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[Page 1]November 1985

The American Bahá’í

National Assembly sets Labor Day Peace Conference in S. Francisco

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce that a Bahá’í International Peace Conference will be held over the Labor Day weekend in 1986 in San Francisco, California.

The conference will provide an excellent opportunity for sharing the Bahá’í perspective on peace and for further developing our understanding of the issues involved in making world peace a reality.

The program will highlight themes from the Universal House of Justice’s statement, “The Promise of World Peace.” In addition to mainstage sessions, which will feature various speakers and special activities, a series of workshops will allow participants to explore specific topics in greater depth.

Plans are being made to accommodate 5,000 to 7,000 participants. Along with Bahá’ís from throughout the U.S., friends from Alaska, Canada, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and areas of the Pacific will be especially invited to attend. It is hoped that the audience will reflect the diversity of our Bahá’í community. As an extension of the teaching efforts that have begun in connection with the release of the peace statement, a limited number of non-Bahá’ís will also be invited to attend.

The National Spiritual Assembly invites the friends to send suggestions for speakers, workshop leaders and entertainers, and any other ideas for special activities during this celebration of the International Year of Peace, to: Peace Conference, Office of the Secretary, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. The deadline for their submission is January 1.

The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem (second from left) talks with young Bahá’ís during the Green Lake Conference.

More than 1,000 attend 26th Green Lake Bahá’í Conference

By LAURA HILDRETH

A large and diverse group of Bahá’ís and their guests gathered September 13-15 at the American Baptist Assembly’s conference facility in Green Lake, Wisconsin, to take part in the 26th annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference.

MORE THAN 1,060 people including a large number of Native Americans, one Bahá’í from ‎Granada Grenada‎ and another from Saudi Arabia were present at what was nicknamed an “international” regional conference.

Addressed to “the Bahá’ís of the world ...,” the central theme of the conference was “working together” to achieve the goals of the Seven Year Plan and to devise preliminary strategies for the Six Year Plan which is to begin during the International Year of Peace in 1986.

The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem addressed the conference on the topic of peace, saying that all religions have spoken about this Day brought to us by Bahá’u’lláh in which the universe would be made new.

See GREEN LAKE Page 4

BULLETIN!

The Universal House of Justice has appointed to five-year terms as members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas the following Bahá’ís from the U.S.:

Dr. Wilma Brady, Atlanta, Georgia; Robert Harris, Hamilton Township, New Jersey; and Fred Schechter, La Mesa, California.

They will serve as Counsellors until November 1990.

Index

Viewpoint	2
Letters	3
The Funds	5
IGC: Pioneering	6
Youth News	7
Education	8-9
Teaching	10-11
Distribution Service	14
Publishing Trust	15
Classifieds	16
The Media	17
Persian/American	18-21
United Nations	23
Native Americans	24
House of Worship	25

Jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie shows his great pleasure during a tribute September 16 by the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles honoring his 50 years in music. (Story, another photo on Page 13)

House of Justice favors Mrs. King’s appeal for peace

Mrs. Coretta Scott King, the widow of civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has written to the Universal House of Justice, saying in part that she intends to make an appeal that on January 20, the anniversary of Dr. King’s birth, “nations and liberation movements all over the world cease all violent actions, seek amnesty and reconciliation both within and outside of their national boundaries, and encourage all of their citizens to recommit themselves to work for international peace, universal justice and the elimination of hunger and poverty in the world.”

Since the date on which action is desired falls within the International Year of Peace, the Universal House of Justice says in a letter of August 5 written on its behalf, “Spiritual Assemblies may consider holding peace conferences on January 20, or close to that date, and naturally include in the presentations at these conferences references to the life and work of Dr. King.”

An alternative, it says, “might be to devote the Bahá’í programs on World Religion Day, January 19, to peace and on these occasions pay tribute to Dr. King.”

The thought of the House of Justice in suggesting such actions, the letter goes on to say, “is not to promote the holiday for Dr. King, and it does not expect Bahá’í communities everywhere to commemorate his life annually; rather, it wishes to indicate to the friends a legitimate occasion, as illustrated by Mrs. King’s plan, when the Bahá’í peace activities can be associated with the worthy activities of others.”

Last year, Congress approved the observance of the anniversary.

See DR. KING Page 3

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Bahá’ís map intensive Peace Year plan

Inspired by the letter of January 23, 1985, from the Universal House of Justice about the upcoming International Year of Peace, the Bahá’í community of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has developed a comprehensive year-long peace campaign, the first element of which was a peace seminar held September 7 (see article on Page 11).

INCLUDED IN the campaign are a monthly series of firesides on various aspects of peace; community dawn prayers and breakfasts, also to be held once each month through September 1986; community deepenings centering on the tape “America’s Spiritual Destiny” by Dr. Peter Khan; and placement of the 13-week “Spiritual Revolution” series on local public access television.

Also scheduled are a World Peace Poster Contest (February 1986), a World Peace Fair (March ’86), world peace activities in local elementary schools (April ’86), a world peace billboard (starting in May ’86), an outdoor World Peace Celebration and potluck (July ’86), and a World Peace Sunday (September ’86) in which ministers and other church officials will discuss the elements of peace.

The campaign is to be supported by newspaper, radio and television publicity in various forms as well as by bus cards and the billboard.

It will conclude next September with a second World Peace Seminar whose theme is to be “The Earth Is But One Country.”

“The Eau Claire campaign,” says Charles (Cap) Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, “is a splendid example of the sort of local initiative on which the spread of the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice and indeed the Campaign of Unified Action depends.”

MOST impressive, he says, is the systematic planning by community members in developing the campaign strategy, and “the way in which they’ve brought other organizations together while setting an agenda based on Bahá’í principles for peace.”

In putting together the cam-

See EAU CLAIRE Page 11 [Page 2]

National Assemby writes to children attending U.S. District Conventions

To children attending the District Convention

Dear Friends:

We are really happy that you could come to the District Convention activities today. We hope that you have a very enjoyable time.

MANY WONDERFUL things are happening in the Bahá’í community, and we would especially like to tell you about two of them.

First, we want to let you know that the registration of Bahá’í children in the U.S. has begun. You and every other Bahá’í child can now be listed on the national Bahá’í membership rolls. Information about this will be in this month's issue of The American Bahá’í.

A second thing that is very exciting is that the Universal House of Justice has just written a 12-page letter to the people of the world about peace. This letter tells how Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, such as the oneness of mankind, the unity of religions, and the equality of men and women will help lay the foundation for world peace.

This next year, 1986, has also been named by the United Nations as the "International Year of Peace." The "Year of Peace" and the letter from the Universal House of Justice will provide many opportunities for Bahá’ís, both young and old, to share with others the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

While many of your parents will be involved with peace in the years ahead, you and other Bahá’í children are also encouraged to carry out special peace projects of your own. In the coming weeks, you will be receiving more information about the peace project campaign and about your role as Bahá’ís in helping bring about peace in the world.

We look forward to receiving your registration cards. We also would be very happy to hear about your peace projects, and we invite you to write to us about them.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Gwendolyn Webber-McLeod, executive director of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, holds a copy of Bahá’í poet Roger White's book, One Bird, One Cage, One Flight, which was recently donated to the NWHF. The book is a tribute to one of the Hall's 35 honorees, poet Emily Dickinson. Mr. White, a native of Toronto, Canada, now lives in Haifa, Israel, where he works with the publishing department at the Bahá’í World Centre. His other published works include Another Song, Another Season and The Witness of Pebbles.

Comment: Our ‘living treasures’ are there to love, cherish

We live in an area of New Jersey with a population of 10,000 Japanese. In becoming friends with these people and telling them about the Bahá’í Faith, we have come to learn much about them and their unique, ancient culture.

ONE element of that culture is their respect for older people. In particular, this is manifested in "the living treasures of Japan," as designated by the Japanese government: people who have spent their lifetimes practicing the ancient arts of Japan—Kabuki, Bunraku poetry, cloth-weaving, paper-making, and so on.

They are "living treasures" because these individuals, and their unique contribution to their culture, cannot be replaced when they are gone.

We Bahá’ís would be wise to consider this. Let me explain:

In 1963, I had just become a Bahá’í and attended the World Congress in London. There Mr. Samandari spoke about how he, himself, had been in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh.

Some months later Mr. Samandari came to the U.S. and once again I had the opportunity to hear his reminiscences and to actually shake the hand of one who had been in the actual presence of the Manifestation of God for the day in which I was living.

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 Editorial Assistant: Laura E. Hildreth 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.

My mother, who is Catholic (the religion in which I was raised until I accepted the Faith), always told me she wished she had lived in the time of Christ. She could, she said, have met Peter and the other early Christians.

THIS assumes, of course, that she could have recognized Christ in that day, not with the wisdom of 20th century hindsight.

So here was I, having recognized the return of Christ, as embodied in Bahá’u’lláh, realizing that within my lifetime someone who had met the Manifestation of God was still living.

Mr. Samandari was then an old man, and had been a youth when he met Bahá’u’lláh. But Mr. Samandari's lifetime and my lifetime coincided for that brief instant!

Twenty-two years later I have not forgotten that feeling—the sense of history being made and the responsibility I felt for working to shape the future.

These past years have taken many of the threads of our history. Mr. Samandari passed away some years ago. More recent years have taken young and old alike from our midst: Olinga, Muhájir, Faizi, Haney, Balyúzí, all Hands of the Cause of God, an institution that exists only in this momentous day—the institution and the individuals who comprise it will never be replaced.

We present-day Bahá’ís may be so busy building the new World Order that we've lost a sense of history in our lifetimes.

SHOGHI Effendi died in 1957; that's an historical fact. But let us rephrase it: the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, great-grandson of Bahá’u’lláh, was still living less than 30 years ago, within, or near, the lifetime of most of us.

This is an unmatched gift. We are living so close to the time of a Manifestation of God.

We must remain acutely aware of this and impart the excitement of it to new Bahá’ís. This is living history.

There are Bahá’ís living today who were in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. But their numbers become fewer day by day.

These are our "living treasures." Not important as individuals—simply Bahá’ís like all of us—but with a unique treasure to share with us, this incredible proximity to the time of the Manifestation of God. One hundred forty-one years is very short in historical time.

Perhaps because of my early religious training, I have long felt this way, but have never voiced my opinion lest my motives be misinterpreted: my husband is one of those Bahá’ís who were in the presence of the Master.

BUT TIME is running out, and it is my growing sense of the importance of our "living history" that forces me to speak up.

This month's article, "Our Living Treasures," was written by Pat Tyler Kinney of Leonia, New Jersey.

Donald Kinney, Rouhieh McComb, Paul Ioas, Edna True and the other precious few—we have to share them and treasure not them but the tangible proof they impart to each of us who has embraced the Faith in more recent times of the truly matchless and wondrous day in which we ourselves are living.

"Living treasures"—what are we going to do about them? Commission strangers to write about them in the past tense—or share them and enjoy them and inspire ourselves through the priceless sense of history they can bring to us?

Bahá’í Faith

Bahá’ís from Chula Vista, California, and several nearby communities took part last July in the annual Sand Castle Parade in Imperial Beach, a goal area. The more than 30 adult Bahá’ís and 10 children who walked the three-mile parade route were cheered heartily by hundreds of spectators who endorsed the theme 'The Bahá’í Faith: Uniting the World One Heart at a Time.' [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:

This summer I had the opportunity to spend three weeks on the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota. I am writing to share an experience and a suggestion.

MANY of the Bahá’ís we visited had enrolled either last summer or the summer before. Many had gone from one summer to the next with sparse contact with Bahá’ís during the time in between.

They were often overjoyed to see us, yet their joy was not without dismay.

They would bow their heads and say, "Why have you left us alone so long? I know almost nothing more about this thing called the Bahá’í Faith than I did before I enrolled as a Bahá’í. I remember the story of the Man Who was the Promised Messenger of God, but I don't really know what He wants me to do. The Bahá’ís come so infrequently."

And they would often add, "All I get is a newspaper every month that just gives news, and the news is about things I don't understand."

Such statements sparked my curiosity. On returning home I looked through The American Bahá’í and it did indeed seem as if nothing was geared toward teaching the new Bahá’í more about the principles, the purpose, the organization, or the teachings of the Faith.

I suggest that to nurture the understanding of the thousands of new declarants around the country, most notably in South Dakota and South Carolina, we include each month in The American Bahá’í a section, or a page, or even a corner of a page that is directed entirely toward explaining and diffusing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to these tender souls.

So often, as you know, the new Bahá’í is left with only a pamphlet or a prayer book for months or even years without further deepening or personal contact with fellow Bahá’ís.

The American Bahá’í is a steady and consistent pulse that allows us all to feel the heartbeat and life of the Faith. Can we not add this page to The American Bahá’í to meet the needs of our growing community?

It warms my heart to think that as people enroll we'll be able to say to them, "...and each month you'll get a newspaper called The American Bahá’í which has news about the progress of the Faith all over the world, and also has a page especially for you so that you can learn more about Bahá’u’lláh's Message and receive more of His words."

David Khorram Lexington, Kentucky

To the Editor:

With reference to the letter from the National Spiritual Assembly dated August 9, 1985, regarding the immediate and long-term needs of the National Bahá’í Fund, the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Hamburg, New York, has increased its contributions to the National Fund by 60 per cent.

We challenge other Assemblies to do the same or better.

May Gotthelf, secretary Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Hamburg, New York

To the Editor:

I thoroughly agree with the idea expressed by Kern Kuipers of Mount Pleasant, Michigan (August) that a great field of advance lies before us if as an organization we begin to stress human services as much as we do belief.

I visualize local Spiritual Assemblies being taught by our national administration how to help people who are not in the Faith, as well as Bahá’ís, to deal with their problems.

If local Spiritual Assemblies could become centers where the unemployed could get training, could leave their children for day care so that they could work, receive training in reading (the Laubach method is excellent for foreigners and those from this country), and free counseling from trained persons, I believe the Faith would grow more rapidly.

I wouldn't want us to become stations where the down-and-out could get temporary funds or food. Such agencies already exist. Rather, our help could be in directing people to existing help. Our aims, I believe, should be to emphasize how a person can help himself.

Immigrants especially need help from people who really care.

Helen Reed Dayton, Ohio

To the Editor:

Now that the Bahá’í Faith has emerged from obscurity and Bahá’í communities around the world are embarking on social and economic development projects, it seems appropriate for Bahá’ís who have an affinity for economics to seek acquisition of economic knowledge.

AS WE have seen recently in the letters section of The American Bahá’í, all fields of expertise, for example, medicine, education and others, are being challenged by Bahá’í ideals, and the recurring theme seems to be that all these "sciences" are in their infancy relative to the Golden Age of Bahá’u’lláh.

In Bahá’í News No 103 (January 1936), p. 2, Shoghi Effendi mentions that the Founders of the Faith were not technical economists and that Bahá’í economists of the future would have the task of incorporating the Bahá’í laws and divine instructions about the social fabric into an economic system.

Of course, with the Golden Age of the Faith quite distant from this generation, any contributions made now will most likely be mere stepping stones for Bahá’í economists of the future.

Nevertheless, what has fascinated me is the insight gained from studying the Austrian school of economic thought which offers solutions to world monetary problems such as a world currency. Contained within the Austrian theory is the underlying spiritual principle that "work done in the spirit of service is worship."

The Austrian theory implies changes in the structures of government, away from communism and socialism and also away from the present special interest-dominated democratic form.

IT IMPLIES that elected representatives should be elected because of their qualities with safeguards to prevent the elected representatives from being twisted around the fingers of special interest groups. This is not an unrealistic expectation since it resembles the Bahá’í Assemblies whose members make decisions according to the consultative process rather than to represent voters.

Of course, Austrian economics is not complete without the Bahá’í teachings about consultation, justice and the realization that true wealth consists in the love of God.

For more information about Austrian economics, write to the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849.

Bruce Koerber Auburn, Alabama

To the Editor:

I applaud the suggestion by a Bahá’í from Michigan (August) about creating a humanitarian office within the Bahá’í administration.

Unfortunately, the definition of teaching has for most Bahá’ís been the enrollment of more "believers."

We seldom ask ourselves whether the mere increase of people labeled "Bahá’í" is sufficient to create a peaceful and just world.

Personally, I don't believe in the increase in the number of Bahá’ís as the only or even the necessary requirement for solving the world's problems. After all, isn't this what many religious and intolerant political groups, claim: "It's either our way or no way at all"?

As members of a highly progressive organization, we should be a step above other groups by being realistic and objective.

The remedy for today's chaotic and war-stricken world is not the mere increase of "Bahá’í believers"; rather, the remedy will be found in promoting certain ideals which the Bahá’í Faith and certainly a variety of other progressive groups have to offer.

Emphasis within the Faith should be on "humanitarianism" as expressed in projects and deeds such as the creation of just social conditions, the elimination of war and hunger, agricultural and economic development, racial equality, creation of schools and clinics, freedom of thought, etc.

These are the avenues where our funds and efforts as a group should be channeled, not to the mere enrollment of believers and the building of costly and unnecessary shrines.

As a member of the human race, and second as a Bahá’í, what I want to see is a world with peace and justice for all. I don't care how many of my fellow-men are "Bahá’í" and how many are not.

Payam Foroughi Logan, Utah

To the Editor:

Recently our Group contributed three Bahá’í children's books to our town library. We could do so with pride.

I find that the children's books being produced by all the Bahá’í publishers are attractive, nicely illustrated, and, above all, well-written and interesting.

They are neither silly nor didactic. Though written at a child's level, they are not childish but are serious stories that children take seriously.

I was especially impressed with Gail Radley's Special Strengths, a collection of short stories dealing with topics such as peer pressure and adoption.

Using animals as her characters, she takes a particular attribute of an animal and builds a story around it. There is nothing "cute" about these characters or stories. They reflect the respect the author has for children.

I consider my own children fortunate to have such literature. Our Group feels we should be sharing it with others.

Linda S. Walbridge Escanaba, Michigan

To the Editor:

I thank the National Spiritual Assembly for including all Bahá’ís in the U.S. in their concern for raising more funds for their and our increased responsibilities.

Giving, did we but know it, is a privilege—a privilege unknown to our neighbor next door, down the street, or across the way—and to countless others.

I believe everyone can give—and when asked, we can give more.

How do we persuade those who do not give to give? Apprise them time after time, in The American Bahá’í and other publications, and at our Feasts and in deepening classes, of the grave importance and the insuperable joy of giving. [Page 4]

Joy Hill Earl

Joy Hill Earl was born at dawn on November 12, 1912, the 95th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

ALTHOUGH plagued for most of her life by ill health, she was a constant source of inspiration to all who knew her.

Born into a family whose background was a mixture of Negro, American Indian, and Scottish-Irish, she crossed all racial barriers simply by ignoring their existence. She studied music in college and so excelled that in 1932 she was awarded the Nadja Boulanger scholarship for study at the Fountainbleau Conservatory in France. Because of the Depression she was unable to take advantage of that opportunity, but she retained her interest in music and her artistry as a pianist for the rest of her life.

When attracted to the Faith later in the 1930s, Joy engaged in long conversations with many of the older believers.

One of those who exerted the greatest spiritual influence on her was Louis Gregory. Joy held such love and admiration for him that she referred to him as "Uncle Louis."

In the 1940s Joy began to speak publicly under the auspices of the Race Unity Committee and Bahá’í College Speakers Bureau.

She taught classes at the Louhelen and Green Acre Bahá’í Schools, served on Spiritual Assemblies in Detroit and Cleveland, and held many successful firesides.

WHEN in 1950 she and her husband, David, had to move to New York City so he could complete his studies at Columbia University in preparation for pioneering to Japan, Joy became immersed in that community's activities.

She helped Juliet Thompson with her firesides and served as a...

Green Lake

We are all, he said, witnessing the prophecies come to pass. "Man is now ready (to accept the message of peace)," he added, "and now the trustees of Bahá’u’lláh have sent the message.

"Study this message (addressed) to all the peoples of the world. Just imagine the power behind it!"

OTHER featured speakers at the conference were Auxiliary Board members Stephen Birkland and Nat Rutstein; Charles (Cap) Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, who came as a "special representative" of the National Spiritual Assembly; Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois; Duane Dumbleton, a member of the National Race Unity Committee; James Mock from the National Teaching Committee Office; Katherine Bigelow from the Office of External Affairs; Dr. Manouchehr Derakhshani and Mrs. Puran Stevens from the Office of Persian/American Affairs; and Kevin Locke, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in South Dakota.

Mr. Birkland compared the experience of being a Bahá’í to that of driving a fast car.

As you drive down the road, he said, if you only look down at the pavement rushing by, you soon become dizzy and confused.

"If, however, you fix your gaze on the road ahead," he said, "you gain perspective and confidence."

Bahá’ís, said Mr. Birkland, need to fix their gaze on the future and gain confidence in their work, so as not to be depressed by present-day conditions facing humanity.

"Direct your gaze toward a time when the pivot of the Teachings, the oneness of mankind, will have become the nucleus of the new World Order," he said.

Mr. Rutstein, the author of Spirit in Action, a book about teaching the Faith, invited his audience to "experience the wows" of becoming a "fearless Bahá’í," holding to what he termed "the essence of wisdom": to be fearless of everything except God.

MR. Cornwell spoke about the statement, "The Promise of Peace," addressed to the people of the world by the Universal House of Justice, stressing the importance of studying it and teaching it to others.

"Your friends," he said, "are dying to know what it's all about, and why you are so committed. Give them a part to play!"

People all over the country and around the world, said Mr. Cornwell, are noticing the Bahá’ís. The Faith has emerged once and for all from obscurity.

In addition to speakers and a wide range of other activities, 11 workshops were held on Saturday afternoon. The sessions and those presenting them were:

"For a Drop of the Lover's Blood" (Dr. Derakhshani, Mrs. Stevens).

"Peacemaking and the Bahá’í Youth Taking Advantage" (Kristine Pamenter).

"Social Responsibility" (Jene Bellows).

"A Pivoting Toward Peace" (Dr. Dumbleton).

"The Fund Through the Arts" (Deborah Conow, Anne Atkinson).

"NEW Dimensions of Learning" (Dr. Steve Suhm).

"Bahá’í Basics-Patterns of Bahá’í Life" (Dale and Rhonda Spenner).

"Applying Bahá’í Principles to Your Work" (Ms. Bigelow).

"New World Developments: A Bahá’í Perspective" (Sheila Banani).

"Working with Mona" (Mr. Mock).

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers" (Ellie Jacobi).

Musical entertainment was provided by Mr. Locke, on the Lakota flute; pianists Mark Ochu, Ellen Dixon and Andrew Marks; guitarist Jean White Marks with mime Sandra Magestro Fair; and vocalists Shokouh Rezaie and Cecilia Smith.

In addition, Donna Kime conducted the 8-10 year-old children's class choir, and Joseph Boor led a sing-along during "family time" Saturday evening.

Separate classes were held for the more than 230 children at the conference. As always, well-planned children's classes were an integral part of the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference. Mr. Locke gave a demonstration of Lakota Indian sign language to a group of children and their teachers.

MR. Khadem spoke to the youth, emphasizing the importance of memorizing the Writings, and answered questions from them on a variety of topics.

On Saturday evening, a barbecue picnic was held for the youth so they could socialize with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants and representatives of national committees.

That same evening, Mr. Locke thrilled the audience with his justly famous hoop dance. Afterward came the social event of the weekend, a dance party featuring music ranging from disco to Persian-style.

The cultural exchange was fascinating as those on the crowded dance floor made room for break dancers and belly dancers alike.

On Sunday morning, Mr. Khadem once again addressed those who had come together to build a momentum designed to carry them through the final months of the Seven Year Plan and into the start of a new Plan.

A fresh outlook was gained as everyone was reminded that the end of the century will be a time of new beginnings for the Cause of God.

Before leaving the Green Lake Conference, some of the friends couldn't resist taking a canoe ride on the lake itself.

Photo Captions

Above: To the Bahá’ís of the World... was the theme of the 26th Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference whose deliberations were centered around winning the remaining goals of the Seven Year Plan and preparing for the upcoming Six Year Plan which is to begin at Ridván 1986.

Right: Kevin Locke, a Lakota Sioux Bahá’í from South Dakota, performs his renowned and immensely popular 'hoop dance' at Green Lake using 28 hoops in various configurations. More than 1,000 people attended the 26th annual regional conference. [Page 5]

THE FUNDS

November 1985

'World-embracing vision' assures Fund's solid foundation

"Let your vision be world-embracing..."

This simple yet powerful statement from Bahá’u’lláh establishes the foundation of an attitude toward the National Bahá’í Fund that is gaining momentum in the American Bahá’í community.

The quote is featured on the cover of the National Fund brochure distributed at District Conventions and in a recent Feast mailing. The brochure focuses on three basic topics:

• The world-embracing vision of the Faith.
• The four-fold challenge given us by the Universal House of Justice.
• The substantial progress of the Fund during the Seven Year Plan.

Today, the American believers must carry the "lion's share" of the financial burden of the Faith. Our contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund help not only the work in this country but the work of the Bahá’í community throughout the world. Thus, our vision becomes "world-embracing."

