The American Bahá’í/Volume 16/Issue 7/Text

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The American Bahá’í July, 1985

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Letter to Bahá’í youth from House of Justice

To the Bahá’í Youth of the World

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We extend our loving greetings and best wishes to all who will meet in youth conferences yet to be held during International Youth Year.

SO EAGER and resourceful have been the responses of the Bahá’í youth in many countries to the challenges of this special year that we are moved to expressions of delight and high hope.

We applaud those youth who, in respect of this period, have already engaged in some activity within their national and local communities or in collaboration with their peers in other countries, and call upon them to persevere in their unyielding efforts to acquire spiritual qualities and useful qualifications. For if they do so, the influence of their high-minded motivations will exert itself upon world developments conducive to a productive, progressive and peaceful future.

May the youth activities begun this year be a fitting prelude to and an ongoing, significant feature throughout the International Year of Peace, 1986.

The present requirements of a Faith whose responsibilities rapidly increase in relation to its rise from obscurity impose an inescapable duty on the youth to ensure that their lives reflect to a marked degree the transforming power of the new Revelation they have embraced.

Otherwise, by what example are the claims of Bahá’u’lláh to be judged? How is His healing Message to be acknowledged by a skeptical humanity if it produces no noticeable effect upon the young, who are seen to be among the most energetic, the most pliable and promising elements in any society?

THE DARK horizon faced by a world which has failed to recognize the Promised One, the Source of its salvation, acutely affects the outlook of the younger generation.

Distribution Service to carry Canada’s new music video, ‘Mona with Children’

One of the most exciting proclamation tools in recent years, the music video of the song “Mona with the Children,” is soon to be available through the U.S. Bahá’í Distribution Service.

THE video tape will sell for $45 in both Beta and VHS formats. Even before its commercial release, the “Mona” video, which tells the story of the events that led to the martyrdom of 16-year-old Mona Mahmúdnizhád, has brought the story to hundreds of thousands of people in Canada.

When the filming of the five-minute video of “Mona with the Children” took place in Toronto, the event was covered by local and national television news programs. Stories about the video and the martyrdom of Mona were carried on more than half a dozen national and local television programs.

Kansans arise en masse, proclaim Faith in grand victory celebration

By LAURA HILDRETH

The “prairie fires” ignited last November when the Bahá’ís of Kansas set out to win the “month of firesides” competition blazed forth during the month of ‘Azamát in an unprecedented statewide teaching/proclamation effort.

THE HAND of the Cause of God William Sears, one of the many “prizes” in the fireside contest, accompanied by his wife, Marguerite, undertook a grueling 11-day teaching trip to communities throughout the state, exhorting the believers to “arise to proclaim the Faith,” because, he said, quoting the beloved Guardian, “no measure of victory can be too great!”

Mr. Sears was the speaker May 24-25 at large meetings in Hutchinson and Lee’s Summit, Missouri (near Kansas City), each of which drew an audience of about 400 Bahá’ís.

Earlier in the week, Mr. Sears was the honored guest at a meeting of the Interfaith Council of Wichita where he met with about 65 of the religious and political leaders in that city.

The Hand of the Cause was introduced at that meeting, held at the home of Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy, by Counsellor Velma Sherrill.

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears explains the Bahá’í ringstone symbol to members of the Interfaith Council of Wichita during a meeting at which Mr. Sears was the honored guest.

Other major events included a “Bahá’í Victory Month” proclamation by Kansas Gov. John Carlin and a meeting between the governor and Judges James and Dorothy Nelson; a pow wow in Wichita organized by Bahá’ís and various Native American groups; and public concerts by Do’a, Danny Deardorff, Dan Seals, Mark Ochu, Steve and Jean Smith, and other Bahá’í musicians and entertainers.

The effort of the Kansas District Teaching Committee to plan the “month of victory” celebration was a triumphant one.

Louhelen College accepting applications

The Residential College at Louhelen Bahá’í School is now accepting applications for September 1986 enrollment.

Applications are now being mailed to students in the U.S. and abroad who have shown an interest in the program. Twenty-six students will be accepted into the program, which will combine formal study of the fundamentals of the Faith with degree-earning studies at one of two nearby colleges.

While living at Louhelen the students will receive counseling in study skills and career planning in addition to serving the school in such areas as food service, child education, office work, maintenance, and housekeeping according to their interests and abilities.

In August a study skills textbook, written by Dr. Sherrie Nist of the University of Georgia and Dr. William Diehl of the Louhelen School, will be published by D.C. Heath. The book, Developing Thinking: Strategies for Success in College, will be used by the students taking study skills courses at Louhelen.

Since enrollment is limited to 26, anyone who is interested is encouraged to write as soon as possible for an application or more details. The deadline for enrollment is March 1, 1986. Write to the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

‘Partnership’ dominant theme at second Louhelen conference

The Campaign of Unified Action assumed a dynamic new dimension May 24-25 as four members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, 21 Auxiliary Board members, members of national committees and National Center staff gathered at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan to “strengthen the pledge of partnership” forged during the first historic Louhelen meeting one year ago.

Pictured are participants in one of the workshop sessions during the second annual Louhelen conference May 24-25.

THIS year’s conference, permeated from start to finish by the “spirit of Kansas,” focused on four components of the Campaign of Unified Action whose challenge to the American Bahá’í community looms as especially important during the last few months of the Seven Year Plan:

• Connecting hearts with Bahá’u’lláh.
• Achieving an unprecedented level of enrollments.
• Attaining unity in diversity.
• Releasing and fostering individual initiative.

Also discussed was the vital necessity of laying the sort of solid financial foundation upon which the National Assembly and its agencies can continue to build. [Page 2]

Counsellors, National Assembly sound ringing battle cry: 'Deeds, not words!'

To the American Bahá’í community

Dear Friends:

The gratifying response of the Bahá’ís of the United States to the call of the Campaign of Unified Action, and the enumeration of the astonishing rewards which that response is bringing, inspired the deliberations of the second meeting of four members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly, 21 members of the Auxiliary Board, all national committees and National Center staff at the Louhelen Bahá’í School this year.

THE PURPOSE of the meeting was to examine the progress of the campaign, to deepen our understanding of the challenges which we face in the final year of the Seven Year Plan, and to coordinate the efforts and strengthen the collaboration of the institutions and agencies of the Faith in this country.

Throughout the year we have observed the spread of the spirit of individual initiative, an increase in both the number and diversity of community teaching projects, the rekindling and expansion of the Bahá’í youth movement, the galvanizing effect of 11 conferences involving more than 500 local Spiritual Assemblies, and the inspiring success of the month of firesides culminating in the celebration of the month of victory in Kansas.

We have also been instructed by the Universal House of Justice that "The time has come for the Bahá’í community to become more involved in the life of the society around it. ..." It has called upon us to prepare ourselves for an unprecedented initiative on the part of the Bahá’í world community to "proclaim ever more widely and convincingly the vitalizing principles upon which... a lasting peace must be founded."

In the light of this new vision, bolstered by the strengths evident within this Bahá’í community, and in response to the continuing sacrifices of the friends in Iran, we see the urgent need to pursue the Campaign of Unified Action with increasing vigor.

The frequency and quality of consultation at all levels in the community must be elevated so as to reflect the prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that "our thoughts, our views, our feelings, may become as one reality manifesting the spirit of union throughout the world."

OUR LOVE FOR the richness and power of diversity must be intensified. Our capacity to help connect the hearts with Bahá’u’lláh must be significantly increased so as to permit the enrollment of the required vast number of new believers. Our spirit of sacrifice must equal our sense of commitment and assure the constant flow of all necessary financial and human resources.

Armed with these augmented qualities, we must confront two major challenges. The first is to see to completion a much larger number of effective individual and community teaching projects. The second is to assure that the pledge of partnership is fulfilled so that every teaching effort will receive the support of individuals, communities, institutions and agencies.

As we go forth, let our battle cry be: "Deeds, not words!"

The Continental Board of Counsellors The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Bahá’ís in Highland Park, Michigan, plan, carry out public safety seminar

The Spiritual Assembly of Highland Park, Michigan, concerned about a brutal murder which took place in that community in the fall of 1983, organized a public seminar last September entitled "Feel Safe in Highland Park."

About 150 people were present at a local high school to hear presentations by the city planning director ("Abandoned Houses"), the chief of police ("Eyes and Ears Against Crime" and "School Children Safety"), the fire chief ("Home Fire Preparedness" and "Arson Control"), a representative of Detroit Edison ("Security Lighting"), and a Detroit police officer ("Personal Safety on the Streets").

Following the talks, workshops were held on each of the topics. The seminar was video taped and an article about it appeared in the local newspaper, the Highland Park Times.

More than 50,000 people saw this Bahá’í float May 4 in the annual Chico State Pioneer Days Parade in Chico, California. The float won a second place award among community floats. Also in Chico, the Bahá’í community, with help from Chico J.D., completed on May 16 a 13-week presentation of 'The Spiritual Revolution' on local cable television.

UNITING THE WORLD ONE HEART AT A TIME ACHIEVING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR PEACE

Unto Him Shall We Return: Splendid guide for Bahá’ís, non-Bahá’ís alike

This month we present reactions by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúbiyyih Khánum and A.A. Furútan to the book Unto Him Shall We Return.

To the Editor:

I was delighted to read the recently published book Unto Him Shall We Return. This compilation from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the subject of life after death and the tremendous importance of that eternal world we inevitably pass into when we are released from our physical bodies was long overdue.

THE important selections it contains on the nature of the soul, mind and spirit of man, and the supreme importance of his seizing the opportunities his physical sojourn in this world afford him to educate and perfect his spiritual nature so that after death it may evolve and assume a worthy, immortal form in the realms of God are likewise of great interest and importance to everyone.

I believe that this book, so painstakingly compiled by Hushidar Motlagh, reaches the Bahá’ís—and through them the non-Bahá’ís at a time when we all have a need to know more on these subjects of crucial importance to our eternal life.

Mankind is living under the shadow of some great catastrophe, a retribution for its heedlessness, a day of reckoning promised in all the Holy Scriptures of the world, and it seems to me that people are increasingly, whether consciously or unconsciously, restless and fearful.

They have no assurance of immortality and understand little about the nature of their own being, so this book reaches our hands at a time when all of us need it, and at a time when we can share with others the profound and clear Bahá’í concepts on these all-important topics set forth so cogently and lucidly by the Central Figures of the Faith.

I can truly say that I hope all the Bahá’ís will avail themselves of this compilation, and that they will consider how to use all or some of its quotations to share with non-Bahá’í relatives and friends indeed, the general public—at moments of sorrow, stress and confusion.

ALL OF us come in contact with non-Bahá’ís when they have lost a dear one, or they, like all of us, are caught up in the torrent of crime and terrorism so often leading to violent death which increasingly characterizes the end of the 20th century.

The Bahá’í concepts and explanations should be of infinite help to others who may not wish, or be able at the present time, to embrace the Faith in its entirety as we have, but who sorely need comfort and guidance.

Rúhiyyih Rabbani Haifa, Israel

To the Editor:

From among the various teachings of the Prophets of God, those of Divine Educators, belief in the next world is the most essential principle for human education and well-being.

IF MAN does not believe in the hereafter and in spiritual reward and punishment—that is to say, if man believes only in this material life—he will occupy himself with his own beneficial interests, and regardless of his inclination toward ethical and sentimental perfection, remain defective. For such a person, many fundamental questions will forever remain unanswered.

There is no doubt that to some extent, deprivation, wars and social disorders of all kinds are the direct result of man's disbelief in the hereafter and the immortality of the spirit.

Viewed in this perspective, Unto Him Shall We Return, Hushidar Motlagh's collection from the Bahá’í writings published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust is a valuable piece of work, providing the Bahá’ís and the general public with a comprehensive handbook on this topic.

Most of these quotations have, of course, been available before, but they were scattered throughout the Bahá’í literature, and are now compiled in this one handsome book.

I have studied the entire compilation and enjoyed it immensely. I found it well-organized and intelligently presented in a convenient manner, and I would particularly See COMMENT Page 8 [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:

With reference to Steve Sullins' letter (April), I wish to remind the Bahá’ís that while the practice of reading various books about health and healing is commendable, Bahá’u’lláh admonishes us in His Book of Laws, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, to "refer to competent physicians."

"In short," ‘Abdu’l-Bahá further explains, "the point is that you should maintain your health by consulting a highly-skilled physician."

Bahá’ís are free to read any health book they wish; but I submit that not everyone who has written a book on matters of health qualifies as a "highly-skilled physician." Many medical books, journals and articles are fraught with statistical errors which have led to inaccurate conclusions.

Bahá’ís should therefore be extremely careful in what to espouse. But since it is difficult for the lay person to decide which medical report to follow and which to discard, one should refer to a recognized "competent physician" for guidance.

As a physician, I would feel no "remorse" about administering immunizations to anyone, whether he lives in an underdeveloped area or not, because I am following the current advice of not just one, but thousands of skillful physicians.

Dr. Ilham Deloomy Dallas, Texas

To the Editor:

I am sorry to be obliged to disagree with Loie Mead's friend (November 1984), but it seems obvious to me that the friends do not "already know how to give to the Fund."

If they did, surely more than five per cent of the community would be contributing to the National Fund in any given month (this statistic is drawn from the monthly Treasurer's page).

Judith Ehrich Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire

To the Editor:

Although it was through the Bahá’í administration that the foundation and structure of this world Faith was established, it is nevertheless the spiritual energy contained in the Divine Doctrine that enkindles the souls of the believers.

The Faith is like unto a human being whose body is the administration and whose soul is the Divine Doctrine.

It should be imperative to become deepened in the Bahá’í teachings. The great truths of this Revelation can be grasped only through meditation.

In His writings, Bahá’u’lláh stresses over and over again the absolute need to meditate and to achieve the dimension of depth.

Obviously, deepening cannot be the result of collective efforts. To believe that some degree of deepening is attained by listening to lectures is a sad state of self-deception.

Let us individually seek the spiritual treasures specially contained in The Seven Valleys and The Hidden Words and thus attain higher levels of consciousness.

As Bahá’u’lláh has said, "Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths." (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 35)

Luis E. Aguirre Newport Beach, California

To the Editor:

I cannot thank The American Bahá’í and International Goals Committee enough for publishing the full-page listing of American pioneers (May, p. 6).

When I first saw that page my heart was overwhelmed with such love for the pioneers and our community, my soul reveled in their triumph to meet the needs of the Cause, and I longed even more to join their ranks.

Thank you for honoring and acknowledging those who have assuredly arisen.

Cherlynn A. Rush Colton, California

To the Editor:

I read with interest the letter from Steve Sullins (April) about the issue of drugs vs. diet in treating illness.

IT IS sure to cause discussion, addressing as it does the very personal topics of health and diet choices.

At the risk of being called unrealistic or simple-minded, I beg to offer an alternative to discarding either view (use drugs, eat meat; don't use drugs, don't eat meat) out of hand, and it is to trust in God, trust your instincts, trust your good sense.

I've often read in The American Bahá’í articles about pioneers who have gone to live in places drastically different in culture from the U.S. and lacking such amenities as apples, sweet corn, video games or synthetic penicillin.

These pioneers and their children rely on their own good sense and on faith in God and Bahá’u’lláh to get them through hard times. They pray; they teach; they deepen; they exult in success and push on.

Here in Minnesota, the growing season is relatively short, and out-of-season fruits and vegetables are expensive. People in the area rely heavily on dairy products and fish and game for survival. I don't believe these "primitive" eating habits affect their spiritual beauty.

I do believe we should learn as much as possible about health and diet, especially within the context of our particular environment, but not become so concerned with this one aspect of our lives that we forget the most important reasons we are Bahá’ís—among them, to be happy and to help one another to remain steadfast in our Faith.

Honore Voelker Lehtinen Cook, Minnesota

To the Editor:

We wish to express our gratitude to the many volunteers who made the recent grand opening ceremony for WLGI Radio such a memorable occasion.

In particular, we acknowledge and commend the participation of Carolyn Fulmer in the preparation and organization of the generous buffet which was served with such graciousness and beauty.

We note also how willingly and ably she was helped by several Bahá’ís from western South Carolina, and take this opportunity to extend our loving appreciation to all of them.

Spiritual Assembly of Greenwood County North, South Carolina

To the Editor:

In January, I read The Diary of Juliet Thompson and was quite interested by the references in it to her novel, I, Mary Magdalene.

I had my husband, a librarian, check to see if any library had an existing copy. Lo and behold, the computer check turned up one copy in the Kent State University library.

My library borrowed it for me, and as I began to read I had a shock. The book, copyrighted in 1940, had sat in that library unread for all these years!

I would like to share with your readers the wonderful news of this historical novel in which whole sections of conversation between Mary Magdalene and Christ jump off the page, based directly on Juliet's talks with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

If you enjoyed the Diary, you'll appreciate the novel.

Anyone can borrow the book through their public library. Simply ask for an inter-library loan.

Shari Meyer Clearfield, Utah

To the Editor:

I have read recent letters in The American Bahá’í discussing the Bahá’í Faith and medicine.

"Modern medicine" is young and is making new discoveries every day. Any thoughtful and skillful physician can testify to the dependency on drugs that is evident in our society. That is a symptom of the world's disunity.

Unity is the cure for disease. We must obey the skillful physician and also seek healing from Bahá’u’lláh.

We are all "Bahá’í healers." The Bahá’í community must be healing. We must be loving and caring toward the ill.

Bahá’u’lláh commands us to obey the physician, and the Bahá’í community must surround the sick one with love. I have seen the healing effects of such love and attention.

Jay Bender Christiansburg, Virginia

To the Editor:

We are told to teach receptive souls. Receptive souls usually are those who have undergone or are in some sort of change.

Groups of people who have experienced change or unrest in recent times include refugees, blacks, American Indians, and farmers.

Try teaching these groups. The Tablets of the Divine Plan will show you how. Follow directions!

Larry Scott Wanblee, South Dakota

To the Editor:

I was reminded recently of an incident that happened several years ago, shortly after I went pioneering to Okinawa, Japan.

THE INCIDENT came to mind after some discussion in our community about how the Fund supports teaching work.

I was working on Okinawa at a military installation, and used an American banking facility on the base.

A few months after I arrived, I received a call from a teller at the bank. At first, I assumed the call had to do with my account—the first thought was that I had made an error in subtracting from my checkbook and was horribly overdrawn.

But that wasn't it at all. The teller introduced herself and asked if I was a Bahá’í. I said yes, wondering what that could have to do with being overdrawn.

She said she had lived on Okinawa as a military spouse for several years and had not been able to locate any Bahá’ís during that time.

I asked if she was a Bahá’í. She said no, but she had attended firesides in the U.S. and had hoped to continue studying the Faith when her husband was transferred to Okinawa.

USUALLY, she said, she was not the teller assigned to my account. The regular teller was ill, and she had been given those accounts to handle during her illness.

When going through my account she ran across several checks to Bahá’í funds and thought she would call and introduce herself.

I said how wonderful that she had called, and asked if she would like to attend firesides again.

She explained that she and her husband were moving back to the states the next week, so she wouldn't be able to, but she assured me that she would be attending firesides when she got back to the U.S.

It's true that the Fund is necessary to support teaching activities, but doesn't this incident remind us that our giving can also be a teaching event in itself, even if a subtle one?

How many bank personnel might have reason to at least see

See LETTERS Page 12

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unrestrained as the Wind A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh

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Order through your local community 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 [Page 4]Committee, Publishing Trust Advisory Committee, Race Unity Committee, Social and Economic Development Committee, South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee, and National Women's Committee. builders agencies can build the framework of a vibrant and unified Bahá’í community.

FORSYTH WARD

In a surprising turn, Forsyth Ward's international pioneering trip turned into an "exalted post" at the Bahá’í World Centre.

NAIRNE Forsyth Ward was 24 years old and a senior in Cornell University's College of Mechanical Engineering when he first learned of the Faith.

He was suffering from scarlet fever and was confined to the university's infirmary. When he expressed a desire to read, his nurse, Hetty Belle Townley, who was a Bahá’í, brought him Bahá’í literature.

Forsyth's interest was soon awakened, and not long afterward he became a Bahá’í.

After graduation, Forsyth became an instructor at Cornell where he remained until 1927 when he earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering.

During the previous year he had married Janet Nundy who had become a Bahá’í shortly before their marriage. The Wards later had three children.

During the next 14 years they lived in Berkeley, California, where they were active members of the Bahá’í community.

MR. WARD gave generously of his time as a speaker, often gave radio talks on aspects of the Faith, and served as well on national committees including the Geyserville (California) Bahá’í Summer School Committee.

From the school's opening in 1927 until 1941, the Ward family spent their summers at Geyserville where Mr. Ward directed activities and lectured.

He built a summer home on the school property which in later years he donated to the National Spiritual Assembly. A similar home was built on the property by Leroy Ioas, and the two families became lifelong friends.

At the Geyserville School, Mr. Ward helped oversee construction of the Amelia Collins Hall and

Louhelen

IN A letter drafted during the conference, the Counsellors and National Spiritual Assembly delineated "two major challenges" confronting the American Bahá’í community as it moves toward completion of the Seven Year Plan at Ridván 1986.

"The first," the letter says, "is to see to completion a much larger number of effective individual and community teaching projects.

"The second is to assure that the pledge of partnership is fulfilled so that every teaching effort will receive the support of individuals, communities, institutions and agencies."

The theme of strengthening the pledge of partnership was carried forward in plenary sessions and workshops at Louhelen and in many informal meetings during the weekend among various groups and individuals.

In all, nearly 100 Bahá’ís were present at the conference including Counsellors Farzam Arbáb, Sarah Martin Pereira, Fred Schechter and Velma Sherrill (who arrived Saturday evening from Kansas armed with many stories of victories) and eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly (his duties at Yale University prevented Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh from attending).

Four National Assembly members—Soo Fouts, Chester Kahn, Dorothy Nelson and James Nelson—and Counsellor Schechter also had been in Kansas the week before to witness first-hand the remarkable month of teaching and proclamation which reached a crescendo as the Louhelen conference was in session with two large victory celebrations featuring the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

ALSO represented at the Louhelen conference were the American Indian Teaching Committee, Business and Professional Affairs Committee, International Goals Committee, National Teaching Committee, National Youth Committee, Persian/American Affairs Committee, NSA Properties Committee.

In addition, many senior staff members at the National Center in Wilmette were present and took an active part in the consultation.

The meeting was opened Saturday morning with the reading of two letters from the Universal House of Justice: the Ridván 1985 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, and the letter of January 23, 1985, concerning the International Year of Peace in 1986.

After reviewing the accomplishments of the first Louhelen conference in May 1984, Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, outlined the goals of this year's conference.

After a brief period of consultation during which some of the activities in Kansas were related, the friends heard reports from the National Teaching Committee and National Youth Committee.

Counsellor Arbáb ended the morning session with a talk in which he outlined nine of the more pressing challenges facing the U.S. Bahá’í community.

THE afternoon was given over to workshops, with each of the nine groups reporting the results of its deliberations at a plenary session that evening.

Group consultation Saturday morning was interspersed with reports on the status of the Fund (presented by Dorothy Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly), and "the challenge of diversity" (by members of the Persian/American Affairs Committee).

More workshops were held Saturday afternoon, and again their results were reported to the plenary session that evening.

As was the case last year, the high level of consultation at Louhelen produced many splendid ideas, the over-all goal of which was summed up in the letter from the Counsellors and National Spiritual Assembly:

"Our love for the richness and power of diversity must be intensified. Our capacity to help connect the hearts with Bahá’u’lláh must be significantly increased so as to permit the enrollment of the required vast number of new believers.

"Our spirit of sacrifice must equal our sense of commitment and assure the constant flow of all necessary financial and human resources....

"As we go forth, let our battle cry be: 'Deeds, not words!'"

TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE:

FOUR COUNSELLORS, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, STAFF, 21 AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS, ALL NATIONAL COMMITTEES GATHERED LOUHELEN PURPOSE STRENGTHENING PLEDGE PARTNERSHIP THESE INSTITUTIONS ACHIEVE ALL GOALS SEVEN YEAR PLAN AND MEET CHALLENGES FUND, UNITY IN DIVERSITY, VASTLY INCREASING ENROLLMENTS AND ADDRESSING SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. WITH RADIANT AND JOYFUL UNITY WE SEND GREETINGS, PLEDGE STEADFAST DEVOTION SUPREME DIVINELY GUIDED BODY, SUPPLICATE YOUR PRAYERS CONFIRMATION OUR ABILITY EXECUTE AMERICA'S GOD-GIVEN MISSION.

DEEPLY PLEASED UNITED SPIRIT HIGH ASPIRATIONS MEETING LOUHELEN CONTINENTAL COUNSELLORS, AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS, SENIOR MEMBERS UNITED STATES BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION. WARMLY APPRECIATE YOUR SENTIMENTS. PRAYING FERVENTLY HOLY THRESHOLD UNSEEN HOSTS MAY GUIDE, SUSTAIN, RENDER VICTORIOUS CHIEF EXECUTORS MASTER'S DIVINE PLAN.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MAY 30, 1985

Pictured are most of the nearly 100 Bahá’ís who gathered May 24-25 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School to discuss strategies for the final year of the Seven Year Plan and beyond.

