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[Page 1]March 1985 The Bahá’í American

On remaining challenges of Plan, UN Year of Peace

Two vital messages from Universal House of Justice

To all National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Bahá’í Friends,

1986 has been named the International Year of Peace by the United Nations. Considering the dangers surrounding mankind and the remedial prospects of the Lesser Peace to which Bahá’u’lláh has summoned the nations, we embrace this God-sent opportunity to proclaim ever more widely and convincingly the vitalizing principles upon which, as our Teachings emphatically assert, a lasting peace must be founded.

THE NATURE and variety of the proclamation activities which the Bahá’í community will undertake, during 1986 and beyond, will be outlined in detail later. We wish now to indicate some of the ideas we are contemplating, so that you may sense what to expect and how to prepare for your own participation.

In addition to projects to be initiated at the World Centre, these ideas include:

Calling upon local and national Bahá’í communities to sponsor a wide range of activities which will engage the attention of people from all walks of life to various topics relevant to peace, such as: the role of women, the elimination of racism, the eradication of prejudice, the promotion of education, the extension of social and economic development, the adoption of a world auxiliary language, the establishment of world government.

• Mounting a publicity campaign which will make use of such themes as "world peace through world religion," "world peace through world education," "world See PEACE Page 4

Dr. Roy Jones named to direct Gregory Institute

The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed Dr. Roy Jones of Charleston, South Carolina, director of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, replacing Dr. Alberta Deas, who recently resigned (see The American Bahá’í, February 1985).

DR. JONES presently serves as director of affirmative action and human relations for the College of Charleston.

He is also chairman of the education and planning committee of the Charleston Business and Professional Association; chairman of the personnel committee of the South Carolina Youth Development board of directors, and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly's Race Unity Committee.

Over the past 10 years, Dr. Jones has been in the forefront of Bahá’í service as past chairman of the North Georgia District Teaching Committee and as one of the Bahá’í teachers whose dedicated efforts to help expand and consolidate the Faith contributed to the establishment of the Northeast Georgia Teaching Committee.

See JONES Page 22

Index

Teaching. 2 Viewpoint 3 Letters 3 The Funds.. .5 IGC: Pioneering. .6 Youth News. .7 Education 9 Race Unity. 12 The Media. 13 Distribution Service. 14 Publishing Trust. .15 Classifieds. . 16 Persian/American. 19-21 Spanish. 24 In Memoriam. .27

To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in every land

Dearly-loved Friends,

Twelve months have passed since we addressed to the devoted followers of the Blessed Beauty throughout the world a message in which we outlined the major challenges which face the Cause of God and the thrilling opportunities which are presenting themselves for us to use in His Service.

THERE WAS an immediate and heartwarming response in offers of service, in plans of action put promptly into effect, and in contributions to the Fund.

The activities of the friends are still increasing, and evidences of rich harvests are appearing. In India alone, over 150,000 new believers have joined the Bahá’í community; in Samoa the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár has been dedicated amidst unprecedented recognition of the Cause; in Canada, at the conference held in London, Ontario, an upsurge of activity among the Bahá’í youth has started a movement which has caught the imagination of the friends far and wide.

In relation to the Fund, however, the rate of contributions during the second six months of the year has slowed seriously, and we feel it is timely to draw to your attention that our letter of 2 January 1984 was not an appeal for a one-time herculean effort, but was intended to inform the whole world community of the present great challenges and opportunities which are not only immediate but require also a long-range, sustained increase in the efforts and self-sacrifices of the friends, both in See SERVICE Page 10

United effort gives National Fund new strength

The American Bahá’í community, in a wave of sustained effort, has again exceeded its National Fund goals.

In the February issue of The American Bahá’í, the Office of the Treasurer reported that we had surpassed the monthly contribution and participation goals by a substantial margin during the month of Masá’il.

In a nearly identical response, contributions during Sharaf exceeded $517,000 while individual participation increased to more than 8,500.

Coupled with the $522,000 contributed during Masá’il, the community has contributed more than $1 million over a two-Bahá’í-month period.

These successes follow a contributions record that fell short of the monthly goal for 12 consecutive Bahá’í months.

The shortfall jeopardized many important projects and commitments including payments to the Universal House of Justice. By September, our bank debt had reached $1.2 million and was growing.

In a "state of the community" message for the Feast of Mashiyyat, Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, outlined the condition of our finances and set forth three objectives: to end the increase in See FUND Page 5

As Ridván nears, Faith's goals at home, abroad must be won

At the start of the Fast, only 50 days remained until Ridván.

The months before Ridván have traditionally been quite hectic as we buckled down to tackle the remaining goals.

THIS YEAR, however, is a particularly critical time for the Faith, and indeed, a critical time for humanity as well.

Ridván is not an end, but a beginning. These last 50 days provide a period for reflection and recommitment as we look to the remaining year of the Seven Year Plan and beyond to the end of the century which is fast approaching.

The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is emerging, through the sacrifices of the Iranian believers, into a new phase of its existence. From obscurity, we are being thrust before the public eye.

New endeavors include social and economic development, greater contact with governments and international agencies, and, most recently, entry into the arena of pressing social issues.

The Faith has entered into an open battle with those forces of disintegration that are consuming the old world order.

The future includes the Lesser Peace, and ultimately, the showdown between the forces of darkness and light foreseen by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and described so vividly by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

EACH DAY of service remaining is precious, and can play a significant part in the fortunes affecting the destiny of America and the fate of the planet.

The Fast is a perfect time to begin the 50 days of spiritual re- See RIDVAN Page 11

Dr. Magdalene M. Carney (right), a Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa, chats with some of the friends after giving a talk January 16 in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship in Wilmette. Dr. Carney, a former member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, was in this country briefly en route to visit Bahá’í communities in the South Pacific.

Number of Assemblies is 65 short of Seven Year Plan goal

1,750 Assemblies need to be formed at Ridván to meet one of the major goals of the Seven Year Plan. The commitment and united action of the entire community is required if we are to meet this challenge.

Presently, there are 1,685 Local Assemblies in the U.S. Every effort must be made to preserve these precious lights of Bahá’u’lláh.

At the same time, there are more than 182 Groups of nine or more adults. Though in many cases these Groups will need help to form as an Assembly, it is nevertheless important to bring these divine institutions into being.

A letter written on behalf of the Guardian says that "...in any locality where the number of adult believers reaches nine, a local Assembly should be established. He feels this to be an obligation rather than a purely voluntary act."

The creation of an Assembly is a spiritual act. It is similar to conception; without the first step, there is no opportunity for growth and development. Once the Assembly is formed, it creates a focus to nurture and fan the spark of faith of the friends in that community.

By working together to bring these Assemblies to life, we can not only surpass the Seven Year Plan goal but can initiate the process of consolidation that is fundamental to transforming society. [Page 2]

National Spiritual Assembly produces monthly newsletter, ‘Unified Actions,’ to aid partnership among institutions

As a means of fostering closer collaboration and partnership among the various institutions of the Faith in the U.S., the National Spiritual Assembly has begun publishing a monthly information newsletter called "Unified Actions."

The newsletter is addressed to the Continental Board of Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, members of national committees and National Center staff, and provides relevant information about the latest decisions by the National Spiritual Assembly, major happenings at the Bahá’í National Center, and key activities taking place around the country.

It also provides the institutions with suggestions for ways in which they can lend their support to the activities as they go about fulfilling their "pledge of partnership" with the believers.

With the Campaign of Unified Action continuing to inspire more and more individuals and communities to greater heights of service, it is crucial that the campaign be supported by a strong information sharing network among the key institutions that guide its progress. "Unified Actions" represents a significant step in this direction and is already attracting favorable responses from the recipients.

The Bahá’í Faith

Pictured are some of the participants in a Bahá’í youth conference held November 23-25 in Austin, Texas. The conference, which was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Austin, was entitled ‘A Cry from the Heart’ and was dedicated to the martyrs in Iran. Included were inspiring speakers, invigorating games, and delicious food. A highlight was the declaration of one youth who traveled from San Antonio to attend the conference.

Science responds to Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation

• This month's column, "In Praise of Light and Atoms," was written by Carol Goodrich of Bellingham, Washington.*

"How resplendent the luminaries of knowledge that shine in an atom, and how vast the oceans of wisdom that surge within a drop."—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 116.

During this century, the natural sciences of physics and biology are undergoing a great transition in priority and are evolving into a study of the conditions and structure of consciousness.

SCIENTISTS are beginning to discover that within the smallest particles of matter is a volition and activity which appears to "be conscious" of choice.

Consequently, classical science is experiencing a radical shift in approach, scope and direction. The effects that this revolution in science will have on human society are immeasurable. And the underlying reason for this great change is none other than the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

The essential unity of all living things is one of the most compelling laws disclosed by Bahá’u’lláh, and this truth is binding together in new relationships both the phenomenal and eternal realms.

"The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes hath never witnessed."—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 35.

The significance of this statement can be weighed by the tremendous changes that have taken place since the end of the 18th century to shake the very foundations of classical science.

UNTIL the Manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh, science rested secure on the assumption that mind was distinct and separate from matter, and this division between man and his environment allowed scientists to treat matter as dead and completely separate from themselves.

"To see the material world as a multitude of different objects assembled into a huge machine ..." (Fritjof Capra, The Tao of Physics) was the crux of the mechanistic view which is the bedrock of classical science.

This viewpoint, which dominated scientific thought and inquiry until this century, has had a definite effect on western thought. It is one of the primary causes of our malaise of isolation: feeling fragmented and separate from the organic and intimate processes of life.

Western thought views life broken into its component parts, and thus finds it difficult to understand the nature of confluence which underlies the physical laws of unity—where every living thing is interdependent with every other living thing.

His fragmented view of the universe has alienated western man from himself, his environment, and his fellow human beings.

It has imposed upon our thinking the role of "observer" rather than encouraging us to become "participants" in a reality in which interconnected patterns of relationships are undergoing constant change within a living, vital universe, and in which each part affects every other part to the degree of its interaction.

SINCE the advent of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, however, man has become increasingly aware of his state of divisiveness. Consider these words from Bahá’u’lláh about the effects of His Revelation:

"I testify that no sooner had the First Word proceeded, through the potency of Thy Will and purpose, out of His mouth, and the First Call gone forth from His lips than the whole creation was revolutionized, and all that are in the heavens and all that are on earth were stirred to the depths. Through that Word the realities of all created things were shaken, were divided, separated, scattered, combined and reunited, disclosing in both the contingent world and the heavenly kingdom, entities of a new creation, and revealing in the unseen realms the signs and tokens of Thy unity and oneness."—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 93.

The imperative released by the energy of this utterance has given rise to an entirely new school of scientific inquiry.

In this wondrous day of unity, mind and matter will achieve a distinction and attunement never before imagined. All that was perceived before as being inert and without volition must now be reckoned with as having a vitality and definite direction.

The new scientists are asking this question: "What is the source of this vital force of radiant and attractive energy which apparently holds all things together in a kind of cosmic glue?"

THAT THIS has not only become a legitimate question for the scientist to ask, but is also becoming increasingly relevant to the advancement of scientific thought in this age, is but one significant sign of the all-encompassing influence of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

A key teaching given by Bahá’u’lláh, and one that illustrates His profound influence over this age, is that science and religion are but two sides of one essential truth. This is indeed a revolutionary standard by which to measure our understanding of life and its processes.

Bahá’u’lláh explains that all things contain within them a reflection of the hidden heights; however, the emergence of these hidden truths and the transforming effects of their realization upon the contingent realm must depend solely upon a seeker's desire to see these truths manifested in the realm of being.

The new scientist is beginning to gain insight into the truth that there is a basic underlying unity that supports and maintains all structures of living matter. He is "seeing" the unity of the living "Self" of God in all things.

"Know thou that every created thing is a sign of the revelation of God. Each, according to its capacity, is, and will ever remain, a token of the Almighty."—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 97.

It will soon become evident that we can no longer cling to a mechanistic concept of life, seeing ourselves as isolated units of thought. The vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Who enjoined us, "each one help one," will soon become a fundamental measure by which to comprehend our advance within this Cause.

ONCE a truth has been seen, by even one mind, it will sooner or later impose itself upon the whole of human consciousness.

And since we are truly a collective reality struggling to become conscious of itself, it follows that our own independent investigation of the unity of all living things must to some degree affect the ability of others to understand this truth.

"The spirit of man is a circumambient power that encompasseth the realities of all things."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 169.

The word "circumambient" means surrounding, enclosing or being on all sides, as is the air. Considering this statement, it may be easier to understand how a lover of Bahá’u’lláh, through the inspiring power of the Holy Spirit, can exert a great and attractive influence in the sphere of human activity.

If we were to consciously manifest in our every deed and action the spirit of unity which flows hidden within all living things—and which is the very force of life—this expression soon would establish dominion over the forces of contention and strife and influence all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.

"Say, the power of God is in the hearts of those who believe in the unity of God and bear witness that no God is there but Him..."—the Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 153.

"Gazing with the eye of God, he will perceive within every atom a door that leadeth him to the stations of absolute certitude. He will discover in all things the mysteries of Divine Revelation, and the evidences of an everlasting Manifestation."—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 107. [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:

There is no subject more widely discussed in the Bahá’í community than the martyrs and the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

IT TOUCHES every community and affects every level of Bahá’í life.

Too often, though, the martyrs become the source of far too much grief and anxiety. Too often, the true nature of their sacrifice is misunderstood in the face of our deep emotional response to their situation.

For the Bahá’ís in Iran, the choice is clear: To live the life and suffer, perhaps even be killed; or to lose the life and live in relative ease and security.

To each the choice is given. Most have chosen to live the life, and to endure the savage persecution that comes from that decision.

When a Bahá’í is murdered for refusing to recant his faith, it is like a blinding flash of light. The flash is so intense, so terrible, that often it is all we remember.

We forget that this death, however cruel, is but a brief moment, and too often we focus only on the killing and dying.

Because of this, we carry only the sorrow, the bitterness, the pain of their lives. We lose sight of the joy of their lives, and of their humanity.

IT MUST be remembered that these men and women are not heroes and heroines, they are not superhuman creatures with superhuman qualities; they are people like all of us.

Like us, they were born, grew, declared their faith, praised God, were frustrated, shed tears, taught, learned, knew great joy and sorrow, lived and worked within their communities, and gave of their lives.

For us, the obstacles are overcoming our timidity, forging connections with the outside world, and attending to the difficult task of our own personal transformation.

For them, the obstacles are persecution, the constant threat of arrest and execution, and the challenge of living a Bahá’í life in an openly hostile society.

These people have given their lives to God, not just in dying but in the act of living itself.

Against seemingly insurmountable odds, faced with the threat of death, they have chosen to teach, to proclaim the Faith, and to follow the laws of Bahá’u’lláh.

THEY have forsaken a life of safety for one of constant danger. This is not a cause for sadness; it is a cause for joy.

By their sacrifice they have shown that the faith of individuals can transcend the hatred and brutality of an entire society. In their decision to stand fast they have found freedom for themselves, and have pointed the way toward the freedom of all mankind.

I do not deny the pain that the suffering of the Iranian Bahá’ís has brought to us all. I feel it, and will continue to feel it, for as long as the suffering continues. And I do believe we should remember the martyrs, often.

But when we remember them, let us do so not only with tears. Let us also remember them with our smiles, our laughter, and our lives.

Let us share in their freedom. And let us share in their joy, a joy that the savage violence of this world can never tarnish or hope to overcome.

Only in this way can we ease the sorrow, end the bitterness, and begin to heal the pain.

Charles P. Martin Concord, California

To the Editor:

The Bahá’í Faith teaches the necessity for a world government with executive, legislative and judicial branches and a standing army.

We also have our Bahá’í Administrative Order, which we call "a pattern for future society."

What I do not grasp is how these two systems fit together. How can future society have both at once?

I am not able to teach what I do not understand. Can someone help me fit the pieces of this puzzle together? The people I meet, while not consciously seeking a Manifestation/Revelation, are interested in a means to achieve world peace.

Carolyn des Granges Roxbury, Massachusetts

To the Editor:

The newly published book Mark Tobey: Art and Belief offers an excellent opportunity to present the Bahá’í Faith indirectly to people whose interest lies in art, not religion.

The book is handsome, and it deals with a major American artist in ways not available in other published sources.

It should be of special interest to college students taking courses in art history, and therefore it belongs in all university, college and art school libraries.

Bahá’í College Clubs might consider donating a copy to their school library, where it will act as an effective teaching tool for years to come.

However, it also has a broader appeal, and local communities would accomplish teaching by giving a copy to each of their public libraries. It would be welcomed, even in those libraries where other Bahá’í books are not.

Finally, Bahá’ís may find that it would make an appreciated gift for friends whose interest in art is stronger than in religion.

Mrs. Joyce Lyon Dahl Carmel, California

To the Editor:

Does Bahá’u’lláh sit at a control panel in the sky? Does He use an IBM PC to keep track of goings-on down here? Is He responsible only for the clean streets or for the dirty streets as well?

ARE there any Bahá’ís to whom these questions would seem ludicrous if not downright irreverent? I would guess not.

But how different, really, are such claims from those not infrequently made by Bahá’ís who attribute to a divine plan, and even to the direct intervention of Bahá’u’lláh, all sorts of precise events from the terrible circumstances in Iran to the success of the Seven Year Plan.

While the intent of such statements may be merely to express one's overriding faith or hope, does this not remove our responsibility as Bahá’ís to present the tenets of our religion as accurately as possible, and do such claims really represent the teachings of the Faith?

Are the writings of the Prophets, which are usually couched in highly symbolic language and focused on major social, historical or religious processes and events, an adequate basis for we ordinary people to claim an ability to extrapolate causality for ongoing daily occurrences?

Is not such undisciplined, unsupported wishful thinking precisely what we as Bahá’ís are supposed to reject in favor of the rationality that is to accompany Bahá’í religious beliefs?

AND ARE such assertions in harmony with admonitions such as that of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that Bahá’u’lláh "...proclaims that religion must be in harmony with science and reason. If it does not conform to science and reconcile with reason it is superstition. Down to the present day it has been customary for man to accept religious teaching even though it were not in accord with human reason and judgment. The harmony of religious belief with reason is a new vista which Bahá’u’lláh has opened for the soul of man." (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 247)

However, it is not a desire for theological debate that has prompted me to write this letter, but a concern that such a way of presenting the Faith is one reason we are encountering difficulty in attracting a larger number of believers.

I have seen sensitive, intelligent souls who are drawn to the Faith by its writings become reluctant to join after encountering unrestrained claims by the friends of divine intervention which, understandably, makes such seekers wonder if the Faith is not already deviating from its true doctrines, as has happened so often in the past to other religions.

Admittedly, one of the things we are supposed to learn as Bahá’ís is an acceptance of diversity of belief not only between religions but within our own as well.

But actually developing such tolerance depends to a large extent on the depth of one's exposure to the teachings of the Faith.

For an outsider considering the Faith, inconsistencies that believers may have learned to accept as the right of each person to self-interpretation may be seen only as hypocrisy or deviation.

I would suggest that Bahá’ís, in expressing their own interpretations, should consider also the awesome responsibility they have vis-a-vis those who are still looking at the Faith from the standpoint of critical and not well-versed outsiders.

John Aron Grayzel Silver Spring, Maryland

To the Editor:

While it may seem strange at this time of the year to ask it, I have a question for Bahá’ís: Where do you plan to spend your vacation?

Just for a moment, think about your summer plans and consider including a Bahá’í summer school in them.

If you haven't yet attended a summer school, you'll be surprised at what a habit it gets to be after your first experience.

For those who are near enough, may I suggest that you put the Wisconsin Bahá’í Summer School at Brownsville, a few miles south of Fond du Lac in southeastern Wisconsin, in your vacation plans.

Last year, the cost for five days and four nights was only $75 for adults, half that for children under 10, and free for those under one year old including all accommodations, great meals, wonderful classes for adults and children, and day and evening recreation (swimming pool, volleyball, baseball, cards, entertainment, etc.).

When, you ask? July 22-26, Monday through Friday. I encourage you to come to the Bahá’í Summer School of your choice. You'll never forget it, you'll come again, and you'll take part in a new experience and great life with the friends.

Charles Kennel Waukesha, Wisconsin

To the Editor:

One of the fundamental goals of religion is to attain the Presence of God.

How can we practice the reality of the Presence of God? How can we remember Him when every day we have to attend to the care of our body, our mind, our family, our household, our neighborhood and our community?

HOW can we commune with God when we have to spend our days amidst the distractions of the marketplace, in school or at work, in society or at play?

It is most difficult to become detached from the world, as our teachings suggest, until we learn the great reality of religion, the great secret of mysticism—that the spirit of God is present in all of these places and activities, in all

FROM COPPER TO GOLD

The Life of Dorothy Baker

The biography of an outstanding Bahá’í who became a Hand of the Cause of God, this book not only vividly brings to life the exceptional speaker and teacher, but also reveals the mother, wife and friend whose never-ending quest for spirituality cannot fail to inspire present-day readers.

Written by her granddaughter, Dorothy Freeman. 268pp, 63 illustrations. Hardcover $15.95* Softcover $7.95*

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

• This title not exported

[Page 4]

CURTIS DeMUDE KELSEY

"... Mr. Kelsey, the electrical technician, has arrived. He is a true gentleman. Indeed, this loving friend is engaged in the service of the Cause of God with the utmost endeavour and this is but a token of heavenly grace."

THAT IS how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reported the special service of Curtis Kelsey who arrived in the Holy Land at the Master's request in September 1921 and successfully installed electric lighting equipment at the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí, the Shrine of the Báb, and in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's home at 7 Haparsim St., Haifa.

Born March 6, 1894, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Curtis DeMude Kelsey was one of four sons. His father was a civil and hydraulic engineer, and electricity became a hobby for young Curtis.

Although his mother, Valeria, became a Bahá’í in 1909, Curtis was not receptive when she spoke to him about the Faith at that time.

It was not until several years later, when Mr. Kelsey was seriously ill with typhoid fever, that he became attracted to the Faith and began studying with his mother and other friends including Howard Colby Ives, Mary Hanford Ford and Hooper Harris.

Mr. Kelsey became a Bahá’í in 1917. Two years later, after serving in the Army in Europe, he was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of New York City.

ROY Wilhelm, a close friend and prominent early American believer, asked Curtis if he would like to go to Haifa to install the electric illuminating plants he had sent to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

When the Master cabled His approval, Mr. Kelsey, who was then 27 years old, quickly sold his possessions and, with financial help from his father and Mr. Wilhelm, began his trip, arriving in the Holy Land in September 1921.

While working in Haifa, Mr. See KELSEY Page 18

World Order takes lead in airing facts about persecutions in Iran

Once again World Order magazine has taken the lead in bringing before the public facts and circumstances surrounding the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

The current issue (Winter 1983-84) presents the testimony of Bahá’ís before the U.S. House of Representatives' subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations, the debates on the matter in the House and Senate, and the concurrent resolution passed by both houses of Congress.

The first issue of World Order to report the persecution of Bahá’ís was dated Fall 1978. Its editorial, titled "Iran in Turmoil," not only focused on the current abuses in that country, but also outlined the history of the persecutions.

Since that time, six issues of World Order have carried editorials or documents related to the situation in Iran: Spring 1982, Summer 1982, Fall 1982 (now out of print), Winter 1982-83, Summer 1983, and Fall 1983.

The most recent issue is devoted entirely to the persecution of the Iranian Bahá’ís. In 1983 the Bahá’ís were asked for a second time to testify before a congressional panel about the continued suffering of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

That testimony was presented on May 2, and as a result, the House and Senate passed a concurrent resolution asking the President to "work with appropriate foreign governments and the allies of the United States in forming an appeal to the government of Iran concerning the Bahá’ís."

You can read the text of that resolution as well as the testimony of the Bahá’ís, reports from Congressmen, and the House and Senate debates in the Winter 1983-84 issue of World Order.

And by subscribing, you can be sure not to miss any new developments concerning the work of Bahá’ís in the U.S. to help their fellow believers in Iran.

All back issues mentioned are available for $3 each plus 10 per cent for postage. Subscriptions within the U.S. are $10 for one year (four issues) and $18 for two years.

For more information, please write to Bahá’í Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Pensacola Assembly to sponsor Institute

The Spiritual Assembly of Pensacola, Florida, is sponsoring a Community Development Institute for the friends in that area April 5-7.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Larry Miller of Roswell, Georgia; and Parks Scott of Birmingham, Alabama.

