, AL 36442 (205-858-6476). Alabama N—Al Kendall, Huntsville, AL 35803 (205-723-2560). Arizona N—Georgia Howardell, Peoria, AZ 85345 (602-827-9063). Arkansas—Chris Baudishbaugh, North Little Rock, AR 72118 (501-753-7566). California C1—(north) Kathy Kelley, San Francisco, CA 94132 (415-333-2157). (south) Missy Martin, Corralitos, CA 95019 (408-728-0795). California C2—Wilma Juliussen, Merced, CA 95340 (209-723-6507). California N1—Jan McCrea, Nevada City, CA 95959 (916-265-8438, 916-272-9144). California N2—Nona Simons, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707-526-7909). California S1—Paula Amaya, South Gate, CA 90280 (213-585-2648); Robin Moore, Inglewood, CA 90301 (213-677-4406); Elaine Offstein, Glendora, CA 91740 (213-963-9580); Shirin Sohrab, La Crescenta, CA 91214 (213-249-0457). California S2—Chris Clyde, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714-557-5795). California S3—Mary Severns, Ventura, CA 93003 (805-643-5293). California S4—Lynn Mahmoudi, Leucadia, CA 92024 (619-436-0581). Colorado NE—Connie Dodge, Englewood, CO 80112 (303-770-6841; 303-830-2104). Colorado SE—Lynn Barnes, P.O. Box 402, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 (303-685-5578). Colorado W—Deborah Doherty, Delta, CO 81416 (303-874-4970). Connecticut—Marjorie Blizard, 2 Maple Avenue, Willimantic, CT 06226 (203-423-5803). DelMarVa—Joanne Hessler, Denton, MD 21629 (301-479-2177). Florida C—Sherry Czerniejewski, Longwood, FL 32750 (305-830-6865). Florida N—Harriet Stafford, Gainesville, FL 32605 (904-377-6428). Florida SE—Joanne Sabet, Tamarac, FL 33319 (305-722-2704). Florida SW—Sharon McCord, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (813-866-0863). Georgia NE—Nancy Schear, Augusta, GA 30907 (404-860-1066). Georgia NW—Ann Haynes, Marietta, GA 30060 (404-427-5454). Georgia S—Ella Young, Albany, GA 31707 (912-439-8069). Idaho/Washington—Marilyn Lindsley-Peifer, Selah, WA 98942 (509-697-8869). Idaho S—Gwen McCain, Nampa, ID 83651 (208-465-5506). Illinois N1—Liz Helt, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-338-5687). Illinois N2—Sandra Clark, Oak Park, IL 60304 (312-996-6728).

See LEAP Page 25

Wisconsin to hold sixth Summer School

Wisconsin has had a Bahá’í Summer School for the past five years, and this year is no exception.

Please mark next July 22-26 on your calendar for the 6th Wisconsin Bahá’í Summer School at Camp Byron in Brownsville, a few miles southwest of Fond du Lac.

Last year, the total cost for four nights lodging, four breakfasts, five lunches, four suppers, classes and materials, and access to recreational facilities including a swimming pool and nature trails was only $85 for adults, $40 for children ages 5-9, and free for children under five.

Although the committee hasn’t yet determined the prices for 1985, it keeps the costs as low as possible based on expected attendance.

Please plan on joining your fellow Bahá’ís and their families in Wisconsin next July.

Pictured is a Personal Transformation Program study group in Little Rock, Arkansas. Facilitators Fil and Angie Griggs (front row left and back row second from left) conducted the 10-week program in the fall of 1984. Ms. Annette Smelzer (first row second from right) declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the eighth session of the program. She initially enrolled in the program with limited knowledge of the Faith. To her left is James Page, another new believer who declared two months earlier. [Page 10]

76TH BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION

(April 25-28, 1985)

CONVENTION SEATING REGISTRATION

BECAUSE SEATING IN FOUNDATION HALL IS LIMITED, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF VISITORS ATTENDING THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. SEATING WILL BE RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO PRE-REGISTER ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

Registration by letter is acceptable; please include all the information requested below. NOTE: This does not reserve hotel accommodations. Please contact the hotel directly.

PLEASE PRINT Template:Space USE ONE FORM PER FAMILY

LIST ALL ATTENDEES 15 YEARS OLD AND OLDER

(Mr./Mrs./Miss) ________________________________	Bahá’í I.D. No. ________________
(Mr./Mrs./Miss) ________________________________	Bahá’í I.D. No. ________________
(Mr./Mrs./Miss) ________________________________	Bahá’í I.D. No. ________________
(Mr./Mrs./Miss) ________________________________	Bahá’í I.D. No. ________________

Address ________________________________________ Telephone ( ) _________________

CHILDREN’S REGISTRATION

Please list all children 14 years old and under. Children’s classes will not be available at this Convention. Parents will be responsible for supervision or child-care arrangements for children they bring to Convention.

Child’s name	Age	Sex	Child’s name	Age	Sex
____________________	____	____	____________________	____	____
____________________	____	____	____________________	____	____
____________________	____	____	____________________	____	____

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!

Mail to: Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

76th Convention to be held at Bahá’í House of Worship

The 76th Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 25-28 at the House of Worship in Wilmette. If you wish to attend the Convention, please complete the registration form above and forward it to the Bahá’í National Center, Office of Membership and Records, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Attendance limited

Because seating in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship is limited, it will be necessary to limit the number of visitors attending the National Convention. Seating will be reserved for those who pre-register with the above form on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children’s attendance

Children’s classes and other activities will not be available at this Convention. Parents will be responsible for the supervision or child-care arrangements for children they bring to the Convention.

Miscellaneous information

Information regarding hotels and room rates in the area will be made available in the next issue of The American Bahá’í.

Registration and check-in at the Convention will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25, and continue through 10 o’clock that night for late arrivals.

Construction weekly has cover photo, article on India House of Worship

The November 8 issue of the Engineering News-Record, the McGraw-Hill Publishing Company’s construction weekly, features a cover photo of the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi with the caption, “A temple blooms in India.”

Inside, on pages 34-35, there is an article titled “Temple for Bahá’í faith uses God’s blueprints.”

Included are four additional color illustrations of the House of Worship; comments about Bahá’í architecture (including the unique “lotus blossom” concept of the India Temple); a biographical sketch of Fariburz Sahba, the Iranian-born architect of the Temple; and an outline of some of its construction complexities.

The same publication included an article on the Temple in India on November 15, 1979, when it was in the planning stage.

World Order revs up schedule to make up for recent delays

World Order magazine is picking up speed and is ready to take off.

If you’re a new subscriber to World Order, you may have noticed that the date of your first issue was a little behind schedule. In fact, the most recent issue, mailed in December, is dated Winter 1983-84.

The World Order editorial board regrets that, because of circumstances beyond its control, the magazine’s publication schedule has been delayed.

But the contents are right on target. The Winter issue contains the testimony of Bahá’ís last May before the House Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations, the House and Senate debates, and the concurrent resolution on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

The Spring 1984 issue will contain the May 1984 testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (you could use it with the video tape on the torture hearings now available from the Office of Public Affairs).

To make up for time lost, World Order will be mailing more than four issues a year, and some of them will be mailed fairly close together. Using a local typesetter has enabled the editorial board to speed up its production.

By now, all subscribers will have received their Winter 1983-84 issue, and the Spring 1984 issue will be mailed soon.

Remember that a one-year subscription equals four issues of World Order. If it seems that your renewal notice arrives early, it’s just the good news that World Order is getting back on track.

New cassette, ‘The Dream,’ features songs by pioneer to South America

“The Dream,” a new cassette recording performed by Phillip Sisson, a Bahá’í pioneer to Uruguay, is now available from Mariner Productions in Los Angeles.

“The Dream” features passages from The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh set to music as well as several original songs that celebrate the spirit of being a Bahá’í.

They are performed by a Bahá’í artist whose 17-year professional career includes television, children’s, regional and off-Broadway theatre as a singer and actor.

“My dream,” says Mr. Sisson, “was to put show business aside and pioneer to South America.”

That dream has been realized, and in this, his first recording, another dream as well ... to present the Message of Bahá’u’lláh in a fresh, easy and inspirational manner through song.

All proceeds from the cassette are earmarked for pioneering, International and National Funds, and to support future recordings of the Words of Bahá’u’lláh.

You may order ‘The Dream’ for $6.50 (plus $1.50 for postage and handling) from Mariner Productions, P.O. Box 480127, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

from BellwoodPress

What do Proud Eagle, Mother Opossum, Loner the Ant, and Berit the Lemming have in common? Find out in

SPECIAL STRENGTHS

written by GAIL RADLEY illustrated by JOE BODDY

Four new stories by the author of Zahra’s Search present a world of challenge, choice, and inner growth for children age 7 to 11.

Softcover only 64 pages 5½ x 8¼ inches

$4.50*

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 ● TEL. 1-800-323-1880 *Price valid only in the United States [Page 11]

TEACHING Firesides

before joining the friends for a special weekend victory rally. Also taking part will be as many other Hands of the Cause as possible; members of the Continental Board of Counsellors; and the National Spiritual Assembly, which will meet that weekend in Kansas. In addition, the finest Bahá’í musical groups and choruses in the country will be made available to provide concerts and supporting music for every occasion.

The top 10 districts for the Month of Firesides (on a per capita basis) are: 1. Kansas (2.293), 2. Northern Nevada (1.831), 3. Northern Minnesota (1.824), 4. Nebraska (1.490), 5. Southern Idaho (1.225), 6. Maine (1.032), 7. Iowa (1.020), 8. North Dakota (0.932), 9. Rhode Island (0.840), 10. Vermont (0.730).

For a complete listing by district, please see Page 5.

THE FRIENDS in Central California No. 1 sent in the most individually written responses, while the longest fireside, spanning 23 hours, was given in Pensacola, Florida.

On a regional basis, the friends in the Western area of the country gave the most firesides during Qudrat.

While the Month of Firesides has come to a close, the Campaign of Unified Action continues. Our task now is to increase even further the level of energy and confidence gained during the month of Qudrat.

Many individuals found that once that first step was taken toward giving a fireside, assistance from God followed.

Neighbors, friends or acquaintances who had been meaning to ask about the Faith were presented with the opportunity, and were happy to accept invitations to dinner or coffee at the homes of Bahá’ís to learn more.

For one Bahá’í month we all pulled together and made a concerted effort to speed the progress of the spiritual restoration of mankind, and it was exhilarating! The challenge of the Seven Year Plan still lies before us, but we have shown that we can meet it. Now that we have taken the initiative to teach the Faith as individuals, let’s keep up the momentum by continuing our personal teaching and firesides.

Note to travelers

It is extremely important for ALL travelers, whether on business or for pleasure, whether travel teaching, relocating or pioneering, to contact the International Goals Committee before leaving this country.

We may have information which could be important and relevant for your trip.

The address is International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

Messages of love, victory to ‘Dear Mr. Sears’

The National Teaching Committee was inundated with a flood of “Dear Mr. Sears” cards as the friends throughout the country reported their victories as a result of the Month of Firesides. The following are a few of the exciting comments and personal notes to Mr. Sears.

Dear Mr. Sears: Iowa Victory belongs to the entire American Bahá’í community. The spirit generated by this campaign is true evidence of the power in this Faith. Thank you!

Dear Mr. Sears: I am eight years old. I loved your tape! First I had a fireside with my Mom because my friend wasn’t home. Then she came to my house and I had a fireside with her, and with my sister (she’s nine).

Dear Mr. Sears: All the people I invited failed to come to my firesides except one. She came four times! This gave me a wonderful opportunity to go into the neighborhood, meet the neighbors and let everyone know we’re Bahá’ís (and invite them to firesides). Although we had no seekers at our two firesides, we feel assured that we soon will. To prepare for the fireside, I say the Tablet of Ahmad nine times. I know that Bahá’u’lláh is preparing the hearts, and we will soon see the Arizona Northern results. This is such an exciting time!

Dear Mr. Sears: I found that talking about the Faith is not that hard. When I started to speak, things kept on coming from my heart, and I couldn’t stop. Colorado Western

Dear Mr. Sears: No matter which district wins, I feel like a winner! I now feel that I can give a fireside, which has been a great fear of mine. I couldn’t believe how many times I had the opportunity to teach—and how easy it was, and is, to ask friends if they’d like to talk about the Faith. This was a great idea to help get communities and individuals excited and unified. Hopefully, we can all keep up this teaching. Thank you! Maine

Dear Mr. Sears: Louisiana Northern

Dear Mr. Sears: Colorado Western Thank you for all your efforts. I have been a Bahá’í procrastinator for far too many years. The question of “how many firesides and people that I might have led to the Faith if only I had one fireside per Bahá’í month since I declared” really hit home and raised the priority California Central No. 1 of teaching for me. A fireside every two weeks fits my abilities. Pray for success.

Dear Mr. Sears: We have had one enrollment as a result of the Month of Firesides! DelMarVa

Dear Mr. Sears: Some years ago in Southern California you ended a presentation with these words: “Is there anyone out there who will help me? Is there anyone out there who will help me?” The response was complete silence, though hearts and eyes were moved to tears. Now the silence has ended. I will help you. We all will help you. California Northern No. 1

Dear Mr. Sears: Something clicked during this month of firesides. I am no longer afraid to tell someone that Christ has returned!

For me, firesides are a way of life. Actually, all day every day, is one long fireside. I try, every night, to ask myself, “What have I done for Bahá’u’lláh today?” And if I haven’t mentioned His Name or “Bahá’í” to at least one person, I’ve wasted a day. Illinois Northern No. 2

Dear Mr. Sears: Tea’s on the stove, cake’s in the oven, We’re ready to give you our Bahá’í home lovin, The futon is out, all fluffed up with care, In hopes that Bill and Marguerite soon will be there. Arkansas

Dear Mr. Sears: Thanks for the inspirational tapes. Colorado Northeast

Greatest thing since dawn prayers! Many, many thanks. Dear Mr. Sears: Mainland Michigan

Dear Mr. Sears: Texas Central No. 1

Dear Mr. Sears: The last time I remember hearing of a fireside campaign like this was in the fall of 1977 when I began attending as a seeker. Remembering those who opened their homes to me and were so patient, I had to do as much as I could this time around. Thanks so much for the reminder! Iowa

Dear Mr. Sears: My goal was 19 firesides. I didn’t reach my goal, but I came a lot closer than I would have if I hadn’t set it. God bless you, Mr. Sears!

Thank you so much for this energizing plan! Our family has had so much fun inviting in new and old friends, and sharing our love for Bahá’u’lláh. Our three-year-old is asking when “grandfather Sears” is coming!

Dear Mr. Sears: Thank you so very much for this idea. Its enthusiasm Iowa and singleness of vision have done so much for me and all that I had been feeling. A great renewal began for me my community. Great things are in the not too distant future; everything points that way. Mr. Sears, my heartfelt love and admiration for you. Please be well and strong. North Carolina Western

Dear Mr. Sears: Iowa To hold a fireside every 19 days will be a breeze! Thanks for getting me started!

Dear Mr. Sears: Missouri I’m amazed by the difference thinking about teaching and prayers has had on my life! Arizona Southern

This month was just what I needed to put into action summer. This month put it all into the realm of action. Dear Mr. Sears: This campaign has truly helped to unify our community. It is such a blessing to teach! Pennsylvania Eastern

Washington East Dear Mr. Sears: I have discovered how easy it is to teach while living in the dormitory at college. I give many firesides and I’m going to start offering them on a regular basis. This has been a wonderful campaign as well as a learning experience. Louisiana Southern [Page 12]‘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)

Racial hostility, fear, ignorance have one believer ‘anxiously concerned’ about the consequences

“Every age hath its own problem, and every soul its particular aspiration. The remedy the world needeth in its present-day afflictions can never be the same as that which a subsequent age may require. Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” (Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 36)

Dear Friends:

As a declared believer in the Revelation of the Promised One, I find myself becoming more “anxiously concerned” as I focus my attention on the manifest needs of the American black people who, 20 years after passage of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964, are yet seeking to survive within the squalor-pits that are euphemistically called “black ghettos” or “inner cities.”

I FIND that I become more “anxiously concerned” as I focus my attention on the dehumanizing, demoralizing, deplorable and increasingly intolerable conditions among the lower-class members of the alienated black American society who are congested in those cities.

I am “anxiously concerned” as I witness the ongoing self-destructive life-styles (marked by drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution, violence, criminal behavior, homelessness, child abuse, illiteracy, etc.) which characterize the festering hopelessness among these victims of economic and social blight.

As I ponder the axiom that “history repeats itself” and see the clouds of despair, frustration, hostility, ignorance and fear which are the same as those that led to the massive outbursts of violence and social disruption during the turbulent 1960s, I am “anxiously concerned.”

Today we see increasing religious/spiritual apathy among the various classes of black Americans.

As a laborer in the Cause of God, devoted to the principle of the oneness of mankind, I find it impossible not to be “anxiously concerned” by the resurgence of racist attitudes among certain elements of the black populace as well as by the continued existence of racist “anti-black” attitudes among certain sectors of the American white populace.

THEREFORE, I feel it is imperative to ask a delicate but timely question:

Why are we (the American Bahá’í community) not collectively involved in centering our deliberations on the “exigencies and requirements” that express the needs of the age in which we live?

Before answering, let us give serious thought to the exhortations of the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 33):

“A tremendous effort is required by both races if their outlook, their manners, and conduct are to reflect, in this darkened age, the spirit and teachings of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

“Casting away once and for all the fallacious doctrine of racial superiority, with all its attendant evils, confusion and miseries, and welcoming and encouraging the intermixture of races, and tearing down the barriers that now divide them, they should endeavor, day and night, to fulfill their particular responsibilities in the common task which so urgently faces them.

“LET them, while each is attempting to contribute its share to the solution of this perplexing problem, call to mind the warnings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and visualize, while there is yet time, the dire consequences that must follow if this challenging and unhappy situation that faces the entire American nation is not definitely remedied.”

To my mind, the best solution to this problem is to raise the resounding battle cry of “Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá” as we resolve to launch an unprecedented teaching crusade into the very heart of the inner cities and rural countrysides of America—a spiritual crusade that will tear down, uproot and eradicate the barriers (racial prejudice, fear, hatred, ignorance, etc.) that comprise the foundation which supports and upholds “the most challenging issue.”

May God bless the people of Bahá to face and overcome the “most challenging issue,” for we live with that need in this particular age.

Blaine Gamble Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

It is not the quantity, but the spirit—National Bahá’í Fund, Wilmette, IL 60091

Questionnaire

We often look at the actions of others in connection with assessing where they are with respect to racial attitudes. The following questionnaire may be an aid in assessing where we ourselves are in our racial attitudes. One’s honest answers may help in self-analysis and show us how we see and feel racial differences.

1. How many Bahá’í friends do you have of a different race? 2. How many non-Bahá’í friends do you have of a different race? 3. How many Bahá’í acquaintances do you have of a different race? 4. How many non-Bahá’í acquaintances do you have of a different race? 5. How often have you been in their homes? 6. How often have they been in your home? 7. In your immediate neighborhood, how many people are there of different races? 8. In your observance, in interracial marriages, do the majority of the friends of the couple reflect the racial background of (a) one spouse, (b) both spouses, (c) neither spouse?