Counsellor Farzam Arbáb addresses a plenary session during the second annual Louhelen conference May 24-25.

New committee to help hearing impaired

Recently, the Bahá’í Committee for Services to the Deaf and Hearing Impaired was formed.

Our primary task right now is to find all of the deaf and hearing impaired Bahá’ís (adults and children). We also would like to locate Bahá’ís who are knowledgeable in deafness/sign language.

You can help. When you enroll a Bahá’í who is deaf or hearing impaired, please enclose a note asking that our committee be notified when you sent the enrollment card to the National Center.

Also, tell the new Bahá’í about our Service. And if you know of anyone in your community who would be interested in our committee, please let him/her know about us.

Other important tasks we have are to determine what services are needed (such as deepening materials or prayers translated into sign language), to educate the American Bahá’í community about the needs and concerns of deaf believers, and to develop and publish standard signs for Bahá’í terms.

Volunteers are needed to transcribe Feast tapes and send written copies to deaf Bahá’ís or their communities so they can more fully participate in Feast consultation.

We have developed a handout on "Suggestions and Resources for Bahá’í Communities with Deaf Believers," which is available from the committee for $1.

To volunteer to transcribe tapes, to register a deaf or hearing impaired Bahá’í or a person knowledgeable in sign language, or simply to acquire more information, please write to Barbara Loeding, Bahá’í Committee for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, West Lafayette, IN 47906, or phone 317-743-1015.

To receive the Bahá’í Sign Newsletter, write to P.O. Box 963, Front Royal, VA 22630. [Page 5]

Teaching, Fund inderdependent for growth

Teaching and the Fund are dependent on each other for growth and prosperity. Teaching relies on material means to support its activities, while the Fund depends on the fresh increase of contributions from new believers.

COMMENTING on this interdependent relationship, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote:

"Of all the gifts of God the greatest is Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice for the Abhá Beauty and teach the Cause of God."

Similarly emphatic statements can be found in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb. All of them assure us that teaching the Cause is of primary importance in this Dispensation.

It should come as no surprise, then, that teaching is first among those activities of the Faith supported by the National Fund. Shoghi Effendi highlighted the connection between teaching and the Fund:

"That you may reinforce this Teaching Campaign," he wrote to the U.S. National Assembly as early as 1923, "... it is urgently necessary to establish that Central Fund, which if generously supported and upheld by individual friends and local Assemblies, will soon enable you to execute your plans with promptness and vigor."

In the early days of the Faith in America, this task was accomplished by the expenditure of considerable sums of money for the continuous support of traveling teachers.

While helping traveling teachers remains an important task of the Fund, most expenses are absorbed by the teachers themselves. Today, support of the teaching work consists primarily of administration, travel, and maintenance of Bahá’í schools.

AT FIRST one might wonder what expenses are required in teaching. Certainly, individuals sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with another soul incur little cost. Yet the scope of teaching work takes on a different perspective at the national level.

The National Spiritual Assembly is charged with the duty of encouraging and stimulating local Assemblies and individual believers to become involved in spreading the Faith.

The following are some specific teaching aspects supported by the National Fund:

TRAVEL of National Teaching Committee members and their staff to Bahá’í conferences and schools has increased in importance the past few years. Personal contact has proved to be an effective way to inspire and instruct.

The National Youth Committee is thriving with a series of regional conferences planned for this year as well as the International Youth Conference scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend. Many other projects including coordination of college and local Bahá’í clubs, district and regional youth committees, and summer teaching projects are supported by the National Youth Committee's budget.

The telephone is a vital link between the National Center and the community. It is in constant use as the National Teaching Committee staff responds to the needs of Assemblies, District Teaching Committees and individuals.

Ninety-five District Teaching Committees in the U.S. are trained and supported. These committees plan, organize, implement and evaluate many teaching activities.

A budget has been allocated to help the American Indian Teaching Committee and the newly-formed Chinese Teaching Committee.

Greater NTR activity leads Iowa to forefront in VIE campaign

The Iowa district leaped into the Winners' Circle's top spot for the month of ‘Alá with the VIE statistics showing a surge in participation from 24.9 per cent to 77.1 per cent over the previous Bahá’í month.

ONE reason for the remarkable increase is the effectiveness of the National Treasurer's Representative (NTR) program in that district.

Edie Elmore, an NTR from Iowa, says, "The activities of the NTRs have made a big difference—the NTRs have been visible (in Iowa)."

Iowa has produced several NTRs. "About five either lived in Iowa for some time or this was their home state," says Ms. Elmore.

Manny Reimer, an NTR serving Maine, recently teased Ms. Elmore that Maine was "always in the winners' circle." He calculated that Maine had appeared in the winners' circle each time during the past 14 Bahá’í months. This prompted Ms. Elmore to redouble her efforts in Iowa.

Special events or fund-raisers, she says, "have not been the reason for the upsurge."

Instead, she credits Iowa's recent success to "gaining knowledge and understanding of the spiritual principles guiding the Bahá’í Fund."

IN IOWA, she says, "there has been a good response to the NTR program, particularly to offers of NTR courses." And, she adds, "Everyone knows who their NTR is."

Ms. Elmore is not about to rest on her laurels. "I have Thursday and Friday off," she says, "and I'm planning to write letters congratulating the Assemblies in my district for their VIE victory."

And on each of the letters, she plans to place the mark of a "red rose rubber stamp" she had specially made to remind the friends of the VIE campaign.

Planned Gifts booklet aids bequests

The Planned Gifts booklet will be a welcome addition to your Fund materials. Planned Gifts provides basic information about making a contribution to the Bahá’í Fund through testamentary bequests (wills), securities, and life insurance policies. The information provided in the booklet is general and not meant to be legal advice. A lawyer should be consulted when planning a substantial gift.

Copies of Planned Gifts are available through your National Treasurer's Representative or directly from the National Treasurer's Office for $1.50 each.

Consistent Maine gains top spot with 42.4 per cent

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund by District

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

Fund sparks lively discussion at second Louhelen conference

The status of the National Bahá’í Fund was a topic of lively discussion at the second annual meeting of the senior institutions of the Faith at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

AT THIS meeting a call was raised for "deeds, not words" to thrust the Bahá’í community toward the fulfillment of the Seven Year Plan goals.

Judge Dorothy Nelson delivered a stirring address about the National Fund to the group on Saturday morning.

In her address, Judge Nelson referred to the Bahá’í Fund as a spiritual obligation that enables us to connect our hearts to Bahá’u’lláh.

The need to "let deeds, not words be our adorning" was restated. Spirited consultation about the National Bahá’í Fund prompted the following comments:

• Referring to the content of the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice would stimulate the friends to contribute to the Fund.
• Stories of sacrifice encourage participation.
• THE means of communication currently used should be studied and the most effective means utilized.
• Children should be taught to give to the Fund.
• Talking about money is self-defeating. Instead, the Fund should be discussed with love and devotion, emphasizing what the Fund is doing in the world.
• Efforts should be made to encourage participation among even those who have little extra material resources.

Counsellor Farzam Arbáb made several poignant comments about the National Fund. He recommended that we "reconsider... what we are communicating to the friends in our messages and educational approaches on giving to the Fund.

"Our direction," he said, "needs to be one of aspiring to sacrifice—we need to set the standard high."

Task groups were formed and asked to focus their attention on the challenges confronting the American Bahá’í community, among them the National Bahá’í Fund.

One task group firmly called for the reinstitution of the Feast Fund letter as an effective means to communicate the needs of the Fund. They further asserted that the NTRs could be better used by the community.

Winners' Circle

Highest Percentage Participation

1. Maine 2. Colorado, Western 3. Kentucky 4. Minnesota, Northern 5. Rhode Island 6. Vermont 7. Pennsylvania, Western 8. West Virginia 9. Nebraska 10. Washington, Southwest 11. Iowa 12. Tennessee, Eastern 13. Pennsylvania, Eastern 14. Wisconsin N/Michigan 15. Idaho, Southern 16. Minnesota, Southernt 17. Ohio, Southern 18. Wisconsin, Southern 19. Wyoming

Most Improved Participation

1. Oregon, Eastern 2. West Virginia 3. Louisiana, Southern 4. Maine 5. Texas, Northern 6. Kentucky 7. New Mexico, Northern 8. Colorado, Western 9. Oklahoma, Eastern 10. Oklahoma, Western 11. Rhode Island 12. Washington, Southwest 13. Texas, Southern 14. South Carolina, Northern 15. Vermont 16. Wyoming 17. South Dakota 18. Pennsylvania, Western 19. Idaho, Southern [Page 6]

From distant outposts, pioneers drop a line

Tim Wilson recently arrived as a pioneer in Ireland. He writes: "Everything that Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, the Hands of the Cause, Counsellors and the learned promise the pioneers is true and comes true.

"FEAR is dissolved when one arises wholly for His sake. All problems, inner turmoils, outer expenditures, dissipate as foam cast ashore by the relentless sea.

"A thousand-thousand veils are lifted and the veil is but pierced with a pin. And this is but one stage of the soul's fulfillment.

"What can one say to encourage people to arise? I have no power save the power of utterance and example; thank God I have been empowered to do at least this.

"The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God and steadfastness in His love."

Richard Hatch, who is about to embark on another pioneering venture, sends the following tribute to veteran pioneer Orpha Daugherty, who died in Taiwan shortly after Ridván (see The American Bahá’í, June 1985, p. 31).

"To many, news of the passing of Orpha Daugherty will mean little more than another 'vital statistic' in the Bahá’í Archives. But for those of us who knew and loved her, this news left us with a void, knowing that the world has lost one of the real heroines of recent times.

"ORPHA died recently after suffering two strokes. She died in Taiwan after serving the Faith for more than 20 years as a pioneer in the countries and islands of Asia.

"She was surviving on a minimum social security check and finding jobs as best she could to keep from becoming a drain on the Bahá’í Fund and to remain at her post.

"Her last years were a constant battle to obtain visas, find whatever jobs she could, and most of all, survive; but never once did she ever consider giving up and returning to the comforts of the U.S. She remained steadfastly at her post.

"Before returning to Taiwan she had lost a battle with the Korean government, which refused her a visa. She had found a job but was denied a visa because of her age!

"This may have been as much as her frail body could stand, as those who saw her before she left Korea said she was so tired.

Edgar (Ollie) Olsen (standing third from right in front), the first native of Delaware to have become a Bahá’í, recently visited his hometown of Wilmington while on the way home from his fourth pilgrimage to the World Centre in Haifa. Mr. Olsen and his wife, Cynthia, have been pioneers to Guam for 30 years. To Mr. Olsen's right is Helen Hope, who returned home last year after 25 years as a pioneer to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia). To his left is Sara (Pinkie) Taylor, a homefront pioneer to Wilmington who came there with her late husband, John Taylor, from Atlantic City, New Jersey.

"Everyone who knew Orpha had a favorite 'Orpha story,' and here's mine:

"SEVERAL years ago while serving as an Auxiliary Board member, Orpha was visiting a small Asian island and was in a village as the guest of a Bahá’í family in a rustic native hut.

"In the morning, she came into the area of the hut where breakfast was to be served and noticed a strange-looking delicacy on the table which appeared to be a nicely-cooked bat.

"Not knowing what to say, and most assuredly not wanting to hurt her hosts' feelings, Orpha threw up her hands and with a cry of joy blurted out, 'Oh, bat for breakfast!'

"My wife and I soon will return to Asia as pioneers. One of the joys we looked forward to was seeing our beloved Orpha again.

"But alas, this bounty has been taken from us. But the memories of her can never be taken.

"She was small (I often thought of Martha Root as I looked at her) but was a spiritual giant.

"HOW many thousands of souls were affected by Orpha? Only God knows. We only know that ours were for sure! To know her was to love her.

"I wanted to share these memories of Orpha with the American Bahá’ís in the hope that it will help keep her memory alive. Perhaps someday the Bahá’í Fund will be in a condition to be able to support pioneers like Orpha so they can remain at their posts without having to wonder where their next meal is coming from and to allow them to live their later years in relative ease and comfort.

"It's up to us, the American Bahá’ís, to see to it that this happens. Can we do it? If we can't, who can?"

(A letter recently received from the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan informs us that a special earmarked fund has been set up to cover Orpha Daugherty's funeral and medical expenses of $5,000. If you care to contribute, checks may be made out to the National Bahá’í Fund and sent c/o the International Goals Committee for a regular Treasurer's Office receipt.)

And then there is a letter that accompanied a contribution to the Fund, received from a Bahá’í in New York state:

"Thank you for your kind letter... which... is a stimulus to my regular contribution toward aiding those who wish to pioneer.

"Please allow me to say that pioneering entails sacrifice on the part of those who dedicate themselves to the task, particularly those who have decided to do so for the first time. Therefore, however great the amount of my contribution may be, I consider it the least of my capabilities.

"THERE are others being tortured, murdered, deprived of their livelihood, and made homeless who are not permitted to teach this glorious Cause. Up to now, I have not fallen victim to such cruelties.

"Therefore, as a token of compassion toward the sufferings of the friends of God, I shall, by His help, not only contribute financially but also use whatever energy is available to me to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

"I pray my pocket will afford me from time to time the opportunity to increase my contribution to this wonderful and most worthy Cause, which is the only hope for the survival of humanity."

And last, a letter of gratitude from Carolyn Rush of Colton, California:

"I cannot thank The American Bahá’í enough for publishing the full-page listing of American pioneers.

"When I first glanced upon that page my heart was overwhelmed with such love for the pioneers and for our community, my soul reveled in their triumph to meet the needs of the Cause and longed even more to join their ranks.

"Thank you for honoring and acknowledging those who have assuredly arisen."

Many countries need traveling teachers to help in teaching, deepening friends

Have you ever wanted to travel to another country, experience another culture, serve the Faith by sharing your special skills and your love for Bahá’u’lláh?

AT A recent meeting, Counsellor Magdalene Carney said, "Many of us can't go pioneering now, but that shouldn't stop us from volunteering three to six months at a foreign post."

There are a number of countries, in Africa and the Americas, that need assistance.

Sierra Leone, West Africa, an English-speaking country, has a year-long project planned and needs volunteers to help with teaching, deepening institutes, children's classes, preparing teaching-deepening materials, contacting dignitaries and public officials, and music.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone stresses that there is something for everyone to do—everyone who will arise and come for a week, a month or more.

Benin, a French-speaking country in Africa, could use help in its national Secretariat to work with proclamation and follow up with officials, translations, newsletters, communications with local Assemblies, and other developmental activities.

THIS IS a country in which the elderly are greatly respected, and older people deepened in Christian or Muslim faiths are especially appreciated. The atmosphere is positive for the growth of the Faith.

Among the countries closer to home is Guyana, an English-speaking country in South America that could use help in its national Secretariat and in teaching and deepening projects in the villages.

These are only a few of the countries—there are many more. Most are willing to offer living accommodations.

If you have a country you are especially interested in, please call the travel teaching coordinator for the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039, and ask for information about the country of your choice.

Pioneers often find confirmations as reward for efforts

What are confirmations? People are always talking about them and looking for them.

PIONEERS are no exception. In fact, they might look for them even harder because sometimes, along with prayers and the Writings, that is what keeps them going.

As you may remember from the May issue of The American Bahá’í, Gordon and Emily Hansen and their children are pioneers to Truk, an island in the Eastern Caroline Islands of the Pacific.

The fact that Gordon had exactly what the Truk Small Industry Center wanted to hire as its director, down to aluminum smelting experience, was a confirmation itself.

What made this opportunity even more exciting was the emerging concept of social and economic development that the Universal House of Justice has urged the Bahá’í world community to implement.

As the adviser to the Small Industry Center, Gordon helps es...

PIONEER GOALS

Africa Mauritania 2 Nigeria 3 Tanzania 3

Americas Argentina 2 Easter Island 1 Dominica 1 French Guiana 2

Asia West Bengal, India 1 Nepal 1

Australasia Kosrae, Caroline Is. 2 Yap, Caroline Is. 1 Tuvalu 2 Marshall Islands 1

Europe Ireland 5 [Page 7]tions; their distressing lack of hope and their indulgence in desperate but futile and even dangerous solutions make a direct claim on the remedial attention of Bahá’í youth, who, through their knowledge of that Source and the bright vision with which they have thus been endowed, cannot hesitate to impart to their despairing fellow youth the restorative joy, the constructive hope, the radiant assurances of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation.

The words, the deeds, the attitudes, the lack of prejudice, the nobility of character, the high sense of service to others—in a word, those qualities and actions which distinguish a Bahá’í must unfailingly characterize their inner life and outer behavior, and their interactions with friend or foe.

Rejecting the low sights of mediocrity, let them scale the ascending heights of excellence in all they aspire to do. May they resolve to elevate the very atmosphere in which they move, whether it be in the school rooms or halls of higher learning, in their work, their recreation, their Bahá’í activity or social service.

Indeed, let them welcome with confidence the challenges awaiting them. Imbued with this excellence and a corresponding humility, with tenacity and a loving servitude, today's youth must move toward the front ranks of the professions, trades, arts and crafts which are necessary to the further progress of humankind—this to ensure that the spirit of the Cause will cast its illumination on all these important areas of human endeavor.

Moreover, while aiming at mastering the unifying concepts and swiftly advancing technologies of this era of communications, they can, indeed they must also guarantee the transmittal to the future of those skills which will preserve the marvelous, indispensable achievements of the past.

The transformation which is to occur in the functioning of society will certainly depend to a great extent on the effectiveness of the preparations the youth make for the world they will inherit.

We commend these thoughts to your private contemplation and to the consultations you conduct about your future.

And we offer the assurance of our prayerful remembrances of you, our trust and confidence.

The Universal House of Justice May 8, 1985

Young Bahá’i among Taekwondo champs

Tim Albrecht, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Arkansas, is a member of the recently crowned five-member Taekwondo Grand National Martial Arts Tournament championship team.

12 Regional Committees are named to assist Youth Movement

Across the country, fresh new agencies for serving the growth of the Bahá’í Youth Movement have been created—Regional Youth Committees were recently appointed by the National Youth Committee to foster the growth of the Movement and to stimulate youth activity at all levels.

The members of the 12 RYCs have been appointed and briefed, and will be attending a three-day seminar prior to the International Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

The RYCS will then help to launch and reinforce a summer filled with opportunities for youth. Individual youth, District Youth Committees, local and college clubs are encouraged to contact the Regional Youth Committee in their region both to offer and to solicit assistance for service to the Cause.

Contact persons for Regional Youth Committees

Region 1—Northeastern States (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont). Hooman Abrishamian, Brookline, MA 02167 (617-566-0935).

Region 2—Atlantic Coastal States (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia). Soheil Dadressan, convenor, Baltimore, MD 21237 (301-391-0841).

Region 3—South Carolina. Yvonne Kraus, convenor, Florence, SC 29501 (803-667-1540).

Region 4—Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee). Laili Phillips, chairperson, catur, GA 30030 (404-378-3614).

Region 5—Central States (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio). Munirih McLaren, convenor, Pontiac, MI 48053 (313-332-8074).

Region 6—North Central States (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin). Massoud Mahabadi, convenor, Golden Valley, MN 55422 (612-545-7304).

Region 7—Plains States (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska). Gail Etzenhauser, convenor, Silver Lake, KS 66539 (913-582-5180).

Region 8—South Central States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas excluding Western district). Sima Nekoui, secretary, Plano, TX 75074 (214-423-6234).

Region 9—Northwest Pacific States (Idaho/Northern, Montana, Oregon, Washington). Quddus Addison, convenor, Troutdale, OR 97060 (503-661-0622).

Region 10—Rocky Mountain States (Colorado, Idaho/Southern, Utah, Wyoming). Chris Weixelman, convenor, Boulder, CO 80303 (303-499-1350).

Region 11—Southwestern States (Arizona/Northern, Navajo-Hopi, New Mexico including West Texas district). Payam Neda, convenor, P.O. Box 11025, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505-298-8286).

Region 12—Southwest Pacific States (Arizona/Southern, California, Nevada). Alex Gottdank, convenor, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (714-586-9582).

U.S. youth ready for overseas duty in Year of Service

Many youth from the American Bahá’í community are preparing now to assume positions of service to the Faith in this country and overseas as a part of the Youth Year of Service.

Eight young people will be spending a year working in South America consolidating communities, and working with tutorial schools.

In Africa, U.S. youth will be traveling with the Mobile Institute program teaching and deepening new believers.

Many other opportunities now exist and are being developed for youth who are willing to arise. Contact the Bahá’í National Youth Committee, Sunrise, FL 33313, or phone 305-584-1844, for details. The bounties are great! The time is now!

Oregon Bahá’í youth co-sponsor March for Peace

Bahá’í youth in western Oregon are among the sponsors of an Interfaith Youth March for Peace to be conducted August 2-4 from Portland to Salem.

Participating in the march are members of the Bahá’í International Youth Year Task Force, a committee whose sponsors are the Western Oregon District Teaching Committee and the Regional Youth Committee (Region No. 9).

The Youth March for Peace has been planned and coordinated by the Interfaith Youth Task Force, comprised of Bahá’ís, Catholics and Jews, with technical advice from Portland's Metropolitan Youth Commission.

The primary goal of the march is to bring together youth of all religions as well as other concerned youth groups to begin an open and productive discourse on methods to achieve a lasting world peace.

Overnight housing is being provided by churches en route, security has been arranged with the Oregon State Police, and refreshments and medical services are also being provided.

The march schedule:

4 p.m. Friday, August 2—Youth rally in Portland; mayor's proclamation; youth movement speakers; entertainment and dance.

Saturday morning, August 3—March from Portland to Newberg; entertainers to move alongside the march in flatbed truck.

Saturday evening—Youth rally at college in Newberg.

Sunday morning, August 4—Continue march to Salem; more live entertainment en route.

Sunday evening—Governor's proclamation and youth rally at State Capitol in Salem; all youth to light candles at the end of the rally in the dusk of evening.

The final day of the march is the same day on which a ribbon sewn by churchgoers from all over the U.S. will be tied around the Pentagon in Washington as a demonstration of the desire for world peace while church bells ring simultaneously across the nation.

The idea for the march was conceived by the International Youth Year Task Force as a response to the Universal House of Justice's Ridván message in which it encouraged youth to "launch their own campaign of active cooperation with other youth groups, sharing with them Bahá’í ideals and... vision."

Registration forms and information can be obtained from the IYY Task Force, Tualatin, OR 97062 (phone 503-692-4983).

Jamaica conference has Bahá’í presence

The Bahá’í International Community was represented April 6-9 at an International Youth Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, which celebrated the United Nations International Youth Year 1985.

The three Bahá’í observers—Shiva Tavana from the New York office of the Bahá’í International Community, Helen Mirkovich de Sanchez from Costa Rica, and Dalton Nelson from Jamaica—met young delegates from around the world who had gathered to work on a "Declaration of Principles: affirmation of participation, development and peace in [Page 8]

Confirmations

tablish small businesses or "one-man shops," orders equipment, plans projects, and offers advice where needed.

The exciting factor here is that these "shops" are owned and operated by the Trukese. They are not what some outsider has told them they should operate. They are completely independent.

THE businesses now include a story board cutter, furniture makers, a welder, and a small sawmill.

The local Bahá’ís have started asking Gordon to help them with their own projects. As the official Truk State exporter, the Small Industry Center deals with more than 300 craftsmen and women and also offers advice on expanding their skills to increase their income. Sounds like confirmations, doesn't it?

But this is only the beginning.

During a buying trip to another island, Gordon and a local Bahá’í had the opportunity to meet a man who offered them food and drink. Because it was during the Fast, the offer was declined.

Their host, a Presbyterian minister, was a kind man who spent the next hour asking questions about why they had not accepted food or drink. Gordon was able to explain about the Fast.

Later, the conversation turned to Gordon's presence in Truk. Their host was curious about why he was there.

Gordon's companion, David Afu, explained that Gordon had been an executive in the U.S. and had left to volunteer his services with Small Industry.

THE HOST'S response was to quote a Bible passage to the effect that "blessed is the man who gives up his riches and helps his fellow man,"

The minister then asked Gordon if he could be his friend, as he admired a religious man. Afterward, he arranged for meals to be prepared for Gordon and David so they could eat before sunrise and after sunset.

Their host also offered Gordon a job as principal of a private school that is being planned for construction in that village.

He said he wanted to make sure that Gordon and Emily could stay in Truk after Gordon's contract with the Small Industry Center expired. Confirmations, right?

Comment

encourage the youth to become familiar with its contents.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the compiler and the publishers for producing this wonderful work. I will pray for them at the Holy Shrines that God may grant them further success in their services to our beloved Faith.

‘Alí-Akbar Furútan Haifa, Israel

70-plus hear Counsellor Sarah Pereira in Tampa

More than 50 adult Bahá’ís and 20 children attended a conference March 24 in Tampa, Florida, with Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira and Auxiliary Board member Benjamin Levy.

The conference was dedicated to the memory of Counsellor Lloyd Gardner who died March 6.

Gertrude Ridgell of Tampa, who became a Bahá’í in 1942, was honored by Dr. Pereira for her long service on the Spiritual Assembly of Tampa and for the constancy of her teaching efforts over the years.