For more information, phone Lynda Couture, 904-438-1899, or Pamela Taylor, 904-651-8095.

Youth conference set

The third annual Spring Youth Conference will be held March 23-24 in Gainesville, Florida.

There is no conference fee, and hospitality is available with prior request.

For details, contact Laura or Lindsay Newman, Gainesville, FL 32605, or phone 800-592-2424 or 904-378-6524.

Peace

Continued From Page 1

peace through world language," "world peace through world law"—a campaign which could lead to discussion of these subjects in small or large gatherings, at local or national levels, and perhaps in collaboration with organizations promoting such ideas.

• Urging the publishing within and without the Bahá’í community of a wide assortment of literature, posters and other graphic materials on peace.

REQUESTING Bahá’í magazines—children, youth and adult—whether intended for internal or external circulation, to carry special features on peace.

• Inviting Bahá’í radio stations to devote particular attention to this theme.

Asking the Association for Bahá’í Studies to conduct programs on peace.

• Encouraging Bahá’í artists and musicians to contribute, and consider inviting their non-Bahá’í colleagues to contribute, to the effectiveness of such activities by giving expression through the various arts to important themes relating to world peace.

In effect, we envision a proclamation campaign which will not only involve large public events and the use of the mass media, but will also engage people at the grassroots and at all other levels of society in a broad range of profoundly effective activities through which they will interact with the Bahá’í community in a sustained, world-wide effort to attend to the fundamental issues of peace, aided by the unique insights provided by the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

As you contemplate what possibilities these and similar ideas suggest for your own plans, we advise you to take preparatory steps to hold within your jurisdiction, during 1986, local and national peace conferences to which public officials and other prominent persons should be invited. In those places where national conferences may not be possible, local conferences should certainly be held.

IN SOME regions, neighboring National Assemblies may find it convenient to pool their resources and hold regional conferences instead of national ones. These need not be large, but should be effective enough to make a good impression on the public as well as on the national Bahá’í communities involved. It is left to the initiative of the National Assemblies, in consultation with Continental Counsellors, to hold such conferences.

Simultaneously as you make initial arrangements for the conferences, you will also want to find out what plans are being made by the governments and organizations in your respective countries, so that you will know beforehand how to coordinate your own programs with the programs of others in ways most conducive to the proclamation of the Faith and the mutual benefit of all concerned.

We would welcome any thoughts and suggestions you may have on the activities to be undertaken by you during the International Year of Peace.

Your planning efforts for 1986 must not, of course, interrupt the work of the Seven Year Plan. Indeed, the activities associated with the economic and social development of the Bahá’í community, the observance during 1985 of International Youth Year, and the anticipated activities for the peace campaign to begin a year hence are mutually reinforcing and go far to enhance the teaching opportunities necessary to the successful completion of the Plan.

We have every confidence that your continuing exertions to meet the new challenges resulting from the emergence of the Faith from obscurity will be richly rewarded by the Blessed Beauty; and we shall renew our supplications at the Holy Threshold that your brightest expectations may be surpassed by resounding triumph.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice January 23, 1985

Faith, WLGI Radio featured on S.C. Educational Television news program

The Bahá’í Faith and WLGI Radio were featured January 24 during a 15-minute news program that was telecast twice by the statewide South Carolina Educational Television Network.

Included on the program, entitled "Carolina Journal," were interviews with Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly who is the outgoing director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, site of WLGI, and WLGI management team members Dell Campbell and Mark St. Clair.

Pictures of the Gregory Institute and WLGI facilities were shown on the program, which was described as very positive in tone.

Goals Committee needs travel information

IMPORTANT NOTICE! If you are planning to travel outside the continental United States and wish to contact Bahá’ís, please inform the INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE several weeks in advance, if possible, to obtain the necessary addresses and any other information that might be helpful to you.

If you are planning an international Bahá’í teaching trip of whatever duration, please contact the INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE at least two months before your date of departure, if possible, to ensure that your trip runs smoothly and is of the most service to the Bahá’ís. Write to: International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 5]

THE FUNDS

Bahá’ís are stable, healing force in a chaotic world

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Arms build-up and arms reduction... negotiations begun and halted... talk of war, talk of peace... the Ku Klux Klan and the United Nations ...

WE LIVE in a world that is changing rapidly. The old order is disintegrating and a new one is struggling to be born. In the midst of this seeming chaos we find the Bahá’ís: potential stabilizers and healers of the ills of the world.

As the Faith advances, it too is in need of stability. And here again, it is the Bahá’ís who are the suppliers of aid.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! "DAY OF UNITY SACRIFICE" I SURE DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! STARRING: "THE COMMUNITY OF VICTORS" PRODUCED BY: THE CAMPAIGN OF UNIFIED ACTION "DAY OF UNITY AND SACRIFICE" WHEN: APRIL 21 (OR DAY OF YOUR CHOICE) WHERE: YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY ADMISSION: LOVE AND SACRIFICE

One has only to look at a list of projects in need of support—the Indian Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, further development of the World Centre, new measures to coordinate public information services, Persian relief—to realize how vital are our contributions to the Funds that support the work of the Faith.

The Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have repeatedly called for planned and systematic support of the Bahá’í Funds, the bedrock of the institutions we are building.

This aid can only come from the Bahá’ís themselves, whether as individuals or communities.

THE Universal House of Justice has pointed out in its message of January 2, 1985, that the Bahá’í Funds will not progress through a "one-time herculean effort." What is required is a long-range, systematic plan of increased giving by the friends.

This need for a long-range plan of giving presents challenging opportunities to grow spiritually strong in an overly materialistic society.

Through systematic support of the Funds we become firmly grounded in a new way of life. Contributing regularly to the Fund is a concrete way of demonstrating our love for Bahá’u’lláh.

These are exciting times! We have opportunities as Bahá’ís that no one has ever had before or ever will have again.

Through regular support of the Bahá’í Funds, each of us can make a significant impact on the institutions that will herald the new World Order.

The Treasurer’s Office deeply appreciates your efforts in supporting the Fund, and welcomes your comments and suggestions.

Texas Eastern No. 2 triples percentage, sweeps into lead

our bank debt; to begin to repay the $1.8 million currently owed; and to develop a base of working capital that would decrease our reliance on external sources of income while increasing our ability to "pay as we go."

HE NOTED that these goals couldn't be met overnight—that it might take a year or two to bring them about.

Little improvement in the condition of the Fund was seen in October or November. At that time, the National Assembly had to announce to the U.S. community and to the world that it had suspended temporarily its payments to the Universal House of Justice.

Letters of concern arrived at the Bahá’í National Center. Many criticized the way in which the National Assembly was conducting its business; some offered helpful suggestions.

One community, Round Rock, Texas, came up with a "GOOD" (Get Out of Debt) plan which was shared with the community in a second Feast message early in December and in The American Bahá’í in January.

This "GOOD" campaign, as it came to be known, quickly took hold, and the friends across the country responded in an unprecedented fashion.

IMMEDIATELY, the National Spiritual Assembly was able to resume payments to the World Centre.

As of January we were completely caught up—a reason for much relief and joy. Nevertheless, our $1.8 million debt still shadows our financial picture.

The American Bahá’í community is faced with the task of fulfilling a sizable financial responsibility not only for its own projects, but for others throughout the Bahá’í world.

This is our challenge. This is our privilege and our honor to sacrifice for the Cause we hold so dear. After all, we are a "community of victors." This is our destiny.

The Winners' Circle

• • Highest Percentage Participation**

1. Texas, Eastern No. 2 2. Iowa 3. North Dakota 4. Kansas 5. Minnesota, Northern 6. Colorado, Northeast 7. Maine 8. Wyoming 9. Colorado, Western 10. Georgia, Northeast 11. Pennsylvania, Eastern 12. Wisconsin, Southern 13. Wisconsin N/Upper Michigan 14. Nevada, Southern 15. Indiana 16. Minnesota, Southern 17. Michigan, Mainland 18. New Hampshire 19. Idaho, Southern

• • Most Improved Participation**

1. Texas, Eastern No. 2 2. Texas, Northern 3. Kansas 4. Georgia, Southern 5. Florida, Southeast 6. Wyoming 7. Navajo/Hopi 8. South Dakota 9. Texas, Central No. 1 10. North Dakota 11. Tennessee, Western 12. South Carolina, Western 13. Nevada, Southern 14. North Carolina, Western 15. Alabama S/Florida NW 16. Arizona, Southern 17. Colorado, Western 18. Maine 19. Florida, Central [Page 6]

Letters from pioneers reflect busy, happy, challenging life

Sadegh and Susan Hakiman, Sierra Leone—We are fine and still busy teaching in the Lungi area. We have formed six Assemblies and opened some localities 100.

In fact, we're planning a small conference for the new believers in the area at the end of March. There is so much work to do! We have been here almost a year; it went by so fast!

We have 11 pioneers here now, but to be truthful, we could use more. There is so much to be done and our manpower is so limited, especially now since only the Bullocks (Charles and Sandra) are in Freetown, and Charles is rarely there because he is working on teaching projects...

We are very excited; I think we'll achieve most of our goals for the second phase of the Seven Year Plan. Most of them were accomplished this year, which shows how much more we could have done had we been working hard the whole time...

We're still adjusting to village life; it's quite different from what we were used to. We have plenty of time to read; it would be nice if we had more visitors. But I must say one is more relaxed here than in the cities!...

Jerry and Sarah Petersen, Central African Republic—When the Hendershots left two years ago, 100 Bahá’ís were on the Berberati rolls. But after their departure, activities stopped and the Assembly fell.

When Jerry and I arrived, out of those 100 Bahá’ís, we could find only two. The community has grown since then through new declarations, but I'm concerned that we haven't found the old Bahá’ís and rekindled that precious flame...

Berberati's community life is building up again. Sunday classes are held regularly at our house, while Feast rotates from home to home....

Since our only means of transportation is bicycle, Jerry has started a routine of bi-weekly teaching trips, with him on one bike and a Gbaya-speaking Bahá’í on mine.

According to Jerry, it's the Gbaya who really does the teaching, although Jerry's face arouses the initial curiosity. The response has been very warm...

Some of the villagers have learned about the Faith through the weekly radio broadcast and I have simply been waiting for someone to declare their faith to!

Jerry told me of an older couple who were famished for Bahá’u’lláh's teachings. They punctuated the Bahá’í teacher's every sentence with a "Merci!"...

Funny, here in the heart of Africa, as dear friends spread out around the globe, I feel much closer to the Bahá’ís of South America, India, and all the world than I ever did in my comfortable Dallas apartment. The universality of Bahá’u’lláh's Message is much more real and alive to me now....

James E. Taylor, Philippines—I would like to share some of the happiness and joys of the past weeks here in the Philippines.

First, my wife was sworn in as a U.S. citizen on May 15.....

The children, Maxwell and May, did well in school this year. They both passed their Chinese, but they have to study for summer when they take three language courses—English, Tagalog and Chinese, along with math, science, music and social studies. And this is only the first grade!

The small one is walking and beginning to talk; he's exciting ...

The friends at the refugee camp are ever increasing, and they elected their Local Spiritual Assembly at the camp. They are teaching and planning children's classes as well as other projects.

Enrollments are increasing by leaps and bounds. I can see how, when people have been tested by fire and the dross has been removed, all they need to hear is the name "Bahá’u’lláh" and they believe.

If we had the time to go from door to door, I believe that 75% of the Khmer would enroll.

It is truly a grace of God for me to have such a bounty. I can truly say there is no greater service opportunity in serving the Cause of God than working with refugees. Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá!

Ernestine Mehtzun, Ethiopia—My family, my husband Mehtzun and our three sons, Henoch (12), Kibret (11) and Simret (8), and I are still living in Awassa, a small provincial town situated near a mass conversion area....

In two months' time we will have been here for eight years. Perhaps it would be a good topic of discussion as to how other pioneers have raised their children to understand what pioneering means and to feel the bounty of this service.

I think our children are at the age now when they are beginning more fully to understand its implications.

Letting them participate and feel fully a part of this service as well as explaining what living a Bahá’í life means and some of the sacrifices it may entail does help a lot. We are quite proud of their participation and attitudes so far....

The Pioneer Training Institute

The Pioneer Training Institute held January 10-13 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette drew 19 Bahá’ís from 13 states, most of whom are pictured here with International Goals Committee staff members and one of the guest speakers, Auxiliary Board member D. Thelma Jackson (front row center). Other speakers were Dr. Magdalene Carney, a Counsellor in both the teaching and administrative fields, a member of the International Teaching Centre; and Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. The participants were making plans to pioneer to Benin, Nigeria, Ireland, Grenada, New Zealand, Liberia and El Salvador, while one was planning a traveling teaching trip to Samoa.

Less-developed countries fertile field for Bahá’í social, economic services

Six years ago last month, Don and Honore Blanks arrived at their pioneer post in Tonga, Pacific Islands.

SINCE then, they have had two children and much success in teaching and rural development. Don is an Auxiliary Board member who travels extensively throughout the islands. Together, the Blanks run a business, grow vegetables and constantly teach by deeds and words. They wrote recently:

Dear Friends,

The other day I was thinking about the Third World vs. the western world in opportunities open to the Faith. It's amazing how a little effort can have a great impact in these less-developed countries.

"The hearts are still relatively open and the needs are great. A whole new avenue has opened up to the Faith in these remote places, that of rural and economic development. The Faith is in a wonderful position to serve humanity by enacting the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

"We live on a small Pacific island 24 hours by boat from the nation's capital. In a population of 1,700, 200 are Bahá’ís.

"Our island is a place that is insignificant to the world except that it is one of the many places where the glimmerings of a Bahá’í civilization can be seen. The beginnings are humble but they are happening throughout the community.

"THE BAHÁ’Í Women's Committee initiated two programs to help develop the community. A Bahá’í pre-school, open to all, began earlier this year. We hope it will develop into a primary school of higher quality than the present government and church schools.

"Second, the women have a scheme of increasing the quality of their living standards. Each

Dorothy Nelson noted

Women Lawyers: Perspectives on Success, a collection of autobiographical essays by 15 woman attorneys edited by Emily Couric, includes a chapter by Dorothy W. Nelson, a U.S. appeals court judge who also is treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The book, published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, was reviewed last October in The New York Times book review.

Goal needs urgent, time short

GOAL—1. the terminal point of a race; 2. the end toward which effort is directed: aim. (Webster's dictionary)

A "goal country" is one which the Universal House of Justice designates as being in greatest need at a given time.

When you fill a goal, you know you are doing God's Will. It's that simple. Here are the outstanding goal countries for which the Universal House of Justice wants pioneers before Ridván, April 21, 1985.

The race is on! Now comes the effort!

PIONEER GOALS (As of March 1, 1985)

AFRICA (F) Benin: 1* (E) Lesotho: 2 (F) Mauritania: 2 (E) Nigeria: 4* (E) Tanzania: 3

AMERICAS Leeward Islands (E) Anguilla: 1 Chile: 2 (S) Colombia: 1 (E) Dominica: 2 Ecuador: 6 (S) Galapagos: 1 (S) Uruguay: 1 (S) Yucatan, Mexico: 2 (E) St. Vincent: 1

ASIA (E) India: 12 (K) Korea: 5 (E) Nepal: 1 (E) Philippines: 2

AUSTRALASIA Caroline Islands (E) Kosrae: 3 (E) Palau: 1 (E) Marshall Is.: 2 Easter Island: 1 (E) Tuvalu: 7

EUROPE (GR,T,E) Cyprus: 3 (E) Ireland: 6*

TOTAL: 46

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

• Persians preferred but others welcome

[Page 7]

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Bahá’í Youth Conference, July 3-7, 1985, Columbus, Ohio

ALL THOSE REGISTERING ON THIS FORM WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE SAME ROOM. A MAXIMUM OF FOUR PERSONS MAY REGISTER PER FORM (NOT INCLUDING CHILDREN UNDER 5). PLEASE ENCLOSE FULL PAYMENT FOR ALL THOSE LISTED BELOW.

Name Sex Age ID# Rece/Ethnic Background Youth Conference Attending Parent Children July 3-7, 1985 Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio

Registration for the summer's big event is officially open! From July 3-7, there will be a "triple conference" at Ohio State University in Columbus featuring programs for youth, adults and children.

The International Youth Conference will focus on the theme "YOUth Can Move the World" and will serve as a highlight of the Bahá’í observance of International Youth Year 1985.

IN ADDITION, there will be two simultaneous conferences on campus-one for the parents of youth and junior youth, and another for children. This "something for everyone" event promises to be a significant Bahá’í experience for the whole family.

To register, simply fill out the form and mail it with your fee payment to the National Youth Committee. It is important to note that a late charge of $5 per person will be charged for all registration forms postmarked after June 1, 1985-so don't delay!

Once your registration form is received, a conference confirmation kit will be sent giving complete details on conference arrangements as well as a number of teaching opportunities that have been set up for the summer of '85.

Mehson Auditorium at Ohio State University, site of the Bahá’í International Youth Conference to be held July 3-7 in Columbus.

Please note that housing has been arranged in on-campus dorms and that most youth will stay in quad-style suites. Double and single accommodations are also available on campus. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer local phone service and complete linens. Conference packages A, B and C offer both housing for four nights and complete food service. Meals will be cafeteria-style on campus with unlimited servings.

For those staying off-campus, meals may be purchased in a package (see D) or purchased separately, as desired. Group hotel rates have been secured at the Holiday Inn on the Lane adjacent to Ohio State University (328 W. Lane, Columbus, OH 43201, phone 614-294-4848). Rates are $31/single, $37/double per night; additional guests are $5 each per night and children under 12 are free. To reserve a room, contact the hotel directly and be sure to mention that you are to attend the Bahá’í conference.

A limited number of partial scholarships is being made available through the National Youth Committee. Applicants should first ask their Local Spiritual Assembly for help. Those seeking assistance from the Youth Committee may apply for financial help, and all recipients will be asked to donate some time as volunteers during the conference.

Many youth groups and clubs around the country are planning group travel... car caravans, chartered buses and group air plans are all in the works. Be sure to let the National Youth Office know of your plans so they can be shared in future issues of The American Bahá’í.

While many questions have been asked about the conference, the one heard most often is, "Can I bring my pre-Bahá’í friends?" The answer, of course, is a resounding "yes!" Nothing could be more exciting than sharing the excitement and inspiration of an event of this magnitude with our friends and guests. So yes, be sure to invite them, and be sure to give them enough background on the Faith so they'll derive the maximum benefit from the program.

No, it's not too late to offer your services as a performer (actor, musician, singer, dancer) at the conference. Contact the National Youth Committee right away... the deadline for reviewing all "auditions" is April 19! Call the Youth Committee office, 305-584-1844.

Next month: Details on the Career Fair, FUNd Run and workshop program.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Registration confirmation should be mailed to; Name Mailing Address City/Town List person(s) handicapped and if assistance is needed State/Province Phone Number Country Postal/ZIP Code Estimated Date/Time of Arrival Of Departure? Date Time Date Tume Mode of Travel: Air Bus Train Car Other:

Is anyone in your group under 15 years? If yes, state the name of their adult (over 21) sponsor:

Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas. If anyone in your group is willing to serve as a volunteer, please state their name(s) and we will send more detailed information:

FEES: Registration fees include four nights' housing, all meals, and registration costs. Materials fees for the Children's Conference are included as applicable.

REGISTRATION PLAN

• Under 5 years / 5 through 12 years / 13 through 24 years / Adults attending Parent Conference / Adults (25 & over) attending Youth Conference

A: QUAD-4 to room: 15.00 / 95.00 / 85.00 / 85.00 / 95.00 B: DOUBLE: 15.00 / 115.00 / 105.00 / 105.00 / 115.00 C: SINGLE: 125.00 / 125.00 / 135.00 D: OFF-CAMPUS w/food package: 51.00 / 15.00 / 56.00 / 46.00 / 46.00 / 56.00 E: OFF-CAMPUS: 15.00 / 20.00 / 10.00 / 10.00 / 20.00

• Children under 5 are not charged for food or housing when staying on campus with an adult.

Youth (13-24 years) NUMBER RATE = $ Children under 5 = $ Children 5 through 12 = $ Adults (Parent Program) = $ Adults (Youth Program) = $ Adults (25 & over) attending Youth Conference = $ † LATE CHARGES $5 = $ TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED: $

†LATE CHARGES: All registration forms must be post-marked no later than June 1, 1985. Those post-marked after this date or people registering at the conference will be charged at a LATE FEE OF $5.00 per person.

All checks must be in United States funds and are payable to: BAHÁ’Í IYC 1985.

MAIL TO: BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE 1371 Sunset Strip Sunrise, Florida 33313 U.S.A. phone (305) 584-1844

Tree Project Countdown

271 trees planted Goal: 20,000

We would like to get involved. Please send us a Tree Project Packet. We are already involved. We have planted (will plant) [blank] trees. (how many)

We are planning the following event in connection with The Tree Project: Our group (DYC, LYC, LSA, etc.) Address City, State, Zip Secretary's name & Phone#

Pioneer produces cassette tape of songs

Joany Lincoln, a pioneer to Africa for 13 years who is well-known for her inspiring and heartfelt songs about the Faith and pioneering, has produced a cassette tape featuring several of her songs in English, French and several African languages. The tape is now available from the International Goals Committee.

If you would like a copy, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, and include $8 for the tape and postage costs.

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, 3110 East Lester St., Tucson, AZ 85716. [Page 8]

JAVIER HUSEYN CUBERO Young Bahá’í doesn't let language barrier slow his ascent to top

In 1974, when eight-year-old Javier Huseyn Cubero came to the U.S. from Spain, he spoke almost no English.

"I had to write him cards in Spanish and English," says his father, Dr. Antonio Cubero, "so he would be able to communicate."

Since then, young Javier, a member of the Bahá’í community of Largo, Florida, has made considerable progress.

After one year in middle school, he was placed in a program for gifted students.

He completed middle school and Largo High School with A's in every subject, had a 4.46 grade point average in high school, and was valedictorian of his class of 500.

The faculty unanimously gave him the school's highest honor, the Balfour Award for excellence in scholarship, achievement and loyalty.

In addition, Javier was president of the school's chess club and computer club, vice-president of the Spanish club, a member of the National Honor Society, the winner of awards for excellence in writing, math, English, science and social studies, and the recipient of an award from the National Association of Teachers of English for a story he wrote.

He was a national Merit Scholar and received several college scholarships from hospitals and other organizations as well as letters of congratulations from President Reagan, members of Congress and other officials.

Javier is presently in the honors program at the University of Florida in Gainesville where he also serves as treasurer of the Bahá’í Club.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday-Friday Phone 312-869-9039

Symposium on torture, justice held at U. of Illinois-Chicago

Douglas Martin, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, and Doris Strieter, Midwest regional director of Amnesty International, were the guest panelists January 31 at a symposium titled "Justice, Persecution, Torture" held at the University of Illinois Chicago and sponsored by that university's Bahá’í Club.

Mr. Martin, an historian by profession, discussed the reasons for the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and some of the positive results that the Faith has experienced worldwide in the wake of their mistreatment.

Iran, he said, is the only country in the world that has renounced the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

William Monning (left), a lawyer from Salinas, California, was the recipient December 8 of the fifth annual Human Rights Award presented by the Bahá’í communities of the Monterey Peninsula. Mr. Monning was honored for his work in Central America, most notably as a member of a negotiating team that freed Professor Ricardo Calderon of the University of San Salvador from prison in 1983, and for other work involving the defense of human rights in Guatemala and Honduras. Reading a quotation from the award plaque is Marilyn Von Berg, a member of the Bahá’í community of Carmel Valley. Seated to her left is Robert Phillips, who spoke on the topic of human rights. About 80 people including 43 non-Bahá’ís attended the award ceremony.

Mrs. Strieter, who is a member of the board of directors of AI's Latin American Support Committee for Refugees, explained that Amnesty International is a worldwide organization with half a million members in 150 countries, 15,000 of them in the U.S.

She told the symposium that the community of conscience is growing, and that more and more people are joining the human rights movement. Amnesty International, she said, has doubled in size in the past two years.

A question-and-answer session which followed the formal presentations by the two panel members was chaired by Jene Bellows, a Bahá’í from Skokie, Illinois.

Douglas Martin (right), secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, and Doris Strieter, Midwest regional director of Amnesty International, were the panelists January 31 at a symposium on human rights sponsored by the Bahá’í Club at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Bahá’í child education conferences set in 6 cities on Labor Day weekend

Plans are under way for six regional Bahá’í child education conferences to be held during the Memorial Day weekend, May 25-26.