Among the many activities during Race Unity Week last June 4-10 in Flint, Michigan, was the presentation of the book To Move the World to four public libraries in the Flint area. Shown presenting a copy of the book to Debra Rubey (center), librarian of the Swartz Creek Library, are Hermione Pickens (left), a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Flint, and Kathy Saylor of the Swartz Creek Bahá’í Group.

Oneness of mankind forges bonds in N. Carolina

Dear Friends:

Last January I met a neighbor of ours while attending a memorial service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a church about 10 miles from my house.

I TOLD my neighbor I would like to share some ideas about the oneness of mankind with some group in our community.

He asked that I speak at his church the following Sunday and invite the members to attend a meeting which he would arrange with senior citizens at the local community center.

I was surprised by his offer and eagerly accepted. Some Bahá’ís from a nearby town went with me on Sunday and sat in the congregation.

I spoke for about five minutes... actually, it was a two-way conversation with the congregation after I began by saying that we come from the same set of parents (Adam and Eve) and therefore we must be members of the same family.

The response was enthusiastic and friendly. Thus began a series of regular weekly meetings that have continued ever since and seem to be permanently established.

The first Thursday meeting with senior citizens was attended by 10 adults and one youth.

I BEGAN by sharing memories of my segregated childhood and told of various events and thoughts which led me to a strong awareness of the desire for friendship with people of all colors and frustration at being apparently so alone in that desire.

I had begun reading black history (by black authors) to become more sensitive and to learn the actual facts of life among black people in America.

My desire for active friendships grew but opportunities were rare, and I was painfully shy.

In 1969, when I became a Bahá’í, the doors swung open and I was able to join the whole human family.

As I shared my joy at this, the people at the community center became eager to learn more about the Faith and asked me to meet regularly with them.

I told them I would like to set up two kinds of meetings, one a workshop on “the elimination of prejudice” and the other a discussion of the Bahá’í Faith.

I EXPLAINED at the outset that I was a dedicated Bahá’í and desired their friendship regardless of their degree of interest in the Faith.

The agenda at our meetings was fairly consistent. They would open with a Christian hymn and prayer, then turn it over to me.

We had open-minded, free-for-all discussions that usually lasted for two to three hours because we would forget what time it was.

I began by sharing some discovery I had made in the various books I read which revealed our common denominator of humanity. We then shared recent examples in our daily lives. All of the members joined in the discussion.

For a time, one member consistently gave a short Christian sermon and then challenged me vigorously about many of my ideas.

I responded each time, answering the challenges as directly as possible, but refused to argue about it. (I did the same sort of challenging before becoming a Bahá’í.)

AFTER about eight meetings, this gentleman sighed, got up, and said he had better not come anymore since he was disrupting the meetings.

What others are doing...

See SEEKERS Page 24

Students at Dooly County High School in Vienna, Georgia, made a significant protest this year against alleged racism in their school system. The protest was led by the senior class valedictorian, Todd Vasko, a white student who refused to deliver the graduation address. Although his address was deleted from the program, he received several student awards and was the recipient of enthusiastic applause from the audience of 1,500.

Also involved in the protest were more than 100 students, most of whom were members of the 125-member senior class, who signed a petition protesting the forced resignation of former principal Carlos Keith, who is black, and the hiring of O'Neal Bozeman, who is white. The Dooly County School Board asked Keith to resign because, board members said, he did not meet their expectations.

In response to the board's action, the school's football team refused to take part in spring practice and other students staged a two-day walkout from school.

The students had planned also to boycott the graduation ceremony, but canceled that plan in honor of a classmate who died on graduation day. Mr. Vasko said the students felt “obligated” to attend the ceremony as a tribute to their classmate, who died of gunshot wounds. [Page 13]

EYE ON NATIONAL

Having read our first three "Eye on National" columns, you know which offices are where at the National Center, and should have a fairly complete picture in your mind of your Bahá’í National Center. But who works here? Let's try to answer that question:

WE HAVE 135 employees here at the Bahá’í National Center (this does not include employees away from Wilmette; that is, at the schools and institutes). Of those 135, 78 are men and 57 are women. Most offices are divided more or less evenly between the two, with a few exceptions such as maintenance and security which employ a majority of men.

Where do these folks come from? Why, from everywhere, of course! From as far away as Ireland, Iran, Guyana and India—and from as nearby as Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin and suburban Chicago. We have people for whom this is their first time away from "home" and those who have lived all over the world.

You can always be sure of interesting and varied conversations at our Bahá’í-monthly Feast potlucks where we gather at noon to share a meal together—there are as many different experiences as there are staff.

The married/single ratio among the staff is split just about the same as the male/female ratio: 76 married employees and 59 singles. Among those 76 married people there are six couples, none of whom works in the same department, but all of whom have found the opportunity to serve their national community together. Yes, some of those married couples met here—with more than 50 single people here at almost any given time, there's always that possibility (although, if you have the opportunity to serve here someday, you probably won't want to make match-making one of your top criteria for taking a job!).

WE HAVE A LOVELY GARDEN of humanity at work at the Bahá’í National Center. In addition to a full complement of Caucasians (about 60 per cent), we also have seven employees of Hispanic background, nine Persians, one American Indian, two each of Asian and Indian (as in India) background, and about 20 per cent blacks. Of course, that's this season's "garden"—the varieties change all the time as people come and go.

As might be expected, 98 of our 135 staff members are Bahá’ís—but did you expect to find 37 employees who are not members of the Faith? Many visitors are surprised to learn this, but the National Center seeks the most qualified applicant in every case, and membership in the Faith is not a requirement for most jobs. Only those jobs (such as in the National Education Committee, International Goals Committee, National Teaching Committee, Periodicals Office, etc.) that require specialized knowledge or training the Bahá’í Faith are filled exclusively by Bahá’ís.

The departments with the greatest need for professionals trained in their area are going to employ the best candidates available—accountants in the Treasurer's Office, customer service representatives and fulfillment personnel at the Publishing Trust, electricians and carpenters in the maintenance department, etc.—and those departments have many fine employees who are not Bahá’ís, and we are pleased and fortunate to have them working with us.

So what is it like to work here? Keep your "Eye on National" next month when we'll feature interviews with a number of staff members who will try to answer that very question for you from their perspective.

In the meantime—remember, if you have questions or comments about this column, about the Bahá’í National Center or any part of it, please address them to the Personnel Department for an answer.

GOOD idea

Continued From Page 1

a GOOD day'!"

Dr. Henderson further quipped: "We hope that sharing this information with the Bahá’ís around the country will stimulate a lot of 'GOOD' consultation, and we hope that you will develop a number of 'GOOD' ideas and let us know about them."

The Bahá’ís of Round Rock opened the "GOOD" campaign with a $100 contribution, which they anticipate will be the beginning of many other inspired contributions from Bahá’ís around the country.

ONE fund-raising idea that has already been suggested is for communities to "Have a GOOD Day" —a special day during which activities are planned to raise money for the National Fund to help eliminate the debt.

One of the days of Ayyam-i-Há, for example, would be ideal for such a "GOOD" day.

Recalling the many creative and fruitful fund-raising activities that were initiated during the WLGI campaign, the National Spiritual Assembly encourages communities to consult on ways they can participate in this new campaign.

The National Assembly is confident that each community will generate an outpouring of enthusiasm and contributions that will make this campaign true to its name—a "GOOD" campaign.

Amoz Gibson Training Centre lists 1985 courses

The Amoz Gibson Training Centre for Bahá’í Media is an institution of the Faith operated by CIRBAL, a field agency of the Universal House of Justice charged with the development of Bahá’í media in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Centre provides training courses for Bahá’ís in the practical knowledge and skills needed for service on national media committees, on the staffs of Bahá’í radio stations, and as media volunteers.

The following is a list of courses to be offered during 1985 at the Amoz Gibson Training Centre:

March 25-April 13: Bahá’í Radio/Amateur Radio. A three-week crash course for licensed Bahá’í radio amateurs and Bahá’ís interested in becoming amateurs, focusing on Bahá’í radio projects and philosophy, Bahá’ís and amateur radio, communication networks, elements of pioneering and other Bahá’í service, updating radio knowledge and licenses, and the manifold social and consultative activities that bringing together Bahá’í radio amateurs from all over the world is bound to generate. Principal instructors: Albert Segen, K. Dean Stephens. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

May 24-27: Taller de Radio II. The second in a series of radio workshops specially designed for the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico. Principal instructors: Amoz Gibson staff. Language of instruction: Spanish.

Summer: Television Production. A special three-week session in Anchorage, Alaska, sponsored by Light of the North Productions. A practical hands-on course with focus on programming and techniques of video production including editing, camera work, lighting and sound. Details from Light of the North, Anchorage, AK 99503 (phone 907-277-0781). Principal instructors: Light of the North staff. Language of instruction: English.

Summer: La Gerencia de Radio Bahá’í. An intensive seven-day international seminar to be held in an Andean country to be announced. Designed for National Spiritual Assemblies, radio commissions, and Radio Bahá’í managers. Focus on topics of importance to Bahá’í radio projects in Latin America: personnel welfare and management; budget preparation; radio philosophy and production; relationship between CIRBAL, National Assemblies, and radio commissions. Principal instructor: Fernando Schiantarelli, Lima, Peru. Language of instruction: Spanish.

July 1-21: Broadcast Engineering. A three-week intermediate level course designed to give Bahá’ís with previous technical or Bahá’í radio experience some exposure to broadcast and communications engineering; site selection; station design; broadcast equipment, circuitry and maintenance; and problems encountered in actual station operations. Principal instructor: K. Dean Stephens. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

August 30-September 2: Use of the Press. A special three-day workshop for Bahá’ís from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean islands. Focus is on communication strategies, journalistic style, press releases, letters to the editor, design of paid ads, and more. Principal instructor: to be announced. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

Fall-winter: Libretaje. An intensive nine-day workshop in script-writing to be held in Peru. Principal instructor: Fernando Schiantarelli. Languages of instruction: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara.

November 11-December 1: Radiodifusion Bahá’í/Radio Broadcasting. A three-week general level course designed to train Bahá’ís in radio broadcast fundamentals: script-writing, announcing, programming, production, management, government licensing, technical aspects and more with special emphasis on Bahá’í radio. Principal instructors: Randie Gottlieb, K. Dean Stephens. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

More than 40 attend Eastern New York Teaching Conference in Glens Falls

Thirty-four adults and eight children from a 100-mile area participated November 11 in an Eastern New York District Teaching Conference in Glens Falls, New York.

The morning session, which was devoted to teaching methods, featured talks by Louis Anderson and Jorge Nossa of the District Teaching Committee.

The children, who had their own program at the home of Bob and Wendy Speirs, made bookmarks with quotations from the Writings and presented them to the adults as gifts for the anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Birth.

Before the afternoon session began, an 89-year-old man, Ben Van Dyke, declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh, saying he had been waiting all his life for someone to tell him about the Faith.

Afterward, Dr. Rustom Rasstinehad spoke briefly about the Faith, and the friends were entertained with Polynesian dances and slides of the House of Worship in Samoa by Rick and Holly Heyman, pioneers from Samoa, and their three-year-old daughter, Katrinka.

Md. Bahá’ís present Promulgation to library

The Spiritual Assembly of Frederick, Maryland, recently presented a copy of the book The Promulgation of Universal Peace to the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick.

A photograph of the presentation appeared in the Frederick News-Post.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Four Sunflower Activity Books under one cover For Young Children

4 Sunflower Activity Books under 1 cover I Am a Bahá’í MY BAHA’I COMMUNITY MY BAHA’I FEASTS OUR BAHA’I HOLY DAYS AND HOLIDAYS OUR BAHA’I HOUSE OF WORSHIP

written by Deborah Christensen

Designed to reinforce a child's Bahá’í identity and promote parent-child closeness.

Activities include: coloring singing finding hidden pictures creating collages pasting in photos ideas for family and community

64 pages 8½ x 11 inches $5.95

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 TEL 1-800-323-1880 Price valid only in the United States [Page 14]

Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 (in Illinois)

Price List 1 January 1985

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols

• * = On Order
• CA = Calendar
• CD = Cards
• CS = Cassette
• FD = Folder
• HC = Hardcover
• LP = Record
• LT = Lightweight edition
• PA = Pamphlet
• PER = Persian
• PP = Photograph or Lithograph
• PR = Poster, etc.
• PS = Pocket-sized edition
• SC = Softcover
• SPN = Spanish
• TC = Teaching Card

Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	HC	$17.00
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.00
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	8.00
Call to the Nations	HC	6.00
Call to the Nations	SC	3.00
Christ’s Promise Fulfilled	SC	3.00
Citadel of Faith	HC	12.00
Constitution: Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	11.00
Foundations of World Unity	HC	10.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.25
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	PS	3.75
God Passes By	HC	14.50
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	5.75
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh—British Edition	SC	3.00
Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	14.25
Kitáb-i-Íqán	PS	3.75
Light of Divine Guidance	HC	21.00*
Memorials of the Faithful	HC	10.00
Messages to the Bahá’í World	HC	10.00
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	HC	9.00
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	SC	4.00
Paris Talks	SC	5.00
Prayers and Meditations—British Edition	HC	11.00
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	7.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00
Promised Day Is Come	HC	8.00
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.00
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.00
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi	SC	1.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	10.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	1.00
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	HC	10.00
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	LT	6.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	LT	6.00*
Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys	HC	6.00
Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys	SC	3.50
Seven Year Plan—1981	SC	.50
Some Answered Questions	HC	13.25
Some Answered Questions	PS	3.75
Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	12.00*
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	LT	6.00*
Tablets of the Divine Plan	HC	10.00
Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	5.00
Traveller’s Narrative	HC	10.00
Traveller’s Narrative	SC	5.00
Unfolding Destiny	HC	43.50
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	1.25
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.50

Compilations

Title	Type	Price
Bahá’í DayBook	SC	3.75*
Bahá’í Education	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	2.75
Bahá’í Meetings/the 19 Day Feast	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	9.75
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.50*
Bahá’í Prayers and Tablets for the Young	HC	5.00
Bahá’í Prayers—White Gift Edition	HC	6.00
Bahá’í Readings	SC	5.50*
Bahá’í Readings—Leather	HC	15.00*
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.50
Consultation	SC	1.50
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	3.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	2.50
Importance of Deepening	SC	2.00
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.00
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.50
Living the Life	SC	1.75
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.50
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	1.75
Power of Divine Assistance	SC	2.00*
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	HC	6.00
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	SC	4.00
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Special Measure of Love	SC	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Universal House of Justice	SC	2.75
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95*
Words of God	SC	1.00

General Titles

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Center of the Covenant	SC	6.95
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	5.00
Another Song, Another Season	SC	2.00
Báb: Herald of the Day of Days	HC	11.95
Báb and Bahá’í Religions	HC	29.50
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	14.95*
Bahá’í Faith—Perkins & Haynesworth	SC	2.00*
Bahá’í: Follower of the Light	SC	3.00
Bahá’í Proofs	HC	16.00
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Development	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Health and Healing	SC	6.00
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Marriage	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies 9: Manifestation	SC	4.00
Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984	SC	4.00*
Bahá’í World Volumes 1-12 (set)	HC	200.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 1 (I)	HC	11.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 2 (II)	HC	15.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 3 (III)	HC	15.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 4 (IV)	HC	20.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 5 (V)	HC	26.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 6 (VI)	HC	26.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 7 (VII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 8 (VIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 9 (IX)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 10 (X)	HC	25.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 11 (XI)	HC	25.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 12 (XII)	HC	26.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV)	HC	16.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV)	HC	17.50
Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI)	HC	20.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII)	HC	22.50
Bahá’í Writings: A Concordance	SC	9.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	HC	10.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	SC	2.50
Bahá’u’lláh: King of Glory	HC	24.00
Bahiyyeh Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.00
Bahiyyeh Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.00
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	2.95*
Circle of Unity	SC	9.95
Commentary: Will & Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	2.25
Concordance to the Hidden Words	SC	2.50
Concordance: Selected Writings/‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	9.00
Concordance: Gleanings Writings/Bahá’u’lláh	SC	9.95
Concordance to the ‎Kitáb-i-Íqan Kitáb-i-Íqán‎	SC	9.95
Crown of Beauty	HC	14.75
Crown of Beauty	SC	9.75
Cry From the Heart	SC	2.50
Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká	SC	5.00
Dawn Over Mount Hira	HC	4.50
Dawn Over Mount Hira	SC	2.00
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	14.00*
Dawning Place	HC	20.00
Dawning Place	SC	12.00
Days To Remember	SC	7.00*
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Deepening Packet for New Believers	FD	4.00
Desire of the World	SC	5.25*
Diary of Juliet Thompson	HC	14.95
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
Door of Hope	SC	9.75
E. G. Browne and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	12.95
Earth Is But One Country	SC	8.00*
Fire and Blood	SC	7.95
For the Good of Mankind	HC	10.95
For the Good of Mankind	SC	4.95
Fortress for Well-Being--Gift Edition	HC	12.00
Four on an Island	HC	8.95
Four on an Island	SC	4.50
From Copper to Gold	HC	15.95
From Copper to Gold	SC	7.95
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
George Townshend	HC	19.50
George Townshend	SC	9.50
Glad Tidings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	5.95
God Loves Laughter	SC	5.50
God’s Great Plan	SC	2.00
He Loved and Served	SC	6.50
Heart of the Gospel	SC	2.75
Imperishable Dominion	SC	8.75
Index of Quotations	SC	39.50*
Index of Quotations	HC	24.50
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	SC	3.50
Khadíjih Bagum: Wife of the Báb	SC	3.75
Khánum: The Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	2.75
Light of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	2.50
Light Shineth in Darkness	HC	10.95
Light Shineth in Darkness	SC	6.95
Lights of Guidance	HC	16.00*
March of the Institutions	HC	7.50
March of the Institutions	SC	3.50
Mark Tobey: Art and Belief	HC	16.95
Mark Tobey: Art and Belief	SC	8.95
Martha Root: Herald of the Kingdom	HC	16.00
Martha Root: Lioness at Threshold	HC	21.00
Martha Root: Lioness at Threshold	SC	14.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	10.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Mighty River	SC	.50
Miracles and Metaphors	SC	8.95
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mothers, Fathers, and Children	SC	6.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mystery of God	HC	21.00
Other People, Other Places	HC	13.75
Portals to Freedom	SC	6.50
Power of the Covenant, Part 1	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 2	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 3	SC	2.00
Prescription for Living	HC	4.75
Priceless Pearl	HC	5.00*
Promise of All Ages	SC	8.25
Promise of All Ages	HC	2.75
Religion for Mankind	SC	4.95
Renewal of Civilization	SC	2.50
Response	SC	4.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	HC	15.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	SC	9.75
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2	HC	17.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2	SC	9.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3	HC	18.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	HC	8.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	SC	3.95
Seven Year Plan: Statistical Report	SC	2.50
Some Bahá’ís to Remember	HC	14.95
Some Bahá’ís to Remember	SC	7.50
Some Early Bahá’ís of the West	HC	12.95
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	HC	9.00
Story as Told	SC	2.50
Story of My Heart	SC	7.50
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History	HC	19.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2	HC	19.95
Sudden Music	HC	11.95
Sudden Music	SC	5.50
Táhirih the Pure	HC	10.95
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	4.35
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	5.00
These Perspicuous Verses	SC	4.50
Thief in the Night	HC	6.50
Thief in the Night	SC	2.95
To Move the World	SC	7.50
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	13.50
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.95
When We Grow Up	HC	7.95
When We Grow Up	SC	3.95
Wine of Astonishment	SC	2.75
Witness of Pebbles	HC	10.95
Witness of Pebbles	SC	5.95
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	10.00