Besides talks by Dr. Pereira and Mr. Levy, participants heard a talk by Dr. John Hatcher who was standing in for Auxiliary Board member William Tucker. Dr. Tucker was unable to attend because of illness.

The day before the conference, a special session was held with members of Spiritual Assemblies in the area to discuss the progress of the Seven Year Plan goals, problems faced by the Assemblies, and teaching opportunities to be seized.

Thirty-six members of 12 Assemblies in central and southwest Florida attended.

Pictured are many of the 50 adults and 20 children who attended a conference March 24 in Tampa, Florida, with Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira and Auxiliary Board member Benjamin Levy.

Summer of ’85 good time for traveling: Bahá’í youth conferences abound

This summer is buzzing with international conference excitement.

No matter where you may be traveling this year an outstanding conference, followed by teaching activities, is planned.

Information and registration forms can be obtained from the Bahá’í National Youth Committee, Sunrise, FL 33313 (phone 305-584-1844).

Here are some further details about each event:

July 26-29: International Youth Conference, Antwerp, Belgium.

August 1-4: Asia Pacific Bahá’í Youth Conference, Nube, Port Dickson, Malaysia.

August 2-5: International Bahá’í Youth Conference, Lima, Peru.

August 8-11: International Bahá’í Youth Conference, Australasia, Kauai, Hawaii.

August 15-20: Asian Bahá’í Youth Conference, New Delhi, India.

Who was the first Bahá’í to reach American soil?

Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900

AT LAST... FIVE NEW PAMPHLETS FOR TEACHING!!!

Full-color, handsomely produced by the National Teaching Committee Staff

The Theme is Peace Four different pamphlets, four different approaches to the subject of peace—

• Beyond National Sovereignty
• One Common Faith
• Universal Peace
• America's Challenge

One pamphlet: a general introduction to the Faith.

• Bahá’í World Peace through World Order
• a New Life through the Oneness of Religion
• More than an End to War
• Racial Unity
• World Peace through World Government
• General Introduction

Peace and Race Unity Peace and World Government Peace: More than an End to War Peace and the Oneness of Religion

ORDER FORM Peace Pamphlets 10 assorted $ 2.00 Peace Pamphlets 100 assorted $10.00 Peace Pamphlets-General Introduction (package of 50) $ 7.50 Peace Pamphlets-More than an End to War (package of 50) $ 7.50 Peace Pamphlets Oneness of Religion (package of 50) $ 7.50 Peace Pamphlets Race Unity (package of 50) $ 7.50 Peace Pamphlets World Government (package of 50) $ 7.50

Total plus 10 percent postage ($1.50 minimum for postage)

Order through your local distribution representative 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 TEL 800-323-1880

Enclose a check for the full amount, or VISA/MC (circle one) Expiration Date Card No. Name Address City State Zip

Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312-251-1854 (within Illinois).

Prices good through Aug. 30, 1985 [Page 9]

EDUCATION

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

Family Unity

FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST: KAMÁL (PERFECTION). Thought for the week: "... He hath stripped men's human qualities of all effect." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: p. 153, "O my Lord!" Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 312-313. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 320, para. 3. 3. Paris Talks, pp. 62-64. 4. The Divine Art of Living, pp. 68-69. 5. Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 12, No. 9. 6. Another Song, Another Season (poems by Roger White), "Glimpses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá," pp. 63-73. 7. The Hidden Words, p. 17, No. 59. Activity: Give each person a pencil and paper. Write "Kamál means perfection" at the top of the page. See how many words you can spell from the letters in these words! (You may use any letter twice and combine letters from any of the words.) Refreshments: "Perfection salad." Make large size lime gelatin, using apple juice for water. Set for about an hour, then add shredded carrots and cabbage, chopped green peppers, celery and pimiento. Set until firm. Serve on lettuce with apple juice.

SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST: DETACHMENT. Thought for the Week: "Freedom is not a matter of place, but of condition." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: pp. 56-57. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested materials. 1. The Hidden Words, p. 20, No. 68. 2. The Divine Art of Living, p. 70, Nos. 1, 2, 3. 3. Stories from the Delight of Hearts, pp. 45-48. 4. The Chosen Highway, pp. 68-69. 5. The Sheltering Branch, pp. 69-71. 6. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (by Balyúzí), p. 9. Activity: As a family, plan your flower garden for next year. Decide where it will be (plot or pot?), what will be in it, and what supplies you'll need. Draw a diagram to show what goes where and cut out pictures of the flowers you want from magazines and glue them to your diagram. Then make a work schedule for getting it done. As you complete each task during the year, check it off. And strive to make your garden a treat for the eyes! Refreshments: Rice pudding, fresh fruit and nuts. Serve with pineapple juice.

THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST: ASMÁ (NAMES). Thought for the Week: "Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever hurt me..." (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: pp. 170-71. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Gleanings, pp. 188-89. 2. The Hidden Words, p. 4, No. 4. 3. The Hidden Words, p. 48, No. 76. 4. The Mystery of God, p. 22. 5. The Bible, Genesis 2:18-19. 6. The Bible, Rev. 3:12. Activity: Let each person choose a book from the writings. See how many of the "names" of God you can find, as expressed in attributes, i.e., "the Generous." Through consultation, pick a favorite and adopt that "name" for 24 hours. Strive to act out your new name. Next night, tell each other how you acted out this new name. Refreshments: Whole wheat muffins with honey and apple juice.

FOURTH WEEK OF AUGUST: PRAYER. Thought for the Week: "Keep all my words of prayer and praise confined to one refrain; make all my life but servitude to Thee." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: pp. 72-73. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Selections-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 192, No. 162; p. 202, No. 172. 2. Selections-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 93, No. 54; p. 139, No. 115. 3. The Hidden Words, p. 8, Nos. 16, 17. 4. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 368. 5. Selections-The Báb, pp. 93-94, 77-78. 6. Spiritual Foundations, p. 8, Nos. 23, 24; p. 10, No. 31; p. 12, No. 34; p. 19, No. 58. Activity: Materials-a safe "wet" place, cup, small bowl, larger bowl, pan, several small, medium and large balloons, water. Starting with the cup, fill each item with water, pouring from one to the next and adding more water as needed. Talk about how much water the "hard" items will hold before spilling over. When you get to the balloons, which appear smaller, what happens? Talk about how the ability to expand can change an object. Relate this to what happens when we are filled with the "water of life" through prayer. Refreshments: Help the children prepare "hummingbird coolers" for all. In a blender, place two cups pineapple-orange juice, 2 cups vanilla ice cream or plain frozen yogurt, two eggs and two tablespoons honey. Mix well. Serve topped with a cherry. (Makes 36 oz.)

FIFTH WEEK OF AUGUST: PURITY. Thought for the Week: "We stray about Thy dwelling, longing to behold Thy beauty, and loving all Thy ways." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: pp. 152-53. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 362. 2. Selections-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 22, No. 8; p. 10, No. 1. 3. The Hidden Words, p. 3, No. 1; p. 17, No. 58. 4. Selections-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 146-150, No. 129. 5. The Secret of Divine Civilization, pp. 58-59, para. 2. 6. Gleanings, pp. 307-8. 7. The Pattern of Bahá’í Life, p. 17. Activity: Place tapered candles in the center of a table for each family member and carefully light them. Using an illustrated book from the library, trace or draw pictures of different moths, then color. When you are done, what has happened to the candles? Refreshments: Prepare together a fresh, raw vegetable plate, a simple dip and apple juice.

Ward

Brad Smith (left) and Craig Peters lead the children in song during a Ridván celebration held April 21 at the Bahá’í School of the Western Suburbs in Wood Dale, Illinois. The school, serving Chicago's western suburbs, has been in operation since Naw-Rúz 1981 with classes for children, youth and adults.

Dormitory.

In 1941, his work in the aircraft industry took the family to Seattle, Washington, and then to Kansas until the end of World War II. After the war ended, the Wards returned to California where Mr. Ward continued to work for the government.

A few years later he was transferred to Tempe, Arizona, where the Wards became homefront pioneers and helped establish the community's first Spiritual Assembly.

WHEN Mr. Ward retired in 1959, the family's goal of international pioneering at last became possible. Rex and Mary Collison, pioneers to Kampala, Uganda, had visited the Wards in 1957 and aroused their interest in joining them in that country.

Two days after Mr. Ward's 62nd birthday, he and his wife left Tempe for Uganda. The Wards had received permission to make a pilgrimage to Haifa en route to their pioneering post in Africa.

During their pilgrimage, the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land invited the Wards to remain at the World Centre as custodians of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí.

Of course, the Wards accepted this privilege and changed their plans immediately.

Mr. Ward brought his vast skill and knowledge to bear on the many technical problems involved in the repair and maintenance of the extensive gardens and other properties at Bahjí.

The work could be done only during the brief summer period when pilgrims were not present. During the pilgrimage season, from November to June, all efforts were directed toward helping the pilgrims and assuring their comfort.

FORSYTH Ward worked as a guide and chauffeur for the believers visiting the World Centre, guarded the Shrine of the Blessed Beauty, and gained much joy from serving the Hands of the Cause when they met at Bahjí for their autumn conferences.

During the period from 1959-69, Mr. Ward served as custodian of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh under the direction of the Hands of the Cause, the International Bahá’í Council, and finally, the Universal House of Justice.

Mr. Ward died suddenly while walking in the gardens at Bahji on the morning of June 8, 1969. His remains were buried in the Bahá’í cemetery at the foot of Mount Carmel.

The Universal House of Justice announced his passing with this cable:

"Grieved announce sudden passing Nairne Forsyth Ward devoted believer who while enroute pioneer post Africa during Crusade responded request Hands Cause remain Bahjí as custodian sacred Shrine Blessed Beauty serving with wife Janet in that exalted post until his passing. His devoted services American homefront since early twenties long remembered. View his intimate association Geyserville advise hold befitting memorial service during Summer School sessions there. Praying Shrines progress his soul Abhá Kingdom."

Archives seeks books

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies in good or excellent condition of the following printings of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era: Cloth, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1942, 1944, 1948, 1950, 1970; paper, 1927, 1930, 1931, 1938, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1956, 1960, 1970.

Green Acre Adult Program Summer 1985

July 15-19: "Bahá’u’lláh's Letters to the Kings," Calvin Rollins; "The Bahá’í Community: Workshop for World Peace," Peter Murphy.

July 20-21: Visioning as a Method of Life Planning," Leonard Smith.

July 22-26: "Messages from the Universal House of Justice," James Sturdivant; "Race Unity and the Creative Word," Duane Dumbleton.

July 27-28: "Green Acre Summer Teaching Conference."

July 29-August 2: "Signs of the Lesser Peace," Mildred Mottahedeh; "Youth Can Move the World: Meeting the Challenge," Dawn Haghighi and Cathy Hatfield.

August 3-4: "Science and Religion," William Hatcher.

August 5-9: "The Dawn-breakers," Anita Ioas Chapman; "The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind," Holly Vick.

August 10-11: "Homecoming Reunion Weekend."

August 12-16: "The Great Adventure," Florence Mayberry; "The Priceless Pearl," Evelyn Radnor.

August 17: "The Significance of Women in the Bahá’í Faith—Past, Present and Future," Faraneh Khadem.

August 18: "World Order: A Bahá’í Perspective," Ramin Khadem.

August 19-23: "Raising the Call," Javidukht Khadem; "Pioneering and Travel Teaching: Opportunities for International Service," Mary Louise Suhm.

August 24-25: "Organizing Your Life in the New Age," Dan and Linda Kavelin Popov.

August 26-30: "Teaching: What It Is and What It Is Not," [Page 10]

Kansas

tion, to decide to do everything on their "dream list" of possibilities, and actually to achieve every one of their goals, was marked by a large measure of sacrifice and plain hard work.

WHEN notified that Kansas had won the contest, the committee immediately went into action. Besides the visit by Mr. Sears, which he promised to the winning district, they asked for a team of traveling teachers made up of seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly and four Auxiliary Board members.

The committee then arranged for 33 billboards on highways across the state with the legend, "The Bahá’í Faith-It's a Revelation!" and 18 newspaper ads that read, "The country is the world of the soul."

Both the billboards and newspaper ads include a toll-free number for seekers to call for information about the Faith.

Mr. and Mrs. Sears criss-crossed the state to meet with the Bahá’ís and hold firesides.

Mr. Sears conducted four firesides himself, which have resulted (so far) in eight declarations including two native Americans and Beth Jordan, the wife of Steve Jordan, a newly appointed member of the District Teaching Committee.

AT THE END of one exhausting day, Mr. and Mrs. Sears drove three hours out of their way to honor the Spiritual Assembly of Topeka on its 50th anniversary. Among those present at that meeting was Mae Brown, one of the members of Topeka's first Assembly.

In Hutchinson and again in Lee's Summit, Mr. Sears told the friends that "one thing and only one thing" would undoubtedly assure the triumph of the Cause. That one thing, he said, is the individual Bahá’í turning away from the world and toward God, "to live the life to the extent that our character will mirror forth the principles of Bahá’u’lláh."

The "house of the world," he said, "is on fire," and we Bahá’ís must spread far and wide the precepts of the Faith to "wake everyone up before it's too late."

The Sun of Bahá’u’lláh, he said, "arose in the East," but is destined to be carried from the West "with even more power yet."

MR. and Mrs. Sears related many wonderful and often humorous stories about pioneering and teaching, and on the last morning of their visit they shared a lovely slide presentation of their pilgrimage.

Seeing that his audience was visibly moved by the scenes of Holy Places in Iran that have since been destroyed, Mr. Sears told them to take heart in the knowledge that the beloved Guardian had secured photographs and architect's drawings of all the Holy Places, thus assuring that they could be rebuilt exactly as they once had been.

Mr. Sears' firesides were preserved on cassette tapes while other meetings were video taped to be made available to Bahá’ís across the country.

In Topeka, James and Dorothy Nelson met not only with Gov. Carlin and Mayor Doug Wright of Topeka, but also with members of the state Supreme Court and other members of the legal profession and toured the new Supreme Court building.

The Nelsons visited with federal Probate Judge David Prager and his colleagues at a reception given by the Spiritual Assembly of Topeka to honor the co-sponsor of the Kansas legislature's resolution condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

The Bahá’ís of Topeka presented Dorothy Nelson with a tiny pair of "ruby slippers" for which she and Mr. Nelson were obviously prepared, as they responded with a spirited rendition of "Follow the Yellow Brick Road."

ANOTHER member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Chester Kahn, and Native American Bahá’ís Alice Bathke and Kevin Locke attended the pow wow in Wichita which brought together several groups of Native Americans who had never before worked together on any project.

At the pow wow, the establishment of the "Marian Steffes Bahá’í Memorial Scholarship" was announced.

The scholarship, to which each Assembly in Kansas will contribute, is to be given annually to a Native American woman who wishes to pursue a higher education but is in need of funds.

A quilt made by the Bahá’ís of Kansas, using as a pattern a "modified" (nine-pointed) sunflower design and with the names of the Hands of the Cause of God embroidered on it, was presented as a gift to Mr. and Mrs. Sears by the District Teaching Committee, whose idea it was to make the quilt.

Already, a committee made up of two Native Americans and three Bahá’ís has been formed to begin work on next year's pow wow.

Public concerts were given every day by one or more of the Bahá’í musicians who donated their time and talent to the victory month celebration.

STEVE Smith, the recently crowned U.S. hammer dulcimer champion, and his wife Jean performed during the reception for Mr. and Mrs. Sears in Wichita.

Do'a delighted audiences in Wichita and Lee's Summit with the versatility and musicianship of the World Music Ensemble, which performs on a wide variety of instruments from many cultures.

Meanwhile, pianist Mark Ochu traveled across the state to give 16 performances and lectures on music theory in 19 days.

"Harmony," a seven-member singing group from St. Louis, teamed up with two Bahá’ís from Florida, rehearsing only once together before performing the following day in Lee's Summit.

In the little town of Zenda, Dan Seals presented a concert/fireside in a one-room schoolhouse that was preceded by a potluck supper featuring fried chicken and rhubarb pie.

About 40 people attended the concert, which Mr. Seals later said was "the best gig I've had in my whole life."

THE following day, local business people including the bank president phoned the Bahá’ís to thank them for "putting Zenda on the map."

Danny Deardorff toured two homes for independent living for the handicapped. In Wichita, the National Council for Special Education found out about his visit and assumed responsibility for coordinating his visits and concerts all over the state.

The Council also paid for concert halls and placed ads on radio and in newspapers, all of which said, "Sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Kansas."

At the courthouse in Kansas City, Alberta Deas, Robert Henderson, Eugene Andrews and Juana Conrad presented a panel discussion on "Eliminating Prejudice: America's Most Challenging Issue."

Although it was a stormy evening, 75 people including seven seekers were present for the discussion.

AUXILIARY Board members Ronna Santoscoy and Robert Posthlethwaite spoke to the Bahá’ís in Lee's Summit and Hutchinson, while Steve Townshend, a Kansan who now serves on the National Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong, returned "home" to tell the Bahá’ís of Kansas how powerfully their teaching efforts influence believers around the world.

Dr. Deas conducted firesides in Topeka and Overland Park, and Soo Fouts, another member of the National Assembly, gave firesides in Wichita, Winfield and Frontenac, all within a 24-hour period.

Mr. Andrews, chairman of the National Teaching Committee, and Dr. Deas presented a deepening on Martha Root for an audience of about 30 at the Bahá’í Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ms. Conrad, another member of that committee, spoke at a public meeting in Emporia at which the city's mayor expressed her desire to help build an organization of Women for International Peace.

On June 1-2, Bahá’ís from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska came together for a Quad-State Conference whose theme was "Launching the Seventh Year."

Planned as a rallying point around which to lay plans for the final year of the Seven Year Plan, the conference became the crowning event of "victory month" in Kansas as strategies for the essential follow-up phase of the campaign were outlined and discussed.

The friends were inspired by the presence at the conference of yet another member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Wilma Brady, and Dr. Keyvan Nazerian of the National Teaching Committee, each of whom encouraged the believers to support the youth and to continue their teaching efforts.

Charles (Cap) Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, brought to the conference the new music video from Canada, "Mona," which tells the story of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 16-year-old Bahá’í who was martyred in Shíráz in 1981.

ALSO at the conference was a Bahá’í break-dancing troupe from Los Angeles who have been asked to return after the Youth Conference in Ohio for a one-hour special on a local TV station.

Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts, mugs and buttons especially designed to commemorate victory month will go to the National Fund to help repay the money the District Teaching Committee received to help plan the many events.

Some of these items are still available in quantity. If you would like to order any, you may do so by contacting the District Teaching Committee of Kansas, c/o Marcia Gitchell, at 316-665-5976.

As the excitement and activities of victory month drew to a close, the Bahá’ís of Kansas were well aware that it was not the end, but only the beginning.

As Dr. Deas said in Kansas City, "You shake the tree, the fruit falls. We need teachers to reap the harvest!" [Page 11]

Teaching Cause indispensable to Plan of God

More than 40 years have passed since Shoghi Effendi described the twin processes of the great Plan of God at work in human society.

THE PLAN involves, on the one hand, the disintegration of the old order and the barriers to world unity. It affects humanity as a whole, and will lead ultimately to the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

The second process, given to the Bahá’ís to accomplish, is the creation of true unity and spirituality that will ultimately result in the Most Great Peace.

The former is associated with the destiny of America, the latter with the activities of the American Bahá’í community.

From the introduction of its first teaching plan 21 years ago, the Universal House of Justice has shared with the Bahá’í world the vision of the unfolding Plan of God.

The major process of disintegration was initially foreseen in the coming "convulsions and waywardness of a godless and materialistic age."

The Supreme Body also alerted us to opportunities for expansion as "the old order gives way to the new," later noted the "decline of religious and moral restraints" that "unleashed a fury of chaos and confusion" bearing "the signs of universal anarchy," and most recently described the "observable acceleration" of the breakdown of the old order.

OVER the same period the Universal House of Justice provided detailed direction to the Bahá’í world to guide the activities of the second process.

Results from 1964 through 1984 are astonishing. The number of National Spiritual Assemblies grew from 56 to 143, local Assemblies from 3,551 to 25,014, and localities from 11,071 to 112,776.

The Bahá’í world population now exceeds 3,200,000. In the U.S., the number of local Spiritual Assemblies has grown from 303 to more than 1,700 while the Bahá’í population has grown from about 10,000 to more than 90,000.

This worldwide expansion also includes development of the World Centre; acquisition of properties around the world, especially the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and four Temples; the translation of Bahá’í literature into more than 700 languages; strengthening relations with governments and world agencies; and the initiation of special projects such as schools and radio stations.

The foundation for this progress lies in the development of the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life.

These essentials for sustained growth include the systematic education of Bahá’í children; the participation, encouragement and training of Bahá’í youth; the spiritualization and strengthening of Bahá’í families; the consolidation of local Spiritual Assemblies, enabling them to adequately discharge their duties of meeting regularly, undertaking extension teaching projects, nurturing individuals and families, administering the Fund, and guiding all local activities; and perhaps most important, the increased participation of individual believers in the fundamental services of living a Bahá’í life, teaching, contributing to the Fund, and striving to gain a better understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation through regular study.

AS A result of the sacrifices of the Persian believers now caught in the grip of a fanatical government bent on their extermination, the fore-ordained merging of these two processes has begun. World leaders, the public in general, and the media are now responsive to the Faith as it emerges from obscurity.

"The sun of Bahá’u’lláh," the House of Justice recently wrote, "is mounting the heavens bringing into ever clearer light the contrast between the gloom, the despair, the frustrations and bewilderment of the world, and the radiance, confidence, joy and certitude of His lovers. Lift up your hearts. The Day of God is here."

The American Bahá’í community has accomplished "remarkable feats" as it pursues its role in God’s great Plan.

"You are a community of victors," the Supreme Body wrote. "You occupy the front ranks of Bahá’u’lláh’s invincible army of light..."

One goal that has eluded us, however, is the long-desired attainment of an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed adherents of the Faith.

DURING the last three Plans the teaching efforts of the American believers have grown through exploration of a variety of teaching methods aimed at reaching all strata and special minorities within our society.

The time has come to attain a new level of maturity in our approach. Teaching must become not just a special activity, but the pattern of life itself.

The objective of teaching is to connect the hearts of the people with their Lord, providing sustenance until they are confirmed and able to stand on their own.

Nothing short of genuine friendship, pure deeds, and noble character can attract souls through a demonstration of the divine nature of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

The prerequisite of these teaching efforts must be the persistent struggle of the individual believer to study and manifest the principles of Bahá’u’lláh in his daily life.

The key task of every individual is to build a life of service that will demonstrate to mankind the transforming power of the Bahá’í Revelation.

Simultaneously, Bahá’í communities must begin to incorporate a pattern of systematic, stable development, reflecting the serenity, confidence and spiritual dynamism befitting the social order of Bahá’u’lláh, and necessary to influence the evolution of a decaying society.

FIFTEEN years remain until the end of this century. The sacrifices and energies we commit to the accomplishment of our immediate tasks will have a direct influence on the establishment of a future world that exceeds our highest hopes.

The words of the Universal House of Justice as it sent forth the army of God during the Nine Year Plan apply equally well today:

"Now is the golden opportunity. For whatever convulsions the waywardness of a godless and materialistic age may yet precipitate in the world, however grievous may be the effects of the rolling up of the present order on the plans and efforts of the community of the Most Great Name, we must seize the opportunities of the hour and go forward confident that all things are within His mighty grasp and that, if we but play our part, total and unconditional victory will inevitably be ours."

National Teaching Committee February 26, 1985

SEVEN YEAR PLAN

TEACHING PROGRESS

• • ASSEMBLIES**

Assembly Goal (Seven Year Plan): 1750 Local Assemblies Formed: 1710 Assemblies on Indian Reservations (Goal: 50): 55

Welcome to the new Assemblies formed in May: Eutawville, South Carolina Lone Star, South Carolina Vance, South Carolina Olathe, Kansas

For the final year of the Seven Year Plan, local Spiritual Assemblies may be formed at any time, whenever there are nine or more believers. It is not necessary to wait until Riḍván. This is for Assemblies forming for the first time and those which lost Assembly status at an earlier date.

• • ENROLLMENTS**

Enrollment Goal: "unprecedented increase" Enrollments Since Riḍván: 403

Since Riḍván more than 100 new believers have been enrolled as a result of teaching among Native Americans on the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota. More than 50 new believers have come from South Carolina, with 31 additional during the last week in May. Kansas has x new believers from its "victory month," with many more people now studying the Faith.

• • VIE UPDATE**

South Carolina is challenging California to become the state with the greatest number of local Spiritual Assemblies. Both states now have 262 Assemblies. Because Assemblies can form at any time this year, there should be an exciting spiritual competition between these states through next Riḍván.

The Central District Teaching Committee of North Carolina has taken up the challenge presented to the country by the Bahá’ís of Kansas. The district has adopted a goal of 650 new believers from all strata of society, and will be joining with the two other districts in the state to vie with Kansas. The Central North Carolina DTC has challenged Kansas to set specific goals for the unprecedented growth of the Faith in its area.