The all-day Saturday and Sunday programs will include workshops on "Bahá’í Curricula," "Meeting the Needs of Youth and Junior Youth," and other topics.

In addition, each conference will include an Activities Fair to display curriculum materials that have been developed in each region.

A registration form and specific information about each conference will be included in the next issue of The American Bahá’í.

Conference sites and contact persons for each are:

Central—Wilmette, Illinois; Virginia Kerr, 312-869-9039.

Northeastern—Wilhelm Institute, New Jersey; Sharon Karnik, 201-361-0445.

Southeastern—Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, South Carolina (June 15-16); Anne Breneman, 803-667-1540.

Western—Bosch Bahá’í School, California; Sandra Swenson-Scott, 805-963-8535.

Northwestern—Boise, Idaho; Gwen McCain, 208-465-5506.

Southwestern—Dallas, Texas; Kathryn Carmichael, 214-221-3106.

Milwaukee Bahá’ís working with Hmong, neighborhood group as service project

In an effort to reach out to the broader community, the Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been working cooperatively with the city's Midtown Neighborhood Association and the Hmong/American Friendship Association.

The Midtown Association, a small social service agency located across the street from the Milwaukee Bahá’í Center, used the Center last October for its annual meeting and for its staff-board dinner.

The Milwaukee Assembly also has decided to work with the Friendship Association in serving some of the approximately 3,000 Hmong/Laotian people in Milwaukee who live primarily in the neighborhood around the Bahá’í Center.

As a first step, the Assembly has opened the Center on weekdays for adult English classes and after school hours for culture and language classes for youngsters ages 8-13.

In return, the directors of the Association have invited members of the Bahá’í community of Milwaukee to attend the culture and language classes at any time.

It is the Assembly's hope that sometime soon the Bahá’ís, Hmongs and Laotians will be able to take part in some kind of joint social event to facilitate understanding, friendship and an exchange of information among the groups.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

New Music from HEARTBEAT!

LOVING HANDS

Nineteen songs by Jean Marks & Susan Engle (of the Come and Sing album) that will delight children of all ages. A blend of vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer, percussion, recorder, dulcimer, fiddle and banjo.

Side 1: Songs about aspects of Bahá’í life

Side 2: Devotional music for quiet moments.

60 minutes: stereo cassette only

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 9]

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF APRIL: LAW/JUSTICE (Moses-Passover). Thought for the Week: "My object is none other than the betterment of the world and the tranquility of its peoples." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Triumph, p. 200 (bottom). Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Bible, Psalms 1:1-3. 2. Bible, Exodus 20:1-17. 3. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 265. 4. Gleanings, pp. 175, 289-90. 5. Paris Talks, pp. 153-55. 6. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 79. Activity: 1. Sense of smell. One person arranges and numbers 5-10 things of distinct fragrance (herbs, spices, etc.). In turn, players are blindfolded and given items to smell and name. The person guessing all items correctly by smell alone may enjoy FUN refreshments first. 2. Watch for a rainy day and try to see a rainbow. Talk about what makes a rainbow, the various colors of light. If you have a prism, make your own spectrum. Or blow soap bubbles and see the rainbow colors in each bubble. Refreshments: Yogurt and fruit.

SECOND WEEK OF APRIL: JALAL/GLORY. Thought for the Week: "The source of all glory is acceptance of whatsoever the Lord hath bestowed, and contentment with that which God hath ordained." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Children, p. 36 or 37. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Bible, Psalms 19:1; 24; 29:1-3. 2. Bible, Isaiah 35; 60:1-3; 66:18. 3. Bible, Revelations 21:1-6; Ezekiel 43:1-5. 4. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 350-51. 5. Arabic Hidden Words, No. 14. 6. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, pp. 156-57. Activity: 1. Remember the seeds we found and discussed in the fourth week of March? Find some seeds that would be appropriate for sprouting (alfalfa, radish, etc.). Prepare the seeds by soaking them overnight in warm water, then drain and keep in a warm, dark place. Rinse seeds several times each day. In a few days you'll have a nice addition to your salad. 2. Make your own stationery. You'll need tempera paints, white or colored paper, and gadgets found around the house. Dip a gadget (wire whisk, sponge, lace or netting, etc.) into paint and lightly imprint on paper. Allow paint to dry completely before writing a letter to a friend or relative. Refreshments: Cheese snack rounds from WLGI cookbook (p. 22).

THIRD WEEK OF APRIL: RIDVAN FESTIVAL PERIOD. Thought for the Week: "O My Friends! Have ye forgotten that true and radiant morn, when in those hallowed and blessed surroundings ye were all gathered in My presence beneath the shade of the tree of life, which is planted in the all-glorious paradise?" (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Meetings, p. 113. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Days to Remember, pp. 25-43. 2. Kitáb-i-Íqán, pp. 23-24, 43. 3. Persian Hidden Words, Nos. 18 and 19. 4. Bible, Luke 23:43. Activity: 1. Go for a bicycle ride as a family. 2. If you're working on a family conflict, try this: assign family members to act out the role of another family member. Everyone sees things differently when you change the point of view. This should generate some laughter. Refreshments: Banana walnut fudge cake from the WLGI cookbook (p. 15).

FOURTH WEEK OF APRIL: JAMAL/BEAUTY (music). Thought for the Week: "... singing and music are the spiritual food of the hearts and souls." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Spiritual qualities, p. 141, or "Blessed Is the Spot." Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 378. 2. Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 512. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 112, No. 74. 4. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 52. Activity: 1. Name that tune. Take turns humming or playing the first few notes of a familiar song while others try to guess the name. If it can't be guessed after a few notes, add some more until someone guesses correctly. 2. Visit your library to get some records in a musical style you don't usually listen to. Have you tried jazz, country and western, folk, classical, rhythm and blues, or music from other countries? Refreshments: Veggies and dips.

FIFTH WEEK OF APRIL: PEACE (Buddha's birth). Thought for the Week: "Hate does not cease by hate, but by love." (Buddha) Prayer: Mankind, p. 102. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. Keep in mind spiritual peace along with material peace—which might be "the peace which passeth all understanding"? 1. Arabic Hidden Words, No. 8. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 248-49. 3. Secret of Divine Civilization, pp. 2-3; 38; 64. 4. Gleanings, pp. 206, 249-50. 5. Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 69. Activity: 1. Jow Wu Deep-Butterfly Cookies. 1 pkg wonton wrappers; 1 cup powdered sugar; oil for deep frying. Cut each wonton wrapper in half to form a rectangle. Lay one rectangle on top of another to form a double thickness. Make 3 slits, about 1/2-inch long, in center of each rectangle. Pull one end of wonton through middle slit to make bow shape. Fry butterflies in oil until golden brown (about 1 minute). Drain on paper towels, sift powdered sugar on both sides. Cool and eat. 2. Play charades, if weather is rainy. If it's warm, play hide and seek outside. Refreshments: Enjoy Jow Wu Deep.

Green Acre hosts 8th College Clubs Conference

More than 80 Bahá’í youth (and at least six non-Bahá’í guests) took part January 25-27 in the eighth annual College Clubs Conference at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.

The program was planned by the MIT Bahá’í Club and the Green Acre Youth Task Force. The purpose of the conference was to instill in the youth a stronger sense of their mission. The Saturday session, conducted by Rob Stockman, was centered on learning about Christianity.

Sunday's program, led by Janot Comeau, a returned pioneer, was on social and economic development.

Two of the weekend's highlights were unplanned.

The first was an appearance by Ni Wen-Zhen, the concertmaster of the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, who is presently enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Ni, who charmed the audience in Fellowship House by playing two Chinese folk melodies and J.S. Bach's "Chaconne," was brought to Green Acre by Farzam Kamalabadi, a Bahá’í in Boston who is studying Chinese, has befriended Mr. Ni and is helping him to become acclimated to this country.

Another highlight was the presentation of a video tape of The Global Brain, a book by Peter Russell which stresses the need for one universal community.

Pictured at the College Clubs Conference held January 25-27 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School are (left to right) David Cook, a member of the MIT Bahá’í Club; Dick Grover, administrator of the Green Acre Bahá’í School; Farzam Kamalabadi, a Bahá’í from Boston; Ni Wen-Zhen, concertmaster of the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra; Dale Rutstein, a member of the Green Acre Youth Task Force; and Jacqueline Eghrari, a member of the National Youth Committee.

A phone message to the College Clubs Conference at the Bosch Bahá’í School, visits to the room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed, and a moving recitation of the Tablet of Ahmad by one of the non-Bahá’ís present are among the other memories of this wonderful weekend.

Louhelen to offer Kodaly Music Training Institute in June

Again this summer, a week-long Music Training Institute with emphasis on Kodaly principles will be offered June 22-29 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

LAST year's successful institute marked the beginning of an effort to give our Bahá’í children an excellent foundation in music.

The primary purpose of this year's institute is to train teachers to teach music to children in Bahá’í classes.

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

The Kodaly approach uses the child's own voice and body as a "musical instrument" in learning how to enjoy music, to sing in tune, to feel the beat and learn rhythms, to read music, etc., and makes use of folk songs as the basic musical material because they use the mother tongue and are easily understood by children. Folk dances and games also are used to help the children feel the rhythms and experience the music with their entire bodies.

STUDENTS from last year's institute are welcome to participate again, and advanced sessions will be offered in solfege, dictation, conducting, etc., as the need arises.

Most districts to hold workshop for parents

A workshop titled "Guidelines for Parents" will be held in most districts during spring 1985.

The workshop will address the practical issues of child-rearing and will focus particularly on the need for firmness and discipline on the part of parents in training their children.

Activities will revolve around a booklet by Margaret Ruhe entitled "Guidelines for Parents."

A $2 fee for workshop participants will cover the cost of the booklet, which they may keep. Specific information about workshop dates and locations in respective districts can be obtained by contacting the local LEAP coordinator.

THE PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM Textbook

Now available in a limited edition!

Single volume contains the complete text of: The Meaning of Deepening Knowledge, Volition, and Action The Supreme Gift of God to Man A Fortress for Well-Being plus selected chapters from The Dynamic Force of Example

BAHÁ’Í PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM

$13 each (includes postage)

Make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund" and mail to: Personal Transformation Program National Education Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 10]

EYE ON NATIONAL

Back to our "regularly scheduled" feature. In January, we promised you interviews with National Center staff members to answer the question, "What is it like to work here?" and now we are happy to do that for you this month.

AS COULD BE expected, with the wide diversity of employees at the National Center, there are about as many answers as there are people of whom to ask the question.

We’ll start by giving you an "historical perspective." Anyone who knows the National Center knows that Lauretta Voelz provides the long-term view from her 39 years of service here!

Lauretta came to work for the National Spiritual Assembly in 1946 (put that in perspective by realizing that it was 11 years before the Guardian's passing!), and has always worked in the Office of the Treasurer.

When we asked her, "What has it been like?" she replied emphatically, "Never boring!" She has seen the American Bahá’í community raise the Administrative Order around the world, and it has been exciting for her to see that kind of growth first-hand.

Lauretta also mentioned that, "Change is truly constant here.. you have a great vision working here and can see far-off changes and growth so clearly... you never know just which way the Faith will expand, so you must always be poised for change."

How does she feel right now about working here? Lauretta said she can "feel the rumblings now" for undreamed-of changes throughout the Bahá’í world, and she is excited and challenged.

ONE WOULD THINK that, having literally "seen it all" for almost 40 years, she might be blasé about things—but not so. Lauretta said categorically that, "I don't feel any duller today than when I started" and we know she wasn't dull then! The Center has been fortunate to have had 39 of Lauretta Voelz's years—so far!

James Mock, of the National Teaching Committee office, arrived here five years ago as a 21-year-old bachelor who knew no one. One of his greatest feelings about working at the National Center, he says, is "how quickly friendships developed and how quickly I was 'taken in' as a new employee who needed a sense of community."

Today James is married and the father of (almost) two who says he can't imagine ever doing another job that would be as fulfilling as working for the Faith. The difference here, he says, is the emphasis on service—"it's not just doin' a job." There is, he adds, "a big difference in attitude" between the National Center and his last job where "everyone was 'cut-throat' for their own benefit."

And what has been his most astonishing realization about the Center? "That The American Bahá’í and Bahá’í News are produced, in total, by only two people every month!"

Marge Work has one of the more unusual work records at the National Center. Presently in the Secretariat, she first worked here several years ago when she was not a Bahá’í.

WHAT IS THE difference? Mostly, she says, that she "now gets to be involved in everything," whereas before she didn't participate in some things.

Regardless of whether she works here as a Bahá’í or not, she stresses that "this is the nicest place I have ever worked... happy and congenial... the general atmosphere is loving, free of harassment, and the people courteous." Marge says she has always felt "like part of the family" and we're glad she is!

As you read in the January issue, about one-fourth of our employees at the National Center are not members of the Faith. What is it like for them working here? Next month, we'll hear some of our non-Bahá’í employees answer that question in their own words.

S.C. Regional Teaching Committee launches 'Project Tabarsi' to spur teaching, consolidation

The South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee has announced plans for Project Tabarsi, an 11-month expansion and consolidation campaign that is to be carried out from June 1985 until Ridván 1986.

The project, which was set in motion by South Carolina's Eastern District Teaching Committee No. 2, recalls the 11 months during which the Bábís carried the "black standard" in Iran.

It looks to vindicate the present day sacrifices of the martyrs by winning the remaining goals of the Seven Year Plan in South Carolina.

Project Tabarsi will be preceded by "Badasht-1985," a conference to be held April 5-7 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway.

The campaign itself will be based on a spiritual, systematic and disciplined approach that includes dawn prayers, intensive study and memorization of the Creative Word, role-playing, and practicing effective methods of expansion and consolidation.

Eighteen Bahá’ís who are able to participate from June through August are needed for the project's first phase. Also needed are those who can commit shorter blocs of time such a a weekend, a week, or even a month.

Those who are interested are asked to contact Carey Murphy at the South Carolina Regional Teaching Office, Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Phone 803-558-5194 during office hours; at other times, phone Lavivia Vareen, secretary of Eastern District 2 Teaching Committee, 803-358-6854.

Service

...service and in contributing from their financial resources to the advancement of the Faith.

The challenges which we enumerated then are by no means met, nor the opportunities wholly seized. The Indian Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, a building of great size and beauty, is still unfinished; plans for the further development of the World Centre, for the design and erection of the three remaining buildings on the Arc must be laid in full confidence that the funds for their completion will be made available; projects for social and economic development, for the establishment of Bahá’í schools and radio stations, for agricultural advancement, and a wide range of other urgently needed activities are multiplying; world-wide attention to the Faith has increased during the past year with even greater rapidity than before, demanding new measures to coordinate public information services and contacts with governments and leaders of thought; and last, but near to the hearts of all, is the need of funds to assist in the relief of those hard-pressed believers who have been forced to leave Iran, often penniless and in great distress, seeking to build a new life in other parts of the world.

LAST APRIL we were deeply touched by receiving a petition from the delegates gathered at the National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States, requesting that the Law of Huqúqu’lláh be made binding on all the believers in that country. Although it is not yet the time to take this far-reaching step, we were moved to decide that, as a preliminary measure, the texts relating to the Law of Huqúqu’lláh will be translated into English for general information against the time when this law will be applied more widely.

However, important as is the Law of Huqúqu’lláh, the devoted followers of Bahá’u’lláh have, even without it, every opportunity to contribute regularly and sacrificially to the work of the Cause. It is to a greater realization of the privilege and responsibility of supporting the multiple activities of our beloved Faith that we call you at this critical time in world history, and remind you that to support the Bahá’í funds is an integral part of the Bahá’í way of life. The need is not only now, but throughout the years to come, until our exertions, reinforced by confirmations from on high, will have overcome the great perils now facing mankind and have made this world another world—a world whose splendor and grace will surpass our highest hopes and greatest dreams.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, The Universal House of Justice January 3, 1985

Oregon community to sponsor refugee

The Bahá’í community of Beaverton, Oregon, recently took stock of itself and decided that even though it was relatively small, it was able to act as a sponsor for a Persian refugee.

Earmarked contributions started coming in, but the community wanted a fund-raiser that would get everyone involved.

On Sunday, November 18, a brunch and auction was held at the Jenkins Estate, a fine old country home that is now a part of the local parks department.

Bidding was brisk and generous. After deducting expenses, more than $1,500 had been added to the refugee fund.

There are still some plans to be made and many man-hours of work ahead, but the community believes it now has the necessary funds on hand.

An added bonus was the opportunity to talk with two staff members at the estate who said the Bahá’ís were better organized, more cooperative and more fun to be around than any group who had ever rented the estate.

U.S. Bahá’í artist's exhibit receives splendid reviews in Malta newspapers

Splendid reviews of an exhibit of paintings by Sarah Warren Cassar, a Bahá’í artist from Boston who now lives in Malta, appeared last April 7 in two of the country's English-language newspapers, the Weekend Chronicle and The Times.

In the Chronicle, author Rose Lapira explains that Mrs. Cassar's work is influenced by the Bahá’í Faith "about which I know next to nothing."

However, she says, "I found myself intrigued by what Cassar has to say and more so by how she says it.

"This is art born of a passionate belief and an acute pictorial awareness. A simplicity and clarity of vision partially hide the tight compositional discipline which underlines the work.

"Cassar's sense of design and harmony (is) impressive. The artist knows her colors well..."

Among the paintings mentioned are "The Murder of Enoch Olinga," "The Martyrdom of Sulayman Khan," and "The Martyrdom of Tahirih."

The Times article, by Dominic Cutajar, says, "The Bahá’í Faith... has deeply affected Mrs. Cassar's art, for it has given her that kind of emotive content which her academic tutors have sought to exorcise....

"It is with a sense of unbounded relief that in these our days, with mere schoolboys being marched off to battlefields and exposed to chemical warfare, one still comes across hopeful souls, people who have the courage to maintain optimistically that life can be different, better and wholesome. That this whiff comes to us in the shape of art is one more reason to be thankful."

A reminder

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends that none of the current models of education and community development including Montessori, Waldorf, ANISA, the Four Worlds Development Project, Optimalearning, or the Balanced Life Values Program constitute in any way a Bahá’í "model" of education or community development.

The Universal House of Justice has been careful to ask the friends not to make statements which give the impression that there is a "Bahá’í model" of education or community development.

Education and other human development projects are commendable areas of service for Bahá’ís, but the fact that Bahá’í professionals are working on a particular project in no way means that the project is to be labeled a "Bahá’í enterprise."

Unwise actions in this area can undermine the efforts that Bahá’í professionals may be making in their fields, and can do serious harm to the Cause. [Page 11]

Ridván

newal. Every Bahá’í can also join in prayer, reciting each day his regional teaching prayer from the Tablets of the Divine Plan, as well as prayers for the triumph of the Cause.

Yet, this devotional foundation must be accompanied by action! The immediate needs are pioneering goals, Assembly formations, and support for the Fund.

Presently, of 108 overseas pioneering posts assigned by the Universal House of Justice, which expressed the hope that they would be filled this year, 47 remain open. The timely settling of pioneers will help strengthen the international community, consolidating the Bahá’í model for peace and order before it is presented to the world.

Nationally, we now have 1,685 Local Assemblies. The Seven Year Plan calls for 1,750.

WINNING the goal this year would allow us to concentrate next year on consolidation and an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed adherents to the Cause.

For two Bahá’í months, contributions to the National Fund have exceeded $500,000, well above the goal of $395,000, with more than 8,000 individuals contributing each time toward the annual goal of $7.5 million.

This has gone a long way toward restoring strength to the Fund. The Universal House of Justice has indicated, however, that the Fund and all other areas of endeavor require not "a one-time herculean effort" but a "long-range, sustained increase in the efforts and self-sacrifices of the friends."

Through our unified actions, the American believers, the "community of victors," can reach Ridván with success in each of these vital fields.

April 21 will witness the harvest of these victories in a culminating "Day of Unity and Sacrifice."

We will then turn, prepared for the remaining decade and a half in this century, to work diligently toward a goal that has been the highest hope of humanity for more than 5,000 years.

Mini-conference for youth draws 35 in N.Y. City

About 35 Bahá’ís from New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and as far away as Albany attended a Mini-Youth Conference held Saturday, December 1, at the Bahá’í Center in New York City.

The speakers included Tilde Reiser, Jack Bush and Auxiliary Board member Robert Harris.

Discussion groups studied such topics as peer pressure, school, coping with being an isolated believer, relations with Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í parents, and other issues of family life.

Pioneers hold key to winning homefront goals

With only 14 months remaining in the Seven Year Plan, there remains much vital work on the homefront, and the need for homefront pioneers to reinforce and reinvigorate the teaching efforts is great.

FROM NOW until the end of the Plan, believers will be needed to sustain jeopardized Assemblies and help form new ones.

Often such moves will be for only a short distance, or if longer, will require simple relocation before establishing a similar lifestyle in a new city. There is, however, a side to homefront pioneering that involves the opportunity for much more.

In a letter written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi indicated that the homefront goals "can only be won by a new spirit of dedication on the part of the friends... Miraculous victories are being won, in the difficult virgin areas, because the pioneers have consecrated their lives to the Noble Mission they have embarked upon. The friends at home must display this same consecration and dedication."

The National Teaching Committee is now calling for homefront pioneers on behalf of South Carolina and South Dakota.

Both areas have the potential for rapid growth, but neither has sufficient human resources to consolidate receptive native believers to the point at which they can teach, deepen, and administer the affairs of their community.

THE QUALITIES of those who arise to meet this call must be identical to those who have arisen, and are continuing to arise, to conquer the various countries of the world for Bahá’u’lláh.

South Carolina is presently seeking no less than 313 homefront pioneers, equal to the number of Bábís at Fort Tabarsi.

South Dakota needs at least 19 souls to arise to teach among the Native Americans who are receptive to the Faith in that area.

More than simply relocating, a move to either of these rural areas will require a change in lifestyle and a high level of sacrifice. Yet with sacrifice come manifold rewards.

The result of the arrival of 20 homefront pioneers in South Carolina has been immediately felt.

In Kingston, youth are taking classes of intensive study and memorization of the Creative Word, designed to help them live a Bahá’í life and serve as a core of indigenous teachers to help in expansion and consolidation.

In Georgetown, a pioneer has revitalized the Assembly, which has taken on three nearby goal areas.

IN Florence, an expansion and consolidation effort has been initiated to bring in at least 2,000 new believers. A recent teaching activity resulted in radio interviews, new enrollments, and the mayor issuing a proclamation.

There are many consolidation opportunities in South Carolina, with more than 450 localities including 250 Assemblies (18 of which are actively functioning) and 8,000 believers and their children needing the attention of deepened, self-sacrificing pioneers.

Meanwhile, great expansion is also possible, thanks partly to daily broadcasts by WLGI in a 75-mile radius of the Louis Gregory Institute near Hemingway.

South Dakota is an equally fertile area with more than 250 new believers and nine new Assemblies since the spring of 1984.

Traveling teachers report that people on the Reservations are very receptive and are so eager to learn that they independently continue to work through books and materials left on previous visits.

Unprecedented growth has long been a goal that, though often promised, has consistently slipped from our grasp.

THE VICTORIES won in mass teaching have sometimes seemed illusive. Yet the opportunities that lie before us are real.

In fireside teaching, we are quite willing to spend years if necessary studying with a seeker until declaration. The mass-taught believers need those same years of instruction to become fully functioning members of dynamic communities.

With the shift to effective training for youth and other believers that matches consolidation with expansion goals, this process has begun in South Carolina and South Dakota.

"It is upon the individual believer," Shoghi Effendi wrote, "... that the revitalization, the expansion, and the enrichment of the homefront must ultimately depend.

"The more strenuous the effort exerted... to contribute, through pioneering at home, to the multiplication of Bahá’í isolated centers, groups and assemblies, and to raise... the number of its active and wholehearted supporters... the lighter will be the burden of the impending contest that must be waged, sooner or later, within the borders of the Union itself, between the rising institutions of Bahá’u’lláh's embryonic divinely appointed Order, and the exponents of obsolescent doctrines and the defenders, both secular and religious, of a corrupt and fast-declining society."

Week-long border teaching campaign sees 39 enrollments

Bahá’ís from Illinois, Kentucky and New Mexico joined with believers from Piedras Negras, Coahuila and Manzanillo, Colima, in an extensive border teaching project in the city of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Thirty-nine new believers entered the Faith during a week-long effort at the end of December that included a variety of teaching methods.