This global vision underscores two messages from the World Centre dated January 2, 1984, and January 3, 1985. In these messages, the Universal House of Justice presents to the Bahá’í world four challenges:

• The development and coordination of world-wide efforts to proclaim the Bahá’í Message ("The Promise of Peace").
• The further development of the World Centre including the completion of the three remaining buildings on the Arc.
• The establishment of social and economic development projects.
• The completion of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in India.

Each of these points represents a substantial challenge to our financial resources. Clearly, our contributions to the National Fund are "the prerequisite of future progress and achievement."

The National Bahá’í Fund has made considerable progress during the Seven Year Plan. Last year, and the year before, our contributions were nearly double the amount given in the first year of the Seven Year Plan. Today, we are striving to reach an annual goal of $8.7 million.

That annual goal is achievable. Already, we have witnessed important gains this year as each month, contributions have exceeded the amount contributed for the same Bahá’í month last year. A 40 per cent increase in contributions over last year is required to achieve this year's goal.

As is so often stated, the challenge of the Fund is spiritual, not material. Our acceptance of the world-embracing vision of Bahá’u’lláh will ensure the spiritual foundation necessary to lift "once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind."

Fund progress during the Seven Year Plan

GOAL $8.7 million

• $2,900,000 (9 months)
• $3,602,000
• $4,649,000 (10 months)
• $5,683,000
• $5,867,000
• $6,270,000
• $6,427,000

California Central No. 2 moves to forefront at 42.4

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund by District

"...our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind." — SHOGHI EFFENDI

Winners' Circle

• • Highest percentage participation**

1. California Central No. 2 2. Minnesota Northern 3. Colorado Western 4. Iowa 5. Washington Southwest 6. Utah 7. Nebraska 8. Ohio Northern 9. Idaho Southern 10. Georgia Northeast 11. Pennsylvania Eastern 12. Texas Central No. 2 13. Nevada Southern 14. Idaho N/Washington E 15. Pennsylvania Western 16. Kansas 17. Maine 18. Minnesota Southern 19. Wyoming

• • Most improved participation**

1. Texas Central No. 2 2. California Central No. 2 3. South Carolina South No. 1 4. Oregon Eastern 5. Texas Northern 6. Minnesota Northern 7. Colorado Western 8. Texas Central No. 1 9. South Carolina East No. 1 10. Virginia Southwest 11. Washington Southwest 12. New Mexico S/Texas W 13. South Carolina Northern 14. Louisiana Southern 15. Utah 16. Florida Northern 17. DelMarVa 18. Idaho Southern 19. Nevada Southern [Page 6]

‘Senior citizens’ making large contribution as pioneers

Senior citizens form a large contingent of pioneers in many countries of the world. Some have been in their adopted countries for many years; others have arrived more recently. The September issue of Pioneer Post carried a few brief excerpts from recent letters, which we share with you here. It is our hope that they will inspire those older Bahá’ís who may be asking themselves how they can best serve their Beloved during the years they have left on this earthly plane.

Grace and Abram Feldstein, Puerto Rico—A complete change of lifestyle has ensued, and it so far is clearly paving the way for us to be of more assistance to the Faith...

The day I made the decision to resign and file for Social Security (at age 63), everything started falling into place.... We began a search for a cheaper rental and hopefully back in colorful and historic Old San Juan—the spot where Abe lived for many years ... God led us to the Old City's most picturesque street—and considerably lowered rental!

Abe is in seventh heaven back in the old town. Almost daily, he bumps into old familiar faces—people who knew him years ago. Although Abe has still not regained his speech from the severe stroke in 1981... he has learned to accept the unacceptable.... For him, this is little short of a real miracle! It is amazing how he teaches the Faith silently without the use of words. His face is alight with so much love and serenity that people, utter strangers, become attracted as moths to a flame.

I can't tell you how many people we have met and shared his story and a bit about the Faith—just casual encounters in public. A genuine smile speaks volumes!

Our San Juan Assembly has recently decided to initiate regular Sunday morning devotions open to the public.... Other LSAs in the... area are lending support by their attendance and bringing visitors. We try to include scriptures from other world religions but the emphasis is on the Bahá’í Writings... God is blessing us with a new spirit in San Juan...

James and Margaret Walker, Brazil—Five years ago and only some 500 miles from where Margaret became a Bahá’í, and what has happened since that wonderful day has transpired with such awesome speed and has funneled down to our looking out our window at a Brazilian landscape, that it leaves us almost breathless.

Life has come full and whole and meaningful in a way we'd never before dreamed even remotely possible. Everyone knows that pioneers go off to the far corners of the earth in wild, primitive areas where sleeping sickness and Beri-Beri and amoebic dysentery are the order of the day. Right? Well—there are exceptions, and we're in the great big beautiful middle of one.

In 1960 the Brazilian government sent 60,000 workers into the interior, 400 miles west of Rio de Janeiro, and in five years they raised the City of the Future out of the mountains and the jungle. And that's where we're living.

Our daughter-in-law, Dr. Zlmarian Walker, says that in the weeks before we moved here, she and Bob used to ask each other, "What will we do with them when they GET here?" Now, she says, they have to make an appointment six weeks ahead of time and then stand in line to see us!

Well, I'll tell you: don't ever retire and go pioneering. You don't know what busy is until you do. And ain't it wonderful? We are constantly overwhelmed by what has happened to us, to our lives.

"Only yesterday, when the world was young..." the song goes. The world—and we. And here we sit, 5,000 miles from what used to be home, with all our bridges burned behind us, quite suddenly legal residents and permanently committed Bahá’í pioneers—for the rest of our lives (a second career beginning at age 67!); our entire family now Bahá’ís, each committed in his or her own way, and nowhere to go but forward in the Cause of God, and we are joyously overwhelmed.

As Joany Lincoln says in her beautiful pioneering song, "Now we know why we're here!"...

OPEN GOALS

AFRICA (F) Mauritania 2 (E) Nigeria I (E) Tanzania 1

AMERICAS (S) Argentina 4 (S) Chile, Easter Island 1 (E) Dominica 2 (S) Ecuador, Galapagos Is. I (F) French Guiana 2

ASIA (E) India (West Bengal) 1 (E) Nepal I

AUSTRALASIA Caroline Islands (E) Kosrae I (E) Truk 1 (E) Tuvalu 2

Language key: E—English F—French S—Spanish

Pioneer Post is a newsletter consisting of excerpts from letters written by pioneers from the U.S. to the International Goals Committee. In its eight-year existence, it has been sent quarterly to the 1,500 or so U.S. pioneers in the field, as well as to Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members, and a few others who have requested it. Now it is being offered on a subscription basis to anyone who is interested for $4 a year, starting with the December 1985 issue. Send your checks to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. You'll find Pioneer Post a continuing source of inspiration and love.

‘Super-busy’ is best way to describe pioneer to Taiwan Mary Wallace at 75

Mary Wallace, a pioneer to Taiwan, makes a presentation to Magistrate Wu Shoei-Yun of the Hualien County government.

Undaunted! Who would have guessed that at 75 years of age, Mary Wallace would be involved in the teaching experiences of her life?

Early this summer, Mary completed a series of visits to 11 universities and colleges in seven cities throughout Taiwan, her pioneer post.

She had made presentations to the university libraries and had spoken to the student bodies. At one university she spoke to more than 1,000 students.

Her talks center around the topic "Mankind Is One," and in them she shares some of her experiences as an educator and world traveler.

On July 10, Mary celebrated her 75th birthday. In August, she was off again, this time to attend the Pacific/Asian Bahá’í Youth Conference in Malaysia and to remain for the entire month to travel and teach throughout that country.

As September arrived, Mary returned to Taiwan in time to begin her tour of the universities, some for the first time and others as a returning speaker.

She writes, "Words are so inadequate when I try to express the gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh for all the privileges and blessings I receive—to serve our beloved Faith."

Easter Island

Don Van Brunt, a pioneer to Easter Island, is pictured in his Mapuche Indian ‘manta’ during a recent visit to Temuco, Chile.

Don Van Brunt, Easter Island—The first local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Isla de Pascua was elected June 19. There are 14 adults and 10 children and youth, including American, Basque, French, Chilean and indigenous backgrounds in our Bahá’í community.

We have had some excellent Bahá’í teachers here for a few days each, but the pioneer cannot yet handle Spanish enough to elect officers, meet together for a photo or do much organization. Ideally, we need on-the-job help in all departments of coming to grips with the answer to "So we are now an Assembly; where do we go from here?"

We are happy to have gotten this far, and are anxious to help this lovely community arrive at its glorious potential. Practically all of the 2,000 or so inhabitants are aware of and friendly toward the Faith, including the governor...

One of the most exciting conditions here, second only to the friendliness and receptivity of the people, is tourism. People who come here to see and study the rare archeological wonders often discover also the Bahá’í Faith, and go from here to tell others about what they have found....

Editor's note: Chris Ruhe-Schoen went from his pioneer post in Chile last May to help Don find the ninth Bahá’í on Easter Island to form the Assembly. Last year, Nina Gordon had gone from the U.S. at the request of the International Goals Committee and had helped to enroll the first eight believers. Here are Chris's words about Don Van Brunt:

And so, blessed by victory and wonderful experiences, I flew out of Easter Island. It was the high point of my life. When I told Don this, tears streamed down his face. He had invited me and paid for my plane ticket. It was he, dear friend, who had opened the way to all the bounties I had received. Don is, no doubt about it, a hero. While others of his generation waste their last years in no-kids-allowed "adult communities" in the North American Sun Belt, he lives, far from his beloved wife, unable to speak the native languages, on the most remote island on earth.

He is lonely and isolated, but his bounties are inestimable. There he is, at one end of a spiritual axis with his suffering brothers and sisters in Iran, the first to fill, at long last, a goal given by Shoghi Effendi himself, and he is teaching, by true example, the Bahá’í Faith to the gentle people on that far island. The world is crying for heroes. Real ones, not fake ones from the silver screen. Don's a real one. His efforts will no doubt bring, one day, a bountiful spiritual crop.

Don is younger than most youth. He loves little kids. He's always admiring them and patting their wee silky heads. He says, when asked, that he's going to stay on Easter Island for two weeks, or until the end of his life, whichever comes first.

Wanita George, Honduras—To my great joy, Hooper Dunbar, his wife (my only daughter), Marilyn, and their gifted son, Sutherland, spent three wonderful days with me on their way to the U.S.

They were sent to give Hooper some rest from his constant, exhausting work with the International Teaching Centre, while Marilyn translates from Spanish to English for the Universal...

Africa campaign dedicated to Mr. Olinga

A continental campaign of teaching and consolidation has been going on in Africa, dedicated to the memory of the beloved Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga.

Initially, the campaign is aimed at Kenya, Uganda, Zaire, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, Chad, Benin and Sierra Leone. There is a need for devoted, knowledgeable, able and willing friends to take part. Some help is available depending on the time available and the needs of the individual and country.

For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. [Page 7]

For youth, one challenging goal remains Youth Committee sets master plan

An open letter to Bahá’í youth

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

While the maturation process can be a slow and laborious effort, it would seem that this generation of Bahá’í youth is taking extraordinary steps to make the transition with relative ease and deliberate speed.

IN LITTLE MORE than a year, we have witnessed among the youth a regeneration of spirit and a seriousness of purpose that has carried us from victory to victory—sure signs of maturity.

Inspired by the discourse and guided by the discipline of the Bahá’í Youth Movement, the youth have taken on new goals, completing each with a high degree of success. The observance of International Youth Year with more than 20,000 trees planted as a public service, the success of the teaching work this summer with more than 500 projecteers welcoming hundreds of new believers, the successful completion of all of the numerical goals of the National Youth Plan for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan—these are among the many victories the youth have achieved.

There is also much to look forward to. The statement on peace addressed to the peoples of the world by the Universal House of Justice presents many unique opportunities for proclamation and teaching. The U.S. release of “Mona with the Children” gives us a new tool for teaching our peers. And the Six Year Plan, to be launched next spring, will place new challenges before us.

There is but one goal yet to be filled. The Universal House of Justice has called for “a vast increase in the number of avowed adherents to the Faith.” None of us can say with any conviction that this objective has been successfully achieved.

This is the challenge that must now be addressed before the close of the Seven Year Plan next April.

The Bahá’í National Youth Committee is confident that the youth, charged with the energy and success of the summer’s events and ennobled by the vision of the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice, will meet this challenge with audacity and commitment.

LET US USE the force of the momentum that has been building to address this goal. Let us respond with that new level of maturity we have acquired. Let us, above all, remember who we are—spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers, charged with a lofty mission.

We are that generation which will assume the mantle of leadership during the difficult days ahead. We must seize today’s opportunities to teach the Faith so that we will be better prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We eagerly await the fruits of your efforts and send you our affection and assurance of prayers.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

Regional Youth Committees set plans in motion for rest of Seven Year Plan

Major changes have recently been made in the structure of the Youth Network.

Parisa Payman, a 15-year-old Bahá’í from Hinton, West Virginia, represented the Faith at the Summers County Social Studies Fair held March 30 at Hinton High School where she won a first place award in sociology. Many of the teachers and students accepted Bahá’í pamphlets which were on display. In May, Miss Payman represented the Faith on the state level at the West Virginia State Social Studies Fair at Marshall University in Huntington.

Twelve Regional Youth Committees are now in place, and, in addition, 68 District Youth Committees have been appointed by the National Youth Committee. These committees have been given their mandates and are putting their plans into motion for the remaining months of the Seven Year Plan.

The primary emphasis is being given to organizing and carrying out teaching projects—one each week in each region between now and the end of the Plan—in a concerted effort by the youth to do their part to win the remaining goal of the Plan: that is, bringing about “a vast increase in the number of avowed adherents to the Cause.”

Youth are, and will continue, deepening on the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice while creating projects, events, and other plans for reaching their peers, their teachers, professors, employers, etc., with this healing message.

To be part of the excitement, contact your District Youth Committee or the National Youth Committee, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or phone 305-584-1844.

Youth Committee sets master plan for Year of Peace observance in ’86

The Bahá’í National Youth Committee recently developed a master plan for the observance by young Bahá’ís of the International Year of Peace.

The following approved objectives comprise a basic plan of action and may be applied to individuals as well as to groups and organizations of youth.

First, Bahá’í youth should prepare themselves spiritually for the activities of IYP through an intensive study of the statement on peace by the Universal House of Justice as well as through prayer and study of the Writings on peace and related topics.

Afterward, and as a result of that study, youth are asked to dedicate their time and talents toward:

• communicating the Bahá’í teachings on peace to their contemporaries in a manner that will be welcomed and understood;
• disseminating the statement widely, both to their peers and to leaders of thought and people in authority on college campuses;
• developing scholarly statements that support and prove the arguments found in the statement by the House of Justice;
• generating artistic expressions (dramatic, fine arts, musical) that depict the major themes of the peace statement;
• interacting with and associating between Bahá’ís and other youth-serving, peace-promoting organizations with an eye toward identifying and developing common points of unity of thought;
• enlisting, generating and attracting the active support of non-Bahá’í contemporaries in the primary themes of the peace statement as well as inviting these peers to join us in the process of peace-making at the local level;
• enlisting the support of leaders of thought and people in authority, specifically on university campuses;
• promoting via extensive use of the media the positions and key concepts of the statement;
• supporting all locally-based programs for dissemination of the statement.

Bahá’í youth must gain an understanding of the historical significance of the statement on peace and are urged to respond with an increased level of sacrificial service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

NOTE: All official presentations of the peace statement to university, government and media officials should be made only after the approval of any local Spiritual Assembly in that jurisdiction.

Bahá’ís are urged to support fully the efforts of local Assemblies and to present their ideas for dissemination of the peace statement for approval to those agencies before implementing any plans so that our united efforts can result in the greatest impact.

NOTICE

The Youth Pilgrimage Program has been transferred from the National Youth Committee to the Office of Pilgrimage at the Bahá’í National Center.

Youth can sign up to be on a waiting list for the Youth Pilgrimage offered in late June each summer.

For details, write to the Office of Pilgrimage, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

‘Holiday season’ offers choice of two terrific conferences for Bahá’í youth

This year, the “holiday season” offers two special choices for conference-goers... one on each coast!

IN THE east, the National Youth Committee and National Race Unity Committee will be co-hosting the sixth annual Disney World Conference in Orlando, Florida.

This year’s gathering will focus on our “double crusade”—the elimination of racism as a necessary prerequisite to the establishment of a lasting peace.

Special guest speakers and workshop sessions will discuss the causes and cures of racial prejudice—both within and without the Faith.

The conference, which will be held December 27-31 at the Disney World vacation resort, will also include entertainment along with the annual group visit to either the Magic Kindom or EPCOT Center.

Meanwhile, out west, “Youth, the Key to Peace” is the theme of the first Grand Canyon Bahá’í Youth Conference sponsored by the Bahá’í youth of Arizona and scheduled for December 27-30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix.

Among the speakers there will be the Hand of the Cause of God Alí-Muhammad Varqá.

The purpose of the conference is to create a learning environment in order to understand the role of youth in the development of world peace and the attainment of the spiritual qualities necessary for its success.

Among the special events to take place:

• A teaching event and unity Feast at a neighboring Indian Reservation.
• A proclamation meeting.
• A youth-oriented service project.
• A splendid workshop program.
• A fund-raising dance-a-thon.
• A banner contest.
• Late-night entertainment programs.
• A complete conference bookstore.

Complete information on both conferences including registration is available through the National Youth Committee by filling out the coupon below and mailing it to the National Youth Committee office, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313. Or you may phone 305-584-1844.

Doug Cameron’s U.S. tour promotes ‘Mona’ album, video

Recording artist Doug Cameron and his band toured the U.S. over the past two months proclaiming the Faith’s message of peace by promoting the “Mona with the Children” album, video and single.

As of November 10, the band had performed 18 concerts in 15 states from California to New Jersey.

By now everyone should have participated in a “Working with Mona” workshop and learned the techniques for bringing the message of peace to the public using Mona’s story. (If you haven’t heard about the workshop scheduled in your area, phone your District Youth Committee or District Teaching Committee right away.)

We hope you’ll arise quickly with discipline and forethought to take advantage of this special opportunity to reach your peers.

Keep calling those request lines at the radio stations—and keep in mind the following:

Only call a station after you have heard the record played;

See TOUR Page 14

YES! I’d love to know more about the conference in ... [ ] Florida (Disney World/December 27-31) [ ] Arizona (Phoenix/December 27-30)

Name ________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________

Please send me all the details right away! Thanks! [Page 8]

EDUCATION

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

Family Unity Night

FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER: HUMAN RIGHTS (Man’s nobility). Thought for the Week: "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: p. 204, No. 1. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 116, 363. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 242-43. 3. Gleanings, p. 215 (CIX). 4. Gleanings, p. 215 (CX). 5. The Hidden Words, No. 13, pp. 6-7. 6. Divine Art of Living, No. 3, p. 99. Activity: (suggestion: see pp. 242-43 in Bahá’í World Faith). ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "... scientific investigation is the most noble product of creation ..." Create and build one or more of the following objects: airplane, boat/ship, parachute (handkerchief with string attached to four corners, light object like a toy soldier), or a toy telephone (two cans and waxed string). Refreshments: Nachos and milk. (Nachos: dab picante sauce on nacho chips, top with shredded cheese and bake at 350° for two minutes.)

SECOND WEEK IN DECEMBER: MASA'IL (Questions). Thought for the Week: "At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and, with all his soul, persevere in the quest of his beloved." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: pp. 72-73. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. The Hidden Words, No. 12, p. 6. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 189 (3rd), pp. 321-22. 4. Gleanings, p. 194. 5. Foundations of World Unity, p. 60. Activity: "20 Questions" game. Pick an object in the room. The participants get to ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to find out what it is. Or, hide an object in the room. Participants ask questions to find out where it is. Or, think of a Bahá’í hero/heroine. Participants ask questions to find out who it is. Refreshments: Veggie sticks, a favorite dip and fruit juice.

THIRD WEEK IN DECEMBER: LOVE (Jesus' birth, December 25). Thought for the Week: "Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle ..." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: p. 35. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. The Hidden Words, No. 4, p. 4; No. 5, p. 4; No. 9, p. 5. 2. Divine Art of Living, pp. 108-9, No. 2. 3. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 365-66. 4. Paris Talks, pp. 35-39. Activity: (suggestion: see p. 366, Bahá’í World Faith, on "magnetism"). Investigate the attracting power of magnets. Find out what they will and won’t stick to in the home. Put a sheet of paper between two magnets and watch how they move. Pick up paper clips with a magnet and observe how the magnet, like love, has an attracting influence. When two magnets are close to each other but not touching, one magnet can move the other around. Refreshments: Apples stuffed with peanut butter, roasted nuts and fruit juice.

FOURTH WEEK IN DECEMBER: SHARAF (Honor). Thought for the Week: "All honor belongeth unto God and unto them that love Him ..." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: pp. 144-45. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. The Hidden Words, No. 11, p. 6; No. 14, p. 7. 2. Gleanings, pp. 305-6 (CXL). 3. Kitáb-i-fqán, pp. 222-23. 4. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 167-68, 1st Taráz. Activity: Consult a dictionary for the meaning of "honor." Consult together on the ways in which honor comes to a Bahá’í by following Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. Each person should choose an honorable action that he/she can perform the following day. Make an honorary "award" or certificate to be given to each person upon completion of his honorable action. Or, read a story from one of the books for children in which a person was honored. Suggested books: The Black Rose, The Secret in the Garden, or The Cornerstone. Refreshments: Homemade fruit cake, served with ice milk or frozen yogurt and apricot juice.

National Assembly of Australia to sponsor Bahá’í Peace Exposition at House of Worship

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia is sponsoring a Bahá’í Peace Exposition to be held March 29-April 6, 1986, at the Bahá’í House of Worship at Mona Vale, near Sydney.

Included on the calendar of events are two Peace Services, a Peace Conference, Bahá’í Studies Conference, a gala concert, conflict resolution workshops, a tree planting, civic reception, peace ribbon, and ongoing daily activities such as ethnic music, dancing and cooking, exhibits and displays, arts and crafts activities, displays on the principles of the Faith, and so on.

The purpose of the exposition is to reach out to the people of Australia and invite them to participate in a variety of events that will draw their attention to the fundamental issues of peace while giving them a unique insight into the Bahá’í teachings.

For more information, contact the Bahá’í Peace Exposition Committee, P.O. Box 187, Terrey Hills 2084, Australia.

Bahá’í children to be encouraged to carry out ‘peace projects’ during Year of Peace in 1986

Bahá’í children will be encouraged to carry out "peace projects" during the International Year of Peace, 1986.

IN ITS letter of January 1985 to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice called for national and local communities to "sponsor a wide range of activities which will engage the attention of people from all walks of life to various topics relevant to peace, such as: the elimination of racism, the eradication of prejudice, the promotion of education, and the extension of social and economic development" (emphasis ours).

"We believe children can play a special role in carrying out their own projects in keeping with these objectives," says Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Local Bahá’í children's classes will be especially encouraged to participate in the Peace Project Campaign, and also to invite civic and religious children's groups in their areas—such as the Scouts and church/synagogue schools—to participate.

After a child, class or organization has completed a specific peace project, a description of it should be sent to the National Teaching Committee where it will be documented, and an acknowledgement letter returned to the child or group.

"The Teaching Committee is enthusiastic about the children's participation in the International Year of Peace," says Mr. Cornwell. "We feel the Peace Projects Campaign will provide a framework for children to be actively involved in efforts for peace.

"The campaign will also provide an educational curriculum for Bahá’í children's classes that will extend from the classroom to the world outside.

"It will offer opportunities for children and teachers to ‘reach out’ to civic and religious organizations in their areas to participate with them in a worthwhile ‘service’ endeavor, and will incorporate guidance from the House of Justice calling for peace activities that are ‘sustained’ and that ‘attend to fundamental issues of peace.’

"It is intended," he says, "that the children’s Peace Projects Campaign will extend into the future, and can bring about very real changes in the perceptions of our children about their involvement in helping to bring about world peace."

Further details of the campaign will be offered in future issues of The American Bahá’í, and information can also be obtained by contacting the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Pictured are Bahá’í School children in Bosque Farms, New Mexico, who are regular contributors to the fund for restoration of the Bahá’í House of Worship and were responsible for making a centerpiece for a dinner in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace in September at which their parents served 28 Bahá’ís and 38 guests including the children's public school teachers. The centerpiece consisted of a globe resting on a nine-pointed star and surrounded by flags of various nations.

Directory of children's programs planned

A national directory of Bahá’í children's class programs in the U.S. Bahá’í community is being compiled by the National Teaching Committee. Children's class programs in this network will receive periodic communications from the National Center regarding educational and curricular information.

If your local class program is not included in this network, you are encouraged to contact the LEAP coordinator in your district or the National Teaching Committee office. Please give the name, address, phone number and Bahá’í I.D. number of one contact person and one alternate contact person for your class program.

‘Promise of World Peace’ to be theme of Louhelen School’s winter session

"The Promise of World Peace" is the theme of the winter session to be held December 27-January 1 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Among the teachers will be Dr. Victor de Araujo, representative of the Universal House of Justice at the United Nations in New York.