[Photo Caption]

On April 1, a four-member Bahá’í delegation spoke about the persecutions in Iran and the aims and principles of the Faith and presented copies of the books The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh and A Cry from the Heart to Robert Isaac (center), the mayor of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Bahá’ís were (left to right) Soheila Afnani, whose father was recently hanged in Iran; Taraz Samandari, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Colorado Springs; Lynn Barnes, and Judy Lawson.

California District No. 4 sponsoring border teaching campaign in Tijuana

The District Teaching Committee of Southern California District No. 4 is sponsoring a border teaching project August 2-11 in conjunction with the Regional Teaching Committee of Baja California.

Building on the success of projects in Ensenada the past two summers, the Teaching Committee has been asked to concentrate its efforts in Tijuana, just over the border from San Diego.

The project will begin the weekend of August 2-4 with attendance at the Baja California Summer School in Tecate. From there, the projecteers will proceed to Tijuana for the week of August 5-11.

Included will be direct teaching, public meetings and deepenings for new believers.

Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not essential. Cars are always needed.

Housing is inexpensive, and it is estimated that about $200 would pay for all expenses (not including transportation to the project).

For more information, contact the District Teaching Committee, Carlsbad, CA 92008, or phone 619-942-2440.

Breakfast aids Africa

On February 23, the Bahá’í Group of LeBoeuf Township, Pennsylvania, held a pancake breakfast for the African Relief Fund as its annual service project for Ayyám-i-Há.

The breakfast fostered neighborhood unity while raising more than $100 for the ARF. [Page 12]

Letters

To the Editor:

the word "Bahá’í" if we all contributed regularly to the Funds? Might it not raise some questions in their minds?

And if they then saw firesides publicized, or articles in a newspaper, or met a Bahá’í, would they not at least have some sense of familiarity with the name of our religion, if nothing else?

Kimberlee J. Benart Arlington, Virginia

To the Editor:

In the May issue of The American Bahá’í there appeared a letter describing a youth project in which t-shirts had emblems, a part of which said, "Warriors of Peace...

My concern with this is the use of the word "warriors." According to Webster (New World Dictionary), the definition of wariors is:

"(ME. werreour « O Norm Fr. werreiur «< werrier, to make war << werre, War) a man taking part or experienced in conflict, esp. war; fighting man; soldier."

I feel that the use of this kind of wording might be misunderstood by some people who are not familiar with the non-violent intentions of the Faith, and would suggest that in place of "Warriors of Peace" something like "Emissaries of Peace" might be seen in a more "spiritual" light.

This is only to suggest that in today's turbulent world, care should be exercised when choosing words in relation to spreading the Faith, and the bringing forth of peace through non-violent means.

David W. Lehning Geyserville, California

To the Editor:

If the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is to hold so grand a picture as we envision, much change in applied thought must occur.

One of these areas of change is patent rights. Unfortunately, in the present scheme of things, while patent rights might provide some guarantee to the inventor or to those who've secured rights to patents, there is no guarantee to the general public of their application and broad usage.

Manufacturers are limited by their "library" of secured patents, which yields only partial benefits to you and me. Can you imagine, for example, a car produced with the freedom of using every idea anyone has thought up? Not only would it be the safest, most efficient machine ever produced, it would probably last a lifetime as well.

If no restrictions were placed on patent use, only a guarantee of a fair percentage of return to the inventor (individual or corporation), everyone would benefit to the fullest extent possible.

If one keeps in mind that our ideas come from our experience and learning, it follows that no one can claim an idea wholly as his own. All have benefited from their teachers, who've learned from others.

The old world order has cast its mold, which we must shatter as we outgrow it, or it shall haunt us and stifle our potential. Virtually everything must be re-thought and reconsidered including laws, language, diet, medicine, etc.

Dale Ramsdell Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Please note

The registrar for the Texas Bahá’í Summer School has been changed. For information, contact Rhonda Palmer, Plano, TX 75074, or phone 214-423-5032.

to the Bahar’s of the World

GREEN LAKE BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE

SCHOOL DATES: September 13, 14 and 15 1985

SITE NAME: American Baptist Assembly SITE CAPACITY: 1400 SITE PHONE: 414-294-3323

LOCATION: South Central Wisconsin just west of the city of Green Lake on State Highway 23

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MEALS AND LODGING All accommodations in quiet seclusion of ABA grounds Wide variety available from primitive to deluxe campsites inexpensive dorms, private rooms for 1-4. cottage and cabins with cooking facilities hotel rooms in classic and homey 81 room lakefront hotel large luxury homes Meals served caleteria style on site Overnight guests must take meal plan unless there are cooking facilities at accommodations (House cabin cottage, campsite! Day guests may buy meal tickets use snack bar use picnic facilities or restaurants off grounds. Vegetarian and specific diets available with advance arrangements

CLASSROOM FACILITIES: Most adult sessions in central meeting hall During optional session classes meet in 10-12 smaller classrooms spread over beautiful grounds in nearby buildings Nursery outstanding children's classes pre-youth and youth classes also in nearby buildings Persian sessions in main auditorium

RECREATION FACILITIES: All recreational facilities are within the gates of ABA acres of serene meadows and woodlands with freely roaming deer and wildlife Indoor pool bicycling boating, fishing tennis, golf and miles of nature trails through hills and valleys, ideal for photographers

Speakers!

Main Stage speakers will include Hand of the Cause. Mr. Z. Khadem and Dr Douglas Martin Member of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly Nathan Rutstein. Author of Teaching the Baha Fairk Gift from the Bahay World Centre Exhibition Hall featuring Publishing Trust items. Bahat publishers and supporters National Committee booths Bahá’í Artists and artisans

RATES: To figure conference cost just add these items

1 Conference Fees A Overnight Children (infant-11)-$4.00- 8 Overnight Adult (Age 12 & up)-$7.00 C Day Guest Children (infant-11)-54.00* D Day Guest Adult (Age 12 & up)-$500 "Day guests will also be charged $2.50 ABA facility Fee plus... " An Evening Out of Green Lake Saturday Night party extravaganza!

2 Accommodations Rates A Children under 11 under the American Plan stay Free. There may be a fee for cribs Children do not count in room occupancy rates B Dormitory style room central bath-5800-$25.00 C Rooms with Semi-private bath, 3-2-1 per room-515-$27.00 D Rooms with Private bath 4-3-2-1 per room-513-54000 E Limited Campsites cabins, cottages and large luxury homes available Contact ABA directly for costs and availability, at 1-800-558-8898 (toll free) during 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Monday through Friday

3. Meal Casis A Children through age five (5)-no charge B. Children (ages 6 through 111 Breakfast $210 Lunch $3.10 Supper $3.95 C Adults (ages 14 & up Breakfast $3.65 Lunch $4.75. Supper $6.15 "All overnight guests must take meal plan unless accommodations have cooking facilities

PRE-REGISTRATION DATE: While accommodations variety is great the number in each category is limited Room reservations should be made as soon as possible. The earlier the better to insure your first choice.

All housing registration inquiries should be addressed to: American Baptist Assembly. Registration. Green Lake, WI 54941 (telephone 414-294-3323 or 1-800-558-8898 toll free) Bahá’í Contact for program information only lan Bamber Baraboo, WI 53913

GREEN LAKE CENTER RESERVATION (one per family! Mail to Reservations and make check payable to American Baptist Assembly Green Lake, WI 54941 Advance Deposit-Room: 1 Day Room Charge. Housekeeping/Camping. % total charge.

LAST NAME List below your First Name Cancellation Fee Room Between 2 wks and 4.00 pm dey befors ration depost Housekeeping/Camping Between 30 days and 400 gm day before reservation, & dapat Aher 4.00 pm day before reservation no refund, ther class Accommodation/Rate Preference. Age Title and the name of each family f under M Conference Attending 2 member accompanying you 18 Reve 3

GREEN LAKE BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE Pre-Registration for Children's Classes CHILD'S NAME AGE GRADE IN SCHOOL PARENT'S NAME: Return by Sept. 1, '85 Address City & State Telephone Arwal date Departure date, CAVE 0-Before CT AMP FRIDAY DINNER NO. ATTENDING FOR OFFICE USE I plan to room with I desire ungle occupancy If not checked, a roommate may be assigned Arriving by Car Public Transportation using public transportation please give Date, Time City and Place to be mer of known, otherwise send when finalized Confirmation HOME ADDRESS PLEASE LIST ANY SPECIAL NEEDS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE (emotional-physical-learning disabilities PLEASE LIST ANY SPECIAL MEDICAL OR DIET RESTRICTIONS: CHILD WILL ATTEND SAT. MORNING. SAT. AFTERNOON. SUN. MORNING Send form directly to Judy Amburn, BOX 103, Arlington, WI 53911 Children 4-10 must pre-register [Page 13]

UN resolution declares 1986 'Year of Peace'

In November 1982 the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring 1986 the International Year of Peace, to be proclaimed on October 24, 1985, the 40th anniversary of the UN.

THE YEAR of Peace will continue through the fall of 1985 and throughout 1986.

The General Assembly chose to hold the International Year of Peace in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the UN to remind the peoples of the United Nations that the main objective of the UN, as defined in its charter, has not yet been achieved.

The UN was conceived "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind," but war still ravages numerous populations in many parts of the world.

In its 40th anniversary year, the General Assembly is calling for a rededication to the primary and compelling goal of peace.

According to the Secretary-General's report of September 24, 1984, the goals of the International Year of Peace are threefold.

The first is to "stimulate concerted and effective action by the United Nations, its Member States," all inter- and non-governmental organizations, and the media in promoting peace and conflict resolution.

THE SECOND is to strengthen the peacekeeping role and power of the UN, while urging Member States to renew their commitment to the UN charter, and "to strengthen the effectiveness of the Security Council in fulfilling its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security."

The third objective is to focus world attention on the basic requirements for peace including disarmament, the exercise of human rights, international cooperation, development and social progress, among others.

In a letter of January 23, 1985, to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice praised the UN declaration, saying, "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 Supreme Body then proceeded to call on all National Assemblies to urge the Bahá’ís in their respective countries to take action during the Year of Peace. Such action may include public proclamations, national or regional peace conferences, publications, and other activities, as the National Assemblies see fit.

In its Ridván 1985 letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, the House of Justice announced its intention to present to governments and leaders of the world the Bahá’í concepts on peace. "But," the letter continues, "it is in the local Bahá’í communities that the most widespread presentation of the Faith can take place."

AS IN the celebration of all UN special years, the success of Bahá’í efforts in the International Year of Peace will be determined by efforts at the local level throughout the world.

Here in the U.S., the National Teaching Committee has already begun planning proposed activities for the Year of Peace.

Since January the committee has been working with an International Year of Peace task force appointed by the committee and charged with presenting a plan for Bahá’í involvement in the International Year of Peace.

The task force has now completed the proposal and submitted it to the National Teaching Committee. The committee's secretary, Charles (Cap) Cornwell, urges all interested local Assemblies to contact the National Teaching Committee.

Jamaica

freedom.

The conference was divided into plenary sessions and sessions of three working committees on the themes of IYY: Participation, Development and Peace.

The delegation had the opportunity to circulate the Bahá’í International Community's statement to the conference on the contribution of youth to world peace, emphasizing that world peace is not only possible but inevitable.

The Bahá’í delegation also was interviewed by a U.S. film company that is producing a documentary on the conference.

School's health week has Bahá’í speaker

Larry McGhee, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Maywood, Illinois, spoke about the Faith on Wednesday, May 1, at Triton College in River Grove as a part of the school's "Wellness Week" events designed to stress health in all aspects of life—spiritual as well as physical.

Mr. McGhee, who is an academic adviser at the college, positioned key Bahá’í concepts and the principles of Bahá’u’lláh against a backdrop of other religious philosophies.

With the exception of Mrs. Helen Marinello of Maywood, who has been a Bahá’í for more than 50 years, the entire audience was non-Bahá’í.

Series of short films, cartoons from UN focus on many aspects of its work, programs, issues

The United Nations has made available to the general public a number of short films, cartoons and radio spots on general themes and specific issues at the UN.

THE FILMS, usually four to 20 minutes long, focus on women's issues, environmental concerns, disarmament, the role of the UN, and specific UN agencies, projects and programs.

They are educational, informative and interesting, both to specialists and to the public. Many of the films are even designed especially for youth or for children under 14.

The television and radio programs are in the format of short public service announcements (PSAs), and usually run under three minutes.

The PSAs also focus on UN themes and projects, with current emphasis on International Youth Year, the Decade for Women, and the 40th anniversary of the UN. They are suitable for broadcast on all stations, but especially on public access and cable television and radio.

"One of the best ways to support the United Nations," says Monireh M. Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly's UN representative, "is to help disseminate information from the UN throughout the United States.

"AND a very good way to spread the information," she adds, "is through the use of films and PSAs. The films—which are really quite interesting—can be shown at Bahá’í-sponsored gatherings" and serve to educate the Bahá’ís, as well as the general public, about global issues: the search for clean water, health and nutrition in developing countries, UNICEF and its work, disarmament, and many others.

"The PSAs the television and radio spots—are also very good publicity for the UN," says Ms. Kazemzadeh. "The media won't air the announcements unless the viewers submit them to the local stations," so Bahá’ís can help by submitting PSAs from the UN to their local media.

There is even a regular program from the United Nations, World Chronicle, which is sent to many TV stations throughout the country, says Ms. Kazemzadeh, "but this program is rarely broadcast, since again the viewers must request that the stations air it."

Assemblies, Groups and individuals who are interested in obtaining films or TV and radio programs from the UN can contact Ms Kazemzadeh c/o Bahá’ís of the United States, United Nations Representative, New York, NY 10017.

Films may also be available at local libraries and college and university libraries.

UN Voluntary Fund for Women provides technical, financial aid in poor countries

In Upper Volta, the UN Voluntary Fund for Women supported a project to find an inexpensive and efficient wood-burning stove. (UN photo 152,607)

Responding to the International Women's Year (1975) and the Decade for Women (1976-1985) that followed, the United Nations General Assembly created the Voluntary Fund for the Decade for Women.

THE PURPOSE of the Fund is to provide technical and/or financial support for development projects to help the poorest women in rural and urban areas in the developing countries.

The Voluntary Fund, working closely with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), administers "innovative and often experimental activities which directly assist women and help them to become self-reliant," according to the UN Department of Public Information.

Presently, the Voluntary Fund is overseeing projects in 89 countries and is concentrating on projects that are often overlooked by other development agencies because of their size or focus.

The typical Voluntary Fund project has a budget of $95,000, much smaller than that of most UN development projects.

The projects of the Voluntary Fund concentrate on the special needs of women and include an energy conservation program in the Sahel, a handicraft training program in Somalia, a community revolving loan fund for women in Sri Lanka, and a food preparation course for Vietnamese refugee women who plan to enter the food service industry in their future host country.

OTHER projects focus on animal husbandry, reforestation, factory workers, and more.

The Voluntary Fund channels 75 per cent of its monies to projects within nations, reserving only 25 per cent for regional or global programs.

This emphasis on national and local efforts reflects the Fund's commitment to working at the grassroots level and to encouraging self-reliance.

The Fund uses nationals of the host countries as "experts" on 90 per cent of its projects, and encourages self-reliance. [Page 14]Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 (in Illinois)

Price List 1 July 1985

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols
* - On Order	LT - Lightweight Edition
** - Sale price	PA - Pamphlet
# - Net (no discount)	PER - Persian
CD - Cards	PH - Photograph or Lithograph
CS - Cassette	PR - Poster, etc.
FD - Folder	PS - Pocket-sized Edition
GM - Game	SC - Softcover
HC - Hardcover	SPN - Spanish
LP - Record	TC - Teaching Card
VT - Videotape

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

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	HC	$ 9.50**
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.00
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	8.00
Call to the Nations	HC	6.00
Christ’s Promise Fulfilled	SC	3.00
Citadel of Faith	HC	12.00
Constitution: Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	11.00
Foundations of World Unity	SC	10.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.25
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	PS	3.75
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh--British Edition	SC	3.00
Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	14.25
Kitáb-i-Íqán	PS	3.75
Light of Divine Guidance	HC	21.00
Memorials of the Faithful	HC	10.00
Messages to the Bahá’í World	HC	10.00
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	HC	9.00
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	SC	4.00
Paris Talks	SC	5.00
Prayers and Meditations--British Edition	HC	11.00
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	7.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00
Promised Day Is Come	HC	8.00
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.00
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	10.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	1.00
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi	SC	1.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	LT	6.00
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	HC	10.00
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	SC	6.00
Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys	HC	6.00
Seven Year Plan--1981	SC	.50
Some Answered Questions	HC	13.25
Some Answered Questions	PS	3.75
Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	12.00
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	LT	6.00
Tablets of the Divine Plan	HC	10.00
Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	5.00
Traveler’s Narrative	HC	10.00
Traveler’s Narrative	SC	5.00
Unfolding Destiny	HC	28.50**#
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	1.25
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.50
== Compilations ==
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Daybook	SC	3.75*
Bahá’í Education	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	2.75
Bahá’í Meetings/the 19 Day Feast	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	7.00
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Prayers--White Gift Edition	HC	6.00
Bahá’í Readings	SC	5.50
Bahá’í Readings--Leather	HC	15.00
‎Báhyyih Báhíyyih‎ Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.00
‎Báhyyih Báhíyyih‎ Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.00
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.50
Consultation Compilation	SC	1.50
Continental Boards of Counselors	CM	3.00
Days to Remember	CM	7.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	2.50
Desire of the World	SC	5.25
Importance of Deepening	SC	1.50
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.00
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.50
Living the Life	SC	2.00
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.50
Mighty River	SC	.50
Mystery of God	HC	12.00**#
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	2.00
Power of Divine Assistance	SC	2.00
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Special Measure of Love	SC	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Universal House of Justice	SC	2.75
Unrestrained As the Wind	SC	7.95
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Words of God	SC	1.00
== General Titles ==
Another Song, Another Season	HC	9.50
Another Song, Another Season	SC	2.00
Báb: Herald of the Day of Days	HC	11.95
Bahá’í Challenge Game	GM	20.00#
Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900	HC	18.95
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	14.95
Bahá’í Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Faith: The Spirit Way	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Proofs	HC	16.00
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Development	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies 4: Marriage	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies 9: Manifestation	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984	SC	5.00
Bahá’í World Volumes 1-12 (set)	HC	200.00#
Bahá’í World: Volume 1 (I)	HC	11.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 2 (II)	HC	15.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 3 (III)	HC	15.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 4 (IV)	HC	20.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 5 (V)	HC	26.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 6 (VI)	HC	26.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 7 (VII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 8 (VIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 9 (IX)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 10 (X)	HC	25.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 11 (XI)	HC	25.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 12 (XII)	HC	26.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV)	HC	16.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV)	HC	17.50
Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI)	HC	20.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII)	HC	22.50
Bahá’u’lláh: King of Glory	HC	24.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	HC	10.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	SC	2.50
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	PS	3.95
Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh	SC	2.50
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	2.95
Circle of Unity	SC	4.95
Closer Than Your Life-Vein	SC	4.50
Commentary: Will & Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	2.25
Concordance: Gleanings Writings/Bahá’u’lláh	SC	9.95
Concordance to the Hidden Words	SC	2.50
Consultation: Lamp of Guidance	HC	9.95
Consultation: Lamp of Guidance	SC	4.95
Crown of Beauty	HC	14.75
Cry From the Heart	SC	2.50
Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká	SC	3.75**#
Dawn Over Mount Hira	HC	4.50
Dawn Over Mount Hira	SC	2.00
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	14.00
Dawning Place	HC	20.00
Dawning Place	SC	12.00
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Deepening Packet for New Believers	FD	4.00
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
Door of Hope	SC	9.75
E. G. Browne and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	12.95
Earth Is But One Country	SC	8.00
Fire and Blood	SC	7.95
For the Good of Mankind	HC	7.95
For the Good of Mankind	SC	4.95
Fortress for Well-Being--Gift Edition	HC	12.00
Four on an Island	SC	4.50
From the Auroral Darkness	HC	23.50
From the Auroral Darkness	SC	9.95
From Copper to Gold	HC	15.95
From Copper to Gold	SC	7.95
From Discontent	HC	13.95
From Discontent	SC	5.95
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
George Townshend	HC	19.50
George Townshend	SC	9.50
God Loves Laughter	SC	5.50
He Loved and Served	SC	6.50
Heart of the Gospel	SC	2.75
Imperishable Dominion	SC	8.75
In Galilee	SC	7.95
In Search of Nirvana	HC	6.95
In Search of Nirvana	SC	3.50
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	SC	3.50
Khadíjih Bagum: Wife of the Báb	SC	3.75
Khánum: The Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	2.75
Light of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	2.50
Light Shineth in Darkness	HC	10.95
March of the Institutions	HC	6.50
March of the Institutions	SC	3.50
Mark Tobey: Art and Belief	SC	8.95
Martha Root: Herald of the Kingdom	HC	16.00
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	HC	21.00
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	SC	14.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	7.50**
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	4.50**
Miracles and Metaphors	SC	8.95
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mothers, Fathers, and Children	SC	6.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Other People, Other Places	HC	13.75
Phoenix and the Ashes	SC	4.95
Portals to Freedom	SC	6.50
Power of the Covenant, Part 1	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 2	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 3	SC	2.00
Prescription for Living	HC	4.75
Priceless Pearl	HC	5.00
Promise of All Ages	HC	8.95
Promise of All Ages	SC	2.75
Religion for Mankind	SC	4.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	HC	15.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	SC	9.75
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2	HC	17.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3	HC	18.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	SC	8.50
Shell and the Pearl	SC	2.50
Shoghi Effendi: Recollections	HC	14.95
Shí’ih Islám: An Introduction	HC	25.00
Shí’ih Islám: An Introduction	SC	15.00
Some Buds To Remember	HC	14.95
Some Early ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of the West	HC	12.95
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	HC	9.00
Story As Told	SC	4.50
Story of My Heart	SC	7.50
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History	HC	19.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2	HC	19.95
Sudden Music	HC	11.95
Táhirih the Pure	HC	10.95
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	4.35
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	3.75**#
These Perspicuous Verses	SC	4.50
Thief in the Night	HC	7.50
Thief in the Night	SC	2.95
To Move the World	SC	8.50
239 Days	HC	7.50**#
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.95
Wine of Astonishment	SC	2.75
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	7.50**#
== Children and Youth ==
Ali’s Dream	HC	10.95
Ali’s Dream	SC	7.95
Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.00
B, J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Prayers & Tablets for the Young	HC	5.00
Birth of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.00
Diamond in the Darkness	SC	3.50
Dragons of Rizvania	HC	8.95
Fly Away Home	SC	5.00
From Behind the Veil	SC	3.75
I Am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	5.95
Magnified Be Thy Name	HC	5.50
Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
My Baby Book	HC	5.00
My Name Is Nabíl	HC	6.00
Nine Holy Days	SC	3.00
O God, My God	HC	6.00
Quddús	SC	3.50
Refu and the Cave	SC	5.50
Second Birth	HC	8.00
Second Birth	SC	4.50
Secret in the Garden	HC	4.50
Secret in the Garden	SC	2.75
Special Strengths	SC	4.50
Spotlessly Leopard	SC	3.75
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	4.50
Sunflower Books--Set 1	SC	3.50
Sunshine Tree	SC	2.50
Táhirih	SC	3.50
Wonderlamp	HC	12.95
Zahra’s Search	SC	3.25
== Foreign Language ==
PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	21.50
PER: Badayí’u’l Athar 1	HC	11.00
PER: Badayí’u’l Athar 2	HC	12.00
PER: Bahá’í Faith Not Political	SC	4.00
PER: Bahá’í Life	SC	1.50
PER: Children’s Prayer Book	HC	7.95
PER: Compilation Hidden Words/Tablets	HC	4.95
PER: Compilation of Bahá’í Laws	HC	12.95
PER: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	20.00
PER: Fire and Light	HC	17.50
PER: Garden of Truth	HC	12.95
PER: Gleanings	HC	11.00
PER: Glimpses of Hope	SC	9.95
PER: Glorification and Praise	HC	12.95
PER: History of the Martyrs of Yazd	HC	12.95
PER: Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	10.50
PER: Memoirs of 9 Years in ‘Akká	HC	15.95
PER: Prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2	HC	4.95
PER: Prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3	HC	4.95
PER: Prayers of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	8.95
PER: Prayers of Shoghi Effendi	HC	2.50
PER: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	2.50

[Page 15]