Among those who declared were a doctor and his wife, a popcorn vendor and his family, a lawyer, three cooks from a carry-out eatery, employees of a local newspaper that printed an article on the Faith, and several youth.

Activities during the week included a 10-minute television appearance by a local Bahá’í and a traveling teacher from Illinois, and a radio interview..

The latter was a special highlight since religion is rarely discussed on radio in Mexico.

The project closed with the Feast of Sharaf which was attended by 25 adults and 16 youth.

The Spiritual Assembly of Ciudad Juárez will next carry out an extensive program for confirming and deepening the newly enrolled believers.

New Believer's Packet

The first recipient of a new believer's packet sent by the National Teaching Committee is Vladimir Shilov of Chicago. The packet was compiled to help confirm new believers through study of the Creative Word so that they can get a good start toward an active Bahá’í life. The packet contains information on the Fund and teaching, selected writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Words of God, a Bahá’í calendar, and an order form for Bahá’í publications. The new believer's packet is provided through the cooperation of the Publishing Trust and National Teaching Committee at no cost to the new Bahá’í. Through quantity purchase, the cost to the National Fund is minimal.

Sioux Bahá’í profiled in 'Alaska Native News'

Kevin Locke, a Native American Bahá’í from McLaughlin, South Dakota, was featured in the December 1984 issue of "Alaska Native News" magazine after he spent the month of October visiting and performing throughout Alaska.

The article, headlined "Sioux Performer Tours Alaska," mentions that Mr. Locke "was brought north by the Bahá’ís of Alaska."

Mr. Locke is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and a noted performer of the Lakota Sioux musical/oral and dance traditions including the world famous hoop dance which uses up to 44 hoops. [Page 12]'The great and fundamental teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are the oneness of God and unity of mankind. This is the bond of union among Bahá’ís all over the world. They become united among themselves, then unite others. It is impossible to unite unless united.'- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Prom. Universal Peace, p. 156

Use of term 'mass-taught Bahá’ís' has potential for disunity, RUC chairman says

In a course on race unity at the North Carolina Bahá’í School, Dr. Roy Jones, chairman of the National Race Unity Committee, called the believers' attention to the unfortunate use of the term "mass-taught Bahá’ís."

WHEN WE USE that terminology, he said, we make a distinction between those Bahá’ís who came into the Faith through mass teaching and those who declared their belief through firesides, proclamations or other teaching approaches.

Furthermore, said Dr. Jones, the appellation conjures up an image of poor, rural, semi-literate minorities. Therefore, the term has the potential of becoming a "code phrase" for a group or class of Bahá’ís which sets them apart from other believers. Such an identification introduces a prejudice into our beloved Faith.

Dr. Jones reminded his audience that such separations in Christianity eventually produced Baptists, Methodists, Catholics and so on. In other words, they produced disunity.

As a basis for further consultation on the topic, the group discussed the implications of the following excerpt from a letter from Shoghi Effendi:

"These people (the indigenous people), finding the Bahá’ís sincerely lacking in either prejudice-or that even worse attitude, condescension-might not only take interest in our Teachings, but also help us to reach their people in the proper way.

"IT IS A GREAT mistake to believe that because people are illiterate or live primitive lives, they are lacking in either intelligence or sensibility. On the contrary, they may well look upon us, with the evils of our civilization, with its moral corruption, its ruinous wars, its hypocrisy and conceit, as people who merit watching with both suspicion and contempt.

"We should meet them as equals, well-wishers, people who admire and respect their ancient descent and who feel that they will be interested, as we are, in a living religion-and not in the dead forms of present-day churches." (From a letter dated September 21, 1951, written on behalf of the Guardian to the Comite de Enseñanza Bahá’í para los Indigenas and quoted in "The Individual and Teaching," p. 31.)

The general response of participants in Dr. Jones' class was positive with many of them remarking that they sincerely appreciated the enlightenment.

The Bahá’ís of Ferris, Texas, sponsored a float in the town's annual 'Juneteenth' parade in 1984. June 19th is celebrated as the day that slaves in Texas were freed. At the Bahá’í Faith the program which followed the parade, J.P. Allen (second from left), spoke briefly about the Faith and read a Bahá’í prayer for unity.

Archives Committee plans August institute

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

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

The institute is designed to introduce Bahá’ís interested in the archival field to the nature and functions of a Bahá’í archives. Attendance is limited to eight people, 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.

Race Unity Committee: Teacher, adviser, dynamic advocate for unity

In January 1983 the Race Unity Committee was made an executive committee of the National Spiritual Assembly.

ITS MANDATE is "to identify the trends in race relations, within and without the Bahá’í community, and to recommend to the National Spiritual Assembly the actions to be taken and programs to be adopted by the Bahá’í community to meet the insistent challenge of racial prejudice."

The committee sees its primary task as that of teaching. It employs consulting, analyzing, teaching and advising as methodologies to achieve its goal, which is to foster an awareness of the subtle and conditioned ways in which racial prejudice is perpetuated, and to highlight the role and responsibility of Bahá’ís in working toward the elimination of prejudice.

Approaching its task in a systematic fashion, the NRUC has met in many areas of the country including Seattle, Washington; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Charleston, South Carolina; Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas and Austin, Texas; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, D.C., to determine trends in race relations within and without the Faith.

In addition, committee members have taken part in teaching activities at Bahá’í schools as well as in every local community they have visited.

Each NRUC member has become the liaison for a particular location. Committee liaisons have also been assigned to other national committees and departments.

THROUGH the liaison system, the NRUC joins in the Campaign of Unified Action to encourage and support effective teaching initiatives of local communities.

Since its inception, one of the main concerns of the committee has been the development of teaching materials to help the friends tackle the "most vital and challenging issue" of racial prejudice. Some of the materials planned for release in 1985 are:

• A compilation of quotations from the Writings on race unity.
• A pamphlet on interracial marriage.
• Position papers on the Bahá’í approach to contemporary issues impinging on a prejudice-free society.
• Guidelines for the appointment of local or intercommunity Race Unity Task Forces.
• Guidelines for planning and implementing race amity conferences.
• Guidelines for conducting a race unity institute.
• An audio or video cassette on "The Black Experience in America."
• A video tape to be used as an introduction to courses on "the most challenging issue" at all Bahá’í schools in 1985.
• An audio cassette on "The Concept of Collective Centers: How to Build Unity."
• A bibliography of non-Bahá’í video productions on improving race relations.

THE guidelines for Race Unity Task Forces and race amity conferences are available now from the NRUC or the Office of Public Affairs at the Bahá’í National Center. The release of other materials will be announced in The American Bahá’í.

Conferences on the most challenging issue have been held in Springfield, Charleston and Seattle, and another is being planned in the Chicago area.

The committee has been pleased to note that many more communities have sponsored creative Race Unity Day observances during the past two years.

The NRUC feels that the real effectiveness of these proclamations is twofold: first, they advise the local citizenry that Bahá’ís believe in and practice the oneness of mankind; and second, they involve the Bahá’í community in unified action around the oneness of mankind.

The NRUC encourages local communities to research their Bahá’í and public archives to find historical events or personalities to commemorate at race amity celebrations.

For example, the 1984 Race Amity Conference in Springfield was subtitled "Hope for the Future" and commemorated the second Bahá’í race amity convention held in America at Springfield's Central High School in December 1921.

Finally, the NRUC is encouraged by the willingness of many Bahá’ís to join in the work of the most sensitive and delicate task of eliminating racial prejudice.

Bahá’ís in tribute to Dr. M.L. King Jr.

The Bahá’ís of Yakima, Washington, participated January 15 in a program commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rhett Diessner, a member of the Yakima Bahá’í community, represented the Faith with special remarks about the significance of the occasion and the Bahá’í approach to racial unity.

Trends

In South Carolina, voters have turned back a bid by the predominantly white town of Hemingway to secede from largely black Williamsburg County and become a part of neighboring Florence County.

A record turnout voted 1,299 to 889 in favor of the move, but the 59 per cent of the vote fell short of the required two-thirds majority.

The secessionists claimed that their push to jump county lines was motivated by a desire for better county services and superior schools for their children, while blacks contended that the group did not like being governed by a county commission composed mostly of blacks.

Hemingway, in the middle eastern area of South Carolina some 40 miles from Florence, is the site of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute and WLGI Radio, the first Bahá’í-owned station in North America ...

Government statistics show that the number of interracial marriages in the U.S. more than doubled in the dozen years after the Supreme Court invalidated laws against such unions.

Still very small in over-all numbers, interracial marriages amounted to 1.9 per cent of all marriages in 1980, according to figures released by the National Center for Health Statistics.

That was an increase from 0.7 per cent of marriages reported in 1968, the year after the Supreme Court struck down laws in 20 states that banned such marriages.

The increase, based on the most recent year for which detailed statistics were available, was reported in the July 1984 edition of American Demographics magazine.

Hawaii, with its large Asian population, had by far the largest number and share of interracial marriages in 1980, recording a total of 2,798 such unions, or 23.4 per cent of the total. Running a distant second was Florida with 1,484 interracial marriages that year, or 1.4 per cent of the state's total... [Page 13]

Roseville, Minnesota, Bahá’ís find perseverance

News from the Office of Public Affairs nets big results in human rights media campaign

The continuing story of the Bahá’ís of Roseville, Minnesota (see the "Intermedia" column, February 1984)... a story of perseverance!

FOR MORE than a year, the Roseville Bahá’ís had tried unsuccessfully to get the City Council or Human Rights Committee to sign a resolution condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

In December 1983, letters were sent to individuals at both agencies along with a copy of the "open letter" to the government of Iran written by that country's National Spiritual Assembly. No one responded. The matter never appeared on the Council's agenda.

Last May, the liaisons for both bodies were contacted. They were sent persecution background packets from the National Office of Public Affairs.

Also, a copy of a proposed resolution was sent to the city manager. No response.

In November, following news of the execution of two former members of Iran's National Spiritual Assembly, a Human Rights Day observance was planned and the city manager and Council members were invited.

After learning that the Council was meeting the night of their program, they asked, why not sign our resolution instead?

THE CITY manager said he had no record of the packet, the resolution, or their request.

Taking another tack, the Bahá’ís arranged for the local cable TV station to broadcast two showings of the 1984 Congressional hearings. The newspapers publicized the broadcast, and posters announcing the public meeting were placed around town.

The fortuitous issue of the December "Reader's Digest" that included the article entitled "Their 'Crime' Is Faith," and the broadcasts of the Congressional hearings impressed the Council members. At the next meeting, the resolution was passed unanimously.

To top this, the news editor of the Roseville Focus saw the "Reader's Digest" article and contacted the Bahá’ís, saying she wanted to "do something."

Two articles resulted, one a front page story on the passage of the resolution, the other an article about the Faith itself.

These events in turn opened the door for the publication of another article on the Faith by a metro-wide newspaper chain.

The Bahá’ís of Roseville report that the "Reader's Digest" article and the Congressional hearings broadcast elicited friendly and sympathetic responses from the public, many of whom were eager to help.

"The Faith is not obscure in Roseville anymore," says PI representative Sue Frenzel.

Busy Bahá’ís...

New York City's artists' corner, Soho, recently featured Bahá’í photographer Mark Sadan's photo exhibit entitled, "Scenes from the Sacred Mountain."

Bahá’ís in Milford, Connecticut, join the towns around the country that have a regular column in the local newspaper. Tom Armistead writes a weekly column on the religion page of the Milford Citizen called "Good News Corner." Here's an idea! Why not offer to write a column for your paper's religion page and invite guests such as community ministers and rabbis to participate?

The Bahá’ís in Cleveland, Ohio, are mounting a campaign to "Wage Peace." Aside from the two "Wage Peace" billboards the Public Affairs Committee of Greater Cleveland will erect in the spring or summer, they want to saturate northern Ohio with "Wage Peace" at the time of the Ohio Youth Conference in Columbus (July 3-7). They've obtained free rental space, but need help with the cost of the billboards and the labor Bahá’í Faith to erect them. Contributions can be sent to Don Huff, Shaker Heights, OH 44122.

The Portland, Oregon, Bahá’í community has developed an invaluable rapport with one of the local funeral directors. The director has not only offered to provide all materials and services, but has been careful to fulfill cultural traditions for individuals. He even expressed a willingness to find a block of cemetery plots for a "Bahá’í cemetery." The Bahá’ís are ordering the Funeral Directors' Kit from the Office of Public Affairs to help in their efforts (kits are $5.75 which includes postage).

Iowa's State Media Advisory Committee is considering updating last year's outstanding documentary film, "Iran's Bahá’ís: A Faith Under Fire." The persecutions continue, and our need to inform the public becomes ever more pressing. The committee needs input about potential funding for the project. Contact them via their sponsoring Assembly: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Cedar Rapids, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406.

The Bahá’ís of Indianapolis, Indiana, have found a new contact at the Indianapolis Star. When the P.I. rep delivered their World Religion Day press release, she discovered that the religion writer was retiring and it was her last day. She was introduced to her replacement, who was so interested in the program that she used the entire release, planned to attend the event and was to bring a photographer.

The Bahá’ís in Yukon, Oklahoma, compiled copies of their print coverage over the past few years and sent a hefty packet to the National Office of Public Affairs including everything from letters to the editor, creative display ads and news coverage of Holy Days and special event days. Do we have your publicity on file?

News from the Bahá’í Information Office in Honolulu is that the radio public service announcements against racism are airing on KTUH-FM and KCCN-FM.

The Palm Beach, Florida, Bahá’ís were delighted with the coverage they received in The Post's religion section on December 29. A quote from The Hidden Words with the two doves united around the heart appeared on the front cover in striking three-color graphics. Inside were articles entitled "World Unity More Than 'Good Idea,'" "A Sharing of Love," "A Rose Garden of Splendor," "Youth Can Move the World Toward Understanding," and a photo of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. All articles were contributed by the Bahá’ís themselves.

Tempe, Arizona, has gone automated! The Greater Phoenix Bahá’í Media Committee has set up a computer/word processor to send out mailings, news releases and public service announcements. Are there others with personal computers who would like to perform the same service for their media committee? If so, write to the National Office of Public Affairs.

Bahá’í included in junior college 'Who's Who'

Mehran Akhtarkhavari, a Bahá’í from Tonkawa, Oklahoma, has been selected for inclusion in the latest edition of "Who's Who Among U.S. Junior Colleges."

Mehran, who formerly was a student at the New Era Bahá’í School in India, is attending Tonkawa Junior College and serves as secretary of the Bahá’í Group of Tonkawa.

Issue paper notes persecutions in Iran

The U.S. Committee for Refugees, an independently financed non-profit organization, has published an issue paper titled "Iranian Refugees—The Many Faces of Persecution."

The 19-page booklet traces the background of the Iranian revolution, explains the causes that have created refugee groups, and explores the current circumstances in which they find themselves.

Bahá’í refugees are discussed in a three-page segment that includes a photograph of the demolished House of the Báb, and the Bahá’ís are mentioned in other sections of the paper.

The issue paper is attractively bound and suitable for distribution to interested individuals and organizations.

Free copies are available from the Office of Public Affairs, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. When ordering, please include $1 to cover postage and handling for every 10 copies ordered.

Make your check payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

Bea J. Wiggins honored as 'Communicator of the Year'

Bea J. Wiggins, a member of the Bahá’í community of Richmond, Virginia, was honored recently as "1984 Communicator of the Year" by the Richmond chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. The award was based on her four years of volunteer work with the staff of FYSK, a magazine produced by inmates at the Virginia State Penitentiary. On a regular basis, she visits the FYSK staff at the prison to help edit articles and guide them in developing a positive communications medium. Since she became involved with the magazine, it has won the respect of prison authorities and national honors in the annual American Penal Press Contest. Mrs. Wiggins, a Bahá’í since 1959, is a housing management specialist with the Virginia Housing Development Authority and secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Richmond.

National Bahá’í Fund

Our great privilege National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 14]

Distribution Representatives to meet at Bosch School

The more than 250 local Distribution Representatives in California and Nevada are being invited to a conference March 23-24 at the Bosch Bahá’í School.

It is the second in a series of conferences sponsored by the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Robert Blum, marketing manager for the Distribution Service, said the objective is to hold regional conferences which will, in time, give the representatives in every locality an opportunity to take part.

"Our aims are to give the reps some background in the history of publishing in this country," says Mr. Blum, "show the direction in which we are headed, and offer time to discuss any areas of concern the reps have identified in their duties and in their communities.

"In most cases—and this is true of a large part of Bahá’í service—people are being asked to do jobs for which they have little training," he adds. "Through these conferences we hope to make Distribution Reps more comfortable in their duties."

Other conferences are planned during B.E. 142 in Florida, Oregon, at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, and at other sites to be announced.

Left photo: Jeffery Johnson, Bahá’í Distribution Service order processing manager, fills orders at the new warehouse in the remodeled Publishing Trust building at 415 Linden Avenue in Wilmette.

Right photo: A view of an aisle in the new warehouse which was relocated in an effort to reduce the cost of distributing books and other materials.

BDS has compilation on Martha Root

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India has published a compilation of essays, letters and articles written by the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root.

The compilation also contains a compendium of her teaching activities throughout her life, articles written by those whom she met, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to Miss Root.

The book, titled Martha Root: Herald of the Kingdom, is priced at $16 and is an excellent companion piece to the biography Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold (HC $21, SC $14) by Mabel Garis.

Martha Root: Herald of the Kingdom was compiled by Kay Zinky of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who used as her sources The Bahá’í World volumes, "Star of the West" and World Order magazine.

Included are 37 photographs that document the exploits of the heroine who the Guardian said "has covered herself with a glory that has not only eclipsed the achievements of the teachers of the Faith among her contemporaries the globe around, but has outshone the feats accomplished by any of its propagators in the course of an entire century."

Another book from India, Lights of Guidance ($16), is also available in limited quantities from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Limited Bahá’í World volumes available

Limited quantities of Volumes 15, 16 and 17 of The Bahá’í World are in stock at the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

"It should now be possible for anyone who wishes to complete his set to do so," says marketing manager Robert Blum. "Several issues of Volumes 1 through 12 were unavailable in recent months, and those books are also available again."

Also, the World Centre has taken steps to make it easier to obtain all of its titles in the U.S. It now has a warehouse facility in which quantities of all its books are kept in the U.S.

This means that when supplies run low, the Distribution Service can receive a shipment in a matter of a few weeks rather than three to four months. This will allow the Distribution Service to accept back orders if World Centre titles are out of stock.

World Centre Publications also expects The Bahá’í World, Volume 18, to be available this summer or fall. When the publication date is firm, information about advance orders will appear in The American Bahá’í.

UNTO HIM SHALL WE RETURN

Selections from the Bahá’í Writings on the Reality and Immortality of the Human Soul

Compiled by HUSHIDAR MOTLAGH

Are humans mortal or immortal? Is death a door to extinction or a portal to a new, everlasting life? What is the purpose of earthly life?

These and other provocative questions about life—here and hereafter—are answered in this unique compilation.

130 pages 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches $7.95 Softcover only

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

New from Taiwan

Two Chinese scroll calendars are now available for ordering from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. The calendar at the top is printed on wood in several colors. The one on the bottom is printed on a silk-like material, also in several colors. Both calendars cover the year beginning March 21.

ORDER FORM

• Datebook 142 B.E. SALE PRICE $1.25
• Wall Calendar 142 B.E. SALE PRICE .75
• Loving Hands, CS $8.00
• Bahá’í DayBook, SC 3.75
• Bahá’í Faith in America, HC 19.95
• Martha Root: Lioness Threshold, SC 14.00
• Bahá’í Prayers, HC 7.00
• O God, My God.... HC 6.00
• Bahá’í Prayers, SC 3.50
• Scroll Calendar 142 B.E., cloth 8.00
• Martha Root: Herald Kingdom, HC 16.00
• Martha Root: Lioness Threshold, HC 21.00
• Bahá’í World, Vol. 15 17.50
• Scroll Calendar 142 B.E., wood 8.00
• Bahá’í World, Vol. 16 22.50
• From Copper to Gold, HC 15.95
• From Copper to Gold, SC 7.95
• I Am a Bahá’í, SC 5.95
• Lights of Guidance, HC 16.00
• Second Birth, HC 8.00
• Second Birth, SC 4.50
• Special Strengths, SC 4.50
• Sunflower Books 1-4, SC set/3.50
• Unto Him Shall We Return, SC 7.95

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, IL 60091 TAB 3/85

Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312-251-1854 (within Illinois). Prices good through April 30, 1985 [Page 15]

Bahá’í Prayers: source of spiritual sustenance, and a must for period of Fast

For many Bahá’ís the Fast is a time of trepidation: How will I get through the day? Will I faint from thirst or starvation? How will my friends and co-workers react?

BUT THE FAST can be turned into a very special time of personal reflection that can result in a renewed commitment to the Faith, to Bahá’u’lláh, and to God.

Bahá’í Prayers is an invaluable companion at this unique time of year. In one of the prayers for the Fast, Bahá’u’lláh, addressing God, says, "Thou hast endowed every hour of these days with a special virtue, inscrutable to all except Thee."

Whether we receive this "special virtue" depends on our receptivity to it: "Grant, O my Lord, that this fast may become a river of life-giving waters and may yield the virtue wherewith Thou hast endowed it," implores Bahá’u’lláh.

During this time of fasting, dawn prayers take on greater significance, and opportunities for practicing detachment increase. Revealed prayers serve as a reminder of how to turn to God and of what to say to Him in establishing this very personal communication:

"Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee," Bahá’u’lláh instructs us, "... that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own soul, and attract the hearts of all men."

WHENEVER A SENSE of isolation (or hunger) engulfs you during the Fast, remember that Bahá’ís all over the world are turning to the same selections of prayers (in many languages) that you can find in Bahá’í Prayers.

That added remembrance can help make the Fast a time of cleansing and renewed commitment to the Faith, to Bahá’u’lláh, and to God.

Jalál 11

April 19

Be fair to yourselves and to others, that the evidences of justice may be revealed, through your deeds, among Our faithful servants.

Question: What is consultation

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Answer: Consultation is the method that Bahá’ís use to make decisions. When making plans or solving problems, Bahá’í groups, committees, and Assemblies pray, ascertain the facts, study the Bahá’í writings on the matter, have a frank discussion, and come to a decision. After the decision is made, everyone supports it.

Ordering from Bahá’í Distribution Service

Individuals living anywhere in the world can order titles listed on this page from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at the prices quoted (see the coupon on Page 14). 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.

Jalál 12

April 20

The Divine Springtime is come, O Most Exalted Pen, for the Festival of the All Merciful is fast approaching. Bestir thyself, and magnify before the entire creation, the name of God, and celebrate His praise, in such wise that all created things may be regenerated and made new.

The First Day of Ridván begins hungbrat sumart April 21 a Holy Day on which Bahá’ís should take the day off from work and school. Ridván lasts for twelve days. During this time Bahá’u’lláh announced that He was the Prophet of God for this age. Ridván is a joyous and happy time. Bahá’í communities should celebrate the First Day of Ridván on April 21.

Book recounts drama of becoming 'early Bahá’í'

How would you have become a Bahá’í in the late 1890s?

The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, by Robert H. Stockman, discloses the drama of how the early Bahá’ís first heard of the Faith and were enrolled as "Behaists."

There was no ad campaign, no book available, no listing in the local telephone book, and no teaching committee when, in 1896, a sole teacher of the Faith began a series of public meetings. Ibrahim George Kheiralla was a Syrian of Christian background who had learned of the Faith in Egypt and come to America to sell his inventions. When the venture proved unsuccessful, he turned to "spiritual healing" to make a living.

He also began a series of lessons based on a limited understanding of the Faith, his own common-sense approach to religion, and the interests of the Americans he encountered. He charged no fee for the lessons.

"The religion I represent," he told his early listeners, who were no doubt impressed by his exaggerations, "numbers about 50 millions, scattered all over the face of the globe; indeed, there is not a country in which some of its believers may not be found.

"The teachings are private and the name of the Order is known only to those who have taken the teaching, and received acceptance from the Great Head of the headquarters of the Order," he would tell them as he fostered a sense of anticipation, secrecy and mystery.

THOSE who heard one or more of the public lectures and were willing to take his series of 12 or 13 "private" lessons obtained more of the "truth," though the name of the Faith and its Central Figures were not divulged until the last few sessions.