Other teachers and their topics: Drs. Richard and June Thomas of East Lansing, Michigan ("Race and Peace"); Bill and Dale Sims of Guelph, Ontario ("Peace and the Family"); Mrs. Betty de Araujo ("Women and Peace").

Dr. Changiz Geula and Mrs. Marianne Geula from Kentucky will conduct a special study session for youth on the House of Justice's peace statement, while Ms. Jeanne Gazel, a teacher of dramatic arts at Lansing Community College, will guide junior youth in producing a dramatic presentation on one of the themes in the peace statement.

A special Unity Feast will be held December 31, and an educational program for children will be provided. Also offered will be a full complement of devotional, recreational and social activities.

Those who wish more information or who would like to register may write to Hermione Pickens, registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Louhelen invites entries for Hayden Poetry Fellowship

The Louhelen Bahá’í School Council invites submissions for the first fellowships in the Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship program.

THE PROGRAM, established at Louhelen with the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, is designed to give promising poets the time and means to concentrate on their writing while promoting the development of poetry at Louhelen and in the Bahá’í community.

Fellowships provide room, board and a small stipend during the Fellow's stay at Louhelen. They vary in length depending upon the funds available in the Fellowship fund and the discretion of the review board.

The fellowships are awarded by a board of three established Bahá’í poets and writers. The first fellowship is expected to begin in June 1986.

Submissions for this fellowship are due February 1, 1986. Full details about qualifications, directions for submissions, and review criteria are available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. [Page 9]

Louhelen Council establishes Joy Hill Earl scholarship fund

The Louhelen Bahá’í School Council, with the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, is pleased to announce the establishment of a scholarship fund in the name of Joy Hill Earl.

THE FUND is being formed to give financial aid to children of pioneers who wish to continue their education in the U.S. through the Louhelen Residential College (LRC).

Mrs. Earl and her husband, Dr. David Earl, were Bahá’ís from Michigan who pioneered for 13 years in Japan and Korea. Joy Earl died in 1972 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Many pioneer families are interested in sending their children to the U.S. for their college education, but the difficulty of financing an American education on a foreign salary, combined with a reluctance to send their children back to the States to encounter life on a university campus alone, frequently necessitates the family’s return.

A scholarship fund for the children of these dedicated Bahá’ís will lighten the financial burden and help some of them to remain in the field, knowing that their children are living in a Bahá’í environment with concerned, responsible counselors to guide them.

Joy Earl’s life of service as a pioneer, her sterling character and her radiant nature, which was always evident even in the face of continued illnesses, is an outstanding example of the life of a devoted Bahá’í. A scholarship in her name for the children of Bahá’í pioneers is a fitting honor to her memory.

Dr. Earl, who is now living in Guam, recently wrote to express his approval and pleasure on learning of the scholarship fund.

"MANY years ago in Japan," he wrote, "Joy purchased three old Japanese silver coins for my birthday present. I have treasured them all these years, but recently began to feel that they should be returned to Japan.

"I had no particular plans for using the money; it was merely a feeling of what was suitable. When a Bahá’í couple who are close friends of mine here recently planned a trip to Japan and the U.S., I entrusted the coins to them for sale in Japan.

"It was while they were away on their trip that your letter arrived. As I read it over several times, it suddenly dawned on me that I did in fact have a use for the money—I would use it to honor Joy by making the first contribution to the new fund."

If you would like to contribute to the Joy Hill Earl Scholarship Fund, please send your donation to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

Bosch given National Assembly OK for 'Martha Root Teaching Center'

At its September meeting, the National Spiritual Assembly approved a proposal to begin construction of a new education complex at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California.

THE NATIONAL Assembly also approved a proposal that the central auditorium building be designated "The Martha Root Teaching Center."

Phase 1, the planning of the project, has been completed. The original design of the complex as one structure has been amended to include four buildings: an auditorium/multi-purpose building and three contiguous classroom buildings.

The auditorium, measuring 4,040 square feet, will contain a central meeting hall with a seating capacity of 200, an infants’ "crying room," a projection booth and audio control room, storage areas, an entrance foyer, registration office and rest rooms.

On the southern side of the building will be access to a patio area including a small outdoor amphitheatre and campfire ring. In an arc beyond will be the three classroom buildings which complete the complex.

All four buildings will be single-story, gable-roofed structures with wooden exteriors finished in natural or earth tones to blend with the existing facilities.

THE INITIAL surveying of the site is complete. Phase 2 got under way October 8 as excavation of the site began.

Some money is available to cover the cost of grading and construction of a weather-tight shell for the auditorium, but it is estimated that the entire cost of constructing the buildings and necessary furnishings for the complex will total around $375,000, with $300,000 needed to complete the auditorium alone.

Construction of the Martha Root Teaching Center is proposed to be completed with the school acting as general contractor for hiring workers or using experienced Bahá’ís as volunteers to help with the project.

Mark Beers (center), maintenance manager at the Bosch Bahá’í School and construction superintendent of the Martha Root Teaching Center project, discusses construction plans at the project site with Dr. William Maxwell (left), a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Robert Armbruster, general manager of NSA Properties Inc.

Contributions to help support the project should be earmarked as such and should be made in addition to one’s regular contribution to the National Fund.

Archives seeks help

The National Bahá’í Archives is trying to locate original letters from the Guardian to the following individuals:

Jennie Bonds, Helen Campbell, Walter Guy, Bertha Harmon, Dorothy B. Logelin, Emily Olsen and Katherine Page.

Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bahá’ís give impetus as peace leaders meet in Seattle, Olympia

In recognition of the United Nations’ first International Day of Peace, 19 leaders in the local peace movement met September 16 in Seattle, Washington, to discuss rapport among peace groups there, which now number more than 50; to find ways in which to increase the number of people actively involved in peace work; and to explore areas for sharing resources.

The meeting, and a similar one in Olympia, was envisioned and planned by local Bahá’ís who arranged co-signing of the invitation to 35 peace groups and provided the site, refreshments, a meeting chairman, and reporting.

Louhelen’s administrative director co-authors textbook on learning skills

D.C. Heath Company, a major publisher of college textbooks, has published a textbook on college learning skills co-authored by Dr. William Diehl, the Louhelen Bahá’í School’s director of administrative affairs.

The text, "Developing Textbook Thinking," is designed for college courses in reading and boic of Ingstudy skills, and is intended to help students become more effective and efficient learners in college courses.

The text, expected to be used in colleges across the country, identifies Louhelen as being Dr. Diehl’s institutional affiliation, and its acknowledgements include reference to the Bahá’í Faith.

In addition to its possible use in colleges throughout the U.S., the textbook will also be used at the Louhelen Residential College, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 1986.

Students enrolled at the LRC will be receiving special instruction and help in college study skills from Dr. Diehl as well as courses in Bahá’í studies, taught by Dr. Geoffry Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs.

Additionally, students will be taking courses in degree-granting programs at Mott Community College or at the University of Michigan-Flint.

Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg marks Day of Peace with observance at local park

The Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sponsored a public observance September 15 of the United Nations International Day of Peace at Italian Lake Park.

The program consisted of prayers, songs, and a speaker, George Mark of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, whose topic was "World Peace: More Than an End to War."

A statement from the governor was read with proclamations from the Dauphin County Commissioners and the mayor of Harrisburg who sent his assistant, Suzanne Colacicco.

More than 100 invitations were sent to interested organizations, churches and individuals, and more than half of those who attended the observance were not Bahá’ís.

Three cable TV stations and the local newspaper sent reporters and cameramen, and parts of the program were broadcast on the local news that evening by all three networks.

Bahá’í community of Baton Rouge

The Bahá’í communities of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, combine forces each Sunday morning for children’s classes and a deepening class for youth and adults. The meetings are held at a local garden club in the heart of the city, convenient for all. Pictured is the group that attended the first Sunday session after the summer break. (Photo by Stephanie Fielding) [Page 10]

Before teaching Faith, Bahá’ís must acquire knowledge

In a letter of Ridván 1982 the Universal House of Justice called for a "mighty upsurge in effective teaching" to meet the challenge of the growing hunger of peoples of the world for "the love of God and reunion with Him." This is the fourth in a nine-part series that explores the principles of teaching the Faith. Every believer can, through the simple and direct guidance found in the Writings, become an all-confident, effective Bahá’í teacher, capable of uniting hearts with Bahá’u’lláh.

Having looked at the importance of living the life for teaching, we now turn to the knowledge needed to teach.

A LETTER written on behalf of the Guardian indicated that "you should first equip yourself with the necessary amount of knowledge about the Cause and then, and only then, try to teach." (The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, No. 114)

Indeed, Shoghi Effendi also wrote that "to strive to gain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation" must be "the first obligation and constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents." (No. 80) How can we even begin to try to live the life without a study of Bahá’u’lláh’s counsels?

The purpose of deepening our knowledge is so that we can convey the Teachings of the Cause in their pure form. So important is this that Bahá’u’lláh Himself encourages us to memorize passages from the Writings to use in teaching:

"From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman." (No. 25)

What other specific items are we encouraged to study to teach more effectively? From the Writings of the Faith these include the "logical points and proofs" of Bahá’u’lláh’s claim (No. 64); the "methods of teaching" (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 200); especially the "talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá" (No. 37); the "spirit and tenets of the Faith" (No. 102); "essentials of Bahá’í belief and the distinguishing features of the Administrative Order" (No. 82); and the "history and teachings... laws and principles, ... exhortations and prayers,... and... current affairs and latest developments." (No. 83)

THERE ARE topics in other fields of learning that Bahá’ís are encouraged to study to be more effective teachers. These include "history... social and economic subjects" (No. 143) and the "troubles and problems... which baffle the mind of man" (No. 99) The purpose is to be better able to apply the Bahá’í teachings to the problems facing humanity, and to present these solutions in ways to attract the peoples of the world. (No. 137) This is the definition of Bahá’í scholarship, a role that is open to every believer.

The range of our study of the Faith is broad, and must certainly last a lifetime. We’ll find that involvement in teaching the Cause will itself open many new opportunities for learning as seekers present new questions and perspectives.

The important thing is to make a start and continue to study on a regular basis. Upon this depends the fate of the community.

"Success will crown the effort of the friends on the homefront when they meditate on the teachings, pray fervently for divine confirmations for their work, study the teachings so they can carry the spirit to the seeker, and then act; and above all, persevere in action. When these steps are followed, and the teaching work (is) carried on sacrificially and with devoted enthusiasm, the faith will spread rapidly." (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, No. 161)

NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, references in this article are taken from The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith.

SEVEN YEAR PLAN TEACHING PROGRESS

Assembly goal (Seven Year Plan): 1,750 Local Assemblies formed: 1,749 Assemblies on Indian Reservations (goal: 50)

Welcome to these new Assemblies: Shelby County, TN St. Tammany Parish, LA Springfield, VA Harlingen, TX Great Falls, VA Coldstream, KY Eagle Butte, SD Mille Lac, MN S. St. Louis County, MN South Houston, TX Red Bluff, CA San Mateo Co. Cen. JD, CA Georgetown, TX Taos County, NM Clarksdale, MS Victorville, CA Greater McLean, VA White River Twp., MI

We stand just one Assembly short of our Seven Year Plan goal, according to telephoned reports from the community. Will your community be 1,750? A strong push this month should get us over the goal. Can 1,800 be far behind?

NEW BAHÁ’ÍS

Goal: "unprecedented increase" Since Ridván: 3,098 (as of September 20) Number of youth (included in total): 837 (27%)

The top 10 states in terms of the number of new believers from Ridván to September 20 are: South Carolina: 221 South Dakota: 155 California: 132 North Carolina: 124 Texas: 114 Georgia: 96 Florida: 60 Arizona: 58 Oregon: 53 Massachusetts: (Not listed in sequence/1,598 total context)

Although we've already surpassed the enrollment totals for each of the last three years, we still have a long way to go to achieve the goal of an "unprecedented increase in the number of avowed adherents to the Faith throughout the country and from all levels of society." To achieve this goal, we must strive to match the energy spent in the successful summer projects with a corresponding effort of fireside teaching through Ridván. The statement on peace by the Universal House of Justice provides the perfect material for an unprecedented number of firesides.

DISTRIBUTION

One of the goals of the Seven Year Plan is to "endeavor to increase the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies and localities in those states where their number is relatively small, thus achieving a more balanced distribution." There is still time for greater progress in this goal. Each state whose Bahá’í population is relatively small (the 10 smallest at the outset of the second phase of the Plan are listed below) should consider—among and within the individuals, Groups, Auxiliary Boards, DTCs, and others—what steps can be taken to increase the number of localities and Assemblies in their area.

Distribution lowest by loc. (1/1/81 to 6/1/85):

Rhode Island: (Loc. 29, Assy. 3) to (Loc. 27, Assy. 2) [-7% Loc, -50% Assy] Nevada: (Loc. 30, Assy. 10) to (Loc. 39, Assy. 11) [+30% Loc, +10% Assy] Wyoming: (Loc. 37, Assy. 4) to (Loc. 38, Assy. 3) [+3% Loc, -25% Assy] North Dakota: (Loc. 42, Assy. 6) to (Loc. 24, Assy. 7) [-43% Loc, +17% Assy] South Dakota: (Loc. 42, Assy. 8) to (Loc. 58, Assy. 20) [+38% Loc, +150% Assy] Nebraska: (Loc. 47, Assy. 10) to (Loc. 55, Assy. 11) [+17% Loc, +10% Assy] Kentucky: (Loc. 50, Assy. 6) to (Loc. 51, Assy. 5) [+2% Loc, -16% Assy] Utah: (Loc. 50, Assy. 6) to (Loc. 42, Assy. 7) [-16% Loc, +16% Assy] Vermont: (Loc. 50, Assy. 3) to (Loc. 59, Assy. 4) [+18% Loc, +33% Assy] West Virginia: (Loc. 52, Assy. 6) to (Loc. 53, Assy. 4) [+2% Loc, -33% Assy] Total: (Loc. 429, Assy. 62) to (Loc. 444, Assy. 74) [+3% Loc, +19% Assy]

Joy Earl

Joy was a member of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City. It was while teaching at Green Acre in 1951 that she received the news of Louis Gregory’s death. After such sad news, she was delighted to learn that the beloved Guardian had named her "Uncle Louis" a Hand of the Cause of God.

In spite of Joy's ill health and a rough ocean voyage, the Earls arrived in Japan on March 14, 1952, and celebrated Naw-Rúz with the Bahá’ís of Tokyo. During the next several years they taught the Faith in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia.

Alongside her many teaching activities, Joy was chairman of the Music Workshop, a member of the board of directors of the Tokyo Women's Club, president of the Imperial Ball, and president of the College Women’s Association of Japan. Her associates in all these endeavors knew she was a Bahá’í and respected the Faith because of her.

In 1963, while living in Korea, Joy was chosen to be among the pilgrims to Haifa following the first election of the Universal House of Justice. Despite failing health, she returned from that pilgrimage with renewed vigor and devoted herself to teaching the Cause in Korea.

In 1965, after 13 years as a pioneer, the Earls returned to the U.S. Some years later, after an operation, Joy's health took a miraculous turn for the better. So the Earls planned a visit to the grave of the Guardian, a pilgrimage to Iran, and a teaching trip to Malaysia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Unfortunately, Joy began to experience difficulty walking, and by August 6, while in Malaysia, was in such pain that walking became impossible. Nevertheless, she continued the trip, holding firesides, deepenings and public meetings as planned. Her last public talk, a triumph over pain and illness, was given August 18 in Kuala Lumpur.

Although unable to complete her plans to visit the Philippines and Taiwan, Joy was surprised and cheered by a welcoming party September 3 at the Tokyo Bahá’í Center where she was greeted by more than 50 friends, some of whom she had known for more than 20 years.

Joy and David soon returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she died on November 27, 1972. About 200 friends, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, attended her funeral. The Universal House of Justice cabled the following message:

"Grieved passing faithful handmaid Bahá’u’lláh Joy Earl. Her exemplary service pioneer field Far East over long period and teaching homefront greatly valued. Assure devoted husband prayers Holy Threshold progress her soul."

Peace Ribbon Project

This banner was created by a group of women from the Bahá’í communities of Cowlitz County, Longview and Kelso, Washington, for inclusion in 'The Ribbon' peace project in which several thousand such panels were wound around the Pentagon and other buildings in Washington, D.C., August 4 in support of world peace. The Bahá’í panel was one of three or four chosen to represent the state in a permanent collection and traveling exhibit with the Chicago Peace Museum following the August event. Publicity for the banner was splendid with several articles in local newspapers. [Page 11]

Conference launches year-long peace campaign in Eau Claire

Elizabeth Jenner, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is photographed by a local television news cameraman during the World Peace Conference held September 7 in Eau Claire.

More than 60 people attended a World Peace Conference held September 7 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The conference launched a world peace campaign sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Eau Claire which is to run through September 1986.

The peace conference began with a presentation by the Spiritual Assembly to Robert Shaw, vice-president of the Eau Claire City Council, who expressed his happiness that a group in Eau Claire is promoting world peace.

Guest speakers at the conference included Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland and two members of the Spiritual Assembly of Eau Claire, Pamela and Dennis Johnson.

The spirit of their talks was enhanced by an excellent musical presentation by pianist Mark Ochu of St. Cloud, Minnesota.

The conference was included in news broadcasts on both local television stations. A news team from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire also covered the event and broadcast its report on the public access TV channel in Eau Claire.

A reporter from the local newspaper was present for the entire conference and wrote a long and accurate article which was published the following Sunday.

To launch the campaign, the Bahá’ís in Eau Claire first outlined its purposes, then developed a "statement of vision" setting forth the Bahá’í concepts of peace and what is required to bring it about.

Each of its elements was then put into place with a list of possible non-Bahá’í organizations to be contacted to enlist their support and involvement.

Each of the community firesides is designed to address a particular aspect of world peace such as the need for a world government, world law, human rights, a world language, women's rights, education, the elimination of racism, better family relationships, and so on.

The first peace seminar, whose theme was "Visions of a Violence-Free Society," drew an audience of more than 60.

Annual Missouri Bahá’í School has ‘Dawn-breaker’ theme

The 1985 Missouri Bahá’í School will be held November 28-December 1 at Trout Lodge in Potosi, 85 miles southwest of St. Louis.

This year's theme is "Dawn-breakers in the New Era" with sessions to be held on the Guardian, race unity, peace, parenting, and pioneering.

Teachers will include Counsellor Velma L. Sherrill, Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy, and Mrs. Simin Jalali.

Well-planned children's classes are included, and a special session for youth, centered on the consultative process, is titled "Youth of Today/Leaders of Tomorrow."

Among the recreational activities planned are an art class directed by Mrs. Farah Nieuwenheusen (bring your own T-shirt for this); the "Mona" video tape; and a hay ride and bonfire under starlit skies.

The school fee, covering comfortable accommodations in heated cabins (linens and towels supplied) and five family-style meals, is $68 for adults (over 21), $58 for youth and students (14-21), $37 for children (3-13), and $3 for infants.

Pre-registration fee is $5. Mail to Bob Yoder, registrar, St. Louis, MO 63119, or phone 314-962-9011. Please indicate ages of children.

Enrollments in five states near 2,800: Focus turns toward consolidation as teaching campaigns continue

Among the 40 teaching projects carried out this summer are some, especially those with high enrollments, that will be continuing throughout the year to consolidate the new believers while continuing expansion efforts. We will occasionally provide updates on their progress.

KANSAS

Kansas recently passed the first anniversary of its systematic teaching campaign that has set ablaze not only the Midwest but the rest of the country as well.

There have been about 25 enrollments in Kansas since last Ridván, and a new Assembly was formed in September in Winfield. Three localities have eight adult believers, and efforts are planned to bring them soon to Assembly status.

A recent highlight was a visit to Winfield, his home town, by Hugh Chance, a member of the Universal House of Justice, during which the mayor of Winfield declared September 29 "Hugh Chance Day" in the city.

In his proclamation, the mayor urged the citizens of Winfield to rededicate themselves to the work of eliminating barriers to world peace and international understanding.

Mr. Chance's visit, which included his participation in a peace conference at Southwestern College, generated excellent publicity with articles in several local newspapers, all of which mentioned the Faith and Mr. Chance's membership on the House of Justice.

MASSACHUSETTS

The well-organized and well-executed Lowell Project, which resulted from consultation among the Spiritual Assembly of Lowell, the Regional Youth Committee, District Teaching Committee, District Youth Committee, Counsellor Farzam Arbáb, Auxiliary Board member William Roberts, and members of the National Youth Committee, has resulted in some 90 enrollments to date.

The teaching has focused on the Laotian, Cambodian and Vietnamese communities in Lowell. Programs include children's classes and tutoring in English. Three homefront pioneers have recently moved to the area to give further support.

NORTH CAROLINA

The "Carolina Victory Train," working its way back and forth across the state, has met with unqualified success with more than 150 new believers since Riḍván.

The western extension of the Victory Train is conducted by local believers within their own communities each week. In Charlotte, the Assembly holds regular deepenings for new Bahá’ís while expanding the teaching work to new communities.

Meanwhile, the Spiritual Assembly of Winston-Salem has begun a direct teaching campaign with activities each week.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Project Tabarsi has seen more than 2,300 enrollments since Ridván with more than 140 people taking part in the campaign.

Several consolidation methods are being used including Ruhí and W.E. (weekend) Institutes.

Recently, nine homefront pioneers have come to the state, making a total of 45 this year.

The visit this summer by the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop was very well received and resulted in nearly 150 declarations.

Meanwhile, WLGI Radio continues to open many teaching opportunities for those in the field.

In December, a teaching conference and project are planned. Youth are especially welcomed either before or after the Disney World Conference.

More teachers and homefront pioneers are needed.

SOUTH DAKOTA

As of mid-September, 221 enrollments were reported with three new Assemblies: in Eagle Butte, the Bordeaux District of Rosebud Reservation, and in White River.

Teaching continues on the Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Cheyenne River and Crow Creek Reservations.

Winter activities will focus on consolidation and development, with an intensive effort to reach all those who have become Bahá’ís in the past two and one-half years.

Winter headquarters for the Amoz Gibson Project will be in St. Francis: P.O. Box 508, St. Francis, SD 57555. Phone 605-747-2302.

40-plus attend third West Texas Seminar

More than 40 Bahá’ís from Mexico, Texas and New Mexico met over the Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 2) at the Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains State Park to take part in the third annual West Texas Bahá’í Seminar sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Angelo and the District Teaching Committee of Central Texas No. 2.

The seminar encompassed two days of presentations on contemporary Bahá’í topics. Speakers included Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Steven Scholl, Don Ewalt and Doug Barding.

‘Achieving Spiritual Destiny’ is theme at 9th Wisconsin Bahá’í Summer Camp

Pictured are many of the Bahá’ís from four states and the Cameroons who took part July 26-28 in the ninth annual Bahá’í Weekend Summer Camp at Augusta, Wisconsin.

Ninety-one people from four states and the Cameroons gathered July 26-28 for the ninth annual Bahá’í Weekend Summer Camp in Augusta, Wisconsin.

The theme for this year's camp, whose activities were inspired by and dedicated to the Hands of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem and William Sears, was "Achieving Our Spiritual Destiny: Becoming a Teaching Family."

Among the participants were Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland and one of his assistants, Elizabeth Jenner of Eau Claire.

Besides classes, talks and workshops for youth and adults, highlights included dawn prayers, swimming, the release of helium-filled balloons with a Bahá’í peace message, a video tape of some of the Hands of the Cause of God talking about the beloved Guardian, a fireside with Mr. Birkland, and the declaration of a college-age youth from Chippewa Falls. [Page 12]

Association for Bahá’í Studies holds 10th Conference

More than 600 people from North America, Europe and Africa gathered August 15-18 at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, for the 10th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

AS ALWAYS, the Conference provided a splendid forum for an exchange of ideas and insights on such issues as children, peace and a wide range of other interesting and challenging topics.

Among the many distinguished speakers were Dr. William Maxwell, a professor of education at the University of Texas and member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; Varindra Vittachi, deputy executive director of UNICEF; Dorothy MacKinnon, past president, UNICEF-Canada; Jack E. Matthews, professor of education and director of international programs at Trent University; Louise LeBlanc, native medical health coordinator, Medical Services Branch, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory; and Dr. Victor de Araujo, chief representative of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations in New York City.

Serving as Conference chairman was Dr. Glen Eyford, an educator and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

This year's Hasan Balyúzí Lecture was given by Dorothy Freeman, author of From Copper to Gold: The Life of Dorothy Baker, a biography of the Hand of the Cause of God who died in an airplane crash in January 1954.

The Bahá’ís were welcomed to Vancouver by deputy Mayor Marguerite Ford who expressed her support for the Conference and added that she agrees with the Bahá’ís' positive approach to solving world problems.

THE meeting of the Association was preceded August 15-16 by the fourth International Conference on Health sponsored by the Bahá’í International Health Agency.

Also held at the University of British Columbia were three sectional conferences of the Association for Bahá’í Studies: Human Habitat (August 15-16), Marriage and Family Studies (August 16) and Education (August 16). A fourth sectional conference, on Arts, was canceled.