Code	Title	Binding	Price
PER:	Secret of Divine Civilization	SC	4.00*
PER:	Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	8.00
PER:	Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.00
PER:	Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, #2	HC	6.00
PER:	Selected Writings of the Báb	HC	15.00
PER:	Some Answered Questions	SC	12.95
PER:	Tablet of Ahmad	HC	12.00
PER:	Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	19.95
PER:	Tablets for the Departed	HC	16.00
PER:	Traces of the Supreme Pen	HC	9.95
SPN:	Advenimiento de Justicia Divina	SC	3.75
SPN:	Asamblea Espiritual Nacional	SC	3.00
SPN:	Bahá’u’lláh y La Nueva Era	SC	7.00
SPN:	‎Christo Cristo‎ y Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00
SPN:	Constitución: Casa Universal de Justicia	SC	5.00
SPN:	Datos Básicos	PA	.10
SPN:	El Día Prometido Ha Llegado	SC	4.50
SPN:	La Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.75
SPN:	Estudio-Escritos Bahá’ís	SC	4.00
SPN:	La Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet	SC	1.50
SPN:	La Hoja ‎Mas Más‎ Sagrada	SC	9.00
SPN:	Kitáb-i-Íqán	SC	5.50
SPN:	On Becoming a Bahá’í	SC	1.25
SPN:	Oraciones Bahá’ís	SC	3.75
SPN:	Oraciones y Meditaciones	SC	6.00
SPN:	Palabras De Dios	SC	.30
SPN:	Palabras Ocultas	SC	2.00
SPN:	Pasajes-Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	7.00
SPN:	Poder De Asistencia Divina	SC	1.00
SPN:	Quienes Dios Confía	PA	.50
SPN:	El Regalo	HC	2.00
SPN:	Renovación de Civilización	SC	1.50
SPN:	La ‎Sabiduria Sabiduría‎ de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	4.75
SPN:	‎Sinopsis and Codificación Sinopsis y Codificación‎ Kitáb-i-Aqdas	SC	3.50
SPN:	Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.00

Legacies of Service--Set of 5	CS	30.00
Light of Bahá’u’lláh--Set of 18	CS	74.50#
Lote Tree	LP	4.00
Loving Hands	CS	8.00
"Mona" Music Video--Beta	VT	45.00#
"Mona" Music Video--VHS	VT	45.00#
My Only Desire...Alexander	CS	7.00
Strengthening Administrative Order...Holley	CS	7.00
Triumph of Cause...Balyuzi	CS	7.50
Unity in Diversity	CS	7.50
Visit With the Master...True	CS	7.00
We Are Bahá’ís	CS	7.00
We Are One	CS	8.50

Photographs, Calendars & Posters

‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 11" X 14"	PP	10.00
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 5" X 7"	PP	4.00
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithograph, 10.5" X 15"	PP	2.50
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithographs, Set of 7	PP	5.00
Greatest Name, 3" X 4", Black, Pkg of 10	PP	1.50
Greatest Name, 8" X 10", Silver	PR	2.50
Seat of Universal House of Justice Poster	PR	3.00
Wilmette House of Worship Poster	PR	1.00

Pamphlets, Cards and Folders

Bahá’í Answers, Pkg of 10	PA	2.50
Bahá’í Faith Presentation File Folder	FD	.50
Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet, Pkg of 10	PA	14.00
Basic Facts of Bahá’í Faith, Pkg of 50	PA	2.00
Building a Unified Community, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
Communion With God--Large Type	SC	1.50
Divine Law: Source of Human Rights, Pkg of 10	PA	3.25
Equality of Men and Women, Pkg of 10	PA	3.25
God’s Great Plan	SC	2.00
God’s New Age, Pkg of 10	PA	1.00
In Search of Supreme Talisman, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
Meaning of Worship, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
Message of Bahá’u’lláh, Pkg of 10	PA	7.50#
Open Door with Envelope, Pkg of 10	PA	7.50
Peace Pamphlets, 10 Assorted	PA	2.00#
Peace Pamphlets, 100 Assorted	PA	10.00#
Peace Pamphlets: General Introduction, 50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: More Than End to War, 50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity, 50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: Oneness of Religion, 50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: World Government, 50	PA	7.50#
Promise of Disarmament and Peace	SC	1.00
Prophecy Fulfilled, Pkg of 10	PA	4.50
Teaching Cards--Wilmette HOW, Pkg of 25	TC	3.50

Videotapes and Recordings

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh	CS	7.00
Ark of Destiny Videotape--Beta	VT	35.00#
Ark of Destiny Videotape--VHS	VT	35.00#
Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--Beta	VT	35.00#
Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--VHS	VT	35.00#
Because We Love the Faith...Collins/Baker	CS	7.00
Education/Trustees Videotape--Beta	VT	40.00#
Education/Trustees Videotape--VHS	VT	40.00#
Farewell Address	CS	2.25
Flight	LP	4.00
Foundations of Learning	CS	7.00
Happy Ayyám-i-Há	LP	4.00
If You Only Knew	CS	7.00
In the Days of the Guardian...Ioas	CS	7.00
In His Presence...Samandari	CS	7.00

Ordering Instructions

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

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

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

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

A new compilation from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

unrestrained as the wind

A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh

... will challenge us to vindicate the sacrifices of the Bahá’ís in Iran by integrating —Bahá’í service and family responsibilities —Educational pursuits and teaching the Faith —Developing spirituality and excelling in our work —Interpersonal relationships and Building the New World Order

191 pages softcover only 795*

Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service, Wilmette, IL USA at $7.95 plus 10% for postage and handling (minimum $1.50)

Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service [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.

DATA processing positions available in Pierre, South Dakota, within commuting distance of the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project. Programmer/analyst, senior programmer/analyst, senior data processing specialist. A minimum of two years experience on an IBM main frame is required; CICS, COBOL, ‎ADADAS ADABAS‎, NATURAL or SAS experience preferred. Send salary history and resumé to the Spiritual Assembly of Pierre, P.O. Box 954, Pierre, SD 57501.

JOIN the “Ella Bailey Club.” Bury your bones at a pioneer post while serving your Lord. There are many countries where a fixed retirement income will sustain you and where every effort you make in service will bring thousands of rewards. Write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEER to the South! We need you! Great opportunities to serve the Faith, help strengthen communities, work with children and youth, etc. Am looking for an associate chiropractor or other practitioner in the holistic health field. New office opening. Please write to Dr. Amy Newman, Rock Hill, SC 29730, or phone 803-327-7978 or 803-328-8395.

THE Bahá’í Group of Orange, Massachusetts, is looking for a loving, patient and mature live-in sitter for our three children, ages two, three and five. Will have own furnished room and bath with board plus salary. Needed immediately! Please write to Hymeld and Priscilla Gaignard, Orange, MA 01364, or phone 617-544-2228.

SUNSHINE, palm trees, sand and sea ... come live in beautiful southeastern Florida. The Bahá’í’s of Palm Beach County Central invite you to join them. Strong economy, great job opportunities, bountiful teaching possibilities. Write to Paige Massey, secretary, P.O. Box 5354, Lake Worth, FL 33462, or phone (evenings) 305-964-4921.

PRAIRIE fire: “The breeze that stirreth at the break of day.” Ah, yes, the breeze that stirs the prairie fire. With the great resources drawn to the Amoz Gibson Project we have not been able to meet the challenge. Requests continue to come from throughout the Dakotas: “You haven’t come here.” We are, we must, spread across the Dakotas this summer. A prairie fire dies without the wind. “Ye are the breeze that stirreth at the break of day.” The Amoz Gibson Project (605-462-6309). Please call for details.

ENERTECH, America’s leading wind system manufacturer, has positions for an engineering department head, electrical design engineer, mechanical design engineer, wind systems service engineer, test engineer. B.S. degree and 5-8 years experience or equivalent required. Please phone first (802-649-1145) and then send resumé and background information to Enertech, P.O. Box 420, Norwich, VT. This employer has other Bahá’í employees and has requested that we advertise for more Bahá’í employees in The American Bahá’í. For background information on goal areas near Norwich, please phone Gary Scott, 802-275-2387 or Steve Langley, 802-295-6916, or the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039.

MONTESSORI teacher with pre-school experience is needed starting in the fall at a Bahá’í-run school in the Dominican Republic. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

QUALIFIED nurses are needed for a clinic in Cyprus. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

JANITORIAL assistance is desperately needed to provide cleaning and maintenance service to the Shrines and buildings at the World Centre, specifically the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Healthy, energetic young people who are willing to learn and are not averse to physical labor are urged to consider this path of service to the Cause. To receive information and an application, please contact Karen Crenshaw, Personnel Department, Bahá’í National Center, immediately, or phone her at 312-869-9039. For a more detailed description of this important service that you may be able to provide, please turn to the “Eye on National” column on Page 18 in this issue of The American Bahá’í.

TESL teacher is needed in Korea, a goal country. A master’s degree is a minimum for this university-level position. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

ACTIVE Bahá’í teaching family looking for a Bahá’í to live in our home to help with child care and household duties. Please phone collect, 617-964-1183.

WANTED: Steadfast Bahá’ís to carry on the teaching work in Utah, south of Salt Lake City. After 10 years of “planting seeds,” a family must move for employment reasons. Although there aren’t many Bahá’ís in the area, those who are there are close and unified and come from six locations to meet on a regular basis. The community is close to gorgeous mountains that provide excellent opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. The climate is relatively mild. If you would like to experience the bounty of living in Utah or would like more information, please write to the Bahá’ís of Utah County, P.O. Box 1467, Orem, UT 84057, or phone 801-756-5679.

NEEDED: homefront pioneer. A single woman or couple to share a home in the country with an older isolated Bahá’í woman in Bowdoinham, Maine. There are Bahá’í communities nearby in Brunswick, Yarmouth, Augusta and Portland, and it’s only an hour’s drive to Green Acre. Room, board and weekly salary in exchange for household duties, yard work and help with firesides. Please write to Elizabeth DeWitt, Bowdoinham, ME 04008.

THE NAVAJO-Hopi District Teaching Committee has received a request from the Navajo Office of Youth Affairs in Tuba City, Arizona, for help in conducting workshops on alternative energy systems (solar, wind, etc.) and on the operation of a cannery. Anyone who is able and willing to provide this service for at least a week during July or August will be doing an enormous service for the people of this area. If interested, please contact Gary or Penny Boivin, P.O. Box 2558, Tuba City, AZ 86045, or phone 602-283-4821.

“BIRDS of a Feather,” a Bahá’í Publishing Trust filmstrip, is desperately needed for our children’s classes. Will purchase. Contact Edith DuPuis, Hunters, WA 99137.

CHILDREN’S teachers are needed on the ‎AmoZ Amoz‎ Gibson Project. Positions open for two full-time teachers to travel to various sites on the Project. Will provide room, board, vehicle and gas for teachers who will develop and implement materials for Bahá’í children’s classes and set up a schedule for the various locations. For more information about the positions and application process, please write to the District Teaching Committee for South Dakota, c/o John Retzlaff, P.O. Box 922, Pierre, SD 57501, or phone 605-224-1041.

COMPUTER operator is needed for a firm in Cyprus. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

LITERATURE in Cambodian is urgently needed to help deepen a Cambodian Bahá’í. A recent immigrant, she declared her belief while in a Thai refugee camp and speaks almost no English. We would also welcome advice on ways to help our new friend understand the Faith and this hectic American society. Please contact Janet Richards, Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Township, P.O. Box 2529, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690, or phone 609-585-6120.

NEEDED: Bahá’í school lesson plans for all ages on any topics. We would like any original ideas being used effectively, as well as from the series published in 1970 by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust which is now out of print. Please write to Sarah Mahboubi, Muncie, IN 47304, or phone (collect) 317-284-5656.

ATTENTION: Did you have a deaf parent(s)? If so, you may be able to help the newly formed Bahá’í Committee for Services to the Deaf/Hearing Impaired. Whether you learned sign or not, we’d like to hear from you. Please write to the Committee for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, c/o Barbara Loeding, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

DEDICATED and hard-working Bahá’ís are needed immediately to perform security functions at the World Centre including protecting our beloved Shrines and other Bahá’í-owned properties and greeting tourists and the Israeli public. For information and an application, please contact Karen Crenshaw, Personnel Department, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone her at 312-869-9039. For a more detailed description of the service you may be able to perform, please turn to the “Eye on National” column on Page 18 in this issue of The American Bahá’í.

CYPRUS, a goal country, has jobs for auditor-assistants with accounting degrees and 1-2 years experience. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

“STIRRINGS at the Grassroots,” a Regional Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, will be held August 2-4 at Western Maryland College in Westminster. For information about registration, please write to Dubois Johnson, Washington, D.C. 20011.

COUPLE, young marrieds or retired, wanted to live in and care for retarded youth in Stafford County, Virginia. House, food and utilities provided by a non-profit organization established for that purpose. Setting is in a lovely rural area about 50 miles south of Washington, D.C. Living arrangements are spartan, and the requirements are challenging but rewarding. For more information, contact Becky Wilson, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, or phone 703-371-2635.

HERE is a golden opportunity for Bahá’í youth to live in a small midwestern town. Urbana, Ohio, a farming community of about 13,000, needs two homefront pioneers to regain its Assembly. We are centrally located between Columbus and Dayton with factories, colleges and universities in or near the town. We have an excellent school system and our own hospital. Do we sound right for you? For information, contact Sarah Davison, secretary, Urbana Bahá’í Group, Urbana, OH 43078, or phone 513-653-4156.

THE OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Bahá’í community would like to meet any of the friends who may be attending the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) convention in late July and early August. Also, we will once again offer a public fireside, details of which will appear in an ad in the special EAA newspaper edition which is available at the convention. You are cordially invited to phone either 414-231-2547 or 414-231-3052 to introduce yourselves and ask about the fireside.

SOUTH Houston, Texas, a community of 15,000, needs homefront pioneers. Eight miles to downtown Houston, 10 miles from the famous Medical Center. Nearby are Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, the University of Texas Medical Center and School for Allied Health Sciences, Baylor Medical School, and many junior colleges. San Jacinto Central College has one of the best nursing schools in the state and is 15 minutes from South Houston. The community has a park, community center and good schools. The Houston ship channel is 10 miles away, and there are nearby chemical plants of Dow, Diamond/Shamrock, Exxon, Gulf and many others. A regional committee has been formed with a goal of raising South Houston (and some other groups) to Assembly status by Ridvan 1986. The large Houston Bahá’í community with its new Bahá’í Center is nearby and has many activities including weekly children’s classes and adult deepenings. Teaching opportunities are great, especially for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís. There are no property taxes in South Houston, which has excellent police protection and a good fire department. For more information, or for the classified sections of local newspapers, please write to Houston, TX 77587, or phone (collect) Anita Locher, 713-944-3794.

CERTIFIED accountant with experience is needed in Cyprus. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FREMONT County, Colorado, has an Assembly but needs homefront pioneers. Ideal climate, retirement area. Rural, yet encompasses suburbs of Canon City. Can commute to Pueblo or Colo-

See ADS Page 28 [Page 17]

Interesting mentions

• Mentions of the Bahá’í Faith are showing up in puzzling and playful places. The New York Times' crossword puzzle entitled "Not for Duffers" gave the following clue for No. 68 down: "Adherent of a 19th-century religion." The answer, of course—BAHÁ’Í. This puzzle is reprinted in other papers across the country and was found by a Bahá’í crossword puzzle lover in the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

• The television game show "Jeopardy" (which poses an "answer" to which contestants must give the "question") mentioned the Bahá’í Faith under the "religion" category. The announcer said: "The Bahá’ís are persecuted in this country of its origin." The response—of course— "What is Iran?"

Busy Bahá’ís

The Public Affairs Committee for the Inland Empire (greater Spokane, Washington) placed a full-page color ad in their area's free quarterly newspaper, Spokane Valley Today, which reached approximately 130,000 homes. The ad, headed "One World, One Human Family," pictured artistic renderings of diverse people holding hands while standing around the globe and featured this quotation from the writings: "When the racial elements of the American nation unite in actual fellowship and accord, the lights of the oneness of humanity will shine... this is the blessing and benefit of unity; this is the outcome of love. This is the sign of the 'Most Great Peace.'" The ad gave a couple of local numbers to call for information, along with the national number. Aside from being given to all the grocery store chains in the area, the paper is placed in motel rooms of all the major chains throughout the Spokane Valley.

The Southern Rhode Island Media Committee is having its first production session at Rollins Cable TV Company. Cable companies offer access to their facilities for local origin programming and often provide the training to enable organizations to produce their own programs. Has your community investigated this opportunity?

In California, the North Bay Bahá’í Media Council now has a trained "skeleton crew" ready to make their first studio test tape after receiving instructions from CableVision Access Studio in lighting, camera operation, control console operation, audio and video feeding, and general aspects of making their own video tapes. The potential for the future is exciting! They will be reaching more than 30,000 subscribers to the Santa Rosa cable system—plus there will be opportunities to use those programs on other cable systems and possibly on an educational broadcast TV station. The committee reports: "It is unthinkable that we might let this opportunity slip through our grasp for lack of volunteers. The 'challenging requirements of the present hour' have come home to roost at our doorstep!"

In Indianapolis, Indiana, Bahá’ís report heavy media activity:

• The religion writer for the Star wrote a 29-column-inch feature article about the Faith, stressing the oneness of God and religion. She has now offered her review copies of religious books to the Bahá’ís for their library and has made plans to attend a Holy Day observance. Several inquiries have resulted from the publicity.

• A local Bahá’í was interviewed on an International Center cable TV program that resulted in a half-hour broadcast on Channel 35 which discussed Naw-Rúz and general topics about the Faith.

• The six award-winning TV public service spots are airing on Indianapolis' Channel 6. Even though they are "religiously oriented," they were accepted because they are highly professional and quite impressive.

• "The Spiritual Revolution" television series is being broadcast twice a week on American Cablevision, Channel 35 in Indianapolis. Local Bahá’ís report that the show is a great fireside starter.

• Incidentally, "The Spiritual Revolution" is also carried on Cox Cable, Channel 11 in the Quad Cities area (Moline and East Moline, Illinois, and Davenport and Rock Island, Iowa), and plans are under way for a lot of popcorn poppin' and firesides.

The Metropolitan Detroit Public Affairs Council held a proclamation conference titled "How to do it—When to do it—Why to do it: UNIFIED ACTION," for public information representatives and other interested Bahá’ís in the southeastern Michigan area. Informative workshops and full group consultation sessions were held with the focus on "unified action" and creating task forces in the communities. Hats off to this media committee for such an ambitious undertaking!

The St. Louis Bahá’í Public Information Office has placed the Krogstad TV public service spots on a regular schedule on Channels 4, 5 and 11 and on nine cable stations. Meanwhile, "The Spiritual Revolution" series continues on Storer Cable TV. Nine communities are cooperating to best serve the metropolitan St. Louis area. The national Office of Public Affairs commends them for consulting and working together on their media plan.

UN Day of Peace replaces World Peace Day

As a part of its continuing effort to work in close harmony and cooperation with the United Nations, the National Spiritual Assembly has officially replaced its own World Peace Day with the United Nations' International Day of Peace.

Beginning this year, Bahá’í communities throughout the country are encouraged to plan observances and special programs in support of this day, which falls annually on the third Tuesday in September.

"By combining our efforts (with the UN)," says Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, "we'll be able to bring the important issue of peace to even greater numbers of people and governments around the world."

This year, the International Day of Peace will be observed September 17. The various celebrations held by Bahá’ís for World Peace Day in the past are still excellent ways to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

Activities such as public meetings, seminars or workshops on world peace; window displays; booths at local fairs; picnics; dinners, and offering Bahá’í speakers to other organizations are only a few examples of the creativity of the local Bahá’ís in commemorating this event.

Materials related to the theme of peace are available from the Office of Public Affairs (see ad on this page).

Begin preparations now to have a total media plan to proclaim the Bahá’í peace program in your area on this special day.

(For a fuller background about the replacement of World Peace Day, see The American Bahá’í, April 1985, p. 2.)

"The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." — Bahá’í Faith

Genocide Treaty heads for vote in U.S. Senate

The Genocide Treaty which was scheduled for a vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has now been marked up and voted out of the Committee after that body attached eight "reservations" to the treaty.

At press time, the treaty was expected to be on the Senate floor for a vote during the latter part of June or early July.

Questions about the treaty can still be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs, New Haven, CT 06510. The telephone number is 203-787-0303.

Is Your Community Ready for the International Day of Peace?

1985's International Day of Peace will be celebrated September 17. Now is the time to prepare to make this day a special occasion for proclaiming the Faith.

For sale:

• "Wage Peace" ad slicks (3 sizes to a page) $1 each; 10/$6
• "Wage Peace" posters (8-1/2 x 11) $1 each; 10/$6
• "Wage Peace" bus cards (11-1/2 x 27) $2.50 each; 10/$19.50
• "The Promise of Disarmament and Peace" (reprint) prepared by the Bahá’í International Community $.25 each
• Bahá’í International Community's Statement on Disarmament (reprint) $.15 each

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

• International Day of Peace sample press release
• Sample radio/TV PSAs
• Sample city and state proclamations
• Sample letter to mayor/governor
• Complete list of available media materials

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

Summer Special! Video Tapes of ABC's '20/20'

Please send copies of the "20/20" video tape in (please check format desired):

U.S. Formats:

• 1/2-inch VHS (Suggested donation, $37.50)
• 1/2-inch Beta (Suggested donation, $37.50)

Overseas Formats:

• SECAM (Suggested donation, $50.00)
• PAL (Suggested donation, $50.00)

Return to: Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Good News! ALL TV PSA'S ARE NOW ON ONE VIDEO CASSETTE

• 1-30 sec. Rainbow spot featuring Danny Deardorff (WAS $30)
• 6-30 sec. Krogstad spots (WAS $30)
• Rainbow spots plus all Krogstad spots (7 spots in all) (WAS $60)

NOW only $35!

Available only in 3/4-inch format for commercial use. Send orders to: Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, Wilmette, IL 60091. Include $3.50 per tape for postage and handling. Make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

Memorial service held for martyred Bahá’ís

An interfaith memorial service for Bahá’ís martyred in Iran was held May 19 at the Congregational Church in Northridge, California.

The service, whose speakers represented the Buddhist, Christian and Jewish faiths, was sponsored by the Valley Interfaith Council.

Also represented at the event were the Sikh Dharma of Southern California, Vedanta Society of Southern California, the Catholic Church, and the Bahá’í Faith. [Page 18]

EYE ON NATIONAL

Summertime is an exciting time at the National Center, as with it comes friends from around the world visiting us on their travels and sharing their experiences.

NATIONAL CENTER staff, too, have been traveling away from the Center, with quite a number of them making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

One returning pilgrim is Karen Crenshaw, from our Personnel Department, who not only had the bounty of making a pilgrimage but also was allowed the privilege of remaining for an extra week to serve in the Personnel Department at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

During that week, Karen busily consulted with Guido Colard, director of the World Centre's Personnel Department, about life and service at the World Centre, and learned how we can help the World Centre by encouraging Bahá’ís to consider this path of service to our beloved Faith. Karen says there is presently an urgent need for help with security and janitorial work there.

Security guard duties are quite varied and include everything from monitoring alarm systems to patrolling the Bahá’í properties, as well as answering questions from the Israeli public and other tourists.

Guards also have the opportunity to learn Hebrew and to take self-defense training. While experience is helpful, it is not necessary, but good physical stamina is important as the Haifa/‘Akká area is quite hilly and getting around can be difficult. In addition, much of the security work is done in the late evening or early morning hours.

JANITORIAL WORK can be equally as exciting and diverse as the security work.

Preservation, cleaning and maintenance are necessary for all the Holy Places and Bahá’í-owned buildings, but most specifically for the Seat of the House of Justice. Ornaments, furniture and Oriental carpets all need expert and loving care, as do floors, windows and offices.

Young, energetic Bahá’ís who are not averse to physical labor and who can stay for at least a year are eagerly encouraged to apply.

All friends who wish to serve in this exciting and important way may contact Karen Crenshaw at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 immediately to receive more information and an application.

Bahá’í who aided senior citizens listed among notable Native American women

Cora M. Watters, a Bahá’í from rural Lynx, Ohio, is listed in Ohoyo, a compendium of notable Native American women.

She was chosen for her work at the Indian Center of Topeka, Kansas, where she was instrumental in starting a senior citizens program, headed the nutrition program, and edited the nutrition newsletter and monthly agency paper.

While in Topeka, Mrs. Watters had a booklet on Native tanning published and formed what is believed to be the only all-Native American chapter of the American Diabetes Society.

In addition, she taught gardening classes and consumer education and served as assistant planner to the director.

She is presently employed as music and art teacher at a school for the profoundly retarded where she serves as cheerleader adviser, newspaper adviser, volunteer reading tutor and Special Olympics assistant.

Mrs. Watters performs professionally as a jazz/blues musician, conducts the southern Ohio Bahá’í choir, "Dayspring," and performs with her three daughters at Bahá’í functions and professionally as Watters and Daughters.

Mrs. Watters became a Bahá’í in 1974, was graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1979, and is now a graduate student in the school of education at Miami (Ohio) University.

Besides her many other activities, Mrs. Watters (Tula Nappe) is a member of the Shawnee Nation, United Remnant Band, serves on the Tribal Planning Committee and tribal newspaper, and helps on the Ceremonial Committee.

Native American Bahá’í Institute's annual report

The annual report of the Native American Bahá’í Institute for B.E. 141 (1984-85).

Introduction

In the past year the title "Native American Bahá’í Institute" replaced the former name, "Southwest Bahá’í Institute," to better denote its special arena of service: the education and guidance of the native peoples of this country.

At the same time, the policy remained that activities would focus primarily on the needs of the Navajo-Hopi District as the principal locus of service.