The culmination for the student was the receiving of the Greatest Name, a solemn and ritualistic closure to the process.

Next, the new believer wrote a letter to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá declaring his or her belief. For this purpose, Mr. Kheiralla supplied a form letter that represented a kind of creed or confession.

Only then was the Bahá’í free to mention the Faith to others, but without revealing its name or Central Figures. Mr. Kheiralla alone wanted the authority to "initiate" the new believer.

How the early Bahá’í community developed, went through crises and changes, and laid the groundwork for the administrative order and subsequent enrollment procedures is the absorbing topic of The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, the first of three volumes that trace North America's Bahá’í roots.

Advance orders are being taken for the book, which is priced at $19.95 and is expected to be available in early April.

Bahá’í DayBook, work on nature of human soul now available

Two new Publishing Trust titles, Bahá’í DayBook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation and Unto Him Shall We Return, are now in stock, according to promotions coordinator Anne Atkinson.

"BOTH books will be extremely useful for personal and community deepening and teaching," says Ms. Atkinson.

"Bahá’í DayBook is a unique tool for learning about and being reminded of the Bahá’í calendar system and other teachings. Longstanding and new Bahá’ís alike will enjoy daily use of it.

"Unto Him Shall We Return contains many excerpts from the Bahá’í Writings on the nature and reality of the soul—in this world and the next. It helps us to understand life as an ongoing process—one in which our deeds in this world affect and prepare us for the next.

"It will also offer solace to the bereaved, and can be used as a source book for deepening and preparing services for the departed."

Bahá’í DayBook was a joint project of the National Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’í Publishing Trust and is available in softcover for $3.75.

Unto Him Shall We Return, in softcover only, is available for $7.95. For ordering information, see the coupon on Page 14.

I Am a Bahá’í

Four Sunflower activity books in one to promote a Bahá’í identity for children ages 3-7. $5.95

Special Strengths

Four character-development stories for children ages 7-11. $4.50

Limited quantity of Wall Calendars for year 142 B.E. remain on sale

A few copies of the Bahá’í Wall Calendar 142 B.E. are still available and are now on sale!

The Bahá’í Wall Calendar, which begins with January 1985 and ends with March 1986, has been marked down from $1.25 to only 75 cents. The Bahá’í Pocket Calendar and the Bahá’í Datebook for 142 B.E. have already sold out. Please order your wall calendar now to ensure receiving it. [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.

ENLIST now under the "Black Standard." The "Army of Light" is marching toward Project Tabarsi to valiantly fulfill every remaining goal of the Seven Year Plan in South Carolina. Heed the call to action to vindicate every recent act of violence perpetrated against the Bahá’ís in Iran. A committed corps of 18 people is needed from June through August to win the phase one goals of Project Tabarsi. Others who can commit for shorter periods of time are also needed. Housing will be arranged, but you must be financially self-supporting. For more information, contact Carey Murphy at the Regional Teaching Committee office, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-5194 during office hours. Follow the path of sacrifice blazed by the Dawn-breakers. Follow the Black Standard to victory!

UNIVERSITY graduates in economics or related fields should contact the International Goals Committee office about job possibilities in Cyprus, a goal country. In-house training is offered in general auditing techniques as well as auditing of specialized industries such as oil and gas, banking and computer auditing. Write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

COME to the heartland-Iowa needs you! This loving, unified Bahá’í district is working hard to save its jeopardized Assemblies: Bettendorf (5 adults), Marshalltown (7), and Marion (8). Each stands ready to help potential homefront pioneers in seeking

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.

housing and jobs. Come catch the spirit of this central state where LEAP activities and Bahá’í schools abound and the Bahá’ís are well known for their gracious firesides and generous contributions to the Fund. For more information, please contact the Iowa District Teaching Committee c/o Mrs. Fay Himes, secretary, P.O. Box 45, New Liberty, IA 52765, or phone 319-843-2450.

MOVING before Riḍván? Please consider moving to a goal area. There are already many jeopardized Assemblies in each District. Call the National Teaching Committee for the number of the District Teaching Committee where you plan to move. They'll give you a list of jeopardized Assemblies and other goals for the district. District Teaching Committees are not able to help find jobs for prospective pioneers, although they may sometimes provide leads and advice. Write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia, a mass-taught Bahá’í community, has a non-functioning Assembly, one family of homefront pioneers, and needs additional pioneers to help create a stronger Bahá’í community. The largest employers, in addition to Fort Valley State College, are companies manufacturing school buses, textile products and farm chemicals. Roytype, an office supplies manufacturer, is opening a new plant and has positions available for those in middle management. For more information or assistance, please write to the Bahá’í community of Fort Valley, Fort Valley, GA 31030, or phone 912-825-3542.

AN OPPORTUNITY like this comes only once! Teach the Faith and have a career at the same time. Persons interested and/or experienced in radio sales, this is the sales opportunity for you. The leading AM station in Fort Worth, Texas, is looking for four sales people. The family-owned company has recently bought a station in Arizona and plans to buy several more. All promotions are from within. A great opportunity to teach the Faith; one Bahá’í already works for the station. Many small towns in the area need Assemblies. Contact Diann Boone-Wallis (a Bahá’í), c/o KFJZ, P.O. Box 7321, Fort Worth, TX 76111, or phone 817-336-7175 (business) or 817-571-0612 (home).

ADMINISTRATIVE manager with experience in indústrial/labor relations is needed in Liberia, a goal country. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HANDS ON!, a workbook of Bahá’í educational activities for children by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Diane Bogulu Petit is available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School. It includes a chapter on creating learning centers and more than 100 practical activities for children along with 80 photos depicting the activities, which deal with Bahá’í history, the Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi, religious history, the Bahá’í teachings, Bahá’í institutions, and the dynamic force of example. Sample record-keeping forms and reproducible activities (crossword puzzles and word searches) are also included. Designed for use in child education classes. 178 pages. Cost, including binder and shipping, is $19. Send check to Hands On!, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone orders with VISA or MasterCard accepted at 313-653-5033.

WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives needs two copies of the National Spiritual Assembly’s 1983-84 annual report in good condition. Anyone having copies they could donate should write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

FULL-TIME translator is needed in Cyprus to translate English to Greek. Phone the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039.

SECRETARY for offshore company in Cyprus; fluent in English with knowledge of correspondence, typing and telex. Contact the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039.

EXECUTIVE secretary needed in Cyprus: native English speaker with minimum of five years experience, shorthand. Phone the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039, right away!

ENGLISH-speaking secretary needed by English-language publication in Cyprus. Must have accounting/bookkeeping skills. The International Goals Committee has details: 312-869-9039.

INTERNATIONAL publishing company in Cyprus needs paste-up artists. Contact the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039.

TEACHERS: The Summer Garden Bahá’í School, a five-week, half-day Bahá’í Summer School for children in the Wilmette, Illinois, area, is looking for two teachers for the 2nd-6th grade group. This is an opportunity to try new ideas and develop materials over a long enough period of time to see real results in your students. Stipend and help with housing. For information and an application, write to Melanie Smith, Northfield, IL 60093, or phone 312-446-1605. Deadline is March 31.

WANTED: Coordinator (couple preferred) for Center for the Education of Mayan Youth and social and economic development projects at the Martha Root Institute, Muna, Yucatán, Mexico. Lovely, peaceful surroundings, warm climate. Vital service to the Faith. Knowledge of Spanish and mature Bahá’í experience necessary. Agricultural knowledge useful but not indispensable. Write to Counsellor Artemus Lamb, 15 Calle 210-A Col. Garcia Gineres, Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, or phone 992-5-1605.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed to help form an Assembly in a community on a beautiful clear lake only 100 miles north of San Francisco. We have eight active Bahá’ís ready to welcome you. For more information, write to P.O. Box 1212, Lakeport, CA 95453, or phone Rick Green, 707-263-1005.

PORT Angeles, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula across from Victoria, British Columbia, desperately needs two homefront pioneers to maintain its Assembly status. Downtown Port Angeles is 17 miles from Hurricane Ridge, in the Olympic National Park, which offers cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and some downhill skiing. Sol Duc Hot Springs is only a bus ride away, a wonderful way to relax. All this plus two first class community playhouses and our own Port Angeles Symphony. And we haven’t even covered fishing, crabbing, clam digging and the wonderful opportunities for camping and hiking. There’s a two-year junior college that offers associate degrees in forestry, fisheries, industrial electronics and nursing. Peninsula College also has an elderhostel program that offers many interesting courses. Work opportunities aren’t plentiful, so it may be the perfect place for a retired couple with an independent income. We'll be happy to answer any questions or offer you any help possible. Write to the Bahá’ís of Port Angeles, P.O. Box 173, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

BECAUSE of recent transfers out of the community, the Spiritual Assembly of Clayton, Missouri, is in jeopardy. Clayton, adjacent to St. Louis, has abundant employment opportunities and several major universities close by. We'll be able to help with employment and housing. Hurry! Please phone Tom Buckingham, 314-727-7533 (evenings) or Mrs. Sissy Weil, 314-725-3351, for more information.

SOIL chemist interested in the study of rice production is needed in the Philippines, a goal country. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

JUNIOR youth got you baffled? An intensive orientation for teachers of youth ages 11-14 will be held April 12-14 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Sessions will cover their unique developmental characteristics, educational objectives suited to their special needs, how to use drama as a teaching tool, and approaches and methods most likely to ensure success. A panel of junior youth will speak to the participants, who will also be able to observe a conference for junior youth at Louhelen that weekend. For more information, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

SAVE an Assembly! Kalamazoo Township, Michigan, in the southwestern area of the state midway between Detroit and Chicago, is down to seven members. The area population is 140,000 with a university and three colleges, a diverse job market, a symphony orchestra and community theatres. It’s ideal for going to school or raising a family. If you can relocate before Ridván, it might be helpful to inquire and express an interest by phoning 616-344-4333 anytime. Area Bahá’ís are ready to help you find living space and work.

SUMMER jobs at the Green Acre Bahá’í School: program directors, teachers for the children and youth programs, registrars, book sales, housekeepers, maintenance assistant. For information, please contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

FOR A FREE brochure describing the Louhelen Bahá’í School’s programs from February through August 1985, write to the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

THE PLEASANT city of Burlington, Vermont (pop. 38,000), on scenic Lake Champlain's eastern shore, needs homefront pioneers to maintain its Assembly. Burlington has a high rate of employment with job possibilities in education, high-tech firms, construction and service industries. Many educational opportunities at the University of Vermont and other nearby colleges. Please contact Bill Schmidt, District Teaching Committee of Vermont, Newfane, VT 05345, or phone 802-365-7603.

TEACHER apprenticeship positions are available at the Louhelen Bahá’í School during its July and August sessions. Apprentices will work alongside an experienced teacher trainer. Analysis and discussion of each day's experience will be included. Cost (base rate) is $105. For more information, write to the Louhelen Child Education Committee, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Please indicate age level preferred (0-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-10, 11-14).

BLESSED opportunity to fulfill important goals of consolidation at the Amoz Gibson Project. The following teaching jobs are available: Manderson, South Dakota, 8th grade teacher, elementary certification required; Porcupine, South Dakota, elementary school, special education certificate required; Wanblee, South Dakota, elementary special education, secondary special education, music [Page 17]

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph is of a 1953 Naw-Rúz Feast at Pine Castle, Florida, with Bahá’ís from Orlando and Orange County taking part. The National Archives would like to identify the individual Bahá’ís in the picture. If you have any information, please write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

100-plus attend first WLGI 'community meeting'

More than 100 Bahá’ís and their non-Bahá’í guests were present January 5 at the first "community meeting" sponsored by WLGI Radio at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

Listeners to the first Bahá’í radio station in North America came to ask questions, offer suggestions, and discuss WLGI’s future programming.

WLGI management team members Dell Campbell and Mark St. Clair spoke about programming concepts that guide not only WLGI but its sister stations in South America as well.

Alex Frame, a Canadian who is a member of CIRBAL, the institution charged by the Universal House of Justice with developing Bahá’í media in Latin America and the Caribbean, spoke about his experiences with community radio in isolated areas of northern and western Canada.

Suggestions included requests for more detailed weather forecasts for farmers; more encouragement for teachers by developing relationships with area schools and broadcasting the names of honor roll students; and interviews with interesting people who live in the area around the station.

Many of those present offered their time and energy to help serve the needs of the Bahá’í radio station.

Music

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

Instructors include:

• Charlotte (Sharley) Richardson, a graduate of Western Colorado State College with a B.A. in music performance and an academic year certificate from the Kodaly Center of America.

• Patricia Choice-Getz, a graduate of the University of Illinois with a B.S. in music education and an M.M. from Indiana University in choral conducting.

• Mimi McClellan, a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in music and a B.M. and M.M. from Yale University in composition and theory.

Cathy Giebitz, who has a B.A. with emphasis in music education from North Park College in Chicago with Kodaly Center training in progress.

The base rate for the institute is $105. To register, send a non-refundable $10 deposit to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Moving, rearranging project makes 60 years of Bahá’í News available

Bahá’í News not only published its 60th anniversary issue in December, it also completed moving and rearranging its collection of back issues and indexes.

Now available are 60 years of Bahá’í News from December 1924 up to the present.

If you want to follow the progress of the Temple, the victories of the Ten Year Crusade, the dedications of the Houses of Worship in Germany, Panama, Australia, Uganda and Samoa, and mark the passing of the great heroes and heroines of the Formative Age of the Faith, you’ll find it all, and much more, in the back issues of Bahá’í News.

All issues are available either in their original form or as photocopies. Some of the originals will show some wear with staple marks, some dust, and yellowed paper. Others look as though they were printed yesterday.

Prices are $2 an issue up to the current year. That is, issues from 1984-85 are only $1 an issue. If we must send a photocopy, the charge is also $1 an issue. We must also charge another 10 per cent for postage and handling.

Indexes are listed on the back issue order form, and vary in price from $1 to $3 each. Indexes for all years are not available.

Back issue order forms for Bahá’í News and World Order magazine are free for the asking. Write to Bahá’í Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Louhelen conference to probe changing nature of 'maleness'

"For Men Only: Or, It's a Man's World, Wasn't It?" is the title of a conference to be held April 5-7 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

THE conference will examine the challenges men face in coping with the changing nature of maleness in today's society.

"Society's definition of maleness is changing as a result of the forces released by Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation," says Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen's director of administrative affairs.

"Bahá’u’lláh calls everyone in this age, men included, to take on a new identity as members of the 'new race of men' He has come to raise up.

"We'll be looking at the changing view of maleness in light of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to see if we can acquire a greater understanding of the identity and roles Bahá’u’lláh envisions for men in this age."

Presenters and their topics:

Dr. Dan Popov, a psychologist and corporate computer software developer from Colorado: "Man Unveiled," an exploration of the Bahá’í Writings concerning man and his relationships to work, family, women, children and society.

⚫ Jack Guillebeaux, deputy director of the Federation of Child Care Centers for Alabama: a look at the role men have traditionally played in American society from an historical, economic, sociological and political view and a discussion of the psychological underpinnings that have attended this role and the attitudes and feelings of superiority, power and guilt that have derived from it.

Nat Rutstein, an Auxiliary Board member for protection for the New England states: "James Bond or Dr. Kildare: Role Models for Today?," dealing with the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the supreme example of maleness and how to live a life consistent with the view of man offered by the Bahá’í Teachings.

Those interested in registering for the conference may send a $10 non-refundable deposit to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. The base rate for the conference is $42.25.

Memorial service held

On January 13, the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, held a memorial service to honor the nine most recent martyrs in Iran.

Among those martyrs was Dr. Farhad Asdaghi, a first cousin of Behzad and Mehrdad Zandieh of Harrisburg.

Dr. Asdaghi had served on many institutions of the Faith and was a member of the last National Spiritual Assembly of Iran before that body was disbanded in response to a directive from the present Islamic government.

More than 40 people attended the memorial service, half of whom were Christians and friends of the Zandiehs.

The local newspaper carried an article in its morning and afternoon editions while two cable TV stations included reports in their local news programs after sending reporters and cameras to the site of the service.

Among those who expressed their condolences to the Zandiehs were the mayor of Harrisburg, the president of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, and state Sen. John Shumaker.

A note about earmarking

Although earmarking was discouraged by the Guardian (lest too much earmarking should tie the hands of the National Spiritual Assembly), if you do wish to make an earmarked gift please be specific; for example, gifts have been received recently which merely say "House of Worship" or "Temple construction" or even "Mashriqu’l-Adhkár"- but no designation as to which House of Worship (Wilmette, Samoa, India?). Please include all information to assure that your gift is expended as you intended-otherwise the Treasurer's Office must either contact you or make an assumption as to your intent-neither of which is efficient.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for each day of the Bahá’í year colbune Bahá’í DayBook Passages for Deepening and Meditation

Daily devotions to help us spiritualize our lives and bring us closer to Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation.

Includes: ■questions & answers about Bahá’í life ■explanantions of Bahá’í Feasts & Holy Days

Ideal for new and veteran Bahá’ís!

384 pages 4 x 6 inches $375*

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 18]Kelsey had the bounty of being in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, an experience that would profoundly affect him for the rest of his life. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away on November 28, 1921, before Mr. Kelsey’s work had been completed, but His wish that the new lights be turned on simultaneously for the first time was carried out on the last day of Riḍván in 1922.

Mr. Kelsey then returned to the U.S. and, in August 1928, married Harriet Morgan. The Kelseys had four children.

Mr. Kelsey’s services to the Faith were wide-ranging and extensive. He served the Guardian by purchasing requested materials for the Bahá’í Shrines and gardens in the Holy Land, and during a pilgrimage in 1953 he installed a pump and water system for the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí.

MR. KELSEY served for about 30 years as a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Teaneck, New Jersey. While there he helped to rebuild and enlarge Evergreen Cabin on the spot where the Master had hosted the first unity Feast in America.

Mr. Kelsey spoke at Summer Schools across the U.S. and in Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. He also traveled to parts of Europe and the Near East.

For 25 years he conducted weekly firesides at the Kelsey home in Teaneck. He served as a member of the Auxiliary Board in North America, working closely with the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem.

During his many years of service to the Cause, Mr. Kelsey also was president of a business that had been his father’s, the New York-based Continental Wood Stove Pipe Manufacturing Company.

In 1969, in spite of poor health, he traveled to Alaska to teach at the Bahá’í Summer School there. In December of that year he was in Hawaii speaking about his favorite topics: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, man’s immortality, and Bahá’í education.

It was during the planning of a large public proclamation in Bradenton, Florida, the Kelseys’ retirement home, that he became seriously ill, was hospitalized, and died on February 20, 1970, after emergency surgery.

Florence Mayberry, a former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa, who in 1970 was a Counsellor for North America, described Curtis Kelsey in these words one day after his passing:

"Curtis had the resilience of a youth, even though he was honored by many years. His spontaneity, his enthusiasm, and above all, the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which he reflected so constantly in his talks made him one of the most sought-after speakers by youth. Indeed, he was so popular with the youth that sometimes we called him the ‘youth’ member of the Auxiliary Board..."

The Kelseys’ four children, their spouses and 14 grandchildren all became Bahá’ís.

Heartland School's spring session to feature course on Bahá’í family life

The Heartland Bahá’í School in Urbana, Illinois, will hold its spring session March 23-24. Featured will be a course on "Bahá’í Family Life" by Dr. and Mrs. Khalil Khavari of Bayside, Wisconsin.

There is a special family rate (registration fee) of $40 for parents and all dependent children living at the same address. The cost for all others including adults and children is $10 each.

Meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee. For more information, please contact Scott or Debbie Martin, Monticello, IL 61856 (phone 217-762-9759).

At 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 15-year-old Dana Couture of Pensacola, Florida, formally declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh after having spent five days with her family at the Disney World Youth Conference in Orlando. She turned 15 on December 29 and decided to make her declaration at one minute after midnight January 1 to end her experience at the Youth Conference while becoming the first declarant in the U.S. in 1985.

Pictured with Dana (second from right) are (left to right) Mary Louise Suhm, secretary of the International Goals Committee; Dana’s mother, Lynda Couture; and Mildred Mottahedeh, a member of the International Goals Committee who witnessed her signing. Dana is a sophomore at Washington High School in Pensacola.

The 1985 Special Visit Programs to the Bahá’í National Center

View relics of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arranged especially for your visit by the National Archives.

See first hand how the National Spiritual Assembly conducts its business.

Learn how the construction of the "Mother Temple of the West" was a primary stimulus for the development of the American Bahá’í community. Tour areas of the building normally closed to visitors.

Tour the entire Bahá’í National Center visiting the:

• Office of the Secretary
• Office of the Treasurer
• National Committee Offices
• Bahá’í Publishing Trust
• Bahá’í Home

Have fun, make new friends, and participate in a spiritual experience you’ll never forget.

REGISTER EARLY! Please indicate program you are attending and your housing choice.

July 4-7 SPECIAL VISIT FOR FAMILIES (children's classes and special activities for the family will be planned)

August 22-25 REGULAR SPECIAL VISIT (no programs for children)

HOUSING College Dorm: Dormitory at the National College of Education, two blocks from the House of Worship. All rooms have two single beds; the building is not air-conditioned. NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 15 ARE ALLOWED IN DORMITORIES.

Rates for four days, three nights: Single (1 person per room), $37.50 Double (2 persons per room), $75.00

Send a $20 deposit to reserve each room needed. Please make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

Please send a listing and rates for area hotels/motels (some of which are accessible to the House of Worship by public transportation).

I am making other arrangements for housing.

Name Address City State Zip Phone (Area Code) List additional names (and ages of children) here:

• The Special Visit Programs are for Bahá’ís only!

Return registration form to: Special Visit Programs, Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 19]

قسمتی از نامه یکی از دوستان

"سيئات غرب"

حضرت ولی امرالله در لوح "ظهور عدل الهی" که در سنه ۱۹۳۸ بافتخار احیای غرب نازل شده، جمهور احباء را به عفت و عصمت و تقوی و تقدیس و بالأخره داشتن حیات بهائی دعوت فرموده و از گرویدن به سيئات غرب منع فرموده اند. ذیلا قسمتی از ترجمه بیانات مبارکه درج میگردد:

جمهور احباء چه هنگام معاشرت و مراوده با افراد جامعه بهائی و چه در تماس با اهل عالم بايد تقوى و تقدیس را سرمشق روش و رفتار خویش قرار دهند. نفوسی که مقام پرافتخار اشاعه پیام الهی و اداره امور امریه را حائزند باید مجهودات شایان و مساعی مستمر آنان باین دو صفت مجهز و آراسته باشد. تقوی و تقدیس باید در کلیه شئون زندگانی پیروان این آئین چه در سفر و چه در حضر چه در مجامع و کلوبها وضيافات و چه در مدارس و دارالعلمهای آنان بنحو اكمل وبتمام معنی منظور و مراعات گردد.

این تقوی و تقدیس فقط عبارت از عفت، طهارت، حسن رفتار، تنزیه افکار و عدم افراط در اکل و شرب نیست بلکه بالسويه شامل رعایت اصل اعتدال در جمیع شئون مربوط بطرز لباس و تفریحات و مکالمات و کلیه فنون ادبی وصنایع مستظرفه نیز میباشد.

متأسفانه خطر تسرّی بعضی از آزادیهای فردی و عادات و رسوم و رویه های افراطی در آمریکا از جمله ازدواجهای آزمایشی در خانواده های بهائی نیز نباید از نظر دور و مخفی گردد و عواقب وخیم آن در خانواده ها و نتایج حاصله در انظار دیگران على الخصوص جوانان باید همیشه مطمح نظر و مراقبت پدرومادرها و بزرگترها قرار گیرد تا مبادا راه تدنی و انحطاط اخلاقی را پیش گیرند و از صراط تقوی و تقدیس منحرف گردند و بدین ترتیب تعلق و ارتباط خود را با جامعه بهائی قطع نمایند. حضرت ولی امرالله در قسمتی دیگر از لوح "ظهور عدل الهی" میفرمایند:

این صفات مستلزم مراقبت و مواظبت مستمر برای غلبه بر هواهای نفسانی و آمال شیطانی است. ضروریات تقوی و تقدیس همانا ترک حرکات و رفتار سخیفه است که با تفریحات مبتذله که اغلب از طریق صواب منحرف میگردد تعلق و ارتباطی تام دارد. اجتناب کامل از کلیه مشروبات الكلی و افیون و سایر مواد مخدره ایکه تولید عادت مینماید نیز از لوازم تقوی و تقدیس محسوب است. تضییع وسوء استعمال ادبیات و فنون مستظرفه، اختیار ازدواجهای آزمایشی و مرام عدم استتار بدن خیانت در روابط زناشوئی و انواع اختلاط و ارتباطات نامشروع و سيئات شهوانی کل منافی و مخالف اصول تقوی و تقدیس است. موافقت و مماشات با عقاید و موازین و عادات و رسوم و رویه های افراطی چنین عصری که راه تدنی و انحطاط میپیماید خارج از صراط تقوی و تقدیس است بلکه بر عکس تقوی و تقدیس همواره میکوشد که بوسیله قوه محرکه ممثلین نشر این عقاید و خطای این موازین و سخافت این دعاوی و سقم این عادات و لوت این رویه های افراطی را واضح و مبرهن سازد.

