The American Bahá’í/Volume 16/Issue 2/Text

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The American Bahá’í February, 1985

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[Page 1]

Dr. Deas resigns as Gregory Institute's director

WITH PROFOUND GRATITUDE FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCES THE RESIGNATION OF DR. ALBERTA DEAS AS DIRECTOR OF THE LOUIS GREGORY INSTITUTE. DR. DEAS HISTORIC CON- TRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAITH IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST RADIO STATION ON THE NORTH AMERICAN CON- TINENT WILL BE REMEMBERED ALWAYS AS ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THIS PERIOD OF AMER- ICAN BAHÁ’Í HISTORY. DR. DEAS' MOST RECENT PERIOD OF SERVICE, COMPLETED AT GREAT PERSONAL SACRIFICE, CULMINATED IN THE RAISING OF OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE LOUIS GREGORY IN- STITUTE FACILITY AND THE INAUGURATION OF WLGI, BAHÁ’Í RADIO.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY 8, 1985

After four and one-half years of service as administrator of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, while serving simultaneously as secretary of the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee and administrator of its Regional Office, and serving for the last year and a half on the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Alberta Deas is resigning as the Institute's director.

"I'VE accomplished what I was asked to do by the National Assembly at the Gregory Institute," says Dr. Deas. "The Institute will no doubt go into a new phase of development—and I will continue to support that development as an

WLGI inauguration to be held March 23

The victory celebration and public dedication of WLGI Radio, the first Bahá’í-owned radio station in North America, has been set for Saturday, March 23.

The National Spiritual Assembly and representatives from the Auxiliary Board will attend the celebration at the Louis Gregory Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, the site of WLGI.

All Bahá’ís are invited to attend this celebration of the establishment and operation of WLGI and the conclusion of the term of service of Dr. Alberta Deas who is resigning as director of the Gregory Institute.

Bahá’í prisoners told Sign false document

DISTRESSED INFORM YOU THAT RECENTLY IRANIAN GOV- ERNMENT ANNOUNCED ANOTHER OPPRESSIVE MEASURE AGAINST BAHÁ’Í PRISONERS. IN ORDER TO BE RELEASED PRISONER MUST SIGN FOLLOWING UNDERTAKING: "I THE UNDERSIGNED (DETAILS OF PERSONAL STATUS INCLUDING RELIGION) UNDERTAKE NOT TO HAVE IN MY POSSESSION ANY BOOK, PAMPHLET, DOCUMENT, SYMBOL OR PICTURE OF THIS MISGUIDED, ZIONIST, ESPIONAGE GROUP OF BAHÁ’ÍS. IF ANY OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ARTICLES BE- LONGING TO THIS HATED UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT IS FOUND ON MY PERSON OR IN MY HOME, THIS WILL BE TAN- TAMOUNT TO MY BEING OF THOSE WHO 'WAR AGAINST GOD' AND THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL WOULD BE FREE TO DECIDE AGAINST ME IN THE MANNER HE SEES FIT." THE TERMINOLOGY "WHO WAR AGAINST GOD" IS A TERM USED BY PRESENT REGIME TO SIGNIFY A CRIME DESERVING SEN- TENCE OF DEATH. BAHÁ’Í PRISONERS HAVE REFUSED SIGN SUCH AN INFAMOUS DOCUMENT FALSELY IMPUGNING THEIR FAITH. MOREOVER SIGNING SUCH A DOCUMENT WOULD LEAVE BAHÁ’ÍS OPEN TO HAVING SUCH ITEMS PLANTED ON THEIR PERSON OR IN THEIR HOMES. WAVE OF RECENT ARRESTS OF BAHÁ’ÍS SUGGESTS THAT AUTHORI- TIES PLAN EXERT PRESSURE ALL BAHÁ’ÍS TO SIGN SUCH AN IMPOSSIBLE UNDERTAKING. OBVIOUSLY FAITHFUL FRIENDS WILL REFUSE SUCCUMB SUCH CONTEMPTIBLE PLAN. WE REQUEST YOU PUBLICIZE AND INFORM GOVERN- MENTS OF DETERIORATING SITUATION BAHÁ’Í COM- MUNITY IRAN.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JANUARY 3, 1985

President's rights message refers to Iran persecutions

For the second year in a row, President Ronald Reagan has referred to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran as one of the most serious human rights violations in the world today.

"WE Americans recognize a special responsibility to speak for the oppressed, wherever they may be," Mr. Reagan said during a White House ceremony December 10 commemorating International Human Rights Day. "We think here of special cases like the persecution of the Bahá’í religious minority in Iran..."

As the President was making his statement on behalf of human rights, the Islamic Revolutionary

December surge gives Fund a boost

The Office of the Treasurer announced early in January that more than $522,000 was contributed during the month of Masá’il, an amount well above the monthly goal of $395,000.

This increase reflects the augmented contributions of individuals, Assemblies and Groups in response to the GOOD (Get Out of Debt) campaign.

Also reflected is an expected December surge resulting from bonus checks, tax-related gifts, and similar seasonal factors.

In addition, participation was reported to have increased to better than 8,000 individuals.

Both increases mark the first time this fiscal year that the revised goals have been met.

‘Trail of Light’ keeps blazing during 3-week N. Mexico visit

By ELAINE PHILLIPS SPENCER

The "Trail of Light" continues to blaze its way into the hearts of the indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere.

A THREE-WEEK follow-up to the visit by a South American team last year to the pueblos of northern New Mexico began December 7 in response to directives from the National Teaching Committee and American Indian Teaching Committee to organize regional Trail of Light programs and ensure an adequate follow-up of the visit from our South American friends.

Team members from Alaska, Canada, South Dakota, Nevada and the Navajo Reservation gathered at the Native American Bahá’í Institute at Burntwater, Arizona, for three days of prayer and deepening before undertaking the New Mexico visit.

Assemblies to study role in Campaign of Unified Action

On February 23 and March 30, Spiritual Assembly members in 10 regions of the country will take part in special one-day conferences called for by the National Spiritual Assembly.

THE PURPOSE of the conferences is to provide an opportunity for Assembly members to consult about the vital role their local institutions are being asked to play in the Campaign of Unified Action.

The conferences, planned as a follow-up to the highly successful consultative meetings among the

Change in paper's distribution OK'd

The National Spiritual Assembly has approved a change in the distribution of The American Bahá’í.

Instead of sending the newspaper to every adult Bahá’í in the country, as has been done in the past, we will be sending one copy per household beginning with this

Persian/American Affairs Committee

To underscore its new and broader responsibilities, the Persian Affairs Committee has a new name—The Persian/American Affairs Committee.

Universal Children's Day

More than 350 non-Bahá’í children attended a Universal Children's Day program sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. The event was held at a school whose principal helped publicize it by sending a brightly colored flyer home with every child in the school.

Meanwhile, the Bahá’ís promoted the event by giving away balloons and flyers at a local shopping mall. The youngsters took part in sack races, a water balloon toss, and an 'elephant walk,' and enjoyed ice cream, watermelon and doughnut eating contests along with all the ice cream and punch they could consume. A trio of young Bahá’ís, 'The New Age,' entertained with contemporary music. [Page 2]

Movement imparts new spirit, resolve as young Bahá’ís mobilize to win Plan

Editorial

In the past several months, the American Bahá’í community has witnessed among its youth and young adults a new resolve, a heightened sense of purpose and commitment to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Much of this fresh spirit can be credited to the growth of the Bahá’í Youth Movement.

YOUR ASSEMBLY or Group may have heard the youth discussing the Movement—this force that is serving to channel their energies toward a more disciplined and directed service to the Faith. Hopefully, you have noted the fresh enthusiasm, the note of seriousness in their discussions and deeds.

Last spring, members of the National Spiritual Assemblies in North America met with members of the Continental Board of Counsellors to discuss the impact of the letter addressed to the youth of the world by the Universal House of Justice dated January 3, 1984. How could the youth of North America best respond to the challenge raised by the House of Justice: "youth can move the world ..."?

This question was later put to youth in a series of consultative sessions, and their response was mature and powerful. If the youth could tap into the same vision and spirit shared by the early Bábís, those dawn-breakers who carried the infant Faith of God from victory to victory, then they, the youth, as spiritual descendants of those dawn-breakers, could more effectively meet the demands for the growth of the Faith during these turbulent years leading to the Lesser Peace.

The youth have come to recognize the need for a more disciplined approach to their identity as Bahá’ís. This discipline focuses on the suppression of ego, the exercise of chastity in all its many applications, the overcoming of prejudice, and submission to God's Will. They seek to share some of that awe-inspiring love and obedience that motivated the deeds of Quddús, Táhirih, and Badí’.

THEY HAVE ALSO recognized the need for a higher level of discourse. Based on the study of the writings, especially those of the Guardian, and through continual conversation on topics that society is struggling to deal with, the youth hope to develop statements that will attract the attention of their peers, open their eyes to the possibilities of building a new society, and recruit them to join this movement that will effect a lasting change. This discourse also calls for action in the execution of deeds of service and of teaching.

Most recently, in mid-November, at a meeting held at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, a group of American and Canadian youth met with members of the Continental Board of Counsellors and of the National Youth Committees in North America. Together, they devised a course of action designed to carry quickly the spirit and form of the Bahá’í Youth Movement to all parts of the continent. The committees charged the youth with the responsibility to:

•hold in assigned areas a series of youth meetings to review the nature and substance of the Movement along with its historical perspective and future focus;

•assist in the formation of information groups, small groups of about 10 youth each that will meet to share and deepen on materials prepared by the National Youth Committees which will help in the development of this discourse. These information groups have no administrative function but serve as a channel for communication in a more economical fashion than on a one-to-one basis;

•support the winter teaching projects that are being held in various parts of the country and, in some areas, to seek sponsorship of projects through Spiritual Assemblies or District Teaching Committees.

The Bahá’í Youth Movement is a fresh reality in North America. The observance of International Youth Year 1985, highlighted by the International Youth Conference next summer in Ohio, brings the youth many opportunities for service and growth; the Movement will assuredly provide them with the spiritual resources necessary to seize those opportunities and to make a lasting and significant contribution to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

IT IS OUR PRAYER that the youth in your area will demonstrate a renewed spirit of dedication, and we are sure that your Assembly or Group will support their efforts. This generation of Bahá’í youth is unique in our history, for it is they who will assume the responsibility for the affairs of the Faith during the difficult years leading to the turn of the century.

It is therefore both timely and appropriate for the institutions of the Cause at all levels to give their strongest measure of support, service and guidance to the youthful followers of Bahá’u’lláh.

"Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His love. The manifestation of such a grace is greater than the creation of the heavens and of the earth. Blessed are the steadfast and well is it with those who are firm."—Bahá’u’lláh

Seven more Bahá’ís executed in Iran, two others die from unknown causes

REGRETFULLY ANNOUNCE SAD NEWS EXECUTION OF SIX BAHÁ’Í FRIENDS IN TEHERAN: DR. RUHULLAH TA'LIM FROM KIRMANSHAH, DR. FIRUZ ATHARI, MR. ‘INAYATULLAH HAQIQI, MR. JAMSHID PURUSTADKAR, MR. JAMAL KASHANI, MR. GHULAM-HUSAYN FARHAND. THE LAST FIVE PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED TO YOU AS AMONG THOSE CONDEMNED TO DEATH. FATE OF REMAINING 19 IN BALANCE. ALL EXECUTIONS TOOK PLACE ON ONE DAY, 9 DECEMBER. DETAILS ARE UNKNOWN AS NEITHER RELATIVES FRIENDS WERE INFORMED. FACT OF EXECUTIONS DISCOVERED 8 DAYS LATER. ADVISE PUBLICIZE FACTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND INFORM AUTHORITIES. SITUATION GRAVE.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE DECEMBER 17, 1984

FURTHER TO OUR TELEX 17 DECEMBER WE SORROWFULLY ANNOUNCE NEWS EXECUTION BY HANGING OF DR. FARHAD ASDAQI ON 19 NOVEMBER AFTER FOUR MONTHS IMPRISONMENT AND TORTURE. MR. DIYA’U’LLAH MANI’I-USKU’I AND MR. ‘ALIRIDA NIYAKAN DIED IN TABRIZ PRISON 13TH AND 11TH NOVEMBER RESPECTIVELY AFTER TWO AND A HALF YEARS IMPRISONMENT. CAUSE DEATH NOT ESTABLISHED.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE DECEMBER 18, 1984

Assemblies have key role to play in Campaign of Unified Action

Comment

The mighty upsurge of teaching that will bring victories for the remainder of the Seven Year Plan is, to a great extent, in the hands of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

COMMITTEES and Assemblies do not teach and confirm souls; individuals do. But the Local Spiritual Assembly, the "loving shepherd," can encourage, guide and minister to the front-rank believers so that teaching will continue at an unprecedented pace.

Just as the individual believer can pray for the prestige, honor and influence of his Local Spiritual Assembly, the Assembly can take measures to safeguard the individual's right to self-expression and service.

Leadership—The Local Assembly can encourage leadership. In the Bahá’í Faith leaders do not have authority, just as rulers do not act independently. A leader does not look for recognition. Every organization thrives on the leadership abilities of individuals, and many organizations, religious as well as secular, have programs to develop and encourage leadership.

When individuals with talent, enthusiasm, audacity, creativity, imagination, energy and an abundance of love arise in your community, get behind them. Find out what you as an Assembly can do to support and encourage their endeavors.

Trust—Wherever there is an upsurge of teaching in a Bahá’í community, there is trust between the Local Spiritual Assembly and the individual believer.

When an individual knows that his Assembly trusts him, he continues his efforts. Trust causes lasting friendships and nurtures activity.

Self-expression—A Local Spiritual Assembly should allow disagreement and unpopular opinions to be freely expressed. There must never be recriminations against those who express themselves openly.

This month's article, "The Local Spiritual Assembly and the Campaign of Unified Action," was written by Robert G. Wilson of Seattle, Washington.

Tolerance and forbearance from a Local Assembly—along with a sincere desire to rectify situations and understand its community—increase individual initiative. There is less "inactivity" when individuals know they can express their thoughts and feelings.

Confidence—Members of Local Spiritual Assemblies—and the Assembly itself on occasion—must take the community into its confidence and share its concerns. Smugness, aloofness and arrogance must be avoided. There must never develop an "us and them" attitude between an Assembly and its community.

Individuals must know beyond any doubt that the Assembly has the progress of the Cause of God and the love of the friends at its heart.

Minorities—Members of Bahá’í communities who are from minority backgrounds need special attention and encouragement to speak out so that true diversity can be experienced.

Many people are intimidated by an organized meeting such as the Nineteen Day Feast, or by speaking in front of a group.

An Assembly can employ special methods of sharing with community members from minority backgrounds, such as special meetings with them, receptions and specially designed firesides.

Justice—It is the Local Spiritual Assembly that will one day evolve into the local House of Justice. Justice is the application of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

A Local Spiritual Assembly can make certain that its decisions eliminate problems rather than cause them. Every Assembly decision should be directed toward achieving greater unity among community members and surrounding communities.

The Creative Word—Divine Revelation is God's greatest gift to man. New believers, as well as seekers, must be brought as quickly as possible to the Word of God.

The Local Spiritual Assembly can help this process by making certain that all new believers have access to the Sacred Writings. Gifts of the Creative Word can be given to Bahá’ís who graduate from one school grade to another, to high school or college graduates, and to local believers who should have some special recognition for their services or accomplishments.

In sum, the Local Spiritual Assembly can do much to assist the Campaign of Unified Action by supporting and encouraging individual believers as they arise to carry the Faith of God to every human heart.

Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: David E. Ogron

Copyright 1985 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

LETTERS

"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:

I am writing to express my thoughts about the question raised (July) by Rouha Rose of Normandy Park, Washington.

"THE question is," she asked, "may we as individual Americans, without mentioning the Faith, acquaint our local or national legislators with the specific guidance concerning modern problems that is available to us?..."

In writing of the association of Bahá’ís with politics, the Universal House of Justice stated: "The Bahá’ís may, indeed are encouraged to, mix with all strata of society, with the highest authorities and with leading personalities as well as with the mass of the people, and should bring the knowledge of the Faith to them; but in so doing they should strictly avoid becoming identified, or identifying the Faith, with political pursuits and party programs." (Letter of February 8, 1970, quoted in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1968-1973, pp. 44-50)

On the same topic, the Guardian warned the believers: "Let them beware lest they allow themselves to become the tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be entrapped by the treacherous devices of the plotters and the perfidious among their countrymen." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 64)

OF COURSE, the question of non-involvement in politics is not a simple one. It is important to study the subject "to intelligently and radiantly follow the holy teachings on this matter." (Letter from the Universal House of Justice dated February 8, 1970)

"...the Bahá’ís," the Guardian stated in a letter written on his behalf, "must turn all their forces into the channel of building up the Bahá’í Cause and its administration. They can neither change nor help the world in any other way at present. If they become involved in the issues the governments of the world are struggling over, they will be lost. But if they build up the Bahá’í pattern they can offer it as a remedy when all else has failed." (Quoted in Wellspring of Guidance, p. 135)

"Bahá’ís are often accused of holding aloof from the 'real problems' of their fellow-men," the Universal House of Justice writes. "...when we hear this accusation let us not forget that those who make it are usually idealistic materialists to whom material good is the only 'real' good, whereas we know that the working of the material world is merely a reflection of spiritual conditions and until the spiritual conditions can be changed there can be no lasting change for the better in material affairs." (Letter from the Universal House of Justice dated July 7, 1976, quoted in "Political Non-Involvement and Obedience to Government," compiled by Dr. Peter Khan, p. 10)

Abbas Lohrasbi Youngstown, Ohio

To the Editor:

The Eastern Literature Committee is responsible for translating Bahá’í literature into Eastern languages.

To work on these translations we need people, preferably Bahá’ís, who speak these languages as their mother tongue, who are able to translate from the English language (although in rare cases exceptions have to be made), who ideally haven't been out of the country for too long or have had some practice meanwhile, and who are willing to help us in our work.

There is a special shortage of people who are able to translate or proofread in the following languages: Bulgarian, Polish, Armenian, Azeri (Adherbaidjan) and Georgian.

If you have any of these skills or know of someone who has, please help us carry on our work either by volunteering or letting others know of our special needs.

Our address is Ahrenshorster Weg 2, D-2307 Schwedeneck 1, Germany.

Kerstin Poschmann Eastern Literature Committee

To the Editor:

At our last Feast, the community came up with this idea to help the National Bahá’í Fund "Get Out of Debt"—individuals can decide now to refund their tax refunds (all or part) to the National Fund.

If we act now, we can pledge/send our refunds before April 1985, just in time to meet our budget deadline!

Bonnie Barnes Washington, D.C.

To the Editor:

While attending the recent "Entrepreneurs' Conference" at the Louhelen School, I was both inspired and disappointed.

I WAS inspired because so many Bahá’ís responded to the call from the Universal House of Justice in its letter of October 20, 1983.

Many believers are seriously considering opening a business as a way to help promote social and economic advancement as well as self-reliance.

I was disappointed because so few attendees represented technical professions such as mechanics, electronic/electrical technicians, optical technicians, welders, and climate control technicians.

Without these professions (I use the word profession instead of trade), society could not long sustain its level of advancement. Who else would repair, service or develop the tools that are needed by an advancing society?

We must remember that these professions also upraise humanity. What would agriculture be without refrigeration, or communications without electronics?

IF THE infrastructure of this country were in ruins, would we be in a position to rebuild it? Certainly, scientists, engineers, physicians, etc., provide the means to advance society, but who sustains us there?

Bahá’ís of all ages should seriously consider a technical education, which usually takes two years of academic study and one year of experience to prepare one to open a business or work to support one.

Not only could a profession such as these cost less to prepare for, but one would have a practical skill that could be taken anywhere: a perfect means to self-reliance and "homefront/international" pioneering.

My car hasn't worked right since I left Louhelen. Does anyone know an honest mechanic?

John T. Krochmalny Port Clinton, Ohio

To the Editor:

In recent issues of The American Bahá’í there have been letters written about the persecutions in Iran and whether it is right for Bahá’ís to concentrate only on the sufferings of their fellow-believers.

When the Bahá’ís in Iran suffer and die for the Cause, they are following in the footsteps of Bahá’u’lláh Himself Who accepted every trial, not just for the Bahá’ís, but for all humanity.

When the Universal House of Justice and the Bahá’í administration make a great effort to gain world support for ending the persecution of Bahá’ís, it is also, by example, an effort to end all injustice against humanity.

What is special is that in this Cause are also the divine solutions to all of these problems. That is why it seems especially terrible when there are those who seek to extinguish its light.

Steven Boone Santa Fe, New Mexico

To the Editor:

I would like to share an observation on business dealings between Bahá’ís and with the larger community.

THERE appears to be some feeling that since we are all Bahá’ís (and, presumably, try to live in love and harmony with one another), written contracts should be dispensed with, since—the assumption is—such contracts imply distrust between parties.

The overly idealistic may imagine this to be a "spiritual" way of looking at business, and may even feel insulted when asked to enter into the contract in writing, but this attitude is neither spiritual nor wise; simply naive.

A written contract is entered into with the assumption of good-will on the part of both parties, and is always desirable because it makes explicit the assumptions on the part of those who are doing business with each other.

By committing an agreement to writing, one prevents the likelihood of misunderstanding and hard feelings later, because assumptions (tacitly held) as to certain details of a transaction will likely be different in the minds of the two or more parties: by committing the agreement to writing, it is made clear exactly what each expects of the other.

Also, memory is notoriously tricky; conditions that seemed clear at the time the agreement was made may not be remembered the same way by the parties at a later time.

It is also an unfortunate reality that not all people who possess Bahá’í I.D. cards exhibit the virtues that the divine Messengers would desire of them.

We may not like to face the fact that there are some vipers among us, but it's true. To trust a person simply because he identifies himself as a fellow-Bahá’í, or to expect yourself to be trusted only on that basis, is also (regrettably) naive.

Christ admonished His followers to be "as innocent as doves," but in the same breath, and first, He admonished them to be "as wise as serpents" (Matthew 10:16).

John Ives Albany, California

To the Editor:

Throughout religious history humanity has been instructed to show compassion for all living beings.

This truth is once again manifested in the Bahá’í Faith as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us to "exercise the utmost kindness towards every living creature."

FURTHERMORE, cruelty to animals is forbidden in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

At first, this seems to be a simple order to follow, but anyone who looks further will find that violence against animals pervades our society.

Animals raised for food are subjected to barbaric living conditions which culminate in inhumane slaughter.

Animals used in laboratory experiments are forced to endure gruesome conditions which often do not benefit society. I recommend Peter Singer's book, Animal Liberation, for more information. The facts will surprise and shock the reader.

As a Bahá’í, I believe all aspects of how we choose to conduct our lives constitute religion. Therefore, I believe, we are required to practice kindness toward animals through our choice of diet and clothing.

WE CAN refuse to eat meat, or

See LETTERS Page 25

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[Page 4]

The Champion Builders: Mrs. Emogene M. Hoagg

Much of Emogene Hoagg’s 47 years of service to the Bahá’í Faith, which began in 1900 with a pilgrimage to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was devoted to teaching on the homefront and to international pioneering.

BORN September 27, 1869, in Copperopolis, California, Henrietta Emogene Martin was quite young when she went to live with an aunt and uncle in San Francisco following her father’s death and mother’s remarriage.

. After her graduation from an exclusive boarding school for young women, she married John Ketchie Hoagg when she was 20 years old. A few years later she went to Europe to pursue her vocal studies.

In 1898, after returning to the U.S., Emogene first heard of the Faith while visiting in the California home of Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, a family friend. Dr. Edward Getsinger and his wife, Lua, were also at the Hearsts’ home to tell her about the new Revelation.

Emogene was especially attracted by Mrs. Getsinger’s earnest manner, and began studying the Faith with her on a daily basis.

In 1899, Mrs. Hoagg wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá telling Him of her acceptance of the Faith. She then traveled with Mrs. Hearst as far as Paris while en route to Italy to continue her musical training.

IT WAS while in Milan, Italy, that she received her first Tablet from the Master.

Mrs. Hoagg would later describe her 14 days with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Haifa and ‘Akká in late 1900 as her "spiritual baptism." At His suggestion, she spent a month in Port Said, Egypt, studying the Bible under the guidance of the renowned Bahá’í scholar, Mírzá ‘Abu’l-Fadl.

Back home in California in 1903, Emogene joined Helen Goodall and Mrs. Goodall’s daughter, Ella Cooper, in estab-

Rights

Government in Iran introduced a new document for Bahá’í prisoners to sign as a condition for their release (see the cable from the Universal House of Justice on Page 1).

The document amounts to a confession of membership in an espionage organization and an agreement that the one signing it should be found guilty of a capital offense if any article relating to the Faith is found on his person or in his home.

Meanwhile, as if to underscore Iran’s intention to ignore basic human rights provisions for some of its citizens, that country’s permanent representative to the United Nations said on December 7 that the Islamic Revolutionary Government "would not hesitate to violate" the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whenever it had to choose between violating the divine law of Islam and violating secular conventions or resolutions.

The Declaration, said UN representative Said Rajaie-Khorassani, could not be implemented by Muslims, as it does not "accord with the system of values recognized by the Islamic Republic of Iran."

On December 19, responding to a report of nine more Bahá’í deaths in Iranian prisons, U.S. State Department spokesman John Hughes said, "It is particularly poignant that Iran’s latest executions of Bahá’ís occurred on the very eve of Human Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"AT THIS year’s Human Rights Day commemoration, President Reagan declared that we who are free have a special responsibility to speak up for those who are not. Among the victims of persecution whom President Reagan cited on that solemn occasion were the Bahá’ís of Iran."

The Human Rights Day proclamation signed by the President includes the following passage:

"As Americans, we strongly object to and seek to end such affronts to the human conscience as... the persecution of the Bahá’í religious minority in Iran..."

Four Bahá’ís were among the special guests invited to the Human Rights Day observance: Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Vahid Alavian, a professor of engineering at the University of Illinois whose father, Buzurg Alavian, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran, was murdered June 23, 1981, by the Islamic Revolutionary Government of Iran; and Dr. Alavian’s wife, Dr. Barbara Ann Miller.