In the summer, stalwart pioneer Gordon Tong passed away unexpectedly, whereupon the work of the Institute (and of the district) for the rest of the year became dedicated to his memory, and the Institute was placed under the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee as an integral instrument of the teaching work on the Reservation.

Activities and accomplishments

A. Programs. In the past year, some 21 formal/planned events were held at the Institute. Duplicated attendance was 500+, and unduplicated attendance was about 90+. Average attendance was about 25. Notable highlights included:

1. Visits to the Institute by and consultations with Counsellors Fred Schechter and Farzam Arbáb, as well as Auxiliary Board members Nancy Phillips and Rick Wadleigh, the National Social and Economic Development Committee, the National Education Committee, and the American Indian Teaching Committee.

2. A variety of events and projects serving the Indian teaching work including a teaching conference in honor of Gordon Tong, a deepening institute conducted in the Navajo language, an orientation and deepening for the Trail of Light team working in the Pueblos, the Amoz Gibson Summer Teaching Project-orientation and supportive activities such as children's classes and youth recreation, a social/economic development conference, and a youth deepening institute in connection with the district's winter teaching project.

3. Several "blessing" ceremonies for the facilities and activities of the Institute, and a Navajo traditional ceremony on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

In addition, there were numerous small/local events and dozens of daily visitors.

B. Property development. The Institute is slowly developing its capacity to accommodate people and activities. In the past year, the following developments were noted:

1. The Institute's Multi-Purpose Shop was completed.

2. The new Ceremonial/Prayer Hogan was completed.

3. A fruit tree orchard was planted, and land improvements were made in the vicinity of the existing facilities.

4. A well and water system are anticipated to be in place by Ridván.

C. Administration. Helen and Jeff Kiely were appointed as Institute co-administrators. The Kielys have resided at the Institute since October. They presently report to the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee.

Current needs and plans

As the Institute heads into the final year of the Seven Year Plan, several needs and plans stand out:

A. The role and scope of, and expectations for, the Institute need to be clarified and its principal tasks specified and prioritized. This then needs to be communicated confidently and consistently to the friends.

B. There is a need to increase participation by and service to the Navajo friends, both through Institute-based and outreach consolidation activities and programs.

C. The Creative Word needs to get into the hands, hearts and minds of the Navajo people—in the Navajo language. Translation work needs to be intensified, and materials such as those developed at the Rúhí Institute in Colombia need to be developed and adapted to the Navajo setting.

D. The Institute needs to become a dynamic support center and catalyst for, rather than a diversion from, local activity and the teaching and consolidation work, helping in the unprecedented increase in enrollments that will raise the "critical mass" of believers in the Navajo communities, from which local Spiritual Assemblies can be developed and strengthened.

E. The present local Assemblies need to be deepened and strengthened so that they may become effective forces for teaching, unity and development in their communities.

F. Facilities need to be constructed for: year-round lodging and related accommodations; year-round recreation; children's classes; and administration and library.

G. A specific social/economic development project needs to be identified and carried out.

H. Interest and support by the Bahá’í community need to be rekindled, and the Institute's finances need to be increasingly subsidized by contributions and fund-raising.

Fairbanks to host fourth Continental Indigenous Council

The fourth Continental Indigenous Council, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the U.S., will be held July 26-28 at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The conference theme is "Blessed are the nameless and traceless poor, for they are the leaders of mankind."

It is hoped that many Native Americans from the U.S. will attend. For information, contact the National Bahá’í Office, Anchorage, AK 99516, or phone 907-345-3740.

Huntsville announces plans for Peace Day

The Bahá’í community of Huntsville, Alabama, will observe World Peace Day September 15 at Monte Sano State Park.

The universal language of music will be used to reach the ears and hearts. If you are interested in singing or playing a musical instrument, please write to Martena Koken, Huntsville, AL 35803, or phone 205-882-3298.

Spiritual Assemblies on Indian Reservations

Arizona: Sells District (Papago Reservation), Komatke District (Gila River Reservation), Maricopa Colony (Gila River Reservation).

Colorado: Southern Ute Reservation.

Idaho: Fort Hall Reservation, Nez Perce Reservation.

Minnesota: Red Lake Reservation (Ponemah).

Montana: Fort Peck Reservation, Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Crow Reservation, Blackfeet Reservation.

Navajo-Hopi District: Aneth Chapter, Fort Defiance Chapter, Ganado Chapter, Hard Rock Chapter, Kaibeto Chapter, Oak Springs Chapter, Red Lake Chapter (Arizona), Red Lake Chapter (New Mexico), St. Michaels Chapter, Shiprock Chapter, Tuba City, White Cone Chapter.

Nebraska: Omaha Reservation (Macy).

New York: St. Regis Reservation (Akwesasne).

North Carolina: Cherokee Reservation.

North Dakota: Fort Yates, Standing Rock Reservation.

New Mexico: Mescalero Apache Reservation, Jemez Pueblo.

Oregon: Umatilla Reservation, Warm Springs Reservation.

South Dakota: Crow Creek Reservation, Lower Brule Reservation, Eagle Nest District (Pine Ridge Reservation), Town of Pine Ridge (Pine Ridge Reservation), Medicine Root District (Pine Ridge Reservation), Porcupine District (Pine Ridge Reservation), White Clay District (Pine Ridge Reservation), Wounded Knee District (Pine Ridge Reservation), Pass Creek District (Pine Ridge Reservation), Wakpamni District (Pine Ridge Reservation), Parmelee (Rosebud Reservation), Mission (Rosebud Reservation), Rosebud (Rosebud Reservation), St. Francis (Rosebud Reservation).

Washington: Makah Reservation, Yakima Reservation, Wapato (Yakima Reservation), Toppenish (Yakima Reservation).

Wisconsin: Lac du Flambeau Reservation.

Wyoming: Wind River Reservation.

Being readied to form

South Dakota: Town of Martin (Pine Ridge Reservation), Lacreek District (Pine Ridge Reservation). [Page 19]

PERSIAN/AMERICAN

July 1985

Regional committees serve as Persian/American network

The National Persian/American Affairs Committee and its Area Committees, 142 B.E./1985-86:

In a letter dated March 8, 1983, the Universal House of Justice recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly “expand the wonderful services of the Persian Affairs Committee through the instrumentality of ... regional committees.”

The over-all goal of these Area Persian/American Affairs Committees has been to serve as a resource agency for the local Assemblies in their area and to work toward the early achievement of the integration of the community.

This year the Area Committees will help carry out the intensified efforts of the NPAAC to create an atmosphere for and specific programs toward fostering greater unity between the American and Persian believers in our Bahá’í community.

Beginning this year the Area Committees will be under the direct jurisdiction of the National Persian/American Affairs Committee. Thirteen Area Persian/American Affairs Committees have been formed for the following areas:

Los Angeles, California, area; San Diego, California, area; San Francisco, California, area; ‎Phoeniz Phoenix‎, Arizona, area; Atlanta, Georgia, area; Chicago, Illinois, area; New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, area; Portland, Oregon, area; Dallas, Texas, area; Houston, Texas, area; Salt Lake City, Utah, area; Washington, D.C., area.

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی و لجنات تابعه آن در سال ۱۴۲ بدیع (۸۶-۱۹۸۵)

در مرقومه شریفه مورخه ۸ مارچ ۱۹۸۳ بیت العدل اعظم الهی به محفل مقدس روحانی ملی آمریکا توصیه فرموده اند "خدمات و فعالیتهای قابل توجه لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی آمریکا بوسیله تشکیل لجنات ناحیه ای بیش از پیش بایستی توسعه یابد."

هدف کلی این لجنات ناحیه ای ارائه خدمت و همکاری و معاضدت با محافل روحانی محلیه است در راه ایجاد همبستگی بیشتر بین افراد جامعه بهائی آمریکا . در سال تشکیلاتی جاری لجنه های ناحیه ای در اجرای برنامه ها و کوششهای خاص ‎بنحور بمنظور‎ نیل به هدف فوق و ازدیاد اتحاد و اتفاق بیشتر بین احبای ایرانی و آمریکائی لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی را یاری خواهند فرمود. از ابتدای سال کلیه لجنات ناحیه ای امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی مستقیماً تحت نظر لجنه ملی انجام وظیفه خواهند نمود و تا کنون ۱۳ لجنه ناحیه ای بشرح ذیل تشکیل گردیده است:

لوس آنجلس، سن دیگو و سن فرانسیسکو در ایالت کالیفرنیا، فینیکس در ایالت آریزونا، آتلانتا در ایالت جورجیا، شیکاگو در ایالت ایلینوی، نیویورک، نیوجرسی و کنتیکت، اکلاهما سیتی در ایالت اکلاهما، پورتلند در ایالت اورگان، دالاس و هوستون در ایالت تگزاس، سالت لیک سیتی در ایالت یوتا، و واشینگتن.

چهار جزوه جدید تبلیغی با چاپ رنگی در سال جاری تهیه و انتشار یافته است. این جزوات شامل معرفی جامعه بهائی، موضع دیانت بهائی در قبال صلح عمومی، اهمیت وحدت نژادی، نظم جهانی بهائی، و وحدت ادیان است. قیمت آنها برای هر صد جزوه ۱۰ دلار تعیین گردیده است. علاقه مندان جهت ابتیاع این جزوات جالب تبلیغی میتوانند مستقیماً با مؤسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری تماس حاصل فرمایند.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091

رسالت احبای ایرانی در امریکا / MISSION OF IRANIAN BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE UNITED STATES

دومین اجتماع سالانه اعضاء هیئت مشاورین قاره ای و اعضاء محفل مقدس روحانی ملی و اعضاء هیئت های معاونت و اعضاء یا نمایندگان لجنات ملی و دوائر و ادارات دارالانشاء محفل ملی از ۲۳ الی ۲۷ می امسال در مدرسه بهائی لولن تشکیل شد. آن اجتماع پرثمر فرصتی بود که اعضاء لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی - آمریکائی بتوانند در خصوص استقرار یاران مهد امرالله در این سامان و اهمیت روحانی آن تبادل نظر نمایند و رابطه آن را با پیشرفت "نهضت اتفاق عمل" "Campaign of Unified Action" بدقت بررسی نمایند.

لزوم مشارکت یاران ایرانی که در سالهای اخیر به آمریکا آمده اند در تحقق اهداف و مآرب عالیه نهضت یعنی ازدیاد بی سابقه مؤمنین، تقویت و تحکیم رابطه قلوب با شارع مقدس آئین بهائی، و بالاخص واقعیت بخشیدن به اصل وحدت در کثرت محتاج به تأکید نیست. ورود جمع کثیری از خواهران و برادران ایرانی به جامعه بهائی آمریکا با خروج جامعه امر از مرحله مجهولیت بر اثر جانفشانی های قهرمانانه یاران ایران همزمان بوده است. اشتهار روزافزون امر موجب خواهد شد که دیگران با توجه و نکته سنجی بیشتر به جامعه امر بنگرند. بنابراین انتقال یاران ایران به این جامعه فرصتی ایجاد کرده است تا نمونه آن وحدت اصلیه را که در آثار مبارکه این آئین رحمانی بدان اشارت رفته در داخل جامعه بهائی ایجاد کنیم و در معرض نظار جهانیان قرار دهیم.

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی - آمریکائی برای نیل به این مقصد و هدف کلی اختیار نموده است:

۱- جلب توجه اعضاء جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده به حکمت وقایع اخیر و استقرار احبای ایرانی در این کشور، یعنی ایجاد جامعه ای متشکل و متحد که با ترکیب آداب و رسوم و فرهنگهای مختلف قلوب مردم این مملکت را به امر اعز اعلای جمال کبریا جذب نماید.

۲- تجهیز قوای معنوی و روحانی یاران ایرانی در سبیل تقدم امرالهی در آمریکا و تحقق مقدرات روحانی این کشور.

نیل به هدف های فوق بنظر این لجنه مستلزم توجه مخصوص به مراتب ذیل است:

۱- بسط و توسعه ارتباط بین احبای ایرانی و غیر ایرانی - از طریق آموختن زبان انگلیسی و ایجاد فرصت برای آشنائی و الفت.

۲- تزیید معلومات امری و مطالعه آثار مبارکه بالاخص در زمینه مقدرات روحانی آمریکا و نقش جامعه بهائی این کشور.

۳- تمهید سبیل برای مشارکت بیش از پیش احبای ایرانی در فعالیتهای تبلیغی و مهاجرتی.

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی - آمریکائی امیدوار است در سال جاری با همکاری و معاضدت لجنه های ناحیه ای و افراد احبای رحمانی در راه تحقق اهداف فوق به موفقیت های بارزی نائل گردد.

"بخاطر قطره ای از خون عاشق" / "FOR A DROP OF THE LOVER'S BLOOD"

در تعقیب شرحی که تحت عنوان "بخاطر قطره ای از خون عاشق" در قسمت فارسی نشریه امریکن بهائی ماه جون ۱۹۸۵ درج گردیده بود باطلاع میرساند که نوار ویدئوی مزبور جهت توزیع آماده گردیده و به قیمت ۴۵ دلار در دسترس علاقه مندان قرار گرفته است.

طالبین می توانند مستقیماً جهت ابتیاع آن با لجنه امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی در دارالانشاء محفل ملی تماس حاصل فرمایند و یا در کنفرانس بین المللی جوانان در ماه جولای برای خرید آن اقدام فرمایند.

بشارات کانزاس / ‎GLADTIDINGS GLAD TIDINGS‎ FROM KANSAS

اقدامات و فعالیتهای مستمر و مداوم اعضاء جامعه بهائی کانزاس در انعقاد جلسات تبلیغی در آن ایالت و موفقیتی که نصیب آنان شد موجب گردید که آقای جان کارلن، فرماندار کانزاس ماه می ۱۹۸۵ را رسماً بعنوان "ماه پیروزی بهائی" اعلام نمایند. در تعقیب دعوت ایادی عزیز امرالله جناب ویلیام سیرز در نوامبر گذشته مبنی بر مشارکت نواحی مختلف در مسابقه ای دوستانه در انعقاد جلسات تبلیغی افتخار تشکیل بیشترین جلسات تبلیغی به نسبت جمعیت نصیب جامعه بهائی ایالت کانزاس گردید.

در ماه می گذشته جلسات متعددی جهت ابلاغ کلمة الله با حضور ایادی محبوب امرالله جناب ویلیام سیرز، چند تن از اعضاء محترم محفل مقدس روحانی ملی و اعضاء لجنات ملی در آن ایالت تشکیل گردید و در سطح وسیعی از طریق رسانه های گروهی (رادیو، تلویزیون، و جراید) ندای جان بخش و پیام روح افزای جمال مبارک را بگوش مردم آن ایالت رساندند بطوریکه سرانجام فرماندار محترم ایالت کانزاس ماه می را رسماً ماه پیروزی بهائی اعلام نمود. این موفقیت بی نظیر را به خواهران و برادران عزیز خود در آن ایالت تبریک و تهنیت گفته تأیید و توفیق روزافزونشان را در سبیل خدمت به آستان الهی آرزو میکنیم و امیدواریم که در سبیل اعلاء کلمة الله و نشر نفحات الله همگی بر اثر اقدام آن عزیزان قدم برداریم.

انتشارات جدید / PERSIAN PUBLICATIONS

مؤسسه مطبوعات امری هندوستان اخیراً موفق شده است قسمت سوم مائده آسمانی را که شامل جلد سوم و ششم (از آثار مبارکه حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله) و جلد دهم یعنی مجموعه فهرستها و اعلام است تجدید چاپ و در اختیار علاقه مندان قرار دهد. طالبین جهت ابتیاع این اثر نفیس میتوانند مستقیماً یا توسط کتابداران محلی به مؤسسه مطبوعات امری مراجعه فرمایند. [Page 20]

ـ لوکس؟ ـ هرگز!

این مسئله را دوستان عزیز بخوبی میدانند که هرچه دائره جامعه جهانی بهائی وسیعتر میشود بهمان نسبت هم احتیاجات مادی آن برای انجام مشروعات و تأسیسات و خدمات ملی و بین‌المللی فزونی می‌یابد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در پیام مورخه ژانویه ۱۹۸۴ خطاب به عموم بهائیان عالم، آنانرا به تقدیم تبرعات برای چهار مورد ضروری و عمده تشویق فرمودند و آنها را (چهار اقدام مهم) نامیدند.

اولین مورد اتمام بناهای مشارق اذکار ساموآ و هندوستان و دومین مورد "توسعه و تکامل مرکز جهانی یعنی کانون نظم اداری امر بهائی، مقر و مدفن ‎رمین زمین‎ اطهرین شارعین این امر نازنین و منشاء ظهور و بروز جریاناتی که مقاصد و نوایایش را مکشوف و خیانتش را تقویت و مقدراتش را تعیین میکند" مورد سوم "اجرای برنامه‌های توسعه و عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی در ممالک مختلفه" مورد چهارم "توسعه نطاق و همآهنگی و اداره مساعی و مجهودات جهانی برای منتفع ساختن جمعیتی بمراتب بیش از پیش از درمان الهی برای تشفّی آلام و اسقامی است که افراد انسان و جامعه بشری بدان مبتلاست و اثبات عمومیت امر الهی و مقاصد و مآرب تعالیم مبارکه‌اش در انتظار نامداران و تأمین ‎موجیاتی موجباتی‎ است که پیشوایان افکار را کاملاً با آثار قلم اعلی آشنا و از عظمت رسالت جمال اقدس ابهی مطلع و آگاه سازد".

هریک از این چهار مورد ضروری در جای خود اهمیتی حیاتی برای جامعه‌های بهائی دارند که آن مقام رفیع درباره اهمیت آنها چنین میفرمایند "...از فرد فرد یاران راستان تقاضا میشود با ‎ردیکر یکدیگر‎ حیات خود را وقف خدمت آستان حضرت منان و ترقی و اطلاع عالم انسانی نمایند تا نفرات لازم برای مهاجرت و تبلیغ و خدمات اداری موجود باشد. از همه ضروری‌تر آنکه هریک از احباء به نسبت امکانات از دارایی خود با نهایت فداکاری تبرعاتی به صندوق‌های امری محلی و ملی و قاره‌ای و بین المللی تقدیم دارد تا منابع مالی، یعنی مایه حیات بخش اقدامات امری، برای اجرای وظایف عظیمی که باید در شهور و سنواتی که در پیش است انجام گیرد کفاف دهد. تمرکز اقدامات و وحدت در مقاصد و اهداف و فداکاری و از خودگذشتگی لازم است تا بتوان در نصرت و تقدم امرالله با مساعی و مجهودات قهرمانانی ‎نامران نامدار‎ و مجریان نقشه‌های سابق کوی برابری زند..."

از طرف دیگر در سالهای اخیر که ‎باران یاران‎ ایران در معرض بلایا و مصیبت‌های گوناگون قرار گرفته‌اند و همه منابع درآمد آنان قطع شده، کارمندان بهائی نه فقط از ادارات اخراج شده‌اند بلکه حقوق سی ساله را از آنان مطالبه میکنند، اموال و املاک و دارایی بسیاری از احباء ضبط شده و کسبه شجاع از تحصیل رزق بومی محروم شده‌اند. معهذا علی‌ناچار برای کمک به ملهوفین ایران که خود روزی بزرگترین ارقام را برای مصارف جامعه تبرع میکردند صندوقی تأسیس کردند که با شدت گرفتن ظلم و اعتساف به این دوستان عزیز، منابع مالی این صندوق رو بکاهش گذاشته و احتیاج به تقویت فوری دارد.

در این سطور روی سخن نویسنده با دوستان عزیز ایرانی در ممالک خارجه است که خود بهتر از هر کس به اوضاع مادی احبای هموطن، چه آنها که در کشور مانده‌اند و کلیه مَمّر عایدی آنان قطع شده و چه کسانی که اجباراً راه خروج درپیش‌گرفته در ممالک مختلفه در عسرت و تنگدستی بسر میبرند، واقفند.

آیا در چنین برهه‌ای از زمان که از طرفی احتیاج ضروری و فوری مرکز جهانی برای مصارف مذکور روز‌بروز افزون است، از طرف دیگر احبای ایرانی محتاج کمکهای فوری بهر ‎مقدا رو مقدار و‎ بهر مبلغ میباشند، صندوقهای محفل ملی بواسطه تعهدات گوناگون مبالغ گزافی مقروضند، آیا رواست که ما در مصارف شخصی و خصوصی خود راه اسراف بپوئیم و بدنبال خانه لوکس، اتومبیل لوکس، لباس و اثاثیه لوکس و خلاصه زندگی لوکس و گران قیمت برویم؟ بی گمان هیچ فرد بهائی مؤمنی را نمیتوان یافت که باین سئوال جواب مثبت بدهد!

چند روز قبل ضمن مطالعه کتاب بی‌نظیر "گوهریکتا" به شرح ازدواج حضرت ولی‌امرالله برخوردم. امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم کلیه مراسم ازدواج را طی دو صفحه مرقوم داشته‌اند که در اینجا چندجمله از آنرا نقل مینمایم:

"یقین است که سادگی ازدواج مبارک که عین ازدواج حضرت عبدالبهاء در زندان عکا بود شایسته آنست که بسیاری را بفکر اندازد و سرمشقی کامل برای جمیع یاران شود. بجز پدر و مادر هیکل مبارک و دو خواهر و برادرشان و پدر و مادر این کمینه احدی دیگر خبر نداشت، بی نهایت سعی فرمودند که این مسئله با نهایت سکوت و آرامی بگذرد... خوب بیاد دارم که لباس سیاه و یک کت سفید روی آن پوشیده بودم همینکه داخل روضه مبارکه شدیم فرمودند انگشتری را بدهید. من که تا آنوقت انگشتری مبارک را زینت سینه خود داشتم آنرا از گردن درآورده تقدیم کردم و با دست خودشان آنرا در دست راست من گذاردند و این تنها کاری بود که انجام شد و مراسم ازدواج بهمین جا خاتمه یافت ... بعد از تلاوت زیارتنامه مراجعت بحیفا کردیم و مستقیم باطاق حضرت ورقه‌مبارکه علیا رفتیم و آنجا بود که عقد صورت گرفت... و این ازدواج ما هرگز با مراسم دعوتها و ضیافتها و جشنها و البسه مخصوصه و غیره توأم نگردید..."

ملاحظه میفرمائید مولای حنون ما به چه سادگی و بساطت ازدواج کرده‌اند. بسیاری از صفحات این کتاب و کتب دیگری که درباره زندگی هیکل اطهر نوشته شده و روایات زائرین و مشاهدات مجاورین همه حاکی از آنست که آن وجود مکرم در نهایت سادگی و صرفه‌جوئی زندگی میکرده‌اند و همه چیز را برای اعتلا و تجلیل امر میخواسته‌اند. آیا ما که باید در همه امور پیرو ایشان باشیم شایسته است که فی‌المثل برای عروسی پسرمان یا نامزدی دخترمان یا هر مراسم دیگری در فلان هتل چند ستاره جشن مجلل و پر خرج برپا کنیم و مبالغ هنگفت صرف این مراسم زائد نمائیم؟ جواب مسلماً منفی خواهد بود.

جمال مبارک میفرمایند: "ثروت عالم را وفائی نه، آنچه را فنا اخذ نماید بدون تغییر بدرد لایق اعتناء نبوده و نیست مگر علی قدر معلوم." ما احبای ایرانی مخصوصاً در این چند سال اخیر مصداق این بیان مبارک را ‎بمالعینه به عینه‎ مشاهده کردیم و با چشمان خود دیدیم که چگونه ثروت‌های عالم به صاحبانشان وفا نشان نکردند، مادام که جامعه روبتوسعه بهائی برای مصارف و مخارج مشروعات و موسسات خود و انجام اهداف عالیه خویش احتیاج مالی شدید دارد، مادام که احبای مظلوم و ستمدیده ایرانی در داخل و خارج مهد امرالله چنین تهیدست و محتاجند، مادام که صندوق‌های محلی و ملی و قاره‌ای و بین المللی هر یک مبلغی مقروضند ما ابداً نباید بخود اجازه دهیم ولو یک دینار خرج مصارف اضافی و (لوکس) بنمائیم و این مطلب مهم را باید با دقت و حوصله به افراد عائله خود نیز تفهیم نمائیم، باید به همان "علی قدر معلوم" اکتفا کنیم و زندگیمان را در حد اقل بساطت و سادگی که همواره مورد تأکید و سفارش هیاکل قدسیه در بیانات عدیده بوده است نگاه داریم.

‎بایان پایان‎ این سطور را به مؤخره پیام مورخه ژانویه ۱۹۸۵ معهد اعلی مزین میداریم، باشد که بار دیگر انتظار هموطنان جمال قدم و اسم اعظم را به مفاد مطالب مهمه مندرجه در آن معطوف داریم.