The sectional meeting on Human Habitat was a policy conference that established terms of reference for a new section of the Association to be known as the "Section for Environmental Design."

The winners of the Association's annual essay contest were:

• High school category: Arman E. Danesh ("Bahá’í Economics: An Analysis and Discussion").
• Creative writing category: Jacoba Nurani Philippe ("Táhirih: A Libretto").
• General category: Rhett Diessner ("The Republic and the Divine Civilization").
• University category: Adam Robarts ("Akhbar's Dream—A Discourse on the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette").

BESIDES its many speakers, the main Conference included workshops on a number of topics, the presentation and discussion of nine submitted papers, entertainment between sessions, and an outdoor barbecue featuring traditional British Columbia fare.

Also included was a children's public speaking program on "Comparative Religion" coordinated by Mrs. Gayle Woolson, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh.

Mr. Matthews spoke Friday evening on "Youth and Service to Mankind." He was followed by Ms. MacKinnon ("Women and Peace") and Dr. de Araujo ("The Bahá’í Commitment to Unity and Peace").

The speakers Saturday morning were Ms. LeBlanc ("An Indigenous Perspective on Education for Peace"), Mr. Vittachi ("UNICEF: Children in Trouble") and Dr. Maxwell ("The Human Brain as a Model for Decision Making").

They were followed Saturday afternoon by Otto Donald Rogers ("Creative Principle and Propagation") and Dr. Hossain Danesh, chairman of the Association for Bahá’í Studies and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada ("Evolving Perspectives on Bahá’í Studies"). Essay contest winners were then introduced and three of the four winning papers presented.

ON SUNDAY morning, Ms. Freeman spoke about her book on the Hand of the Cause Dorothy Baker with the remainder of the morning session devoted to workshops and the presentation of submitted papers.

The seven workshops, conducted simultaneously Saturday evening and again Sunday morning, had as their topics:

• Spiritual Dimensions of Suffering and Martyrdom.
• Socio-Economic Development: A Bahá’í Perspective.
• Youth: Being and Becoming.
• Preparing a Scholarly or Scientific Paper for Publication.
• Bahá’í Historians Look at History.
• Promoting Racial Unity in a Multi-Racial Society.
• Women's Issues—Toward Equality.

The nine submitted papers and their authors:

• Táhirih: A Religious Paradigm of Womanhood (Susan Stiles).
• General Jack: The Immortal Heroine and Artist (Gol Aidun).
• Bringing in the Dawn: Women and Peace (Susan Brill).
• Doukhobors and the Bahá’í Faith (‘Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian).
• Sacred Metaphor (Keith Blanding).
• The Bahá’í Faith: Evolving Understandings of Its Basic Teachings (Robert Stockman).
• The Hermeneutic Circle and the Abhá Horizon (Paul McKibben).
• Alcohol Education: A Challenge for the Bahá’í Community (Elizabeth Ritter).
• An Examination of the Bahá’í Writings Concerning the Universal House of Justice Functioning Without a Guardian (Brent Poirier).

Next year's 11th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies will be held August 20-24 at the University in Western Ontario in London.

Louhelen youth class conducts survey, finds that world peace is indeed possible

Our youth class at the Louhelen Bahá’í School's general session August 22 conducted a survey on world peace in the city of Davison, Michigan.

WE HAD studied the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice, and through consultation had decided to conduct the survey.

Questions were devised and four were chosen as best addressing the issues we were most concerned with: 1. Do you think it's possible to have world peace? 2. Do you think peace can be established by the year 2000? 3. What problems must be solved before we can have world peace? 4. What could you do to help create a peaceful world?

The survey was an indirect teaching project, and we shared the Faith only at the invitation of people who commented on our radiance, diversity or clothing on which were Bahá’í designs.

Although we were a bit apprehensive at first, we were well received, and about 94 per cent of those we approached agreed to take part in the survey.

MORE than half were optimistic about the possibility of establishing world peace, but the respondents were somewhat less hopeful that it would become a reality by the year 2000.

The question on helping to create a peaceful world generated a wide range of responses with some people expressing helplessness and others saying that we could hasten change through belief in God, kindness, cooperation, equality, religious agreement, love, unity, learning to communicate, becoming involved, and voicing our opinions.

Other responses that were reassuring to us included the elimination of prejudice, one common government, one religion, more spirituality, honesty, trust, etc.

An article about our survey appeared September 1 in the local newspaper, the Davison Flagstaff, under the headline "Bahá’í Youth survey says world peace is possible."

Throughout our exchanges with people, our patience, consideration, attentiveness and genuine interest was appreciated and we received many complimentary remarks.

In return, we felt a sense of connectedness with the larger community as we shared common concerns.

We felt also a sense of confirmation about being Bahá’ís and about our beliefs and hope for a new and better world.—Colleen Williams, teacher

Captions and Sidebar

A young Bahá’í (right) asks a resident of Davison, Michigan, about the prospects for world peace during a survey taken in August by members of a youth class at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

Above: A banner at the University of British Columbia's Totem Park heralds the Association for Bahá’í Studies' 10th annual Conference.

Below: Among the speakers at the Conference were Victor de Araujo, the Bahá’í International Community's representative to the United Nations, and Dorothy Freeman, author of From Copper to Gold, a biography of the Hand of the Cause Dorothy Baker.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday-Friday Phone 312-869-9039 [Page 13]

Los Angeles Bahá’ís honor Dizzy Gillespie

Dizzy Gilfont Judge James F. Nelson (right), chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, presents a certificate of commendation from Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles, California, to famed jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie who was honored September 16 by the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles for his 50 years in music. More than 500 fans, friends and fellow Bahá’ís gathered at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center for the tribute to Mr. Gillespie.

60-plus attend first Conference for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís

More than 60 Bahá’ís from California, Mexico and as far away as Texas gathered over the Labor Day weekend in San Fernando, California, for the first Conference of Spanish-Speaking Bahá’ís.

THE featured speakers were Counsellors Carmen de Burafato of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Fred Schechter of La Mesa, California, and Auxiliary Board members Dr. Arturo Serrano of Ensenada, Mexico, and Edward Diliberto of Long Beach, California.

The conference focused on the themes of creating a greater role in Bahá’í activities for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís, and finding the means to achieve greater enrollments among the Spanish-speaking population in the U.S.

As if to underscore that goal, seven new Latino believers entered the Faith in San Fernando in the three weeks prior to the conference and two more during the sessions themselves.

One of the new Bahá’ís invited six seekers, all from his home town in Mexico, who had arrived in San Fernando only two days before. They surprised and delighted the friends by attending every session.

In one of the conference workshops, Mr. Diliberto emphasized the three stages in the development of a believer's soul: confirmation, consolidation and consecration. The most important step, he said, is to recruit the new believers in immediate service to the Faith.

"If you get them to help serve," he said, "you've got them. If not, you've lost them."

Special conference activities included video taped interviews with guest speakers and other participants, and an audio recording by six of the friends of two widely used Spanish-language booklets, Palabras de Dios, a compilation from the writings, and Alba de Una Nueva Era, an introduction to the Faith, for reproduction on cassettes to be used with illiterate and blind believers, for Feast devotions and on radio.

In addition, there was a public meeting at which Counsellor de Burafato spoke and a superb array of professional Bahá’í performers in an uplifting variety hour.

Entertainment, fun, nostalgia and warm appreciation were the order of the day September 16 as more than 500 fans, friends and fellow Bahá’ís gathered at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center to honor famed jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie on his 50th anniversary in music.

A SPECIAL certificate of commendation from Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles was presented to Mr. Gillespie by Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a personalized gift to Mr. Gillespie from the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles.

Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, unveiled a remarkable hand-cast solid bronze human figure holding a medallion which bears Dizzy's monogram.

An inscription on the statue, which stands almost two feet tall, reads: "To Dizzy Gillespie, honoring 50 years of excellence in music and service to mankind."

Also engraved are Bahá’u’lláh’s words, "Music is the ladder by which souls ascend..."

A copy of the book Waging Peace was presented to Mr. Gillespie, also on behalf of the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles, by Truitt White, a member of the Spiritual Assembly.

Overwhelmed but never speechless, Mr. Gillespie delighted the crowd with an acceptance speech full of love, wisdom and humor.

OBVIOUSLY moved by this act of appreciation from his fellow Bahá’ís, he assured them he would sleep well that night—with the statue on his pillow!

"Religion," Mr. Gillespie told his audience, "is like a relay race.

"Christ carried the baton until it was time to give it to Muhammad.

"Then Muhammad carried it for His duration until it was time to give the baton to the Báb, Who then gave it to Bahá’u’lláh."

The salute continued with music by the Buddy Childers quintet with singer Diane Varga and by Paul Hubbard's 17-piece orchestra.

Chuck Niles, a well-known radio jazz personality, introduced entertainers Benard Eghner, Bobby Shew, Jack Sheldon and Fayard Nicholas who expressed their love, admiration and respect for Mr. Gillespie. Their revealing, poignant and often humorous recollections imparted a portrait of Dizzy not commonly known to the public.

Many of Mr. Gillespie's friends were either out of town or had other commitments that kept them away. Best wishes were received from several of them including trumpeters Freddie Hubbard, Doc Severinsen, Harry (Sweets) Edison, and brothers Pete and Conte Candoli, and singers Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae.

Dr. George Hill, a Bahá’í from Carson, California, who is a Gillespie bibliographer, gave additional insights into Dizzy's life as a Bahá’í.

MR. Gillespie, a native of Cheraw, South Carolina, was playing professionally while still in his teens in a band led by singer and trombonist Billy Eckstine.

In the early to mid-1940s he teamed with the legendary alto saxophonist Charlie (Bird) Parker and a handful of other innovators to move jazz from the swing era into a new phase known then as "bop" which evolved into the modern contemporary music most often heard today.

In addition to his trumpet work, Mr. Gillespie is a talented composer whose best known works include "A Night in Tunisia" and "The Champ."

For his tribute, the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center overflowed with exotic flowers, colorful balloons and extraordinary edible fresh fruit sculptures created by the Center Assistance League.

The event itself was video taped for documentary purposes.

Yeoman work in planning the salute to Mr. Gillespie was done by an ad hoc committee whose members were Buddy Childers, Gloria Haithman, Al Heintzelman, George Hill, Lisa Janti, Aurore Ragston, Maggie Russell, Muhtadia Sallaam-Rice, Diane Varga and Velura White.

Art proclaims Faith

Sara Hatch, a Bahá’í who has been pioneering with her family to Okinawa since last June, has wasted little time proclaiming the Faith to Okinawans through her art work, arranging a one-woman exhibit in October that was well publicized through flyers that mention the Faith, television interviews, public appearances, and articles in a magazine and local newspaper.

As a result of Mrs. Hatch's exhibit, she says, "many people will see the words 'Bahá’í Faith' and know to a small degree what they stand for."

All Flags Flying! by William Sears

If You Loved "Laughter"... THEN YOU'LL LOVE All Flags Flying!

Much has happened to the Sears family since the writing of God Loves Laughter, and here are more hilarious stories of their travels, with an interweaving of the basic teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and tributes to pioneers and collaborators with Mr Sears.

Delightfully illustrated by Robert Reedy 360 pp. 21.3 x 13.7 cm 18 x 5m, 40 illustrations Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE IL This title not export by the Distribution Seos

Please send me the following copies of All Flags Flying! Hardcover $20.00 Softcover Please add shipping charges of 10% Minimum $1.50

Name Address City State Zip [Page 14]

Bahá’ís respond quickly to ‘Promise of Peace’

If sales of its first edition are any indication, the U.S. Bahá’í community is responding-and responding quickly-to the statement from the Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace.

Five thousand copies of the inexpensive study edition of the statement were sold in a matter of a few days by the Bahá’í Distribution Service. More copies had to be rushed to Wilmette from the World Centre Publications warehouse.

However, the World Centre edition is only the first of four editions that will be carried by the Distribution Service.

Guidelines given for making copies of ‘Promise of Peace’

The National Spiritual Assembly is asking the Bahá’ís in this country to follow its guidance in making copies of The Promise of World Peace.

The National Assembly asks that the version sent to communities with the study guide only be photocopied in quantities large enough to serve the Bahá’í community.

If a community wishes to make large numbers of copies to distribute to the general public, it should contact the National Teaching Committee, which soon will have available nicely printed copies of the statement, suitable for large-scale duplication and distribution.

Tacoma Assembly offers literature in Khmer language

The following Bahá’í literature in the Khmer (Cambodian) language is available from the Spiritual Assembly of Tacoma, Washington:

"Short Bahá’í History and Some Teachings," 1-10 copies, $1 each; 100 copies or more, 50 cents each.

"Bahá’í Prayers," 1-10 copies, 50 cents each; 100 or more, 25 cents each.

"What Is a Bahá’í?," 1-25 copies, 20 cents each; 100 or more, 10 cents each.

The minimum order is $3. Please add 15 per cent to all orders to cover postage.

The production of these materials is part of the social and economic development plan of the Bahá’í community of Tacoma. Bahá’ís and their families from Cambodia are involved in the project. Funds retained are used to support other community activities, for example, teaching English as a second language.

To order materials, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Tacoma, P.O. Box 11242, Tacoma, WA 98411.

"We’re calling the World Centre publication The Promise of World Peace-Study Edition (75 cents, SC) to distinguish it from the other editions," says marketing manager Robert Blum.

"The World Centre publication is nicely done and is perfectly acceptable as a gift to a friend or for use in booths and at fairs.

"Thanks to the efforts of the Office of Persian/American Affairs," he adds, "we are now distributing inexpensive copies of the statement in Persian." The Persian Promise of World Peace will sell for 60 cents in a very simple edition.

"As The American Bahá’í goes to press early in November," says Mr. Blum, "we expect to have received the more elaborate version of the statement which we’re calling The Promise of World Peace-Presentation Edition. It will sell for $3.

"The 'presentation edition' is larger than the study edition and has a heavy, fine, dark blue paper cover stamped in gold and blue ink."

Included in that edition is a summary of the Universal House of Justice’s statement on peace, the statement itself, and an addendum that provides information about the Bahá’í Faith and the House of Justice.

Specific quotes from the text are highlighted in this edition and printed beside the main body of the text.

Early in 1986, The Promise of Peace-Deluxe Edition is expected to be available from the Distribution Service.

"The deluxe edition," says Mr. Blum, "will be case bound and have a handsome oyster-colored cover which will also be stamped in gold and blue.

"Proceeds from the sale of this edition, which is a collector’s item, will be used to help defray the costs of production of materials to support teaching and proclamation activities during the International Year of Peace."

The price is expected to be in the $30 range. More information about this edition will be available in the December issue of The American Bahá’í.

"It is our hope that among these four editions we’ll meet the needs of the Bahá’í community for this extremely important document," says Mr. Blum. "Still to come are a number of publications and special materials to support the efforts of Bahá’ís during the International Year of Peace."

November shipment from EBILA to add four titles in Spanish, restock others

The Bahá’í Distribution Service expects a shipment in November from EBILA in Argentina which will add four titles in Spanish and restock all others.

Among the four new books are two that have been reprinted by EBILA: Diós Pasa (God Passes By), which sells for $9, and Epistola al Hijo del Lobo (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf), which is $7. Both are softcover.

The two new books from EBILA are the Universal House of Justice’s Recopilación de Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, el Báb y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Compilation of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, $3.50 SC) and Una Fortaleza para Bienestar (A Fortress for Well-Being), which sells for $3.50 in softcover.

Recopilación contains more than 100 pages of the Creative Word of Bahá’u’lláh, 50 pages from the Báb and 70 more from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which makes this an ideal book for deepening.

"We’re trying to make available as broad a spectrum of books in Spanish as is possible," says marketing manager Robert Blum. "Naturally, the width of the spectrum grows as the demand for books in Spanish widens.

"At this time we’re trying to make a core of introductory materials available for teaching and also to keep a limited supply of all the available works of the Central Figures of the Faith.

"We welcome feedback," he says, "from those who are involved in teaching and deepening Spanish-speaking people about which of our books are the most effective and useful in their work."

On prayer, search for God: Two books from George Ronald, one from Canada are due soon

Two new books from George Ronald, Publisher, and one from Bahá’í Publications in Canada are expected to arrive at the Bahá’í Distribution Service in November.

George Ronald’s offerings include Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach ($8.95 HC, $4.50 SC) and Once to Every Man and Nation ($5.95 SC).

And from Canada comes the pocket-size prayer book Remembrance of God.

Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach was written by Madeline and William Hellaby who first developed an outline on prayer at a seminar in Northern Ireland and later for use in summer schools. In its book form, the Hellabys have divided the topic into two parts.

William Hellaby writes in the first section of the book on prayer as man’s link with God, the need for prayer, its power, and the actions that should result from prayer.

In the second part of the book, Madeline Hellaby deals with prayer as "a living reality."

Once to Every Man and Nation, edited by Steve and Randie Gottlieb, contains 37 first-person accounts that led 37 very different people to accept the Faith.

According to the publisher, the book will be valuable not only to Bahá’ís but to people "who are making their own search."

Contributors to the book come from a wide range of cultural, racial, social and ethnic backgrounds. The editors are pioneers from the U.S. living in Puerto Rico.

Finally, in response to a demand for small prayer books to be used in teaching and deepening activities, the Bahá’í Distribution Service is making available Remembrance of God for 75 cents.

Remembrance of God contains eight prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, two by the Báb, and 11 revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in a booklet small enough to fit in one’s shirt pocket.

"We see the tide of teaching activity on the rise," says a Distribution Service spokesperson, "and we hope that material such as this makes the work of the teachers in the field more productive."

Tour Continued From Page 7

•If you hear it on one local station, but not the one you usually listen to, call that station and mention where you heard it and that you’d like to hear it again.

If your station does not have a request line, as do many of the adult contemporary and campus music stations, call the program director or music director. Identify the song by name, "Mona with the Children" by Doug Cameron.

Do not identify yourself as a Bahá’í unless you are specifically asked.

Record sales also are important in determining radio and TV exposure, so be sure to purchase the record at your local store. If they don’t have "Mona with the Children," request it, then follow up to make sure it gets stocked.

Let’s see if we can boost the record to even greater heights than Canada! Jack Lenz, the producer and tour director, said in mid-October that "Mona" was No. 15 on radio charts of major stations in Canada after 13 weeks and was still moving up on the charts.

ORDER FORM

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

Bahá’í Datebook $2.00 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 10/1.85 Bahá’í Wall Calendar 1.25 Bahá’í Faith in America, HC 19.95 Bahá’í Prayers, HC 7.50 Bahá’í Prayers, SC 3.75 Foundations of World Unity, HC 10.00 The Hidden Words, HC 6.00 The Hidden Words, SC 3.50 Kitab-i-iqán, HC 14.25 Kitáb-i-lqán, PS 3.75 Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto, HC 26.50 Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto, SC 11.95 Once to Every Man and Nation, SC $5.95 Persian: Promise of World Peace, SC .60 Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach, HC 8.95 Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach, SC 4.50 Promise World Peace-Deluxe Edition, HC 30.00 Promise World Peace-Pres. Edition, SC 3.00 Promise World Peace-Study Edition, SC .75 Prophecy Fulfilled, PM 10/4.50 Remembrance of God, SC .75 Span: Dios Pasa, SC 9.00 Span: Epistola al Hijo del Lobo, SC 7.00 Span: Fortaleza para Bienestar, SC 3.50 Span: Recopilación de Escritos, SC 3.50

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

Name Address City State Zip

Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312-251-1854 (within Illinois). Prices good through December 31, 1985 [Page 15]

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh—not revealed to be heard but to be practiced

The Hidden Words Bahá’u’llah

From the banks of the Tigris River to our hearts comes a love song. Not an ordinary love song, but an exalted one that tells of the love of God for His creatures.

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, revealed on the eve of His forced departure to a lifetime of imprisonment and exile, is a collection of gems of mystical prose clothed in "the garment of brevity." These gems stand as a beacon of light in a world darkened by the ominous threat of war.

The Hidden Words gives us loving counsel and a warning—to examine the facets of our lives, abandon that which is not eternal, and transform ourselves that we may gain true happiness and freedom.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that we should "recite day and night both the Persian and Arabic Hidden Words" and "conduct (ourselves) in accordance with these divine counsels. These Holy Words have not been revealed to be heard but to be practiced."

He also encouraged us to memorize The Hidden Words. And, he says, if we conduct ourselves in accordance with them, we shall become "a torch of fire of the love of God, an embodiment of humility, of lowliness, of evanescence and of selflessness."

As we prepare to offer to the peoples of the world the statement on peace by the Universal House of Justice, what better time to become such a torch? For if we can embody the attributes of a true Bahá’í, our light will attract others who are now perhaps surrounded by the shadows of materialism, doubt and anxiety.

Let us approach God's love song with a resolve to receive and reflect its inner light and thus do our part in bringing about the world's peace.

(The Hidden Words is now available in a new edition that features headings "From the Arabic" or "From the Persian" at the tops of the right-hand pages. The covers resemble those of the hardcover and pocket-size Gleanings. Hardcover, $6; softcover, $3.50.)

Christian Century includes positive review of Bahá’í Faith in America

The Christian Century, an ecumenical weekly journal with a worldwide readership of 38,000, included in its September 25 issue a favorable review of The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, by Robert H. Stockman.

The reviewer noted that "from this small seed has sprung an American branch of a growing world religion," and concluded that "Stockman shows how in city after city a few dedicated people began to hold and spread this faith, and how some of them succeeded. He presents a gallery of their pictures in this first volume of what should be a notable historical work."

How to order

To order any titles listed on this page, individuals living anywhere in the world should see the Bahá’í Distribution Service coupon in this issue.

Bahá’í institutions outside the contiguous 48 states should order directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Have you ordered your new Bahá’í Datebook yet?

wkm

NO! I didn't like last year's. I'll just buy a Hallmark calendar

Didn't you read about this year's features? -month-at-a-glance format... lots of space for notes... a reminder to give to the Fund every month.

I guess it has changed!

Besides, buying the Datebook and other items helps keep the Publishing Trust in business—so they can continue to produce materials for us.

I hadn't thought of that. I could use several—one at home, one for the office, one for the Teaching Committee...

It's nice to have a calendar that fosters your Bahá’í identity.

Yeah. Who needs a Hallmark anyway?

Camera-ready copy of peace statement readied

You've read The Promise of World Peace at least 19 times and made notes all over your copy. You've attended a community deepening and consulted at length on ways to present the peace statement to dignitaries and organizations in your city or town.

You've gone to District Convention and have gotten more ideas and more excitement. You've met with your Teaching Committee, your Spiritual Assembly, your Auxiliary Board member.

You've ordered from the Bahá’í Distribution Service 50 copies of the presentation edition, five of the deluxe hardcover edition, and 75 of the World Centre study edition. And now you're wondering how you can obtain a few thousand more copies for the people in your town—without bankrupting your local treasury.

You are not alone. Many communities have already expressed an interest in obtaining large numbers of copies of The Promise of World Peace for large-scale distribution.

Because the National Spiritual Assembly is aware of this need and feels that copies of the peace statement must be dignified, the National Teaching Committee is preparing a camera-ready copy of the statement which communities can obtain for the purpose of duplication (for details, please contact the National Teaching Committee directly).

Remember, no Bahá’í community has permission to duplicate existing forms of the peace statement for distribution to the public.

In deciding on how best to offer See STATEMENT

Resources for World Religion Day (January 19, 1986)

• The Promise of World Peace, presentation edition
• The Promise of World Peace, World Centre edition
• The Kitáb-i-lqán (pp. 4-21, 51-58, 62-66, 120, 217)
• Foundations of World Unity (pp. 14-17, 28-33, 66-68, 79-80, 92-99, 111-112)
• Peace Pamphlet Series (especially Universal Peace through the Oneness of Religions)
• Prophecy Fulfilled (pamphlet)

Bahá’í calendars, datebook are useful, decorative items

143BF The Bahá’í Wall Calendar 143 B.E. features a full-color photograph of the recently dedicated Bahá’í House of Worship in Samoa.

Each year the Bahá’í world anticipates new Bahá’í calendars as aesthetic and practical items adding color to a wall, organization to planning Bahá’í and other events, and a means of keeping track of appointments.

BAHÁ’Í calendars also serve another useful purpose: they help develop our sense of Bahá’í pride and identity.

This year's calendars are especially attractive. The Bahá’í Wall Calendar 143 B.E. features a full-color photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Samoa. Below the photograph, a 13-month calendar beginning with March 1986 marks all of the Bahá’í Feast days and Holy Days with special notations for Naw-Rúz, the Fast, and the Festival of Ridván.

The reverse side of the Bahá’í Wall Calendar features a list of all of the Bahá’í months, Holy Days on which work should be suspended, and special event days, along with statements by the Guardian about the Bahá’í calendar.

It also includes the text of an address by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Samoa Temple in 1979.

The Bahá’í Datebook 143 B.E. begins with March 1986 and features a Gregorian month-at-a-glance calendar on the top half. To the side of the calendar is a list of Feasts and Holy Days for the month and a space in which to write the location and time for the event.