Dr. Kazemzadeh, who also directs the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, spoke the following morning at the National Press Club in Washington, saying the Iranian government has begun a deliberate campaign of genocide against members of the Bahá’í Faith in that country.

QUOTING the five-point definition of genocide set forth in the United Nations Convention on the Crime of Genocide, Dr. Kazemzadeh said the Islamic Revolutionary Government has persecuted the Bahá’ís by brutal actions in each of those categories, any one of which the Convention defines as genocide.

"Since 1979, more than 185 Bahá’ís have been executed or died in Iranian prisons," said Dr. Kazemzadeh, "while thousands more have been arrested, denied jobs and legally earned pensions, and barred from universities, high schools and even primary schools.

"Bahá’í children have been ostracized in schools, and in a few cases, even taken from their families by Islamic authorities.

"We know of some 750 Bahá’ís in prison today," he said, "several of them sentenced to death on charges based solely on religious differences.

"Many of those executed were women, who have always been considered equal to men in the Bahá’í Faith. Even teen-age girls were executed, on charges that they taught Bahá’í religious classes."

The American Bahá’í community, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, welcomes President Reagan’s decision to submit the UN Convention on Genocide the Congress, which has not as yet ratified it.

"WE HOPE the Congress will act promptly next year to approve the Genocide Convention, which establishes an important standard by which to measure the actions of regimes which violate human rights," he said.

The Bahá’í community, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, considers the document to be signed by Bahá’í prisoners as a condition of their release to be "a serious violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which the government of Iran is a signatory.

Bahá’í prisoners, he added, "are refusing to sign this statement, which they feel misrepresents the Bahá’í Faith and leaves them open to having Bahá’í materials that have been confiscated by Iranian authorities planted on their persons or in their homes as evidence that they are persons who 'war against God,' often a capital offense."

The text of the statement introduced by the Iranian government is as follows:

"I, the undersigned (details of personal status including religion) undertake not to have in my possession any book, pamphlet, document, symbol or picture of the misguided, Zionist, espionage group of Bahá’ís.

"If any of the above-mentioned articles belonging to this hated underground movement is found on my person or in my home, this will be tantamount to my being of those 'who war against God,' and the Attorney-General would be free to decide against me in the manner he deems fit."

President Reagan prepares to sign the Human Rights Day proclamation during a White House ceremony December 10. Standing at the right is Vahid Alavian, a Persian-born Bahá’í from Illinois.

THE significance of the term "those who war against God," according to the Universal House of Justice, lies in the fact that it "is a term used by (the) present regime to signify a crime deserving (a) sentence of death."

During the State Department’s daily briefing December 19, Mr. Hughes said, "We appeal to the Iranian authorities to abide by the spirit of the letter of the Universal Declaration (of Human Rights), Article 18, which affirms, 'Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in company with others, and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.'"

Last August, Amnesty International again called on the government of Iran to live up to its own Islamic constitution, and to UN covenants it has ratified, by acting to end its common practice of torturing political prisoners.

CITING testimony from an unspecified number of former prisoners who were held and tortured over the last three years, AI concluded that the evidence reveals "a pattern of torture of political detainees."

The Amnesty International report came two months after Dr. Kazemzadeh presented testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the torture of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Shortly after that hearing, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) appointed a special representative to make a thorough study of the human rights situation in Iran and report back to the Council at its 41st session early this year.

And in September, Sen. Charles Percy of Illinois, then chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the committee had unanimously endorsed a resolution to strengthen U.S. policy against torture.

Amnesty International informed of Iran persecutions by Bahá’í at U. of Illinois

The persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran was discussed during the November meeting of Amnesty International in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, by Merrill Miller, a member of the Bahá’í Club at the University of Illinois.

Mr. Miller’s half-hour presentation was stretched to a full hour because of the many questions from the audience of 35 people. The talk came as a result of a request from Amnesty International to the Spiritual Assembly of Urbana for a Bahá’í speaker.

The Bahá’í Club was then asked to respond to the request on behalf of the Assembly.

A report of the Bahá’í presentation was later published in the local organization’s newsletter which is sent to about 70 people.

The University of Illinois’ Bahá’í Club also has been sponsoring a series of talks on "Living in a Global Society" which feature addresses by university faculty and other qualified people.

The presentations, in the university’s student union, have focused on such topics as "Assistance to Developing Countries," "Interracial Communications," and "African Rights Oppression."

The Bahá’í club has further presentations planned on world technology and unity. Club members report that those who are being asked to make presentations are eager to do so under the club’s sponsorship. [Page 5]

One 'GOOD' idea simply leads to anothermitemae

Responses to the GOOD (Get Out of Debt) Campaign have been coming in steadily, and the results are encouraging and heartwarming.

AFTER becoming aware of the state of the National Fund, numerous communities and individuals sent notes of love and concern with their contributions. Often, these contributions were over and above their regular gifts to the National Fund.

The Bahá’ís of Jackson, Michigan, were so moved by the Feast message for Masá’il in which Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, announced the GOOD Campaign that they sent a Western Union mailgram at 11 o’clock that night pledging their support.

After consultation, the Jackson community claimed responsibility for a percentage of the national deficit and set their goal higher accordingly.

Among other responses, we heard from a single parent of twins who is struggling to find work. She not only managed to offer a contribution, she also made a promise: she and her "little ones will pray daily for universal participation, the National Fund, and the coming of the Kingdom."

MANY of the friends expressed deep regret at the temporary cancellation of our national contribution to the International Bahá’í Fund.

Extra savings in community budgets and employee bonus checks have graced the Treasurer’s Office, along with pledges to recite prayers for unity of purpose.

Three of the letters we received praised the community in Round Rock, Texas, for its suggestion and commented, "We will see their contribution, and raise them too!"

One of those communities, determined "not to be outdone," was nearby San Antonio.

Several contributions came from GOOD fund-raisers held as soon as the campaign was announced—a GOOD sign indeed.

In the true spirit of American ingenuity, the Bahá’ís of League City, Texas, sponsored a successful "desserts auction" where many tasted their first "$140 piece of pie."

Meanwhile, the Bahá’ís of Webster, New York, have taken to heart the three spiritual prerequisites for becoming an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh—keeping the Covenant (of which contributing to the Fund is an integral part), teaching, and loving one's fellow believers.

They are thinking up ways to have a GREAT Day (Get Really Excited About Teaching) to complement their GOOD Campaign. Best wishes to Webster!

The Treasurer’s Office appreciates all of the letters and evidences of sacrifice.

Incidentally, contributions for the month of Masá’il totaled $522,127—giving the campaign a GOOD start. The wonderful spirit of the American Bahá’í community promises to make this a GOOD year!

Fund, Feast materials rated in annual survey

How do you rate the new National Fund charts sent to the Feast?

What do you think of the Feast tapes from the National Spiritual Assembly?

How do you rate the articles on the Fund in The American Bahá’í?

These are some of the questions that Local Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups were asked to consider in the annual "Bahá’í Fund Progress Survey" mailed to communities in December.

In addition to rating communications from the National Spiritual Assembly, the friends were given an opportunity to evaluate the activities of their National Treasurer's Representative, request help from the NTR, and indicate any special needs in the areas of consolidation or teaching.

By the first week in January, about 500 communities had returned the survey. Below are some representative comments made about communications from the National Spiritual Assembly:

• The people we need to reach are those we never see. Those who come to all Feasts also contribute regularly and do all they can. How can we keep pushing these few to give more and more and more?
• Decrease the number of tapes and increase the quality of production and content. We would like to have Feast letters and letters from the National Treasurer. We feel the Treasurer's report should be more concise and clear.
• We like the new, more realistic goals.
• Excellent work done by the national Treasurer's Office. The community likes the idea of the local Treasurer presenting the Fund report without a letter from the national Treasurer.
• We would like to see more articles in The American Bahá’í on how to raise funds and encourage giving. Our community is keeping a list of services and ideas to raise money for the Fund as a resource for individuals.
• The national Treasurer's Office should stress to each Assembly, not only to the local Treasurer, the importance of individuals supporting the Funds. This would be more effective in encouraging community members to give.
• (We would like) more specific information on how various projects are funded through the National Fund. This may stimulate and encourage participation to National (i.e., how the money is being used in other countries).
• Our Bahá’í community is greatly concerned about the trend of sponsoring contests among Bahá’í communities, which encourages competition rather than cooperation and spiritual growth.
• We enjoyed the day of unity and sacrifice which you set up the latter part of last year to help meet the National Fund goal, and we hope you will do this again.
• The friends feel that the National Fund charts are too mechanical and are not inspiring.
• Regarding the tapes, more cultural diversity would be helpful. It seems to be an inexpensive way to convey information.
• The new charts are easier to see but lack some of the important information found on the previous charts.
• Few admit to reading the articles about the Fund, except when headlined on the front page. Most consider (them) too repetitious.
• The Feast tapes make us feel closer to all the Bahá’ís in the world.
• We find the new way of presenting the condition of the Fund much more positive.
• We find the Feast tapes too long, and we object to requiring passivity at the start of the Feast.

Fund

Contributions from the National Bahá’í Fund to the World Centre were temporarily suspended in September due to lower than anticipated income; however, our monthly goal has been exceeded by a wide enough margin to enable the National Spiritual Assembly to fulfill its October commitment to the Universal House of Justice.

If this pattern of increased contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund is maintained, it soon will be possible to make further payments bringing up-to-date our $1.5 million annual commitment to the World Centre.

Northern Minnesota, Eastern Oregon lead the way

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund by District

'Starting Block' Info Membership as of 12/9/84 Number of participants Percentage of participation

Current Month Info (Qawl) Membership (12/9/84) Number of participants Percentage of participation

District Name Alabama S/Florida NW Alabama N Arizona N Arizona S Arkansas California C No. 1 California C No. 2 California N No. 1 California N No. 2 California S No. 1 California S No. 2 California S No. 3 California S No. 4

The Winners' Circle

Highest Percentage Participation 1. Minnesota, Northern 2. Maine 3. Tennessee, Eastern 4. Pennsylvania, Western 5. Iowa 6. Florida, Central 7. Minnesota, Southern 8. Illinois, Northern No. 1 9. Colorado, Western 10. Pennsylvania, Eastern 11. Vermont 12. Nevada, Southern 13. New Hampshire 14. Ohio, Northern 15. Idaho, Southern 16. Georgia, Northeast 17. Louisiana, Northern 18. Wisconsin, Southern 19. Kansas

Most Improved Participation 1. Oregon, Eastern 2. Texas, Central No. 2 3. Florida, Central 4. Navajo/Hopi 5. Illinois, Northern No. 1 6. Maine 7. DelMar Va 8. Florida, Northern 9. South Carolina, Northern 10. South Carolina, South No. 2 11. New Mexico, Northern 12. South Carolina, Central 13. Minnesota, Northern 14. Tennessee, Eastern 15. Pennsylvania, Western 16. Nevada, Southern 17. New Mexico S/Texas W 18. North Carolina, Western 19. Colorado, Western [Page 6]

Sometimes a little imagination can help teaching work

Bahá’u’lláh has said to be "as unconstrained as the wind while carrying the Message of Him Who hath caused the dawn of Divine Guidance to break." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 42)

SOME of us may be more imaginative than others when it comes to creative ways to teach the Faith, but the following story is one of the best we've heard.

Peggy True is a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Canary Islands and a member of its newly born National Spiritual Assembly. In 1953, when she and her family first arrived on the island of Tenerife, it was nearly impossible to teach the Faith. Not only were people afraid to listen, it was also illegal.

While meditating one day, Peggy remembered hearing about messages sent in bottles. So she collected some bottles, got some corks and wrote short notes telling that Bahá’u’lláh had come. She put the notes in the bottles and set them adrift in the Atlantic Ocean.

"A bottle is a tiny thing," she wrote recently. "The ocean is immense. The bottle may be seen for only a second if there are waves. Is it just by chance that a person is there and happens to be looking in that direction when the bottle appears? Or is it destiny?"

The Trues have received letters from people who have found the bottles in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida, Panama, Mexico, Antigua, Dominica, Grand Turk, Saba, Barbados, the Canal Zone, Peter's Island, parts of Venezuela, port cities in the Canary Islands and many other places.

THE BOTTLES usually take a year or so to arrive, but Peggy recently heard from someone in the Bahamas who had found a message three or four years old. As Peggy says, "If Bahá’u’lláh wills, His Message will circle the current several times just to arrive in the hands of a certain person."

As you can imagine, there are many touching and unusual stories related to these bottles, and we will tell you one that is quoted directly from a letter to Peggy True from Auxiliary Board member Edith McLaren, a pioneer to Nicaragua.

"You will be happy to know," she writes, "what happened to your little proclamation note which you sent out in a bottle in March 1974.

"For about 10 days before Ridván I was visiting several towns on the Atlantic Coast with another pioneer, helping the Assemblies to get ready for their elections, and trying to deepen the friends.

"In one town where there are at least 40 registered Bahá’ís, a native woman brought us your note which she had found on the shore in a bottle near her home.

"The friends there and in other towns we visited were very excited about this, and it helped them to feel the oneness of the Bahá’ís all over the world. They were even more excited to learn that I knew you.

"AND to think, it arrived on the only full day I had spent in their town!"

Through the years, Peggy True has recruited many Bahá’ís to help write the notes, and even more to help consign them to the ocean. Anyone traveling by boat from Tenerife is given as many bottles as he or she can hold, and the bottles are thrown overboard.

Peggy wrote, "At the moment, I have a whole envelope full of letters received from people who found the bottles. I don't know how many have been sent out. I just keep filling them and tossing them overboard.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that every seed planted in this century will bear fruit. So I just try to think of ways to plant seeds. The crop will come later. But from what we have calculated, the percentage of replies is greater than mailing services get.

"There may also be many people who have received the Message but don't, or can't, write. In time, these seeds should sprout also, if He wills."

"Should they attempt to conceal His light on the continent, He will assuredly rear His head in the midmost heart of the ocean, and raising His voice, proclaim 'I am the Life-giver of the world.'" (The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 6)

And all this started because in Spain, at that time, the voice of Bahá was stilled.

Overseas opportunities for young adults exciting

Exciting opportunities are opening up for youth and young adults to serve in the international field.

THE UNIVERSAL House of Justice overshadowed present developments in its letter of May 25, 1975, when it explained that youth could pioneer for a specific period of time (see The American Bahá’í, January 1985, p. 6).

Now youth can consciously participate in affairs of the world by their active involvement in international development, which will contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century.

The International Goals Committee and National Youth Committee are actively engaged in recruiting youth for two projects initiated by the Universal House of Justice to coincide with the observance this year of the International Year of Youth and to continue into the future.

One "Year of Service" project is being developed to give youth an opportunity to gain experience by working in tutorial schools in South America.

Another project will be connected to Mobile Bahá’í Institutes in Africa.

Both are designed to encourage youth to be of service to mankind, to reinforce the ties of collaboration among youth of various countries, to help consolidate Bahá’í communities, and to enrich the personal and spiritual development of Bahá’í youth.

FAMILIES play an important part in making it possible for their children to gain the rich and unforgettable experiences and divine blessings of these service projects. Families can encourage their children to save their money for travel expenses (generally, in-country expenses will be provided for a year), and otherwise help financially.

If the young person does not have definite career goals, a year off between high school and college or college and employment can provide motivation for future studies and the direction for a lifetime of service to humanity.

The Universal House of Justice will be selecting youth for the Mobile Institutes and Tutorial Schools projects, which will probably start next September. Send for applications now.

Please send me an application form for the Year of Service. Name Age Sex I.D. No. Address City State Zip Phone Languages spoken. Send to: International Goals Committee Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

Traveling teachers carrying Message of Bahá’u’lláh to many distant lands

By PATRICIA SPITTAL Travel Teaching Coordinator

Many exciting reports are received by the International Goals Committee from traveling teachers who, through persistent prayer and effort, are helping to win the goals of the Seven Year Plan by carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to territories and islands as yet unopened to the Faith.

ONE STORY is of an older believer who went to a country in South America. While she was teaching in a village, she saw a young woman washing clothes.

"She had such a radiant smile," the woman recalls, "that my heart leapt inside me. I asked if I could tell her about Bahá’u’lláh.

"I used the red teaching book, and when I got to the Bahá’í Temples her face lighted up. She pointed to the Indian Temple, saying, 'I saw that last night in my dream but the house I saw had water around it. I kept saying, "Children, when you go down to God's house be careful you do not fall in the water"—but this one does not show water.'

PIONEER GOALS (As of January 3, 1985)

60 goals to go and only two months to Ridván Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh—phone the International Goals Committee

AFRICA (F) Benin: 2 (E) Lesotho: 3 (F) Mauritania: 2 (E) Nigeria: 4* (E) Tanzania: 3 Total Africa: 14

AMERICAS (E) Anguilla: 1 (S) Easter Island: 1 (S) Colombia: 3 (E) Dominica: 2 (S) Guatemala: 3 (S) Galapagos: 1 (E) Cayman Is.: 2 (S) Mexico: 2 (S) Yucatan, Mexico: 1 (S) Puerto Rico: 1 (E) St. Vincent: 1 Total Americas: 18

ASIA (E) India: 3 (K) Korea: 1 (E) Nepal: 4* (E) Philippines: 7 Total Asia: 15

AUSTRALASIA Caroline Islands (E) Kosrae: 1 (E) Palau: 2 Mariana Islands (E) Marshall Is.: 1 (E) Western Samoa: 2 (E) Tuvalu: 2 Total Australasia: 8

EUROPE (S) Canary Is.: 2 (GR,T,E) Cyprus: 4 (E) Ireland: 6* Total Europe: 12

TOTAL: 60

LANGUAGE KEY: E—English F—French GR—Greek S—Spanish T—Turkish K—Korean

• Persians preferred but others welcome

Youth Conference to be held April 5-8 in Bophuthatswana

An International Bahá’í Youth Conference will be held April 5-8 in Mmabatho, Bophuthatswana, Southern Africa.

The conference theme is "Youth Can Move the World."

Accommodations and food will be provided free. Visas are required.

For those who plan to arrive early or remain after the conference, there will be many opportunities to travel and teach in Bophuthatswana.

For more information (in the U.S. and Canada), write to Tahirih Senne, 6835 Holter Road, Middletown, MD 21769.

The conference registrar is Miss Sepideh Rouhani, P.O. Box 3789, Bophuthatswana, Southern Africa (phone 27-140-34372).

Pioneer manual great Ayyam-i-Há gift

With Ayyam-i-Há just around the corner, it's time to be thinking about gifts for all those special people in your life.

Rúhiyyih Khánum's A Manual for Pioneers is a wonderful gift and is available only from the International Goals Committee. The price is $5 including postage.

Also available in limited supply are copies of the portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by pioneer/artist Duffy Sheridan who painted the portrait during his years as a pioneer in the Falkland Islands. It has been reproduced and is available only from IGC for $5.50 including postage.

Send your orders to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, and they will be mailed immediately. Checks should be made payable to the National Bahá’í Fund, earmarked "books" or "portrait." [Page 7]

CONFERENCE NEWS UPDATE

More than 400 young Bahá’ís take part in annual YOUth can move the world! July 3-7, 1985 Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio

It was recently announced that the entire membership of the U.S. Na-tional Spiritual Assembly would attend the International Youth Con-ference set for next July 3-7 at Ohio State University in Columbus. "This is indeed a precious opportunity for youth in the American Ba-há’í community to meet and greet the members of our senior institu-tion," says David Gilpatrick, a member of the National Youth Commit-tee, "and we are most grateful that the National Assembly has accepted our invitation to attend."

Members of the National Assembly will address the participants dur-ing the course of the program.

The National Youth Committee has also invited Jack McCants of Weatherford, Oklahoma, to address the youth at the International Youth Conference in Columbus.

Mr. McCants, a former member of the U.S. National Spiritual As-sembly and a former member of the Auxiliary Board, presented a mov-ing talk at the Disney World Youth Conference in December, and has been asked by the National Youth Committee to participate in the youth program next summer. More than 3,000 youth and young Bahá’ís are expected to attend.

Plans are already being made in some areas to travel to the gathering in Columbus. In Pensacola, Florida, the youth have arranged for a chartered bus that will stop en route in Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The round trip fare is only $58; interested travelers should contact Linda Couture, 3550 Firestone Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503, or phone 904-438-1899.

Youth in Central California District No. 1 are planning to travel teach to and from the conference. They are arranging an auto caravan that will stop in towns and cities along the way where they will hold teaching events and firesides.

Have you made your travel plans yet? Now is the time to get started! Can the youth in your area get together and charter a bus or arrange for a group flight? Would a car caravan be feasible? Don't wait till the last minute to make your plans ... and please let the National Youth Com-mittee know of any plans that others might want to join!

The conference in Columbus will be a focal point for a summer full of exciting activities. Many teaching projects are being planned both before and after the program. Plan to set aside some time to serve the Cause by participating in a summer teaching project... more news about these plans will be published in future editions of this column.

Many, many requests about registration are pouring in to the Na-tional Youth Committee office. Where can we register? How much will it cost? What about housing? Can non-Bahá’ís attend? (Of course!). Most of your questions will be answered in the March issue of The American Bahá’í when complete registration details will be published along with general program information on all three conference pro-grams: those for youth, children and parents!

Regional Youth Conference held at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nearly 100 Bahá’í youth and young-at-heart were present last October 19-20 at a Regional Youth Conference for the West Central States at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

THE BUSY conference agenda included speakers on a variety of topics, discussion sessions, a Sat-urday evening proclamation event, and a commemoration of the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb.

Among the speakers were Aux-iliary Board member Stephen Birkland, who discussed service to the Faith; Auxiliary Board mem-ber Khalil Khavari, who spoke about sacrifice; Zella Svendson, whose topic was the role that this generation of Bahá’í youth is des-tined to play in helping to estab-lish the Lesser Peace; and Douglas Samimi-Moore, who outlined the importance and purpose of fire-sides.

Presentations were also made about the Youth Movement, pro-jects for the International Year of Youth, and the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota.

The presentations were follow-

Disney World Conference in Orlando, Florida

Each year, when cold winter winds sweep across the northern states and the snow begins to pile up high, the annual trek to Florida begins.

FOLKS from the frozen north hop in their cars or grab an avail-able plane flight and head for the sunny south.

The migration of tourists is an annual event-and among the travelers each year is a group of Bahá’í youth and young adults who attend the Youth Conference at Disney World near Orlando, Florida.

This year's event, held Decem-ber 27-31, brought together more than 400 participants from such far-away places as California, Massachusetts, and Montreal... even Zimbabwe and Bermuda were represented!

The gathering, sponsored by the National Youth Committee, has become something of a tradition. The site is the Walt Disney World resort near Orlando, and time is always set aside for a visit to the "Magic Kingdom" or EP-COT Center.

This year's conference assumed a serious tone, however, as the young Bahá’ís ushered in the ob-servance of International Youth Year 1985 and studied, through key presentations and workshops, the conference theme, "Let Deeds, Not Words, Be Your Adorning."

AMONG the highlights was a tree-planting ceremony hosted by the Bahá’í community of Semi-nole County.

Early one morning the young attendees traveled to a nearby state park where 180 saplings were planted and dedicated, in a mov-ing ceremony, to the memory of the 180 recent martyrs in the Cradle of the Faith.

In a small valley, the youth lov-ingly and carefully planted these symbols of life in memory of their beleaguered brethren in Iran.

The program was attended by many area Bahá’ís as well as by local dignitaries, and served as a most effective proclamation event.

Among the speakers at the con-ference were two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Dwight Allen and Dr. Alberta Deas.

DE

Pictured with Mickey Mouse dur-ing the annual Disney World Ba-há’í Youth Conference in Decem-ber are members of the National Youth Committee (left to right) Karen Pritchard (secretary), Vi-nomic development opportunities while Jack McCants of Weather-ford, Oklahoma, galvanized the audience with his poignant stories of the sacrifices of modern-day centee 'Smokey' Ferguson, Jac-queline Eghrari, Parisa Izadi, David Gilpatrick and Gilbert Smith (chairman). More than 400 youth attended the conference in Orlando, Florida. Bahá’í heroes.

Mildred Mottahedeh, a member of the International Goals Com-mittee, discussed social and eco-

HUSSEIN Ahdieh of New York City shared a number of

NATIONAL YOUTH PLAN

Third Phase of the Seven Year Plan Ridvan, 1984-1986

Enrollments International Pioneers Vast Increase 20 International Teachers 50 Year Of Service Projecteers 19 Homefront Pioneers As of 1/85 25% 50% 75% 40 100%

40 youth needed as homefront pioneers

The National Youth Committee established a goal for the final two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan for 40 youth to arise as homefront pioneers.

MANY have reported their ser-vice in this special capacity, and we are certain that there are many others who have not yet reported their status.

Do you think you might be con-sidered a youth homefront pio-neer? Here are the criteria:

A Bahá’í youth homefront pio-neer is one who settles in a given area with the intention of remain-ing there until specific teaching-consolidation goals are achieved.

1. Settle in an area without an Assembly:

Sessions for parents, children slated

The Bahá’í International Youth Conference next July 3-7 in Columbus, Ohio, will include as a part of its program separate and simultaneous conferences for parents and for children.

The parent and children's conferences, sponsored by the Na-tional Education Committee, will supplement the youth con-ference in what promises to be a truly historic "family" event.

The content of the parent conference workshop and plenary sessions will focus on issues and concerns of special interest to parents of Bahá’í youth and junior youth.

Watch for additional information about these conferences in future issues of The American Bahá’í. [Page 8]

Can you identify this woman?

The National Bahá’í Archives would like to identify this photograph of a young woman. She is probably a Bahá’í from the early 1900s, and could be from the U.S. or Europe. Anyone with information about the photograph is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Medical secretary turned rancher wins top awards for sheep

Judith Heikes, a Bahá’í from Lenora, Kansas, has made a successful transition from medical secretary to award-winning sheep rancher.

MRS. Heikes and her husband, Robert, were recently named Kansas Master Sheep Producers of the Year for 1984 by the Kansas Sheep Association and Kansas State University Extension Service.

News of the award was published with extensive articles about the Heikes family in two prestigious farm newspapers, Grass and Grain and Farmland News.

Mrs. Heikes, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, moved to Denver, Colorado, where she was working as a medical secretary when she met and married Robert who was the hospital's boiler room engineer.