"... بیت‌العدل اعظم ‎باران یاران‎ و یاوران امر حضرت منان را در این برهه خطر زمان ندا داده و متوجه و متذکر ساخته‌اند که مساعدت و معاونت مادی به صندوقهای امریه از جمله عوامل و ارکان اصلیه حیات بهائی است. فی‌الحقیقه نباید چنین پنداشت که احتیاجات و ضروریات کنونی منحصر بدین اوقات است بلکه اینگونه نیازمندیها نیز در طی سالهای آتیه جلوه و ظهور خواهد داشت و این مرحله تا زمانی ادامه خواهد یافت که اقدامات و مجهودات ما ضعفاء خدام آستان بهاء با استمداد از تاییدات ملاء اعلی بر مخاطرات غائله ای که امروزه جامعه بشری را احاطه نموده فائق آیند و این جهان را جهانی دیگر سازند، جهانی که شعشعت شوکت و جلالش را افئده و قلوب بنی نوع انسان تصور و تحمل نتوانند نمود..."

.ع . ن .

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLÁH

پرداخت‌های مربوط به حقوق‌الله را ممکن است به نشانی یکی از امناء هیئت امناء یا مستقیماً به حساب مخصوص در بانک ارسال داشت.

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD 20910	The Northern Trust Company Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Box 92959 50 South La Salle Street Chicago, Illinois 60675
Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402
Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116

میدان خدمت

AMOS GIBSON PROJECT

طرح تبلیغی ایمانی گیبسن به چند نفر داوطلب جهت سرپرستی و اداره کلاسهای اطفال بهائی احتیاج دارد. دو نفر معلم تمام وقت که بتوانند به نقاط مختلف حوزه اجرای این طرح سفر نمایند مورد نیاز است. مسکن و غذا و اتومبیل و بنزین مصرفی آن تأمین میشود. معلمان بایستی مواد آموزشی لازم را تهیه نموده در اداره کلاسهای اطفال بکار برند. علاقه مندان میتوانند با نشانی ذیل مکاتبه فرمایند.

District Teaching Committee for South Dakota c/o Mr. John Retzlaff, P.O. Box 922, Pierre, SD 57501 Phone: (605) 224-1041 [Page 21]

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به جوانان بهائی در سراسر عالم

MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD, 8 MAY 1985 مورخ ۸ مه ۱۹۸۵

یاران محبوب

موفقیت‌های بی‌شمار و تکان‌دهنده‌ای که جوانان عزیز بهائی در سراسر ممالک و مناطق عالم در راه پیشبرد نقشه‌های امری ایفا کرده و می‌کنند، بیت‌العدل اعظم را بر آن داشته است که در این سال سرنوشت‌ساز و تاریخی، پیام جداگانه‌ای صادر نموده و صمیمانه‌ترین درودها و ستایش‌های خود را به یکایک شما یاران پرشور و جان‌فشان تقدیم دارند.

دعوت سازمان ملل متحد که سال ۱۹۸۵ را به نام سال بین‌المللی جوانان نام‌گذاری کرده است، فرصت مغتنمی است تا جوامع بهائی در سراسر جهان توجه خود را بیش از پیش به نقش حیاتی و جایگاه والای جوانان در پیشبرد نظم بدیع الهی معطوف دارند.

بشر در حال حاضر با مشکلات گوناگونی روبروست و در بحبوحه تغییرات و تحولات سریع، راه خود را گم کرده است. در چنین دورانی، شما جوانان هستید که با تمسک به تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله، می‌توانید چراغ هدایت و مشعل‌دار وحدت و صلح باشید.

ایثار و فداکاری‌های جوانان ایران که در سال‌های اخیر با نثار جان خویش، وفاداری خود را به آستان مبارک الهی به اثبات رسانده‌اند، الهام‌بخش جوانان در سایر نقاط جهان است تا با عزمی راسخ‌تر در این راه گام بردارند.

کار هماهنگ و عظیم شما در جریان فعالیت‌های امری با اطمینان خاطر و با تکیه بر تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله، مشعل فروزان صلح و وحدت جهانی را برافراشته است. تلاش‌های شما در جهت ترویج پیام الهی و خدمت به جامعه، مایه مباهات و افتخار است.

بیت‌العدل اعظم با اطمینان خاطر از شما می‌خواهد که با مطالعه عمیق آثار مبارکه و تقویت بنیه معنوی خود، آماده خدمت در زمینه‌های گوناگون باشید. شما باید با رفتار و گفتار خود، الگویی برای دیگران باشید و با اخلاق و منش بهائی، قلوب مردم را به سوی جمال مبارک جذب نمایید.

اخبار و گزارش‌های رسیده حاکی از آن است که در بسیاری از مناطق، جوانان با شجاعت تمام وظایف خود را انجام می‌دهند. این تلاش‌ها بدون شک مورد تاییدات الهی خواهد بود. هر یک از ما باید به سهم خود در پیشبرد این اهداف عالیه بکوشیم و با اتحاد و اتفاق، راه را برای استقرار صلح جهانی هموار سازیم.

در پایان، بیت‌العدل اعظم برای موفقیت روزافزون شما دعا نموده و توفیق شما را در خدمت به آستان قدس الهی از درگاه خداوند خواستار است.

OUTSTANDING PIONEERING GOALS

	No.	Language
Africa
Mauritania	1	(French)
Nigeria	3	(English)
Tanzania	2	(English)
Americas
Argentina	2	(Spanish)
Easter Island	1	(Spanish)
Dominica	2	(English)
French Guiana	2	(French)
Asia
West Bengal, India	1	(English)
Nepal	2	(English)
Australasia
Kosrae, Caroline Is.	1	(English)
Yap, Caroline Is.	1	(English)
Tuvalu	2	(English)
‎Marshal Marshall‎ Islands	1	(English)
Europe
Ireland	5	(English)

LOUHELEN LETTER

۲۶ مه ۱۹۸۵ نامه‌ای به جوانان بهائی آمریکا

یاران عزیز الهی

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به جوانان عالم، منبعی بزرگ از الهام و هدایت برای همه ماست. این پیام با صراحت و روشنی، مسئولیت‌های خطیری را که در این دوره حساس بر عهده جوانان نهاده شده است، تبیین می‌نماید. ما در این دیار با برخورداری از امکانات و وسایل پیشرفته، وظیفه داریم که بیش از پیش در راه تحقق اهداف امری تلاش نماییم.

خدمات جوانان آمریکا در زمینه‌های مختلف، از جمله مهاجرت به مناطق نیازمند، شرکت در طرح‌های توسعه اجتماعی و اقتصادی، و تبلیغ پیام الهی، همواره مورد تقدیر و ستایش مرکز امر بوده است.

امیدواریم با مطالعه دقیق این پیام و به کارگیری توصیه‌های آن، در سال‌های آینده شاهد درخشش هرچه بیشتر جوانان در تمامی عرصه‌های خدمت باشیم. [Page 22]

Mona

(Continued From Page 1)

programs.

Part of the attention the production drew was due to the participation of a number of well-known entertainers.

Bahá’í musicians Jim and Dan Seals and Dash Crofts, and actor Alex Rocco, took part in the video, as did one of Canada's best known folk singers, Buffy St. Marie.

Mr. Rocco, who appeared in the movie "The Godfather" as well as many other film and television roles, plays the Mulla who condemns Mona to death. The other performers appear in the chorus which backs the song's author, Doug Cameron.

MR. Cameron composed the song for the album "If You Only Knew," which was released last summer.

"Mona with the Children" has been re-recorded with the chorus including the Seals brothers, Dash Crofts and Buffy St. Marie, and will be included in a new album to be released by CBS Records in Canada.

The exact release date for the video in the U.S. is not firm at this time.

Jack Lenz, who composed songs on the albums "We Are Bahá’ís" and "If You Only Knew," produced the music video with Alex Frame and cinematographer Rodney Charters.

"We're trying to sign a contract to have the new album 'Mona' distributed in the U.S.," says Mr. Lenz, "so we'll be delaying the release of the music video until it can coincide with the release of the album there.

"From the impact just filming this video had in Canada, we believe there is tremendous potential for it both in Canada and the U.S.

"NATURALLY," he says, "we want to do all we can to effect the greatest impact. We know a number of people placed orders at the National Convention in Wilmette.

"We'll be notifying them of the delay in releasing the tape and that their orders will be filled by the Distribution Service in the U.S."

The "Mona with the Children" video, says Mr. Lenz, "will have not only the video itself but also a 40-minute documentary about the making of the film.

"We see young people being able to use both the video and documentary in their schools as a way of telling Mona's story and the story of other Bahá’ís who have given their freedom, their possessions and their lives for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh."

Orders for the "Mona" video may be placed by using the coupon on this page or through the Distribution Service representative in your community. The $45 charge for the video includes the cost of postage on individual orders.

Surgeons elect Bahá’í

In March, Dr. Jalal Afnan, a Bahá’í who has been a practicing otolaryngologist in the greater Cleveland, Ohio, area for the past 20 years, was elected vice-president of the U.S. Section of the International College of Surgeons at its annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Sales of 2 new video tapes higher than expected

The Bahá’í Distribution Service's first venture in the world of video is proving successful beyond original expectations.

"THIS was sort of an experiment to see if there was a large enough market in the U.S. Bahá’í community for video tape programs," says Distribution Service marketing manager Robert Blum. "It's clear that even with very little marketing effort these tapes are selling and selling well."

In May, the Distribution Service released two tapes, "Ark of Destiny" ($35 in Beta and VHS) and "Bahá’í Education in India" and "Trustees of the Merciful" on one tape for $40 (Beta and VHS).

"The tapes are duplicated in the production studio at the House of Worship," says Mr. Blum, "and during National Convention people were standing in line to get them as they were being copied.

"We sold all we had at National Convention and weren't able to catch up with the demand until early June. At one point the tapes were selling so fast we ran out of the raw stock of video tapes and had to wait until our supplier could ship more to us."

"Ark of Destiny" is a documentary on the building of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

"IT SHOWS in minute detail the great care that went into this monumental project," says Mr. Blum. "And once the building is finished the film takes us inside to see how it functions on a day-to-day basis."

The "Education/Trustees" film offers a different view of the Bahá’í community, he says, as the two films really show the Faith at work in India.

"Bahá’í Education in India" documents the Bahá’í educational structure in that country and shows the philosophy of Bahá’í education being put into practice.

"Trustees of the Merciful" is an effective primer on the administration of the Faith, which is particularly interesting when seen in the context of a country like India," says Mr. Blum.

The two films together show the Faith working in practical ways to bring about solutions to some of the basic questions that face all societies.

In the future, the Distribution Service hopes to expand its video tape offerings to include items that can be used in deepening and proclamation activities.

Prices on the video tapes are NET to Distribution Service accounts.

Four new books cover a broad range of topics

Human rights, the use of drugs and alcohol, an early pilgrimage, and an in-depth look at Shi’i Islam are the widely varied topics of four new books coming this month to the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

KALIMÁT Press is offering a facsimile reproduction of the pilgrim notes taken by Thornton Chase, the man ‘Abdu’l-Bahá termed the first American Bahá’í, during his 1907 visit to the Holy Land.

Kalimát describes the book as a "vivid and intimate account of the events of that extraordinary time, from first day to last."

The book is titled In Galilee ($9.75 hardcover) and includes a short "appreciation" by Arthur Agnew, who accompanied Mr. Chase on the journey to ‘Akká.

Two new books from George Ronald, Publishers, are expected this month. Perhaps the most topical is called In Search of Nirvana: A New Perspective on Alcohol and Drug Dependency ($6.95 HC, $3.50 SC) by Dr. A.M. Ghadirian.

Dr. Ghadirian is a psychiatrist, and his book reviews recent research on drug dependency and addresses the factors that lead to substance abuse, according to the publisher.

It also explores how the Bahá’í views and teachings can make a contribution to the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

Also from George Ronald comes An Introduction to Shi’i Islam ($25 HC, $15 SC) by Moojan Momen.

The book, which is a co-publication with Yale University Press, covers the various aspects of Twelver Shi’ism which relate to the matrix of the Bahá’í revelation and the prophecies and doctrines that are significant to Bahá’ís.

Finally, from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom comes the booklet "Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights" ($3.50, SC) by Philip Hainsworth.

Mr. Hainsworth has been a member for more than two decades of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, and has used his knowledge of work by various Bahá’í agencies in the field of human rights in writing "Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights."

According to its publisher, the booklet looks at the important issues that fall within the sphere of human rights, and can also serve as a useful introduction to the Faith.

Leslie & Kelly have new album, ‘We Are One’

A new album called "We Are One" by singers and songwriters Leslie and Kelly is now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Leslie and Kelly have recorded for Atlantic/Big Tree Records and made an album with John Ford Coley on A&M Records.

The two women say they hope their music will be helpful in teaching, and designed the songs with that in mind. The tape has eight songs including one prayer set to music and a rendition of the names of the Seven Valleys.

Leslie and Kelly will be making a record for CBS in Germany in the fall along with a music video.

Who was the first American Bahá’í woman?

Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900. These new pamphlets are now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. [Page 23]

Publishing Trust ‘unrestrained’ in praise of new compilation

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is pleased to announce the release of a new compilation, Unrestrained as the Wind, which was made available at the Bahá’í International Youth Conference in Ohio earlier this month and can now be purchased through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

“THE compilation will challenge us to vindicate the sacrifices of the Bahá’ís in Iran,” says Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Publishing Trust, “by integrating Bahá’í service and family responsibilities, educational pursuits and teaching the Faith, developing spirituality and excelling in our work, interpersonal relationships and building the new World Order.

“It also helps inspire us to help ‘shape the societies of the coming century,’ ” she adds. “We find it exciting and challenging.”

Unrestrained includes excerpts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, messages from the Universal House of Justice (up to May 1985), and a letter from our own National Assembly. Its foreword is by Counsellor Farzam Ar báb.

“The combination of guidance included in the book touches many bases,” says Dr. Fisher. “While traveling, a Bahá’í could take a prayer book and Unrestrained and feel confident that there would be plenty to deepen on or teach from.”

Along with chapters on spiritual growth, the distinctive character of Bahá’í life, education, and teaching, Unrestrained also contains chapters on heroes and heroines of the Faith, interpersonal relationships, and social relationships.

TOPICS covered include our relationships with the old world order, non-participation in politics, association with social movements, drugs, alcohol, birth control, abortion and homosexuality.

“Many Bahá’ís may not know where to find references to such topics,” says Dr. Fisher. “That’s one reason this compilation is so valuable.”

In softcover only, Unrestrained as the Wind is available at $7.95 from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

are you unrestrained as the wind? integrate all aspects of a life of discipline, service and dedication to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh

The Creative Word

Unto Him: a splendid guide for living here while looking forward to next life with hope

In the face of the acute suffering in the world today, and with the prevalent attitudes of hopelessness and material quest, how can we live our lives to bring out the qualities that will best foster our spiritual development and bring upliftment to the world?

Unto Him Shall We Return, compiled by Hushidar Motlagh, is far more than a solace for the bereaved and an inspiration for those approaching death. It is a guide for how to live life here in a way that transcends the encumbrances of this earthly life.

Recognition of God is the first step in the process of rebirth; without that recognition man is condemned to the “misery of remoteness,” regardless of his material or intellectual advancement.

Following recognition, we can choose to consecrate our days to praising God, choose to bring ourselves to account each day, choose to acquire spiritual discipline and characteristics, choose to draw on the power of ascended souls, choose to look forward to death with hope and expectation, and choose to offer our talents and resources for the progress of the Cause.

While it may seem that we are giving up pleasures that other people have, we are making an investment for the future: “O peoples of the world! Whatsoever ye have offered up in the way of the One True God, ye shall indeed find preserved by God, the Preserver, intact at God’s Holy Gate.”

Immortality is not something we can only experience after death; it can be a here-and-now reality. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá affirms that “Those souls that, in this day, enter the divine Kingdom and attain everlasting life, although materially dwelling on earth, yet in reality soar in the realm of heaven. Their bodies may linger on earth, but their spirits travel in the immensity of space. For as thoughts widen and become illuminated, they acquire the power of flight and transport man to the Kingdom of God.”

Reading the Creative Word will help us to achieve that power of flight.

How to order

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

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

2 staff members present talks at conferences

Two members of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust staff recently presented talks at two conferences devoted to publishing and Bahá’í scholarship.

Terrill Hayes, the production manager, represented the Publishing Trust May 10-12 at the Bahá’í Literature Conference at the Louhelen Bahá’í School where he made a presentation on “Bahá’í Publishing: Recent Developments and Future Directions.”

Dr. Betty J. Fisher, the general editor, was present May 31-June 2 at the California Regional Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies at the Bosch Bahá’í School where she delivered a paper by John Walbridge on the Bahá’í Dictionary/Encyclopedia Project being sponsored by the Publishing Trust.

Coming soon! ‘Bahá’í Challenge’

A game of 500 questions in each of six categories: Bahá’í history, administration, Central Figures, heroes and heroines, laws and teachings, progressive revelation

The cards can be used with a Trivial Pursuit board or by themselves. $17.50 for youth and senior citizens; $20 for adults.

Is discussing Kheiralla’s role appropriate?

Question: Robert Stockman’s new book, The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, deals with Ibrahim Kheiralla, America’s first Bahá’í teacher, who eventually became a Covenant-breaker. Is it appropriate for Bahá’ís to read information about Covenant-breakers?

Publishing Trust: The Bahá’í Faith in America examines the facts surrounding the introduction of the Bahá’í Faith to North America and its first eight years on this continent. In publishing the book, the Publishing Trust was aware that its subject matter would be seen as controversial by some believers because of the inclusion of Kheiralla’s story.

But the book is not the poisonous product of one who would attempt to sway the friends away from the Covenant; rather, it is an affirmation of the power of the Covenant, with a lesson regarding the potential weakness of the human ego.

In dealing with the origins of the American Bahá’í community, Mr. Stockman had to discuss the North American Bahá’ís’ first teacher, examine how and what the Bahá’ís were taught, and depict how they relied on their only source of guidance and information. Indeed, almost 1,500 people accepted the Faith as a result of Kheiralla’s teaching, and Kheiralla himself, called by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá “Bahá’s Peter,” remained faithful until 1900 when he chose to deny the authority of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Bahá’í Faith in America describes the extent of the crises the early Bahá’ís faced as they realized they would have to choose allegiance to Kheiralla or to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The dramatic crises detailed in Mr. Stockman’s book illustrate the fact that adversity is often a catalyst for growth and triumph. In coping with the test of losing their first teacher, the early Bahá’ís achieved a steadfastness that laid the groundwork for a community that is now a strong pillar of the world’s Bahá’í community. [Page 24]

Responsibilidades de hijos y padres bahá’ís

Al redactor:

La carta de Laura Craig (noviembre) tocó un punto en lo cual he pensado por mucho tiempo: nuestra actitud para con nuestros padres.

Recién oyé a un bahá’í decir, "¿Qué se hace con los padres al llegar a los 21 años?" Es buena pregunta. ¿Quién sabe la respuesta?

Si se escogiera 100 bahá’í al azar y les pidiera que respondieran, ¿qué contestaciones se recibiría? Por alguna razón, no hemos hecho caso a esta pregunta importante.

En el Kitáb-i-Aqdas, una de las exhortaciones es "honrar a los padres" (Sinopsis y Codificación, p. 49).

"Honrar" quiere decir tratar con respeto o deferencia; reverenciar; venerar; mirar con temor respetuoso y cariñoso.

Honrar a los padres de uno quiere decir quererlos, cuidarlos, hacerles caso, pasar tiempo con ellos, e interesarse por su bienestar y felicidad sin hacer caso de si son bahá’ís o no.

Todos necesitamos dar esto mucha consideración. En nuestras vidas debemos practicar el arte de honrar y querer a nuestros padres. Esto debe ser una señal distintiva de cada bahá’í.

Margaret Ruhe Haifa, Israel

Al redactor:

Criar a los hijos se está volviendo cada vez más difícil, y el Comité de Educación de Niños de la Escuela Louhelen quiere hablar sobre ello.

UN NÚMERO creciente de padres estan expresando abiertamente sus dudas en cuanto a su capacidad para criar a los hijos dados a su custodia espiritual bajo las condiciones actuales. Y con razón.

La urgencia vital de criar hijos espirituales es una lección diaria hecho más óbvia por los medios de comunicación, y experiencia personal en un mundo lleno de cambios tumultuosos, y muchas veces desastrosos.

Cada padre de familia bahá’í siente esa urgencia y quiere que su hijo sea parte de la "raza nueva del hombre," ayudando a presurar la apariencia del Nuevo Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh.

Pero muchos estorbos frustran los esfuerzos de los padres para criar hijos bahá’í. Los padres deben combatir las fuerzas destructivas que atacan a sus hijos en el barrio, en la escuela, y por la radio y la televisión.

Padres bahá’ís se esfuerzan para mantener sus matrimonios intactos y las familias unidas. Padres sin cónyuge con hijos luchan bajo un cargo doble, aparentemente con la mitad del tiempo disponible.

ESTAS presiones y responsabilidades se complican más por necesidades tanto como el desarrollo de la carrera personal, estabilidad económica para la familia, y ofreciendo relaciones con los iguales y experiencias sociales aceptables. Agrega a estos los compromisos bahá’í de propagar la Fe, profundizarse, servir en la Asamblea, comités, etc.

Nuestras comunidades parecen estar confundidas sobre la cuestión entera de la educación de niños, aunque el entrenamiento de padres fue identificado como una actividad importante de consolidación del Plan de Siete Años por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional hace cinco años.

Parece que necesitamos un diálogo continuo sobre el arte de ser padre y el papel de la familia en la sociedad bahá’í emergente. Claramente, el puesto de los padres de familia necesita estar elevado y la cualidad de la vida familiar fortalecido. ¿Cómo podemos lograrlo?

La educación de los padres es una de las tareas de consolidación más críticas que existe en nuestras comunidades actualmente. El Comité de Enseñanza de Niños particularmente se da cuenta de esto, como nuestro mandato nos ha dirigido a ayudar a proveer cursos "en las enseñas bahá’í sobre el ser padre de familia, vida familiar y educación de los niños."

Creemos que estar enterados de los pensamientos, ideas y opiniones de los padres es el primer paso hacia el desarrollo de maneras de enfocar en la educación de los padres que ayudarán a fortalecer a la familia, y finalmente el tejido de la comunidad bahá’í entera.

A LOS padres se los invita a escribir a esta Comité en cuanto a sus necesidades, pensamientos y experiencias. Después estudiaremos y haremos un resumen de las respuestas, recopilaremos un informe y lo compartiremos con el Concilio Louhelen y otros grupos o individuos interesados.

El Comité quiere servir como un catalizador en este proceso. No fingimos ofrecer ninguna contestación, ni podemos dar ningún remedio rápido o seguro.

Sí creemos que al estimular pensamiento y discurso en la comunidad, y al ofrecer programas en las escuelas e institutos bahá’í en los niveles local, regional y nacionales, podemos avanzar un proceso que culminará en el conocimiento y la percepción clara sobre, y más importante, a la evolución de una perspectiva común de, los asuntos vitales que enfrentan a los padres de niños bahá’í.

Escuela Bahá’í Louhelen Comité de Educación de los Niños

A fund-raising 'Fiesta' April 6 in Jefferson County, Colorado, netted $756 for the National Bahá’í Fund. Nearly 100 people enjoyed mariachi music, games, a break-dancing demonstration, grab bag and a buffet-style dinner that included homemade enchiladas, tacos and frijoles. Pictured is the master of ceremonies for the event, Keith Yahn.

ONU declarará 1986 Año Internacional de Paz

En noviembre de 1982 la Asamblea General de la Organización de Naciones Unidas pasó una resolución declarando 1986 como el Año Internacional de la Paz, lo cual será proclamado el 24 de octubre de 1985, el aniversario cuadragésimo de las Naciones Unidas.

LA ASAMBLEA General escogió la fecha del Año para coincidir con su aniversario cuadragésimo para recordar a sus estados-miembros que el objetivo principal de la ONU, como se ha definido en la carta constitucional, todavía no se ha cumplido.

La ONU se concibió para "liberar las generaciones futuras del azote de la guerra, que dos veces en nuestras vidas ha traído incontable pesar a la humanidad," pero la guerra aún destruye numerosas poblaciones en muchas regiones del mundo.

En el año del cuadragésimo aniversario la Asamblea General está pidiendo una rededicación a la meta principal de la paz. Según el informe del Secretario-General del 24 de septiembre de 1984, los objetivos del Año Internacional de la Paz son trés.

El primero es "estimular acción concentrada y eficaz por la ONU, sus estados-miembros," toda organización inter- y no-gubernatal y los medios de comunicación, en cuanto a promover la paz y la resolución de conflicto.

El segundo es fortalecer el papel y poder pacificadores de la ONU, mientras urgir a los estados-miembros a reanudar su compromiso a la carta constitucional de la ONU, y "fortalecer la eficacia del Concilio de Seguridad en cumplir con su responsabilidad primaria para el mantenimiento de la paz internacional y la seguridad."

EL TERCER objetivo es enfocar la atención mundial en los requisitos básicos para la paz, incluyendo el dearmamiento, el ejercicio de los derechos humanos, cooperación internacional, desarrollo y progreso social entre otros.

En una carta del 23 de enero de 1985 a todas las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales, la Casa Universal de Justicia alabó la decisión de la ONU diciendo, "abrazamos esta oportunidad dado por Dios para proclamar cada vez más amplia y convincentemente los principios vivicantes sobre los cuales, como nuestras Enseñanzas aseguran enfáticamente, una paz perdurable debe estar cimentado."