Children and Youth

Title	Type	Price
Ali’s Dream	HC	10.95
Ali’s Dream	SC	5.95
Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.00
B. J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Birth of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.00
Diamond in the Darkness	SC	5.50
Dragons of Rizvania	HC	8.95
Flickerings	SC	3.50*
Fly away Free	SC	6.00
From Behind the Veil	SC	3.75
God Made the Stars	HC	4.50
Horse of the Moonlight	SC	3.50
I Am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	5.95
Magnified Be Thy Name	HC	5.50
Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
My Baby Book	HC	5.00
My Name Is Nabíl	HC	6.00
Nine Days to Istanbul	SC	2.50
Nine Holy Days	SC	3.00
O God, My God	SC	6.00
Quddús	SC	3.50
Refuge and the Cave	SC	5.50
Secret in the Garden	HC	4.50
Secret in the Garden	SC	2.75
Second Birth	HC	8.00
Second Birth	SC	4.50
Special Strengths	SC	4.50*
Spotlessly Leopard	SC	3.75
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	4.50
Sunflower Books, Set 1	SC	3.50
Táhirih	SC	3.50
Wonderlamp	SC	12.95
Zahra’s Search	SC	3.25

Foreign Language

Title	Type	Price
ENGLISH/PERSIAN/ARABIC: Hidden Words	HC	35.00*
PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	21.50
PER: Badayi’u’l Athar 1	HC	10.00
PER: Badayi’u’l Athar 2	HC	11.00

[Page 15]Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List Correct as of 1 January 1985 3

Code	Title	Format	Price
PER:	Bahá’í Faith Not Political	SC	4.00
PER:	Bahá’í Life	SC	1.50
PER:	Children’s Prayer Book	SC	7.95*
PER:	Compilation of Bahá’í Laws	HC	12.95
PER:	Compilation Hidden Words/Tablets	HC	4.95
PER:	Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	20.00
PER:	Fire and Light	HC	17.50
PER:	Gleanings	HC	11.00*
PER:	Glimpses of Hope	SC	9.95
PER:	Glorification and Praise	HC	12.95
PER:	History of the Martyrs of Yazd	HC	12.95
PER:	Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	10.50
PER:	Memoirs of 9 Years in ‘Akká	HC	15.95
PER:	Prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2	HC	4.95
PER:	Prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3	HC	4.95
PER:	Prayers of Shoghi Effendi	HC	2.50*
PER:	Principles of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	2.50
PER:	Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	8.00
PER:	Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.00
PER:	Selected Writings of the Báb	HC	15.00
PER:	Some Answered Questions	SC	12.95
PER:	Tablet of Ahmad	HC	12.00
PER:	Tablets for the Departed	HC	16.00
PER:	Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh after Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	19.95
PER:	Traces of the Supreme Pen	HC	9.95
SPN:	Advenimiento de Justicia Divina	SC	3.75
SPN:	Asamblea Espiritual Nacional	SC	3.00
SPN:	Bahá’u’lláh Y La Nueva Era	SC	7.00
SPN:	Constitución: Casa Universal de Justicia	SC	5.00
SPN:	Datos Basicos	PA	.10
SPN:	La Dispensación De Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.75
SPN:	Kitáb-i-Íqán	SC	5.50
SPN:	El Regalo	HC	2.00
SPN:	El Dia Prometido Ha Llegado	SC	4.50
SPN:	La Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet	SC	1.50
SPN:	Meta Nueve Orden Mundial	SC	1.50
SPN:	On Becoming a Bahá’í	SC	1.25
SPN:	Oraciones Bahá’ís	SC	3.75
SPN:	Oraciones Y Meditaciones	SC	6.00
SPN:	Palabras De Dios	SC	.30
SPN:	Palabras Ocultas	SC	2.00
SPN:	Pasajes-Escritos De Bahá’u’lláh	SC	7.00
SPN:	Poder De Asistencia Divina	SC	1.00
SPN:	Principios de ‎Admistración Administración‎ Bahá’í	SC	4.50
SPN:	Quienes Dios Confia	PA	.50
SPN:	Renovación De Civilización	SC	1.50
SPN:	La Sabiduria de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	4.75
SPN:	Sinopsis and ‎Codificatión Codificación‎ Kitáb-i-Aqdas	SC	3.50
SPN:	Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.00

Pamphlets, Cards and Folders

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í Answers, Pkg of 10	PA	2.50
Bahá’í Faith Presentation File Folder	PD	.50
Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet, Pkg of 10	PA	14.00
Bahá’í World Faith for Modern Man, Pkg of 10	PA	3.50
Basic Facts of Bahá’í Faith, Pkg of 50	PA	4.00
Blossom-Assortment of 3, Pkg of 12	CD	2.00
Building a Unified Community, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
Communion With God—Large Type	SC	1.50
Divine Law: Source of Human Rights, Pkg of 10	PA	3.25
Environment and Human Values, Pkg of 10	PA	3.75
Equality of Men and Women, Pkg of 10	PA	3.75
God’s New Age, Pkg of 10	PA	1.00
In Search of Supreme Talisman, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
Loyalty to Government, Pkg of 10	PA	1.75
Meaning of Worship, Pkg of 10	PA	5.00
Message of Bahá’u’lláh, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
One Universal Faith, Pkg of 50	PA	4.00
Open Door with Envelope, Pkg of 10	PA	7.50
Political Non-Involvement	SC	1.00
Promise of Disarmament and Peace	SC	1.00*
Teaching Cards Wilmette NOW, Pkg of 25	TC	3.50

Recordings

Title	Format	Price
Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh	CS	7.00
Are You Happy?...Olinga	CS	7.00*
Because We Love the Faith...Collins/Baker	CS	7.00
Farewell Address — Glenford Mitchell	CS	2.25
Flight	LP	4.00
Foundation of Learning	CS	7.00
Happy Ayyám-i-Há	LP	4.00
If You Only Knew	CS	7.00
In His Presence...Samandarí	CS	7.00
In the Days of the Guardian...Ioas	CS	7.00
Legacies of Service—Set of 5	CS	30.00
Light of Bahá’u’lláh—Set of 18	CS	74.50
Lote Tree	LP	4.00
Loving Hands	CS	8.00
My Only Desire...Alexander	CS	7.00
Strengthening Administrative Order...Holley	CS	7.00
Triumph of Cause...Kalyani	CS	7.00
Visit With the Master...True	CS	7.00
We Are Bahá’ís	CS	7.00

Photographs, Calendars and Posters

Title	Format	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 11" X 14"	PP	10.00
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 5" X 7"	PP	4.00
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithograph, 10.5" X 15"	PP	3.50
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithographs, Set of 7	PP	5.00
Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E.	CA	1.85
Bahá’í History Calendar 1985	CA	5.00
Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 1985, Pkg of 10	CA	1.75
Bahá’í Wall Calendar 1985	CA	1.25
Greatest Name, 8" X 10", Silver	PR	2.50
Seat of Universal House of Justice Poster	PR	3.00
Wilmette House of Worship Poster	PR	1.00

Ordering Instructions

To process your order, the Distribution Service needs your name and address and a daytime telephone number. For each item ordered you must give the quantity, title and type (HC, SC, CS, etc.). Since stock numbers are no longer used in ordering books, it is essential that the type of item be included.

Payment must accompany orders from individuals. You may pay by check, money order, VISA or MasterCard. When paying by check or money order, include 10 per cent for postage and indicate if you prefer fourth class mail or United Parcel Service (UPS does not deliver to post office boxes).

Fourth class mail is not insured, and the Distribution Service cannot accept responsibility for lost shipments unless the loss is due to an error on our part. VISA and MasterCard orders should include the full account number and the date of expiration of the card. Credit card orders may be placed over the phone on our toll-free line, 1-800-323-1880.

Order forms for new and selected items appear each month in The American Bahá’í.

New Music from Canadian Artists

Current and coming releases from Jack Lenz and Doug Cameron

"We are Bahá’ís"

Written as the theme for the Bahá’í International Conference in Montreal, 1982, "We are Bahá’ís" captured much of the spirit of the 10,000 Bahá’ís present—and many of their hearts.

Over 4000 copies of the cassette have already been sold largely by word of mouth, and are now being made available to the Bahá’í community as a whole.

As well as for their own enjoyment, composers Jack Lenz and Doug Cameron invite Bahá’ís to use their music freely for Bahá’í purposes such as Cable TV shows, radio programming, firesides, public meetings, or as gifts for friends.

Cuts include: "My Family," "My Hand," "The Prisoner," "Alláh-u-Abhá," "The Garden," "O God, Guide Me," "Morning Prayer," "Song of the Months," "Jonathon," "A Song for You," and "Song of the Prophets."

Cassette available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, $7.00.

"If you only knew . . ."

It was the rallying cry for the gathering forces of the "Bahá’í Youth Movement" assembled in London, Ont., at Canada’s first International Youth Conference, August 24–27, 1984. It talks to Bahá’í youth in their own language about the things that mean the most to them, and to everyone their age.

Its lyrics, music and style puts in the hands of Bahá’í youth a powerful way of reaching their own generation with the brilliant vision of the Faith.

"If you only knew . . ." is like Bahá’ís themselves—full of life, love and energy. It’s music to listen to, to dance to, to feel, to enjoy. And to use, like "We are Bahá’ís", in as many ways as you can imagine to serve the Cause.

Other titles include: "Get Up," "Moving," "Have You Heard?" "One Moment of Love," "Every Wonder," "We Will All," "Unity House," "Don’t Tell Me It Will Never Be" and "Mona."

Cassette available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, $7.00.

COMING SOON The Music of Jack Lenz

Besides these titles, Jack Lenz has composed music for popular Bahá’í films such as "The Pilgrimage," written themes for Bahá’í events, such as the Montreal Conference, and special musical tributes to the Guardian and the Greatest Holy Leaf.

Jack is currently working on new arrangements for these and other of his compositions—for full symphony orchestra and chorus. Recording will be done in England with the London Symphony Orchestra. Please watch for future announcements. [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.

THINKING of homefront pioneering? The Spiritual Assembly of Olean, New York, needs you! We have a warm, loving and active Bahá’í community in the "Enchanted Mountains" of southwestern New York state. There is a large business sector for a small city of 20,000 with employment opportunities in business, management, banking and industry. We have several hospitals, many schools and colleges, and even have a Montessori school and Suzuki piano classes. Olean is the home of St. Bonaventure University, famous for its schools of journalism and business management (and for basketball). There's a small town atmosphere with all the conveniences of a larger city—and we're only five minutes from the scenic countryside. We also sponsor each summer a three-day conference at St. Bonaventure which is like a mini-summer school. We have children's classes and are starting a youth group. If you are thinking of moving, please consider Olean. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Olean, P.O. Box 9, Olean, NY 14760, or phone Rick Snyder, 716-372-3663.

OFFSHORE engineering company in Cyprus, a goal country, is accepting applications from qualified mechanical and electrical engineers and draftsmen. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED: Adventurous, self-supporting couple or pioneer family to live in the quiet hills near Tartagal, Province of Salta, northwestern Argentina, near the Bolivian border. We offer a comfortable two-bedroom home built by former pioneers, running water, no electricity, and several nearby communities in which to teach and consolidate. Your last chance for old-fashioned pioneering. For more details, contact Asamblea Espiritual de los Bahá’ís de Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

FREE catalog of tapes, T-shirts and other materials is available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Includes "Mankind Is One" T-shirts in 12 languages. Write to "Reflections," Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

HANDS ON!, a workbook of Bahá’í educational activities for children by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Diane Bogulu Petit, is now available. The book includes a chapter on creating learning centers and more than 100 practical activities in the areas of Bahá’í history, the Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi, religious history, the Bahá’í teachings, Bahá’í institutions, and the dynamic force of example. Also includes sample record-keeping forms and reproducible activities (crossword puzzles, word searches, etc.). Contains 178 pages and 80 photos depicting activities described in the text. Each activity description includes educational objectives, a list of materials needed, and a discussion of what to do and how to extend the experience; a valuable resource for teaching local children's classes. The price of $19 includes a three-ring binder and shipping and handling charges. Please send check to Hands On!, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, MI 48423. VISA and MasterCard orders accepted by phone (313-653-5033).

WANTED: Information on the names and addresses of any children or relatives of Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn, an early San Francisco Bahá’í who died in 1932. Anyone having any information is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

FALCON Heights, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul, needs two homefront pioneers to maintain its Assembly status. Falcon Heights is only a few miles from the University of Minnesota, one of the largest institutions of higher learning in the U.S. It has a young, active and vigorous Bahá’í community, is a good residential area with a fine school system and lovely surroundings. Come and share the many lakes, parks, the unblemished wilderness and clean metropolitan area. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Falcon Heights, P.O. Box 8222, Falcon Heights, MN 55108, or phone 612-646-7553 or the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039.

MATURE and loving person needed immediately to live in and care for a 9-month-old girl. Room and board offered in exchange for child care in a private home 20 minutes from the Bahá’í House of Worship. Knowledge of French a plus. Contact Deanne Sobotka, Riverwoods, IL 60015, or phone 312-940-1577.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Tumwater, Washington, sister city to the state's capital, Olympia, at the southernmost tip of Puget Sound. Tumwater (population 8,000) needs a well-deepened Bahá’í couple, family, or single homefront pioneers to help teach and ultimately restore its lost Assembly. With a mild year-round climate and annual rainfall of 35 inches, Tumwater is considered a very desirable place to live, and the metropolitan tri-city area is the second fastest growing community in the U.S. There are jobs in government (the largest employer), education, agriculture, medicine, nursing, clerical work, social work or other services. Other important businesses are hardwood furniture, cheese-making, metal fabricating and mushroom growing. Hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities abound in nearby areas. Retired couples would love it here! The large metropolitan areas of Seattle and Portland are within easy driving distance. Schooling is available at a private college, Evergreen State College, and several vocational schools; three large school districts support excellent public schools. Won't you give this your prayerful consideration, and let us hear from you? Please contact the Bahá’í Group of Tumwater, c/o Frances Amundson, correspondent, Tumwater, WA 98502 (phone 206-943-8093).

COLLEGE of Agriculture in Nigeria, a goal country, has openings for a rector, registrar and bursar. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Monroe, Louisiana, home of Northeast Louisiana University. Those who are interested in inquiring about the school or about industrial opportunities in this part of the country should contact Dr. Christopher Jay Johnson, director of gerontology, Department of Sociology, N.E. Louisiana University, Monroe, LA 71209, or phone 318-342-2039 (home, 318-345-0482). Presently, there are five Bahá’ís in our parish and we are seeking to gain Assembly status as soon as possible. No Bahá’ís live in the "Twin Cities" of Monroe and West Monroe which together have a population of about 100,000.

NEEDED: Two engineers with degrees in mechanical, structural or civil engineering to help fill a goal in Nigeria. Experience is necessary. Contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BLESSED opportunity to fulfill important goals of consolidation at the Amoz Gibson Project. Teaching positions available in Manderson, South Dakota—8th grade teacher, elementary certificate required. Porcupine, South Dakota—elementary, special education certificate required. Wanblee, South Dakota—elementary special education, secondary special education, music and swimming teachers needed. Please phone the National Teaching Committee immediately at 312-869-9039.

NEED a homefront pioneer? Help us send one to your locality. Keep us informed about jobs, schools, rooms for rent, homes to share, etc. These are most helpful in matching pioneers to goal areas. Please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

A MASTER gardener is needed to oversee the grounds of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Western Samoa, a goal country. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

APPLYING to universities? Trying to decide where to go? Come to the city whose name implies divine blessings—Providence, Rhode Island. Brown, Johnson and Wales, Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Rhode Island School of Design. RISD-Brown University Bahá’í Club is now being formed—potential is overwhelming. Come join us! See you next fall! Jennifer Parlin (RISD), 401-351-6521; Suzette Ruys (RISD), 401-621-6021; Kambeze Etemad (Brown), 401-863-6698.

BAHÁ’Í author is compiling material for a book to be titled "How I Became a Bahá’í." Please send your story—don't worry about the quality, I'll interview you later—about how you became a Bahá’í, with your name, address and phone number to Guy Shannon, P.O. Box 325, Coarsegold, CA 93614, or phone 209-683-2554. All stories will be read and replied to promptly.

BOSCH Bahá’í School invites applications for staff positions: single adults or mature youth for 3-6 months (renewable) as student-staff or apprentice staff and for full-time summer staff. Special talents and abilities to be considered in selection. Opportunity for learning, leadership experience, and service in a unique setting secluded in redwood forest but near city, community colleges, UC-Santa Cruz. Possibility of internship or work credit from your college by your own arrangement. Interviews will be arranged in northern and southern California for those being considered, following receipt of a letter of application, resumé, name, together with the name, address and phone number of your Assembly secretary. Send to: School Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

ROTA, a goal country, needs five high school teachers. The applicants need have only two years of college or be talented in music or art. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A NINE-DAY Teacher Training Institute conducted by Jenabe Caldwell will be held February 22-March 3 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The course lays a foundation for fulfilling one's purpose in life and transmits a sense of inner peace. It has been taught throughout the world and been instrumental in transforming souls and instigating victories. The cost is $167 for adults who register two weeks or more in advance for a room with 2-3 others. Add $18 for late registration and $45 for a double room. Plans for a children's program are tentative. Write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA/MasterCard accepted.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following Bahá’í books in good or excellent condition: Bahá’í Child's ABC (paper, 1946, 1948, 1953), Bahá’í Child's Song Book (1960), Bahá’í Prayers (combined, paper, 1954), Bahá’í Procedure (paper, 1942), Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (cloth, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1950, 1970). Please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

TIRED of those cold northern winters? Consider homefront pioneering to Edinburg, Texas, in the lovely Rio Grande Valley. Mild winters, close to the Mexican border, a university town with a Bahá’í club on campus. Also a suitable place for a retired person or couple with many activities for senior citizens and plenty of opportunities to teach. Spanish is helpful but not essential. For more information contact Chris Wonders, P.O. Box 1566, McAllen, TX 78501, or phone 512-687-1469.

FAIRFIELD, California, needs homefront pioneers to save an Assembly jeopardized by recent transfers out of the community. Fairfield, 42 miles southwest of Sacramento and 44 miles northeast of San Francisco, is the county seat and second largest city in Solano County with a population that has grown from 3,118 in 1950 to 64,400 today. The local labor force is primarily government, services, retailers and manufacturing. The city has good health, ed-

WANTED: Industrious, intelligent, highly motivated person to replace the associate editor of Bahá’í News and The American Bahá’í who must leave after five years at the National Center. Responsibilities include writing, photography, paste-up, equipment maintenance, purchasing, some clerical work. Opportunity to learn and use a broad range of skills and talents necessary to produce a quality newspaper and magazine. Photographic and darkroom experience essential; familiarity with a graphic arts camera would be a plus. Please send resumé and samples of your work (writing, photographs, etc.) to Jack Bowers, Periodicals Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 17]

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

Reader’s Digest published an article, “Their Crime Is Faith,” in the December 1984 issue. Imagine... the story of the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran in more than 31 million copies in 17 languages! Reprints are available in quantities of 25 from the Office of Public Affairs for $5.75. For orders larger than 25, please add 10 per cent of the total to cover postage.