Later, the Heikes decided to return to Mr. Heikes' hometown, Lenora, to join his family's farming operation.

When their children, Greg, David and Kristi, began raising five sheep as a 4-H Club project, a friend told Mrs. Heikes that if she was going to feed five sheep she may as well feed 50.

"She was right," says Mrs. Heikes.

NOW that the family's sheep-breeding operation has become large and successful, Mrs. Heikes' training as a medical secretary comes in handy.

She is familiar with medicines, so instructions from the veterinarian are easy for her to follow.

And her background in extensive medical record-keeping for patients has proven useful in keeping well-organized records for their Shepherd Hills sheep ranch.

Dr. Alberta Deas

Dr. Deas says she will turn her attention to the areas of social and economic development, especially rural development in South Carolina.

Her professional experience has given her broad exposure to educational and economic programs, and often has found her pioneering new areas of development.

Dr. Deas, a native of Adams Run, South Carolina, served from 1977 to 1982 as an assistant professor of education and supervisor of professional clinical experiences at South Carolina State College in Orangeburg.

She was also coordinator of the school's competency-based Teacher Education Program.

Earlier, she had served as project director of competency-based Vocational Teacher Education at Westfield (Massachusetts) State College's division of occupational education.

DR. Deas also has held teaching and administrative positions in Indiana and Alabama, and was director and owner of the first black-owned and operated preschool in Mobile, Alabama, where she also developed and implemented the curriculum.

She has worked extensively in educational and developmental programs such as the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), Upward Bound, and Head Start early childhood community-based centers.

At the Gregory Institute, she developed programs such as "Operation Catch-Up," a tutorial program for high school students which continues to operate as one of the two social and economic development programs that the Universal House of Justice lists for the U.S.

After receiving her doctoral degree in 1978 from the University of Massachusetts, Dr. Deas resigned at great personal expense from her tenured position at South Carolina State College to become the director of the Louis Gregory Institute near Hemingway.

THE MOVE marked another milestone in a long career of service to the Faith which began with her declaration in Mobile in 1962.

Dr. Deas has served on numerous Local Spiritual Assemblies, often as chairman or secretary. Besides such service on the local level, she was a member of State Goals Committees in Alabama, Indiana and South Carolina.

It was at Dr. Deas' home in Adams Run in 1969 that the mass enrollment of Bahá’ís in South Carolina began with the declaration of 19 people at firesides within a 36-hour period.

Soon there were more than 40 declarants, then 150, and from there the upsurge in teaching spread throughout the South.

In 1971, when the National Spiritual Assembly appointed the first Regional Teaching Committee for South Carolina, Dr. Deas became its secretary and administrator, a position she held until 1974 when she returned to school for her advanced degree in education.

It was this first Regional Teaching Committee that helped found the Gregory Institute, and it was Dr. Deas who wrote the first letter proposing its establishment to the National Properties Committee.

The Institute was opened in 1972 as an agency of the National Education Committee to aid in the process of consolidation and is now an educational center for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

IN OCTOBER 1980, when the National Assembly appointed a new South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee with broader functions, Dr. Deas was named secretary and administrator of its Regional Office.

Two months later she was asked to assume the position of administrator of the Gregory Institute.

Also in 1980, she was appointed an assistant to Auxiliary Board member William Tucker, and since 1981 has served as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Elizabeth Martin.

While continuing to serve as administrator of the Gregory Institute, Dr. Deas worked to make WLGI a reality.

"WLGI was just an idea," says Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. "Someone had to put it together. If it were not for Alberta, we wouldn't have the radio station today. She persisted until it was born."

Besides overseeing the application process for an FCC construction permit, which was granted November 24, 1983, Dr. Deas was a member of the national fund-raising committee for WLGI and the Louis Gregory Institute Construction Project Committee.

IN MAY 1983, she was elected to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly.

During 1984, as administrator, Dr. Deas was overseeing the work at the Gregory Institute, the construction of WLGI and its tower, the construction of new roads, the search for a radio station staff, the planning and execution of the station's first broadcast, and the election of 234 Spiritual Assemblies in South Carolina.

The new emphasis on social and economic development will enable her to "regroup," as she puts it, and explore avenues of professional development that could not be explored before.

"I'm excited," she says about the future. "The potential for growth, for myself and for the Faith in South Carolina, is unlimited.

"I feel very positive about the development of WLGI. The station has been a milestone for South Carolina, and will help, no doubt, in the development of Local Assemblies in its coverage area."

"History will record her," says Dr. Henderson, "as the 'mother' of the first Bahá’í radio station in North America. The National Spiritual Assembly is deeply grateful for her devoted service."

Individual and Teaching is theme at N.J. Bahá’í School’s 5th session

One hundred forty-nine adults, youth and children from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico attended the New Jersey Bahá’í School's fifth weekend session last November 2-4 at the Hudson Guild Farm in Andover.

To prepare for the nationwide month of firesides, the school committee chose as its theme "The Individual and Teaching."

The weekend session began Friday evening with a panel discussion on Bahá’í answers to some of the social concerns of our time. Afterward, the friends enjoyed fellowship and music by the Bahá’í youth.

The school's adult program featured workshop sessions on the individual and teaching. The youth heard presentations on the UN International Year of Youth and America's spiritual destiny, while the children's program also was geared toward teaching.

During a "unity Feast" Saturday evening, the youth presented their explanations of specific passages from The Hidden Words. Meanwhile, Bahá’ís who are professional musicians provided background music while excerpts from the Writings were read.

Before the close of the school session, there were declarations by two of the non-Bahá’ís who attended.

Bahá’í communities have display booth at N.J. Education Association meeting

Bahá’ís from several communities in New Jersey helped man a display booth last November 8-9 at the annual convention of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). The booth was sponsored by the Bahá’í Group of Ventnor.

"Uniting the World, One Heart at a Time" was the theme of a Bahá’í display booth November 8-9 at the 1984 convention of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) in Atlantic City.

The booth was sponsored by the Bahá’í Group of Ventnor with financial help from 11 communities and 11 individuals in New Jersey to help offset the $600 cost.

Bahá’ís from Atlantic, Cape May, Gloucester, Ocean, Monmouth and Bergen County helped staff the booth, at which nearly 1,000 "poster/pamphlets" were distributed to the nearly 30,000 educators who were present.

Many of them were familiar with the Faith; at least a dozen said they had visited the Bahá’í shrines in Haifa, many more had visited the House of Worship in Wilmette (including one gentleman who had lived there during its construction), and one woman who had been both to Haifa and the House of Worship in Uganda said she would visit the Temples in Germany and Australia on future trips now that she knew they were there.

Several teachers reported having Bahá’í students, and a number of them mentioned the persecutions in Iran and asked if conditions had improved.

Perhaps the most exciting development was that 31 people signed up to have more information sent to them while three teachers requested Bahá’í speakers for their classes.

This was the 10th year in which the Faith was represented at the NJEA convention.

Bahá’í’s peace poem in Minnesota papers

"Let's All Wage Peace," a poem by Barbara J. Hill, a Bahá’í from Embarrass, Minnesota, appeared recently in newspapers in Embarrass and Duluth. [Page 9]

EDUCATION

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

fhoigile Family Unity Night (Fun)

Family Unity Night (FUN)

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

FIRST WEEK OF MARCH: THE PURPOSE OF THE FAST. Thought for the week: "Inspire then my soul, O my God, with Thy wondrous remembrance, that I may glorify Thy name." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: The Fast, p. 245. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. Keep in mind those who are not fasting; include younger children in a special way to foster a feeling of importance to this 19-day period of regeneration. 1. Synopsis and Codifica- tion, p. 13, Nos. 3 and 4; pp. 38-39; p. 59, No. 16. 2. Kitáb-i-İqán, pp. 38-40. 3. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 368. 4. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 69-70. Activity: 1. Bahá’í "Trivia" game. Divide the family into two teams. Each team makes up a list of questions relating to the Faith (history, institutions, geography, persons, etc.). A team may continue to answer questions as long as they give correct answers. Score one point per question. The winner is the highest scorer at the end of a time limit, or the first team to score a set number of points. 2. Scribble pictures. "Scribble" some lines to create a design; color in areas as desired. May want to do a black water color wash over the entire picture to create a stained glass effect. Refreshments: Sacrificial-plain bread and water.

SECOND WEEK OF MARCH: BAHÁ/SPLENDOR. Thought for the week: "And the splendor of that light is in the hearts..." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: The Covenant, p. 68 or p. 70. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 15. 2. Kitáb-i-fqán, p. 168 (middle); pp. 139-140. 3. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 92 (mid- dle): p. 132; p. 158 (bottom). 4. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 164. 5. Gleanings, p. 16. Activities: 1. In preparation for the New Year and in the spirit of family unity, each choose one task that needs to be done, such as clean- ing and organizing the hall closet or garage, scrubbing the high chair or kitchen floor. 2. Finger puppet play. Make finger puppets from own ideas, shapes and characters or from store bought stickers. Create stories as you go or write a script and dramatize. Refreshments: Baklava and hot tea.

THIRD WEEK OF MARCH: NAW-RÚZ. Thought for the week: "If we are not happy and joyous at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?" (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Naw-Rúz, p. 262. Les- son: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp. 11-12. 2. Gleanings, pp. 6, 10-11. 3. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 351-52. 4. Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 659-60. 5. Days to Remember, pp. 15-23. 6. Bible, Isaiah 43:18-19. 7. Encyclopedia, "Equinox." Activity: 1. Make a popcorn cake. Prepare favorite soft popcorn ball recipe (using marshmallows). Mix in colorful gum drops and press into buttered bundt pan. When set, turn out onto serving platter. Makes a colorful centerpiece. 2. Assemble a favorite jigsaw puzzle. Refreshments: Serve popcorn cake, sliced into wedges.

FOURTH WEEK OF MARCH: TRUTHFULNESS. Thought for the week: "All other knowledge is hurtful to him who has not honesty and good nature. (Montaigne) Prayer: Teaching, p. 174. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. How are truth and trust similar, related, or dependent upon one another? 1. Synopsis and Codification, p. 24, No. 16. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 221. 3. Persian Hidden Words, No. 5. 4. Gleanings, p. 297. 5. Bible, Proverbs 30:5-6, 6:16-23, 20:19. 6. Bible, Psalms 119:160. Activity: 1. Learn about seeds (nuts, from fruits and vegetables, weeds, etc.). Collect and make a display of various kinds of seeds. Discuss the different means of travel mechanisms for germination (wind, ani- mals, birds, humans). 2. Make a collage of various seeds. Refreshments: Trail mix (nuts, seeds and dried fruit) and cranberry juice.

FUN To show their appreciation for the 'Family Unity Night' (FUN) col- umn in The American Bahá’í, the Meyer family of Clearfield, Utah, sent this photo to the National Education Committee with the following note: 'Our sincerest thanks to you and the National Education Committee for the Family Unity Night column. Our family uses the program regularly. Our children are small, but we still have plenty of FUN. This is a photo of Keturah, Jerry and Lee with the gingerbread we made for the first week of November. Please continue this wonderful program. Warmest Bahá’í greet- ings, Shari Meyer.'

Pictured are many of the 140 Ba- há’ís who gathered for four days of deepening and fellowship last July at western Oregon's Badasht Bahá’í Summer School in the mountains at Howard Prairie Lake, east of Ashland.

National Education Committee to sponsor six Regional Bahá’í Child Education Conferences

The National Education Com- mittee is sponsoring six regional Bahá’í Child Education Con- ferences during the Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26). The con- ference locations:

Central-Wilmette, Illinois. Northeast-Wilhelm Insti- tute, Teaneck, New Jersey. Northwest-Boise, Idaho. •Southeast-Louis Gregory In- stitute, Hemingway, South Caro- lina (June 15-16). Southwest-Dallas, Texas. West-Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California.

"We encourage everyone who is interested and involved in Bahá’í child education to attend the con- ference in their region," says Jan- ice Lever, the National Education Committee staff person responsi- ble for coordinating the confer- ences.

"The conferences will follow to a great extent the format used at the National Conference held in Wilmette last May," she says.

Each conference will include:

• All-day programs on Saturday and Sunday. The mornings and afternoons will be devoted to workshops on several topics in- cluding "Development of a Bahá’í Curriculum" and "Meeting the Needs of Youth and Junior Youth." There will also be a workshop devoted to a topic of regional choice.

Year-round school WILHELM

Dates: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. year-round. Site: Roy Wilhelm estate, Tea- neck, New Jersey. Theme: Varies-topical and book study. Bookstore on site with inventory. Rates: Children only (annual), 1 child, $12; 2 children, $15; 3 child- ren, $20. Age range: 4-12 years. Registrar: For children's pro- gram only, Mrs. Mary Umans, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Phone 201-652-0395.

Evening programs at which there will be a guest representative from the National Education Committee.

.An Activities Fair for dis- playing curricular materials that have been developed and success- fully used by the friends in that region. Participants are asked to bring their best lesson plans and activities to display at the Ac- tivities Fair so they can be shared with others.

"The friends will be encouraged to travel to and from the confer- ences on the Friday preceding the conference and the Monday fol- lowing," says Ms. Lever. "This will enable them to participate ful- ly in the all-day Saturday and Sun- day agenda."

The National Education Com- mittee has appointed a planning task force for each of the con- ferences. The friends can contact the task force convenor for more information about the conference in their area.

Task force convenors are: Wilmette, Illinois-Virginia Kerr. Wilhelm Institute, New Jer- sey-Sharon Karnik. Louis Gregory Institute, South Carolina-Anne Breneman. Bosch School, California-San- dra Swenson-Scott. Boise, Idaho-Gwen McCain. Dallas, Texas-Kathryn Car- michael.

More information about the conferences will appear in future issues of The American Bahá’í.

We deliver. (Brilliant Star to your mailbox, that is.) one year $12.00 (six issues) two years $23.00 foreign, surface, one year $15.00 foreign, surface, two years $28.00 foreign. air (A.O.), one year $25.00 foreign, air (A.O.), two years $47.50

Name Street City State & Zip Age of recipient

Enclosed is my gift of $ to the Brilliant Star Endowment Fund, estab lished in honor of the Bahá’í children of Iran, for the purpose of developing materials for children. I understand that my gift will become part of a perpetual fund whose earnings will support this purpose.

Send to: Brilliant Star Suburban Office Park 5010 Austin Rd. Hixson, Tn. 37343.

Any Bahá’í who is interested in being placed on a mailing list to learn about property for sale near the Green Acre Bahá’í School may contact the school administrator, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903. [Page 10]

COSTBUSTERS!!!

We "pause" this month from our regularly scheduled column to bring you news of what is happening at the National Center right now! We thought it was so exciting that you would want to know what the workers at the Center are doing to help the "GOOD" Fund Campaign.

WHO YA GONNA BE?!?!?!? COSTBUSTERS!!! "We can help the Fund make a healthy gain" "Who ya gonna be?-COSTBUSTERS!!!" "We can beat the costs!!!" "We can find a way!!!" "We can help the fund!!!" COSTBUSTERS!!!!

EA

With these lyrics (and the help of the theme music from the movie "Ghostbusters") the Bahá’í National Center staff was introduced to its new Cost Effectiveness Program, which went into effect December 20. Everyone at the National Center has between then and Naw-Rúz to become a COSTBUSTER! And what is the incentive for "Cost-bustin'?"—a healthier National Fund and an appropriate (but inexpensive) award for the best and most cost-effective suggestion(s) which will be given during the Riḍván celebration.

How did COSTBUSTERS happen? It was a direct result of a suggestion to the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly by a National Center employee who felt that the benefit of decreased expenses would be further enhanced by increased staff morale. After the idea was approved, a task force was appointed to create a theme for the program and implement it.

Here's what the COSTBUSTER task force came up with:

•Individual employees, offices and even groups of both are asked to submit their cost-saving suggestions to the task force on special "Cost-bustin'" forms that have been provided to all offices (in Wilmette and around the country).

Suggestions can be for savings that an individual could make, or an entire office could make, or even for Center-wide savings.

All ideas will be looked at by the task force as the program continues. Offices which would be affected by a particular suggestion will be consulted as to its practicality.

Following evaluation and agreement by the offices involved, the "Costbustin'" ideas that look good will be put into effect at the National Center.

At the close of the program, at Naw-Rúz, a winner or winners will be chosen, based on cost savings, and awards will be made.

The staff are encouraged to be creative and innovative with their ideas, and to consider carefully several key areas for ways to cut expenses, such as the telephone, photocopying, fuel, postage and travel. The task force hopes especially to receive suggestions made by several offices working together—"unified action" at its smartest!

The Center staff have already begun to respond to this lighthearted presentation of a serious program, and suggestions started arriving for evaluation within hours of the "lyrical" program presented at a general staff meeting on December 20.

As the COSTBUSTERS crew sang that morning: "Let me tell ya somethin'—Bustin' makes me feel GOOD (Center employees are equally excited about the Get Out of Debt campaign)!

And the Center staff will have something to feel good about in the coming months as they strive to reduce their operating expenses to help the Fund. We'll keep you posted on the program as those "Cost-bustin'" ideas are put into practice.

Washington state papers profile Bahá’í sex education counselor

Cheryl Stull, a Bahá’í from Port Angeles, Washington, who is a counselor for Clallam and Jefferson Counties' Family Planning Services, was the subject of recent articles in two Port Angeles newspapers, The Daily News and the Jimmy Come Lately Gazette.

Ms. Stull was cited for her innovative sex education counseling program for teen-agers, the "Why and How to Say No" workshop.

The week-long program includes results of a community survey, an original board game on sexually transmitted diseases, films, charts, graphs, posters, handouts, discussion groups, rules for dating, role playing, songs, situational examples from "Dear Abby," quizzes, three days experience caring for a new "baby" (a raw egg), and an evaluation of the course by students.

Ms. Stull provides information on the risks of teen-age pregnancy and the responsibilities of being a parent, and offers to help improve listening, communicating and decision-making skills.

Bahá’ís take part in 75th annual conference of American Academy of Religion in Chicago

Twelve Bahá’ís participated December 8-11 in the annual meeting and 75th anniversary observance of the American Academy of Religion and Society for Biblical Literature held in Chicago.

THE BAHÁ’Í Publishing Trust and World Order magazine were represented by Larry Bucknell, Dr. Betty J. Fisher, Anne Atkinson, Robert Atkinson and Candace Moore.

A display booth sponsored by the Publishing Trust and World Order magazine attracted more than 80 browsers, 55 people who accepted free hand-outs or copies of World Order, and 52 who asked questions, purchased books or expressed some knowledge of or interest in the Faith.

Those who visited the booth included other publishers, professors, and scholars of religion from all over the U.S.

A panel on "The Diffusion of the Bahá’í Faith and Its Encounter with Other Religions" was part of the four-day conference program. The two and one-half hour session was attended by 14 people, several of whom asked thoughtful questions.

Susan Stiles, who chaired the panel, spoke on "Zoroastrian Conversions to the Bahá’í Faith in Yazd, Iran."

Anthony Lee spoke on "The Bahá’í Faith in West Africa, 1950-1963," while Robert Stockman, author of the forthcoming book The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, spoke on "The Bahá’í Faith and the Bible in the United States, 1892-1912."

WILLIAM Hatcher, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and the executive committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, attended the conference to promote the new book, The Bahá’í Faith: Emergence of a Global Religion, to be published by Harper and Row.

Mr. Hatcher and his co-author, Douglas Martin, prepared the book as a project of the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

Other Bahá’ís at the conference included Dr. Ann Schoonmaker, Dr. Heshmat Moayyad, and Janet Bucknell. Dr. Schoonmaker, a long-time member of the AAR, has single-handedly represented the Faith at past conferences.

A number of the Bahá’ís attended receptions sponsored by various publishers and universities and the 75th anniversary banquet of the AAR which honored Mircea Eliade, known for his work at the University of Chicago in the history of religion and mythology.

"Our participation this year was significant," said Mr. Bucknell, who is general manager of the Publishing Trust. "Not only were we able to make some key contacts, but we perceived an increase in the level of interest in and respect for the Faith by academics and publishers.

"We also noted an increase in the number of non-Bahá’í books that mention the Faith, and that the mentions are generally more accurate than in past years when the Faith was considered a sect of Islam.

"Because the conference was in Chicago we were also able to invite the attendees to visit the House of Worship through an ad placed in the AAR program. A number of participants asked for directions and told us of their plans to visit the Temple."

Disney

stories of the deeds of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Yvonne Kraus, a youth from Florence, South Carolina, spoke on chastity.

Auxiliary Board member Benjamin Levy also was present to welcome and inspire the participants.

The conference gave many an opportunity to teach, both directly and indirectly.

The District Teaching Committee of Central Florida sponsors an annual teaching campaign to coincide with the youth conference, and this year the projecteers welcomed six new believers in goal communities prior to the conference.

Indirect teaching was stimulated by youth wearing their bright turquoise conference T-shirts with the slogan "Youth Can Move the World" emblazoned across the back.

The conference was planned and carried out by a management team appointed by the National Youth Committee.

A well-run children's program was highlighted by a visit from Mickey Mouse, and the workshop series offered special sessions for parents and junior youth.

Plans are already under way for next year's conference to be held December 27-31, 1985, at Disney World.

Included will be a celebration of victories won during International Youth Year 1985.

Bahar Publishing Trust

Pictured is the Bahá’í booth at the 75th annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in Chicago. Seated at the left is Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

N. Carolina Bahá’í offers to share her home with Persian refugee family

Among the many responses to a request by the Persian Affairs Committee for help for Persian refugees was one from a woman in North Carolina, in her 70s, who has offered a part of her three-story home for a Persian family.

In a letter to the Persian Affairs Committee to which is attached a photograph of her home, this woman says in part:

"We would have to share the kitchen, as the section where I live is zoned for one-family homes, and they would be my guests.

"I live alone and my breakfasts and lunches are simple, and I would not have to interfere with theirs. As to dinner, if they would like it we might take turns having a Persian dinner one night and an American one the next... but only if they should want to. It would be one way of sharing a bit of each other's cultures.

"I have long wanted to know more about the Persian culture, which, while it has no doubt changed some since the time when Bahá’u’lláh lived there, is still more similar to what He knew than ours is.

"After they find work and are financially independent, we can look for an apartment or small home for them, as I'm sure that is what they would like. Until that time I would consider it a bounty to be of service to them."

It is not the quantity, but the spirit— National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 11]

TEACHING: Inquirers given literature, urged to contact friends

The National Teaching Committee office receives about 70-80 inquiries about the Faith each month, most of them through interest cards from the Bahá’í House of Worship.

WE RESPOND to each seeker by sending literature on the Faith and a letter inviting the individual to contact the nearest Local Spiritual Assembly secretary whose name, address and telephone number are included.

The letter is intended to further interest an individual in the Faith and to offer him or her an opportunity to attend firesides.

Here are some recent examples of inquiries we have received:

"I visited the Bahá’í House of Worship last week and found a haven for my beliefs. I realized that I am already a believer of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings without ever knowing his name."

"My great-grandfather came to this country from Scotland; he was a follower of the Bahá’í religion. I was told this when I was very young and I was interested but I never heard of the Bahá’í ... until today on TV. I would very much like to learn more of the Faith."

"I picked up a leaflet about your organization at the public library... and found it very interesting. I would like to know more about the man Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Faith."

Communities that receive this letter from the Teaching Committee office should do their best to follow up on the individuals, and should offer their friendship and assistance as they study the Faith.

This is a good reason for Bahá’ís everywhere to encourage their non-Bahá’í acquaintances, friends and family to visit the House of Worship when they come to the Chicago area.

Trail of Light

Team members included: Maynard Eakan (Eskimo), Alaska; Mary Lou Eakan (non-native), Canada; Kevin Locke (Lakota Sioux), South Dakota; Ernestine Moore Bainbridge (Washoe/Paiute), Nevada.

Also, Justine Moore (Washoe/Paiute), Nevada; Phyllis Begay (Navajo), Arizona; Frankie Spencer (Navajo), Arizona; and Elaine Phillips Spencer (non-native), Oregon.

They were joined in New Mexico by friends from the local communities.

THE VISIT was sponsored in cooperation with the District Teaching Committee of Northern New Mexico which arranged the scheduling, transportation and housing.

The response was tremendous. Meetings and activities encompassed seven pueblos, there were visits with four of the governors and several tribal council members, visits to four schools, and warm welcomes at the homes of many individuals.

The team first attended the annual "Sha’lak’o" ceremonial dances at Zuni Pueblo. They watched the well-known "mud heads" dance while standing on their own "mud feet" as rain fell in the night, then visited homes that were open for hospitality to all.

After conducting a fireside the next evening in Española, the team traveled to Pojoaque Pueblo for the yearly Buffalo Dance.

In between dances, the entire tribal council of Picuris, a neighboring pueblo, requested a meeting with the Bahá’ís.

Hearts sang at Picuris, which is home for about 250 people in an isolated but lovely mountain area of northern New Mexico.

After a warm welcome from the governor and a guided tour, Maynard Eakan fascinated the residents with his walrus tusk, seal tooth, and exquisitely carved ivory pieces.

KEVIN Locke played the traditional Lakota flute, told stories, and danced the "hoop dance" in full costume.

Frankie Spencer shared his Navajo background, Tarahumare weaving, cedar, Sioux pipe and buffalo hide medallion from last summer's Sun Dance.

The cultural exchange was welcome in each pueblo, even when asked to exclude religion.

At Taos Pueblo, a meeting with the governor was ignited as the "Fire Tablet" was read. A cultural presentation and workshop with hoop dance and stories were well-received in the school gym.

Despite deep snow and other problems including the departure of three of its members, the team made successful presentations at San Juan, Zuni and the Ramah Boarding School.

Later, three days at Jemez Pueblo yielded fruits and more friends. Art classes at the school were scheduled for demonstrations of ivory carving and presentations of aspects of Navajo cultural life, stories, the Sioux pipe, and AmerIndian spiritual values, all of which was recorded on video tape.

Simultaneously, across the hall, films of Alaska were shown and a flute performance was arranged for the school band by a student who recognized the possibilities.

The governor of Zia Pueblo set up the meeting with the largest attendance, 50 people of all ages, for films of Alaska and talks.