La Casa de Justicia entonces llamó a toda Asamblea Nacional a urgir a los bahá’í de sus países respectivos a tomar acción durante el Año Internacional de la Paz.

Tal acción puede incluir proclamaciones públicas, conferencias nacionales o regionales, publicaciones y otras actividades, tal como decidan las Asambleas Nacionales mismas.

En su carta de Ridván de 1985 a los bahá’í del mundo, la Casa de Justicia anunció su intención de presentar a los gobiernos y líderes del mundo el concepto bahá’í de la paz.

"Pero," la carta continua, "es en las comunidades bahá’í locales que la más amplia presentación de la Fe puede tomar lugar."

COMO durante la celebración de todos los años especiales de la ONU, el éxito de esfuerzos bahá’í en el Año Internacional de la Paz se determinará por los esfuerzos en el nivel local por todo el mundo.

Aquí en los EEUU el Comité de Enseñanza Nacional ya ha lanzado la planificación de actividades propuestas para el Año de Paz.

Desde enero el Comité ha trabajado con un grupo especial nombrado para ofrecer un plan para participación bahá’í en el Año de Paz.

Este grupo ya ha completado la proposición y la ha entregado al Comité de Enseñanza. El Secretario del Comité, Charles (Cap) Cornwell, urge a todas las Asambleas locales interesadas a comunicarse con el Comité de Enseñanza Nacional.

UN Fund

Continued From Page 13 courages non-governmental organizations—rather than government or UN bodies—to provide leadership to the Fund projects.

The Bahá’í International Community has been involved with the Voluntary Fund since its inception in 1976, and enjoys "excellent personal relations with the Fund (executives) at the highest levels," says Paul Ojermark, the Bahá’í International Community's representative for Social and Economic Development Affairs.

While there has not as yet been any direct operational collaboration between the BIC and the Voluntary Fund, Mr. Ojermark praises the work of the Fund in advancing the development of women at the grassroots level.

"THE Voluntary Fund," says Mr. Ojermark, "gives a more concrete form to the thrust of women's activities," and therefore "has a positive impact" on the actual socio-economic development of women.

Furthermore, he says, the work of the Voluntary Fund is "very much in line with the rapidly increasing Bahá’í focus on women's activities," and "greater contacts with the Fund are likely to emerge as a natural outcome" of this coincidence of interests.

As with UNICEF and other UN projects, the Voluntary Fund has national committees throughout the world dedicated to supporting the UN program. In this country, that organization is the U.S. Committee for the UN Fund for Women Inc.

Located in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Committee receives funds and assistance from many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and from individuals.

The Bahá’ís of the United States are one of the NGOs in association with the U.S. Committee.

For more information about the U.S. Committee for the UN Fund for Women, individuals or Assemblies may contact the National Spiritual Assembly's Washington representative, Mrs. Anita Chapman, Washington, D.C. 20007. [Page 25]

House of Worship to have new co-directors of music

Dramatic advances have been made in music at the House of Worship this past year under the direction of Anne Elise Schaaf, characterized by entertainment from different cultures—music from the East and the West (see separate article on the World Music Festival).

SADLY, however, the House of Worship is losing Anne Elise. She has been accepted to continue her musical studies (she holds a master's degree in interdisciplinary arts and education from Columbia College in Chicago) in the Ethnomusicology Department at UCLA.

The House of Worship Activities Committee, determined not to lose any momentum, has established a co-directorship of music. One of the new directors is Richard Hill, who in 1980 earned a master's degree in music from the University of Iowa where he studied choral directing with Dr. Harry Moon.

Mr. Hill, who served as assistant director of the House of Worship choir from 1981-83, is a pianist and organist who often plays for church services in the Chicago area. In 1974 he was a finalist in the National Organ Playing Competition in Cleveland, sponsored by the American Guild of Organists.

Mr. Hill is a member of the American Music Choral Directors Association, the Illinois Choral Directors Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor fraternity. He is also an assistant editor at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

THE other director is Donna Kime who has been singing since she was 16 years old.

She has performed with the Chicago Opera Theatre, studied with several well-known voice teachers, and has had extensive singing and acting experience in radio and television since 1960, recording more than 6,000 commercials to date.

Ms. Kime has owned her own recording studio while pioneering in Samoa, directed several large choirs, and taught courses in vocal reading and choral singing at a junior college.

She specializes in improvisational chanting and will be working with the choir on this as well as directing them in other well-known works.

In addition to directing the choir, Ms. Kime and Mr. Hill will work with a third yet-to-be-named co-director in planning monthly musical proclamations at the House of Worship.

The Javanese gamelan orchestra performs during the 'World Music Festival' May 12 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

Donna Kime (left) and Richard Hill, the new co-directors of the Bahá’í House of Worship’s choir, bid farewell to the choir’s outgoing director, Anne Elise Schaaf.

24-hour prayer session marks observance of Declaration of Báb

Beginning at sunset on May 22, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, and continuing throughout the 24 hours of the Holy Day, a non-stop prayer session was held in the auditorium of "the most hallowed Temple ever to be erected by the followers of Bahá’u’lláh."

The purpose of the program was to beseech Bahá’u’lláh’s assistance with the successful completion during this final year of the Seven Year Plan of every goal identified by the Universal House of Justice.

Individuals and communities registered for as little as a 15-minute period to as much as two hours. In all, 116 Bahá’ís participated.

"Going for 24 hours without stopping had never been tried before," said Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the House of Worship.

"We had previously held two extended prayer sessions on behalf of the Iranian Bahá’ís, but each time we stopped from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. It was tremendously exhilarating this time to see groups of Bahá’ís arriving throughout the night to take their turns at the podium."

700-plus attend 'World Peace Through World Music' festival

More than 700 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, gathered Sunday, May 12, at the House of Worship in Wilmette for a "World Peace Through World Music" festival, experiencing some very unfamiliar music.

INCLUDED in the program was classical instrumental music from India, a Javanese gamelan orchestra native to Indonesia, and a Muntu African dance troupe. The three groups (all from the Chicago area) were chosen because they are among the most influential music of the third world on the western contemporary music scene which includes jazz, rock, pop and avant garde.

The Classical India Music Ensemble had previously performed in recitals at the University of Chicago, Northeastern University, the India Classical Music Society, and in private concerts in the Chicago area.

The members of the ensemble had studied for extensive periods under master musicians in India and are now teachers as well as performers of Indian classical music.

"Friends of the Gamelan" is an educational organization devoted to the promotion of Indonesian gamelan music and culture.

The group was formed in 1981 for the purpose of buying their own Javanese gamelan with which to teach and practice gamelan music, give public concerts, etc.

THE MUNTU Dance Theatre was begun in 1972 to teach and perform traditional and contemporary dance, music and folklore of Africa and Afro-Americans.

The group has provided stimulating cultural programs and professional training throughout Chicago, reflecting the cultures of indigenous people while providing a model of professional artistry.

The program, which lasted three hours, gave countless opportunities to share the aims and principles of the Faith. It was clearly one of the most successful programs ever held at the House of Worship.

Bahá’í professor profiled in school newspaper

Mrs. Bahia Gulick, a member of the Bahá’í community of Glendale, Arizona, who is an assistant professor of Arabic at the American School of Graduate Management in Tempe, was the subject of a recent article in the school's newspaper, Das Tor.

In discussing Mrs. Gulick's background, the article quotes her as saying that her education as a young woman in Egypt was made possible only because her parents, who were Bahá’ís, subscribed to the Faith's belief in the equality of men and women including equal education for both sexes.

Mrs. Gulick's husband, Dr. Robert L. Gulick Jr., is foreign student adviser and professor of international studies at the school.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

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

UNTO HIM 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 [Page 26]

VIE Chart

'Starting Block' Info District Name 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 S Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana N Louisiana S Maine Maryland W/D.C. Massachusetts Michigan Mainland Minnesota N Minnesota S Mississippi Missouri Montana Navajo/Hopi Nebraska Nevada N Nevada S New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico 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. I 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

For the Day of Unity and Sacrifice in April, the Bahá’í community of Vallejo, California, made a colorful mosaic of the $246.67 which its members raised for the National Fund and sent it to the Office of the Treasurer in Wilmette. Pictured with the mosaic are (left to right) Linda Dunlap, Chris Miller and Jason Miller.

National Fund

committee guide various teaching efforts among minorities.

• FIVE new teaching pamphlets have been produced this year. These full-color pamphlets include an introduction to the Bahá’í community, and the Bahá’í perspective on peace, highlighting the importance of race unity, world order, and the oneness of religion. It is hoped that the cost will be recovered through sales.

Some of you may have learned about the Faith, and even declared, at one of the many Bahá’í schools around the country. Many of us have reaped the benefits of the low-cost educational programs they offer.

Nurturing new believers into active participation in the Bahá’í community is an important aspect of the teaching work. The Louis Gregory Institute and South Carolina Regional Teaching Office have been steadily growing and changing to meet the needs in South Carolina where thousands embraced the Faith in the 1970s.

• The recently built Bahá’í radio station, WLGI, is on the air and growing in popularity in South Carolina. WLGI already has fostered declarations.

In all, the many teaching activities that rely on the National Fund for support will require $1.2 million in contributions this year.

THE divine institution of the National Fund awaits the American Bahá’í community to arise and sacrifice its share for the work of the Cause. As the beloved Guardian wrote during the Ten Year Crusade:

"Let them resolve, instantly and unhesitatingly, to place, each according to his circumstances, his share on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice, lest, on a sudden, unforeseen calamities rob them of a considerable portion of the earthly things they have amassed.

"Now if ever is the time to tread the path which the dawnbreakers of a previous age have so magnificently trodden..."

Yearbook notes Nevada-Reno club

An article and two large color photographs of the Bahá’í Student Association at the University of Nevada-Reno appeared in the school's 1985 yearbook.

Each of the pictures includes the colorful Bahá’í float that was entered in the annual Homecoming parade.

The brief article notes that the Bahá’í club "is open to all university students regardless of religious background."

Women's group in California aims for world peace

Have you heard of Women for International Peace and Arbitration?

WIPA is a non-profit public benefit corporation, based in California, whose board of directors are Bahá’ís.

The organization is dedicated to:

• Promotion of the oneness of mankind.
• Education of women in their role in bringing peace to the world.
• Arbitration and mediation.
• Communication through an international language.
• Elimination of prejudice.

Its goals will be approached and accomplished without partisan political activity and by educational and peaceful means.

Although the principal audience is women, men are encouraged to participate fully in the activities, work and membership of WIPA.

Annual dues (tax-deductible) are $25. Members receive a quarterly newsletter informing them of the activities of the organization.

For more information about Women for International Peace and Arbitration, write to P.O. Box 9619, Glendale, CA 91206. [Page 27]

Ten years ago... in The American Bahá’í

The Hands of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem, John Robarts and William Sears join members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America, the Auxiliary Boards, and members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the U.S. for an unprecedented conference at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

The conference, initiated by Mr. Sears on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, focuses on protecting the Faith from opposition. The unique gathering also provides an opportunity for members of the Faith's senior institutions to consult on teaching.

Also present is Counsellor Aziz Yazdí, a member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa...

About 2,500 Bahá’ís attend a series of 51 youth conferences held across the U.S. during a one-month period. According to the National Youth Committee, more than half of the participants are between the ages of 15 and 25. The meetings, held to complete a goal of the Two-Year Youth Program, have as their theme "Planning a Life of Service."

About 40 people are present at a three-day deepening institute in Chicago for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís that is sponsored by the Regional Teaching Committee for Illinois.

Among the participants are citizens of at least eight countries including Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. and Venezuela.

The focus is on the Faith's history, laws and administration, with special emphasis on the equality of men and women...

More than 40 Bahá’í musicians from 17 states attend a special conference at the University of Utah sponsored by the Utah District Teaching Committee.

Included is a public concert which receives radio and television coverage as well as nightly performances at proclamation meetings in Ogden, Bountiful, Logan, Tooele and Salt Lake City.

Presentations focus on such topics as the use of music in teaching; writing and publishing music; and recording for radio and television ...

The Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Committee reports that guided tours are the most effective means of presenting the teachings to the public and are becoming an important feature of the expanding program for the many visitors to the Temple.

Discussions at Louhelen lead to new Persian/American goals

At the second annual Louhelen meeting May 23-27, the National Persian/American Affairs Committee had an opportunity to consult with the Counsellors, members of the National Assembly, Auxiliary Board members, national committee members and the National Center staff.

AS A result of these consultations, a new vision of the mission of the committee and its relation to the Campaign of Unified Action emerged.

The Persian believers in the U.S. have a unique role and mission in the monumental and historic task of realizing the promise of the Campaign of Unified Action: (1) ensuring an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed adherents of the Cause of God; (2) connecting the hearts of the believers with Bahá’u’lláh; and (3) especially, achieving unity in diversity.

It is vitally important that the newly arrived Persian friends be fully involved in this effort, because the unique opportunities and challenges presented by their presence in the midst of the American Bahá’í community are the direct result of the upheavals in Iran where the believers have been repeatedly called upon to make the supreme sacrifice.

These upheavals have been both the catalyst that has brought about the emergence of the Faith from obscurity, and at the same time, the cause of the dislocation and uprooting of many of the Persian Bahá’ís, leading many of these friends to seek refuge in this country.

We must ask ourselves why this influx has taken place. We believe the underlying reason is spiritual.

WITH the emergence of the Faith from obscurity we need to be able to demonstrate to the outside world an ever more closely unified community. The arrival of the Iranian Bahá’ís offers an excellent opportunity for creating this organic unity.

If the sacrifices of the friends in Iran are the cause of the progress of the Faith throughout the world, as has been repeatedly affirmed by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian, then the resulting influx of Persians to this country is also a part of God's plan.

We feel that the Persian/American Affairs Committee can best help this plan, in the spirit of the Campaign of Unified Action, by focusing its thoughts and energies on the following broad goals:

1. To awaken and educate the American Bahá’í community to the divine purpose behind the influx of the Iranian Bahá’ís-that is, the creation of a truly unified Bahá’í community and culture, unified racially, religiously and nationally, which must inevitably win over the hearts of the masses to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

2. To mobilize the spiritual and human resources of the Persian Bahá’ís to advance the Cause in the U.S., thereby helping to fulfill the destiny of America.

TO ATTAIN the above goals, the National and Area Persian/American Affairs Committees will be concentrating, during the current year, on the following kinds of activities:

1. Improving communications between the Persian and non-Persian members of the community.

2. Deepening the friends about the significance and purpose of the displacement of the Persian Bahá’ís, and the ways in which we can learn to appreciate the richness of various cultural heritages.

3. Facilitating the involvement of the Persian-speaking members of the community in teaching and homefront pioneering projects.

In fulfilling the pledge of partnership, the National Committee will work closely with the Area Committees and local communities and will make its resources available for the achievement of the remaining goals of the Seven Year Plan.

Bahá’í educator Jack Finch dies in Mosier, Oregon

Jack Finch, a Bahá’í from Joseph, Oregon, who was a well-known educator in the Northwest and a former Arkansas prison administrator, died March 10 in Mosier, Oregon.

Mr. Finch, who began his teaching career in 1943 in Vanport, Washington, served from 1957-66 as school superintendent in Wrangell, Ketchikan and Dillingham, Alaska, and as superintendent for three years of the Alaska Department of Education in Juneau.

He was also administrator of the first boarding school in Nome, Alaska.

In 1967-68, Mr. Finch worked at the Cummins Prison Farm in Arkansas under warden Thomas Murton who was the model for the title character played by Robert Redford in the movie "Brubaker."

Mr. Finch and his wife, Harriette, who died in 1982, moved in 1969 to Imnaha, Oregon, where he worked as a school superintendent and teacher until his retirement in 1977.

Among Mr. Finch's many honors were a Father of the Year award in Wallowa County, Oregon, and a Distinguished Service award from Eastern Oregon State College.

Ninth Wisconsin Bahá’í Summer Camp

The ninth annual Wisconsin Bahá’í Summer Camp Weekend will be held July 26-28 at the Ehlert farm in rural Augusta, about 26 miles east of Eau Claire.

The camp is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Eau Claire. This year's theme is "Achieving Our Spiritual Destiny... Becoming a Teaching Family."

The camp features good home-cooked family-style meals; classes for adults/youth, youth/pre-youth, and nursery for children; recreational activities; a limited number of beds, and campsites on a lake four miles from the farm.

Among the scheduled speakers are Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland and his wife, Nadjla.

You'll have to hurry to register by July 20. The registrars are Paul and Pamm Ehlert, Augusta, WI 54722 (phone 715-286-5229); or you may contact Janine Poehlman, 715-597-2422.

Program Continued From Page 9

Albert James; "Is Civilization Advancing," Mabel Garis.

August 31-September 2: Green Acre's fourth annual Association for Bahá’í Studies Regional Conference.

For rates and other information, write to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-0019).

In Memoriam

Norman Adams, Beaufort, SC, Date Unknown Joy Bachman, Post Falls, ID, Date Unknown Willie Eva Bailey, Milledgeville, GA, Date Unknown Lawrence Barrett, Farmville, NC, Date Unknown Lucille Barrett, Jacksonville, FL, December 6, 1984 George Bouie Jr., Eatonville, FL, March 15, 1984 Benedict Bovee, Grand Island, NY, April 14, 1985 Margie Bowman, Sapulpa, OK, May 12, 1985 Alice Burke, Atascadero, CA, July 26, 1984 Edward Chester, Fresno, CA, May 12, 1983 Ceoler Coles, Hemingway, SC, 1982 James Collins, Duncanville, TX, April 1, 1985 Ida Mae Cyler, Mitchellville, SC, December 1984 John Diaz, Mount Vernon, NY, Date Unknown Clarabelle Edwards, Farmville, NC, Date Unknown James Elliott, Yorkville, IL, May 21, 1985 Daniel Espinoza, Avondale, AZ, December 1984 Phillip Grace, Anaheim, CA, February 5, 1985 Della Hardy, Jonesboro, GA, Date Unknown -Carrie Krauss, Wanaque, NJ, 1983 William McCullough, Plymouth, NC, Date Unknown Joseph McDaniels, Swansea, SC, December 1984 Catherine Merriman, Richmond, CA, April 24, 1985 Delfina Olivas, Whittier, CA, 1984 Emily E. Olson, Bradley Beach, NJ, 1985 Kamal Rahimpour, Santa Monica, CA, January 29, 1985 Ada Reynolds, Brooksville, FL, 1984 Leroy Reynolds, Brooksville, FL, Date Unknown Alberta Richard, Washington, NC, Date Unknown Edwin Roberts, Roseburg, OR, August 1984 William A. Sabo, Delanco, NJ, December 1984 Fardous Dadgostar, Spring Valley, CA, March 1985 Charlotte Smith, Boise, ID, April 30, 1985 Ruth Smith, Stephens, GA, September 29, 1984 Ruth Eaket Smith, Port Huron, MI, May 3, 1985 Donie Stevens, Milledgeville, GA, Date Unknown Buelah Thomas, Laveen, AZ, Date Unknown Otis Thrasher, Buckeye, AZ, Date Unknown Willie May Turner, Somerton, AZ, January 1985 Aziz Wahid, Fort Hall, ID, March 13, 1985 Willie Waldon, Guthrie, OK, Date Unknown Esther Ward, Gainesville, TX, April 17, 1985 Donnie Westmoreland, Jonesboro, GA, Date Unknown Bertha Williams, Chicago, IL, May 8, 1985 Luther Williams, Avondale, AZ, June 1984 Rebecca Williams, Batesburg, SC, Summer 1984 Asa E. Wilson, Cedar Rapids, IA, May 14, 1985

Where was the first public mention of the Bahá’í Faith in America? Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900 [Page 28]

Ads

rado Springs. A two-bedroom frame home on a half-acre of land in Canon City is for sale by Bahá’í owner who wishes to pioneer. Suitable for retirement, available immediately. Please contact the Assembly c/o Hampson, Canon City, CO 81212, or phone 303-275-8039.

LOOKING for people who are seriously interested in nutrition/ natural cuisine to establish an international social/economic development project. Please contact Jean-Marc Tesson, P.O. Box 1567, Evanston, IL 60202.

NEW 1985 "Reflections" catalog listing tapes, books, "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts and t-shirts, and other Bahá’í crafts is available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.

SUMMER 1985 schedule of programs is available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 313-653-5033.

INTERESTED in serving the Faith by teaching or working with children? Your talents and abilities are needed at the 1985 Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference, September 13-15. Contact Judy Amburn, children's class coordinator, P.O. Box 103, Arlington, WI 53911, or phone 608-635-2853.

DEDICATED educators: come work where your professional skills can have a marked impact. Charming, rural Williamsburg County, South Carolina, has a demand for certified teachers, K-12 and in adult education. We're close to the Louis Gregory Institute, and opportunities to serve the Faith abound. For more information, contact Eva Bishop, P.O. Box 581, Kingstree, SC 29556, or phone 803-382-9738.

MERCER University in Macon, Georgia, is seeking electrical and mechanical engineering department heads for its new School of Engineering. Macon, the largest city in central Georgia, has a non-functioning Assembly and is in need of homefront pioneers. For more information, please contact the Bahá’ís of Fort Valley, Fort Valley, GA 31030, or phone 912-825-3542.

PIANO and/or violin teacher trained in the Suzuki method of instruction is needed in Puerto Rico, a goal country. For more information, contact the International Goals Committe, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

PILOT is needed in Dominica, a goal country. Must have U.S. captain's license. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

NEED program materials for an international Bahá’í short wave radio station. Send music and ideas on cassette tape in any language (please send additional information in English) to Martin Stewart, San Diego, CA 92108.

SEEKERS come to you! Spiritually mature couple needed to live in and staff the Bahá’í Center in lovely Eugene, Oregon. Apartment over the Center includes kitchen, one and one-half baths and skylights. Rent of $270/month includes all utilities. Ideal for a retired couple. For more information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, P.O. Box 10743, Eugene, OR 97401, or phone Gordon McComb, secretary, 503-485-4228.

TWO positions are open at Oglala Lakota College in South Dakota: (1) human services instructor in psychology (need M.A. in psychology or related field and experience counseling the Indian Child Welfare Act and/or tribal programs); (2) instructor of vocational education for one-year program in log cabin construction (must have B.A., prefer American Indian). Contact Dowell Smith, Kyle, SD 57752.

SPIRITUAL Mothering Journal is a quarterly Bahá’í-oriented magazine dedicated to raising spiritual beings through creative, conscious parenting. It includes feature articles, book reviews, columns on marriage, fathering, attribute acquisition, etc. The cost is $7/year. If you would like to subscribe or to contribute articles, please write to Spiritual Mothering Journal, Gresham, OR 97030.

HOST an autograph party for a Bahá’í author in your area—a unique way to teach the Faith, gain media attention, and promote Bahá’í literature. But first, write to the Promotions Department at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for a check list for the event and other information and ideas. Even if you don't know of a nearby author, it may be possible for an author to travel in your area. Address inquiries to Anne Atkinson, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

NEEDED: Artist with advertising, media and other commercial art experience and basic knowledge of French to work at a Bahá’í-owned design firm in Benin, a goal country. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

TEACHING opportunity in San Diego, California: Bahá’í youth needs volunteers with commercial radio broadcasting and/or electronics experience to help operate an international Bahá’í short wave radio station. Experience preferred but not necessary. Will consider anyone who wishes to teach the Faith. Must be able to relocate to San Diego; housing and income opportunities are available immediately. station will be operating by May 1986 or sooner. For information, please contact Martin Stewart, San Diego, CA 92108, or telephone 619-260-0969 or 619-260-1868.

WANTED: Help with a pilot program in socio-economic development. Needed: Supervising engineer for construction of a vocational school in a remote area of the Republic of Panama. Hard work, long hours, low pay—but many rewarding teaching opportunities among the Guaymi Indians. Knowledge of metric drawings and Spanish is helpful. Engineer and family to live on site. Construction to begin January 1986. Send resumé and credentials to NIIAD, Beaumont, TX 77702.

‘For Drop of Lover’s Blood’ available

The Persian/American Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the production of a new video tape, "For a Drop of the Lover's Blood."

The hour-long video tape is designed to be used as a catalyst for discussion and consultation in local Bahá’í communities. It depicts the efforts of a local community to overcome its racial and cultural differences and to achieve true unity and integration.

The story revolves around a fictional character, Shiva, a young Persian Bahá’í woman who is arrested and imprisoned in Iran. While in prison awaiting execution, she recalls her experience at her first Nineteen Day Feast in the U.S. and the tension and frustration that everyone present feels as the community grapples with the issues of integration and unity.

The screenplay was written by Dorothy Freeman (author of From Copper to Gold). It was produced by Manouchehr Kazemzadeh and directed by Clare Menking.

"For a Drop of the Lover's Blood" will sell for $45, and can be purchased from the National Persian/American Affairs Office.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

1. ID# Title Full name-Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# Title Full name

B-NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C-NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

D-NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community

E-HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number Moving date

F-WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Area Code Number

G We receive extra copies because: ☐ We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above. ☐ we not same last name. ☐ the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly.

We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

Name Name

☐ Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í, I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091 BAHÁ’Í FAITH