“GIST,” a monthly reference aid published by the U.S. State Department which condenses the main facts of foreign policy issues, focused on “The Plight of Iranian Bahá’ís” in its October 1984 edition.

• Engineering News-Record, a newsletter for the building and construction industry published weekly by McGraw-Hill, featured as its cover story in the November 8 issue an article on the construction of the House of Worship in India entitled, “Temple for Bahá’í Faith Uses God’s Blueprints.” The three-page article included photographs and illustrations.

Charles W. Meister, a former professor of English and academic dean at Northern Arizona University who served for 10 years as president of Eastern New Mexico University at Portales, has authored a book called Year of the Lord: A.D. Eighteen Forty-Four in which he asserts that a series of religious events in 1844 is more than simple coincidence. He calls himself “an amateur theologian, a student of religion and self-trained in the Bible.” He regularly preaches in a Presbyterian church, and although he calls himself a “Christian,” his book points to the connection of events that occurred in 1844—including the first telegraph message transmitted, saying “What hath God wrought!” and the claim of Mírzá ‘Alí Muhammad, the Báb. The book is published by Jefferson, N.C.’s McFarland & Co., is 264 pages, and retails at no, not $18.44, but $18.95.

BUSY BAHÁ’ÍS

• The Greater Phoenix, Arizona, Bahá’í Public Affairs Committee’s latest report is full of exciting news. American Cable TV is using “The Spiritual Revolution” on a regular basis and will soon be showing the Krogstad 30-second public service announcements. Radio station KUPD will be presented with a plaque for airing “The Jeff Reynolds Show” for the past nine years. Press releases for the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh went to 47 media outlets and a “Wage Peace” ad was placed in the yellow pages as well as in “The Arizona Road Atlas and Travel Guide.” Later on, they’ll be bringing a beautiful Bahá’í float down from Washington state to participate in Arizona’s “Fiesta Bowl” parade. All this activity was reported in the minutes of only two committee meetings—hats off to Tempe, Arizona, for sponsoring this committee, and hats off to the committee!

Milford, Connecticut, High School classes have been seeing the video tape of ABC-TV’s “20/20” program which featured a segment on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. Tom Armistead reports that the show has been seen by three classes so far, and is making the rounds. Video cassettes of this powerful third-party documentary are still available from the Office of Public Affairs for a $75 donation plus $2 postage. Has your community considered secondary school and college presentations with this tape?

The Brookline, Massachusetts, Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs reports that the film “New Wind Blowing” is airing on cable TV there, plus they have trained two members as cablevision workers and put up five “free of charge” billboards.

HELP OUR VIDEO ARCHIVES!

If you know about a TV interview where the Bahá’í Faith has been or will be mentioned...

1) call and request a copy of 3/4-inch tape from the station. They will usually furnish it for little or no charge.

2) Notify the Office of Public Affairs immediately so we don’t purchase it from our monitoring service.

You save us $75 each time you supply our archives, instead of our service. THANKS!

Louhelen conference trains believers to become public information consultants to communities

As a part of a plan to enlist the help of specially qualified Bahá’ís throughout the nation, the Office of Public Affairs held a conference November 17-18 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.

THE 20 who attended from eight central states will become Public Information Consultants to Bahá’í communities in their area.

The goal is to encourage the appointment, and help with the training, of public information representatives in every community in which Bahá’ís reside.

The representatives, for their part, will endeavor to make the existence, aims and activities of their Bahá’í communities known to the general public through the powerful channels of print, radio and television.

To open the Louhelen conference, Shirley Lee, national Public Affairs coordinator, emphasized the importance of the media to Bahá’í emergence from obscurity and explained the role of the Public Affairs Office and its P.I representatives.

Robert Hogan of Springfield, Illinois, a motivational consultant, encouraged the participants to become motivators.

David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee, stressed the necessity of planning a total program involving the processes of proclamation, expansion and consolidation.

THE intricacies of planning media conferences for training and motivation were outlined by Marcia LeRoy, audio-visual program coordinator for the Office of Public Affairs.

The session on November 18 was begun with a panel of experts who responded to questions from participants.

The panelists were Artis Mebane, a television producer; Stacey Rubenstein, a marketing and advertising specialist; Charles Nolley, media services director at the Bahá’í National Center; and Ms. Leroy, who is a former public affairs director at AM and FM radio stations in New Jersey.

The conference was capped by members of the Detroit Public Affairs Committee who explained their approach to providing media services for a major metropolitan area.

It was consideration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement in Tablets of the Divine Plan that the central states “are like unto the heart of America—If the heart is strengthened, all the organs of the body are reinforced” which led to placing primary emphasis on training consultants in that area.

SIMILAR sessions are planned elsewhere to establish a nationwide network of consultants.

This is in response to the Universal House of Justice’s appeal to increase the use of press, radio and television to proclaim the Faith.

Successful efforts to familiarize the general public with the Faith are certain to facilitate personal teaching efforts, and can make a significant contribution to winning support and attracting adherents to the Cause.

Pictured are participants in a conference November 17-18 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School whose purpose was to enlist the services of Bahá’í media specialists as Public Information Consultants to Bahá’í communities in their area. The conference was sponsored by the national Office of Public Affairs.

Martyrs’ sacrifice spurs media activity all over the world

Special thanks to Canada for permission to reprint this news from the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre Newsletter.

The “emergence from obscurity” of the Cause of God—the leading phrase of the Universal House of Justice in its Ridván letter to the Bahá’ís of the world—has been hastened and propelled forward by the sacrifice and suffering of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

THOSE “soul-stirring events in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land” have been responsible for much unprecedented attention from the professional media.

At the same time there has been a rapid expansion in the range of initiatives taken by Bahá’ís themselves as they learn to work directly with the audio-visual media to express the aims and tenets of the Faith and to reflect ever more adequately the spirit and work of the Bahá’í community in films, slide shows, on posters, on radio and television, and through the wise exploitation of all the audio-visual media.

A survey of some of that activity reveals a rapidly accumulating familiarity with the media.

BAHÁ’Í RADIO

During the past year the South American Bahá’í radio stations in Ecuador and Peru have been joined by Radio Bahá’í-Bolivia at Caracollo, which began broadcasting in March.

A MONTH later the first Bahá’í radio station in North America began broadcasting at Hemingway, South Carolina, and throughout the past year the friends in Panama have been vigorously working on radio programming, currently relying on regular commercial broadcasts from at least three different stations.

They have also been systematically pursuing radio training in anticipation of the first broadcasts from Radio Bahá’í-Panama situated at the Guaymi Cultural Centre.

Efforts to secure radio licenses and stations continue in Chile and Brazil, and just this year the Universal House of Justice set in motion the process leading to the establishment of the first Bahá’í radio station in Africa.

While requiring less commitment of resources than that made necessary by the ownership and operation of a radio station, regular weekly or bi-weekly Bahá’í radio programming is well under way in many lands, demanding a large measure of sacrifice and perseverance on the part of many Bahá’ís, sometimes working in... [Page 18]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá visita Inglaterra: risa y sabiduría

‘Abdu’l-Bahá visitó Londres en septiembre de 1911, tres años después de su liberación de la ciudad fortaleza de ‘Akká. Las anécdotas siguientes tomaron lugar durante esa visita.

Después de Su primer comida con nosotros, El dijo: "La comida estuvo deliciosa, pero ojalá pudiéramos compartir algunos de estos platos con aquellas personas pobres y hambrientas que no tienen ni siquiera un plato!"

¡QUÉ lección para los huéspedes presentes!

En seguida acordamos que sería suficiente tener un plato substancial y abundante, con ensalada, queso, galletas, dulces, frutas, procedido por sopa y seguido por café o té.

Este arreglo simplificaría la vida, tanto para su preparación como para su servicio, e indudablemente estaría más acorde con los ideales del cristianismo, en vez de numerosos platos innecesarios y costosos.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá estuvo acompañado de un secretario, Mirza Mahmud, y Khusraw, Su fiel servidor.

El se levantaba muy temprano, recitaba oraciones, tomaba té, escribía Tablillas y dictaba otras. A Su turno recibía a aquellos que se congregaban para verlo, algunos que llegaban en la madrugada, esperando pacientemente en las gradas de la puerta hasta que se abriera para su entrada.

En uno de los primeros días de Su visita llegó un telegrama de la Asamblea Bahá’í de Teherán, diciendo:

"Recibid nuestras felicitaciones por que los benditos piés de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá han atravesado vuestro umbral. ¡Benditos seáis vosotros!" (The Chosen Highway, p. 156)

Su deseo de que todo el mundo fuera feliz se mostraba de muchas maneras. Siempre preguntaba: "¿Estáis felices?"

Un día el sonido de carcajadas vino de la cocina. El Maestro se dirigió rápidamente hacia donde estaba el grupo alegre, diciendo: "Estoy muy contento de que ustedes estén tan felices. Decidme, ¿por qué estáis riendo?"

El sirviente persa había dicho: "En el este las mujeres usan velos y hacen todo el trabajo," a lo cual había contestado nuestra ama de casa inglesa: "En el oeste las mujeres no usan velos y se cuidan para que los hombres hagan por lo menos una parte del trabajo. ¡Mejor que usted siga limpiando ese servicio de plata!"

El Maestro estuvo regocijado; se rió de buena gana, y regaló a cada uno una moneda de oro "por estar feliz." (The Chosen Highway, p. 163)

Una mujer escribió a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rogándole que le ayudara y, si fuera posible, que le enviara un señal para su consuelo, pues estaba en gran angustia mental.

Un día, poco tiempo después, ella fue a la casa de una amiga bahá’í que le había contado del gran Educador (‘Abdu’l-Bahá), y le pregunto: "¿Tiene usted un mensaje para mi?"

"Sí, lo tengo. Es esto: Parecía que oía la voz de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hoy en la madrugada. Esto es lo que oía: 'Dile que caminando de ahora en adelante en el Jardín Celestial, ella siempre estará bañada de la luz del sol de Dios. Ningunos acontecimientos futuros tendrán poder para lastimarla, pues la Protección que la rodeará la amparará a tal grado que ninguna maldad podrá penetrar a través de su armadura; en esta armadura no habrán defectos.'"

Ella apuntó este mensaje en la ho'a de guarda de su Biblia.

El diciembre siguiente, durante la segunda visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá en Londres, esta misma señora fue a verle. El le habló de cosas agradables y alegres, sonriendo Su bienvenida a ella.

Cuando ella se levantó para salir, yo dije: "Maestro, ella está muy triste."

El Maestro entonces colocó Su mano en su hombro y dijo las mismísimas palabras del Mensaje que ella había apuntado en la hoja de guarda de su Biblia hacía muchos meses.

"Esto es mi Mensaje," susurró ella, temblando. (The Chosen Highway, pp. 170-71)

Había clérigos de varias denominaciones entre los visitantes. Uno de ellos, el Reverendo R.J. Campbell, invitó a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a dar una conferencia en el City Temple, y allí se hizo el primer anuncio del Mensaje ante un auditorio occidental, el 10 de septiembre de 1911.

Al presentar la Conferencia el Pastor dijo: "El movimiento bahá’í es muy semejante, pudiera decir idéntico, al propósito espiritual del cristianismo."

El domingo siguiente ... ‘Abdu’l-Bahá se dirigió a la congregación de la Iglesia de San Juan Westminster. Según declara el record publicado de esta reunión dice:

"El Archidiácono había mandado colocar la silla del obispo para su huésped en las gradas del antecoro y poniéndose de pié a Su lado, él mismo leyó la traducción del discurso de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. La congregación estuvo profundamente conmovida y, siguiendo el ejemplo del Archidiacono, se arrodilló para recibir la bendición del Siervo de Dios." (The Promise of All Ages, pp. 14-15)

Un hecho sorprendente era que ‘Abdu’l-Bahá nunca pedía donaciones, más bien rehusaba aceptar dinero o regalos costosos que se le ofrecían.

Un día en mi presencia, una dama le dijo: "Tengo aquí un cheque de una amiga que ruega lo acepte para comprar un buen auto para Su trabajo en Inglaterra y Europa."

El Maestro respondió: "Acepto muy agradecido el regalo de vuestra amiga." Tomó el cheque en ambas manos y como si lo bendijera, dijo: "Te lo devuelvo para que se use en regalos para los pobres."

"Nunca hemos visto algo parecido. De veras tales actos son muy raros," decían los amigos.

El siguiente incidente conmovedor tuvo lugar un día cuando estábamos sentados en una mesa con el Maestro.

Un amigo persa que había pasado por Ishqábád llegó y presentó a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá un pañuelo de algodón. Al abrirlo El encontró un pedazo de pan negro y una manzana reseca.

El amigo exclamó: "Un pobre obrero bahá’í vino a mí y me dijo: 'Sé que vas a ir a la presencia de nuestro Amado. No tengo nada más que esta mi comida para enviarle. Te ruego que se la ofrezcas con mi más amorosa devoción.'"

‘Abdu’l-Bahá colocó el pobre pañuelo delante de El, dejando su almuerzo sin probarlo, comió de la comida del obrero, partiendo el pan y dejando un pedazo del mismo para cada uno de los presentes, y dijo: "Comed conmigo de este regalo de amor humilde." (The Chosen Highway, pp. 161-62)

...

En nuestro camino de regreso, la luz de la tarde estaba desapareciendo a medida que cruzábamos el Puente Serpentina. Las hileras de brillantes lámparas debajo de los árboles extendióse a lo largo de lo que nuestra vista podía abarcar, hacían de esa parte de Londres un país radiante, de hadas.

"Me gusta muchísimo esta vista. La luz es buena, muy buena. Había tanta oscuridad en la prisión de ‘Akká," decía el Maestro.

Nuestros corazones se entristecieron al pensar en aquellos años sombríos pasados dentro de aquella lúgubre fortaleza donde la única luz era la del indominable espíritu del Maestro Mismo!

Cuando Le dijimos: "Estamos contentos, tan llenos de alegría de que estéis libre," El respondió:

"La libertad no depende del lugar sino de la condición. Yo era feliz en aquella prisión pues los días pasaron en el servicio de Dios. Para mí, la prisión era la libertad. Las molestias son descanso para mí, la muerte es la vida. Ser despreciado es honor. Por lo tanto estuve lleno de felicidad durante todo el tiempo de la prisión.

"Cuando uno se libera de la prisión de sí mismo, entonces logra la verdadera libertad, ya que uno mismo la más grande prisión!

"Cuando esta liberación tiene lugar, uno nunca puede estar preso. A no ser que se acepten las más grandes calamidades, no con fría resignación, sino con la más radiante conformidad, no se podrá obtener esta libertad." (The Chosen Highway, p. 166)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá dió la bienvenida sonriendo bondadosamente a un campesino que había dejado su maleta de herramientas en el patio. Con una mirada triste el hombre se expresó así: "Yo no sé mucho de las cosas religiosas, pues no tengo tiempo más que para mi trabajo."

(Replicó ‘Abdu’l-Bahá): "Eso está muy bien. El trabajo diario hecho con espíritu de servicio es en sí un acto de adoración a Dios. Tal trabajo es una oración."

La cara del hombre se aclaró de la sombra de la duda y vacilación y salió de la presencia del Maestro feliz y animado, como si le hubiese quitado una pesada carga. (The Chosen Highway, p. 52)

La juventad y la propagación de la fé Bahá’í: siguiendo la tradición del Báb

La Juventud y la Propagación de la Fe Bahá’í

"Bendito aquel que en la flor de su juventud y el apogeo de su vigor se levante para servir la Causa del Señor del comienzo y el fin, y adorne su corazón con el amor de El. La manifestación de tal gracia es mayor que la creación de los cielos y de la tierra. Benditos los constantes y dichosos los que son firmes." Con estas palabras Bahá’u’lláh ha establecido para siempre la bendición y la oportunidad especiales que se ofrecen a la juventud que sirve a Su Causa.

Desde los primeros días de esta Causa muchos jóvenes se han levantado para obtener esta "gracia" tan conmovedora. Entre los primeros héroes de la Fe del Báb, el Profeta-Heraldo de la Fe Bahá’í, quienes se habían levantado a difundir sus enseñanzas aún en sus veintenas, se encuentran Mullá Husayn, Táhirih, Quddus y Bahá’u’lláh mismo. El libro Los rompedores del alba, que relata la historia de la primera parte de la Edad Heróica de la Fe Bahá’í, contiene muchos ejemplos de su valentía y dedicación abnegada.

En los escritos del Guardián, Shoghi Effendi, se encuentra mención de unas cualidades únicas de la juventud, tales como "su espíritu emprendedor y aventurero, su vigor, su agudeza, optimismo y entusiasmo." Estas cualidades han impulsado a la juventud estar siempre a la vanguardia de las actividades de la propagación de la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh.

El Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros nos sugiere en una carta reciente unas actividades que nos pueden ayudar a enseñar exitosamente. Ellas son:

1. Servir a Bahá’u’lláh. Logramos servirle al colaborar con alegría y constancia en cualquier Asamblea o comité al cual hayamos sido llamados. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá nos dice: "Debéis vivir y actuar según las órdenes y los mandamientos divinos, ser unidos en el amor con alegría y éxtasis... ocupáos contínuamente en el servicio de la Causa de Dios."

2. Obedecer a las Leyes de Dios reveladas en este Día por Bahá’u’lláh. La obediencia a las Leyes de Dios nos trae felicidad, paz, salud tanto física como espiritual y seguridad. En Las palabras ocultas de Bahá’u’lláh, leemos: "Oh hijo del Hombre! No descuides mis mandamientos si amas mi belleza, y no olvides mis consejos si quieres alcanzar mi complacencia."

3. Usar las oraciones obligatorias reveladas por Bahá’u’lláh. "Han sido dotadas por Bahá’u’lláh con una potencia y un significado especiales, y por lo tanto deben ser aceptadas como tales y recitadas por los creyentes con absoluta fe y confianza, para que mediante su uso pueden entrar en comunión más estrecha con Dios..." (de una carta escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi)

4. Observar el Ayuno de 19 Días. (2 de marzo hasta el 20 de marzo). Dice Shoghi Effendi: "Es esencialmente un período de meditación y creación, de recuperación espiritual, durante el cual el creyente debe esforzarse por hacer y revivicar las fuerzas espirituales en su alma."