Nearing exhaustion, the team set out in its van for one more grand adventure—a drum dance for all of Picuris Pueblo.

This was a social dance that included the waltz, two-step, Oklahoma two-step and formation dances, all to traditional drumming and singing.

Thanks to help from those in Picuris, and God’s grace, the team made it to the last engagement, films and lunch at San Juan Pueblo. Then it was back to the Institute and, eventually, home.

These two weeks were a dynamic learning experience for everyone. Although there were not enrollments, friends were made in each pueblo.

The doors are wide open, and the people are eager for the Trail of Light to return soon.

Pictured with some of the Bahá’ís from Taos, New Mexico, are members of the ‘Trail of Light’ teaching team that visited a number of pueblos in New Mexico in December. Kneeling in front are Kevin Locke (left) and Justin Moore. Standing at left are Elaine Phillips Spencer and Frankie Spencer. Standing fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth from left are team members Phyllis Begay, Ernestine Moore Bainbridge, Maynard Eakan and Mary Lou Eakan.

Chinese students eager to study here

The National Teaching Committee has received information regarding university students in the People’s Republic of China who wish to continue their studies at universities or colleges in the U.S.

Many of these students are seeking advice regarding schools that would accept them and faculty members who might sponsor them within various departments.

If you are a faculty or staff member at a college or university, or know someone who is, and would like to help in placing these students, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Here’s a great chance to show Bahá’í spirit and hospitality to people who are eager to meet and study with Americans.

Maryland Bahá’ís take lead in drive to relieve Ethiopian hunger

The letter from the Universal House of Justice dated October 20, 1984, introducing the need for Bahá’ís to become more involved in social and economic development has also opened new opportunities for the spread of the teachings.

INDEED, the House of Justice wrote that "our increased activities in the development field (should) be viewed as a reinforcement of the teaching work, as a greater manifestation of faith in action."

Such an opportunity came to the Bahá’ís of Maryland’s Eastern Shore last December when Bud Scott, a student at the University of Maryland and a local believer, was asked by a professor to provide a Bahá’í representative to an organizational meeting of the Ethiopian Hunger Relief Committee of the Eastern Shore.

Representatives of other faiths were to attend, and the professor wished to include Bahá’í participation. Mr. Scott attended the meeting with another Bahá’í from the area, George Stroop.

The meeting progressed well, except for some interdenominational friction surrounding the channel through which funds would be sent to Ethiopia (whether through Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, or other agencies).

Bahá’í representation was well received, with the result that at the end of the meeting, Mr. Stroop was elected chairman of the relief committee.

This effort represents only one of the many avenues available to the believers both in and outside of the Faith to demonstrate the power of the Bahá’í Cause to revolutionize the fortunes of mankind.

"Ultimately," the Universal House of Justice has written, "the call to action is addressed to the individual friends, whether they be adult or youth, veteran or newly-enrolled. Let them step forth to take their places in the arena of service where their talents and skills, their specialized training, their material resources, their offers of time and energy and, above all, their dedication to Bahá’í principles, can be put to work in improving the lot of man."

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Garland, Texas, are shown at the time of its recent incorporation. Standing (left to right) are Edward Molin (treasurer), James Jago, Massihollah Nafehati, Kambiz Rafraf (secretary); seated (left to right) are Parviz Paikari (vice-chairman), Francesca Sawyer, Dorothy Moore, Robert Moore (chairman). The ninth member, Mrs. Hacer Gulalp King, was not present.

Bahá’í dentist noted

Dr. Daniel Jolly, a Bahá’í from Prairie Village, Kansas, was the subject of a recent article in the Kansas City Times for his unusual practice as a dentist of making "house calls" each week to treat patients who can’t come to him.

Dr. Jolly uses portable tools to build bridges, fill teeth or fit dentures for elderly or handicapped patients who live in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, are confined to hospitals, or are homebound for one reason or another.

According to a spokesman at the Greater Kansas City Dental Society, Dr. Jolly, who has been making house calls for about three years, is the only dentist in Kansas City who regularly does so. [Page 12]

NATIVE AMERICANS

Pictured (left to right) are members of the American Indian Teaching Committee for 1984-85: Ferris Paisano (Nez Perce/Laguna Indian), Cathy Cook (Choctaw/Seminole), John Cook, Jackie Delahunt (Rosebud Sioux), Kevin Locke (Lakota Sioux), Franklin Kahn (Navajo). Not pictured is committee member Linda Wilson (Navajo).

Bahá’í booth at Indian Education Convention

More than 160 people attending the 16th annual National Indian Education Association Convention last November 7-10 at the Phoenix, Arizona, Civic Center visited a Bahá’í booth that was staffed by believers from the Phoenix area and organized by Dorothy Gemmill, a Bahá’í from Grand Ledge, Michigan, who is a member of the Louhelen Bahá’í School's Native American Coordinating Committee.

Mrs. Gemmill, a member of the Pit River Indian tribe from California, is employed as coordinator of Indian Education in the Michigan State University department of education.

A banner at the back of the Bahá’í exhibit read: "The Bahá’í Faith: Uniting the Nations for Peace with Justice."

Indian-related literature from Naturegraph Publishers of Happy Camp, California, was displayed and sold along with Bahá’í materials. Nearly 100 copies of the pamphlet "God's New Age" were given to visitors, as were printed copies of the Bahá’í prayer "Blessed Is the Spot" that were donated by a Bahá’í family in Phoenix.

Two Bahá’ís from the Phoenix, Arizona, area, Patty Khavari (left) and Nikka Sabet, were among those who volunteered to staff a Bahá’í booth last November 7-10 at the 16th annual National Indian Education Association Convention at the Phoenix Civic Center.

The convention, which drew about 2,500 people including Indian education leaders from the U.S. and Canada, had as its theme "Indian Policies and Cultures of the '80s: Visions for the Future."

The Bahá’í presence was supported by friends in the Phoenix area; Cathy Cook of the Native American Teaching Committee; and the Louhelen Council.

Ponca Indian leader enrolled in Faith

The Spiritual Assembly of Ponca City, Oklahoma, reports the enrollment last October 17 of Alvin Harry Buffalohead, a distinguished member of the Ponca Indian tribe.

"TO OUR knowledge," says Assembly secretary Ann Marie Wasilewski Oates, "(he) is the first of the Ponca tribe to declare his belief in Bahá’u’lláh."

Mr. Buffalohead is the great-grandson of the Ponca chief Nika-Gi-Hega-ooda ("good chief"), also known as Thomas J. Morgan, who is reported to have lived to the age of 112.

At the age of five, four years before his great-grandfather's death, Mr. Buffalohead was chosen by the chief to receive the knowledge of the ceremonial traditions and songs of the tribe.

As an example of how well Mr. Buffalohead learned the traditions, he says he could sing the tribe's songs for four solid days and not repeat himself once.

Besides being widely known as a master of the drum and head ceremonial singer of the Poncas, Mr. Buffalohead is a spiritual guide for his people and is sought out by individuals for help in matters of faith, healing and prayer.

He has often been asked to run for tribal offices, but, acting on the advice of his grandfather and out of his own inclinations, has refrained from becoming involved in the often turbulent internal politics of the tribe.

Mr. Buffalohead and his family first became acquainted with the Bahá’ís in 1980 and have attended Bahá’í gatherings since that time.

S. Dakota Bahá’ís share message of unity at 2nd Council Fire

The following letter was recently received from the Bahá’ís of Little Eagle, South Dakota:

We would like to share with the friends our growing and learning experience from hosting the second annual Great Plains (South Dakota) Council Fire held July 6-9, 1984.

AFTER attending the first Great Plains Council Fire at Bear Butte, we felt a tremendous need to share with non-native Bahá’ís what a Council Fire means to Native Americans, and what better place to express ourselves than in our own community?

As the Council Fire is seen by native peoples as a gathering of bands or tribes for extremely important discussions, prayers and consultation, we truly extended ourselves by setting up camp for the participants and asking everyone to help with the firewood, cooking, cleaning and especially the prayer sessions.

We directed our energy toward coordinating discussions, songs, dances, cooking and sharing from a Native American point of view.

The atmosphere was permeated by the pow-wow grounds, trips were set up, distinguished members of the community came to share their spiritual feelings, traditional food was shared by everyone, and a Bahá’í-sponsored giveaway was held in which we gave lovely gifts to spiritual leaders of the surrounding Reservation regardless of church affiliation to show forth unity among these people who believe our Creator is one and the same.

All who were there were blessed by the gentle love of Bahá’u’lláh. Everything was brought together by the Native spirit as honoring songs were sung by the local drum group of Little Eagle and a hoop dance was performed by Native Americans from Canada.

WE SPENT our last day together dedicating our prayers to the memory of the martyrdom of the Báb and all other martyrs of the Faith.

The most important factor of all, we believe, is that Native Americans are now ready to become responsible in fulfilling their part in the Bahá’í Faith and to stand equally among men in expressing their spiritual insight which is ancient and passed down from generation to generation.

We ask all the friends who have shared with Native peoples not to lead them but rather to allow them to find their leadership roles in the Faith.

We have now approached in South Dakota the largest Native enrollment in the history of the Faith, and express the need to have traditional people who have the ancient understanding of the old people to represent the Native Americans among the Bahá’ís of the world.

With that in mind, we would like to share a passage by Bahá’u’lláh from the book "Inspiring the Heart" (p. 140):

"O people of God! Righteous men of learning who dedicate themselves to the guidance of others and are freed and well guarded from the prompting of a base and covetous nature are, in the sight of Him Who is the Desire of the world, stars of heaven of true knowledge. It is essential to treat them with deference. They are indeed fountains of soft-flowing water, stars that shine resplendent, fruits of the blessed Tree, exponents of celestial power, and oceans of heavenly wisdom. Happy is he that followeth them. Verily such a soul is numbered in the Book of God, the Lord of the mighty throne, among those with whom it shall be well..."

Native peoples belong to Nature, and Bahá’u’lláh is Nature! We are but small pebbles in the ocean of sand in this never-ending sacred cycle of life.

Navajo-Hopi teaching project honors memory of Gordon Tong

The Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee is sponsoring a project on the Western Navajo Reservation in honor of its former secretary, Gordon Tong, who died last August.

A VARIETY of tools are being used including direct teaching, youth activities and proclamation, but most important has been the introduction of the "Ruhi method."

This is a systematic process for deepening indigenous believers that was developed by the Ruhi Institute in Colombia, South America.

During the orientation, which was held December 23-26 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute, the team continued efforts to improve community relations by caroling on Christmas eve and inviting members of the community to a dinner on Christmas day. Both events were well-received.

About 65 people came to the potluck turkey and ham dinner. A strong sense of unity was developed among those present as the "old-timers" shared the Bahá’í songs of the '60s with the youth.

Orientations were conducted by Roger Coe, a long-time pioneer on the Reservation; Jeff Kiely, co-administrator of the NABI; and Chester Khan, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The "Trail of Light" team, back from teaching in the pueblos of northern New Mexico, shared their excitement before continuing on to Tuba City.

PLANS for upcoming weeks include providing concession stand services and half-time activities at a basketball tournament in Tuba City and a fireside after the last game; a new believers' conference; a unity feast at the NABI, and an interdenominational "Prayers for Peace" event for World Religion Day, co-sponsored by the Tuba City Presbyterian Church.

The teaching team has been small, averaging around 10 members, but a total of 45 adults, youth and children have been involved. They've come from Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York state, Ohio and Texas. [Page 13]

Nearly 200 attend second L.A. Bahá’í History Conference

Bahá’ís from eight countries and several states attended the second Los Angeles Bahá’í History Conference held over the Labor Day weekend.

THE conference, co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, the Bahá’í Club at UCLA, Kalimát Press and the Victory Foundation, drew nearly 200 serious students of the Faith to its various sessions.

This year’s topics were by no means limited to Bahá’í history, with presentations on Bahá’í literature, sociology, theology, philosophy and archives.

Two Bahá’ís resident at the World Centre traveled from Haifa, Israel, to attend the gathering. William Collins, director of the World Centre Library, and Dr. Vahid Rafati, director of the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, each contributed to a discussion on sources of Bahá’í history in archives and libraries.

Roger Dahl, chief archivist at the National Bahá’í Archives in Wilmette, Illinois, also was present and presented a paper, as did David Piff, chief archivist of the Northwest Regional Branch of the U.S. National Archives.

Dr. Rafati also presented a paper on the relationship of Shaykhí doctrines to the religious thought of the Báb.

The presentation was a part of the Middle East panel among whose other members was Dr. Margaret Caton, who discussed Bahá’í influences on Mírzá ‘Abdu’lláh, an Iranian Bahá’í who is perhaps the most influential Persian musician of modern times.

ALTHOUGH unable to attend the conference in person, Dr. Denis MacEoin of the University of Newcastle, England, sent a paper to be read. In it, he discussed authority claims in the Bábí community during the most obscure period of its history—1850 to 1866.

Dr. Peter Smith of the University of Lancaster, England, made two presentations—one, a sociological analysis of the development of the Bahá’í Faith in the western world, and the other a discussion of liberal and fundamentalist attitudes as found in other religions and in the Bahá’í community.

Dr. Nader Saeidi, a professor of sociology at UCLA, discussed the role of faith and reason within the Bahá’í community, while Anthony A. Lee drew attention to the need for Bahá’ís to transcend limited attitudes toward other religions and cultures in a quest for the unity of mankind.

Viva Tomlin, who was graduated from Oxford University with a degree in theology and is now pioneering in Honduras, gave a provocative presentation on the concept of knowledge in the Bahá’í Writings.

Steven Scholl of Seattle, Washington, made a presentation on the same panel on the studies of the Shaykhí school made by Henri Corbin, the French orientalist. Mr. Scholl is writing a thesis on that topic at McGill University.

Graham Hassell traveled from Australia to present his research into the history of the Bahá’ís in that country. His efforts represent the first systematic attempt to recover the history of the Australian Bahá’í community.

PAPERS were presented on the history of the Faith in West Africa by Don Addison and Anthony Lee, and in the U.S. by Richard Hollinger. All three of these presenters are doctoral candidates at UCLA.

Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi, an Auxiliary Board member, addressed the conference on sociology and history. Olinga Ta’eed of Leeds, England, sent a paper analyzing the question of belief by using general systems theory.

On Bahá’í literature, Farzad Nakhai of Tucson, Arizona, discussed the poetry of Na’ím, the famous Bahá’í poet, while Diana Malouf, a doctoral candidate at the State University of New York, sent a paper on Shoghi Effendi’s translation of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh which was presented on her behalf.

The conference was attended by non-Bahá’ís as well as Bahá’ís. Notably, Dr. William Royce, a professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Arizona, attended the conference and chaired one of its sessions.

Intensive daytime sessions continued for four days with the evenings devoted to informal discussions and socializing.

A concert and demonstration of classical Persian music and dance provided entertainment Saturday night, and many of those from out of town visited Disneyland on Monday morning.

Goals

1. [Set goals in] an unopened area, an area with few Bahá’ís, or an area that needs consolidation work.

2. Move to a state with a low Bahá’í population (as designated by the National Teaching Committee).

3. Attend a college without a Bahá’í College Club with the intention of teaching the Faith and forming a club.

4. ATTEND a goal college (as designated by the National Youth Committee) with the intention of teaching the Faith to its resident minority population.

Presently, there are 21 youth who have reported their service as homefront pioneers.

Applause and prayers for Jennifer Marie Hollock, Shamin Himes, Lora Brookhart, Mojdeh Eghterafs, Kambeze Etemad, David Markusen, Addison Bibb, Mojdeh Rabbani, Robertson Shinnick, Rainn Wilson, Stacey McDonald, Patrick Bergin, Albert Waterford Jr., Jennifer Flynn, Derek Flynn, Christopher Sollars, Beth Sollars, Rita Najmi, Sohail Najmi, Laili Radpour and Natalie Blake, all of whom have arisen to serve Bahá’u’lláh on the homefront.

Remember, our goal for this last phase of the Seven Year Plan is 40 youth pioneers. Will you help win the goal?

The National Youth Committee will be happy to help you in any way it can. Please write to us at 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or phone 305-584-1844.

Children’s conference, annual Institute mark productive summer in Tennessee

Tennessee’s Bahá’ís marked an inspirational and productive summer in 1984 that began with the first “It’s a Small World” summer camp for children (ages 8-12) and ended with a Tennessee Bahá’í Institute auction that raised $24,800 for the National Fund.

STRONG support for the children’s camp came from the friends in Georgia, and with their help race unity among the children became a reality (14 black children, 14 white, 10 Persian, and two Oriental).

To emphasize international themes, families prepared evening meals typical of various countries: Southern U.S., Spanish, French, Persian.

Highlights were child responsibility for meal preparation and clean-up, a “Green Circle” presentation, and a parents’ night.

Forty-two children from six states were among those attending the Tennessee Bahá’í Institute at which classes for four age levels were conducted by 17 teachers.

Meanwhile, the Institute’s adult progam focused on the October 1984 letter from the Universal House of Justice on social and economic development.

Among those who discussed the main points of the letter with the friends were Dr. Wilma Brady, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; educator Roy Jones, a member of the national Race Unity Committee; and businessmen Larry Miller, Riaz Khadem, Ata Rassekh and Douglas Ruhe.

At the auction, some 140 participants raised nearly $25,000 for the National Fund, thus demonstrating the level of concern for the Fund shared by all the friends.

Captions and Advertisements

Pictured are members of the staff of the Brilliant Star Bahá’í School, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Auburn, Washington. Children from as many as 12 surrounding communities attend the four-year-old school which has the free use of a day care center in which to meet. Staff members are (back row left to right) Emily Kalaloa, Eleanor LaRoy, Carla Rockwell, and (front row left to right) Leslie Edwards-Hill, Karen Smith, Laurie Piff (holding Benjamin Piff).

Members of the Middle East panel at the second Los Angeles Bahá’í History Conference were (left to right) Dr. Vahid Rafati, Dr. Margaret Caton, and Dr. Peter Smith.

New from George Ronald, Publisher

For the Good of Mankind: August Forel and the Bahá’í Faith by John Paul Vader

An original and comprehensive study of the great Swiss scientist in his relationship to the Bahá’í Faith and particularly his activities as a Bahá’í. Based on entirely new research, including papers specially made available from Forel’s family. 144 pp, 23 illustrations.

Hardcover $10.95* Softcover $4.95*

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

[Page 14]

How to save time, money when phoning BDS

The Bahá’í Distribution Service is continuing to encourage individuals to use its toll-free phone lines to order books, tapes and pamphlets.

HOWEVER, it is also offering some suggestions to save time and money.

Individuals can place orders over the phone using VISA or MasterCard as long as the total order is at least $10. When calling, you should have your credit card in hand with any questions you may have written down.

Also, you should consider whether you would like the books shipped by fourth class mail or UPS (which does not deliver to post office boxes).

If the order is longer than one or two books, it is a good practice to have the items you want written down—no more than 15 titles, please, but there is no limit to the quantity ordered.

When preparing your order, be sure to decide if you prefer soft-cover or hardcover books and have that noted, too.

In most cases, the person taking your order will be able to enter it directly into our computer and tell you immediately if all the books you want are available.

AS WITH any long distance call, the longer you talk the more it costs, so the better prepared you are the less the call will cost the Distribution Service.

The toll-free number can also be used to ask questions about Distribution Service and Publishing Trust materials.

The toll-free number is 800-323-1880. It can be used in all states except Illinois, Alaska and Hawaii.

We request that the friends not use the number to ask questions which properly should be directed to the Bahá’í National Center.

Prices are reduced on 3 splendid books from United Kingdom

Three of the most handsome and important books ever produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom are being offered at reduced prices in February and March by the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

All three offer the opportunity to give a great gift while at the same time saving some money.

The three books are ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, Unfolding Destiny, and The Mystery of God.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London is compiled from talks and interviews given by the Master while He was in England.

The Mystery of God is a compilation by Mrs. Irán Furútan Muhájir on the station and life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which was prepared for publication on the 50th anniversary of His ascension. These two books are companion volumes, bound in leather and stamped with gold leaf.

The Mystery of God will sell in February and March for $12, which is $9 less than its normal price, while ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London is being reduced from $17 to $9.50.

Unfolding Destiny is, to date, the largest volume of the letters of Shoghi Effendi and represents his correspondence with the Bahá’ís of the British Isles during his 36-year tenure as Guardian of the Faith.

Unfolding Destiny is a 500-page book which sold for $43.50 and will be reduced in February and March to $28.50.

Supplies of all three books are limited. The reduced prices will be in effect for orders received and processed after February 1 and before March 31 or until supplies are exhausted.

New compilation on House of Justice

A compilation on the Universal House of Justice is among three items that have just arrived from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom.

The Universal House of Justice: A Compilation, was prepared by the Research Department at the World Centre at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

In its introduction to the compilation, the National Assembly says, "Only by understanding its (the Universal House of Justice's) status can the followers of Bahá’u’lláh appreciate the bounty we have in its guidance, and be strengthened to carry out its wishes in the difficult years that lie ahead."

BPT-UK also has produced two new books for children. One, Second Birth, is by Gail Radley ($8 HC, $4.50 SC).

Ms. Radley is the author of Special Strengths, recently released by the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and Zahra's Search.

Second Birth is an explanation of the progress of the human soul in terms that very young readers can understand.

The second book for children is Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Jacqueline Mehrabi. It sells for $4.50.

Stories contains 26 vignettes about the Master which Mrs. Mehrabi originally collected for her own children. Mrs. Mehrabi also has written Nine Holy Days and Stories for Children.

The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion

In early January the new book The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion arrived at the Bahá’í Distribution Service warehouse in Wilmette. Its arrival culminated several years of work on the book itself, as well as successful negotiations leading to the book's publication by a major commercial publishing house.

Limited number of History Calendars available

A limited supply of Bahá’í History Calendars spotlighting the United Nations International Year of Youth are still available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

The first pages of the calendar contain the January 1984 letter from the Universal House of Justice about International Youth Year and the "new vistas" it opens for young members of the Bahá’í community.

As in past years, the calendar devotes two pages to each month. The top page this year has quotations directed to Bahá’í youth with each quotation illustrated by a photograph.

The bottom page contains the days of the month and lists significant events in Bahá’í history which occurred on those days.

The price of the Bahá’í History Calendar is $5. For ordering information, see the coupon on this page.

Service for Blind has books, tapes

A wide selection of books in braille or on audio tapes is available from the Bahá’í Service for the Blind. For information, write to Bahá’í Service for the Blind, Tucson, AZ 85716. [Page 15]

For ‘choice wine’ of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, try the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

SITAK SAURAS

While others imbibe physical intoxicants on special occasions, we can enjoy the special pleasure of quaffing the "choice Wine" of the laws of Bahá’u’lláh as we prepare for Ayyám-i-Há and the month of fasting.

What better time to remind ourselves of the exhortations of Bahá’u’lláh? Reading the Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas gives us a concise overview of the scope of the laws that will remain inviolate for at least a thousand years, and whose system is destined to embrace the whole planet.

"Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws," says Bahá’u’lláh. "Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power.... Meditate upon this, O men of insight!"

The Universal House of Justice, in its introduction to the Synopsis and Codification, describes the Kitáb-i-Aqdas as "the brightest emanation of the mind of Bahá’u’lláh, ... the Mother Book of His Dispensation, and the Charter of His New World Order."

Bahá’u’lláh, speaking of the "twin duties" of His servants (recognition of the Manifestation of God and observance of every ordinance He brings), puts this into perspective:

"They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples.... Hasten to drink your fill, O men of understanding!"

And again, "He who hath drunk the choice wine of fairness from the hands of My bountiful favor, will circle around My commandments that shine above the Dayspring of My creation."

The Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas offers an elixir that is purely positive in its inebriating effects. If prolonged addiction results, only good can follow.

Advance orders okay for new titles

Advance orders for titles not yet released by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust may be taken, according to Anne Atkinson, promotions coordinator at the Trust.

"Our new titles for 1985 are very exciting," says Ms. Atkinson. "We want the friends to be able to have them as soon as possible. Therefore, the books expected by April may be ordered now from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Ordering soon will ensure the earliest possible delivery of the books."

Forthcoming Bahá’í Publishing Trust titles include Unto Him Shall We Return, Bahá’í DayBook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation, and The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900.

"Unto Him Shall We Return, which will be available this month, is a significant compilation of the Bahá’í writings on the reality and immortality of the human soul," says Ms. Atkinson. "Its importance in personal and community deepening and as a resource for memorial or funeral services cannot be overestimated. It is also an excellent gift book for Bahá’ís and others. It offers a unique perspective on this life and the worlds to come.

"The Bahá’í DayBook is scheduled for release in March," she says. "Many of the friends have asked if it will be similar to the Canadian Bahá’í Readings. While it does include passages from the writings, as does Bahá’í Readings, it is quite different in other respects.

"The Bahá’í DayBook also includes quotations from other scriptures, questions and answers, definitions of difficult words, illustrations, and explanations of Bahá’í Feasts, Holy Days, and other aspects of Bahá’í life.

"It's an excellent primer for new Bahá’ís and a resource for deepening."

Ordering from Bahá’í Distribution Service

Individuals living anywhere in the world can order titles listed on this page from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at the prices quoted. U.S. customers should add 10 per cent for postage and handling (minimum $1.50) for UPS or fourth class mail; foreign customers should add 15 per cent (minimum $1.50) for surface mail.

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

Question: What is ‘Bellwood Press’?

Question: Why are some children's books and materials published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and others by Bellwood Press? What is the difference?

"Bellwood Press is an imprint of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust that was created to fill a need the Publishing Trust saw," says Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of both.

"We realized there was a great need for books that do not necessarily mention the Bahá’í Faith, or that do so indirectly, but reflect values that concern us as Bahá’ís.

"Character-development stories in which there are struggle-and-growth situations calling for the application of spiritual principles are very useful to a child's development," says Dr. Fisher. "Publishing such books also broadens our market.

"Many parents are interested in books with spiritual or humanitarian concepts but do not know about or are not interested in the Bahá’í Faith. Hence, we hope that Bellwood Press can contribute to the education and enrichment of a larger circle than that which the Bahá’í books can reach at this time."

Q: What has been published most recently by Bellwood Press?