A quotation from the Bahá’í writings also appears, as does a reminder box to check for giving to the Bahá’í Fund. On the bottom half are lines for additional Bahá’í events, birthdays, anniversaries and other notes.

The cover for next year's Datebook is a vivid graphic design of the words "Bahá’í Datebook 143 B.E." in bold, eye-catching colors of red, black and white. The attractive cover design will serve as a useful teaching tool.

The Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 143 B.E. is a 12-month Gregorian calendar beginning in March 1986 with Feast Days, Holy Days, Naw-Rúz and the Fast marked.

On the reverse side are listed Bahá’í Holy Days on which work should be suspended and other Bahá’í special days. The attractive pocket calendar is printed in "Bahjí" blue.

All three calendars are now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. For prices, please see the coupon on the adjoining page. [Page 16]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

THE GOAL country of Benin, West Africa, has positions open in the petroleum and drilling professions. Needed are a senior petroleum engineer with extensive experience in reservoir engineering, petroleum geology or petrophysical engineering; a chief drilling engineer; a drilling manager with operations and management experience; and a production manager with experience in the field and technical aspects of production. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ONGOING Bahá’í alcohol education research project invites participation from professionals, para-professionals, and interested others. Focus of the research is intervention and education within the Bahá’í community. Please contact Elizabeth Ritter, San Francisco, CA 94103.

NEEDED: A copy of Lights of Guidance, now out of print. Would anyone be willing to sell theirs? I’ll gladly pay (new) cost and postage. Write to Anne Cook, Thetford Center, VT 05075.

WANTED: An Assembly by Ridván in Bismarck, North Dakota, one of the few state capitals without an Assembly. Our community consists of five active adults and one youth. We’ll be happy to send literature about Bismarck to help acquaint you with this lovely, friendly city. If you have an urge to relocate, please read Page 85 in Bahá’í Readings. We need you! Write to the Bismarck Bahá’í community, Bismarck, ND 58501, or phone 701-223-8473 (Alan or Pat), or 701-223-6189 (Jeanette).

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, were thrilled and deeply touched to hear from California, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and even Thailand in response to a request for help in welcoming a new Bahá’í from Cambodia. She has grown closer to our community, her English is improving wonderfully, and (in part because of the interest of the Bahá’ís) her new leg is almost ready. This spirit of unity and assistance is wonderful. Thank you all!—Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hamilton Township.

COME to beautiful Vermont! It’s a lovely place to live, work, study and, above all, become a homefront pioneer in a goal area. Vermont offers employment opportunities in education, high-tech firms, tourism, construction and service industries. There are several good universities and medical centers. For more information please contact the District Teaching Committee of Vermont, c/o Khodadad Varahramyan, Colchester, VT 05446, or phone 802-864-4430.

TANZANIA, in East Africa, needs a transportation economist for the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute. Responsibilities include designing, preparing and implementing short-term training courses for senior transport managers and policy officials, and providing consulting services to public and private institutions. Applicants should have extensive experience in the application of transportation policy analysis including cost-benefit and project evaluation studies. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TRAVELING teachers are needed on the Navajo Indian Reservation, the largest Reservation in the U.S. Among the tasks that face us are: (1) deepening classes for Native American believers, (2) service projects, (3) visiting interested Bahá’ís, and (4) conducting children’s classes. Anyone who is interested can write to Penny Boivin, P.O. Box 2558, Tuba City, AZ 86045, or phone 602-283-4821.

ATTRACTIVE and available: Bahá’í calendars for B.E. 143. Enjoy the beauty of the Samoa Temple on your new Wall Calendar, the convenience of a Pocket Calendar, and the practical new format of the Bahá’í Datebook. For more information, please turn to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust page in this issue.

HISTORIC opportunity to take part in consultation leading to the formation of the first bar association of Bahá’ís. Topics to include the legal profession and Bahá’ís, and the role of an anticipated bar association. All interested persons are invited to the first conference of Bahá’ís and the legal profession, January 10-12, at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.

A NINE-DAY Spiritual Enrichment Institute will be held February 14-23 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The course lays a foundation for fulfilling one’s purpose in life, transmits a sense of inner peace, draws one closer to the Covenant, instills a greater appreciation for prayer and daily study of the Writings, and helps increase one’s capacity for service to the Faith. The cost is $185 for adults registering two weeks or more in advance for a room with 2-3 others. Add $18 for late registration and $45 for a double room. (No extra charge for a double or single room for seniors or the handicapped.) A program for children ages 0-12 will be held. Children 11-12, $150; 4-10, $110; 1-3, $75; 0-12 months, $18. The course will be conducted by Mrs. Joyce Harmsen, an experienced facilitator. To register, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA and MasterCard accepted.

IF you became a homefront pioneer to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, you could summer at Green Acre, help with the Lowell teaching project, travel and teach on Nantucket Island ... and more. For more possibilities, contact Victoria de Leon, P.O. Box 994, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or phone 617-693-4581.

PIONEER to Swaziland is offering 17.44 acres of land for sale in Williamstown, New Jersey, a 30-minute drive from Atlantic City or Philadelphia. Recently appraised at $63,000. For more information contact Robert Taylor, 201-523-3744.

PERSIAN or Asian Bahá’ís: you are lovingly invited to become part of the Bahá’í community of Lakeport, situated on Clear Lake, the largest lake in California, and surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, fertile valleys with ideal climate and clean air, 110 miles north of San Francisco, 100 miles west of Sacramento, 80 miles from the ocean, ideal for families or retirees. Population 5,000, all amenities and necessities for convenient living. We would give all possible assistance in helping you relocate and adjust. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Lakeport, P.O. Box 1643, Lakeport, CA 95453, or phone 707-263-0724.

MARICULTURE: Family wanting to pioneer to the Yucatán-Belize area wishes to contact Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís with technical training or familiarity in the field of mariculture (otherwise known as aquaculture or shell fish harvesting) to explore the feasibility of a development project. Phone John Bradley, 919-789-3930.

THE LOUHELEN Residential College is now accepting applications for September 1986 enrollment. Twenty-six students will be accepted into the program which will combine formal study of the Faith with degree-earning studies at one of two nearby colleges. Enrollment is limited, so write soon for an application and more details to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

HOMEFRONT pioneer wanted in sunny El Paso, Texas, to fan a flame from the spark that has been recently kindled. El Paso is the hub of the southwest Texas-New Mexico area. No longer a cowboy town, it’s a bustling city on I-10, predominantly Mexican-American, but you’ll also find people of Indian, Korean, German and African origin: a world in miniature waiting to be opened to the Faith! A great potential for teaching exists on the Tigua Indian Reservation in the heart of El Paso’s Lower Valley, and there’s also the possibility of border teaching in the sister city of Juarez, Mexico. The University of Texas-El Paso and El Paso Community College await an enthusiastic Bahá’í youth. El Paso is the home of Fort Bliss, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, German Air Force Training Camp, Levi Strauss, Farah, Tonka toys and Tony Lama boots. Ideal weather; mild winters with only two or three snowfalls, plenty of sun for gardeners or golfers, and lovely mountain scenery. Knowledge of Spanish is a great asset. Contact the Bahá’ís of El Paso, P.O. Box 370906, El Paso, TX 79937.

WOODROW Wilson: In line with Bahá’í observances during the 1986 International Year of Peace, and in view of the importance given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi in their writings to President Wilson’s efforts in trying to establish a workable League of Nations, Bahá’í Assemblies or individuals may wish to purchase an official engraving of Mr. Wilson from the government to use for displays, etc. For a price list, write to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Public Affairs Section, Washington, D.C. 20228.

NURSING positions are available at Wilson Memorial Hospital in the heart of eastern North Carolina—an agricultural area where hearts are quickening even as the plants in response to the gardener’s touch. Come work as a nurse and help us cultivate the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh in the people. For more information, contact Karen Tarlo, RN (a Bahá’í), director of perinatal nursing, Wilson Memorial Hospital, Wilson, NC 27895, or phone (collect) 919-399-8175.

GRADE school teachers are needed in the Marshall Islands starting with the January term. Classes have a maximum of 25 students. Subjects to be taught are the traditional ones: English, math, social studies, history, etc. Housing and transportation to the post are provided. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

1985 "Reflections" catalog listing tapes, books, "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts and T-shirts, and other Bahá’í articles is available at no charge from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in northern New Mexico. Help save a jeopardized Assembly in Española, a growing city of 10,000 in a valley beside the Rio Grande River between Santa Fe and Taos—in the heart of Pueblo Indian country. There are great opportunities for minority teaching among Hispanics and Indians. Start a small business in Española, or work in Santa Fe, the state capital (25 miles away), or at the Los Alamos labs (20 miles), or become a part of the thriving arts and crafts communities in and around Santa Fe and Taos. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Española, P.O. Box 1443, Española, NM 87532, or phone Ray Hassen, 505-753-6838.

DOMINICA, in the Caribbean, needs an alcoholism counselor who could set up his/her own practice. The cost of living in Dominica is low and the climate is pleasant. The National Spiritual Assembly of Dominica is willing to help any interested counselor who is willing to commit to such a project. This goal must be won by Ridván. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEERS are needed on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Teachers and hospital workers can easily find employment; doctors and registered nurses are usually in demand. For more information write to Penny Boivin, P.O. Box 2558, Tuba City, AZ 86045, or Louise Ingraham, secretary, District Teaching Committee of Navajo-Hopi, P.O. Box 70, Crownpoint, NM 87313.

FREE program brochure for the Landegg Center in Switzerland includes a description of courses to be offered in six languages through October 1986. Why not combine a trip to Europe next summer with a visit to the "new mecca for Bahá’í education" on Lake Constance? Hiking trails abound; the scenic view includes Germany, Austria and Switzerland. For brochure, write to Landegg Center, Wienacht, Switzerland.

THE GRAND Duchy of Luxembourg, Europe’s tiny, beautiful, verdant and uncrowded country, accessible to France, Belgium, Germany and Holland, would greatly appreciate pioneers to help complete its Seven Year Plan goals. Retired persons can easily receive resident permits. Job opportunities exist in certain fields; school teachers are often required at the American International School of Luxembourg. Part-time teachers are well-paid. In the arts, there is no problem in receiving residence or work permits. Languages are Luxembourgish, French (the official language), and German. English is extremely helpful. For information, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking the personal papers of New York City Bahá’ís [Page 17]

THE MEDIA INTERMEDIA

News from the Office of Public Affairs

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

The December issue of Ms. magazine will feature an article in the "Women in Religion" section about our Faith's early martyr, Táhirih. The issue appears on newsstands the week of November 24. The article was written by Nancy Songer, who, with her husband, David, is a pioneer in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta), Africa. Mrs. Songer, who holds a B.S. degree in agriculture and education, is teaching English as a second language. She has been a Bahá’í pioneer since 1966, having worked in Ecuador and on a Navajo Reservation in the States.

Gwynne Dyer, a syndicated newspaper columnist specializing in foreign affairs, recently published an article titled "Bahá’ís: Victims of the Ayatollah's Wrath" which appeared in the Boston Globe on September 29, the Washington Times on October 4, and the Birmingham News on October 3. The article may appear in many other papers throughout the country under various headlines.

On November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, these words were heard on WBEZ-FM, Chicago's National Public Radio affiliate: "Today's programming is made possible in part by a grant from the Bahá’í community of Chicago. This is to commemorate the 168th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, Who founded the Bahá’í Faith to establish the unity of mankind." The announcement was broadcast three times (at 7 a.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.) in recognition of funding provided for the day's programming by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago.

BUSY BAHÁ’ÍS

Kevin Locke, a Bahá’í from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, and Frank McLemore, a Cherokee Bahá’í who is active in the Dallas, Texas, Indian community, were in The Dallas Morning News recently when Mr. McLemore organized a week-long conference to focus attention on Native American concerns. The gathering was held during Texas' American Indian Heritage Week. Mr. Locke was prominently pictured playing a flute, called a wikki jo, during the conference.

The following article, headed "Wage Peace," appeared in the Southern California District No. 1 DTC newsletter: "The Culver City Assembly met with its City Council Tuesday, September 17th, to receive a Proclamation declaring 'International Day of Peace' be observed in the city on September 17th. This was done upon receipt of the media packet from the National Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs for UN International Day of Peace. Not only did this community utilize this ready material but has now laid groundwork, and opened doors for the 'Peace Message' from the UHJ. Please consider putting to use this material that our National Representatives have so lovingly prepared for us!"

The Bahá’í community of Montgomery, Alabama, sponsored a World Peace Day observance that was attended by natives of Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, Iran, Japan, Liberia, Malaysia, Pakistan and the U.S. The Bahá’ís and their guests honored the American Red Cross, Church Women United, Amnesty International, and Catholic Social Services for their services to humanity and contributions to promoting world peace. WSFA-TV, the local NBC affiliate, covered the event.

The Bahá’ís of the Globe-Miami area in central Arizona are sponsoring a series of Bahá’í messages on local radio station KIKO. The AM-FM station broadcasts over a 100-mile radius. The Bahá’ís are writing their own scripts for delivering the Bahá’í message over the radio, and have a weekly listing in the newspaper informing the public about Bahá’í firesides.

Bahá’ís in Martin County, Florida, celebrated a festive and colorful World Peace Day in September by releasing more than 100 helium balloons containing a message calling for world peace. Each message included the name and address of the individual releasing the balloon in the hope that anyone who found it would contact them for more information. The public was invited to join the celebration.

The balloon release was held in conjunction with several other events: through the efforts of the Bahá’ís of Martin County, the city of Stuart issued a World Peace Day proclamation; two Martin County Bahá’ís were guests for a 15-minute interview on WSTU Radio's public interest program; and a special public program was held on the evening of World Peace Day at which Covey Cantville, a Bahá’í from Palm Beach County, spoke about the Bahá’í role in helping to achieve world peace. Press releases were sent to five newspapers, six radio stations and four television stations.

Schole Raoufi, a Bahá’í in Florida who teaches comparative religion, cultural anthropology and German in college, recently completed a half-hour television interview in Tampa, speaking on "The Status of Women in Zoroastrian Islam and the Bahá’í Religion," which is also the title of her recently written book.

Viewer response was enthusiastic, and she has since been contacted by various church groups as well as by other TV stations for further presentations.

‘Integrated approach’ best in publicizing Faith

Using the media in our communities to make public the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith is an art.

AS WITH any art, there are techniques we can use that will help make our efforts more effective.

Primary among these is what those of us in the media business call "an integrated approach," which simply means working with as many different mediums as possible in a well-coordinated fashion.

When done well, an integrated approach ensures that anyone on the receiving end of publicity will not only be exposed to the message from a variety of sources, but will also clearly know what step to take next if he or she wishes to find out more: call a specific phone number, go to a specific meeting, write to a specific address, etc.

Such an approach has already been used quite successfully by Bahá’ís. In Nebraska, a community publicized its public meeting held in honor of the International Day of Peace by releasing public service announcements to radio and television stations, arranging for two interviews on community interest programs, and placing an announcement about the meeting and an ad about the TV interviews in the local newspaper.

The same community also printed the following want ad in the paper's classifieds section: "WANTED: People to help establish world peace. Must believe in one God and the unity and equality of mankind. To learn more about this unique opportunity, come to the public meeting at (time), (date) and (place)."

ANOTHER Bahá’í community, this one in South Carolina, contacted the mayor who gave the Bahá’ís a letter proclaiming World Religion Day in their area.

They combined this with an hour-long interview on the most popular of the local FM radio talk shows, three ads about the Faith in the two largest local papers, and extensive TV and newspaper coverage of a local Bahá’í artist's upcoming show.

The integrated approach is particularly applicable for those communities that show the "Spiritual Revolution" TV series.

The National Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs makes available "slicks" for newspapers that are designed to have local information inserted.

One community purchased newspaper ad space and was subsequently given interviews that resulted in the appearance of feature articles on the Faith.

In that community, the "Spiritual Revolution" aired on Sunday mornings. The Bahá’ís decided to advertise a Sunday morning broadcast as open to the public so that everyone could come and watch the show together and take part in a discussion to follow the broadcast.

THIS is a good example of providing a follow-up to publicity. It gave people a place to go once their interest had been aroused.

Seizing publicity opportunities for the Faith can be as easy as it is vital to our community development.

Be aware of upcoming events, know what the traditional media outlets in your locality are, keep an up-to-date resource file, and be ready for those less traditional opportunities that may pop up right in front of you when you least expect them!

And as always—exercise your creativity as you organize these opportunities into a well-thought-out, carefully executed media plan.

The Office of Public Affairs stands ready to help you get the results you want with an integrated approach.

Seizing publicity opportunities

A highly successful workshop on 'The Use of the Press' was held August 31-September 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fifty-four students attended the workshop, which was co-sponsored by CIRBAL's Amoz Gibson Training Centre and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico. Besides writing and critiquing press releases, participants practiced being interviewed by various types of reporters and discussed a number of topics including 'What Is News,' 'Letters to the Editor, Writing About Persecution, Responding to Negative Publicity,' 'The Process of Bahá’í Review, Copyrights,' and 'Paid Advertising.' Pictured (left to right) conducting a 'mock press conference' are Brett Smith, class instructor Brad Pokorny, and K. Dean Stephens, a member of the CIRBAL executive committee.

Is Your Community Ready for WORLD RELIGION DAY?

1986's World Religion Day will be commemorated January 18. Now is the time to prepare to make this day a special occasion for proclaiming the Faith.

FOR SALE:

• Ad slicks (package of 6 sheets with 21 different ads) — $2.00
• Radio PSAs (various Bahá’í themes; 7 30-second spots) — $5.00

Available FREE upon request: (Please include stamped self-addressed envelope)

• World Religion Day sample press release
• Sample radio/TV PSAs
• Complete list of media materials that are available

Send orders to the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please add 10 per cent to total for postage and handling. Make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

‘THE RIDDLE’ RIDES AGAIN

In the September issue of The American Bahá’í, we published a riddle that is being used successfully by Bahá’í communities in newspaper ads. By now you must be thirsting for the answer, which is: "No one would sit in the chair because all of God's Messengers are of equal rank and possessed of great humility."

From here, there are many ways to engage in a discussion about the Faith. For example, one can go on to explain progressive revelation if the inquirer is still interested. Some people have been known to ask other questions and keep their Bahá’í respondents busy for a half hour or more.

‘Fireside Playhouse’ series on radio in Cambria, Morro Bay

The Bahá’í community of Cambria, California (five adults), with help from the Bahá’ís of Morro Bay (three adults), is presenting the 13-week radio drama series, "Fireside Playhouse," Sunday evenings through November 10 on KOTR-FM in Cambria. [Page 18]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

مؤسسه بین المللی بهائی بهداشت در صدد است ،کتابی از شرح زندگانی و خدمات طبتی و علمی پزشکان بهائی و سایر کارکنان و متخصصین امور طبی و بهداشتی که در سالهای اخیر در ایران بدرجه شهادت نائل شده اند تهیه و به زبانهای فارسی و انگلیسی چاپ و منتشر نمایند.

بدینوسیله از احیای عزیز ایرانی بخصوص بستگان و دوستان نزدیک این شهدا درخواست میشود که اطلاعات موثق و کاملی را که در مورد تحصیلات عالیه رشته های تخصص و سالیان خدمت در عالم طب ویا رشته های مربوط به آن در مورد این نفوس دارند آنها را به آدرس ذیل مرحمت فرمایند. همچنین اگر عکسی از این یاران در محیطهای خدمت طبی و حرفه ای آنها برداشته شده است ارسال دارید و همچنین جزئیات دستگیری و زندان و شرح شهادت این عزیزان را شرح دهند. اطلاعات ارسالی بایستی در نهایت دقت و صحت و از منابع موثق تهیه و ارسال شود.

Bahá’í International Health Agency c/o A.M. Chadirian, M.D. Mont-Royal, Quebec Canada 13R 1LS

تقاضا میشود دوستان عزیزیکه بازبان انگلیسی آشنائی دارند مکاتبات خود را بزبان انگلیسی تهیه و ارسال فرمایند و حتی احبای عزیزیکه فقط بزبان فارسی میتوانند مکاتبه فرمایند چنانکه اقوام و یا دوستانشان بتوانند در این زمینه آنان را کمک و مساعدت فرمایند موجبات تسریع و تسهیل کار کارکنان دفتر محفل ملی را فراهم مینمایند.

بدینوسیله طرد اداری آقای منوچهر مهانیان ساکن Upper Darby ایالت Pennsylvania بدلیل شرکت ایشان در فعالیتهای سیاسی، سرپیچی از تعالیم دیانت مقدس بهائی اعلام میگردد.

مؤسسه مطبوعات امری مطلع شده اند که بعضی ازباران بدون کسب اجازه کتب و انتشارات بهائی را بوسیله عکس برداری تکثیر مینمایند و با از نوارهای امری نسخه تهیه میکنند.

صرف نظر از اینکه چنین اقداماتی خلاف قانون است علل دیگری نیز وجود دارد که نبایستی انتشارات به ثبت رسیده را بدون اجازه تکثیر کرد. مهمترین آن علل اینکه مؤلفین و هنرمندانی که زحمت کشیده اند و مطالب را آماده نمودهاند از بابت حق تألیف یا اجراء درصدی از قیمت فروش هر نسخه دریافت میدارند. اگر دوستان بجای ابتیاع نسخ لازم از ناشر شخصاً اقدام به تکثیر نمایند حقوق مؤلفین و هنرمندان را ضایع نموده اند. بعلاوه ناشرین بر اساس میزان فروس انتشارات درباره انتشارات جدید تصمیم میگیرند. در نتیجه اگر عده ای از دوستان مطبوعات با نوارهای بهائی را تکثیر کنند آمار توزیع محدود خواهد بود و بر اساس آن ناشرین ممکن است از انتشار مطالب جدید صرف نظر نمایند.

What's in a (Persian) Name?

For a western Bahá’í reading the history of his Faith, 19th century Persian names can be terribly confusing. Westerners may take some comfort in the knowledge that such names are not always easy for a modern-day Iranian either. When reading Bahá’í history, it may be helpful to keep the following points in mind:

Titles and honorifics

Titles and honorifics flourished in 19th-century Iran. By means of such titles, one's status and background were incorporated into his name. For example, the term "Haji" signifies that one has completed the Haj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. "Siyyid" indicates among Shi'ites that one is descended from the Prophet Muhammad. "Mirza" was a term that testified either to an individual's aristocratic background or to his ability to read and write (the vast majority of the population at that time was illiterate).

Important Bahá’í names are made more confusing by the fact that the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh often gave titles to many of the believers. Hence, Siyyid Yahya Darabi is called Vahid by the Báb, and Muhammad-'Ali Barfurushi is entitled Quddus.

First names

During the 19th century in Iran, male children often were named after the revered heroes of Shi'a Islam: Muhammad (after the Prophet); 'Ali (after the first Imam); Husayn (after 'Ali's martyred son); Rida (pronounced "Reza"-after the eighth Imam) were common names. Girls were often named after Shi'ite heroines like Fatimih (the daughter of Muhammad) or Khadijih (the first wife of Muhammad).

Sometimes the attributes of God were used as first names as in Rahmatu'llah, or the Mercy of God. Nowadays, however, Persian names tend to be chosen from ancient Iranian history or mythology. Some of the favorite names for men are Manuchehr, Farhad or Bahram, legendary historical figures from pre-Islamic Iran. Popular women's names include Roya (dream or vision), Mozhdeh (glad-tidings), Forough (splendor) and Ferdows (paradise).

Last names

Until about 60 years ago when Reza Shah (the father of the late Shah) passed laws requiring all Iranians to adopt a first and last name along western lines, Persian last names were often derived from the name of the city in which the individual was born or the city with which he was most closely associated.

The letter "i" is simply added to the end of his city to form the name; for example, Abu'l-Fadl Gulpaygani, the famous Bahá’í scholar, was born in the town of Gulpaygan in west-central Iran. Fadil-i-Mazandarani, another brilliant Bahá’í scholar, came from the northern district near the Caspian Sea known as Mazandaran.

When titles are compounded with first and last names, things can really get confusing, but with a little effort we can still manage to decipher and remember them. We know, for example, that Siyyid Mirza Ali Muhammad-i-Shirazi was descended from the Prophet, could read and write, was given the name 'Ali-Muhammad, and was born in Shiraz. Of course, we also know and revere Him as the Báb.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

پرداختهای مربوط به حقوق الله را ممکن است به نشانی یکی از اعضاء هیئت امناء یا مستقیما به حساب مخصوص در بانک ارسال داشت.

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116

The Northern Trust Company Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust Box 92959 50 South La Salle Street Chicago, Illinois 60675

BISHÁRÁT / GLADTIDINGS

طرح تبلیغی "سلسله پیروزی در ایالت کارولینای شمالی از آغاز تا کنون متجاوز از ۴۰۰ نفر مصدق جدید داشته است. هدف اصلی طرح مذکور رساندن ندای جان بخش امر حضرت بهاء الله بگوش ساکنین این ایالت است. این طرح که تحت اشراف سه لجنه تبلیغ ناحیه ای تهیه و تنظیم گردیده است به سرعت در تعدادی دیگر از جوامع نیز توسعه یافته بخصوص از خدمات مبلغین و ناشرین نفحات الله در این زمینه برخوردار بوده است. تنها در ماه جولای و نیمه اول ماه آگست متجاوزاز ۱۰۵ نفر تصدیق امر مبارک را نموده اند. در شهر شارلوت پس از بازگشت جوانان از کنفرانس بین المللی جوانان در ایالت اوهایو و اجرای برنامه هائی ۳۶ نفر به امر مبارک مؤمن شدهاند و در ماه آگست نیز ۴ نفر دیگر بر این تعداد افزوده شده است اینگونه فعالیتهای تبلیغی در بسیاری دیگر از شهرهای این ایالت نیز مشاهده میشود.