Bahá’í community challenged to integrate new Persian members

The American Bahá’í community has been given a special challenge through the operation of the Divine Will. We are challenged to welcome and integrate into the mainstream of Bahá’í activity the recently arrived believers from Iran.

SUCCESS IN THIS important work requires both individual action and the support of our institutions. For example, in addition to effort by the Persian-speaking friends to develop a facility in English within two years following their arrival in this country, sincere efforts by all believers, regardless of their background, must be directed toward minimizing the often innocent tendencies to gather together in subgroups based on language to the exclusion of other Bahá’ís.

Those of us who have visited, or, better yet, spent an extended period of time in a country where a language other than our native tongue is spoken are aware of the great importance and influence of language.

Not to know the language of a country is a barrier to understanding that society, besides being a barrier to every day communication with individuals, an ability we usually take for granted.

Learning a new language is difficult and takes considerable time. It is often more challenging for older people than for the young.

It may be helpful for American believers to keep this in mind when considering the challenges facing recently arrived Persian Bahá’ís. Imagine what it would be like for you to move to a country where you do not speak the language and do not yet know the culture.

Persian believers need to confront and overcome the language barrier as quickly as possible so that they can take up teaching activities and over-all functioning within their new Bahá’í community and in their new country.

TAKING REFUGE in the linguistic environment of association primarily with one's countrymen is certainly easier than mastering English and learning about one's new country, but it does not allow a believer to contribute all that he has to offer to his new Bahá’í community, nor does it encourage the unity that is such a fundamental aspect of Bahá’í community life.

Frank and open consultation on such barriers to integration should be initiated as often as necessary to develop an awareness of its effects and to facilitate a united community effort to remove those barriers.

The National and Area Persian/American Affairs Committees stand ready to assist in the achievement of an increasingly unified but diverse American Bahá’í community.

Carey Murphy Regional Teaching Committee Office, Hemingway, South Carolina 29554

میدان خدمت

اهداف باقیمانده

اگرچه فقط ۱۴ ماه به پایان نقشه هفت سالہ بیت العدل اعظم الهی باقی است بسیاری از اهداف مهاجرتی و تبلیغی در داخله کشور ناتمام مانده است نقاطی که محافل روحانیه محلیه آنان در خطر انحلال است یا نقاطی که بایستی با کمک یاران گرامی محفل روحانی جدید در آنجا تشکیل شود.

لجنه مجلله ملی تبلیغ توجه یاران عزیز الهی را بالاخص به دو منطقه مهم جلب مینمایند. اول ایالت کارولینای جنوبی که در آنجا به وجود ۳۱۳ نفر از مهاجرین عزیز یعنی معادل عدد اصحاب قلعه شیخ طبرسی احتیاج است تا دعائم نظم بدیع در آن منطقه پراستعداد مستحکم گردد و حداکثر استفاده از امکانات رادیو جدیدالتأسیس بهائی بشود. این پروژه بنام طبرسی نامیده شده است تا بیاد شهامت و جانبازی آن باسلان میدان ایثار قهرمانان جدیدی قیام نمایند و صفحات تازه ای از فداکاری و دلاوری بر تاریخ امر الهی بیفزایند سپاهی مرکب از ۱۸ نفر از یاران مخلص که بتوانند از جون تا آگست امسال در این پروژه شرکت نمایند مورد احتیاج است.

شرکت کنندگان در این پروژه از پرداخت هزینه مسکن معاف خواهند بود ولی مخارج یومیه بعهده خود آنان میباشد. جهت اطلاع بیشتر متمنی است با خانم کری مرفی توسط لجنه تبلیغ ناحیه ای به نشانی Hemingway, South Carolina 29554 و یا با شماره تلفن ۵۱۹۴-۸۰۳/۵۵۸ تماس حاصل فرمائید. بر اثر اقدام مطالع الانوار قدم بردارید و در سایه لوای اسود بسوی فتح و پیروزی پیش بروید.

منطقه دیگر ایالت داکوتای جنوبی است که در محل اقامت سرخ پوستان انتصارات باهره ای نصیب یاران شده است و آمادگی بی نظیری برای استماع پیام حیاتبخش حضرت بهاء الله مشاهده میشود. در آن منطقه حداقل ۱۹ نفر مهاجر مورد نیاز است. اغلب اوقات انتقال به یکی از نقاط لازم المهاجرة مستلزم سفری کوتاه است. حتی اگر انتقال به نقاطی بعیدتر لازم باشد نقل مکان در داخل مملکت چندان مشکل نیست. در هر حال بایستی فرصت باقی مانده تا پایان نقشه را مغتنم شمرد و با انقطاع و فداکاری اهداف نقشه را تکمیل نمود.

آلاسکا

قسمتهایی از مرقومه یک خانواده بهائی ایرانی که اخیراً در آلاسکا مستقر گردیده اند:

... شنیده ایم که آلاسکا حدود ۲۵۰۰ نفر بهائی دارد که بغیر از خانواده ما فقط یک خانم ایرانی دیگر در Fairbank موسوم است وجود دارد.

وضع تحصیلی: در آلاسکا رشته پزشکی ندارد. در انکوریج فقط رشته های پرستاری راه ساختمان روان شناسی و موسیقی وجود دارد ولی در شهر دیگری که ۴۵۰ کیلومتر با آنکوریج فاصله دارد رشته های دانشکده فنی دارد و یک رشته که فکر میکنم برای احباء مناسب باشد مهندسی نفت است که در همان شهر که بنا است.

وضع کار: از بقیه ایالت ها کار راحت تر پیدا میشود و دستمزد هم بالاتر است. فقط کارهای رستوران و کار در فروشگاههای بزرگ پیدا میشود در تابستان ماهیگیری و کار ساختمانی دستمزد از شروع ساعتی ۵ دلار تا به ۸ دلار هم میرسد.

هزینه زندگی کرایه منزل ۲ برابر بقیه ایالت ها و مواد خوارکی ۵۰% بیشتر از بقیه ایالت ها است. کرایه منزل یک اطاق خوابه ۶۰۰ دلار در هر حال من فکر نمیکنم که اگر احباء به آلاسکا بیایند از لحاظ مالی دچار مضیقه بشوند اگر ماشین نخرند و کرایه منزل هم نخواهند داد این امکان است که هم کار کنند هم درس بخوانند یا اینکه ۴ یا ۵ نفر با هم در یک آپارتمان زندگی کنند و درس بخوانند.

هوای انکوریج از ماه نوامبر تا مارچ سرد است. در این مدت (دسامبر و ژانویه) که ما اینجا هستیم درجه حرارت بین ۳- سانتیگراد تا ۱۲- سانتیگراد متغیر بوده و حداکثر به ۲۰- سانتیگراد که حدود صفر فارنهایت باشد میرسد ولی بقیه ۸ ماه سال هوا خوب و دشت و جنگل سرسبز میشود. [Page 20]

نامه‌ای از زندان

بقلم یک زندانی بهائی که از زندان به ایوان لامکان صعود نموده است .

شب اول رضوان ۱۲۹ بدیع فیا مرحبا هذا عبدالله قد ظهر... بدواً بکمال سرور عیدا عظم رضوان را در گوشه این زندان حق که ایوان بلند است بعموم عزیزانم و دوستان حضرت رحمن خالصانه تبریک میگویم و در عوالم خوش روحانی مستغرق، عزیزان دل و جان و خانم وفادارم و فرزندان دلبندم، حالم بحمدالله خوبست إصرار دارید نامه بنویسم مطلبی ندارم جز آنکه جملگی بذکر الطاف و عنایت الهی که باعث آرامش قلب و روح است و بفرموده اش که قلب انسان جز بعبادت و ذکر رحمن مطمئن نگردد بزیارت آثار الهیه همواره متذکر و مترنم باشیم و با اطمینان کامل اذعان نمائیم که آنچه واقع میشود جز اراده غیبیه الهیه نبوده و نیست و اهل ایمان بجان و دل در نهایت بهجت و سرور و تسلیم و رضا آنرا طالب و شاکر و حامدند آری همان آثار کهربا و معجز شیم حق است که از بدو طفولیت همگی بآن مألوف و مأنوسیم و در این گوشه زندان سبب انبساط و ابتهاج عمیق قلبی است خوبست با زیارت شمه‌ای از آن کلمات مقدسه که در ذهنم مانده و تعمق در بحر این آثار متعالیه بیش از پیش ناظر بتأییدات عجیبه و مواهب بیشمار باشیم که بلا استحقاق این ضعفا را بآن مفتخر و متباهی فرموده است .

با توجه بحال پر وبال این جهان وحشت زده و پریشان این آثار مقدسه مناسب حال است که چگونه بشر ستمدیده در راه نجات و وصول بسعادت ابدیه از طریق صواب فرسنگها منحرف و بدور و در گرداب جهل و غرور غوطه ور و گوش دل جانش از استماع ندای روح نواز و زندگی بخش حق محروم و لاجرم باید چنین سرانجامی جانفرسا داشته باشد که ‎باعت تنیه باعث تنبیه‎ و تذکرش گردد. اینست که قلم اعلی میفرماید "... عالم منقلب است و نفسی سبب و علت آنرا ادراک ننموده طبیب حقیقی را از معالجه امراض منع نموده اند و خود نه درد میدانند و نه دوا سبحان الله چه غفلتی است که کل را اخذ نموده بحر معانی را گذاشته اند و به برکه‌های ملح أجاج توجه نموده‌اند با آنکه شمس علم از افق سماء مشرق ‎معدلک معدّلش‎ بجهلهای ارض تمسک نموده و تشتت جسته اند زهی حسرت و ندامت ..."

در بیانی میفرماید "... خلق بیچاره ندانند که این آتش از کجا خیزد چه که ابصار اهل ظلال از دود غفلت و استکبار مرمود است و راه چاره نزدشان مفقود لهذا مضطربند و پریشان و مأبوسند و سرگردان ، اما اهل بهاء که بعنایت الهی اکلیل ایمان بر سر دارند ورداء اطمینان در بر از حوادث این جهان خائف و هراسان نشوند و ما وقع را کلاً منطوق کتاب مرقوم و تحقق وعد و وعید جمال قیّوم دانند..." و در مقامی میفرماید "گمان مبرید که ظهور این بلیّات و آفات فقط متوجه جامعه و یا مملکتی است، بل اهل عالم که متجاوز از یکصد و سی سال از اجابت ندای حضرت ذو الجلال محروم و در کابوس اوهام و غرور مستغرق و بهرج و مرج در جمیع شئون مبتلا چرا که غفلتهم و استکبارهم بعذابی الیم و عقابی عظیم محکوم..."

و در مقامی میفرماید "... ید غیبی در کار است و جمیع حوادث روزگار ممهد تأسیس شریعت پروردگار، تابش برق و غرش رعد اگرچه طفلان مهد را از خوف بفریاد و گریه وادارد اما دهقان رشید را تبشیر باران بهار و آبیاری باغ و کشتزار باشد..." و در مقامی ولی محبوب امر الله در مقام پیشگوئی (با اشاره بآثار قلم اعلی و مرکز میثاق) بلایای عظیمی که نوع بشر در اثر تمرد و عدم عرفان کلام الهی در آینده باید متحمل شود اشاره و پس از ذکر آن حوادث عظیمه مؤلمه که چون طوفانی سهمگین ابناء بشر را مدهش و هراسان خواهد نمود در خاتمه چنین میفرمایند "... این حوادث و وقایع هولناک علائم و آثاری است که منادی و یا همعنان مصیبت عظیمی خواهد بود که بفرمان داور آسمانی و منجی عالم انسانی دیر یا زود جامعه بشریت را که اکثر آنها متجاوز از یک قرن بندای مظهر امر الهی در این عصر نورانی کمترین توجهی ننموده‌اند فرا خواهد گرفت این تنبیه و مجازات عالم بشریت را از لوث مفاسد صدساله پاک و مقدس نموده و اعضاء جامعه انسانی را بیک جامعه متحد و متفق جهانی تبدیل خواهد نمود جامعه که در میقات معیّن در ظل نظم جهان آرای الهی که بنحو معجز آسائی در اتساع و تقدم است مستقل و بمدد نفحات روحانی آن در طی ادوار آینده وارد مدنیتی خواهد گردید که شبهه آنرا چشم عالم در هیچیک از مراحل تکامل خویش ندیده است ..."

قلم اعلی در لوح سلمان میفرماید "... ای سلمان در هر امور اقتدا بحق کن و بقضایای الهی راضی باش ..." در کتاب عهدی میفرماید "... ثروت عالم را وفائی نه آنچه را فنا اخذ نماید و تغییر پذیرد لایق اعتنا ننموده و نیست مگر علی قدر معلوم."

مرکز میثاق میفرماید قناعت در هر موردی محبوب است حتی در تجارت مقصد سهولت معیشت است زیرا ثروت موقت است و توسع دایره تجارت سبب پریشانی حال و عاقبت ندارد و در مناجاتی حضرت مولی الوری میفرماید "... آنچه کندا و کند ما چه توانیم کرد بفعل ما یشاء و یحکم ما یرید است پس سر تسلیم نه و توکل بر رب رحیم به ..."

باری هزاران آثار و الواح مقدسه شاهد و گواه این حقیقت بزرگ است که جهانیان در غفلتی عظیم و در هر زمان و عهدی که الطاف و مواهب الهی برای هدایت نوع انسانی بواسطه انبیای الهی بر بشر نازل استکبار و انکار نمودند و بهترین شاهد از آیات قرآن کریم از جمله آیه مبارکه "... یا حسره علی العباد ما یأتیهم من رسول إلا کانوا به یستهزئون" که خداوند منّان بکمال تحسّر و افسوس یاد میفرماید که هیچ رسولی نیامد جز آنکه او را مسخره و استهزاء نمودند و آیه مبارکه "... فکلما جاءکم رسول بمالا تهوی أنفسکم استکبرتم ففریقاً کذّبتم و..." حال نیز همان کیفیت در سطح جهانی ظاهر و باهر در حالیکه یک فرد بهائی با اعتقاد کامل به حقانیت رسول اکرم (ص) و قرآن مجید و ائمه اطهار سلام الله علیهم واقف و بشارات آن ذوات مقدسه را در کتاب آسمانی و روایات نبوی و ائمه هدی نسبت بظهور آینده معترف که در عالم تحقق یافته با کمال بی مهری باین جمع تهمتهای ناروا نسبت داده شده، امید است اولیای محترم امور با عنایت و توجه در آثار این ظهور اعظم که بحد وفور در اختیار دارند در مسائل بدون (حب و بغض) همانگونه که شیوه اهل ایمان است نظر و قضاوت فرمایند تا حقیقتاً امر که چون أظهر من الشمس است بر کل مشهود شود و تصدیق نمایند که این نفوس جز خدمت صادقانه و محبت خالصانه بملک و ملت در جمیع شئون نظر و مقصدی داشته و حتی گاهی بخیانت وطن یا عدم حب وطن نیز متهم که بیان مرکز میثاق شاهد و گواهی روشن است که میفرماید "هر دلتی را تحمل توان نمود مگر خیانت بوطن و هر گناهی قابل عفو و مغفرت است مگر هتک ناموس دولت و مضرت ملت..." و دهها آثار در این زمینه که خوبست در قضاوت تجدید نظر فرمایند.

آیا ملتی مطیع تر و صادق تر از این نفوس که با کمال اشتیاق کشور مقدس ایران را تجلیل و تقدیس و خاک آنرا طوتیای چشم خود مینمایند و جز خدمت صادقانه باین مرز و بوم هدفی ندارند سراغ دارند؟ باری قدرت های عالم نتوانستند نور محمدی را که در مکه معظمه بر جهانیان متجلی شد خاموش و سد نمایند این نور الهی نیز که از همان منبع فیض الهی ساطع است موفق خواهد شد و جهان چه بخواهد و چه نخواهد اکنون در اقصی نقاط عالم نفوذ و با سرعتی عجیب در اتساع است چون این شجره نیز شجره الهیه است و جز این نمیتواند باشد آیا تصور مینمایند امثال این ضعیف ناتوان را با ‎کبت کبر‎ سن و ناراحتی های جسمی با صطلاح خود بروز سیاه نشانده و از هستی ساقط و مدتها بی خانمان نمودند کوچکترین خلل در ایمان پرتوان این عاشقان دلباخته راه حق ایجاد خواهد شد بلکه بزبان حال میگویند آنکه دائم هوس سوختن ما میکرد کاش می آمد و از دور تماشا میکرد.

اگر دادگاه معظم عدل اسلامی و قضات محترم در قضاوت خود خدای ناکرده غفلت فرمایند ما ناظر بدادگاه عدل الهی که بآن ایمان کامل داریم و در نهایت تسلیم و رضا اراده حق را طالب و منتظر . نمیدانید فردی بدون گناه و در نهایت مظلومیت در معرض اتهام قرار گیرد آنهم در سبیل حق چه لذت و کیفیتی دارد در هر حال ارادة الله غالب و کلمه الله نافذ و امرش مهیمن بر کل بوده و هست ما جز دعا و مناجات در حق عموم و خواهان سعادت واقعی آنان هدف و مقصودی نداشته ایم و این شیوه اهل بهاء بوده است و بجان و دل دوستدار کل و چنانچه نفوسی مخالفت با این نور مبین نمایند بفرموده حق در هفت وادی چون ملائک آسمانی هستند که با عشق و دلباختگان حق را زودتر بمحبوب و مقصود حقیقی شان فائز خواهند نمود،

باری عزیزانم همواره در خدمت اهل جهان خصوصاً ایران عزیز ذره کوتاهی ننمائید و از زیارت آثار الهیه لحظه غفلت نورزید که طبیب جمیع علتهاست چه که امتحانات الهیه طبق وعده‌های حتمی اش یکی پس از دیگری ظاهر و باهر میگردد . دستخط ۱۳۵ بدیع را اگر بدست آوردید عمیقاً همه را زیارت نمائید ، این خواهش دوستدار شماست امیدوارم عموم بخدمت علی الارض و هدایت این بشر درمانده و مأیوس موفق و جملگی بحسن خاتمه موفق گردیم. دوستان قدیم و جدید را باذکار و ادعیه خالصانه ‎مکبّروم مکبّرم‎ و دعای عموم را بتنهایت انکسار در حق مان سائل و ملتمس . عبد شرمنده فانی. [Page 21]

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۲۹ ژانویه ۱۹۸۵

خبر شهادت جناب روح‌الله حصوری ۳۵ ساله در نوزدهم دی‌ماه اکنون واصل گشت. جناب حصوری در زندان عادل‌آباد شیراز به خبر صعود جناب رستم ورجاوندی در زندان تهران در تاریخ ۱۵ سپتامبر نیز تأیید شده است و باین ترتیب عده کسانی که جان خود را در سبیل امر از دست داده‌اند به ۱۷۸ بالغ میشود. از سوم سپتامبر تاکنون ۱۶ بهائی اعدام شده‌اند یا در زندان صعود نموده‌اند، و ۱۰۱ نفر دستگیر شده‌اند و ۷۹ نفر آزاد شده‌اند که خبر دستگیری بعضی از آنان قبلاً نرسیده بود. جمع بهائیان مسجون تا آنجا که اطلاع رسیده فعلاً ۷۰۷ نفر است. کارمندان دولت که بعلت اعتقاد به دیانت بهائی از خدمت اخراج شده بودند با حقوق بازنشستگیشان قطع شده بود بتدریج از جانب دادستان کل احضار و به استرداد کلیه حقوق و مزایایی که در طی سالهای متمادی دریافت کرده‌اند مکلف میشوند و در صورت استنکاف زندانی خواهند شد. علت دستگیری بسیاری از احباء در این احیان اخیر عدم استطاعت با بازپرداخت دستمزدی است که در زمان ... بیت‌العدل اعظم.

دستخطهای بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

در ماه ژانویه سه دستخط بسیار مهم از ساحت رفیع بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی صادر شده که حاوی بشارات فرح‌بخش از انتصارات اخیری است که نصیب جامعه بهائی گردیده است. این مرقومات همچنین وظائف و مسؤولیتهای یاران رحمانی را در آینده مشخص مینماید و لازم است که بدقت و اهتمام کامل مورد مطالعه قرار گیرد.

۱ - اول پیامی است بلسان فارسی خطاب به "احبای عزیز ایرانی مقیم اقالیم و بلاد خارجه در شرق و غرب". معهذا علی در این پیام منیع پس از ستودن استقامت و پایداری یاران ستمدیده ایران توصیف مقامات متعالیه آن جمع مخلصین و مستشهدین در سبیل الله و ایقان شاهدی از آثار مبارکه در اثرات و نتایج آنهمه فداکاری و ایثار فهرستی کامل از انتصارات عظیمه‌ای که در سالهای اخیر حاصل گشته ذکر فرموده‌اند و تقدم آئین نازنین را در میادین مختلفه و در اکناف و اطراف عالم بمصداق بیان مولای توانا حضرت ولی‌عزیز امرالله نتیجه "اهراق دماء مطهره شهیدان ایران" دانسته‌اند. در انتهای مقال بیت‌العدل اعظم بزبان عموم مؤمنین و مؤمنات خواهران و برادران مظلوم را در مهد امرالله مخاطب ساخته میفرمایند "بشارت باد شما را که بآئین دلدادگی فائز گشتید و خاور و باختر را به تجلیات عشق جمال مبین منور فرمودید... گمان مبرید ما که با ‎نتشاب انتساب‎ بآن شیران بیشه فدا مفتخریم از ذکر خیرتان غافلیم... آسوده و مطمئن باشید که راه شما بپوشیم و نگذاریم که ما را به بیوفائی منسوب کنند. شما در سبیل عشق بهاء جان دادید ما وقت و استعداد خداداد را بر طبق اخلاص نهیم و نثار راهش نمائیم ..."

محفل مقدس روحانی ملی پیام مذکور را در چندین هزار نسخه تکثیر نموده بنشانی هر خانواده بهائی ایرانی ارسال داشته‌اند. بدیهی است بعلت عدم اطلاع از نشانی صحیح بعضی از دوستان ممکن است تعدادی از نسخ ارسالی بمقصد نرسیده باشد. دوستان گرامی که نسخه‌ای از پیام را دریافت ننموده‌اند میتوانند با لجنات ناحیه‌ای امور احبای ایرانی و امریکائی یا دفتر لجنه ملی مکاتبه فرمایند.

دستخط دوم مورخ ۳ ژانویه ۱۹۸۵ بلسان انگلیسی است و طی آن معهد اعلی به پیامی که در ابتدای سال قبل خطاب به بهائیان عالم صادر فرموده بودند اشاره نموده فرصتهای خدمت و وظائفی را که در آن پیام مشخص شده بود یادآور شده‌اند و یاران را متذکر فرموده‌اند که اگرچه در ابتدای سال عکس‌العمل احباء امیدوار کننده بوده و پیشرفتهای قابل ملاحظه‌ای در بعضی میادین حاصل شده ولکن قسمت اعظم آن وظایف و مسؤولیت‌ها باقی است بالاخص در قبال تأمین احتیاجات صندوقهای مختلف و در رأس آنها صندوق بین‌المللی بهائی تبرعات یاران در شش ماه دوم بشدت تقلیل یافته است. باین سبب زمان را مناسب دانسته‌اند که عموم احباء را یادآوری فرمایند که منظور از تذکرات سال قبل این نبوده است که برای یکبار مساعی فوق‌طاقتی مبذول گردد بلکه انتظار آن معهد رفیع چنین است که یاران رحمانی مستمراً در راه تحقق اهداف نقشه هفت ساله کوشش فرمایند و امکانات مادی و معنوی فتح روحانی عالم را در اختیار مؤسسات نظم اداری بهائی قرار دهند.