5. Leer los versos divinos en la mañana y la noche, especialmente en la madrugada. Bahá’u’lláh nos dirige a entonar o recitar las palabras de Dios cada mañana y cada noche. Dice: "Aquel que descuidará esta práctica no ha sido fiel al Convenio de Dios y su acuerdo y aquel que hoy se aparta de ella es de los que se apartan de Dios." Sumergiéndonos en el océano de sus palabras podemos descubrir "todas las perlas que yacen ocultas en sus profundidades." [Page 19]

شرح مختصری از حیات جان‌باخته گرانقدر جناب احمد بشیری

جناب احمد بشیری علیه رضوان‌اللّه که در سن ۶۹ سالگی اکلیل جلیل شهادت در سبیل امر حضرت احدیت بر سر نهادند در مدینه اصفهان متولد شده بودند و پس از فراغت از تحصیل در دانشسرای مقدماتی وارد خدمت فرهنگی شدند و مدت ۵ سال در آموزش و پرورش گلپایگان، تفرش، آشتیان و ۲۱ سال در اصفهان در سمتهای مختلف دبیر، ناظم دبیرستان، مشاور حقوقی و رئیس امور حقوقی فرهنگ استان بخدمت اشتغال داشتند. آن شهید مجید ضمن خدمت تحصیلات خود را در دانشکده حقوق دانشگاه تهران ادامه داده در سال ۱۳۳۰ باخذ لیسانس در رشته قضائی نائل گردیده بودند. در سال ۱۳۴۴ بعلت خدمات امری به یزد منتقل (تبعید) شدند و پس از دو سال انجام وظیفه در سمت دبیری در آن شهرستان با سی سال خدمت از وزارت آموزش و پرورش بازنشسته و در تهران در دانشکده معماری دانشگاه ملی مشغول خدمت شدند تا در اردیبهشت ۱۳۵۸ از کار برکنارشان کردند.

آن شهید مجید از سن بیست سالگی بخدمات امری قائم بودند و در شرح مختصری از حیات خود به فعالیتهای بهائیان چنین اشاره فرموده‌اند: «از سن ۲۰ سالگی تا بحال در تشکیلات روحانی الحمدللّه توفیق خدمت نصیب بوده از معلمی کلاسهای امری و عضویت در ‎لجنالت لجنات‎ امریه محلی و ملی و نمایندگی انجمن شور روحانی ملی و عضویت در محافل روحانیه اصفهان، تجریش، الهیه، و تهران بهره‌مند بوده‌ام ولی واقعاً شرمنده از آنم که در مقابل مواهب ‎لامتناهای لایتناهی‎ الهی که حق درباره خود و عائله‌ام عنایت فرموده تاکنون نتوانسته از عهده شکر یکی از هزار برآیم بقول شاعر از دست و زبان که برآید کز عهده شکرش بدر آید. ‎حفیقة حقیقت‎ زبان حالم این گفته شاعر است

چگونه سر ز خجالت برآورم بر دوست که خدمتی بسزا برنیامد از دستم»

بازماندگان جناب بشیری همسر ایشان و سه فرزند اناث و سه فرزند ذکور همگی در ظل امر و در نقاط مختلف عالم بخدمت آئین یزدانی قائم و مألوفند.

خروج از مرحله مجهولیت

در پی افتخارات باهره‌ای که بر اثر جانفشانیهای احبای عزیز و ثابت‌قدم ایران نصیب جامعه جهانی بهائی گردیده اخیراً اطلاع حاصل شد که نماینده دولت ایالات متحده آمریکا آقای ریچارد شیفتر در جلسه کمیسیون سازمان ملل متحد که به مشکلات ناشی از تعصب مذهبی رسیدگی میکند به استقامت بهائیان ایران اشاره نموده، اظهار داشته است که امتناع آنان از انکار عقاید دینی خود حتی در تحت فشار شکنجه و اعدام «یکی از اعجاب‌انگیزترین موارد شجاعت زمان ما است.»

عالیجناب شیفتر ضمن یادآوری اینکه حدود ۷۵۰ نفر از بهائیان ایران در زندان بسر میبرند و بیش از ۱۷۰ نفر آنان اعدام شده‌اند تأکید کرد که «در هر مورد علت حبس و اعدام حتی فعالیت مذهبی نبوده بلکه تنها دلیل اعتقاد دیانتی بوده است.»

سفیر دولت آمریکا همچنین اضافه کرد که اگرچه در اکثر موارد دولتی که متهم به نقض اصول حقوق انسانی میشوند قربانیانشان مخالفین سیاسیند «دولت ایران مردمی مهربان، خوش‌قلب و کاملاً صلحجو را که بحکم عقاید دیانتی موظف به احتراز از دخالت در امور سیاسی و مکلف به اطاعت از قوانین و مقررات دولتی‌اند بقتل میرساند و مورد شکنجه قرار میدهد.»

نمونه‌ای دیگر از اقدامات دولت آمریکا در اعتراض به رفتار غیرانسانی دولت ایران با بهائیان مهد امراللّه اختصاص شماره اکتبر ۱۹۸۴ از نشریه دفتر روابط عمومی وزارت خارجه آمریکا به وضع بهائیان ایران است. نشریه مذکور "The Gist" (بمعنی لب کلام) خلاصه‌ای است از سوابق موضوعی که مورد توجه دولت آمریکا است و در انتهای آن اقدامات دولت آمریکا در آن باره باختصار نقل میشود. این نشریه که ابتدا برای توزیع در بین کارکنان وزارت خارجه تهیه میشد اکنون در ۱۲۰۰۰ نسخه تکثیر میشود و به عده‌ای از افراد مؤسسات دیگر مانند اداره اطلاعات آمریکا، سفارتخانه و کنسولگری‌های آمریکا، بعضی از سفارتخانه‌های دول دیگر در واشینگتن، برخی اعضای پارلمانهای ممالک دیگر، بعضی سازمانهای عام‌المنفعه، مدیران جراید، و پاره‌ای مدارس و دانشگاهها ارسال میگردد.

شماره ماه اکتبر این نشریه شامل شرحی موجز از سابقه تضییقات وارده بر احبای ایران و رابطه دیانت بهائی با اسلام و حملات دولت کنونی ایران به جامعه بهائی و اقدامات دولت آمریکا در دفاع از بهائیان ایران است. در خاتمه این مختصر نشریه اظهارنظر میکند که «وقتی به حقوق انسانی مردم در کشوری مانند ایران تخطی میشود که دولت آمریکا در آنجا نفوذ خاصی ندارد فشار افکار عمومی از جمله وسائل محدودی است که این دولت برای مقابله با سلب حقوق بشر در اختیار دارد.»

یادآوری

برخی از یاران درباره تبرعات تقدیمی به صندوق محفل روحانی محلی و ارتباط آن با تبرع به صندوق محفل ملی سؤال نموده‌اند. ظاهراً بعضی تصوّر فرموده‌اند که تبرع به صندوق محلی جانشین تبرع به صندوق ملی است زیرا محافل محلی عادتاً قسمتی از تبرعاتی را که دریافت میدارند تقدیم صندوق محفل ملی مینمایند.

تبرعات یاران به صندوقهای مختلف امری جایگزین یکدیگر نمیشود. فی‌الحقیقه حضرت ولی محبوب امراللّه و بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی کراراً احبای رحمانی را تشویق و تحریض فرموده‌اند که به هر یک از صندوقهای مختلف محلی، ملی، قاره‌ای، و بین‌المللی جداگانه تبرع نمایند و به این ترتیب دلبستگی و تعلق خود را به مؤسسات مختلف نظام اداری بهائی و پشتیبانی از اهداف و برنامه‌های تشکیلات را در سطوح مختلف نمایان سازند.

آنچه ممکن است موجب سوءتفاهم شده باشد اینست که از جمله خدماتی که امین صندوق محلی میتواند انجام دهد دریافت تبرعات یاران برای کلیه صندوقهای امری و انتقال آن به امنای هر صندوق است. برای مثال اعضاء جامعه میتوانند مبلغی را که قصد دارند به صندوق محفل روحانی ملی تقدیم نمایند همراه با تبرع خود برای صندوق محلی یکجا به امین صندوق محلی تسلیم نمایند. امین صندوق آنچه مربوط به صندوق محلی است در حساب خود نگاه میدارد و رسید بابت آن صادر میکند و مبلغی که مربوط به صندوق ملی است همراه با سایر تبرعات به دفتر امین صندوق ملی ارسال میدارد و رسید مستقیماً از جانب آن دفتر بنام و نشانی افراد تبرع‌کننده صادر خواهد شد.

تذکر لازم دیگر در مورد ذکر شماره کارت بهائی در متن چک یا حواله است که بوسیله آن تبرعات خود را تقدیم محفل روحانی ملی مینمائیم. با توجه به اینکه تقدیم تبرعات به صندوقهای مختلف امری از جمله امتیازاتی است که به اعضاء جامعه بهائی اختصاص دارد بدون شماره کارت بهائی قبول تبرعات ممکن نیست و ناچار خادمین دفتر امین صندوق ملی ناچار خواهند شد با صرف وقت اضافی شماره کارت تبرع‌کنندگان را بیابند. بنابراین اگر دوستان گرامی هنگام تقدیم تبرعات این نکته را بخاطر داشته باشند کمک مؤثری به تقلیل کار دفتر امین صندوق ملی و صرفه‌جوئی در مخارج اداری امر الهی خواهند فرمود.

نکته قابل توجه دیگر تبرعات خانوادگی است. در صورتی که چکی بابت تبرع اعضاء مختلف عائله یکجا صادر میشود بایستی در ذیل ورقه چک مشخص شود که تبرع از جانب چند نفر است تا در دفتر امین صندوق ملی احصائیه دقیقی از عده تبرع‌کنندگان تهیه شود. اخیراً دفتر مذکور برچسبهای کوچک سبزرنگی برای این منظور تهیه کرده و در دسترس یاران قرار داده‌اند تا بتوانند بسهولت این کار را انجام دهند. [Page 20]

حقوق‌الله

دستخط مبارک مورخ ۱۰ شهرالعلم ۱۲۷ بدیع مطابق با ۲۵ اکتبر ۱۹۷۰ بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب بمحفل مقدس روحانی ملی بهائیان ایران بشرح ذیل است:

بعضی از یاران عزیز که بتقدیم حقوق الله موفقند از این هیئت پرسیده‌اند که اهداء تبرعات به صندوقهای امریه با اداء حقوق الله چه رابطه و نسبتی دارد و اگر کسی به نیت اداء حقوق الله تبرعات خیریه جهت مشروعات سائره بپردازد آیا از تقدیم حقوق الله معافست یا آنکه حکم دیگری دارد؟ با آنکه نصوص الهیّه در این مورد صراحت دارد ولیکن چون این سئوال مکرر شده مقرر گردید که توضیحاً جهت اطلاع یاران مهربان مرقوم شود که اداء حقوق الله از فرائض دینیه اهل بهاست چه که حکمش در کتاب مستطاب اقدس منصوص است و بیانش در الواح شتی مبیّن و مذکور. هیچ مؤمن مخلصی که واجد شرایط معیّنه باشد از اداء حقوق الله مستثنی نیست حتی بنص کتاب امتناع از اداء حقوق الله بمنزله خیانت محسوب و خطاب "من خان‌الله خان بالعدل" در حق این نفوس مکتوب. بفرموده مرکز میثاق "محض الطاف بی پایان حضرت یزدان بتعیین حقوق الله بر عباد خویش منّت گذاشت والّا حق مستغنی از کائنات بوده" این حکم محکم بشهادت قلم اعلی دارای مصالح و حکم لاتحصی است، سبب تطهیر اموال است و دافع خسران و وبال، باعث نعمت و عزت است و علّت خیر و برکت انفاقی است که نسبتش الی الله است و خدمتی است که مؤیّد ارتفاع امرالله. اعطاء حقوق بفرموده مرکز میثاق برای امتحان مؤمنان است و سبب ثبوت و رسوخ ایشان در ایمان و ایقان.

مختصراً آنکه حقوق الله از تکالیف قاطعه شرعیّه اهل بهاست که طبق نصوص مبارکه بمرجع امر راجع و قرارش بفرموده جمال قدم جل ثنائه بعد از تحقق بیت‌العدل علی ما اراده‌الله تعیین گردد و احدی جز مرجع امر حق تصرّف در آن ندارد. یعنی آنچه از اموال نفوس به حقوق الله راجع و مخصوص است، تعلق بمرکز امرالله دارد نه به آن نفوس لهذا یاران به تشخیص و اراده خود نباید وجوه حقوق‌الله را بمصارف دیگر برسانند ولو آنکه مصارف خیریّه امریه باشد زیرا بنص صریح تبرعات و امانات سائره باید بعد از تقدیم حقوق الله یعنی از اموال باقیه طاهره که متعلّق به خود اشخاص است تقدیم گردد. امیدوار چنانیم کل بر این وظیفه مبارکه که کافل سعادت حقیقیّه و مؤیّد اجراآت عمومیه اهل بهاست موفق و فائز گردند و الله غنی عن العالمین.

یاران ساکن ایالات متحده میتوانند پرداختهای مربوط به حقوق الله را توسط یکی از اعضاء هیئت امناء که نشانی آنان ذیلا درج میگردد ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Elsie Austin P. O. Box 927 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, California 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, Ohio 44116

یا مستقیماً بحساب مخصوص حقوق الله به نشانی ذیل ارسال دارند.

The Northern Trust Company Box 92959 Hoququ’llah Trust 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60675

صندوق ملهوفین

احبای عزیز مطلعند که صندوق ملهوفین در حدود پنجاه سال قبل توسط محفل روحانی ملی ایران تأسیس گردیده بود و پس از بروز مشکلات برای ادامه فعالیت آن محفل مقدس بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی اداره صندوق ملهوفین را رأساً بعهده گرفتند. شعبه‌ای از آن صندوق نیز در ایالات متحده تأسیس شد و تبرعاتی که یاران آمریکا به صندوق ملهوفین تقدیم مینمایند بواسطه این صندوق ملی دریافت و بحساب صندوق مذکور نگاهداری میشود و طبق دستور ‎معهدا علی معهوداً علیه‎ توزیع میگردد.

در این احیان هر ماه بطور متوسط ده هزار دلار از صندوق ملهوفین پرداخت میشود ولکن متأسفانه واردات صندوق بمیزان قابل ملاحظه‌ای کمتر از مبلغ مذکور بوده است و در ماه نوامبر دفتر امین صندوق ملی قادر به پرداخت وجوهی که بیت‌العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده‌اند نبود. واضح است که تأخیر و وقفه در پرداخت این وجوه بمعنی قطع کمک به عده‌ای از خواهران و برادران عزیزی است که در راه ایمان و اعتقاد خود و بدلیل ثبات و استقامت در سبیل امر الهی مال و منال و عزیزان خود را از دست داده‌اند.

شک نیست که احبای الهی راضی نخواهند شد که چنین وضعی ادامه پیدا کند و تبرعات سخاوتمندانه و مستمر خود را بنام صندوق ملهوفین Persian Relief Fund به صندوق ملی تقدیم خواهند فرمود.

بقیه از صفحه ۲۱

شرکت در جلسه تاریخی ایادی امرالله در ارض اقدس در ۱۹۶۰. مسافرت به کلمبیا و ونزوئلا در ۱۹۶۱ برای تشکیل محفل ملی آن نقاط. مسافرت به جامائیکا و سیلان در ۱۹۶۲ برای تشکیل محافل ملی آن کشورها.

خلاصه جناب علائی تمام عمر عزیز و شریف خود را که قریب به یکقرن بوده صرف خدمات مهمّه امری و تحقق منویات هیکل مبارک حضرت ولی امرالله و بعداً هیئت ایادی عزیز امرالله مقیم ارض اقدس و بالاخره ساحت منیع بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی فرمودند و در اواخر عمر که بواسطه کهولت بیشتر اوقات را در منزل میگذراندند علاوه بر راهنمائی احباء و تشکیلات محلی و ناحیه‌ای به تکمیل شرح حیات مملو از خدمات خود که کتاب مفصل و جامعی است و انشاء‌الله در آتیه چاپ و منتشر خواهد شد پرداختند. منزل ایشان در فینیکس آریزونا همه‌روزه محل مراجعه و آمد و شد احباء و در حقیقت مرجعی برای احباء این نواحی بود و صبیه ماجده‌شان خانم مهری رمزی و ‎توه نوه‎ عزیزشان آقای حامد رمزی در کمال صمیمیت و وفا مانند پروانه دور شمع جمال ایشان طواف و بخدمات آن وجود مقدس میپرداختند ایشان همواره میگفتند که دلم میخواهد در هنگام خواب بمیرم و همینطور هم شد شب قبل از صعود طبق معمول آرمیده و در عالم خواب در تاریخ ۱۹ نوامبر ۱۹۸۴ یعنی مقارن روز تولدشان بملکوت ابهی صعود فرمودند. تشریفات کفن و دفن آن بقایای پاک بر طبق موازین امری و با شرکت عموم بستگان و احبای محلی در کمال شکوه و جلال به بهترین نحو برگزار گردید. مقبره ایشان در محل با مسمایی بنام دره بهشت برپا گردید طوبی له و حسن مآب.

۲۱ نوامبر ۱۹۸۴ مانی دکتر مشرف‌زاده - فینیکس آریزونا

کنفرانس تبلیغی

محفل روحانی نورفک، ویرجینیا و لجنه تبلیغ ناحیه ویرجینیای جنوبی یاران عزیز روحانی را به شرکت در کنفرانس تبلیغی که در بهار آینده برگزار میشود دعوت میکنند. کنفرانس ساعت ۷ بعد از ظهر ۲۹ مارچ آغاز و ساعت ۱ بعد از ظهر ۳۱ مارچ ۱۹۸۵ پایان مییابد. ایادی عزیز امرالله جناب دکتر الله‌خادم و جناب رابرت هریس عضو محترم هیئت معاونت و سرکار خانم دکتر آلبرتا دیز و جناب دکتر دوات آلن اعضای محفل مقدس روحانی ملی آمریکا در این کنفرانس حضور خواهند داشت.

جلسه‌ای برای استفاده احبای فارسی زبان ترتیب داده شده که در طی آن جناب خادم به فارسی سخنرانی ایراد خواهند فرمود.

کنفرانس در هتل جمرلن واقع در همپتون ویرجینیا برگزار خواهد شد. کرایه اطاق یک یا دو نفره هتل ۲۹ دلار و برای هر فرد اضافه بر آن تنها ۴ نفر برای هر اطاق ۱۰ دلار میباشد. پیش پرداختی به مبلغ ۲۹ دلار برای هر اطاق لازم است که بایستی تا تاریخ ۲۸ فوریه پرداخت شود. یاران عزیز میتوانند آن مبلغ را به مسؤول نام‌نویسی کنفرانس ارسال دارند.

Mr. Archie Abaire Richmond, Virginia 23233

حق ثبت نام نیز برای هر فرد ۱۰ دلار، زوج ۱۵ دلار و خانواده ۲۰ دلار تعیین شده است.