Special Strengths, by Gail Radley, is the latest publication of Bellwood Press. It is a collection of four stories in which the characters discover inner strengths of which they were previously unaware—through tests, choices and growth.

"Special Strengths never mentions the Faith," says Dr. Fisher, "though one of the four stories does allude to the beautiful song of a nightingale that brings comfort and peace to those who hear.

SPECIAL STRENGTHS GAIL RADLEY B.J. and the Language of the Woodland O God My God I Am a Bahá’í

"It deals with peer pressure, mutual acceptance, being one's self, and learning about humility. There are infinite ways in which parents or teachers can use these stories to discuss Bahá’í principles with children."

Q: What other books are available from Bellwood Press?

Other children's books published by Bellwood Press include B.J. and the Language of the Woodland, The Spotlessly Leopard and Fly Away Home.

"We hope that in the near future Bellwood Press will also publish similar works for teen-agers and scholarly works for adults," says Dr. Fisher.

Q: What makes these books different from those published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust?

"The Bahá’í Publishing Trust specializes in books that mention the Faith," replies Dr. Fisher. "Parents continue to clamor for more books with Bahá’í content.

"For example, I Am a Bahá’í, the latest in the Sunflower Book series published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, serves this purpose. Here, the Bahá’í identity of the child is reinforced directly through language, drawings, photographs, pictures to be colored, and other activities that relate to being a Bahá’í.

"Loving Hands, the recent children's album of songs by 'Heartbeat,' is in that same category. Through direct reference to the writings and to Bahá’í events and activities, Bahá’í education is reinforced. Virtues are taught and the prayers that are sung aid in memorization and in the development of a devotional attitude.

"Both approaches (direct and indirect) are important for Bahá’í children," says Dr. Fisher. "That is why Bellwood Press and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust continue to produce these important tools for their stimulation and growth."

The musical group 'Heartbeat' performed recently at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Pictured (left to right) are Michael Moutrie, Susan Engle, Rudi Fox and Jean Marks. Specializing in music for children of all ages, 'Heartbeat' has produced a 60-minute cassette of vibrant new music entitled Loving Hands. Side 1 contains songs about aspects of Bahá’í life, while side 2 features devotional songs for quieter moments. Performers on Loving Hands who are not shown here are Andrew Marks, piano and synthesizer; Charles Nolley, banjo and guitar; Collins Trier, string bass and hammered dulcimer; and several vocalists of all ages. Loving Hands is available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service for $8.

The Spotlessly LEOPARD

New history recounts early pilgrimages

Can you imagine what it must have been like to travel to ‘Akká in 1898 as one of the earliest pilgrims from North America?

The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, by Robert H. Stockman, describes in fascinating detail the effects of the first Western pilgrimage on the early adherents of the Faith, who had never seen a picture of or received any correspondence from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Before that pilgrimage, Ibrahim Kheiralla, a Bahá’í of Syrian origin, had begun teaching the Faith in the United States. [Page 16]

Classifieds

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

WANTED: original letters from Shoghi Effendi. The National Bahá’í Archives is trying to locate original letters from the Guardian to the following individuals: Dorothy B. Logelin, Victor Oldson, Bertha Harmon, Walter Guy and Helen Campbell. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of such letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ICELANDIC Bahá’í offers the use of his house to a traveling teacher or teaching team while he is on vacation from May 10-July 10. Husavik is a goal town in northern Iceland where English is spoken. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED: quotes by famous persons or publications (Tolstoi, Time magazine, Newsweek, President Reagan, Queen Marie of Rumania, Dizzy Gillespie, Seals & Crofts, etc.) plus bibliographical sources to be compiled in a "Notable Quotes" teaching pamphlet. Please send contributions to Darian Smith, Apex, NC 27502.

PIO-NEAR before you pio-far. Try your hand at living in another culture without leaving McDonald's behind. Southern Louisiana... an intriguing state with a strong French-Catholic influence. Home of Cajuns and Creoles and the Mardi Gras. The District Teaching Committee is calling for at least six homefront pioneers for four communities on the brink of Assembly status. Consider settling, starting a business, getting an education, or spending time with the state's 1,200 Native Americans. For more information contact Ernell Mitchell, New Orleans, LA 70126.

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

NEEDED: Qualified person to teach elementary school or English to fill a goal in Nepal. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.

TWO positions for English teachers are available immediately and two others in the fall of 1985 at the Micronesian Occupational College, Palau, Caroline Islands, a goal. Transportation, housing, and health and life insurance are provided. One- or two-year contracts. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii is planning to convert its television series for home use on Beta/VHS and will be offering video cassettes at $25 each plus postage and handling. These are the programs that feature the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears on 15 shows, and Russ and Gina Garcia on one, with young adult Bahá’ís. These will be "special orders" as the video cassettes will not be carried in stock. Orders must be accompanied by check or money order with specific information as to which programs are desired. For more information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817.

THE BAHÁ’Í Center in Pueblo, Colorado, is looking for a new caretaker. The position will be available April 1. The Center is a single-story house with living facilities in the basement consisting of kitchen, bedroom, bath and living room. A donation to the local Fund of $135 per month to cover utilities and maintenance is requested. The position is ideal for a retired couple or a young person interested in attending college (the University of Southern Colorado is in Pueblo). For more information, write to the Bahá’í Center, Pueblo, CO 81004.

ESCAPE TO... LaCrosse, Wisconsin. One of the country's most beautiful areas, with breathtaking views of rivers, forests and rolling mountains, invites you to live where (a) you can help build an Assembly, (b) the air is pure, (c) the schools are excellent-Wisconsin ranks No. 1 in the nation in college-prep ACT scores, (d) the people are friendly, and (e) the crime rate is low. In addition, LaCrosse has a zoo, an outstanding symphony orchestra, several repertory companies, and many opportunities for outdoor sports. For students there is Viterbo College with a nationally recognized fine arts program and the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse (9,000 students) which offers study in education, business, liberal arts, and health and physical education-with one of the country's top cardiac rehab programs. Employment is available in engineering, sales, health care, precision tool and die work, and for teachers in schools, colleges and Western Wisconsin Technical Institute. The area is one of the fastest-growing in the Midwest with a present population of 50,000 in LaCrosse and 100,000 in the metro area. Come and make it 50,006! For information contact Dorothy and Samandar Hai, LaCrosse, WI 54601, or phone 608-788-4240.

USED clothing is welcomed by pioneers in Tonga for resale in their small shop. Can be sent surface mail. Put value of $10 on the box; otherwise, the pioneers must pay 35 per cent duty. Large women's sizes; men's; children's. Bright summer styles are preferable. Also bras, ties, shoes. Write directly to Norie and Don Blanks, P.O. Box 64, Neiafu Vava'u, Tonga, Pacific Islands.

GROUP decision-making processes as taught in the behavioral sciences and Bahá’í consultation are subjects of interest to an individual Bahá’í engaged in academic research that combines science and religion. I would welcome letters from interested Bahá’ís to exchange insights and information sources. Write to Tom Millington, P.O. Box 5566, El Paso, TX 79955.

NEW JERSEY and you-perfect together! Piscataway Township needs two or more deepened Bahá’í adults to strengthen its Assembly. Close to New York City and Princeton; Rutgers University is in our backyard. Employment opportunities at AT&T, Bell Communications Research, Johnson & Johnson, Squibb, American Standard, American Express, Hewlett Packard, Continental Insurance. For more information please write to P.O. Box 326, Piscataway, NJ 08854, or phone 201-463-3683.

WANTED: Male or female experienced in repairing Oriental rugs to work in a large Bahá’í-owned rug store in Birmingham, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit). Adequate compensation including moving expenses. Phone Azar, 313-644-7311.

A NINE-DAY Teacher Training Institute conducted by Jenabe Caldwell will be held February 22-March 3 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The course lays a foundation for fulfilling one's purpose in life and transmits a sense of inner peace. It has been taught all over the world and been instrumental in transforming souls and instigating victories. The cost is $167 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. A children's program will be held. Write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA and MasterCard accepted.

SEVERAL university level teaching positions are available in Fiji, a goal country. They are: lecturers in crop production, chemistry, biology, math, a technical manager, and a professor of accounting. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ALMOST there! National City, California, right next to beautiful San Diego, has almost enough Bahá’ís to form an Assembly (four active, that is). Can you help? It's really no sacrifice to live here; we've got everything-ocean, mountains, glorious weather year-round, and lots of teaching activity. Living is relatively inexpensive, and jobs are available here and in the city. Bilingual (Spanish/English) Bahá’ís are especially welcome. Chilly where you are? It's in the 70s here! Write to the District Teaching Committee, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

PLANS are moving right along for the first Stockton, California, Bahá’i Reunion. If you or someone you know has been a past member of the Stockton Bahá’i community, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Stockton, P.O. Box 7231, Stockton, CA 95207, or phone the Assembly secretary, Patti McDowell, 209-467-4210.

FAMILY practice physician and family wish to become homefront pioneers. Would like to work with another Bahá’í doctor, and must live in a medically underserved area of the U.S. or its territories. Will complete residency in June 1987. Please contact Hannah Rishel, M.D., Wichita, KS 67208, or phone 316-685-3748 or 316-685-1111.

TEACHING positions for surgeons, ob-gyns, radiologist, internists and pediatricians are now available in Nigeria, a goal country. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HELP wanted: Marshall, Texas (pop. 25,900), deep in the heart of east Texas, after years of struggling to reach Assembly status, needs deepened Bahá’ís to settle in the area and help with the teaching work. There are many opportunities for employment here and in nearby Longview and Karnack. Marshall has accredited public schools, good community colleges within commuting distance, a hospital, a new civic center, a vocational school, cultural activities and adult education programs. The climate is temperate, there are mobile home parks, apartment complexes, and homes for sale, rental or sharing. The area has many lakes and parks, good fishing and boat landings. For more information, contact Mrs. Lena H. Watson, Marshall, TX 75670 (phone 214-938-3939) or Mrs. Myrtle R. Campbell, P.O. Box 725, Marshall, TX 75670 (phone 214-938-3509).

HANDS ON!, a workbook of Bahá’í educational activities for children by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Diane Bogulu Petit, is now available. The book includes a chapter on creating learning centers and more than 100 practical activities in the areas of Bahá’í history, the Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi, religious history, the Bahá’í teachings, Bahá’í institutions, and the dynamic force of example. Also includes sample record-keeping forms and reproducible activities (crossword puzzles, word searches, etc.). Contains 178 pages and 80 photos depicting activities described in the text. Each activity description includes educational objectives, a list of materials needed, and a discussion of what to do and how to extend the experience; a valuable resource for teaching local children's classes. The price of $19 includes a three-ring binder and shipping and handling costs. Please send check to Hands On!, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. VISA and MasterCard orders accepted by phone (313-653-5033).

NEEDED: Ten teachers to fill positions in Sri Lanka, a goal for several countries. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEER to lovely Oregon. Come grow your own vegetables, learn to survive on your own with the help of other Bahá’ís. Woman wanted, preferably retired, to share a house with another Bahá’í and her two children, ages 6 and 11 years. $125 per month plus food. Some work available and a university near by. Write to Gail Haller, Eagle Point, OR 97524.

SUMMER jobs at Green Acre include those for cooks; directors and staff for children's, youth and adult programs; registrars; librarian; book sales; housekeepers; kitchen workers; and maintenance helper. Apply to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

THE WEST Hartford, Connecticut, Bahá’í community, in the central part of the state, needs you! We need two Bahá’ís who are willing to relocate if we are to re-form our Assembly in April. If you can come and help save our Assembly, we'll make an effort to help you in every way possible to [Page 17]

INTERMEDIA

Carrie Kneisler, a Bahá’í from Healdsburg, California, who is a print-maker and artist, got eight column inches of publicity including photos of herself and her art work in the weekly paper, The Tribune. The Bahá’í Media Council of the North Bay contacted her to design a poster as a fund-raiser to pay for air time for the "Spiritual Revolution" television series. The series began November 17 on Channel 50, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Sonoma County and the northern Bay Area. The sale of prints raised $2,000 of the $10,000 needed to underwrite the series. Additional prints are still available for $50 apiece. Contact the Media Council at P.O. Box 86, Geyserville, CA 95441 for information.

Bahá’ís in Graham, Texas, made dramatic advances in their community with an ambitious undertaking for Human Rights Day. The Spiritual Assembly wrote to the mayor, all public schools, the superintendent of schools, and all the churches sending the following materials:

⚫a brief description of Human Rights Day; a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948; • a copy of President Reagan's human rights proclamation of December 9, 1983; ⚫ a comparison of human rights as expressed in the Universal Declaration and American Documents of Freedom; and • "Human Rights Are God-Given Rights," a Bahá’í statement on human rights.

The friends received three column inches of publicity in The Graham Leader, and after sending the same materials to a local radio station, they were asked to provide a speaker for the station's morning talk show which resulted in a 40-minute interview.

In Roseville, Minnesota, a Bahá’í family was interviewed for the Christmas issue of the Roseville Focus for an article headlined "Bahá’í Family Still Feels Christmas Is Special." The same paper was distributed in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), since the editors of the Focus newspapers (formerly the Sun chain) came together to produce one newspaper for all their communities over the holidays. The article not only printed the family's personal comments about what Christmas means and the celebration of Bahá’í Holy Days, but included several paragraphs explaining the Faith's relationship to Christianity and discussing its origin and history. Watch next month's issue of The American Bahá’í for more about Roseville's perseverance and how it paid off.

Lynda Couture, a Bahá’í in Pensacola, Florida, has joined the ranks of Bahá’ís who have regular columns in their local newspapers. A weekly column under her by-line will be published in The Pensacola Voice. Her column for the Christmas issue was headed, "A New Reality: Peace on Earth—A Possibility." It featured quotations from various religious scriptures including the Bahá’í Writings and tied in our concerns for peace with current examples from around the world. Other Bahá’í columnists are Abdullah Brooks (Sacramento, California), Cherlynn Rush (San Bernardino, California), George Savitt (Miami, Florida), and the Bahá’ís of Paulding County, Georgia.

Bahá’ís in Rhode Island are jubilant over their success in getting air time on the radio station at the University of Rhode Island. They attribute it to the hard work of Bahá’ís in Newport and Jamestown. An interview will air each Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring Bahá’ís and others with related interests on topics pertaining to the Faith.

Greenville, Massachusetts Town Council passes resolution condemning persecutions in Iran

Bahá’ís in Greenville, Massachusetts, report exhilarating successes in their efforts to get the town council to pass a resolution condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran—both in getting the resolution passed and in the publicity the Faith received as a result.

The Spiritual Assembly wrote to the town council, furnishing extensive background information on the history of the persecutions and significant national articles that have been published, and requested that a resolution be passed.

On Human Rights Day, a letter to the editor was published in The Greenville Recorder. Less than a week later, a two-column-inch article about the town council's next meeting appeared, with almost half of it devoted to the Bahá’ís. The headline read, "Council to Be Asked to Back Bahá’í Resolution on Iran."

A few days later, a three-column-inch article appeared in the same paper about the resolution's passage, headed, "Bahá’í Persecution in Iran Condemned by Council."

That same day, the Springfield paper, The Morning Union, published three column inches headlined, "Greenville Takes Stand Against Bahá’í Attacks."

All publicity was initiated by local reporters except for the letter to the editor.

The Office of Public Affairs underscores the feelings of the Assembly of Greenville. The Council later passed a resolution condemning the persecutions.

The Town Council of Greenville, Massachusetts, hears testimony on the persecutions in Iran from two members of the Spiritual Assembly secretary in Greenville, M. Lee McAdam, who wrote, "Due to the spiritual impetus of the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Iran, just a little effort on our part will produce positive and often dramatic results."

Course for radio amateurs set

In the tropic green hills of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a half-hour drive from the world's largest radio telescope, a vital new facility has come into being in service to the Faith: the Amoz Gibson Training Centre, operated by CIRBAL, a Bahá’í institution charged by the Universal House of Justice with responsibility for the development of Bahá’í media in Latin America and the Caribbean basin.

On March 23-April 13, a history-making conference and three-week crash course for licensed Bahá’í radio amateurs and others interested in becoming amateurs, focusing on Bahá’í radio projects and philosophy, will be held at the Centre.

The course will also cover Bahá’ís and amateur radio, local-regional-global communication networks, elements of pioneering and other Bahá’í service, updating one's radio knowledge and upgrading his license, and the many social and consultative activities that bringing together Bahá’í radio amateurs from all over the world is bound to generate.

Tuition is $400 per student including materials, room and board. The course will be presented in English and Spanish as needed. An operating amateur radio station will be accessible to all licensed amateurs during free time.

For information please contact CIRBAL, Amoz Gibson Training Centre, Rio Arriba, Puerto Rico 00612.

THE GAROGH OF THE HEA

About 90 people including many non-Bahá’ís were present last October 20 for the opening of the Bahá’í Regional Public Affairs Office for Long Island, New York. The office, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Brookhaven, represents a dozen Bahá’í communities throughout two Long Island counties, providing local, national and international Bahá’í news to the many media outlets in that densely populated area east of New York City. Pictured above are (left to right) Dr. Mark Eghrari; Isabella Eghrari, project coordinator for the Regional Public Affairs Office; Smithtown, New York, City Councilman Brad Harris; and Hong Foo, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Brookhaven.

Media use plants many valuable seeds during Mexico border teaching campaign

Bahá’ís from Illinois, Kentucky and New Mexico joined with Bahá’ís from Piedras Negras, Coahuila and Manzanillo, Mexico, in an extensive border teaching campaign held recently in the border city of Juarez, Chihuahua, which resulted in 38 declarations in five days.

AMONG the declarants were one of the employees of the newspaper that published an article about the project, a medical doctor, a 90-year-old popcorn vendor, a lawyer, three cooks from a carry-out eatery, several housewives, a border official, and several youth.

Deepening classes and follow-up firesides were held each evening during the campaign.

A highlight of the effort was a 10-minute appearance by several of the Bahá’ís on local television. During the interview Christine Hoyt, a Bahá’í in Manzanillo, was able to explain that Bahá’u’lláh is not only the return of Christ, but that all the Prophets have promised to return in the Glory of God. Monira Sohaili, from Wilmette, Illinois, discussed her Zoroastrian background and the experience of living and raising a family as a Bahá’í pioneer in such places as India, New Caledonia and Australia. The presence of her daughter and two grandchildren in the studio brought out that there are now several-generation Bahá’í families.

LOURDES Diaz, a local Bahá’í, phoned a radio talk show one evening from a deepening where 29 attendees viewed a filmstrip of the Holy Land and was able to discuss some salient features of the Faith.

Both programs were broadcast in Mexico (the Bahá’ís from the U.S. had a translator), thus planting valuable seeds that are bound to bear fruit in both countries.

The Spiritual Assembly of Juarez has planned an extensive program for confirming and deepening the new believers.

Those who traveled to Mexico to help in the project returned home full of hope and vigor to share the experience with others.

The border teaching campaign is an exciting and concrete example of Bahá’ís using their initiative to integrate the processes of proclamation, expansion and consolidation while remembering to include publicity in their efforts.

Public Affairs Office names 32 consultants for eight-state area

On last month's media page was a report about the conference last November at the Louhelen Bahá’í School for public information consultants.

The 32 consultants named by the national Office of Public Affairs for an eight-state area are:

Illinois—Bob Bellows, Skokie; Reuben Busby, Alton; Michael Carr, Des Plaines; Elizabeth Foster, Moline; Robert Hogan, Springfield; William Maslouski, Springfield; Artis Mebane, Joliet; Bedi Mesbah, Chatham; Stacey Rubenstein, Wilmette; Frank Trompeter, Springfield; Steve Wilder, Prospect Heights.

Indiana—Gwen Cobb Kousari and Behrouz Kousari, Muncie. [Page 18]On November 12, a copy of the book Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era was presented to Dr. Houston Bowers (center), minister of the Euclid Avenue Christian Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Making the presentation were Bahá’ís (left to right) Kay Farzaneh, Bill Fountaine, Cecilia Smith and Amir Farzaneh. A subsequent article about the presentation in the church bulletin encouraged members of the church to check the book out of the library.

'85 Archives Institute to be held in August at the National Center

The National Bahá’í Archives Committee will hold its 1985 Archives Institute next August 22-25 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

Those who are interested in attending the institute should submit to the National Bahá’í Archives a brief statement of their background and why they would like to attend.

The institute is designed to introduce believers interested in the archival field to the nature and functions of a Bahá’í archives.

Attendance is limited to eight persons, and each participant is responsible for his or her own expenses and housing.

Please address requests to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Annual Conference of Nur set

It's time once again to start making plans to attend the annual Conference of Nur to be held June 14-16 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College.

This year's theme is "Shoghi Effendi: Architect of the New World Order."

Speakers who have thus far agreed to appear and their topics: Mrs. Javidukht Khadem, "The Beloved Guardian." Diana Malouf Jenkins, "His Literary Gifts." Nathan Rutstein, "His Messages to the World." George Karamalis, slide presentation, "The Master Designer."

Other speakers and conference costs will be announced later.

For more information, write to Conference of Nur, c/o the sponsoring Spiritual Assembly of Elizabethtown Borough, P.O. Box 50, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, or phone 717-367-5075.

In the January issue of The American Bahá’í, in an article on Page 8 about the Spiritual Assembly of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, the following sentence appears:

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

While it is true that Mr. Akhtarkhavari was the first to pioneer to Saudi Arabia, this was in 1940, not 1920, and he was not designated a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for this service since it was long before the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade in 1953-63, the period during which the Guardian made such appointments.

We regret the error.

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

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

Attendance limited

Because seating in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship is limited, it will be necessary to limit the number of visitors attending the National Convention. Seating will be reserved for those who pre-register with the registration form in the January issue of The American Bahá’í, or by letter, on a first-come, first-served basis.

No children's classes

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

Miscellaneous information

Visitors to the Convention must make their own hotel reservations. Hotels that are within the area of the House of Worship and close to public transportation are the Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 (telephone 312-866-8700), and the Holiday Inn, 1501 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202 (telephone 312-491-6400).

Hotels within easy driving distance are the North Shore Hilton, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60076 (telephone 312-679-7000) and the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge, 9333 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60076 (telephone 312-679-4200).

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

Hoagg

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan arrived in the U.S. in 1919, Mrs. Hoagg decided to travel to Alaska.

After receiving a cable of confirmation from the Master, she began an eight-month, 6,000-mile trip in the company of Marion Jack.

THE TWO women made the long and arduous trip by boat and rail, stopping in many places to conduct public meetings and to speak before various organizations and individuals.

In 1928, responding to a request for help from Julia Culver at the Bahá’í International Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, approved Mrs. Hoagg's assignment to the bureau, and she moved immediately to Geneva.

The Bureau was an early information center, operated in consultation with the Guardian, which supplied Bahá’í literature in various languages and maintained contacts with other international organizations.

Three years later, Shoghi Effendi summoned Mrs. Hoagg to Haifa to type the voluminous manuscript of The Dawn-breakers, which he had translated into English from the original Persian.

After completing that task, Mrs. Hoagg returned to Geneva where she served until 1935.

Returning once more to the U.S., she volunteered her services to the National Teaching Committee and traveled through the Midwest, stopping at the Louhelen School, the South, and to the Green Acre School in Maine.

WHEN the Guardian established the first Seven Year Plan for the Americas, Mrs. Hoagg pioneered in 1940 to Cuba where she studied Spanish and taught the Faith effectively in Havana.

Mrs. Hoagg, an excellent linguist, already had translated some of the Writings into Italian and German, and had helped with a French translation of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.

After attending the 36th Bahá’í National Convention in 1944, an event which marked the Centenary of the birth of the Faith, she was forced by failing health to return to her home in Charleston, South Carolina.

From her bed Mrs. Hoagg continued to teach those who came to visit her. When she died on December 15, 1945, at the age of 77, Shoghi Effendi sent the following cable:

"Deeply grieved passing staunch, exemplary pioneer Faith, Emogene Hoagg. Record international services unforgettable. Reward Abhá Kingdom assured abundant."

Archives wants to sell duplicate materials

The National Bahá’í Archives has a number of duplicate Bahá’í books, periodicals and pamphlets which it wishes to sell.

Proceeds from the sales will go to the Archives endowment fund. Catalog No. 1 of the printed matter for sale is available upon request from the Archives.

To request a catalog, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Four Sunflower Activity Books under one cover

For Young Children 4 Sunflower Activity Books under 1 cover I Am a Bahá’í MY BAHA COMMUNITY BAHA FEASTS HOUSE Of WORSHIP OUR BAHAS OUR BAHAY HOLY DAYS AND HOLIDAYS

written by Deborah Christensen

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

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

64 pages 8 1/2 x 11 inches $5.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 "Price valid only in the United States [Page 19]

لجنه ملی امور احیای ایرانی و امریکائی

به پیشنها د لجنه ملّی امور احیای ایرانی محفل مقدس روحانی ملّی مقرر فرموده اند که نام این لجنه به لجنه ملی امور اچهای ایرانی و امریکائی تغییر یابد. علت این تغییر نام سوءتفاهمهائی است که غالباً obvious name change. This change is intended to draw attention to the برای دوستان و حتی بعضی از تشکیلات بهائی ایجاد میشود و تصور میکنند که لجنه ملی بالجنات ناحیه ای امور احبای ایرانی منحصراً برای رفع مشکلات احیای ایرانی تشکیل شده است . در صورتی که هدف اصلی از ایجاد این لجنه ها کمک به اندماج (integration) احیای ایرانی در جامعه بهائی آمریکا و تسهیل مشارکت lievers residing in this country regardless of national origin, because we آنان در فعالیت و حیات جامعه بهائی است. علی رغم توضیح و تذکر مکرر چه بسا که آنچه مربوط به یکی از اعضاء ایرانی الاصل جامعه بهائی است به یکی از لجنات ناحیه ای امور احیای ایرانی با دفتر لجنه ارجاع میشود و یا در جلساتی که از طرف یکی از این تشکیلات متعقد میشود تنها احبای ایرانی حضور مییابند. امید است که تغییر نام لجنه توجه عموم یاران را اعم از ایرانی و آمریکائی به این Some of the challenges are quite evident. For example, English is the نکته جلب خواهد نمود.