وظائف چهارگانه‌ای که در پیام سال گذشته مشخص شده بود و در پیام جدید لزوم اكمال آنها تأکید گردیده است عبارتند از:

• اتمام بنای مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان
• ادامه توسعه مرکز جهانی بهائی و تهیه طرحهای لازم برای ارتفاع سه بنای باقی مانده در اطراف قوس جبل کرمل با اطمینان از موجود بودن منابع مادی لازم
• تهیه و اجرای طرحهای عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی، تأسیس مدارس و رادیوهای بهائی، توسعه کشاورزی و بسیاری مجهودات لازم دیگر
• تقویت صندوق ملهوفین ایران برای کمک به آن عده از خواهران و برادران ستمدیده در مهد امرالله که از موطن خود آواره گشته کوشش مینمایند در نقطه‌ای دیگر از جهان سر و سامانی بگیرند

در این دستخط به طوماری که نمایندگان و احبای مجتمع در انجمن شور روحانی آمریکا در رضوان گذشته تهیه و تقدیم ساحت رفیع نمودند نیز اشاره شده است که در آن استدعا شده بود مقرر فرمایند حکم حقوق الله برای عموم احبای ساکن در این کشور لازم‌الاجراء اعلام شود. معهذا علی ضمن قدردانی از خلوص یاران میفرمایند اگرچه زمان آن نرسیده است که کلیه احباء موظف به اجرای حکم حقوق‌الله شوند ولکن مقرر فرموده‌اند مقدمتاً آثار مبارکه مربوط به حقوق‌الله بلبان انگلیسی ترجمه و برای اطلاع دردسترس یاران قرار گیرد.

سومین دستخط که در تاریخ ۲۳ ژانویه ۱۹۸۵ خطاب به محافل ملیه صادر گردیده توجه آن محافل مقدسه را به تعیین سال ۱۹۸۶ از طرف سازمان ملل بعنوان سال جهانی صلح جلب مینماید. با توجه به خطرات و بلیه‌ای که عالم انسانی را احاطه نموده و اثرات شفابخش صلح اصغر که جمال اقدس ابهی عالمیان را بدان مأمور فرموده بیت‌العدل‌اعظم این فرصت را مغتنم شمرده‌اند تا بیش از پیش تعالیم حیات‌بخش امرالهی را بسمع عالمیان برسانند.

جزئیات برنامه‌ها و فعالیتهای جامعه جهانی بهائی در سال ۱۹۸۶ متعاقباً معین و اعلام خواهد شد. در این زمان معهذا علی فهرستی از انواع برنامه‌هائی که تحت مطالعه دارند در اختیار محافل ملیه قرار داده‌اند تا آنان نیز بسهم خود پیش‌بینی‌هائی برای سال ۱۹۸۶ بفرمایند. برنامه‌هائی که در نظر گرفته شده بسیار وسیع و متنوع است و بسیاری از آنها مستلزم همکاری نزدیک احباء با جامعه خارج است.

بیت‌العدل اعظم محافل ملیه را متذکر فرموده‌اند که اشتغال به فعالیتهای مربوط به سال جهانی صلح نبایستی موجب اختلال در مجهودات یاران در جهت تحقق اهداف نقشه هفت‌ساله گردد در الحقیقه این فعالیتها و برنامه‌های مربوط به سال جهانی جوانان (۱۹۸۵) و طرحهای عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی جملگی مؤید یکدیگرند و وسائلی مؤثر در جهت تقدم مجهودات تبلیغی لازم برای اكمال موفقیت‌آمیز نقشه هفت‌ساله.

در یکی از ابلاغیه‌هایی که حسب‌الامر مولای توانا حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله مرقوم گردیده است در خصوص فتح اهداف مهاجرتی داخله میفرمایند این کار "... فقط با روح فداکاری یاران میسر است ... در نقاط مهاجرتی جدید و صعب در خارج فتوحات اعجازآمیزی نصیب گشته و میگردد زیرا مهاجرین حیات خود را بکلی وقف وظیفه مقدسی نموده‌اند که بعهده گرفته‌اند. در داخله نیز یاران رحمانی بایستی با چنین روح فداکاری و استطاعتی قیام نمایند." (ترجمه)

حقوق الله

یاران ساکن ایالات متحده میتوانند ‎تبرعاتهای تبرعات‎ مربوط به حقوق الله 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. Amín Banání Santa Monica, CA 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, Ohio 44116

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

The Northern Trust Company Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Box 92959 50 South La Salle Street Chicago, Illinois 60675 [Page 22]

Dr. Jones

"We are confident that the wide range of skills, experience and leadership Dr. Jones brings to the Institute will help it to achieve the potential of the next stage of its development," says Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

"The Assembly offers its prayers for the success of his efforts to serve the Cause in this new role."

DR. JONES earned his doctorate in education, specializing in higher education administration and public administration, from the University of Georgia in 1981 after acquiring a master's degree in education at Atlanta University in 1977 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1972.

His professional experience includes directing an Upward Bound project for the University of Georgia, serving as a staff assistant to the education adviser for Georgia Gov. George Busbee, and teaching courses such as "Affirmative Action: Policies and Practices," "Principles of Counseling and Psychotherapy," and "Adolescent Growth and Development."

In his three years at the College of Charleston, he has served as an admissions counselor, assistant director of the Office of Minority Affairs, director of the Office of Minority Affairs, and assistant director of admissions.

Dr. Jones became a Bahá’í in 1970 in Amherst, Massachusetts. Since then he has served on many Local Spiritual Assemblies and has been elected three times as a delegate to the National Convention.

In addition to his Bahá’í-related activities, Dr. Jones has been active in his community with such involvements as co-chairing the YWCA's membership drive and co-chairing and organizing a United Negro College Fund drive.

He lives with his wife, Jacquelyn, in Charleston.

Human Rights Day

Vernon T. Squires, president of the Village of Wilmette, Illinois, presents a proclamation designating Sunday, December 9, 'Human Rights Day' in Wilmette to eight-year-old Maia Ashby of Glenview while 12-year-old Layli Strasburg of Wilmette looks on. The Wilmette Bahá’í community observed the occasion with a public meeting at the Bahá’í House of Worship whose main speaker was Dr. William P. Gussner, superintendent of Wilmette public schools.

Ads

and swimming teachers. Please phone the National Teaching Committee immediately at 312-869-9039.

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

BOSCH Bahá’í School invites applications for staff positions: single adults or mature youth for 3-6 months (renewable) as student-staff or apprentice staff and for full-time summer staff. Special talents and abilities to be considered in selection. Opportunity for learning, leadership experience, and service in a unique setting secluded in redwood forest but near city, community colleges, UC-Santa Cruz. Possibility of internship or work credit from your college by your own arrangement. Interviews will be arranged in northern and southern California for those being considered, following receipt of a letter of application and resumé together with the name, address and phone number of your Assembly secretary. Send to: School Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

A DIRECTORY of deaf and hearing impaired Bahá’ís and those who know sign language is being compiled by the Committee for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf. Please send any information you may have to Michael L. Sullivan, St. Petersburg, FL 33709, or phone 813-544-5203.

A Bahá’í in Montebello, California, will sell a condo direct at below market value to another Bahá’í who is willing to become a homefront pioneer to Montebello, whose Assembly is in jeopardy. The two-story condo has two bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, 2 1/2-car garage, high vaulted ceiling, a/c, gas range, dishwasher and garbage disposal; it's 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, near freeways, in a quiet, safe, multi-cultural, attractive neighborhood. Children welcome. Contact Lea Andersen (owner), P.O. Box 3921, Fairview, NM 87533 (phone 505-753-2144), or Lois Schneider, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Montebello, P.O. Box 265, Montebello, CA 90640 (phone 213-721-9420).

NEEDED: Two adult Bahá’ís to help save a jeopardized Assembly in Yosemite National Park, California. Service jobs available in thriving local tourist industry along with some positions in management and government. Good schools, mild climate. For more information write to the Bahá’ís of Yosemite/El Portal, P.O. Box 440, El Portal, CA 95318, or phone 209-379-2301.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives would like to contact relatives of William Dodge about the Dodge family papers. William Dodge, a long-time member of the Bahá’í community of New York City, died in 1973 in Bluepoint, New York. Anyone having information about his relatives is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

URGENT! Fill a goal in Cyprus. Jobs are available for junior and senior lecturers in management, marketing and advertising. MBA from leading management school required. Phone the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039, right away!

RECREATION directors are needed for summer programs at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Experience leading cooperative games, folk dancing and team sports especially useful. If you have experience planning and leading activities for people of all ages, please send a resumé to Dr. Geoffry Marks, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Room, board and a stipend are offered. Service can be from one to 10 weeks.

SCIENCE writers are needed for an international Tropical Agriculture Institute in Nigeria, a goal country. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

RADIO education and curriculum development specialist fluent in the Nepalese language is needed to fill a job in Nepal, a goal country. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MONTPELIER, Vermont (pop. 8,000), the smallest state capital in the U.S., needs homefront pioneers to help strengthen and maintain its Assembly. Nestled in the Green Mountains and surrounded by spectacular scenery, Montpelier offers employment in government, insurance, health care and nearby tourism. It's within commuting distance of Burlington, a thriving city with many job and educational opportunities. The Montpelier community of seven adults, three youth and one pre-youth would be happy to help pioneers who wish to settle in our town. Please contact Mrs. Nancy Rogers, Montpelier, VT 05602, or phone 802-233-5583.

FULL and part-time teachers are needed in Cyprus, a goal country. If you teach English, Greek, history, physics, boys' physical education, biology or technical drawing, please contact the International Goals Committee as soon as possible, 312-869-9039.

MILLWOOD, Washington, needs you to maintain our Assembly. We presently have eight adult members. Excellent public schools, close to lakes and forests, while being a part of much larger Spokane. We'd be happy to help you settle in Millwood. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Millwood, P.O. Box 141013, Spokane, WA 99214, or phone Brenda at 509-928-8744.

WANTED: Slides of youth and youth activities. The National Youth Committee is putting together a slide program for the International Youth Conference in July, and we need your help. Please send slides to the producer, Mark Sisson, P.O. Box 480124, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Sending a copy will save us the time and expense of copying your slide and returning the original to you.

SHORT-TERM assignments in Africa and the Near East are available for persons with a master's degree in communications and an interest in radio education. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

GREEN Acre's work/study program offers two weeks of activity at the school for people over 15. For information, contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

COME live in beautiful Vermont! The Spiritual Assembly of Hartford needs to replace two members who are going pioneering by Ridván 1986. Their home with four acres of land is for sale for $50,000 and available for occupancy in June. Come and enjoy rural life in an active Bahá’í community! For more information, contact Dawn and Larry Staudt, White River Junction, VT 05001, or phone 802-295-2387.

ACCOUNTING and management consulting firm in Cyprus requires a public relations/receptionist with a degree in social science, psychology, politics or business administration. Also needed is a personnel manager for a staff of 165. For details, phone the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039, now!

DO YOU own a computer with a phone modem? The National Youth Committee is looking for youth and young adults who are interested in sharing information via computer. Specifically, we need people who are willing to receive information and distribute it to their region. We have a Texas Instruments professional computer now! If you can help us, please contact the Youth Committee at 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or phone 305-584-1844.

A FREE catalog of tapes, T-shirts and other materials including "Mankind Is One" T-shirts and sweatshirts in 12 languages is available from "Reflections," Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

PIONEER family leaving Spain would like to sell their lovely new home in a goal area on the coast 15 minutes from Barcelona. For more information, please write to Zohreh Bartlett, Homewood, AL 35209, or phone 205-870-3782.

HOW would you like to change your address? And what a bounty to help save an Assembly in the little village of Hamburg, New York, "the town that friendship built," about 15 miles from Buffalo. At least two people are needed in the village to save the Assembly, and the Town of Hamburg also needs one or two to reform its Assembly. There are many colleges nearby and nice apartment buildings for retired people. We have wonderful weather, many new shopping areas, ski resorts and lots of entertainment. Write to Mrs. Ethel Hare, Hamburg, NY 14075. [Page 23]

World conference in Kenya to review UN Decade for Women

The United Nations Decade for Women began in 1976 as an outcome of the World Conference for International Women's Year that was held in Mexico City in the summer of 1975.

THE DECADE draws to a close in July 1985, ending officially in Nairobi, Kenya, with the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women.

The Decade for Women arose from the recognition by the UN General Assembly of the fundamental, world-wide problem of discrimination against women—and of the fact that such discrimination hampered the progress of the entire human race.

The General Assembly thus declared the themes of the decade to be "equality, development and peace," and the goals for the decade have been directed toward achieving those ends.

The accomplishments of the Decade for Women have been great, if not always clearly quantifiable. Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the decade has been the dramatic increase in the attention given to women's issues throughout the world; this awareness has in many cases led to concrete action in favor of women's rights.

The UN itself has established new institutions and treaties that deal specifically with women's issues; these include the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW); the Voluntary Fund for the United Nations Decade for Women; and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which was adopted in September 1981 and has been ratified by more than 55 member states.

BAHÁ’ÍS around the world have been quite active in the UN Decade for Women.

Bahá’í delegations attended the Mexico City conference in 1975 and the Mid-Decade Conference in Copenhagen in 1980.

The Bahá’í International Community, in its relation to the UN, has worked directly with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and with the United Nations Branch for the Advancement for Women.

The Bahá’í International Community has also submitted to the Economic and Social Council several statements reflecting the Bahá’í attitude toward general and specific women's issues.

A delegation representing the Bahá’í International Community will participate this summer in the UN World Conference in Nairobi.

As in 1975 and 1980, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations will hold an unofficial Forum in Nairobi to coincide with the UN World Conference.

THE FORUM, which will be held July 8-17, is open to all interested individuals and is designed as an arena of exchange for women from all parts of the world.

The program will include seminars, workshops and briefings on such critical issues as health, nutrition, education and development. There will be daily plenary sessions and many spontaneous meetings and other events.

The forum is not an official UN conference, but rather an informal gathering of concerned individuals and groups who wish to interact with women and men from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to discuss the status of women today.

Individuals interested in attending the forum should contact immediately the headquarters in New York. The address: NGO Planning Committee, NY 10017.

UN observes its 40th anniversary in 1985

1985 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

IN JUNE 1945 representatives from more than 50 countries gathered in San Francisco to draft a charter for a confederation of nations with equal representation and representing the first step toward a universal government.

Bahá’ís throughout the world supported the advent of the United Nations and were one of the first non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to be recognized by that institution.

Since 1945 the links between the UN and the Bahá’í community have been strong and valuable.

The Bahá’ís encourage all of the UN efforts toward achieving peace, the equality of men and women, guarantees of human rights, the elimination of poverty and achievement of universal literacy, and support the UN as an international forum for world public opinion and as a meeting place for the representatives of the nations.

The National Spiritual Assembly thus encourages all Local Assemblies and individuals to take an active role in the celebration of the UN's 40th anniversary.

COMMUNITIES should consider holding public meetings for all the UN-related days ordinarily observed by the American Bahá’í community (Human Rights Day, World Peace Day, and especially United Nations Day, October 24).

Detailed instructions will be sent to all Local Assemblies, and now is the time to begin planning.

All questions about the UN and UN-related issues should be addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly's representative to the United Nations, Monireh Kazemzadeh. Correspondence should be addressed as follows: Bahá’ís of the United States, United Nations Representative, New York, NY 10017. The telephone number is 212-751-1282.

UN approves Convention Against Torture

Last December, after weeks of difficult negotiations and lengthy debates, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee) of the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a draft resolution of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

THE DECISION of the Third Committee was accepted by the General Assembly, and the Convention was officially adopted by the UN as a whole.

The Convention, which was most vigorously supported by the delegations from the Netherlands and other Nordic countries, reinforces and expands upon the already existing prohibition against torture found in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It reaffirms that torture (here defined as acts by which severe pain and suffering are intentionally inflicted on a person for the purpose of punishment, coercion, intimidation or obtaining information, when such acts are "inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity") is under no circumstances and for no reason permissible or justifiable.

Further, the Convention calls for the formation of a Committee Against Torture, which would be empowered by the Secretary-General to investigate suspected abuses. (Any state party may, however, refuse to recognize the authority of the committee.)

The Bahá’ís actively supported the Convention Against Torture and applauded its acceptance by the General Assembly. It is now left to the member nations of the UN to ratify the Convention.

ONCE the members do ratify, the Bahá’ís hope, the practice of torture will be curtailed and eventually even eliminated.

The Convention Against Torture, if ratified by the government of Iran, would be of particular importance to the Bahá’ís in that country, many of whom have been and are at present the victims of officially sanctioned acts of torture.

Distribution Service Top 20 Accounts May 1984-January 1985

1. Los Angeles 2. Green Acre School 3. Clackamas County, OR 4. Louhelen School 5. New York City 6. Bosch School 7. San Francisco, CA 8. Seattle, WA 9. San Diego, CA 10. Washington, DC 11. Riverside, CA 12. Dallas, TX 13. San Jose, CA 14. Wilhelm School 15. Florida Summer School 16. Tennessee School 17. Kansas City, MO 18. Asheville, NC 19. Phoenix, AZ 20. Ocoee, FL

Martha Root's birthplace is locale for three-day teaching conference

The Western Pennsylvania District Teaching Committee is hosting a three-day teaching conference May 31-June 2 in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, the home of Martha Root.

Among the keynote speakers will be Mabel Garis, author of the book Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold.

Reasonable accommodations have been secured at Alliance College, and a children's program will be included.

Also planned are a walking tour of the homes of Martha Root and other historic sites in the area, nature walks, a slide presentation on Martha Root, and musical entertainment.

For more information, please contact Deb Hilbert, secretary, Mystic Road, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.

New from the United Kingdom: SECOND BIRTH

SECOND BIRTH THE GOAL OF LIFE BY GAIL RADLEY ILLUSTRATIONS BY RICHARD MORGAN

Simply told and beautifully illustrated this attractive book will make a handsome gift to friends, relatives and contacts, delight your children and find an important place in your family's library. Available in both hard and softcover bindings.

Before you had a name, before you were even born, you were alive. You couldn't possibly imagine who or what you were, but you were a human being—a person with a body, mind and soul that made you different from anyone who ever lived in the past, or will live in the future. But WHO are you? WHAT are you? WHY are you here?.....

SECOND BIRTH will tell you some of the answers to these questions and help you to understand the GOAL OF LIFE.

Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Hardcover $8.00 Softcover $4.50 [Page 24]

A pesar de las victorias del año pasado, nuevos desafíos aún nos esperan

A los seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh en todos los países

Muy amados amigos,

Han pasado doce meses desde que dirigimos a los devotos seguidores de la Bendita Beldad en todo el mundo un mensaje en que dimos un bosquejo de los principales desafíos que enfrentan la Causa de Dios y las oportunidades emocionantes que se están presentando para que las utilizemos en Su servicio.

LA RESPUESTA que hubo fue inmediata y reconfortadora con respecto al ofrecimiento de servicios, respecto a planes que se pusieron en acción sin demora, y respecto a contribuciones al Fondo.

Las actividades de los amigos siguen incrementándose, y están apareciendo evidencias de ricas cosechas. Tan solo en la India 150,000 nuevos creyentes se han unido a la comunidad bahá’í; en Samoa el Mashriqu’l-Adhkár se ha dedicado entre medio de reconocimiento de la Causa sin precedente; en el Canadá, en la conferencia realizada en London, Ontario, un incremento en la actividad entre la juventud bahá’í ha iniciado un movimiento que ha estimulado la imaginación de los amigos de cerca y de lejos.

En relación al Fondo, sin embargo, el paso de las contribuciones durante la segunda mitad del año ha decaído seriamente, y sentimos que es oportuno dirigir su atención al hecho que nuestra carta del 2 de enero de 1984 no fue un llamado a hacer un enorme esfuerzo de corta duración, sino que su intención fue el informar a la comunidad mundial entera acerca de los grandes desafíos y oportunidades actuales que no solo son inmediatos pero que requieren también un aumento sostenido, de largo alcance, en los esfuerzos y en la abnegación de los amigos, tanto en el servicio como en el contribuir de sus recursos financieros al adelanto de la Fe.

No se ha hecho frente, de ninguna manera, a los desafíos que enumeramos en aquel entonces, ni tampoco se ha aferrado completamente a las oportunidades. El Mashriqu’l-Adhkár de la India, edificio de gran tamaño y belleza, aun no está completado; planes para el desarrollo adicional del Centro Mundial, para el diseño y la edificación de los tres restantes edificios en el Arco deben trazarse con la plena confianza que los fondos para su completación serán disponibles; proyectos para desarrollo social y económico, para el establecimiento de escuelas bahá’ís y radioemisoras, para adelanto agrónomo, y una extensa gama de otras actividades que se necesitan urgentemente se están multiplicando; atención mundial a la Fe ha aumentado durante el año pasado con un ritmo aun mayor que antes, exigiendo nuevas medidas para coordinar servicios de información pública y contactos con gobiernos y líderes del pensamiento; y por último, pero cerca al corazón de todos, es la necesidad de fondos para ayudar en el socorro de aquellos creyentes muy presionados que se han visto obligados a dejar Iran, a menudo indigentes y muy afligidos, que buscan construir una nueva vida en otras partes del mundo.

EL ABRIL PASADO nos conmovió mucho el recibir una solicitud de los delegados reunidos en la Convención Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos de América, pidiendo que la Ley de Huqúqu’lláh se aplique a todos los creyentes en ese país.

A pesar de que aun no es el momento de dar este paso de largo alcance, nos sentimos impulsados a decidir que, como medida preliminaria, los textos relacionados a la Ley de Huqúqu’lláh serán traducidos al inglés para información general como preparación para el momento en que esta ley sea aplicada más extensamente.

Sin embargo, por más importante que sea le Ley de Huqúqu’lláh, los devotos seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh, aun sin ésta, tienen toda oportunidad de contribuir regular y sacrificadamente al trabajo de la Causa. Es a una mayor comprensión del privilegio y la responsabilidad de sostener las múltiples actividades de nuestra amada Fe que les llamamos a todos ustedes en este momento crítico en la historia del mundo, y les recordamos que el apoyar los fondos bahá’ís es una parte integra del modo de vida bahá’í.

La necesidad no es solo ahora, sino a lo largo de los años por venir, hasta que nuestros grandes esfuerzos, reforzados por confirmaciones desde lo alto, hayan vencido los grandes peligros que ahora hacen frente a la humanidad y hayan hecho de este mundo otro mundo uno cuyo esplendor y gracia han de sobrepasar nuestras más elevadas esperanzas y nuestros mayores sueños.

Con cariñosos saludos bahá’ís,

Casa Universal de la Justicia 3 de enero de 1985

Después de tres años en existencia, la Asamblea Espiritual Local de New Castle County, Delaware, ha logrado la incorporación, una de sus metas para el Plan de Siete Años. También la Asamblea muestra la unidad en diversidad. Sus miembros, de varias razas y nacionalidades son, de pié, iz. a der.: Roger Blaine, Katherine Sands, Sandra Winters, Teresa Narvaez, Doris Genus y Donalee Blaine. Sentados, de iz. a der.: Frank Capro, James Genus y William Winters.

Dos jóvenes en Carolina del Sur estudian materiales bahá’ís desarrollados en Colombia. El curso tiene como meta inculcar el conocimiento de los Escritos Sagrados, los principios de la Fé y el deseo de servir a la humanidad en la juventud bahá’í. Por medio de estos estudios y sus actividades relacionadas, su compromiso al desarrollo espiritual y social aumenta tanto como su amor para la Palabra Sagrada.

Two Bahá’ís place public service spots on 51 S.C. stations

Two Bahá’ís, cooperating with the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee, recently set a goal of placing Bahá’í public service spots on 50 radio stations across the state.

Traveling many hundreds of miles in nine working days, they exceeded their goal by one, and also placed spots on two TV stations.

A conservative estimate is that each station will use the spots at least 20 times, which means that more than 1,000 Bahá’í spot announcements will blanket South Carolina in the days ahead.

This is equal to about nine hours of free radio time, at a total cost to the Bahá’ís of less than $25 for cassettes, or about two cents for each of the 1,000 spots.

Future plans are to revisit each station every three months with new materials.

The two Bahá’ís who carried out this enormous and successful task were Elwin Howard of South Carolina and Marvin Hughes of Michigan.