مژده

مؤسسه مطبوعات امری بمنظور صرفه‌جوئی در مخارج جاری محل استیجاری انبار را تخلیه کرده و موجودی کتب را به محل دفتر مؤسسه منتقل نموده است و بعلت کمبود جا در محل دفتر ناچارند حجم کتب موجود را ‎دنیاً شدیداً‎ تقلیل دهند. بهمین سبب برای مدت کوتاهی بعضی اقلام با قیمت بسیار نازل حراج گردیده اند. از جمله منتخبات مکاتیب حضرت عبدالبهاء است که با جلد مرغوب به قیمت ۲ دلار بفروش میرسد. علاقه‌مندان بایستی سفارشهای خود را قبل از ۲۸ فوریه ۱۹۸۵ به مؤسسه مطبوعات امری بفرستند. [Page 21]صعود ایادی عزیز امر الله جناب شعاع الله علائی

ترجمه تلکس معهد اعلى مورخ ۱۹ نوامبر ۱۹۸۴

با کمال تأسف صعود ایادی امرالله جناب شعاع الله علائی را در شانزدهم نوامبر که به متجاوز از هشتاد سنه خدمات خالصانه بآستان جمال اقدس ابهی خاتمه بخشید اعلام میداریم. جناب علائی به مثابه رکنی رکین مایه قوت و اعتلا آئین نازنین در ‎مهدا مرالله مهد امرالله‎ محسوب و در مؤسسات اداری امریه که بتدریج در آن سامان بمنصه ظهور و بروز میرسید از بدو تأسیس بکمال شجاعت و خلوص بخدمات نافذه مألوف بودند. عضویت ایشان طی سنوات متمادی در محفل روحانی ملی که غالباً توأم با تصدی ریاست محفل مزبور بود شاهد و گواه ثقه و اعتماد یاران ایران به آن نفس جلیل است. شهامت سرمشق آمیزشان در دفاع از منافع امرالله در مراجع عالیه مملکتی و مدافعت وامانشان در تعهد مشاغل و وظائف رسمی کل سبب ازدیاد حیثیت و اعتبار آئین نازنین الهی در آن سرزمین بود. آئینی که در سراسر حیات بکمال صمیمیت و جدیت بدفاع از آن قائم بودند. خدمات و موفقیت های متنوعه جناب علائی در ۲۹ فوریه ۱۹۵۲ به اکلیل انتصاب به سمت ایادی امرالله مکلل و این امر موجب تسری و توسعه خدماتشان بمیادین بین المللی گردید. از آستان قدس الهی ارتقاء روح پر فتوح آن ‎متعا عدلی لله متصاعد الی الله‎ را در ملکوت ابهی ملتمسیم. توصیه میشود محافل تذکر مخصوص در سراسر عالم بهائی و جميع مشارق اذکار منعقد گردد.

بیت العدل اعظم

مختصری از شرح حیات متعالی الله ایادی عزیز امرالله تیمسار سرلشگر شعاع الله علائی اعلى الله مقامه

جناب علائی در نوزدهم نوامبر ۱۸۸۹ متولد و تحت سرپرستی پدربزرگوارشان جناب سید محمد ناظم الاطباء که بهمراهی همسر ارجمند خود کمال همت را در حسن تربیت ایشان مبذول فرمودند دوران صباوت را طی نمودند. در سن ۸ سالگی لوح مبارکی از حضرت عبدالبهاء روحماسواه فداه بافتخار ایشان نازل گردیده که صورت آن اینست :

"ای شعله محبت الله شعاع را سطوعی باید و آفتاب را طلوعی و بدر را نوری و نجم را ظهوری پس تو که شعاعی از خدا بخواه که نوری بیفشانی و پرتوی اندازی و جهانی افروزی و عالمی بنار محبت الله بسوزی و امیدوارم که بفضل حق چنین کردی و عظما را این شوی ‎والهباء والبهاء‎ علیک ع ع"

معزی الیه ابتدا در مدرسه تربیت طهران مشغول تحصیل گردیده و سپس در دارالفنون در رشته ریاضی و دفترداری و محاسبات ادامه تحصیل داده و فارغ التحصیل گردیدند.

جناب علائی در ۲۲ سالگی با دختر عموی خود ازدواج نمودند که نتیجه این ازدواج سه پسر بنامهای حشمت، ‎متعا عدلی لله متصاعد الی الله‎ بهجت و امیر و دو دختر بنامهای مهرانگیز و فرح انگیز و بالاخره ۱۱ نوه برومند و متجاوز از ۸ نبیره است که بحمدالله همگی در ظل امر و هر یک بنوبه خود مصدر خدمات امری هستند. معزی الیه در سن ۸۲ سالگی در سنه ۱۹۷۳ صعود نموده و آنجناب را تا خاتمه عمر در سوگ خود مشغول داشت.

ایشان از ابتدای تأسیس محفل روحانی طهران عضویت آن محفل مقدس را بعهده داشتند و حتی زمانیکه محفل ملی ایران از محفل روحانی طهران منفک گردید آن جناب در محفلین عضویت داشتند و مخصوصاً عضویت و خدمات ارزنده ایشان در محفل مقدس ملی ایران تا انتصاب به ‎سمتا سمت‎ ایادی ادامه داشت.

از اقدامات مهم و ارزنده دیگر آن ‎متعا عدلی لله متصاعد الی الله‎ بدست آوردن نامه ای که تولستوی نویسنده مشهور روسی خطاب به شاهزاده ارفع ساکن فرانسه نگاشته و طی آن دیانت بهائی را دیانتی حقیقی و بانی و موجد صلح عمومی مینامد میباشد. شاهزاده مزبور نظر بسوابق دوستی و ارادتی که نسبت به جناب علائی داشته نامه مزبور را به معزی الیه ارائه میدهد که ایشان نیز بنوبه آنرا بساحت اقدس تقدیم و باعث سرور خاطر هیکل مبارک میگردد.

آن نامه را جناب علائی از فرانسه بفارسی ترجمه و در کتاب شرح حال خود مرقوم فرموده اند که قسمتی از آن چنین است:

"... دیانت حقیقی دیانتی است که قابل فهم برای عموم بوده و اساس آن مبتنی بر عقل باشد... جنگ و قتل از عالم زائل شود که دیانت حقیقی بقسمی در جهان انتشار و تعمیم و تحقق یابد که اکثریت افراد انسان ... با استنکاف از قبول خدمت عسکریه اساساً وجود جنگ را مستحیل سازند..."

تولستوی در ۲۸ سپتامبر ۱۹۰۸ بزبان روسی بخط خود خطاب به شخصی که از او سئوال نموده بهترین دیانت کدام است چنین می نویسد: "تعالیم بابی که منتهی به بهائیّت میشود و از اسلام طلوع نموده یکی از عالی ترین و منزه ترین تعالیم مذهبی است"

تلگراف زیر در ۲۸ سپتامبر ۱۹۵۲ از ارض اقدس خطاب بایشان صادر و طی آن ارتقاء آن نفس مقدس را بمقام ایادی امرالله اعلام میفرمایند. اصل آن تلگراف چنین است:

"شعاع الله علائی توسط خادم طهران با قلبی طافح بشارت ارتقاء شما را بمقام ایادی امرالله ابلاغ می نمایم. امید است این سمت مقدس بشما فرصت دهد که بر سابقه خدمات گرانبهایی که تاکنون بامر حضرت بهاء الله نموده اید بیش از پیش بیفزائید شوقی."

جناب علائی در همان سال اذن تشرف حاصل کرده و مدتی را در پیشگاه مولای محبوب خود در ارض اقدس بسر برده و از فیض حضور آن غصن ممتاز بی امتیاز بهره مند گردیدند و همواره در بیانات خود از خاطرات شیرین این دوران تشرف که هر لحظه اش برای ایشان پند و اندرزی بوده تعریف میفرمودند. در حقیقت در این دوره از زندگیشان با انتصاب جدید در این تشرف پروانه وار گرد شمع وجود مولای محبوب خود می گشتند و همچون عاشق که به معشوق حقیقی خود واصل گشته شهد وصال را چشیده و مذاق جان را شیرین و گوارا می نمودند. از جمله خاطرات شیرین این تشرف اینست که یکروز بهمراهی مبارک به بارگاه بازدید گنبد ناتمام مقام اعلی رفتند و حسب الامر مبارک از نردبان و داربست ها ‎بشت پشت‎ سر مبارک بالا رفته و مشاهده نمودند که آن حضرت با چه دقت و حوصله ای دستورات لازمه را راجع به نصب کاشی های گنبد به بناها میدهند در این هنگام جناب علائی پیش خود فکر میکنند که چه لزومی دارد هیکل مبارک جان خود را بخطر انداخته و از داربست بالا روند و با صرف وقت عزیزشان دستورات نصب کاشی ها را مرحمت بفرمایند و اصولاً چه فرقی دارد که گنبد از طلا باشد یا سنگ. پس از اتمام کار و پائین آمدن هیکل مبارک خطاب بایشان میفرمایند جناب علائی ما بنده آب و گل نیستیم این فقط برای مردمی است که عقلشان در چشمشان میباشد این گنبد مُبلّغ ما است. جناب علائی در جای خود خشک شده و از شدت شرم عرق می کنند و نزدیک بود که بیهوش شوند و ‎بعدهاً بعدها‎ بارها میگفتند و از هیکل مبارک تشکر میکردند که این بیانات را در بالای گنبد یا روی داربست و نردبان نفرمودند والاّ از بالا بزمین افتاده و لا اقل دست و پایشان بجرم این گناه می شکست.

از خاطرات دیگر این است که چون در آن زمان فرمان عمومی مبارک بر مهاجرت بود ایشان نیز در حضور مبارک اجازه مهاجرت میخواهند ولی هیکل مبارک تأکید میفرمایند که "تو باید در ایران باشی" و ایشان اطاعت میکنند. البته بعداً بمدت ۲۰ سال نقد عمر را صرف مسافرت و خدمات بین المللی نمودند. از جمله خدمات ذیقیمت معزی الیه بعد از ارتقاء بمقام شامخ ایادی امرالله که تعداد آنها خارج از احصاء است میتوان اقدامات زیر را برشمرد:

• شرکت در چهار کنفرانس بین القارات متشکله در ۱۹۵۴ بنمایندگی محفل مقدس روحانی ملی ایران.
• اقدام برای خرید قلعه ماکو، قلعه چهریق، زمین قلمستان محل حبس حضرت اعلی در تبریز بنام هیکل مبارک در ۱۹۵۴.
• شرکت در تأسیس اولین محفل روحانی ملی پاکستان در ۱۹۵۷.
• شرکت در مراسم تشییع جنازه هیکل مبارک در لندن و حوادث و وقایع مفصل بعد از آن.
• عضویت در هیئت ایادی امرالله مقیم ارض اقدس بمدت ۷۵ روز تا حضور شخصی که انتخاب شده بود.

[Page 22]

Remodeling over, service resumes

After several months of remodeling and relocation, service is returning to normal at the Bahá’í Distribution Service and Publishing Trust.

IN FACT, says General Manager Larry Bucknell, the move to the new warehouse facility is already producing an improvement in service.

“When we installed our new computer in August,” he says, “it provided us with a new method of processing our orders.

“Without being too detailed we can now make one large trip around the warehouse to fill 25 orders instead of making 25 smaller trips.

“Since this coincides with our move, we’ve been able to redesign our warehouse space to exploit the advantages given by our new computer system.

“That means,” says Mr. Bucknell, “that in some cases we can do in a matter of a few minutes what it took someone an hour to do before.

“Also, by moving into a smaller area with nearly the same quantity of books we’ve been forced to be a little more creative and efficient in our use of space.

“IN OUR old warehouse we had so much room we were never forced to find new and better ways of doing things.”

Says warehouse manager Larry Halsey: “One of the first things I noticed was that the time required to do the two main jobs turned around. It used to be that you could pack orders much faster than you could pull the books off the shelves to fill the orders. Now, it’s just the opposite.

“With the time we’re saving,” he adds, “and with the system for checking orders the computer gives us, we’re able to eliminate many errors. Human beings make mistakes, but now we have ways of catching many more of the errors before packages are shipped.”

Mr. Bucknell says the primary purpose of moving the warehouse to the Bahá’í publications build-

See BDS Page 28

On October 6, the Spiritual Assembly of San Leandro, California, celebrated the third anniversary of its locally produced television program, ‘Bahá’í Fireside,’ with a reception at a local bank that was attended by more than 40 people. ‘Bahá’í Fireside,’ which uses a talk show format, features appearances by guests from the San Francisco bay area. Pictured is Larry Curtis, the program’s producer, who is receiving a plaque from Victoria Allen and Terri Esther of United Cable Television. The plaque reads, ‘Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Leandro. In appreciation of your many volunteer hours and consistent improvement.’

Three hard to find titles from United Kingdom in stock at BDS

The Bahá’í Distribution Service is now stocking three titles from the United Kingdom: The Dawn-breakers, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (softcover), and Prayers and Meditations.

ALL THREE are currently out of print from the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

“We’ve known for some time that we were going to have to make a difficult decision about The Dawn-breakers,” said Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust.

“To reprint the book in the same form we have it now would make it necessary to charge more than $75 a copy. We consulted with the Publishing Trust in the United Kingdom and determined that the best solution would be to buy their edition for the foreseeable future.

“We hope to be able to reprint The Dawn-breakers in its complete form in a matter of a few years,” Mr. Bucknell added. “But the demand for the book is just not strong enough to warrant printing a sufficient quantity to bring the price within a more reasonable range.

“The Publishing Trust will be reprinting The Hidden Words in softcover in the near future, and we’ll be reprinting Prayers and Meditations in a few months,” he added.

“Meanwhile, it’s gratifying that we are able to work closely with the Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom so that these essential books will remain available to the friends in this country.”

The British edition of The Dawn-breakers is a slightly abridged version. It does not contain the illustrations, genealogical tables, many of the footnotes, appendices, and excerpts from other works that were a part of the introduction. Footnotes that are in French in the U.S. edition have been translated into English.

Both The Hidden Words and Prayers and Meditations are identical in content to the U.S. editions.

The Dawn-breakers will sell for $14, The Hidden Words for $3, and Prayers and Meditations for $11.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday–Friday

Phone 312-869-9039

Entire printing of leather-bound Bahá’í Readings lost in shipping

Bahá’í Publications Canada, which produces Bahá’í Readings, reports that the entire printing of the new leather-bound edition of the book has been lost.

THIS IS expected to delay until February the delivery of Bahá’í Readings leather edition to distributors.

“We printed the book in Canada and were shipping it to the U.S. to have the leather binding done,” said Rodney Hanks, manager of Bahá’í Publications Canada. “En route, the entire shipment simply disappeared. Efforts to trace the lost shipment have failed.

“We’ve lost a box or two in shipments before,” said Mr. Hanks, “but never an entire printing of a book. We have contracted for the new printing, and when that’s completed the books will again be shipped to the U.S. for binding.”

Even further delays are possible due to the sale by the binder of the leather material. This is not a standard material, and when the initial order was lost the binder sold the stock and will now have to acquire a new supply.

The Bahá’í Distribution Service in the U.S. is continuing to take advance orders for the leather edition of Bahá’í Readings and will ship orders as soon as the books arrive from the printer.

“We hope that those people who have ordered the book will be patient,” said Distribution Service spokesman Robert Blum.

“Anyone who has sent in money for the book and would like a refund may certainly request and receive one.”

The price of the leather edition of Bahá’í Readings is $15, and supplies are limited.

For Ayyám-i-Há, send your friends, relatives a ‘Gift of Love’

Order the “Gift of Love” gift certificate for friends and relatives for Ayyám-i-Há.

Ordering is simple. Send (1) the name and address of the recipient, (2) your name and address, and (3) a check or money order for the amount of the certificate in full dollars only—there is no handling or postage charge on orders for gift certificates—to the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

For credit card orders, phone 1-800-323-1880. You will be asked to provide VISA or MasterCard information at the time you place your order.

The certificate, in a handsome gift envelope, will be sent either to you or to the recipient, as specified when you order.

Gift certificates may only be purchased from or redeemed through the Bahá’í Distribution Service. They cannot be charged to community or school accounts, and they are not eligible for the 10 per cent community discount.

The certificate may be redeemed at any time within two years of the date of issue by sending it with an order to the Distribution Service. A letter explaining how the gift certificate can be redeemed accompanies each certificate.

A Gift of Love

“The beginning of all things is the knowledge of God, . . .” —Bahá’u’lláh

Bahá’í Publishing Trust 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

ORDER FORM

Quan.	Item	Amt.	Quan.	Item	Amt.
Datebook 142 B.E.	$1.85	Loving Hands, CS	$8.00
Pocket Calendar 142 B.E.	10/1.75	March of Institutions, HC	7.50
Wall Calendar 142 B.E.	1.25	March of Institutions, SC	3.50
Bahá’í Daybook, SC	3.75	My Baby Book, HC	5.00
Bahá’í Readings, leather, HS	15.00	O God, My God . . . , HC	6.00
Bahá’í Readings, SC	5.50	Prayers Meditat’ns, Brit. ed., HC	11.00
Dawn-breakers, British ed., HC	14.00	Special Strengths, SC	4.50
Happy Ayyám-i-Há, LP	4.00	Sunflower Books 1-4, SC	set/3.50
Hidden Words, British ed., SC	3.00	Unto Him Shall We Return, SC	7.95
I Am a Bahá’í, SC	5.95	We Are Bahá’ís, CS	7.00
If You Only Knew, CS	7.00

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 1/85 Prices good through February 28, 1985

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, IL 60091 [Page 23]

Unto Him Shall We Return

Insights into the reality and immortality of the soul.

Who am I? Why am I here? What happens when I die? Where does my soul go? Can I commune with the departed? What is the meaning of life?

ANSWERS to questions such as these abound in the Bahá’í Writings; yet many of us may not know where to go to find them.

Unto Him Shall We Return, compiled by Hushidar Motlagh, brings together many of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the life and nature of the soul—in this world and hereafter. Here we can glimpse the breadth of revelation of two Manifestations of God and the commentaries of a divinely appointed Interpreter as we read what they have unveiled about reality. Here, too, we discover clarification about and rich descriptions of the worlds to come—ones that were impossible in past ages and scriptures.

Yet Unto Him Shall We Return is not merely a reference for studies on the afterlife. It offers us a context for understanding this life and the importance of becoming spiritual beings while yet on earth.

Bahá’u’lláh says, "The life of the spirit is possessed only by the pure in heart who have quaffed from the ocean of faith and partaken of the fruit of certitude. This life knoweth no death, and this existence is crowned by immortality. Even as it hath been said: 'He who is a true believer liveth both in this world and in the world to come.'"

And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asks, "Is it possible that all is created to evolve and develop through countless ages with this small goal in view—a few years of a man's life on earth? Is it not unthinkable that this should be the final aim of existence?"

Unto Him Shall We Return is a testimony to the promise of inherent richness in this life and in the worlds to come for those who seek closeness with God. It will also be a welcome resource book for funerals, and makes a lovely gift for non-Bahá’ís.

In softcover only, Unto Him Shall We Return will be available in early February at a cost of $7.95. Advance orders are now being taken; see the coupon on the Bahá’í Distribution Service page in this issue.

New book imparts Bahá’í principles to children

Gail Radley, author of Zahra’s Search, has written a new work entitled Special Strengths, which is the latest publication of Bellwood Press, an imprint of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Special Strengths is a collection of four stories in which the characters (all creatures of the forest) are faced with dilemmas that lead to choices they must make. These choices, in turn, develop strengths of which the characters were previously unaware.

"The stories in Special Strengths do not directly mention the Bahá’í Faith," says author Gail Radley. "Instead, they attempt to illustrate principles from which the child can learn."

How do stories about Loner the Ant, Proud Eagle, Mother Opossum, and Berit the Lemming (the major characters in the four stories) help to illustrate those principles?

"Well, the story about Loner the Ant was inspired by the quotation 'God loves those who work in groups,'" says Ms. Radley.

"Eagle's Wings' was an attempt to understand prayer. After reading all the references from the Writings I could find about prayer, I tried to put the information into the framework of a story that was understandable to kids.