شهر Lowell در ایالت ماساچوست تا روز ۱۵ جولای فقط ۱۷ نفر بهائی ذیرای داشت. اما در تاریخ ۲۴ آگست همین سال این تعداد به ۱۰۸ نفر بالغ گردیده که ۹۰ آنان را پناهندگان آسیای جنوب شرقی تشکیل میدهند.

این طرح اولین برنامه تبلیغ دسته جمعی است که در منطقه New England و با الهام گرفتن از بیانات جناب فرزام ارباب عضو محترم هیئت مشاورین قاره ای بمرحله اجرا درآمده است. در پاسخ سئوال ایشان که با تعجب میپرسیدند چگونه است که در این ناحیه تا بحال برنامه تبلیغ دسته جمعی صورت نگرفته است یکی از اعضاء محفل روحانی Lowell این مسئله را در جلسه محفل روحانی مطرح نمود و با موافقت آن هیئت نوراء اقدامات لازم جهت انجام این طرح آغاز شد.

با کمک احیای این منطقه و همچنین شرکت کنندگان در مدرسه بهائی Green Acre طرح آغاز بکار کرد و با انتشار جزوات تبلیغی ومناجاتهائی بزبان کا میوجی ولائوسی به مناطقی که اکثر ساکتین آن را ملیتهای مذکور تشکیل میدادند خدمات مؤثری جهت ابلاغ كلمة الله بعمل آوردند. بسیاری از این پناهندگان قبلا در کمپهای پناهندگی کشورهای فیلیپین و تایلند واز طریق مدارس بهائی موجود در آن کمپها با امر الهی آشنا شده اند بهمین مناسبت به آسانی تعالیم مبارکه را پذیرفته و آمادگی خود را جهت تصدیق امر مبارک اعلام میدارند. این طرح با برنامه های تزیید معلومات جهت افراد تازه تصدیق و نوبا وكان آنان به کار خود ادامه خواهد داد. کلیه جوانان شرکت کننده در طرح مذکور در سال آینده مجددا به این منطقه بازخواهند گشت. [Page 19]PERSIAN/AMERICAN November 1985 19

بسا تردیدی نیست که این مستخدمات نه تنها بدین تصمیم گرفتند که با تجهیزات مادی چشمان ما را بخارج خود و با استفاده از اتومبیل شخصی متبحران را از اطراف ایالات متحده برداشته و با نظم و روان در احتیاجات این برنامه‌ی نشاط‌انگیز آگاه نموده آنان را تشویق به مهاجرت و یا حتی مسافرت می‌نمایند.

تا این زمان بین دو تبار آمریکا دشواریهای زیادی در ایالات غرب میانه بخصوص در داکوتای جنوبی رخ داده است. اطلاع تعداد زیادی از احباء که با تلاقی و مقاومت روبرو شده‌اند تا بحال تدویر نگردیده ولی این مسئله میان جریانات بین منطقه و شخص دیگری یک اتومبیل برای استفاده سکان بومی بنا به مصلحتی ناهماهنگ شده است. یکی از مسائل دشوار بین دو گرو‌ه خدوم احباء بومی و برخی از سفرهای مسافرتی تلاقی می‌کنند که احساس امنیت و محبتی است که بین احبای ایرانی و سرخپوستان آمریکایی ساکن ایالت South Dakota وجود دارد. آرزوی این دو تن مشغل به کار تحت هدایت است که به آنان در برخورد با سکونت در این مناطق ‎مسله‌ای مسئله‌ای‎ را نخواهد داشت. با وجود دوری راه مسافت و با خطرات سفرهای مستمر و مداوم و بنظم این نقاط به موفقیتهای چشمگیری نایل گشته‌اند و به برکت مساعی آنها ساکنان آن محل تحت تأثیر این برنامه‌ی روحانی قرار گرفته‌اند و در عین حال ‎تآثر تأثیر‎ قلبی با پیشروان جوانان عزیز دیگری که با هدف خدمت با رفقای ارجمند خویش در خطه‌ی منظم نمودند و نیروی خود را در سطرهای تسلیمی و تشویقی بسط دادند.

در کشور موری (موریس) دکتر مؤید قوامی تخصص خود را در رشته گیاه‌شناسی و گیاهان جنگلی تکمیل کرده است. وی برای طرحهای گوناگون دولت آنجا پیشنهادهای ارزنده‌ای ارائه داده است که مورد استقبال واقع شده است.

دکتر قوامی برای مدتی در موری زیست‌شناسی را تدریس می‌کرد ه است. وی در بازگشت به نیوزیلند (New Zealand) برای تکمیل کادر پزشکی دانشگاه اوکلند استخدام شده است.

آقای امید فروتن ۲۰ ساله از اهالی Alexandria در ایالت Virginia و دانشجوی دانشگاه M.I.T. در رشته‌ی مهندسی هسته ای ایشان در ضمن ‎موسقی موسیقی‎ نواز برجسته‌ای بوده و یکی از اعضای گروه "New Generation" یعنی نسل جدید می باشد. این گروه در کنسرت‌های مختلف بهایی برنامه اجرا می کنند و اخیراً مجموعه‌ای تهیه دیده‌اند که شامل یک نوار ممتاز است. ایشان امسال برای اولین بار در طرح تابستانی Amoz Gibson شرکت جستند و در تداوم فعالیت‌های تبلیغی نیز در تابستان شرکت جستند. ایشان امسال با موفقیتی مواعد خدمت خود را با شرکت در برنامه‌ی تبلیغی Amoz Gibson در ایالت South Dakota بپایان رساندند.

سرو کار داشتن و آمدن مداوم با مردم بومی بویژه در ایالت South Dakota سوابق خوبی برایشان باقی گذاشت. از تجربیات ارزنده‌ی او در این سفر تبلیغی این بود که چگونه مردم با اشتیاق به شنیدن پیام الهی و تعالیم دیانت بهایی جلب می شدند.

در ایالت South Dakota صحراهای بی پایانی قرار دارند و مردم در نواحی دورافتاده ساکنند که دسترسی به آنها دشوار است. آقای امید فروتن در مدت کوتاهی که در آنجا بودند از نزدیک شاهد بودند که چگونه مردم تشنه و تشنه‌ی کلام الله هستند. وی در پایان خاطرات خویش می گوید: "در پایان تابستان وقتی ما از داکوتا می رفتیم با دلهای لبریز از عشق به دیانت بهایی و حضرت بهاءالله بودیم و ما فهمیدیم که چگونه می توان خدمت کرد. ما می‌دانستیم که در حال حاضر داکوتا قلب عالم بهایی است."

میدان خدمت

(HOMEFRONT & FOREIGN)

در اکثر نقاط دنیا و حتی در ایالات متحده و استرالیا و آلمان در مورد اقامت در این کشورها را به آگاهی احباء می رساند تا داوطلبان اقدام به مهاجرت نمایند.

در بیشتر کشورهای دنیا از احبای دارای تخصصهای مختلف که با تخصص خود می توانند به مردم آنجا خدمت کنند استقبال می شود. در کشورهای آمریکای لاتین و آفریقا و غیره برای تعلیم و تدریس زبان و در دانشگاه ها نیاز مبرمی به معلمان خارجی وجود دارد. بویژه در کشورهای مختلف در مورد متخصصین زبان و ادبیات انگلیسی تخصص های ریاضی و فیزیک و تدریس در رشته های مختلف مورد نیاز می باشد.

خدمت در محل کار و مشاغلی مانند پزشکی، پرستاری، دندانپزشکی، دارو سازی، مهندسی راه و ساختمان، مهندسی مکانیک، برق، شیمی، مواد غذایی، الکترونیک و زراعت مورد نیاز است.

همچنین به تعدادی مهندس متخصص در رشته های کامپیوتر و برنامه نویسی احتیاج مبرم دارند.

در رشته های ورزشی و موسیقی و نقاشی و هنری نیز افرادی با تخصص بالا مورد نیاز می باشد.

برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر به نشانی محفل ملی مراجعه نمایید.

مجاهدت دو جوان ایرانی

THE SERVICES OF TWO IRANIAN YOUTH

آقای بهزاد ستاری مقدم و طاهره خادمی از ایالت Louisiana برای مدت دو ماه تابستان از وقت خود را صرف خدمت در طرح تبلیغی Amoz Gibson در ایالت South Carolina نمودند. ‎بهیان بهاییان‎ که با تلاش و علاقه ی وافر در طرح تبلیغی شرکت نمودند در پایان تابستان از طرف دانشگاه Duke مورد تقدیر قرار گرفتند. این دو تن پس از اتمام طرح تابستانی با روحیه ای قوی و با ایمانی راسخ به محل اقامت خود در Baton Rouge مراجعت نمودند. ایشان پس از مراجعت با تجربیات ارزنده ای که در این سفر به دست آورده بودند به فعالیت های تبلیغی در محل خود پرداخته اند.

محفل روحانی محلی شهر Coos Bay در ایالت Oregon در نظر دارد در جهت جذب و احتیاج به مهاجرین ایرانی گامهای موثری بردارد. این جامعه محفل روحانی بسیار فعالی دارد و در این محفل تعداد قابل ملاحظه ای ایرانی فعالیت می کنند. این محفل با سابقه در نظر دارد تا با ایجاد یک رابطه‌ی معنوی با مهاجرین عزیز ایرانی محل را بیش از پیش برای خدمت آماده کند.

از احبای عزیز ایرانی که مایل به خدمت در این محل می باشند برای اطلاعات بیشتر با آدرس ذیل تماس حاصل فرمایند.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Coos Bay, Oregon P. O. Box 341 Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

سخن چند در مورد مهاجرت بین المللی و آمار تبلیغی کوتاه مدت: بیت العدل اعظم الهی کشورهایی را که احتیاج به مهاجر دارند و همچنین کشورهایی را که باید مهاجر اعزام نمایند استخراج نموده به محافل ملی ابلاغ می فرمایند. بر این اساس در مورد اهداف ۹ ساله در سال ۱۹۶۴ با بالغ گردید که از این تعداد ۱۱۰ محفل برای ایالات متحده در نظر گرفته شد. تا کنون در ۳۲ نقطه دیگر هنوز در دست اقدام است.

با وجودیکه تعداد افراد لازم برای یک کشور یا ناحیه ای خاص ممکن است تعدیل شده باشد، با این حال اهمیت مهاجران با خدمتی که بعد از این گرو‌ه که اهداف محلی شمرده می شوند برای ابناء بشر است. احتیاج مبرم به مهاجرانی است که با اشتیاق تمام در محلهای مهاجر نشین مستقر شده و در آنجا به تبلیغ و خدمت بپردازند. [Page 20]

رشد روحانی

رشد روحانی را نه تنها مرزی نیست بلکه رشد روحانی را حدودی نه، مستمر است و اگر متوقف شود موجب رکود و حتی کفر میگردد. رشد روحانی مستلزم استمرار در اطاعت و عمل به اوامر الهی است و نماز و دعا و مناجات و انس با دانشهای معنوی از طریق زیارت آثار و مداومت در عمل به پندها و تعلیمات و تسلیم و توکل چه نتیجه عالی خواهد بخشید.

تکیه بر تقوا و دانش در طریق تربیت نیست. رشد روحانی امنیت، صفا، رشد، آموزش و ‎اهنستی آهستگی‎ را هر دو در بر دارد. توکل با سعی و خدمت ورزیدن، برای خدا زیستن، رشد روحانی نتیجه عمل و عبادت خالصانه و خدمت صادقانه است.

همانطور که رشد جسمانی مستلزم مهر و مواد شیمیائی و اشعه آفتاب و هوای مناسب است، رشد روحانی هم بدون تغذیه مستمر روح و کسب فیض از دریای بی پایان انوار و هدایای معنوی میسر نیست. دعا و نیایش و تلاوت آیات و مناجات و مطالعه آثار و تامل و تفکر و اجرای اوامر الهی و ابلاغ پیام الهی به دیگران، غذای روح است که نه تنها دل را به مهر کبریا منور میسازد، بلکه در روح و روان ایجاد قدرت و شادابی مینماید و در نتیجه صفا و محبت و عشق به دیگران و میل به خدمت فزونی می یابد. رشد روحانی می باید تا به حد بلوغ و کمال برسد ... رشد روحانی وقفه نمی پذیرد و توجه به این بیان مبارک که کلمات مکنونه میباشد:

ای پسر آدم کلمه طیبه و اعمال طاهره ‎بصعود به صعود‎ عزّ احدیّه می نماید. جهد کنید تا اعمال از غبار ریا و کدورت نفس و هوی پاک شود تا بساط قرب در قدس حضور منبسط گردد و آثار توحید در وجود در پیشگاه حضور معبود جلوه گر نماید. سوگند به آفتاب حقیقت که اگر از آفاق قلبتان تجلی و اشراق فرمود، طوبی للمخلصین.

کنفرانس بین المللی صلح

INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE

محفل مقدس روحانی ملی با کمال مسرت اعلام میدارد که کنفرانس بین المللی صلح در سانفرانسیسکو کالیفرنیا از تاریخ ۲۸ آگوست الی اول سپتامبر ۱۹۸۶ (مطابق ۶ الی ۱۰ شهریور ۱۳۶۵) در شهر سانفرانسیسکو با ایالت کالیفرنیا منعقد خواهد شد.

برنامه های مهیج و متنوعی به منظور برای همیشه در خاطره ماندگار شدن و با هدف اتحاد و صلح جهانی طرح ریزی شده است. امیدواریم که تعداد زیادی از یاران در این کنفرانس شرکت نمایند.

مسؤولین برگزاری این کنفرانس از اعضاء جامعه بهائی سراسر گیتی دعوت به عمل آورده اند تا پیشنهادات خود را در خصوص سخنرانان و برنامه ها و فعالیت های مختلف، به هر یک از سه زبان انگلیسی، اسپانیایی و یا فارسی و در صورت امکان به آدرس ذیل ارسال فرمایند. هر چه بیشتر، مستقیماً به آدرس ذیل ارسال فرمایید:

International Peace Conference Office of the Secretary Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

وعده صلح جهانی

PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE

محفل مقدس روحانی ملی در تعقیب پیام مهیج محفل اسم اعظم (بیت العدل اعظم) خطاب به اهل عالم در مورد صلح جهانی، جامعه بهائی آمریکا را به بسط هر چه بیشتر انتشار و رساندن پیام صلح جهانی دعوت نموده است تا این پیام الهی در تمام سطوح جامعه با تلاش های همه جانبه از طرف یاران انتشار یابد و برای ترویج آن بین آحاد و افراد جامعه کوشا باشند.

در این راستا، کمیته ای جهت آماده نمودن این متن و ترجمه آن به زبان فارسی برای توزیع در میان فارسی زبانان مقیم آمریکا بوجود آمده است.

لذا به کلیه اعضاء جامعه بهائی توصیه می شود که به تعداد مورد لزوم و در دسترس قرار دادن این پیام به دوستان خود و آشنایان غیر بهائی و مراجع ذیصلاح اقدام نمایند.

امید است با مطالعه دقیق و تامل بر این پیام، که راهنمای بشریت در نیل به صلح جهانی است، گام های ارزنده ای برداشته شود.

کنفرانس جوانان

YOUTH CONFERENCE

جوانان بهائی ایالت آریزونا شما را به کنفرانس Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference دعوت مینمایند.

کنفرانس مزبور از تاریخ ۲۷ الی ۳۰ دسامبر ۱۹۸۵ در هتل Hyatt Regency در شهر Phoenix, Arizona منعقد خواهد شد.

برنامه های متنوعی برای سنین مختلف پیش بینی شده است؛ از فعالیتهای آموزشی و تفریحی و ورزشی برای نونهالان و نوجوانان در نظر گرفته شده است.

Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference Phoenix, AZ (December 27-30, 1985) Phoenix, Arizona 85068

درخت کریسمس

"THE CHRISTMAS TREE" TRANSLATION OF A LETTER

دوستان عزیز بهائی اتفاقی که در تعطیلات کریسمس دنیا رخ میدهد برای ما درسهای آموزنده ای در بر دارد. بسیاری از دوستان غیر بهائی سؤال می کنند که آیا جشن میلاد حضرت مسیح و مراسم آن برای ما مذهبی محسوب می گردد؟ و این موضوع باعث تعجب و یا برای مردم مذهبی مسیحیان سؤالی است.

روزگاری نامه ای به دستم رسید که توسط کودکی خطاب به Santa Claus نوشته شده بود و توسط پستخانه محل ما به دستم رسید. کودک در این نامه سوال کرده بود که آیا در دیانت بهائی درخت کریسمس وجود دارد یا خیر؟

اما با ‎سدای صدای‎ آهسته و لبان لرزان خویش این مسئله را با وی در میان گذاشته بود. این مسئله را فقط در دل خویش احساس می کرد که آیا معلم بهائی با بهائی بودن او و داشتن درختی در خانه اش مخالفتی نخواهد کرد؟

در جواب به این کودک، معلم دیانت بهائی در آن مدرسه که این نامه را دریافت کرده بود، چنین پاسخ داد: بله، در خانه های بهائیان هم درخت کریسمس وجود دارد. زیرا درخت کریسمس سمبل صلح و دوستی است و به همین دلیل بهائیان نیز آن را دوست دارند. بهائیان معتقدند که همه ادیان الهی از یک سرچشمه سرچشمه میگیرند و حضرت مسیح یکی از انوار الهی است. معلم دیانت بهائی نیز آن کودک را نوازش نمود و به او اطمینان داد که داشتن درختی در خانه مخالفتی با بهائی بودن او ندارد. او به کودک گفت که ما همه ادیان را یکی میدانیم و حضرت مسیح را هم مظهری الهی می شناسیم.

کمک به پناهندگان

REFUGEE SERVICES

دوستان عزیز با استفاده از کتب و نشریات موجود برای اطلاع از آخرین فعالیت های کمیته ی موجود برای کمک به پناهندگان ایرانی، یاران بهائی می توانند با در دست داشتن اطلاعات مربوطه از طریق تلفن یا مکاتبه به آدرس های ذیل اقدام نمایند:

State Refugee Coordinator در ایالت های مختلف که معمولاً از طریق یاران با آن تماس حاصل می کنند. [Page 21]

داستان دوستان

مختصراً احوال شهید عزیز جناب حبیب‌الله پناهی

MR. HABIBULLAH PANAHI, MARTYRED IN 1980

جناب پناهی در سال ۱۳۱۲ هجری مطابق با ۱۹۳۳ میلادی در شهرک شیشوان که از حومه‌های مراغه واقع در آذربایجان شرقی است بدنیا آمدند. دوران کودکی و نوجوانی ایشان به تحصیلات متداوله سپری شد و در اوایل جوانی وارد کارهای تجاری گشتند.

در سال ۱۳۳۵ مطابق با ۱۹۵۶ میلادی یعنی در سن بیست و سه سالگی به ارومیه نقل مکان نمود و هم در این شهر ازدواج نموده ماندگار شدند و بساط تجارت خویش را در این شهر که به قدوم مبارک حضرت ربّ اعلی مشرّف شده بگسترانیدند.

ایشان در ارومیه فروشگاهی برای توزیع محصولات و وسائل خانگی تأسیس نمودند و در این کار بدلیل داشتن روح ایمان و اخلاق بهائی و رعایت انصاف و حسن برخورد با مردم موفقیت و معروفیت زیادی بدست آوردند و مردم ارومیه ایشان را به صفات حسنه‌ای که از خویش بروز می‌دادند می‌ستودند. اغلب به اشخاص نیازمند کمک نموده و تحمل خدماتی را می‌نمودند که مورد توقع مشتریانشان نبود. فی‌الحقیقه بیان مبارک را که می‌فرمایند "کن فی النعمة منفقاً..." دائماً ظاهر می‌ساختند.

از حیث خدمات اجتماعی امری همیشه پیشقدم بودند و اکثراً به مهاجرین منطقه سرکشی نموده نیازهای آنان را فراهم می‌نمودند. سالهای متمادی عضوی فعال و موثر در محفل مقدس روحانی ارومیه بودند و همیشه در جلسات محفل حاضر می‌شدند و سالیان متمادی نماینده احبای ارومیه در کانوئشن ملی بودند.

محفل مقدس روحانی ارومیه ایشان را بشرف کلیدداری حمام مبارک حضرت اعلی مفتخر نمودند و اغلب که جامعه امری ارومیه مفتخر بزیارت خادمین امرالله مبلغین سیار و حضرات ایادی امرالله چون جناب دکتر ایادی، جناب فروتن، جناب دکتر مهاجر مستخدمات جناب پناهی مهمانداری این نفوس مخلص را عهده‌دار می‌شدند و اغلب با آنان برای زیارت ماکو و چهریق همراه و ملازم می‌گشتند.

گرچه بظاهر جناب پناهی شخصی کم حرف بوده و اغلب از قیل و قال و هیاهو می‌گریختند ولی در عمل همچون بحری مواج در عرصه خدمت به صفا و آلهی تا حدا مکان اوج می‌گرفتند و بساحل وجود می‌تاختند. ایشان فرزندی خلف از دو خاندان بنیانی و آستانی بودند. جناب حبیب‌الله پناهی که سالهای متمادی مهاجر اندونزی هستند دائی بزرگ ایشان بودند.

پس از واقعه انقلاب اخیر در ایران جناب پناهی مرتباً از طرف مذهبیون افراطی مورد تهدید و تعقیب قرار می‌گرفتند تا اینکه محفل مقدس روحانی تهران به ایشان دستور داده بودند که کمتر در بین انظار رفتار نمودند. ولی هیچوجه حاضر نمی‌شدند که در جلسات رسمی محفل روحانی ارومیه که عضوی حساس در آن بودند غایب باشند و لذا مرتباً در جلسات این محفل مداومت می‌نمودند. تا اینکه در تاریخ ۱۳ بهمن ماه ۱۳۵۹ مطابق با دوم فوریه ۱۹۸۰ در حدود ساعت ۹/۵ شب که از جلسه محفل بمنزل برگشتند پس از بیست دقیقه ورود بمنزل شخصی از مذهبیون افراطی زنگ خانه ایشان را بصدا در می‌آورد و لحظاتی بعد که آقای پناهی در را بروی آن شخص باز می‌کند شخص مزبور در نهایت بی‌شرمی و بی‌وجدانی با اسلحه‌گرم ایشان را هدف قرار می‌دهد و در ناحیه سر مجروح می‌نماید. در این اوان خانم ایشان برای دیدار دو دخترشان به آلمان رفته بودند و کس دیگری در منزلشان نبود. همسایه‌ها هم از ترس نمی‌توانستند بکمک ایشان بشتابند و تقریباً پس از نیم ساعت معطلی و خونریزی متوسلین ایشان خبردار شده بالای سر ایشان حاضر می‌شوند و ایشان را به بیمارستان می‌برند پس از چند ساعت معطلی در محل بدلیل عدم وسائل جراحی کافی ایشان را با هلیکوپتر به تبریز منتقل می‌کنند. در تبریز در بیمارستان تحت عمل جراحی قرار می‌گیرند و متأسفانه معالجات موثر واقع نشده و بالاخره پس از ایقاء، بی‌ساعت و استقامت ایشان بدلیل عمقی بودن جراحت و تاخیر در معالجات و خونریزی زیاد در بیمارستان بملکوت ابهی صعود می‌نمایند و سپس ایشان را در قبرستان عمومی تبریز بخاک می‌سپارند. اغرقه الله فی بحار انواره.

مونا

ورای عشق و رسوائی بود غوغای مونا شی ز گردون با معما تر بود دنیای مونا شی دگرباره جگر داری ز مونا رسم دوران شد گزیده هر دلی راه ‎شرافتبای شرافت‌های‎ مونا شی حدیث لیلی و ‎حسنن حُسنِ‎ گداز و مگذر از مونا که بنی‌الآرزو دارد رخ زیبای مونا شی در این دیوانه گون گردون دگر مشکل توان دیدن ببازار فداکاری سرو سودای مونا شی سوی جانانه شد مونا بحسن خاتمت آری بود آمال هر سینه دی و فردای مونا شی خوشا و فرخا خوابی که آید جلوه‌گر در آن خرامان قامت بار و دهدمهای مونا شی الا ای هستیم از تو بیا بردل کرامت کن توان وطاقت و توش دل برنای مونا شی ره عشق است و بس مشکل بود میر پای دل در گل مگر دست مرا گیرد بدو سیمای مونا شی زاعمال نظرتنگان بلب آمد دگر جانم خوشا دریا دلی آنهم دل دریای مونا شی مرا در دوغم جانان بدل باشد ولی یارا کرامت کن به عرفانی غم عظمای مونا شی

نصرة‌الله عرفانی "عرفان"

ویدیو مونا

قبل از آمدن به آمریکا در مدینة‌الله شیراز دستی نزدیک به آتش داشتم، این یک سالی که در آمریکا ساکن هستم از دور، خیلی دور، هم‌بیش خودم مجسم می‌کردم که بر احباء در ایران چه می‌گذرد و هم نماید اقدامات دوستان در اینجا در مورد رفع ظلم و ستمی که به آن عزیزان می‌شود بودیم، بارها به خود و دوستان ایرانی می‌گفتم که این اقدامات کافی نیست. اینها نسبت به اوضاع و احوال احباء در مهدامرالله بیگانه‌اند. خلاصه در بعضی مواقع (منظورم بیشتر اوقات) خرده می‌گرفتم و انتقاد می‌کردم. براستی که طرز رفتار ما دوستان آمریکائی مثل طلب‌کارها شده بود. البته گناهی نداشتند دلم خیلی می‌سوخت و واقعاً نگران بوده و هستم.