همزمان با تصمیم فوق اقدامات دیگری نیز صورت گرفته است از جمله افتتاح ستون جدیدی در صفحات مخصوص این لجنه در نشریه آمریکن بهائی که به زبان انگلیسی نوشته خواهد شد و به مسائل مربوط به اندماج اختصاص خواهد داشت . لجنه ملی امیدوار است احیای گرامی که نظریاتی در خصوص روابط اعضاء ایرانی و آمریکایی جامعه دارند و میتوانند پیشنهادهای مفیدی بر اساس تجربیات خود ارائه دهند نوشته ها و مطالبشان را به دفتر لجنه ملّی امور اجبای ایرانی و آمریکایی دردا را لانشاء محفل روحانی ملی ارسال فرمایند

National Persian/American Affairs Office

Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

New column introduces a new name: Persian/American Affairs Committee

The National Persian/American Affairs Committee, formerly known as the Persian Affairs Committee, is inaugurating this column with an pressing challenges facing the American Bahá’í community with regard to the influx of our dearly loved friends from Iran.

First, the challenges are inescapable. They must be faced by all the be- are all members of the American Bahá’í community, "the spiritual des- cendants of the dawn-breakers of an heroic Age." Through our increas- ing maturity, our patience and forbearance with one another, as indi- viduals and institutions, the bonds of unity will grow stronger and the need for this committee will decrease.

primary language in this country. To function in the society at large and to participate fully in local Bahá’í activities, one must develop a facility in English. In certain cases, great struggle and sacrifice is required. But would this not be necessary as well in a pioneering post where a different language is spoken? Further, would this not help to facilitate integration and unity within the American Bahá’í community, "the prime mover and pattern of future communities"?

But it is not up to the dear believers from Iran alone. It is up to all of us to participate and to help bring about the integration of our commu- nity through the guidance of our institutions, the inspiration of the Writings, and individual action. A good place to start is to use the chal- lenges raised in this column as the topic of loving consultation in our communities, and to share ideas and solutions with the regional and na- tional Persian/American Affairs Committees.

کنفرانس های محافل محلی

اعضاء محافل محلی در ۱۰ ناحیه ایالات متحده دعوت شده اند که در کنفرانسهای خاصی که روزهای ۲۳ فوریه و ۳۰ مارچ از جانب محفل روحانی ملی ترتیب داده میشود شرکت کنند.

هدف این جلسات ایجاد فرصتی است برای اعضاء محافل که در خصوص نقش عظیم تشکیلات محلی در طرح وحدت عمل و هدایات محفل مقدس در تاریخ ۲۶/۱۰/۸۴ با شرکت (Campaign of Unified Action) شور و تبادل نظر نمایند. این کنفرانس ها بدنباله جلسات شور موفقیت آمیزی که در ماه می گذشته در مدرسه بهائی لوهلن با شرکت اعضاء محفل روحانی ملی و بعضی از مشاورین قاره ای و اعضاء هیئت معاونت و بسیاری از اعضاء لجنات ملیه تشکیل شده بود ترتیب داده شده است و قدمی است اساسی در راه بسیج جامعه بهائی آمریکا در سبیل نیل به آینده درخشانی که بفرموده مرکز میثاق برای آن مقدر شده است .

ارسال دعوت نامه های جداگانه برای محافل محلی در هر یک از نواحی و ارسال برنامه کنفرانس و دستور جلسات برای محافل نشانه های توجه خاص محفل روحانی ملین به شرکت اعضاء محافل محلی در این کنفرانس ها است.

روز ۲۳ فوریه ۵ کنفرانس در نواحی ذیل تشکیل میشود هارتفورد در ایالت کنتیکت، اتلانتا در ایالت جورجیا ، آرلینگتن در ایالت تگزاس، تاکوما در ایالت واشینگتن و کورونا در ایالت کالیفرنیا .

کنفرانس های روز ۳۰ مارچ در اطراف سانفرانسیسکو در کالیفرنیا، پورتلند در ،اورگان سیلور سپرینگ در مریلند کانزاس سیتی - سنت جوزف در میسوری و ویلمت در ایلینوی منعقد خواهد شد.

محافلی که در قرب یکی از نقاط فوق واقع شده است تا کنون دعوت نامه دریافت ننموده است بایستی با دفتر لجنه ملّی ،تبلیغ، تلفن شماره ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹(۳۱۲) تماس حاصل فرمایند.

قسمتی از مرقومه لجنه تبلیغ و تزیید معلومات شهر اسلام آباد پاکستان

جشن سالروز ملل متحد در پاکستان

انعقاد جشن سالروز ملل متحد که یکی از اهداف این لجنه بود و طی امریه شماره ۱۴۱- ۱۳۶ مورخه ۳/۱۰/۸۴ محفل مقدس اسلام آباد، بعهده این لجنه تفویض شده بود، با همکاری لجنات جوانان ضیافت و حظیره القدس حدود هفتادنفر از یاران و سی نفر از مقامات پاکستانی و سازمان ملل متحد برگزار شد. مهمان نماینده اقلیتهای مذهبی در مجلس پاکستان آقای ثناء الله بودند.

سالن جشن با هنرمندی جوانان بطرز جالبی تزیین شده و تعالیم بهائی و رئوس خدمات سازمان ملل متحد با پوسترهای زیبائی زینت یافته و جالب توجه مدعوین بود. برنامه جشن شامل دو مناجات شروع به زبانهای عربی و انگلیسی، خیر مقدم بوسیله ناظم منتخباتی از توقیعات حضرت ولی امر الله، برنامه هنری شامل سرودهای امری بزبان اردو و انگلیسی، نطق بزبان انگلیسی در مورد آمال جهانی بهائی و مقایسه آن با اهداف سازمان ملل متحد، اظهار نظر میهمان اختصاصی و مناجات خاتمه بزبان اردو بود.

در فرصتی که به میهمان اختصاصی داده شده بود، آقای ثناء الله با بیانات مؤثر ،خود تعالیم بهائی را ستودند و وجوه مشترک آنرا با مقررات سازمان ملل متحد بیان داشتند و اضافه نمودند که همه ادیان الهیه اهداف عالیه مشترک دارند که اگر بمرحله عمل درآید مطلوب است.

ضمنا در مورد تدارک زمین گلستان جاوید اسلام آباد قول مساعد دادند. پس از پذیرائی و صرف چای و شیرینی و میوه، مهمانان از نمایشگاه کتاب دیدن کردند و کتب و جزوات امری انگلیسی و اردو به متقاضیان اهداء شد.

کمک به قحطی زدگان افریقا

مرقومات یاران به دفتر محفل روحانی ملی حاکی از همدردی اعضاء جامعه ستایندگان اسم اعظم نسبت به میلیونها مردم کشورهای افریقائی مانند حبشه است که گرفتار قحطی ناشی از ده سال خشک سالی در مناطق گردیده اند.

على رغم مشکلات مالی جوامع بهائی دفتر جامعه بین المللی بهائی در سازمان ملل متحد مبالغی برای کمک فوری به قحطی زدگان به دولتهای حبشه و غانا ارسال داشته اند. همچنین بعلت ارتباط نزدیک دفتر جامعه بین المللی بهائی با یونیسف (صندوق سازمان ملل برای کمک به اطفال) و سایر مؤسّسات سازمان ملل متحد بهائیان کشورهای قحطی زده نیز با مسؤولین امور همکاری و معاضدت مینمایند .

گذشته از کمکهای مالی و خدماتی فوق نمایندگان دفتر جامعه بهائی با موسسات مختلف سازمان ملل متحد که در جهت یافتن راه حلی اساسی برای مشکل خشک سالی و قحطی کوشش میکنند مستمراً در ارتباطند.

اگرچه متاسفانه وضع صندوقهای امری چنان نیست که مبالغی را برای این منظور اختصاص بدهند افراد احباء میتوانند مستقیما از طریق سازمانهای معتبر و شناخته شده تبرعات خود را برای کمک به قحطی زدگان ارسال دارند بعلاوه یاران رحمانی میتوانند با همکاری سازمانها و مؤسسات دینی و خدماتی دیگر به جمع آوری اعانات بپردازند. در حقیقت این فرصتی است مغتنم که جوامع محلی وارد میدان خدمات اجتماعی شوند که مورد توجه مخصوص محفل روحانی ملی و بیت العدل اعظم آلهی است.

تبرعات را ممکن است بنام African Relief Fund و توسط یکی از سه سازمان ذیل بفرستند: ۱ - نماینده سازمان صلیب سرخ بین المللی در محل ۲ - Save the Children Fund ۳ - U. S. Committee for UNICEF [Page 20]

توزیع امریکن بهائی

بتصویب محفل روحانی ملی ترتیب توزیع نشریه امریکن بهائی از این شماره تغییر کرده است بجای ارسال یک نسخه برای هر یک از اعضاء جامعه از این ببعد یک نسخه برای هر عائله بهائی ارسال خواهد شد.

در گذشته قرار چنین بود که هر کس بعضویت جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده درمی‌آید خودبخود اسمش در صورت مشترکین امریکن بهائی هم قرار می‌گرفت و باین ترتیب هر خانواده بهائی نسخ متعددی از نشریه را دریافت می‌نمود. اکنون برای کلیه افراد همنام که نشانی آنها یکی است تنها یک نسخه ارسال خواهد شد ولکن فقط در صورتی که نام خانوادگی و نشانی آنها کاملاً و دقیقاً یکسان باشد.

یاران گرامی که بیش از یک نسخه از هر شماره دریافت می‌نمایند یعنی طرز نوشتن نام خانوادگی و نشانی روی برچسب نسخ تکراری را بدقت مقابله فرمایند و تغییراتی را که باعث این تکرار شده است بدفتر احصائیه محفل روحانی ملی اطلاع دهند. برای اینکار می‌توانند از فرم مخصوص تغییر آدرس که در صفحه آخر این نشریه درج می‌شود استفاده کنند. دوستانی که مایل هستند نسخه مخصوص بخود داشته باشند نیز می‌توانند از فرم مذکور استفاده کنند و در مربع مربوط علامت بگذارند.

Office of the Membership and Records Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

مشورت و ضیافات نوزده روزه

قسمتی از نامه یکی از یاران

مناسب‌ترین و مشروع‌ترین فرصت از برای مشاوره عمومی در بین جامعه، جلسات ضیافات نوزده‌روزه است. یاران رحمانی باید ضیافت را بمنزله صحنه عملیات روحانی خویش وسیله استفاده از رموز بیانات الهیه و مظهر اتحاد بین یاران شمرند بطوریکه این وحدت و عمومیت از هرگونه قیود جنسی و طبقاتی و ملی و مذهبی و شخصی منزه و مبرا باشد.

حضرت عبدالبهاء در نطق مبارک در لندن در تاریخ ۲۹ دسامبر ۱۹۱۲ چنین میفرمایند: "ضیافات نوزده روزه را حضرت باب تأسیس و حضرت بهاءالله در کتاب اقدس تصویب فرموده بجهت آنکه نفوس دور هم مجتمع شده بالفت و محبت بپردازند تا اسرار الهی مکشوف گردد. مقصود حصول وفاق است تا بوسیله این الفت و اتفاق قلوب بیکدیگر متحد گشته تعاون و تعاضد برقرار گردد و چون حیات افراد جامعه انسانی بدون اتحاد ممکن نه لذا همکاری و معاضدت اساس جامعه بشریت است."

متأسفانه در بعضی شهرها در ایالات متحده که تعداد احبای ایرانی زیاد است دیده شده که بعضی احبای عزیز ایرانی در ساعت شور جلسه ضیافت یا جلسات کانونشن و غیره را بعلت عدم آشنائی کامل بزبان انگلیسی وفهم مطالب مورد شور، ترک می‌نمایند و بدینوسیله خود را از بار مسؤولیت مهمی که بعهده دارند فارغ و آزاد می‌سازند. بدیهی است ترجمه مطالب شور و سئوال و جوابها در ضیافت امکان پذیر نیست و وقت ضیافت و سایر احیاء را می‌گیرد و از طرفی بعد از پنجسال اقامت در این دیار، بهترین طریقه یاد گرفتن زبان انگلیسی همانا توجه و دقت و شرکت فعال در ساعات شور و مکالمه است و اگر درک مطلبی در ساعت شور برای بعضی از دوستان گرامی مشکل است بهتر است از دوستان دیگر کمک بگیرند و یا قبل از جلسه در جائی بنشینند که بتوانند از کمک دوستان در اینگونه موارد برخوردار گردند. در هرحال نداشتن صبر و تحمل و شکیبائی در ساعات شور و ترک جلسات دردی را دوا نمی‌کند. نه تنها زبان انگلیسی را یاد نخواهیم گرفت و از شرکت در مشاورات و ابراز نظر و تقدیم پیشنهاد محروم خواهیم شد بلکه خدای ناکرده این حرکت، در انظار دیگر احباء دلیل بر عدم علاقه بمسائل و مشکلات جامعه تلقی می‌گردد و اتحاد و یکرنگی کامل بین اعضاء جامعه تحقق نمی‌یابد.

میدان خدمت

از جمله مشکلات یارانی که اخیراً باین کشور منتقل شده‌اند عدم آشنائی به زبان انگلیسی است. این مشکل بالاخص در فعالیتهای امری جلوه‌گر می‌شود چه که غالباً دوستان ایرانی پس از مدتی با مکالمات روزمره آشنا میشوند ولکن فرصت شنیدن لغات و اصطلاحات امری کمتر برایشان حاصل میشود.

جناب فواد اشرف که سابقه ممتدی در خدمت بامر در افریقای شرقی و ایالات متحده آمریکا دارند مدتی است که قسمتی از اوقات گرانبهای خود را صرف کمک به دوستان گرامی نموده‌اند که به آشنائی با آثار مبارکه بزبان انگلیسی علاقه‌مندند. اولین کلاس جناب اشرف روز ۵ می ۱۹۸۲ در سن دیگو شروع شد و تا کنون بترتیب کلمات مکنونه، ‎نبوشه نبشته‎ رحمانی، مجموعه‌ی مناجاهای انگلیسی، و هفت وادی همراه با متون اصلی فارسی یا عربی مورد مطالعه قرار گرفته است.

کلاس دیگری نیز از تاریخ ۱۰ می ۱۹۸۳ شروع شده که برنامه‌ای مشابه کلاس قبلی دارد.

در این اواخر جشنی بمناسبت یکصدمین جلسه کلاسهای مذکور با حضور متعلمین هر دو کلاس ترتیب داده شده بود که تصویری از آن حفله نورانی در این صفحه مندرج است. جناب اشرف پس از چندین سال اقامت در سن دیگو و سه سال عضویت در محفل روحانی آنمدینه به یکی از نقاط اطراف نقل مکان نموده‌اند و به تشکیل محفل آن نقطه کمک کرده‌اند.

شرکت کنندگان در کلاسهای جناب اشرف معتقدند که در این مدت استفاده شایان نموده به پیشرفت قابل ملاحظه‌ای در زبان انگلیسی و آشنائی به اصطلاحات امری در این زبان حاصل فرموده‌اند و امیدوارند جلسات کلاسها بدون وقفه ادامه یابد و با استظهار به تأییدات جمال اقدس ابهی آرزومندند که این آشنائی وسیله موفقیت روزافزونشان در نشر نفحات رحمانیه شود.

انتشارات جدید

از مؤسسه مطبوعات امری اطلاع رسیده است که اخیراً دو کتاب جدید فارسی و عربی ذیل را وارد کرده‌اند و برای فروش آماده است.

۱ - مناجاهای حضرت ولی امرالله (۲/۵۰ دلار) Prayers of Shoghi Effendi

۲ - اصل قسمتهائی از الواح صادره از قلم اعلی که ترجمه انگلیسی آنها تحت عنوان Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh قبلاً بچاپ رسیده بود (۱۱ دلار)

بعلاوه تعدادی از کتب فارسی و عربی دیگر را نیز موجود دارند که صورت کامل آنها در نشریه امریکن بهائی ماه ژانویه ۱۹۸۵ بطبع رسیده است.

عطف به مطلبی که در صفحه ۲۰ قسمت فارسی نشریه امریکن بهائی ماه ژانویه ۱۹۸۵ در خصوص حراج بعضی از کتب امری توسط مؤسسه مطبوعات امری منتشر شده بود توجه دوستان گرامی را به این نکته جلب می‌نائیم که در حال حاضر فقط "منتخباتی از مکاتیب حضرت عبدالبهاء" با جلد مرغوب به قیمت ۲ دلار در اختیار علاقه‌مندان قرار گرفته است و در قیمت کتب دیگر تخفیفی داده نشده است.

یاران گرامی میتوانند سفارشهای خود را مستقیماً یا توسط کتابدار جامعه محلی با ذکر عنوان انگلیسی به مرکز توزیع انتشارات ارسال فرمایند.

خدمات جوانان

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در پیام مورخ ۳ ژانویه ۱۹۸۴ جوانان بهائی را تشویق فرموده‌اند که در ابتدای شباب قبل از آنکه مسؤولیت‌های کار و خانواده را بعهده بگیرند یکی دو سال از حیات خود را وقف خدمت امر در داخل یا خارج کشور نمایند و در این مدت به نشر نفحات الله یا کمک به طرحهای عمرانی بپردازند و بر قوام و دوام جامعه بیفزایند.

لجنه ملی جوانان با همکاری سایر لجنات و دفاتر محفل روحانی ملی به جمع‌آوری اطلاعات درباره امکانات و فرصت‌های خدمت برای جوانان پرداخته است. فرصتهائی مانند خدمت بعنوان کارآموز در دارالانشاء محفل روحانی ملی، با مشارکت در طرحهای تبلیغی و عمرانی، یا کمک به مسؤولین مدارس بهائی از قبل برای جوانان عزیز فراهم بوده است.

یکی از اهداف نقشه ملی جوانان برای مرحله نهایی نقشه هفت‌ساله اعزام ۱۹ جوان برای یکسال خدمت در طرحهای عمرانی و تبلیغی داخل و خارج کشور بمناسبت سال جهانی جوانان (۱۹۸۵) است. جوانان گرامی که مایل دارند در این برنامه شرکت نموده به تحقق این هدف مهم کمک کنند میتوانند از توجه ودعا و مشورت با اعضاء خانواده یا دفتر لجنه ملی جوانان یا ارتباط گرفته تقاضانامه را تکمیل نمایند. [Page 21]

پیامهای بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۱۷ دسامبر ۱۹۸۴

با کمال تأسف خبر غم‌انگیز اعدام شش نفر از احباء را در طهران اعلام می‌داریم: جناب دکتر روح‌الله تعلیم از کرمانشاه، جناب دکتر فیروز واحدی، جناب عنایت‌الله حقیقی، جناب جمشید پوراستادکار، جناب جمال کاشانی و جناب غلامحسین فرهند. پنج نفر اخیر از جمله یارانی بودند که محکومیت آنان به اعدام قبلاً اطلاع داده شده بود. سرنوشت ۱۹ نفر دیگر معلوم نیست. اعدام هر شش نفر در یک روز، ۹ دسامبر، بوده است. جزئیات مشخص نشده زیرا نه بستگان شهداء باخبر شده بودند نه سایر یاران و ما وقع ۸ روز بعد معلوم شده است...

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۱۸ دسامبر ۱۹۸۴

در تعقیب تلکس مورخ ۱۷ دسامبر با اندوه فراوان اعلام می‌داریم که جناب دکتر فرهاد اصدقی در تاریخ ۱۹ نوامبر پس از تحمل چهار ماه زندان و شکنجه بدار آویخته شده‌اند. جناب ضیاء‌الله منبعی اسکوئی و جناب علیرضا نیاکان بترتیب در روزهای سیزدهم و یازدهم نوامبر پس از دو سال مسجونی در زندان تبریز صعود نموده‌اند. علت فوت مشخص نشده است.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۳ ژانویه ۱۹۸۵ که بوسیله تلکس مخابره شده است

با نگرانی و تألم اعلام میکنیم که اخیراً دولت ایران تصمیم ظالمانه دیگری را نسبت به بهائیان مسجون اعلان نموده است. هر زندانی بهائی برای استخلاص بایستی تعهد‎‌دیل ذیل‎ را امضاء کند: "اینجانب (مشخصات و دیانت زندانی) متعهد می‌شوم که هیچگونه کتاب، جزوه، سند، علامت، یا تصویری از این گروه بهائیان جاسوس صهیونیست گمراه در اختیار نداشته باشم. اگر هر یک از اشیاء مذکور متعلق به این نهضت زیرزمینی منفور در نزد من یا در خانه من کشف شود دال بر این خواهد بود که جزء محاربین با خدا هستم و دادستان کل مجاز است هر طور صلاح بداند با من رفتار کند." اصطلاح "محارب با خدا" را رژیم حاکم بمعنی کسی که مرتکب جنایتی که مستحق مجازات مرگ است بکار میبرد. زندانیان بهائی از امضاء چنین سند مفتضحی که ‎بمناحق بناحق‎ اعتقادات دیانتی آنان را مورد حمله قرار میدهد امتناع نموده‌اند. بعلاوه امضاء چنین سندی راه را برای محکوم کردن بهائیان با قراردادن این قبیل اشیاء در البسه یا منازل آنان باز میگذارد. از موج جدید دستگیری بهائیان چنین بنظر میرسد که مسؤولین امور قصد دارند کلیه احباء را به امضاء این تعهد غیرقابل قبول وادار سازند. بدیهی است یاران باوفا تسلیم چنین نقشه درخور تحقیری نخواهند شد...

بیت‌العدل اعظم

صندوق ملی

‎دفترا مین دفتر امین‎ صندوق ملی گزارش داده که در طول شهرالمسائل بیش از ۵۵۲ هزار دلار تبرع شده است. این افزایش قابل ملاحظه نسبت به ماه‌های قبل همراه با ازدیاد عدد تبرع‌کنندگان به بیش از ۸۰۰۰ نفر بوده است. در نتیجه این همت یاران محفل مقدس ملی موفق شده است مبلغ یکصد هزار دلار از بدهی خود را به بانک بپردازد و میزان قرض بانکی را به یک میلیون و دویست هزار دلار تقلیل دهد. همچنین مبلغ یکصد هزار دلار بابت تبرع جامعه Bahá’í آمریکا تقدیم ساحت بیت‌العدل اعظم گشته است تا قسمتی از تعهدات معوقه جامعه در قبال معهد اعلی پرداخت شده باشد.

محفل مقدس ملی مصمم است که با اتکاء به همکاری و مشارکت سخاوتمندانه احبای الهی این روش را با زیر پرداخت قروض و ادای تعهدات جامعه نسبت به بیت‌العدل اعظم بالتساوی ادامه دهد. طبق تخمین دفتر امین صندوق ملی بر اساس میزان تبرعات در ماه‌های اخیر حتی تحقق هدف پائین‌تری که محفل ملی معین فرموده است (یعنی ۷ میلیون دلار بجای ۹ میلیون دلار که قبلاً پیش‌بینی شده بود) مستلزم فداکاری بیشتری از جانب یاران و ازدیاد تبرعات ماهانه تا انتهای سال است.

امید چنین است که با نهضتی که در بین احبای عزیز ملاحظه شده روز بروز بر میزان تبرعات افزوده شود و هدف‌های تعیین شده تحقق یابد و وسائل مادی لازم برای اجرای برنامه‌های ملی و بین‌المللی جامعه Bahá’í تأمین گردد.

آفتاب عشق

چرخ گردون باز در گل چیدن است / یا به ‎مگاری مکاری‎ بگل دزدیدن است

مردم آزاده را در خون کشد / حالیا گردون به کج گردیدن است

قصه جانبازی عشاق دوست / باز از عهد بها بشنیدن است

جانفشانی‌های یاران دیدنی است / چشم دل بگشا که وقت دیدن است

آفتاب عشق و تسلیم و رضا / در کمال گرمی و تابیدن است

یکدمی آزادگی صدق و صفا / چون زلال چشمه در جوشیدن است

قصه آن کو جانفشانی میکند / مرده‌دل را زندگی بخشیدن است

گام اول ای پسر سودای عشق / خود ردای معرفت پوشیدن است

معرفت در عهد ابهی بی‌گمان / جام بقا از گفتن نوشیدن است

زان سپس جان برکف و مردانه‌وار / پا بمیدان وفا کوبیدن است

ذوق هر دلداده راه بها / با غزل‌خوانی بخون غلطیدن است

کار عرفان با دعای روز و شب / در ره وصل بها کوشیدن است

نصرالله عرفانی

کمک به پناهندگان

هر روز بر عده احبای ایرانی که بعنوان پناهنده به آمریکا وارد میشوند افزوده میگردد و وظیفه روحانی و انسانی حکم میکند که جوامع محلی بیاری آنان برخیزند و وسائل استقرار و آسایش آنان را در محیط جدید فراهم آورند. شک نیست که یاران مقیم ایالات متحده آنچه در حد استطاعتشان بوده انجام داده‌اند و بقدر مقدور تازه واردین را در این مرحله سخت کمک و راهنمایی نموده‌اند.

نکته‌ای که ممکن است کمتر مورد توجه قرار گرفته باشد اینست که جوامع محلی Bahá’í میتوانند برای کمک به پناهندگان از جامعه خارج نیز استعانت نمایند. چه بسا که ساکنین محل آماده‌اند با اعطاء کمک‌های نقدی یا جنسی و یا حتی خدماتی وسائل رفاه پناهندگان را فراهم نمایند با این اخلاص که این نوع کمک‌ها را میتوانند در زمان پرداخت مالیات از جمع درآمد سالانه کسر کنند.

چندی قبل احباء یکی از نقاط کوچک در ایالت کارولینای شمالی بفکر اعانت پناهندگان و فراهم آوردن وسائل لازم برای استقرار بعضی از آنان در جامعه محلی خود افتاده‌اند ولکن بعلت محدود بودن امکانات جمعیت Bahá’í آن نقطه با اهل شهر وارد گفتگو شدند و با اطمینان از پشتیبانی همسایگان و بازرگانان و حتی رهبران گروه‌های مذهبی حساب خاصی در بانک بنام کمک به پناهندگان Bahá’í ایران افتتاح کردند. عده‌ای از اهل محل هم تقبل نمودند در هنگام لزوم اسباب و وسائل زندگی، خوراک، پوشاک یا خدمات بهداشتی پناهندگان را تأمین کنند. نتیجه این اقدام گذشته از تهیه مقدمات برای پذیرفتن پناهندگان ایجاد ارتباط نزدیک با جامعه خارج و شناساندن اصول و مبادی امری مردم محل بوده است. در این زمان که بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی عالم Bahá’í را به توجه به خارج از جامعه Bahá’í توصیه فرموده‌اند و محفل روحانی ملی طرحهائی در همین جهت تهیه مینمایند محافل روحانی محلی و جمعیت‌های Bahá’í نیز میتوانند با جلب همکاری همشهریهای خود برای کمک به پناهندگان قدم‌های مؤثری در این راه بردارند.