"The opossum story," she says, "deals with the idea that you can't force someone to be what he or she isn't. The lemming story touches on mob psychology and independent decision-making.

"THE Bahá’í parent or teacher," she suggests, "can focus on the principle behind a story and discuss it with the child to encourage character development."

A library assistant specializing in children's books and a publicity writer for her local library, Ms. Radley has also published three books for juveniles and a picture book.

Asked if she writes fiction with a particular age group in mind, she replies, "No, that's usually decided by an editor once the stories are reviewed.

"I don't usually write with one particular readership in mind, such as Bahá’í or general.

"I think that in being a Bahá’í who is a writer, though, the principles of the Faith come through whether they are overtly stated or not. They become a part of who you are and what you have to say.

"Fiction is a great way to help people grow," says Ms. Radley. "Sometimes telling a child that 'Bahá’u’lláh says not to be prejudiced' is less effective than a story dealing with prejudice.

"THE child begins to feel and experience the pain of prejudice. Then you say 'Bahá’u’lláh says don't be prejudiced' and the child knows what you mean."

Bahá’í Faith in America uses memoirs, research to uncover community’s roots

Who would guess that Enterprise, Kansas, would be the location of the second Bahá’í Group in North America, or that Mrs. Phoebe Hearst (mother of William Randolph Hearst) would be the first Bahá’í in California?

WHO would imagine that within the first five years of the Faith's existence in North America there would be 1,500 conversions, most of them through a series of secret lessons that culminated in the receiving of the Greatest Name?

And who would know that the first photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, along with a recording of His voice, would be brought back to the U.S. by the first pilgrims from North America, Lua and Edward Getsinger?

These and many other stories of great interest are recounted in vivid detail in Volume 1 of The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, by Robert Stockman.

"Through Mr. Stockman's original research we have a link with the earliest beginnings of the Faith on this continent," says Richard Hill, an editor at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust who has been working with the author for the last two years.

"He has done a remarkable job of collecting letters, personal memoirs, community minutes, newspaper articles, and rare books that contribute to the discovery of the real details of our roots."

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 22). 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.

Some questions answered...

Q: My husband and I have recently become Bahá’ís. What can we order for our three young children that will teach them about the Bahá’í Faith in a way that is suitable for their ages? They are three, five and seven years old.

BPT: You're in luck! One of our recent publications, I Am a Bahá’í, by Deborah Christensen, does just that. It helps create a Bahá’í identity for the child who is unfamiliar with the Bahá’í teachings. And it helps to reinforce that identity for the child who has been nurtured in a Bahá’í home.

I Am a Bahá’í, the latest in the Sunflower book series, is written in the first person from a child's perspective. Its four sections ("My Bahá’í Community," "My Bahá’í Feasts," "Our Bahá’í Holy Days and Holidays," and "Our Bahá’í House of Worship") present simple information plus activities suitable for the 3 to 7 year old. Activities include drawings to color, follow the dots, a song to sing, the child's own collages and photographs to paste in, and ideas for family and community relating. A six-page message to parents accompanies the book.

We know of nothing better on the market that teaches the Faith directly to a young child. Through involvement with the suggested activities, the child will be able to relate the Faith to his or her own world in a personally meaningful way.

(Incidentally, the first four books of the Sunflower series are now on sale—the set of four for only $3.50!)

Q: My children and I have enjoyed our Happy Ayyam-i-Há and Come and Sing albums. Do you have any other music that is appropriate for children?

BPT: Yes. Loving Hands, a new cassette tape featuring the musical talents of Jean Marks and Susan Engle (of the Come and Sing album) is now available.

Loving Hands is a 60-minute tape of songs about aspects of Bahá’í life. The loving hands of parents are celebrated, as are Ayyam-i-Há, Naw-Rúz, world peace, Bahá’í school, growing up, love, the ABCs, and the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Side two features devotional music for bedtime or other quiet moments.

Blending vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer, percussion, string bass, hammered dulcimer, recorder, fiddle and banjo, the music of Loving Hands is fresh and vibrant and has appeal for all ages.

Its performers, known as "Heartbeat," specialize in creating and performing music for children. Their own children participated in making the tape.

Q: I have ordered my new Bahá’í calendars. Do you have anything else for Ayyam-i-Há?

GAIL RADLEY

Ms. Radley has been writing since she was nine years old, drawing for ideas on her travels, her varied work experience, and her association with the Faith. She presently lives in Virginia with her husband and two children.

Special Strengths, available in softcover only at $4.50, is illustrated by Joe Boddy, a member of the Society of Illustrators who specializes in children's books.

To order Special Strengths, see the box on this page or the coupon on the Bahá’í Distribution Service page in this issue.

Ayyam-i-Há gifts

What will you and your family or community do for Ayyam-i-Há this year?

There are many ways to make this exciting four-day celebration (February 26-March 1) special: decorating the home, having a party, visiting the sick or elderly, planning a children's event, giving gifts, and preparing for the upcoming month of fasting.

Items offered by the Bahá’í Distribution Service make perfect gifts for this time of year. Books, records, cassettes, posters, lithographs, calendars and other special materials can enrich personal, family and community life.

Subscriptions to Bahá’í periodicals (Brilliant Star, Bahá’í News and World Order) make splendid gifts too.

Gift certificates can help make gift-giving personal. Information about these certificates is printed on the Bahá’í Distribution Service page in this issue.

Whatever your plans, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust wishes you and yours a very happy Ayyam-i-Há.

I Am a Bahá’í, which was listed in "The Best Seller" at $4, is actually $5.95. Please excuse the error. [Page 24]

News from the Bahá’í House of Worship

For the fourth year in a row, Bruce Whitmore, as administrator of the Bahá’í House of Worship, has presented the invocation at a gathering of the North Shore Sunday Evening Club.

For 69 years the club has presented each fall and winter a dozen programs on travel throughout the world. Six to eight hundred individuals attend the weekly meetings in the auditorium of New Trier High School in Winnetka, just north of Wilmette.

It was in this same auditorium that Bahá’ís gathered in 1953 for several programs as a part of the public events surrounding the dedication of the House of Worship.

About 60 media people saw the Bahá’í House of Worship courtesy of the Chrysler Corporation during the recent Midwest introduction of two of its 1985 cars.

Chrysler's Midwest public relations person had requested use of the House of Worship parking lot as a check point for the test drive. She said she brings all her out-of-town guests to there to visit and thought it would be "a nice place" for the media people participating in the test drive to see.

A phone call received by the House of Worship Activities Office on the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh turned out to be an unexpected gift to mark the occasion.

The caller was a radio talk show host in Palm Springs, Florida, who, after learning that the friends were commemorating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, wanted to interview someone who could explain the significance of the occasion.

Josephine Johansen, a visiting pioneer from Uruguay who was serving as a guide at the House of Worship that day, explained the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and the history and teachings of the Faith during the 10-minute live interview.

The following are excerpts from the guides' log kept at the main entrance to the Bahá’í House of Worship:

July 4: "Visitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Israel, England, New York, California, Texas, Rhode Island, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, and Louisiana ... and still coming—I forgot it was the 4th of July!"

July 9: "One visitor seemed to have been terribly moved by her visit here. She left crying, perhaps tears of joy and love. As she left, all she could say was, 'Thank you.'"

July 29: "A young couple said the Greatest Name touched their hearts. They felt like it was somehow familiar even though neither had seen it before. As they left, I heard one of them say, 'I found it.'"

September 17: "For few visitors this turned into an interesting night—a bishop from Syria with a retinue of 12 arrived—long red robe, skull cap, huge gold cross and all! He wouldn't ask many questions, but was intensely interested, as were they all!"

September 23: "An 83-year-old woman from Wilmette visited who was at the ground-breaking ceremonies as well as the dedication. She reminisced about walking over to the gardens every Sunday through the years, how the building looked in its early stages, etc. Over the years she's brought many people to the House of Worship."

Georgia Bahá’í wins U.S. song contest

Phil Morrison, a Bahá’í from Atlanta, has been named winner for the state of Georgia in a nationwide song-writing competition, the "Original Song Festival."

The festival, based in Chicago, evaluated more than 3,000 songs in three categories: pop/contemporary, rock/new wave, and country/folk.

Mr. Morrison's winning song, "There's Always a New Beginning," co-authored with Ron Zack, won in the pop/contemporary category in Georgia, then went on to become over-all winner in the state, competing against the other category winners.

For the past five years, Mr. Morrison has been playing bass with Freddy Cole (Nat "King" Cole's youngest brother), and three of his songs are on Mr. Cole's most recent album, "A Quiet Storm."

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This is a photograph of a Bahá’í youth conference held May 24-25, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. Anyone who is able to identify any of the people in this picture is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Seekers

I told him I hadn't come to drive anyone away. If I was causing that, I said, then I should be the one to go and not come back.

"No," he said quickly, "you must come!"

I responded that he must come too. Even if we didn't always agree, we could share our ideas and still be friends.

He brightened up and since has become one of my dearest friends and strongest supporters. He is the only member of the group who has not missed a single meeting.

We've been trying to get the community's white senior citizens to meet with but so far we have met with only cordial, polite uncooperativeness.

Meanwhile, the people at the community center are seeing that only the Bahá’ís are really willing to live up to the principle of oneness.

BAHÁ’ÍS from many communities have visited our workshops and the community center members have gone to various Bahá’í events (Naw-Rúz, Intercalary Days, race unity activities and firesides).

After a number of weekly meetings until May, we had a consensus of opinion that we should shift gears and start talking more specifically about the Bahá’í Faith.

We began by having a guest speaker give talks on various aspects of the Faith. He greatly interested the group because his marriage is interracial and his wife always came along too.

We started the "Light of Bahá’u’lláh" video cassette programs with a moderator from the Winston-Salem Bahá’í community.

At one of our recent meetings we had 21 attending, seven seekers and 14 Bahá’ís (some were children).

The meetings are being held at the home of a seeker, and the host won't let us leave until another meeting is set up.

SOME of the responses from seekers:

"You have made a believer out of me."

"The Bahá’í Faith is the most wonderful religion in the world."

"Bahá’ís are real. They know and live what unity really means."

"Bahá’u’lláh explains unity better than anything I've ever read."

"I think Bahá’ís have the answer."

"When you read Bahá’í words they sound like they came out of my Bible."

When I ask them if they would like to become Bahá’ís, they answer, "I'm afraid," or "I'm still thinking about it," or "I'm too old to change."

We continue to build our friendships, and I genuinely feel there is love and trust and honesty in our relationships.

And there is such joy at our meetings and in our vigorous discussions that I become exhilarated.

Ann Respess Tobaccoville, North Carolina

Houston Bahá’í youth named "Outstanding Young Man" for 1984

Shervin Bahi Hawley, a Bahá’í youth from Southwest Harris County (Houston), Texas, has been named an "Outstanding Young Man of America" for 1984.

Shervin was nominated for the honor by his brother, Shiidon, who was named an "Outstanding Young Man" several years ago.

The Hawley brothers co-founded the magazine for Bahá’í youth, "World Citizen."

ARCHIVES MANUAL ORDER FORM

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

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

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

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

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

Name

Address

City

State

Zip. [Page 25]

LEAP

Illinois S—Brad Wright-Hulett, Morton, IL 61550 (309-266-5786). Indiana—Kimberly Isherwood, Indianapolis, IN 46224 (317-271-8049). Iowa—Vicki Abel, Ames, IA 50011 (515-292-6156). Kansas—Susan Herrmann, Berryton, KS 66401 (913-685-3287). Kentucky—Sally Wiley, Frankfort, KY 40601 (502-875-5962). Louisiana N—Marsha Johnson, Swartz, LA 71281 (318-345-0482). Louisiana S—Donis Balfour, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (504-293-1768). Maine—Stan Corbett, Gorham, ME 04038 (207-839-2438). Maryland/D.C.—Samantha Corey, New Carrollton, MD 20784 (301-552-2680, 301-840-0301). Massachusetts—Judy Orloff, Foxboro, MA 02035 (617-543-9886). Michigan—Jim Cooke, Michigan Center, MI 49254 (517-764-0151). Minnesota N—Terry Stephens, Box 378, Walker, MN 56484 (218-547-1209). Minnesota S—Lorraine Wright, Rochester, MN 55902 (507-288-6806). Mississippi—Ann O'Hara, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS 39174 (601-956-1294). Missouri—Kristen Bringe, Star Route, Marquand, MO 63655 (314-783-5021). Montana—Denise Massman, Helena, MT 59601 (406-442-1332). Navajo/Hopi—Peg Franz, P.O. Box 29, Smith-Lake, Thoreau, NM 87323 (505-786-5513); Janet Herbst, P.O. Box 701, Ganado, AZ 86505 (602-755-3550). Nebraska—Gwen Parmenter, Grand Island, NE 68801 (308-381-1112). Nevada N—Marci Barnett, Reno, NV 89503 (702-747-4881). Nevada S—Carolyn Hensley, Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702-385-7650). New Hampshire—Caroline Pellock, Webster, NH 03303 (603-746-3531). New Jersey—Pamela Tevebaugh, Plainfield, NJ 07060 (201-755-6217). New Mexico N—Susan Griffin, P.O. Box 36911, Albuquerque, NM 87176 (505-291-0440). New Mexico/Texas—Cheryl Wynne, Carlsbad, NM 88220 (505-887-2529). New York E—Patricia Huebner, North Babylon, NY 11703 (516-669-9312). New York W—Dennis Smith, Depew, NY 14043 (716-668-6649). North Carolina C—Linda Kelleher, Greensboro, NC 27403 (919-274-9773). North Carolina E—Carolyn Reusche, Cary, NC 27511 (919-469-3334; 919-737-3141). North Carolina W—Robert Pickering, Morganton, NC 28655 (704-433-4407). North Dakota—Kristin Majkrzak, Minot, ND 58701 (701-839-0223). Ohio N—Kathy Hatfield, Mentor, OH 44060 (216-257-4280). Ohio S—Julie Brown, Westerville, OH 43081 (614-891-4872). Oklahoma E—Lynette Johnson, Ponca City, OK 74601 (405-762-5529). Oklahoma W—Cynthia Van Kley, Spencer, OK 73084 (405-771-5274). Oregon E—Mary Thompson, P.O. Box 447, Helix, OR 97835 (503-457-2455). Oregon W—(north) Lana Eastlund, Troutdale, OR 97060 (503-661-0622); (south) Phyllis Kwiatkowski, Ashland, OR 97520 (503-482-2492). Pennsylvania E—Joan Brehman, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (717-367-6965). Pennsylvania W—George Mark, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (814-643-3317). Rhode Island—Phil Holt-Carden, Cranston, RI 02910 (401-946-1849). South Carolina C—Hughia Magnus, Columbia, SC 29210 (803-781-7017). South Carolina E1—Liz Ellis, Darlington, SC 29532 (803-393-8430). South Carolina E2—Shamsi Sedaghat, Georgetown, SC 29440 (803-527-2568). South Carolina N—Donna Landau, Route 5, Greer, SC 29651 (803-877-0563). South Carolina S1—Lynn Bryant, Beaufort, SC 29902 (803-524-9340; 803-838-2921). South Carolina S2—Terri Brown, Monks Corner, SC 29461 (803-761-4914); Vennie Moore, 143 St. Phillip, Apt. 101-B, Charleston, SC 29403 (803-722-0963). South Carolina W—Rob McKie, P.O. Box 255, Easley, SC 29640 (803-878-6664; 803-859-3705). South Dakota—Patricia Haugen, P.O. Box 171, Rapid City, SD 57702 (605-342-3562). Tennessee E—Robin McMurry, Cleveland, TN 37311 (615-479-2344). Texas C1—Rhea Kester, San Marcos, TX 78666 (512-392-9816; 512-353-3339). Texas C2—Naghmeh Fly, I Harlowe, Midland, TX 79703 (915-697-5991). Texas E1—Kathryn Carmichael, Lewisville, TX 75067 (214-221-3106). Texas E2—Garreta Goff, 4703 Tenderwood Drive, Houston, TX 77041 (713-937-6612; 713-493-4910). Texas N—Barbara Parker, Plainview, TX 79072 (806-293-8080; 806-293-3605). Texas S—Steve Ramirez, Brownsville, TX 78520 (512-541-7567). Utah—Marva Davis, Salt Lake City, UT 84118 (801-967-6680). Vermont—Dawn Staudt, White River Junction, VT 05001 (802-295-2387). Virginia N—Roger Davis, P.O. Box 158, Millboro, VA 24460 (703-997-5722). Virginia S—Ann Samuelson, Roanoke, VA 24015 (703-985-0774). Washington NW—Judy Rohn, Renton, WA 98058 (206-854-5962). Washington SW—Marina Delemat, Cathlamet, WA 98612 (206-795-8610); Charlene Robley, Raymond, WA 98477 (206-942-5520). West Virginia—Diane Grych, Princeton, WV 24740 (304-425-3444). Wisconsin/Michigan—Valerie Konopacky, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715-341-6933). Wisconsin S—Jo Welter, Madison, WI 53716 (608-222-1164). Wyoming—Jim Vaughan, P.O. Box 2378, Mills, WY 82644 (307-234-9079).

Questions

...thing else that describes the various events throughout the Bahá’í year? I would like to know more about their significance.

BPT: Bahá’í Daybook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation, which will be available in February, is a book of daily devotions for each day of the Bahá’í year, with explanations and suggestions for Feast days, Holy Days, and special event days. It also contains questions and answers about many aspects of Bahá’í life, and definitions of difficult words from the writings.

Bahá’í Daybook is a great resource for personal deepening for new—and veteran—Bahá’ís, old and young alike. It is a joint project of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Advance orders for Bahá’í Daybook are being taken; its price is $3.75. I Am a Bahá’í is available now at $5.95, as is Loving Hands at $8. For ordering information, please turn to the Bahá’í Distribution Service page in this issue.

(The Bahá’í Publishing Trust welcomes your questions and comments. Please address them to Anne Atkinson, Promotions Department, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.)

The Bahá’í Faith in America

"His research included trips to Kansas, Wisconsin, California and Maryland, as well as several visits to the National Bahá’í Archives in Wilmette. What he has produced is not simply scholarly research," says Mr. Hill, "it is the unfoldment of a captivating story."

The Bahá’í Faith in America contains portraits of who the earliest North American Bahá’ís were—their ethnic and religious backgrounds, professions, economic and social status—in the context of a culture in which evangelical Protestantism prevailed.

According to Mr. Hill, "Many Bahá’ís will be able to trace their roots back to the early believers in their own areas. I was fascinated to read that there even were Bahá’ís in many rural towns before 1900."

Watch for details about ordering Volume 1 of The Bahá’í Faith in America in forthcoming issues of The American Bahá’í.

A REMINDER TO BAHÁ’Í COLLEGE CLUBS

Monies raised by college clubs can only be used for college club activities. They cannot be donated to Local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Fund, or any other institution or committee associated with the Faith.

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

IDEAS FOR AYYÁM-I-HÁ GIFT-GIVING

For infants: My Baby Book; other books for children (below) to begin the child's library.

For children: I Am a Bahá’í (four new Sunflower books in one); Sunflower books 1-4 (special sale price for set); Special Strengths; Zahra's Search; B.J. and the Language of the Woodland; Fly Away Home; The Spotlessly Leopard; The Secret in the Garden; O God, My God...; Happy Ayyám-i-Há, LP; Loving Hands, CS.