La cooperación de creyentes de dos países resulta en 39 declaraciones de fé en Ciudad Juárez, México

Bahá’ís vinieron desde Illinois, Kentucky y Nuevo México para reunirse con los creyentes de Piedras Negras, Coahuila y Manzanillo, Colima en un proyecto frontizero de enseñanza que tomó lugar en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

Treinta y nueve (39) personas declararon su fé en Bahá’u’lláh durante el périodo de una semana a fines del mes de diciembre. Entre los nuevos Bahá’ís había un médico y su esposa, un vendedor de palomitas y su familia, un abogado, trés cocineros en un restorán, empleados de un periódico local que publicó un artículo sobre la Fé y varios jóvenes.

Actividades durante la semana incluyeron una entrevista de 10 minutos por televisión con una creyente local y otra Bahá’í de Illinois. El toque de luz especial fue una entrevista por radio; es muy raro que se hable de la religión por radio en esa región.

El proyecto se acabó con la celebración de la Fiesta de 19 Días del més de Sharaf, a la cual asistieron 25 adultos y 16 jóvenes. La Asamblea Espiritual Local de Ciudad Juárez embarcará en un programa extensivo para confirmar y educar los nuevos creyentes. [Page 25]

BRIAN PENOYER: Illinois youth compiles exemplary high school record in many areas

Brian K. Penoyer, a third generation Bahá’í youth from Hanover, Illinois, who is now attending the University of Chicago where he is majoring in physics, compiled an exemplary record of achievements as a high school student including:

Treasurer, Bahá’í Group of Hanover; National Honor Society; school honor roll (four years); Illinois Mathematics League certificate of merit; Presidential Academic Award; National Merit Scholar Award.

Brian was listed in "Who's Who Among U.S. High School Students," won the National Education Development Test Award for exceptional score, the Hanover Education Association scholarship, University of Chicago scholarship, Illinois Veterans scholarship, and the Illinois State scholarship.

As if that weren't enough, he was a cellist with the Dubuque Youth Symphony, a member of the boys' chorus and swing choir, won a superior rating and letter of merit in the State of Illinois Music Contest, was class president and Student Council vice-president, won the DAR award for outstanding citizenship, and was salutatorian of the senior class.

Brian is the grandson of one of the early American Bahá’ís, Fred Mortensen, and his wife, Kathryn, and the son of Kathryn Penoyer of the Hanover Bahá’í community.

Students aid Ethiopia

During the fall session at the Bahá’í School of the North Shore near Chicago, students contributed $154.64 to the "Children of Ethiopia" fund.

The money, which was collected in boxes placed in each classroom, will be sent to Ethiopia via the "Save the Children" foundation.

The Bahá’í School of the North Shore, whose students are from Chicago and its northern suburbs, is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Wilmette, Illinois.

The news in brief

'Carolina Victory Train' rolls in high gear through Tar Heel state

The "Carolina Victory Train" is in high gear, moving swiftly toward its goal of raising large numbers of avowed adherents of the Faith, and reports of victories in North Carolina have begun rolling in. For example:

.There is a new Assembly in Shelby with more than 100 new believers, thanks to the efforts of homefront pioneers Bob and Renee Cadwalader.

The Assembly in Mount Airy had fallen to only five adults; now there are eight new believers.

The Surry County Group had seven adults and had tried for years to form an Assembly. Now, with three new declarants, they'll be able to form.

Hamlet had a strong Group for years; now they have an Assembly and 20 new believers.

• Monroe has 11 new Bahá’ís and will form its Assembly.

The "Carolina Victory Train" rolled into Black Mountain on February 16, continued on to High Point on February 26 to help re-form its Assembly, and was in Forsyth County on March 9 to help form an Assembly there.

More locations will be announced later as many communities in North Carolina consult on the teaching work.

Meanwhile, all aboard the "Carolina Victory Train" teaching the Cause of God!

Aneth (Utah) Bahá’í Celebration

Start planning now for the third Aneth (Utah) Bahá’í Celebration of Unity and the Oneness of Mankind to be held July 3-7.

Plan your vacation around it and come prepared to have a good time camping out and sharing in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

If you have a special talent as an entertainer, plan to use it. If not, learn a mime, tell a joke or plan to sing and dance with the rest of us.

There'll be rafting, hiking, swimming and exploring the ancient Anasazi ruins of Hovenweep.

We'll have classes for children and adults (and are at this time begging for speakers and group discussion leaders).

We'd like to emphasize that people of all races are invited and in fact greatly encouraged to attend.

This year, we'll be charging a minimal fee of $15 per person for meals, $25 per family, or $1.50 per meal for part-time participants. No fee will be asked of anyone who cannot afford it.

If you need information (more, will be given in future issues of The American Bahá’í), would like to volunteer to speak or conduct a class, to come early for building or teaching, to pay in advance for meals or make a donation, please write to the Bahá’ís of Aneth, c/o Robin C. Silas, Aneth, UT 84510. Please indicate if money is for meals or donation.

Writing Competition

If you've ever wanted to turn a great idea into fiction or capture a real event in a non-fiction story, now is your chance.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is sponsoring a writing competition about youth during 1985, the International Year of Youth. The winning entries will be published by the Trust.

Categories include stories by youth about youth submitted by persons ages 15-20; stories by youth about youth by persons ages 20-25; and stories by adults (over 25) about youth.

The stories (fiction or non-fiction) should reflect realistic situations and Bahá’í values, but should not be moralistic in tone. They should be typewritten or computer printed, double-spaced, with a ragged-right margin. Fifteen pages is the maximum length per entry, with a maximum word count of 4,000-5,000.

Additional details and deadlines are available by writing to Dr. Betty J. Fisher, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Montana Technical College

The Bahá’í Student Club at Montana Technical College, Butte, has been holding regular firesides throughout the school year.

A poster and pamphlet display was placed in the Student Union building for a week, and during orientation week Bahá’í students manned a table making literature available to anyone who was interested.

The Montana Tech Bahá’í Club has three Bahá’í student members, one non-Bahá’í student member, and a Bahá’í faculty member as its adviser.

The club's secretary-treasurer, Abbas Riazati-Kesheh, an Iranian-born Bahá’í who now lives with a family in Butte, has been inducted into the honorary Petroleum Society, and in November was notified that he was elected to "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."

Abbas, who recently turned 21, is to graduate next May. He has been in the U.S. for five years.

The club's non-Bahá’í member, Kathy Scott, is the cousin of a Bahá’í and has been studying the Faith since last September.

Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference

While Disney World played host to a big Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference last December in sunny Orlando, Florida, more than 80 youth from an eight-state area gathered at the New Jersey home of Auxiliary Board member Robert Harris and his wife, Barbara, for a conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Township. Included was productive consultation on IYY and the 'Youth Movement,' workshops on the importance of consultation in marriage (and before), discussion groups on prejudices and how to eliminate them, and a new Bahá’í version of a popular game called 'Profound Pursuit.' The youth were from Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. (Photo by Juan Caban)

National Women's Hall of Fame

The Bahá’í Groups of Seneca Falls and Geneva, New York, recently presented copies of the books Táhirih the Pure by Martha Root and Martha Root by M.R. Garis to the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, site of an historic 19th century convention which raised the call for women's suffrage in the U.S. Its 1,500-volume library includes books about the 35 women honored by the NWHF as well as historical and social works on other outstanding women in America and elsewhere. Pictured (left to right) are NWHF volunteer librarians Diane Medvitz and Ethel Bishop; the Bahá’í representative, Dorothy Norton; and volunteer librarian Linda VanInwegen.

Distribution Service Top 25 Items in Dollars

May 1984-January 1985

1. Bahá’í Readings 2. Bahá’í Proofs 3. English/Persian/Arabic Hidden Words 4. The Dawning Place, SC 5. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, SC 6. Bahá’í Datebook 142 B.E. 7. The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Vol. 3, HC 8. Loving Hands, CS 9. Bahá’í Prayers, HC 10. Some Answered Questions, PS 11. Bahá’í History Calendar 1985 12. Bahá’í Wall Calendar 1985 13. Bahá’í Prayers, SC 14. The Dawning Place, HC 15. Gleanings, PS 16. O God, My God... 17. Kitáb-i-lqán, PS 18. Circle of Unity (Kalimát) 19. Destiny Package A 20. Fly Away Home 21. The Advent of Divine Justice, SC 22. Teaching the Bahá’í Faith, SC 23. Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2 24. Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet, English 25. Destiny Package C [Page 26]

VIE Chart

Current Month Info (Masa’i) 'Starting Block' Info

District Name Membership as of 12/9/84 Number giving Percentage of participation Membership Number (01/08/85) giving Percentage of participation

Colorado NE Colorado SE Colorado W Connecticut DelMar Va Florida C Florida N Florida SE Florida SW Georgia NE Georgia NW Georgia S Idaho N/Washington E Idaho S Illinois N No. 1 Illinois N No. 2 Illinois St Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky 26 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 N New Mexico S/Texas W 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

The first Bahá’í Summer School at the recently opened Los Angeles Bahá’í Center was held August 20-24. Included were classes for 66 enrollees ages 3 to 14. Morning sessions focused on Bahá’í history, memorizing the Writings, group discussions and songs while afternoons were spent taking field trips to such cultural treasures as the largest Afro-American museum on the West Coast, a city-sponsored clay workshop, a museum dedicated to children, and the museums of space, science and industry. Pictured with her class is teacher Behin White. The school director was Katherine Hubbard. Other teachers were Truitt White, Manijeh Ahourian, Evelyn Clay, Taya Brittan, Stephanie Jeffries and Amanda Gronich.

Tonga

month there is a project varying from making quilts, pillow cases, mats, etc., which can either be sold or used at home.

"At the end of each project is a women's meeting and a display of their handiwork. A number of Bahá’í women also support a government program of assisting the adult handicapped on the island.

"One family put aside an acre of their farm to help the youth. Youth who become Bahá’ís, and are consequently expelled from their homes, and other homeless youth are encouraged to work on the farm for wages. The proceeds from the 'youth acre' are used to support their other activities.

"Three Assemblies on the island have planted plots of vanilla, the proceeds from which go toward LSA activities and helping those in need.

"ANOTHER group of Bahá’ís began a shop in the main center, where they try to provide items that are unobtainable at other stores, including second-hand clothing affordable to the people.

"They have also started farming vegetables to alleviate the ever-present shortage. While they sell produce in the market, their first goal is to educate the people to the possibility of providing vegetables for their families right from their town plots where water is available.

"It is encouraging to see such activities to serve and uplift the people, in spite of economic shortages of the Bahá’ís. Could it be that such activities are a breath of the Bahá’í civilization to come?

"The beginnings, as I said, are modest, but they are taking place here and in many Third World countries.

"From the brief example that has been given, it can be seen that Western Bahá’ís have ample opportunity to help the Faith in developing countries throughout the world. The encouragement and direction given by pioneers can be such an asset in countries where administrative skills are lacking.

"If you have talents or capabilities to serve the Faith as a pioneer, and if you have the desire, knock on doors and see how they fly open. So much can be done, and it needs to be done now before the doors close." [Page 27]

Ten years ago... in The American Bahá’í

More than 100 Bahá’ís representing 60 Spiritual Assemblies attend the first in a series of Family Life Conferences in San Francisco, California.

The conferences, sponsored by the National Education Committee, are designed to help families to develop Bahá’í characteristics in their homes.

After an opening address by James F. Nelson, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, the participants attend workshop sessions on how to organize children’s classes, consultation and the family, preparing for a life of service, Bahá’í marriage, parent effectivenes-Bahá’í style, children’s materials and their uses, and the family as a cohesive unit.

Additional conferences are scheduled in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C....

A new series of 13 half-hour radio programs on the Faith is completed and readied for distribution to Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups that can obtain public service air time on local stations.

The "Jeff Reynolds" programs feature Burl Barer, a Bahá’í from Seattle, Washington, who combines popular music with commentary on such themes as the equality of men and women, children and the family, progressive revelation, the life of Bahá’u’lláh, and the need for world unity.

The National Information Office also introduces a series of five-minute programs in Spanish on various Bahá’í-related topics and makes available a collection of 30-second radio spots on the oneness of mankind that were originally used during the St. Louis Conference...

The House of Worship Activities Committee accepts applications for the first "experimental pilgrimages" to the House of Worship in Wilmette.

The purpose of the pilgrimages is to allow participants an opportunity to visit the Temple, to pray and meditate at this holy site, and to learn more about the workings of the Bahá’í National Center...

The number of reported youth circuit teaching projects in the U.S. jumps from 24 to 131 within a two-month period, according to the National Youth Committee...

National committee secretaries and other selected staff at the Bahá’í National Center attend a one-day seminar on budget and management conducted by the Office of the Treasurer.

St. Helena Island’s oldest Bahá’í dead at 88

Mrs. Louise Williams, the oldest Bahá’í on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, died December 23.

The 88-year-old Mrs. Williams had been a Bahá’í for 23 years, having left Faith Memorial Baptist Church which she helped to found several years before becoming a Bahá’í.

Mrs. Williams served for several years on the Spiritual Assembly of St. Helena Island and was its treasurer for three years.

Out of respect for her, the pastor and members of Faith Memorial Church allowed the funeral service to be held there to accommodate the 350 who attended.

Bahá’í prayers and other passages from the Writings were read, and a passage from the new book Spirit in Action: Teaching the Bahá’í Faith by Nat Rutstein, which mentions Mrs. Williams, was read as her eulogy.

Rose petals from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh were placed in the casket to be buried with her.

Mrs. Williams is the second person to be buried in the 10-acre Bahá’í cemetery on St. Helena which was purchased many years ago.

In her memory, the Bahá’ís of St. Helena have begun plans to build a Bahá’í Center on the existing Bahá’í property near Frogmore.

Pictured are Bahá’ís and other friends at the funeral last December for Mrs. Louise Williams on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

"Spiritual Mothering," a periodical based on Bahá’í principles, has a new editor

"Spiritual Mothering Journal," a Bahá’í-inspired periodical that was founded four years ago by Melinda Armstrong, has a new editor—Rene Knight-Weiler of Gresham, Oregon.

"Spiritual Mothering" is a quarterly publication of about 25 pages which includes feature articles as well as poetry and regular columns such as "Attribute Acquisition," "On Fathering," "Marriage," and others.

The four 1985 issues will focus on "Children As Spiritual Beings," "Natural Awareness: Stepping Stone to Spiritual Awareness," "War and Peace," and "Step-parenting."

Ms. Knight-Weiler, a physical therapist with two small children, is supported in her volunteer endeavor by Donna Sires, a Bahá’í artist and mother of three from West Linn, Oregon, and Kathy Goodrich, La Leche League leader and mother of three from Troutdale, Oregon.

The Journal, says Ms. Knight-Weiler, welcomes contributions in the form of articles, poems or art work.

Subscriptions are $7 a year. The address is Spiritual Mothering, Gresham, OR 97030.

Olive B. Alexander, Bahá’í for 40 years

Olive B. Alexander, a Bahá’í for 40 years, died January 22 at her home in Miami, Florida.

Miss Alexander served from 1938 until her retirement in 1967 as executive director of the James E. Scott Community Association.

She also was a member of the executive committee of the Senior Citizens and Family and Child Care division of the Welfare Planning Council of Miami and of the first Dade County Council on Human Relations.

A day care center at the James E. Scott Homes in Miami is named in her honor.

In Memoriam

Violet Adams Fort Valley, GA October 18, 1984

Cora Albertson Gages Lake, IL December 23, 1984

Olive Alexander Miami, FL January 22, 1985

Annie Best Florence, SC Date Unknown

Paul Between Lodge Wanblee, SD Date Unknown

David Blondin Brandon, VT November 12, 1984

Swendell Braddy Maxton, NC December 1984

Edtee Bradshaw Chicago, IL December 31, 1984

Marion Bruce Darlington, SC Date Unknown

Retha Carr Florence, SC Date Unknown

Kia Neng Cha Portland, OR January 10, 1985

Mary L. Creekmore Amherst, MA January 11, 1985

Pearle Easterbrook Lincoln, IL January 19, 1985

Joe Eddie Pamplico, SC Date Unknown

Fulton Edwards Mounds, IL Date Unknown

Herman Gonzales Deming, NM 1976

Sylvia Hopf Glen Ellyn, IL January 15, 1985

W. Hopkins Florence, SC Date Unknown

Ethel Harrison Florence, SC Date Unknown

Agnes High Horse Wanblee, SD 1984

Alton Hightower Parrott, GA Date Unknown

Chaney Mae Jackson Dawson, GA Date Unknown

Hannah Jackson Peoria Hts, IL August 22, 1984

Johnny Jackson Dawson, GA Date Unknown

Willie Jackson Dawson, GA Date Unknown

Velma Johnson La Grande, OR September 29, 1984

Mary Jordan South Hill, VA January 10, 1985

Alma Kassens Menomenee Falls, WI September 1, 1980

James Kelly Florence, SC Date Unknown

James Kerun Murdo, SD Date Unknown

June Krueger Lakewood, CA October 1984

Edward LaPointe Rose Bud, SC September 1984

Louis Lasarte Sr. Berkeley, CA 1983

Reed Lawrence Shelby, NC January 7, 1985

LeGrand Lane Timmonsville, SC Date Unknown

Anne Lewis Zenith, WA Date Unknown

Sara Little Bull Martin, SD November 1984

John Lloyd Columbia, SC Date Unknown

Ollie Mango Florence, SC Date Unknown

Florence Martinson Bloomington, MN January 15, 1985

Laghafieh Mazloumi Granada Hills, CA June 1983

Johnny McDaniel Maxton, NC December 1984

Lee McKay Maxton, NC December 1984

Danel Mejia Wapato, WA January 29, 1985

Jack Mensea Hillsboro, OR December 13, 1984

Rufus McFadden Florence, AL Date Unknown

Patricia Milliken Los Angeles, CA January 22, 1985

Marshall Miller Kane, FL September 26, 1984

Robert Moore Gloucester, MA January 3, 1985

Elouise Murphy Camden, SC Date Unknown

John Myers Pamplico, SC Date Unknown.

Zivar Naimi Montgomery, AL January 1985

Marie Neumann Evanston, IL January 1, 1985

Annie Paulos Detroit, MI December 20, 1984

Mary Pflughoeft Kingsford, MI November 2, 1984

Marion Piget Florence, SC Date Unknown

Kamal Rahimpour Santa Monica, CA January 29, 1985

Ricky Ray Ross Fort Valley, GA December 20, 1984

Willie Sparkman Andrews, SC Date Unknown

Louis Skinner Marshallville, GA 1980

Julius Shennett Hawkinsville, GA Date Unknown

Lester Stalney Florence, AL Date Unknown

Johnny Stanko Roseville, CA October 1984

Frank Stevenson Florence, SC Date Unknown

Abraham Street Florence, SC Date Unknown

Laura Thompson Andrews, SC Date Unknown

Maggie Turner Byronville, GA Date Unknown

Oua Vang Portland, OR May 28, 1984

Grant Whiterock Tonalea, AZ January 5, 1985

Frances West Menlo Park, CA December 29, 1984

Rosalie Williams Darlington, SC 1982

Louise Wounded Head Kyle, SD October 1984 [Page 28]

Letters

creatures and in all men.

We become truly religious when we stop thinking of religion solely in terms of church and prayer, holy places and clergy.

The enlightenment mentioned in the sacred writings comes to us by degrees as we realize that we are always in the Presence of God.

When the power of God's unifying Presence becomes a living reality in our lives, then the great Bahá’í principle of "radiant acquiescence" becomes our daily response to life's inevitable challenges.

Then the trials and difficulties, life lived as a daily problem, vanish, and the words of Christ take on new meaning: "Come to Me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

SAYS Bahá’u’lláh (Gleanings, p. 184): "... inasmuch as He, the sovereign Lord of all, hath willed to reveal His sovereignty in the kingdom of names and attributes, each and every created thing hath, through the act of the Divine Will, been made a sign of His glory. So pervasive and general is this revelation that nothing whatsoever in the whole universe can be discovered that doth not reflect His splendor. Under such conditions every consideration of proximity and remoteness is obliterated ...

And again (Gleanings, p. 186): "Those hearts, however, that are aware of His Presence, are close to Him, and are to be regarded as having drawn nigh unto His Throne."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, as in the children's fairy tale, we had a bottle with a hidden genie in it who would grant our every wish?

We do! We do! You are the "bottle" and the "genie" is the Holy Spirit! What is your wish, O children of God—what is your wish?

Charles Beachner Santa Rosa, California

To the Editor:

This is my first letter to The American Bahá’í, and it is prompted by recent incidents in my district.

It concerns how we as Bahá’ís treat one another in the wake of transgressions, moments of weakness.

YOUTH I have known who have become pregnant out of wedlock (declared Bahá’ís, and definitely more than one) have been made to feel unwelcome by some of their fellow believers. To me, this is unconscionable behavior.

As I understand it, the Local Spiritual Assembly has jurisdiction insofar as protection of the Faith and other administrative matters go. It is not up to the individual to pass judgment on others in such cases.

In fact, it is the responsibility of each of us to rid himself of this prejudice and make that Bahá’í feel comfortable and accepted.

Providing love, comfort and understanding does not imply approval, nor should it, because ideally, that should not even enter the minds of the individual believers.

To me, it is a sign of spiritual strength on the part of these women to own up to a mistake not easily hidden (unlike far more grievous sins such as backbiting) by bearing and raising their children, especially in light of some other options offered by society, including abortion, that are far worse but all too easily obtained.

I know from personal experience that single parenthood is no piece of cake, and the last thing these women and their children need is rejection from those they've come to depend on for love and support.

Michael V. Heister Riverside, California

To the Editor:

One facet of the emergence from obscurity of the Bahá’í Faith will surely be the greater availability of Bahá’í literature in book shops.

The publication, early in 1985, of The Bahá’í Faith: Emergence of a Global Religion provides an opportunity to speed up this process, if we order the book locally.

By doing so we will encourage look book shops to order and display their own supply for the general public.

Francis Ratnieks Ithaca, New York

To the Editor:

I have met Bahá’ís who are practicing non-medical health care methods such as manipulation of, or applying pressure to, various parts of the body, which the practitioners claim were inspired—either directly or indirectly—by the Sacred Writings.

Recently, while going through our community's archives, I found the following excerpt from a letter dated June 8, 1948, written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, which was published in Bahá’í News (November 1950):

"There is no such thing as Bahá’í healers or a Bahá’í type of healing. In His Most Holy Book (the Aqdas), Bahá’u’lláh says to consult the best physicians, in other words, doctors who have studied a scientific system of medicine; He never gave us to believe that He Himself would heal us through 'healers,' but rather through prayer and the assistance of medicine and approved treatments.

"Now, as long as your healing is in no opposition to these principles, as long as you do not try and take the place of a regular doctor in trying to heal others, but only give them your kind of help through constructive suggestion—or whatever it may be—and do not associate this help with being a channel of the direct grace of Bahá’u’lláh, the Guardian sees no harm in your continuing your assistance to others. But you must conscientiously decide whether, in view of the above, you are really justified in continuing."

I believe the Guardian's statement is crystal clear on this point and needs no further elaboration.

Marian Dunmire Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

To the Editor:

One of the most apparent ways in which our national Bahá’í community is continually challenged to grow, mature and exhibit its spirit of unified action is the manner in which we contribute to the Bahá’í Funds.

WHILE the urgent need of the Fund does not suggest that we may not be devoted servants of Bahá’u’lláh, it does tend to indicate that we, even as the society in which we live, do not understand fully the relationship between spiritual and material things.

These complementary aspects of living have become dichotomized by our Cartesian training, to the detriment of much of science and religion alike.

How, then, does the new Bahá’í cosmology put the world back in order for us?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us that man's relationship to the phenomenal universe is the same as that of the soul of a man to his material body. Therefore, all created things find their meaning and purpose through man.

As Bahá’u’lláh says, "We have ordained all the atoms for thy training." Without man, the universe would be as a lifeless body.

When we contribute to the Bahá’í Funds we give added meaning and life to things of material value, but we are the recipients of this new life through the mystery of sacrifice. The material act of giving is transmuted into an act of spiritual significance.

Such acts illumine the hearts of all men, perhaps even all created things, and demonstrate the latent power that will renew the world.

Releasing this power requires spiritual maturity. When we become thoroughly united through love and devotion to God and to one another, this power will be the hallmark of what Shoghi Effendi called "a distinctive Bahá’í society."

Giving regularly to the Fund is not just a duty. It is a unique privilege and strengthens spiritual consciousness when done in a joyous and thankful spirit.

Kim Bowers Kilgore, Texas