حقوق‌الله

با ران ساکن ایالات متحده میتوانند پرداخت‌های مربوط به حقوق‌الله را توسط یکی از اعضاء هیئت امناء که نشانی آنان ذیلاً درج میگردد ارسال فرمایند.

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, Ohio 44116

یا مستقیماً به حساب مخصوص حقوق‌الله به نشانی ذیل ارسال دارند.

The Northern Trust Company Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Box 92959 50 South LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60675 [Page 22]Plans are under way for the 1985 Special Visit program, a project of the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Committee that is designed primarily to "refresh and gladden the spirit" as well as to provide an insight into the functioning of the various departments at the Bahá’í National Center.

Tentative dates for this year's programs are July 4-7 and August 22-25. The Special Visit in July will be designed for families and will include classes and activities for children in addition to the regular program for youth and adults. The August program will not have special children's activities.

Highlights of the Special Visit programs include tours of the House of Worship, the Bahá’í National Center, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and Bahá’í Home; a special archives exhibit; and guest speakers throughout the weekend.

One participant in last year's Special Visit wrote: "Special is the most perfect word to describe it—at every turn something special... But the most special thing of all was a deeper love for my Faith that came from getting to know the House of Worship and National Center better—seeing the Faith work and understanding the meaning of the House of Worship."

The confirmed dates and more information about the 1985 Special Visit program will appear in the March or April issue of The American Bahá’í.

Successful garden teaching season

The Garden Teaching Committee reports that the 1984 garden teaching season was a busy one. Of the 44 Friday and Saturday nights during the House of Worship's summer hours, garden guides were there to talk to late visitors on 41 nights.

In all, some 82 people participated as garden guides. They came not only from the Wilmette area, but from as far away as Texas, California and Massachusetts. Visitors numbered 1,072 (an average of 26 per night) and were from all parts of the U.S. as well as from several other countries.

Travelers

"I explained to her that the Temple will indeed have water around it, and it is only partially completed at this point, but that spiritually, the Temple was already built.

"Because of her purity of heart and spirit, she had been allowed to see the finished Temple before it was in fact finished on this earthly plane.

"SHE WAS so excited she became a Bahá’í immediately, then asked if I would visit her in-laws. Her father-in-law and sister both became Bahá’ís also.

"On another occasion a young woman came to a fireside saying

Bahá’í’s photo exhibit in top NYC gallery

On February 3, a month-long photography exhibit, "Scenes From the Sacred Mountain," by Mark Sadan, a Bahá’í from Ossining, New York, was opened at one of the country's most prestigious galleries, the Soho Photo Gallery in New York City.

The exhibit consists of 18 black and white photographs taken last spring on Mount Carmel and in the gardens at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel.

she had had a dream the night before of an elderly woman with white hair talking about a religion in a different language.

"She said that, in the dream, there was a warm glow in the room and she felt safe and secure, and she knew this religion was the truth and that there really is a God."

This teacher says another aspect of teaching in small villages is the excitement of seeing the drawn, pouting, angry expressions on faces of the people as she begins to teach change to a look of hope and then absolute joy, leaving them with a gleam in their eyes and wide grins on their faces.

The International Goals Committee would like to receive more reports like this one. It can help you when you take a specific teaching trip, or go on vacation and want to visit Bahá’ís in other countries, or if you are on a business trip and have time available to give a fireside.

Simply write or phone the International Goals Committee office as soon as you know you'll be taking a trip. Your labors will provide strong reinforcement to the work of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in all parts of the world.

Origins

Christian background, was the only individual in the U.S. who could claim an understanding of the Bahá’í teachings.

In ‘Akká, the first pilgrims from North America heard for the first time many of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings from the lips of ‘Ab-

Nearly 200 attend multi-media program at President's alma mater, Eureka College

du’l-Bahá Himself.

The Office of Public Affairs and the Persian/American Affairs Committee office recently sponsored a multi-media program on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran to an audience of almost 200 at Eureka (Illinois) College, the alma mater of President Ronald Reagan.

They were startled to find contradictions between the Master's words and Kheiralla's, and many of the Americans' misconceptions were cleared up.

Lua Getsinger, in describing her pilgrimage, recounts:

"The atmosphere of the place is wondrous, knowledge and understanding seem to float in the air. I am simply benumbed by the great privileges and blessings showered upon me daily, and so much so, that I feel myself to be a miserable worm of the dust, unable even to crawl...

"When I left America I thought I knew a good deal—and felt that I was quite near the door of His bounty—but after seeing the Master (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) and other members of the household—I am sure I know nothing—and as yet the sprinkles of His gifts have not descended! ..."

Other North Americans, such as Phoebe Hearst, Robert Turner, May Bolles (Maxwell) and Ella Goodall (Cooper), were a part of this first pilgrimage and became, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, "God intoxicated."

They left ‘Akká convinced of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's greatness and confirmed in the Bahá’í teachings. No longer having to turn to Kheiralla for guidance, they could write directly to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

With a new understanding of how to organize the Faith, they created "Boards of Counsel" that were the forerunners of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Kheiralla, still wanting the believers to look to him for guidance, formed a "House of Justice" in Chicago for his own followers, but by mid-1900 the Bahá’í community loyal to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had severed all communication with him.

Through crises and steadfastness, the early believers laid the foundation of today's Bahá’í communities in North America. Their first pilgrimage is only one of many stories of our roots that are chronicled in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, the first of a two-volume work which will be released in April by the Publishing Trust. Advance orders may be taken. Please see the ordering instructions on Page 14.

Wisconsin

ed by a discussion among participants of things that each could do in his or her community in the coming months.

For her, there is nothing in the world that can give such a thrill as watching that change take place.

The final evening featured the second annual "Dance for the Elimination of Prejudice," sponsored, as was the conference itself, by the Bahá’í Club at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The dance, which had been advertised for more than a week, drew an audience of about 200 for pop and reggae music emceed by two professional disc jockeys, Jim Barnes and Anthony Pierre.

Mr. Pierre, who is not a Bahá’í, volunteered his free time to support the event.

Many of those at the dance left with free "One Planet, One People... Please" T-shirts and buttons that were given out as prizes.

A women's discussion group on campus contacted Amnesty International looking for a project that would take the group out of "just discussion" into the realm of action, and was referred by AI to the national Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs.

Later, background materials on the persecutions were sent to Sandra Lubarsky, the group's faculty adviser, and plans were set in motion for a public presentation during "Stop Torture" week.

Prayers and writings from various faiths were read, and two local Bahá’ís provided music which included a song about the martyrs.

The video tape of ABC-TV's "20/20" program was shown, and talks were given by Puran Stevens from the Office of Persian/American Affairs and Marcia Le Roy from the Office of Public Affairs.

Bahá’ís Gaylynn Kieser (left) and Shirley Crenshaw offer a song during a recent program at Eureka (Illinois) College presented by the Office of Public Affairs and the Persian/American Affairs Committee office.

Another Bahá’í, Azadeh Mohandessi, told a personal story which included details of her harrowing escape from Iran and her father's execution.

The Bahá’í national offices are working closely with the college group by providing suggestions and materials for their follow-up efforts. As a result, some of the students are now attending firesides.

Bahá’ís in Linn County, Oregon, provide aid to Native American drug rehab center

As a part of their participation in "Operation Befriend," the Bahá’ís in Linn County, Oregon, provided a variety of services to the Cascadia Sweathouse Lodge Inc., an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center for Native Americans who are referred from Indian centers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The association between the friends in Linn County and the lodge began when a Bahá’í met with its director to learn of the organization's needs.

Later, another Bahá’í obtained reading, math and other materials from textbooks that were being abandoned by the local school district. These were donated to the lodge's GED educational program, which is in constant need of appropriate textbooks.

The Spiritual Assembly of Linn County then accepted a recommendation to purchase office supplies which were given to the lodge to meet another of its ongoing needs.

Realizing that books about Indian lore are useful in helping Indian lodge clients to regain a positive feeling for their cultural heritage, a Bahá’í family donated several books and a large supply of National Geographic magazines that describe Indian history and special events. These were eagerly received.

Next, the friends agreed to collect and sell newspapers to make a monetary contribution to the lodge program.

The relationship with the lodge developed to such an extent that on occasion the GED instructor would phone the Bahá’ís to let them know about special needs.

Last December 10, a group of Bahá’ís from five communities in the area presented Human Rights Day awards to two workers at the Sweathouse Lodge.

The lodge's volunteer GED program director and a Native American staff member were given framed certificates "in recognition of dedicated service to the dignity of the human family."

The Bahá’ís also presented the recipients with messages of commendation from two members of Congress, Sen. Mark Hatfield and Rep. Jim Weaver. [Page 23]

Bahá’ís in ‘Cross-Cultural Understanding Conference’

Bahá’ís from the Concord, California, area participated last September 22 in a “Cross-Cultural Understanding Conference” arranged by the Center for New Americans, a service organization founded by a Bahá’í, with the cooperation and help of the Mount Diablo Unified School District.

THE PURPOSE of the conference was to educate the community and to demonstrate the importance of effective communication in understanding and relating to other cultures.

It provided an opportunity for community leaders and educators to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity in a unifying and dynamic atmosphere.

A selection of quotations by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Albert Einstein was used to articulate the conference theme that cultural diversity is to be cherished for enhancing life.

Participants represented a variety of ethnic and national origins including Afghans, blacks, American Indians, Filipinos, Japanese, Jews, Laotians, Mexicans, Nicaraguans, Poles and Vietnamese.

A volunteer worker at the Center for New Americans in Concord, California, conducts a class in conversational English for recently-arrived immigrants.

The Center for New Americans was founded in October 1983 by Guity Kiani, a Bahá’í from Clayton, California, who was helped by a group of citizens who were interested in facilitating the integration of immigrants into American society.

THE CENTER opened its doors with no funding but thanks to the efforts of many professionals who volunteer their time, it has helped a few hundred families in the area.

The Center lists as its purposes:

• To assist refugees and immigrants of all nationalities to adjust to the American culture.
• To provide long-term support and services so that foreign-born Americans can become valuable contributing citizens.
• To facilitate the involvement of counselors and volunteers who wish to contribute to the integration into society of new Americans.

Its emphasis is on fostering independence, self-sufficiency and personal development among these newcomers while enriching the community at large through sharing this diversity.

The cross-cultural conference included presentations on cross-cultural communication and the impact of prejudice.

In addition, the emotional, financial, employment and language problems experienced by immigrants were discussed by a panel composed of a psychologist, a social worker, and a language specialist.

Neda Gallagher (left), a Bahá’í youth, serves as a tutor in the homework assistance program at the Center for New Americans in Concord, California. The Center was founded in 1983 by a Bahá’í, Guity Kiani.

Also included was a presentation by Dr. Dean Barnlund, a professor of intercultural and interpersonal communication at San Francisco State University on the nature of conscious and unconscious culture and its effect on our behavior.

Dr. Richard Heggie, president of the International Visitors Center and past president of the World Affairs Council, spoke about how to get along with people of other cultural backgrounds.

Bahá’ís respond to emergency appeal for aid to Ghana

The Bahá’í International Community has become the third contributor to a $2.7 million emergency appeal for help to Ghana, one of 13 countries selected by UNICEF for special support during the present African drought crisis.

The appeal, made in cooperation with the Ghanaian government, drew $296,190 from the United Kingdom. Another $39,250 was contributed by the Japan Committee for UNICEF.

The Bahá’í contribution of $5,000 brings the total thus far contributed to $340,440.

“We chose Ghana because it has a tremendous malnutrition problem,” says Victor de Araujo, the Bahá’í International Community’s chief UN representative.

“According to the Bahá’í community in Ghana,” he says, “the situation is very acute for children, and they asked if we could make a contribution to the UN to help meet the emergency.

“Since children and mothers are involved, we chose UNICEF.”

Earlier this year, the Bahá’í International Community gave $2,500 to help support UNICEF’s emergency programs in Swaziland.

A UNICEF spokesman said the Bahá’í contribution would be used to help meet the severe problem of infestation among children in Ghana by Ascaris, a large intestinal worm.

Bahá’ís can give time, money to help lessen suffering in Africa

The helpless suffering of millions of Africans in Ethiopia and other countries caught in the 10-year African drought rends the hearts of the friends, as shown by the many letters received at the National Center.

IN SPITE of our own great Fund problems, the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) at the United Nations has contributed monies for immediate relief to the governments of Ethiopia and Ghana.

The close alliance of the Bahá’í International Community with UNICEF and other organizations is supported by the cooperative services of the Bahá’ís in these drought-plagued countries.

The direct services of the African Bahá’í communities serve to augment the money contributed by individual Bahá’ís from other countries.

The BIC has consultative status with UNICEF and is also represented at the UN Environment Program headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Its representatives, Dr. Victor de Araujo, Mrs. Mary Sawicki and Paul Ojermark, are in constant touch with the UN agencies as well as with concerned non-governmental organizations at the UN regarding the long-range solutions of development such as water, agriculture and energy sources.

IT IS truly sad that our Bahá’í funds are too low to permit the establishment and operation of a special fund for African relief. Individual Bahá’ís, however, are certainly encouraged to contribute through the reputable agencies already working in these countries.

Local Bahá’í communities can seize this opportunity for service to work with other religious and community organizations to raise funds for this relief effort.

Fund-raising events planned in cooperation with other community groups can forge and strengthen bonds of friendship with our neighbors by helping to meet this urgent goal.

As a UNICEF staff member has said: “If you really need something done, ask any two Bahá’ís and they’ll somehow accomplish it.”

For your convenience, the names of three of the relief agencies working in Africa are listed here. Contributions should be earmarked “African Relief Fund.”

• U.S. Committee for UNICEF, 331 E. 38th St., New York, NY 10016.
• Save the Children, P.O. Box 925, Westport, CT 06881.
• International Red Cross (your local chapter will forward your contribution).

Survey

This is a TV country; we do not think the Bahá’ís should indoctrinate other Bahá’ís into that attitude. If the tapes are short and sweet, we have less objection to them.

The new stickers are beneficial for correctly counting more than one contributor on a check.

Available space limits us to this brief sample of comments from the Progress Survey. A full report of information provided by the questionnaire will be forthcoming after the data has been analyzed.

If, after reading these comments, you are moved to add your opinion, please write to the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Subscriber Service office is small, but its worldwide outreach is quite large

Compared to other offices at the Bahá’í National Center, Subscriber Service is small—only one full-time employee handles all the subscription duties for World Order and Bahá’í News magazines.

BUT the outreach is large, as letters from all over the world are received and answered and magazines are mailed to places that few people are familiar with.

Sometimes a special letter arrives, often with a check attached. Here is one we’d like to share with you:

“Dear Bahá’í friends:

“I am a declared Bahá’í and have been a follower of Bahá’u’lláh since 1936. I lived in Chicago and Evanston most of my younger adult life (I am now nearing age 80).

“In the earlier days the Bahá’í News was free, and this is how we got to know the value of Bahá’í News.

“I wait for the day when it arrives—a whole new spirit recharges within—it kindles a fire and a desire to be with it. I don’t know how any Bahá’í could be without it! It’s part of being a Bahá’í.

“Is there some way we could introduce it to new Bahá’ís as well as the older Bahá’ís? Maybe a sample copy? They would never be without it. I have boxes and boxes stored away, all these years, and I still save them—even today, reading the old Bahá’í News is very interesting.

“LIKE giving to the Fund, I know that Bahá’í News is part of the growth. It keeps us close to the Cause of God, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

“Bahá’í love and eternal joy, Miss Margaret Dencage.”

We enjoy hearing from subscribers and pay close attention to their praise and their criticism.

We agree that once a new or older Bahá’í got hold of Bahá’í News he wouldn’t let it go. If it has been a while since you’ve seen a copy, we’ll be happy to send you a free sample issue.

Our address is Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 24]

Ningún suplicante despedido sin ver al Maestro

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

Un amigo preguntó a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: "¿Cómo podría el individuo alcanzar esa conciencia cristiana de la cual habló San Pablo como nuestra esperanza de Gloria?"

‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ se volvió y con una mirada de gran regocijo y un gesto impresionante dijo: "Esa generosidad del Poder de Dios es ilimitada para cada alma humana.

"Considera cuál fue el poder impelemente de Jesucristo cuando El estaba sobre la tierra. Contempla a Sus discípulos, eran pobres e incultos! De un rudo pescador hizo al gran Pedro, y de una humilde aldeana de Mágdala, hizo a la famosa María Magdalena."

Cuando se Le preguntó si siempre sería necesario que los profetas vinieran de tiempo en tiempo, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replicó: "La humanidad necesita un poderoso impulso universal para despertarla. Los inspirados Mensajeros que son directamente ayudados por el Poder de Dios."

Cuando El terminó de hablar, se alejó hacia la puerta para salir al pueblo, todos se sorprendieron de ver su maravillosa desenvoltura majestuosa que ha sido descrita por uno de nuestros amigos norteamericanos como la de un Rey.

A medida que pasaba a lo largo de las calles, los niños harapientos se aglomeraban por docenas a Su alrededor, Le saludaban en la forma que se les había enseñado en la escuela, mostrando instintivamente cómo ellos sentían la grandeza de Su presencia.

Lo más notable era el silencio que guardaban aún los hombres más rudos cuando ‘Abdu’l-Bahá aparecía. Un hombre pobre exclamó: "El es un buen hombre," y agregó, "Hoy, pero ha sufrido!" (‘Abdu’l-Bahá en Londres)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá se sentó para escribir tranquilamente. Nosotros Le hicimos recordar que se acercaba la hora de la partida del tren, pero nos miró diciendo:

"Hay cosas más importantes que los trenes," y continuó escribiendo.

Repentinamente un hombre entró jadeante llevando en sus manos un ramo de hermosas y fragrantes flores blancas; haciendo una profunda reverencia delante del Maestro, dijo:

"En el nombre de los discípulos de Zoroastro 'El Puro' yo Te saludo como el Prometido Sháh Bahrám!"

Entonces el hombre tomó las flores y las colocó alrededor del cuello de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá y ante el asombro de todos los amigos, comenzó a ungir a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá con delicado aceite que tenía el olor de rosas frescas.

Esta breve e impresionante ceremonia concluyó, y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, habiéndose cuidadosamente despojado de la guirnalda de flores, Se encaminó hacia el tren.

Habíamos presenciado un acto solemne. (The Chosen Highway, pp. 173-74)

Esta estación de Servitud, ¡cuán grandiosa es! ¡Qué maravillosa! Gradualmente llegamos a tener un pequeño vislumbre de qué podría significar el Servicio, a medida que la vida de este Servidor (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) se desarrollaba delante de nuestros ojos.

FUE la costumbre del Maestro recibir a los visitante en pequeños grupos de dos o trés. O bien individualmente, durante las primeras horas de la mañana. Luego cerca de las 9, El entraba al comedor mientras estábamos todavía tomando el desayuno, para saludarnos, (diciendo) "¿Estáis bien? ¿Dormísteis bien?"

Tratamos de persaudirlo para que tomara algo de desayuno con nosotros, pues siempre nos preocupábamos porque El comía tan poco.

Al fin, un día El dijo que quería un poco de sopa, y entonces dijo al camarero: "Yo te causo mucho molestia."

Unos pocos minutos después, El iba a Su cuarto, donde resumía en cantar oraciones y en dictar Tablillas en contestación al vasto número de cartas, que incesantemente llegaban.

Habiéndose juntado visitantes en la sala, cerca de las 10 de la mañana, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá llegó, pausando dentro de la puerta, sonriendo a todos los huéspedes con una mirada de simpatía, alegre, que parecía envolver a cada uno y a todos los que estaban presentes.

Se levantaban simultáneamente, como si la calidad de Rey de este Mensajero se reconociera por una percepción interior.

"¿Cómo estáis? Mi esperanza es que estéis bien. ¿Sóis felices?"

Hablándonos así, El pasaba por enmedio hasta Su silla de costumbre. Entonces El hablaba con nosotros más bien que a nosotros.

El contestaba a nuestras preguntas no dichas, causando asombro a todos los que estaban esperando para hacerlas, tejiendo el todo en un discurso hermoso, de maner tal que todos los problemas y penas y ansiedades y dudas se iban desvaneciendo, dejando sólo felicidad y paz.

Después venía la hora cuando El recibió a los que habían pedido audiencias privadas. Muy numerosos eran esos solicitantes para una experiencia tan única, cuán única, sólo ellos lo sabían, cuando estaban en la presencia del Maestro y nosotros podíamos parcialmente adivinar al percibir la mirada en sus rostros mientras emergían una mirada de asombro, de reverencia, y de una cierta alegría tranquila.

A veces estábamos conscientes de su renuncia a salir al mundo exterior, como si quisieran agarrarse firmemente a su beatitud, de modo que las cosas de la tierra no se las quitara. (The Chosen Highway, pp. 157-58)

Un día una mujer pidió permiso para ver al Maestro.

"¿Tiene una cita?"

"¡Ah, no!"

"Lo siento," le contestó el amigo super celoso que la encontró en la puerta, "pero El está ocupado ahora con gente muy importante, y no se le puede estorbar."

La mujer se despidió, sintiéndose demasiado humilde para persistir en su pedida, pero ¡oh! tan amargamente decepcionada.

Antes de que ella hubiera llegado al fondo de la escalera, fue alcanzada por un mensajero, sin aliento, enviado por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, diciendo:

"Le desea ver, regrese! El me dijo que la trajera a Su presencia."

Habíamos oído Su voz hablando con autoridad, desde la puerta de Su cuarto:

"Un corazón ha sido herido. ¡Apuráos, apuráos, traedla aquí!" (The Chosen Highway, p. 159)

Un día se oyó la voz de un hombre en la puerta, diciendo: "¿Está la señora de la casa?"

Yo, al oirlo, fui al vestíbulo.

"¿Es usted la anfitriona de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?" preguntó él.

"Sí," respondi, "¿quiere verme?"

"He caminado treinta millas con ese propósito," dijo.

"Entre y descanse. Después de tomar un refresco, puede decirme todo," respondí.

Entró y se sentó en el comedor. En apariencia hubiera podido ser un vagabundo ordinario, pero mientras hablaba, desde dentro de la cáscara de escualor y sufrimiento, algo más parecía empezar a demostrarse debilmente. Después de un tiempo, el pobrecito comenzó su relato lastimoso:

"No fui siempre como me ve ahora, desacreditado e inútil. Mi padre era un rector campesino, y yo tuve la ventaja de asistir a una escuela pública.

"Sobre las varias causas que me condujeron al terraplén del Río Támesis, no necesito hablarle, pero anoche decidí poner fin a mi fútil y odiosa vida.

"Mientras daba lo que debía de ser mi paseo final, ví 'un Rostro' en un periódico en la vitrina de una librería. Me quedé contemplando la cara como si estuviera plantado."

"Déjeme ver ese periódico, por favor," dije. Era el rostro de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"Lei que El estaba aquí, en esta casa, y me dije a mi mismo: 'Si existe en la tierra ese personaje, yo llevaré nuevamente la carga de mi vida.'"

"Salí en su búsqueda. He venido aquí a verlo. Dígame, ¿estará aquí? ¿Me verá El a mí, aún a mí?"

Contesté: "Por supuesto. Venga a donde El está."

En respuesta al toque en la puerta, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Mismo la abrió, extendiendo Sus manos, como a un amigo querido, a quien El estaba esperando, y diciendo:

"¡Bienvenido! ¡Bienvenido! Estoy muy complacido de que has venido. Siéntate."

El patético hombre tembló y se dejó caer en una silla baja a los piés del Maestro, incapaz de decir una palabra.

Los otros huéspedes se miraron mientras tanto con asombro a ver la atención transferida al extraño recién llegado, quien parecía tan sobrecargado de miseria y desesperación.

"¡Seas feliz, seas feliz!" dijo ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, teniendo una de las pobres manos y acariciando tiernamente la desgreñada e inclinada cabeza.

Sonriendo con esa maravillosa sonrisa de compasión cariñosa, el Maestro continuó:

"No te llenes de pena cuando la humillación te llega. La bondad y el poder de Dios son sin límites para cada alma en el mundo.

"Buscad alegría espiritual y comprensión; entonces, aunque camines sobre este tierra, estarás morando dentro del reino divino. Aunque sea pobre, puedes ser rico en el Reino de Dios."

Estas y otras palabras de consuelo, fortalecimiento y curación fueron habladas al hombre, cuya nube de miseria parecía derretirse al calor de la cariñosa presencia del Maestro.

Cuando el extraño visitante se levantó para dejar a El Quien había buscado y encontrado, una nueva mirada brillaba en su cara; su posición era recta y sus pasos demostraron un nuevo propósito firme. Entonces él dijo:

"Tenga la bondad de anotar para mí todas Sus palabras. He logrado todo lo que esperaba, y aún más."

"¿Y qué va a hacer ahora?" le pregunté.

"Voy a trabajar en los campos. Puedo ganar lo que necesito para mis simples deseos. Cuando haya ahorrado suficiente, compraré un pedazo de tierra, construiré una pequeña casa, entonces cultivaré violetas para el mercado.

"Como El dice: 'La pobreza no es importante, el trabajo es adoración. No necesito decir 'gracias,' verdad? Adíos."

El hombre se había ido. (The Chosen Highway, pp. 159-161) [Page 25]

Letters

to wear leather or furs or cosmetics that were tested on animals. It is the responsibility of Bahá’í scientists to find experimental methods that reduce or replace the use of animals for research or education.

Unfortunately, it is easy to consider that the rights of animals are of secondary importance when we are faced with the monumental task of uprooting racism and sexism. But the reasons for the oppression of women, minorities and animals are often the same.