For youth: From Behind the Veil; O God, My God...; Youth in the Vanguard; The Advent of Divine Justice.

For adults: Color lithographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (5x7, 11x14); Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E.; The Dawning Place; Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold; Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; To Move the World; Greatest Name emblem, silver; Bahá’í Daybook; Passages for Deepening and Meditation; Unto Him Shall We Return.

To order any of these items, please contact the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Ordering information is on Page xx.

Bahá’í Readings

Selections from the Writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for Daily Meditation — each day of the year.

"Recite ye the verses of God every morning and evening." Bahá’u’lláh Kitab-i-Aqdas

A unique publication of daily readings, with special selections for the Holy Days and the Nineteen Day Feasts. The reader follows the compilation through the cycle of the Bahá’í year, while the major themes of the Revelation and the great events of Bahá’í history gradually unfold...

Prayer book size with dark green gold-stamped cover. $5.50*

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10 percent 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]

Fund participation/firesides for Qudrat

Continued From Page 5

District Name	NATIONAL FUND			FIRESIDES
	Membership as of 11/10/84	Number of contributors	Percentage of participation	Number	Per capita
Colorado NE
Colorado SE
Colorado W
Connecticut
DelMarVa
Florida C
Florida N
Florida SE
Florida SW
Georgia NE
Georgia NW
Georgia S
Idaho N/Washington E
Idaho S
Illinois N No. 1
Illinois N No. 2
Illinois S
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana N
Louisiana S
Maine
Maryland W/D.C.
Massachusetts
Michigan Mainland
Minnesota N
Minnesota S
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Navajo/Hopi
Nebraska
Nevada N
Nevada S
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico S/Texas W
New Mexico N
New York E
New York W
North Carolina C
North Carolina E
North Carolina W
North Dakota
Ohio N
Ohio S
Oklahoma E
Oklahoma W
Oregon E
Oregon W
Pennsylvania E
Pennsylvania W
Rhode Island
South Carolina C
South Carolina E No. 1
South Carolina E No. 2
South Carolina N
South Carolina S No. 1
South Carolina S No. 2
South Carolina W
South Dakota
Tennessee E
Tennessee W
Texas C No. 1
Texas C No. 2
Texas E No. 1
Texas E No. 2
Texas N
Texas S
Utah
Vermont
Virginia N
Virginia S
Washington NW
Washington SW
West Virginia
Wis. N/Peninsular Mich.
Wisconsin S
Wyoming

This colorfully costumed ‘rhythm band’ is actually composed of pre-school age students at the Brilliant Star Bahá’í Summer School which was held August 20-22 in Peoria, Illinois. Twenty-four children from ages one to 14 including 10 non-Bahá’ís attended the school and enjoyed Bahá’í lessons, crafts, songs and prayers. These youngsters built their own ‘Bahá’í Center’ from large boxes and then painted them. Older children made original plaster masks of African origin, constructed ‘Bahá’í attribute’ mobiles, and baked foods.

Bahá’í is named dean of Urban Affairs programs at Michigan State University

Joe T. Darden, a member of the Bahá’í community of East Lansing, Michigan, has been named dean of Urban Affairs Programs at Michigan State University.

Dr. Darden, a recognized authority in the field of urban residential segregation and the author of more than 70 publications, assumed his new position November 1.

He joined the MSU faculty in 1972 as an assistant professor of geography and urban metropolitan studies, was named an associate professor in 1976 and professor in 1980.

Dr. Darden has also taught at the University of Pittsburgh and at California (Pennsylvania) State College.

He earned a B.A. degree at Jackson College and M.A. and Ph.D degrees at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Darden’s most recent article is the summary chapter in “The State of Black Michigan,” a comprehensive report published in September by the Michigan Council of Urban League Executives and the Michigan State University Center for Urban Affairs.

Dr. Darden says he intends to administer his new duties and responsibilities “according to the principles inherent in the Bahá’í Faith.”

DR. JOE T. DARDEN

Guidelines for mailing packages to World Centre

To all National Assemblies and Bahá’í Publishing Trusts

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Due to repeated difficulties with Israeli customs officials over the receipt and taxation of packages of published materials, we would like to request that those who mail packages of publications to the World Centre observe the following:

1. Enclose a packing slip giving a list of the contents and their value.

2. Be specific on the postal/customs declaration form, giving contents and value. If the shipment is books, write “books”; if posters, write “posters.” Do not declare them as “religious materials” or “printed matter.” Give a fair value of the contents, if possible, in U.S. dollars.

3. Send to the Bahá’í World Centre Library a copy of the invoice or packing slip, or a transmittal letter indicating what has been sent and its value.

We hope that by observing these requirements, our problems of receiving packages of published materials will be alleviated to some degree, and the release of these packages will be speeded up.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Universal House of Justice Department of Library and Archival Services Haifa, Israel [Page 27]

Ten years ago... in The American Bahá’í

More than 500 Bahá’ís from 115 communities attend a special meeting at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, to launch a teaching and consolidation plan for the state of New York as called for by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Among the speakers are the Hands of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem and William Sears, Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira, and two members of the National Assembly.

Also present are the other seven members of the National Assembly, Auxiliary Board member Katherine McLaughlin, and members of the National and Regional Teaching Committees.

The plan adopted calls for doubling the number of Spiritual Assemblies in the state, opening five Indian Reservations to the Faith with Spiritual Assemblies on at least two of them, expanding the use of the news media, and making a concerted effort to reach minority groups identified in the Five Year Plan: American Indians, Armenians, Chinese, Greeks, Japanese, and Spanish-speaking peoples...

The International Goals Committee reports that 44 of the first 122 U.S. pioneering goals of the Five Year Plan have been filled, but that filling the remaining goals is expected to become increasingly difficult as governments hurt by the worsening world economic crisis begin to tighten restrictions on the employment and continued residency of foreigners...

Several dozen non-Bahá’í guests, most of whom are from Spanish-speaking families, attend a World Religion Day observance in Northfield Township, Illinois. The Spiritual Assembly of Northfield Township has been actively teaching among minority groups since its formation three months ago...

Fifteen Bahá’í youth from across the U.S. take part in a two-week work-study program at the Bahá’í National Center that is designed to give them a close look at the national Bahá’í administration.

The youth are assigned to various offices at the National Center to help in the work of the National Assembly and its appointed committees and offices. They also receive an introduction to Bahá’í administration through a series of classroom presentations...

A total of 170 people attend the first three youth conferences of the Two Year Youth Program at Frogmore, South Carolina; South Dade County, Florida; and Anoka, Minnesota...

Letters

Continued From Page 3

... more deepened in the Faith, I’ve found that we are all afflicted to some degree with more subtle forms of prejudice toward specific groups whose goals, beliefs or values appear to conflict with Bahá’í teachings: such groups as the armed services, fundamentalist religious groups, or extremely liberal or conservative political organizations.

It suddenly struck me that when we condemn people who strike us as close-minded or prejudiced, we stand guilty of the same offense. If we look at the lives of the Central Figures of the Faith, we see that they received many visitors, some of whom were skeptical or even hostile. Nevertheless, all were received with compassion, caring and understanding.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said we must endure the unendurable. Certainly, it isn’t easy to receive ideas that oppose our most deeply-felt convictions.

If you don’t believe me, try reading an article or listening to a speech espousing a view that clashes with yours, then try to summarize the main points accurately. It’s difficult, because as we receive the message we are formulating rebuttals instead of making an effort to understand.

We don’t have to give up our ideas to understand someone else’s point of view—comprehension does not presuppose agreement. And if we’re really interested in bringing our Bahá’í ideas beyond the courtyards of our like-minded friends, we may have to cultivate the art of being patient with the impatient, and showing tolerance to the intolerant.

In that way we can bring areas of common concern out of the shadows and illuminate them with the light of open and loving dialogue.

Phyllis Van Horn Moscow, Idaho

To the Editor:

The following quote is from page 9 of The Herb Book by John Lust:

"AND WHAT of the future? It is our fate to live in an age of complexity; as Matthew Arnold put it, we are "Wandering between two worlds, one dead, "The other powerless to be born. "The simple explanations of the past are museum pieces; the simple explanations of the future—if any—are at best gleams in the eyes of far-out philosophers. "It is for us to provide the bridge by accepting the complexity of our existence and attempting to join its diverse elements into a new, comprehensive unity. "Twentieth-century medicine, then, must be open to competing ideas, old or new, objectively testing them and selecting what is best in each for promoting the well-being of mankind. "There is room for herbalism, chemotherapy, psychic healing, acupuncture, psychotherapy, homeopathy, surgery, hypnotism, diet therapy, manipulation, naturopathy, and much else. To find the proper place for each in one great system of medicine is the challenge and the promise of the future."

Melvin R. Thomas Bexar County, Texas

To the Editor:

Last year, as a special Ayyám-i-Há gift to the community, the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia (my former residence) offered to pay for one-half the cost of a subscription to Brilliant Star magazine for all Bahá’í families with children in the Philadelphia area.

This is the kind of gift that brings enrichment to community members for an entire year, and, at the same time, promotes Bahá’í education.

Many Bahá’ís may be unaware of the materials available to them, or may not be able to afford them. Gifts to a community’s lending library or partial subscriptions such as the example cited here may be a way around this.

I would encourage all distribution representatives (formerly called "community librarians") and Spiritual Assemblies to think of ways to enrich community and family life this year at Ayyám-i-Há. It could make quite a difference in someone’s life, or in the collective life of the community.

Anne Atkinson Wilmette, Illinois

Rahmatollah Afsahi

Rahmatollah Afsahi, a former instructor at the well-known Bahá’í-sponsored Tarbiat School in Tehran, Iran, died August 21 in Anaheim, California, at the age of 83.

One of Mr. Afsahi’s fellow instructors at the Tarbiat School was the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan. Among his students were the future Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and Hushmand Fatheazam, who is now a member of the Universal House of Justice. Mr. Afsahi, whose wife, Sabiheh Tehrani, died in 1979, is survived by four children: Farzin, Farokh-Shad, Frouzan and Farahnaz, all of whom live in the U.S.

Kia Neng Cha

The Bahá’í community of Portland, Oregon, was saddened by the recent death of Kia Neng Cha, age 46, a Hmong tribesman from the mountains of Laos who became a Bahá’í in the 1960s and made his way to the U.S. from a resettlement camp in Thailand after the war in Laos began to take a heavy toll on the Hmong people in 1975. The funeral service, conducted by the Bahá’ís of Portland, was carried out according to Hmong tradition. Kia Neng Cha (right) is pictured here with his oldest son, Tou Ngia, in a photograph taken about two months before Kia Neng’s death.

MacNutt

Continued From Page 4

It was Howard MacNutt and Mountfort Mills who escorted the Master from the ship to Mr. Mills’ auto upon His arrival in New York City on April 11, 1912.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá made His second formal talk in the U.S. to a large group of Bahá’ís at the MacNutts’ Brooklyn home.

And on the third day of the Master’s visit, Mr. MacNutt accompanied Him on a ride through the streets of New York.

It was Mr. MacNutt’s foresight and painstaking efforts that led to the preparation of a book of the Master’s talks delivered in North America.

IN 1919, when he reported the project to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master approved the idea, offered some instructions, and wrote: "...This service shall cause thee to acquire an effulgent face in the Abhá Kingdom, and shall make thee the object of the praise and gratitude of the friends in the East as well as the West..."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá later approved Mr. MacNutt’s introduction to the first edition of The Promulgation of Universal Peace and asked him to include a Persian translation of it in the forthcoming book.

In 1920, the MacNutts moved to Florida where they served the Faith in several communities. They both died in 1926 following accidents.

In The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi mentions "MacNutt" among eight names that "...will for ever remain associated with the rise and establishment of His Faith in the American continent, and will continue to shed on its annals a lustre that time can never dim."

Our great privilege

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

In Memoriam

Mahboobeh Azadeh Circleville, OH June 22, 1984

Jerry R. Ashcraft Grants Pass, OR August 26, 1984

John Gehring Sacramento, CA October 15, 1984

Gary Hickerson Walls, MS May 2, 1984

Sadie Holmes W. Columbia, SC Date Unknown

Gilbert Kohn Kirkwood, MO October 12, 1984

Ida Lang Blanding, UT Date Unknown

Ruth LaRocque Oak Park, IL Date Unknown

Fatullah Medhat Beverly Hills, CA September 1984

Eddie McDaniel Renton, WA October 26, 1984

Avon Rabbit Jr. Blanding, UT August 22, 1984

Lydia Reetz Morgan, MN Date Unknown

Bettie Stephens Riviera Beach, FL October 31, 1984

Pedro Ureno. El Paso, TX January 1984

Inga Wilson Tacoma, WA September 1984 [Page 28]

Ads

educational and cultural facilities, and its press, cable TV station and civic leaders are among those who support local Bahá’í activities.

For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfield, P.O. Box 836, Fairfield, CA 94533, or phone Sandy at 707-422-6601.

FOR SALE: An American pioneer to Finland wishes to sell a front lot of a lake in Gallatin, Missouri. For more details, please contact Ms. Telya Rafiq, 94100 Kemi-10, Finland.

WESTERN Samoa, a goal country, needs a person with technical-mechanical ability who can fix machines and work with the public. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PERSONS interested and experienced in radio education: there is a possibility of a project in Africa. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HARVARD and MIT alumni: the Bahá’í clubs of Harvard-Radcliffe and MIT are compiling a list of names and addresses of Bahá’í alumni as a resource for the clubs in preparing a Bahá’í history of these universities and to begin planning reunions for the Bahá’ís to be held during regularly scheduled class reunions. Please send your name and address to the Spiritual Assembly of Cambridge, P.O. Box 376, Cambridge, MA 02238.

S.O.S.... Strengthen our Smithtown community. Bahá’ís are needed to help strengthen an active, enthusiastic community in Smithtown, Long Island, New York, which is within commuting distance of New York City and has an excellent educational system on all levels. Come and join us. For more detailed information, write to Mrs. M.M. Moore, St. James, NY 11780, or phone 516-584-7576.

ISOLATED believer in Stoneham, Massachusetts, requests prayers of American believers for guidance and success in teaching activities in that area. Marilynn R. Keppler, Stoneham, Massachusetts.

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.

Moving? Tell us your new address

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copies of The American Bahá’í send your new address and your mailing label which includes your ID number to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know that you are going to move and what your new address will be. We will do our best to see that changes are processed quickly so that the transfer of mail to your new home is accomplished with all possible speed.

NOTE: Use this form for individual changes only.

Mr. Dr. Name Mrs. Ms. 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 Bana Community Name of Local Assembly group or isolated locality where this person resides

Moving Date.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Mailing label should accompany address change form

We have been receiving more than one copy of The American Bahá’í. Because we don't need extra copies, please remove my name from the mailing list for this publication. Please check box.

BDS

ing was to reduce overhead costs.

"Of course, we hoped to improve service at the same time," he says, "but just cutting our costs would have been a big help to us and ultimately to our customers.

"WE’VE been doing all we can to keep a lid on book prices. The money we save by eliminating the expense of renting a warehouse will help us to offset some of the ever-increasing costs of printing and buying books."

The Bahá’í community, says Mr. Bucknell, "simply isn’t large enough to justify the large print runs of books which make it possible to keep the retail price low.

"That," he adds, "forces the book buyer to bear a greater cost."

In the spring, says Mr. Bucknell, the final remodeling phase of the Bahá’í publications building will begin.

"We’ll renovate the offices to better use the space in front of the building. This should have no adverse effect on our ability to process orders."

Media

teams, sometimes alone.

Reports reach our Centre (and our sister agency, CIRBAL) about regular radio programming that is under way in such widely scattered countries as Brazil, the Central African Republic, Alaska, Canada's Arctic region, Chad, French Guiana, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nigeria, Suriname, New Zealand, and in many island nations and territories such as St. Helena and Bermuda in the Atlantic, American Samoa in the Pacific, the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, and St. Lucia, Trinidad, Antigua, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and St. Maarten in the Caribbean.

RADIO program titles vary: "Bahá’í Time" in Barbados, "Bahá’í World Unity Program" in Jamaica, "Bahá’í Devotions" in Malaysia, "Bahá’í Speaks" in Nigeria, "One Planet, One People" in Sierra Leone, "Epilogue" on St. Helena, and "Bahá’í Magazine" in Iquitos, Peru.

Some of these programs go back many years as in the Central African Republic or Jamaica; some are interrupted but begun anew; others have gone on the air only this year.

In the case of some, the frequency of programs increases as the relationship with the station develops so that, as in the case of Pauline Paul on the tiny island of Saba, the Bahá’í program is five nights a week.

Following the lead set by Bahá’í radio stations in South America, some are trying to find ways of providing social and economic upliftment in their programs. The radio program for children in Bethel, Alaska, which teaches children principles for spiritual and character training is one example.

Program exchange, the rudimentary signs of Bahá’í radio networks, in under way. CIRBAL's exchange of radio programs and listing of available programs continues to grow, and in the U.S. the Jeff Reynolds Programs receive considerable play on many stations.

BAHÁ’Í TELEVISION

While Bahá’í radio work forges ahead, more local Bahá’í communities are responding to the challenge of regular Bahá’í television programs where such opportunities exist.

REGULAR, locally-produced television programs have been broadcast for several years in St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles; in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in several other communities in Canada.

Brazil has produced an excellent series, "O Futuro Hoje." The Central African Republic has begun regular television broadcasts. American Samoa has a program every three weeks that reaches other South Pacific islands, and, this summer, El Salvador began a 12-week series of programs with repeat broadcasts during the week on educational TV.

The quality of American and Canadian local television broadcasting appears to be impressive. The Bahá’í program in Lethbridge, Canada, won an award as the best community program, and the Bahá’ís of San Leandro, California, receive training in television production as a result of the warm relationship they have established over the past three years with the station where they broadcast their program, "Bahá’í Firesides."

Norfolk, Virginia, sets annual spring teaching conference

The annual spring teaching conference co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Norfolk, Virginia, and the District Teaching Committee of Southern Virginia will be held March 29-31 at the Chamberlin Hotel in Hampton.

The conference theme is "Teach Ye the Cause of God: The Most Meritorious of Deeds."

The speakers will include the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem; two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Dwight Allen and Dr. Alberta Deas; and Auxiliary Board member Robert Harris.

There will be a special Persian session (to be addressed by Mr. Khadem) and a separate program for children.

Presentations will be made by the National Youth Committee, the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee, and the District Teaching Committees of Northern Virginia, Southern Virginia and North Carolina.

Accommodations at the Chamberlin Hotel are $39 per night for a single or double room, and $10 for each additional person (maximum four per room).

A deposit of $39 per room is required by February 28, and can be mailed to the conference registrar, Archie Abaire, Richmond, VA 23233.

In addition, there is a conference fee of $10 per person, $15 per couple, or $20 per family. Scholarships for conference fees are available.

To help in planning the children's program, please indicate by February 28 the number and ages of children who will be attending with you.

Camping facilities are available at Gosnold Hope Park in Hampton. The fee for trailers with electricity is $5.72 per night. Tent space is $4.68 per night. There are bathrooms and showers.

No reservations are taken; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Bahá’í Fund

The Bedrock of All Other Institutions Wilmette, IL 60091