تا نیروی پرتاب کنفرانس اهوا سو و ویدیو مونا بحدی بود که من هم را از آن دور منقلب کرد. بخود آمدم. بطور آگاهانه متوجه شدم که دوستان غربی بهائی با دلی آگاه ناله‌های سحرهای عزیزان خود را در زندانهای ایران شنیده‌اند. آنها در نهایت شایستگی دین خود را ادا کرده‌اند. بهر وسیله‌ای که ممکن بوده ندای مظلومیت عزیزان ما را به گوش همه جهانیان رسانیده‌اند. روزی در دل زمین با دستها، نهال‌هائی کاشتند، زمانی بدکردار هماهنگ و علمی ساخته. کتابها، مقاله‌ها، مصاحبه‌ها و مباحثه‌ها... همه و همه تماماً با بردباری و آگاهی یاران غربی است. شرمنده شدم که چرا دورادور وعجولانه قضاوت می‌کردم. بهتر نبود که نزدیکتر می‌آمدم. تحری حقیقت می‌کردم و سپس انتقادی می‌نمودم. اما خوشحالم که بزودی آگاه شدم و واقعاً افتخار می‌کنم عضو یک اینطور جامعه‌ای هستم که تا این اندازه در آن همبستگی و همدردی حکم‌فرما است. دارم سعی می‌کنم که از همگان کناره نگیریم. در جمع دوستان حضور یابم تا به اتفاق آنها با صدای بلند بگوشیم یا بهاء‌الابهی چه کرده‌ای.

با تشکر و تمنیات بهائی ا - ر از جورجیا

انتشارات

PUBLICATIONS

ویدئوی "بخاطر قطره‌ای از خون عاشق" به قیمت ۲۵ دلار باضافه ۳ دلار هزینه پست در اختیار علاقه‌مندان قرار گرفته است. طالبین می‌توانند جهت ابتیاع ویدئوی مذکور مستقیماً با لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی آمریکا ش در دارالانشاء محفل ملی تماس حاصل فرمایند.

ترجمه "تلخیص و تدوین کتاب مستطاب اقدس" بزبان فارسی به قیمت ۲/۵ دلار، "فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء" به قیمت ۱/۸۰ دلار و "ظهور عدل الهی" به قیمت ۴/۲۵ دلار جهت فروش توسط مؤسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری در اختیار علاقه‌مندان قرار گرفته است. [Page 22]

Fourteen Bahá’ís attend 70th World Esperanto Congress

More than 2,300 delegates from 56 countries were present in August at the 70th Universal Esperanto Congress in Augsburg, West Germany.

AMONG the participants were 14 Bahá’ís from seven countries representing the Bahaa Esperanto-Ligo (BEL) whose booth was a busy place frequented by many of the delegates.

Included in the group were three Americans, James and Roan Stone and Stuart Kittredge.

Much of the interest at the Bahá’í booth was engendered by the new book Lidia, a biography of Lidia Zamenhof, a Bahá’í who was the daughter of Dr. Ludwik Zamenhof, creator of Esperanto.

The book was written by a Bahá’í, Wendy Heller, and published by George Ronald.

An Esperanto translation of the book is now in progress and will be ready for the Jubilee Esperanto Congress in 1987 in Warsaw, Poland.

Besides having its booth, the BEL conducted a public meeting that was attended by 63 delegates.

Also, a fruitful day-long meeting was held in Langenhain with representatives of the European Teaching Committee, the Eastern Translations Committee, and the Bahá’í Verlag.

At that meeting, plans were made for a proclamation campaign at the Jubilee observance in Warsaw.

ONE OF THE BEL members from Great Britain was approached by the president of the Polish Esperanto Tourist Association who suggested that a group of European BEL members be organized to tour Poland before the end of this year to present seminars on the Bahá’í Faith in various cities.

An interview was held with Lech Kosieniak, editor of the Polish Esperanto Catholic Magazine, who said he would write an article about the Faith for his periodical. Mr. Kosieniak is also chairman of the Local Congress Committee for the 1987 observance, and promised to help BEL in every way possible.

There has been an upsurge in interest in the Faith among the Esperantists of Poland, whose members number more than 7,000.

Pictured are 10 of the 14 members of the Bahaa Esperanto-Ligo (BEL) who attended the 70th annual Universal Esperanto Congress in August at Augsburg, West Germany. Kneeling (left to right) are Suzy Maas (Germany), Piero Bellebone (Italy), and Alfred Dietrich (Germany). Standing (left to right) are Dr. Heinz-Dieter Maas (Germany), John and Ann Dickinson (Wales), James Stone (U.S.), Ingeborg Weigelt (Greece), Stuart Kittredge (U.S.), and Roan Orloff Stone (U.S.).

Requests for information about BEL or Esperanto may be sent to Mrs. Roan Orloff Stone, secretary of the BEL, at 35, Gallup, NM 87301.

Slide program outlines great success of Brazil’s Bahá’í ‘School of Nations’

Charles and Rosemary Slavik, traveling teachers from Edwardsville, Illinois, returned last March from Brasilia, Brazil, with a slide presentation on the Escola das Nações (School of the Nations), an international bi-lingual school that seeks to incorporate into its curriculum Bahá’í principles and thought.

THE program was shared with Bahá’ís in several communities in Illinois as well as at the Louhelen and Green Acre Bahá’í Schools and the Southern Illinois District Convention.

It outlines the early beginnings and five-year history of the School of the Nations and illustrates the philosophy and goals that guide its development.

At the school, children from 25 countries learn Bahá’í prayers, are given moral education, and learn to develop an international perspective.

Emphasized are such areas as international understanding, the elimination of prejudices, the rights of minorities, equality of the sexes, religious tolerance, and world peace.

As a result, children develop a high sense of world citizenship and an appreciation for all cultures.

Future goals include the establishment of a teacher training center where young people from all over Brazil can come to help expand the present concepts of Bahá’í education, receive optimum training, and then disperse throughout the country setting up schools or entering into school systems with fresh ideas.

THE SCHOOL has become an indirect teacher of the Faith, attracting leaders of Brazil and other countries with the breadth of its outlook and its dedicated service to the children.

In two years, a boarding high school will be built next to the elementary school, and a Bahá’í university is planned for 1995.

The founders of the Escola das Nações are four American pioneers: Jeannine and Jim Sacco from Minneapolis, and Suzanne and Jacques von Frasunkiewicz of Illinois (Suzanne is the Slaviks’ daughter).

New from George Ronald. Publisher

Lidia

The Life of Lidia Zamenhof Daughter of Esperanto by Wendy Heller

A dramatic story combining the story of Esperanto as an instrument to attain world unity, with fascinating vistas of Bahá’í history. 312 pages, illustrated

Wisdom, courage, struggle, achievement and a final brush of tragedy impel the reader through this excellent portrayal. Florence Mayberry

A moving, poignant biography of one of Bahá’í’s heroic women. Mabel Garis

Hardcover $26.50 Softcover $11.95

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 This title not exported by the Distribution Service.

Zamenhof family praises new biography, Lidia

Members of the Zamenhof family including the grandson and namesake of Dr. Ludwik Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, have praised the new biography Lidia: The Life of Lidia Zamenhof, Daughter of Esperanto, by Bahá’í author Wendy Heller, as a “brilliant literary accomplishment,” “exciting reading,” and “a warm, fascinating and true story.”

LIDIA Zamenhof, who became a Bahá’í in 1926, was the only member of her family of non-religious Jews to embrace the Faith.

During the 1920s and ’30s she became an outspoken champion of peace, international cooperation, and equality, as well as of the international language created by her father. She was killed at Treblinka, the Nazi death camp, in 1942.

When asked to comment on Ms. Heller’s biography, Lidia’s cousin, Dr. Stephen Zamenhof, who knew her as a child in Poland, said he found the book true to life, adding that it brought back many old memories.

“It was a pleasure to read the book,” he said. “The author is a rare combination of a lively writer and a thorough researcher who, above all, must have the facts correct.

“The result is a warm, fascinating and true story of idealists and ideas ahead of their time.”

Stephen Zamenhof escaped his cousin’s fate when the outbreak of World War II stranded him in New York at the 1939 World’s Fair.

DURING the war, he kept the Bahá’ís and Esperantists informed of what news he was able to receive from relatives in Europe concerning Lidia. Afterward, he remained in America and is presently a professor at the UCLA School of Medicine.

Dr. Ludwik Zamenhof, Lidia’s nephew and the only grandson of the founder of Esperanto, was 17 when his mother bravely spirited him out of the Warsaw Ghetto.

The two lived out the war under his mother’s maiden name, Zaleski, since the name of Zamenhof was well-known to the Nazis. An engineer, he now lives in France.

He said he was greatly impressed by the biography of his aunt, which he termed “a brilliant literary accomplishment,” adding that he was happy that his aunt had been thus immortalized.

Others, including Mrs. Florence Mayberry, an author and former member of the Bahá’í International Teaching Centre, have also praised the biography.

“I could scarcely bear to put the pages aside,” said Mrs. Mayberry. “The story drove me on and on. To me, it is one of the most readable and revealing biographies I have come across.”

Another Bahá’í, author Mabel Garis, hailed the book as “wonderful. ...Lidia did so much to try to stem the tide of cruelty, of intolerance, of war. ...A moving, poignant biography of one of the Faith’s heroic women.”

Lidia, published by George Ronald, is available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Lidia Zamenhof in Arnhem, Netherlands, in July 1930. From the book, Lidia: The Life of Lidia Zamenhof, Daughter of Esperanto, by Wendy Heller. [Page 23]

UNITED NATIONS

Ms. Shiva Tavana was recently appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly as its representative to the United Nations in New York.

Variety keynote at 6th Tennessee Bahá’í Institute

About 212 Bahá’ís from several states and as far away as Africa gathered in Crossville, Tennessee, over the Labor Day weekend for the sixth annual Tennessee Bahá’í Institute.

A highlight of this year's event was the reading of the statement on world peace from the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world.

The three-day gathering offered numerous courses and recreational activities for children, youth and adults including a slide presentation on the history of the Faith, in America, a forum on social and economic development in Bahá’í communities, a discussion of race unity, a talent show, and plenty of food and music.

An auction held the last night of the conference raised $6,555 for the National Fund.

Besides the many Tennesseans, Bahá’ís from Alabama, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana, California and Ohio attended the Institute.

Traveling the farthest distance was Dr. Amin Jazab, a medical doctor who is a pioneer to Zaire. Dr. Jazab has devoted much of his life to teaching and helping underprivileged communities in remote areas of the world.

Of special interest was a presentation of the music video "Mona with the Children," based on the life of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 16-year-old Bahá’í who was the youngest of 10 women martyred in Shiraz, Iran, in June 1982.

UN forms subcommittee on 'street youth'

The Non-Governmental Organizations Committee on Youth at United Nations headquarters in New York City has formed a special subcommittee on street youth to focus attention on ways and means to address this critical problem facing young people throughout the world.

THE definition of a street child or street youth is "any girl or boy... for whom the street (in the widest sense of the word including unoccupied dwellings, wasteland, etc.) has become her or his habitual abode and/or source of livelihood; and who is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults."

By the year 2000, the world's youth population will be over 1,180,000,000. Although housing, education, employment and poverty are serious issues for young people in developed countries, these situations become even more critical for those in developing countries, where more than 70 per cent of the population is comprised of children and youth.

Conservative estimates by UNICEF suggest that eight per cent of children and young people in the least developed countries suffer long-term hunger, lack of access to housing, health, education and adequate work.

In 1985, with a youth population approaching one billion, nearly 75,000,000 are destitute. And the problem is increasing at a rate of more than two million new poor young people each year.

Most poor young people have value only as underemployed day/migrant laborers, or as conscripts in the military.

OTHERS live fringe lives on the streets as part of a vast subculture of beggars, criminals and juvenile prostitutes.

International Youth Year offers an opportunity for you and your community to take part in a project to help homeless youth. Here is what you can do:

1. Start a program with and for homeless street youth—in your school, college or neighborhood community.

2. Give to an already existing youth program—e.g., food, clothing, books and/or volunteer services.

3. Fund programs for homeless street youth—in cooperation with other youth care organizations.

UNICEF is one of the many organizations that has projects for homeless street youth.

For information, write to UNICEF, Office of Non-Governmental Affairs, 866 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017.

Interfaith gathering in Rhode Island marks Peace Day

Thirty-two people including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, a Sufi and Bahá’ís gathered September 17 at the Rhode Island State House in Providence for a World Peace Day observance sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Providence and planned by an intercommunity committee from Cranston, Lincoln, Pawtucket and Providence.

Among those present were representatives of the governor of Rhode Island and the state Commission for Human Rights.

A prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was read by Rhode Island's newest Bahá’í, who had declared his belief the night before the event.

Included were prayers read by a child, chanted in Persian, and recited in Portuguese.

Teaching Fever Is CONTAGIOUS!

have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

International Day of Peace in Cary

Harold D. Ritter (center), the mayor of Cary, North Carolina, proclaimed September 17 'International Day of Peace' in Cary. Witnessing the proclamation were Bahá’ís (left to right) Diane McKinley, Sally Jamir, Michael Jamir, Omari McKinley, Charles Bancroft, Carolyn Reusche and Margaret Jamir. That evening, a candlelight prayer vigil supported by the Bahá’í communities of Cary, Raleigh and Wake County was held in the Cary Arts Center as a symbol of the Bahá’í call to people throughout the world to engage in a peace effort.

UN mobilizes to address drought crisis in Africa

United Nations Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar has established an Office for Emergency Operations in Africa, under the direction of Bradford Morse, who is also the administrator of the UN Development Program.

THE NEW office is charged with the task of coordinating and mobilizing the resources necessary to avert severe malnutrition and starvation in 27 African countries, all of which are severely affected by drought.

These countries have been devastated by a combination of domestic policy shortcomings, extremely rapid population growth, civil strife, external destabilization and, more recently, savage blows from the world economy.

The Secretary-General called for a conference on the African emergency, which was held last March 11-12 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The result was an extraordinary affirmation of solidarity and support for a continent devastated by drought and famine. Setting aside political and ideological differences, the rich and not so rich nations of the world agreed to work together in a new alliance to try to find the resources needed to alleviate the crisis in Africa.

Attending the conference were representatives from 125 countries, 30 non-governmental organizations which have played a critical role in the emergency, and hundreds of journalists.

"A full 30 million men, women and children," the Secretary-General said, "face the grim daily reality of debilitating malnutrition, starvation and, in many cases, death."

The world community, he said, has no alternative but to "meet this historic challenge" since we have "the ingenuity and the resources" to do so.

Statement

(Continued From Page 15)

...this important document to people, dignity is the key.

You may decide that the peace statement is best distributed person-to-person where there is receptivity; or you may wish to place a well-designed and provocative ad in your local newspaper inviting people to phone or write for a copy of the statement.

Should you consider a mailing (to churches, for example, or to a select group of households), the package should not look like an advertisement.

You may wish to include an appropriate cover letter, a pamphlet on peace, or an invitation to hear more about the Bahá’í peace program. Addressing the package to a specific individual will reduce the possibility of the recipient's tossing it out with his or her plenteous junk mail.

The effect of our actions could last a long time and have a deep impact on those who receive The Promise of World Peace.

It is therefore most important that we consider carefully the way in which we offer it—with dignity, with respect, and with the appropriate introduction and "packaging." In this way, we will do our utmost to present this life-and-death document to the peoples of the world in the best way possible.

(For information about the various forms of the peace statement now available, please see the Bahá’í Distribution Service page in this issue.)

Got a new address?

MOVING? Got a new telephone number? Don't forget to let your local community secretary and the National Spiritual Assembly know about your new address and phone number right away so there will be no interruption in receiving your Bahá’í mail.

For your convenience, there is an address form on the last page of this issue of The American Bahá’í. Simply put it in an envelope and mail to: Bahá’í National Center, Office of Membership and Records, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 24]House of Justice. Sutherland speaks Hebrew, Arabic and also reads and writes his spoken language, English, as a result of illustrated sentences I mailed him on copy paper, so that he now writes his Grandma Wanita letters in English besides charming art of underwater views from his snorkel tube. I feel sure Sutherland will contribute much to the future of our beloved Faith....

I have passed my 75th birthday and serve, as Hooper insists, with my prayers, which are constant. I can no longer wade rivers, climb mountains or bring hundreds into the Faith. There was one LSA when Marilyn and I arrived in 1937 in Honduras, and there are now hundreds. Maybe my life has been worthwhile. I plan to leave my bones here.

Peggy True, Canary Islands— You undoubtedly know about the "subliminal" effect; i.e., your eye registers something "below the threshold of conscious perception". I've made "Bahá’í" bags, that is, an upholsterer saves me pieces of tapestry (old and new) which he throws away, and also plastics. I sew on BAHÁ’Í in big white letters and make them into carrying bags. Just carrying them when I go shopping or walking is "subliminal"...

In one village where we were to "travel teach," we had some timid women Bahá’ís. Just the thought of offering a pamphlet left them like spaghetti. I'd given each one a "Bahá’í" bag. So I said, "Never mind. Let's just walk around in a group and talk happy."

We went around and around the plaza, arm in arm, talking about interesting things. On about the third "around" we heard some people saying "Bahá’í." So I told some of the young men and boys who were with us to come after us and offer pamphlets. It was a great success!...

Josephine Johansen, Uruguay— The youth here and in nearby San Carlos (only four of them) are organizing a day of activities to benefit the Hospital of Pan de Azúcas (Sugar Loaf), a nearby town.

The day's activities will include the awarding of a prize for the best poster on the theme "Peace and Unity for Mankind," a contest open to all high school and junior high school students in three cities—plus a showing of "The Green Light Expedition" and a variety show.

This event is to be sponsored by the municipal government as part of the UN Year of Youth, and the publicity will mention that it is being organized by the Bahá’í youth. It will receive TV, radio and newspaper publicity with at least one TV interview.

Newlyweds spend honeymoon teaching Cause

Nick and Charlotte Hockings, who were married July 13 at the Amoz Gibson Project in Wanblee, South Dakota, spent a good part of their honeymoon teaching the Faith in several western states.

DURING that two-week trip, they found six new Bahá’ís in South Dakota, Montana and Minnesota.

In Wounded Knee, South Dakota, the Hockings visited friends Charlotte had made while serving in the summer of 1984 on the Amoz Gibson Project and taught several members of the Jealous of Him family, four of whom signed declaration cards that day.

They continued on to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana where they met James McLane, who had heard about the Faith and said he wanted to become a Bahá’í.

The following week found the Hockings in Minnesota on their way home to Wisconsin. They spent one day helping with Project Dawnbreakers, again with friends from the Amoz Gibson Project, and their team talked with a number of people about the Faith. One of the seekers signed a declaration card.

Both Nick, a Chippewa Indian who was for many years an isolated believer on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in Wisconsin, and Charlotte, a pioneer to the Lac du Flambeau Reservation, say it was an absolutely wonderful way to start a marriage, adding that they intend to continue teaching together whenever possible.

Both feel quite strongly that it is important for Bahá’í families to pioneer to Indian Reservations. While a single Bahá’í homefront pioneer is quite helpful, they say, a family can reach across lines of age and interest and serve as a model of what Bahá’í family life can be, doing immeasurable good in developing the new Reservation Bahá’í communities.

Let us hear from you! Please continue to share your experiences as homefront pioneers. They serve to encourage your fellow pioneers as well as inspire others to arise. If you can arise to become a homefront pioneer, phone the National Teaching Committee's homefront pioneering desk at 312-869-9039.

Nick Hockings (left), a Chippewa Indian Bahá’í from Wisconsin, chats with James McLane on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, Montana, shortly after Mr. McLane was enrolled in the Faith this summer.

Members of the Jealous of Him family in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, are shown with friends, relatives and visiting Bahá’í Nick Hockings (back row, second from left) of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in Wisconsin. Also in the back row (second from right) is Billy Jo Jealous of Him, one of the first Bahá’í youth in Wounded Knee, who has shared the Faith with many in her family. Four of those pictured were enrolled in the Faith the day this photo was taken.

'Amoz Gibson Tour' aims to raise up homefront pioneers

"The Amoz Gibson Project Tour" is the name of an effort being made this fall by Jahanshah Khadem and Omid Furutan to visit all parts of the country to raise up homefront pioneers and projecteers, and to encourage youth and adults to give a year of service to the Faith.

Who: Jahanshah Khadem, 19, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a junior in pre-medical school at Duke University, who has spent two summers on the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project in Wanblee, South Dakota.

Omid Furutan, 20, of Alexandria, Virginia, an engineering student at CTI, one summer at the Amoz Gibson Project, member of the Bahá’í musical group "New Generation," and participant in the "Tabarsi" and "Lowell" projects.

What: The Amoz Gibson Project Tour, visiting Bahá’í communities in all areas of the country. (The Amoz Gibson Project serves Indian Reservations in North and South Dakota, and has helped with teaching projects in Arizona, Minnesota and Utah).

Where, when: The two young men have already visited the Northeast and some Western states, and will be traveling in the West in November and through several Southern states in December.

Why: To raise up projecteers and homefront pioneers to serve on Indian Reservations where there have been many enrollments and new Bahá’í communities who need help in consolidation and development.

The tour is a response by Mr. Khadem and Mr. Furutan to a plea from a new Bahá’í on one of the Reservations in South Dakota for someone to continue to teach and share information about the Faith with the people there.

The Amoz Gibson Project Tour is being sponsored by the National Teaching Committee, the American Indian Teaching Committee, the Persian/American Affairs Committee, and the National Youth Committee.

It is a further evidence of the energy and commitment to be found in the youth movement within the Faith.

some Western Projecteers show 'special measure of love'

"Shoghi Effendi is also most anxious for the Message to reach the aboriginal inhabitants of the Americas. These people... should receive from the Bahá’ís a special measure of love, and every effort be made to reach them...." (From a letter of July 11, 1951)

This excerpt from the compilation A Special Measure of Love: Messages from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, is familiar to a great many people who have served during the past two and one-half years on the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota.

But exactly what is a "special measure of love"? Following are two examples of what that phrase means to projecteers.

Diane Taherzadeh of Michigan came to the project in July 1984. She described the long bus ride to South Dakota as important in giving her time to adjust to a different place and perspective.

Soon after her arrival, she was asked to lead a teaching team in the small town of Allen. Diane, who has a special interest in and love for the Greatest Holy Leaf, dedicated her teaching effort to the daughter of Bahá’u’lláh. She also prayed that the Greatest Holy Leaf would take under her care the Spiritual Assembly that was sure to be formed there.

Less than a month later, that Assembly was formed.

Diane felt a particular love for the new believers and did something special about it. She wrote to each of the new Bahá’ís in Allen throughout the winter months, sometimes sending them calligraphed quotations from the Creative Word, sometimes a book or a picture.

AFTER learning of Diane's acts of friendship, it was no surprise to the 1985 summer projecteers to find that there were in Allen an unusually large number of new believers who were receptive to more intensive deepening.

Allen also has the good fortune to have a homefront pioneer, Louise Watson, now living in nearby Martin.

Another example of that "special measure of love" can be found in the extraordinary effort projecteer/director Larry Scott makes to see that each of the new Bahá’ís can be found after he or she enrolls.

That means making certain that there is a clear residence address, or directions to a residence, on each enrollment card. It means making maps of towns and housing areas where there are no street names, and noting landmarks so that someone from another state can find and visit the new Bahá’ís, and that they can be found to let them know about Nineteen Day Feasts, Holy Day observances, and so on.

It means making time to make [Page 25]

House of Worship honors Native Americans

More than 1,000 people attended three major events during September at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

THESE programs both honored and explored the rich heritage of Native Americans," says Linda Polk, program director at the House of Worship. "They were part of an ongoing series that is focusing on various races and cultures in an effort to promote the Faith while facilitating mutual appreciation, understanding and trust among different ethnic groups in the area."

The first program was a daylong exploration of facets of Native American culture, history, religious traditions and urban Indian life.