In the past, many people were unable to comprehend the need for minority rights because they simply could not identify with and extend their sympathy to a person of another color. In the same way, we find it difficult to identify with the suffering of an animal.

But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reminds us that "sensibility is the same whether you harm man or animal; there is no difference."

I believe that humans and animals have the right to live free from physical pain. This is not an issue to ignore or set aside.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that kindness to animals is "one of the fundamental principles of the divine kingdom. Ye should pay great attention to this question."

Meeting this challenge won't be easy for the Bahá’í community. Just as it is often difficult to change old patterns of thinking to eliminate racism and sexism, it is also difficult to change our habits of oppressing animals and causing them pain.

But the benefits include living in a world in which all creatures, regardless of race, sex or species, are treated with sympathy, compassion and justice. The "new World Order" won't be complete until we can achieve this.

Anne Beginnes Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

To the Editor:

While reading The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. 3, by Adib Taherzadeh, I found a paragraph which, the more I thought about it, overwhelmed me, for two reasons:

FIRST, it shocked me. Second, it was extremely profound.

The paragraph discusses "the very foundation of the Cause of God." What do you suppose it is about?

No, it's not about teaching. It's not about Feast. It's not about the Fund, Local or National Spiritual Assemblies, the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice, progressive revelation, or even the claims of Bahá’u’lláh.

It's not even about the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, or the Covenant!

So if it's not about any of these important topics, what then is "the very foundation of the Cause of God"?

On page 350 the author says, "‘Abdu’l-Bahá in one of His Tablets describes it as 'the very foundation of the Cause of God' and 'the cause of spiritual life' for the individual."

THE "IT" he refers to is the law of the three Obligatory Prayers.

The author continues: "In another Tablet He (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) states that the observance of the ordinance of obligatory prayer is binding on all and no excuse is acceptable except when a person is mentally deranged or is confronted by extraordinary circumstances."

In my opinion, this law is "the very foundation of the Cause of God" because it helps us to affirm and understand our purpose for living, which I believe is to develop a close, loving relationship with our Creator—a relationship that lasts through eternity.

In the Golden Age, human beings will have developed a great love for God. As a result, for the first time in history we will have great love and respect for ourselves, for each other, and for all of nature.

This divine love will be a major part of the spiritual foundation, of the Bahá’í World Commonwealth we're striving so hard to build right now.

Marty Schirn Tucson, Arizona

To the Editor:

Believing firmly in God's justice and mercy, and having pity for the poor misguided youth of Iran, who, believing in the promised glory of a martyr's reward in heaven if they give their lives for the cause of Khomeini and Islam, I have volunteered for suicide squads against Iraq and are now a part of the mighty Concourse, I hereby propose that we pray to God that they be allowed to work against the Ayatollahs by touching the hearts and minds of their friends and relatives who are still alive in Iran, to turn them away from the reprehensible teachings of the insane rulers of Islam and Iran.

Surely God will hear our prayers for them, and if He finds our prayers worthy of His mercy, will allow these young souls the bounty of progressing in the Abhá Kingdom by working for peace on earth.

M.J. Antoinette Isaac Bisbee, Arizona

Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bahá’ís present concert/lecture on religion in music

Pianist Mark Ochu, a Bahá’í from St. Cloud, Minnesota, is shown during a concert and lecture November 10 sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

On November 10, the Bahá’ís of Kalamazoo, Michigan, sponsored a free public concert and lecture by pianist Mark Ochu, a Bahá’í from St. Cloud, Minnesota.

About 150 people including more than 100 non-Bahá’ís heard Mr. Ochu play selections ranging from Bach to Gershwin and share his observations on "The Influence of Religion on the Development of Western Music."

Also on the program was a performance of classical Indian dances by two young Indian sisters who were dressed in dazzling authentic costumes.

After the concert, the guests were invited to a reception in the lobby where everyone shared refreshments and fellowship.

The concert was promoted by invitations, posters and newspaper ads.

The concert, say the Bahá’ís of Kalamazoo, "created many teaching opportunities... and was a success in itself."

Wall Calendars, Datebooks available

A small quantity of Bahá’í Wall Calendars and Bahá’í Datebooks for 142 B.E. are still available.

The Bahá’í Wall Calendar 142 B.E. begins with January 1985 and ends with March 1986; the Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E. begins in March 1985 with the Bahá’í year and ends in March 1986.

The Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 142 B.E. has already sold out. See the order coupon on the Bahá’í Distribution Service page (p. 14) for information on the wall calendar and datebook.

Human Rights Day panel discussion

'Religious Freedom' topic of Houston

Pictured (left to right) at a UN Human Rights Day panel discussion December 16 sponsored by the Bahá’í communities of Fort Bend County and Missouri City, Texas, are Dr. Arthur Abramson, community relations director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston; Jenabe Caldwell, an engineer and member of the Bahá’í community of Missouri City; Sayed Gomah, president of the Islamic Association of Greater Houston; Dr. Robert Tucker, minister of the First Congregational Church of Houston; guest speaker Dr. Jordan Faust, professor of law at the University of Houston; and panel moderator Dr. William Maxwell, a Bahá’í who is a professor of education at Texas Southern University.

About 150 people including 40 non-Bahá’ís attended a UN Human Rights Day panel discussion December 16 at the University of Houston.

The observance was sponsored by the Bahá’í communities of Fort Bend County and Missouri City, Texas.

The topic was "Religious Freedom: Where Are We Today?"

The moderator was Dr. William Maxwell, a Bahá’í who is a professor of education at Texas Southern University.

The guest speaker was Dr. Jordan Faust, professor of law at the University of Houston who is a specialist in human rights.

Panelists were Dr. Arthur Abramson, community relations director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston; Jenabe Caldwell, an engineer and member of the Bahá’í community of Missouri City; Sayed Gomah, president of the Islamic Association of Greater Houston; and Dr. Robert Tucker, minister of the First Congregational Church of Houston.

In his talk, Dr. Faust addressed the problem of human rights, and each panelist in turn offered his solutions.

Association issues call for papers for California regional conference

A call for papers has been issued for the Association for Bahá’í Studies' California Regional Conference to be held May 31-June 2 at the Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California.

The purpose of the conference is to provide a forum for the study of various aspects of Bahá’í scholarship.

In addition to contributed papers, there will be invited papers, workshops and panel discussions.

Contributed papers are solicited in all areas relating to Bahá’í scholarship for an oral presentation at the conference. Papers will be categorized by content into one of the following areas:

1. The importance of Bahá’í scholarship. 2. Fostering Bahá’í scholarship. 3. Promoting an atmosphere of tolerance. 4. Strengthening the core of the believers' faith.

A 250-word abstract must be received by March 1. It should be sent to: Association for Bahá’í Studies, California Regional Committee, P.O. Box 2924, Newport Beach, CA 92263.

Upon approval of the abstract, the full text of the paper must be submitted to the above address by April 21 for review by the conference committee.

Financial assistance for presenters is available if required. For more information, contact Vafa Mavadatt, 714-856-1145, or leave a message on the Spiritual Assembly of Irvine's message line, 714-559-5528.

Teaching Fever Is CONTAGIOUS!—have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

New titles

deepening veteran believers. Beginning with March 21, it follows the Bahá’í calendar year.

"The Bahá’í Faith In America: Origins, 1892-1900 is the first volume of a series by Robert Stockman," she says. "We expect its release in April, certainly in time for the National Convention.

"The friends should feel free to get a head start on ordering our forthcoming titles as they are announced in The American Bahá’í, as well as sending in orders for anything that is currently in stock." [Page 26]

VIE Chart

District Name "Starting Block' Info Membership as of 12/9/84 Number of Percentage of participants participation Colorado NE Colorado SE Colorado W Connecticut DelMar Va Florida C Florida N Florida SE Florida SW Current Month Info (Qawl) Membership Number of as of 12/9/84 participants Percentage of participation 26 Georgia NE Georgia NW Georgia S Idaho N/Washington E Idaho S Illinois N No. 1 Illinois N No. 2 Illinois S Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana N Louisiana S Maine Maryland W/D.C. Massachusetts Michigan Mainland Minnesota N Minnesota S Mississippi Missouri Montana Navajo/Hopi Nebraska Nevada N Nevada S New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico S/Texas W New Mexico N New York E New York W North Carolina C North Carolina E North Carolina W North Dakota Ohio N Ohio S Oklahoma E Oklahoma W Oregon E Oregon W Pennsylvania E Pennsylvania W Rhode Island South Carolina C South Carolina E No. 1 South Carolina E No. 2 South Carolina N South Carolina S No. 1 South Carolina S No. 2 South Carolina W South Dakota Tennessee E Tennessee W Texas C No. 1 Texas C No. 2 Texas E No. 1 Texas E No. 2 Texas N Texas S Utah Vermont Virginia N Virginia S Washington NW Washington SW West Virginia Wis. N/Peninsular Mich. Wisconsin S Wyoming

More than 30 Bahá’ís from Reno, Sparks, Fallon, Washoe County, Douglas County, and Lyon County, Nevada, celebrated the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh by making donations to the Nevada Hills Boys Home, a foster care facility for boys who are having trouble adjusting to their families and/or foster care. The Bahá’í effort also led to donations from communities and from stores and commercial establishments as well. One thrift store operator, hearing that supplies were being purchased for the Boys Home, pushed the money back across the counter, saying, 'That's what we're in business for, to help people. The event resulted in a 10-minute segment on the evening news which mention that this was only one of the Bahá’í communities' activities. Bahá’ís from Northern Nevada also provided a post-Thanksgiving dinner for the Boys Home on November 25, and plan to help them in community adjustment throughout the year. Pictured are Bahá’ís and residents of the Boys Home watching a break dancer perform.

Assemblies

senior institutions of the Faith which were held last May at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, represent a key step in the campaign's thrust to "mobilize the American Bahá’í community to capture its glorious destiny as envisaged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Consultation at these gatherings will be facilitated by representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly and National Teaching Committee.

Discussions will center around such issues as removing impediments to individual initiative, teaching the Faith as a way of connecting hearts with Bahá’u’lláh, the importance of coordinated support for local Bahá’í activities, and how to make the local Bahá’í community an example of unity in diversity.

The importance of Assembly members attending the conferences is underscored by the fact that a special invitation was sent to each Assembly in the regions selected.

IN ADDITION, a copy of the conference agenda was given to Assemblies ahead of time so that they could prepare for the consultation. Each Assembly has been encouraged to have at least five of its members at the conference in its region.

Assemblies that will take part in the February 23 conferences are those in the regions around Hartford, Connecticut; Atlanta, Georgia; Arlington, Texas; Tacoma, Washington, and Corona, California.

The March 30 conferences will be held for Assemblies in the regions around San Francisco, California; Portland, Oregon; Silver Spring, Maryland; Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, and Wilmette, Illinois.

Any Assembly that is in the area near one of the scheduled conferences and has not received an invitation should contact the National Teaching Committee office, 312-869-9039.

Consultants

Iowa-Ella Conrad, Dubuque; Sharon Hendron, Davenport; Fay Himes, New Liberty.

Michigan-Michael Becker, Stevensville; Roxanne Firmin, Dearborn; Gloria Frazier, Taylor; Carol Hall, Adrian; Curt Russell, Royal Oaks; Nancy Wiersum, Grand Rapids; Marvin Hughes and Ann Hughes, Highland Park.

Minnesota-Pamela Dedrick, Burnsville.

Missouri-Dan Engle, Fulton; Robert Jackson, Kansas City; Joyce Owen, Webster Groves.

Ohio-Kay Farzaneh, Cleveland Heights; Rose Wendel, Dayton.

Wisconsin-Richard Damrow, Appleton; Francis Gilbert, Kewaunee.

These consultants will be available to help Bahá’í communities motivate, train and equip their public information representatives and to work with the Office of Public Affairs on special media projects in their respective areas. The consultants will render invaluable assistance to the national office in its work with the Bahá’í Public Information Network. Communities requiring such assistance may contact either the consultant(s) named for their state or the national Office of Public Affairs. [Page 27]

Ten years ago... in The American Bahá’í

The Universal House of Justice increases the overseas pioneering goal from 557 to 933, to be filled by October 20, 1975, the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb and the midway point of the Five Year Plan.

Responsibility for placing 305 of the pioneers is assigned to the U.S.

In a cover letter accompanying the message from the House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly says it eagerly anticipates a flood of volunteers and an increase in the international deputization fund "worthy of the confidence placed in the United States Bahá’í community by our beloved Universal House of Justice."

Glenford Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, proclaims the Faith on radio and in the press during a visit to the Bahamas to help prepare for the formation of a National Spiritual Assembly there as called for in the Five Year Plan.

During Mr. Mitchell's visit, negotiations are completed for the purchase of the building that is to serve as the national Hazíratu’l-Quds of the Bahamas....

More than 500 people including many non-Bahá’ís attend a program of entertainment in Bell Gardens, California, that commemorates the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

The program is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Citrus J.D. and organized in cooperation with the Navajo Culture Club of Los Angeles County.

Among the speakers is Franklin Kahn, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. Entertainment includes a performance by the Dineh Bah A'Lil children's dance group, who perform Navajo and other Indian dances, and music by England Dan and John Ford Coley.

David Villaseñor, a Bahá’í artist, displays sand paintings and handcrafts...

About 75 Bahá’ís attend the third Kresson Bahá’í Institute in Kresson, New Jersey, sponsored by the New Jersey District Teaching Committee. The theme is "What We Believe In."

A year-long campaign to publicize the Bahá’í teachings on the role of women in society is planned to coincide with International Women's Year 1975.

Included are plans to develop summer and winter school classes on the role of women as described in the Writings....

Ads

make a smooth transition from your present community. Our need is urgent. Please contact our secretary, Mrs. Janet Rothman, West Hartford, CT 06117, or phone 203-232-8869.

WANTED: Information on the life of Keith Ransom-Kehler. I am interested in both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í facts and contacts. Please write to Linda Polk, c/o Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, IL 60091.

OPHTHALMOLOGIST, full-time, is needed in the homefront goal locality of Lakeport, California (with the possibility of a fully equipped office for lease 30 miles away in Lake County). Lakeport has an active Bahá’í Group of seven who are teaching and ready to form an Assembly when you move there! The city is 170 miles north of San Francisco with excellent weather and recreational facilities on nearby Lake Clear. For details, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THAI Bahá’ís who live in the U.S. are greatly needed to serve as pioneers to Thailand. Any length of time is helpful, even if only for a few months. Thais who have lived outside their home country and returned to teach the Faith have proved to be extremely effective in reaching the hearts of their countrymen. For more information, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ROMANI media coordinator seeking contact with and information from Bahá’ís who have taught the Faith to Gypsies in the U.S. or elsewhere. We'll send details/questionnaire. Please write to Dawn Edwards/J. Galata, Seattle, WA 98101 (phone 206-441-9163). Grateful for all responses.

WLGI Radio in Hemingway, South Carolina, needs a variety of office supplies including two IBM Selectric typewriters, a four-drawer metal file cabinet with lock, an executive swivel chair, a secretary's chair, a good quality photocopier, and other materials. If you would like to donate any items or obtain a list of other needed materials, please write to WLGI Radio, c/o the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977.

CAN YOU help save an Assembly? The Spiritual Assembly of Jefferson City, Missouri, which was formed in 1971, incorporated in 1973, and has functioned as a strong community for a number of years, is in grave danger of being lost at Ridván. Jefferson City, the state capital, is in the center of the state on the Missouri River. A rapidly growing community less than 150 miles from St. Louis and Kansas City, it boasts job opportunities in various industries and in state government, and is the home of Lincoln University, a small land-grant college. Two Bahá’ís would save the Assembly; more would be reason for celebration! For information about the city and job and housing possibilities, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Jefferson City, c/o Gloria L. Barding, secretary, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Phone 314-635-0320.

MOVING? The National Teaching Committee knows of jeopardized Assemblies in many districts and urges you to consider moving to these vital goal areas. A partial listing: Pierre, SD; West Hartford, CT; South Portland, ME; South Windsor, CT; Northglenn, CO; Clearwater, FL; Villa Park, IL; Northfield Township, IL; Marshalltown, IA; Manhattan, KS; Newton, KS; South Hadley, MA; Frederick, MD; Kalamazoo, MI; Southfield, MI; Joplin, MO; Falcon Heights, MN; Sarpy County, NE; Lovington, NM; Niagara Falls, NY; Erie, PA; State College, PA; Burlington, VT. For more information phone the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039.

JUNIOR high school teaching positions are available in Honduras, a goal country-one immediately, another in the fall. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.

TO Bahá’í parents and grandparents of committed Bahá’í descendants: please share the story of your child's unfolding Bahá’í identity. Am in the process of writing a paper on Bahá’í child rearing. Second generation-plus Bahá’ís' perspective would be most welcome. Kindly write to Charlotte Solarz, P.O. Box 309, Galena, IL 61036.

THE NEIGHBORING cities of South Hadley (needs four people to maintain Assembly status) and Holyoke (needs three people to form a new Assembly) are situated in the lovely Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts within an hour's drive of many impressive mountain areas and only 120 miles west of Boston and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many business and cultural opportunities within a 25-mile radius of the two cities. Total population in the area is about 500,000. The University of Massachusetts and 14 other colleges are in the Pioneer Valley. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of South Hadley, P.O. Box 241, South Hadley, MA 01075 (phone 413-532-9196) or the Bahá’í Group of Holyoke, Holyoke, MA 01040 (phone 413-536-4780).

IF YOU are looking for a challenging place to teach the Faith, come to Rogers, Arkansas, with a population of 20,000 (regrettably, non-black) situated in the Bible belt in the midst of the beautiful Ozarks. Industry is flourishing, the schools rank among the best, the people are warm and friendly, the Assembly is incorporated and will celebrate its 26th anniversary this year. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rogers, Rogers, AR 72756.

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

THE Bahá’í community of Niagara Falls, New York, has recently lost some of its members and its Assembly is in jeopardy. Needed are four more capable adults. The five Bahá’ís in Niagara Falls are an active but older group who need younger blood. A middle-aged couple with children would be very desirable, as would single or married young people. If there are any Bahá’ís who are able to become homefront pioneers, we would be happy to hear from them. Write to us c/o P.O. Box 72, Niagara Falls, NY 14302.

PERMANENT snowbirds needed in Bisbee, Arizona, a diversified historic former mining town of about 7,000 near the border with Mexico. Bisbee has an active but jeopardized Assembly, a temperate climate (except when it snows), is sunny and dry (except when it rains), and mountainous (except where it's flat). A great place to raise a family or to retire while homefront pioneering. Write to Charlie Milden, Bisbee, AZ 85603, or phone Toni Isaac, 602-432-2428.

ARE YOU moving before Ridván? Please consider moving to a goal area. There are already many jeopardized Assemblies in each district. Call the National Teaching Committee for the phone number of the District Teaching Committee where you plan to move. They'll provide you with a list of jeopardized Assemblies and other goals for that district. Write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ACTIVE, vibrant Assembly in Arlington, Massachusetts, is jeopardized with only five adults and needs homefront pioneers by Ridván. Easy public transportation 15-20 minutes to Boston or Cambridge, a one-hour drive to the Green Acre Bahá’í School. Good sports and recreation areas (winter and summer) are nearby. Employment opportunities in high-tech and other fields as well as good educational opportunities. Please write to P.O. Box 451, Arlington, MA 02174, or phone 617-643-5077 or 617-641-2807.

WHY PIONEER to another country when there is northern Louisiana? Come to the "Quiet Country" atmosphere. If you like farming, good weather, outdoor sports and southern hospitality, then northern Louisiana is for you. There are excellent opportunities in medicine, teaching, farming, and the oil industry. As for schools, there are a large number including Louisiana State University in Shreveport and Alexandria, Louisiana Tech (Ruston), Grambling State University, Northeast Louisiana University (Monroe), Southern University (Shreveport), Northwestern Louisiana (Natchitoches), and vo-tech schools in Ruston, Monroe and Shreveport. A Bahá’í home in Ruston is for sale; special price for pioneers. Be one of the many to bring the spirit and populate the least populated Bahá’í district in the U.S. Contact the District Teaching Committee of Northern Louisiana c/o Delores A White, Shreveport, LA 71109.

In Memoriam

Harding Burning Breast Mission, SD September 1984

Calvin Bronson Las Cruces, NM November 27, 1984

John Caldwell Nashville, TN November 1984

Chris Christensen Santa Ynez, CA December 18, 1984

Leon Copper Barnstable, MA November 16, 1984

Lucretia Crowner Philadelphia, PA November 17, 1984

Ruth Ezzell Southport, NC November 24, 1984

Alice Entzminger Sebastopol, CA December 2, 1984

Javier Flores El Paso, TX January 1984

John Gehring Sacramento, CA October 15, 1984

Ethel B. Goodell Hyannis, MA Date Unknown

Stella Knepper Clarinda, IA November 1984

George Knoerr Oconomowoc, WI October 17, 1984

Gilbert Kohn Kirkwood, MO October 12, 1984

Dan Krisel Venice, CA December 11, 1984

Fatullah Medhat Beverly Hills, CA September 1984

Antoine Medicine Parmalee, SD Date Unknown

Eddie McNeil Floral City, FL 1983

Margaret Mitchell Anaheim, CA November 26, 1984

Snola Peterson Anderson, SC November 1984

Lydia Reetz Morgan, MN Date Unknown

Janet Stoddard Charlottesville, VA Date Unknown

Ruth Wilson Aberdeen, WA Summer 1984 [Page 28]

Mailing

(Continued From Page 1)

Because there will be a period of transition, we ask your patience and help with any problems that may arise. Any questions, concerns or corrections should be addressed to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

In the past, each Bahá’í was automatically placed on the mailing list to receive The American Bahá’í. Thus, a Bahá’í family would receive more than one copy unless one or more members specifically requested not to receive the paper.

Now, each Bahá’í will continue to receive The American Bahá’í unless there are other Bahá’ís at the same address with the same last name. In that case, only one copy will be sent to the household. Names and address must match exactly.

In order to send only one copy of the paper to each household, the last names and the addresses of all the believers living in that household must match exactly in our computer records.

If, for example, one member hyphenates his or her name or spells it slightly differently, or there is a misspelling in our records, a second copy of The American Bahá’í will be sent to that household.

The same applies if any household member's address appears differently in the computer records. Since our mailing list has not had a standardized address format in the past, it may take some time for all addresses to be standardized and for this new system to operate smoothly.

To help facilitate the change, please notify the Office of Membership and Records if your household is receiving more than one copy of The American Bahá’í because your addresses are not recorded in exactly the same manner.

The following questions and answers may help to clarify how this change in distribution will affect the community.

1. How will this change in distribution affect me?

If you are the only Bahá’í in your household, or you live alone, or you live with another Bahá’í whose last name is different from yours in our computer records, you will continue to receive your own copy of The American Bahá’í.

Your family/household will continue to receive only one copy as long as each person's last name and address match exactly in our computer records. Even a stray period or comma will cause an additional copy to be sent to your household.

2. If our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í and I want to receive my own personal copy, how do I request it?

At the bottom of the new address change form is a box which states that you wish to receive your own copy. Simply check that box, fill in your name and I.D. number on the address change form, and mail the form to Membership and Records at the address listed on the form. We will add a code to your computer record that will cause an extra copy of the paper to be sent to you.

3. If I am receiving my own personal copy of The American Bahá’í and do not wish to receive it, how do I discontinue it?

At the bottom of the new address change form is a box which states that you do not wish to receive your own copy of the paper. Check that box, fill in your name and I.D. number on the address change form and mail the form to Membership and Records. We will add a code to your computer record that will remove you from the mailing list for The American Bahá’í.

4. If our last names do not match, but we still wish to receive only one copy of The American Bahá’í, how do we discontinue the extra copy?

If your last names do not match for any reason (roommates, spouse with hyphenated name or retained maiden name, etc.), and you wish to discontinue extra copies that you are receiving, one of you may request that his/her name be removed from the mailing list. Just fill in the name and I.D. number on the address change form, check the appropriate box at the bottom of the form, and mail it to Membership and Records. Please remember that you have made this request, because, if you move to another address, we will not know how to reinstate your copy of The American Bahá’í unless you write to inform us.

5. If our last names and address are the same but we are still receiving more than one copy of The American Bahá’í, how do we discontinue the extra copy?

Check again to see if your last names and the address are printed exactly the same on both labels of the copies you receive.

If the last names and the address do not match exactly, with even a period or comma out of place, then complete the address change form or write a letter including the full names of all members of the household as they should appear on our records, their I.D. numbers and the correct address. Check the appropriate box at the bottom of the form and mail it to Membership and Records.

If the last names and the address are printed exactly the same on both labels, send us the labels (or copies of them) and the names and I.D. numbers of all household members. We'll try to find the cause of the problem and correct it.

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.

A 1. ID# Title Full name-Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# 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 Moving date

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 We receive extra copies because: [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] 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. [ ] 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. [ ] 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.

The Bedrock of All Other Institutions

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

New address form for The American Bahá’í

To facilitate address changes for families, or believers living at the same address, the Office of Membership and Records has designed a new address change form for The American Bahá’í.

Although the form is largely self-explanatory, we wish to highlight the changes.

1. In section A, there is now space for up to four names and I.D. numbers for believers living at the same address. You should list only those believers who are 15 years or older, as we are not yet recording the membership of children and youth 14 years old or younger on the computer.

2. Sections B, C, D and E are basically the same as on the old form, asking for the new residence and mailing addresses, the name of the new Bahá’í community, the date on which the move will take place, and the new home telephone number.

3. In section F, note that we have made space for two telephone numbers at work. This allows at least two members of the household to report work telephone numbers at which they can be reached. Please remember to write next to the number the first name of the person, listed on the address change form, to whom the number belongs so we can add the number to the correct record.

4. Section G provides an opportunity for an individual to choose to receive his/her personal copy of The American Bahá’í, if the household is receiving only one copy; or, it allows for an individual's choice to be removed from the mailing list if he/she is receiving his/her own copy and does not wish to.

Section G also enables a family to inform us that they receive additional copies because their last names and/or address do not match exactly on the mailing labels.

In this case, the family should list on the form the full names of all family members along with their I.D. numbers and the correct address, check the appropriate box in section G, and send the form to Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.