The second, for which there was standing room only in the 400-seat Visitors' Center auditorium, featured Jim Pepper (Cree/Kaw, New York) who performed traditional Indian music flavored with contemporary jazz; Native American folk singers Cora Watters and her three daughters (Ohio); and Kevin Locke (Lakota/Sioux, North Dakota) who played the Lakota courting flute and performed a hoop dance.

The final program, held on the east lawn of the House of Worship, was a Council Fire—a traditional religious, educational and social Indian gathering.

"At least half of the individuals who participated in each event were from outside the Bahá’í community," says Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the House of Worship.

"THEY tend to draw their own friends and admirers, thus helping us attain large and diversified audiences.

"The Bahá’ís, some of whom travel hundreds of miles to attend these programs, have not only the opportunity to bring their contacts to very unique programs, but also are able to learn more about the diversity and contributions of other cultures and ethnic groups which allows them to be more sensitive teachers of the Faith."

In addition to the programs themselves, a large display of Native American jewelry, pottery, sand paintings, oil paintings and dolls as well as a book display on Indian culture and history was maintained throughout the month.

This month, the House of Worship Activities Committee is continuing its series with programs honoring Asian cultures.

Next February, the second annual Black History Month will be held, and in April the series will conclude with programs exploring Hispanic cultures.

Members of The Chicago Drum perform during a Native American Council Fire held in September on the east lawn of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The program was part of an ongoing series honoring various cultural groups.

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.

Crisis in Africa

A part of the pictorial record of drought conditions in Africa which was displayed for three weeks in October at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

Display at House of Worship depicts devastation in Africa from drought

In cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme; CARE; the American Refugee Committee; the University of Illinois-Chicago, and the Chicago Committee for UNICEF, the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Committee presented for three weeks in October a 15-panel photographic display of the devastating conditions existing throughout the African continent as a result of the drought.

"What was especially exciting for us," says Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the House of Worship, "was that the University of Illinois, acting as agent for the UN, came to us and asked that we consider displaying the information.

"Presenting the display allowed us to serve the community by helping to educate the public as to the gravity of a situation in which millions of Africans are facing starvation.

"It also permitted us to explain that the motivation for our views and for the efforts of many Bahá’í communities worldwide to help these people is the pivotal principle of the Faith—the oneness of humankind."

The display, which was situated in the lobby of Chicago's Civic Center before being moved to the House of Worship, has now been set up on the Chicago campus of the University of Illinois.

Houses of Worship cooperate in teaching efforts

During the past two years the House of Worship Activities Committee has helped the communities of Australia, Germany and India to develop various aspects of teaching programs for their Houses of Worship.

OUR interaction with Australia, in particular, has proved equally valuable to the teaching work here.

These exchanges of information led the Activities Committee to recommend to the National Spiritual Assembly that it propose to those National Assemblies responsible for the operation of the other Houses of Worship that ongoing communications be established.

Simultaneously, the Bahá’ís in Panama had the same idea, and letters between the two countries crossed in the mail. The communications network is gaining momentum and should prove to be of great assistance to the expanding use of all the Houses of Worship.

Following are excerpts from a letter recently received from Shohreh Olin, public relations coordinator for the Panama Temple:

"At this time we do not have planned dawn prayers, and due to the old, almost impassable road that goes up the hill (to the House of Worship), Bahá’ís do not come for dawn prayers.

"However, in January a new road will be opened to the Temple and we are hoping to start dawn prayers at the House of Worship at least once a week....

"... You are truly blessed to have a 250-volunteer staff. We have only one paid guide and very few Bahá’ís, at the moment, volunteering their services as guides...

"We would like to extend our hospitality to any Bahá’í, especially youths with musical talents, who would like to spend a few months or even a year in Panama, helping us to spur the teaching work at the House of Worship....

"The pamphlets you sent us are very useful to us. With your permission we are translating the pamphlet that you give away and are adapting it to Panama for our use at the House of Worship."

In the months ahead we'll share news from other Houses of Worship. If you are interested in spending any time at the House of Worship in Panama, contact the International Goals Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Measure

(Continued From Page 24)

changes on the community lists of Bahá’ís when people move from one place to another. And it means giving full support to projecteers Pat deBoucher and Mary Stevens in their efforts to visit every single Bahá’í in the new Bahá’í communities this winter.

These special measures of love really stem from a firmness in the Covenant and a desire to give one's very best to the Faith, and also, perhaps, from the sensing, by Diane and Larry, of a new home among the Indian people.

After asking recently for an update on Allen's Bahá’í community, Diane said, "Haifa and Allen are the two special places in the world to me."

Twenty-seven Bahá’ís from central Kentucky participated May 3-5 in a weekend youth retreat held at the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Crystal. Among the activities were deepening classes, games, dancing, a campfire, and informal discussions.

Lions Club receives drug abuse references from Bahá’í in Texas

On learning that the local Lions Club chapter was planning a comprehensive program on drug abuse, Jeanette Hedayati, a member of the Bahá’í community of Graham, Texas, approached the chairman of the Noon Lioness Club, of which she is a member, and asked if it would be helpful to include a compilation of references to drug abuse from Holy Scriptures to hand out at meetings.

The chairman said yes, and Mrs. Hedayati compiled references from the Old and New Testaments and the Bahá’í writings and presented them to the Lions' Drug Awareness Committee which planned to duplicate and distribute them. [Page 26]

VIE Chart

Continued From Page 5

District Name	‘Starting Block’ Info			Current Month Info (‘Izzat)
	Membership as of 12/9/84	Number giving	Percentage of participation	Membership (09/09/85)	Number giving	Percentage of participation
Colorado NE	470	65	13.8	514	74	14.4
Colorado SE	178	22	12.2	175	23	13.1
Colorado W	165	39	23.4	175	52	29.7
Connecticut	447	60	13.5	457	81	17.7
DelMarVa	283	23	8.0	274	27	9.9
Florida C	380	31	8.1	396	33	8.3
Florida N	291	28	9.6	291	38	13.1
Florida SE	1032	96	9.3	1020	72	7.1
Florida SW	493	68	13.8	509	71	13.9
Georgia NE	317	57	17.9	314	67	21.3
Georgia NW	885	25	2.8	956	14	1.5
Georgia S	1141	16	1.4	1152	6	0.5
Idaho N/Washington E	479	67	13.9	468	91	19.4
Idaho S	183	35	19.3	179	39	21.8
Illinois N No. 1	582	88	15.1	537	56	10.4
Illinois N No. 2	1090	166	15.3	1105	59	5.3
Illinois S	670	82	12.3	677	80	11.8
Indiana	512	85	16.6	510	77	15.1
Iowa	348	101	28.9	356	101	28.4
Kansas	356	56	15.6	377	71	18.8
Kentucky	220	26	11.8	217	36	16.6
Louisiana N	83	14	17.2	88	10	11.4
Louisiana S	495	37	7.5	483	39	8.1
Maine	228	56	24.7	230	43	18.7
Maryland W/D.C.	805	89	11.1	822	107	13.0
Massachusetts	918	128	14.0	970	106	10.9
Michigan Mainland	1143	164	14.3	1152	160	13.9
Minnesota N	154	35	22.9	174	69	39.7
Minnesota S	426	92	21.6	433	78	18.0
Mississippi	372	27	7.3	354	21	5.9
Missouri	624	91	14.5	611	73	11.9
Montana	336	32	9.6	323	31	9.6
Navajo/Hopi	392	20	5.1	399	6	1.5
Nebraska	294	52	17.6	302	68	22.5
Nevada N	170	9	5.5	170	4	2.4
Nevada S	147	21	14.1	155	31	20.0
New Hampshire	352	66	18.7	349	53	15.2
New Jersey	704	112	15.9	705	96	13.6
New Mexico N	488	51	10.4	493	53	10.8
New Mexico S/Texas W	928	26	2.8	939	43	4.6
New York E	1231	122	9.9	1218	104	8.5
New York W	586	93	15.9	601	95	15.8
North Carolina C	608	34	5.5	701	40	5.7
North Carolina E	633	20	3.1	632	23	3.6
North Carolina W	397	57	14.4	631	46	7.3
North Dakota	118	19	15.8	129	11	8.5
Ohio N	521	80	15.3	531	119	22.4
Ohio S	384	63	16.3	390	49	12.6
Oklahoma E	348	37	10.5	338	36	10.7
Oklahoma W	461	41	9.0	423	33	7.8
Oregon E	261	18	6.9	245	12	4.9
Oregon W	1252	117	9.3	1317	101	7.7
Pennsylvania E	446	82	18.5	466	99	21.2
Pennsylvania W	188	46	24.3	185	35	18.9
Rhode Island	102	14	13.7	101	13	12.9
South Carolina C	1254	16	1.3	1274	13	1.0
South Carolina E No. 1	2257	4	0.2	2687	7	0.3
South Carolina E No. 2	1917	4	0.2	2586	5	0.2
South Carolina N	801	5	0.6	807	8	1.0
South Carolina S No. 1	589	9	1.5	573	21	3.7
South Carolina S No. 2	764	10	1.3	777	6	0.8
South Carolina W	373	27	7.2	371	22	5.9
South Dakota	517	11	2.1	707	20	2.8
Tennessee E	154	38	24.9	150	22	14.7
Tennessee W	305	26	8.6	314	19	6.1
Texas C No. 1	516	50	9.6	528	85	16.1
Texas C No. 2	94	6	6.7	97	20	20.6
Texas E No. 1	1236	109	8.8	1251	98	7.8
Texas E No. 2	796	74	9.3	813	66	8.1
Texas N	176	24	13.8	219	39	17.8
Texas S	204	26	12.6	208	19	9.1
Utah	224	34	15.3	215	51	23.7
Vermont	144	26	18.1	139	18	12.9
Virginia N	695	72	10.4	645	69	10.7
Virginia SE				500	29	5.8
Virginia SW	536	42	7.8	165	28	17.0
Washington NW	988	108	10.9	1047	126	12.0
Washington SW	364	45	12.3	376	90	23.9
West Virginia	166	14	8.4	162	25	15.4
Wis. N/Peninsular Mich.	270	64	23.8	307	55	17.9
Wisconsin S	748	194	25.9	778	100	12.9
Wyoming	148	6	4.3	139	25	18.0

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

The National Bahá’í Archives would like to identify this group of Bahá’í youth in New York City. The photograph was taken around 1942. If you can identify anyone in the picture, please write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Craig Lewis, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Bosque Farms, New Mexico, who is a PhD. candidate at the University of New Mexico, has been accepted as a speaker at the United Nations Peace Conference scheduled for December and January in Suva, Fiji. Mr. Lewis will present a paper titled ‘Peace Studies and Peace Building Strategies in the Classroom.’ He will complete his studies at UNM next spring, earning a doctorate in educational foundations.

The Bedrock of All Other Institutions

National Bahá’í Fund

Wilmette, IL 60091

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

A corrected reprint of Bahá’í Prayers featuring

• two new prayers—one for the martyrs and their families and one for the departed
• a new alphabetical index to first lines (replacing the chronological-by-category index)
• corrections on all prayers containing typographical errors in the previous editions
• a softcover edition in a striking charcoal grey
• a hardcover gift edition in maroon with grey endsheets and a silver ribbon
• an embossed nine-pointed star and “Bahá’í Prayers” stamped in silver on both covers

Softcover $3.75*

Hardcover $7.50*

Available from

Bahá’í Distribution Service

415 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, IL 60091

Tel. 1-800-323-1880

• Add 10 per cent for postage and handling (minimum $1.50); 15 per cent for shipment overseas.

[Page 27]

Ten years ago... in The American Bahá’í

Work continues on schedule in excavating the site for the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

The completed excavation, more than 1.5 million cubic feet of stone and earth, is being blasted and dug out from the slope of Mount Carmel in Haifa and is expected to be finished early in 1976.

The Universal House of Justice says the entire project is the greatest single undertaking of the Five Year Plan. The building, it says, will last for centuries, "to stand as a visible expression of the majesty of the divinely ordained institutions of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh."...

The number of inquiries received by the National Information Committee from persons interested in the Faith has doubled that of the past year.

Figures compiled by the committee show that 1,697 seekers have written since January. Most of them are from people who have visited the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Some have heard of the Faith through Seals and Crofts' albums and concerts, while others have sent inquiries after visiting Bahá’í booths, reading pamphlets, hearing radio programs or seeing newspaper articles that refer to the Faith or the recent advertisement in Life magazine...

President Gerald Ford greets more than 4,500 judges and lawyers from 131 countries who are taking part in the World Peace Through Law Conference in Washington, D.C., from October 12-17.

Bahá’í delegates to the conference include Judge James F. Nelson of Los Angeles; his wife, Dr. Dorothy Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly; Kiser Barnes of Baltimore, and Dr. Elsie Austin of Silver Spring, Maryland.

The session presided over by Dorothy Nelson attracts considerable attention. Nobel prize winner Sir Philip Noel-Baker of London expresses interest in meeting Dr. Nelson and praises her efforts in behalf of women's rights as well as world peace.

Dr. Nelson is one of six women lawyers to receive the Pax Orbis Ex Jure medallion at the conference in recognition of contributions to world peace...

Hugh Chance, a member of the Universal House of Justice, speaks at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina, drawing the largest audience since its dedication ceremony four years before...

Letters

Sacrifice is not just giving up something! It is giving a lesser for a greater—a new outfit or new furniture for service to mankind. People across the land have color TVs whether they can afford them or not. If they want one, they'll find a way to pay for it. If we want to give, we too will find a way. Pray, ponder and reflect.

If we do not particularly want to give, pray until we do want to give. Ask, supplicate, implore Bahá’u’lláh. If we really want to give, He will help us.

If I say I cannot give, I do not have the money, then that's the way it will be, and I have made it so.

Vera Moorhead Sarasota, Florida

To the Editor:

Having been a Bahá’í for almost 50 years and being somewhat knowledgeable about the subject, as I have read and studied almost everything available in the English language by the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, I can't help wondering what Kenneth Lyon (The American Bahá’í, August 1985) means when he writes that he would like to see a "Bahá’í Bible."

His letter, as the King of Siam in the musical "The King and I" would say, is "a puzzlement."

Frances B. Edelstein Palo Alto, California

To the Editor:

"Beyond War" is a peace movement with a difference.

BEYOND War began in 1983 when a number of people in the area of Palo Alto, California, became concerned that too much of the public's attention was being focused on the terrible threat of nuclear war, and little on the effective ways people can act to prevent what the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War have called "the final epidemic."

Over a period of months that year, these people interviewed Americans across the country—scientists and laymen, leaders and followers—attempting to determine what could be done on a grassroots level to head off humanity's blind drift toward the unimaginable catastrophe of a nuclear war.

The findings have been distilled into an educational program of powerful simplicity whose elements Bahá’ís will immediately recognize.

Beyond War members first attempt to identify and demolish the illusions most people harbor about nuclear war: that it is survivable; that "they" won't let it happen; and that the problem is too big for any individual to make a difference.

Quoting scientific studies, they flatly assert that "nuclear weapons have made all war obsolete," since no one can be certain that even a small conventional war will not escalate into a nuclear exchange.

Further, they insist, "they" have no more control than the man in the street over accidents that might trigger a nuclear war.

MOST important, they teach that the average citizen can make a difference, not alone but working in concert with others of like mind to build agreement on the need to eliminate war. Beyond War seeks to build this agreement through a process that it describes as "knowledge, decision and action."

Beyond War does not engage in partisan political action, aiming instead to change the consensus in society that permits the politicians and leaders to plan for nuclear war.

The movement is spreading through dedicated volunteers who move to targeted areas to carry its message.

Beyond War recognizes that mankind has progressed through the stages of social organization represented by families, clans, city-states and nations, and that recognition of the oneness of mankind is all that can assure the continued survival of our species.

In December 1984, Beyond War held simultaneous ceremonies in San Francisco and Moscow to present the Beyond War Award to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

The ceremony, which ended with a deeply moving demonstration of unity as choruses in San Francisco and Moscow sang in unison about the beautiful earth we share, was linked by satellite transmission, called a Spacebridge, and will be shown this fall on public television stations across the U.S.

My friends in Beyond War have been astonished and delighted to learn of the Bahá’í Faith, as we obviously share the same goals, motivations and methods.

I've found the Beyond War message to be an excellent, non-threatening way to introduce people to Bahá’í ideas—people who would not listen to "religious" teaching.

You may learn more about Beyond War from Creative Initiative, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Phone 415-328-7756.

Thomas F. Armistead Milford, Connecticut

To the Editor:

Bahá’ís, like many others, find themselves at times adversely affected emotionally by life's challenges in this age of rapid change. Some may experience periods of negative emotion (anger, frustration, depression, etc.) more often or of a longer duration than is necessary.

It is possible to use these so-called "negative experiences" as important opportunities for insight and growth (sometimes it is a change in attitude that is most needed).

Releasing feelings of blame (whether directed toward oneself, others or God) is perhaps the most important step under such circumstances. It is helpful to realize that no matter what the outward challenge, it is never God's will for us to continue to experience negative emotions.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá assures us that "...the spiritual world bestows only the joy! If we suffer it is the outcome of material things... the spiritual kingdom never causes sadness. A man living with his thoughts in this kingdom knows perpetual joy. The ills all flesh is heir to do not pass him by, but they only touch the surface of his life, the depths are calm and serene." (The Reality of Man, p. 16)

We know that Bahá’u’lláh wants us to experience this serenity and joy. Therefore we do deserve it, and need consciously to strengthen these qualities in our daily life.

David H. Frankel Ann Arbor, Michigan

Who was the first black American to become a Bahá’í? Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900

Nematullah Gandomi, 92, the great-grandson of the 'Sifter of the Wheat of Isfahan' (Mulla Jafar Gandom Pakkoun), died August 26 and was buried near the gravesite of Thornton Chase in Inglewood, California. Mr. Gandomi responded quickly to the call of the beloved Guardian during the first Seven Year Plan, becoming a homefront pioneer to Zaboul, on the border between Iran and Afghanistan.

Mrs. Rose Gronsund, a Bahá’í who located and purchased choice properties in the Bahamas on which to build that country's national Haziratu’l-Quds, died August 13 in Wilmette, Illinois. Mrs. Gronsund, a professional realtor, was also an accomplished concert pianist who played as a young woman at New York City's Carnegie Hall.

In Memoriam

Rose Mary Akins, Fowlston, GA, 1983 Susie Banks, Shellman, GA, 1983 Marjorie Brown, Los Angeles, CA, July 21, 1985 Sarah Brown, Richland, GA, 1984 Constance Beckley, Prescott, AZ, August 29, 1985 Ozie Carter, Dawson, GA, 1983 Mabel Clark, Washington, DC, February 14, 1984 Margarette Cline, St. Petersburg, FL, October 27, 1984 Lester B. Duff, Pottstown, PA, November 9, 1982 John Fowlie, Hesperia, LA, August 22, 1985 Cynthia Harris, Hawkinsville, GA, 1984 Helen Harris, Washington, DC, August 11, 1985 Johnny Jackson, Shellman, GA, 1983 Issac Johnson, Dawson, GA, 1982 Marjorie Jones, Cuthbert, GA, 1984 Ida McCormick, Hawkinsville, GA, March 28, 1985 Helen Monroe, McLean, VA, August 21, 1985 Molouk Noury, Long Beach, CA, November 5, 1984 Harold R. Olsen, Racine, WI, September 3, 1985 Selma Pomber, Port Orchard, WA, May 3, 1985 Mose Robinson, Rowlett, TX, Date Unknown Vivian Rosenzweig, Los Angeles, CA, August 25, 1985 Dr. James Shamey, Attleboro, MA, April 1985 Dr. L.B. Stephan, Altoona, FL, November 1977 Hermina Surbeck, Littleton, CO, August 29, 1985 Phillip Walmsley, Troy, MT, August 2, 1985 Eveline Watkin, Wyncote, PA, 1979 Emma Weber, Thiensville, WI, April 1985 Maryjane Williams, Sunnyside, VA, March 14, 1985 [Page 28]

Ads

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

NEEDED for the South Pacific: Peace Corps-type volunteers to help with a Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project. Experience in plumbing and to supervise installation and train others in the maintainence of water supplies is necessary. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WE ARE presently operating a computer bulletin board in California's Silicon Valley. The system is general purpose and supports all computers. We have a special Bahá’í section online and would like to see more Bahá’í users. Call now, 300/1200/2400 baud. The number is 408-353-4531. We are interested in creating a network to better transfer data between communities. Our mailing address is: Bahá’ís of Santa Clara County S.W., P.O. Box 433, Los Gatos, CA 95031.

YOUTH! Three retreats are being held in South Dakota this month. (1) Eastern, November 23-24 (site to be announced). (2) Rosebud Reservation, November 28-29. (3) Pine Ridge Reservation, November 30-December 1. For details, please phone Mary Stevens, 605-747-2302.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School has openings at its Residential College for a head resident and an academic assistant/secretary. The head resident will serve as an academic and personal counselor to students by overseeing and helping them plan their devotional, educational, social, work and recreational activities. Applicants must have experience working with youth. They should have completed high school and preferably college, be in good physical condition and in their mid-20s or older. Compensation consists of a room, meals and a $75 per week stipend. The academic assistant/secretary will serve as an assistant and secretary to the director of academic affairs. This includes work in publicity, planning and implementing retreats and conferences, drafting correspondence, compiling reports, and working on special projects. Applicants must have typing skills and should have completed high school and preferably college. Compensation consists of a room, meals and a $75 per week stipend. These positions would be ideally filled by a married couple who would have between them the qualifications to divide the duties of each job. It would be preferable if both were experienced with and interested in working with youth. To apply for either position or to request a more complete job description, please send a letter and resumé to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for acceptance of applications is January 1, 1986.

SANDY CITY, Utah, one of the fastest growing suburban communities in the country, needs a homefront pioneer family or couple who could help with consolidation and administration. Sandy City, 15 miles south of the center of Salt Lake City, is within easy reach of five institutions of higher learning, several Assemblies, and many summer and winter recreational activities. It boasts adequate access to employment and housing to meet almost any type of lifestyle. Five adult believers would raise this extension teaching goal of Salt Lake County to Assembly status. Those who are interested may write for more information to the Spiritual Assembly of Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 7775, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, or to Foad Mohebbizadeh, P.O. Box 7581, Murray, UT 84107. Phone 801-943-2672 (evenings), 801-262-6767 (mornings), or Marva Davis, 801-967-6680.

URGENTLY needed: Copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era in Vietnamese for a unique teaching project in a Vietnamese refugee camp to which 40 Chinese Bahá’ís have recently moved in Thailand. Please send a copy or photocopy to Tim and Diana Schaffter, c/o the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Thailand, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.

WILL HELP Bahá’ís who are qualified to work as teachers, counselors, residential advisers, vocational instructors, secretaries, bus drivers at a U.S. government institution for youths. Need homefront pioneers in Carson City, Silver City and Lyon County, Nevada. Phone Joseph Galata, 702-356-9027.

LOUHELEN'S fall-winter-spring program guide can be acquired at no charge simply by writing to Hermione Pickens, registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or by phoning 313-653-5033.

NEW JERSEY has a number of goal areas for homefront pioneers. Those in the northern area are within commuting range of New York; southern goals are nearer Philadelphia. Some of the goals are as follows: New York area, Middletown (eight adults), Piscataway (9), Bloomfield (9), Paterson (16), Morris (6), Trenton (6), Hackensack (6), Newark (6), Dumont (5), East Windsor (5), Hopewell Township (5), Irvington (5), Madison (5), Wayne (5), Westwood (5). Philadelphia area: Glassboro (6 adults), Camden (7), Franklin Township (6). For details, contact the New Jersey District Teaching Committee, Woodstown, NJ 08098, or phone 609-769-4257.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í. send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

1. ID Title Full name-Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. IDN Title Full name

B-NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description, City, State, Zip

C-NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address, City, State, Zip

D-NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community

E-HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

F-WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name, Area Code Number Name

G-Moving date

We receive extra copies because: we do not have the same last name. the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly.

We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091 ¡BAHÁ’Í FAITH

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following books in good condition: Avignon in Flower (cloth, 1965), Bahá’í Child's ABC (paper, 1948), The Bahá’í Faith (by Gaver, paper, 1967), Bahá’í: Follower of the Light (paper, 1972, 1973), Know Your Bahá’í Literature (paper, 1958), Bahá’í Youth: A Compilation (paper, 1973), Declaration of Trust & By-Laws (paper, 1949, 1965), The Divine Art of Living (cloth, 1946, 1949; paper, 1944, 1946, 1949, 1953, 1956). Anyone having copies he or she could donate is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

UNIVERSITY professors are needed in Nigeria to teach English, literature, history (specifically European and Islamic history), philosophy, linguistics, German, and theatre arts. Also, a College of Medicine is looking for professors in the physiotherapy department and in oral biology and oral pathology. If you are interested or would like more information, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NIGERIA needs pioneers by Ridván! Among the positions presently available are those for accountants and auditors at all levels Uy LIC Commission. Also needed are a principal medical officer, senior medical officer, chief coach, assistant coach, and other coaches at other levels of administration. Also needed is an electronics technician fluent in English with a diploma in electronics and a minimum of three years in technical electronics, preferably in the textile industry or in control systems technology. Please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, for further information.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday-Friday Phone 312-869-9039